Sports: IMS hosts wrestling tourney See B1
THE IOLA REGISTER Locally owned since 1867
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Wednesday, November 12, 2014
ACC TRUSTEES
College approves new sexual misconduct policy By KAYLA BANZET The Iola Register
Fighting sexual assault on college campuses is a growing national concern thanks to advocates and victims who are working to make sexual crimes easier to report. Addressing these crimes is part of the college’s responsibility, Cynthia Jacobson, vice president of student affairs at Allen Community College, explained to trustees Tuesday night. Dealing with sexual assault falls under Title IX, Jacobson said, the same law that deals with equality in athletics. Both have to do with the nondiscrimination policy at the college. Sexual misconduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the Kansas Act Against Discrimination.
Jacobson went through the college’s policies and procedures for sexual misconduct and said a definition of sexual misconduct and consent were needed. This policy applies to stu- Cynthia dents, faculty Jacobson and staff. “The individual filing a complaint is encouraged by the college to report it to the college and law enforcement,” Jacobson said. Jacobson said the college will take prompt action to protect and support the complainant. An investigation will be conducted by an individual who has been trained in the policy. She said in the past the college has waited to act until the accused is dealt with in court. This is no longer ac-
Iolan John Sheehan, second from left, speaks at a panel discussion of Vietnam veterans Tuesday as part of an Iola Reads program. Others participating were, from left, Bob Hawk, Don Burns and Paul Zirjacks. Roger Carswell, below, introduces the panel. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Veterans recount tours By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
A panel of local Vietnam War veterans spoke about their experiences in southeast Asia, their thoughts on current military issues, especially veterans’ health care and other benefits, and a host of other topics. The panel discussion
See POLICY | Page A4
was a part of the now-concluded Iola Reads session based on the book “The Things They Carried,” a collection of short stories penned by Tim O’Brien about a platoon of American soldiers in Vietnam. Iolans Paul Zirjacks, Don Burns, John Sheehan, Duane McGraw and Larry Walsh all spoke See VETS | Page A4
Kansas gays wait for High Court decision
Saying thanks Jadyn Kaufman, a fourth-grader at Jefferson Elementary School, introduces her grandfather, Iolan Jim Immel, during a Veterans Day assembly at the school. Several parents and grandparents of Jefferson students who served or remain active in the military were treated to a number of songs, cookies and punch. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Gay-marriage advocates in Kansas are waiting to see whether the U.S. Supreme Court allows same-sex couples to wed but aren’t sure a favorable decision will persuade all local officials to issue marriage licenses. The nation’s highest court was considering today whether to block Kansas from enforcing its ban on gay marriage while federal courts review a legal challenge. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit last month on behalf of two lesbian couples who were denied marriage licenses. A federal judge ordered the state to stop enforcing See MARRIAGE | Page A4
Gas community center Education leaders anxious about more cuts is nearly ready for use By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
GAS — The old Gas School is on the cusp of being ready for use as a community center. Gas council members were told Monday night a chairlift had been installed to make the sunken gymnasium area accessible. The chairlift came on the cheap, compared to an engineer’s survey. Cost had been
estimated at $35,000 for acquisition and installation. City Clerk Rhonda Hill found a lift in good working order at an auction for $500. City workers installed it. City Superintendent Steve Robb said a mobile ramp had been constructed that could be moved about the gym area to provide additional access from several places. With wheels, it can be stowed away. See GAS | Page A4
Quote of the day Vol. 117, No. 12
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A new revenue forecast that indicates Kansas will need to make $278 million in cuts in the current fiscal year has state education leaders and some lawmakers concerned that the deficit will require reductions in funding to already cash-strapped schools The new forecast announced on Monday was drafted by legislative researchers, members of Gov. Sam Brownback’s budget staff, Department of Revenue officials and university
economists. The governor and legislators must use the “consensus” numbers in budgeting. State Board of Education member Janet Waugh on Tuesday expressed concerns about the possibility of education cuts, a topic the board is expected to discuss at a meeting on Wednesday, The Topeka Capital-Journal reported. “We just don’t have (anything) frivolous anymore. We’re down to the bare bones,” Waugh said.
“Look within. Within is the fountain of good, and it will ever bubble up if thou wilt ever dig.” — Marcus Aurelius 75 Cents
Board member Carolyn Wims-Campbell said she also fears education cuts. “I’m afraid they’ll look at us again for another cut since the predictions are so sad for the state of Kansas. I guess we just have to wait and see what our legislators will be able to accomplish,” she said. Brownback’s budget director, Shawn Sullivan, would not say Monday whether financing for K-12 public education would be on the table See FUNDING | Page A2
Hi: 31 Lo: 16 Iola, KS