Basketball: Wildcat Winter Classic opens
Inside: BOE looks to improve credit card use See B1
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THE IOLA REGISTER Tuesday, December 10, 2013
EMS merger edges toward completion
State Street building remains a loose end By STEVEN SCHWARTZ The Iola Register
It seems tying up loose ends is all that is left for the Iola city council regarding the EMS merger, but some may be a bit more difficult than others. Efforts will continue to complete a wage and compensation study for the city employees. However, council members are still skeptical as to
whether the city should pay rent at the EMS building on North State Street. The fee being requested by the county commissioners — which the council admitted as nominal — is $250 per month. The council, however, also said the space is essential for the merger to be successful. “I can’t agree to it (the rent),” Councilman Steven French said. “Why are we paying to house something that benefits the county.” French kickstarted a discussion regarding the space “as a matter of principle” for the city, as well as a matter of content in the contract. He said the
Humboldt gets help with fish By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
HUMBOLDT — Humboldt council members approved a Community Fisheries Assistance agreement with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Monday night that will bring $1,030 to Humboldt in each of the next five years. The money will be used to stock and maintain fish in a pond developed along Franklin Street in the north part of town near senior citizens housing. The agreement included Humboldt’s new Neosho River Park, although it being next to the Neosho River no stocking will occur there. City Administrator Larry Tucker said having both sites in the agreement will facilitate efforts to attract grants to either that could be used for infrastructure improvements. Mayor Nobby Davis commended Bill King and his Allen County Public Works crew for helping to clean and upgrade an old pond at the Franklin Street site. “We couldn’t have done it without his (King’s) support,” Davis said. Tucker said he was unsure what type of fish would be stocked in the pond, “other than catfish,” and that once stocked KDWPT would “feed
council was under the impression that all buildings under EMS jurisdiction would be transferred to the city. Councilman Jon Wells agreed, but ultimately was willing to sign off on the rent for the sake of moving ahead. The council ultimately tabled the decision upon review by City Attorney Bob Johnson. “It seems a little disingenuous considering the original agreement,” Wells said. “I agree with Steve, but I think we need to move on,” Council member Beverly French chimed in.
AS FOR the wage and compensation study, the council agreed that some sort of study is needed and bids will be opened soon for a decision in January. “At a minimal, we’re in the right place,” French said. “Something needs to be done.” The current pay scale was developed by former interim City Administrator Richard Chesney between April 2004 and Jan. 2005. French added that any information regarding a study should be released to employees, for the sake of intent See MERGER | Page A6
Works of art
the fish.” The pond will be open to the public. Humboldt’s obligations under the five-year agreement will be to do mowing and other maintenance work at the pond and river park. IN OTHER BUSINESS, council members: — Approved a security plan for City Hall and the swimming pool bath house that will delay opening either to concealed carry of firearms for four years. The Legislature made public buildings open to concealed carry during this year’s session, but having a security plan in place will put off access for four years. If the law isn’t changed, at the end of four years Humboldt officials will have to decide whether to open the buildings to people carrying concealed firearms, or install metal detectors and have security personnel on duty when they are open. The security plan, which will be kept secret to ensure its integrity, will be filed with the attorney general’s office. — Amended this year’s budget to increase authority to increase expenditures in the water fund from what was budgeted, $665,410, to $685,644. Tucker said the overrun de-
The Iola Middle School art show will be from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday. The art students are displaying their favorite projects of the semester, including designs, drawings, paintings, clay and pop art projects. People are invited to vote for their three favorite projects. Ballots are on the office counter. REGIS-
TER/KAYLA BANZET
See FISH | Page A3
SOME GRAND OPENINGS
The Iola Area Chamber of Commerce helped officially open two local businesses in style Monday. At left, members of the chamber cut a ribbon for Funkie Monkey’s new location on the south side of the square. At right, members of Sam and Louie’s, along with chamber members, cut a ribbon for their new restaurant on North State Street. PHOTOS BY KAYLA BANZET AND STEVEN SCHWARTZ
Quote of the day Vol. 116, No.32
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” — Mark Twain 75 Cents
Hi: 35 Lo: 20 Iola, KS