The Iola Register, Sept. 26, 2023

Locally owned since 1867

Crest residents talk bond vote

By VICKIE MOSS The Iola Register

KINCAID — Christin Fuller, mayor of Kincaid, attended a Community Information meeting on Saturday morning in the gym of a building that once served as a Crest school building.

She came to see site plans for a proposed $5.95 million bond issue that would build a storm shelter with new classrooms, add a second gymnasium, reconfigure the front entrance with better accessibility, and make other improvements to the 64-year-old building.

“I’m a big supporter of the project,” Fuller said.

Her son is a freshman at Crest; a daughter graduated from the district and is now in college. Fuller knows how difficult it can be for the district to schedule physical education classes along with sports practices and other events. Having a second, auxiliary gym would be a big help to families, she said. Along with the gym, she believes students will benefit from additional classrooms, the storm shelter and improved handicapped accessibility. She was pleased to see

See CREST | Page A3

Counties hope for property tax relief fund’s return

By SHERMAN SMITH Kansas Reflector

Mustang coronation

Meet your Kincaid Fair Queen hopefuls

KINCAID — The Kincaid Fair begins this Thursday and runs through Saturday. This year’s theme is “Back to the Country.” The fair will feature a free bean feed Thursday evening, a fun run Saturday morning followed by a parade later that day, and will wrap up with a fireworks display Saturday evening at Kincaid’s ballpark.

The late Terry Feuerborn and Janice Feuerborn are the grand marshalls.

This year’s six Fair Queen contestants are below. The queen will be announced before the parade Saturday.

Kaylee Allen

Kaylee is a senior at Crest High School and the daughter of Denny and Kerry Allen. Involved in volleyball, basketball, softball, FCA, FCCLA, FFA, cross country and National Honor Society, Kaylee also enjoys hunting

TOPEKA — The Legislature’s perennial failure to invest in lowering local property taxes left Miami County with a budget dilemma this year. The sheriff’s office, competing with higher wages for law enforcement in the neighboring Kansas City metro area, was about 20 deputies short of a full staff. Faced with the prospect of raising property taxes to pay for better salaries, Miami County Commissioner Rob Roberts said the question he had to ask was: “Are we going to have law enforcement in Miami County?”

By increasing the base pay by $2.50 for law enforcement, the county hired five

people. But it meant increasing property taxes by roughly the same amount — $1.7 million — that the state was supposed to distribute to the county through decades old revenue-sharing agreements designed to lower local property taxes.

“Those are dispatchers. Those are men and women who sit in your jail and take care of inmates. Those are people who patrol our city or our county area,” Roberts said. “And what choice do counties have? The wage pressure that’s put on local jurisdictions right now is tremendous.

“Each of these functions that the county is required to put on, there is not one of them that we put on that

See COUNTIES | Page A6

Mural takes shape

Iola artists Max and Candice Grundy take advantage of Sunday afternoon’s sunny weather to put the finishing touches on a mural on the south wall of Audacious Boutique, located at 19 S. Jefferson Ave., Iola. The mural is the second of four planned by the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, which raised funds for the projects through a silent auction last fall. The third mural will be on the west wall of Elé Nails, at 1 E. Madison in Iola, and the fourth mural, whose final location has not been decided, will be either at Fillmore Coffeehouse + Plant Cafe or the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. REGISTER/TIM STAUFFER

Crest USD 479 school board member Nathan Beckmon, at right, speaks with Roy and Honey Whitcomb, from left, and Christin Fuller at a community information meeting held Saturday at the Kincaid Community Center regarding an upcoming $5.95 million bond vote. REGISTER/VICKIE MOSS

Iola High School’s Jaydon Morrison, left, and Leeann Maloney were crowned 2023 Fall Homecoming King and Queen Friday, prior to the Mustangs’ 16-6 win over Anderson County. Full details of the victory are on Page B1. REGISTER/QUINN BURKITT

Kaylee Allen Hannah Boeck Nevaeh Meats Khloey Valentine

Kinley Edgerton Kaelin Nilges See KINCAID | Page A3

Obituary

Doug Mix

Douglas Edward Mix (68) began his adventures in Heaven on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023.

Doug was born Oct. 27, 1954 in Millville, New Jersey to the late Rev. Arthur Mix and Carol Mix (nee Dixon).

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Greg Mix. Doug was a force of nature.

He lit up every room he entered. He knew a thousand jokes and five ways to fix any problem.

Doug worked at Milne and Mann and Walton Foundry during his time in Iola. Harlen Stokes, a long time employee of the foundry, eventually found it in his heart to introduce Doug to his youngest daughter, Lois. Doug and Lois (Stokes) married and commuted to Pittsburg State University. They obtained their college degrees while starting their family.

They left Kansas in 1983 allowing Doug to follow his passion for foundries, factories, and manufacturing. Despite having lived in Hawaii, Arkansas, and Ohio Doug always considered Kansas home. He retired from Electrolux in 2008 as vice president of regulatory affairs.

Doug leaves behind innumerable friends who were impacted by his life. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Lois Mix (Stokes), his two daughters Rae Jackson (Ron) of Kenosha, Wisc., and Erin Downs (Andrew) of Strongsville, Ohio, his siblings, Mike Mix (Jan) of Leavenworth, Kathy Dulinsky (Dave) of Shorewood, Ill., and Trisha Mix (Greg) of Troy, Mo., as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and loved ones. His memory will be held strong by his four beloved grandchildren, Bekah, Eli, Ella, and Lena Downs.

Services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023 at Pleasant Valley Christian Church, 12193 W. Pleasant Valley Rd., Middleburg Heights, OH 44130. There will be a visitation beginning at 10 a.m. with a memorial service to begin at 11. The family will host a lunch following services.

Carlyle news

Carlyle Presbyterian Church

Pastor Steve Traw’s message Sunday, “God’s Gracious Gift,” was taken from Matthew 20:116. "This passage of Scripture is a parable — an earthly story with a heavenly meaning,” explained Pastor Traw. In the parable, workers each got a denarius whether they worked a full day or only an hour.

Pastor Traw said, “This speaks to the right attitude of the laborer. As Christians we dedicate our work ethic as unto God.” You can watch the church service at 10 a.m. Sundays via Facebook.

Myrna Wildschuetz played a gospel medley by Albert Brumley for

States look at child tax credit programs

By ANNA CLAIRE VOLLERS

The federal pandemic-era child tax credit expansion lifted millions of children out of poverty in the second half of 2021. But Congress allowed it to expire at the end of that year, and new U.S. census data shows the child poverty rate more than doubled in 2022, erasing the record gains that were made.

A new approach

In 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act temporarily expanded the federal child tax credit, increasing the maximum credit to $3,000 per child ages 6-17 and $3,600 per child under age 6. It was a significant bump from the previous $2,000-perchild credit.

particularly significant gains for families with lower incomes.”

While the federal tax credit expansion did lift children out of poverty in the short term, some analysts argue it could have had negative longterm effects if made permanent.

changes to develop,” he said. “I don’t think 2021 is a very good test of what would happen in the long run.”

the Prelude and “Wings of a Dove” for the Offertory.

Celebrating birthdays are Bob Jewell on Tuesday, Sept. 26, and John Hillbrant on Friday, Sept. 29. Vaughn and Kay Walker will celebrate their wedding anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 28. David Ensminger sang “September Song” in honor of his late wife, Velsie, whose birthday was in September. Richard Klingensmith sang “I Love You Truly” to his wife, Cheryl, whose birthday is also in September.

Bible Study with Pastor Traw is at 3 p.m. Tuesdays on the Old Testament Book of Malachi.

Walmart shooter to pay $5 million to families

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)

— A white Texas gunman who killed 23 people in a racist attack on Hispanic shoppers at a Walmart in 2019 agreed Monday to pay more than $5 million to families of the victims.

Patrick Crusius was sentenced to 90 consecutive life sentences in July after pleading guilty to federal hate crime charges following one of the nation's worst mass killings. U.S. District Judge David Guaderrama signed off on the amount that Crusius must pay in restitution.

Crusius still faces a separate trial in a Texas court that could end with him getting the death penalty.

Police say Crusius drove more than 700 miles from his home near Dallas to target Hispanics with an military-style rifle.

Moments before the attack began, Crusius posted a racist screed online that warned of a Hispanic "invasion" of Texas.

Crusius pleaded guilty in February af-

ter federal prosecutors took the death penalty off the table. But Texas prosecutors have said they will try to put Crusius on death row when he stands trial in state court. That trial date has not yet been set.

Under the agreement between Crusius and the government, Crusius will pay $5,557,005.55.

In January, the Justice Department proposed changes to how it runs federal prisoners' deposit accounts in an effort to make sure victims are paid restitution, including from some high-profile inmates with large balances. The move came as the Justice Department has faced increased scrutiny after revelations that several high-profile inmates had kept large sums of money in their prison accounts but had only made minimal payments to their victims.

The attack was the deadliest of a dozen mass shootings in the U.S. linked to hate crimes since 2006.

“It wasn’t surprising because we knew this was coming,” said Megan Curran, policy director at Columbia University’s Center on Poverty and Social Policy. “But still, when you see the magnitude of the change, and you know how many kids that represents, it’s still shocking.”

Now states are stepping in. Since the federal enhancement ended, several states have launched or expanded their own child tax credits.

Six states have created new child tax credits (New Jersey, New Mexico and Vermont in 2022, and Minnesota, Oregon and Utah this year), while five more have expanded their existing credits, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonpartisan tax policy nonprofit. Currently 14 states offer child tax credits, and several others saw bills introduced this year.

“Child poverty has often been thought of as this status quo that can’t change,” said Curran. “But one of the most powerful lessons to take out of the horrible pandemic is that our policy decisions really matter, and we can make a huge difference in a short amount of time.

“We know what works and we know how to do it. This is a solvable problem.”

The temporary expansion gave the credit in monthly cash payouts to about 6 in 10 U.S. households with children, rather than as one lump sum after taxes. And it made the full credit available to all low- and middle-income families making less than $150,000 for married couples ($112,500 for single parents). The previous credit excluded income earners at the lowest end of the spectrum.

We have programs for folks who struggle financially, but nothing replaces having your own funds to solve your own problems.

— Mercedes Elizalde, Latino Network

After the payments began, the nation’s child poverty rate dropped by half in 2021 to a historic low of 5%, primarily thanks to the expanded child tax credit, according to researchers at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, a charitable organization focused on child well-being. The expansion helped lift 3 million children out of poverty, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which found that most parents said they used the credit payments on child care, rent, utilities, food and school expenses.

“You saw this whole host of data coming from all sorts of places, showing these payments were having a positive and immediate effect on families’ basic needs, and how they were able to care for their children,” Curran said. “You were seeing

“What we worry about, with good reason given the evidence, is that a lot of families will receive that extra money and it will cause them to work less or to not work at all,” said Scott Winship, senior fellow and director at the Center on Opportunity and Social Mobility at the American Enterprise Institute, a center-right public policy think tank. Winship said a permanent expanded child tax credit also might discourage marriage and result in more families headed by single parents.

Two pieces of 2021 research from economists at the University of Chicago concluded that if the expanded child tax credit were made permanent, between 1.3 million and 1.5 million workers would exit the labor force. A 2021 analysis of census data from Columbia University researchers found that the temporary expanded benefits during the pandemic didn’t discourage parents from working, but Winship said the results might have been different if people thought the expanded credit was going to be permanent.

“It takes time for a lot of these behavioral

Winship added that he doesn’t think state-level child tax credits are a good idea, but that he’d rather see states experiment with different approaches to reducing child poverty than the federal government.

Who’s left out?

Now that eligibility for the federal credit has reverted to its pre-pandemic rules, low-income families are no longer receiving the full tax credit afforded to middle-income families.

For example, a married couple with two children must earn at least $35,900 per year to qualify for the maximum $2,000 child tax credit; a single parent with two children would have to earn $29,400 to qualify, according to the Center on Poverty and Social Policy. That means children whose parents get paid at or near the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour don’t qualify for the maximum credit.

About a quarter of children nationwide do not qualify for the maximum $2,000 credit because of their parents’ income. That includes a third of rural children; half of kids with a single parent; 40% of Black and Hispanic kids; and 90% of kids in households below the federal poverty level, which is about $30,000 per year for a family of four.

“We have programs for folks who struggle financially, but nothing replaces having your own funds to solve your own problems,” said Mercedes Elizalde, director of advocacy at Latino Network, a Latino-led advocacy organization based in Portland, Oregon.

Doug Mix

Kansas Reflector

Brianne Walker plays with her 3-year-old daughter, Jeannette, at A Place To Grow day care in Brentwood, N.H., in July 2021. Walker and her family qualified for the expanded child tax credit that was part of a pandemic relief package. (ELISE AMENDOLA/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Crest: Residents get look at proposed school project

Continued from A1

the plans and discuss the project with school board members.

“I feel they are using our taxpayer money wisely,” she said. “There were more extravagant plans presented, but they boiled it down to the essentials.”

Indeed, school board president Travis Church and board member Jason Beckmon said a great deal of consideration and input helped them develop the plans. A steering committee spent about five years researching the district’s facilities, and surveyed members of the community to determine wants and needs. The board then worked with consultants to develop a plan that initially cost about twice as much, but they whittled it down to the essentials.

“As the district continues to grow, we saw a need for classroom space, along with another gym, better security and accessibility,” Beckmon said.

Security and accessibility were among the top considerations, Church agreed. His son, a sophomore at Crest High School, uses a wheelchair. He has learned how to navigate the building’s unique configuration: the school’s main lobby has stairs; to access the building someone in a wheelchair must use secondary entrances.

“But for someone coming into our school, to be able to get around is very challenging,” Church said.

Jamie Henderson, a former school board member, served on the steering committee. She has children in middle and high school. Like Fuller, her family’s

experience with sports and recess taught them the need for a second gym.

“And definitely, security is always a concern,” she said.

Stephanie Edgerton, Crest Elementary principal, also has children who play high school sports. Because of conflicting time constraints for the gym, their basketball practices often run as late as 9 p.m.

As a former teacher and now principal, she also understands the value of physical activity for young children. Currently, the gym is not available if the weather is bad and students must remain indoors during recess.

“It’s good to have space for a rainy day. Just yesterday, I was entertaining preschoolers in the hallway while it rained,” she said.

Both Edgerton and Henderson said they’ve

received positive feedback about the plan.

“I think people see the need and are excited about the possibilities,” Edgerton said.

SATURDAY’S informational meeting allowed USD 479 residents to sit down with board members to discuss the mea-

sure. Those who had property tax information on hand could use a computer simulation to show how their taxes might change if the bond is approved. If the bond issue passes, it is expected to add an estimated 16 mills to the budget for a

Kincaid: Fall festival opens Thursday

and photography. After high school, she plans on attending college and becoming an entrepreneur. Kaylee is a member of First Baptist Church in Kincaid, who has also sponsored her candidacy.

Hannah Boeck

Hannah is a junior at Crest High school and Hope Academy. She is the daughter of Ashley and Lance Miller and the granddaughter of Trilla Eastwood, Willy and Viola Boeck, and Daniel and Jesus Robinson. Hannah participates in the vocational program through Hope Academy at G&W Foods and enjoys reading and games. After graduation, Hannah plans on attending college to pursue a degree in video game design. Her candidacy is sponsored by the Kincaid High School Community Center.

Kinley Edgerton

Kinley is the daughter of Zac and Stephanie Edgerton. Her grandparents are Bill and Connie Johnston and Allen and Connie Edgerton. She is a sophomore at Crest High School, where she competes in volleyball, softball and track. Kinley is also involved in

FCCLA and FFA. After graduating, she plans on attending college to major in Elementary Education. Kinley enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and playing with her dog. Her candidacy is sponsored by the Believe It or Not Club.

Nevaeh Meats

Nevaeh is the daughter of Jeff Meats, and her grandparents are Jamie and Curtis Ford. A senior at Crest High School, Nevaeh is involved in band, theater, and is a member of the dance team. Little sister Faye is her biggest supporter. Her candidacy is sponsored by the Kincaid Recreation Center.

Kaelin Nilges

Kaelin is a sophomore at Crest High School and the daughter of Kevin and Kacie Nilges. Her grandparents are Kendall and

Chris McGhee and Roy and Linda Nilges. In high school, Kaelin is involved in FFA, FCCLA and yearbook. She plays volleyball, softball and track. Her hobbies include baking, going to the lake and hanging out with friends and family. Kaelin is the second of five children, and her candidacy is sponsored by South Lone Elm 15.

Khloey Valentine

Khloey is the daughter of Charles Valentine.

Her grandparents are Tina and Calvin Valentine, Jeff and Lisa Zandler, and Ami Goldner. Khloey is a sophomore at Crest High School and is involved in softball, volleyball, dance and cheer. She has two brothers and five sisters. Her candidacy is sponsored by the Kincaid Lion’s Club.

VOTING will take place Thursday and Friday from noon to 8 p.m. in the Exhibit Building.

total of 53.178 mills.

For the owner of a $100,000 home in USD 479, the bond would add about $184 more each year to the property tax

bill. That translates to about $15.33 per month or 50 cents per day.

The last time the district attempted to pass a bond issue, for $2 million in 2004, it failed by just five votes.

At that time, the proposal would have built nine classrooms and a gymnasium in Colony as the district closed the school building in Kincaid and consolidated classes. After the bond failed, the Crest district continued with its plans to close the Kincaid school and used its capital outlay fund to build several new classrooms.

Board members Church and Beckmon said the district could consider similar alternatives to meet some of the safety and security requirements.

“We’re going to have to figure out a way to do some of these projects,” Church said.

Beckmon agreed and added: “This bond proposal is the most efficient use of taxpayer money. This gives us the capacity we need to support our kids and prepares us for the future.”

TWO MORE community information meetings are planned.

The next will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the Lone Elm Community Building followed by a meeting from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at the Crest gymnasium.

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 7, with polling locations in Colony, Kincaid, Welda and Iola.

Below, Crest USD 479 patrons gather Saturday in Kincaid for a community discussion on a proposed $5.95 million bond project to renovate the district’s schools in Colony, including, as seen above, construction of new classrooms, an auxiliary gymnasium and a renovated front entrance. REGISTER/VICKIE MOSS

By EVA TESFAYE Harvest Public Media

Farmers can save money by using practices that improve soil, according to a study from the Soil Health Institute.

The study surveyed 30 farms across the United States that are using no-till agriculture, which minimizes soil disturbance, and cover crops, where plants are used primarily to keep soil in place between growing seasons. Across 29 of those farms, these practices increased net farm income by an average of $65 per acre annually.

The study also found that these practices cost farmers on average $14 per acre less to grow corn and $7 per acre less to grow soybeans.

“This is a way that is not only more profitable, but these practices can really help them build that resilience to those more extreme weather events,” said Wayne Honeycutt, president and CEO of the Soil Health Institute.

A 2021 study by the same institute that focused on 100 farms across the Midwest also found that these practices saved money and increased net income.

This could be because farmers are not spending as much on equipment used for tillage or using fertilizers on the soil.

“We save money by putting on these cover crops,” said Levi Lyle, a farmer in Keota, Iowa, in one of the videos shared with the study.

“The costs that are associated with putting on the cover crops, I feel like we are generating income for young farmers who are excited to sell cover crop seed.”

The positive environmental impacts of these practices are more well-known, such as improving resilience to extreme weather and reducing nutrient runoff. However, there is not as much research on how they impact farmers economically.

“Farmers are businessmen and women, and so they need to know that when they are changing their management practices that it will be economically beneficial for them to do so,” said Honeycutt.

Kelly Wilson, associate director of the Center for Regenerative Agriculture at the University of Missouri said that qualitative research like this is valuable, but the topic needs more as well as different types of research.

“You really have to take into account how different soil types, different regions, different climates, those things also play into the potential economic factors,” she said, “so that can be really hard to just look at something like this and compare.”

Anti-vaping kicks off Living Well Wednesdays

The virtual learning series, Living Well Wednesday, is set to kick off its 2023 Fall Series next month.

This year’s fall series will focus on topics of interest to parents and individuals who work with youth. Topics will help those around kids recognize warning signs of dangerous behavior and risk factors.

The fall series kicks off on Oct. 4 with “It’s Not So Kool to JUUL”.

Guest presenter Donna Gerstner with Livewell Finney County Health Coalition in Garden City says vaping is the newest epidemic among young, stating that 25% of Kansas high school students currently vape or have vaped.

Discussion on the dangers of vaping, preventative measures, and helpful ways to identify smoking devices will help prepare parents to talk to their kids about this new health risk and reduce the chance that their child will partake in a dangerous and highly addictive activity.

For the second session on Nov. 1, Erin Tynon, Pottawatomie County Family and Consumer Science Agent, and guest speaker Christine Perez, a licensed clinical professional counselor, will present “Teen Stress and Anxiety: How Worried do Parents Need to be?”

This session will examine the current state of teen mental health and help parents decipher what stress is normal in teenagers versus when to seek professional help. By preparing what to say and do when teens talk about their stressors, parents will know how to talk about these tricky topics and when to seek professional help. The last session on Dec. 6 is “Rapid Development of Baby Brains

and Why It Matters.”

Presenters Bradford Wiles, K-State Research and Extension Child Development Specialist, and Family and Consumer Science Agents Tristen Cope and Monique Koerner will discuss how impactful the early years in a child’s life are on the outcome of their entire future.

In this session, participants will see why positive early child-

hood experiences are critical for babies, how stress and trauma impact brain development at a young age, and what they can do to provide protective factors for healthy brain development in babies.

The series is offered by K-State Research and Extension Family and Consumer Science Agents and Specialists from across the state.

All three sessions will be at 12:10 – 1 p.m.

on Zoom. To register, visit www.ksre.k-state. edu/fcs/livingwellwed/. All sessions will be recorded for later viewing. Recordings will be posted on the Living Well Wednesday Website and are assessible through the link previously referenced. For more information, contact Cassidy Lutz at celutz@ksu.edu or by calling 620-6258620.

By AMANDA CLASEN Community Vitality Agent

As I begin to settle into my new position as the Community Vitality Agent for Southwind District and make my way around to communities that are within our district, there are many great projects and discussions that communities and groups are doing and supporting.

I have been asked several times over the past three months, “What does the job of a Community Vitality agent consist of?”

The foundation of community vitality is to help communities become a prosperous place to live, work, play, and thrive through identifying the bright and dark spots in that community, while encouraging growth in population and sustainability.

Vitality is defined as “the state of being strong and active” and “the power-giving continuance to life.” When a community has this vitality, we are setting our local businesses up for financial prosperity as well as enriching the lives of current and potential residents. It also encourages individuals to become more involved in making their communities shine.

Part of a strong community is using the guidelines of the Seven Community Capitals.

Rarely do communities possess all community capitals, but all possess some community capitals. The capitals can create a foundation for expanding community capital

areas, building on current capitals, or working to create opportunities in capitals that a community is currently lacking.

I encourage you to think of the bright spots that your community has that fall into each of the capitals listed below, and also think about projects that you can see your community benefiting from in each of these as well.

• Natural Capital: The quality and quantity of natural and environmental resources existing in a community. Includes all natural aspects of community. Assets of clean water, clean air, wildlife, parks, lakes, good soil, landscape – all are examples of natural capital.

• Cultural Capital: The values, norms, beliefs and traditions that people inherit from the family, school and community. assets may include local beliefs, values, history, foods, festivals, cultural heritage, art, etc.

• Human Capital: Investments are those investments that add to the health, education, and well- being and self-esteem of people.

Social Capital: Represents the “glue” that holds a community together and whose presence can spur the type of economic growth that brings benefits to the entire community. Examples include leadership, working together, mutual trust, and sense of a shared future.

• Political Capital: The ability to influence and enforce rules, regulations, and

standards. Communities should allow all groups to have opportunities for leadership and engagement, and to have a voice in public issues.

• Financial Capital: Includes forms of money used to increase capacity of the unit that accesses it. These include: savings, debt capital, investment capital, tax revenue, tax abatement and grants. Other examples of financial capital are in-

vestments, fair wages, internal and external sources of income.

• Built Capital includes all human-con-

structed infrastructure such as sewers, water systems, machinery, roads, electronic communication, buildings, and housing.

Think about the following questions:

• What is it that you love about the community you live in?

• If you could change one thing about your community, what would it be?

• What dialogue and with who, would you need to have a discussion with to make that change happen?

For more information please contact Amanda Clasen, Community Vitality Agent, at amclasen@ksu.edu or at any Southwind Extension office.

“It’s Not So Kool to JUUL” is the first program offered as part of the Living Well Wednesdays virtual learning series. PIXABAY.COM

SOUTHWIND EXTENSION DISTRICT

To help a community thrive, explore its capitals

Cover crops can make money, too

Opinion A5

The Iola Register

~ Journalism that makes a difference

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

As Washington descends into chaos, McCarthy reaps what he has sown

Funding of the federal government is set to expire at midnight on Sunday, Oct. 1. The shutdown would be the U.S. government’s first since early 2019, when a 34-day shutdown ended with then-President Trump backing away from his demand to fund a border wall. Before then, the most recent shutdowns were in 2013, 1995, and 1990.

If the rarity of a shutdown doesn’t garner the attention it should, the consequences must. During a shutdown, members of the military aren’t paid, air travel is disrupted, and non-essential federal functions cease. Social Security, Medicare, SNAP, Food and Drug Administration inspections, and small business loans are affected. Millions of federal employees won’t receive paychecks.

All this is bad enough. What’s worse is that we could see this coming. In fact, it seemed destined to happen ever since January 7, 2023. That, to jog one’s memory, was the day McCarthy became Speaker of the House, succeeding on the 15th vote of what was the longest Speaker election since the Civil War.

McCarthy won that battle by making a number of huge concessions with hard-right members of his caucus.

Chief among them was the “motion to vacate,” allowing any member, at any time, to call for McCarthy’s ouster and initiate a new vote for speaker.

Even after all that, who was the final holdout? Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL),

the same man who currently leads the government into a self-inflicted catastrophe.

WITH less than a week left, McCarthy now finds himself back where he started. He’s given away all he can to a group of far-right Republicans who “just want to burn the whole place down,” as McCarthy said last week.

The only person this might be news to is McCarthy. And the longer he tries to reason with firebrands like Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Colorado’s Lauren Boebert and their entourage, the more he fails to grasp the world he created.

The far-right McCarthy emboldened doesn’t mind shutting down a federal government it sees as their enemy. Gaetz and his allies have no interest in building coalitions or passing legislation. In McCarthy’s House, a handful of members hold the rest at their mercy.

McCarthy quickly needs to remember the first rule of politics: majority rules. And right now, the only majorities to be found require compromise. He can either make a deal with moderate House Democrats or take up what the Senate sends his way.

Regardless, one gets the feeling McCarthy’s days are numbered. The eventual end of a shutdown be-

Menendez needs to go, now

If this were a movie script, you’d have a hard time believing it. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was charged on Friday with secretly helping the Egyptian government and trying to stop the criminal prosecution of a friend in exchange for gold bars, a luxury car and cash.

The proof? An FBI raid last year of Menendez’s home, which found over $100,000 in gold and more than half a million dollars in cash. The money was stuffed into suit jacket pockets, closets, envelopes and a safe. Nothing to see here. Doesn’t everyone keep their gold bars at home?

The federal indictment makes the New Jersey Democrat the first senator to ever be indicted on two separate criminal charges while in office, according to the Senate Historical Office. And while Menendez got off with a hung jury in 2017, New Jersey deserves much better this time around. Menendez needs to go, and now.

PHIL MURPHY, the Democratic governor of New Jersey, called on Menendez to resign Friday, saying the charges were “so serious that they compromise” Menendez’s ability to do his job. A chorus of New Jersey politicians — not exactly choirboys themselves — joined Murphy. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) have also said it’s time for Menendez to step

aside. Biden, to his credit, has said nothing. That’s a wise move; a president shouldn’t comment on his administration’s ongoing investigations.

WHO’S on the sidelines? Look to the Senate, and first to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who said Menendez will step down as chairman of the Foreign Relations panel until “the matter has been resolved.”

More like “until this unfortunate story is out of the headlines.” Schumer knows the case will take months, maybe years to wind its way through the courts. Last time — remember, Menendez has done all this before the trial took two years to conclude. Things will quiet down soon, and we can all go back to normal.

THAT doesn’t cut it. The allegations against Menendez are serious. Imagine the Americans who, absorbed with work and family, tune in to the national news only to hear about a senator working deals for a Mercedes-Benz convertible. It’s enough to make anyone think Washington is a den of thieves.

For the good of the Senate, Menendez needs to resign. His colleagues there need to be pushing him to do so.

— Tim Stauffer

cause even a shutdown has to end — will likely lead to a call for his ouster.

That may please Speaker McCarthy’s cardiologist. But then the question: Who would possibly want the job? Who in their right mind would attempt to appease the unappeasable? Without changes to the speaker’s role, it seems a fool’s errand.

— Tim Stauffer

Just mail it in, New York

Voting by mail is easy, secure and cost effective. It saves time for voters and increases turnout and favors neither Democrats nor Republicans. Millions of Americans cast their ballots via the Post Office during COVID and several states have adopted 100% voting by mail. New York State, having successfully experimented with widespread mail ballots during COVID, is now making it permanent starting in 2024 with a bill approved last week by Gov. Hochul. Bravo.

Yet moments after Hochul signed the bill Wednesday morning, Republicans sued in state court in Albany.

Hochul and the majority Democrats in the Legislature contend that this an expansion of early voting. The Republicans argue that this alters absentee voting, which the state Constitution restricts to those who, “on the occurrence of any election, may be absent from the county of their residence and qualified voters who, on the occurrence of any election, may be unable to appear personally at the polling place because of illness or physical disability.”

The GOP is correct about the limits of absentee voting, which can only be changed with a constitutional amendment. But the Democrats are correct that this does not impact absentee voting, but rather creates a new option for voters. We hope that the lawsuit fails.

Our neighbors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have very similar constitutional language about absentee voting that says: “on the occurrence of any election, be absent from the municipality of their residence, because their duties, occupation or business require them to be elsewhere or who, on the occurrence of any election, are unable to attend at their proper polling places because of illness or physical disability or who will not attend a polling

place because of the observance of a religious holiday or who cannot vote because of election day duties.”

YET even with that mandate, Pennsylvania has universal mail-in ballots for anyone who wants one. They also have a separate absentee ballot for those who are out of town or sick (or observing a religious holiday).

We’re not sure why the Republicans are even suing. In 2019, when the Democrats in Albany proposed getting rid of the constraints on absentee balloting, the GOP voted overwhelmingly for the constitutional amendment. Of 24 GOP state senators, only five voted no. Of 43 Republican assembly members, only eight voted against it. Voting yes were the minority leader at the time, Brian Kolb, and the current minority leader, Will Barclay. Members Nicole Malliotakis and Andy Goodell were also yes votes. Yet Goodell and Malliotakis, now in Congress, are among those suing.

IN 2021, when the required second vote by the Legislature was held, the tone had changed, as a number of Republicans, but not all, switched to no. That November, the voters turned it down. Unfortunately, this good government measure, called Ballot Question 4, got caught up with a very bad partisan Ballot Question 1, where the Dems tried to rig redistricting in the state Constitution. The Republicans put up an effective ad campaign against Question 1 and both amendments failed (along with another useful bipartisan amendment, Ballot Question 3, to allow same day voter registration).

It’s too bad that the Dems attempted to jam through their partisan junk in 2021, but they should try again on absentees. Meanwhile, taking the Pennsylvania route on mail ballot also works.

— New York Daily News

Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., speaks at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

A crisis entirely of McCarthy’s making.

Sen. Bob Menendez speaks during a press conference on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023, in Union City, N.J. Menendez and his wife have been indicted on charges of bribery. (AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Monstrously good time

The Kansas State Fair’s Monster Truck Show was a high-octane spectacle filled with obstacle course racing, freestyle battles and more. Tina Roseberry, one of the lucky winners in the Register’s giveaway, sent us the photos above. The trip to Hutchinson for the Sept. 17 event came as an early wedding present. Tina and husband Harold celebrate their 36th wedding anniversary today. We wish them many more.

Counties: Eager to see state tax relief fund resurrected

Continued from A1

has anything to do with social ills. People go, ‘Well, you’re providing too many social services.’ It’s a county appraiser. That’s not social services. It’s a county sheriff’s department. When you call 911, what do you expect?”

Roberts joined Bruce Chladny, executive director of the Kansas Association of Counties, on the Kansas Reflector podcast to talk about the benefits of the Local Ad Valorem Tax Reduction Fund, which has been dormant for 20 years.

“This actually is a program that started way back during the Dust Bowl days, back when Kansas was struggling, the economy was in the tank and citizens were really having a hard time to make ends meet,” Chladny said. “Luckily, the state started to recover a little bit faster than the economy did. And so they actually had extra tax dollars that they purposefully pushed back out to the local government to help lower property taxes for the struggling citizens.”

Between 1937 and 2003, the Legislature set aside 3.63% of state sales tax collections and divided the money among counties through a formula based on population and assessed property tax value. But lawmakers abandoned the fund during a round of school finance litigation, then left it empty during the economic downturn of 2008 and the financial calamity of Gov. Sam Brownback’s administration.

Now, with the state holding billions in surplus and lawmakers unable to agree on who should benefit from reduced taxes, counties hope to pressure lawmakers into reviving the fund.

GOP opposition

It won’t be an easy task.

Republican leaders in the House and Senate favor passage of a flat tax rate for income, a priority of Americans for Prosperity and the Kansas Chamber. The idea is to offer a trivial income tax cut, as little as $5 per month, to those earning less than $75,000 per year while dramatically lowering taxes for high-wage earners. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, describes it as “a benefit for everybody.”

House Democrats have tried to make the ad valorem fund part

of tax reform negotiations.

Rep. Jason Probst, a Hutchinson Democrat, said Republican leaders in the Legislature lack the “desire to solve today’s problems.”

“They are stuck in a 1950s TV sitcom storyline — keep giving money to the wealthiest people in the state, and the rest of us will grow rich too,” Probst said. “Kansans have been waiting their entire lives for this Republican myth to come true — but it’s a lie, and you’re still not rich.”

During a statewide tour last week to pro-

mote Americans for Prosperity’s interests, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said the fund had “failed miserably.” Counties used it as a “slush fund,” he said. Roberts said Hawkins’ comments were disappointing. Counties could use the ad valorem fund to lower property taxes that pay for essential services, he said.

In his 35 years of working in various areas of local government, Roberts said, he never heard someone say: “You got some money coming in, baby! It’s a

slush fund!” If local residents don’t like the way county officials spend money, they can vote them out.

“Not only that, but they’ll show up at your meetings and point their finger at you and tell you,” Roberts said. “They do not worry about the words they use. Every Wednesday at 1 o’clock is open mic night for the county.”

He wondered how Hawkins and other lawmakers could rebuild the trust that is needed for local and state leaders to “sit at the same table” and “solve our problems without

throwing barbs.”

Residents are mad because taxes are too high, Roberts said, and they’re right.

“These men and women are your neighbors. Most of them don’t have a political ambition,” Roberts said. “They just want to know how to help get the road paved. They’re mad because the ambulance didn’t show up quick enough. Or they

want to make sure that we have dog catchers because the dogs have been chewing up my garden.”

Chladny says now is the time to have conversations with lawmakers about how to “look at property taxes in a meaningful way to lower the bills.”

Chladny said his goal was to educate the public and newer lawmakers about the the fund. If fully funded, the state would have distributed $128 million to local counties through the program this year.

He said he wants people to realize they are paying the same tax twice.

“How come I have to go to the store and pay sales tax, but then also, I get my property tax bill that Rob sends to me and I have to pay that money again?” Chladny said.

When people talk about property tax relief, “this is it,” Chladny said.

“It’s already on the books, and it’s already been proven to work and be effective,” he said.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Miami County Commissioner Rob Roberts, left, and Bruce Chladny, executive director of the Kansas Association of Counties, appear Friday for a recording of the Kansas Reflector podcast. KANSAS REFLECTOR/CLAY WIRESTONE

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Lady Cubs dominate at Burlington

BURLINGTON — The Humboldt Lady Cubs dominated their competition as they swept a tournament at Burlington Saturday, including a victory over Iola.

The Lady Cubs (17-5) went 5-0, and four of Humboldt’s matches were straight-set victories in two sets each. Humboldt took down Lyndon, Burlington, Baxter Springs, Fredonia and Iola.

Iola outmuscles Anderson County

By QUINN BURKITT

A stout defensive effort and a couple of touchdown passes between Landon Weide and Korbin Cloud paved the way for an Iola victory over Anderson County on Homecoming Friday,

16-6.

Iola (2-2) head coach David Daugharthy was pleased with the result but not the fact that his team let Anderson County score in the final minute of the game.

“We gave up one late, which really makes me mad,” Daugharthy chuckled.

“We would have liked the goose egg.”

The Mustang defense stepped up when the team needed it most, including a goal-line fourth down stop on the Bulldogs’ first drive of the game and a blocked punt in the fourth quarter.

After stopping Anderson County on the Mustang’s six-yard line, the Bulldogs returned the favor, halting Iola one yard shy of the end zone to keep the game scoreless.

“We went after them all night,” Daugharthy said. “Being able to get a fourth down stop down at the goalline, being able to continue to shut their run game down, that’s kudos to our guys.”

The Mustangs hopped on a bad snap by the Bulldogs for a safety midway through the second quarter to take a 2-0 lead into halftime.

Weide found his receiver, Cloud, open down the Iola

sideline for a 13-yard touchdown pass to take a 9-0 lead near the end of the third quarter.

“We have a lot of chemistry, and in practice we’re always working and communicating well, trying to find each other on the field,” said Cloud, who has been playing with Weide since he was in fourth grade. “We have trust in each other, and all the seniors are always together.”

Iola blocked an Anderson County punt, and Korbyn Fountain hopped on it for the Mustangs to take over at the Bulldogs’ seven-yard line, putting the offense in excellent field position.

Only a few plays later, Weide found Cloud again for a three-yard touchdown pass and a 16-0 lead with only two minutes left in the game.

“Weide and Cloud had a solid connection tonight. Both played really well,”

| Page B3

Cubs’ defense paves way to win over Council Grove

By RICHARD LUKEN The Iola Register

HUMBOLDT — On a night when points were at a premium, Humboldt High’s defense rose to the challenge repeatedly Friday.

The Cubs, hosting Council Grove to open the district portion of its Class 2A season, intercepted Council Grove quarterback Ace Monihen three times, including a pair of key second-half turnovers to seal a 14-7 victory.

The win keeps Humboldt perfect on the season at 4-0, and 1-0 in Class 2A, District 2 play. A team’s district record determines postseason playoff matchups.

Defense was the name of the game for both teams.

Humboldt came up dry on three crucial first-half scoring opportunities, twice turning the ball over on downs deep in Council Grove territory. A third

Lyndon Humboldt knocked down Lyndon in three sets, 25-18, 22-25 and 2513. Skylar Hottenstein and Shelby Shaughnessy each led Humboldt from the serving line with a team-high two aces. Shaughnessy had a teamhigh 5 kills offensively.

Defensively, Kenisyn Hottenstein led Humboldt with a team-high five blocks. Skylar Hottenstein had a team-high 18 digs.

“I thought that we played well all day long,” Humboldt head coach Terry Meadows said.

“We lost a little focus late in the second match against Lyndon, but we bounced back and played great from then on. Our blocks really came along against Lyndon and were good all day. We played hard, and I’m pleased with our play this late in

See LADY CUBS | Page B6

Wildcats earn third shutout win

MORAN — The Marmaton Valley High football team shut out their third opponent of the season when they blanked Marais des Cygnes Valley at home Friday, 60-0.

The Wildcats (3-1) had two turnovers in a game that had one-way traffic all night. The first interception came from Jaedon Granere, the second from Brevyn Campell. Dre Ellis went for three touchdowns and had 98 rushing yards on the night.

“I always think it’s more impressive to shut somebody down. It’s hard to shut down teams in eight-man, where every opponent has a chance to score,” Marmaton Valley head coach Max Mickunas said. “I was proud of the defense because it was our third shutout of the season. I think it’s something these guys pride themselves on.”

out when the Braves’

ing chance was

See MV | Page B3

The Iola Register

Iola’s Landon Weide dodges an Anderson County defender Friday. REGISTER/QUINN BURKITT

Iola’s Damian Wacker goes for a tackle on an Anderson County ball carrier. REGISTER/QUINN BURKITT

scor-

snuffed

Braun Frye

intercepted a Blake Ellis pass at the Council Grove 17 with less than a minute left in the

second quarter. Council Grove then took

Humboldt High’s Asher Hart (25) tackles Council Grove’s Dillon Ellenson

OF MIKE MYER

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(First published in The Iola Register Sept. 26, 2023)

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ALLEN COUNTY, KANSAS

In the Matter of the Estate of NELDA K. CUPPY, Deceased AL-2023-PR-000036

NOTICE OF HEARING AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

THE STATE OF KANSAS TO ALL PERSONS CONCERNED: You are notified that on September 20, 2023 a petition was filed in this Court by Community National Bank & Trust, Iola, Kansas requesting that it be appointed Executor in the estate. You are required to file your written defenses to the petition on or before Monday, October 23, 2023 at 1:30 o’clock p.m. in the District Court, Iola, Allen County,

miles of 2” to 6” PVC water line, including but not limited to piping, tracer wire, gate valves, fire hydrants, cleanouts, county road cased/uncased crossings, unnamed tributary uncased/ cased crossings, casing pipe, carrier pipe, service meter connections and connections to existing mains. Part (or all) of this project is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. Bids will be received for a single prime Contract. Bids shall be on a unit price basis, as indicated in the C522 - Contract for Construction of a Small Project.

The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is: Midwest En-

Kansas, at which time and place the cause will be heard. Should you fail to file your written defenses, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon the petition.

All creditors are notified to exhibit their demands against the Estate within the latter of four months from date of first publication of notice under K.S.A. 592236 and amendments thereto, or if the identity of the creditor is known or reasonably ascertainable, 30 days after actual notice was given as provided by law, and if their demands are not thus exhibited, they shall be forever barred.

HEIM LAW OFFICES, P.A.

424 North Washington Iola, Kansas 6449 (620) 365-2222 Attorneys for Executor (9) 26 (10) 3, 10

Questions on the Bid Documents from general contractors and sub-contractors will be answered by written addendum through the office of the Consulting Engineer. Questions from produce suppliers or equipment suppliers will only be considered through general contractors and sub-contractors. Submit all questions about the meaning or intent of the Bidding Documents to Brad Riebel of Midwest Engineering Group, LLC in writing or email briebel@midwest-engineers.com. Interpretations or clarifications considered necessary by Engineer in response to such questions will be issued by Addenda delivered to all parties recorded as having received the Bidding Documents. Questions received less than ten days prior

to the date for opening of Bids may not be answered. Request for consideration of “equivalent” products will only be considered in writing from general contractors and sub-contractors. No requests for alternate or “equivalent” products will be considered the ten (10) days prior to Bid opening. Only questions answered by Addenda will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or clarifications will be without legal effect. No Bidder may withdraw a bid for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of opening bids.

Engineer Contact Information: Midwest Engineering Group, LLC Brad Riebel 25A N Main Sapulpa, OK 74066

Owners: Allen RWD #8 1890 US Hwy 54 Iola, KS 66749 (9) 26 (10) 3, 10, 17

Kansas committee leader to step down

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) —

An influential Kansas House committee leader who helped temper fellow Republicans' drive to limit what state and local officials can do during pandemics plans to give up his legislative seat next month.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Fred Patton announced Monday that he will step down Oct. 16 to spend more time with his family, and focus on community activities and his legal practice as an attorney.

Patton is from Topeka and has served in the

House since 2015.

During the coronavirus pandemic, Patton often was a moderating influence on fellow Republicans as the GOPcontrolled Legislature pushed Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly to accept limits on her power and the power of other officials to require masks or close schools and businesses.

Republicans in Patton's district will pick a replacement to hold his seat until after the 2024 elections. Patton said he timed his resignation to give his replacement an extra year of experience and seniority.

Crest runs past Hartford at home

By QUINN BURKITT The Iola Register

COLONY — The Crest High football team used their ground game to take down Hartford at home Friday, 66-20.

In Ryan Golden’s first game back from injury this season, the Lancer had two interceptions for Crest’s defense.

Golden’s interceptions came in each quarter and set up the Lancers for touchdowns on both drives.

“It’s huge to have Golden back. He’s versatile and can move around and play different spots,” Crest head coach Nick McAnulty said.

Denton Ramsey had a team-high four touchdowns, three of them from running the ball. The longest was for 65 yards and gave Crest a 66-12 advantage at the end of the second quarter.

Gentry McGhee got the scoring started for Crest early on when he brought in a 22-yard touchdown catch for the 8-0 lead.

Ramsey then took the ball on a reverse for a 25-yard touchdown and a 16-0 lead.

Shortly after, McGhee stepped up with an interception of his own at the 35-yard line.

He returned it to the 25 where he caught a 25-yard touchdown pass to put the Lancers ahead, 22-0.

Ramsey’s pick-six made it a 28-0 game before Hartford answered with their first touchdown on a one-yard rush to cut Crest’s lead to 34-6.

Golden’s first interception came at the end of the first quarter at the Hartford 27-yard line before he hit Jerry Rodriguez for a 14-yard touchdown pass and the 40-6 lead.

Kade Nilges ran in a three-yard score on the right side for a 48-6 lead.

“We have so many guys that can run and that’s huge. Normally in the past, we’ve averaged 10 yards per carry, and that’s huge. It keeps you unpredictable, and it leaves you in a place where you can run the ball at any time,” McAnulty said. “Normally it’s Jensen Barker who gets those goal-line carries, but we like to spread the ball around.”

Drake Weir then sacked Hartford on a fake punt attempt which ended up in a Nilges’ five-yard touchdown run for the 54-6 advantage. Hartford struck again for a 35yard touchdown pass

Marmaton Valley goes winless at Oswego

OSWEGO — The

Marmaton Valley High volleyball team went winless at Oswego last week.

The Wildcats dropped matches to Caney Valley, Oswego, Sedan, Southeast and Jayhawk-Linn.

Marmaton Valley fell to Caney Valley in two sets, 25-16 and 2516.

dropped a team-high six points while Barney and Scharff each scored three points in the first set. Adams had a team-high five points in the second set while Scharff had four points.

to bring Crest’s edge to 54-12.

Rogan Weir then rushed in from 42 yards out to give Crest the 60-12 lead.

Golden then came up with his second interception of the game, a one-handed grab at Crest’s 15-yard line. Ramsey then went 65 yards to the end zone for a 66-12 lead with little time left in the first half.

The Jaguars completed a final passing touchdown to bring Crest’s lead to 66-20 at the end of the game.

Crest travels to St. Paul Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Mustangs: Slows down Anderson County for win

Continued from B1

said Daugharthy. “There’s definitely a trust involved. They’ve been playing with each

other for a while, and they’re really good friends. Landon actually called that last touchdown to Korbyn.”

The Bulldogs struck with their only score of the game when they rushed in a 10-yard touchdown to cut Iola’s

deficit to 16-6 with less than a minute left. Iola travels to Burlington next Friday for a 7 p.m. kickoff.

Humboldt: Gets behind defense in win

Continued from B1

the early lead in the third quarter with its only score of the game, a 2-yard Monihen keeper, for a 7-0 lead.

Humboldt didn’t take long to respond.

The Cubs marched 63 yards on their ensuing drive, capped by sophomore Mason Sterling’s 4-yard run. Cole Mathes tacked on the 2-point conversion, giving Humboldt an 8-7 lead.

Barely a minute later, Humboldt’s Asher Hart intercepted a Monihen pass and rambled 22 yards to the end zone for a 14-7 Cub advantage.

The defenses held court the rest of the way.

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Humboldt didn’t flinch after losing a fumble late in the third, stuffing Council Grove on four straight plays without allowing a first down.

The teams traded punts for much of the fourth quarter until the Braves mounted their final challenges. Council Grave made it to midfield before turning the ball over on downs with about 2 minutes left on the clock. Humboldt, however, could not convert a first down and punted the ball back with under a minute left.

Back-to-back Monihan passes pushed the

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Braves to the Cub 24, before Humboldt’s Logan Page ended the threat — and the game — with an interception at the Humboldt 15. Mathes paced Humboldt’s rushing attack with 86 yards on 15 carries. Ellis rushed for 73 yards and threw for 26 more. Sterling and Sam Hull rushed for 27 and 25 yards, respectively. Hull also had three catches covering 24 yards. Hart had a 26-yard reception. Mathes pulled in a catch covering 11 yards. Hart had two interceptions, while Page had eight tackles, three for losses, and the third pick, to lead the defense.

Jacob Harrington and Hull both added seven tackles. Each also had a tackle for loss.

Monihen rushed for 82 yards and completed 10 of 23 passes for 103 yards. Kolby Rose was his main target, massing six receptions for 66 yards.

Humboldt travels to Eureka (1-3) Friday.

Council Grove

0-0-7-0—7 Humboldt 0-0-140—24

CG — Monihen 2 yd run (PAT good) Humboldt — Sterling 4 yd run (Mathes run) Humboldt — Hart 22 yd interception return (PAT failed)

Payton Scharff had a team-high six points in the first set while Brooklyn Adams added on four points of her own. In the second set, Piper Barney scored a team-high five points and Adams had three points. The Wildcats lost to Oswego in two sets, 25-19 and 25-19.

Janae Granere

Marmaton Valley then slipped to Sedan in two sets, 25-21 and 25-14. Barney had a teamhigh five points while Adams and Kylah Sander had four points apiece in the first set. Scharff and Barney each scored a team-high four points in the second set. The Wildcats lost to Southeast in two sets, 25-14 and 25-23. Granere scored a

See WILDCATS | Page B4

MV: Defeat Trogans

Continued from B1

Even more impressively, Marmaton Valley scored all 60 of their points by halftime. The Wildcat offense totaled 262 total yards with 145 rushing yards and 71 receiving yards. Brayden Lawson threw for two touchdowns and 71 yards and rushed for 29 yards.

Ellis was the lead runner for the Wildcats, carrying in the three touchdowns on 98 rushing yards on six carries.

“Ellis is fast, and he runs hard. He never shies away from contact, and he’ll run you over,” said Mickunas. “He doesn’t spend a lot of time juking and dancing and does a good job of getting up and down the field. He’s great to have on the team because he takes a lot of pressure off Brayden. When you have both those guys back there, it makes it more of a threat.”

Lawson’s pair of touchdown passes were delivered to Jaedon Granere and Tyler Lord, each hauling in one. Granere was the leading receiver with 42 receiving yards on one touchdown and a long reception of 39 yards. Lord hauled in 29 receiving yards.

“We try to keep it pretty balanced,” Mickunas said. “I always tell these guys sometimes it may be your night or it may be another guy’s night and they’ve done a good job of buying into the team’s success over individual success.”

Defensively, Campbell had a team-high eight total tackles while Lawson had seven total tackles. Dagan Barney, Lawson, Ellis and Campbell each had a team-high four solo tackles. Lawson and Scharff also each had one tackle for a loss. Marmaton Valley hosts Hartford on Friday at 7 p.m.

Crest’s Rogan Weir, right, carries the football while Jensen Barker, left, blocks in a game earlier this season against Oswego. PHOTO BY MARIA RODRIGUEZ

Marmaton Valley’s Janae Granere. REGISTER/ QUINN BURKITT

Giddens, K-State sink UCF in their first-ever Big 12 game

By QUINN BURKITT The Iola Register

MANHATTAN — DJ Giddens could have beaten Central Florida single-handedly Saturday evening when his Wildcats’ rolled to a 44-31 victory over the Golden Knights in both teams’ Big 12 opener.

Giddens accounted for a career-high four touchdowns and a total of 293 yards. He touched the ball on nearly half of the Wildcats’ snaps, totalling a team-high 38 times for 30 rushes and eight receptions.

“It felt good to be somebody they could trust and lean on, so I’m proud we were able to do that,” said Giddens. “I was just playing free with no pressure. I’m glad I was able to help out both running and catching the ball. I really just focused on the next play and the next touchdown.”

The Wildcats took their final lead of the game at the end of the third quarter when Howard legged a twoyard rushing touchdown to take a 31-24 ad-

vantage heading to the fourth.

“Coach Klieman said at the end of the game that to win we were going to have to run the ball a little,” said Howard. “I told him I could, and it turns out I did there at the end, so I did what we had to do to win. I think we played complimentary football when we needed to. Any game in this conference is tough, especially against a new

school who wants to make a stamp.” Kansas State’s defense was also able to somewhat slow down a Central Florida offense which came into the game averaging 617.7 total yards of offense.

Desmond Purnell forced a fumble before Jacob Parrish came up with an interception near the end of the first half.

Giddens got the ball moving for Kan-

Mahomes throws 3 TD’s as Taylor Swift celebrates in rout of Bears

KANSAS CITY, Mo.

(AP) — Travis Kelce was chatting with Patrick Mahomes in practice this week when he mentioned, almost as an afterthought, that he thought Taylor Swift would take him up on his invitation to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the Chicago Bears on Sunday.

“Some things with Travis,” Mahomes explained later, “he says it and you don’ t know if it’s true or not, he says it so calmly.”

Turns out it was true.

Mahomes and Kelce put on quite their own show for the pop star, too.

The reigning league MVP threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns, his All-Pro tight end caught seven passes and one of the scoring throws, and the Chiefs romped to a 41-10 victory over the Bears — much to the delight of their newest fan, who joyfully pounded on the glass of her Arrowhead Stadium suite throughout the afternoon.

“I haven’t gotten to meet her,” said Mahomes, who was left answering questions about Kelce and Swift’s budding relationship after his good buddy ducked out on reporters. “I guess if she ends up being with Travis, I’ll meet her at some point.”

Jerick McKinnon had a pair of touchdown catches and Isiah Pacheco and Clyde

Edwards-Helaire added touchdown runs, helping the Super Bowl champion Chiefs (21) deal the Bears (0-3) their 13th consecutive loss dating to last season.

The game was so lopsided by the third quarter that Mahomes and most of the Chiefs’ starters got the rest of the day off.

“We got things rolling and that’s a plus against a defense that, you know, is banged up a little bit,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.

Embattled Bears quarterback Justin Fields was 11 of 22 for 99 yards with an interception and a meaningless touchdown in the final minutes. He also led the Bears with 47 yards rushing, a good chunk of that coming on a 17-yard scramble, as the league’s 27thranked offense finished with just 203 yards against one of the NFL’s fast-improving defenses.

“We’ve got to keep

this thing tight in our locker room. That’s the most important thing,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said. “There’s going to be a lot of outside noise, as there always is in the NFL. And we’ve played three games so far in the season. We’ve got a great opportunity ahead of us. We’ve got two games in 11 days, and so we’re going to focus on that.”

Still, their poor performance Sunday was a brutal end to a dismal week of distractions.

In the span of a few hours Wednesday, Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams abruptly resigned, citing the need “to take care of my health and family,” and Fields had to walk back some comments he made blaming his “robotic” play through the first two weeks on the way he had been coached.

Eberflus was left to call defensive plays, just as he did in last weekend’s loss to Tam-

See CHIEFS | Page B6

Wildcats: Held winless at Oswego

Continued from B3

team-high five points in the first set before Sander scored a teamhigh eight points in the second set. Adams also added on four points in the second set.

Marmaton Valley closed out their play by losing to Jayhawk-Linn, 25-14 and 25-19. Granere had a teamhigh six points in the first set before totaling a team-high nine

sas State early when he scampered into the end zone for a one-yard touchdown run on the opening drive of the game for the 7-0 lead.

“We had to be able to rush the football to keep their play count down,” Kansas State head coach Chris Klieman said. “And the other thing we had to do was get some tackles for losses and for us to hold them to 59 plays in 25 minutes, and we had

82 plays, that was the recipe.”

Central Florida got on the board when Johnny Richardson carried the ball 48 yards to set up a Colton Boomer 29-yard field goal and cut the Wildcat deficit to 7-3.

The Wildcats had no trouble moving the ball early until Will Howard was intercepted at the UCF 43-yard line midway through the opening quarter.

The Golden Knights took their only lead of the half when RJ Harvey ran in a 27-yard touchdown to take a 10-7 lead before heading to the second quarter. Kansas State executed a pair of strong drives to open each of the first two quarters, like when Giddens ran in a nine-yard touchdown for the 14-10 advantage to start the second. The drive also included a Howard to Giddens 24-yard pass and a Howard to Jadon Jackson 12-yard pass. The Wildcat’s first forced turnover came when VJ Harvey hopped on a Central Florida fumble at the UCF 38-

yard line five minutes into the second quarter.

“We strive on overcoming adversity, and we always talk about how average teams get destroyed by adversity, good teams survive adversity and great teams get better because of it and that’s what we want to be,” said Klieman. “We’ve got to continue to get better because of the adversity.”

The turnover resulted in a Giddens’ 18-yard touchdown run to take a 21-10 lead with six minutes left in the half.

The Golden Knights made it interesting at the end of the first half when Timmy McClain hit Kobe Hudson deep downfield for a 69-yard touchdown pass to make it a 21-17 game.

Jacob Parrish then stepped up for the Wildcats when he picked off McClain at the KSU 39yard line to get the ball back with a minute left in the half.

KSU’s Chris Tennant shanked a field goal off the upright to keep it a four-point game at halftime, 21-17.

See K-STATE | Page B6

KU outlasts BYU in Big 12 opener

LAWRENCE, Kan.

(AP) — Lance Leipold did plenty of background work on Kansas before accepting its head-coaching job a couple of years ago. But in the pantheon of the obscure, he never looked up the last time the Jayhawks started 4-0 in back-to-back seasons.

When told it had been 108 years, Leipold replied Saturday: “I’m glad I didn’t do all my research.”

“Sometimes you don’t know what you’re really stepping into until you there,” Leipold added with a smile, after leading the once-suffering Jayhawks to a 38-27 victory over BYU in the Cougars’ Big 12 debut. “Like I told our team, I’m really proud of

them when you look at the short time what we’ve been able to do.”

Jalon Daniels threw three touchdown passes, including two in the second half to Luke Grimm, and the Jayhawks got a pair of scores from their opportunistic defense in

rallying from a 17-14 halftime deficit. Cobee Bryant returned a fumble for the game’s first touchdown, and Kenny Logan Jr. brought back an interception early in the third quarter for another score. The offense got go-

See KANSAS | Page B6

points in the second set. Scharff also chipped in with four points in the second set.

The Wildcats travel to Northeast on Tuesday at 5 p.m.

An overhead shot of Kansas State’s Bill Snyder Family Stadium during a game against Central Florida on Saturday, Sept. 23. REGISTER/QUINN BURKITT

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon (1) caught two touchdowns against the Chicago Bears. TAMMY LJUNGBLAD/THE KANSAS CITY STAR/TNS

His ex advised him to stay quiet — and he did

Dear Carolyn: I have been dating someone for three months. A mutual friend set us up, so he came with glowing references. We had talked a bunch about previous relationships — we’re both around 40, so we’ve been around a bit — and I knew he was on good terms with exes and they still see each other.

Fast-forward to a dinner party at his house. I didn’t know I was going to dinner with his excivilly unionized partner of five years turned best friend. That her name was still on the mailbox. That they’re best friends who do a lot together on a weekly basis. He said she told him not to tell me because “women won’t like how close we are,” but he said he wouldn’t lie about their history. I don’t know how or whether to proceed when the person he talks to about our relationship encouraged deceit and omission when she thought I wouldn’t like something. That doesn’t sit well with me, and now I’m always questioning what’s getting omitted.

— Look Who’s Coming to Dinner Look Who’s Coming to Dinner: “I don’t mind that you’re close with exes. I respect it. What bothers me is that you either didn’t think for yourself and ran your decision through your bestie, or didn’t own your own stuff and blamed an ex for your own choices. One who, by the way, persuaded you that deceiving and sandbagging me was a good idea.”

I think that covers it.

I wouldn't call this new relationship a promising one — but it would be interesting to see whether he responds productively to your assessment of his behavior. Maybe he'll wow you. Good luck.

Dear Carolyn: My dad is super weird about money after my mom died, about 10 years ago. He remarried four months later. My parents had been thrifty and saved a good amount of money for retirement. He and his new wife bought luxury cars and an expensive vacation home.

He often tells me, “We have plenty of money, and we would be glad to help you out.” I have three kids under 8. When I actually suggest something — e.g., sports camp or money for kids’ college funds — he demurs, saying that’s nothing we NEED or he’ll help later with college.

I hate it. I always feel like a greedy churl after talking to him. However, my older sisters’ kids got sizable starts to their college funds when my mom was still alive. I feel like I owe it to my kids to keep asking, particularly since it is in large part my mother’s savings that she never got to use.

Should I just accept that he is all talk and will never give? —

Anonymous Anonymous: That tops the “should” list, yes. Your dad’s evasiveness suggests either he has spent the money down or his wife opposes his giving you any. Or he’s worried he’ll run out. Regardless, shame seems like the best explanation for his not providing details.

I generally don’t advise thinking the worst of people until they leave you no other choice. However, my advice to any adults who believe they’re due pa-

rental support or an inheritance is to assume it’s not coming. There are so many ways for adults not to cash in on their parents’ wealth that it verges on irresponsible to expect you ever will.

Your story includes a couple of those ways already — new spouse, extravagance. Another is the most straightforward: It’s not your money, it’s his.

And you may yet encounter other common obstacles to inheriting, like overestimating what they had to begin with, freakish longevity, poor investing or lawyering, shifting priorities and crippling endof-life care expenses.

So, yeah.

Once you’ve made your peace with the worst case, then you’re ready to decide whether it’s worth it to you to explore better cases with him. It might not be; choosing not to feel like a “greedy churl” is valid.

But if the issue is more your dad’s evasiveness than it is the money — and if it’s damaging your relationship — then absolutely say that to him. His frequent “glad to help you out” remarks are an opening to comment. Just stick to a nonchurlish flow chart.

To start: “I appreciate that, Dad. For planning purposes, I hope you’ll share what you have in mind.”

If he gets evasive again, then: “You keep bringing it up, then getting evasive. Even if the

truth is hard or awkward, I would like to know.”

And if needed: “If the money’s gone, or [Wife] objects, whatever, then I won’t love you any less. I prefer truth to these hurtful vague answers.”

If he remains unshakably vague in his assurances, then either trust him and drop it (and expect nothing), don’t trust him and drop it (and expect nothing), or inform him: “Mom cared about this. It would mean a lot to me if you honored her wishes as she did herself with the other grandkids. Small 529 deposits now get big later.”

Any response at this point will be crystal clear.

ZITS by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

BEETLE BAILEY by Mort Walker

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE by Chris Browne

MARVIN by Tom Armstrong

HI AND LOIS by Chance Browne

BLONDIE by Young and Drake

MUTTS by Patrick McDonell

102-loss Royals have turned into the spoilers

By NOAH TRISTER The Associated Press

This wasn’t a run you saw coming — but then again, you rarely do when a baseball team starts to play spoiler.

The Kansas City Royals, who reached 100 losses more than two weeks ago and have been out of contention for almost the entire season, suddenly became a huge thorn in the side of the defending champions.

The Royals went 5-1 in two recent series against Houston, leaving the Astros in a precarious spot in the playoff race. Kansas City has now won 10 of its last 11 games.

Even after that impressive stretch, the Royals have the second-worst record in baseball, but you wouldn’t have known it watching those matchups with Houston. And the Astros looked nothing like the World Series champs from a season ago.

On Friday night, Kansas City scored seven runs on only five hits in a win over Framber Val-

dez. The next evening, Jordan Lyles pitched five scoreless innings and improved to 5-17 on the year for the Royals.

A nice September stretch doesn’t necessarily mean Kansas City will be contending again anytime soon. The Royals have one of the game’s top young players in Bobby Witt Jr., who has 29 home runs and 48 steals, but Kansas City doesn’t have anyone on MLB Pipeline’s list of the

Chiefs: Down Bears

Continued from B4

pa Bay, and Reid proceeded to make the former Indianapolis Colts coordinator look utterly lost.

The Chiefs began their assault with the first of Mahomes’ two TD passes to McKinnon, then Edwards-Helaire scored from a yard out to make it 14-0 early in the second quarter. When the Bears punted a third consecutive time, Mahomes hit McKinnon again to extend the lead, and Kansas City proceeded to score on its next four possessions.

game this weekend,’ and went about his business,” Mahomes recalled after the game, “and you’re like, I guess that just happens. That’s Travis.”

STATS AND STREAKS

top 100 prospects. For now, the Astros can be glad they won’t see the Royals again until next season. Houston is just a half-game ahead of Seattle for the final playoff spot in the American League.

STATISTICAL RACES

There will be plenty of debate over the postseason awards — the National League MVP in particular — but the statistical leaders in a season are determined

by the cold, hard numbers.

Among the closer races: Corey Seager leads Yandy Diaz .333 to .328 for the AL batting title. Kevin Gausman leads Pablo Lopez 232228 in the AL strikeouts race. Gerrit Cole leads Sonny Gray 2.75 to 2.80 for the AL ERA title.

In one interesting twist, Lyles is one of only two pitchers in the majors with three complete games.

K-State: Gets behind Giddens to beat UCF

Continued from B4

Central Florida came out of the locker room with a bang after halftime, McClain finding Kobe Hudson for a 46yard touchdown pass to take a 24-21 lead out

of the break. Following a pair of Giddens runs for 18 and 31-yards, Kansas State’s Chris Tennant nailed a 30-yard field goal to knot the game at 24-24. Giddens’ name was called for the final

time when he trucked in for a three-yard touchdown run and the 37-24 lead.

Howard then carried in his second touchdown run on a 31-yard carry for the 44-24 lead with only two

minutes remaining in the game.

Defensively, Purnell collected a team-high seven tackles while Marques Sigle and Austin Moore each had six tackles. Ben Sinnott also chipped in

Kansas: Daniels throws 3 TD’s in win over BYU

Continued from B4

the past you would hear frustration,” explained Leipold, whose team will try to match last

year’s 5-0 start when it heads to No. 3 Texas next weekend. “You walk in there now and it’s different, and that’s

where it should be.”

Kedon Slovis was 30 of 51 for 357 yards with two TDs and two interceptions for BYU.

Lady Cubs: Sweep to wins at Oswego

Continued from B1

the season.”

Burlington

The Lady Cubs took down Burlington in two sets, 25-22 and 2513. Cassidy Friend and Shaughnessy each led from the serving line with one ace apiece. Shaughnessy had a team-high six kills while Laney Hull recorded four kills. Defensively, Hillmon had a team-high three

blocks. Baxter Springs Humboldt dispatched Baxter Springs in two sets, 25-11 and 25-17. Skylar Hottenstein led the Lady Cubs from the serving line with a team-high five aces. Defensively, Skylar Hottenstein had a team-high 11 digs while Shaughnessy had eight and Kinley Tucker had seven.

Fredonia

The Lady Cubs defeated Fredonia in two sets, 25-14 and 25-19. Shaughnessy had a team-high two aces from the serving line. Offensively, Shaughnessy had a team-high 12 kills while Hillmon had eight kills. Shaughnessy and Kenisyn Hottenstein also stepped up defensively with 10 digs apiece.

Iola Humboldt took down local rival Iola in two straight sets, 25-17

and 25-15. Skylar Hottenstein led from the serving line with a team-high three aces, followed by Friend’s two aces. Shaughnessy led the way offensively with a team-high eight kills while Hull and Hillmon each had seven kills.

Humboldt matched up at Erie Monday night. Results were not available at the time of publication.

As for Fields, well, the QB was not just robotic but inaccurate. When one of the league’s most porous offensive lines wasn’t allowing the Chiefs to pressure him, Fields was consistently missing open targets down field.

“I need to be better,” Fields said simply.

He was picked off by Mike Edwards late in the first half, leading to Pacheco’s touchdown run. And when Harrison Butker added the second of his two field goals, the Chiefs were able to take a 34-0 lead into the break.

Kelce added his short touchdown catch early in the second half, celebrating in the back of the end zone by revving the engine on an imaginary motorcycle. High above the stadium, Swift clapped her hands alongside his mother, Donna Kelce.

“On Friday he was like, ‘Yeah, I think she’s coming to the

The Bears have not won in Kansas City since Week 5 of the 2015 season. ... Reid won his 271st game, moving him past Hall of Fame coach Tom Landry into fourth place on the career list. ... Mahomes went over 25,000 yards passing for his career. He did it in 83 games, the fastest in NFL history. ... Mahomes had his 22nd game with three TD passes and no interceptions, tying Aaron Rodgers for the most by a QB before turning 30. Mahomes turned 28 last Sunday. ... Kelce needs three more TD catches to pass Tony Gonzalez (76) for second in Chiefs history.

INJURIES

Bears: Starting safety Eddie Jackson was inactive with a foot injury and cornerback Josh Blackwell was dealing with a hamstring injury, all before cornerback Tyrique Stevenson had to be evaluated for a concussion; he later was deemed to have an illness and did not return. Defensive backs Jaquan Brisker and Jaylon Johnson also were hobbled during the game.

UP NEXT

Bears: Host the Denver Broncos next Sunday.

Chiefs: Visit the New York Jets next Sunday night.

Jordan Lyles of the Kansas City Royals pitches against the Boston Red Sox at Kauffman Stadum. KYLE RIVAS/GETTY IMAGES/TNS