It’s been a week of celebration on top of catastrophe in Iola.
Late last Saturday I was never so happy as to hear the drone of our electricity come online in the south end of town after being knocked out by Friday night’s terrific storm.
And we were the lucky ones. For some, it wasn’t until Wednesday that power was restored.
Around our home, I began to scold myself whenever I flipped a switch only to forget the power was off, it comes so naturally. It’s also a reminder why candles make a good gift. But with a houseful, unscented is best.
In a brief visit Thursday with Jim Baker of Iola’s electric department, he said their work was far from over as they continue to replace downed poles, trim trees and re-loop damaged meter boxes.
By now I’m sure he’s feeling it’s a thankless job. Be sure to let our city and county workers know you appreciate their efforts.
DESPITE the debris, Monday’s ceremonial signing of Bill 2039 to establish Lehigh Portland State Park went off without a hitch.
Gov. Laura Kelly was the guest of honor along with Iola’s Lt. Gov. David Toland and officials with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
In her welcoming remarks Lisse Regher, CEO of Thrive Allen County, reminded the audience of the collective effort required to gain legislative passage of the measure and how it made her proud “to call Iola home, especially for what it means for younger generations.”
The past nine years of building and maintaining walking and biking trails around the abandoned quarry proved the area could be so much more if properly developed.
As owners of the land, Iola Industries board members were brought on board last summer and ultimately agreed to give the 500-acre parcel to the state as its 29th state park.
Gov. Kelly termed the exchange as “an extraordinary and visionary gift that will impact Kansas and Kansas families for generations to come.” 
As an Iola Industries board member, I can vouch it was an easy decision. Though the land is valued at more than $1 million, the organization has never viewed it as a commercial opportunity.
The park is about so much more than economic development, Linda Lanterman, director of Kansas State Parks, told the audience.
“It’s about quality of life. It’s a respite for physical and mental well-being,” she said.
