Irn130317a01

Page 1

Opinion: Sunshine laws work See A3

2017 1867

Sports: March Madness begins See B1

THE IOLA REGISTER Locally owned since 1867

www.iolaregister.com

Monday, March 13, 2017

Kansas traffic deaths skyrocket

FARMERS’ MARKET

in Schallie said. This season’s customers will have three locations to choose from. The Thursday outdoor market will continue on the southeast corner of Iola’s downtown square and includes produce vendors alongside cooking demonstrators, educators, local talent, crafters and musi-

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas recorded a 22 percent increase in traffic fatalities in 2016 compared with the previous years and some experts say the blame falls on drivers who are looking at their phones instead of the road. Kansas Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Crittenden said he recently watched 11 of 14 drivers go through a busy Wichita intersection either talking or texting on their cellphones. “It’s a huge problem,” Crittenden told The Wichita Eagle. “We can drive down the street and see the number of people on their phones, eating food, looking at GPS and manipulating other technology devices. The list goes on and on.” There were 432 traffic fatalities in Kansas in 2016, according to the Kansas Department of Transportation. Traffic fatalities nationwide increased 6 percent in 2016, according to the National Safety Council, which said 40,200 people died in traffic accidents last year — the first time the number exceeded 40,000 since 2007. Another factor is lower gas prices, which leads to

See MARKETS | Page A4

See DEATHS | Page A2

A scene from the Allen County Farmers’ Market in downtown Iola in 2016. REGISTER FILE PHOTO

New faces, locations for local growers, buyers By SHELLIE SMITLEY The Iola Register

Allen County Farmers’ Market board members hired Robin Schallie and Gene Myrick to tackle the market’s growing needs. Schallie, a native of Wisconsin, stepped into the shoes of full-time market director, and Myrick replaced Greta Ingle as the market’s site coordinator. Schallie, a teacher of marketing for more than 30 years, had the experience that board members felt was vital to the market’s growth. Vendor participation has grown to the point that marketing to potential customers has now become a priority, according to Debbie Bearden, secretary of the market’s board of directors. Schallie taught marketing at Fox Valley Technical College, Appleton, Wis., for 28 years before moving to Iola two years ago with her husband, Iola native, Steve Lust, and their 22-year-old daughter, Morgan. Schallie has worked at Neosho County Community College, Chanute, as a marketing instructor since

McCain: Give proof of wiretapping allegations By DEB RIECHMANN The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House intelligence committee is asking the Trump administration for evidence that the phones at John McCain Trump Tower were tapped during the campaign as its namesake has charged, a request reinforced Sunday by an influential Republican senator who says the president must either come up with the evidence or retract his claim. “I think the president has one of two choices: either retract or to provide the information that the American people deserve, because, if See MCCAIN | Page A4

her relocation, a position that she will resign from at the end of the 2016-2017 school year. Bearden said she is eager to see what innovative ideas Schallie brings to the market and is encouraged that Schallie is from outside the area. Schallie’s first task was Thursday, when she met with vendors during the Season Opening Vendors Meeting at the Riverside Park Community Building. “I am excited about the market and excited to get going,” she said. She asked vendors for their patience. Schallie said she applied for the position because of the opportunity it presents to her to branch out beyond teaching, give back to the community she now considers home and to meet new people. The scope of her responsibilities, she said, include behind-the scenes tasks like paperwork and state reporting, scheduling and marketing duties. She said she will also attend all of the markets and work face-to-face See FACES| Page 4

Market director Robin Schallie, right, hired in February, and site coordinator Gene Myrick, hired last week, prepare information packets for the season-opening vendors meeting Thursday at the Riverside Park Community Building. REGISTER/SHELLIE SMITLEY

Country Mart, Moon’s Market sites added for weekly sales By SHELLIE SMITLEY The Iola Register

The advance toward spring finds the Allen County Farmers’ Market blooming with two new market locations and a slew of children’s programs. “It won’t be long before our customers are able to enjoy our market,” recently hired Market Director Rob-

Freedom Ministries reaches out for help By SHELLIE SMITLEY The Iola Register

Freedom Ministries is growing and The Rev. Tom Bevard is reaching out to the community for help. The larger building at the ministry’s new location on State Street allows for expansion, according to Bevard. Recent furniture donations have better equipped the ministry to take a new approach to prison mentorship and evangelism. “Now that we have better facilities we will be looking for a few volunteers to come one or two nights a week and speak with inmates,” he said. The meetings with inmates, he said, will take place via Skype and last about 30 minutes. Bevard said he is excited about mentoring opportunities using the online app, but needs help from the community to make it successful. The ministry needs computers, either laptops or desktops, in order to implement the program.

Quote of the day Vol. 119, No. 85

The Rev. Tom Bevard and his son, Randy, at Freedom Ministry’s new office on State Street. REGISTER/ SHELLIE SMITLEY

Bevard said he will be conducting presentations at area churches, but he is also receptive to donations. Mentoring via Skype enables volunteers to meet with prisoners in a safe environment. “We would love to interview people and see how much interest there is,” he said.

The qualifications are minimal, according to Bevard. One need only possess the ability to talk and listen. A one-day training program at a Kansas prison is required as is a background check. “We have been blessed and appreciate the community’s help,” he said. “We have been

“To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funny bone. “- Reba McEntire 75 Cents

doing this for 18 years because the Lord has blessed us. We feel like a part of the community and want to help as many people as we can.” Bevard said a lot of inmates have no contact with family members and look forward to See HELP | Page A4

Hi: 43 Lo: 26 Iola, KS


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.