Triumphant return to Bowlus

The Bowlus will mark the “Triumphant” return of the Southeast Kansas Christian Artists Series to the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.

Triumphant Quartet, one of the country’s most acclaimed gospel quartets, will kick off the 2012-13 SEKCAS season at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Bowlus auditorium.

Saturday’s concert is part of Triumphant Quartet’s 10th anniversary tour, noted SEKCAS President Dee Singer. The group performed in Iola in 2010.

Three recent releases — “Love Came Calling,” “Saved By Grace” and most recently, “Almost Home” — have all reached the top of the gospel music charts.

The group was formed in 2002, then known as the Integrity Quartet in the Louise Mandrell Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. 

A nationwide contest in 2004 led to the group’s new moniker Triumphant Quartet.

They performed at Dollywood for years before taking their show on the road full time in 2008.

The group has been voted as Favorite Male Quartet of the Year the last three years running. In addition, Eric Bannett was voted Favorite Bass Singer for 2009, 2010 and 2011. Jeff Stice, was voted Favorite Musician of the Year over the same time period.

The group also was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009 for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album for “Everyday.”

The upcoming concert holds a special place for Singer and her husband, Glen.

The Singers were part of a 200-voice choir who shared the stage with Triumphant Quartet in a 2007 concert to celebrate American Gospel Music at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

“We’re just so excited to have them back,” Dee Singer said. “It’s going to be a fun show.”

Singer pointed to a change in ticket prices for the upcoming season, most notably the inclusion of sales tax.

Advance tickets for orchestra seating sell for $16.29 apiece, or $19.54 at the door. Balcony seats sell for $13.02 in advance and $16.29 show nights. Students tickets also are available for $6.21 apiece in the balcony.

Advance tickets can be purchased by calling Singer at 365-7496.


Ronald Stark

Ronald G. Stark, 61, Buffalo, died May 20, 2012.

A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Countryside Funeral Home in Fredonia, 420 S. 20th St.

Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.

Lila Graybill

Lila Lucille Graybill, 70, Garnett, died Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, at her home. She formerly had lived near Westphalia.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Garnett Church of the Nazarene. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery, rural Westphalia. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Feuerborn Funeral Service in Garnett. Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.


Letter to the editor — August 14, 2012

Dear Mr. Lynn, 

I felt your editorial on Aug. 9 was one of your best. Brownback not only has complete control of the Legislature (I know it is hard to think of) but the House has moved even further right. Most of you know I was left with only 5 percent of my district, as always I gave it a game effort, but lost to Peggy Mast who got 47 percent to my 33 percent with a third incumbent, Willie Prescott, getting 20 percent. 

Peggy Mast ran against Obamacare, and promised that she “has never voted for a tax increase, and never will.” Actually I fear your editorial was a little too positive, because with a Legislature full of people like that they will have little chance to “fix” the tax bill. Remember, Brownback proposed to extend the sales tax last time and could not get it through even with a few “crazy moderates” like me left. 

You hit the nail on the head when you said the cuts will come in fewer and less government services, and/or higher property taxes under the cover of “local control.” Many of you know that I have proposed bills and amendments to actually cut spending in Topeka and a couple even made it out of the House before a death in the Senate. The agencies are right there in Topeka and are all over any cuts to their jobs, programs, or funds, so with 50 percent, or so, new legislators you can expect no cutting in Capital City.

Then there is the drought and income in Kansas has to suffer. Our income projections from the governor’s office were very much on the high side, and did not allow for the long hot summer of 2012. You were correct about people in road construction, materials, education, and other fields losing their jobs and going from paychecks to unemployment checks. The governor said, “The tax cut would be like a shot of adrenalin to the heart.” For me when you were sick and just getting better, adrenalin to the heart could be just the thing to kill you.

It has been a pleasure serving the people of the 9th district and I want to say I think your choice of Ed Bideau to serve you was a good one. With so many new people an experienced lawmaker could be of great use. 

But I also agree that things could get a lot worse before they can get better. I can see a Sen. Forrest Knox getting all his gun laws passed and could even make them a little “better.” I can see more regulations and rules for schools and local units of government getting passed. The far right likes to tell people what to do just as much as anyone.

I will be on the sidelines watching and hoping Mr. Lynn and I are wrong, but over the years either the state has changed or we have, because we find ourselves more and more in the same camp.

Rep. Bill Otto,

Le Roy, Kan.

Kansas schools forced to favor out-of-state students

Kansas universities and colleges are chasing the money — and that means searching far and wide for students. The farther out the better.

Out-of-state students typically pay at least twice as much as their in-state colleagues. That extra income makes them doubly attractive to cash-short higher schools of learning.

On average, the number of out-of-state and international students has increased by more than 25 percent, according to the Kansas Board of Regents.

The good news is that it creates more of a melting pot for the overly homogeneous Kansas schools. “Funny” accents, varying hues of skin, and different ethnicities help build a more well-rounded student body.

On the down side, Kansas students are losing out. 

An Associated Press story states tuition at the University of Missouri is $9,272 for in-state students. For an out-of-state or international student, it’s $22,440. At Oklahoma University, the cost of attending school is $17,500 for in-state students; $28,400 for those not. At the University of Kansas, $18,764 compared to $34,000.

Also at KU, more nonresidents than resident students applied to the school. 

Officials say the ease to apply to school via the Internet explains the surge. 

A more plausible answer is a college degree is becoming too expensive for Kansas youths.

Over the past 20 years the Kansas Legislature has increasingly pushed the costs of higher education onto the shoulders of students. In 1991, the state carried almost 70 percent of operating expenses of the state’s universities and colleges. Today, the state funds about 39 percent of those costs, while student tuition rates have increased 62 percent.

CONSERVATIVES SAY they are willing to increase funding for Kansas schools when the economy picks up. Meanwhile, we’re willing to starve our biggest resource — our children’s education.

It’s up to us to grow our future. 

That means investing in our children’s education and believing in a positive return.

— Susan Lynn


USMTS roll up thrilling race for Humboldt fans

HUMBOLDT — It took five heat races and two B-feature races to get the field set for the 40-lap main feature race Friday night.

The drivers and race fans at Humboldt Speedway were primed for a great race. They got it.

In the final 2012 appearance of the United States Modified Touring Series (USMTS) at Humboldt, the drivers staged a thriller for the fans. 

Jeremy Payne of Springfield, Mo.,  mounted a hard- fought campaign to top the 26-car “A” main field. 

Over the course of the event, Payne passed current national points leader and eventual runner-up Ryan Gustin of Marshalltown, Iowa, and reigning “King Of America” Stormy Scott of Las Cruces, N.M., who finished third. 

Scott’s twin brother, Johnny, also from Las Cruces, was fourth, followed by Jason Hughes of Watts, Okla..

 In post race interviews, Payne was complimentary of his crew, saying that the chassis setup they provided was “spot on.” Gustin also pointed out the need for proper setup, especially when faced with this caliber of competition. 

All the drivers praised Ron Whitworth and associates for the excellent condition of the track itself.

Wide open competition was evident in all classes Friday, none more so than the USRA B-Mod feature. Tim VanGotten topped the 23-car field, leading most of the event despite intense pressure from runner up Jimmie Davis. Jeremy Chamber placed third followed by Jack Simmons and Brad Smith in fifth.

 In only his second 2012 appearance, Dusty Marvin claimed the feature win in factory stock division. Jeremy Wilson came from deep in the field to take second place, followed by Patrick Kay, Tim Phillips, and Brandon Tindle.

 Derek Michael recorded a hard fought pure stock feature win, edging out runner up Tyler Kidwell. Levi Phillips, Mike Churning, and Michael Aiello rounded out the top five.

TONIGHT, sprint cars take center stage.

The American Sprint Car Series, fresh from the “360” Nationals in Knoxville, Iowa, makes its first-ever Humboldt Speedway appearance. 

Gates open at 6 o’clock and racing gets under way at 8 o’clock. General admission is $20 for adults and $5 for children.

The regular USRA modifieds and B-Mod divisions at Humboldt Speedway also runs tonight.

 This Friday it’s Pack The Stands Fan Appreciation Night. An estimated 5,000 free tickets have already been distributed by promoters Ron, Rhenda, and Ryan Whitworth to area fans for what looks to be a mega event.

Humboldt Speedway

Race Results

Friday, August 10, 2012

Whitworth Construction 

Pure Stock

HEAT 1 — Tyler Kidwell, Derek Michael, Robert Shaughnessy, Ryan Smith, Floyd Taggart

HEAT 2 — Levi Phillips, Mike Aiello, Mike Churning, Wayne Johnson, Dana Hampton

FEATURE — Derrek Michael, Tyler Kidwell, Levi Phillips, Mike Aiello, Ryan Smith, Robert Shaughnessy, Toby Elbe, Wayne Johnson

Factory Stock

HEAT 1 — David Matlock, Derrek Wilson, Tim Phillips, Brandon Tindle, John Rosson, Bobby Brown, Brandon Tindle

HEAT 2 — Dustin Marvin, Rick Aiello, Patrick Kay, Jeremy Wilson, Clint Drake, Todd Kidwell

FEATURE — Dustin Marvin, Jeremy Wilson, Patrick Kay, Tim Phillips, Brandon Tindle, Derrek Wilson, John Rosson, Clinton Drake, Rick Aiello, David Matlock, Bobby Brown, Todd Kidwell

Ray’s Metal Depot 

USRA B-Mod

HEAT 1 — Jimmy Davis, Curt Drake, Jack Simmons, Scott Collins, Rick Dreasher, Brandon Jones, Jarrid Johnson, David Mason

HEAT 2 — Brad Smith, Jeremy Bennett, Leon Bash, Tyler James, Doug Scism, Andy Bryant, Jon Westhoff

HEAT 3 — Tim VanGotten, Jeremy Chambers, Jeremy Wilson, Brian Heg, Riley Whitworth, Jason Thurman, Kenny Shaw

FEATURE — Tim VanGotten, Jimmie Davis, Jeremy Chambers, Jack Simmons, Brad Smith, Curt Drake, Jeremy Bennett, Riley Whitworth, Leon Bash, Jeremy Wilson, Tyler James, Jason Thurman, Rick Dreasher, Mike Letterman, Scott Collins, Kenny Shaw, Andy Bryant, Doug Scism, Jon Westhoff, Jarrid Johnson, Brandon Jones, David Mason, Brian Heg

USRA Modified

HEAT 1 — Ryan Gustin, John Allen, Rodney Sanders, Scott Daniels, Tanner Mullens, Kelly Shryock, Allen Broers, Daniel Hilsabeck

HEAT 2 — Stormy Scott, Thomas Tillison Jr., Cade Dillard, Corey Dripps, Mitch Keeter, Terry Beckham, Rick Beebe, Christy Georges

HEAT 3 — Randy Timms, Johnny Scott, Dereck Ramirez, Al Hejna, Richie Gustin, Travis Johnson, Mickey Burrell

HEAT 4 — Jeremy Payne, Bryan Rowland, Zack VanderBeek, Paden Phillips, Trevor Hunt, Bryce Schniepp, Chris Theodore

HEAT 5 — Jason Cummings, Jason Hughes, Ryan Ruter, Terry Phillips, Cody Schniepp, Austin Siebert, Eddie Martin

B FEATURE — Zack VanderBeek, Cade Dillard, Al Hejna, Eddie Martin, Terry Beckham, Corey Dripps, Trevor Hunt, Mitch Keeter, Mickey Burrell, Cody Schniepp, Christy Georges, Allan Broers, Travis Johnson

B FEATURE — Terry Phillips, Ryan Ruter, Kelly Shryock, Scott Daniels, Austin Siebert, Rick Beebe, Bryce Schniepp, Rickie Gustin, Paden Phillips, Daniel Hilsabeck, Tanner Mullens

A FEATURE — Jeremy Payne, Ryan Gustin, Stormy Scott, Johnny Scott, Jason Hughes, Rodney Sanders, Bryan Rowland, Randy Timms, Zack VanderBeek, Al Hejna, Dereck Ramirez, Cade Dillard, Jason Cummins, Eddie Martin, Ryan Ruter, John Allen, Kelly Shryock, Corey Dripps, Daniel Hilsabeck, Rick Beebe, Tanner Mullens, Terry Phillips, Thomas Tillison Jr., Scott Daniels, Terry Beckham, Austin Siebert


Garnett plant to close Oct. 1

GARNETT — Production at East Kansas Agri-Energy’s ethanol plant here will be suspended Oct. 1.

Bill Pracht, chairman of the board, cited in an e-mail to the Register the ongoing drought as the reason for production suspension, noting the negative impact it had had on availability of corn and rising prices for the grain. Corn prices at major markets Monday approached $8 a bushel, a number that futures markets maintained through December in trading Monday.

Also, Pracht said the demand for gasoline was down, resulting in surplus ethanol stocks.

These challenges led the company to reduce production capacity by 20 percent on April 1, he said. The production suspension was termed temporary, but with no time frame to resume business.

“We have studied the situation extensively and with the challenging economic conditions the board of directors has determined that it is in the best interests of the company and its shareholders to halt production,” Oct. 1. “We will monitor the situation with the hope to resume production … as soon as market conditions allow,” he said.

The company has 35 employees and a portion of the staff will be affected by the production suspension. Exact numbers were not released.

“Every effort will be made to treat our employees as best we can,” said Pracht. “Many of our employees have been with the company since the plant opened. Knowing the impact that this decision has on our communities and families made the decision even more difficult.”

East Kansas Agri-Energy was formed in 2001 to construct and operate the ethanol plant. Production began in 2005 at 42 million gallons a year. Much corn raised in Allen County has been converted to ethanol at the plant.


Lillian Steele

Lillian K. Steele, 82, lifelong Gas resident, died Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute.
Lillian was born Dec. 8, 1929, in Gas, the daughter of John and Beatrice (Perkins) Schiefelbine. She grew up in Gas and graduated from Iola High School.
On April 26, 1947, Lillian married Clifford “Cliff” Steele in Iola. They made their home in Gas. She retired in 1991 after 30 years as a deputy clerk of Allen County District Court. Mr. Steele preceded her in death Oct. 14, 1998.
She enjoyed walking, bicycling, embroidering, baking and cooking for family and friends and helping with Gas functions.
She is survived by a daughter, Judy Ann Hoepker and husband Larry, Humboldt; two grandchildren, Janae Coronado and husband Henry, Frontenac, and Justin Hoepker and wife Nicole, Iola; five great-grandchildren, Avery and Colin Coronado and Rayce, Chassis and Speed Hoepker. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Elwood Schiefelbine.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, where the family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Gas City Cemetery. Memorials may be left at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel, Iola, for Fees Park in Gas. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com.

Two of a kind: Ryan fleshes out Romney’s vision

Mitt Romney’s pick in Rep. Paul Ryan as his vice-presidential running mate is so good, many may be wishing Ryan was leading the ticket.

Ryan makes no bones about his vision for America. And because Romney has yet to be definitive about his ideas for the country, Ryan is more than happy to fill in the details.

A bright future for the U.S., Ryan says, depends on largely undoing safety net services such as Medicaid and Medicare, revamping the income tax formula to favor the wealthy, and keeping defense spending at its all-time high.

This formula would reduce spending by about $6 trillion the first 10 years, according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. But also would reduce income by $4 trillion.

If implemented, the CBO estimates the United States would get out of debt in 30 years — hardly an aggressive trajectory toward solvency.

MOST OF US would not enjoy the benefits of Ryan’s tax plans. While high-income earners would reap huge benefits, the other 95 percent of the U.S. population would experience none because deductions such as home mortgages would be eliminated. 

For most Americans their homes — not their investments — are their biggest asset. 

Ryan proposes lowering the top rate from the present 35 percent to 25 percent, increasing the tax burden on middle class Americans.

Under Romney/Ryan, Medicare would be turned into a voucher program where benefits would be determined by an insurance company. Traditionally, the health care needs of senior citizens are generously covered by the U.S. government. Under Ryan’s plan, that care would be determined by private insurance companies. Vouchers for a fixed amount would be issued, forcing seniors to make do.

The CBO estimates most seniors would pay an average of $6,400 in additional medical costs under Ryan’s plan.

As for Medicaid, which covers low-income people and increasingly nursing home care for formerly middle-class Americans, the federal government would issue block grants to states — and at a significantly reduced rate than it currently pays for those services.

Ryan also favors privatization of Social Security, stealing the last leg under the stool of federal entitlements which Americans have earned.

Ryan’s plan is for the hale, hearty and well-heeled. 

Those less than that, will feel increasingly unwelcome. 

— Susan Lynn


Women have had it…

…Success at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

Sorry Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt and the U.S. Dream Team. You did well but these games belonged to the women of the world.

Especially the U.S.A. women, who brought home 29 of their country’s 46 gold medals. They were responsible for over half of the 104 total medals garnered by U.S. athletes over the two weeks of competition.

Even in sports generally thought of as men’s sports — boxing and freestyle wrestling — American women placed. Claressa Shields won the first ever gold medal in boxing for the American women and Marlen Esparza claimed a bronze in boxing.

Kayla Harrison was so overcome with emotion that she couldn’t keep the tears from flowing atop the podium. Harrison won the first ever judo gold medal in Olympic history.

It was the U.S. men’s gymnastic team that was touted as gold medal favorite going into the Olympics. They stumbled and the U.S. women captured the team gold in their competition plus added two individual goal medals. Those included the all-around gymnast gold to Gabby Douglas.

What about the young women in the pool. Missy Franklin, Katie Ledecky. Rebecca Soni in the swimming along with others. Then in another pool the U.S. women claimed the gold in water polo.

It was an All-American gold medal match in beach volleyball. The U.S. women won gold in soccer and basketball.

Who can forget the sheer joy of Serena Williams’ dance following her gold-medal victory in women’s singles. She and her sister, Vanessa, won the women’s doubles gold.

It all got started by Kimberly Rhode in women’s skeet shooting. And the American women kept rolling right to the end. 

In track and field, the American women were tremendous. Allyson Felix, Sanya Richards-Ross, DeeDee Trotter and Francena McCorory punctuated the run in track and field with a gold medal in the 4×400-meter race. Felix, Carmeliat Jeter, Bianca Knight and Tianna Madison set a world record in winning the 4×100-meter relay gold.

What role models all of the American women — even those who did not earn a medal — were for the young girls of this country.

No one can deny that the 2012 Summer Games were important to the women of the world. A stadium full of people cheered the first woman track athlete from the Saudi Arabia even when she was last in her heat of the 800 meters. Sarah Attar ran for Saudi Arabia and Wojdan Shaherkani, who became the first Saudi Arabian women ever to compete in the Olympics earlier in judo.

The men were pretty good also but the women had it going on in London.