Wednesday, May 13, 2020
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Pregnant amidst a pandemic By TIM STAUFFER The Iola Register
The process of bringing a life into the world — the enormous, almost debilitating responsibility of it, the daily miracles one witnesses as the 40 weeks unfold — defies all sense of normalcy. And yet it happens so often that we have grown accustomed to its mystery. It is, after all, how our species survives. Now, however, in the midst of a pandemic that has claimed over 280,000 lives, being pregnant seems weighted with more meaning than before. It certainly is a much more uncertain time. Enter Katie Mitchell and Kyle Lovseth. The Iola residents are expecting their first child, due in early July. Katie, a professor of sociology at Allen Community College, came to Iola from
Self-care matters more now By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
Listen to the full interview with Katie Mitchell and Kyle Lovseth, shown at left, on our podcast “Registered.” Visit iolaregister.com/registered or find us wherever you listen. Austin, Texas in 2017. Originally from a small town in southeastern Iowa, Katie has a sister, brother-in-law and niece in Kansas City. Coming to Iola felt, in a way, like coming home. In short order, she convinced her husband Kyle, a Kansas native, to follow. The couple is 31 weeks into their pregnancy. They’ve arranged to deliver the baby at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute. The only constant seems
to be change. Katie receives a call before each visit updating her of any modifications to procedures. For their prenatal visits, both are now required to wear masks. For two months now, they’ve known that Kyle will be the only person allowed in the delivery room. No doula, and much to the disappointment of Katie’s mom, no grandmas. In spite of a pandemic rag-
ing through the country, both Katie and Kyle, however, seem quite serene. Both work at home and spend their free time gardening or walking their two dogs. Katie remarks, “It’s been nice to stay active. I feel like we’ve been very lucky to get out and do things outdoors and on the trails. Especially for a small town, there’s
Eight weeks of coronavirus restrictions can take a toll on one’s mental health. Maybe you’ve lost your job. Maybe you’ve been working from home. Maybe your job requires you to risk your own health by taking care of others. Maybe you’ve been juggling multiple roles as a parent, homeschool teacher, and essential employee. “We’re seeing a lot more anxiety, paranoia and depression,” Michelle Hoag, director of Adult Community Support Services with Southeast Kansas Mental Health, said. See SELF-CARE | Page A5
See PREGNANT | Page A5
Daniels files for sheriff; Symes seeks to keep seat By TREVOR HOAG The Iola Register
After 22 years in law enforcement along with other forms of public service, Jerry Daniels has filed to run for Sheriff of Allen County. He currently serves as an Allen County commissioner. Daniels joined the Army at 17, serving in Desert Storm. He became a police officer in 1991. Daniels was a member of the Kansas Highway Patrol from 1994 to 2010, and later an EMS helicopter pilot. He served as undersheriff for one year, and has been a county commissioner since 2015. When asked why he was running, he said “It’s time for a change.”
Humboldt races to resume May 22
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New books travel through time
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Jerry Daniels
Thrive Allen County CEO Lisse Regehr discusses a grant opportunity with commissioners, from left, Bruce Symes, Bill King and Jerry Daniels. REGISTER/TREVOR HOAG
Bruce Symes
Some specific changes he is interested in making include budget and salary increases for law enforcement, along with increased staffing. Daniels said he also wants to implement a command structure where deputies hold ranks and shift supervisors are designated. He also said he wants the Sheriff ’s department to become “more open to the public,” since “it’s all about See FILES | Page A3
County eyes CARES Act grant By TREVOR HOAG The Iola Register
In order to assist local businesses, especially those who’ve lost employees, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Thrive Allen County CEO Lisse Regehr informed commissioners that a new but “very competitive” grant opportunity had been made available through the CARES
Fauci addresses Senate WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert issued a blunt warning Tuesday that cities and states could “turn back the clock” and see more COVID-19 deaths and economic damage alike if they lift coronavirus stay-at-home orders too fast -- a sharp contrast as President Donald Trump pushes to right a free-falling economy. “There is a real risk that you will trigger an outbreak that you may not be able to control,” Dr. Anthony Fauci warned a Senate committee and the nation as more than two dozen states have begun to lift their lockdowns as a first step toward economic recovery. The advice from Fauci and
other key government officials — delivered by dramatic, sometimes awkward teleconference — was Anthony Fauci at odds with a president who urges on protests of state-ordered restraints and insists that “day after day, we’re making tremendous strides.” Trump, whose reelection depends to a substantial degree on the economy, talks up his administration’s record with the virus daily. Underscoring the seriousness of the pandemic that has reached Congress and See FAUCI | Page A6
Act. This grant could potentially supply $300,000 to the community “if awarded,” but requires additional measures beyond the application, including a community meeting. Commissioners consented to help Thrive in moving forward, and interested parties (especially those that might have a stake in how the funds
are allocated) are invited to attend the public hearing scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, May 19 in the courthouse basement assembly room. Thrive has also hired a new economic development director (who will begin in July), a position partially funded by the county in order to help bring new businesses and inSee COUNTY | Page A3
MV graduation ceremony includes caravan from park By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
MORAN — Marmaton Valley High School’s senior class will be honored as part of a community graduation ceremony next Tuesday. Graduation Day, originally set for this weekend, was moved back three days because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Laura Kelly’s order prohibiting graduation ceremonies is scheduled to expire Monday. “We’re hopeful the governor doesn’t amend our ability to do it,” Principal Kim Ensminger said. Plans for the commencement were finalized Monday
by USD 257 Board of Education members. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Moran City Park, in which the graduates will line up in vehicles and drive to the school. Although it’s not an official parade, residents are welcome to step outside and wave or honk to the seniors See MV | Page A5
Services, Monuments & Events
Vol. 122, No. 139 Iola, KS 75 Cents
Garnett • Iola
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