Sports teaches you character, it teaches you to play by the rules, it teaches you to know what it feels like to win and lose—it teaches you about life. ~ Billie Jean King Steven French - Mayor
The things we find in summer
Last week, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy called for a warning label on social media platforms with the clear message they are associated with mental health harms for adolescents.
The call is one part of a growing and increasingly organized effort by doctors, educators, mental health professionals, parents, and teenagers themselves to balance the role social media has in the lives of our kids.
As the parent of two young children, I share such concern. The product engineers for companies like TikTok, YouTube, and Meta are the best in the world, and they have billions of dollars to invest in cutting-edge brain science, developing technology that is as addictive as possible.
On the other side, most parents are just trying to do their best with apps they rarely use, let alone understand.
Think that’s an exaggeration?
EDITORS:
Susan Lynn and Tim Stau er
PHOTOS:
Richard Luken, Vickie Moss, April Kroenke Photography, Halie Luken, Paige Schauf-Olson, and Humboldt Recreation Department
Tim Stauffer Register managing editor
Consider Cocomelon, a name that brings a mix of dread and resignation to the parents of most toddlers.
The children’s show is the second-most viewed channel on YouTube; its top video has been viewed almost 7 billion times. Watch it as an adult, and prepare for a disorienting mix of kaleidoscopic colors, syrupy sweet music, constant movement and bubbles.
Granting technology such influence in our kids’ lives without fully understanding the consequences is enough to make every parent wish kids would just turn off the screen and run outside. And thankfully, that is what this magazine is all about.
ADVERTISING:
Tim Stau er and Paul Vernon
MARKETING AND DESIGN: Kristi Kranker
GRAPHIC DESIGN:
On the cover: Ellie Nelson shows her excitement of elding a ball as Quinlynn Omak and Mesa Jessup assist. The girls participate in the Iola Rec Department’s summer T-Ball league.
There is a unique freedom found in a child’s summer. Late nights. No homework. Fireworks, swimsuits and unoccupied afternoons. The chance for kids to join a team, take a swing, jump in and see what happens.
These pages are full of kids who have done just that. I am thankful they have the opportunity.
The coaches who volunteer their time, and whose patience often rivals that of saints, help our kids try something new, support them when they fail, and celebrate their success.
No app can teach a kid to swim the butterfly or throw a curveball like the real thing. No screen can replace the sounds of a ball diamond on a weekday night, or the water’s chill during an early morning practice.
Let’s celebrate such moments. We know they’re worth remembering. I hope this magazine helps us do so.
PUBLISHED BY:
Violeta Rodriguez Stau er
Boys T-Ball
From left, Tavien Howard, Mac Kerr, Knox Wehlage, Jimmie Hammer, Hudsyn Gabbert, Myer Mulsow, Jude Williams, Liam McKnight and Emmitt White; second row, coaches Crystal Jones and Jeff White.
From left, Michael Young, Reed Splechter, Daniel Womelsdorf, Declan Robertson, Cooper Lisher, Carter Parks, Maverick Koehn, Cole Rose and Shane Dix; back row, coach Mike Koehn. Not pictured is coach Mike Splechter.
Sigg Motors
From left, Matthew Bartholomew, Tyler Bartholomew, Zane Huddleston, Logan Sicka, Prewitt Louk, Maverick Middleton, Asher Reed and Eli Kramer; back row, coach Zach Louk.
Nelson Quarries
From left, coach Jake Knight, Noah Bennett, Ethan Benham, Declan Roach, Liam Reeder, Arthur Knight, Nash Knight, Harrison Burns and coach Don Burns.
State Farm
From left, coach Blake Mueller, Henry Mueller, Axel Vanatta, Caiden Beasley, Hudson Scheibmeir, Finian Springer, Graham Mueller, Brecken Mueller, Sebastian Beasley and coach Drew Mueller. Not pictured: Ryker Peterson.
Junior Bitty Ball IOLA TEAMS
American Family Insurance
From left, coach Tim Thompson, Jakobi Morton, Arlo Franklin, Hudson Ekis, Braxton Thompson, Weston Ekis, Nolan Miller-Hutton, Hoyt George, Vincent Ramirez, and coaches Alyssa and Zac George.
A&W
From left, coach Kyle Kinzle, River Kinzle, Liam Richards, Jaxxen Oakman, Trey Kratzberg, Elias Jackson, Adrian Jackson, Max Stinnett, Hank Stinnett and coach Tom Stinnett.
Manbeck Law
From left, Andrew McNally, Winston Chapman, Ben Cromer, Ryler Chapman, Byron Franklin, Royce Mathis, Mason Cook, Dax Hufferd and Kaleb Vega; second row, coaches Josh Mathis and Kylie Taylor-Cromer.
Emprise Bank
Front row from left, Brooks Stinnett, Garrett Burris, Huck Tidd, Owen Westhoff, Dawson Bennett, Wade Vaughn and Kingston Franklin; second row, Burke Trammell and Wylie Jessup; third row, coaches Deidra Jessup and Brooke Vaughn.
Sonic
From left, Nicholas Adamson, Titus Klaassen, Carter George, Hayes Chester, Ty Carpenter, Camden Lisher, Russell Unruh and Lucas Neely; second row, coaches Brett Lisher and Michelle Chester.
Bitty Ball
From left, Braxton Franklin, Silas Oswald, Cav Nelson, Andre Smith, Daxton Beecher, River Douglas, Cash Stoy, Kaden Splechter and Tyson Koehn; second row, coaches Mike Koehn and Mike Splechter.
Landmark National Bank
Personal Service Insurance
Front row from left, Brigham Smith, Bryer Hutton, Gannon Weide and Ellis Ashmore; second row, Lincoln McCullough, Josh Wilson, Declan Springer, Jamison Ericson and Ivan Franklin; back row, coaches Luke Smith and Levi Ashmore.
From left, Henry Gabbert, Jett Rice, Fisher Frazell, Gavin Granere, Isaac Mentzer, Parker McKarnin, Gensen Sinclair and Lincoln Smith; second row, coaches Kelli Frazell and Derek McKarnin.
Manbeck Law
Front row from left, Grayson Lisher, Waylon Burton, Aidan Martin and Seely Walker; second row, Bentley Patterson, Evan Cromer, Cohen Sigg, Brently Williams and Case Mentzer; back row, coach Brett Lisher.
Allen County Regional Hospital
From left, Craig Ballard, Dirks Carpenter, Jyler Granere, Augustus Cook, Jase Michael, Abram Droessler, Lincoln Neely, Lyam Young and Jayden Ademiluyi; second row, coaches Joel Carpenter and Robbie Droessler.
From left, Sebastian Hayes, Sam Underhill, Jonas Mueller, Knox Hufferd, Brantley Hammer, Cane Fehr, John Anthony Nicholson, Cooper Cook and Cayton Bennett; second row, coaches Dakota Hufferd and Josh Mueller.
& Kelly Sigg
Front row from left, Liam Llimaleota, Madden Moore, Tommy Smith, Havoc Westerman; second row, Graesyn Mathews, Owen Hesse, Julian Erickson, Brady Thomas, coach Brandon Hesse.
Not pictured, Jase Hamilton, Jaxx Lowder, coach Brandon Westerman.
IOLA TEAMS
Little League
Community National Bank and Trust
Front row from left, Milo Franklin, Kolten Drake, Gabe Jones; second row, Maddux Franklin, Eli Karr, Kaiden Jones, Jaxen Mueller, coach Aaron Franklin. Not pictured: Colton Hall.
Front row from left, Treyvion Trester, Wendell Tyler, Damien Pratt and Austin Cooper; second row, Matthew Holding, Chance Conley, Austin Campbell, Hunter McDaniel, Elijah Irby and coach Jacob Rhoads.
Front row from left, Cieson Kidwell-Arell, Sebastian Shifflett, Jace Clarke, Kamdon Barnett, Ronald Ballard; second row, Coach Barney Barnett, Corbin Coffield, Konner Morrison, Wyatt Dalton, Lukas Blaufuss.
From left, Emersyn Lampe, Quinlynn Omack, Mesa Jessup, Maggie Hendry, Layna Klubek, Ellie Nelson, Charlotte Lawson and Oakleigh Trujillo; second row, coaches Blaine Klubek and Megan Nelson.
From left, Brynlee Janzen, Arya Reed, Gracelyne Taylor, Braelynn Ellis, Danica Roach, Milly Coffield, Layla Shaughnessy and Hazel Flory; second row, coaches Crystal Taylor, Kevin Shaughnessy and Renee Shaughnessy.
Sigg Motors
From left, Baylor Jensen, Wryn Lampe, Scarlett Weast, Rowyn Kinzle, Sadie Appling and Nadalie Franklin; second row, coaches Emily Kinzle and Jamie Jensen.
From left, Aria Nelson, Taylen Sigg, Delilah Cummings, Sadie Heffern, Adley Hesse, Gracelynn Goodner and Collins Chester; second row, coaches Chris Heffern and Michelle Chester.
Junior Pixie IOLA TEAMS
A&W
American Family Insurance
From left, Riley Appling, Ellie Appling, Finley Mueller, Stella Sigg, Evalin Sigg, Kodi Barnett, Wren Schultz and Ella Louk; second row, coaches Nick Mueller and Chase Sigg. Not pictured: Willa Sigg and Ember Pritchard.
From left, Sophie Howington, Brinnley Hays, Carter Mitchell, Parker Mitchell, Harper Robb, Elizabeth Chriestenson, Rachel Starke, Addison Chandlee, Emersyn Higginbotham and Ellie Lampe; second row, coaches Stacie Smail and Levi Lampe.
Sigg Motors
From left, Nova Bishop, Marlee Fehr, Oakley Williams, Quincy Whitworth, Jayde Flory, Jolee Westervelt, Harper Gabbert, Ava Hesse, coach John Sigg and Ellie Sigg.
J&J Contractors
From left, Quinn Trammell, Maya Conley, Juliana Nelson, Aubrey Brown, Elcie Manbeck, Palmer Knight, Charlee Granere, Quinn Jensen and Aubrey Buck; second row, coaches Todd Granere and Jamie Jensen.
Sonic
From left, Stormi Yoder, Kenlee Stewart, Nellie Sigg, Mackenzie Heffern, Monroe Ashmore, Tylen McKarnin, Mia Middleton, Miley Middleton and Kalyah Perry; second row, coaches Chris Heffern and Michael Middleton.
Pigtail IOLA TEAMS
Terry Sparks State Farm
Sigg Motors
From left, coach John Sigg, Viviana Vargas-Garcia, Emma Haines, Braylee Bartholomew, Emery Sigg, Lucia Vega, Olivia Weber, Raina Borjas, Scarlett Murry, Shakyia Trester, Eliza Irby and coach Jacob Rhoads.
From left, Henlee Hesse, Audrey Yoder, Kloui Slater, Cameron Vaughn, Olivia Appling, Clara Belinski, Riley McGinnis and Timberlyn Chapman; in back, coach Chase Vaughn.
Junior Ponytail
From left, coach James Jerome, Peyton Holt, Liliana Jerome, Kahdrien Boeken, Sophia Doty, Leanna Flory, Blayke Folk, Rylee Weast, Nebula Burrow, Piper Jordan, Kyptyn Barnett, Gracelynn Yoder and coach Curtis Barnett.
Nelson Quarries
From left, coach Jayme Hunt, Jazmyn Potter, Ember Friend, Maicy Winner, Wren Clift, Kinzley Fountain, Chloey Boan, Kyleigh ChapmanBurris, Bryn Wilson, Abbigayle Vest, Aaliyah Rhodes and coach Natasha Boan-Lewis.
Dairy Queen
Front row from left, Charley Kerr, Gaby Tholen, Cora Boren, Abigail Boeken, Kashyn Curry, Cayleigh Rutherford and Chloe Sinclair; second row, Tarra Sailor, Elliot Sigg, Hilary Gean, Emma Bradford, Breighlynn Rutherford and Hannah Thompson; back row, coaches Emily Sigg and Brett Curry.
Iola Swim Team
Iola Seahorses
Front row from left, John Anthony Nicholson, Cooper Cook, Taylor Chriestenson, Brigham Smith, Jonas Mueller, Parker McKarnin, Cash Stoy, Cohen Sigg, Daxton Beecher, Fisher Frazell, Jyler Granere, Faith Mentzer, Gavin Granere, Elizabeth Chriestenson, Charlee Granere, Tylan McKarnin, Hoyt George, Pexleigh Lowell, Aily Tran, Addison Chandlee and Royce Mathis; second row, assistant coach Olivia Kerr, Anna Klubek, Liam Ilimaleota, Seattle Nagy, Wren Clift, Ellisyn Kent, Luuly Tran, Ember Friend, Mariah Mathis, Moira Springer, Ari West, Raina Borjas, Declan Springer, Jewell Chapman, Nellie Sigg, Marin Coffield, Lucas Stauffer Rodriguez and Jolee Westervelt; assistant Griffin Westervelt, Michael Hancock, Joshua Wanker, Adam Klubek, Elliot Sigg, Helena Morrison, Bethany Miller, Evie Schooler, Wilder Schooler, Isabella Chapman and head coach Marcia Davis. Not pictured: Madeline Wanker, Toby Veal and Titus Klaassen.
Iola AA American Legion
Iola A American Legion
Front row from left, Colton Thompson, Franklin Kerr, Reed Clift, Easton Weseloh, Brock Michael, Broden Emerson, Ruger Boren and Brodon Westerman; second row, Brycen Baker, Ty Lord, Broderick Peters, Kale Pratt, Austin Crooks, Ty Shaughnessy and Trevor Tatman.
Front row from left, Brandon McKarnin, Blake Ellis, Logan Page, Gavin Jones, Brody Gunderman, Kyler Isbell and Korbin Cloud; second row, Rogan Weir, Cole Mathes, Ryan Golden, Trey Sommer, Tre Wilson, Grady Dougherty and Avery Blaufuss.
HUMBOLDT TEAMS
Machine Shed
Front row from left, Kiya Prock, Sutton Tipton, Emersyn Butcher and Houston Zimmerman; second row, Creed Ermel, Crue Ermel, Scarlett Gustafson and Andrew Markham; back row, coaches Dustin Prock and Michael Zimmerman.
Hofer & Hofer
Front row from left, Owen Jadwin, Tobin Zartman, Everleigh Herder, Rhett Newman, Jaxon Onnen and Trip Arell; second row, Breckyn Gean, Kaycee Woods, Addilyn McNeal, Steven Watts and Noah Northcutt; third row, coaches Trent Zartman, Joe Arell and David Watts.
Plegge Farms
Front row from left, Arisbeth Kessler, Saylor Cornett, Trudy Francis and Ella Willard; second row, Josh Klubek, Ebben Cole, Wyatt Henson, Brycen Wynn and Jordan Vanderpool; back row, assistant coach Sam Willard and head coach Bailey Willard.
Personal Service Insurance
Front row from left, Nova Eaton and Kelsa Turner; second row, Ryker Barnhart, Brixten Alexander, Sawyer Turner, Sophia Thornton, Marcus Wools, Brant Wrestler and Baron Turner.
Shelter Insurance
Front row from left, Breckston Kyser, Carter Naff, Kayzlee Barnhart, Revin Debler, Hudson Schmidt, Lindsey Fink, Mattix Wells, Carter Klubek, Riggs Gumfory, Talen Betzen and Parker Klubek; second row from left, Ross Debler, Rowdy Kyser, Cheyenne Kyser and Braden Robinson.
Boys
Geffert Farms
Front row from left, Atlas Carter, Lane Willard, Rhett Bumstead and Bjorn Germundson; second row, Crosby Corbet, Lakelen Lemmon, Jace Dobbins and Korben Barnhart; back row, head coach Sam Willard. Not pictured: Radlee Decker.
D&D Propane Girls
Front row from left, Khloe Mann, Hallie Lucas, Alexis Ivy, Ryleigh Plegge and Paisley Meiwes; second row, Karly Welch, Axten Hubbard, Haidyn Gant, Kinley Welch, Kinleigh Lucas, Jesey Ellis and Jaylyn Page; third row, coaches Kyle Lucas, Jared Gant and Scott Ellis.
Roe Collective
Front row from left, Khaysen Allen, Myles Morris, Myles Brady, Nolan Miller and Boston Chapman; second row, Khyren Allen, Braxton Wells, Knox Wimsett, Rhett Evenson and James Henderson. Not pictured: Rhett Ikehorn.
HUMBOLDT TEAMS
Girls
B&W Trailer Hitches
row from left,
Boys
Flemming Feed and Grain
Front row from left, Kale Weber, Beau Homewood, Jackson Devlin, Elisha Ivy, Jayden Brady and Caleb Leeling; second row, Kenny Brown, Crew Shannon, Tripp Carlson, Parker Weilert, Dakota Haigler and Kalvin Cox. Coaches are Jeremy Weilert, Eric Carlson and Scott Brady.
Front
Sydney Daniels, Lucy Galloway, Hunter Umbarger, Taylin Yelm, Zoey Hess and Ava Booth; second row, coach Whitney Yelm, Kimberlyn Foster, Avery Strickler, Kaylyn Olson, Sofia Lee, Macy Wools and coach Mallory Roush.
Front row from left, Wren Schultz, Lakelen Lemmon, Parker Mitchell, Ryker Barnhart and Carter Mitchell; second row, Korben Barnhart, Aubree Trim, Ryker Roach, Adalyn Hillmon, Tripp Carlson and Stella Walls.
Not pictured: Jayden Brady,
MORAN TEAMS
Boys T-Ball
Wildcats
Front row from left, Olin Holman, Croghan Endicott, Judson Curl and Tobias Dial; second row, Ryder Rayburn, Edward Meiwes, Tucker Ensminger and Vance Tynon; back row, coaches Johnnie Curl, Jake Tynon and Paris Dial.
Stroud’s
Guns
Front row from left, Cyrus Vogel, Colt Dudley and Dax Walls; second row, Luke Davis, Aidan Coronado and Rook Cavender; back row, coaches Kevin Davis, Kent LaRue and Chase Dudley.
Boy’s Coaches Pitch
Sigg Tire
Front row from left, Kia Henderson, Dale Olds, Kash McVey, Emmett Cole and Kade Smith; second row, Jaxon Houk, Asher Stone, Ezra Vogel and Tommy Retana; third row, Gideon Vogel and Lucas Sander; back row, Ryan Smith, Ryan Stone and Derek McVey.
MORAN TEAMS
Heim Law Office
Front row from left, Doug Dix, Lucas Owen, Eli Griffith and Oscar Keltner; second row, Liam Blevins, Easton Resco, Kager Mathews and Lucius Hannum; third row, Tyler Borth and Jaren Curl; back row, coaches Aaron Cole, Johnnie Curl, Adam Borth and Darrell Dix.
Little League
Bennett Farms
Front row from left, Case Drake, Matthew Dixon, Ryler Stone, Daniel Allee and Anthony Sander; second row, Chris McVey, Kaiden Woods, Xander Finch and Lane Lord; third row, Kaden McVey, Thomas Allee and Rorrick Trester; back row, coaches Ty Lord, Tyler Lord and Curt Drake.
MORAN TEAMS
Girls T-Ball
The Mildred Store
Front row from left, Gracie Stinnett, Reese Cole, Halsey Smith and Kimber Resco; second row, Harper Hicks, Kinzleigh Barker and Claire Barker; back row, coaches Ty Gable, Dominic Smith and Ryan Smith.
Sigg Tire
Front row from left, Kelsey Chambers, Kathryn Chambers, Charlie Snavely, Kelcie Meiwes and Kameryn McVey; second row, Scarlett Vogel, Morgan Drake, Kylar Botts and Harper Gabbert; back row, coaches Curt Drake, Halie Drake and Brittney Meiwes.
Girl’s Coaches Pitch
Wildcats
Front row from left, Riley Tynon, Olivia Barker, Bailey Tholen, Kamryn Perry and Zariah Maley; second row, Faith Stinnett, Morgan Tholen, Ellie Stinnett and Lainey Taylor; third row, Kylee Resco, Layten Blevins and Savannah Cain-Maley; back, coach Jake Tynon.
MORAN TEAMS
Terry Sparks State Farm
Front row from left, Serena Sander, Raelynn Cook, Morgan Drake and Izzy Maley; second row, Chloe Henderson, McKenna Meiwes, Brynleigh Borth and Jerrica Curl; third row, Kloie Snavely, Kinsley Vance and Kimbree Daum; back row, coaches Johnnie Curl, Adam Borth and Brittney Meiwes.
Hammerson
Front row from left, Harlie Cook, Gracie Dodson, Regan Marshall and Clarissa Howell; second row, Taygen Stroud, Kenlee Redburn, Kloie Snavely and Kinsley Vance; third row, Emma Louk, Evva Sander, Myleigh Eslick, Jetta Matthews and Gabby Briggs; back row, coaches Lindsay Marshall and Lauren Snavely.
Ty Carpenter bats for Sonic Drive-In’s Jr. Bitty Ball team.
Raina Borjas makes a throw from third base for Sigg Motors in Iola’s Pigtail League.
Ember Friend swims for the Iola Seahorses.
Emmerson Lampe prepares to hit the ball off the tee for Community National Bank & Trust in Girl’s T-Ball.
