Irn1022014a01 by Iola Register

Football: Feisty Knights topple Baylor in upset

Inside: Passengers rescued from stranded Antarctic ship See A5

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THE IOLA REGISTER Thursday, January 2, 2014

EMS rent issue solved Revitalization area still under discussion By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register

In a split vote, Allen County commissioners decided late Tuesday morning to give Iola possession of the county ambulance station for the token sum of $1 a year. Commissioners had requested Iola pay $250 a month to use the building. The building will continue to hold ambulances and other equipment in the merged service. “Let’s get this over with,” said Commissioner Jim Talkington, in making the motion to lease the building to Iola for $1 a year. Commissioner Tom Williams said the $250 monthly rent “doesn’t amount to a hill of beans” before seconding Talkington’s motion, which ensured its passage. Dick Works voted “no,” maintaining the higher rent was fair. City Attorney Robert Johnson compared the county ambulance station to Humboldt’s, which that city has made available to the county for $1 a year, and, Johnson said, will continue to be the case with Iola operating the service. Putting the county building under Iola’s management completes all components of the merger. Estimates of savings to the county with Iola operating the ambulance service range from $300,000 to $400,000 in the first year. WHILE THE ambulance station issue was resolved, Iola’s request for the county to sign on to making all of the city a Neighborhood Revitalization Program zone failed once again. See COUNTY | Page A5

A JOLLY GOOD JOG Jingle Bell Jog sees healthy turnout Runners and walkers get a good start on their New Year’s resolutions by participating in Wednesday’s Jingle Bell Jog. About 125 were registered for the event. The walk/run began and ended on the Iola square. Participants were rewarded with hot cocoa and cookies inside the Thrive Allen County offices. This is the 16th year for the holiday event. Above, runners follow a section of the Southwind Trail before they head back into town. Right, members of Junior Girl Scout Troop 7033 and their mothers participated in the JBJ as part of their staying fit badge which encourages families to exercise together. Front row from left are Vivian Noah, Josie Plumlee, Emily Long and Talja Epting. Back row from left are Sarah Noah, Traci Plumlee, Heather Sigg and Jennifer Epting. Winner of the 5k run was Naomi Reeh with a time of 22 minutes. She is the granddaughter of RoseMary Riley, Iola, and a student at Benedictine College in Atchinson. For some participants, it was their first time to experience the Southwind Trail.

Helping for help’s sake

Commodities offer hope in hard months By STEVEN SCHWARTZ The Iola Register

George and Lois Payne are in charge of the USDA Commodities program, located at Hope Chapel east of Moran. The program provides food for the needy once a month. REGISTER/STEVEN SCHWARTZ

Quote of the day Vol. 116, No. 46

bers call the Blessing Center. Their pantry is refilled every month by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The main office of the program MORAN — Lois and George Payne, along is in Chanute, under the direction of Susan with USDA Commodities, are here to help; and Mitchell. Lois said they receive a list from the “help” is a term with a wide range of possibili- regional office, and then pick the food up in ties. Fort Scott. The Paynes are in Both George and charge of the comLois said they don’t If you come in and say you need food, I feel like people take modity food program at Hope Chapel, east don’t judge you. I take you at face value, advantage of the proof Moran. Once a that’s what Jesus would do. gram; they are truly month they provide — Lois Payne in need. They serve meals to those in need, people both young serving people across and old, who are on Bourbon and Allen hard times for a mulcounties. For those who qualify — they must titude of reasons, whether it be health-related prove their low-income level or be using food or economy-related. stamps or Medicaid — the meals can be a life“If you come in and say you need food, I don’t saver in hard times. judge you,” Lois said. “I take you at face value, “I love helping people, the rewards are that’s what Jesus would do.” great,” Lois said. “Sometimes a smile and a It’s a job that takes a certain amount of trust, hug is better than gold. This is my mission.” but the Paynes have plenty of trust to give. The headquarters for the commodity proSee HELPING | Page A5 gram is in a small building the church mem-

“Clear thinking requires courage rather than intelligence.”

— Thomas Szasz, psychiatrist 75 Cents

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