Sports: K-State advances in Big 12 tourney See B1
THE IOLA REGISTER Locally owned since 1867
www.iolaregister.com
Thursday, March 10, 2016
Advocates: fee structure crucial for nursing homes By ANDY MARSO KHI News Service
The leader of a group that represents Kansas nursing homes told state senators Tuesday that facilities will have to close if a bed tax increase doesn’t pass. Cindy Luxem, executive director of the Kansas Health Care Association that represents for-profit nursing homes, told members of the Senate Ways and Means Committee that it’s critical to pass Senate Bill 457. The bill would increase a “bed tax” on nursing homes and use the proceeds to draw down more federal Medicaid funds, which would go back to the nursing homes in the form of payments for services provided to residents on Medicaid. Advocates for nursing home residents want future bed tax payments tied to quality improvement measures. When Sen. Laura Kelly, a Democrat from Topeka, asked about that, Luxem said it was secondary to the fiscal urgency of the situation. “If we don’t have the money, senator, it doesn’t matter about quality,” Luxem said. “Because we will have to shutter our doors.” Nursing homes throughout the state have felt a financial See BED TAX | Page A2
Fatal fire An Iola resident was believed to be the victim of a fatal house fire in north Iola this morning. Iola Police Chief Jared Warner confirmed one body was found inside the home at 1218 N. Buckeye St. Iola firefighters were still at the scene as of press time. The house was fully engulfed with smoke and flames when the call was received, shortly before 6:30. A neighbor said Charles Burton lived in the house, although authorities have not officially released the victim’s name, adding that the victim’s family has been notified. Investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s office were dispatched to handle the investigation. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
LaHarpe Council talks water sales, electric damages By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
LAHARPE — LaHarpe City Council members want more information before deciding the fate of its bulk water distribution tank. At their monthly meet-
ing Wednesday, the Council learned the city sold $72.35 worth of water from Dec. 22 through Feb. 18. Meanwhile, Iola paid out $83.99 for utilities. Councilman Danny Ware Jr. recommended the city add heat tape to the lines so they
can stay thawed without having to keep the tank heated. The city’s options are to either increase the cost of its bulk water or to close the facility altogether. LaHarpe Fire Chief Ed Stokes noted the Volunteer Fire Department occasion-
ally refills its trucks from the water point, if it’s more convenient than using a fire hydrant. COUNCIL MEMBERS will submit a claim worth up to See LAHARPE | Page A5
Lawmakers prepare rival education funding bills By JOHN HANNA The Associated Press
Val McLean stands among a series of handicap-accessible garden plots at the Elm Creek Community Garden, which opens for its 10th growing season March 17. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Community garden reopens March 17 By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
The Elm Creek Community Garden will open for its 10th growing season March 17. Val McLean, who with wife Carolyn donated the land for the garden more than a decade ago, said more than half of the 120 plots are still available. A 12-by-24 pot is available for $25, or for free for those who meet low-income guidelines. As a certified non-profit organization, the Elm Creek Community Garden operates
entirely upon donations and volunteer help, McLean said. All of the revenue from the plot rentals goes back directly into the garden. As part of the agreement, the garden supplies water, tools and use of other garden machines — “any tool you’d ever need,” McLean said. He recently tilled up the garden space. “I may go over it once again after it dries,” he said Wednesday. Plots accessible to disabled gardeners also are available. A PAIR OF hefty donations in recent weeks have given
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the garden a significant boost. Iolan Earl Croley, upon hearing McLean’s appeal to the city for free water, wrote up a check that day for $1,000, enough to meet the garden’s water demands for the entire growing season. Then, Senior Citizens, Inc., donated another $1,000 that will be used to defray other expenses. “I can’t tell you how thankful we are for those donations,” McLean said. “The garden doesn’t make any money; it’s not supposed to. We figure if we can get $3,000 a year in donations, we’re good to go.”
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Rival proposals for helping poor public-school districts emerged Wednesday in the Kansas Legislature, with the chairmen of its two budget committees differing on how much the state would spend to meet a court mandate. Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Ty Masterson said he’s work-
See FUNDING | Page A5
Legislators seek more oversight on proposed school bonds By JOHN HANNA The Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas House committee’s leader is moving forward with a proposal that would give the state more oversight of local public schools’ construction programs, though he acknowledged Tuesday that he’s not sure it would create the certainty in budgeting that
“Whatever you do in life, surround yourself with smart people who will argue with you.” — John Wooden 75 Cents
ing on a plan for complying with a Kansas Supreme Court order last month by reallocating existing aid to public schools. The An-
many Republicans desire. Chairman Ron Highland outlined a new version of the proposal during an Education Committee meeting. The Wamego Republican said the panel would vote on his proposal Friday. Under his proposal, the Legislature’s Joint Committee on State Building Construction would review loSee BONDS | Page A5
Hi: 66 Lo: 42 Iola, KS