The Iola Register, May 9, 2024

Program offers flood damage relief

By SARAH HANEY The Iola Register

Allen County residents could see some relief for property damaged from recent flood waters. County Appraiser Jami Clark explained to commissioners Tuesday morning that the county is eligible for a relief program since a disaster declaration was made last week.

“To qualify, you have to have more than 50% damage to a dwelling,” said Clark. Participants will need to bring to the appraiser’s office the appropriate information detailing the extent of damage to a dwelling — whether it is from an insurance appraiser or FEMA. That reduced value in ei-

ther a residence or a garage will be deducted from one’s assessed valuation from May to December, Clark said, and result in lower property tax-

es.

“I’m dealing with value,” stressed Clark. “We have the value already set out there. We would prorate it for those

IHS seniors give it their best

By VICKIE MOSS

The Iola Register

Rio Lohman always felt a competitive spirit. Sports. Academics.

Even at home, “I always wanted to be the best child to my parents. They have given me a great head start in life and help me plan out my future. I’m very grateful for the opportunities that I have because of that.”

Her competitive nature led Rio to become one of seven valedictorian candidates at Iola High School’s graduation Saturday.

Rio has always had a goal of doing well in school.

This year’s group of valedictorians are a tight group of friends, Rio noted.

“They’re all great people. We’ve been friends for so long,” she said. “They’re the only people who ever really helped me with homework. Usually I’m the one to help others with homework, so I’m grateful they’ve been there for me. They all deserve it.”

“I was labeled as the smart kid pretty early and it just kind of stuck. At first it came easy, then in high school l struggled a little bit and realized I had to actually put in effort,” she said.

“That kind of kicked in when I started to take college classes. I had a few close calls with almost getting a B, but

See LOHMAN | Page A3

By SARAH HANEY

The Iola Register

Rebekah Coltrane’s key to academic success can be summed up in one word: Encouragement. She pushed herself to reach her academic goals throughout her high school career, ultimately being named valedictorian. While doing so, she found time to cheer on those around her. In fact, her favorite memory from high school was supporting her best friend at state tennis.

You don’t have to look far to see where Rebekah gets her can-do attitude. “My family is very encouraging,” she said. “They’ve always pushed me to do my best and support me.” Rebekah’s parents are Aron and Jennifer Coltrane. Rebekah is the middle of three, with a younger brother and an older sister.

The Iola senior said she

was intentional about taking classes “that pushed me,” to learn. With that challenge came “more pressure to get the work done to achieve good grades. Taking the time for studying became very important,” she said. Rebekah’s drive to become valedictorian started her freshman year. “I had all As throughout middle school,” she said. “I got it into my

See COLTRANE | Page A3

months that there was no flood, and then take off, from the time of the flood throughout the end of the year.

The property valuation would then pick up where it left off, pre-flood, in January 2025. “It could be redone,” said Clark. The program will only apply to residential dwellings and not commercial properties.

Clark noted that, after conferring with Fire Chief Corey Isbell, there are approximately 20 houses that could possibly qualify. “They’ve got to come in and fill out the application,” she said.

Commissioner Bruce Symes said he had received some calls from people whose damage wasn’t necessarily at

Kansas House Speaker asks Kelly to sign tax cut bill

By SHERMAN SMITH Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — House Speaker Dan Hawkins on Monday urged Gov. Laura Kelly to sign bipartisan tax relief rather than summon lawmakers back to Topeka for a special session that would cost $84,000 per day. The Democratic governor threatened to call a special session if lawmakers failed to adopt a package of tax cuts that met her approval. She vetoed a package of income, property and sales tax cuts that would have left the state with a budget deficit by 2029, and proposed a less-costly alternative.

But lawmakers never considered her proposal before adjourning for the year. Instead, lawmakers passed a nearly identical plan to the one she vetoed.

“The Legislature has bent over backward to address her stated concerns,

See BILL | Page A3

Legislative debate about DEI at universities gets personal

By TIM CARPENTER Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — The drama of Kansas legislators working to disrupt diversity, equity and inclusion policies at public universities and colleges had been playing for more than a year before Sarah Green and Brandon Woodard personalized the political debate. Green, a University of Kansas engineering student and member of Student Senate, testified before a Kansas House committee in January in support of a bill prohibiting higher education institutions tied to the Kansas Board

of Regents from making use of DEI mandates in hiring and admissions. She told lawmakers that she had to complete a DEI survey when applying for a part-time job as a math tutor for Kansas Athletics, the nonprofit corporation managing the university’s sports programs.

“I believe the university and the public will be better off by eliminating DEI from the hiring and admissions process,” Green said. “While some of the trainings aren’t explicitly mandatory, there is a pressure to just go along and complete all the DEI activities. It is overwhelming

being faced with this ideology in every corner on campus with little room for debate or dissent.”

Several Republicans on the House Higher Education Budget Committee posed questions to Green about her experiences at KU. Rep. Woodard, a Lenexa Democrat and KU graduate, didn’t interact with her during the committee hearing.

He did register opposition to the Legislature’s ongoing campaign to micromanage universities by undermining DEI. Sparks flew, however,

See DEI | Page A6

Sarah Green, a student at the University of Kansas, testified in support of a bill restraining diversity, equity and inclusion policies at public colleges and universities. Her advocacy evoked the wrath of a Kansas

Rebekah Coltrane

Allen County Appraiser Jami Clark discusses a Real Property

Relief Program with county commissioners Tuesday morning. REGISTER/SARAH HANEY

Rio Lohman

House member, who later withdrew his criticism of her. KANSAS REFLECTOR SCREEN CAPTURE

Obituaries

Karen Jackson

Karen Joy Jackson, 61, Pittsburg, passed away Monday, May 6, 2024, at Medicalodge South of Pittsburg.

Karen was born on March 22, 1963. She was the daughter of Stan and Flora Howard. She graduated from Iola High School in 1981 where she was a majorette and cheerleader.

Karen was a loving mother to two girls. She volunteered ringing the Salvation Army bell at Christmastime and later became employed at one of their stores full-time in Wichita.

Karen was devoted to the Lord and had an authentic and intimate relationship with God. She was a member of First Christian Church in Pittsburg.

Karen became a grandmother in 2012 and was later blessed with three more grandkids, all of which she cherished deeply and spoiled at every opportunity. Karen leaves behind many friends and family who will miss her very much.

She is survived by daughters Holly Barton (Dillon) of Oswego, and Heidi Eller (Mike) of Pittsburg; her mother, Flora “Ginger” Howard of Arma; sisters Kim Howard of Overland Park, and Kelly Sigg (Steve) of Iola; a brother, Kenny Howard (Donna) of Owasso, Okla., and four grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Stan Howard, and maternal grandmother, Dorothy Taylor.

According to Karen’s wishes she has been cremated. A memorial service is at 1 p.m. Friday, May 10, at Brenner Mortuary with Pastor Dustin Morris officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg, Kan.

Norma Kettle

Norma Jean Kettle, 87, Topeka, passed away at her home Monday, May 6, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Norma was born in rural Colony, the daughter of Edward “Ted” and Pauline Wells Wilmoth. She graduated from Colony High School in 1954. Norma married Charles Kettle on Jan. 28, 1956. Her last employment was as an optical assistant with an optometrist office in Topeka.

Norma enjoyed antiquing, flower gardening, and going to the casino. She loved her husband, daughters, and grandchildren. Norma was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Norma is survived by her husband, Charles; daughters, Vickie Hansford (Steve), Debra Pauly (Michael), and Lisa Geraghty (Scott); grandchildren, Amanda Eberle (Pat), Derek Hansford (Belinda), Kerri Darnell and Mary Deseck; six great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister-inlaw, Nancy Morrow-Brummitt (Huey); and niece, Lori Morrow-Maynard (Mike). She was preceded in death by her parents, Ted and Pauline Wilmoth and Norman and Gladys Kettle; Auntie Helen Carter; brother-in-law, Bill Morrow; niece, Sherri Nelson; and great-nephew, William Morrow.

Graveside service will be 2 p.m., Saturday, May 11, in Colony Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Ted Ensley Gardens, and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Condolences may be sent to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Catch of the day

Farmer’s Market resumes Thursday

The Allen County Farmer’s Market begins Thursday in downtown Iola.

The market is from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the east side of the square. In addition to fresh vegetables, vendors will provide baked goods, condiments, crafts and plants. A Tuesday market at Cofachique Park on North State Street begins May 21. And a Wednesday market at the Iola Chamber of Commerce office, 10 W. Jackson, begins May 22. The Health Forward Foundation of Kansas City, Mo., helps fund the markets. Donations to the Allen County Farmer’s Market can be made through Your Community Foundation.

Lawmakers pass bill to address low enrollment

By RACHEL MIPRO Kansas Reflector

TOPEKA — School districts with shrinking student populations have been addressed with a bill setting out state aid guidelines for the next year.

Rep. Kristey Williams, an Augusta Republican, estimated the state has 11 school districts with fewer than 100 students enrolled. As an emergency measure, the Legislature passed a bill addressing one district expected to have eight students total enrolled in the 2024-2025 school year.

“In this situation of extreme declining enrollment, it’s not the intent of the Kansas legislature to fund anything but those students, and so when they are contracted to go to an outside district, that district should not be able to maintain their money locally for purposes other than for students,” Williams said during April 30 bill debate.

It’s not the intent of the Kansas legislature to fund anything but those students.

— Rep. Kristey Williams

Senate Bill 339, sent to the governor after it passed 117-2 in the House and 34-3 in the

Senate, will prohibit state foundation aid from being allocated to a school district with no students attending school in the district in fiscal year 2025. Students who are residents of the district but enrolled elsewhere will have to be counted in the other school district, with state foundation aid sent there.

The move comes at the same time as a 2022 statewide open enrollment law goes into ef-

Voters reject Kansas City school bonds request

By BILL LUKITSCH

The Kansas City Star

Voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly rejected a request to issue $420 million in bonds for capital projects in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools.

Roughly 8% of registered voters participated in the single-issue special election over the fate of the district’s proposal, according to unofficial results from the Wyandotte County Election Office. The measure received support from 42% of voters as 58% cast ballots against.

The plan before voters called for three elementary and two middle schools to be built. Some additional costs included a $15 million district aquatic center, a $20 million expansion of early childhood capacity, up to $20 million for a new main public library and $44.5 million to cover

deferred maintenance. District officials had pointed to the plan as one to address many needs, including aging school buildings and a lack of sufficient space. The bond faced opposition from residents in large part because it would have increased property taxes.

fect. Starting with the 2024-2025 school year, the law allows Kansas students to attend schools outside of their own school district as long as there’s space available.

Rep. Jarrod Ousley, a Merriam Democrat, said the issue of extremely low district enrollment would be examined again during the next legislative session. “We’ll come back and give a better fix to this next year,” Ousley said.

Township Trustee of Elsmore Township.

• One candidate for Township Treasurer of Elsmore Township.

• One candidate for Township Trustee of Geneva Township.

• One candidate for Township Treasurer of Geneva Township.

• One candidate for Township Treasurer of Humboldt Township.

• One candidate for Township Trustee of Iola Township.

• One candidate for Township Treasurer of Iola Township.

• One candidate for Township Trustee of Logan Township.

• One candidate for Township Treasurer of Logan Township.

• One candidate for Township Trustee of Marmaton Township.

• One candidate for Township Treasurer of Marmaton Township.

• One candidate for Township Trustee of Osage Township.

• One candidate for Township Treasurer of Osage Township.

• One candidate for Township Trustee of Salem Township.

• One candidate for Township Treasurer of Salem Township.

The following officers will be elected in each political party,

• One candidate for Township Trustee of Humboldt Township.

which has qualified to participate in the Primary Election: • One Precinct Committeeman in each Precinct.

• One Precinct Committeewoman in each Precinct.

• The City of Moran will be electing 3 council positions.

The candidate-filing deadline for primary election is June 3, 2024, at noon; for independent nominations August 5, 2024, at noon. For publication as per K.S.A. 25-204

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I hereby set my hand and cause to be affixed my official seal. Done at the County of Allen this 7th day of May, A.D. 2024. Shannon Patterson Allen County Clerk/Election Officer (5) 9, 16, 23

Karen Jackson

School districts in Kansas are readjusting due to a 2022 school district law.

GETTY IMAGES/KANSAS REFLECTOR

Richard Jones, left, and Tim Cox stopped by the Register Wednesday to show off four huge blue catfish the pair caught earlier that morning near Wolf Creek in Coffey County. REGISTER/TIM STAUFFER

Bill: Special session may be ahead

Continued from A1

the state’s fiscal outlook is positive, and we have a hefty budget surplus,” Hawkins said in a statement Monday. “The governor is out of excuses. We don’t need an $84,000-a-day special session for tax relief — the work has already been done through great bipartisan efforts of the legislative tax committees. We simply need the governor to make good on her campaign promise to govern from the middle and sign the bill.”

During her reelection campaign in 2022, Kelly promised to govern from the middle of the road.

“Still looking on the map for the road you are in the ‘middle’ of, Governor,” Rep. Rebecca Schmoe, R-Ottawa, wrote on X. “Sign the tax bill over half of your own party in the legislature supports. Do something that helps every Kansan.”

Senate Bill 37 cleared the House by a 108-11 margin and the Senate 25-9.

The legislation would exempt Social Security income from income tax and increase stan-

House Speaker Dan Hawkins. SHERMAN SMITH/KANSAS REFLECTOR

dard deductions. It would exempt $100,000 of residential property value from the state mill levy — and reduce the rate from 20 mills to 19.5 mills. It would eliminate the state sales tax on food by July 1. It would also move the state from three income tax brackets to two.

Kansas currently uses a graduated system: 3.1% for income under $15,000, 5.25% for income between $15,000 and $30,000 and 5.7% for income above $30,000. The income amounts are doubled for couples filing jointly.

Under SB 37, the first $23,000 would be taxed at 5.2%, and anything over $23,000 would be taxed at 5.57%. The

threshold would be

$46,000 for couples.

The bill also would abolish the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund. From 1937 to 2003, the state distributed a portion of sales tax collections into the fund, which then offset local property taxes. Lawmakers haven’t funded the program in two decades, frustrating local officials.

Kelly’s proposal would have retained the exemption on Social Security income and the July 1 expiration of the sales tax on food. She would have raised the residential property exemption to $125,000 while keeping the rate at 20 mills. And she would have added a child care tax credit valued at $18 million per year.

She would have kept the three-tier income tax system but lowered the rates to 3%, 5.2% and 5.65%.

As lawmakers worked late on April 30 to pass SB 37, Kelly’s chief of staff Will Lawrence issued a warning: “She will call the Legislature back into a special session if this is the tax plan sent to her desk.”

County: Resources available

Continued from A1

50 percent, but had quite a bit of “nuisance cleanup” to do.

Symes said in a visit with Emergency Management Director Jason Trego that “he had some avenues to refer to these people. I want to let the public know that there are some possible resources for them to find help.” He stressed that although a lot of houses may not have sustained the adequate amount of damage to participate in the relief program, there is still helpful information out there to help them.

For clarification on the relief program, county attorney Bob Johnson asked, “Does it take into account any insurance proceeds that were paid?” Clark noted that it does not. “Someone gets a $100,000 house damaged and they get $110,000 in insurance, can they still get a reduction in taxes?” he continued, referring to replacement cost from insurance.

“Yes,” Clark responded. “For the dwelling.”

Symes asked wheth-

Coltrane: Success requires discipline

Continued from A1

head freshman year that I wanted to continue getting all As. It was just a personal goal in my head that I didn’t think I could necessarily get.”

In addition to her academic achievements, Rebekah was heavily involved in sports and clubs. Throughout high school she played basketball, tennis, and track. She also managed the basketball team her sophomore year.

“Tennis was definitely my favorite,” she said. “It’s a great environment.”

Rebekah recalled playing varsity tennis and having to compete against her best friend for a spot at state.

“That was rough,” she said. “It was a fun game, but it was sad because we knew that only one of us could make it.”

Even though Rebekah did not end up the victor in that match, she was thrilled to share some

encouragement and support her friend when she competed at state three years in a row.

She has been involved in FFA, most recently qualifying for nationals with her dairy judging team at state competition.

“That was exciting,” she noted. In addition, she has been involved in student council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

With an undetermined major, Rebekah

plans to attend Allen Community College for a year and then potentially transfer to Kansas State University. According to Rebekah, success rests on discipline and determination.

“Take the time to put away distractions in class and pay attention,” she advises underclassmen. “We have excellent teachers here with a lot of knowledge. Also, take the time to work hard outside of class.”

Lohman: Planning career in medicine

Continued from A1

I persevered. College algebra was the hardest class I’ve ever taken.” When she entered the halls of IHS as a freshman, Rio set a goal for herself to become a valedictorian. Her older sister, Jo, was a valedictorian. That competitive nature kicked in.

“I figured I could do it too, even though I had no idea what it was,” she said. “I wanted to be the best.” Rio has four siblings and four step-siblings.

Her parents are Nich Lohman and Becky Watson. Both live in historic homes in Iola. Both also work in the medical profession, Lohman as a pharmacist and Watson as a physician.

“My parents are my role models. That’s why I want to go into medicine, because that’s what I’ve known my whole life,” Rio said.

Exactly what path in medicine she will take is still undetermined. Rio plans to attend the University of Kansas

where she has been accepted into its Honors Program. She plans to major in human biology with a minor in finance. She also hopes to study abroad. She has always wanted to visit Italy, but also is intrigued by the idea of taking “a semester at sea,” a program on a cruise ship that visits about a dozen countries.

At IHS, Rio competes in volleyball, basketball and track. She’s the vice president of SADD, class vice president of the

Student Council, HOSA and National Honor Society. She also babysits and works as a phlebotomist at Allen County Regional Hospital.

The Real Property Relief Program will reduce property taxes for homes that received 50% or more damage from recent flooding. About 20 homes are expected to qualify.

er someone not having flood insurance has any bearing on their eligibility in the program. Clark said it wouldn’t have anything to do with it. “If that house is damaged more than 50% of the value, then we can abate it for May through the rest of the year,” she said. “They’d still have to pay from January through April.”

Johnson explained to the commissioners that since they had already declared the disaster, it makes sense to approve the relief program. Commissioners approved the Real Property Relief Pro-

gram unanimously.

IN OTHER NEWS, commissioners accepted a bid of $128,730 from Precision Enterprises for a 50’X50’ pre-engineered metal frame and siding hangar at the airport.

Public Works Director Mitch Garner noted that Precision Enterprises is currently four months out on the steel frame and three months out on the post frame. The job duration will be roughly four weeks.

Trego spoke with commissioners about storm readiness. He mentioned that most recently, the county was able to access the new Humboldt weather radar station. “It’s a good new tool,” he said. “It will give us a new visibility at storms that are happening closer.”

Commissioner David Lee reminded those in attendance that there will be a town hall meeting at the Mildred Store Thursday. The town hall will go over a variety of topics, including the new proposed sales tax.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

The Iola Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is coordinating the Iola City-Wide Garage Sale just in time for your spring cleaning!

The event will take place on Saturday, June 1. Physical maps of the sellers will be available in The Iola Register paper and distributed to sellers. Digital maps

a $10 registration fee. Cash or check only.

As another school year ends, we are continually amazed at the difference our teachers make. Extracurricular activities continue to expand, rock-star recognitions pile up, and the depth and breadth of course offerings let students explore their passions. All this as we have much to look forward to in the new year, chief among them the 100th anniversary of Iola Middle School.

Teachers are at the core of everything we do. They guide our students every step of the way and prepare them for a future with endless possibilities. Even when things go wrong, teachers find a way to help our students make it right.

Being a teacher can be demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. As a teacher, you see each student as an individual with unique talents and capabilities - something that cannot be measured by test scores.

It is an honor to witness firsthand the positive impact you have on our students, and for this, we are grateful for everything you do.

US pauses bomb shipments to Israel over Rafah invasion

WASHINGTON (AP)

— The Biden administration paused a shipment of bombs to Israel last week over concerns that the country was approaching a decision on launching a full-scale assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah against the wishes of the United States, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Wednesday.

The shipment was supposed to consist of 1,800 2,000-pound bombs and 1,700 500-pound bombs, according to the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive matter. The focus of U.S. concern was the larger explosives and how they could be used in a dense urban setting like Rafah where more than 1 million civilians are sheltering after evacuating other parts of Gaza amid Israel’s war on Hamas, which came after the militant group’s deadly attack on

Israel on Oct. 7. Austin confirmed the weapons delay, telling the Senate Appropriations subcommittee on defense that the U.S. paused “one shipment of high payload munitions.”

“We’re going to continue to do what’s necessary to ensure that Israel has the means to defend itself,” Austin said. “But that said, we

are currently reviewing some near-term security assistance shipments in the context of unfolding events in Rafah.”

The U.S. has historically provided enormous amounts of military aid to Israel. That has only accelerated in the aftermath of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that killed some 1,200 in Israel and led to about 250 being taken captive by mili-

tants. The pausing of the aid shipment is the most striking manifestation of the growing daylight between Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government and the administration of Democratic President Joe Biden, which has called on Israel to do far more to protect the lives of innocent civilians in Gaza. It also comes as the

Biden administration is due to deliver a first-ofits-kind formal verdict this week on whether the airstrikes on Gaza and restrictions on delivery of aid have violated international and U.S. laws designed to spare civilians from the worst horrors of war.

A decision against Israel would further add to pressure on Biden to curb the flow of weapons and money to Israel’s military.

Biden signed off on the pause in an order conveyed last week to the Pentagon, according to U.S. officials who were not authorized to comment on the matter.

The White House National Security Council sought to keep the decision out of the public eye for several days until it had a better understanding of the scope of Israel’s intensified military operations in Rafah and until Biden could deliver a long-planned speech on Tuesday to

mark Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Biden’s administration in April began reviewing future transfers of military assistance as Netanyahu’s government appeared to move closer toward an invasion of Rafah, despite months of opposition from the White House. The official said the decision to pause the shipment was made last week and no final decision had been made yet on whether to proceed with the shipment at a later date.

U.S. officials had declined for days to comment on the halted transfer, word of which came as Biden on Tuesday described U.S. support for Israel as “ironclad, even when we disagree.”

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declined to square the arms holdup with Biden’s rhetoric in support of Israel, saying only, “Two things could be true.”

Displaced Palestinians arrive in central Gaza after fleeing from the southern Gaza city of Rafah in Deir al Balah, Gaza Strip Wednesday. AP PHOTO/ABDEL KAREEM HANA

The Iola Register Thursday, May 9, 2024

~ Journalism that makes a difference

Dairy workers need protection from spreading H5N1 virus

By JENNIFER B. NUZZO, LAUREN SAUER and NAHID BHADELIA Guest opinion for The Washington Post

The discovery of bird flu virus particles in milk has moved the federal government to take more aggressive action to prevent the further spread of H5N1 on dairy farms. The Agriculture Department has rightly issued new testing recommendations meant to keep the virus from spreading across state lines. But this additional testing will do little to address the primary threat that H5N1 poses to humans: the infection of farmworkers. Our failure to protect them threatens their health and gives the virus an opportunity to evolve into a greater threat to people, including those who live far from dairy farms.

The discovery of viral material in milk sold in American stores is not in itself alarming. Pasteurization, though it doesn’t remove pathogens, destroys their ability to infect people. Follow-up testing has confirmed this: Researchers have not been able to isolate and grow the virus from pasteurized milk. But H5N1 poses risks to dairy workers, who may be exposed to infected cows and to milk before it is pasteurized. So far, only one dairy worker in the United States is known to have been infected, and fortunately this person experienced only mild eye inflammation. But there are reports that other dairy workers have gotten sick at the same time that cows have.

be expedited. And because many farmworkers are immigrants, work is needed to overcome both a widespread lack of health insurance and strong financial and legal disincentives to report infections.

U.S. health officials have said that the virus now showing up on dairy farms is a good match for vaccines under development. But they have not been clear about the status of vaccines in the existing stockpile, or when the Food and Drug Administration might authorize them to be used. As we learned from covid-19, delays in vaccination could lead to unnecessary deaths.

PROTECTING WORKERS and preventing the next pandemic also require greater virus surveillance on farms and in dairy processing facilities.

There’s been underreporting of the virus. Understandably, there’s been a lot of fear. But every dairy that I’ve worked with has ... had sick human beings at the same time they had sick cows.

— Barb Peterson, veterinarian

Veterinarian Barb Peterson told Bovine Veterinarian, “There’s been underreporting of the virus. Understandably, there’s been a lot of fear. But every dairy that I’ve worked with has — with the exception of one — had sick human beings at the same time they had sick cows.”

These reports are concerning, not because the infections are severe but because any rise in human infections boosts the chances that the virus will find its way to someone who has more medical conditions and may have a worse disease outcome if infected. And H5N1 has not historically been mild in humans. Of the almost 900 known cases of H5N1 infection in humans worldwide, the virus has killed about half.

So it is crucial to protect from exposure farmworkers who are likely to be in contact with infected animals. The eye protection and masks recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should be readily available to all dairy workers. All states have access to this protective equipment, but making sure dairy farms and operations provide it to their workers and normalize its use will take education.

Dairy workers also need H5N1 vaccines; efforts to make them available need to

The USDA’s updated requirements, which mandate the testing of lactating cows only when they are about to move to another state, won’t protect farmworkers. The tests have to be sent to laboratories, and this delays results that would signal the need to protect people. More widespread testing on dairy farms remains voluntary and limited to animals with symptoms — despite evidence that cows experience asymptomatic infections and that other farm animals also have been infected. Wider testing of cows is challenging but essential, as is expanded testing of workers in the dairy industry.

Everyone working on dairy farms needs immediate access to antiviral medications in case an outbreak occurs. Rapid tests need to be quickly developed so that samples can be analyzed on farms rather than sent away to labs. And it is crucial to regularly sequence virus samples isolated from cows in order to monitor any genetic mutations that could improve the virus’s ability to infect humans or to evade antiviral medicines.

The USDA has so far been slow to share genetic information on virus samples gathered from infected cows, and this must change immediately.

Preventing farmworker infections and uncontrolled spread in mammals is key to stopping the virus from spreading more easily among humans. This requires active coordination among federal, state, and local agricultural and public health officials.

About the authors: Jennifer B. Nuzzo is a professor of epidemiology and the director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health. Lauren Sauer is an associate professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the director of the Special Pathogen Research Network. Nahid Bhadelia is an infectious diseases physician and associate professor and the founding director of the Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases at Boston University.

Social Security and Medicare:

Postponing

a crisis far cry from solving it

President Biden and former president Donald Trump don’t agree on much, but both have pledged not to touch Social Security benefits. This is a reflection of political reality, which is that a lot of seniors, who tend to vote at high rates, depend on the programs, and that they are popular generally.

Social Security has a broadly progressive impact on income distribution: The bottom half of earners rely on it to stay out of poverty in retirement.

Financial reality, though, is that if the programs aren’t reformed, and run out of money to pay required benefits, cuts could become unavoidable.

The latest reports from the Social Security and Medicare trustees, released on Monday, reinforce that sobering fact.

Social Security will be insolvent by 2035 and Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund by 2036.

These dates are slightly farther in the future than the estimates in last year’s report. Because of a strong labor market, more workers earned more money subject to the Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. Nevertheless, the trustees warn that postponing a crisis is a far cry from solving it.

The 2024 campaign is probably not going to feature much honest debate about this, but the conversation has to happen sooner or later. Saving Social Security and Medicare requires reform.

We laid out one element of any viable proposal last year: subjecting more wages to payroll taxation. Currently, it applies to up to $168,600 in wages a year. Raising that limit would bring in much-needed revenue. And many Americans say they support the idea. Other reforms include gradually raising the retirement age for younger generations and slowing benefit growth for the top half of earners.

These won’t be popular or painless, but, as even dithering lawmakers often admit privately, the longer change is postponed, the more painful it will be in

the end. Or, as the trustees’ report puts it, “significantly larger changes would be necessary if action is deferred.”

ON THE MEDICARE side, the report paints a reasonably hopeful picture.

Without reforms, Social Security will be insolvent by 2035 and Medicare’s Hospital Insurance Trust Fund by 2036.

The Hospital Insurance Trust Fund is now on track to be depleted by 2036 — five years later than last year’s estimate. In addition to the strong labor market, a decline in inpatient and home healthcare spending in recent years has helped the program’s finances. But the report makes clear that “Medicare still faces a substantial financial shortfall that will need to be addressed with further legislation. Such legislation should be enacted sooner rather than later to minimize the impact on beneficiaries, providers, and taxpayers.”

On Medicare, Mr. Biden has proposed changes that would extend the solvency of the program for 25 years: adding more drug price negotiations (on top of the ones in the Inflation Reduction Act) and raising the Medicare tax on those earning more than $400,000 a year. Give him credit for at least discussing the topic — but deduct points for placing the entire burden of reform on unpopular drug companies and high-income earners. Structural reforms to the Medicare Advantage program, teaching hospital subsidies and payments for outpatient services could and should save billions with relatively modest sac-

rifice from beneficiaries. Given the potential demographic changes that still might upend forecasts, the trustees were wise to adopt more realistic assumptions about U.S. population growth.

They now forecast a total fertility rate of 1.9 per woman, down from 2.0 in last year’s report. That might still be too optimistic.

Last year, the rate dropped to 1.62, a historic low. An additional way to boost the working-age population that pays into Social Security and Medicare is through immigration, another reason for Congress to pursue comprehensive reform — and for the country to avoid the draconian restrictionism that Mr. Trump favors.

The positive impact on entitlement program finances from the past few years of full, or near-full, employment provides yet another reason for government to pursue that goal, consistent with low inflation.

The Social Security Disability Insurance program, once threatened by insolvency, now appears fully funded through 2098, according to the trustees, a real accomplishment that reflects both the strong economy and smart policy tweaks, under both the Obama and Trump administrations.

The successful stabilization of SSDI shows there’s still hope for the larger two programs. But it won’t happen unless there’s a bipartisan effort like the one that enabled the last comprehensive reform to Social Security — way back in 1983. At the moment, unfortunately, the only thing the two parties can agree on is doing something between not much and nothing at all.

— The Washington Post

Larry Gesick, 77, waits to be let in the doors to start his part-time job at Publix on March 21 in St. Petersburg, Fla. Unless Congress takes action, the federal programs of Social Security and Medicare will be forced to reduce their benefits. (DIRK SHADD/TAMPA BAY TIMES/TNS)

DEI: Lawmaker retracts comment that student ‘lied’

Continued from A1

during House floor debate on the DEI bill. Woodard accused Green of misrepresenting herself to the House committee and claimed she didn’t make clear the job associated with DEI training was with Kansas Athletics rather than the academic side of the university. The Democrat went so far as to call Green a liar.

“It came to my attention that Representative Woodard, who did not ask me any questions in committee, brought up my testimony over a month later on the floor, where I was not present,” Green said. “In this speech, he accused me of lying to the committee and asked for my testimony to not be acknowledged. I did not lie or mislead the committee in any way.”

Talking it out Green sought a meeting with Woodard to request a retraction. The two did speak. They chose to agree to disagree about merits of DEI on university campuses, but Woodard went a step further.

“While I pride myself on my record of presenting fact-based debate in

During the floor debate, I mistakenly said that the information provided to the committee was misleading and said that the conferee ‘lied.’ It was wrong for me to say that the student lied to the committee.

— Rep. Brandon Woodard

committee and on the House floor, I also believe that, as leaders, we must admit when we trip up,” Woodard said in a social media post.

“During the floor debate, I mistakenly said that the information provided to the committee was misleading and said that the conferee ‘lied.’ It was wrong for me to say that the student lied to the committee.”

“For that,” he said,

“I not only retract my statement but would like to apologize to the conferee. I started my journey in public service by testifying before our Legislature as a student at the University of Kansas. I firmly believe that regardless of Kansans’ views on policy, they should have a Legislature that listens to their passion for issues, hears their concerns and weighs their point of view when making a decision.”

Green said she appreciated Woodard’s willingness to engage in a dialogue on the issue and agreed “we should strive to speak with each other rather than shouting past one another.”

She said her personal advocacy on behalf of DEI legislation apparently prompted calls and emails to KU from people who wanted her dismissed from a student ambassador position.

She said somebody posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, that she was a “fascist.”

“I think the point of the criticism and name-calling isn’t to persuade, but to stop people from speaking up,” Green said. “Unfortunately, I think it mostly works.”

Fate of DEI bill

In March, the House went on to approve House Bill 2460, which contained DEI restric-

tions endorsed by Green. The vote was 81-39, with Woodard casting a “no” vote.

In House and Senate negotiations on a compromise version of the DEI bill, prohibitions applicable to student admissions and to faculty, staff and student employment at public universities and colleges in Kansas was rolled into House Bill 2105.

“As DEI has expanded, it has created tension,” said Rep. Steven Howe, a Salina Republican and supporter of the bill. “Instead of a merit-based approach, universities have chosen to embrace ideologies which discriminate against people that do not hew to their orthodoxy.”

The reshaped bill mandated public reporting of DEI-associated training materials. It created a process whereby the state Board of Regents would review DEI complaints regarding KU and the five other state universities, the community colleges, technical colleges and Washburn University.

A separate process was developed to authorize the Kansas attorney general to investigate alleged violations of

DEI. Attorney General Kris Kobach was given power to impose a $10,000 civil penalty for every confirmed campus violation. This edition of the legislation was approved by the Senate 28-11 and by the House 81-40, but Woodard didn’t vote. The Legislature also deployed extraordinary leverage to get the DEI legislation through the governor’s office. If Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed the bill, higher education institutions covered by DEI limitations would lose a combined $32 million in state funding for campus building maintenance.

“Requiring post-secondary educational institutions to post and make publicly available on their websites all training materials for students, faculty and staff on all matters of non-discrimination, diversity, equity, inclusion, race, ethnicity, sex or bias in exchange for funding violates the academic freedom theory and is a violation of the First Amendment,” said Rep. Jo Ella Hoye, a Lenexa Democrat.

Storms batter Midwest

PAVILION TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Severe storms are battering parts of the Midwest with heavy rain, gusty winds and tornadoes that forecasters warn could spill out of the region. The severe weather outbreak started Tuesday and continued into Wednesday. Tornadoes were reported after dark Tuesday in southwestern Michigan, northern Indiana and northwestern Ohio. Two reported tornadoes struck in and near a Michigan city near Kalamazoo and shredded a FedEx facility. Officials say no serious injuries were immediately reported.

The National Weather Service says crews are surveying storm damage in southwest Michigan but haven't confirmed tornado touchdowns in the region after the Grand Rapids office received 11 reports of tornadoes from storm spotters, emergency managers and others.

Sports Daily B

BACK TO BACK

IHS takes 2nd straight league crown

GARNETT — As the scores rolled in at the end of a long, grueling day on the golf course, Iola High head coach Jeremy Sellman couldn’t help but get more excited. On the line was a Pioneer League championship.

As was expected, Iola’s “Big 3” — sophomore Brennen Coffield and seniors Christopher Holloway and Xander Sellman — were at or near the top of the leaderboard for most of the day.

But in team golf, it’s usually the No. 4 golfer — in this case Ethan Harris — who determines how the team will finish.

Harris’s score, a career-best 85, warranted a bit of a “whoop” from his head coach, when it was revealed.

“I tried to keep it under my breath,” Coach Sellman said afterward. “I tried to keep it professional.”

As it stood, Iola’s team score of 310 was more than enough for a second straight league title — a whopping 23 strokes better than runner-up Santa Fe Trail. Even better, Iola’s score was good enough to best all of the non-league schools invited to Tuesday’s Anderson County Invitational as well.

Adames HR sinks Royals

By DAVE SKRETTA The Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo.

(AP) — Willy Adames had been chatting up the Royals fans behind the Milwaukee dugout all game, the good-natured ribbing carrying on as the Brewers jumped out to a two-run lead and Kansas City battled back to take its own two-run lead to the ninth. With two outs and a pair of runners aboard, Adames found himself standing in the on-deck circle with the game on the line.

“They told me they wanted me to hit a three-run homer,” Adames would say later, “and I was like, ‘I got you.’”

Adames proceeded to drill an 83 mph curveball from Royals closer James McArthur into the left-field bullpen, sending Milwaukee to a

Iola was followed in the overall standings by Spring Hill’s 318.

Individually, Coffield carded a 73, one shot behind meet champion — and defending Class 3A state champion Lane Workman of Santa Fe Trail. Xander Sellman finished third at 74; Holloway fifth at 78.

“It was an awesome day,” Coach Sellman said. “The kids deserve all the accolades.”

The Mustangs won’t have much time to rest on their laurels — or their golf scores.

Iola is at Prairie View Thursday to wrap up the regular season before venturing to Osawatomie Monday morning for the Class 3A Regional Tournament. If Iola can get a top-two team score at regionals, it means the entire Mustang squad will advance to the Class 3A State Tournament May 20-21 in Emporia.

“I said it when I took over the program three years ago, that by the time Xander and Chris were seniors, that we would have a legit chance at making it to state as a team and competing for a state title,” Coach Sellman said. “It feels like the chips are falling into place.”

TUESDAY’S competition doubled as the Pioneer League Tournament after the original tournament planned for last week in Burlington was canceled due to weather.

And because the Anderson County tournament already had non-league schools entered it meant an unusually crowded golf course — 72 athletes in all — and a long day on the course.

Coach Sellman estimated it

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Mustangs struggle in regular season finale

CARBONDALE — Iola

High’s road to the postseason hit a speed bump Tuesday. The Mustangs, who had won 12 of their previous 14 games and had climbed to the third seed in their Class 3A regional standings, wrapped up the regular season with a pair of tough losses at Santa Fe Trail. Sante Fe senior Kaelee Washington, a University of Kansas signee, was once again dominant, allowing only a fourth-inning single,

JV splits

Iola High’s junior varsity baseball team earned a doubleheader split against Santa Fe Trail Tuesday to wrap up the JV schedule. At top, Iola’s Jordan Kaufman, center, tags out Santa Fe Trail baserunner Bryson Crotinger. Backing up on the play is Iola’s Trevor Tatman (23). At right, Ruger Boren connects on a single in Game 1. The Mustangs prevailed, 7-2, in the opening game before dropping a 7-4 decision in the nightcap. Iola’s varsity squad opens the Class 3A regional playoffs at home against Wellsville at 5 p.m. Thursday at Allen Community College’s baseball diamond. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN

in the Chargers’ 9-0 victory in Game 1.

After that, Game 2 became a fielding struggle as Iola committed nine errors and fell behind early in a 16-0 setback.

The defeats dropped Iola to 15-11, and the fourth seed in the upcoming regional tournament. The Mustangs (15-11) will host Neodesha (10-12) at 5 p.m. Monday at the Allen Community College softball diamond. A

KC’s Rice in more hot water

DALLAS (AP) — Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice is suspected of assault in Dallas a little over a month after he was one of the speeding drivers in a chain-reaction crash that led to multiple charges, according to a newspaper report Tuesday.

Law enforcement officials told The Dallas Morning News that Rice was suspected of assaulting a person at a downtown nightclub early Monday, and that the person went to a hospital after the encounter.

Dallas police did not name Rice as the suspect in detailing a report of the incident to The Associated Press. Officers were dispatched to the nightclub about 2:30 a.m. Monday over a report of an assault, and the victim self-transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

Rice’s attorney, Texas state Sen. Royce West,

Iola High’s Pioneer League champion golf team members are, from left, Ethan Harris, Parker Andres, Xander Sellman, head coach Jeremy Sellman, Christopher Holloway, Brennen Coffield, Baron Folk and Briley Prather. COURTESY

Iola High’s Kyndal Bycroft bats in a game earlier this season. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN

PAPERS AVAILABLE at the Iola Register Office. $3 per bundle.

Will buy copies of The Annals of Iola and Allen County, 1868-1945, Vols. 1 and 2. Call the Iola Register, 620-365-2111 or email susan@iolaregister. com

HR Generalist

The Monarch Cement Company in Humboldt, KS has an opening for a HR Generalist in the Corporate HR Department.

The HR Generalist performs human resource related duties at the professional level and will carry out responsibilities in some or all the following related functional areas: employee relations, training, employment, labor relations, a rmative action, and employment equity programs. The position requires candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related eld, one or two years of related experience, or a combination that will allow successful performance and completion of the duties required for the position. HR certi cation is preferred.

The position also requires a high level of con dentiality, pro ciency in a variety of computer software attention to detail, ability to work as part of a team and excellent communication skills. The position is open until lled. Salary is DOQ.

Please mail or deliver cover letter, application and resumé to: Corporate HR Department, The Monarch Cement Company, PO Box 1000, Humboldt, KS 66748 Or email cover letter, application and resumé to: hr.dept@monarchcement.com Applications and other necessary documents can be found a monarchcement.com. Previous applicants should complete new application.

Kelce lines up another TV job

By ALICIO RANCILIO

The Associated Press

While his superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift resumes her world Eras tour, Travis Kelce is keeping busy.

The NFL player has joined the cast of “American Horror Story: Grotesquerie.”

Cast member Niecy

Nash posted a series of videos Tuesday to Instagram featuring her on set with Kelce.

“Guys, guess who I am working with on ‘Grotesquerie’?” Kelce pops into frame and says, “Jumpin’ into new territory with Niecy.” A later video where she wrote “late night shenanigans” showed the two in what appeared to be a red convertible. “Look at this guy,” she says. “Buckle up!” added Kelce. And a final video featured the show’s creator Ryan Murphy

embracing Kelce and saying, “You were wonderful.” Off camera, Nash asks, “How do you feel?” Kelce replied, “Whoo! I’m just glad I didn’t hurt nobody.”

It’s been an off-season of new jobs for the three-time Super Bowl-winning tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs. He also taped a stint as host of “Are You Smarter than a Celebrity?” for Prime Video.

Kelce hosted an episode of “Saturday Night Live” last year.

Murphy has a history of interesting casting choices for his TV shows. In 2015, he cast Lady Gaga for a role on “American Horror Story: Hotel.” She went on to win a Golden Globe for her performance. Last year, he also chose Kim Kardashian for a role on “American Horror Story: Delicate” opposite Emma Roberts.

Royals: Fall on ninth-inning homer

Continued from B1

6-5 win Tuesday night, and leaving those Kansas City fans mock-worshipping him as he returned to the dugout.

“It was really priceless,” said Brewers manager Pat Murphy, who had watched the calledshot scene unfold. “It was really cool.”

Jared Koenig (3-1) earned the win for Milwaukee, getting Hunter Renfroe to ground out to end the seventh and then surviving a scoreless eighth. Trevor Megill breezed through the ninth to earn his third save in three tries.

Vinnie Pasquantino drove in three runs for Kansas City. Salvador Perez and Kyle Isbel also drove in runs.

“That one stings,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro admitted, “but we’ve done that to other people as well.”

Rhys Hoskins and Joey Ortiz crushed backto-back homers off Royals starter Seth Lugo in the second inning, but

that was all the offense the Brewers could muster until the seventh, when they managed to coax another run across.

They squandered a chance to draw closer when Angel Zerpa struck out Gary Sanchez to strand a pair later in the seventh, then missed another opportunity in the eighth, when John Schreiber fanned Oliver

green in a tournament earlier this season. REGISTER/RICH-

Golf: Iola repeats as league champs

Continued from B1

took about 6½ hours from start to finish. With long wait times between shots, it’s difficult for golfers to find any sort of rhythm, he explained.

“It’s like always calling timeout to ice the kicker,” Sellman said.

“It can play tricks on you mentally. But they persevered and pushed through it, and accepted it was going to be a long, slow day. I think they enjoyed it, really.

“Being able to not only beat teams in your league, but also schools like Bonner Springs and Ottawa gives you a good feeling.”

SELLMAN’S bid for a league championship went haywire when his drive went out of bounds with three holes left. The double-bogey took him from 2-over par to 4-over with two holes left.

“He gave himself a chance with two birdie chances, but he couldn’t get the putts to drop and settled for pars,” Coach Sellman said.

“That’s how close we came to a three-way tie,” Coach Sellman said. Holloway also was strong mentally through the day.

“He really stayed in his game, made his pars. He’d give up a bogey here or there, but would follow it up with a good hole. None of the three had a three-putt the entire day.”

Likewise, Harris’s day was based on limiting

damage, Coach Sellman said.

“I only got to see him a couple of times, but every time I did, he’d give me a thumbs-up,” Sellman said. “I’m happy for him. His drives were really good. He was playing loose and free.”

Parker Andres added to the fun by carding a 101, a full 20 strokes better than his score a day earlier in Chanute. “Taking 20 strokes off

your score is something special.”

The only true struggles came from Baron Folk, who started out at a blistering pace, but struggled with his putting as the day progressed and wound up with an 88

“He played great the first nine holes, but kind of hit a roadblock,” Sellman said. “We’re going to work on a couple of things at Prairie View.”

Dunn to leave two more runners aboard.

McArthur (1-2) had retired the first two batters when William Contreras, on a full-count pitch, began the comeback with a double just inside the left-field foul line. Sanchez followed with a walk before Adames walked confidently to the plate.

“He’s carrying on with (the fans) during Gary’s at-bat, and he’s telling them — they’re Kansas City fans — he’s telling them, ‘One more ball,’” Murphy said. “Then he goes back to them and goes, ‘Here we go.’” There it went, into the left-field bullpen.

It wasn’t exactly on par Babe Ruth’s called shot — there’s a big difference be-

tween a regular-season game the first week of May and Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, when the Hall of Famer famously pointed toward deep center field at Wrigley Field, then homered to that exact spot to help the Yankees beat the Cubs, 7-5.

Still, it was the kind of stuff certain to go down in Brewers lore.

“Oh my God, that was the coolest thing I ever done,” said Adames, who even signed some balls for those Kansas City fans. “You know, sometimes the fans will be very hard, but these guys here, they were amazing. They were having a good time. Like, all my at-bats, we were chatting, and then the last one was obviously the most fun.”

Coffield, too, had a chance to birdie his final hole, but also settled for par.

Iola High’s Christopher Holloway chips onto the

ARD LUKEN

The Milwaukee Brewers’ Willy Adames (27) hits a three-run go-ahead home run against the Kansas City Royals Tuesday. GETTY IMAGES/JAMIE SQUIRE/TNS

Nadal gears up for one more French Open tourney

ROME (AP) — Rafael Nadal’s clay-court form is slowly rounding into shape.

Not that nearly invincible shape that the tennis world grew accustomed to over the past two decades. But a shape that the 22-time Grand Slam champion is starting to feel good about as he prepares to play what will likely be his final French Open.

“It’s a good moment, even if the results are not what (they) used to be,” Nadal said at the Italian Open on Wednesday. “But I am increasing my feeling, my level. … I want to keep going.”

The 37-year-old Nadal, who has indicated that this will be his final year on tour, has played only nine matches this year after missing near-

ly all of 2023 due to a hip injury that required surgery.

But he’s coming off his most encouraging performance of the year, having put together three straight wins at the Madrid Open last week before losing in straight sets to 31stranked Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round. Before Madrid, he won only one match in

Barcelona.

“The line is going up, without a doubt,” Nadal said, making a gesture with his hand to demonstrate his improvement. “Happy to be today where I am because one month ago for me was almost impossible to think that I will be able to play in Barcelona, then in Madrid, and now being here in Rome. … Things

Rashee Rice during the SMU Football’s 2023

Pro Day in Dallas in March 2023.

for the Kansas City Chiefs, faces eight charges in connection with a hit-and-run crash involving multiple cars.

GOMEZ/TNS

Rice: Police look into assault report

Continued from A1

didn’t respond to a message from The Associated Press seeking comment. The Chiefs and the NFL declined to comment.

Rice reported to the Chiefs for voluntary workouts last month, when Chiefs coach Andy Reid said he had spoken to the receiver and the team was letting the legal process play out.

The former SMU and Dallas-area high school player reported to the Chiefs shortly after turning himself into Dallas police over multiple charges, including ag-

gravated assault, involving the high-speed crash.

West has previously acknowledged Rice was speeding in a Lamborghini SUV when the crash involving six vehicles happened March 30. Police said Theodore Knox, who also played for SMU, was driving a Corvette.

Rice, who turned 24 last month, and Knox have been charged with one count of aggravated assault, one count of collision involving serious bodily injury and six counts of collision

involving injury.

Four people were injured in the crash, and police said the occupants of the Lamborghini and Corvette left the scene without providing information or determining whether anyone needed medical attention.

Rice was drafted in the second round by Kansas City last year and played in 20 games, including the Chiefs’ 25-22 overtime victory over San Francisco in the Super Bowl. He led the team with seven touchdowns receiving in the regular season.

are happening.

“All the matches are tough for me today and difficult and more unpredictable than what the matches used to be for me, especially on clay,” Nadal added. “I accept that role. I accept that challenge. I am excited about the way that I can be able to play if I keep working the proper way and my body allows me.”

Nadal is hoping to be competitive one last time at Roland Garros, where he is the record 14-time champion. Rome is his last big warmup tournament before the clay-court Grand Slam starts on May 26.

“First of all, I want to play Rome. That’s the tournament that I am (at) today. I don’t think after that,” said Nadal, who had his 1-year-old son courtside for his practice sessions at the Foro Italico this week.

Nadal’s opening match in Rome is scheduled for Thursday against Belgian qualifier Zizou Bergs, who is ranked No. 108.

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic, who is also back in Rome after a month out, is on the opposite half of the draw from Nadal. But second-ranked Jannik Sinner and thirdranked Carlos Alcaraz both withdrew because of injuries.

Djokovic hasn’t played for nearly a month — since he lost to Casper Ruud in the Monte Carlo Masters semifinals. He’s also without a title this year — the first time he’s reached May without a trophy since 2018 when he was returning from a right elbow injury.

But the 36-year-old Serb was optimistic about his chances of defending his French Open title.

“I think I’m on a good route to peak at Roland Garros in Paris,” Djokovic said. “Hopefully here in Rome I can play better than I did in Monte Carlo.”

Djokovic added that his withdrawal from the Madrid Open wasn’t because of physical issues.

“It was not part of the schedule,” he said. “The plan was to come here. That’s basically it.”

Nadal has won the Italian Open a record 10 times and he rated his first two titles at the Foro Italico as his most memorable: fiveset victories over Guillermo Coria and Roger Federer in 2005 and 2006, respectively.

GOING ON VACATION?

WANT YOUR PAPER STOPPED OR HELD?

NFL

Rice, who now plays

THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS/LOLA

Thunder rolls in Game 1

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP)

— Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was his usual self and Luka Doncic wasn’t.

Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to help the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Dallas Mavericks 117-95 on Tuesday night in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series.

Gilgeous-Alexander made 8 of 19 field goals and 11 of 13 free throws before coming out of the game with 3:26 remaining and the Thunder leading 111-89.

Doncic, an MVP finalist like Gilgeous-Alexander, scored 19 points

on 6-for-19 shooting and had five turnovers. He bristled when asked about his shooting.

“Who cares,” he said. “We lost. We just got to move onto the next one. We’ve got to be better.”

Lu Dort got most of the work guarding Doncic, with rookie Cason Wallace getting some of the action and 7-foot-1 center Holmgren pestering him near the rim.

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said Dort, one of the league’s best perimeter defenders did his job.

“He’s just a warrior,”

Daigneault said. “Brings the juice every single night. Doncic is a re-

ally hard matchup and a great player that didn’t have his best pitch tonight. He’s going to play better than this. Lu made it hard on him. I thought our team made it hard on him.”

Holmgren added 19 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Jalen Williams struggled with his shot for three quarters but scored 10 of his 18 points in the fourth to help Oklahoma City remain unbeaten in the playoffs.

Kyrie Irving scored 20 points and Daniel Gafford added 16 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks for the fifthseeded Mavericks.

ZITS by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

BEETLE BAILEY by Mort Walker

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE by Chris Browne

BLONDIE by Young and Drake

MARVIN by Tom Armstrong

by Chance Browne

by Patrick McDonell

Softball: Mustangs struggle in regular season finale

Continued from B1

win there would put the girls in the tournament semifinals in Wichita on May 15 against either top seed Bluestem (20-0) or No. 8 Fredonia (2-14).

Iola head coach Chris Weide said the focus on practice until then will be to get Iola’s players back in the right mindset.

“We had a rough game, and the message to the girls was thank goodness it wasn’t at regionals,” he said. “But you can only say that so many times before it comes back to bite you.”

Washington, who in her four years at Santa Fe Trail has yet to surrender a single run to Iola, added another feather to her softball cap with a dominating pitching performance. She struck out 18 bat-

ters over seven innings.

“She’s probably the best player I’ve seen in my years of coaching,” Weide said. “She throws the ball really hard and locates it well.

“But as good as she is, I thought we had some great at-bats. For us to put the bat on the ball against her is saying something.”

A pair of big innings did in Iola in both games.

Kinsey Schinstock handled the pitching duties in the opener, and was containing Santa Fe Trail’s potent lineup through the first three innings, before a leadoff error in the bottom of the fourth, coupled with a handful of walks, led to a six-run outburst.

That was more than enough for Washington, who struck out 10 straight batters after

Class 3A Regional - hosted by Wichita Trinity Academy

Bluestem (20-0)

Fredonia (2-14)

Iola (15-11)

Neodesha (10-12)

Trinity Acad. (17-4)

Douglass (7-16)

Humboldt (14-9 )

(10-13)

Class 2-1A Regional - hosted by Lyndon

Monday (At higher seed)

Flinthills (14-8)

Play-in winner

Lebo (9-8)

MdCV (7-9)

Central Heights (13-9)

Yates Center (8-12)

Lyndon (9-8)

Chase County (5-7)

Play-in game @ Olpe

Eureka (4-12)

So. Lyon Co. (4-14)

(At Lyndon) 3

hitting Mustang leadoff batter Elza Clift with a pitch to lead off the first.

The streak ended when Iola’s Zoie Hesse hit a one-out single in the top of the fourth. But Hesse exited the game with an apparent ankle injury after stepping awkwardly on first base.

Weide brought in a pinch runner, but the rally ended when Reese Curry’s line drive turned into a line-out double play to end the inning.

Schinstock surrendered six hits over six innings with a pair of strikeouts.

“Kinsey did a good job, really, of holding them in check,” Weide said.

While there’s a chance Iola could see Washington again — if both teams advance to the upcoming state tournament — there’s a stronger possibility Tuesday marked the final time the Mustangs will have to bat against the multisport standout.

Over her four years, Washington pitched in five games against Iola,

striking out 62 batters over 27 innings, allowing five hits and three walks.

“It’d be neat if we got the opportunity to see her again,” Weide said, “but I’m glad she’s a senior.”

LIKE they did four days earlier in a loss against Coffeyville’s Field Kindley — struggling in the second game of their doubleheader — the Mustangs started poorly in Game 2 against Santa Fe Trail, and the troubles snowballed.

“I don’t know what our expectations were, but for the first time all year, our girls gave up,” Weide said. “We’d make an error in the field, and it would carry over to when we were at bat. Things just snowballed on us. It wasn’t that their talent level was that much higher than ours, but we just kind of folded.”

Hesse, who was pulled from Game 1 as a precaution for her ankle, was reinserted back into the lineup for game

2, showing no signs of injury.

Hesse allowed three hits over three innings with a strikeout. Schinstock came on in relief, surrendering two hits.

A fielding error and three walks paved the way to a pair of Santa Fe Trail runs in the bottom of the first.

Trouble returned after Hesse retired the first two batters in the second.

Gretchen Huizenga hit a solo home run, followed two batters later by Brooklyn Neidhardt’s two-run shot. A series of errors and walks followed, turning what had been a 2-0 lead into a 12-0 advantage by the end of the inning.

Iola’s best scoring opportunity came in the

top of the fourth. After Curry reached on an error, Brooklyn Holloway walked and Kyndal Bycroft smacked a single to load the bases with one out.

But Chargers pitcher Sydnee Sleichter escaped the jam by retiring the final two batters of the frame.

Hesse and Bycroft managed Iola’s only two hits against Sleichter.

IOLA’S late three-game skid allowed Humboldt to climb back into the third seed of the Class 3A regional tournament. The Lady Cubs will host Conway Springs in the first round Monday, and then face either Wichita’s Trinity Academy (174) or Douglass (7-16) in the semifinal round.

Class 2-1A Regional - hosted by Erie

Monday (At higher seed) Tuesday (At Erie)

Jayhawk-Linn (16-4)

Play-in winner

Colgan (12-9)

Southeast (7-8)

Uniontown (14-6)

Erie (7-16)

Northeast (10-7)

St. Paul (6-9)

3 p.m.

25 mins after G1

Play-in game @ J-Linn, 4 p.m.

Crest (3-15)

Oswego (0-12)

25 mins after G2