Young comes up short in Olympic 200 meters

LONDON — Isiah Young’s first Olympics ended in disappointment Wednesday. The former Allen Community College standout  track athlete’s bid for a medal in the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games came up short.

Young, who is from Junction City and ran for Ole Miss in Oxford, Miss. as a collegian, finished last in his semifinal heat race Wednesday. Also in that heat was Jamaica’s Usian Bolt, who is the reigning Olympic champion in the 200 plus just won the 100-meter Olympic gold medal this week.

Young ran the 200 meters in 20.89 seconds in the semifinals. He had posted a 20.55-second run in the qualifying heats on Tuesday.

Yohan Blake of Jamaica had the fastest qualifying run in the semifinals at 20.01 seconds. The lone American to reach the 200-meter final is Wallace Spearman, who ran his semifinal in 20.02 seconds.


Letter to the editor — August 8, 2012

To the editor:

(Tuesday) I voted, as I have voted at every opportunity since I was 18 years old, and I am no kid. That’s a lot of votes.

But (Tuesday) was the first time I left the polling place feeling anything but pride in my country, my state and myself. I left offended and appalled, not just because I had to show my I.D. to someone who has known me for 20 years, but I had to recite my name and address to that person.

My driver’s license was scanned and verified in a database. At that point, I was nonplused. Is there now a test before we are allowed to vote? Apparently so, because that was followed by an instruction to read an oath aloud to the poll worker and then sign it.

At that point, I was hot; really hot. This felt like an exclusionary tactic. Voter turnout is already low and now we treat registered voters — citizens — like criminals. 

I don’t mind showing a picture I.D. I do it to cash a check.

I could almost swallow the process, right to the point of reading an oath, at which point I felt violated. 

Voting is important, but if I am who I say I am and I prove it with I.D., if my word is good, why is an oath necessary? 

I cannot quite put my finger on it, but this doesn’t feel like America. Voter fraud in Kansas is not extreme. If it happens at all, it doesn’t affect the election outcomes. (Around here, even Democrats do not affect the outcome). I am certain this voter I.D. process did not originate from or with the involvement of the voting public. 

As a state, are we so afraid of the possibility of voter fraud that we will risk increasing voter apathy and decreasing voter participation?

I would like to see this policy modified or terminated.

Thank you,

Kathy Monfort, 

Iola, Kan.

P.S. I talked to my daughter in Manhattan who also voted. She was only required to show her I.D. Is the oath requirement something voters only have to do here?

The best living is a tad risky

There’s no way to save football, declared columnist George Will on a television talk show the other day. 

Will was addressing the growing number of traumatic brain injuries suffered by football players — from high school age through the professional ranks.

Will points out that in 1980 there were only three NFL players who weighed over 300 pounds. Today there are three over 350 pounds and 352 who weigh 300 or more.

“Over 20 yards, which is where a lot of football is played, these guys are as fast as cats, fast as running backs, and the kinetic energy is producing what is called chronic traumatic encepthalopathy.  The crucial word is chronic. Repeated, small but repeated blows to the head, the brain floating in the pan in the skull, now we know causes early dementia and other problems.”

Will went on to say he expects parents to begin pulling their sons off football squads as knowledge about the dangers of the sport spreads.

Another solution would be to disqualify players who weighed more than 165 pounds. Seems logical to me: I never weighed any more than that.

But knowing that civil rights groups would never allow this kind of prejudice to rule on free American playing fields, I withdraw the motion.

Football probably can’t be fixed. And as players get bigger, faster and meaner, the number of chronic brain injuries will multiply. We may as well get used to it.

So add football to the list of sometimes-fatal sports: rock climbing, car racing, skiing, scuba diving, water skiing and soccer (they hit that hard ball with their heads, time after time) — just to name those which pop to mind.

And the moral is: make sport as safe as it can be made and still be sport — and recognize that living is risky, which is part of the reason that it’s fun.

— Emerson Lynn, jr.


Recall gives city an opportunity for a new look

The precedent-setting recall of Iola councilmen Ken Rowe and Kendall Callahan was not connected to the strong conservative vote that toppled more moderate Republicans across the state. In my opinion, they reflected a rejection of the manner in which city administrator Judy Brigham was dismissed within days of her retirement after long years of service to the city, coupled with what appeared to be an effort to do city business outside called meetings of the council.

And because the recalls were purely local in nature and not partisan they give the council an opportunity to shrink itself to five.

The past few months show that too many cooks do, indeed, spoil the broth. Iola’s council meetings have been more contentious and less productive than were the commission meetings of the past, when decisions were made by the two commissioners and the mayor and moved the city quietly forward. 

That decades-old pattern was abandoned in favor of an eight-person council and a mayor with the goal of broadening the representation on the governing body. While that objective may have been achieved, it was at the expense of increasing the opportunity for disagreements to surface and create barriers to action.

Iola was wise to see that a three-person commission had flaws: a strong commissioner could dominate the other two; an absence of one because of business or illness turned the city over to the other two and action was stymied if they disagreed. 

Three was not enough; eight, we now can see, is too many. So let’s try five.

Five councilmen, all elected at large so that every voter had a voice in picking every member of the governing body, would be enough so that the absence of one at a meeting wouldn’t be critical and would also make it far less likely that any one member would dominate. 

Iola may never have a better opportunity to tailor its city government to a better fit.

— Emerson Lynn, jr.


Stuart dominates field in factory stock race at Humboldt

HUMBOLDT — Scott Stuart hasn’t been beaten on the Humboldt Speedway track in 2012. The only thing that did beat him was mechanical failure.

The Speedway held a special factory stock feature Friday. Stuart earned the inside pole spot for the 20-lap event and roared to the front on the start and stayed there. It was a big payday for Stuart.

Dusty Marvin had a strong runner-up run on the track. Derrek Wilson finished third followed by Rick Aiello and Dave Matlock.

Terry Beckham II of Webb City, Mo., tangled with John Allen in a thriller of a race in the USRA modified feature Friday. The two drivers traded leads but late in the 25-lap event, Beckham was ahead.

Allen encountered a lapped car and the crash that followed finished the race for Allen. Beckham won the race with Steven Bowers Jr. taking second. Mickey Burrell, Cody Schniepp and Austin Siebert rounded out the top five.

In the USRA B-Mod feature, Brad Smith of Belton, Mo., claimed the victory. Jack Simmons outlasted Tim VanGotten for second. Riley Whitworth ran fourth and Jimmie Davis was fifth.

The pure stock points championship race continues with Derek Michael winning the division’s feature race last Friday. Right behind him came Tyler Kidwell then Levi Phillips. Bryon Wunschel finished fourth and George Reimer was fifth.

The Outlaw Vintage Racers gave Speedway race fans a interesting feature race. It was dominated by the Simmons family — Jack won it, Zach was second and Keith finished third. Dale Reese took fourth followed by Jason Jackson.

Drivers in the USMTS return to Humboldt Speedway this Friday. On Aug. 17, it is “Pack the Stands” fan appreciation night at the Speedway.

Humboldt Speedway

Race Results

Friday, Aug. 3, 2012

Whitworth Construction Pure Stock

HEAT 1 — Tyler Kidwell, Derek Michael, Matthew Kay, Ryan Smith, George Reimer, Matt Habiger, Danah Hampton, Floyd Taggart

HEAT 2 — Jeremy Willard, Mike Aiello, Mike Churning, Bryon Wunschel, Levi Phillips, Robert Shaughnessy, Wayne Johnson

FEATURE — Derek Michael, Tyler Kidwell, Levi Phillips, Bryon Wunschel, George Reimer, Jeremy Willard, Mike Churning, Mike Aiello, Robert Shaughnessy, Matt Habiger, Wayne Johnson, Danah Hampton, Matthew Kay, Ryan Smith

Ray’s Metal Depot USRA B-Mod

HEAT 1 — Jack Simmons, Riley Whitworth, Curt Drake, Jeremy Chambers, Jeremy Wilson, Andy Bryant

HEAT 2 — Tim VanGotten, Leon Bash, Kenny Shaw, Jon Westhoff, Blake Kisner, Jarrid Johnson

HEAT 3 — Brad Smith, Jimmie Davis, Craig Mintz, Mike Letterman, Tyler James

FEATURE — Brad Smith, Jack Simmons, Tim VanGotten, Riley Whitworth, Jimmie Davis, Jeremy Chambers, Andy Bryant, Jeremy Wilson, Craig Mintz, Curt Drake, Mike Letterman, Tyler James, Kenny Shaw, Blake Kisner, John Westhoff, Leon Bash

Factory Stock

HEAT 1 — Rick Aiello, Dustin Marvin, Tim Phillips, Steve Herrick, Matt Haid, Jeremy McConvilte, Erie Weyer

HEAT 2 — Derrek Wilson, David Matlock, Daryl Drake, Brandon Weide, Devin Irvin, Tyson Young, Matt Fields

HEAT 3 — Scott Stuart, Mike Taylor, Patrick Kay, Nick Fritch, Todd Kidwell, Cody Vail, Steve Stuart

FEATURE — Scott Stuart, Dustin Marvin, Derrek Wilson, Rick Aiello, David Matlock, Mike Taylor, Tim Phillips, Patrick Kay, Eric Weyer, Jeremy McConvilt, Matt Haid, Tyson Young, Devin Irvin, Cody Vail, Brandon Weide, Nick Fritch, Daryl Drake, Steve Herrick, Todd Kidwell

USRA Modified

HEAT 1 — Cody Schniepp, Steven Bowers Jr., Scott Daniels, Mickey Burrell, Gene Hogan, Aaron Murry

HEAT 2 — Terry Beckham, Chase Domer, Dennis Bishop, Allan Broers, Brandon Hill, Kevin Morrow

HEAT 3  — John Allen, Austin Seibert, Chase Sigg, Bryce Schniepp, Mike Folk

FEATURE — Terry Beckham II, Steven Bowers Jr., Mickey Burrell, Cody Schniepp, Austin Seibert, Chase Domer, Scott Daniels, Chase Sigg, Bryce Schniepp, Dennis Bishop, Allan Broers, John Allen, Kevin Morrow, Gene Hogan

Vintage Cars

HEAT 1 — Allen Guthrie, Donovan Trester, Pat Trester, Danny Haase, Justin Hartsell, Wyah Trester

HEAT 2 — Jack Simmons, Miri Reese, Zack Simmons, Jason Jackson, BJ Paige, Keith Simmons

FEATURE — Jack Simmons, Zack Simmons, Keith Simmons, Miri Reese, Jason Jackson, BJ Paige, Pat Trestor, Allen Guthrie, Donovan Trester, Justin Hartsell, Wyah Trester, Danny Haase


Dreams come true with hard work

Words of champions:

“Unbelievable” — Levi Ashmore.

“Priceless” — Jarred Latta.

“Justified” — Corey Taylor.

“Satisfied” — Mason Coons.

“Great” — Dalton Smith.

“Fitting” — Clint Heffern.

“Unbelievable” — Drew Walden.

“Awesome” — Braden Larson.

“Perfect” — Jerrik Sigg.

No doubt those who were in Sabetha Sunday morning would echo all those words and add a few more. Heard from out of the crowd of parents, other relatives and fans — Amazing.

On a sun-drenched morning in the very friendly confines of Sabetha’s Somerset Park — a field of dreams for that community — Iola American Legion Post 15’s AA Indians realized their dream. The players and fans were ready to celebrate Saturday afternoon but Hays-TMP Monarchs still had something to say about which team was going to be the 2012 Kansas American Legion AA state champion.

So the party was put on hold for a few more hours.

One could see the Indian players were ready Sunday morning as they ran onto the new field turf of Somerset Park. They were relaxed but focused.

Most of these young men began their baseball career together on the recreation baseball fields in Iola. They banded together from age 8 and logged a lot of traveling miles over the years honing their skills on the diamond.

A lot of big games eluded them in some close, heartbreaking decisions over the years. But all that was put to rest Sunday when Jerrik Sigg settled in under a fly ball to center field by Hays’ Nick Zimmerman. Sigg waited as his teammates watched and the ball hit leather and Sigg snapped shut the glove.

Party on.

While talking to all the Iola players following the state championship game victory, they all pointed to the support they received from their family and fans. That’s not just at the state tournament last week or even to this season when the AA Indians went 40-4.

Parents got proper hugs from their sons Sunday.

That game ball that was captured so neatly in Sigg’s glove had a special destination. All the Iola players and coaches signed the baseball and it was given to Peggy Sigg, Jerrik’s mom who is battling cancer and could not be at the games.

The parents of these boys look after each one of them. They’ve been together for a long time, logging that travel time, coaching, cheering, consoling.

TODAY, the Iola team set off to North Dakota. The Iola AA Indians are headed to Wahpeton, N. D., to compete in the Central Plains National Regional American Legion Baseball-Division 2 Tournament. They open up play Thursday against Grafton, N.D., at 2 p.m.

Tuesday night the team held a dinner and Iola Mayor Bill Shirley presented a city proclamation declaring “Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012 as Iola AA Indians Day.” Shirley and Allen County Commission Gary McIntosh briefly talked to the team. Both expressed the pride the community has in these young men. Ditto, guys and good luck.


Darrell Howerton

Darrell Howerton was born on March 6, 1934, to Olaf (Bill) and Lillian Howerton in Kansas. He passed away peacefully Aug. 1, 2012, at home in El Cajon, Calif., with his loving wife, Melba, by his side.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and a sister.  

He is survived by his two brothers, Loren Howerton (Pat) of Colony and Roger Howerton of Alamogordo, N.M. Also left to cherish his memory are his wife Melba; sons Craig Howerton, Mike Paine and Kent Paine (Shannon); grandchildren Dustin Howerton, Kristina Paine and Joshua Paine; and great-grandchildren Trevor Paine, Kiara Warner and Logan Paine.


Brian Trester

Brian Lee Trester, 29, Iola, left us to join the angels on Oct. 22, 2009, in rural Olpe. 

He was born in Iola on Sept. 19, 1983, the son of Sharon Tester and Roger Smith. 

Tester loved the outdoors and shared that love with family and friends. He also enjoyed horseback riding, four-wheelers, camping and his Dodge trucks. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bert and Maxine Trester, and a niece, Montique Infinity Tester-Scott. Brian is survived by his mother Sharon Trester, Iola; two brothers, Craig Trester, Emporia, and Nickolas Trester, Iola; four sisters, Alicia Trester-Ellis, Colony, Heather Trester, Iola, Vanessa Trester-Drake, Texas, and Nicole Trester, Iola; and his companion, Amber Barrett, Emporia. 

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Friday at Waugh-Yokum, & Friskel Chapel in Iola. Graveside services will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Mildred. 


Letter to the editor — August 7, 2012

To the Editor, 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Bob Johnson for giving credit to the area businesses for supporting the Allen County 4-H and FFA members during the premium auction on August 2. As you may already know, without the premium support many members would unable to participate in livestock projects.  

In many cases the cost of feed, water, vaccinations, show supplies/equipment and the cost of the animal exceed what the member would receive when the animal is sold at market price. Frequently a member will still show a loss on their profit and loss statement even with the addition of the premium donated by the business professionals.   

Many members participate in numerous livestock projects increasing their risk of loss. Why do we do this? The experience and knowledge that we gain is priceless. We learn how to raise livestock from birth to maturity which most often results in market sale unless a member returns the livestock to their farm for breeding purposes. Throughout the year we attend monthly meetings that are governed by Robert’s Rule of Order, giving members the chance to hold various offices.  

Club members also have opportunities for leadership roles with younger members, public speaking, as well as community service projects that are completed throughout the year by each club.

In closing I would like to extend my gratitude to the many people that make 4-H experiences successful; the extension agents, parents, 4-H booster supporters, project leaders, the Allen County Fair Board and all of the other countless volunteers that help make 4-H possible.  

Sincerely, 

Brook Storrer

eighth grade

Iola Middle School


Fiscal cliff fears make CEOs pull back on growth

Unemployment rose a tenth of a point. Manufacturing slowed. The business climate soured. One of the reasons for this glum economic news is that Congress adjourned last week without dealing with the double-whammy that Fed chairman Ben Bernanke calls the “fiscal cliff.”

Because they fear the deadlock will continue, a large and growing number of companies are putting off planned expansions until the picture clears. At the first of the year the Bush-era tax cuts are due to expire and taxes will rise by $399 billion. At the same time, under a previous budget agreement, federal government spending will fall by more than $100 billion.

A big chunk of the cut will come from defense because that is where the federal government does a significant percentage of its spending.

If Congress continues to do nothing, the one-two punch coming from reduced spending and higher taxes could throw the country back into recession. At the least, economists say, dropping off that cliff will increase unemployment and reduce the growth rate to near zero.

So how does this news strike Congress? Last week our good senators and representatives adjourned for five weeks to go home and campaign. That was their response: Let the country go over that cliff, they had more important things to look after: themselves.

TO BE ACCURATE, it wouldn’t have made any difference if they are stayed in Washington. The country is marching straight toward Bernanke’s cliff because Republicans won’t even talk about letting Clinton-era taxes on the wealthy return and Democrats are just as determined to keep Social Security and Medicare intact. And the division over defense spending is just as unbending. 

As Evan R. Gaddis, president of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, told a New York Times reporter: “It’s totally irresponsible and absolutely insane. The two parties are really dug in. Companies see the writing on the wall and business decisions are now being made on this.”

Irresponsible because liberals and conservatives alike agree that the effect of such a huge tax increase and spending cut coming on the morning of January 1 would stop the recovery and throw additional thousands out of work. Insane because a refusal to deal with things as they are is not a rational response.

INDIVIDUAL VOTERS have a role to play in this drama. The four congressmen and two senators from Kansas are all Republican, all conservative. Each will be out on the streets, peddling their messages, and the representatives will be asking for your vote. When they do, don’t ask them how they think the logjam that is preventing action on the tax cuts and the spending reduction can be broken. Ask, instead, what compromises they favor. Don’t let them off when they tell you its all the other guy’s fault. Remind them that it takes two to tango. Tell them that you don’t go for the my-way-or-no-way philosophy. That kind of thinking got us in the fix we’re in. 

Remember, you’re the boss. They work for you and the way things are going right now, they should be fired.

— Emerson Lynn, jr.