Efforts to transform two of Iola’s former elementary schools into much-needed housing continue to advance, though construction remains at least several months away. USD 257 Superintendent Stacey Fager said BNIM, the Kansas City-based architecture and…

The halls of McKinley and Jefferson elementary schools have been quiet for years. No clatter of lunch trays, no shuffle of little feet, no morning announcements crackling through the intercom. But if all goes according…

If at first you don’t succeed, go bigger. A development company hoping to convert Iola’s three former elementary schools into apartments is expanding plans for its first phase of construction.  The goal is to make…

Traffic around Iola’s three former elementary schools will flow differently in the coming days as city crews revamp signage around each of the buildings. Iola Police Chief Jared Warner provided a list of the changes…

Laura Caillouet-Weiner got a little emotional on the last day of school. After more than 40 years, she’s saying goodbye to Jefferson Elementary School.  She’ll keep teaching, but next year she’ll be moving to the…

A program that provides free preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds in USD 257 will receive full funding as it prepares for its third year. Jenna Higginbotham, curriculum director who oversees the preschool program, told…

Iola got a sweetheart deal on Valentine’s Day, as school board members learned a Kansas City company wants to convert all three of  its elementary schools into housing, an investment worth about $20 million. At…

As construction progresses on Iola’s new elementary school — it’s scheduled to open in August — the district’s focus shifts once again to the fate of the three existing grade school properties. Bids will be…

Three-year-olds “Ring the Bells” during a Christmas program for McKinley Elementary School, Munchkinland Preschool and Ready, Set, Learn Preschool, at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center on Thursday evening. The 4-year-olds also took their turn on…

McKinley Elementary School students perform a spirited rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” as part of their recital, “A Kindergarten Christmas” Tuesday evening at the Bowlus Fine Arts Center. The show included a…