Federal Holiday Provides Extra Time For Taxes

If you think that April 15th is the last day to file taxes… well, this year… you are wrong. This year, Tax Day is April 18th…. Michael Devine, spokesman for the IRS says it is all because of a holiday.






Devine says that even though you have a couple of extra days to file this year, you should still file early to avoid extra penalties.

Southeast Kansas Meltdown Kick Off Date Announced

The Southeast Kansas Meltdown will kick off April 2nd with weigh-ins in nine counties. David Toland, Executive Director of Thrive Allen County says it's easy to start the habit to a healthier life.






Over 700 people in Allen County registered for the Meltdown in the last two years and have lost thousands of pounds as a county over that period.

Serious accident on Highway 169 claims two lives

There was a bad accident late yesterday on US Highway 169 near Stanton Road. Miami County Sheriff's deputies responded and say a passenger car was headed south on 169 when ice caused it to slide down an embankment and into a pond. The female passenger, who is reportedly from Greenley, was able to break open the sunroof and swim away. The 53-year old driver, Mary Crawford of Garnett, was trapped inside an died at the scene. A second accident occurred almost immediately after the first, and in that one a vehicle crossed the center line and struck another car. A 66-year old woman from Wisconsin died in that accident, while four others were taken to the hosptial, including a one-year old child who was reportedly ejected from the vehicle. A five mile stretch of Highway 169 was still shut down this morning as authorities investigated.

Adoption Fees Still Waived At The Allen County Animal Rescue

For the month of February, the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility waived their adoption fees in hopes to free up much needed kennel space There are also a couple of adoptions available that are completely free of charge, thanks to a good Samaritan's donation. There are many dogs available, but Director Andi DePriest wants to highlight one special dog named Shelley.







DePriest says Shelley is a watcher and very laid back. For more information on Shelley or any other dogs, call 620-496-3647.

Kansas House Bill HB-2249 Would Ban Bath Salts That Are Used As Drugs

Kansas House Bill HB-2249 is currently being discussed to add the ban of so-called bath salts that are being ingested as drugs. One young man committed suicide last year after using the substance in St. Joe, Missouri.






COPY:

Rusty Payne, a spokesman for the DEA in Washington says substances with names like Ivory Wave have nothing to do with bath salts.






The substances are being sold on the Internet and in convenience stores.

So-Called Bath Salts Being Used As Drugs With Lethal Consequences

So-called bath salts with names like "Ivory Wave," "Vanilla Sky" and "Bliss" are being sold over the internet and in convenience stores and are being ingested as drugs. The use has spread rapidly across the U.S. prompting law makers to scramble to pass laws in an effort to ban them. Rusty Payne, Spokesman for the Drug Enforcement Agency in Washington says the use can have lethal consequences.







According to Payne, using the name bath salts is just a marketing scheme. The side effects can include heart attacks and psychological effects such as hallucinations and suicidal thoughts. The elation effects are short-lived, leading to addiction. Even scarier is the false perception that they are safe to use.







The two chemicals found in these so-called bath salts are MDPV and methodrone. The substances are being smoked, snorted and injected and have caused deaths in several states.

Gas prices on the rise

Gas prices are on a steady climb. Jessica Brady of Triple A says the prices will continue their rise into the summer.






Unrest in other parts of the world takes some of the blame, but Brady says that can be an over reaction.






Prices in Iola in the past 24 hours seem to hover right around $3.20.

New Iola Superintendent Will Hold Meeting To Meet The Community

USD 257 has named Brian Pekarek as their new superintendent of schools. In a couple of weeks, the community will have the chance to meet him face to face at a special meeting.






Pekarek comes to Iola from the Clifton-Clyde USD 224 district where he has served as superintendent for two years. He and his wife Robyn have two children, Seth, age four and Thad, age 2 and are expecting their third. The Pekareks are looking forward to raising their growing family in Iola.

Effort underway to get teens to buckle up

Law enforcement officers are looking to make sure we're buckled up, especially teens. From Feb. 27 to March 12, law enforcement across Kansas will participate in an aggressive enforcement in and around schools to both educate and enforce the restraint laws. It's part of an initiative called Seatbelts Are For Everyone, or S.A.F.E.. It's a student-driven, community-based project that promotes and rewards seat belt use among teens. It's part of 100 high schools in 27 counties. Kansas ranks 42nd in the nation in seat belt use.

Meltdown program encourages weight loss

The area is gearing up for a health initiative that will begin in April called the Southeast Kansas Meltdown. The program would encourage healthy lifestyle changes that should turn into habits of good exercise and nutrition. Communities across Allen, Cherokee, Crawford, Montgomery, Neosho, and others would participate. It's a 10-week effort that begins April 2. The southeast quadrant of Kansas actually ranks the worst for having healthy lifestyles, according to the Kansas Health Institute. Almost 66 percent of area residents are obese or overweight. The goal is to get two thousand people to participate in the Meltdown. You can contact Thrive Allen County for more information on how to get involved. We'll post the phone number on our website for you.

620-365-8128

IRS Delay in Processing Almost "Caught Up"

Taxpayers who claimed itemized deductions had to wait until Valentine's Day to file their 2010 returns. According to IRS Spokesman Michael Devine, the delay was caused by the changes in the tax law which meant the IRS had to reprogram their computers.






Devine says the delay affected some people, but will not affect anyone now. He encourages everyone to file early before the April 18th deadline.

Coltrane murder update

25-year old Laura Coltrane, originally from Humboldt, was found dead in her apartment in Olathe Friday afternoon. Police are calling it a homicide, and they now have 29-yera old Derek Deon Owens in custody. This is the man Coltrane was in a relationship with, according to her facebook page. In September he was charged in Johnson County with misdemeanor domestic battery for treating Coltrane in a “rude, insulting or angry manner” while he lived with her, according to court records. He also was ordered to have no contact with Coltrane, who was living at an apartment in Mission at the time. Coltrane graduated from Humboldt High School in 2003.

Friday Crash Injures LaHarpe Man

Authorities say a LaHarpe man was injured Friday in a crash in Anderson county. 30-year old Dusty Delaughder was driving a 2006 Ford truck on 300 Road about a mile east of Colony Friday morning just before 8. It's unclear why he lost control and rolled the truck into the ditch.

The Earned Income Tax Credit... Do You Qualify?

Working families that earn less than $49,000 a year may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit which is a refundable credit… that means, if you qualify, you could get a refund. IRS Spokesman Michael Devine says it paid off for the people of Allen County last year.






To see if you are eligible, just go to www.irs.gov and click on the E.I.T.C. Assistant.

How Did Background Check Miss Allegations Against Bricker?

More information this afternoon concerning the teacher in USD 366 who was arrested on Tuesday on a warrant out of Missouri. Because the state requires a background check for all teachers, we asked Woodson County Sheriff Shannon Moore how a check before he started at Woodson schools last fall would have missed the charges against Benjamin Bricker, which are based on a 2009 incident. She says there are several possibilities, among them the fact that he's not yet been convicted of a thing. However, if he'd been fingerprinted while in custody in Missouri, that would have shown up. Moore explains why fingerprinting might not have occurred:






Bricker was released after someone in Missouri posted bond; as of mid-day today, he was still in Yates Center.

USD 366 Teacher Released On Bond

Benjamin Bricker, the Woodson USD 366 teacher that was picked up an outstanding warrant from Missouri has been released from jail. Yates Center Chief of Police Lyle Kee says that Bricker was released after someone in Missouri posted his bond. Woodson USD 366 Superintendent Rusty Arnold was at a loss on why the warrant, which was issued in April of 2010 did not show up in a background check.






Arnold says that Bricker did provide references which all checked out prior to his hiring in the fall of 2010.

Bricker will now have a court date in Missouri on the charges filed regarding an incident where he allegedly drug a minor student over band instruments and cases at a school in Missouri.

Ban on Bath Salts in the Works

From the people who brought you K2 now comes another form of drug that's getting people high, but remains legal. Bath salts. They're only named like the batch salts you're probably thinking of, but a House Committee yesterday learned the designer drugs give a high similar to methamphetamine and have been linked to deaths across the nation. They're marketed under names like Blue Majic, Blue Silk, Ivory Snow, Vanilla Sky and Hurricane Charlie -- and yes, they're found at the same kind of shops that sold K2, the fake marijuana made illegal last year. The Legislature is working on a measure to make bath salts illegal as well.

Hospital trustees issue land purchase options

The next step in construction of the new Allen County Hospital is acquiring the land. Eight landowners received letters Friday proposing purchase options for 10 parcels of land on the site. Property owners will be paid 5 percent of the appraised value of their parcels if they agree to the purchase option. The balance of the appraised amount would be paid after hospital bonds are sold and the title is clear. Trustees have asked for decisions by noon on the 22nd. Altogether, about 17 acres are involved. Of that, 7.2 acres border the 1400 block of East Street and where the hospital likely will be constructed. The remaining nearly 10 acres are north of Monroe Street.

Injury Crash Tuesday Night North of Iola

Kansas Highway Patrol troopers report one person was seriously injured in a head-on crash north of Iola last night. Troopers say Janet Deck of Independence was driving a 2010 Oldsmobile northbound on US 169 just North of Oregon Road about 7:20 last night and tried to pass another vehicle. She was in the oncoming land and hit a southbound semi head-on. Troopers say Deck was taken initially to Allen County Hospital, but was later transferred to Overland Park Medical center. Officials there have not released her condition. The semi driver and the driver of the car she was passing were not hurt.

Dense Fog Advisory until 10am

A DENSE FOG ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM CST THIS MORNING.

VISIBILITY...OF ONE-QUARTER MILE OR LESS WILL AFFECT MUCH OF CENTRAL...SOUTH-CENTRAL AND SOUTHEAST KANSAS UNTIL LATE THIS MORNING. EARLY MORNING TEMPERATURES WILL BE AROUND FREEZING
ACROSS PARTS OF THE ADVISORY AREA...THEREFORE A FEW SLICK SPOTS MAY FORM ON ESPECIALLY BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES.

USD 366 Teacher Arrested On Warrant From Missouri

A Woodson USD 366 teacher was arrested yesterday on an outstanding Missouri warrant on charges of false imprisonment, felony endangering the welfare of a child, and disturbing the peace. Benjamin B. Bricker was arrested following a traffic stop and license check that revealed the warrant. Lyle Kee, Yates Center Chief of Police says the warrant was initially issued in April of 2010.






Bricker had just started as a music and band teacher last August in Yates Center. He is currently being held in the Woodson jail awaiting extradition to Missouri. Bond has been set at $15,000.

Bikers and Police Fight Over Proposed Dead Red Bill

A proposed bill in the Kansas House Transportation Committee has motorcyclists and police officers in disagreement. The "Dead Red" bill, as it is called, would allow bikers to go through lights that stay red for a long time. Bikers says they don't generate enough weight to trip sensors that cause the lights to change, but police say the bill is simply not a good idea. Iola Chief of Police Jerrod Warner explains why.






The Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police and the Kansas Peace Officers' Association are opposing the bill.

Iola Recreation Department Valentine Day Coloring Contest Winners Announced

The winners of the Iola Recreation Department Valentine Day Coloring Contest are in and Luke Bycroft, Iola Recreation Director has those names….






The winners received a box of cookies and a free carnation. Their works of art are currently on display at City Hall in Iola.

Last Minute Valentine's Ideas

If you are one of those who waited for the last minute to order flowers for Valentine's Day… you may have to go a more personal route. This day is one of the busiest for florists and most will not take any more orders for delivery. Duane McGraw at Duane's Flowers in Iola has some ideas for you.






Other items that are available for pickup are ballons and the old stand-by… candy.

Allen County Animal Rescue Waiving Adoption Fees For February

The Allen County Animal Rescue Facility is turning away dogs this month and has had to take other measures to encourage adoptions.






Director Andi DePriest says there are even some dogs that have been completely paid for by an anonymous donor. For more information, call 620-496-3647.

Farmers Market to begin in April

The farmers market is coming back to Iola. It will happen Thursday evenings on Washington Avenue April 14th through October 13th. The event is sponsored by Thrive Allen County and Allen County Farm Bureau. Commissioners agreed to close Washington Avenue, from Madison Avenue to West Street for the event, Thursday evenings at 5:45.

Storm spotter class next week

A storm spotter class is coming up next week. In fact these "Storm Fury on the Plains" seminars are happening all over Kansas this month. The Allen County presentation happens in Iola next Tuesday the 15th at 6:30 at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. Attendees are taught the basics of thunderstorm development, storm structure, the features to look for, and where to find them. The session is a multi-media presentation, which includes detailed video. These spotter classes typically take about 1½ to 2 hours, and are open to the public. No prior experience is required, and there is no registration necessary to attend.

Unemployment claims fall

The government says the number of people filing for first-time unemployment benefits last week fell to the lowest level in two and a half years.






That's anaylst Connell McShane. Perhaps another sign that the economy is turning a corner. Kansas hasn't faced the major job losses that have affected much of the country. Kansas' most recent unemployment rate was 6.4 percent, well below the national average. But when the rest of the country picks up, it's still good news for Kansas job seekers.

Fire Destroys Part of Garnett Business

Fire destroys one of four buildings at a Garnett business. Anderson County Public Safety Director Pat Tate said yesterday Astro Truck Covers burned for more than six hours after the fire began shortly before 1 a.m. Tuesday. The company makes fiberglass truck covers and most recently made slides for swimming pools. The company, which opened in 2004, employs 50 to 80 people. The building that was destroyed housed some of the finished products, but the company owner told KCTV5 some of the equipment was unharmed and as soon as they are able to build more molds, they can get the company back working.

Roy Rogers, Jr. and the High Riders Ride Into the Bowlus Fine Arts Center This Weekend

A great love story was Dale Evans and Roy Rogers and in the spirit of that and Valentine's Day, Roy Rogers, Jr. will be performing with his band at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center this Saturday.






Judy Cochran, with the Marketing Department at the Bowlus Fine Arts Show says tickets are still available. For more information, go to www.bowluscenter.org.

February 11th is National 2-1-1 Day

Today is National 2-1-1 Day. What is 2-1-1? ...you might ask…






Pat Hanrahan, President of the United Way of the Plains Wichita says that the service is also available for people who are looking for places to volunteer in their communities.

Library board opening

The City of Iola is seeking someone interested in serving on the Library Board. It's a non-paid position, but an opportunity to get involved. If you're interested you can download an application on the city's website http://cityofiola.com. Completed applications go to the City Administrator's Office.

Lots of Snow Does Not Mean Lots of Moisture

Although you might think the large amount of snow we've received so far this month will mean good moisture for the crops this spring, we really haven't gained that much usable moisture. Chief Meteorologist Dan Holiday explains how meteorologists estimate the amount of moisture from snowfall:"






With that in mind, even though you may see a lot of snow on the ground, the crops won't see much of it at all come this spring.

New flu vaccine in the works

The state department of health has noticed an increase in flu cases in recent weeks, and urges us all to get that flu shot if we have not already. Some good news, researchers may have found a universal flu vaccine that would cover all strains of flu, and one shot every year would not be necessary. Oxford researchers Sarah Gilbert.






The vaccine is still in the trial stage, but Gilbert says the results have been positive so far.

Refurbished Allen County Signs Will Start To Be Replaced By Township

Recently, Allen County announced that they had found a cost cutting way to meet the new federal regulations regarding the reflectivity of road signs. Bill King, Director of Public Work says they will refurbish the signs themselves.






King admits the idea is not a new one and that surrounding counties have doing this process for some time.

USD 257 Weekly report

USD 257 is interviewing candidates for the Superintendent postition. They have one interview scheduled for this afternoon and one for tomorrow, weather permitting. You'll have a chance to meet them too.






If the weather cancels school tomorrow, that second interview and reception would be rescheduled. Other events this week...






Next week USD 257 will have parent teacher conferences. The board meets again next Monday night at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center.

Another Round of Winter Weather

Another round of winter weather is affecting southeast Kansas and surrounding areas today. Let's check in with Chief Meteorologist Dan Holiday:






A WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON WEDNESDAY. FR AREAS TO OUR SOUTH AND TO OUR WEST, A WINTER STORM WARNING IS IN EFFECT.

LIGHT SNOW DEVELOPED ACROSS NORTHERN KANSAS OVERNIGHT AND WILL EXPAND IN COVERAGE AND INTENSITY TODAY BEFORE DIMINISHING EARLY ON WEDNESDAY. 4 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW ARE EXPECTED ACROSS SOUTHEAST KANSAS BY EARLY TOMORROW MORNING.

BREEZY NORTH WINDS WILL CREATE REDUCED VISIBILITIES IN BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW. DANGEROUS WIND CHILL VALUES AROUND 10 BELOW ZERO WILL DEVELOP THIS AFTERNOON WITH THESE VALUES FALLING TO AROUND 15 BELOW ZERO BY EARLY WEDNESDAY MORNING.

Iola Rec Department Valentine Coloring Contest Still Open Until Wednesday

This Wednesday, the winners of the Iola Recreation Department Coloring Contest will be announced. The first winner was drawn during last week's storm, but the second will be drawn on Wednesday so kids ages 12 and younger can still enter up until the time of the drawing.






Luke Bycroft, Recreation Director for the City of Iola says the prizes for this contest have a Valentine theme… cookies and a certificate for a free carnation.

No one injured in a Chanute arson attempt

Just after midnight last night officers from the Chanute police department got a call about someone setting fire to the Rendezvous bar on north Evergreen in Chanute. Officers were able to get a description from the suspect from people who were at the bar, and that person was taken into custody after begin located a few blocks away. The suspects name has not been released, but we know that he or she is being held at the Neosho County jail on an aggravated arson charge. Other charges could be filed once the investigation is complete.

Allen County Emergency Management Team Acknowledged For Work During Storm

The response to last week's storm in keeping the public safe and the roads clear took many agencies working together in Allen County. Commissioner Robert Francis was impressed by the work of Pam Beasley from Emergency Management and everyone involved.






Francis also thanks the public for staying off of the roads while workers cleared them.

Allen County Commissioner Thanks Public For Help During Storm

Last week's storm created quite a challenge for Allen County, according to Commissioner Robert Francis, but, over all, he said the public really helped.






Francis also acknowledged the work of the entire Emergency Management Team in their response to the storm and said it was amazing to see how well they worked together.

Severe Weather Awareness week approaching

We've had winter weather on the mind this week, but it won't be long before spring is here and we'll have to be thinking about severe weather. Severe weather awareness week will happen March 7th through the 11th. Leading up to that, Tuesday February 15th at 6:30 at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, it will be Storm Fury on the Plains. Pam Beasley with Allen County Emergency Management has more:






There will be lots of material available.






For more on severe weather and getting involved, go to http://allencounty.org

Price Tag For Blizzard Won't Be Available For Allen County Until Next Week

The financial burden of this week's blizzard will not be available until at least next week. After that, Allen County Commissioner Robert Francis believes there will be funds available for reimbursements.






Francis says the grand total can't be made until all of the work is done. Crews are still working on some of the more rural roads that are used mostly by farmers.

Part of the 150th celebration still on display

At least we didn't have this weather last week, with Kansas' 150th birthday celebration. Crowds were able to get out last week and celebrate at several events. Events began Jan. 23 with “Fabrication,” which was a reception for Ada Niedenthal’s abstract quilt display at the Mary L. Martin Gallery at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. About 30 people attended, and the artwork is still on display. You can view it through March 9th whenever the Bowlus is open.

State Declaration issued for Allen County

Pamela Beasley has also let us know that early this morning Governor Brownback signed a state diaster declaration for several counties in Kansas, including Allen and those surrounding it. The freezing precipitation, winds, and blowing and drifting snow, all combined to make it an emergency situation, which activates several agencies including KDOT and the National Guard. The Allen County Commission has already signed the disaster declaration.

Law Enforcement Is Telling The Public To Stay At Home During This Storm

Law enforcement officials are asking folks to avoid calling dispatch with non-emergency calls during this storm. They are also telling the public to just stay home. In the event of a power outage, Pamela Beasley says a shelter may be opened.






If a power outage should occur, and you choose to use a kerosene heater or other alternative sources of heat, it is recommended to open a window slightly to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, check in with your contacts from time to time to make sure everyone is okay.