The USD 257 Board of Education was told by maintenance director Aaron Cole Monday that it would likely be less expensive to build a pair of buildings for the maintenance department than it would be to build a larger single complex for offices, a maintenance area and storage facility.
“In discussing it with a few different construction companies, both of these buildings are pre-engineered,” Cole explained. “A bigger building that would encompass all of this would probably have to be more in an L-shape. Once you attach those buildings like that, it would have to go back to the engineers. They told me it was actually cheaper to build two separate buildings.”
The smaller of the two, 50 feet by 80 feet, would include offices and a maintenance area. The larger, 60 feet by 100 feet, would be
See BUILDINGS | Page A8
IMS gets jump on drama classes
By RICHARD LUKEN
The Iola Register
They are certainly ready for their closeups.
Five Iola Middle School students showed off their acting and oratory chops Monday to the USD 257 Board of Education as they worked their way through a series of monologues.
The students are the
Intel officials testify on threats, war plans leak
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration’s top intelligence officials stressed to Congress the threat they said was posed by international criminal gangs, drug cartels and human smuggling, testifying in a hearing Tuesday that unfolded against the backdrop of a security breach involving the mistaken leak of attack plans to a journalist.
The annual hearing on worldwide threats before the Senate Intelligence Committee offered a glimpse of the new administration’s reorienting of priorities. It
comes when President Donald Trump has opened a new line of communication with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, and has focused national security attention closer to home to counter violent crime that officials link to cross-border drug trafficking.
“Criminal groups drive much of the unrest and lawlessness in the Western Hemisphere,” said Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence. Atop a long list of national security chal-
See INTEL | Page A8
charter members of the newly reformed IMS theatre department, under the direction of John Higginbotham, who teaches elementary school art, and has been a constant presence in local theatrical productions since he was a child.
Higginbotham was approached by IMS administrators about restarting drama classes prior to the
start of the school year. Higginbotham, who also teaches the annual Children’s Summer Theater Workshop at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, said the goal is to have students more accustomed to being on stage by the time they enter high school, to build upon an already sterling
See IMS | Page A8
Trustees from a pair of Montgomery County community colleges want to ask voters to approve a consolidation plan.
Trustees for Independence and Coffeyville community colleges voted unanimously to adopt a preliminary agreement for consolidation, the first step toward creating a single college, the Montgomery County Chronicle reported.
Although state law provides the framework for a consolidation, the merger of two community colleges in Kansas has never been pursued, according to the Chronicle.
Financial difficulties at
ACC’s D’Albini promotes club
By SARAH HANEY The Iola Register
A longstanding club at Allen Community College is getting a much needed boost in awareness. During Monday evening’s Iola Council meeting, council member Josiah D’Albini spoke about the Scarlet & Black Club.
D’Albini, who also serves as the director of advancement at ACC, gave an overview of what the club does and who it serves.
Touted as a “lifelong learning program,” the Scarlet & Black Club is an opportunity for Kansans over the age of 60 to enroll in college courses and pay no tuition.
“Members only pay for book rental and fees,” D’Albini said.
Members also enjoy free admission to all regular season athletic events and fine arts productions or performances.
D’Albini said he took on the responsibility of the program to expand its outreach.
“Starting this summer, we’re going to paint the state of Kansas scarlet and black,” said D’Albini. “We’re opening it up to all citizens
Scarlet & Black Club. REGISTER/SARAH HANEY
in Kansas who are 60 and older. It’s a better way for us to get connected with folks in other counties.”
In the past, the club had been open to anyone in the college’s service area — Allen, Woodson, Coffey, and Osage counties, as well as half of Anderson and Wabaunsee counties.
“I know there are Red
Devils everywhere and we want to show it,” he said.
D’Albini said those taking classes through the program will earn college credits.
“It’s not an audit,” he added.
IN OTHER NEWS, Mayor Steve French presented a
See CITY | Page A7
Iola Middle School eighth-grader Eliana Higginbotham recites a monologue Monday for USD 257 Board of Education members. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
The Iola Register
Josiah D’Albini, council member and director of advancement at Allen Community College, speaks to Iola Council members Monday evening about ACC’s
Tulsi Gabbard GETTY IMAGES/KEVIN DIETSCH/TNS
See JUCOS | Page A7
Obituaries
Alice Walker
After living a full and adventurous life of 96 years, Alice Walker of rural Blue Mound passed away Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Alice Amy Frazier was born in Kingston, N.Y., on Sept. 3, 1928, to Olen and Eleanor (Griffes) Frazier. She first began her lifelong learning in New York City, where her leadership and feisty nature showed early. Home for Alice, though, was growing up in New Paltz, N.Y., where her father was a university professor and the mountains were at her backdoor. There, she became an accomplished pianist and flutist, earned the highest award possible in Girl Scouts, and was an active member of the Dutch Reformed Church.
Her love of travel developed from family vacations throughout the East and summers spent in Kansas with her grandparents.
Alice began college at Texas Women’s University before graduating from Emporia State University with a Library Science degree as well as a double major in English and Social Science in Secondary Education. She later acquired an elementary degree as well, so she could teach PK-12.
She was an honor student, played in the orchestra, marched with the band, and worked at the university library. Alice began her career as a librarian in Missouri. Her love of reading and books led to her being a Governor’s Appointee to the Southeast Kansas Regional Library Board and serving on the William Allen White Book Selection Committee, on the Kansas State Reading Circle Selection Committee, and as the DAR State Librarian.
Although she never intended to teach, she actually taught a total of 32 years at Centerville, Kincaid High School, and Crest Unified School District.
A life of surprises awaited her when the city girl from New York met her future husband, Howard, a Kansas farmer, on the steps of a church one summer. They were married on Feb. 5, 1950, and celebrated 56 years of happiness. They truly approached life as a team.
Together they raised their two children through college, bought three farms, designed and built a house themselves, operated an income tax business for 45 years, were 4-H Club and project leaders, hosted foreign-exchange students, and were active members of the Blue Mound Federated Church and then, later, Ordained Elders of the Presbyterian Church in Garnett until it closed. One of the greatest gifts that they gave John and Alicia, their children, was traveling to all the 48 continental states as well as Canada and Mexico during the summers.
Alice became a superb seamstress, a grand champion recipe winner in national contests, a test cook for Betty Crocker for 13 years and Farm Journal for six years, 4-H County Day judge, church pianist and organist, author of three genealogical books on family history, contributing writer for Heritage Quest, and a dedicated regent of the Four Winds DAR Chapter in Garnett. With DAR, Alice also served as president of the Kansas State Officers Club and president of the National State Vice Regents Club. She loved to cook for others and do historical research. Because of her wealth of knowledge, she was an early version of the internet for anyone who sought her help or advice.
Three of Alice’s biggest joys were serving as the 35th State Regent of Kansas DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution), being inducted into the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame at Dodge City, and earning the title of Fellow of the American College of Genealogists as a certified genealogist.
Alice was able to live on the farm alone until 95 with the company of her dog, Honey B, the help of her farm renters — Kevin Whitcomb and Melvin Holloman, and the faithful Centerville Community Church that she had come to value so much. After a bad fall, her final year was spent at Moran Manor, where she was treated like family.
Alice was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Steve Frazier; son-in-law, Dale Jackson; daughter-in-law, Peggy Walker; and grandson by marriage, Zachery Wisely; but the most profound loss was when Howard, her true love and soulmate, died in 2006.
She leaves behind a legacy with two children, John H. Walker of McFarland and Alicia A. Jackson of Uniontown, along with their families, including six grandchildren, Mary (Brad) Finney of Eskridge, Julie (Kenny) Ten Eyck of McFarland, Jubal (Wendy) Walker of Edmond, Okla., Gretchen Magee of Gravette, Ark., Meaghan (Matt) Russell of Redfield, and Caitlin (Clayton) Nading of Fort Scott; 12 great-grandchildren, Virginia and Jonathon Walker, Candace (Chris) Davis, Aimee (Ryan) Runyon, Tyler Ten Eyck, Keagan, Layton, Preston, and Jocelyn Magee, and Brayden, Kohlton, and Aubrynn Russell; and great-great-grandchildren, Reaver and Rook Davis, as well as Luna and Damon Runyon. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 29, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Howard & Alice Walker Scholarship at Emporia State University and left in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www. feuerbornfuneral.com.
Bonnie Steward
Bonita Eileen (Bonnie) Steward, 78, of Iola, passed away Friday, March 21, 2025, at her residence. Bonnie was born April 30, 1946, in Pittsburg, to Oral Del Roy Martin and Dorothy (Darrow) Martin.
The family traveled a lot due to her father’s job in her younger years before settling in Iola, where she met Jack. Bonnie and Jackie L. (Jack) Steward were married Dec. 10, 1960, in Iola, Kansas. They had five children. Bonnie owned and operated Bonnie’s Corner Café for 30 years in Gas, Kansas. She was active in the local PTA, serving as president of the organization. In 1999, Bonnie spearheaded the Allen County Millennium Blast, raising over $12,000 for the event that was held in Riverside Park in Iola. She appeared on the front cover of the book “Passing Gas” written by Gary Gladstone in 2003. Bonnie and Jack, after they retired, volunteered with the Allen County Community Food Pantry.
Bonnie loved her husband and family. She loved spending time with them during the holidays and could turn any event into a holiday or event to celebrate. She was a people person, who served the public and enjoyed her friends. Bonnie taught many employees how to properly count change, and she influenced many young lives.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack; sister, Kay Gross, and son-inlaw, Jim Sager.
Bonnie is survived by children, Tracy Steward, Debbie Sager, Jackie Woolery, Teresa (Gene) Weatherbie and Nancy (Dale) Maley; grandchildren, Jacob Maley, Bobby Maley, Ethan Maley, Nathan Maley, Cassidy Weatherbie, Dalton Weatherbie, Alec Sager, Coury Sager and Brock Woolery; numerous great-grandchildren; sister, Marilyn (Russell) Wiggins, Cindy (Mike) Yeates; sister-inlaw, Sue (Porter) Clark; and numerous other relatives and friends who will greatly miss her.
A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 26, in the chapel at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 U.S. 54, Iola. A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, at First Baptist Church, Iola. Burial will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Allen County Community Food Pantry, and may be left with the funeral home.
Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
People protest in front of the Fort Lauderdale Tesla Showroom on March 15. On Saturday, a man drove his car into protesters outside a Tesla dealership in Palm Beach County, Fla. PEDRO PORTAL/MIAMI HERALD/TNS
Man drives SUV into crowd of protestors
By MICHAEL BUTLER Miami Herald/TNS
A South Florida man took dangerous, criminal action to express distaste for protesters opposing Elon Musk by aiming his SUV and speeding into a crowd standing in front of a Tesla dealership over the weekend, law enforcement officials said.
Around 2 p.m., Palm Beach resident Andrew Dutil, 45, drove his black Nissan SUV on the curb of a sidewalk and into a group of protesters outside the dealership, the sheriff’s office said.
Protesters quickly moved out of the way to avoid being hit.
According to an arrest report, protester Karen Holland said that a man in a black Nissan SUV drove by
the dealership earlier in the day and yelled at her and the other protesters. Later, she was among the protesters when the car drove directly at them. She told deputies if she hadn’t moved, she would have been hit.
ANOTHER dissenter, Allison Beaumont, shared a similar story that if she had not run out of the way of the SUV, it would have struck her.
Deputies spoke to a dealership employee who said Dutil walked inside hours before the incident to offer his support for Tesla. Duvil was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail. He is facing one charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to officials
Senate panel advances judge nomination
By GRACE HILLS Kansas Reflector
TOPEKA — A Republican-dominated Kansas Senate committee on Monday advanced a district judge nominee from Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly for the Kansas Court of Appeals.
Judge Lori Bolton Fleming now awaits a vote of the full Senate for confirmation.
Kelly appointed Bolton Fleming to replace the retired Judge Henry Green Jr., who is the longest-serving judge on the Kansas Court of Appeals.
Kelly selected Bolton Fleming from three nominees put forward by the Court of Appeals nominating commission.
Bolton Fleming has been the chief judge for the 11th Judicial District — which in-
cludes Cherokee, Crawford and Labette counties since 2021. She has served as a judge there since 2012, when she was appointed by Republican Gov. Sam Brownback.
IN 2023, the Kansas Supreme Court appointed Bolton Fleming to the Rural Justice Initiative, which focuses on fulfilling legal needs in less populated parts of the state. Her focus in that role has been growing the number of attorneys in those communities.
“Our appellate courts are best served by having people serve from all parts of the state,” Bolton Fleming said during testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday.
After spending her entire legal career
in southeast Kansas, Bolton Fleming would be one of few rural voices on the Kansas Court of Appeals. The majority of the justices come from Wichita, Topeka or Kansas City.
Ranking Minority Member Democrat Sen. Ethan Corson of Prairie Village noted that there hasn’t been a judge on the Kansas Court of Appeals from the 11th district since 1978.
“I do think it’s important for our citizens that we have geographic diversity on the court of appeals,” Corson said.
BOLTON FLEMING has been invited to sit with the Kansas Court of Appeals as well as the Kansas Supreme Court to help make decisions on cases, according to Kelly’s press
release. She also has delivered 38 opinions on cases as an assigned appellate judge.
Sen. Craig Bowser, a Republican from Holton, asked Bolton Fleming during Monday’s hearing how he should respond when other senators ask why they should vote for her.
“So, I’ve actually done the work that I would be doing as a court of appeals judge, and I’ve actually done it while working full time as a district court judge,” Bolton Fleming said. “One of the times that I handled a court of appeals docket, I was actually handling a high-level felony jury trial. I would handle the trial during the day and I would write at night. I think it speaks to my work ethic as well.”
Alice Walker
Bonnie Steward
Talks ensure navigation on Black Sea
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) —
The United States said Tuesday an agreement was reached to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea as it wrapped up three days of talks with Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia on prospective steps toward a limited ceasefire.
While a comprehensive peace deal still looks distant, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the talks as the early “right steps” toward a peaceful settlement of the 3-yearold war.
“These are the first steps — not the very first but initial ones — with this presidential administration toward completely ending the war and the possibility of a full ceasefire, as well as steps toward a sustainable and fair peace agreement,” he said at a news conference.
U.S. experts met separately with Ukrainian and Russian representatives in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, and the White House said in separate statements after the talks with Ukraine and Russia that the sides have “agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.”
Detals of the prospective deal are yet to be released, but it appears to mark another attempt to ensure safe Black Sea shipping after a 2022 agreement that was brokered by the U.N. and Turkey but halted by Russia the next year.
When Moscow withdrew from the shipping
Farmers Market
The Allen County Farmers Market is hosting an informational meeting for vendors at 6 p.m., Thursday, in the Riverside Park community building.
Board Secretary Debbie Bearden noted that both past and new vendors are welcome to attend.
“The meeting will serve to help answer any questions a potential vendor may have about the market,” Bearden said.
The first Thursday market of the season will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m., May 1, on the southeast corner of the Iola square.
The Tuesday market will begin May 6, from 1 to 3 p.m., in Cofachique Park on North State Street in Iola.
The destroyed hatch of the grain cargo ship “AYA” is covered by a foil in the Black Sea port of Constanta September 19, 2024. The Ukrainian navy said the ship was hit with a Russian cruise missile on Sept. 12. The ship was transporting grain from Ukrainiane to Egypt. (DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP/GETTY IMAGES/TNS)
deal in 2023, it complained that a parallel agreement promising to remove obstacles to Russian exports of food and fertilizer hadn’t been honored. It said restrictions on shipping and insurance hampered its agricultural trade. Kyiv accused Moscow of violating the deal by delaying the vessels’ inspections. After Russia suspended its part of the deal, it regularly attacked Ukraine’s southern ports and grain storage sites.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in televised comments Tuesday that Moscow is now open to the revival of the Black Sea shipping deal but warned that Russian interests must be protected.
In an apparent reference to Moscow’s demands, the White House said the U.S. “will help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance
access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.”
The Kremlin warned in a statement the Black Sea deal could only be implemented after sanctions against Rosselkhozbank and other financial organizations involved in food and fertilizer trade are lifted and their access to the SWIFT system of international payments is ensured.
It’s also conditional on lifting the sanctions against Russian food and fertilizer exporters a deal, removing restrictions on exports of agricultural equipment to Russia, the Kremlin said.
Zelenskyy bristled at Russia’s demand for lifting sanctions, saying, “We believe that it would weaken our position.”
A senior Ukrainian official said the Kyiv delegation does not agree to lifting sanctions as a condition for a maritime ceasefire and that Russia has done nothing
Public notice
(First published in The Iola Register March 26, 2025)
IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ALLEN COUNTY, KANSAS CIVIL DEPARTMENT Freedom Mortgage Corporation Plaintiff, vs. Patrick Long, et al. Defendants, Case No.AL-2024-CV-000035 Court No. Title to Real Estate Involved Pursuant to K.S.A. §60 NOTICE OF SALE Under and by virtue of an Order of Sale issued to me by the Clerk of the District Court of Allen County, Kansas, the undersigned Sheriff of Allen County, Kansas, will offer for sale at public auction and sell to the highest bidder for cash in hand at the South Door entrance of the Allen County, Courthouse, Kansas, on April 16, 2025 at the time of 10:00 AM, the following real estate: ONE ACRE IN THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 25, RANGE 19, ALLEN COUNTY, KANSAS, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT 30 FEET NORTH AND 25 FEET WEST OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SECTION 11, TOWNSHIP 25, RANGE 19, THENCE NORTH 16
to have a sanctions rollback. The official also said European countries are not involved in the sanctions discussions, despite sanctions being within the European Union’s responsibility.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov warned that Kyiv would see the deployment of Russian warships in the western Black Sea as a “violation of the commitment to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and a threat to the national security of Ukraine.”
“In this case, Ukraine will have full right to exercise right to self-defense,” he said.
Halting strikes on energy infrastructure
The White House also said the parties agreed to develop measures for implementing an agreement reached in President Donald Trump’s calls with Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ban strikes against energy facilities in Russia and Ukraine.
The talks in Riyadh, which did not include direct Russian-Ukrainian contacts, were part of an attempt to hammer out details on a partial pause in the fighting in Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s invasion in 2022. It has been a struggle to reach even a limited, 30-day ceasefire — which both sides agreed to in principle last week, even while continuing to attack each other with drones and missiles.
Public notice
Board: US consumer confidence tumbles
WASHINGTON (AP)
— U.S. consumer confidence fell for the fourth straight month as Americans’ anxiety about their financial futures declined to a 12-year low amid rising concern over tariffs and inflation.
The Conference Board reported Tuesday that its consumer confidence index fell 7.2 points in March to 92.9. Analysts were expecting a decline to a reading of 94.5, according to a survey by FactSet.
The Conference Board’s report Tuesday said that the measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market fell 9.6 points to 65.2. It is the lowest
reading in 12 years and well below the threshold of 80, which the Conference Board says can signal a potential recession in the near future. However, the proportion of consumers anticipating a recession in the next year held steady at a nine-month high, the board reported. While inflation has retreated from the highs during the post-pandemic rebound, it has remained above the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. Those still-elevated prices, combined with the announced tariffs on many imported goods, have Americans feeling sour about spending as concerns about the economy mount.
Prairie Rose 4-H
The annual exchange meeting of the Prairie Rose 4-H Club and the Seekers Not Slackers Club of Anderson County was held on Monday, March 17. Sophia Heim presented a project talk about her rocketry project.
Roll call was: Where is your dream vacation?
The fundraising committee announced that butter braid packets and orders are due Friday.
Community leaders read the results from Regional 4-H Days.
In new business, a motion was made and passed to sponsor fair awards. Additionally, a motion was made and passed to make a donation to the Welch family.
Recreation was a scavenger hunt by the Seekers Not Slackers Club.
The next meeting will be Sunday, April 6, at the Moran United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. Members will meet before the meeting at 3:30 p.m. to make May Day cards for family and friends.
— Junior Reporter Harper Gabbert
RODS, THENCE WEST 10 RODS, THENCE SOUTH 16 RODS, THENCE EAST 10 RODS TO PLACE OF BEGINNING., Parcel ID No. 001131-11-0-00-00-005.00-0. Commonly known as 1010 2800 St., Laharpe, KS 66751 (“the Property”) MS224743 to satisfy the judgment in the above-entitled case. The sale is to be made without appraisement and subject to the redemption period as provided by law, and further subject to the approval of the Court.
Allen County Sheriff MILLSAP & SINGER, LLC
By: ___________________
Aaron M. Schuckman, #22251 aschuckman@msfirm.com
Dwayne A. Duncan, #27533 dduncan@msfirm.com 612 Spirit Dr. St. Louis, MO 63005 (636) 537-0110 (636) 537-0067 (fax)
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF MILLSAP & SINGER, LLC AS ATTORNEYS FOR FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. (3) 26 (4) 02, 09
(First published in The Iola Register March 19, 2025) IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF ALLEN COUNTY, KANSAS CIVIL COURT DEPARTMENT UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE RURAL HOUSING SERVICE (RHS), FORMERLY FARMERS HOME ADMINISTRATION Plaintiff, vs. DARCEL D NELSON, JOHN DOE (UNKNOWN TENANT /OCCUPANT), JANE DOE (UNKNOWN TENANT/OCCUPANT), ET AL. Defendants.
Case No.: AL-2025-CV-000010 Division No.
Pursuant to K.S.A. Chapter 60 Title to Real Estate Involved NOTICE OF SUIT THE STATE OF KANSAS, to the above-named defendants and the unknown heirs, executors, administrators, devisees, trustees, creditors and assigns of any deceased defendants; the unknown spouses of any defendants; the unknown officers, successor trustees, creditors and assigns of any defendants that are existing, dis-
iolaregister.com/archives
solved or dormant corporations; the unknown executors, administrators, devisees, trustees, creditors, successors and assigns of any defendants that are or were partners or in partnership; the unknown guardians, conservators and trustees of any defendants that are minors or are under any legal disability; and the unknown heirs, executors, administrators, devisees, trustees, creditors and assigns of any person alleged to be deceased and all other persons who are or may be concerned.
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition has been filed in the District Court of Allen County, Kansas, praying to foreclose a real estate mortgage on the following described real estate:
Lot Four (4), Henderson`s Meadowbrook Addition to the City of Iola, according to the revised plat thereof.
COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 522 E Carpenter Street, Iola, KS 66749 (“Property”) and all those defendants who have not otherwise been served are required to plead to the Petition on or before April 29, 2025, in
the District Court of Allen County, Kansas. If you fail to plead, judgment and decree will be entered in due course upon the Petition.
NOTICE Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692c(b), no information concerning the collection of this debt may be given without the prior consent of the consumer given directly to the debt collector or the express permission of a court of competent jurisdiction. The debt collector is attempting to collect a debt and any information will be used for that purpose.
Respectfully submitted, MARINOSCI LAW GROUP, P.C. /s/ David V. Noyce David V. Noyce, #20870 11111 Nall Avenue, Suite 104 Leawood, KS 66211 Phone: (913) 800-2021 Fax: (913) 257-5223 dnoyce@mlg-defaultlaw.com
ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF
MARINOSCI LAW GROUP, P.C. AS ATTORNEYS FOR THE PLAINTIFF IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. (3) 19, 26 (4) 2
Maintenance Mechanic I
The Monarch Cement Company is seeking to ll the position of entry level Maintenance Mechanic I for the Humboldt, KS plant.
Monarch is a rewarding place to work and o ers an excellent bene t package including medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, 401K with a company match, an educational assistance program, and an employee assistance program (EAP). This is a union position and starting wage begins at $35.08/hour with additional pay for working shifts. Shift work is a good probability.
To be considered for the position a candidate must be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent, successfully complete a pre-hire physical, drug screen and background check, and possess a valid state-issued driver’s license. This position also requires the candidate to be capable of following oral and/or written instructions and able to accomplish duties in a safe and systematic manner. A college education and/or technical certi cation and WorkReady Certi cate through KansasWorks is preferred.
Successful candidates must successfully complete and pass screening tests for this occupation.
This job will include dismantling, moving, installing or repairing of machines, power shafts, pulleys, conveyors, hoists and other devices. Must understand the use of measuring instruments, such as squares, micrometers, calipers and plumb bobs in installing machines and equipment in correct position and aligning power shafts, gear boxes, V-belts, pulleys and couplings. Must possess knowledge of shop mathematics, use of charts and tables, understand and read blueprints, sketches and other written or oral speci cations relative to maintenance and repair.
Candidates interested in testing for the WorkReady Certi cate through KansasWorks can register by calling 620-432-0320 or contacting Jim Jenkins or Samantha Cole at the Mitchell Career and Technical Center at 4101 S. Ross Lane, Chanute, KS.
Applications can be obtained either online at monarchcement.com or by stopping by the plant o ce between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. or at the Corporate O ce between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Completed applications can be dropped o at the Corporate O ce, by email at hr.dept@monarchcement.com or by mailing the application to The Monarch Cement Company, Att. Entry Level Laborer Position, P.O. Box 1000, Humboldt, KS 66748. Previous applicants must complete a new application.
The Monarch Cement Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages quali ed minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. Applications are to be submitted by April 11, 2025.
Director of Public Relations and Marketing Communications 3-5 years of experience required Salary commensurate with education and experience Vice President for Student A airs Salary commensurate with education and experience
Custodian – Evenings (2-10:30 p.m.) Full-time position Minimum of $14 per hour plus excellent benefits Assistant Women’s Softball Coach/ Residence Hall Director $22,000 per year plus housing and 19-meal plan
Visit our website allencc.edu/contact/careers
remote work options. Allen is an EOE/AA employer.
Elks Lodge #569 of Iola
Couple disagrees on second child
Dear Carolyn: I am married and have a 4-year-old. I have had a strong yearning for a second child for two years now. I am 39 and don’t have much time left. We can do it financially, although it will be a bit tight for a few years. My husband says he wants another but says he ain’t ready right now.
I feel stuck. We have had some tension in our marriage, but even after trying for over a year to find a couples therapist, we can’t find one who is covered by insurance. I have my own therapist. What do I do next? Things will never be perfect, so waiting for a theoretically perfect time would probably mean we are out of luck, since I will be 40. Also, the widening age gap of kids feels like it would make things even more difficult parentingwise.
— Left Wanting in New England
Left Wanting in New England: Have you spelled out to your husband that responding to a 39-year-old woman “not now” on the question of conceiving a child is the same thing as “not ever”? (Unless and until it actually happens, that is.) And
Tell Me About It
Carolyn Hax
that continuing to wait to try to conceive is a risk multiplier for both you and a future child?
As always, the fact of not wanting a child supersedes all, because it is not fair to children to bring them into the world unwanted. So there’s no other child coming if his “not now” is merely a waffler’s “no,” I’m sorry. I imagine you can sketch in any subtext based on your history with him.
A rocky marriage also points to not introducing a baby to your list of stressors.
And, as always, rushed decisions are rarely good ones. Yet the magical thinking of “I want another child with you, just not right now,” must be called out as such regardless. If he wants one sincerely, then it’s either try now or own the possibility of never — given that both fertility and access to other family building methods are dropping as you don’t speak. Obviously, there are
Today in history
Today is Wednesday, March 26, the 85th day of 2025. There are 280 days left in the year.
Today in history
On March 26, 2024, Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being struck by a container ship, kill-
ing six maintenance workers on the bridge. (Maryland officials have announced plans to replace the bridge by late 2028.)
Also on this date
In 1812, an earthquake devastated Caracas, Venezuela, causing as many as 30,000 deaths. (The U.S. Congress later approved $50,000 in food aid to be sent to Venezuela — the first example of American disaster assistance abroad.)
exceptions and options; they’re just hardly the givens that “maybe later” builds in.
If you can’t get to a point of agreement on reality, then we’re back to the hard question of whether another child is advisable in the current state of your marriage.
If you can agree on the basic fact of time sensitivity, then you’re in a much better place to work toward yes or no.
As for the couples counselor — ask your therapist to recommend someone good and find out how much you’d be signing up for out of pocket. It can’t hurt to ask. I understand the urgency of finding one who takes your insurance. But finding one, period, might be cheaper than missing your fertility window, or a divorce.
A reader’s thought: • Have you asked your insurance company what the reimbursement rate is for an outof-network therapist? Filing after the fact and waiting for reimbursement is a pain and not ideal, but it is possible and just requires an itemized receipt that most (if not all!) therapists can provide. Don’t give up.
In 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans became the first American ice hockey team to win the Stanley Cup, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 9-1 to win the championship series, three games to one.
In 1997, the bodies of 39 members of the Heaven’s Gate religious cult who took their own lives were found inside a rented mansion in Rancho Santa Fe, California.
TAKE DUE NOTICE
2006 Hyundai Tucson Black VIN KM8JN12D56U393308
1985 Ford F-250 Brown VIN 1FTHF2615FKA88683
1984 Dodge D150 Blue/Silver VIN 1B7FD14T0ES232702
1999 Nissan Frontier White VIN 1N6ED26Y2XC321269
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
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
The Iola Register
~ Journalism that makes a difference
Intelligence’s security breach a callous carelessness
sensitive information.
The news that a U.S. journalist was inadvertently included in a top secret U.S. military chat group should have citizens anxious about how the Trump administration handles its affairs.
In mid-March, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, a venerable publication of 167 years, received a text message from Mike Waltz, White House national security adviser, inviting him to a chat group to discuss U.S. military actions. The message was sent via Signal, an open-source messaging program.
According to Goldberg’s account in The Atlantic, he initially thought the invitation was a hoax. It’s not unusual, he said, for journalists to receive requests from malcontents or untrustworthy operatives eager to lead them astray.
Others invited to discuss whether the United States should bomb Houthi rebels in Yemen included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Stephen Miller, White House deputy chief of staff.
Though he was merely a bystander in the discussions, Goldberg’s presence was never questioned, lead-
The three most powerful men in the Kansas House weren’t representing the people when they passed a bill to eliminate the three-day grace period for mail-in ballots
No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, one thing we all should be able to agree on is that legitimate ballots cast by legitimate Kansas voters ought to be counted to the fullest extent possible.
But there are at least three men who disagree.
Unfortunately, they’re the three most powerful men in the so-called Kansas House of Representatives.
I say “so called” because the three men in question — House Speaker Dan Hawkins of Wichita, Speaker Pro-Tem Blake Carpenter of Derby and House Majority Leader Chris Croft — weren’t representing the people of Kansas when they passed a bill to do away with extra time for the Post Office to deliver your ballot to the election office.
They were representing no one but themselves and a handful of their political cronies, in their ongoing quest to protect and expand the near-absolute control they now enjoy at the Statehouse.
The measure in question, Senate Bill 4, is a disgrace to democracy that would leave voters at the mercy of an increasingly inefficient Postal Service.
And that will only get worse if President Donald Trump and his billionaire pal Elon Musk carry through with their threats of slashand-burn privatization of
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz, left, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, right, recently discussed U.S. military affairs with other top-level officials using a private message app. What now appears an oversight, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was also invited to participate in the discussions. (LUDOVIC MARIN/POOL VIA AP)
ing us to suspect a glaring lack of oversight. In his account of the group chats that ensued from March 11 to March 15, it was when the U.S. began bombing Yemen that Goldberg dropped out of the discussion, which also escaped notice.
Of note, Waltz had set all the communications on the Signal app to self-delete —
some after one week, some after four weeks, a violation of federal records law.
If using messaging platforms such as Signal, all government employees are required to promptly forward or copy their communications to an official government account.
On Monday, the National Security Council confirmed Goldberg’s account of the se-
Legislators work to stifle voting
Dion Lefler
Wichita Eagle
Post Offices.
Current Kansas law requires that ballots be counted if they are postmarked before or on Election Day and arrive at the election office by the Friday after the election.
The grace period was built into Kansas voting law in recognition of the simple fact that sometimes mail is slow to get where it needs to be.
Efforts to eliminate the delivery days began to pick up steam after the 2020 election, when former Sedgwick County Commissioner Michael O’Donnell — now a prominent Statehouse lobbyist — was voted out by the people of his district after a scandal over a false video ad attacking former mayor Brandon Whipple.
O’Donnell masterminded the plot with former state Rep. Michael Capps and former Wichita City Council member James Clendenin. When the plot backfired, they attempted to frame then-Sedgwick County Republican Party Chairman (now Wichita council member) Dalton Glasscock. Late in his reelection campaign, O’Donnell announced that he’d step down if he won — one step ahead of the district attorney forcing him out of office for corruption.
O’Donnell appeared to have won on election night, but a groundswell of support in late-arriving ballots boosted Democrat Sarah Lopez to a
narrow win.
Republican leaders felt that robbed them of O’Donnell’s seat and vowed to never let it happen again.
So they started pretending that there’s something wrong with waiting a few days until all the ballots can be counted.
And here we are.
Senate Bill 4 passed the Senate by a veto-proof 30-10 vote. The House also passed the bill, but four votes short of the 84 needed to override a veto by Gov. Laura Kelly.
That veto came on Monday.
“The three-day grace period for mail ballots was a bipartisan solution approved by the Legislature in 2017 to address delays in processing of mail by the United States Postal Service, particularly in rural areas,” Kelly wrote in her veto message. “This bill is an attack on rural Kansans who want to participate in the electoral process guaranteed by our Constitution. I will not sign legislation that deprives Kansans from having their vote counted.”
Hawkins, Carpenter and Croft immediately fired back, with all the make-believe outrage they could muster.
“We eagerly anticipate overriding the governor’s misguided veto to safeguard our elections and ensure quick, reliable outcomes,” they said in a joint statement. “By setting a firm Election Day deadline, we reaffirm Kansans’ trust in our elections.”
Sorry gentlemen. “Quick and reliable” is not the correct measure of an election — fair and accurate is.
And the only trust in question here is the trust that we placed in you to look out for the best interests of Kansas voters. Reaffirm that.
curity leak, which Goldberg did not go into detail because of its highly sensitive nature, including Hegseth’s sharing of how the military would carry out the attacks and the kinds of weapons they would use.
Mark Zaid, a lawyer who frequently represents national security officials, credited Goldberg’s discerning treatment of the highly
50 Years Ago March 1975
Mrs. Phyllis Meredith, a local graphology enthusiast who teaches courses in the subject, said she was called on yesterday to provide expert testimony in a forgery case in Bourbon County Court. She said it was the first time she has served in that capacity. She added that the prosecution won the case.
*****
When Sgt. Gale Beck was Pfc. Beck in World War II he qualified for the Combat Infantryman’s Badge by participating in three of the bloodiest of the European Theater battles. Sunday he was awarded the Bronze Star in recognition of his combat bravery, 30 years after the war’s end.
*****
Volunteers, Inc., a group of local volunteer firefighters, are being reorganized and revitalized. John Womack, chief, said they would meet monthly. The volunteers use two fire trucks which were purchased and outfitted by Allen County State Bank. Womack said their most important advantage is that they are not bound to stay within certain boundaries as city fire departments are but can go anywhere they wish to fight a fire.
*****
Lance Gurwell, Iola photographer, has been named chairman of the Allen County Bicentennial Commission following the resignation of Mike Russell.
*****
Neil Crane, regarded as
“It proved to be a good thing I guess that it was Jeff and the Atlantic,” Zaid told Politico. “If it had gone to someone else, it may very well have been reported on immediately and required the scuttling of the entire operation.”
ON TUESDAY, Hegseth pooh-poohed the security breach, saying “Nobody was texting war plans.” That is, other than him.
The White House spinned the four days of chats over an unsecure network as a “demonstration of deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials.”
We disagree.
Highly sensitive war plans and classified information took place outside of secure government channels specifically intended for such discussions.
The consequences of a potential military attack being leaked to an adversary, in this case the Houthi rebels, gives them an untold advantage, potentially jeopardizing the lives of our men and women in uniform.
Good leaders own up to their mistakes. Unfortunately, that appears to be too much to ask from this administration.
— Susan Lynn
an outstanding recruiter and junior college level coach, was named the new basketball coach at Allen County Community Junior College today. He replaced Hugh Haire, who resigned from the position last month after 19 years at the job. Crane spent seven years as head coach at Highland Community Junior College before resigning last spring. In addition to coaching basketball, Crane will also be the golf coach. Crane was one of more than 90 coaches who applied for the ACCJC post.
*****
Clifford D. Clark, a former Iolan, has been recommended for appointment as president of Binghamton State University at Binghamton, N.Y. Clark served as dean of the University of Kansas School of Business from 1968 to 1974 before accepting an administrative appointment at Binghampton.
*****
Mike’s Carpet World, owned by Mike Cooper, is holding a grand opening at its store at 617 West St. in Iola.
*****
Box office receipts for the four-day performance of “Music Man” totaled $4,154, Ann Curry president of the Iola Community Theatre, told the Register. The show was sold out each night. There were 65 in the cast, 29 in the orchestra, 59 in the crews and additional help was provided by volunteer ushers and by the Tri-County Shriners. *****
High-level CDC officials announce they are leaving
NEW YORK (AP) —
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was rocked by five high-level departures on Tuesday in the latest turmoil for the nation’s top public health agency.
The departures were announced at a meeting of agency senior leaders. The Atlanta-based CDC has two dozen centers and offices. The heads of five of them are stepping down, and that follows three other departures in recent weeks. This means close to a third of the agency’s top management is leaving or left recently.
The departures — described as retirements — were not announced publicly. The Associated Press confirmed
the news with two CDC officials who were not authorized to discuss it and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The announcements come a day after the White House announced it is nominating Susan Monarez to be CDC director. But it’s not clear how much, if any, influence that had on the leaders’ decision to leave. The Trump administration earlier this month withdrew its nomination of former Florida congressman Dr. David Weldon just before a Senate hearing.
CDC employees — including the organization’s leaders — have been bracing themselves for moves by the Trump administration to lay off staff and pos-
sibly dramatically reorganize the agency.
White House officials are reviewing a work force reduction proposal for CDC and other federal health agencies that was submitted earlier this month. Its contents have not been disclosed.
“The challenges for these individuals to do their jobs on a daily basis must be enormous,” said Jason Schwartz, a Yale University health policy researcher who studies government health agencies. “The future of CDC is under threat, by any measure. It’s understandable why individuals may decide to move on rather than see the agency diminished in its works, and its resources, and its ability
City: Targets child abuse
Continued from A1
proclamation declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Donita Garner and Kayla Knavel of Hope Unlimited, along with Alisha Turner of the Kansas Children’s Service League, accepted the proclamation from the council. Judy Brigham and Sharon Moreland with Iola Rotary Club requested city support for the club’s annual Smokin’ Hot Cars and BBQ event scheduled for May 16-17 at Riverside Park. Requests include allowing camping overnight in the park for the cooking teams; regular police patrol of the park during the event; providing and maintaining dumpsters; installation of temporary electric panels and use of water; as
well as use of the Riverside Park community building. Council members unanimously approved the requests.
to do its job.”
But losing a number of experienced leaders is clearly an additional blow to an already besieged agency, Schwartz added.
The latest departures include:
— Leslie Ann Dauphin, who oversees the Public Health Infrastructure Center and its more than 500 employees. That center coordinates CDC funding, strategy, and technical assistance to state, local and territorial health departments.
— Dr. Karen Remley, who heads the National Center on Birth Defects
and Developmental Disabilities. At the beginning of the year, the center had more than 220 full-time employees.
— Sam Posner, who heads the Office of Science. More than 100 CDC employees work on research and science policy, and publish the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
— Debra Lubar, who runs the 65-person Office of Policy, Performance and Evaluation.
— Leandris Liburd, head of the Office of Health Equity, with about 40 employees. Liburd took the role
in 2020, as part of an effort to address the COVID-19 pandemic’s disproportionate death toll on Black, Hispanic and Native Americans. Adding to that: Kevin Griffis, head of CDC’s office of communications, left last week. Robin Bailey, the agency’s chief operating officer, left late last month. So did Dr. Nirav Shah, a former CDC principal deputy director who last year was the agency’s primary voice about an evolving bird flu epidemic in animals that has also sickened at least 70 people in the U.S.
Jucos: Consolidation vote
Continued from A1
Independence, compounded with expected drops in state funding, lower enrollment and higher expenses, sparked the consolidation talk, the newspaper reported.
Trustees at Independence heard Monday from faculty members and other citizens, many of whom decried the lack of transparency and sudden urgency for such action, the Chronicle said.
Cynthia Sherwood, ICC president, told the paper the financial situation has to be addressed or the Kansas Legislature “will starve us out.”
There are several steps to clear before the question goes to voters. Trustees from both colleges must first agree on a “road map” to present the consolidation question to county voters, the newspaper noted, such as the name of the consolidated district, the number and makeup of the new institution’s trustees board, and if needed, a description of member districts.
The question also requires the blessing of the Kansas Board of Regents before it goes up for a vote.
An election date has
not yet been set. If voters approve consolidation, a second election would be necessary to elect the new board of trustees, the newspaper said.
Independence trustees also announced the search for a new college president was put on hold, pending the consolidation matter.
There were considerably fewer fireworks at the Coffeyville trustees meeting, the Chronicle reported, because the consolidation question was not placed on the agenda until minutes before Monday’s meeting.
Iola City Council members present a proclamation Monday evening declaring April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Picture from left are Joel Wicoff, Josiah D’Albini, Kim Peterson, Joelle Shallah, Steve French, Donita Garner (Hope Unlimited), Nich Lohman, Alisha Turner (Kansas Children’s Service League), Kayla Knavel (Hope Unlimited), Max Grundy, Ben Middleton, and Jon Wells. Below, Garner, right, speaks to the Council alongside Turner. REGISTER/ SARAH HANEY
The campuses of Coffeyville Community College, left, and Independence Community College are shown. Trustees at both institutions will ask for a public vote to consolidate. COURTESY PHOTOS
IMS: Theatre kids shine
Continued from A1
IHS drama program.
“It’s been a fun journey for all of us, as we figure all of this out,” Higginbotham said. “A lot of it is getting these kids comfortable in their own skin. I can remember, thinking back to it, how middle school was such an awkward time.”
It certainly didn’t show on the five middle-schoolers.
Winston Jordan read a monologue from Shakespeare’s “Macbeth, while Piper Jordan’s soliloquy was about a frantic student who hadn’t finished her homework. Logan Belknap re-created a humorous scene in which he addresses a jury tasked with finding out if Peter Pan should be charged with Captain Hook’s murder, while Jim Olson — without help of a script — offered up a scene from “Romeo and Juliet.” Eighth-grader Eliana Higginbotham put a cap on the presentation with a “letter” from a pair of crayons in distress. Purple is upset because her owner cannot color between the lines, while Beige is a
bit envious of the more popular colors.
Board members were more than a little impressed.
“When I was in junior high, you’d have had to hold a gun to my head to get me up there like that,” Board member Tony Leavitt said.
“When John started teaching for us at the elementary, we thought, ‘Oh this is perfect,’” IMS Principal Brad Crusinbery said. “My daughter, and I know some of your kids, went through his summer programs at the Bowlus. It’s very exciting to see.”
Fager said the credit for the early success goes to Higginbotham.
“If you’ve been around John much, he’s a natural on his feet and carries on conversations and makes kids feel at ease,” Fager said. “Those are things that translate into effective teaching strategies. It’s a great opportunity.”
Higginbotham expressed interest in developing a Drama II class for middle-schoolers to further develop their learning before entering high school.
MONDAY had plenty of other good news involving middle-schoolers.
Eighth-grader Shelby Blankenship, who won the Allen County Spelling Bee, just missed out on finishing in the top 10 in the Kansas Spelling Bee over spring break, Crusinbery said. Blankenship advanced to the fifth round before being eliminated “on a word I couldn’t even pronounce,” Crusinbery said with a chuckle.
For the record, the word was “abbess,” a woman who is the head of an abbey of nuns.
Likewise, several IMS students joined high-schoolers as they performed in front of the World War II Monument in Washington, D.C., March 15.
Fager and Crusinbery also credited IMS assistant principal Scott Brady with overseeing a sixth-grade intramural basketball course prior to spring break
“What he did was amazing,” Fager said, noting Brady coached two teams simultaneously, while also officiating the intramural games.
Buildings: 257 construction
Continued from A1
utilized for storage.
The plans are to return the requests for proposal to the Board in April so the district can begin seeking bids. The district is looking to build the new maintenance facilities on a vacant lot west of the tennis courts and near a small parking lot north and east of Iola High School.
BOARD members also agreed to financially support a joint venture between USD 257, the city of Iola and the Allen County 4-H Council to build a new digital sign at the entrance of Riverside Park.
The cost — estimated at about $90,000 — will be split three ways.
“When you look at it on your own, the cost could be insurmountable,” Superintendent of Schools Stacey Fager said. “When you can split the cost three ways, it makes it much more feasible.”
“I love that it’s a way for all three groups to work together,” Board member Jen Taylor agreed.
The sign will include a stone arch support, as a nod to the arches that spanned the entrance in the park’s ear-
ly years, Fager noted. The sign will post regular updates involving city, school and 4-H activities.
Construction and operation will fall under the city’s controls, with the school district and 4-H Council offering financial support.
Board member John Wilson suggested the district develop a consistent method of deciding what school events should be posted on the sign to avoid a “free for all.”
BOARD members also:
— While functioning as trustees for the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, approved the hiring of Carley Swanson as assistant projects director.
— Hired Erin JonesBaughn as Iola Elementary School secretary and Jessica Reichard as a Title I teacher at IES, and approved the resignation of Denise Layman as an elementary school paraprofessional.
Intel: Hearings in DC
Continued from A1
lenges, she cited the need to combat cartels that she said were “engaging in a wide array of illicit activity, from narcotics trafficking to money laundering to smuggling of illegal immigrants and human trafficking.”
Different parties prioritized different issues
The hearing occurred as officials across multiple presidential administrations describe an increasingly complicated blizzard of threats.
In the committee room, it unfolded in split-screen fashion: Republican senators hewed to the pre-scheduled topic by drilling down on China and the fentanyl scourge, while Democrat after Democrat offered sharp criticism over a security breach they called reckless and dangerous.
embarrassment,” said Sen. Michael Bennet of Colorado, who shouted down CIA Director John Ratcliffe as he demanded answers.
Gabbard and other officials did note the U.S. government’s longstanding national security concerns, including international terrorism and the threat she said was posed by countries including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.
China, for one, has heavily invested in stealth aircraft, hypersonic weapons and nuclear arms and is looking to outcompete the U.S. when it comes to artificial intelligence, while Russia remains a “formidable competitor” and still maintains a large nuclear arsenal.
The hearing unfolded in the midst of an eruption over text messaging
“If this information had gotten out, American lives could have been lost,” Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the intelligence committee said of the exposed Signal messages. Added Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon: “I am of the view that there ought to be resignations.”
Tuesday’s hearing took taking place one day after news broke that several top national security officials in the Republican administration, including Ratcliffe, Gabbard and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, texted attack plans for military strikes in Yemen to a group chat in a secure messaging app that included the editor-in-chief for The Atlantic.
The text chain “contained operational details of forthcoming strikes on Iranbacked Houthi-rebels in Yemen, including information about targets, weapons the U.S. would be deploying, and attack sequencing,” journalist Jeffrey Goldberg reported. The strikes began two hours after Goldberg received the details.
“Horrified” by the leak of what is historically strictly guarded information, the top Democrat on the House intelligence committee, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut, said he will be demanding answers in a separate hearing Wednesday with his panel.
The two days of hearings also come against the backdrop of a starkly different approach toward Russia following years of Biden administration sanctions over its war against Ukraine.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a lengthy call with President Donald Trump to an immediate pause in strikes against energy infrastructure in what the White House described as the first step in a “movement to peace.”
“An
Middle-schoolers Piper Jordan, left, and Jim Olson perform monologues Monday for USD 257 school board members. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN
Sports Daily B
Cubs fall in opener, 12-1
By JIMMY POTTS
The Iola Register
The Humboldt Cubs season got off to a rough start after falling to the Frontenac Raiders 12-1.
The Cubs held the Raiders scoreless through the first two frames but failed to respond once Frontenac found its footing in the third, fourth and fifth innings for the 12-1 mercy-rule victory.
“I was really pleased with the way our pitchers threw,” Humboldt coach Mike Miller said. “They did a really good job of attacking their lineup. [Frontenac] had a really good lineup, especially in the middle of it. They don’t miss the ball a lot. And when they hit the ball, they hit the ball hard.”
In the third inning, the Raiders broke the scoreless stalemate with four runs, then plated three runners in the fourth and five in the fifth for an early stoppage.
Senior catcher Jacob Harrington drove in the Cubs’ only run on a sacrifice fly ball.
“We didn’t compete a whole lot. I thought we let them dictate our at-bats,” Miller said. “They got ahead early, and we put ourselves in a hole up there instead of going up and being aggressive. We’re swinging early, falling behind. We start guessing and it’s hard to hit that ball.”
Frontenac’s quartet of Raider pitchers combined
to tally seven strikeouts and allowed one walk. Humboldt senior pitcher Logan Page
See OPENER| Page B3
Humboldt bewildered, 13-0, by returning state champion
By JIMMY POTTS
The Iola Register
With limited time to prepare due to spring break, the Humboldt Lady Cubs ran into a tough opening day opponent in returning state champion Frontenac Raiders Monday.
Proving they have not lost a step from hoisting the state trophy last summer, the Raiders forced a 13-0 mercy rule by the end of the fifth for their first victory.
“We didn’t help ourselves,” Humboldt coach Brad Piley said. “We walked probably seven or eight batters the first two innings. You cannot give them free bases. It would have still been a loss, but you could take away half of the runs off their score if you take away all of the walks.”
Although ultimately shut out, the Lady Cubs did break their goose-egg in the batter’s box with junior second baseman Skylar Hottenstein, senior third baseman Shelby Shaughnessy and sophomore first baseman Humboldt High School
See HUMBOLDT| Page B3
Monday’s game. REGISTER/JIMMY
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Crest demolishes St. Paul 27-0,
By JIMMY POTTS
The Crest Lancers jumped out to a hot start after a pair of blowouts in Monday’s doubleheader against St. Paul. With finals more familiar on a football field and than a baseball diamond, the Lancers demolished St. Paul 27-0 in the opener and 19-1 in the finale.
Junior first baseman Drake Weir had a team-leading five RBIs in the opener, followed by sophomore third baseman Roy Gordon with four, then four players tying for third with two each. On the mound, starting senior Kade Nilges racked up five
19-1
strikeouts over three innings, then freshman Kole Walter spelled Nilges in the fourth and final inning, due to the mercy-rule, and tallying a pair of strikeouts.
The finale turned out a smidge better for the St. Paul Indians in the finale. They held Crest to just four runs in the first inning, but a second inning 10-run explosion busted the game wide open and a five-run third inning brought it to a merciful ending 19-1.
Junior outfielder Henry White had a team-leading three RBIs in the finale, followed by Weir, Walter, sophomore outfielder Preston Blaufuss and freshman outfielder Koiy Miller, who
Wildcat rally falls short on the road
By JIMMY POTTS
The Marmaton Valley Wildcats showed they have some pop in their bats despite a sweep at the hands of the Central Heights Vikings during Monday’s opening day doubleheader.
After falling 11-1 in the opener, the Wildcats proved their resilience in the finale but ultimately fell 8-6.
The Wildcats jumped out to an early lead when freshman pitcher Thomas Allee scored on an infield
error, but that was all of the offensive production Marmaton Valley could muster as Central Heights scored 11 unanswered runs to put an end to the opener by the fifth inning.
Allee had a team-leading two hits while batting 2 of 2. Sophomore designated hitter Andersyn Carr hit 1 of 2 while junior shortstop Tyler Lord and junior outfielder Todd Stevenson hit 1 of 3. On the mound, junior Garrett Morrison tallied five strikeouts over three innings
Marmaton Vally outfielder Todd Stevenson catches a fly ball during Monday’s doubleheader against Central Heights. HALIE LUKE/MVHS
Above, Humboldt High School senior catcher Jacob Harrington drives in the Cubs’ only RBI of the day during the fourth inning of Monday’s home opener against the Frontenac Raiders. At right, Ty Shaughnessy fires a strike while coming on in relief during the fifth inning Monday. REGISTER/JIMMY POTTS
pitcher Shelby Shaughnessy follows through on a pitch during
POTTS
The Iola Register
The Iola Register
Opener: Cubs face Neodesha in a week
registered the loss while striking out four batters, while senior Brody Gunderman and freshman Ty Shaughnessy tallied a pair of strikeouts each.
“It came down to making routine plays on defense,” Miller said. “When we didn’t, they took advantage of it. The pitching went well, but on defense we just didn’t make plays.”
The Cubs will have a while to marinate on their loss with their return to the diamond slated for next Monday on the road in Neodesha.
“It is what it is. [Frontenac] had the same amount of time to prepare that we did.
“They were just a little more prepared than us,” Miller said.
“We’ll be all right. We had the same result last year when we played them the first game of the season, and everything turned out alright last year too.
“It’s one of those games you learn from and move on.”
SLC sweeps Yates Center
By JIMMY POTTS The Iola Register
The Yates Center Wildcats look to rebound after taking a 10-0 and 16-0 sweep to Olpe in Monday’s season opener.
Olpe’s pitchers combined for a nine-strikeout, no-hitter in the first game.
Wildcats: Late spark not enough Monday
over three innings with Stevenson coming on in relief in the fourth.
In the finale, the Wildcats battled back from an early deficit to make a game of it, but their rally fell two runs short in their final at-bat.
Held scoreless through the first two frames, Marmaton Valley found its footing in the third on an RBI double by senior third baseman Dominic Smith — the first of his team-leading four RBIs.
Marmaton Valley continued to chip away at Central Heights’ lead with a fifth-inning RBI grounder by Morrison, then a sacrifice fly by junior outfielder Brevyn Campbell in the sixth.
A two-out, base-clearing Smith double pulled the Wildcats within a pair of runs, but a strikeout on the next at-bat sealed Marmaton Valley’s fate.
On the mound, Allee tallied a pair of strikeouts over four innings while giving up five hits and eight runs.
Smith came on in relief in the fifth with a strikeout and two hits. In the batter’s box, Smith had a team-leading three hits, followed by Morrison and Campbell, who had two each to complement their single-RBI efforts.
The Wildcats will not have long to marinate on their loss as they host the Uniontown Eagles for a doubleheader Thursday with a 4:30 p.m. first pitch in the opener, and a 6:30 p.m. first pitch for the finale.
At press time, statistics for game two were not available.
They held Yates Center scoreless while tallying three runs in the first inning, two in the second, three in the third and then a pair of runs in the fifth to seal a 10-0 mercy-rule. On the mound, senior Kaden Rutherford, sophomore Nolan Lampe and sophomore Braxtyn Morrison combined for five strikeouts.
third baseman Shelby Shaughnessy and sophomore first baseman Kinley Hart each registering hits.
“We just had spring break, and it’s tough to have to play the defending state champs,” Piley said.
“I would rather play them the second half of the season to get us ready for regionals, but it is what it is. We know what we have to work on.”
Defensively, the Lady Cubs also had a rough day registering five errors.
Of the trio of pitchers Humboldt fielded Monday, only sophomore Jo Ellison had a strikeout.
With the Lady Cubs not returning to the diamond until next Monday on the road at Neodesha, Coach Piley feels the time will be well spent in practice.
“We’re going to work on a lot of pitching. We’re going to do some more hitting,” Piley said.
“Our defense really wasn’t that bad. We had a double play there at the end. Our defense is always strong, but to face pitchers like that. We don’t see that all season long.”
had two each. On the mound, Weir tallied five strikeouts over two innings of work, and Gordon tallied one in his single inning of work while coming on in relief. They return to the diamond Thursday for a road-game doubleheader against Pleasanton. First pitch for the opener is 4:30 p.m. and a 6:30 p.m. first pitch set for the finale.
Cam Ward puts No. 1 QB talent on display
By TIM REYNOLDS Associated Press
CORAL GABLES, Fla.
(AP) — Cam Ward had a message for the Tennessee Titans on Monday.
“I’m solidifying it today,” he said.
‘It’ would be the No. 1 pick in next month’s NFL draft. In a month, the now-former Miami Hurricanes quarterback will find out if that is indeed the case.
Knowing all eyes in the building were on him, Ward went through his entire repertoire of throws in a 45-minute session with representatives from all 32 NFL teams watching at Miami’s pro day: short, deep, slants, sideline routes, even some sidearm ones.
And the last play was a trick one — he caught a touchdown pass from receiver Xavier Restrepo, a play that Ward drew up himself to have some fun.
Ward put on a show.
The ball is in Tennessee’s court now, as holders of the No. 1 overall pick.
“They finally got to see me throw in person. That should be all they need to see,” Ward said. “At the end of the day, if they want to give me the pick or not, I’m going to be happy with whatever team I go to. I just want to play football.”
Ward was the closing act at Miami’s pro day, with expectations growing that the Heisman Trophy finalist who rewrote the Hurricanes’ record book last season could be the first overall pick when the draft starts April 24.
Pro day was the first time Ward had thrown publicly since his college finale, a first-half appearance for Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl back in December. He didn’t throw at the NFL Combine last month, saying he wanted to wait until Miami’s pro day where he could
throw to “the best receiving corps in the country.”
“He’s one of one,” Miami coach Mario Cristobal said. But will he be No. 1?
That’s up to the Titans to decide. Tennessee sent what seemed like the entire front office to watch Ward. The list includ-
ed football operations president Chad Brinker, head coach Brian Callahan, general manager Mike Borgonzi, assistant general manager Dave Ziegler, vice president and football advisor Reggie McKenzie, offensive coordinator Nick Holz and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree.
Ward was even chatting with some of the Titans’ staff between throws, smiling as he walked away after dropping the “I’m solidifying it today” comment. He had more conversations with some members of the Titans’ contingent when the workout was over as well.
“I’m just excited to see where I’m going to end up, so I can finally learn the playbook,” Ward said.
Ward ended his college career with a Division I (FBS and FCS level) record 158 touchdown passes. His total of 18,189 passing yards — 6,908 at Incarnate Word, 6,968 at Washington State and 4,313 at Miami — is third-most in NCAA history behind
only Case Keenum and Dillon Gabriel. He rewrote Miami’s record book in 2024, his lone season with the Hurricanes. He left the school as Miami’s single-season leader in yards, completions (305), touchdown passes (39) and completion percentage both for a season and a career at 67.2%. Ward’s rise was meteoric throughout college.
Miami Hurricanes quarterback Cam Ward (1) looks on from the field after losing to Iowa State Cyclones in their Pop-Tarts Bowl football game at the Camping World Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, in Orlando, Fla.
MATIAS OCNER/TNS
Tennessee group makes play for MLB team
By STAFF REPORT Associated Press
(AP)
deal between Mu-
sic City Baseball and Lincoln Property Company announced Tuesday is designed to secure land for a mixed-use development that could include an MLB-ready stadium.
Music City Baseball is an organization of business and community leaders in Nashville that is seeking to bring the
majors to Tennessee.
The group has already picked a nickname “Stars,” a nod to a Negro League Team that played in Nashville in the 1940s and 50s.
The group could have some time to find a location.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has said
MLB won’t explore expansion until securing new ballparks for the Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays.
The A’s plan to move to a new park in Las Vegas in 2028, but construction has not started, and they will send at least three seasons playing home games at a minor
league stadium in Sacremento.
Tampa Bay withdrew this month from a planned $1.3 billion stadium plan in St. Petersburg, citing a hurricane and delays that likely drove up the proposal’s cost, and will play home games this season at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the New York Yankees’ spring training home.
