Sixty-five years ago three little kids huddled around a make-shift table in a Humboldt backyard with a simple white cake in the center. Candles were lit and I blew out their tiny flames.

Then, Sarajane, Tony and I dug in. First sandwiches and chips — you have to eat that before cake, Mom declared. By the time we were finished celebrating my birthday on that hot summer day, our faces were smeared with frosting and our tummies were full.

I celebrated another birthday Friday, but not outdoors. Wife Beverly made my favorite, homemade macaroni and cheese, which we consumed while Angus dutifully awaited a morsel or two. 

That’s the way it is with birthdays, at least from my perspective. Festive events are for the young. At 73 — and for sometime before — it’s time to mellow out.

Sarajane and Tony were my playmates for several years on East Mulberry Street. She lived directly across the street, Tony’s home was next to hers. Today she is Jane Carder, wife of John Carder, who once was mayor of Iola. He was city administrator in Hesston before retiring to an administrative position with an industry there.

Tony was Edwards then, and goes by Catroppa these days, his birth father’s name. Tony has several restaurants and clubs in northwest Arkansas. You never know what he’s up to. Last time he came to the all-class reunion at Humboldt High, he showed up a little late — making a grand entrance dressed in his biker clothes and dew rag.

Sarajane — it’s hard for me to call her Jane — remains to this day a great friend, as does Tony. A year ago when I had a bit of heart scare and went to Kansas Heart to ensure the ticker was ticking properly, she and John were waiting at the door when I arrived.

That’s real friendship.

At lunchtime, Sarajane stayed behind to keep me company while John, Beverly and others dropped by the cafeteria.

The Clementses, of whom Sarajane was one, were almost like a second family. Hardly a summer evening went back when we all didn’t gather in the yard to chat. And when her mom, Lena, went to the store, she always brought me a treat same as she did with her own small herd of kids.

Lena herself was amazing. I ran onto her once when she was well up in years and for some reason asked if she enjoyed opportunities at the Humboldt Senior Center.

“Why, would I want to go up there with all those old people,” was her reply.

I don’t do senior center either, but it has nothing to do with the folks who do. I just don’t seem to be able to find the time.

To the editor,

Not willing to run for office myself, I appreciate those that do — and do a great job at what we elected them to do.

Unlike the wild and noisy presidential campaign this year where the candidates are all making ridiculous claims of what they can do for the country, I would like to throw my support behind two men who have genuinely proven they have the interests of Allen County at heart:

Bryan Murphy for sheriff and Tom Williams for county commissioner.

I’ve recently become aware of a smear campaign against Murphy and Williams started by a couple of locals that have a personal vendetta against the two. Unfortunately, their whining has gained some support from some that don’t understand the whole story behind their complaints.

Many swayed by this vitriol are not aware of the significant contributions that Williams — first as sheriff and then as a county commissioner — and Sheriff Murphy have made to the surrounding area. In my opinion, law enforcement in Allen County is so much better than it was back before Williams and Murphy rode into town.

If we continue to have quality people like Bryan Murphy and Tom Williams willing to serve Allen County in elected positions, Iola and the surrounding areas will continue to be a great place to live.

Please make your vote count for continued safety and growth. Vote Tuesday for Bryan Murphy for sheriff and Tom Williams for county commissioner!

Steve Strickler,

Iola, Kan.

To the editor,

Sheriff Bryan Murphy is a devoted family man with high integrity and has committed himself to building a positive, professional, public image of law enforcement in his community. Murphy has set a bar in his office expecting accountability, discipline and fairness from his officers and staff. He’s been a quality leader for Allen County. Bryan cares for and has done an outstanding job for the citizens of Allen County.

What gets lost in all of this political posturing is what matters most, providing high-quality professional public safety services to the citizens of Allen County. Sheriff Murphy has done that successfully for the last three years; I look forward to working with him for another four years.

Dan Oswalt,

Iola, Kan.

Dear Editor,

In writing, I don’t believe I have ever made a statement in this manner before. I am an average citizen of this city and county. I was born, raised and educated here, including my post secondary education. I have chosen to be married and raise my family here. I work here each day. I have grieved and buried loved ones and friends that I miss dearly. I love my city and my county. I am no one special. I am average in about every way you can think. I’m just an average person.

I am grateful for our citizens who choose to be our public servants. Whether someone serves as an officer, deputy, EMT or firefighter, they have chosen to care for and serve and protect to the best of their ability all lives they come into contact with. This is their life’s work, their passion. It takes a special breed to commit your life to serving others. It takes courage, integrity and bravery. It can put every facet of your life in the spotlight in some situations. It makes every part of your life vulnerable and open to questions and criticism. Each and every one of the men and women who have placed themselves in a capacity to serve their fellow neighbors, have a respect from me far beyond what words can ever say. 

One such citizen is Sheriff Bryan Murphy. My support also is a public thank you to him and everyone who serves the citizens of this county and city. They are not thanked enough. Your service is honorable and full of sacrifice that is often unseen and unspoken.

The election has been weighing heavily on my mind, even more so with the current climate for our officers. 

Our country has been plagued with news coming in at a blurring rate and near daily reports of deaths and shootings. Even our small community has not been untouched by tragedy with the recent loss of Captain Robert Melton of the KCK Police Department. Sheriff Murphy shared time with him during his service in the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department. I know this took a huge toll on him as well as every deputy in our department. I am not in law enforcement but I know they are a brotherhood.  Those men and women who work together daily become family.

As John 15:13 reads “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

I can never imagine the horrific things these men and women have been witness to and have to deal with in silence.

I do not slight anyone who has the courage to put themselves out there and run for public office. There is no higher capacity in servitude, to become a target for condemnation and scrutiny. I applaud you for making democracy come alive in healthy debate and conscious decision-making, so long as it stays as debate and conversation, and not mudslinging and hatefulness.

Not everyone will agree 100 percent on any subject. That’s what makes our country great and our uniqueness a treasure.

How many have the courage to step forward and put your life and reputation on the line for service to your community, county or country? Many have with honor, bravery and courage beyond measure. 

How many of you would put on your uniform and possibly not come home ever again? Are you willing for people to degrade you in ways you never imagined just because of your uniform or because a decision was not in their favor? 

How would you like everything you do to be scrutinized so microscopically, even during a life and death situation? Would you take every measure possible, even when you aren’t in uniform, to help someone in need no matter the day, hour or weather? Trying to calm a distraught person after delivering news that a loved one isn’t coming home? Would you be willing?

Servitude of your fellow man is not for the weak or faint of heart,and it’s thankless. Sheriff Murphy is not looking for thanks. He’s looking to serve and honor the people he has chosen to live and work with in this county. Even if it sometimes breaks his heart or scars him for life.

He has done everything in his power to care for the citizens of this county. 

Sheriff Murphy made a commitment of his life to public service long before he ever ran for sheriff. He chose lola. He chose Allen County. He chose us. 

He has helped provide training and equipment for school safety; with educational resources and training in the proper use and care of firearms so we may learn how to be safely armed; alerting citizens of possible dangers and how to make ourselves safer; upgrades and purchasing life-saving equipment to aid our deputies; and community outreach and resources  to better understand how law enforcement works for us.

The sheriff and his deputies have taken their duties to the citizens to heart. Sheriff Murphy would lay down his life for any one of us as I know all the officers and deputies of this community would. They honor and serve each one of us with their hard work and sacrifice each and every day, and not always while they are in uniform. I believe this with every fiber of my being. I have had the privilege of seeing it in action.

One man alone cannot be responsible for everything. One man alone cannot stop the drug trade. One man alone cannot stop domestic violence. He can sure get things underway and lead a fine and capable team with his fellow brothers and sisters to find ways to make a difference. 

But this one man will still shoulder every worry, every case, every complaint, every crisis, every individual he comes into contact with, with his heart. He doesn’t just see it and file it away. It’s not clinical. He lives it. Breathes it. That’s what happens when you serve your fellow man. Our Sheriff has an incredible staff that works with him each day and they work as a team.

I know he is grateful for his deputies and staff of the Allen County Sheriff’s Department and the lola Police Department. They work closely together on may things and communication is a great thing for all of us. 

Sure there are breakdowns and misunderstanding but they are all human. Ultimately, they all have the same goal, to make our community safe. We have a duty as citizens to learn and seek guidance and education as well. It’s a group effort.

As I said at the beginning of my letter, I am just an average person. I have stepped out of my comfort zone to write. I wanted to take the time to remind my fellow citizens of a few positive things our sheriff has done. I know his intent is to continue to serve us in his best capacity. 

I just wanted to give a different perspective.  The world is a negative, cruel and sometimes horrifying place. I wanted to remind each one of you of the cost of what it takes to serve. It is not an easy task. My words are simple and far from elegant. So, simply stated, Sheriff Murphy, you have served with honor, integrity, courage and valor, in my humble opinion, for me and my family and my county. There are many others who echo my feelings. I thank you for your service and I will cast my vote for you. I know you have a great love for us and for what you do. For that, I thank you. Thank you, editor, for allowing me to express my thoughts and my thanks.

Sincerely, Pamela Jordan

Iola, Kan., (Average Allen County resident)

Dear editor,

This election we are about to have, to say the least, is going to be great history reading in the future. As is all elections, we need to seek information on the candidate and hold them responsible if they are elected.

I approached Sheriff Murphy twice at Walmart and asked him about extra patrol on Old 169 between Iola and Humboldt. My wife and I travel that road twice a week. We have people tailgate us, pass in no-passing zone, cut in front of us, and speed by us like we were standing still. I set my cruise on 55 mph and they go by us like we are standing still.

In a short time they are several miles ahead of us. Sheriff Murphy has yet to answer as to what if anything he did about my complaint. I guess you know who I am not voting for this election.

Jim Heffernon,

Iola, Kan.

To the editor,

It appears that facts depend on your purpose of usage. Take the case of Mrs. Curry’s letter Thursday — a burglary occurred at her residence, while Sheriff Bryan Murphy was on paternity leave.

The officer then in charge was none other than our current County Commissioner Jerry Daniels, who was the undersheriff at the time. It was the undersheriff who signed off as to the case investigation and conclusions.

The county attorney at the time concluded that the case could not be prosecuted based on the information and identification given to the Sheriff’s Department.

Then there is the matter of our County Attorney Jerry Hathaway. All I will state is that he is in the middle of prosecuting a murder case involving five co-conspirators, and possibly more. That speaks to the issue of his part-time status and abilities; and also of our Sheriff’s Department working with the Iola Police Department as a joint task force that has an ongoing investigation to resolve this issue.

This causes me to report another distortion of the truth as evidenced by myself and approximately 60-plus attendees at the candidates forum July 11, where a non-candidate … verbally attacked our sheriff and county commissioner for incidents rendered moot by the lack of testimony and lack of investigation by the law enforcement agency in whose district these violations occurred.

This individual has continued his attacks by supporting his personal lawyer as a candidate, whose past was noted and addressed by the editor of this very paper.

Mr. Williams, the target of these attacks, is a current county commissioner, two-term ex-sheriff of Allen County, a retired Kansas Bureau of Investigation senior special agent and “established” the Child Advocacy Center concept statewide. He serves as the representative of law enforcement on a three-member state board appointed by the Kansas attorney general. While sheriff, Mr. Williams was the initiating officer in Kansas to train his department in the concept of “finding words” so that law enforcement is able to get abused children to describe in their own words abuse they endured so that this testimony is presentable to the prosecution for legal action.

As for child care and concerns, a quick call to Hope Unlimited director Dorothy Sparks will substantiate Mr. Williams’ concern and personal involvement in the care and well-being of any child he can effectively help.

I hope I have cleared up some issues involving candidates who I personally respect and support as a positive citizen and Vietnam veteran.

Respectfully,

Larry Walden

Iola, Kan.

To the editor

If Allen County voters put Mr. Thuston in as county attorney, they will be sorry. Neosho County has been trying to get rid of him. 

Betty Herrmann,

Moran, Kan.

Take a drive around Iola’s downtown business district and you’ll find about a dozen store fronts, in one manner or another, no longer harbor commercial businesses.

A handful of reasons are to blame, including the success of our relatively new Walmart store, which is an important component in that it draws folks to town, provides scores of jobs and generates a ton of sales tax revenue for Iola and Allen County. Orscheln and others outside downtown also play big roles in our commercial well-being.

A bright spot on the horizon is the new G&W Grocery store that apparently will open in the spring, taking the lion’s share of the old Allen County Hospital footprint. An apartment complex to the north is being completed in a sprint — before we know it residents will be moving in.

The $64,000 question is what to do about downtown. If there were a silver bullet, it would have been triggered long ago.

Thanks to purchases and restoration efforts by David and Beth Toland several buildings have been put back in the merchandising mix. They can’t do it alone, nor could anyone else.

We need a concentrated effort from a broad spectrum — Ryan Sparks surely is another who needs included — of Iolans to sit down together often and come up with a plan for recruitment, and to ensure those merchants now on board that help is available in any and all ways.

Commercial enterprise has been changed by the mammoth discount stores, but it seems likely that there are enough niche markets bathed in personalized service, and some traditional stores, that can make a go of it.

Innovative approaches to marketing, adjustment of hours and cooperative efforts are a few things that come to mind. And, some of our merchants have been doing those things.

We also have been blessed by owners who have put forth great efforts to enhance appearances of their buildings, but we need more than cosmetics.

Nothing is more depressing than to drive through town at the height of business hours and find far too many parking spaces available.

Perhaps our new city administrator, Sid Fleming, will have some ideas that escaped notice locally. Perhaps we need to send out a team to see what other towns do.

 Let’s leave no stone unturned.

— Bob Johnson

Dear editor,

As we near the time to elect officials, it is a perfect time to become educated on facts. Our only opportunity to count our opinion is when we walk into the voting booth, hopefully as an informed voter. I encourage everyone to use their right to be informed and to vote accordingly.

My vote for sheriff will not be for Brian Murphy, based on my experience. In December 2013, our home was entered by a complete stranger, encountered by my husband in our kitchen. The young man stated he was lost. When my husband left the room to retrieve a map, the man fled, along with his friend who had been in our barn stealing tools. We immediately phoned the sheriff’s office.

Ours was not the first encounter, the two had already been spotted at Charlie and Debbie Kerr’s several miles away. A call was made to the sheriff’s office at that time also. One deputy was on duty, the sheriff was on paternity leave. This is a small community, word travels fast, and before the afternoon was over, we had a name and a picture of the person that the identity was confirmed. This was all reported to the sheriff’s office for further investigation. We called several times over the next several weeks and received no information, only promises they would get back with us. I mentioned it to a county commissioner and again, a “detective” came and I told him the same information that had already been given before. Again no results. To my knowledge, no arrests have ever been made.

Just to make sure my information was all correct for this letter, I asked for a copy of all of the reporting information from the sheriff’s office. In the information I received there was absolutely no mention of the suspect’s name, or even that we had given them that information.  In addition, the personal data in the report for my husband was actually someone from a neighboring county with the same name. Evidently, whoever was putting the data together couldn’t figure out that a robbery at our HOME in Allen County shouldn’t include a personal address for the resident in Woodson County.

My concern with this entire issue is not what was materially taken but the fact that I no longer feel safe alone in my home unless the doors are locked. It concerns me very much that these two young men could possibly choose to be armed on their next venture after encountering someone at our home. This would not have a good outcome any way you look at it. It concerns me that the appropriate steps to find and arrest these two were never taken.

I grew up in this community and have always felt safe here. Over the years during my employment at Allen County Community College I reassured parents who brought their children to Allen to attend school that this was a safe community.  I want it to be a safe community for everyone again by placing a competent person in the office of sheriff, someone who will hire competent people to do their jobs well and serve the people of Allen County.  

Jared Froggatte is a competent, hardworking, and fair person. His background includes not only various positions in law enforcement but he is also a military veteran who proudly served our country. He will be a person who works for all residents of Allen County.

I urge you to be an informed voter and I think you will see that we need some changes.

Vicki Curry,

Iola, Kan.

Dear editor,

I was interested in the piece about Vickie Schmidt. We have been friends of her parents for years.

She is what she says she is. She believes in working for the good of Kansas. She and Sam (Brownback) have two things in common: they are both Republicans, and they both have an intense dislike for one other.

I sure hope she wins again. She was on Brownback’s hit list the last time, and big money  poured in for smear ads. 

They have no shame. That is why it is so hard to get good people to run.

No lie is too big as far as money goes. It is asking a lot from your family.

Since I can’t vote for John Kasich, I will cross the line and vote for Hillary. Remember when Congress thought they would be heroes to the American people and shut down the government to show they would stand tall against Obama?

It was the women in Congress who were smart enough to see they were shooting themselves in the feet and got things going again.

When the little hometown bank of Hepler sold to a wealthy man, Mr. Goppert, he asked who should be recommended to manage the bank. My Aunt Clayta was his choice.

This was in 1945, when women didn’t hold such positions. Everyone knew her, and knew she could do it, but still people worried because many felt it wasn’t safe not to have a man in the bank.

Three years later, in comes a guy who robs the bank. As he left, Aunt Clayta ran out and got his license number and description of his car. He was arrested in Parsons and the money was recovered.

Some said they knew there should have been a man in the bank, although the suspect also robbed banks in Walnut and Stark (both run by men.) Aunt Clayta was the only one with presence of mind to risk her life and get the tag number.

She ran the bank successfully for 30 years.

Maybe it is time for a woman president. The men have made a mess of things.

Maude Burns,

Iola, Kan.

To the editor,

I am so very happy that my Personal Savior Jesus Christ is different than the editor of the Iola Register. First, God is all knowing and God never makes mistakes. The allegations printed in the paper from the Iola Register’s editor were made against me for things that occurred before I was 30 years old, but not everything that was printed is true.

First, I was never accused or charged with accepting a bribe. That is simply a false statement. The other things listed in the editorial you will find that I was never found to have violated any law or rules of professional responsibility for attorneys. I have never had a limitation on my license to practice law. Perhaps if the writer had contacted me prior to printing the erroneous statements these errors could have been avoided.

That being said, I am willing to admit that I am not perfect and have made mistakes. I told the people of Neosho County in 2012 that my mission was to gain redemption. In 2012 I won the primary election. The present county attorney resigned early and the governor appointed me to finish her term before starting my elected term.

The people of Neosho County and I hope the people of Allen County understand that I have matured and have corrected the errors of youth in how I operate my office, so that no allegations would ever be made against me.

It is very sad when a media outlet insults an entire county.  The people of Neosho County have not forgotten what happened with me, but they weighed what I had to offer. 

The people know that I am an independent thinker, that I will do what I believe is best for the people of the county I serve. Neosho County decided to give me a second chance and I have not squandered the opportunity.

My credibility is enhanced because I know what it’s like to be accused. This has made me a better lawyer. I have learned to do the right thing, to the right people, for the right reasons.

Sincerely,

Linus A. Thuston

Neosho County Attorney

Candidate for Allen County Attorney

Editor’s note: It is the Register’s policy not to run a candidate’s letter to the editor in the run-up to an election. In this instance, Linus Thuston is responding to an editorial that ran previously.