Sports: Iola’s Garber takes second at 4A regionals See B1
THE IOLA REGISTER Locally owned since 1867
Monday, February 23, 2015
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‘Bank of KDOT’ reserves falling
Poll: Wealthy aren’t taxed enough
By RICHARD LUKEN The Associated Press
By EMILY SWANSON and STEPHEN OHLEMADHER The Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Even before budget problems prompted Republican Gov. Sam Brownback to propose siphoning off transportation dollars to help erase projected shortfalls, Kansas had the biggest decade-long decline in per-person spending on highways of any state, according to new federal data. Brownback is facing bipartisan criticism for proposals to divert $858 million over three years, ending in June 2017, which would allow the state to cover spending on education, social services, prisons and other programs while sustaining personal income tax cuts that Brownback championed. The state’s budget problems arose after lawmakers reduced taxes in 2012 and 2013 at the governor’s urging, hoping to boost the economy. But the state’s per capita spending on highways already was 29 percent lower during its 2013 fiscal year than in fiscal 2003, according to data compiled by the Federal Highway Administration and analyzed by The Associated Press. It was nearly $695 in 2003 and $490 in 2013; Kansas ranked fifth in per capita spending in
Above from left, Jarrod Powe, Caleb Ryman and Thomas Young watch as their Pinewood Derby racers approach the finish line Sunday. At left, Andy Dunlap positions another group of cars at the starting gates. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Cub Scouts fill their need for speed By RICHARD LUKEN The Associated Press
Forget Daytona. While the rest of the sports world was focused Sunday on “The Great American Race” — the Daytona 500 — a dozen local Cub Scouts did some homemade racing of their own. Cub Scout Troop 55’s annual Pinewood Derby, hosted by Allen Community College, allowed the youngsters to show off their craftsmanship and competitiveness.
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The pinewood racers had a few mandatory requirements. They could be no longer than 7 inches long, and could weigh no more than 5 ounces. The rest was left to the youngsters’ — and their parents’ — imaginations. Elaborate paint schemes, and accessories — one car had a plastic dinosaur affixed to its roof — were tested on the aluminum track, which begins with a steep decline before flattening out as the cars approach the fin-
ish line. By the time the dust cleared, Konner Larney’s creation was proven the King of the Pinewoods for Troop 55. Larney won the final round over three other heat champions. Larney had both the highest average speed 225.5 mph, as well as the fastest single run of the day, a mind-boggling 226.4 mph — far faster than anything those NASCAR drivers could muster at Daytona International Speedway.
WASHINGTON (AP) — The rich aren’t taxed enough and the middle class is taxed too much. As for your taxes, you probably think they’re too high as well. Those are the results of an Associated Press-GfK poll that found that most people in the United States support President Barack Obama’s proposal to raise investment taxes on highincome families. The findings echo the populist messages of two liberal senators — Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Bernie Sanders of Vermont — being courted by the progressive wing of the Democratic Party to run for president in 2016. The results also add weight to Obama’s new push to raise taxes on the rich and use some of the revenue to lower taxes on the middle class. Obama calls his approach “middle-class economics.” It’s not flying with Republicans in Congress, who oppose higher taxes. But Bob Montgomery of Martinsville, Virginia, said people with higher incomes should pay more. “I think the more you make the more taxes you should pay,” said MontSee POLL | Page A4
Legislators eye liquor sales TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are considering a proposal to permit grocery stores to sell full-strength beer, wine and liquor starting in July 2018. The bill up for debate today in the House Commerce, Labor and Economic Development Committee also would permit convenience stores to sell full-strength beer starting in July 2018. Groceries and convenience stores now can sell weaker beer known as cereal malt
In flight
Colony’s Phyllis Luedke captured these spectacular images of a bald eagle at Burlington’s John Redmond Reservoir recently. The eagles migrate through this part of the country in late winter.
College-bound help Chelsea Lea, right, a senior at Humboldt High School, visits with her mother, Ann, left, and Karie White, who works for the financial aid office at Allen Community College during College Goal Sunday activities. High school seniors received help as they filled out their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) applications. The FAFSA forms are used to determine if students can receive Pell Grants to attend college. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Quote of the day Vol. 117, No. 78
beverage. Only liquor stores can sell full-strength beer, wine and liquor. The measure is backed by grocery and convenience store chains. Many liquor store owners oppose it, fearing they’ll be run out of business. It would cap the number of retail liquor store licenses and allow store owners to transfer theirs to grocery stores in the same county starting in July 2018.
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