The Iola Area Chamber of Commerce hosted one of the largest annual awards night crowds in the organization’s history Thursday, with more than 270 Chamber businesses and other guests filling the Recreation Community Building at…

Iola High School will conclude its two-night run Thursday Friday evening at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center with the Oscar Wilde classic, “The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy For Serious People.” Tickets sell…

As spring arrives, and the number of days remaining in the school year dwindles to the precious few, it gives students, teachers and others in the community a chance to appreciate the talents served up…

The phone hasn’t stopped ringing, even though Friday’s show at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center was sold out weeks ago. “I think I got six calls yesterday,” Mandy Moyer, Bowlus director, said Tuesday morning. “Tickets…

As a child, Mandy Moyer experienced the joy and awe of attending shows at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. “I remember coming here to watch ‘A Christmas Carol’ and ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ I remember…

Sometimes, little things make a big difference. An effort to learn how students feel about their schools resulted in repairs to a bathroom at Iola High School. Max Andersen and Kaysin Crusinbery, IHS seniors who…

There’s a three-letter word to explain why Patrick Matarazzo agreed to direct the Iola Area Symphony Orchestra. F-U-N. “They’re in it for fun,” he said. “Some of these people have been playing instruments for 20,…

Iola middle and high school orchestra students presented their winter concert Wednesday evening at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. The orchestra is directed by Kaylin Klubek. The high school advanced orchestra, above, played a medley…

Iola Elementary School’s kindergarten and third-grade classes entertained a packed house Tuesday at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center with a medley of holiday-themed songs.

Judging from Thursday evening’s Christmas program, I would argue that second grade is the best of all. The children were idyllic. Neat as a pin. Well-behaved. And enthusiastic.  Such behavior is learned.  Before the program…