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Letters to the editor
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Dear editor,
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Today (Wednesday) my father, Bill Farmer, and I had a meeting with Carl Slaugh, Iola city administrator, Bill Shirley, Iola mayor, Chuck Apt, Iola city attorney, and Iola Chief of Police Jared Warner at their request.
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The meeting’s purpose was to formally apologize to my father for the April 14 wrongful arrest and to inform him the City of Iola was dropping the charges. My father was given a written apology, which was sent to the Iola Register and we do appreciate this gesture on their part.
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I am writing this letter and asking the editor to publish it so my father and I can formally thank a few people who we feel deserve mention.
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I first want to thank Allen County Sheriff Tom Williams. Sir, you have no idea how much my father and I are grateful for your kindness and support. You came down on several occasions to talk with my father and also went down there to check on his wellbeing after I called you expressing concern with his high stress level and mental well being. I personally thank you from the bottom of my heart that you cared to do what is right and remained unbiased in the investigation while still caring about my father as a person. My father will always remember you as “The Duke.” Thank you for all you did.
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Next I would like to thank Steve French, Iola city council member, Ward 4. He, too, stayed unbiased, was genuinely concerned for my father and wanted to make sure this was handled correctly. I thank him also for making sure he was there for me and any concerns or questions I had. I will continue to keep in contact with him due to the fact I want this incident reviewed fully by the Iola City Council and to make sure appropriate actions are administered regarding the officers involved. Thank you Steve, you always listened patiently and never made me feel like I was “bugging” you!
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I would also like to thank Mayor Shirley for going down to my father’s house and spending time with him after the incident. I realize the mayor had to stay neutral but again he did so in a professional manner and made my father feel more at ease. Mr. Shirley, my father really enjoyed talking “military talk” with you! Thank you, my father thinks you are an all right guy!
