The controversy surrounding the arrest of Iolan Bill Farmer continued Monday as Farmer, his daughter and other Iolans spoke about police behavior.
Farmer was arrested for suspicion of disorderly conduct and obstructing the legal process April 14 after he called 911 on behalf of his neighbor, Tim Emmons, who had fallen from his roof.
Those charges were dropped, and Mayor Bill Shirley formally apologized to Farmer after a subsequent review of the incident by Sheriff Tom Williams.
Farmer told Iola City Council members he continues to live in fear of police misconduct, recounting one instance in which he began to panic and lock his doors when a patrol car stopped in front of his house for what he thought was an inordinant amount of time.
Farmer’s daughter, Tonya Shaughnessy, asked council members to thoroughly review the incident, Williams’ report and subsequent follow-up actions by Police Chief Jared Warner for the officers involved in her father’s arrest. The officers have not been identified.
Shaughnessy also asked the city to reimburse her for time she took off from work and travel expenses from her home in Topeka to several trips to Iola to look after and represent her father. Her request for time off from work, gas costs and mileage totaled $1,168.62.
Lisa Fox, who was fired as a police officer in February, told council members her supervising officer was likely involved in the incident. “I’m ashamed and I’m embarrassed,” she said.
Iolan Don Hillbrant, meanwhile, spoke in support of the Iola Police Department. He talked about receiving an anonymous threat once, which prompted a steady stream of patrol cars by his house on a nightly basis to ensure his safety.
“We have a good bunch of officers,” Hillbrant said.
“I’m not saying the entire Iola Police Department is bad, but you have a few bad apples,” Shaughnessy replied.
COUNCIL members were told of ongoing improvements to continue develop Elm Creek Park South.
Donna Houser, a member of the Community Involvement Task Force/Pride Committee, showed photos of new park benches, a historic sign marker and other landscape improvements have been undertaken this spring.
An anonymous donor also has offered to finance a small walking bridge across a small ravine, provide the council approved.
Houser stressed the bridge was only across the ravine — not across Elm Creek.
Council members were eager to accept the gift and gave permission for the bridge to be built.
