Sports: Iola summer rec league results See B1
THE IOLA REGISTER Locally owned since 1867
www.iolaregister.com
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
State budget chief lays out possible cuts
By NICHOLAS CLAYTON and JOHN HANNA The Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas would likely be forced to lay off prison guards, cut aid to public schools and reduce payments to health care providers and nursing homes if legislators don’t increase taxes, Republican Gov. Sam
Brownback’s budget director told GOP lawmakers Monday. Unable to agree on how to tackle a budget shortfall that arose after the state slashed personal income taxes, lawmakers over the weekend still approved a spending measure for the fiscal year that begins July 1 that includes a $400 million deficit. Because the Kansas Consti-
tution requires the budget to be balanced, Brownback has three options if no tax plan passes: veto the budget measure, which raises the threat of a partial government shutdown; use his power to veto individual spending lines, although those often contain most or all of an agency’s state funding; or invoke a state law that allows him to avert a defi-
cit by cutting spending when lawmakers are not in session. Budget Director Shawn Sullivan told lawmakers Monday that unless they increase taxes, Brownback is likely to choose the third option. “The most likely option is acrossthe-board cuts” of 6.2 percent of the amount lawmakers budgeted for each agency or program, Sullivan said.
IOLA COUNCIL
City updated on G&W grocery plans
The state’s budget problems arose after lawmakers cut personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback’s urging in an effort to stimulate the economy. The governor and many GOP legislators want to preserve as much of those tax cuts as possible by boosting sales and cigarette taxes. See CUTS | Page A6
HUMBOLDT COUNCIL
By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
Iola City Council members were given their first official glimpse Monday of a proposal to build a grocery store and apartment complexes on the site of the old Allen County Hospital. David Toland, who serves as an adjunct economic development director for the city and Allen County, spoke about G&W Foods’ intent to build a grocery store at the intersection of First and Madison streets. “We know more than we did a week ago,” Toland said, “and it’s good news.” County commissioners voted, 2-1 on June 2 to negotiate exclusively with G&W after a competing developer told the county he was dropping his proposal to use the hospital site as a care
Humboldt may resume spraying for mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes targeted By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
Among the proposals for the old Allen County Hospital site is changing the intersection of First Street with U.S. 54 and slightly altering the highway’s curve to accommodate a new grocery store, apartment complexes and townhouses. COURTESY OF LANDWORKS STUDIO
center for patients with Alzheimer’s disease as well as other health care services. While the competing bid slowed the G&W proposal by about two months, Toland said company officials remain de-
termined to open a store in Iola, with a “strong interest in moving this as quickly as possible.” The only potential stumbling block is demolition costs. The county plans to bear the cost of demol-
ishing the old hospital, which is three stories at parts with reinforced concretee. Projections are the demolition would cost around $500,000, but See GROCERY | Page A6
Auditor: Iola’s 2014 budget comes back clean By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
Iola’s 2014 budget came back with a clean bill of health, the city’s auditor said Monday. Neil Phillips of Jarred, Gilmore & Phillips, P.A., spoke to City Council members about the audi-
tor’s report. The city’s financial reports fairly and accurately represented the city’s spending and account levels, Phillips said. He touched on one area of concern — utility reserves. Iola’s gas and electric reserves should have
more in the bank, Phillips opined, to cover unexpected costs. Council members have known this for years, in part because Iola relies on utility transfers to supplement its general fund, in an effort to keep property tax levies lower than they would be other-
USD 258
School board bids adieu to outgoing district employees By RICK DANLEY The Iola Register
HUMBOLDT — Monday evening’s school board meeting was an occasion to recognize the handful of key officials leaving their posts at USD 258. Superintendent K.B. Criss began by recognizing, with a plaque and a brief speech, the 12 years of dedicated service marking the career of outgoing board president Curt Mueller. Next, Criss directed his thanks toward Helen Harrington, who has served the district for seven years, most recently as a liaison for the
ANW Special Education Coop. Criss then passed the reins of the informal presentations over to Mueller, who recognized departing board clerk Lori Buchholz, whose balance of easy competence and good humor the board, media and public have depended on for 12 years. Buchholz, who has lived in Iola for more than two decades, will be relocating with her husband, Glenn, to El Dorado. Finally, Mueller presented a certificate to Criss, who concludes his 14-year-run in the district — as teacher, coach, See 258 | Page A2
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wise. As Iola begins planning its 2016 budget this month and next, City Administrator Carl Slaugh said the Council will also discuss utility rates. Slaugh also touched on the goings-on in ToSee AUDIT | Page A6
HUMBOLDT — The free pass mosquitoes have had in Humboldt may be about to end. After receiving complaints, City Administrator Cole Herder told council members at their meeting Monday night that Walter Johnson and Sweatt parks would be sprayed, and “I’m working on a plan for all of the city.” Plentiful rains and warm temperatures have created prime breeding grounds for the pests. Herder, who is recovering from heart surgery, said he was unsure when he would have a mosquito-control plan ready for review. The meeting was brief compared to most, lasting less than half an hour. Herder said the swimming pool season is off “to a great start. I am very pleased.” Friday through Sunday attendance averaged 181 a day. Humboldt took back operation of the pool this year from USA Pools, a national management group, after many concerns arose during the 2014 season. Herder applauded city crews “for their hard work to put the pool in operation.” B&W Trailer Hitches helped out, sandblasting and powder-coating slides and guard stands. An older police cruiser, generator, switch box and paint striper were sold on Purple Wave Auction for nearly $10,000, Herder said. Among topics for the July 13 meeting will be review of the 2016 budget, mayoral appointments and starting the process to replace Councilman Jerry Stephens, who died in May.
Meals decision around the corner By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
Allen County seniors who take advantage of delivered meals should know soon what the future holds. County Clerk Sherrie Riebel said by week’s end she expects to have met with Isaac Brown, new director of Senior Services for Southeast Kansas, headquartered in Coffeyville, as well as a local group working to have meals prepared at the kitchen of the Allen County Jail. For years the Meals on Wheels program has depended on Senior Services to deliver food to Allen County from a kitchen in Chanute. Recently, Allen County was told that because of program
David Marple works this morning at the Senior Citizens meal site in Iola. REGISTER/RICK DANLEY changes the hot meals would be replaced with frozen ones and delivered once a week in batches of five. Later that was rescinded — the frozen part — but not before the county considered another avenue to provide meals, the jail kitchen. Sheriff Bryan Murphy figured the
“Doubt is the father of invention.” — Ambrose Bierce, journalist 75 Cents
cost at $2.50 per meal. Murphy said the expanded food preparation would not require additional labor costs. Riebel pointed out local preparation would give the county advantage by keeping the money here, moving See MEALS | Page A2
Hi: 93 Lo: 69 Iola, KS