Wednesday will be Clara Wicoff Day in Iola, recognizing the 14-year-old’s spelling prowess.
Wicoff, an eighth-grader at Iola Middle School, is the three-time defending state spelling champion. She will represent Kansas at the Scripps-Howard National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., in May.
Iola Mayor Bill Shirley, in reading a proclamation in Wicoff’s honor, cited her success in the field of academics “as well as one who personifies the highest standards of leadership and character.”
Wicoff, daughter of City Councilman Joel Wicoff, also is the five-time defending county spelling champion. She also will compete in the National Geographic Geography Bee in Abilene on Friday.
COUNCIL MEMBERS discussed once again a proposed ordinance allowing fireworks to be sold and shot in city limits.
The proposal would allow fireworks inside Iola for the first time in several decades. It is a bit more restrictive than state law. Fireworks would be sold starting June 29, and would be shot off between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. through July 3 and from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4.
The proposal also would allow fireworks to be sold only along commercial properties lining U.S. 54 or State Street in Iola.
Fire Chief Donald Leapheart, working with Police Chief Jared Warner and City Attorney Chuck Apt, said he hopes to have the proposal ready for a final vote in the coming weeks.
Iola residents Donna Houser and Becky Nilges, speaking in a public portion of the fireworks discussion, cited concerns about having fireworks shot off near homes.
FORMER police officer Lisa Fox announced her intentions to appeal the city’s decision in February to terminate her employment.
Fox, speaking in front of the council, said she was unable to afford the costs related to paying the county for radio transmissions recorded while she was on duty, a part of her appeal.
She planned to meet today with an attorney in Kansas City to discuss her options.
Council members scheduled a special meeting April 3 to hear Fox’s appeal.
In her address to the council, Fox also said that one of the council members had discussed her case in public — and in violation of her rights to privacy.
She declined to identify the councilman publicly, but said she was prepared to do so if they wished.
Councilmen, in accordance with city policy, have declined to comment about Fox’s termination.
