Surging enthusiasm for instrumental music at Iola Middle School has caused the school’s band to outgrow the bandstand on the courthouse lawn.
Jack Stanley, IMS principal, told county commissioners Tuesday the school would like to have its annual spring outdoor concert on the east side of the courthouse square, to accommodate 100 seventh- and eighth-grade members. Commissioners gave their blessing.
Next year’s band promises to be even larger, with 50 sixth graders involved this year.
“We’ll probably have 115 in the band then,” he said.
Those who attend the concert are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to spread on the lawn.
IN OTHER news, commissioners:
— Were told work on four miles of Delaware Road reconstruction, starting at the old Zillah School and running east, would start next week. Completion is expected in about a month.
— Asked Bill King, director of public works, to look into erection of lights at the corner of Oregon Road and U.S. 169, directly east of Allen County Regional Hospital. Commissioner Tom Williams said he thought lights would make the intersection safer for motorists and ambulances going to and coming from the hospital.
— Gave all employees 90 days to use compensatory time. Before, rules varied between departments.
— Approved including smoking cessation prescriptions on drug cards for employees. County Clerk Sherrie Riebel estimated 25 employees were smokers. As part of the county’s new wellness program smokers will be encouraged to kick the habit.
