Tuesday, July 21, 2020
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Hospital facilities group ‘hits ground running’
Iola Recreation action continues
By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
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Federal agents hit Oregon protesters
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Weeks after the Allen County Regional Hospital began operating under a lease with Saint Luke’s Health System, a newly reorganized Board of Trustees gathered for the first time Monday. The members were the same, but the name, the chairman and the purpose have all changed. The board is now known as the Facilities board, and
they’ll be responsible for the upkeep of the physical aspects of the hospital — the buildings and grounds — at an expected annual cost of at least $450,000. The board operates on behalf of the county. Chairman Loren Korte,
who saw the board through the transition with Saint Luke’s for more than a year, stepped down to serve as vice chairman under Terry Sparks. The new group “hit the ground running,” as Sparks
said, by approving $165,000 for two projects. The first is a remodel of the hospital’s pharmacy, which is required by federal regulations but delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. The second project will replace a shield in the radiology department, after a test by Saint Luke’s found areas where radiation leaked through. That’s a safety issue and needs to be repaired imSee HOSPITAL | Page A2
Hopefuls talk infrastructure, growing economy Lee embraces potential
Mentzer used to risks
Weatherbie seeks seat
By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register
David Lee points to a confluence of factors that convinced him to run for a seat on the Allen County Commission: First, he has a desire to serve the community, whether it be a 34-year career in the U.S. Armed Forces, or stints on the LaHarpe City Council, Allen Community College Board of Trustees and the USD 257 Board of Education. Second, he points to his experience, including his military career, as a liaison between several agencies in case of natural disasters, and the aforementioned work with local governing bodies. And thirdly, “I have the time,” Lee said, noting that his laundry list of experiences are now in the rear view mirror. He has since retired from the military, and his 12-year shift with the LaHarpe Council ended in January.
Allen County must adapt to grow, Craig Mentzer contends. The changing times, particularly with broadband internet access, have placed previously unforeseen demands on Allen Countians — especially for farmers. “We’ve seen evolution,” notes Mentzer, one of three hopefuls vying for a seat on the Allen County Commission. “I’d like to keep it growing, or at least maintain,” Mentzer said, before correcting himself. “I don’t like the word ‘maintain.’ I’d like to grow a little bit.” Republicans will pick either Mentzer or one of two other challengers, David Lee or Gene Weatherbie, to become the GOP nominee for the seat in the November general election. Michelle Meiwes, Democrat, will be on the November bal-
Gene Weatherbie fully admits he’s not well acquainted with the ins and outs of parliamentary procedure, open meetings records and other intricacies associated with being a county commissioner. “It’s all new to me,” he said. Still, that has not dissuaded Weatherbie, who owns a farm north of LaHarpe, from seeking a seat on the Allen County Commission. He is one of three Republican hopefuls on the ballot for the Aug. 4 primary election, along with David Lee and Craig Mentzer. The top vote-getter will advance to the November general election to take on Democrat Michelle Meiwes. As such, Weatherbie’s platform is focused on core themes rather than specifics — topics like roads and infrastructure.
David Lee His only obligations outside of work — he’s part of the Lee family business with LaHarpe Communications and NewWave Broadband — are as part of an economic advisory committee with Thrive Allen County, and as a nursery leader at church with his wife, Tracy. Lee is one of three Republican candidates seeking to fill Bill King’s seat to represent Allen County District 2, which covers much of the northern part of the county and includes LaHarpe, Gas and segments of north Iola. See LEE | PG. A6
Craig Mentzer lot as well. Mentzer sees two key factors in any kind of growth. First, the county needs solid infrastructure — roads, ditches and other waterways — and accessible, affordable broadband internet access for its rural residents. “We’re one of the examples,” said Mentzer, who still farms at the same house in which he grew up in the northwest corner of Allen County. A 60-foot bluff less than a mile up the road effectively blocks every type of See MENTZER | PG. A5
Gene Weatherbie “I’m kind of anxious to find out, if I get in,” he said. “I’ll just have to see what’s dealt.” Weatherbie’s focal point is on preserving Allen County’s farming way of life. “There’s just not that many farmers that are around here,” he said, “and they’re all pushing 80. Not a lot of their kids are taking it up. There are very few farmers around.” Weatherbie is in that boat. He has two sons, both grown, and both have other careers. “I don’t know who’s See WEATHERBIE | PG. A6
Kelly: Students must use masks at school By JOHN HANNA The Associated Press
Students will be required to wear masks and receive daily temperature checks, Gov. Laura Kelly announced in an executive order Monday. KANSAS NEWS SERVICE/CHRIS NEAL/KCUR.ORG
Vol. 122, No. 185 Iola, KS 75 Cents
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly issued an order Monday requiring masks and daily temperature checks in the state’s K-12 schools, setting some coronavirus-inspired rules that are stricter than guidelines adopted by the Republican-controlled State Board of Education. Kelly also released the text of a proposed order to delay the reopening of public and private elementary, middle and high schools for three weeks from mid-August until Sept. 9, after the Labor Day holiday. Kansas law requires the state school board’s ap-
proval for a delay and it is scheduled to meet Wednesday morning. The Democratic governor’s plans for schools are inspiring criticism from Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature and conservatives outside state government already critical of her handling of the pandemic. The small-government, free-market Kansas Policy Institute, influential with GOP conservatives, called Kelly’s actions “simply unwarranted.” Kansas has seen the number of reported novel coronavirus cases more than double since June 10, when its rolling seven-day average of new cases per day bottomed out after peaking in early May. The
state now has reported more than 23,000 cases and more than 300 COVID-19-related deaths. “I am taking a stand for what I know is right,” Kelly said. “Putting over half a million kids and faculty in daily, large gatherings is the exact opposite of what health experts have urged us to do.” The State Board of Education unanimously approved 1,100 pages of guidance for the state’s 286 local public school boards last week, setting out what it considers best practices. But it stopped short of imposing a mandate, reflecting the state’s long tradition of allowing local boards See MASKS | Page A2