Editor’s note: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that the Bowlus Fine Arts Center will assume control of the Flewharty House from the Iola Public Library.
The decision has yet to be approved or finalized by Bowlus Trustees. Meanwhile, Iola Public Library is still using the space for library programs. We apologize for the error.
Student activities in the USD 257 school district will see an infusion of funds thanks to an annual contribution from G&W Foods. Weston Helman, an Iola High School junior and G&W employee, presented a check for $3,621.63 to board members during Monday evening’s meeting.
Each year, schools collect receipts and the grocery store gives back an amount based on qualifying purchases. G&W customers can also request cashiers to designate their receipts for the schools.
The money will be split among the schools to use for student programs.
“G&W has been a supporter of the Iola school system since they moved to town,” said Superintendent Stacey Fager. “It also takes a lot of accounting by our staff here at the district office and we appreciate those efforts, as well.”
IN OTHER NEWS, Transportation Director Aaron Cole gave an update on a delayed summer project. The planned work on the east-side parking lot at Iola Middle School is on hold until engineering fees are settled, he explained. “It will most likely be pushed off until next summer,” said Cole. The delay is due to a need to determine if the elevations are correct for drainage.
“We think it would be most beneficial to get an engineer to put the plans together so that everyone is bidding on the same set of plans,” Cole said. “That way, somebody with a low bid is not coming in there and just redoing the same elevation and then we end up having the same issues. This will ensure it will be a long-term solution for us.”
Board President Jennifer Taylor notified the board that the Bowlus Fine Arts Center has begun discussions about transferring the deed of the Flewharty House. Located just out the Iola Public Library’s back door, the house was previously owned by the late Nancy Flewharty and was left to the library in 2009.
“There is a clause that if the library ever stops using it for library purposes that it would revert to the Bowlus,” said Taylor. “We’re not exactly sure what all this will entail, but we can have our attorney look at that and discuss at future meetings,” she added.
