It was more than 25 years ago when USD 257 was named the recipient of a three-year grant to start up an after-school program.
Since then, SAFE BASE has offered generations of students educational opportunities outside of what they’d get during their regular school sessions, and a safe haven for parents to leave their children when the school dismissed for the day.
Since then, SAFE BASE director Angela Henry and a team of educators have kept the program running, through various grants and other funding sources, including an assist from the City of Iola, mostly recently a five-year commitment from the city in 2020, to provide $5,000 annually.
The city’s assistance was a part of the local commitment necessary to find other grants, Henry explained then.
Now, she’s back, seeking another five-year, $25,000 pledge from the city as SAFE BASE pursues other grant opportunities.
Henry will be at Monday’s City Council meeting to detail her request.
She noted that the city’s contribution in the past has also helped fund meals for students and their families during special family night events, taking students to the Burlington Rec Center during the winter months, and purchasing supplies for other enrichment activities.
SPEAKING of USD 257, the Council and Mayor Steve French will recognize Iola High School’s wrestling team, which was buoyed by Addilyn Wacker’s championship and Zoie Hesse’s runner-up finish in their respective weight classes at the Class 4A State Wrestling Tournament earlier this month. Fellow competitors Kailyn Rodriguez and Kevon Loving, both of whom picked up victories at the state competition, will be honored as well.
ALSO ON THE agenda Monday, Council members will consider the purchase of a new dump truck for the Street and Alley Department, with three bids up for consideration. The Council also will discuss the purchase of a 1-ton truck for the electric distribution department, with plans to have the department’s old truck passed down to the Water Department.
The Council also will hold condemnation hearings for properties at 302 S. Kentucky St., 415 N. Elm St., 506 E. Lincoln St. and 626 N. Colborn St. and will consider mowing bids for the 2026 growing season.
Monday’s meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at the New Community Building at Riverside Park.
The public is invited.
