Frank the cat died this week. He was 17 years old, and succumbed after living a pleasant life as companion of my sister, Jenelle.He was the last of several feline friends Jenelle has had for…

In reporting for stories in today’s special issue on the Allen County Fair, I had the opportunity to watch Terri Kretzmeier in action as leader of the Prairie Dell 4-H club.No matter what she does,…

The power was off just long enough to necessitate eating the ice cream, but not long enough to worry about the meat in the freezer. Tuesday morning’s storm hit Iola with a vengeance leaving the…

Kansas is hemorrhaging teachers, according to a report released by the Kansas Department of Education.An estimated 3,720 teachers have vacated their positions after this most recent school year. That’s up almost 60 percent, or 2,150,…

Somewhere along Coal Creek east of Humboldt long ago a treasure was buried.I didn’t grow up in a strict household, but possession of photos as racy as scantily clad girls was something just short of…

By now, we’ve learned how to move on. Yes, losing Herff Jones is a kick in the gut.But no, it doesn’t spell the demise of Iola. We’ll find a way to repurpose the massive facility…

Kansas is cracking open the door to same-sex couples. As of this week, gays and lesbians employed by the state can obtain health insurance for their spouses and change their names on their driver’s licenses.Still…

Last week state officials gave the go-ahead to issue $1 billion in bonds in an effort to boost the state’s pension program.The hope is that the state will earn more in investments than what it…

By all accounts, Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final was the most successful ever in terms of drawing record viewership. Sunday’s victory for the United States surely will catapult women’s soccer to new levels.Even better, it…

I walked into Jack Steiner’s barbershop on West Street just in time to catch him raving about watching the late Minute Bol’s son play basketball in K.C. Anyone who meanders into Jack’s shop, meaning to…