Local athletes earned All-State status for high school football by multiple organizations this past week.
Humboldt’s Jacob Carpenter highlights the list of local talent as a Kansas Football Coaches Association 3A All-State Team selection for linebacker. He also earned honorable mention as a linebacker from the Topeka Capital Journal and Wichita Eagle.
Iola’s Ethan Sigg and Kaden Macha earned honorable mention accolades for Class 4A-II All-State from the Topeka newspaper. Macha made the team as a linebacker and Sigg as an offensive lineman.
Running back Walker Harred and defensive back Josiah Witteman from Southern Coffey County earned honorable mention selections for 8-man II from the Capital Journal and Wichita Eagle.
Justin Rossillon of Yates Center earned a Class 2-1A honorable mention spot for his play on the offensive line from the Capital Journal.
Ernest Mueller
Ernest Ray Mueller, 68, passed away at Heritage Heathcare in Chanute on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014. Ernie was born Sept. 18, 1946, in Iola, the son of Ernest G. and Margaret (King) Mueller. He was raised in Humboldt, attending Humboldt schools and graduating from Humboldt High School.
Shortly after high school in 1966 Ernie enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served until 1972. He then began working; his latest employment was held with the Housing Authority maintenance department in Kansas City, Kan. Ernie was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Humboldt. Also, at one time he was a member of Veterans of Foriegn Wars and American Legion in Humboldt.
Ernest Ray Mueller was preceded in death by his father, Ernest G. Mueller, and sister-in-law, Pearl Mueller. He is survived by his mother, Margaret (King) Mueller of Chanute; his brothers, Rodney Mueller and Bruce Mueller and wife Mary E., all of Humboldt; sister, Lora Jesseph and husband Alfred of Chanute; numerous nieces and nephews as well as many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Ernie are planned for 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Countryside Funeral Home-Humboldt Chapel; burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery, Humboldt. No formal visitation is planned. The family suggests memorials in Ernie’s memory be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and sent in care of Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland Chanute, KS 66720. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.
L.C. Crouch
L.C. Crouch, 92, Topeka, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2014.
L.C. was born May 17, 1922, in Moran, the son of Guy and Pearl (Perkins) Crouch. He graduated from Moran High School and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State Teachers College at Pittsburg.
He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, participating in the action against the enemy at Iwo Jima.
He was a teacher/football coach at Belle Plaine, and served as superintendent at Rose Hill, Conway Springs, Augusta and Anthony. He was president of Garden City Community College from 1965 to 1971, and was assistant commissioner with the Kansas Department of Education for 11 years, retiring in 1982.
He was a member of Town & Country Christian Church, the Marine Corps League, American Legion Post 400 and Topeka Scottish Rite Bodies.
L.C. married Betty Perkins on Aug. 22, 1946, in Iola. She survives. Other survivors include daughter, Marty (Mark) Gale, Dubois, Wyo.; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Lee Crouch, Kansas City; and son-in-law, Wayne Davis, Topeka. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Roxie Davis.
Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Town & Country Christian Church, 4925 SW 29th St. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Topeka High School Marine Corps Junior R.O.T. C. program or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Penwell-Gabel Southwest Chapel is assisting with arrangements.
To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com
Letters to the editor
Dear editor,
First, I would like to thank everyone who signed up to donate monthly to ACARF. (Allen County Animal Rescue Facility.) You may never know how much that means to us. The community support is so heartwarming and important if we are going to remain open in 2015 and beyond, to continue to provide a safe place for homeless dogs and cats. Our goal is $4,500 in automatic monthly donations. We currently have monthly donation pledges of almost $3,000 and we only have three weeks left to achieve our goal.
Our Facebook page has 3,809 likes with at least 930 people actively talking about us. If each Facebook friend would sign up to donate $5 a month, imagine what we could accomplish. Is that such a large amount that most people would miss it? I do not think so, but you have to take the steps to accomplish it.
We had a great flurry of people and businesses that jumped to provide support when the story first came out, and a few people have signed up since then. Sadly we are still short of our goal and need your help. I know we can do it because I have talked to so many people that have told me they support us.
ACARF also appreciates all the fundraisers, individuals, families, and businesses that sent us donations (both large and small), stuffed our donation jars, offered special donation nights at their businesses, crafted sale goods to donate, and they supported us through Second Chance. We could not have remained open until now without that encouragement and support. We are truly grateful to all of you. You provide the push to get us over the many hills in animal rescue.
Maybe you are not exactly sure what all the people at ACARF do. I know I am probably going to miss something, but will do my best to provide you some insight into what it takes to run a rescue or shelter.
Our biggest expenses are payroll, vet, utilities, taxes, supplies and building maintenance, plus many other small or large required expenses. Remember every day of the week, every day of the month someone (really multiple someone) has to be at the facility. We are never truly closed. Those employees work every day, cleaning pens, washing laundry and dishes. They have to feed, handle, and check every dog or cat, puppy or kitten every day and they do it with a wonderful caring attitude. They work to give them outside or play time, a special pat or play with a toy while they complete their jobs. They deal with the sick or injured and give shots or medicine as required and also some love to those that are sad or lonely. They care and they work for minimum wage, although I can definitely tell you it is hard work and they would not just do it for the pay. They get attached and are happy to see some adopted and heartbroken when they have to say goodbye. But they are there and we could not do this without them.
One of our biggest expenses is vet care. We would love to have the money to spay/neuter every dog or cat that comes into our facility. Doing so would make their lives better even while in the shelter. The state requires us to spay/neuter and give rabies shots before adoption or collect a deposit from the adopter that is refundable on proof that this has been done. This final medical procedure and shots must be done by a veterinarian. ACARF is also required to name a vet as a shelter vet. You would think that adoption fees would offset this expense but it does not come close even with discounts from our vet, Red Barn Veterinary Clinic. We are lucky to have caring veterinarians in town that we can call for support. Not just our main vet has supported us but so has Iola Animal Clinic and Deer Creek when needed.
ACARF has to pay utilities just like everyone; we have gas, electricity, water (lots of water), garbage, sewer, telephone, and Internet. Those have to be paid monthly. We have cut any extras we can and our employees and volunteers have taken up the slack. We have been lucky to have some special benefactors that have provided most of our dog food to provide a steady supply of the same type. We do have to buy kitten and puppy food. It is very important to keep the changes in food to a minimum for the dog’s health.
ACARF also has to have supplies to clean and sanitize everything: runs, bedding, bowls, cat boxes and the pens themselves. We need office supplies, vet supplies for shots and worming, bath supplies for the dogs and sometimes the cats, toys to help alleviate boredom, so many things are needed and more we cannot afford. Many times one of the employees or board members pays a bill or buys something that is needed. Building maintenance is done by volunteers, businesses that donate their time, or when all else fails someone from the board hires it done. I am not saying this to show you how special we are for doing that but to demonstrate how much we care about ACARF.
We cannot continue without community support, it is absolutely vital. We need continued donations both one time and monthly pledges to remain open and viable. Forms can be picked up from Second Chance, the Shelter, and we can be reached on Facebook and at our website: www.acarf.org. We care, our members care, our employees care, and our volunteers care, won’t you join us and help us keep ACARF open for homeless dogs and cats? Your support is essential.
Please join us at Community National Bank basement meeting room on the second Wednesday of any month at 7 p.m. for the ACARF board meeting. Our annual board meeting, normally held in November, will be in January. We would love to see you and answer any questions. If you cannot attend, just stop one of us and we will do our best to help you.
Thank you,
Dawn Murray,
ACARF board member
Dear editor,
Recent articles in The Iola Register state the county unemployment rate is low and that well trained (aka competent) workers are increasingly hard to find. Many have opined that affordable housing is needed in order to attract and retain workers. Mr. Shaughnessy, a contractor, stated that a new home would rent for between $650 and $800. That is a fact and is not going to change.
What can change and has to change is the wage. It is time for employers and future employers to pay a living wage for a position requiring more than minimum skills. Our community has merely run out of jobs for those with only basic skills. Employers need to expect more, and in turn, pay more.
We then need to ask, “Do we have a community that will attract and retain these higher wage earners?” I’m sure that Iola Industries, Thrive Allen County, and the Chamber all have packages highlighting the community positives. Those positives need to be reviewed with the goal of attracting the higher income family.
Bill Fritsche,
Iola, Kan.
Dear editor,
If you have backbone enough to print this letter please do so.
I think the city of Iola needs a new city administrator. Seems like there is a lot of money being wasted on sidewalks to the new school that did not pass.
This is a town living in poverty. Most people are taking advantage of food banks so they can have a meal. This wasted money goes on to our utility bills which are already too much.
When I buy Christmas presents I’m going to buy my friends and family radios so they can get the local news when it happens. Not subscriptions to the Iola Register.
Sincerely,
Daniel C. Michael,
Iola, Kan.
Clarann O’Malley
Clarann Catherine O’Malley, 89, Westphalia, died Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at Anderson County Hospital Long Term Care in Garnett.
Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Garnett. Burial will follow in the Holy Angels Cemetery. Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, with visitation following. Memorial contributions may be made to Anderson County Long Term Care and left in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
Diana Ross
Diana Ada Ross, 82, Moran, passed away on Monday, Dec. 8, 2014, at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita.
She was born July 13, 1932, in Bury St. Edmunds, England, the daughter of Reginald and Lois Ellen (Wright) Fordham.
Diana worked in Hilton’s Shoe Store in England. She met Virgil Glenn Knight while he was serving in the Army and they married on Jan. 7, 1956. When Virgil left the service, they came to America in 1957. This union was blessed with seven children. They later divorced. She then married James Albert Ross in 1973. He passed away in July 1990.
For a time, she worked at H.L. Miller and Son dress factory in Iola and in the apple sheds in Oroville, Wash.
She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, reading and especially jigsaw puzzles. She loved all animals, taking in many strays. Diana was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and helped with the monthly commodity distributions. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and was substitute Grandma for many children in Moran.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Carl Wayne Knight; one granddaughter, Jayne Knight; one sister, Janet Rutterford; one brother-in-law, Duncan Cullyer; and one son-in-law, Larry Korte.
Diana is survived by six children, Donna Ross and husband Henry, Moran, Wendy Thompson and husband Shea, Bayard, Linda Korte, LaHarpe, Raymond Knight and wife Judi, Moran, Timothy Knight and wife Monica of Oroville, Wash., and Paul Knight and wife Connie, Moran; a brother, John Fordham and wife Jean of England; a sister, Bridget Cullyer of England; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many extended family members.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the Moran Christian Church. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mildred.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility.
Condolences may be sent to www.feuerbornfuneral.com.
Humboldt starts basketball season with two wins
HUMBOLDT — The basketball season started for Humboldt Middle School’s girls and boys Monday against Galesburg Middle School.
The boys teams split their games.
Humboldt’s eighth-graders won big, 46-14.
“This was a total team effort. We were very efficient on the offensive end of the court, especially in the first half,” said coach Jeremy Weilert. “I felt we could have played a littler cleaner on the defensive end of the court.”
Teryn Johnson led the Cubs with 12 points. Caleb Coronado scored eight points and grabbed four rebounds. Tucker Hurst scored six points and grabbed four rebounds. Bo Bigelow scored six points and Logan Gray came down with four rebounds. Ryan Sellman, Xavier Bauer, Caleb Klauman, Calvin Schoendaller, Dylan Doolittle, David Watts and Kyle O’Neal each scored two points.
The seventh-graders lost, 27-12.
“The boys played hard,” Weilert said. “We didn’t shoot the ball as well as I think we can.”
The girls A-Team won, 32-13.
“The girls came out really nervous, which we expected a little for the first game,” coach Scott Brady said. “They really settled into a rhythm the second and third quarters and went on a couple of nice runs to give us a comfortable lead.”
Maggie Johnson led the team with 15 points. Maddie Gean scored seven points and Aricah McCall scored three points. Emma Johnson, Tori White and Sadie Houk each scored two points. Alayna Johnson made a free throw.
The B-Team game was canceled.
Humboldt travels to Cherryvale Thursday.
Ponies split with Royster
CHANUTE — Iola Middle School’s girl’s basketball teams split their games with Chanute Monday.
The eighth grade A-Team lost, 38-15.
“We got away from what was working and gave them some easy baskets,” coach Marty Taylor said. “But the girls played hard.”
Piper Moore led the team with five points and seven rebounds. Kendra Sprague scored three points and grabbed four rebounds. Madisyn Holloway finished with four points, Kassy Shelby scored two points and Charvelle Peterson made a free throw.
The B-Team won, 24-18. Peterson led the Ponies with 10 points and Shelby followed with six points. Mia Aronson and Ashlie Nicholas each scored three points. Katie Weide scored a basket.
The seventh grade A-Team fell 22-17.
“The girls fought all night,” Taylor said. “We were down two points late in the game, but just couldn’t get over the hump. We got in foul trouble early and Sadrie Overall gave us some good minutes off the bench.”
Gaby Lampe led the team with six points and came down with five rebounds. Kelsey Morrison led the way with nine rebounds and scored five points. Sydni Keagle scored two points and grabbed five rebounds, while Allie Fager scored two and had three rebounds. Ella Taylor scored a basket.
The B-Team won in overtime 14-13.
Rachel Bycroft led the Ponies with four points. Elysia Kunkler, Gabby Richards, Nissa Fountain and Carlie Payne scored two points. Overall and Jillian Stokes each scored a free throw.
The Ponies play Pittsburg at home on Thursday starting at 3:30 p.m.
James Paul Leach
James Paul Leach, 74, Burlington, died Thursday morning, Dec. 4, 2014, at his home.
James was born on Aug. 25, 1940, in Cleveland, Ohio, to James W. and Velma Maus Leach.
He grew up in Cambridge, Wis., and graduated from Cambridge High School. He went to the Nebraska School of Banking and graduated from Allen County Community College in Iola.
On May 8, 1962, he married Sharon Leigh Henson in Iola.
James worked in banking most of his life. He started at the Allen County Bank. He also worked at the Hepler State Bank, where he was president, and later at the Alfalfa County Bank, and at the Lancaster State Bank. After his retirement, he worked as a dealer at Harrah’s Prairie Band Casino, north of Topeka.
James was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. While in the Air Force, he played semi-pro hockey. He was a member of the Calvary United Methodist Church and the Elks Club in Iola, and American Legion Post No. 102 in Erie. He had been a member of the Cherokee Booster Club, the Cherokee Rotary Club, and the Cherokee Hospital Board in Cherokee, Okla.
James was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Dwight Leach.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon, of the home; two sons, Randy Leach and his wife, Jennifer, Mound City, and Rob Leach and his wife, Lisa, Andover; three daughters, Ricki Bober and her husband, Paul, Shelly Thorp and her husband, Mike, and Sherry Fejfar and her husband, Shane, all of Burlington; a brother, Tom Leach, Milwaukee, Wis.; 18 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Monday morning at the Burlington United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions to Coffey County Cancer Support Group or Burlington United Methodist Church may be sent in care of Jones Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.
Scott E. Hamilton
Scott E. Hamilton, 60, Iola, died Sunday, Nov. 30, 2014, at his home.
Scott was born Sept. 16, 1954, in Iola, the son of Don and Earlene (King) Hamilton. He grew up in Iola and served in the U.S. Army. Scott worked as a machinist for Quality Connections in Iola.
He is survived by a brother, Ted W. Hamilton of Iola; five sisters, Marsha McCord of LaHarpe, JoAnne Hamilton and Cathy Wells, both of Iola, Gail Beit-Badal of Osawatomie and Kim Hamilton of Wichita.
He also is survived by a number of nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two nephews, Brett Wells and Taylor Hayes Hamilton.
Cremation has taken place.
Memorial graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the LaHarpe Cemetery.
Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola is in charge of arrangements. To leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.