Iola kicked off the holiday season with a weekend filled with activities. The Iola Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored Friday’s Downtown Block Party, then welcomed Santa as he met with local children. First, though, Santa had to be “rescued” Saturday afternoon by the Iola Fire Department, after he was stranded atop the Emprise Bank building, above. At right, Santa poses for a photo with Gracelyn Taylor, age 5. At far right, Janet Sager plays the marimba during Sunday’s Christmas Vespers program at First Presbyterian Church of Iola. Below left, Mary, Don and Magen Erbert offer free carriage rides with Don Erbert at the helm at Friday’s block party. Mules Penny and Pearl are sisters. Below right, members of the community choir sing Christmas classics during the Vespers concert. REGISTER/ VICKIE MOSS AND TIM STAUFFER
USDA: Test milk for bird flu
By JENNIFER SHUTT Kansas Reflector
WASHINGTON — The
U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Friday it will require dairy farms to share samples of unpasteurized milk when requested, in an effort to gather more information about the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza. Public health officials have tracked the spread of bird flu or H5N1 in domestic poultry flocks for years before the virus began showing up in the country’s dairy herds this March, raising concerns. While the risk to the
See MILK | Page A3
By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
Area 4-Her’s won national champion honors at a livestock judging contest in Kentucky last month.
Brody Nemecek, an Iola High School graduate, coached the Kansas 4-H All-Star Team that won the National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest on Nov. 19 at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky. All four of the Kansas team members also won top honors, including the two highest spots. Esmerelda Franklin of the Marais des Cygnes district was ranked as “High Individual Overall” while team member Reegan McDaiel of Fort Scott was ranked “Reserve High Individual.” Kyser Nemecek of Iola was ranked 8th overall, with Tate Crystal of Fort Scott taking 11th place.
See CHAMPS | Page A3
Syria’s future uncertain
Rebel alliance
overthrows President Bashar Assad, who flees to Russia
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) —
Syria’s prime minister said Monday that most cabinet ministers are still working from offices in Damascus after rebels entered the capital over the weekend and overthrew President Bashar Assad. Streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighboring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future. But there were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country, which is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative
See SYRIA | Page A3
Competing at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., on Nov. 19 were, from left, Mason Rookstool of Wamego, Reegan McDaniel, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Esmerelda Franklin. Standing in back is Brody Nemecek, coach of the 4-H All-Star team. COURTESY PHOTO
Obituaries
Ronald John Burris Sr., age 82, a resident of Colony, Kansas, surrounded by his daughters, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.
He was born April 16,1942 in Hamilton, Kan., to John Peter Burris and Hazel Charlotte Uhl (Burris).
Ronald completed the 8th grade and then went on to earn a GED for his schoolaged years. Ronald graduated from Allen County Community College and majored in political science. He also earned a bachelor of science degree in Administration of Justice with a minor in prelaw from Wichita State University.
As a young adult, Ronald proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army on May 28,1962 to go fight for our freedom in the Vietnam War. Ronald was very proud of his responsibilities during his time in the Army and made sure to let his kids and grandkids know he sat “door gunner” on the choppers during the war. Ronald served four years in the Army. He then reenlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served in the Navy Seabees for 20 months. Ronald was a proud veteran and held it very near and dear to his heart. Ronald always took every opportunity he had to thank a service member or veteran for their service.
Ronald was self-employed most of his life. Like his father, Ronald worked in the oil fields for over 40 years and became quite successful. It was his true passion, and he thoroughly enjoyed it.
Ronald had a very full and adventurous life. He was an avid coin collector. He loved to buy and hunt for coins. He never spent any change in his pocket so he could look for unique and valuable coins. Ronald also loved going to the casino. He seemed to never lose any money. His trips were also extra special when he loaded up his beloved dog, Odie. He also enjoyed traveling, taking many frequent vacations alone and with his daughters.
Ronald also had a love for Raiders football and rooted for a win every game. Ronald’s children and grandchildren were the light of his life. He thoroughly enjoyed every minute he had with them and treasured their close bond. He had four children and seven grandchildren who will love and miss him forever.
Ronald is survived by his children, Kelsey Lampe (Levi), LaHarpe, Sara Burris (Charles Hon), Iola, and Kaci Peres (Zachery), Overland Park; two sisters, Melba Shields and Patricia Burris of Parsons; grandchildren, Cadin Peres, Maddilyn Peres, Isabella Peres, Asher Peres, Ellie Lampe, Emersyn Lampe, and Willow Peres; his dog, Odie, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ronald was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ronald John Burris Jr; a brother, Harvey Burris; two infant siblings, and his lifelong friend, Mick Winner.
The family will greet family and friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 at Countryside Funeral Home in Chanute, followed by funeral services at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16 at Fellowship Regional Church in Iola. Burial will take place at the Highland Cemetery in Iola with military honors.
A highlight of Ronald’s life was participating in the Veterans Honor Flight. Memorial donations are suggested for the Southern Coffey Honor Flight and may be left with the funeral home. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home, 101 N. Highland, Chanute.
Colony Christian
Pastor Chase Riebel’s sermon Sunday, “Joy Has Arrived,” was based on Luke 2:10. The shepherds were considered of lowly stature but the birth of Christ was announced to them first because Jesus came to save everyone. The news was so as-
tonishing that the shepherds had to share it immediately. Mary delivered Jesus. Jesus delivered joy.
Lynette Prasko led the worship music accompanied by Ben and Ethan Prasko, and Mike, Petra and Isla Billings. Darren McGhee gave
Retta Smith
Retta Ruth Smith, age 87, of Wichita, Kansas, formerly of Bronson, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at The Center at Waterfront, surrounded by family.
Her sense of humor, loving nature, and delicious homemade cooking will be deeply missed.
Born Oct. 15, 1937, in Fort Scott, Kansas, to Virgil and Grace (Wyatt) Fisher, Retta grew up on a dairy farm in Hammond. She embraced farm life further when she married Glenn E. Smith of Bronson on March 5, 1961.
Retta was actively involved in the Methodist Church from a young age. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, directed Bible School, served as church secretary, and was a lay speaker at various area churches. A member of the Eastern Star, she held various offices and star points, and participated in multiple community clubs.
Retta brought joy to many with her humorous skits and jokes. She loved cooking for others and often made holiday treat plates, especially fudge and peanut brittle, for friends and neighbors. After moving to Wichita, she enjoyed a variety of crafts and puzzles.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Marjorie Duerson and Nelda Beth, and daughter Arlene Garrison.
Retta is survived by her husband, Glenn; two daughters, Joyce Smith (Lynn Huffstetler) and Tricia (Chris) Knoll; son-in-law Glen Garrison; three granddaughters, Cheyenne and Montana Garrison and Lola Knoll; brother, Vern (Karen) Fisher; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Retta’s family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service in Iola.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Moran United Methodist Church, with a private family burial at Bronson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Moran United Methodist Church and sent in care of Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Hwy 54, Iola, KS 66749. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
Samantha Lyons
Samantha Lynn Larson Lyons, 51, of Kent, Wash., went to be with her Lord and her brother, Jeremy Joe Larson, on Dec. 1, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital, in Puyallup, Wash., from complications with lung issues.
Samantha was surrounded by her four children at the time of her passing.
She was born May 31, 1973, at Fort Riley, Kan., the daughter of Gayla Jo Larson and Virgil Reed.
Samantha was preceded in death by her brother, Jeremy Joe, in 1997; and her grandfather, Buford Larson.
Survivors include her four children, Brian and Rachel Blagburn and Zoey and Kaden Lyons, of Kent, Wash.; her mother, Gayla Jo Larson; grandmother, Patricia Larson; and her aunt, Gwen Sapienza.
communion meditation on Luke 22:16 where Jesus told the disciples how eager he had been to share the Passover meal with them.
The church Christmas party and Christmas caroling will be Dec. 14.
Number of cyclists increase in NYC
NEW YORK — A record number of New Yorkers took to the town on two wheels this year, according to the city’s Department of Transportation data — the fourth straight year of all-time cycling highs.
The DOT’s annual cycling survey — which uses bicycle traffic over the East River bridges as an indication of citywide trends — counted an average of 28,108 riders a day over the four river crossings.
More and more New Yorkers are opting to get around by bike because it’s a fast, convenient, and safe way to travel around the city. — Ydanis Rodriguez
That’s up 8.4% from the 25,943 cyclists per in-season weekday on the bridges for 2023.
The largest single increase was seen on the Brooklyn Bridge, where ridership jumped more than 15%, from 4,769 average daily riders in 2023 to 5,504 in 2024. The Williamsburg Bridge is still the preferred two-wheel route, with 8,645 average daily riders this year — up 11% from 2023.
Ridership also climbed this year according to another metric — the average number riders crossing 50th Street in Manhattan during a 12-hour period.
“More and more New Yorkers are opting to get around by bike because it’s a fast, convenient, and safe way to travel around the city,” DOT commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez said in a statement. “Another year of record-breaking ridership over our four iconic East River bridges illustrates how NYC DOT’s efforts to build safe cycling spaces has spurred tremendous growth.”
Ronald Burris
Retta Smith
Market place
Ronald Burris
Syria: Government
Continued from A1
government and religious tolerance.
The rebel command said Monday they would not tell women how to dress.
“It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the General Command said in a statement on social media.
Meanwhile, some key government services had shut down as state workers ignored calls to return to their jobs, a U.N. official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid.
Israel said it is carrying out airstrikes on suspected chemical weapons sites and long-range rockets to keep them from falling into the hands of extremists. Israel has also seized a buffer zone inside Syria after Syrian troops withdrew.
In northern Syria, Turkey said allied opposition forces seized the town of Manbij from Kurdish-led forces backed by the United States, a reminder that even after Assad’s departure to Russia the country remains split among armed groups that have fought in the past.
The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Putin was not planning to meet with him.
Damascus was quiet on Monday, with life slowly returning to normal while most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed but there was no public transport.
Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores.
There was little sign of any security presence, and Associated Press reporters saw a few SUVs on the side of a main boulevard that appeared to have been broken into.
In some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets. A video circulating online showed a man in military fatigues holding a rifle
attempting to reassure residents of the Mezzeh neighborhood in Damascus that they would not be harmed.
“We have nothing against you, neither Alawite, nor Christian, nor Shiite, nor Druze, but everyone must behave well, and no one should try to attack us,” the fighter said.
Prime minister says the government is still operational
Prime Minister Mohammed Ghazi Jalali, who remained in his post after Assad and most of his top officials vanished over the weekend, has sought to project normalcy.
“We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before.
He said the government is coordinating with the insurgents, and that he is ready to meet rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani, who made a triumphal appearance at a famed Damascus mosque on Sunday.
Syrians who only days ago were working at all levels of the bureaucracy in Assad’s government were adjusting to the new reality.
At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said Sunday that judges were ready to resume work quickly.
“We want to give everyone their rights,” Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.”
But a U.N. official said some government services had been paralyzed as worried state employees stayed home.
The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs.
Milk: USDA requires testing for bird flu
Continued from A1
general public remains low and there is no evidence to suggest bird flu can spread from person to person, nearly 60 people, mostly farmworkers, have contracted the virus this year.
The new milk testing requirements from USDA will apply nationally but will begin first in California, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon and Pennsylvania, the week of Dec. 16.
“Among many outcomes, this will give farmers and farmworkers better confidence in the safety of their animals and ability to protect themselves, and it will put us on a path to quickly controlling and stopping the virus’ spread nationwide,”
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a written statement.
Unpasteurized milk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has repeatedly tested pasteurized milk on store shelves throughout the country to reaffirm it’s safe to drink. Other dairy products, like cheese and ice cream, have also been found safe.
strategy is a critical part of our ongoing efforts to protect the health and safety of individuals and communities nationwide.”
gust to test for bird flu in dairy cattle moved into meat production, seeking to confirm prior studies that found it safe to eat.
cases this year, while Missouri, Oregon and Texas have each had one positive human case.
The bird flu outbreak has affected 720 dairy herds throughout 15 states so far this year.
But the FDA continues to urge people against consuming unpasteurized milk, since it doesn’t go through the heating process that kills off viruses and bacteria.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a written statement the new milk “testing
“Our primary responsibility at HHS is to protect public health and the safety of the food supply, and we continue to work closely with USDA and all stakeholders on continued testing for H5N1 in retail milk and dairy samples from across the country to ensure the safety of the commercial pasteurized milk supply,” Becerra said. “We will continue this work with USDA for as long and as far as necessary.”
The USDA began a voluntary bulk tank testing program for milk this summer in an attempt to make it easier for farmers to move their cattle across state lines without having to test each cow. The department also began a year-long study in Au-
Champs: 4-Her’s
Continued from A1
Kyster Nemecek, McDaniel and Crystal are part of the Southwind Extension 4-H Livestock Judging Team and were among six youth invited to try out for the All-Star team earlier this fall. They were joined by Franklin to represent the state at the national contest.
The Southwind boys also competed in the National 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest at the livestock expo in Louisville where they were named 7th team overall.
The Southwind Dis-
trict Livestock Judging Team wrapped up a successful season this fall, earning Reserve National Champion honors at the American Royal. The team also competed around the world, taking home the title of International Champions after competing at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland and the Charleville Show in the Republic of Ireland over the summer. Competing in the international tour were Nemecek, Crystal, McDaniel, Carly Dreher of Iola, Emery Yoho of Yates Center and Brady Hurt of Buffalo.
The bird flu outbreak has affected 720 dairy herds throughout 15 states so far this year, though California became the epicenter during the last month, according to data from the USDA.
The Golden State holds nearly all of the 273 herds diagnosed, with just four found in Utah during the last 30 days. California also holds the bulk of bird flu infections in people, with 32 of the 58 diagnosed cases this year, according to information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Colorado accounts for another 10 human cases and Washington state confirmed 11 people infected with H5N1. Michigan has had two
USDA order The USDA federal order announced Friday will require anyone responsible for a dairy farm — such as a bulk milk transporter, bulk milk transfer station, or dairy processing facility — to share unpasteurized or raw milk samples when requested.
Any farm owners whose dairy herds test positive for H5N1 will be required to share epidemiological information that would allow public health officials to perform contact tracing and other types of disease surveillance. Additionally, private laboratories and state veterinarians must alert USDA to positive samples that were collected as part of this National Milk Testing Strategy.
Public notice
TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: You are hereby notified that on November 25, 2024, a Petition was filed in this Court by Myrna Wildschuetz, an heir, devisee, legatee, and named fiduciary in the Last Will and Testament of Eugene Parsons, deceased, dated March 21, 2002, requesting Informal Administration and to Admit the Will to Probate.
You are required to file your written defenses to the Petition on or before December 27, 2024 at 8:30 A.M. in the District Court of Allen County, Kansas, 1 North Washington Ave., Room B, Iola, KS 66749, at which time and place the cause will be heard. Should you fail to file your written defenses, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon the Petition. All creditors are notified to exhibit their demands against the Estate within the latter of four months from the date of the first publication of this notice, as provided by law, or if the identity of the creditor is known or reasonably ascertainable, 30 days after actual notice was given as provided by law, and if their demands are
Holstein milking cows at an Idaho dairy on July 20, 2012. KIRSTEN STROUGH/ USDA
at the Iola Register Office.
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
Arrowood Lane and Greystone Residential Care communities are currently seeking Full and Part-time Medication Aides/CNAs.
These positions would be responsible for providing compassionate care and respect for our residents while assisting with activities of daily living and observing any changes in health status. Medication Aides also administer medications per physician's orders. Must maintain professional, positive attitude and be a team player. At Arrowood Lane and Greystone Residential Care Communities, we operate as a family. We fill our walls with love, laughter and great people. We work together as a team to provide exceptional care, dignity and respect to our residents. If you’re
Activity Director
Please
&
TikTok asks court to delay ban until SCOTUS review
By the Associated Press
TikTok on Monday asked a federal appeals court to bar the Biden administration from enforcing a law that could lead to a ban on the popular platform until the Supreme Court reviews the case. The legal filing was made after a panel of judges on the same court sided with the
government last week and ruled that the law, which requires TikTok to divest from its China-based parent company or face a ban as soon as next month, was constitutional. If the law is not overturned, both TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have said the popular app will shut down by mid-January.
Physical Therapist
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Registered Occupational Therapist
Registered Occupational Therapists offer an approach that focuses on the effects of injury on the social, emotional, and physiological condition of individuals, working with consumers to developed skilled therapy goals.
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Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistants assess, plan and provide therapeutic intervention as it relates to physical deficits in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
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Whooping cough cases up
By SARAH RITTER TNS
Minnesota is reporting the highest number of whooping cough cases in more than a decade, the state Department of Health says.
As of Wednesday, 2,324 cases of whooping cough, also called pertussis, were reported, with the majority in the Twin Cities metro. That’s the highest number reported at this time of year since 2012, when there were 4,144 cases.
Whooping cough cases are increasing across the country, signaling a return to more typical trends seen before a drop-off of many contagious illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Minnesota, the median age of those with whooping cough this year is 14.
Among the cases are
77 infants; and 34 people were hospitalized.
ZITS by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman
BEETLE BAILEY by Mort Walker
HAGAR THE HORRIBLE by Chris Browne
MARVIN by Tom Armstrong
HI AND LOIS by Chance Browne
BLONDIE by Young and Drake
MUTTS by Patrick McDonell
iolaregister.com/photos
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
The Iola Register
~ Journalism that makes a difference
As a physician, I get the anger about health care
The murder of a health insurance executive has reignited hostility Americans feel about health care
By HELEN OUYANG Guest opinion for The New York Times
I rushed around the patient as he lay motionless with his eyes closed in the emergency room. He was pale and sweaty, his T-shirt stained with vomit. You didn’t have to be a health-care worker to know that he was in a dire state. The beeps on the monitor told me his heart rate was dangerously slow. I told the man that he was going to be admitted to the hospital overnight.
After a pause, he beckoned me closer. His forehead furrowed with concern. I thought he would ask if he was going to be OK or if he needed surgery — questions I’m comfortable fielding. But instead he asked, “Will my insurance cover my stay?”
This is a question I can’t answer with certainty. Patients often believe that since I’m part of the health-care system, I would know. But I don’t, not as a doctor — and not even when I’m a patient myself. In the United States, health insurance is so extraordinarily complicated, with different insurers offering different plans, covering certain things and denying others (sometimes in spite of what they say initially they cover). I could never guarantee anything. I didn’t say all this to the man, though, because I needed him to stay in the hospital and accept inpatient treatment. So instead I hedged. “You’re very sick,” I told him. “You shouldn’t worry about your insurance right now.” I should have been able to give him a better answer, under a better system.
THE KILLING of Brian Thompson, the chief executive of UnitedHealthcare, the country’s largest health insurer, has reignited people’s contempt for their health plans.
It’s unknown if Mr. Thompson’s tragic death was related to health care, and the gleeful responses have been horrifying. But that reaction, even in its objectionable vitriol, matters for how it lays bare Americans’ deep-seated anger toward health care. Around the country, anecdotes were unleashed with furor.
Among these grievances is the great unknown of whether a treatment recommended by a doctor will be covered. It’s critical for me as a physician to build trust with my patients by giving them clear answers. But the conversations we’re seeing now about health care remind me that insurance unknowns don’t just compromise the care I can deliver to my patients — they also undermine the fragile doctor-patient trust. It’s an unsustainable dynamic.
Unsurprisingly, despite my platitudes, my patient did worry. Instead of resting on the stretcher, he and his wife began calling his insurance company.
To keep him from leaving, I tried to be more persuasive, even though I didn’t know what kind of health plan he had: “I’m sure your insurance will pay. I’ll document carefully how medically necessary this admission is.”
When doctors can’t give a straight or accurate answer about a patient’s health insurance coverage, patients may lost faith in them.
The average cost of a threeday hospital stay is $30,000. He had heard the health-insurance horror stories. Maybe he had lived through one himself.
One of my first lessons as a new attending physician in a hospital serving a working-class community was in insurance. I saw my colleagues prescribing suboptimal drugs and thought they weren’t practicing evidence-based medicine. In reality, they were doing something better — practicing patient-based medicine. When people said they couldn’t afford a medication that their insurance didn’t cover, they would prescribe an alternative, even if it wasn’t the best available option.
I loathe the fact that patients can’t automatically get the care they need without thinking about costs.
I added that social workers and other advocates could also assist in sorting out his insurance once he was admitted. And, worst-case scenario, if they couldn’t, I crossed my fingers that the hospital’s charity care would help.
I said what I could to get him to stay, but I understood why he wanted to be certain.
As a young doctor, I struggled with this. Studies show this drug is the most effective treatment, I would say. Of course, the insurer will cover it. My more seasoned colleague gently chided me that if I practiced this way, then my patients wouldn’t fill their prescriptions at all. And he was right.
I’ve been on the other side of the American health insurance quagmire too, as a patient. Recently, my primary care physician recommended that I have additional test-
ing to assess my risk for certain diseases. The patient in me instinctively asked if my insurance covered it, even though I knew she wouldn’t know the answer. “They should,” she said. “It seems most insurers are paying for it.” I recognized her response — it’s the same optimistic but vague one I often give. When doctors can’t give a straight or accurate answer, patients may lose faith in them. What’s more, when insurers reject claims, they usually blame the provider — the medical code used was wrong, the diagnosis wasn’t specific enough — which can further erode the relationship between patients and their doctors.
I saw this happen with my mother. She got her annual flu shot, which is part of her preventive care — a proactive step we want patients to take — but her insurance said it wasn’t covered because her doctor supposedly used the wrong code. The clinic resubmitted the claim, but it continued to be denied. Each time my mother called her insurance company, an agent blamed her doctor. Eventually, my mother grudgingly returned to her physician for her annual exam, but her relationship with the primary care practice has frayed. She also no longer gets her vaccines there.
My one family member with solid insurance is my dog. He got elective surgery
recently, and I was astounded by the straightforward nature of his insurance. Once we meet the deductible, everything is simply covered by 80 percent. This is clearly described in a packet I received when I first signed him up. It’s an imperfect comparison to insurance for humans — I pay in full first, then get reimbursed — but it’s incredible to think that insurance for pets and possessions is easier to navigate and more consumer-friendly than insurance for people.
The country is not heading toward a single-payer system, but that doesn’t mean we have to continue leaving patients and their doctors in the dark.
I loathe the fact that patients can’t automatically get the care they need without thinking about costs. But they at least deserve clarity about what’s covered before they acquiesce to expensive tests and treatments. Health insurance shouldn’t be so opaque, up to the whim of different companies. Coverage shouldn’t be so convoluted, mired in rigid codes and obfuscating wording. I should be able to tell my patient in the E.R. if his hospital stay will definitely be paid for. I know exactly how much of my dog’s care will be covered; why can’t I know the same for my patients?
In the end, my patient in the E.R. decided to go home that day. I reiterated how sick he was. I showed him the results that concerned me, even tried to tell him that he could possibly die if he left the hospital. But I’m not sure how much he trusted me after my overconfident assurances that his insurance would pay; when he finally got through to an agent, he was told coverage would depend on the specifics of his care. He couldn’t risk a big hospital bill right now, he told me, matter-of-factly. He promised to come back if he felt worse. About the author: Dr. Ouyang is an emergency physician and an associate professor at Columbia University.
To Syria’s President Assad we say ‘Good riddance’
The Middle East badly needs a success story
If life is full of surprises, life in the Middle East is full of shocks. Even by that standard, the fall of Damascus is a stunner.
Until two weeks ago, nothing in the region seemed more permanent than Syrian President Bashir al-Assad’s hated regime. And yet, on Sunday, anti-government militia forces culminated a lightning offensive across the country, seizing Syria’s capital as Mr. Assad’s army melted away.
Mr. Assad has fled the country, thus ending his family’s brutal half-century dynasty.
To Mr. Assad we say: Good riddance. The speed of his downfall is testament to the illegitimacy of his awful rule, marked by mass executions, torture and support for terrorism. During the past 13plus years of civil war, the
regime depended on Russia, which carried out devastating airstrikes, Iran and its Lebanese proxy group, Hezbollah. But Russia had withdrawn troops for its war with Ukraine, Hezbollah has been decimated by its war with Israel, and Iran, also weakened by clashes with Israel, wrote off Mr. Assad.
For Syrians, the nightmare of Mr. Assad’s misrule is finally over. But euphoria over his ouster must be tempered by questions over what comes next.
It might be tempting to assume that anything is better than Mr. Assad. That would be a mistake. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, the main rebel group behind the current offensive, is an al-Qaeda offshoot that once had links to the Islamic State. Deemed a terrorist organization by the United States, HTS is led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, who fought U.S. troops in Iraq. Mr. Jolani has lately been trying to project a more moderate image
and convince Syrians that all ethnic groups would be welcome in the post-Assad Syria. In the Idlib region of northwestern Syria, which it controls, HTS has provided protections for women and religious minorities but has also been accused of human rights abuses and authoritarian rule.
How Mr. Jolani handles the immediate transition after Mr. Assad’s ouster will give clues as to which face of HTS to believe. Mr. Jolani needs to publicly commit to upholding Security Council resolution 2254, adopted in 2015, which calls for a ceasefire, a transitional authority involving all Syrian warring factions except terrorist groups, and U.N.-supervised elections after 18 months. Syria’s economy is a wreck, and it needs international assistance to rebuild. That help should be made contingent on Mr. Jolani’s commitment to an inclusive, pluralistic Syria.
There should also be no wholesale retribution
against old regime officials or the military. If Mr. Assad and his most-complicit aides are ever again in the country, the new government would be perfectly reasonable to hold them accountable for the crimes of his 24-year rule. But his soldiers were mostly conscripts. And some civil servants from the old regime will be needed to help necessary state institutions continue to function.
Mr. Assad’s erstwhile prime minister has already offered an olive branch, saying, “We are ready to cooperate with any leadership the people choose.” Mr. Jolani and the HTS should take up the offer. Syria might seem far removed from U.S. interests.
Before Mr. Assad’s fall, President-elect Donald Trump posted; “DO NOT GET INVOLVED!” But America is involved. Some 900 U.S. troops and an undisclosed number of military contractors are operating in northeastern Syria near Iraq, battling the Islamic State and backing Kurdish forces fighting
the Assad regime. Iranian-backed militants using rockets, missiles and drones have attacked U.S. troops 125 times since October 2023.
Mr. Assad possessed prohibited chemical weapons, which he used against both rebels and — mostly — civilians. Securing that stockpile and keeping it out of the wrong hands is a paramount U.S. concern.
Syrian unrest has created the world’s largest refugee crisis, with nearly 6 million displaced Syrians living in neighboring countries and Europe. ...
The Middle East badly needs a success story: a pluralistic, democratic Arab country committed to upholding human rights. For more than 50 years, Syria under the Assad family regime epitomized so much that is wrong about the region. With engaged diplomacy, the United States can help write a brighter next chapter for this strategically located, and long-suffering, country. — The Washington Post
Farm and Home
Forest Service has trees, shrubs
The Kansas Forest Service is offering lowcost conservation tree and shrub seedlings for purchase.
These seedlings are to be used in conservation plantings, such as home/livestock windbreaks, living snow fences, Christmas tree plantations, firewood lots, habitats for game birds and wildlife, barriers to reduce noise pollution, blocking ugly views, marking property lines and creating habitat for songbirds.
These plants are 1 or 2 years old, and their sizes vary from 12 to 18 inches, depending on the species.
Most of the trees are bare-root seedlings, however some are available as container-grown seedlings such as Ponderosa pine and Southwestern white pine.
Deciduous trees that are available include: bald cypress, black walnut, bur oak, cottonwood, hackberry, redbud, and sycamore. Shrubs available in-
clude American plum, chokecherry, lilac, and sand hill plum. This is not a complete listing of available trees and not all trees are recommended for this area.
The Kansas Forest Service also offers tree “bundles” for purchase. The Quail Bundle offers a variety of shrubs designed to attract quail, including American plum, fragrant sumac, golden current and chokecherry. It was created in cooperation with Quail Forever to provide excellent food and habitat for upland bird species in eastern
Cargill plans layoffs
By JACK HARVEL
The Topeka Capital-Journal
Cargill is reducing its workforce by about 5% globally, saying the layoffs are a response to a decrease in crop prices that have reduced revenue for the agricultural giant.
An annual report from the Minnesota-based company said it employed about 160,000 people worldwide in 2024, making it the United States’ largest private company. The 5% cut could impact 8,000 workers.
Hutchinson, Salina, Ogallah and Wakeeney.
It has a meat processing facility in Dodge City, a warehouse and pet food manufacturing facility in Kansas City and a feed and nutrition plant in Emporia.
Its protein division’s headquarters in Wichita opened in 2018 and was meant to connect Cargill’s 800 Wichita-based employees with its 28,000 workers across North America.
Kansas.
Another favorite is the pollinator bundle. Designed to improve the habitat for a diverse array of pollinating insects, it primarily focuses on native bees, honey bees, butterflies and moths.
This bundle is composed of seven species of shrubs and small trees — American plum, chokecherry, golden currant, false indigo, elderberry, buttonbush and eastern redbud.
Not certain what you would like to order? Stop by the Extension office at 1006 N.
State St., and pick up a brochure that has color pictures of various trees and shrubs at maturity.
Orders for conservation trees are accepted Jan. 2 through April 30, with shipments beginning in March.
However, I recommend you order early to ensure availability of trees.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at kharding@ksu.edu or 620-244-3826.
Prairie Dell 4-H
KSU economists to discuss agricultural land values, rents
GARNETT — Understanding the price of agricultural land and how to construct lease agreements will be discussed at a Jan. 8 public meeting in Garnett.
The Frontier Extension District is hosting the meeting, which includes presentations by K-State economists Robin Reid and Megan Hughes.
One of Reid’s primary research projects has been land values in Kansas. Reid breaks out property sales on parcels of ag land from 2019 through 2024 to give producers an in-depth look at how much they could expect to pay or to receive from the sale of agricultural properties.
Hughes will join Reid in the discussion, but will focus more on the rental side of things including rental rates and the details of negotiating a lease.
“Rental rates are by far some of the most popular questions that come into the office,” said Ryan Schaub, Frontier District crop production and farm management agent.
the reasoning for the differences in numbers before going on to say that I tend to only do business with people I trust and that entering into rental agreements is doing business with those people.”
“Landowners always have to think about adjusting rental rates as land prices increase and they consider the opportunity cost of holding onto that property,” Schaub said.
To wrap up the evening, Roger McEowen, professor of agricultural law and taxation at Washburn University School of Law, will talk about components of a written lease agreement.
“The main takehome point will be to understand what all needs to be included in lease agreements to help ensure that each party knows what to expect from the other,” said Schaub.
The meeting will be held at the Garnett Community Building, North Lake Road in Garnett, starting with a meal at 5:30 p.m. RSVPs are requested and can be made with the Frontier Extension District Garnett office by calling 785-448-6826 or emailing Ryan Schaub at reschaub@ksu.edu by Monday, Jan. 6.
Dale's Sheet Metal looks OK. I'd like to reduce the size of "Names and Numbers" and increase their logo. Also, I'd like a bit more elegant of a font for their "And many..." message.
“To strengthen Cargill’s impact, we must realign our talent and resources to align with our strategy. Unfortunately, that means reducing our global workforce by approximately 5 percent. This difficult decision was not made lightly,” a Cargill representative told The Capital-Journal.
Cargill’s major businesses are trading and distributing grain, livestock and food ingredients. It reported record-high revenues during the pandemic but declined to its lowest level of profit since 2016 this year.
Can you make those two changes?
The company operates grain elevators in Topeka, Wichita,
The layoffs at Cargill come as Kansas saw another large agricultural employer cut back in Kansas. Tyson Foods announced Dec. 2 that its plant in Emporia will close in February and lay off the 809 employees that work there.
Presents and family were the answers to the question, “What is your favorite thing about Christmas,” at the Prairie Dell 4-H Club meeting on Dec. 3, 2024. Before the meeting the club members sang Christmas carols at Heartland Meadows. The next Prairie Dell 4-H Club meeting will be at 7 p.m., Jan. 6, 2025 at the Southwind Extension District office in Iola.
“While we do have some resources to help determine the counties’ averages, we also try to share a range of prices that we hear are being used in new agreements. Many times, these new numbers can be quite different from the other resources we have,” said Schaub. “I typically try to explain
The event is expected to wrap up around 8 p.m. Ask questions or RSVP at 785-448-6826 or at reschaub@ksu. edu.
— Lola Church, Reporter
Krista Harding Extension Agent for Agriculture
Orders for trees and shrubs can be placed beginning Jan. 2 at the Southwind Extension Office at 1006 N. State St.
Democratic Governors Association selects Laura Kelly to lead group
By JACK HARVEL Topeka Capital-Journal
Democratic governors from 23 states elected Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly to chair the Democratic Governors Association for a one-year term.
Kelly has served as the chair since August, when Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz vacated the position to join Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign. Before the promotion, Kelly was vice chair of the DGA.
The association describes itself as an “independent voluntary political organization” that supports Democratic governors and candidates. It provides help during campaigns with funding and advice and helps sitting governors with policy recommendations and best practices.
In a news release announcing Kelly’s election to chair, the DGA praised Kelly for stewardship of the economy, her work as DGA vice chair and chair in supporting Democratic campaigns and her ability to work with Republicans and Democrats to “build common ground.”
Though the top of the ticket went to Republicans, Democratic governors faired well. No incumbent Democratic governor lost a race in 2024.
“I’m proud of the DGA’s success in 2024, and look forward to building on our momentum to win both competitive races in Virginia and New Jersey next year,” Kelly said.
“As Democratic governors, we’re delivering real results for the peo-
ple of our states and making lives better for millions of Americans by focusing on the issues that matter most.”
Democratic governors simultaneously elected Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear as vice chair for 2025 and chair-elect in 2026. The DGA said Beshear beat the odds winning reelection 2023 in a state that strongly favors Republicans.
“In Kentucky, we’ve shown that when you focus on bringing people together and the fundamental challenges families are facing every day, Democrats can win anywhere. I’m excited to build on that record to help elect and re-elect Democratic governors across the country so we can continue making a positive difference in our states,” Beshear said.
National Republicans set sights on Kansas 2026 gubernatorial race
By JASON ALATIDD Topeka Capital-Journal
With the 2024 elections over and the 2026 elections on the horizon — including a gubernatorial race in Kansas — national Republicans plan to go on offense in the Sunflower State.
The Republican Governors Association announced in November that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp was elected the new chair of the RGA. Kemp identified the 2026 gubernatorial race in Kansas as a priority, according to an RGA statement last week that highlighted comments Kemp made to Fox News.
“We’ll be working with the Trump administration and a lot of other people to make sure that that’s happening not only in Georgia, but in other states around the country, in places like Kansas, where we have a Democratic governor right now, in places like Arizona, where we have a really good shot at winning the governor’s races,” Kemp said. “So we’re going to be on offense.”
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly has two years remaining in office, after being elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022.
Man arrested in killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO
NEW YORK (AP) —
Police have arrested a 26-year-old man with a weapon consistent with the gun used to kill the head of the largest U.S. health insurer, New York’s police commissioner said Monday.
The man was taken into custody after police got a tip that he had been spotted at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said said at a news conference.
“They also recovered clothing, including a mask consistent with those worn by our wanted individual,” Tisch said. “Also recovered was a fraudulent New Jersey ID matching the ID our suspect used to check into his New York City hostel before the shooting incident,”
Tisch said.
Luigi Nicholas Mangione was taken into custody, Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. Mangione was born and raised in Maryland, has ties to San Francisco and his last known address in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kenny said.
The man taken into custody had a ghost gun, a type of weapon that can be assembled at home from parts without a serial number, making them difficult to trace, investigators said. Police found a three-page document with writings suggesting that Mangione had “ill will toward corporate America,” Kenny said.
“As of right now the information we’re getting from Altoona is
that the gun appears to be a ghost gun that may have been made on a 3D printer, capable of firing a 9 mm round,” Kenny said.
UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, 50, was killed last Wednesday in what police said was a “brazen, targeted” attack as he walked alone to the Hilton from a nearby hotel, where UnitedHealthcare’s parent company, UnitedHealth Group, was holding its annual investor conference, police said.
The shooter appeared to be “lying in wait for several minutes” before approaching the executive from behind and opening fire, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said. He used a 9 mm pistol that police said resembled the
guns farmers use to put down animals without causing a loud noise.
In the days since the shooting, police turned to the public for help by releasing a collection of photos and video — including footage of the attack, as well as images of the suspect at a Starbucks beforehand.
Kelly is the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, taking over in August to fill the remaining term of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.
“Kansas presents a prime opportunity for Republicans to be on offense and to put the Kansas governorship back in Republican hands,” Courtney Alexander, an RGA spokesperson, said in a statement to The Capital-Journal. “Kansans have shown time and time again they support commonsense, conservative leadership and it’s time to return that to Topeka.”
Gov. Laura Kelly takes part in the ceremonial signing of a bill reforming worker compensation law in Kansas in July. FILE PHOTO
Sports Daily B
Mathes golden on the mats
By RICHARD LUKEN
CANEY — Brand new weight class, same old result.
Humboldt High’s Cole Mathes, wrestling for the first time in his high school career at 190 pounds, found himself in a familiar position — atop the medal stand — following Saturday’s Kan-Okla Classic, one of the premiere competitions in southeast Kansas.
Mathes, a two-time state medalist at 175 pounds, went 4-0 on the day including a 1-0 thriller over Colton Neal of Bluestem in the championship match. Neal was rated by coaches as the sixth-best 190-pound wrestler in Class 3-1A. Mathes was ranked second in the state at 175 pounds, and showed he’ll probably be somewhere near the top of the higher weight class
See MATHES | Page B4
Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Iola’s grapplers shine
By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
Now that’s the way to start a season on the right foot.
Iola High’s young wrestling squad — with zero seniors and 23 of the 25 grapplers either freshmen or sophomores — had an action-packed start to the 2024-25 campaign.
And they showed just how bright the future can be, led by the Mustang girls tandem of Addalyn Wacker and Zoie Hesse.
Wacker, a freshman, opened the year Wednesday by taking first place at a Santa Fe Trail mixer in Carbondale before taking second place Friday in the same weight class at a loaded Kan-Okla Classic.
Hesse, a sophomore, was only able to wrestle at the Santa Fe Trail event — Fri-
Iola High’s Evan LaCrone wrestles Saturday at the Kan-Okla Classic in Caney. Below, the Mustangs’ Kale Pratt takes on an opponent. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
day’s competition conflicted with a basketball game for the dual-sport athlete — but she made it a memorable one as well.
Hesse won both of her
Mustang girls cruise in opener
By RICHARD LUKEN
With only 12 girls on the roster, Iola High’s coaches have had to be creative when running their practices, and have rarely been able to run full five-on-five scrimmages during practice.
So you couldn’t blame interim head coach Emily Sigg if she had a little trepidation in the run-up to Friday’s season-opener against rival Anderson County.
“We wrote out a list of goals prior to the game of things we wanted to see,” Sigg said.
Needless to say, those goals were met with flying colors.
The Mustangs were stifling on the defensive end, and effective enough offensively to take a commanding lead early and never let up in a 40-19 romp.
“One of our biggest goals was to play a full four quarters,” Sigg said. “That’s what we did.”
It helps that six of the 12 players on the roster are seniors, and all 12 have had varsity experience entering the season.
It was senior Harper
Desmarteau who took over early, with a pair of back-toback layups and a 3-pointer in the early going as Iola broke out to an 11-2 lead.
Sophomore reserve Zoie Hesse took over in the second period, scoring twice off assists from senior Reese Curry before sophomore Dally Curry drained a pair of free throws to make it 17-3.
Desmarteau added a third 3-pointer with just under 2 minutes left in the half to make it 20-5.
Iola’s offense stalled for a bit on both sides of the halftime break. The Mustangs went scoreless for nearly 6 minutes as the Bulldogs’ Addy Sommer hit a 3-point-
See MUSTANGS | Page B3
190-pound matches in quick fashion, pinning both of her opponents in quick fashion, including a 36-second pin over Marley Gilliland of Holton, the state’s thirdranked 190-pound wrestler in Class 4A.
Hesse, who was unranked in the preseason Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association poll, will almost certainly get some consideration now.
WEDNESDAY was only part of the story. The girls ventured to Caney Friday for their part of the Kan-Okla Classic, one of the preeminent wrestling competitions in this part of the state.
There, Wacker added a runner-up finish, pinning her first two opponents before defeating Erie’s Madi
Porter, Bulldogs top IHS
RICHARD
Iola High’s offensive struggles — 29% shooting and 19 turnovers — could be explained as a byproduct of playing the team’s season-opener Friday against one of the team’s biggest rivals, head coach Luke Bycroft said.
The team’s defensive struggles were a lot harder for him to stomach.
“We did not play defense at all,” he said. “That’s my biggest disappointment.”
The Mustangs had no answer for Anderson County’s 6-6 senior forward Noah Porter, who had a night for the ages, scoring 28 points and
Humboldt High’s Cole Mathes, standing, has his opponent, Parsons’ Brelin Summers in a precarious spot Saturday at Caney. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Iola High’s Harper Desmarteau, center, controls the ball against Anderson County Friday. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Iola High’s Lucas Maier (22) and Anderson County’s Eli Martin (20) fight for a rebound Friday. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
By
LUKEN The Iola Register See IOLA | Page B2
The Iola Register
The Iola Register
Humboldt squads cruise in openers Crest wins big
ST. PAUL — Humboldt
High’s basketball teams hit the ground running Friday to open the 202425 basketball season.
The Humboldt boys shot a scorching 55% from the field and raced to a 52-14 halftime lead over host St. Paul in a 78-38 victory.
The Lady Cubs also cruised in their opener, winning 55-39.
The teams will be at home this week for the Humboldt Invitational Tournament. The Cubs will host West Elk Tuesday to open the round-robin tournament before taking on Crest on Thursday and Erie on Friday.
WITH SUCH a big lead, boys head coach David Taylor was able to get his entire roster plenty of playing time, with little drop-off from one substitute to the next.
“Our transition game was very good,” Taylor said. “Our passing was very crisp for our first game of the year.”
And even when Humboldt was unable to get its transition game going, the players were patient enough to work the ball and get open shots in a half-court offense. They were so effective, that they only attempted one 3-pointer on the night. The rest
were from up close.
“The guys were very unselfish,” Taylor said.
Colden Cook shot 9 of 13 from the field to lead the way with 19 points, six rebounds and four steals. Asher Hart shot 6 of 8 from the floor to score 12. Blake Ellis scored 11 points and pulled in six steals. Tre Franklin’s Humboldt debut saw him get 10 points and four steals. Avery Works followed with eight points and Mason Sterling scored six points with four assists.
Humboldt registered 23 steals as a team. Reserves Keith Gomez and Thatcher Mueller had
three and two thefts, respectively.
St. Paul added a few highlights of its own, drilling seven 3-pointers after the break, accounting for 21 of its 24 second-half points. Statistics from the Lady Cubs’ victory were unavailable.
Humboldt Boys
Iola: Defense struggles in Game 1 loss
Continued from B1
taking over the game in the second quarter as the Bulldogs rolled to a 68-46 victory.
“I don’t understand it,” Bycroft said. “That’s not who we are. That’s not the defense we’ve played, ever. We let them get the ball to the rim over and over again with no challenge.”
It took a while for both teams to get going early. Porter went to the bench with two early fouls and was scoreless through the first quarter — and Iola took a 9-8 lead into the second period, thanks to a pair of early Matthew Beckmon 3-pointers. But it didn’t take Anderson County long to take over once Porter returned to the court at the start of the second quarter. Porter had a pair of electrifying dunks as Anderson County opened the quarter with a 16-2 run.
Iola’s Cortland Carson ended the run with a 3-pointer, but the Bulldogs continued to score at will.
Iola caught a break late in the half when Porter slammed down an offensive rebound to make it 28-16, but was whistled for a technical foul for hanging onto the rim for too long afterward. Anderson County’s Brylan Sommer also hit a big 3-pointer just before the buzzer, but also was T’d up for celebrating a bit too exuberantly.
Carson hit all four free throws from the technicals and added
10 more points in the fourth quarter to help the Bulldogs stay safely ahead.
Carson scored 27 points on 8 of 24 shooting. Beckmon added nine points, all on 3-pointers. Jordy Kaufman and Grady Dougherty added eight and seven rebounds, respectively. Carson had two assists and two steals. Nick Bauer, Kaufman and Kyser Nemecek also had two steals.
“Brennen Coffield gave us a few good minutes,” Bycroft said. “He was where he was supposed to be, doing what he was supposed to do. And I do like that Matthew was so productive offensively. He was able to get off some quick shots.
“But I’m so focused on how we did defensively that there’s no way I’m happy right now,” he continued, adding that practices in the run-up to this week’s preseason tournament will be a spirited affair.
IOLA’S younger squads had a better night.
The Mustang junior varsity cruised to a 6023 victory. Austin Crooks poured in 22 points, while Jayden Beene scored 11 and Hayden Kelley scored 10. Jase Herrmann chipped in with seven, Tre Wilson had four and Brennen Coffield and Mosiah Fawson had two apiece.
The Mustang C team emerged with a 46-27 win. Colton Thompson poured in 16 points, Reed Clift scored 13 and Fawson scored 12. Kaeden Vega and Herrmann both had two points.
Anderson Co. (8-26-1717—68)
a traditional 3-point play, part of his 13-point quarter. Problem was, Iola had only two other points in the frame and entered halftime trailing 34-24.
Carson added five more points early in the third quarter, pulling Iola to within 38-29, but the Bulldogs responded with six straight points to re-establish a double-digit lead.
Brayden Wheat hit a pair of long-range shots for Anderson County, and Porter ended with
“We’ll see who wants to be on the floor,” he said.
Porter ended his night with 28 points on 12 of 14 shooting, with eight blocks, eight rebounds and three steals. Wheat added 20 points for the Bulldogs.
The Mustangs don’t have long to regroup. They travel to Central Heights Tuesday to open the Ike Cearfoss Tournament against Osage City. The tournament continues Thursday through Saturday.
Stop
COLONY — Crest
High’s Lancers opened the 2024-25 season with a bang Friday. The Lancers blitzed rival Southern Coffey County to the tune of a 32-0 lead after one quarter. By the time the dust settled, Crest had in hand a 77-8 victory.
Three Lancers scored in double figures, with Jacob Zimmerman and Levi Prasko sharing high-scoring honors with 14 apiece. Lane Yocham was next with 12. Gentry McGhee and Kole Walter both scored nine, Denton Ramsey seven and Xander Fuller six. Henry White and Roy Gordon chipped in with three apiece. Prasko and Ramsey pulled in eight and six rebounds, respectively. Ramsey also had four steals, as did Walter. Koiy Miller added three steals. McGhee and White had seven and five assists, respectively. Ramsey also had four assists. Stats from Southern Coffey County were not available.
IN GIRLS play, Crest also cruised to victory,
winning 49-13. Kinley Edgerton and Aylee Beckmon scored 13 and 10, respectively, to lead the victors. Edgerton also had 18 rebounds, including eight offensive boards. Beckmon had five assists and six steals. Karlee Boots and Cursten Allen added eight points apiece. Jaycee Schmidt scored five, Summer Valentine had three and Allison Westerman chipped in with two. Valentine had nine rebounds, as did Boots. Boots also had five steals.
Karley Ohl scored 11 of SCC’s 13 points and pulled down 10 rebounds. Emily Ludolph added six rebounds for the Lady Titans. Ohl and Cheyenne Dykes both had two steals.
THE LANCER squads travel to Humboldt Tuesday to take on Erie to open the Humboldt Invitational Tournament. Southern Coffey County will take on Hartford Tuesday to open the Valley Tip Off Classic, hosted by Marais des Cygnes Valley in Melvern.
Iola High’s Hayden Kelley goes in for a layup in a junior varsity game against Anderson County Friday. REGISTER/ RICHARD LUKEN
Mustangs: Iola girls defeat Anderson County, 40-19
Continued from B1
er just before the break and Brylie Kolhmeier scored early in the third quarter to slice Iola’s lead to 20-11.
Hesse’s bucket midway through the period ended Iola’s scoring slump. Hesse added two more free throws before Elza Clift drained a 3-pointer to stretch Iola’s lead back to 27-11. Kyndal Bycroft’s steal and layup made it 29-14 at the end of the quarter.
Bycroft added two more steals in the fourth quarter, both of which directly led to layups, from Clift and Reese Curry, respectively, as
Iola pulled away down the stretch.
“Our offense got a little iffy in the third quarter, but we were able to adjust,” Sigg said.
Harper’s ability to hit from outside forced Anderson County to extend its defense, which led to Iola’s ability to better get the ball inside, Sigg noted.
“We talked about that with Kyndal,” Sigg said. “They weren’t gonna guard her, so she had to make them pay, and that’s what she did. Zoie did a good job of being aggressive. Kyndal made one of the best passes I’ve seen, and Reese
didn’t score a ton, but she did so many other things so well. Kaysin (Crusinbery) was very aggressive tonight. Alana (Mader) was in on a lot of plays, too.”
Desmarteau and Hesse led the way with 12 and eight points, respectively. Clift added six, Mader and Reese Curry had five.
Anderson County, which lost the services of a decorated senior class in its own right, ws led by freshman Addalyn Somer, who scored eight.
IOLA also won the junior varsity contest,
20-13, in a two-quarter contest. Hesse led the way with eight. Brooklyn Holloway and Dally Curry scored five apiece. Mahala Burris added two.
The Mustangs will return to the court Tuesday against Osage City to open the Ike Cearfoss Memorial Tournament at Central Heights.
“I know they’re usually pretty fast,” Sigg said, “and they’re usually pretty good.”
Anderson Co. (2-7-5-5—19) FG/3pt
Wrestlers: Iola grapplers start hot
Continued from B1
Cope to earn a berth in the finals. Alas, Wacker suffered her first loss of the season to Maddie Fullerton of Wellington, the state’s sixth-ranked 130-pound wrestler. Breonna Dryden and Gabreal Briggs earned third and fourth places, respectively, at 155- and 135-pounds, respectively.
IOLA’S BOYS also had a productive week, including Saturday’s Kan-Okla appearance.
Sophomore Ruger Boren overcame a firstround loss to pin his next two opponents to take home a third-place medal in the 120-pound category. Fellow sophomore Kale Pratt also shined at 157 pounds, going 3-2 to take home fourth in the competitive class. Evan LaCrone overcame a setback in his first match of the day at 138 pounds, going 2-2 including a pin over Royce Ulrich of Central Heights to bring home fifth place.
Santa Fe Trail Mixer
Girls
Addilyn Wacker, first at 130 pounds
— Wacker def. Juliet Brackenberry, Holton, fall :25
— Wacker def. Joely Shupe, Holton, fall 1:18
— Wacker def. Jacey Willard, Holton, fall 2:37
Gabreal Briggs, fourth at 135-140B
— Kylie Grewing, Ottawa, def, Briggs, fall 1:43
— Gretchen Huizenga, Santa Fe Trail, def. Briggs, fall 1:04
— Grace Cullor, Prairie View, def. Briggs, fall :29
Zoie Hesse, first at 190 pounds
— Hesse def. Sky Kelly, Santa Fe Trail, fall :31
— Hesse def. Marley Gilliand, Holton, fall :36
JV Boys
Beau Ericson, third place at 132-138B
— Erickson def. Eli Reed, Osage City, fall 1:40
— Francisco Felhabar, KC Turner, def. Erickson, fall 1:56
— James Hunt, Iola, def. Erickson, fall :37
James Hunt, second at 132138B
— Francisco Felhaber, KC Turner, def. Hunt, 18-7
— Hunt def. Eli Reed, Osage City, fall 1:45
— Hunt def. Beau Erickson, Iola, fall :37
Tripp Mathes, third place at 150 pounds
— Michael Guffy, Santa Fe Trail, def. Mathes, fall 1:42
— Mathes def. Adrian Ramirez, Santa Fe Trail, fall :55
Isaiah Geisler, third at 157 pounds
— Geisler def. Josue Mercado, KC Turner, fall 1:29
— Chance Anderson, Prairie View, def. Geisler, fall 1:01
— Logan McKinney, Dodge City, def. Geisler, fall :18
BJ Seance, second at 165-B
— Rhett Poope, Prairie View, def. Seance, fall 3:30
— Pope def. Seance, fall 1:20
Landon Shelton, first at 175 pounds
— Shelton def. Chael Wooten, KC Turner, pin 5:22
— Shelton def. Wooten, fall 4:20
B
Franklin Kerr, third at 190-
— Logan White, Osage City, def. Kerr, fall :27
— Aaron West, Prairie view, def. Kerr, 4-1
Alston Nelson, second at 190-215
— Nelson def. Brayden Conklin, Santa Fe Trail, fall 2:29
— Cooper Oliphant, Prairie View, def. Nelson, fall 3:19
Ramon Ballin, third at 285 pounds
— Crue Jackson, Osage City, def. Ballin, 3:32
— Ballin def. Bryce Haid, Santa Fe Trail, fall :28
Kan-Okla Classic Girls
Addilyn Wacker, second at 130 pounds
— Wacker def. Neeley Baker, Labette County, fall 1:06
— Wacker def. Piper Perkins, Caney Valley, fall 2:55
— Wacker def. Madi Cope, Erie, 9-6
— Maddie Fullerton, Wellington, def. Wacker, fall :25
Gabreal Briggs, fourth at 135 pounds (JV-B)
— Danika Haigler, Bluestem, def. Briggs, fall 1:16
— Emmaus Bouman, Labette County, def. Briggs, fall :22
— Tairyn Blocker, Cherryvale, def Briggs, fall :47
Bronna Dryden, third at 155 pounds (JV-C)
— Dryden def. Gemma Hidalgo, Columbus/Southeast, fall 3:55
— Katie Hester, Cherryvale, def. Dryden, fall :15
— Alivia Hickman, Uniontown, def. Dryden, forfeit Varsity Boys
Trapper Boren, 113 pounds
— Evan Antoni, Pittsburg,
def. Boren, fall 2:50
— Trenton Grimm, Cherryvale, def. Boren, fall 1:35
Ruger Boren, third at 120 pounds
— Laythan Vice, Bluestem, def. Boren, fall 3:59
— Boren def. Nicholas Davis, Bartlesville, fall 1:23
— Boren def. Mario Zacarias, Parsons, fall 2:14
Evan LaCrone, fifth at 138 pounds
— Seth Ellis, Caney Valley, def. LaCrone, fall 2:54
— LaCrone def. Dakota Woodke, Parsons, fall :56
— AJ Kerr, Bartlesville, def. LaCrone, fall 2:53
— LaCrone def. Royce Ulrich, Central Heights, fall 3:28
Kale Pratt, fourth at 157 pounds
— Pratt def. Arian Roe, Independence, 7-3
— Pratt def. Gram Putman, Cherryvale, 7-2
— Cason Wyrick, Labette County, def. Pratt, fall :46
— Pratt def. Roe, 9-6
— Colton Elmore, Wellington, def. Pratt, 9-6
Rohan Springer, 175 pounds
— Aydin Haworth, Bluestem, def. Springer, fall 1:34
— Brayden Losch, Neodesha, def. Springer, fall 2:59
JV Boys
Braxtin Martin, fourth at
132-A
— Chastin Smith, Parsons, def. Martin, fall 3:30
— Wyatt Shelton, Caney Valley, def. Martin, fall 1:32
— Brock McCarty, Labette Couty def. Martin, fall 1:08
Beau Erickson, second at 138-A
— Erickson def. Eva Wornell, Bluestem, fall 2:15
— Erickson def. Levi Good, Caney Valley, 12-8
— Brody Carter, Columbus/ Baxter Springs, def. Erickson, fall 1:06
Tripp Mathes, second at 150-C
— Mathes def. Bayvee Summers, Parsons, 5-4
— Devin Vogel, Erie, def. Mathes, fall 1:52
— Mathes def. Dejay Schlegel, Neodesha, fall 3:47
BJ Seance, third at 165-A
— Aeryon Chandler, Cherryvale, def. Seance, fall 2:44
— Jack McAfee, Independence, def. Seance, fall 1:32
— Seance def. Garrett Bradley, Columbus/Southeast, fall 1:04
Landon Shelton, fourth at 175-C
— Jaxson Caywood, Bluestem, def. Shelton, fall 2:21
— Drew Blackard, Independence, def. Shelton, fall :57
— Max Blankenbecker, Central Heights, def. Shelton, fall 3:47
Franklin Kerr, third at 190-C
— Brody Brown, Caney Valley, def. Kerr, 3-2
— Kerr def. Bentley Davis, Cherryvale, fall 1:14
— Logan Squier, Bluestem, def. Kerr, fall 2:34
— Kerr def. Zachary Evans, Parsons, fall 3:36
Ramon Ballin, second at 285-A
— Colton Babcock, Neodesha, def. Ballin, 8-4
— Ballin def. Brayden Higgs, Independence, fall :39
— Ballin def. Parker Midget, Labette County, fall :46
Iola’s Beau Erickson, top, wrestles in a junior varsity match Saturday at Caney. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Iola High’s Brooklyn Holloway (1) puts up a shot in a junior varsity game Friday against Anderson County. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Mathes: Wins weight class at Kan-Okla Classic
once the rankings are updated.
He was far from the only highlight.
Humboldt’s Taevyn Baylor, wrestling Friday in the girls competition, steamrolled her way to the championship match of the 155-pound division, before she had to settle for second after falling to Kaylen McAtee, the second-ranked 155-pound wrestler in Class 4A. Baylor is ranked fourth in Class 3-1A.
Gabriela Vargas-Garcia also shined at the Kan-Okla, taking second in 235 pounds. She defeated Mayalo Franco of Field Kindley before falling to Natalie Burnett of Wellington in the championship match.
Savannah Koch took fourth at 235 pounds, while Ella Schomaker finished sixth at 120 pounds.
In junior varsity girls action, Humboldt’s Jordan Hency took first in the 115-pound A group while Rylee Woods took second in the 170-pound B division.
IN OTHER boys action, Brody Gunderman and Curt Shannon both brought home fourthplace finishes at 165 and 145 pounds, respectively. Humboldt’s full results follow.
Kan-Okla Classic
Varsity Girls
Victoria Melendez, sixth at 100 pounds
— Melendez def. Annaliese Wright, Independence, all 5:04
— Landry Sparks, Central Heights, def. Melendez, fall 5:53
— Poala Rojo, Pittsburg, def. Melendez via medical forfeit
— Wright def. Melendez via medical forfeit
Lilli Reeder, 105 pounds
— Hannah Noel, Columbus/Southeast, def. Reeder,
fall 3:39
— Maggy Moyer, Caney Valley, def. Reeder, fall 1:59
Ella Schomaker, sixth at 120 pounds
— Schomaker def. Skylar Gleeson, Douglass, fall 2:45
— Schomaker def. Maya Rutherford, Field Kindley, fall 1:06
— Macy Cuevas, Winfield, def. Schomaker, fall :44
— Raylee Reeder, Bartlesville, def. Schomaker via injury default
— Tatum Kirk, Columbus/ Southeast, def Schomaker via forfeit
Taevyn Baylor, second at 155 pounds
— Baylor def. Maddi Wintjen, Caney Valley, fall :52
— Baylor def. Callie Anne Fairbank, Independence, fall 3:00
— Kaylen McAtee, Girard, def. Baylor, fall 3:05
Savannah Koch, fourth at 235 pounds
— Koch def. Rheya Cook, Winfield, fall 3:16
— Natelie Burnett, Wellington, def. Kocha via DQ
— Koch def. Ashley Batres Perez, Pittsburg, fall 1:23
— Cook def. Koch, fall 3:23
Gabriela Vargas-Garcia, second at 235
— Vargas-Garcia def. Mayelo Franco, Field Kindley, fall 3:48
— Hency def. Valentina Fernandez de Cordoba, Pittsburg, fall 2:20
B
Kamryn Cox, fourth at 115-
— Brynn Bushyhead, Bartlesville, def. Cox, fall 1:12
— Charley Roehl, Central Heights, def. Cox, fall 1:58
— Elizabeth Carper, Pittsburg, def. Cox, fall 2:53
— Carlie Weilert, first at 135-A
— Weilert def. Adryannah McKinney, Columbus/Southeast, fall :57
— Weilert def. Kamdynn Kelley, Cherryvale, 6-0
— Weilert def. Saniyah Knox, Parsons, fall :48
Raiellen Blanchard, fifth at 145 pounds
— Brinkley Cook, Girard, def. Blanchard, fall 1:13
— Patricia Movilla, Neodesha, def. Blanchard, fall 1:04
B
— Brecken Tullis, Bluestem, def. Blanchard, fall :19
— McKenna Wolf, Uniontown, def. Blanchard, fall :27
Willow LaCrone, fourth at 155-A
— Karissa Nicholas, Douglass, def. LaCrone, fall 1:50
— LaCrone, def. Sabrina Roeder, Field Kindley, Sabrina Roeder, Field Kindley, fall :28
— Evelyn Shinkle, Fredonia, def. LaCrone, fall 1:43
— Allison
Willard, Jay-
hawk-Linn/Pleasanton, def. LaCrone, fall 1:53
Braylynn Watson, third at 170-
— Brittany Boucher, Parsons, def. Watson, fall 3:32
— Rylee Woods, Humboldt, def. Watson, fall 3:58
Rylee Woods, second at 170-B
— Brittany Boucher, Parsons, def. Woods, 2-1
— Woods def. Braylynn Watson, Humboldt, fall 3:58
Boys
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Curt Shannon, fourth at 126 pounds
— Harlin Bagley, Independence, def. Shannon, fall 2:54
— Shannon def. Zane Lozano, Wellington, 7-0
— Shannon def. Jakarre Green, Parsons, 6-0
— Zack Caulkins, Labette County, def. Shannon, 12-10
Emmitt Carson, 144 pounds
— Jeremy Wilson, Bartlesville, def. Carson, fall :58
— Carson def. Alex Ludwig, Labette County, 9-2
— Keagan Witt, Douglass, def. Carson, fall 4:35
Broc Ivy, 150 pounds
— Bryson Fulk, Independence, def. Ivy, 6-0
— Axl Norris, Wellington, def. Ivy, fall 4:24
Brody Gunderman, fourth at 165 pounds
— Gunderman def. Javius Gulick, Independence, fall 2:23
— Gunderman def. Devon Westhoff, Erie, fall 4:34
— Austin Freisberg, Caney Valley, def. Gunderman, 20-3
— Gunderman def. Axel Eme, Coffeyville, 15-3
— Delaney Herrman, Bluestem, def. Gunderman, fall 2:15
Cole Mathes, first at 190 pounds
— Mathes def. Jon Ramirez, Bartlesville, Okla., 18-3
— Mathes def. Brelin Summers, Parsons, fall 2:42
— Mathes def. Gavin Bowman, Douglass, fall 2:33
— Mathes def. Colton Neal, Bluestem, 1-0
Chiefs win a squeaker
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Matthew Wright kicked a 31yard field goal that banked off the left upright as time expired, and the Kansas City Chiefs survived another close game, beating the Los Angeles Chargers 19-17 to win their ninth straight AFC West title.
Patrick Mahomes led the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs on a clock-killing 4½-minute drive to set up Wright’s fourth field goal. It looked routine until the ball clanged off the upright in the latest narrow escape for Kansas City, which has won 10 games by a one-score margin. Justin Herbert and the Chargers scored on each of their three second-half drives.
Humboldt High’s Brody Gunderman, right, sees his match against Independence’s Javius Gulick get flipped on its head, albeit briefly, Saturday in Caney. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
