Basketball: Area school wrap up tournament play
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The Weekender Saturday, December 14, 2013
Straight from the source
Thrive offering healthcare assistance
By STEVEN SCHWARTZ The Iola Register
Tristan and Bailey Boone sit on Santa’s lap at his house on the Iola square. REGISTER/KAYLA BANZET
The Register gets the scoop from Santa By KAYLA BANZET The Iola Register
THE NORTH POLE — Letters have been signed, sealed, delivered and lists have been checked twice. Boys and girls across the globe have begun the countdown to Christmas. Santa took time out of his super busy schedule to let Register readers know how things are going up north, including how one becomes an elf, what reindeer eat and what Mrs. Claus wants for Christmas. Iola Register: You’ve made lots of appearances here in
Allen County this year. Have you received lots of gift requests from the area children? Santa Claus: Yes, iPads and iPods are the most popular. I try to explain to the children that Santa is on a budget and I’ll try the best that I can. IR: Preparing for Christmas must keep you very busy during the year. Do you ever take a vacation? Maybe somewhere tropical? SC: No, I like the North Pole and being with my elves and reindeer. Mrs. Claus is great company. IR: You are very famous for your red suit. Have you ever thought about mixing it up and going for blue or green attire? SC: No, I like red. It’s my favorite color. IR: How is the naughty or nice list looking this season? How do you keep an eye on all the kiddos? See SANTA | Page A7
Taking on a new healthcare plan can be a daunting task — just ask the federal government — but Thrive Allen County is doing its best to make the transition as easy as possible. John Robertson and Georgia Masterson, both authorized as Navigators for the Affordable Care Act, are making themselves available for people in Allen County. Free of charge every Wednesday at 5 p.m., Allen Countians can have their questions answered and receive expert advice on which plan is best for them. Robertson also said they are available by appointment during the day as well. “Perhaps the most complicated thing is helping people pick out a policy,” Robertson said. While the website is now up and running after its technical difficulties, he said they do both phone, paper and on-
See ASSISTANCE | Page A7
NATIONAL
GOP rises against Tea Party WASHINGTON (AP) — The Republican establishment’s much-anticipated pushback against the tea party wing is underway. House Speaker John Boehner made that clear Thursday, when he renewed his denunciation of groups that try to defeat GOP incumbents they consider too willing to compromise with Democrats. Some Republican loyalists wonder what took so long. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently took steps to help mainstream Republicans in party primaries, but Boehner’s high-profile out-
burst will move the effort to the GOP’s front burners. Cheering him on are mainstream Republicans who angrily watched for three years as hard-right groups exercised remarkable clout in the party, the Congress and elections. Tea party-backed nominees helped the GOP win control of the House in 2010, but they also lost several Senate races seen as winnable, keeping the Senate in Democratic hands. This past summer, uncompromising House Republicans forced a partial government shutdown that damaged
the party’s image, just as Boehner warned it would. Many Republicans also feel conservative activists pushed presidential nominee Mitt Romney so far to the right on immigration and other issues that it eased President Barack Obama’s path to reelection last year. “The establishment has no choice at this point,” said former Rep. Tom Davis, a Virginia Republican who has criticized the tea party’s growing influence. “So they’re taking them on.” See GOP | Page A7
Jingle Bell joggers from 2012 take a moment to pause for the camera following last year’s run. PHOTO COURTESY OF THRIVE ALLEN COUNTY
It’s beginning to look a lot like... Jingle Bell Jog! By STEVEN SCHWARTZ The Iola Register
Jazzin’ it up Iola High School Jazz Band members Alexis Hobbs, left, Yohon Sinclair, Braden Plumlee, Aaron Terhune and Ryan Eyster move around to the beat while they play a song at the band’s winter program Thursday night. REGISTER/KAYLA BANZET
Quote of the day Vol. 116, No.35
The family is all together for the holidays, but sometimes space can be a little tight. Maybe a run or walk is exactly what you need, or at least Damaris Kunkler believes so. Kunkler, program director for Thrive Allen County, has been working to organize Iola’s 16th Annual Jingle Bell Jog, scheduled for 1 p.m., Dec. 21. “The beauty of this run/ walk is we know what we are getting into,” she said.
“If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” — Bob Hope 75 Cents
Friends and family from out of town generally use the JBG as a fun family activity. Bells are provided to attach to one’s shoes. Frequently participants use the 5K run or 3K walk as an opportunity to dress in festive costumes. Kunkler said the event has been a great way to showcase what Iola has to offer. This year, more than ever, the runners will be paying attention. “We’ve changed up the route a little bit to utilize our trails,” Kunkler said. Runners will head west on
See JOG | Page A7
Hi: 31 Lo: 20 Iola, KS