“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.”
The inscription marks the 8-acre James Farley Post Office in New York City and is the unofficial motto of United States Postal Service letter carriers.
It’s apropos. Although snow can slow the carriers, little stops them.
In Iola, letter carrier Patti Whitcomb tackles winter with practical steps.
She dresses in layers. She uses sun screen and skin care products. To deal with deep snow, Whitcomb wears Cordura galoshes over her shoes.
The heavy nylon coverings act as boots, keeping snow out of her footwear. They’re part of her official uniform.
“They’re not exactly waterproof,” though, she said, “You wouldn’t want to wear them in the rain.”
Despite this season’s unusually brisk weather, Whitcomb said “the worst I saw was my very first winter.”
It was 1986-87, she noted.
“We had pretty deep snow that year. We had jeeps and the heaters didn’t work. I kept thinking, ‘If I can live through this winter, I can get through anything’ — and I did.”
Now, Whitcomb says, she’s an old pro at battling the weather.
“I stay warm because I’ve been out in this for years and know how to dress appropriately,” she said. Yet “unless it’s bitter cold out, I just wear normal gloves,” she said.
The brisk pace of mail delivery keeps Whitcomb’s circulation pumping and her body warm.
“It’s just that first 15 minutes that I’m cold,” she said.
ON WEDNESDAY, the eastern half of Whitcomb’s route was mainly unshoveled. She slogged through snow a foot or so deep to get from house to house. Her entire route spans from the Bowlus Fine Arts Center to behind Coronado’s restaurant on East Street. Altogether, delivering the daily mail to houses and businesses takes about 6 1/2 hours. In the process, she walks about 12 to 14 miles.
“You estimate about 2 miles per hour,” Whitcomb said. “Of course, that changes in this weather,” she laughed.
Still, she said, nothing stops the mail.
“In all the years I’ve worked we’ve never not delivered the mail,” she said. “There’s been a couple times where a truck didn’t get through and we’d go out with what we had,” she said.
Even when flood waters coursed through Iola in 2007, Whitcomb “stayed one step ahead.”
Whitcomb noted her route didn’t receive the worst of the water, and Providence placed the flooding on a weekend, so that “by Monday, it had gone down quite a bit where you could get to most of the houses.”
AS FOR this winter, Whitcomb said “I think there’s fewer (walkways) shoveled this year than in the past, but I think that’s due to the timing of the storm.”
That it hit over the Christmas holiday meant many people did not get to the snow right away, she noted, and those that didn’t have had a hard time playing catch up with snow that has become packed. In addition, she said, many older customers are no longer physically able to keep up with snow removal.
Postal Service policy does not require a letter carrier to deliver mail if they feel the route is unsafe.
“I do have a few places I don’t walk up the stairs if there’s no hand rail,” Whitcomb noted.
And, she said, “I do get miffed when people put out letters for me to pick up and there’s a big blob of ice on their steps.” Especially, she said, when those people are younger or able-bodied and could shovel their walks.
For the most part, though, Whitcomb will make the effort to keep the mail coming.
“I have good people on my route,” she said. “They give me homemade cookies and chocolate candies at Christmas time.”
MAIL CONTENT has changed over the almost quarter century that Whitcomb has been a carrier.
The bulk of her load is “credit card applications and things like that,” she said. Holidays catalogs have given way to seed catalogs.
Though much purchasing is done online, Whitcomb said “a lot of people still like to look at,” the glossy colored booklets.
One thing Whitcomb does not deliver is junk mail.
“It’s no longer called that,” she laughed. “It’s bulk business mail.”
In addition, Whitcomb said, “there’s a lot of books from Amazon. A lot of QVC shoppers. You don’t get as much personal mail except at Christmas time, and Mother’s Day is big.”
With the advent of e-mail, cell phones and electronic social networks, written correspondence no longer plays a large role in peoples lives, Whitcomb said.
“It’s not like a few years back when people really looked forward to mail. But there’s still enough people that are happy to see you.”
Despite the fact she herself uses those alternative forms of communication, Whitcomb said hand written letters are special.
“There’s something about having a letter in your hands that somebody actually held and wrote,” Whitcomb said. “But 25 to 30 years later, that person might be gone, but you still have that letter you can hold.
“I think that a lot of kids miss that experience because they’ve never felt it,” she mused.
Being the bearer of that connection is still Whitcomb’s favorite part of the job.
“Probably the best,” Whitcomb said, “is being with people. I like being outside, being able to do something for people.”
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Vehicle registration changes
The State Department of Revenue’s Division of Vehicles has changed its vehicle registration process. Vehicle owners are now required to show their drivers licenses when registering to allow for cross referencing within a new computer system being installed by the DOV. Business must show FEIN documents.
Those Kansans with or seeking personalized plates also will see changes. As the plate design has changed, all personal plate holders must order new plates in 2010. Orders will be accepted beginning Nov. 2 of this year; plates will be distributed during the owner’s renewal month in 2010.
Plate letter combinations must now be unique, also a change from the past. Due to this change, 31,6000 plate holders in the state will not be allowed to retain their current plate combination. First holders of any configuration will be allowed to keep that plate, however.
Personalized plate holders will now receive only one plate, for the rear of the vehicle, rather than the two that have been given out in the past. Cost remains $40 per five year period for the specialized plates.
In Allen County, the cost to register a vehicle can be found through the county’s Web site, www.allencounty.org. Click on the vehicle tag and tax estimator link for the information, or call the treasurer’s office at 365-1409.
As a cost saving measure, the state will no longer include a return envelope with registration renewals.
Those Kansans with or seeking personalized plates also will see changes. As the plate design has changed, all personal plate holders must order new plates in 2010. Orders will be accepted beginning Nov. 2 of this year; plates will be distributed during the owner’s renewal month in 2010.
Plate letter combinations must now be unique, also a change from the past. Due to this change, 31,6000 plate holders in the state will not be allowed to retain their current plate combination. First holders of any configuration will be allowed to keep that plate, however.
Personalized plate holders will now receive only one plate, for the rear of the vehicle, rather than the two that have been given out in the past. Cost remains $40 per five year period for the specialized plates.
In Allen County, the cost to register a vehicle can be found through the county’s Web site, www.allencounty.org. Click on the vehicle tag and tax estimator link for the information, or call the treasurer’s office at 365-1409.
As a cost saving measure, the state will no longer include a return envelope with registration renewals.
Walk and Roll event to benefit disabled
The Resource Center for Independent Living wants you to think a little more about what would happen if you had a stroke or were in an accident that left you mobility impaired.
“You get someone who’s been in an accident and their house has four steps at either entrance — if they want to go out, it doesn’t matter; they’re stuck inside,” said office manager Donna Goodner. For an individual who has had a stroke or accident or is just no longer able to get about without help from a walker or cane, a ramp instead of steps can help provide a means to get in and out of the house, Goodner said.
“I’ve seen someone just take a piece of plywood and drop it down over their steps, and that’s not safe,” Goodner said.
Typically, a ramp costs about $1,500 to build.
“You have to be sure it’s built to Americans with Disabilities Act specifications,” she explained.
Because that cost is high for most individuals, RCIL is holding a fund-raising event at 10 a.m. Sept. 26 on the Iola square.
“We hope to have 50 to 100 people participate,” Goodner said. “We’re going to have people with walkers and wheelchairs go around the square,” Goodner said of the event. Anyone — regardless of mobility — can join them.
Before the walk, speakers will kick off the event. Miss Wheelchair Kansas has been invited, Goodner noted. Participants will be treated to a brunch of homemade breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy and fresh fruit after walking.
The walk is similar to other pledge-based events, with a notable variation. “We’ll probably go around the square once,” Goodner said. “It’s difficult for many people to go even that far,” she said.
Participants who raise $25 will receive a free commemorative T-shirt. In addition, volunteers are needed to help push the wheelchair bound.
Sponsors who donate $100 or more will be recognized through a banner on the square and their name on the T-shirt, Goodner said. “And,” noted Targeted Case Manager Andrea Hermreck noted, “because we’re a nonprofit the donation is tax deductible.”
Funds will be used to purchase ramp materials.
In an effort to make funds go further, RCIL employees will build the ramps themselves.
RCIL Peer Services members, disabled individuals who assist others with finding support services, initiated the Build-a-Ramp program, Goodner said.
“The Peers in this area have a waiting list of people who need ramps,” Goodner said.
Contact Goodner at the RCIL office, 365-8144, to sign up or make a donation.
“There are so many things that can disable you, or put you in a wheelchair,” Goodner said, “We don’t even think about it.”
STEPHANIE MERRIAM had never thought about it, either.
Just a month shy of her 18th birthday, Merriam, originally from Coffeyville, was in a motorcycle accident that left her with permanent spinal nerve damage.
“My brain was like scrambled eggs,” she said.
She spent the next three months in a coma.
“When I came out, I was like a baby,” Merriam said. “I had to learn how to walk, talk, eat again. My doctors told me I would never walk.”
Pure spunk and years of rehabilitation, though, have Merriam up and about once more — to a degree. She still suffers from spasms and “startles easily,” she said. She needs assistance getting around. Ramps help her in and out of buildings.
Merriam is just one of about 300 clients served by RCIL, said Hermreck. The agency’s Iola office serves clients “from here to Coffeyville to Baxter Springs to Pleasanton,” Goodner said. Many clients are in Iola, Chanute and Fort Scott. “We are pretty much everywhere,” Hermreck said. Statewide, the agency serves over 2,000 people.
There are 12 regional RCIL offices, Hermreck said. The agency provides disabled individuals with free counseling and case management. They offer, free of charge, life skills training and loans of durable medical equipment to those in need. They offer peer support and information referral, along with advocating for the disabled.
Building ramps, though, is new, the women said.
Along with soliciting donations of funds and materials, the agency is applying for grants for the project.
“You get someone who’s been in an accident and their house has four steps at either entrance — if they want to go out, it doesn’t matter; they’re stuck inside,” said office manager Donna Goodner. For an individual who has had a stroke or accident or is just no longer able to get about without help from a walker or cane, a ramp instead of steps can help provide a means to get in and out of the house, Goodner said.
“I’ve seen someone just take a piece of plywood and drop it down over their steps, and that’s not safe,” Goodner said.
Typically, a ramp costs about $1,500 to build.
“You have to be sure it’s built to Americans with Disabilities Act specifications,” she explained.
Because that cost is high for most individuals, RCIL is holding a fund-raising event at 10 a.m. Sept. 26 on the Iola square.
“We hope to have 50 to 100 people participate,” Goodner said. “We’re going to have people with walkers and wheelchairs go around the square,” Goodner said of the event. Anyone — regardless of mobility — can join them.
Before the walk, speakers will kick off the event. Miss Wheelchair Kansas has been invited, Goodner noted. Participants will be treated to a brunch of homemade breakfast burritos, biscuits and gravy and fresh fruit after walking.
The walk is similar to other pledge-based events, with a notable variation. “We’ll probably go around the square once,” Goodner said. “It’s difficult for many people to go even that far,” she said.
Participants who raise $25 will receive a free commemorative T-shirt. In addition, volunteers are needed to help push the wheelchair bound.
Sponsors who donate $100 or more will be recognized through a banner on the square and their name on the T-shirt, Goodner said. “And,” noted Targeted Case Manager Andrea Hermreck noted, “because we’re a nonprofit the donation is tax deductible.”
Funds will be used to purchase ramp materials.
In an effort to make funds go further, RCIL employees will build the ramps themselves.
RCIL Peer Services members, disabled individuals who assist others with finding support services, initiated the Build-a-Ramp program, Goodner said.
“The Peers in this area have a waiting list of people who need ramps,” Goodner said.
Contact Goodner at the RCIL office, 365-8144, to sign up or make a donation.
“There are so many things that can disable you, or put you in a wheelchair,” Goodner said, “We don’t even think about it.”
STEPHANIE MERRIAM had never thought about it, either.
Just a month shy of her 18th birthday, Merriam, originally from Coffeyville, was in a motorcycle accident that left her with permanent spinal nerve damage.
“My brain was like scrambled eggs,” she said.
She spent the next three months in a coma.
“When I came out, I was like a baby,” Merriam said. “I had to learn how to walk, talk, eat again. My doctors told me I would never walk.”
Pure spunk and years of rehabilitation, though, have Merriam up and about once more — to a degree. She still suffers from spasms and “startles easily,” she said. She needs assistance getting around. Ramps help her in and out of buildings.
Merriam is just one of about 300 clients served by RCIL, said Hermreck. The agency’s Iola office serves clients “from here to Coffeyville to Baxter Springs to Pleasanton,” Goodner said. Many clients are in Iola, Chanute and Fort Scott. “We are pretty much everywhere,” Hermreck said. Statewide, the agency serves over 2,000 people.
There are 12 regional RCIL offices, Hermreck said. The agency provides disabled individuals with free counseling and case management. They offer, free of charge, life skills training and loans of durable medical equipment to those in need. They offer peer support and information referral, along with advocating for the disabled.
Building ramps, though, is new, the women said.
Along with soliciting donations of funds and materials, the agency is applying for grants for the project.
Wheelchair users discover square has hazards
Marie Clement enjoyed her visit to Iola this weekend. Unlike many, though, she wasn’t in town for the Buster Keaton Celebration.
Instead, Clement, Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, was here to help raise awareness about mobility impairment as part of the Resource Center for Independent Living’s Walk and Roll around the Iola square Saturday morning.
Clement, of the Prairie Band Potawatomi, wasn’t always confined to a chair. Like many wheelchair users, she said, she is permanently restricted due to a spinal cord injury.
On New Year’s eve in 1997, “I got blown off a road in Wyoming,” she said. Driving north to visit relations, her van was tumbled. Clement’s six-month old son was thrown from the vehicle, but miraculously was not hurt. Clement, however, was pinned.
“My pelvis was broken, my back was broken.”
She was hospitalized for six months, and has been wheelchair-bound ever since.
However, it wasn’t until she moved to Kansas in 2002 that she became mobility impaired.
“I lived in Las Vegas. Everything is handicapped accessible there,” she said. From her home, she could roll to stores, restaurants and social events, she said.
Now living in Mayetta, she observed, “These small towns are not accessible. Most of my friends, I can’t even get in their houses.”
Clement said it can be a lonely life for the wheelchair bound. “Without access, you’re stuck in your home, in front of the TV or computer. That’s’ not good.”
“People who are able-bodied don’t realize,” the hardships faced by the mobility impaired, agreed Iolan Agune Shapel. At 25, Shapel has “been in a wheelchair most of my life,” he said.
Suffering from muscular dystrophy, Shapel found Iolans fairly accommodating of his restrictions.
“People were good about it at my schools, and at the college,” he said.
Shapel graduated from Allen County Community College and now works as a mobile disc jockey.
Clement agreed that Iola seemed more accessible than some small towns, but the walk around the square proved her initial observation optimistic.
About half way through the first block, chair users had to maneuver around a broken sidewalk — just a couple inches of uneven concrete made an impasse. At a corner curb, most chair users needed assistance to keep from falling as they tried to get across the street.
Shapel said in Iola, several corner sidewalks have lightposts in them, and while one end of a block may have a curb cut, the other does not.
Those seemingly minor obstacles are like facing a wall, Clement said.
“There’s several restaurants I can’t even get in to,” she said.
Clememt uses an electric wheelchair, which is wider than those designed to be pushed, she said.
“They rarely fit in a bathroom,” she said.
“Statistics say one in 250 people are disabled,” Clement said, “but I think that’s low.”
Clement said businesses — and communities — should realize that wheelchair users need access. They are lsoing business when people can’t come in, she said.
As part of her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, Clement plans to create a Web site for wheelchair users listing accessible business and community sites throughout the state.
Instead, Clement, Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, was here to help raise awareness about mobility impairment as part of the Resource Center for Independent Living’s Walk and Roll around the Iola square Saturday morning.
Clement, of the Prairie Band Potawatomi, wasn’t always confined to a chair. Like many wheelchair users, she said, she is permanently restricted due to a spinal cord injury.
On New Year’s eve in 1997, “I got blown off a road in Wyoming,” she said. Driving north to visit relations, her van was tumbled. Clement’s six-month old son was thrown from the vehicle, but miraculously was not hurt. Clement, however, was pinned.
“My pelvis was broken, my back was broken.”
She was hospitalized for six months, and has been wheelchair-bound ever since.
However, it wasn’t until she moved to Kansas in 2002 that she became mobility impaired.
“I lived in Las Vegas. Everything is handicapped accessible there,” she said. From her home, she could roll to stores, restaurants and social events, she said.
Now living in Mayetta, she observed, “These small towns are not accessible. Most of my friends, I can’t even get in their houses.”
Clement said it can be a lonely life for the wheelchair bound. “Without access, you’re stuck in your home, in front of the TV or computer. That’s’ not good.”
“People who are able-bodied don’t realize,” the hardships faced by the mobility impaired, agreed Iolan Agune Shapel. At 25, Shapel has “been in a wheelchair most of my life,” he said.
Suffering from muscular dystrophy, Shapel found Iolans fairly accommodating of his restrictions.
“People were good about it at my schools, and at the college,” he said.
Shapel graduated from Allen County Community College and now works as a mobile disc jockey.
Clement agreed that Iola seemed more accessible than some small towns, but the walk around the square proved her initial observation optimistic.
About half way through the first block, chair users had to maneuver around a broken sidewalk — just a couple inches of uneven concrete made an impasse. At a corner curb, most chair users needed assistance to keep from falling as they tried to get across the street.
Shapel said in Iola, several corner sidewalks have lightposts in them, and while one end of a block may have a curb cut, the other does not.
Those seemingly minor obstacles are like facing a wall, Clement said.
“There’s several restaurants I can’t even get in to,” she said.
Clememt uses an electric wheelchair, which is wider than those designed to be pushed, she said.
“They rarely fit in a bathroom,” she said.
“Statistics say one in 250 people are disabled,” Clement said, “but I think that’s low.”
Clement said businesses — and communities — should realize that wheelchair users need access. They are lsoing business when people can’t come in, she said.
As part of her reign as Ms. Wheelchair Kansas, Clement plans to create a Web site for wheelchair users listing accessible business and community sites throughout the state.
Taking the plunge isometric water exercise at Riverside Park
“It’s not aerobics,” said Pauline Hawk, instructor of the summer isometric water exercise program at Riverside Park pool.
Aerobics involves vigorous exercise designed to raise heart and respiratory rates, and “we don’t move fast enough for it to be aerobic,” Hawk explained.
Isometrics, on the other hand, uses resistance.
“You work against the water; it’s a strength building exercise.”
That it is, said substitute leader Jaunita Tolle of Moran and Iolan Kathleen Sinclair.
“It’s mostly stretching,” Tolle put in. And “range of motion stuff” added Sinclair.
The water isometrics class meets three times a week at the pool, from 11 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and again from 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Super 8 Motel on Iola’s east edge.
It’s predominantly seniors who attend the free classes, probably due to the hours they are offered, said Tolle. “But we don’t complain. We’re just grateful we can use the pools.”
Water is a great medium to exercise in for those with body aches or injuries, Tolle said, because it is supportive. For those with stability issues, “it helps you keep your balance,” Hawk said.
The water’s buoyancy cushions body mass, making it easier for those who are heavy to exercise, Tolle added.
“There are things we can do in the water that we could not do on land,” she said. “I can do jumping jacks in the water and it’s fun. If I tried it on land I’d get tired out quickly.”
And, Tolle added, “It’s great for people with arthritis or other limitations because it releases some of that pain.” Tolle herself is an arthritis sufferer, and said the water exercise really helps.
In addition, working out against the push of a fluid strengthens muscles.
“We try to make the most of each move,” Tolle said, explaining why isometrics is done slowly and consciously. “You use more muscle if you do the exercises under water,” she explained.
Sinclair said her doctor, Brian Wolfe, recommends water exercise for seniors. “He said water is wonderful,” she noted.
Other doctors recommend it as well, said Tolle, who recently moved from Kansas City, where she participated in water exercise at a year- round community aquatics center.
It’s also, Hawk noted, “good for prenatal because you don’t bounce around a lot.”
Anyone who wishes is welcome to come to the classes, Tolle said. No registration is required. Merely show up and pay the appropriate pool fee and join in. The pool at Riverside Park costs $2 for adult entry; Super 8 charges $2.50.
Besides building strength, Tolle said, the water just feels good. Good enough for her to drive to Iola four times a week.
“It’s for me,” she said. “It’s for my health.”
Aerobics involves vigorous exercise designed to raise heart and respiratory rates, and “we don’t move fast enough for it to be aerobic,” Hawk explained.
Isometrics, on the other hand, uses resistance.
“You work against the water; it’s a strength building exercise.”
That it is, said substitute leader Jaunita Tolle of Moran and Iolan Kathleen Sinclair.
“It’s mostly stretching,” Tolle put in. And “range of motion stuff” added Sinclair.
The water isometrics class meets three times a week at the pool, from 11 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and again from 9 to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays at the Super 8 Motel on Iola’s east edge.
It’s predominantly seniors who attend the free classes, probably due to the hours they are offered, said Tolle. “But we don’t complain. We’re just grateful we can use the pools.”
Water is a great medium to exercise in for those with body aches or injuries, Tolle said, because it is supportive. For those with stability issues, “it helps you keep your balance,” Hawk said.
The water’s buoyancy cushions body mass, making it easier for those who are heavy to exercise, Tolle added.
“There are things we can do in the water that we could not do on land,” she said. “I can do jumping jacks in the water and it’s fun. If I tried it on land I’d get tired out quickly.”
And, Tolle added, “It’s great for people with arthritis or other limitations because it releases some of that pain.” Tolle herself is an arthritis sufferer, and said the water exercise really helps.
In addition, working out against the push of a fluid strengthens muscles.
“We try to make the most of each move,” Tolle said, explaining why isometrics is done slowly and consciously. “You use more muscle if you do the exercises under water,” she explained.
Sinclair said her doctor, Brian Wolfe, recommends water exercise for seniors. “He said water is wonderful,” she noted.
Other doctors recommend it as well, said Tolle, who recently moved from Kansas City, where she participated in water exercise at a year- round community aquatics center.
It’s also, Hawk noted, “good for prenatal because you don’t bounce around a lot.”
Anyone who wishes is welcome to come to the classes, Tolle said. No registration is required. Merely show up and pay the appropriate pool fee and join in. The pool at Riverside Park costs $2 for adult entry; Super 8 charges $2.50.
Besides building strength, Tolle said, the water just feels good. Good enough for her to drive to Iola four times a week.
“It’s for me,” she said. “It’s for my health.”
From river to tap: Humboldt water plant turns green water crystal clear
HUMBOLDT — Unless you saw it before treatment, you’d never know the clear sparkling water that flows from Humboldt taps was once a murky green. The turbid Neosho River is the source for Humboldt’s drinking supply, said water plant superintendent John Hodgden, leading a tour of the plant last Thursday.
The plant intakes 1000 gallons a minute, and processes the 240,000-350,000 gallons of water used daily in Humboldt.
It has the capability to purify 1.4 million gallons per day should the town ever grow, he said.
“If we actually pumped 1.4 million gallons per day, (the pumps) would run 24/7. Right now, at the capacity of we’re doing, they run one to one and a half hours on, then three to four hours off.”
The system is regulated by float switches, similar to an on-demand system, he said.
In addition, the plant has 575,000 gallons of purified water stored: “Almost two days worth,” said Hodgden.
That storage came in handy during the 2007 flood.
“The water got into the bottom of our intake structure,” Hodgden said, but didn’t cause disruption of the treatment system. “But the water quality was really poor,” he added. “It had a funny diesel smell to it and a sheen.”
Hodgden shut off intake to the plant and used stored water to keep Humboldt supplied during the time it took for the river to clear.
Stored water was credited with averting another mishap half a decade before the flood.
“In January of 2002, an ice storm decommissioned the plant for 2 1/2 days,” City Administrator Larry Tucker said. “Enough water was stored to keep the lines full.”
“We were lucky,” Hodgden said. If the lines had gone dry, much effort — and expense — would have been required to resupply Humboldt with drinking water.
Two generators were added in 2008, said Tucker. One, a 40 kilowatt, stands near the pump tower that draws raw river water into the plant’s pipes. The other, a 60 kilowatt, stands next to the plant itself. Both are built up off the ground on concrete pads “in case of flood,” Hodgden said.
The generators automatically monitor power into the plant and kick on if needed, Tucker said. They are automatically tested each week and have automatic alarms that go off should anything go wrong.
When not in use, the generators sit sentinel while water is piped 45 feet up from the river’s bottom to the pump valves in the tower.
After intake, the water goes to a rapid mix site.
“We feed our primary coagulant here,” Hodgden said. The coagulant is a cationic aluminum polymer that “binds with the dirt” in the water, he said. The particles settle at the bottom of the large tanks.
Cleaner water at the top is siphoned into a half-dozen weirs that span each tank.
“Every 15 minutes the sludge is sucked out of each basin,” Hodgden said, “and is pumped into two holding ponds.
“Once every other year we clean those ponds out,” Hodgden said, “and the sludge is hauled to the landfill.”
Beside the initial pumping, the system is a simple gravity feed settlement and filter works, Hodgden said.
“We have screens on our pumps at the intake, so we don’t get any large animals” into the system, Hodgden said, “but we do have fish eggs that come through, so we have fish in all these tanks,” he said, pointing to the large concrete pools in the treatment plant’s yard.
To combat odors and other impurities in the water, 50 pounds of powdered activated carbon is added daily to the fluid.
“We feed that in, it takes out all the fishy smell” said Hodgden. “If it gets bad, we’ll feed more. Carbon acts like a sponge — it grabs anything that’s in the water and pulls it out.”
The carbon also blocks sunlight, so algae that accumulates in the tanks dies out and is strained out in the settlement process.
“The final basin provides us with more retention time,” for such settling, Hodgden said.
After the water has been through the pools, it is piped into the treatment plant for further purification. The water is tested for residual copper, lead, chlorine, zinc and pH, and is further filtered.
“It travels through three layers of standard media: Anthracite, sand and gravel,” Hodgden said.
Plant personnel are on hand round the clock. Testing is done every shift. “Whenever the pump’s running, we take samples,” Hodgden said.
“We can backwash any part of the system to the ponds if any contaminant gets in,” Hodgden said.
After the water has been thoroughly filtered, chlorine is added.
Ammonium sulfate is added with the chlorine “to keep it residual in our system,” Hodgden said. Otherwise, chlorine, which is a gas, would dissipate out of the lines before it reached the taps. Chlorine levels are maintained at 2 to 4 PPM, Hodgden said.
Fluoride will be soon be added to the water along with the chlorine. While the Neosho’s water naturally contains 0.14 PPM fluoride, Hodgden said, levels must be increased to 0.7 to 1.2 PPM to protect tooth enamel.
“We’ll test twice per shift to see what’s coming out,” Hodgden said. “If (ambient) fluoride goes up, we’ll be able to adjust our input accordingly.” Faucet filters will take out some of the added fluoride, he added.
Tucker said the city has received a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to replace eroded large and medium sized delivery lines throughout the city. The old lines are primarily cast iron, and fall victim to dissolved minerals in the region’s water. Of primary concern is a major delivery line from the plant to the water tower on 10th Street.
“We’ll be replacing most of these old lines with polymer plastic,” Tucker said. “Many of them are over 100 years old,” he added. “We’ll be replacing a number of smaller lines, too.”
The updates “will greatly reduce our maintenance costs and ensure infrastructure for the next 100 years,” Tucker said. “We want to make this place a better town for our children and grandchildren.”
The plant intakes 1000 gallons a minute, and processes the 240,000-350,000 gallons of water used daily in Humboldt.
It has the capability to purify 1.4 million gallons per day should the town ever grow, he said.
“If we actually pumped 1.4 million gallons per day, (the pumps) would run 24/7. Right now, at the capacity of we’re doing, they run one to one and a half hours on, then three to four hours off.”
The system is regulated by float switches, similar to an on-demand system, he said.
In addition, the plant has 575,000 gallons of purified water stored: “Almost two days worth,” said Hodgden.
That storage came in handy during the 2007 flood.
“The water got into the bottom of our intake structure,” Hodgden said, but didn’t cause disruption of the treatment system. “But the water quality was really poor,” he added. “It had a funny diesel smell to it and a sheen.”
Hodgden shut off intake to the plant and used stored water to keep Humboldt supplied during the time it took for the river to clear.
Stored water was credited with averting another mishap half a decade before the flood.
“In January of 2002, an ice storm decommissioned the plant for 2 1/2 days,” City Administrator Larry Tucker said. “Enough water was stored to keep the lines full.”
“We were lucky,” Hodgden said. If the lines had gone dry, much effort — and expense — would have been required to resupply Humboldt with drinking water.
Two generators were added in 2008, said Tucker. One, a 40 kilowatt, stands near the pump tower that draws raw river water into the plant’s pipes. The other, a 60 kilowatt, stands next to the plant itself. Both are built up off the ground on concrete pads “in case of flood,” Hodgden said.
The generators automatically monitor power into the plant and kick on if needed, Tucker said. They are automatically tested each week and have automatic alarms that go off should anything go wrong.
When not in use, the generators sit sentinel while water is piped 45 feet up from the river’s bottom to the pump valves in the tower.
After intake, the water goes to a rapid mix site.
“We feed our primary coagulant here,” Hodgden said. The coagulant is a cationic aluminum polymer that “binds with the dirt” in the water, he said. The particles settle at the bottom of the large tanks.
Cleaner water at the top is siphoned into a half-dozen weirs that span each tank.
“Every 15 minutes the sludge is sucked out of each basin,” Hodgden said, “and is pumped into two holding ponds.
“Once every other year we clean those ponds out,” Hodgden said, “and the sludge is hauled to the landfill.”
Beside the initial pumping, the system is a simple gravity feed settlement and filter works, Hodgden said.
“We have screens on our pumps at the intake, so we don’t get any large animals” into the system, Hodgden said, “but we do have fish eggs that come through, so we have fish in all these tanks,” he said, pointing to the large concrete pools in the treatment plant’s yard.
To combat odors and other impurities in the water, 50 pounds of powdered activated carbon is added daily to the fluid.
“We feed that in, it takes out all the fishy smell” said Hodgden. “If it gets bad, we’ll feed more. Carbon acts like a sponge — it grabs anything that’s in the water and pulls it out.”
The carbon also blocks sunlight, so algae that accumulates in the tanks dies out and is strained out in the settlement process.
“The final basin provides us with more retention time,” for such settling, Hodgden said.
After the water has been through the pools, it is piped into the treatment plant for further purification. The water is tested for residual copper, lead, chlorine, zinc and pH, and is further filtered.
“It travels through three layers of standard media: Anthracite, sand and gravel,” Hodgden said.
Plant personnel are on hand round the clock. Testing is done every shift. “Whenever the pump’s running, we take samples,” Hodgden said.
“We can backwash any part of the system to the ponds if any contaminant gets in,” Hodgden said.
After the water has been thoroughly filtered, chlorine is added.
Ammonium sulfate is added with the chlorine “to keep it residual in our system,” Hodgden said. Otherwise, chlorine, which is a gas, would dissipate out of the lines before it reached the taps. Chlorine levels are maintained at 2 to 4 PPM, Hodgden said.
Fluoride will be soon be added to the water along with the chlorine. While the Neosho’s water naturally contains 0.14 PPM fluoride, Hodgden said, levels must be increased to 0.7 to 1.2 PPM to protect tooth enamel.
“We’ll test twice per shift to see what’s coming out,” Hodgden said. “If (ambient) fluoride goes up, we’ll be able to adjust our input accordingly.” Faucet filters will take out some of the added fluoride, he added.
Tucker said the city has received a $400,000 Community Development Block Grant to replace eroded large and medium sized delivery lines throughout the city. The old lines are primarily cast iron, and fall victim to dissolved minerals in the region’s water. Of primary concern is a major delivery line from the plant to the water tower on 10th Street.
“We’ll be replacing most of these old lines with polymer plastic,” Tucker said. “Many of them are over 100 years old,” he added. “We’ll be replacing a number of smaller lines, too.”
The updates “will greatly reduce our maintenance costs and ensure infrastructure for the next 100 years,” Tucker said. “We want to make this place a better town for our children and grandchildren.”
Storm spotters class April 1
In the past two years, Allen County’s count of storm spotters has gone form zero to 35. That’s thanks to Pam Beasley, said Allen County Sheriff Tom Williams.
Beasley is the county’s emergency management coordinator, and severe weather tracking falls under her umbrella. Before Beasley joined the scene, Allen County relied on firefighters and deputies to track severe weather, a task Williams would rather not have themdo. Emergency personnel must be available if a tornado hits the area, Williams said. “We need to be ready to respond.”
Allen County’s storm spotters are all volunteers, and must undergo training before being allowed on the job, Williams said. The first stage of that training happens soon.
An annual informational meeting, presented by National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chance Hayes will take place at 6:30 p.m. April 1 in the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Meetings previously have been held in the county’s assembly room, but at standing room only capacity the last couple sessions, the venue has been changed. The sheriff would like to see the new venue filled, too.
“We really encourage people to come,” Williams said.
WIlliams has seen the presentation for years now, and said “It is always interesting and entertaining. If you like the movie ‘Tornado,’ come to this.”
Because not everyone is available during every weather event, a large pool of storm spotters is needed to ensure the community is protected, Beasley said. “We really want additional weather spotters,” Williams said, “and the only way we will sign people up is if they have taken this class.”
The two-hour program includes a multimedia presentation, lecture and question and answer period. It is free to the public.
The program provides severe weather training, with information about weather patterns, storm formation and safety instruction.
Storm spotters are posted throughout the county at stationary locations, and report in to the Sheriff’s department through radio or phones.
Most storms do not grow into tornadoes, Beasley said, but need to be watched anyway. She said a potentially hazardous storm a week ago Monday had a serious hook cloud, which can often predict a tornado. While Beasley and the storm spotters spent the night watching, the storm dissipated. Iolans didn’t know what passed them by.
“It’s never ending,” Beasley said of the potential for severe weather. “I don’t want it hitting us, but I love watching it.”
Beasley said those interested in learning more about becoming a storm spotter can contact her at the Sheriff’s office, 365-1400, or getting her attention the evening of the class. Pre-registration is not required for the class, and everyone is welcome to attend, whether they are interested in becoming a storm spotter, or just curious about the weather, Williams said.
Beasley is the county’s emergency management coordinator, and severe weather tracking falls under her umbrella. Before Beasley joined the scene, Allen County relied on firefighters and deputies to track severe weather, a task Williams would rather not have themdo. Emergency personnel must be available if a tornado hits the area, Williams said. “We need to be ready to respond.”
Allen County’s storm spotters are all volunteers, and must undergo training before being allowed on the job, Williams said. The first stage of that training happens soon.
An annual informational meeting, presented by National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Chance Hayes will take place at 6:30 p.m. April 1 in the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Meetings previously have been held in the county’s assembly room, but at standing room only capacity the last couple sessions, the venue has been changed. The sheriff would like to see the new venue filled, too.
“We really encourage people to come,” Williams said.
WIlliams has seen the presentation for years now, and said “It is always interesting and entertaining. If you like the movie ‘Tornado,’ come to this.”
Because not everyone is available during every weather event, a large pool of storm spotters is needed to ensure the community is protected, Beasley said. “We really want additional weather spotters,” Williams said, “and the only way we will sign people up is if they have taken this class.”
The two-hour program includes a multimedia presentation, lecture and question and answer period. It is free to the public.
The program provides severe weather training, with information about weather patterns, storm formation and safety instruction.
Storm spotters are posted throughout the county at stationary locations, and report in to the Sheriff’s department through radio or phones.
Most storms do not grow into tornadoes, Beasley said, but need to be watched anyway. She said a potentially hazardous storm a week ago Monday had a serious hook cloud, which can often predict a tornado. While Beasley and the storm spotters spent the night watching, the storm dissipated. Iolans didn’t know what passed them by.
“It’s never ending,” Beasley said of the potential for severe weather. “I don’t want it hitting us, but I love watching it.”
Beasley said those interested in learning more about becoming a storm spotter can contact her at the Sheriff’s office, 365-1400, or getting her attention the evening of the class. Pre-registration is not required for the class, and everyone is welcome to attend, whether they are interested in becoming a storm spotter, or just curious about the weather, Williams said.
Whimsical Wool a wonderful way station
LAHARPE — Mulberry Merino. Dragonfly. Baby Bunny. Kudo and Thick and Quick. Specialty yarns have come a long way from silk and mercerized cotton. Whimsical Wool features all these and more.
Colors to rival spring flowers line the walls of the warm and rustic shop, open now a year and a half at 606 S. Main St. in LaHarpe.
Proprietress Elizabeth Dinkins wants her store to be a place where spinners and knitters can come, hang out, have a cup of tea and a treat and spend hours socializing and doing needlework. Crocheters are also welcome, and will find the Red Heart yarn they love, Dinkins said. She also carries a wide selection of needles.
Being tucked away in LaHarpe, though, means she doesn’t get much walk-in traffic. So Dinkins is having an open house Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be sale prices and door prizes and lessons given away. There’ll be teas and coffee and pastries to munch, as well as new spring yarns that are a wonder themselves.
“Self-striping” yarn allows you to create socks that look as though you used four or five yarns to make them. There are yarns that, during the knitting process, create patterns even though you don’t change your stitch. Washable merino that won’t shrink or pill, even after being tossed in the washing machine and dryer. Yarns that look like confetti, or fur, or fallen autumn leaves. Yarns with names like “Eyelash.”
Dinkins sells them all.
Baby yarns are super-soft, Dinkins explained. Yarns that look like tufts of feathers can be used as accents in scarves, she said. One yarn looks like strips of confetti, playfully poking up from the twisted core. Each appeals to a different kind of crafter, for different kinds of crafts.
An Iola woman knits bags sold in the store using some of the specialty yarns. One is bright as an Easter egg, another is camouflage-colored.
All are whimsical.
Dinkins has high hopes for her little corner of the world.
On Saturdays, she will host a “knit together,” where women can come and share conversation, techniques and comraderie. Dinkins is happy to share what she knows.
“I’ve been knitting 17 or 18 years,” Dinkins said. She bagan in her 20’s “because a friend of mine was doing it, and it looked cool,” she said.
“I’d love to have a spinning circle,” she said. “We own this little green area next door.” The space is more like a small town park, landscaped and inviting. “On a summer evening, we could sit under the big trees with a breeze blowing,” she mused. “Spinning is great, you can do it and talk at the same time. Your hands work automatically.”
Dinkins uses a modern spinning wheel, and sells the washed and carded wool that hand spinners use. She’d be happy to offer lessons to those with wheels, or can order in wheels for those who are interested.
Her 100-year-old building has warm brick walls and comfortable chairs. Smiling sheep peek out from the corners. A large wood table begs you to sit down and open one of the many books Dinkins sells about the art and craft of knitting.
“It’s amazing how popular knitting has become,” Dinkins said. “There are knitting podcasts and knitting Web sites and books and magazines. You can follow your favorite knitting author on Twitter,” she said, referring to the latest Internet social craze. “Did you know that there are knitting conferences?”
Dinkins came from a world where needlecraft’s popularity was apparent. She lived in Santa Cruz, Cali., and could easily find knitting clubs, sculptural knitters, spinners circles and the like. She has taken classes form cutting-edge knitters like Debbie New. “I took a class from her and it strained my brain,” Dinkins said. After such a life, LaHarpe had been a change of pace. “It’s like pulling teeth to get people to come out here,” Dinkins rued.
Dinkins moved to Kansas because of her mother-in-law, she said.
She moved to California as a youth, she said, but her husband was even more parochial. “His whole life was centered around one block in Mountian View, Cali.,” Dinkins said. But his mother was from Elsmore, and when it came time to retire, she wanted to move back home. “It’s a lot cheaper to retire here,” Dinkins observed.
Her own family, which included her husband Jeff and two children, found themselves outgrowing their home “in Capitola, a small town next to Santa Cruz,” she said. “We were looking at $800,000 to $1 million houses that were fixer uppers,” she said.
“We came out to Kansas for a fmaily reunion. We were joking about it, the housing prices here, but then we said, ‘Why not move to Kansas?’”
“Jeff works for Sun Microsystems. He was willing to quit his job to come out here. Instead, they made him a telecommmuter.”
Dinkin’s mother-in-law Shirley bought the building in LaHarpe that houses her business and “a 2,000 square foot apartment upstairs.” Shirley lives upstairs, while her family purchased a home on 25 acres outside of Iola.
“We really like it here,” Dinkins said. But, “LaHarpe needs more business” Dinkins said.
“Our Wal-Mart stopped carrying fibers,” Dinkins said. “All Wal-Marts are going to stop carrying fiber sometime this spring,” she said.
Dinkins pulled out a map. It shows the next nearest yarn stores in Southeast Kansas: Pittsburgh. Madison. Lawrence. Kansas City.
“There’s really this huge gap where I am it,” she said.
If you don’t wnat to travel that far, go to LaHarpe. Take a right at the Diebolt billboard and continue to the large brick building with the small park on the right. Regular store hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Come visit,” Dinkins said. “I have tea, I have comfy chairs, I have snacks.” And she has wool.
Colors to rival spring flowers line the walls of the warm and rustic shop, open now a year and a half at 606 S. Main St. in LaHarpe.
Proprietress Elizabeth Dinkins wants her store to be a place where spinners and knitters can come, hang out, have a cup of tea and a treat and spend hours socializing and doing needlework. Crocheters are also welcome, and will find the Red Heart yarn they love, Dinkins said. She also carries a wide selection of needles.
Being tucked away in LaHarpe, though, means she doesn’t get much walk-in traffic. So Dinkins is having an open house Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be sale prices and door prizes and lessons given away. There’ll be teas and coffee and pastries to munch, as well as new spring yarns that are a wonder themselves.
“Self-striping” yarn allows you to create socks that look as though you used four or five yarns to make them. There are yarns that, during the knitting process, create patterns even though you don’t change your stitch. Washable merino that won’t shrink or pill, even after being tossed in the washing machine and dryer. Yarns that look like confetti, or fur, or fallen autumn leaves. Yarns with names like “Eyelash.”
Dinkins sells them all.
Baby yarns are super-soft, Dinkins explained. Yarns that look like tufts of feathers can be used as accents in scarves, she said. One yarn looks like strips of confetti, playfully poking up from the twisted core. Each appeals to a different kind of crafter, for different kinds of crafts.
An Iola woman knits bags sold in the store using some of the specialty yarns. One is bright as an Easter egg, another is camouflage-colored.
All are whimsical.
Dinkins has high hopes for her little corner of the world.
On Saturdays, she will host a “knit together,” where women can come and share conversation, techniques and comraderie. Dinkins is happy to share what she knows.
“I’ve been knitting 17 or 18 years,” Dinkins said. She bagan in her 20’s “because a friend of mine was doing it, and it looked cool,” she said.
“I’d love to have a spinning circle,” she said. “We own this little green area next door.” The space is more like a small town park, landscaped and inviting. “On a summer evening, we could sit under the big trees with a breeze blowing,” she mused. “Spinning is great, you can do it and talk at the same time. Your hands work automatically.”
Dinkins uses a modern spinning wheel, and sells the washed and carded wool that hand spinners use. She’d be happy to offer lessons to those with wheels, or can order in wheels for those who are interested.
Her 100-year-old building has warm brick walls and comfortable chairs. Smiling sheep peek out from the corners. A large wood table begs you to sit down and open one of the many books Dinkins sells about the art and craft of knitting.
“It’s amazing how popular knitting has become,” Dinkins said. “There are knitting podcasts and knitting Web sites and books and magazines. You can follow your favorite knitting author on Twitter,” she said, referring to the latest Internet social craze. “Did you know that there are knitting conferences?”
Dinkins came from a world where needlecraft’s popularity was apparent. She lived in Santa Cruz, Cali., and could easily find knitting clubs, sculptural knitters, spinners circles and the like. She has taken classes form cutting-edge knitters like Debbie New. “I took a class from her and it strained my brain,” Dinkins said. After such a life, LaHarpe had been a change of pace. “It’s like pulling teeth to get people to come out here,” Dinkins rued.
Dinkins moved to Kansas because of her mother-in-law, she said.
She moved to California as a youth, she said, but her husband was even more parochial. “His whole life was centered around one block in Mountian View, Cali.,” Dinkins said. But his mother was from Elsmore, and when it came time to retire, she wanted to move back home. “It’s a lot cheaper to retire here,” Dinkins observed.
Her own family, which included her husband Jeff and two children, found themselves outgrowing their home “in Capitola, a small town next to Santa Cruz,” she said. “We were looking at $800,000 to $1 million houses that were fixer uppers,” she said.
“We came out to Kansas for a fmaily reunion. We were joking about it, the housing prices here, but then we said, ‘Why not move to Kansas?’”
“Jeff works for Sun Microsystems. He was willing to quit his job to come out here. Instead, they made him a telecommmuter.”
Dinkin’s mother-in-law Shirley bought the building in LaHarpe that houses her business and “a 2,000 square foot apartment upstairs.” Shirley lives upstairs, while her family purchased a home on 25 acres outside of Iola.
“We really like it here,” Dinkins said. But, “LaHarpe needs more business” Dinkins said.
“Our Wal-Mart stopped carrying fibers,” Dinkins said. “All Wal-Marts are going to stop carrying fiber sometime this spring,” she said.
Dinkins pulled out a map. It shows the next nearest yarn stores in Southeast Kansas: Pittsburgh. Madison. Lawrence. Kansas City.
“There’s really this huge gap where I am it,” she said.
If you don’t wnat to travel that far, go to LaHarpe. Take a right at the Diebolt billboard and continue to the large brick building with the small park on the right. Regular store hours are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“Come visit,” Dinkins said. “I have tea, I have comfy chairs, I have snacks.” And she has wool.
Ag is changing fast, women told
About 120 young women from throughout Southeast Kansas met at Allen County Community College Tuesday for the 2009 Women in Agriculture Conference. The daylong event showcases potential career choices for females in agriculture, an ever-changing business, said Mary Kane, executive secretary of Kansas Future Farmers of America.
Kane opened the conference by telling the students, “This is all about networking, this is all about discovering some of the changes occurring” in agribusiness.
She used an example the students could relate to: music delivery systems.
“How do you get your music?” she asked the crowd. “CDs” they called out. “iPods,” “the Internet.”
“Or, if you’re an Ag teacher?” she said. To which one such man responded: “Eight tracks.”
“All those changes happened during your lifetime,” she told the students. It was an example, she said, how quickly things change.
“The most demanded jobs for 2010 weren’t even on the radar in 2004,” she told them.
IN ONE of the first sessions, a crowd of women met to learn about careers in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Carol Hines of Deer Creek Animal Hospital in Chanute told the girls there were an array of opportunities within the field.
“Large animal vet, small animal vet, research, military, food safety” she said; all fall under the umbrella of veterinary medicine. Even a woman interested in wildlife biology could benefit from veterinary study, she responded to one query.
Hines attended junior college one year before entering vet school, she told the students. It was a good way to get her feet wet in the sciences, she said.
For Hines, small animal practice suits her best.
“I don’t see things economically,” she told them. “I wouldn’t make a farmer happy telling him to spend $500 to treat a calf. I see things in a touchy-feely way.”
Every vet student does the same course work, she said, and chooses their area of specialty after college.
“When you graduate, you know as much about horses as you do about dogs,” she said. That offers flexibility when looking for a job. Also, she noted, location determines your salary.
“You can make two to three times as much money in Kansas City” or other urban areas, she told the students, “but you have to weigh the cost of living in those places” against rural communities.
One pitfall of being a vet, Hines noted ruefully: you end up adopting unwanted animals.
With her were two dogs, a Spaniel puppy and a full-grown Doberman Pinscher. Both had just been abandoned by owners who had fallen on hard economic times and could no longer afford to keep the pets.
Hines had already laid claim to Tucker, the Doberman, and though she said she does not plan to keep the puppy, “You know how it is — the longer you have them, the harder it is to let them go.”
Kane opened the conference by telling the students, “This is all about networking, this is all about discovering some of the changes occurring” in agribusiness.
She used an example the students could relate to: music delivery systems.
“How do you get your music?” she asked the crowd. “CDs” they called out. “iPods,” “the Internet.”
“Or, if you’re an Ag teacher?” she said. To which one such man responded: “Eight tracks.”
“All those changes happened during your lifetime,” she told the students. It was an example, she said, how quickly things change.
“The most demanded jobs for 2010 weren’t even on the radar in 2004,” she told them.
IN ONE of the first sessions, a crowd of women met to learn about careers in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Carol Hines of Deer Creek Animal Hospital in Chanute told the girls there were an array of opportunities within the field.
“Large animal vet, small animal vet, research, military, food safety” she said; all fall under the umbrella of veterinary medicine. Even a woman interested in wildlife biology could benefit from veterinary study, she responded to one query.
Hines attended junior college one year before entering vet school, she told the students. It was a good way to get her feet wet in the sciences, she said.
For Hines, small animal practice suits her best.
“I don’t see things economically,” she told them. “I wouldn’t make a farmer happy telling him to spend $500 to treat a calf. I see things in a touchy-feely way.”
Every vet student does the same course work, she said, and chooses their area of specialty after college.
“When you graduate, you know as much about horses as you do about dogs,” she said. That offers flexibility when looking for a job. Also, she noted, location determines your salary.
“You can make two to three times as much money in Kansas City” or other urban areas, she told the students, “but you have to weigh the cost of living in those places” against rural communities.
One pitfall of being a vet, Hines noted ruefully: you end up adopting unwanted animals.
With her were two dogs, a Spaniel puppy and a full-grown Doberman Pinscher. Both had just been abandoned by owners who had fallen on hard economic times and could no longer afford to keep the pets.
Hines had already laid claim to Tucker, the Doberman, and though she said she does not plan to keep the puppy, “You know how it is — the longer you have them, the harder it is to let them go.”
Woolaroc delights young visitors
Mountain men, shrunken heads and sika deer were the big attractions for 130 Iola elementary through middle school children Thursday as the summer SAFE BASE program took a field trip to Woolaroc in Bartlesville, Okla.
Woolaroc — a lodge, museum and extensive grounds — stand on the former ranch of Phillips 66 magnate Frank Phillips. The grounds now house ostrich, Japanese sika deer, bison and other creatures, including one “zorse,” half-zebra, half-horse.
For many in the group, the nearness of the wildlife was a pure delight.
Cries of “Look, a horsey!,” “Look at the deer!,” “Wow, did you see the crane?” and even squeals over striped lizards punctuated the morning.
Ooohs and aaaahs came from all age groups astonished that the little red sika deer stood by, unconcerned, as mountain men shot black powder guns or threw hatchets into piles of logs during demonstrations of old-time skills.
The kids themselves got to try their hands at the pioneer games — each got to aim at a target shaped like a turkey or coyote or bear — or “for the women,” a hanging cast iron pan.
The Butcher family portrays the mountain men that camp at Woolaroc for the summer, entertaining tourists with leather breeches, calico shirts and tales of life on the plains, circa 1822-1843.
Riah Butcher, 12, suggested to female teachers they think about someone they are angry with to enhance their aim while throwing a hatchet — maybe a deadbeat husband, the leather-clad youth said. To much laughter, the advice seemed to work for some, whose axes suddenly flew straight, landing in the logs with a “thunk.”
This is the sixth summer that the program, currently in its 10th year, has taken such field trips, said Wanda Kneen, SAFE BASE student and family services coordinator. This year, 162 children are enrolled in SAFE BASE’s summer program. About 440 children attend the after school program during the academic year.
Angela Henry, the program’s director, said the summer program — including trips — is budgeted for through the regular grant process that has kept the after-school program going for years.
SAFE BASE will receive funding for the 2009-2010 school year from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, and will learn in July if it has secured a four year federal grant.
“It’s highly competitive,” Henry said of the grant. There are 500 school districts competing nationwide, but only 28 grants will be awarded.
On Thursday, though, all thoughts were on the environment.
Sparkling red rock, petrified wood, glossy green oaks and verdant hills gave wings to childrens’ imaginations as they chased lizards, played in toy tipis and ran in and out of the shops of an old west town.
In the museum, chairs made of cattle horns and displays of Indian beadwork kept the children looking, eager to go from room to room and discover the original bronze model for the Lincoln Memorial, mounts of bison, cougar and birds of prey, Native American headdresses and garments and a dancing Indian diorama.
Although created years ago, the mechanical figures depicting an Apache camp kept little noses glued to the glass.
Frank Phillips developed Woolaroc because “Too much time and money are spent on things which leave no record and which add nothing basically to the present nor to the future,” said the museum’s promotional material.
“The conservation of wildlife now will mean much to future generations,” Phillips is quoted as saying. Judging only by smiles and laughter, the children seemed to agree.
Woolaroc — a lodge, museum and extensive grounds — stand on the former ranch of Phillips 66 magnate Frank Phillips. The grounds now house ostrich, Japanese sika deer, bison and other creatures, including one “zorse,” half-zebra, half-horse.
For many in the group, the nearness of the wildlife was a pure delight.
Cries of “Look, a horsey!,” “Look at the deer!,” “Wow, did you see the crane?” and even squeals over striped lizards punctuated the morning.
Ooohs and aaaahs came from all age groups astonished that the little red sika deer stood by, unconcerned, as mountain men shot black powder guns or threw hatchets into piles of logs during demonstrations of old-time skills.
The kids themselves got to try their hands at the pioneer games — each got to aim at a target shaped like a turkey or coyote or bear — or “for the women,” a hanging cast iron pan.
The Butcher family portrays the mountain men that camp at Woolaroc for the summer, entertaining tourists with leather breeches, calico shirts and tales of life on the plains, circa 1822-1843.
Riah Butcher, 12, suggested to female teachers they think about someone they are angry with to enhance their aim while throwing a hatchet — maybe a deadbeat husband, the leather-clad youth said. To much laughter, the advice seemed to work for some, whose axes suddenly flew straight, landing in the logs with a “thunk.”
This is the sixth summer that the program, currently in its 10th year, has taken such field trips, said Wanda Kneen, SAFE BASE student and family services coordinator. This year, 162 children are enrolled in SAFE BASE’s summer program. About 440 children attend the after school program during the academic year.
Angela Henry, the program’s director, said the summer program — including trips — is budgeted for through the regular grant process that has kept the after-school program going for years.
SAFE BASE will receive funding for the 2009-2010 school year from the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City, and will learn in July if it has secured a four year federal grant.
“It’s highly competitive,” Henry said of the grant. There are 500 school districts competing nationwide, but only 28 grants will be awarded.
On Thursday, though, all thoughts were on the environment.
Sparkling red rock, petrified wood, glossy green oaks and verdant hills gave wings to childrens’ imaginations as they chased lizards, played in toy tipis and ran in and out of the shops of an old west town.
In the museum, chairs made of cattle horns and displays of Indian beadwork kept the children looking, eager to go from room to room and discover the original bronze model for the Lincoln Memorial, mounts of bison, cougar and birds of prey, Native American headdresses and garments and a dancing Indian diorama.
Although created years ago, the mechanical figures depicting an Apache camp kept little noses glued to the glass.
Frank Phillips developed Woolaroc because “Too much time and money are spent on things which leave no record and which add nothing basically to the present nor to the future,” said the museum’s promotional material.
“The conservation of wildlife now will mean much to future generations,” Phillips is quoted as saying. Judging only by smiles and laughter, the children seemed to agree.
Experience art this weekend
Iolans this weekend have two chances to experience art first hand.
On Saturday, Winfield artist Callie Seaton will hold a free public demonstration of her abstract oil techniques at the Creitz recital Hall in the Bowlus Fine Arts Center from 10 am to 11:30 a.m.
“I’m going to show the kinds of tools I’m using, including brushes, a palette knife and a brayer,” which is used to spread ink in printmaking, Seaton said. Seaton also uses “a shower squeegee, plastic putty knives and good paper towels to make marks on the paint.”
Although the tools she uses elicits ideas of thick pastes spread upon a surface, “I’m not using a heavy coat of paint,” Seaton said.
“I’m doing a lot with transparent colors,” she said, “Which allows you to achieve more fine detail. It’s like using more water in acrylics,” Seaton said. And although she uses oils, “I don’t use turpentine,” Seaton said.
Seaton paints flat, so she plans an intimate demonstration, with Iolans watching over her as she works.
“I like squares,” She said. “I like the format because even if you’re painting something that’s just barely abstract, (the square shape of the canvas) helps you get that idea of abstraction across.”
On Sunday, a reception for Seaton will be held at 2 p.m. at the Bowlus, when she will give a talk about her work.
Seaton, from Winfield, moved to Kansas in 1974 after growing up in Maine. She returns to Maine twice a year, she said, both summers and winters, and is inspired by landscapes of both states.
Seaton said Maine’s coastline is rocky, and “I love painting the granite quarries. There is a lot of reflection off water — basically, its pretty dark.”
In Kansas, she favors plein air painting in the Flint Hills. Both landscapes become shape and form and color in Seaton’s abstract works.
“I don’t start with anything in mind,” she said. “I just go for it and then I have to reign things in and come to a conclusion.”
“I’m really free with color,” Seaton said.
Both Saturday’s demonstration and Sunday’s reception are free and open too the public.
On Saturday, Winfield artist Callie Seaton will hold a free public demonstration of her abstract oil techniques at the Creitz recital Hall in the Bowlus Fine Arts Center from 10 am to 11:30 a.m.
“I’m going to show the kinds of tools I’m using, including brushes, a palette knife and a brayer,” which is used to spread ink in printmaking, Seaton said. Seaton also uses “a shower squeegee, plastic putty knives and good paper towels to make marks on the paint.”
Although the tools she uses elicits ideas of thick pastes spread upon a surface, “I’m not using a heavy coat of paint,” Seaton said.
“I’m doing a lot with transparent colors,” she said, “Which allows you to achieve more fine detail. It’s like using more water in acrylics,” Seaton said. And although she uses oils, “I don’t use turpentine,” Seaton said.
Seaton paints flat, so she plans an intimate demonstration, with Iolans watching over her as she works.
“I like squares,” She said. “I like the format because even if you’re painting something that’s just barely abstract, (the square shape of the canvas) helps you get that idea of abstraction across.”
On Sunday, a reception for Seaton will be held at 2 p.m. at the Bowlus, when she will give a talk about her work.
Seaton, from Winfield, moved to Kansas in 1974 after growing up in Maine. She returns to Maine twice a year, she said, both summers and winters, and is inspired by landscapes of both states.
Seaton said Maine’s coastline is rocky, and “I love painting the granite quarries. There is a lot of reflection off water — basically, its pretty dark.”
In Kansas, she favors plein air painting in the Flint Hills. Both landscapes become shape and form and color in Seaton’s abstract works.
“I don’t start with anything in mind,” she said. “I just go for it and then I have to reign things in and come to a conclusion.”
“I’m really free with color,” Seaton said.
Both Saturday’s demonstration and Sunday’s reception are free and open too the public.
Storyteller proves 'writing is fun'
Lawrence storyteller Priscilla Howe entertained and educated three eager youngsters at a “Writing is Fun” workshop at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center Wednesday.
Howe presented Aliah Detweiler, 10, Isaiah Wicoff, 9, and 10 1/2 year-old Kendall Jay with tricks of the trade to get creative juices flowing. One tool was a “story box,” a box full of random objects the budding authors blindly selected, then had to write about, weaving the pieces together. Another was a “fortunately, unfortunately” shared story wherein each participant added a new line to the ever-growing tale.
The children each took turns in a story about a race car, where “Unfortunately, the engine broke and all four wheels popped,” but “fortunately, the pit crew was right there waiting with a giant pillow.”
A timed writing exercise featuring a small lizard pining to ride a roller coaster was also part of the morning.
The children all had an interest in writing before taking the workshop, they said, although Wicoff admitted, “My mom signed me up.”
Jay was thinking about his future when he enrolled. “I thought it would be interesting and I would learn from it so I would have a chance to win the Young Authors award next year, too.”
Jay’s story was one of almost 1,000 tales written for Allen County’s Young Authors celebration at the end of April this year. Only 118 of those authors were selected to participate in that weekend’s festivities; he was one of them.
Detweiler was looking ahead, too. “I wanted to express my writing experience,” she said. “I’m thinking about that being one of my jobs, maybe writing columns for a newspaper,” she said.
The kids shared topics they enjoy writing about at home.
Detweiler said, “My mom lives up here. I live in Oklahoma with my dad.” That long-distance commute each year gives Detweiler fodder for her budding skills. “I get on my computer and type. I write about my summer trips.”
Wicoff said he’s written about his dog Addy running away to a neighbor’s house. “My neighbor had a spa for dogs,” he explained.
All three felt the morning was worth their time. As the workshop wound down, Detweiler concluded, “Unfortunately, we don’t have any time left.”
The workshop was sponsored by the Sleeper Family Trust.
Howe presented Aliah Detweiler, 10, Isaiah Wicoff, 9, and 10 1/2 year-old Kendall Jay with tricks of the trade to get creative juices flowing. One tool was a “story box,” a box full of random objects the budding authors blindly selected, then had to write about, weaving the pieces together. Another was a “fortunately, unfortunately” shared story wherein each participant added a new line to the ever-growing tale.
The children each took turns in a story about a race car, where “Unfortunately, the engine broke and all four wheels popped,” but “fortunately, the pit crew was right there waiting with a giant pillow.”
A timed writing exercise featuring a small lizard pining to ride a roller coaster was also part of the morning.
The children all had an interest in writing before taking the workshop, they said, although Wicoff admitted, “My mom signed me up.”
Jay was thinking about his future when he enrolled. “I thought it would be interesting and I would learn from it so I would have a chance to win the Young Authors award next year, too.”
Jay’s story was one of almost 1,000 tales written for Allen County’s Young Authors celebration at the end of April this year. Only 118 of those authors were selected to participate in that weekend’s festivities; he was one of them.
Detweiler was looking ahead, too. “I wanted to express my writing experience,” she said. “I’m thinking about that being one of my jobs, maybe writing columns for a newspaper,” she said.
The kids shared topics they enjoy writing about at home.
Detweiler said, “My mom lives up here. I live in Oklahoma with my dad.” That long-distance commute each year gives Detweiler fodder for her budding skills. “I get on my computer and type. I write about my summer trips.”
Wicoff said he’s written about his dog Addy running away to a neighbor’s house. “My neighbor had a spa for dogs,” he explained.
All three felt the morning was worth their time. As the workshop wound down, Detweiler concluded, “Unfortunately, we don’t have any time left.”
The workshop was sponsored by the Sleeper Family Trust.
Donors choose IHS teacher
With ever-burgeoning budget shortfalls, teachers have to stretch their imaginations to discover innovative ways of getting materials for their classes. With a class of 22 and no funds in the school’s coffers for new books, Iola High School’s math and physics teacher Scot Yarnell got creative.
He applied for funding through DonorsChoose.org, a Web site dedicated to teachers’ individual class projects and needs. The site highlights classrooms in need with rural, poverty stricken or college bound students. Contributors select the school, region or project they wish their funds to go to.
In January, Yarnell asked for money to purchase the latest edition of a physics text he uses for his college bound students. The books are the same as those used at Pittsburg State University, he said. Their price tag was $156 each.
Yarnell asked for $800, the maximum allowed for a first-time applicant to the site. The request sat for a while, but then, in May, the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation donated half the requested amount. U.S. Cellular and an anonymous donor contributed the remainder of the funds, he said.
Yarnell received his textbooks in August: five shiny new editions of Douglas C. Giancoli’s “Physics: Principles With Applications.”
He completed his supply by purchasing an older edition through Half.com, a discount Web vender. Those books cost about $9 each, plus shipping, Yarnell said. The school reimbursed him for that purchase.
YARNELL first learned of DonorsChoose from what seems an unlikely source — his cell phone company.
Turns out Cellular One, with whom Yarnell has his service, contributes $100,000 to the site every year, and is specific about what regions of the country the money goes to.
“US Cellular gets to pinpoint what areas they want,” Yarnell explained. “They go where they have everybody in their coverage area.”
The venture with DonorsChoose was Yarnell’s first time applying for a grant.
“I was shocked that I got it, and first thing off the bat, too,” he said.
He has since solicited — and received — funds for Students Against Destructive Decisions’ anti-tobacco campaign through Tobacco Free Kansas. Yarnell is the group’s sponsor.
There are requirements once a teacher receives funding from any grant, Yarnell said. Records must be kept on how the money is used. Reporting back to the grantor is a must.
DonorsChoose requires a “thank you packet” of “five to six letters written by the students,” and photographs of students using equipment purchased, he said. He is now in the final stages of completing that packet. Once approved, he’ll be eligible to apply for further grants from the site.
“The more projects you get funded, the more funding you can ask for,” Yarnell said of DonorsChoose.
One dream he has is for a physics lab. “It’s all theoretical without a lab,” he said.
THE FORMER engineer knows labs.
Yarnell graduated from PSU in 2001 with bachelors degrees in physics, chemistry and plastics engineering.
He worked for a few years in Ohio as a materials engineer before his father, Raymond Yarnell, suffered a heart attack in 2004. With his father incapacitated, Yarnell returned home to Buffalo to run the family farm. But his true interest lie in teaching.
“I thought about education when I was in my last year of my bachelors degree, but decided I needed a break from college. After one year working as an engineer, I started taking classes to become a teacher,” Yarnell said.
He began those studies at Indiana University, completed them at PSU in 2005, then went on to receive a masters in education administration from Emporia State University in 2009.
Yarnell has taught in Iola schools the past five years, two at Iola Middle School and the last three at IHS.
“Being an educator is not as easy as many believe,” Yarnell said. “While in college, I studied advanced physics and chemistry but that compares none to figuring out a teenage student.”
But, it may have helped him think out of the box to seek alternate funding. With budget cuts of over $425,000 proposed, Yarnell said, “DonorsChoose would definitely be something for teachers here to look at, especially this year.”
A new grant year begins Jan. 1, he said.
He applied for funding through DonorsChoose.org, a Web site dedicated to teachers’ individual class projects and needs. The site highlights classrooms in need with rural, poverty stricken or college bound students. Contributors select the school, region or project they wish their funds to go to.
In January, Yarnell asked for money to purchase the latest edition of a physics text he uses for his college bound students. The books are the same as those used at Pittsburg State University, he said. Their price tag was $156 each.
Yarnell asked for $800, the maximum allowed for a first-time applicant to the site. The request sat for a while, but then, in May, the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation donated half the requested amount. U.S. Cellular and an anonymous donor contributed the remainder of the funds, he said.
Yarnell received his textbooks in August: five shiny new editions of Douglas C. Giancoli’s “Physics: Principles With Applications.”
He completed his supply by purchasing an older edition through Half.com, a discount Web vender. Those books cost about $9 each, plus shipping, Yarnell said. The school reimbursed him for that purchase.
YARNELL first learned of DonorsChoose from what seems an unlikely source — his cell phone company.
Turns out Cellular One, with whom Yarnell has his service, contributes $100,000 to the site every year, and is specific about what regions of the country the money goes to.
“US Cellular gets to pinpoint what areas they want,” Yarnell explained. “They go where they have everybody in their coverage area.”
The venture with DonorsChoose was Yarnell’s first time applying for a grant.
“I was shocked that I got it, and first thing off the bat, too,” he said.
He has since solicited — and received — funds for Students Against Destructive Decisions’ anti-tobacco campaign through Tobacco Free Kansas. Yarnell is the group’s sponsor.
There are requirements once a teacher receives funding from any grant, Yarnell said. Records must be kept on how the money is used. Reporting back to the grantor is a must.
DonorsChoose requires a “thank you packet” of “five to six letters written by the students,” and photographs of students using equipment purchased, he said. He is now in the final stages of completing that packet. Once approved, he’ll be eligible to apply for further grants from the site.
“The more projects you get funded, the more funding you can ask for,” Yarnell said of DonorsChoose.
One dream he has is for a physics lab. “It’s all theoretical without a lab,” he said.
THE FORMER engineer knows labs.
Yarnell graduated from PSU in 2001 with bachelors degrees in physics, chemistry and plastics engineering.
He worked for a few years in Ohio as a materials engineer before his father, Raymond Yarnell, suffered a heart attack in 2004. With his father incapacitated, Yarnell returned home to Buffalo to run the family farm. But his true interest lie in teaching.
“I thought about education when I was in my last year of my bachelors degree, but decided I needed a break from college. After one year working as an engineer, I started taking classes to become a teacher,” Yarnell said.
He began those studies at Indiana University, completed them at PSU in 2005, then went on to receive a masters in education administration from Emporia State University in 2009.
Yarnell has taught in Iola schools the past five years, two at Iola Middle School and the last three at IHS.
“Being an educator is not as easy as many believe,” Yarnell said. “While in college, I studied advanced physics and chemistry but that compares none to figuring out a teenage student.”
But, it may have helped him think out of the box to seek alternate funding. With budget cuts of over $425,000 proposed, Yarnell said, “DonorsChoose would definitely be something for teachers here to look at, especially this year.”
A new grant year begins Jan. 1, he said.
Allen County spawns young pros
A nascent group in Iola wants to promote and beautify the community and expand social options for each other.
The Allen County Young Professionals formed as an offshoot of Jana Taylor’s taking over the helm at the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, she said.
“I spent time getting to know businesses and their employees when I first started here in May of 2008” Taylor said.
Repeatedly, Taylor heard laments from young business people that there were no social or activist opportunities for them in Iola.
“I had no idea there were that many people” feeling so disenfranchised, she said.
She pulled together a focus group, and had them reach out to other young people they knew. “Since the circles we move in here are rather small, there were a lot of overlapping names,” she said.
Taylor surveyed 32 people identified through that process. Questions included age, marital status, industry and interests.
“Most of them are married,” Taylor said. Of the 32, 28 are between the ages of 26 and 40. Two-thirds are female. “Most spend their free time at home with their families,” Taylor said.
For fun, they eat out with friends. They favor restaurants over bars. Their primary industries are health care and banking.
Over half have at least a bachelor’s degree and have lived in the area longer than six years. Most live here because of family. They intend to stay.
But they do want Iola to evolve.
Katy Donovan, one of the charter group, said “We are trying to protect Iola for the future.”
The young professionals appreciate Iola as it is, but know if they are to see their children stay here once they reach adulthood, there needs to be more — and modern — opportunities to keep them. Many in the group feel the current governing body is out of touch with the needs of a younger generation.
Because Taylor wants the organization to give back to Iola, she inquired as to volunteer service being done. The majority already spends one to five hours a month volunteering, but has time to add a couple more hours a month in service work.
“We would love to have more folks come help us out and be involved,” Taylor said. “If anyone has other ideas for service projects, we’d love for them to share those.”
As knowledge of the group grows, Taylor said, “We’ll become formalized, with membership dues and social networking.”
The group intends to be both a social and service organization. It has had two social events and completed one under-the-radar project, sprucing up the area around the “Welcome to Iola” sign at the city’s east edge.
Next on tap is repainting the retaining wall at Allen County Hospital. That venture drew support from county commissioners and the hospital, who each donated $300 towards the $800 total cost of paint.
Also planned is putting “fence protector” on the chain link perimeters of ballfields 1, 2 and 4 at Riverside Park, said Josh Oberley. In the idea stage are a couple summer barbecues.
“We’re trying to have something for everyone,” said David Toland.
If you’d like to join them, contact the Chamber at 365-5252.
The Allen County Young Professionals formed as an offshoot of Jana Taylor’s taking over the helm at the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, she said.
“I spent time getting to know businesses and their employees when I first started here in May of 2008” Taylor said.
Repeatedly, Taylor heard laments from young business people that there were no social or activist opportunities for them in Iola.
“I had no idea there were that many people” feeling so disenfranchised, she said.
She pulled together a focus group, and had them reach out to other young people they knew. “Since the circles we move in here are rather small, there were a lot of overlapping names,” she said.
Taylor surveyed 32 people identified through that process. Questions included age, marital status, industry and interests.
“Most of them are married,” Taylor said. Of the 32, 28 are between the ages of 26 and 40. Two-thirds are female. “Most spend their free time at home with their families,” Taylor said.
For fun, they eat out with friends. They favor restaurants over bars. Their primary industries are health care and banking.
Over half have at least a bachelor’s degree and have lived in the area longer than six years. Most live here because of family. They intend to stay.
But they do want Iola to evolve.
Katy Donovan, one of the charter group, said “We are trying to protect Iola for the future.”
The young professionals appreciate Iola as it is, but know if they are to see their children stay here once they reach adulthood, there needs to be more — and modern — opportunities to keep them. Many in the group feel the current governing body is out of touch with the needs of a younger generation.
Because Taylor wants the organization to give back to Iola, she inquired as to volunteer service being done. The majority already spends one to five hours a month volunteering, but has time to add a couple more hours a month in service work.
“We would love to have more folks come help us out and be involved,” Taylor said. “If anyone has other ideas for service projects, we’d love for them to share those.”
As knowledge of the group grows, Taylor said, “We’ll become formalized, with membership dues and social networking.”
The group intends to be both a social and service organization. It has had two social events and completed one under-the-radar project, sprucing up the area around the “Welcome to Iola” sign at the city’s east edge.
Next on tap is repainting the retaining wall at Allen County Hospital. That venture drew support from county commissioners and the hospital, who each donated $300 towards the $800 total cost of paint.
Also planned is putting “fence protector” on the chain link perimeters of ballfields 1, 2 and 4 at Riverside Park, said Josh Oberley. In the idea stage are a couple summer barbecues.
“We’re trying to have something for everyone,” said David Toland.
If you’d like to join them, contact the Chamber at 365-5252.
Zorneses consider Iola home sweet home
Iola couldn’t ask for bigger — or more honest — fans than Terry and Sandy Zornes. The Zorneses, married 19 years, have consciously made Iola their home.
“I feel like I’m living the American Dream,” said Terry, “Beautiful wife, great sons, and I’m self-employed.”
Terry and Sandy run Homeville Vending. They supply vending machines and products as well as concessions, paper goods and service items.
“Because of the loyalty (of local people), our little business is growing and prospering,” Terry said.
The Zorneses have three sons.
Their eldest, Landon, is in the process of becoming an insurance agent in Kansas City. Their middle son, Travis, helps out with the family business. Travis left Iola for college, but returned after being married. His wife Ardena grew up in a large city and loves Iola’s small town charms.
Brett, the youngest son, just graduated from Iola High School.
He plans to go to Washburn University and double major in economics and finance in fall of 2010, but for the coming year will attend Allen County Community College.
“He wants to pay off his Jeep,” Sandy said. “He’s got a job he likes and can save money by living at home this year.”
Brett doesn’t see himself moving back to Iola once he departs. His parents accept that the town they love probably can’t provide for his future once his schooling is complete.
“In years past, there were always more jobs than people,” said Terry, who was born and raised here. “It’s not that way right now.”
But it’s not just a lack of jobs that causes the next generation to leave, the Zorneses said.
Sandy said if the city wants to recruit young adults, “they need to be open to the progress of what’s happening in the bigger cities.” Those in office “need to be open to new ideas,” she said.
“There’s good things about being a small town, but you don’t need to be small-town minded.”
Sandy said although it is easy to criticize those in office, they were elected by the people. She recommends younger generations get involved. But, she said, “those who are voted into office need to listen —not just hear — but LISTEN to what people want to see changed in Iola.”
Brett thinks there’s more to it.
“We need to get some younger people elected,” Brett said. “Bill Shirley and Craig Abbott are from a different generation.
“The dominant figures in the town are pushing it in the wrong direction,” he continued. “The same people have been in office so long, they put their needs in front of ours.”
Brett said there is a chasm between the priorities held by the generations. But, “We are the future and they need to put our needs first.”
Until that happens, the Zorneses acknowledge many of Iola’s youth will move on.
“It’s a rather old community. The kids don’t feel a part of it,” Brett said. “A few years ago I saw myself coming back here, and now I don’t, because of all the changes that need to happen but haven’t.”
ALTHOUGH they recognize its flaws, Terry and Sandy admit they wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
“This is the longest I’ve ever lived anywhere,” Sandy said.
Sandy moved to Iola at the very end of 1988, when her then-husband was assigned to manage the new Wal-Mart. The couple and their two sons had moved frequently as part of his job. After a year, he left. She and the boys stayed.
“Both my boys were tired of moving,” she said. Her sons, 8 and 9 at the time, had made good friends in the community, she added. “I felt I wanted to stay down here, too.”
Over the years, Sandy has become involved with a number of community groups, including Iola Community Food Pantry, Iola Area Ministerial Alliance, Iola Housing Authority and Allen Country Animal Rescue Facility.
Unlike Sandy, who lived in eight communities before Iola, Terry said, “I’ve lived in Iola all my life.
“I always thought I would move away,” he said.
After high school, he began college and “I had a job I really enjoyed, so I bought a house and decided to stay a little longer,” he said. “A few years later, I met Sandy.”
The two married, Terry assuming they’d go elsewhere. “But Sandy and the boys had moved around so much, they weren’t quite ready to move again.” Then Brett was born, and Terry “realized I didn’t want to move at all because ... I liked this peaceful, small community.”
TERRY recalled how as a youngster he could bike all over and would play throughout town with friends. There has been a cultural shift, he said. “All the kids nowadays just stay home and play video games.”
“If there were more to do, the kids would be out there doing it, I’m sure,” Sandy replied.
Having run a day care for 28 years, Sandy is very conscious of activities available — or lacking — for children and their families. Because she has lived in numerous communities, she knows Iola’s offerings are limited.
“What draws people is things to do,” Sandy said. “In Carthage, Mo., we had a park with miniature golf and a train the kids could ride on.”
Amenities the Zorneses would like to see in Iola include offerings for people with pets. “I have wanted a dog park forever,” Sandy said. “It’s nice to walk your dogs, but you need a place just to let them run. You need a place that’s fenced off so they can get their exercise. Not everybody has a farm.”
Iola once had a roller skating rink, but that’s closed down. She would love to see one reopen.
“We do have a drive-in — that’s rare these days,” Brett said. And the renovated pool is nice, he said, but “The public pool was small enough before the flood — it was always overcrowded. Now it’s half the size.”
Iola’s best feature, quipped both Terry and Brett, is its food.
“For a small town, it has a nice restaurant selection,” Brett said.
Sandy said what she likes best is Iola’s people.
“When I first moved here, I was told, ‘this is the fishbowl and I was the fish,’” Sandy said of Iola’s somewhat-closed community. “But if something goes on, people are there to help.
“You might not see your neighbors for a while, but if you need them, they’ll be there. I think that’s a strength. It’s a family feeling.”
Iola couldn’t ask for bigger — or more honest — fans than Terry and Sandy Zornes. The Zorneses, married 19 years, have consciously made Iola their home.
“I feel like I’m living the American Dream,” said Terry, “Beautiful wife, great sons, and I’m self-employed.”
Terry and Sandy run Homeville Vending. They supply vending machines and products as well as concessions, paper goods and service items.
“Because of the loyalty (of local people), our little business is growing and prospering,” Terry said.
The Zorneses have three sons.
Their eldest, Landon, is in the process of becoming an insurance agent in Kansas City. Their middle son, Travis, helps out with the family business. Travis left Iola for college, but returned after being married. His wife Ardena grew up in a large city and loves Iola’s small town charms.
Brett, the youngest son, just graduated from Iola High School.
He plans to go to Washburn University and double major in economics and finance in fall of 2010, but for the coming year will attend Allen County Community College.
“He wants to pay off his Jeep,” Sandy said. “He’s got a job he likes and can save money by living at home this year.”
Brett doesn’t see himself moving back to Iola once he departs. His parents accept that the town they love probably can’t provide for his future once his schooling is complete.
“In years past, there were always more jobs than people,” said Terry, who was born and raised here. “It’s not that way right now.”
But it’s not just a lack of jobs that causes the next generation to leave, the Zorneses said.
Sandy said if the city wants to recruit young adults, “they need to be open to the progress of what’s happening in the bigger cities.” Those in office “need to be open to new ideas,” she said.
“There’s good things about being a small town, but you don’t need to be small-town minded.”
Sandy said although it is easy to criticize those in office, they were elected by the people. She recommends younger generations get involved. But, she said, “those who are voted into office need to listen —not just hear — but LISTEN to what people want to see changed in Iola.”
Brett thinks there’s more to it.
“We need to get some younger people elected,” Brett said. “Bill Shirley and Craig Abbott are from a different generation.
“The dominant figures in the town are pushing it in the wrong direction,” he continued. “The same people have been in office so long, they put their needs in front of ours.”
Brett said there is a chasm between the priorities held by the generations. But, “We are the future and they need to put our needs first.”
Until that happens, the Zorneses acknowledge many of Iola’s youth will move on.
“It’s a rather old community. The kids don’t feel a part of it,” Brett said. “A few years ago I saw myself coming back here, and now I don’t, because of all the changes that need to happen but haven’t.”
ALTHOUGH they recognize its flaws, Terry and Sandy admit they wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
“This is the longest I’ve ever lived anywhere,” Sandy said.
Sandy moved to Iola at the very end of 1988, when her then-husband was assigned to manage the new Wal-Mart. The couple and their two sons had moved frequently as part of his job. After a year, he left. She and the boys stayed.
“Both my boys were tired of moving,” she said. Her sons, 8 and 9 at the time, had made good friends in the community, she added. “I felt I wanted to stay down here, too.”
Over the years, Sandy has become involved with a number of community groups, including Iola Community Food Pantry, Iola Area Ministerial Alliance, Iola Housing Authority and Allen Country Animal Rescue Facility.
Unlike Sandy, who lived in eight communities before Iola, Terry said, “I’ve lived in Iola all my life.
“I always thought I would move away,” he said.
After high school, he began college and “I had a job I really enjoyed, so I bought a house and decided to stay a little longer,” he said. “A few years later, I met Sandy.”
The two married, Terry assuming they’d go elsewhere. “But Sandy and the boys had moved around so much, they weren’t quite ready to move again.” Then Brett was born, and Terry “realized I didn’t want to move at all because ... I liked this peaceful, small community.”
TERRY recalled how as a youngster he could bike all over and would play throughout town with friends. There has been a cultural shift, he said. “All the kids nowadays just stay home and play video games.”
“If there were more to do, the kids would be out there doing it, I’m sure,” Sandy replied.
Having run a day care for 28 years, Sandy is very conscious of activities available — or lacking — for children and their families. Because she has lived in numerous communities, she knows Iola’s offerings are limited.
“What draws people is things to do,” Sandy said. “In Carthage, Mo., we had a park with miniature golf and a train the kids could ride on.”
Amenities the Zorneses would like to see in Iola include offerings for people with pets. “I have wanted a dog park forever,” Sandy said. “It’s nice to walk your dogs, but you need a place just to let them run. You need a place that’s fenced off so they can get their exercise. Not everybody has a farm.”
Iola once had a roller skating rink, but that’s closed down. She would love to see one reopen.
“We do have a drive-in — that’s rare these days,” Brett said. And the renovated pool is nice, he said, but “The public pool was small enough before the flood — it was always overcrowded. Now it’s half the size.”
Iola’s best feature, quipped both Terry and Brett, is its food.
“For a small town, it has a nice restaurant selection,” Brett said.
Sandy said what she likes best is Iola’s people.
“When I first moved here, I was told, ‘this is the fishbowl and I was the fish,’” Sandy said of Iola’s somewhat-closed community. “But if something goes on, people are there to help.
“You might not see your neighbors for a while, but if you need them, they’ll be there. I think that’s a strength. It’s a family feeling.”
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