Banners displaying Iola High School’s Class of 2020 adorn the fencing at Riverside Park. The 82 banners were paid for by parents and donations, with USD 257 picking up the balance.  Elsewhere, fresh flowers were…

In looking back at his five years with USD 257, Scott Crenshaw admits he’s made a lot of mistakes as an administrator. The good news is that he’s a quick learner. “My first year as…

Iola High’s Elysia Kunkler is in the running (through online voting) for the title of the top Kansas girls high school hurdler for the past decade. Online voting began Friday at ks.milesplit.com for the top…

In a year unlike any other, one of the events scrubbed this year from the Iola High School calendar was its annual Senior Awards Night. Nevertheless, the graduating members of the Class of 2020 racked…

Here’s hoping the third time’s a charm. The USD 257 school board will try again to come up with some sort of graduation ceremony, after COVID-19 restrictions canceled the original May 9 graduation for Iola…

Graduation plans for two Allen County schools have been put on hold, again, as the state clarified its prohibition on such ceremonies. Graduations are not allowed during Phase One of Gov. Laura Kelly’s plan to…

The 2019-20 school year has been a wild ride for Iola High senior Gabby Richards, and she isn’t afraid to admit it.  “My senior year was pretty interesting,” Richards said. “From going to state in…

Like every other high school senior, Iola’s Nissa Fountain was denied a final season in her beloved spring sport of softball. But luckily for this senior, she will have four more years of softball to…

A plan to recognize Iola High School’s 2020 graduates could be announced after administrators learn if the governor will relax restrictions on mass gatherings.  Gov. Laura Kelly is expected later this week to announce plans…

The recent foray into online learning caused by the coronavirus pandemic has taught parents and students something USD 257 administrators have known for awhile: virtual learning has its downside. Citing decreased graduation rates since 2006,…