Iola Radio NewsRoom

Project 17 Finalist For $1 Mill Grant

2012-02-10T08:58:00.001-06:00

The regional economic initiative that includes Allen County and sixteen other counties in southeast Kansas is in the running for a major leadership training grant. Project Seventeen leaders, spearheaded by the region's four state senators, have been pitching the Kansas Leadership Center this week for a one million dollar leadership training grant. More than a hundred communities and nonprofit organizations from throughout the state have been lobbying for the grants. K-L-C has whittled the list down to seven finalists, including Project Seventeen.

City, Westar say Tonight's Power Switch Won't Cause Outage

2012-02-08T09:10:00.001-06:00

City and utility officials are assuring Iola residents there won't be a repeat of last week's middle of the night power outage as work was being done to beef up feeder lines into Iola. To avoid a repeat, Westar Energy won’t shut down its power supply to Iola during connection of a new 69,000-volt feeder line into Heartland Electric’s rural system tomorrow morning. City Administrator Carl Slaugh tells the Register Westar agreed maintain power during the transition because the computer issues that caused the city’s generators to malfunction last week have not been resolved. City generators will still be available is something unexpected happens, and there will be city staff on hand tonight to handle any emergencies.

Power Switch Keaves Iola In The Dark

2012-02-02T11:49:00.001-06:00

Iola's planned switch-over to self-generated power for a few hours last night did not go off without a hitch. The idea was to power the city and its environs with electricity entirely generated by the city's main station at the old cement plant and substations throughout the city. However, when the switch-over was made last night, residents in several areas of Iola reported their power went off. Some report that the lights were out for most of the night as city crews scrambled to get things lit up again. No word yet on how the glitch happened. Iola City Administrator Carl Slaugh says the initial switch over to the city-generated power went off without a hitch and continued fine for 40 minutes. At that point there was a system failure that caused the entire city to lose power at that point. Crews worked throughout the night to restore power and it was able to be restored in some sections at various times during the night...but some areas, such as Gas city and the Iola Walmart, were without power all night and were not restored until the work was finished at about 5:30 this morning. This comes at a time when Iola is actively considering where it will get its municipal power supplies in the future. City leaders have already informed the Kansas Power Pool that Iola is pulling out of a wholesale power deal with the consortium; the City Council held a special session in January to look at options for acquiring the electricity that the city sells to residents and businesses from other sources. Last night's power outage came during a scheduled move to accommodate connection to an upgraded 69,000 kilowatt line carrying electricity from Heartland Rural Electric. Iola will be asked to produce power again the night of Feb. 9 for about two hours just after midnight during another adjustment between city and Heartland Rural Electric lines.

Feb. 13 Deadline to Fill Out a Survey, Help Iola Schools Win a Grant

2012-02-02T05:11:00.001-06:00

There are just days left for Iola school district parents to do their part to help the district earn a Safe Schools grant. It's as simple as taking a survey, and the distrcit only needs a few dozen more surveys to be completed. Kansas is one of 11 states splitting nearly 40-million dollars in grant money to measure school safety at the building level and to create and support safe, drug-free, high-achievement larning environments. It starts with a 10-minute survey taken online. You only have a few days to get it done.

Parents: http://excellenceandethics.org/assess/s3ks_parents.php

Sexting Allegation Lands Humboldt Teen in Jail

2012-02-01T05:11:00.001-06:00

Charges are still pending in the case of a teenager who was arrested outside Iola High School's homecoming dance and accused of "sexting." As of yesterday, Allen County Attorney Wade Bowie said he had not reviewed investigation reports having to do with the arrest of 19-year old Scott L. Bedell of Humboldt. The Register reports a 13-year old boy was also taken into custody. Deputies were alerted to the happenings by parents who had seen "troubling" images on cell phones, according to Sheriff Tom Williams. Bedell is held without bond on suspicion of several felony counts; a determination on charges will be made by Bowie.

Iron Man Challenge To Kick Off Humboldt Racing Season

2012-01-30T11:28:00.001-06:00

With the start of the racing season at Humboldt Speedway now just weeks away, the U-S Racing Association has released the scheduled for a third season of its popular Iron Man Challenge. There will be 28 Iron Man dates this season, up from 17 last year, as interest continues to grow. The B-mod section of the challenge will kick off nationwide at Humboldt Speedway March 16th and 17th in conjunction with the U-S-M-T-S modifieds. Last season, 367 drivers took part in the Iron Man Challenge, including 237 B-mod competitors. Those races will mark the beginning of Humboldt's 2012 racing season and another major event won't be far behind: The second King of America Race will be run on Humboldt's famous dirt track March 28th through the 31st. From then on, it's special events and weekly racing through the first week in October.

Two Charged in Conneciton With Theft, Shooting Incident

2012-01-26T05:12:00.001-06:00

Two southeast Kansas men face charges related to an incident just before Christmas that ended with one of them getting peppered with shotgun pellets. Allen County authorities filed aggravated battery charges against Roger Welch of rural Moran and trespassing and attempted theft charges against 17-year old Zeffrey Tyler Doolittle of Mapleton. The incident in which Doolittle suffered the shotgun pellet wounds unfolded the night of Dec. 23 on Welch’s land, about five miles northwest of Bronson. The sheriff's office says someone had been stealing gasoline from a tank, and Welch happened to be there when a person stopped nearby and the driver got out carrying a five-gallon gas can. When the person unhooked the gas nozzle, Welch reportedly fired a shot into the air. As the person, later identified as Doolittle, ran off Welch fired a second time. The teen's minor injuries were treated at Allen County Hospital. The Register reports neither Welch nor Doolittle was arrested, rather both will be summoned to court appearances that have yet to be scheduled.

At-Work Accident Pins K-DOT Worker

2012-01-23T05:11:00.001-06:00

Authorities say a man injured in Iola Friday was behind a dump truck and got pinned between the truck and a salt spreader. Larry Castel of Humboldt was taken to Allen County Hospital by ambulance, according to a report from the Kansas Highway Patrol. The accident happened about 1:30 Friday afternoon at the K-DOT yard in North Iola. Troopers say Richard Carr was backing the dump truck, apparently to get the salt spreader mounted in the bed, and Castel got trapped between the spreader and the bed of the truck.

Saturday Fire Displaces Iola Family

2012-01-17T04:51:00.001-06:00

Smoke and water damage from a weekend fire is forcing one Iola family to stay somewhere else temporarily. The Red Cross is assisting Ben Culbertson's family following the fire Saturday night. Firefighters were called to Culbertson’s home after smoke was seen coming from a second-story bedroom. The smoke came from an overloaded junction box, according to Iola Fire Department reports. A wire had burned in two and nearby wall insulation had been smoldering, as had a pair of ceiling joists. The Register reports firefighters sprayed foam onto the smoldering pieces, cutting extra holes into the wall to ensure all of the hot spots had been extinguished.

Iola 8th Graders Ace the Test

2012-01-16T05:13:00.001-06:00

Iola public schools have aced the test, for the second year in a row. Iola eighth-graders have once again scored above the national average on the ACT Explore Test, a preparation exam for the ACT that is required to attend most colleges in America. As a class, Iola’s eighth-graders scored above the national average in all four academic sections - English, math, reading and science.

While the average score in reading was 14.6 percent for this year’s Explore takers nationwide, Iola’s Explore takers averaged 15.9. The Register reports that trend held steady throughout the three other academic areas. The ACT precursor exams is built and formatted in the same fashion as the 52-year-old college-readiness test, but on a graduated scale of difficulty.

Boeing Closure Will Not Affect Spirit Plans In Chanute

2012-01-13T09:09:00.001-06:00

Plans by Spirit Aerosystems to open a manufacturing facility in Chanute will apparently not be affected by the high-profile announcement by Boeing that it's closing its plant in Wichita. The aircraft manufacturing giant will be laying off thousands of workers as it transfers many of its activities to its Seattle-area headquarters and elsewhere. But city officials in Chanute say Boeing's departure is not expected to have any impact on Spirit's plans there. Spirit's Chanute plant will initially perform subassembly work on underwing aircraft components as part of a multi-phased project. It also will take on other programs. Company officials have said they expect to create thirty-five jobs at the Chanute plant by the end of this year and an eventual total of up to 150 new jobs. City officials say Spirit has no plans to make any changes when Boeing packs up.

Computer Glitch Delays Title Work

2012-01-13T04:31:00.001-06:00

Have you been waiting what seems a long time for the title to come back from the state on a vehicle you bought last fall? If so, you're one of more than 25-thosuand people statewide who have been affected by a computer glitch. A spokesperson with the Kansas Department of Revenue tells KWCH-TV the error was discovered last week. The state is working through the backlog and should be caught up by the end of next week. Of the 26,000 that were delayed, the state says there are about 10,000 remaining. It will work with people on an individual basis if the delay causes the person to pay penalties.

Wednesday Crash Hurts Two

2012-01-12T04:51:00.001-06:00

Highway Patrol troopers report an injury crash last night north of Humboldt. According to online crash records, the wreck happened about 8:20pm at 1100 Road and Louisiana. 14-year old Trisha Jo Prock was southbound on 1100 Road in a 1986 Ford and lost control. Troopers say she over corrected and rolled the vehicle. Prock was taken to Allen County Hospital with possible injuries. Teresa Owens, an adult front seat passenger, was also taken to Allen County Hospital to be checked for possible injuries.

Crash North of Colony Injures Teen

2012-01-11T04:58:00.001-06:00

A crash yesterday afternoon on the old Welda-Colony Road sent one Colony teen to the hospital. Kansas Highway patrol troopers report 19 year old Anthony Ellis was about 5 and a half miles north of Colony, near the intersection with 800 road, yesterday afternoon about 2pm when he crashed. Troopers say Anthony was southbound, lost control, and crossed the road, running into the east ditch. The car rolled and struck the embankment, but came to rest on its wheels. Anthony was taken to Anderson County Hospital with potentially serious injuries.

Project 17 Sets Core Areas, Funding Goals

2012-01-09T05:23:00.001-06:00

They have a name, four core issues, and say they'll seek half a million dollars form the state to fund the effort to boost our region's economy. That's the outcome of Friday's meeting of 16 area community leaders and four state legislators in Iola. The group is calling themselves Project 17, and their goals are four-fold: economic development, regional health rankings, fostering leadership and creating a long-term structure to house the effort. They'll need about half a million dollars a year to fund the effort, the group says, and Senators Jeff King and Pat Apple told members they'll be pushing for the general fund money during this legislative session. It's expected to be a line-item in Governor Brownback's budget proposal to be presented during the State of the State speech.

The Register reports Project 17 members are also working on grant application from the Kansas Leadership Foundation, which would provide $1 million in leadership training to the organization, region or agency awarded the grant. That grant application is due Friday. Project 17 members will meet quarterly, with the next meeting April 13 in Iola. To volunteer or contribute to the effort, visit TWSProject17.org.

Man Wanted in Allen, Neosho Counties Collared in Manhattan

2012-01-05T05:05:00.001-06:00

A man wanted on warrants from Allen and Neosho counties has been arrested in Manhattan. Riley County police 37-year old Brian Archer of Manhattan was arrested following a crash in Manhattan on Tuesday evening. The crash happened when another driver turned in front of him on a busy street on the west side of Manhattan. As officers did a routine crash investigation, they found Archer was wanted for bad checks in Neosho county, and his probation on cases in Allen and Neosho counties had been revokes. He was also wanted in Riley county for Driving While Suspended. At last check, Archer was jailed in lieu of a little over 4-thousand dollars in bond.

Jingle Bell Jog Participation Nearly Double Last Year's

2011-12-28T04:08:00.001-06:00

Organizers say this year's Jingle Bell Jog nearly doubled participation over last year's. Saturday morning's event was the 14th annual Jingle Bell Jog, with 110 people taking part in the 5K run and 3K walk, sponsored by Thrive Allen County and the Iola High School leadership class.

The 110 participants were nearly twice as many as last year’s 59, when more frigid weather and a stiff breeze discouraged all but the hearty. Nine states were represented this year, accoridng to the Register. In addition to Kansas, entrants were from Missouri, California, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Texas, Georgia, New York and Wyoming. Entrants also came from area towns and others in Kansas, including Emporia and Kansas City.

Take a Suvery, Promote Leadership at Iola High School

2011-12-25T22:25:00.001-06:00

Simply by filling out an online survey, parents at Iola High School can help ensure the programs meant to build leaders within the school continue into the future. The Link Crew and Leadership programs are presently funded with donations from Emprise Bank and an anonymous gift, whcih are running out. It costs $5-thosuand a year to run the programs, and USD 257 is pursuing a grant to guarantee long-term sustainability for them To qualify for a state grant providing financial support for programs that promote a safe and supportive environment, 20 percent of high students parents must fill out an online survey.

To take the survey, visit http://excellenceandethics.org/assess/s3ks_parents.php and enter numbers 1564 to access the Iola High survey. The deadline for parents to take the surveys is Jan 24.

Humboldt Senior Center Work Update

2011-12-22T05:08:00.001-06:00

Work is continuing to shore up the Humboldt Senor Center. This week's heavy rain actually helped the process. Only a few small leaks were found in the roof following the early week rains, and each structural support under the floor has been tested recently and either found to be of sufficient strength or has been replaced. Moisture problems in the basement soon would be solved by the installation of sump pumps. Officials anticipate the work to give the center five to ten years additional use.

Chanute Superintendent Cautious On Brownback Ed Plan

2011-12-21T10:49:00.001-06:00

Another area school superintendent is signing in on Governor Sam Brownback's proposed new education finance plan. Earlier this month, we heard USD 257 Superintendent Brian Pekarek saying the Governor has the right vision and is on the right track in certain areas, although expressing concern about placing much of the weight of school financing on local communities. Now, in Chanute, USD 413 Superintendent James Hardy is saying he's concerned about the plan and its lack of so-called enrollment weighting. Hardy saying Brownback's plan is also vague on vocational education, which Hardy says is increasingly important because that's where many students get the training they need to find jobs. If the Brownback plan is passed, it would take effect during the 2013-14 school year and would give local school boards additional spending power and more power to increase local property taxes. In a new development today, a top aide says Gov. Brownback is willing to consider ideas from Kansas legislators for modifying his plan to overhaul how the state finances its public schools.

Body of Missing Neodesha Man Found

2011-12-21T05:11:00.001-06:00

Services are scheduled tomorrow for a Neodesha man whose body was found over the weekend after being missing for more than two weeks. Wilson county officials say 44-year old Kennon Landry's body was pulled from the Verdigris River. Lab results related to his autopsy won't be back for several weeks. A team from Texas used sonar scanning to find his body about 100 yards from the location an oil field worker found his pickup truck on December 2nd. The truck had rolled near the river. At times, more that 250 people had been involved in the search. The KBI is involved in the investigation; no word yet on whether there's anything investigators find suspicious about his death. The funeral service for Landry will be tomorrow afternoon at 1 at Christ Church in Neodesha.

EPA Adds Air Monitor Sites In Chanute

2011-12-15T09:40:00.001-06:00

The Environmental Protection Agency is placing additional air monitors in Chanute as part of an ongoing effort to make sure local air quality meets federal standards. A recent review of several samples taken around the city revealed that the air you breathe in Chanute is generally within federal tolerances for hazardous substances. However, citizen complaints sparked those tests in the first place and regulators now say they want to collect more information over the next three to six months. To help in that effort, EPA technicians are placing two additional air particulate matter monitoring sites in city parks. In addition to the limited air screenings in Chanute, other samplings include surface water, sediment and fish tissue.

Adopt-A-Child Helps 280 Local Kids, 132 Families in 2011

2011-12-15T05:21:00.001-06:00

More than 280 local children have benefitted from the generosity of Iolans this Christmas season. Adopt-A-Child organizers Barbie Daugharthy and Teresa Gribble say it's the larges distribution in recent memory. The Register reports a flurry of last-minute donations - in the form of gifts or money - allowed organizers to fill the wish lists of every child who was enrolled. Enough money was donated that Daugharthy, Gribble and Cheryl Sparks were able to purchase gifts for the remaining 70 children who had not been “adopted” by other donors.

New Patrol Vehicles Coming

2011-12-08T09:32:00.001-06:00

New patrol vehicles on the way for the Allen County Sheriff's Department. County Supervisors have given the green light to buy two new Ford F-150 Super Cab four-by-four pickups, which will be completely fitted out as patrol vehicles. The Board approving purchase of the trucks for just under 24-thousand dollars apiece from a local dealer rather than a slightly less-expensive bid from a national seller of vehicles to government agencies. The Board exercising a buy-local option available to it in making the decision. The new patrol vehicles set to be acquired at the end of the month.

Two Arrested In Home Invasions

2011-12-08T09:31:00.001-06:00

Two Parsons men are in jail following a series of home invasions in rural Labette County. A fugitive task force tracked the two men down in Kansas City. Now 19-year-old Brady Downing -- also known as Brady Gage -- and 19-year-old Malcom Odom face a number of charges including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In one home invasion a couple was reportedly tied to chairs in their living room while the men robbed the house. The husband and wife were later able to free themselves and call police. A woman also being held for questioning in the incidents and two male suspects are still being sought.