Sports: Single-A Indians season ends See B1
THE IOLA REGISTER Locally owned since 1867
www.iolaregister.com
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Advance Family notes SNAP’s toll on kids voting begins By SUSAN LYNN The Iola Register
Advanced voting has begun for the Aug. 2 primary elections. Voters can either stop by the county clerk’s office in the courthouse to cast their votes, or they can request one be sent via mail. People can apply up until the Friday before election day. Those voting by mail should do so promptly. Ballots must be returned to the county clerk’s office by 7 p.m. on election day to be counted. Voters have three prominent races that essentially will be decided with the Republican primary. Incumbent County Commissioner Tom Williams is facing challenger Ron Ballard for his seat to represent District 2, which covers the northern half of the county, including north Iola, Gas,and LaHarpe. Allen County Sheriff Bryan Murphy is being challenged by Jared Froggatte and Kelly Zellner. Allen County Attorney Jerry Hathaway is being challenged by Linus Thuston. No Democrats filed by the deadline to oppose the above candidates, although independent challengers may file by Aug. 1 to be placed on the Nov. 8 General Election ballot.
Being a card-carrying member of SNAP — the country’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — comes with a certain social stigma, said Dimity Lowell, and that negative image is hardest on kids. “When standing in line at the grocery store you don’t want someone in line behind you that has kids the same age as yours,” advised Dimity. “Because once they see you use that card, they will tell their children. And maybe they’ll say that you’re probably not that good of a person,” and all of a sudden your child’s social status has been knocked down a notch or two. Although Dimity no longer depends on food stamps, the memory of relying on them back in 2009 remains like a festering wound. “The hardest part was
Iolans Dimity and John Lowell are among those participating in the SNAP Challenge this month. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
how it affected our children,” she said, most notably because it affects how they typically interact with their peers. Food stamps can be used only for the purchase of food
that is to be eaten at home. Snack foods such as chips, crackers and cookies are not covered, nor are soft drinks. Dimity said she has a sister on food stamps. “I feel for
See SNAP | Page A5
LaHarpe Council considers incentives plan changes By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
LAHARPE — LaHarpe’s neighborhood revitalization will be investigated in the coming months to determine if houses built at a nearby regional technical education center can qualify. Ray Maloney, who owns the old Diebolt Lumber property and its buildings
— which will serve as the tech ed center’s home — explained his vision Wednesday to LaHarpe City Council mem- Ray Maloney bers. Eventually, Maloney would want to see the construction class — which is being of-
fered to area high-schoolers by Fort Scott Community College — build small houses on site and have them moved to various properties. “Kind of like a building trades class,” Maloney said. LaHarpe’s revitalization policy would allow property owners to receive a tax break on improvements for 10 years, provided their homes are at least 1,000 square feet.
Americans agree: Presidential choices ‘scary’ By LISA LERER and EMILY SWANSON The Assocated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The vast majority of Americans say they are afraid of at least one of the two major candidates — Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump — winning the White House, a remarkable finding that reflects an unsettled nation unhappy with its choice. Eighty-one percent of Americans say they would feel afraid following the election of one of the two polarizing politicians, according to a new Associated Press-GfK poll. That includes a quarter who say it doesn’t matter who wins: they’re scared of both. Three-quarters of voters say their pick for president is motivated by a desire to cast their Election Day ballot against Clinton or Trump, more than those who say they’re voting for the candidate who shares their positions on the issues or is the most qualified to hold the office. Said Dennis Fernandez, 67, of Florence, Arizona: “If Hillary Clinton won, I’d probably consider suicide. I’m
her,” she said, and ticked off the typical ways it affects children, especially in their teenage years: — An outing with friends to
Hillary Clinton
Donald Trump
definitely not a fan.” And Lawrence James, 55, of Durham, North Carolina, said: “If Trump wins, well, we’ve already checked out Malta and New Zealand. I’m just not comfortable that he’s not going to make rushed, uninformed decisions.” On the eve of the summer’s political conventions, at which the general election
Quote of the day Vol. 118, No. 181
campaign officially begins, the latest AP-GfK findings underscore the deep sense of unease that is sharpening the political divide in America and shaping an already nasty race for president. So much so that notable numbers of Americans even hold negative views about the candidate they want to win: 14 percent of both
Trump’s and Clinton’s supporters say they’re backing a candidate they don’t like. The survey was conducted after the fatal police shootings of two black men by police officers last week in Louisiana and Minnesota, and mostly after a sniper seeking revenge for those slayings killed five police officers in See POLL | Page A5
“You cannot shake hands with a closed fist.” — Indira Gandhi, Indian statesman 75 Cents
Maloney wondered if that threshold could be reduced to 500 square feet. Council members were intrigued by the idea, but noted “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.” That is, if qualifications were expanded to include buildings made by the tech ed center, others would be eliSee LAHARPE | Page A3
Food drive underway A canned food drive leading up to the Allen County Fair will benefit community pantries in Allen County. The food drive is sponsored by Iola Rotary and is part of its upcoming Rotary Day at the Park July 30. Rotary Day includes the annual Smokin’ Hot Cars and BBQ Cookoff event. In addition to pulled pork culled from the cookoff — 425 pounds of the freshly cooked meat were donated in 2015 — canned food and nonperishable food items will be collected through the month. Several drop-off locations have been established. Iola — The New Greenery, The Feedlot, Community National Bank, Advantage Computers and Walmart. Humboldt — Stacy Cakes, Emprise Bank, Moon’s Hometown Market and Community National Bank. Moran — City Hall, Stub’s Market and Emprise Bank. For more information, visit the “Iola Rotary Club Smokin Hot Cars And BBQ” page on Facebook.
Hi: 85 Lo: 71 Iola, KS