Wednesday, July 22, 2020
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Hospital sales tax extension on ballot
ABOUT FACE
By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register
The word “new” is a bit misleading, supporters of a “new sales tax” say. Voters will decide Aug. 4 whether to approve a quarter sales tax to support Allen County Regional Hospital. It’s essentially the same tax voters approved 10 years ago, and for a similar purpose. The tax sunsets at the end of the year, so taxpayers are being asked to approve another one for the next five years. The change is a zero-net increase in the county’s sales tax rate. WHILE the purpose of the
tax is very similar, things have changed a bit in 10 years. At that time, county and health leaders needed taxpayer support to help them build a new hospital. The hospital has been up and running since 2013, with more than $500,000 in support brought in by the county sales tax along with other sources. In July, the hospital was leased to Saint Luke’s Health System. Under that agreement, Saint Luke’s would pay about $2 million in annual bond payments that were used to build the hospital, taking that burden off prop-
President Donald Trump holds up his face mask during a press conference Tuesday in Washington, D.C. GETTY IMAGES/CHIP SOMODEVILLA/TNS
Voters are being asked for another quarter-cent sales tax to continue supporting Allen County Regional Hospital. The levy would replace an expiring quarter-cent tax that’s been in place since before the new hospital was built. REGISTER/VICKIE MOSS erty taxes. But the county still owns the property and is responsible for its upkeep. Under the agreement, Saint Luke’s estimated it would take a minimum of $450,000 per year to maintain the hospital and pay for necessary improvements. The county will be responsible for the upkeep of the building, regardless. The question is where the money comes from. If approved, the sales tax money will continue to collect an estimated $598,304 each year for five years. If the sales tax is not approved, the county will need See VOTE | Page A3
More casting ballots early for Aug. 4 primary So far, 450 advance ballots have been requested for the Aug. 4 primary election, Allen County Clerk Sherrie Riebel said. As of Tuesday, another 116 or so voters have cast ballots in person at the Allen County Courthouse. The number of advance ballot requests is about double the usual amount, Riebel said. Some of that increase could be attributed to fears caused by the coronavi-
rus pandemic, which has prompted federal, state and local government and health officials to issue various recommendations regarding social distancing and wearing masks to prevent the spread of the virus. Requests for advance ballots, in general, have increased in recent years, too. In the last presidential election four years ago, about 600 Allen County voters requested advance ballots.
Trump pivots on face masks WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that the “nasty horrible’” coronavirus will get worse in the U.S. before it gets better, but he also tried to paint a rosy picture of efforts to conquer the disease that has claimed more than 140,000 American lives in just five months. He also professed a newfound respect for the proSee MASKS | Page A6
FC Days still a go; not so for Elsmore The fall festival season is growing ever shorter. Elsmore Rural-Town Days organizers announced in an email Tuesday they were canceling the 2020 festival. Johnny Gillham, Elsmore Ruritan president, cited the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s celebration had been slated for Sept. 12. Already taken off the calendar this fall were Moran Day and Kincaid Free Fair celebrations. THERE
REMAINS
one celebration still in the works for Allen County. Iola’s Farm-City Days Committee announced in a Facebook post earlier this month that plans are still on track for the celebration Oct. 15-17. Activities were being adjusted to account for social distancing and extra sanitation, the post read. “We understand people’s reservations about crowds and attending activities,” the post read, adding that the choice to attend will be left up to the residents. Vol. 122, No. 186 Iola, KS 75 Cents
Pick up bricks Building demolition and dirt work began this week at the site of a new elementary school at Kentucky and Monroe streets. Here, crews with Ren Terra LLC remove rubble after knocking down one of several structures on the property. Trees also are being cleared. Soil remediation, to remove more than 100 years of lead contamination from the property’s early days as a foundry and smelting site, is underway. REGISTER/VICKIE MOSS
COUNTY COMMISSION
Grant funding nearly ready By TREVOR HOAG The Iola Register
Following the application by several local businesses for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funds, commissioners approved moving forward with disbursement. The county was recently awarded $132,000 from the Kansas Department of Commerce to help with COVID-19 relief, in particular, to help small businesses retain workers. A second round for addi-
tional businesses to apply for CDBG-CV funds will also begin immediately, agreed commissioners. At this stage, micro-businesses (1-5 employees) are eligible for up to $7,500 in relief funds, and small businesses (6-50 employees) are eligible for up to $12,000. Those parties who are interested are advised to contact Thrive Allen County with any questions at (620) 365-8128 or info@thriveallencounty.org. Thrive CEO Lisse Regehr
- Since 1871 -
iola unicipal Band Jake Ard, director
At the bandstand
THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2019 — 8 p.m. PROGRAM
Star Spangled Banner............................... Francis Scott Key Days of Summer ....................................... Tobias and Carste Trombone King ......................................................... Karl King Phoenix Overture ............................................... Jim Curnow Indepentia .................................................................. R.B. Hall Lord of the Rings ........................................... Arr. Ralph Ford Your Cheatin Heart........................................ Hank Williams Blue Skies ............................................................ Irving Berlin Beer Barrel Polka ......................................................L. Brown Black Horse Troop ....................................John Philip Sousa
See you there!
See GRANT | Page A3
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