The following response from Joe Opperman, executive director of the Iola Car Show, addresses the concerns of neighboring residents to the proposed open pit mine for gravel and sand.

What road would this be located on?

This is located on our parking lots off of Hwy J.

This arrangement will provide a stable revenue stream for the Iola Car show. The Car Show relies heavily on a successful show each year in order to maintain our business and grounds, and make major contributions to all of the participating volunteer organizations.  It is a difficult business, and we got a first-hand look at that during the cancellation of 2020.  We were lucky to survive that, and nobody should take for granted that “the show will simply go on.”  We operate in a difficult business climate, and the loss of our operation would cause disastrous impact to the community. Likewise, an opportunity for the Iola Car Show to develop, grow and thrive is monumentally important for the community. It is a rare opportunity to generate important revenue while improving our grounds to enhance the user experience.

Why does the Iola Car Show need to generate more income?

Our operation relies on three days of a successful show. Something as simple as a bad weather forecast during the show has the potential to interrupt our entire business year, or worse. Having a steady and reliable revenue source will help to stabilize our business operation.

You state that this will ensure the survival and continued development of this community resource. Are you saying that if this does not happen, it could put an end to the Iola Car Show?

Nobody should underestimate all of the challenges that exist in continuing the Iola Car Show operation. All of our ability to maintain the business today is dependent on the money generated in a three-day window. That puts tremendous pressure to perform in that window, and the truth is that mother nature has more influence on that than anything we’re able to do. We are always only a couple days of rain away from serious problems that ultimately affect the community at large.

How will this space be developed or will it continue to be parking lots?

The end goal is for the space to be turned into a more suitable space for parking.  It will be leveled out and reseeded to restore or enhance the green space we have today.

If this is allowed how soon would this work begin?

That is really a better question for Faulks, who will be operating and overseeing the project.

Anything additional you would like to add at this time?

While this is news for our neighbors and the community right now, getting the project to this point has taken a lot of time and work by a number of people. There seems to be some negative sentiment very early since this was shared, but I would strongly encourage everyone to have an open mind and seek accurate information. We selected Faulks Brothers as our partner in this for some very significant reasons. They are a local, family-owned company who has been in business for more than 75 years. They are absolute professionals and employ a number of people right here in our own community. While the word “mine” can invoke a number of negative sentiments, this is a very small and simple operation for them. The materials being removed are not of the controversial variety, and Faulks is a group who will be very respectful and professional while dealing with our property. This opportunity really is a blessing for the show, and thereby the community. There will be a number of informational meetings in the near future where community members can ask questions and raise concerns directly to Faulks. That really is the best way to approach this as opposed to making assumptions or spreading negative sentiment without knowing the facts.