Locally owned since 1867
Thursday, November 16, 2023
iolaregister.com
County makes it official Commissioners resolve three ties to certify election results By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
Allen County Clerk Shannon Patterson holds a metal bucket as Commissioner Bruce Symes draws a name to resolve a tie vote for a seat on the Bassett City Council. Four write-in candidates tied for a council seat. REGISTER/VICKIE MOSS
Three times on Tuesday morning, Allen County Commissioner Bruce Symes reached in and pulled a name out of a metal bucket decorated with a U.S. flag to determine the outcome of last week’s election races. The names were drawn to resolve ties in three city races, bringing a bit of drama to what was otherwise a routine matter of certifying election results.
In one of those races, Election Day results showed Darcy Burton ahead of Lee Roberts by just one vote for a Moran City Council seat. But when provisional ballots were added during this Tuesday’s official canvass, Roberts picked up one vote and ensured a tie. Symes drew a name out of the bucket to resolve the tie. Roberts prevailed. In the other two races, no one filed for positions in small cities, so the winner was determined by write-in
candidates — and they tied. In the race for Savonburg mayor, David Janssen and Charles Lacrone II each received nine write-in votes. Janssen won the tie-breaker. In a race for Bassett City Council, five seats were available and only three candidates filed. The fourth seat was decided by write-in votes, but four people tied for the fifth seat. They were Amanda Beeman, Dustin Beeman, Jaci Westervelt and Larry Crawford. See ELECTION | Page A6
Airport plan needs archeology study first By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
In the latest twist to infrastructure projects at the Allen County Regional Airport, commissioners learned they’ll need to conduct an archeological survey before they can start work. The county plans to install water and sewer lines to the airport as part of an infrastructure project that could eventually encourage development of an industrial park. The sewer line project will mostly follow Minnesota Road from the airport to the City of Iola’s sewage plant. Starting near the Gates manufacturing plant, lines could go one of three ways. The state identified an area around the sewer lagoons, west of Lake Bassola and the Lehigh Portland Cement Plant, and north of Cofachique as “potential for previously unidentified arSee COUNTY | Page A3
Dems help Speaker avoid shutdown WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to prevent a government shutdown after new Republican Speaker Mike Johnson was forced to reach across the aisle to Mike Johnson Democrats when hard-right conservatives revolted against his plan. Johnson’s proposal to temporarily fund the government into the new year passed on a bipartisan 336See FUNDING | Page A3 Vol. 125, No. 287 Iola, KS $1.00
Robin Griffin-Lohman and Nich Lohman purchased this house in the Meadowbrook Addition in hopes of creating an Oxford House for those in recovery from alcohol or drug misuse. REGISTER/TIM STAUFFER
Good neighbors Oxford House approach inspires couple, raises questions By TIM STAUFFER The Iola Register
Earlier this fall, Robin Griffin-Lohman and Nich Lohman purchased the home at 810 Meadowbrook Rd. Ever since, they’ve spent their weekends and days off there, fixing up, cleaning. They’ve painted the exterior, put down new flooring in the basement, removed wallpaper, replaced an electrical panel, installed a storm door, trimmed limbs — all part of the process of making a house a home. Just not for them. THE COUPLE are preparing the residence for Oxford House, a home for women recovering from alcohol or drug abuse. Those unfamiliar with the world of recovery likely know little about Oxford House. The group’s impact is significant, its approach well-studied by those who work with substance abuse. But it is decidedly low-key. Their concept is bare bones, but elegant: Offer residents a
Nich Lohman and Robin Griffin-Lohman take a break Saturday afternoon from fixing up the home. “realistic opportunity to get comfortable enough in sobriety to stay clean and sober forever.” The non-profit began in 1975
with a single rented home for men in Silver Springs, Md. At the end of 2022, Oxford House included 3,450 residences in See HOME | Page A4
Services as Unique as Life Services, Monuments & Events • 1883 US Hwy 54, Iola • feuerbornfuneral.com • 620-365-2948