Thursday, August 13, 2020
Locally owned since 1867
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Early testing catches cases at ACC By TREVOR HOAG The Iola Register
The coronavirus dominated discussions at Tuesday night’s meeting of the ACC board of trustees as the college continues to prepare for students returning amidst the pandemic. The concern is not unwarranted. Early testing has already identified four COVID-19 cases and prevented these students from mixing with the general population. All four COVID-positive students were asymptomatic,
according to president John Masterson. Two immediately went home to quarantine, and two remained on campus follow-
ing special safety measures, where their last day in isolation was Wednesday. According to Masterson, the testing results for students living on campus and involved in athletics were coming back very quickly, and he said he’d been notified in less than 24 hours when positive cases had arisen. The detected cases also highlight the need for special precautions Allen Community College is taking, including social distancing in classrooms and requiring masks. Masterson noted he is im-
pressed by how well students are following the rules, saying “the students are coming in compliance” from the moment they arrive. The college has been fortunate to receive significant financial assistance in its battle against COVID-19 as well. On Tuesday, Allen County commissioners approved the allocation of $15,000 in CARES Act (SPARK) funds for the college specifically designed to make sure its safety measures are successful and See ACC | Page A5
Royals hang on for victory against Reds
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Why does COVID-19 strike some harder? PAGE A5
A clean bill of health
By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
Shelter stays strong during pandemic By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
LAHARPE — Even with its hours limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic, things are as bustling as ever at the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility. Residents still can adopt dogs or cats of all ages at the shelter, by appointment only. Even so, adoption rates are on par with past years, explained ACARF Board President Dawn Murray. She surmises adoption rates have remained strong because the pandemic has kept residents home more often, and in need of companionship. See SHELTER | Page A6
Even in a normal year, cleaning and sanitizing are a priority the two weeks before school starts. The hallways of school buildings are filled with steam cleaners, electrostatic sprayers and various other sanitation devices. This year, the focus on cleanliness and safety is even greater as custodians and maintenance personnel prepare the buildings for students in the midst of a global pandemic. “We’re doing everything in our power to keep everybody safe,” said Aaron Cole, director of maintenance and transportation for USD 257. “This is the first time all of us are going through something like this, so we need help from everybody to keep this the safest environment we can.” The district has invested in extra cleaning supplies and sanitation products. That includes additional electrostatic disinfectant spraying devices and hospital-grade disinfectant. A large amount of hand sanitizer has been purchased, enough for each classroom and multiple stations throughout the buildings, especially at entrances. Students will be required
Donna Orth, custodian, cleans carpets at Iola High School in preparation for the return to classes Aug. 24. REGISTER/VICKIE MOSS to wear masks when they return to classes Aug. 24. The district has purchased enough masks so that students can wear a new one every day. Students also can bring masks from home. All water fountains will be converted to fill bottles only. Most of the fountains at the middle and high school have been converted. The equip-
ment to retrofit the fountains at the elementary schools was expected to arrive any day. Some sanitation products have not yet arrived, despite being ordered months ago. Cole remains optimistic that these products will arrive soon. Cole also ordered a special biotech product that works in
conjunction with the electrostatic sprayers. High-touch areas like door handles, lockers and light switches will be sprayed with disinfectant, then sprayed with the biotech product. The product will kill germs on contact and cannot be washed away by general cleaning. It lasts about 90 See CLEAN | Page A6
- Since 1871 -
iola unicipal Band Jake Ard, director
At the bandstand
THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2019 — 8 p.m. PROGRAM
Star Spangled Banner............................... Francis Scott Key In Storm And Sunshine ...........................................J.C. Heed Lazzus Trombone .......................................... Henry Fillmore I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing......Becker and Davis Boston Commandery March ............................. T.M. Carter Highlights From GIGI ................................ Lerner and Lowe It Had To Be You ..................................................Isham Jones Bonds Of Unity......................................................... Karl King Go West .......................................................... Arr. Ralph Ford Boy Scouts Of America March...............John Philip Sousa
See you there!
Vol. 122, No. 202 Iola, KS 75 Cents
Let’s go for a ride A pair of bicycles are available for use at LaHarpe City Hall as part of the Thrive Allen County-sponsored bike share program. Those wishing to use the bikes may reserve them by calling City Hall at (620) 496-2241 during business hours. The bikes can be reserved for up to 24 hours at a time. Anyone can use the bicycles, however those under 18 must also have a parent or guardian on hand to sign for the two-wheelers. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Services, Monuments & Events
620-365-2948
1883 US Hwy 54, Iola • feuerbornfuneral.com