Sports: Humboldt punches ticket to state See B1
THE IOLA REGISTER Locally owned since 1867
www.iolaregister.com
Thursday, May 21, 2015
SEK Trippers ready to hit road again By KAYLA BANZET The Iola Register
This rendering shows plans to revamp the east entrance from Buckeye Street to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, adding an elevator and loading dock to make the building more accessible.
Fine arts center unveils new look By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
Calling it “the largest change to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center in the last 50 years,” plans for a revamped entrance will benefit both patrons and performers. Susan Raines, speaking on behalf of the Friends of the Bowlus committee, unveiled their plans this week, which will include: — Installation of a full-
size elevator connecting visitors to nearly all levels of the 50-year-old building; — A new loading dock so performers, band students and others will no longer have to load and unload supplies from the alley; — A number of handicapaccessible parking stalls; — A more prominent and visually appealing entrance on the east side of the building, complete with covered vestibule;
— A wide driveway so buses can load and unload passengers; — And potentially an outdoor “instrument” garden and plaza that can be converted into an outdoor performance venue. “When it’s all said and done, this will be not only the best thing for the Bowlus, but such a nice addition for the community,” said Raines, the fine arts center’s executive director.
Much of the work is made possible now that the Friends committee has possession of property that held the recently demolished NorthrupWarren house at 217 E. Madison Ave. The home’s demolition became a source of contention among many who wanted to see it preserved, citing its historical significance. “It’s important to us that See BOWLUS | Page A6
The wheels on the SEK Trippers bus go round and round. Charlene Levans, organizer of the SEK Trippers, a group that travels by charter bus to view an assortment of theater productions Charlene t h r o u g h o u t Levans the year, has a long list of shows planned. As a child, Levans developed a love for theater. When she was growing up her parents would take her to shows at different venues. “I’ve even been in a few local shows, too,” she said. “I’m a season ticket holder at the Bowlus and the community theater.” Levans, rural LaHarpe, began traveling to productions via bus after she retired from teaching fourth grade at Lincoln ElementaSee TRIPPERS | Page A6
Senate eyes tax hike By JOHN HANNA The Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — The Republican-dominated Kansas Senate is considering a plan to raise taxes to close a projected budget shortfall, with GOP Gov. Sam Brownback saying he isn’t drawing “very clear lines” for lawmakers who are split over reversing one of his major economic initiatives. The bill up for debate today in the Senate would repeal an income tax exemption for more than 330,000 business owners and farmers enacted in 2012 and replace it with a less lucrative tax credit against their payrolls. It also would increase the state’s sales, cigarette and motor fuels taxes. Brownback and legislators must close a projected $406 million budget deficit for the fiscal year beginning in July. The gap arose after legislators cut personal income taxes in 2012 and 2013 at Brownback’s urging in an effort to stimulate the economy. If legislators don’t backtrack on the tax exemption for business owners and farmers that Brownback championed, they’ll have to rely more heavily on increasing other taxes to raise new revenues. The Senate plan would increase the sales tax to 6.5 percent from 6.15 percent, while dropping the rate on food to 6 percent. The Kansas Chamber of Commerce and National Fed-
eration of Independent Business are lobbying to preserve the tax break, and their representatives said Wednesday that they believe the governor has been clear in public statements about wanting to keep the policy. But during a brief interview Wednesday, Brownback said, “I’ve purposely not drawn a lot of very clear lines and have been purposely saying I want to move off of income tax onto consumption tax, and let’s see what we can do.” Brownback said his approach is “much more useful” for resolving tax issues. Legislators convened today for the 95th day of their annual session, five more than their leaders traditionally schedule, at a total cost of $43,000 per day. “It is complicated, but I think the process is moving in the right direction,” Brownback said. “It can get frustrating because you just want to get it done NOW, but you’ve got to work with people.” The 2012 policy exempted the profits of 281,000 business owners and 53,000 farmers from income taxes. Brownback touted it as a See TAXES | Page A6
Quote of the day Vol. 117, No. 140
Paramedic Corey Isbell with the Allen County Emergency Medical Service and Iola Fire Department shows the new Broselow Bag the department received to better treat children. REGISTER/RICHARD
LUKEN
Grant funds new pediatric equipment By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
The Allen County Emergency Medical Service is better equipped to help young patients thanks to a $2,000 grant the department was awarded, enabling personnel to purchase an additional pediatric advanced life support attack
pack. The pack — commonly referred to as a “Broselow Bag” — features an array of equipment designed for use on children of all ages. It also contains charts and tapes that provide a quick and easy way determine how much medication to give children.
“The biggest threat to any politician is an artist. David Letterman can do much more damage than any Republican assault by Newt Gingrich.” — Michael Moriarty, American actor
75 Cents
“It allows us to treat our patients a little more quickly and adequately as far as being accurate on dosages, tubes, things like that,” said Corey Isbell, a paramedic and lieutenant with the Iola Fire Department. “Everything in that regard for children is weight-based. See EMS | Page A6
Hi: 67 Lo: 47 Iola, KS