REAL Talk

Allen sophomore Shania Charles is a leader on campus—she's president of Student Senate, a captain of the women's soccer team, Phi Theta Kappa president, and more. She's also taken a lead role in organizing a World Food Fair planned for Friday, April 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It's a free event, and the public is invited. The idea came from Allen students as part of the America 250 project, a joint endeavor between the City of Iola, Allen Community College and USD 257. Thrive Allen County played a key role in meeting with students and transforming their ideas into actions. In this week's episode of “Registered,” Charles explains why Allen students decided to host a food festival and what their hopes for the event are. A native of Saint Lucia, Charles also talks about what it's like to be an international student on campus, finding community in Iola, and what her next chapter may hold.

Donita Garner has been at Hope Unlimited for almost 30 years. She's been the Child Advocacy Center Coordinator there since 2009. April is a busy time at Hope Unlimited. It's both Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. As part of their efforts to commemorate these causes, Garner has been visiting with cities and counties across Hope Unlimited's service area. Talking about child abuse and sexual assault is difficult. It's uncomfortable. And these issues are ones many would prefer to sweep under the rug and ignore. Not Garner. She sees education and advocacy as key to her work. She believes we can't make progress if we're not willing to be open to learning more, challenging stereotypes, and believing those who speak up. In this week's episode of “Registered,” we talk with Garner about all Hope Unlimited does—all year round, every single day— to help survivors of sexual assault and child abuse and build a society where violence isn't tolerated.

Shawn Geffert is a fifth-generation farmer based in Humboldt. He's the first to admit he didn't always think he'd go into farming, but now that he's found his footing, his innovative approach to the industry is notable: strip-tilling, pesticide reduction, and autonomous robots, just to name a few. But with high fertilizer and fuel costs, depressed markets, and trade uncertainty, now is a very challenging time to be a farmer, especially in the midst of spring planting. In this week's episode of Registered, we spoke with Geffert to understand how he sees farming now—and in the future. Here's our conversation.

Today is International Women's Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women around the world. In this week's episode of “Registered,” we speak with one of Iola's most esteemed women leaders, Mary Kay Heard. Heard has served Iola in a variety of roles. A former business owner, she currently is chairwoman of Iola Industries and on the hospital's community board. In the past, she has also served on Allen Community College's board of trustees, the Iola Public Library board, and was a key member of the fundraising group for Allen County Regional Hospital. In a wide-ranking conversation, Tim Stauffer talks with Heard about her own experiences, the progress women have made and what work remains to be done, and how we all benefit from a variety of voices at the table. Here's our conversation.

Amanda Holman has been the advisor of Iola High School's FFA chapter for the last nine years. She's watched how the organization has helped develop leaders and challenge young people to grow in new and exciting ways. This week is National FFA Week, a chance to celebrate the nation's largest student-led organization and reflect on its impact. In this week's episode of “Registered,” we do just that, talking with Holman about just what makes her so passionate about FFA.

Kyle Kessler is the executive director of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas, an organization that advocates for the 25 community mental health centers across the state. In this week's episode of “Registered,” we speak with Kessler about what he calls an “unwavering mission” to improve mental health outcomes for Kansans. Two years ago, Kansas was ranked dead last for mental health care and access to services. What changed, and what work does Kessler feel is still needed? What role do community mental health centers play in our community now, and what does their future look like? Here's our conversation. Thanks for listening!

Whether it's the district's Humboldt Promise program, the new Cubs Community Care Center, limiting cell phone use in schools, or improvements from a $17.5 million bond issue voters passed in 2022, Humboldt schools are rapidly retooling to meet students' needs and prepare them for a changing world. At the heart of it is Superintendent Dr. Amber Wheeler, now in her fifth year at the district. The changes, insists Wheeler, are because of an unrelenting focus on “doing what's right for kids.” In this week's episode of “Registered,” we speak with Wheeler about how the district is transforming to meet the moment.

Seth Bolling practically grew up in Moran Locker, the town's family-owned butcher shop and meat processing facility. Bolling is the fourth generation of his family to work in the business, so he understands intimately the beef industry and local agriculture. He has most of his customers' phone numbers memorized. In this week's episode of Registered, we talk with Bolling about the state of today's beef industry, what's behind the recent high prices, and what producers need to continue to thrive in a changing world.

Iola USD 257 Superintendent Stacey Fager has been in education his whole career. He came to Iola 19 years ago and has led the school district since 2017. Fager believes in public education and its importance to young people, communities and our society. He's also clear-eyed about the challenges public schools face today. In this episode of “Registered,” we talk with Fager about a bill to ban cell phones in Kansas schools, the dangers he sees in a statewide voucher program, and what the future may bring.

Callee Kaufman is a health and wellness coach at Humboldt Fitness. Her approach to health is very different from what you'd expect from a personal trainer. In fact, she urges her clients to rethink everything they'd ever heard about health, exercise, their bodies, nutrition and more. In this week's episode of “Registered,” Tim Stauffer speaks with Kaufman about her approach to wellness, her problems with societal pressures on body image, and why she no longer makes New Year's resolutions.

Mayor Lee Roberts is Moran's new mayor. Brand new, in fact; he was sworn in as mayor on January 5. In this week's episode of Registered, Tim Stauffer speaks with Mayor Roberts about how he plans to move Moran forward. What does the town need to grow? How can it prepare for the future? Here's our conversation.

In this week's episode of “Registered,” Tim Stauffer talks with Iola City Administrator Matt Rehder about how a cold call from Vine Energy set the wheels in motion for what is Iola's first data center. Data centers come with controversy and concern. Rehder talks on the record about his views on the project, the concern of rising utility rates, and how the data center fits in with the city's vision for the future. In a wide-ranging conversation that covers all this, plus more on public utilities, economic development, the rebuild of U.S 54 and more, Rehder offers a “state of the city” and reflects on nearly five years at the helm.

Reverend Edward Ngaira joined Yates Center's United Methodist Church this summer. Originally from Kenya, Ngaira is now in charge of both the Yates Center and Neosho Falls congregations. In this week's episode of “Registered,” Tim Stauffer talks with Ngaira about what lessons the Christmas story holds for us today, his hopes as he leads his congregations, and the role of the church in society today.

The Humboldt Promise provides tuition-free higher education to Humboldt High School graduates, and will do so for the next 25 years. Created earlier this year, it's an incredible opportunity and could truly transform Humboldt—and the region. In this week's episode of “Registered, I sit down to chat with Helen Kenny, the Humboldt Promise Coordinator & Post-Secondary Success Coach, on how her work is going as the program takes flight.

As Thanksgiving approaches, for those who struggle economically the day is often filled with anxiety, not just gratitude. Many of us may take a full table for granted, but that's not always the case. In this week's episode of "Registered," Humanity House director Barb Button talks about the organization's approach to helping lift people out of poverty, and how community members can help.

Allen's Theatre & Film Department wrapped up their first performance of the season, "True West," this weekend. It was just the latest in a recent series of exceptional shows. The department is building momentum as it attracts more students and collects accolades from across the region. In this week's episode of "Registered," we speak with director Tricia Stogsdill about what she's building at Allen, and where she hopes to take the program.

In this week's episode of "Registered," Tim Stauffer speaks with U.S. Navy veteran Tom Sayles. Sayles reflects on his military experience, how it changed him and his life after the service, and what being a veteran means to him today.

Lauren Moots started playing volleyball at age 4. Now the head coach at Iola High School, volleyball isn't about winning and losing. It's about becoming a stronger person and developing skills that will lead to success in the real world. In this week's episode of "Registered," she speaks with the Register's Tim Stauffer about what she learned in her first season, how she and her athletes grew, and her plans for next year.

Dana Daugharthy has a very clear vision: that USD 257 leads the state in college and career readiness. In his new role as Iola High School's academic counselor, he's already hard at work. In this week's episode of Registered, Tim Stauffer talks with Daugharthy about his progress, obstacles, and what he's learned three months into the new role. Watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you find podcasts.

The recent layoffs at Iola's Gates facility shocked many in our community. In this week's episode of Registered, Thrive Allen County's economic development director Camille Lavon discusses the state of local business and industry with the Register's Tim Stauffer. After these layoffs, how do we move forward? What are local businesses worried about? What are their pain points? What can we do to make sure Iola and Allen County are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future? Watch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, or wherever you find podcasts.

In this week's episode of Register, Myra Gleason sits down with the Register's Tim Stauffer to explain why she's running for Iola City Council. Myra and her husband Gabe are the owners of Wild Bloom Coffee in Iola and moved to Iola about three years ago from California. They quickly became involved in the community, and now Myra is seeking a seat on the council currently held by Nich Lohman. Here's our conversation.

Iola City Council Member Nich Lohman represents Iola's Ward 3, the southwest quadrant of the city. This November, he's the only representative who faces a challenger; Lohman is running against Myra Gleason. The election is Tuesday, Nov. 4. Lohman joined the council in 2021. In this week's episode of Registered, he spoke with the Register's Tim Stauffer about why he's running again, his priorities, and how to move Iola forward.

In this episode of Registered, longtime Iolan Donna Houser joins Tim Stauffer to talk about how our community has changed over the years, the value Houser sees in being an active part of it, and the changes she feels we need to make.

Here's a look at our top local stories for Thursday, September 25. Take a listen! Find these complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Hi there! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Wednesday, Sept. 24. Find these articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Happy Tuesday! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for September 23. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Happy Friday! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for September 19. Find the complete articles and much more online and in today's print edition.

Good mornining! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Thursday, September 18. Find these articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Here's a look at our top local stories for Wednesday, September 17. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Happy Tuesday! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for September 16. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Wednesday, September 10. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/. Thank you for listening local!

Happy Friday! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for September 5. Find these articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Here's a look at our top local stories for Thursday, Sept. 4. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/. Thanks for reading and listening local!

Thanks for listening local! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Wednesday, Sept. 3. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Happy Friday! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for August 29. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Happy Thursday! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for August 28. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Here's a quick look at today's top stories for Wednesday, August 27. Thanks for listening! Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Good morning! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Tuesday, August 26. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Happy Friday! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Friday, Aug. 22. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Hi there! Thanks for tuning in. Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Thursday, August 21. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Good morning! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Wednesday, August 20. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/. Thanks for reading and listening local!

Hi there! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Tuesday, August 19. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Hi there, and happy Friday! Here's a look at our top local stories for August 15. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Hi there! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Thursday, August 14. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/

Thanks for tuning in! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Wednesday, August 13. Find the complete articles and much, much more in today's print edition and at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Hi there! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Tuesday, August 12. You can find these articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Happy Friday! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for August 8. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Here's a quick look at today's top stories for Thursday, August 7. Find the complete articles and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Hi there! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Wednesday, August 6. Find the complete articles and much more online and in today's print edition.

Hi there, and happy Tuesday. Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Tuesday, Aug. 5. Find the complete stories and much more in today's print edition and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/.

Happy Friday! Here's a quick look at our top local stories for Friday, August 1. Find these complete articles and much more in today's paper and online at https://www.iolaregister.com/. Thanks for listening and reading local!