Saturday, October 10, 2020
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ELECTION 2020
IMS football wins over Burlington
Candidates share COVID concerns By TREVOR HOAG The Iola Register
By TREVOR HOAG The Iola Register
“We all have to benefit or it’s not good for anyone,” said Michelle Meiwes, a Democrat running for commissioner in Allen County’s second district. Meiwes faces Republican David Lee in the Nov. 3 election. The seat is being vacated by retiring Bill King. Meiwes works at Hope Unlimited, aiding survivors of domestic violence. She also raises cattle with her son, Joe. Her husband, Ed, passed away in 2003. She also volunteers extensively, such as chairing the Allen County Multi-Agency Team (ACMAT), serving on the Allen County Drug Task Force and working with LGBTQ youth. Efforts of this kind have provided Meiwes “an understanding of grants and grant
“I have empathy for the folks who don’t have it as good as we do,” said David Lee, the Republican candidate running for county commissioner in District 2. Lee faces Democrat Michelle Meiwes. Lee works at his family’s company, LaHarpe Communications. The position to install and improve internet capabilities around the area leads him to place improving local broadband high on his list of “keen interests.” He has significant experience in public life, having served on the LaHarpe city council, USD 257 Board of Education and Allen Community College board of trustees. Lee’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in elementary educa-
Michelle Meiwes management,” she said, which is noteworthy since commissioners are often tasked with approving the pursuit of grants as well as whether or not matches for them will be supplied with public funds. “I bring a unique perspective to the table,” Meiwes reSee MEIWES | Page A4
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Gov. Kelly announces broadband expansion
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Trump says he feels ready for rallies PAGE A3
David Lee tion and a master’s in business management. He served in the military for 34 years before recently retiring, with stints in the U.S. Army, Army Reserves and Army National Guard.
LaHarpe VFW Auxiliary welcomes special guest
REGARDING some specific issues involving the See LEE | Page A4
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Trunk or Treat keeps safety in mind Too easy? Medallion hunt ends with heartfelt clue
By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
Despite local and state health recommendations advising against many of the traditional Halloween activities, a local organization plans to offer its annual Trunk or Treat event. Organizers hope the event offers a safer alternative for local children and families who want to trick or treat in spite of the coronavirus pandemic. Participants are asked to take precautions and some changes have been made to better protect against the spread of infection, Jill Hartman, director of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, said. The Chamber is sponsoring the event. Cars will be backed into parking spaces, and children will walk on sidewalks next to the courthouse square. That will allow cars to be spaced out around the square, and should help keep trick or treaters safe while maintaining social distance,
By the Register staff
It took just one clue for someone to figure out that the Farm-City Days medallion was hidden at the LaHarpe City Park. The medallion was found in record time, on the first day of the hunt. It had been hidden in the bleachers at the baseball field. The first clue, it turned out, immediately narrowed the location to LaHarpe. The clue read: “Your heart beats about 115,000 times per day inside of you.” LaHarpe in recent years has called itself “The heart of Allen County.” Committee member Jill Hartman hid the medallion and admitted she may have made the first clue a little too easy. She had planned a couple of other clues that would include something related to baseball trivia and President Abraham Lincoln, because the park is located on Lincoln Street. That clue could have
Tiana, left, and Charlee Koder hand out goodies as part of the 2018 Trunk Or Treat celebration in Iola. FILE PHOTO Hartman said. Candy will be handed to children to reduce the amount of contact. Those who are handing out candy must wear gloves. The decision to continue the event was made with the coronavirus pandemic and safety in mind, Hartman said. Because of fears of spreading the disease and because
of recommendations against many Halloween events, Hartman said the Trunk or Treat could make it easier for families who want to trick or treat but hesitate to go door-to-door. “We hope with the precautions we have in place, it will make people more comfortable,” she said. To register a vehicle for See TREATS | Page A3
sent hunters down numerous Lincoln streets in various towns in Allen County, Hartman said. That will be the end of this year’s medallion hunt. The committee discussed possibly offering a second hunt but decided against it. Other events will continue, like a photo contest with three categories: Allen County History, Farm or City, Nature or Landscape. The deadline to email photos is 5 p.m. Sunday. Farm-City Days will take place in downtown Iola Oct. 15-18 and will enforce safety procedures related to the coronavirus pandemic. This year’s theme is “Candyland.”
13 charged in plots against Michigan governor, police By DAVID EGGERT and ED WHITE The Associated Press
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Agents foiled a stunning plot to kidnap Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, authorities said Thursday in announcing charges in an alleged scheme that involved months of planning and even rehearsals to snatch her from her vacation home. Six men were charged in federal court with conspiring to kidnap the governor before the Nov. 3 elections in Vol. 122, No. 242 Iola, KS 75 Cents
reaction to what they viewed as her “uncontrolled power,” according to a federal complaint. Separately, seven others linked to a paramilitary group called the Wolverine Watchmen were charged in state court for allegedly seeking to storm the Michigan Capitol and seek a “civil war.” The two groups trained together and planned “various acts of violence,” according to the state police. Surveillance for the kidnapping plot took place in August and September, according to an FBI affidavit, and
A resident of the house of a suspect charged with allegedly attempting a plot to kidnap Governor Gretchen Whitmer cleans up damage from the FBI raid. four of the men had planned to meet Wednesday to “make a payment on explosives and
exchange tactical gear.” The FBI quoted one of the men as saying Whitmer “has
no checks and balances at all. She has uncontrolled power right now. All good things must come to an end.” Authorities said the plots were stopped with the work of undercover agents and informants. The men were arrested Wednesday night. The six charged in federal court face up to life in prison if convicted. The state terrorism charges the other seven men face carry a possible 20-year sentence. Andrew Birge, the U.S. See THREATS | Page A5
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