The Iola High School cafeteria was buzzing with ideas and optimism at Thrive Allen County’s “Community Conversation” Tuesday evening. Iolans pulled up chairs, rolled up their sleeves, and got down to business discussing opportunities for growth and how to overcome obstacles.
Residents turned questions into conversation, and conversation into momentum: What gives you pride in the community? What are the opportunities for improvement? Where do we find barriers and needs for growth?
The event featured a new format focused on small group discussions which were then shared collectively. 
WHEN IT came to community pride, one answer was nearly unanimous: Iola’s historic town square. Its well-kept appearance, rich history, and central role in community life continue to be a central part of Iola’s appeal.
Participants also expressed pride in the small-town atmosphere, vibrant local institutions like Allen Community College (particularly its support for international students), and the way organizations like Thrive, Humanity House, and Hope Unlimited work together to meet community needs.
There was appreciation for progressive initiatives such as the city’s investments in the Cedarbrook housing addition and a splash park, and education-forward programs like USD 257’s para-to-teacher pipeline that helps fund their educations.
“The Cedarbrook addition represents the city’s bet on building something,” noted Tim Stauffer. “It was a big investment.”
Following the sale of 22 residential lots in the Cedarbrook Third Addition in November 2023, the City of Iola invested $1.7 million in extending utilities to 16 of the 22 lots in the addition at the north edge of town.
The lots were purchased by Lakeview Investment Properties, an LLC owned by Blake Boone and his mother, Jennifer Chester.
Similarly, city council members approved spending up to $173,000 to help push the Community Involvement Task Force/PRIDE Committee over the top in its quest to get a splash park in Iola’s Meadowbrook Park by next summer.
Community amenities such as trails, the Bowlus Fine Arts Center, and the SEK Mental Health Center were also highlighted.
THE IDEAS flowed freely when the conversation shifted to opportunities.
Suggestions ranged from whimsical to strategic: rebranding Iola’s square as the “world’s largest Monopoly board,” increasing signage to better highlight the dog park, and creating new partnerships like “Friends of the Park” for the new Lehigh Portland State Park.
Housing was one of the most discussed topics.
Participants noted the aging housing stock and called for programs to assist homeowners — especially those without the financial means — to repair and preserve their homes.
Solutions included expanding partnerships with Habitat for Humanity, offering tax rebates or microloans, and investing in more rental and affordable housing options.
