See, Hear Iola

Iola community members braved the cold Friday morning to attend the “See, Hear Iola!” program at the Riverside Park Community Building.
City Administrator Carl Slaugh announced the dog park, Happy Tails, is almost complete with the exception of signs. It will open in the spring with a grand opening put on by Sonic Equipment.
Realtor John Brocker had good news to report. There have been more closings in Iola versus last year. September 2011 did not have any closings in Iola and this year there were two.
Becky Nilges promoted the 8 Wonders of Iola. Nominations are still being accepted and can be submitted to the Iola Public Library, city office and the chamber office.
“We have treasures and wonders in our area that we look at every day and take them for granted,” Nilges said.
The public will vote on the nominations at the Iola Family Reading Festival, Nov. 17.
Marci Penner, author of the 8 Wonders of Kansas, will be in Iola on Nov. 16 to present at the Bowlus for free at 7 p.m. in the recital hall.
Elyssa Jackson, the new director of the Allen County Historical Society, was the keynote speaker.
“I am sure you are all asking, what is a girl from California doing in Iola,” Jackson said. “Well, I have to ask, have you seen what they charge for gas in California?”
Jackson, 24, has a special place in her heart for Allen County because her grandmother, Alberta Rock, is a resident of Allen County.
Jackson spoke about her plans for the historical society. 

“I want to make sure we know how to take care of what we have,” Jackson said.
“It is yours, we just hold it and take care of it for you.” 
She is also making strides to “bring in the Millennium people,” by promoting social networking sites.
“We have to remember we are a mission- and purpose-driven institution and our purpose is to serve the community,” she said. “Tell me how to tell our story. Come in or call me and tell me your story.”
The next “See, Hear Iola!” program will be Nov. 30 at the Riverside Park Community Building at 10 a.m.