Tuesday, April 14, 2020
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ACC student preps for next step
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No more teaching by the book By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
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Grandmother spreads Easter joy PAGE A2
Forest fires rage near Chernobyl site PAGE B3
Humboldt sells old city hall By BOB JOHNSON The Iola Register
HUMBOLDT — Humboldt council members unanimously agreed Monday evening to sell the old city hall for $27,500 to Larry Steward, owner of CDL Electric. “I had been working on the sale for a while,” said City Administrator Cole Herder, but negotiations had been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Steward was not specific as to how the building will be used, Herder said, “but I know CDL has outgrown its building here.” Based in Pittsburg, CDL has about 200 employees spread across five locations. Two years ago the company opened a location on the north edge of Humboldt. Completion of the deal depends on when HumSee HUMBOLDT | Page A3
The first couple of weeks of unprecedented online and at-home teaching have gone relatively smoothly, USD 257 administrators said. With schools shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic, school districts have had to develop plans for students to continue their studies from home. The biggest problem appears to be the anxiety and depression in younger students who miss their teachers and interaction with their peers. It’s also not a piece of cake for parents to be suddenly put into the position as teachers. Older students have required adjustments in how lessons are developed, as students switch between online learning and receiving paper packets. Overall, though, the USD 257 motto of “less is more” See SCHOOL | Page A3
USD 257 board members, administrators and others participate in a Zoom meeting Monday evening. REGISTER/VICKIE MOSS
Lupus patient: ‘They haven’t even proven it helps’ By TREVOR HOAG The Iola Register
“They haven’t even proven it helps” treat COVID-19, said Melanie Johnson, former Humboldt cheerleading coach and mom of four, in relation to the drug hydroxychloroquine, more commonly known as Plaquenil. Johnson has been getting treatment for the autoimmune condition lupus for about two years now, and has been taking Plaquenil to help treat symptoms like fatigue and severe joint pain. If the drug’s name sounds familiar, that’s because it has been at the center of a medical controversy surrounding treatments for COVID-19, more specifically because President Trump has advocated the drug’s use despite little data to prove its effectiveness. Though it’s too early to know if Plaquenil is a “game
The Johnson family, from left, Bob Sr., Beverly, Bob Jr. and Melanie. FILE PHOTO changer” in relation to treating COVID-19, the drug has been a proven treatment for lupus since the 1950s, and in Melanie Johnson’s case, has helped to provide significant relief. For instance, she said that without the drug she notices
“hurting more,” particularly in her “hips and ankles.” However, because health officials are desperate to find a cure for COVID-19, and a number of individuals are even taking the drug without a prescription, Johnson and others are unable to get the
Council reminds customers it’s not a ‘free-for-all’ By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
In a typical month, Iolans who are past due with their utility bills would incur late fees, as well as additional charges if their services are disconnected for non-payment. But this isn’t your typical month. With a state order in place prohibiting utility suppliers from disconnecting service due to the COVID-19 pandem- The Iola City Council spreads out for social distancing at Monday’s meeting, which was streamed ic, Iola City Council members live on Facebook. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN agreed to waive, temporarily, Councilwoman Nancy Ford Ford reiterated that those lost jobs, been laid off, those the additional fees assessed to said. accounts would face discon- who have had something happast-due accounts. The Council voted, 6-2, to nection once the emergency pen. If you still have your However, Council members income, you still need to pay waive the penalties while the order is lifted. noted those utility bills still emergency order remains in “This is for people who are your bill. … It’s not meant to must be paid. place, with Carl Slaugh and being affected by COVID-19,” “This isn’t a free-for-all,” See UTILITIES | Page A6 Ron Ballard opposed. Ford said, “for those who have Vol. 122, No. 118 Iola, KS 75 Cents
treatment doses they’re used to receiving. The situation is cruelly ironic, Johnson suggested, because when she first heard people discussing Plaquenil as a potential treatment for COVID-19, she thought it was an “awesome” coincidence, because she might not have to worry about contracting the virus. As of right now, though, Johnson is only able to take about half her regular dose of Plaquenil — since that’s all that’s available — and not only are her lupus symptoms worsening, she and others may soon not have access to See DRUG | Page A6
Virus deters city admin applicants By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
The search for a new Iola city administrator will continue, even though the list of applicants is down, likely because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interim City Administrator Corey Schinstock told Council members Monday roughly a dozen applicants have filed to replace Sid Fleming, who resigned in March. Representatives from Strategic Government See SEARCH | Page A6