Designs paying homage to Hotel Colfax and structures throughout the community
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Exterior designs for the Colfax-Mingo Childcare building were recently shared by the Colfax Economic Development Corporation. CEDCO is currently working to bring the daycare to life following the community receiving a $1.7 million grant from the state.
The design includes architectural features from Hotel Colfax in the Spanish Mission Revival style at the entrance of the building. It also has window styles that match structures throughout the community.
The building will be red brick with light features and use the same font as Hotel Colfax on the front.
The quick moving project started when CEDCO received a $1.7 million Child Care Business Incentive Grant from the State of Iowa as a part of an initiative to create and expand child care options. The development corporation was notified in early January it was a recipient which kicked off fundraising efforts to match the grant funds.
“There’s a lot happening fast,” C-M Superintendent Tim Salmon said. “I think it was a combination of luck and timing. We have been talking about opening up a childcare center in this district for years, preceding my time here. About a year-and-a-half ago we purchased some property adjacent to the elementary school for future planning for
DAYCARE | 3
HELPING PEOPLE HELP THE LAND Spanish Mission Revival style featured in new Colfax-Mingo Daycare building
Sheriff’s office forms agreement with Baxter for advanced life support services
Provision allows county to reimburse city if non-provider transport responds
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office will be providing advanced life support (ALS) services to the City of Baxter for the foreseeable future.
The board of supervisors voted 3-0 to approved a 28E agreement between the small town and the county, which will allow for consistent paramedic-level services for emergencies.
Lt. Mike Gunsaulus noted an extra paragraph was added to the agreement under the section titled “obligations of parties.” This entry states that in the event Baxter only has a driver available and Jasper County provides the only EMS provider on a transport, then Baxter
authorizes the county to bill for services.
If Jasper County receives payment, then the county will reimburse Baxter $150. Gunsaulus told the board of supervisors that Baxter specifically requested this obligation be added to the 28E agreement because there have been a few incidents where Baxter EMS is only showing up with their non-provider driver.
“Then they’re out billing and they can’t do anything with that, so we’ve added that so they’re allowing us to bill for that call,” Gunsaulus said.
Supervisor Brandon Talsma said the agreement essentially reverses the process by making
Agencies like NRCS and SWCD help farmers extend the life of their land by helping them reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and enhance wildlife habitat
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Farming is not a straight forward profession. The day-to-day chores ensure some level of monotony, and farmers might have some idea how their crops will turn out come harvest, but it is truly a job full of unpredictable factors. Challenges are plentiful, and sooner or later they might have to turn to someone else for help.
Which may explain why the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) lives by a straight forward motto: Helping people help the land.
When NRCS sees a problem, they work with landowners to fix it. Help can be as simple as providing general advice or as complex as working with NRCS’s engineering staff to survey a site and then design a structure that can fix the problem. Financial programs can also be utilized when appropriate.
In Jasper County, NRCS shares office space with representatives from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). So if there is a program or service that is a better fit to a specific farmer’s needs, they’re close by to respond.
Aaron Sande, a district conservationist for NRCS, said in addition to finding solutions to soil erosion — which is the main issue his department encounters on a regular basis — the agency also works with farmers on improving water quality and increasing wildlife habitat through conservation efforts.
Financial assistance toward land conservation projects is another service NRCS can provide
farmers. Some programs provide funding for total acres. Other farmers have issues that go beyond a dollar-amountper-acre solution. For instance, Sande said if a farmer has a horrible gully cutting through their field, then NRCS may work with that individual to reshape the eroded area, make a smooth grass waterway, seed it down
Mingo
Baxter
Western Jasper County
Metro Creative
In addition to finding solutions to soil erosion, Natural Resources Conservation Service also works with farmers on improving water quality and increasing wildlife habitat through conservation efforts.
Atura Architecture
Designs for the new Colfax-Mingo Childcare Center feature Spanish Mission Revival touches in honor of Hotel Colfax and area buildings.
Joan Carol Smith
March 30, 2025
Joan Carol (Schmidt) Smith – Age 88 of Newton, Iowa passed away on March 30, 2025 at Park Centre in Newton, Iowa.
Joan was born on December 1, 1936, in Baxter, Iowa to John and Beulah (Patterson) Schmidt. On July 1, 1956 she was united in marriage to Bert W. Smith in Baxter, Iowa.
Bonnie Belva Eilert
March 22, 2025
Joan and Bert were blessed with two children, Mary and Marty. They loved supporting their children and were extremely involved in their activities growing up. An even greater pleasure for both was the opportunity to support their grandchildren – Brian, Stacey, Carter and Cole. They loved taking them to the Iowa State Fair every year and being there for all their activities. Joan retired from the Maytag Company after thirty-two years in the Purchasing Department. The youngest of 11 children, Joan was loved by so many peo -
Senior High School with the class of 1947.
Obituaries
ple. Through her years at Maytag, following her children in school functions and activities, and most recently her time at Park Centre, she developed so many wonderful friends that will miss her dearly.
Joan is survived by her daughter, Mary Smith; son, Marty (Tonya) Smith; grandchildren, Brian, Stacey, Carter, Cole, and a great granddaughter, Gabby Jo. Her sisters-in-law, Janice Schmidt, and Helen Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews and wonder friends.
She was preceded in death by her hus-
band, Bert; her parents; her brothers, John Jr, Charles, Leland, Richard, Eugene, and Larry Schmidt; and sisters, Leona Fahrney, Nadine Dee, Esther Shattuck, and Maggie Swalwell. Special thanks to Danny Meyer for making the urn that Joan wanted to be buried in. It was made from the wood of a church pew that came out of the Baxter Congregational Church. Also, a heart felt thank you to all the Park Centre Staff and Wesley Life Hospice Group for all the special care and support they gave Joan over the years.
Joan was active in
many functions and groups and enjoyed supporting the Community. She volunteered at the Skiff Hospital Gift Shop where she was a Buyer, The Jasper County Historical Museum, Hospice, various Park Centre committees and was an active member of the Baxter Congregational Church where she served on several groups. She also enjoyed her time line-dancing with her friends after she retired. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 4, 2025, at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The family will greet
friends from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Friday. A Facebook Live broadcast will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the funeral home Facebook page. Joan would be honored if you would provide a Memorial contribution in her honor to one of these groups: Jasper County Historical Museum or the Baxter Congregational Church.
Mary, Marty, Tonya, Brian, Stacey, Carter and Cole….. Always know my life has been full of love, laughter, fun and wonderful memories because of all of you. Thank you and love you all.
Bonnie Belva Eilert, a spirited, determined, and deeply caring woman, passed away at her beloved farm on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the age of 96.
Born on January 26, 1929, in Baxter, Iowa, Bonnie was the daughter of James Weaver and Carrie Belle (Miller) Swalwell. She grew up with a strong sense of community and hard work, graduating from Newton
On April 8, 1949, Bonnie married the love of her life, Roy William Eilert, in a ceremony at her parents’ home. She dedicated many years as a secretary at John Deere Company while also passionately engaging in community service. A lifelong advocate for agriculture and rural life, Bonnie was a proud member of the Sugar Grove Grange for over 60 years and served as chairwoman of the Farm Bureau and was a member for 65 years. She volunteered for over four decades as the keeper of the First Church key at the Iowa State Fair, a place dear to her heart.
Bonnie’s love for mu-
sic and history shone through her involvement in the Jasper County Chorus and her many roles in the Mingo Centennial Celebration. Her warm spirit, resilience, and dedication to family and community left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roy; her daughter and son-inlaw, Sheryl and Terry Beals; and her siblings, Alva Swalwell, Mildred Snodgrass, Grace Kling, Wayne Swalwell, and James Swalwell.
Those left to honor Bonnie’s memory include her grandchildren, Richard (Lana) Beals and Carrie (Larry) Bregar; and her great grandkids,
Ryan Beals, Kayla Gragg, Avery Lees, Danica Linn (Treyton Casper), Cadence Linn and Allan Bregar.
A celebration of Bonnie’s life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The service will be broadcast live on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. before the service.
In honor of Bonnie’s lifelong dedication to the Iowa State Fair, memorial contributions may be made to the fair and left at the funeral home.
Bonnie lived a life full of love, laughter, and service—a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Road construction work on Iowa 14 between Knoxville and Monroe begins April 7
If you are driving on Iowa 14 between Monroe and Knoxville you need to be aware of an upcoming construction project that may slow down your trip.
Construction crews will be replacing the bridge over Brush Creek, 0.2 miles north of Marion County Road G-28, and performing a deck overlay on the bridge over the Des Moines River, 1.2 miles north of Marion County Road G-40. The roadway will be closed to traffic beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, April 7, until late October, weather permitting, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Chariton construction office.
During this project, you will be detoured around the work zone on Iowa 14 using Iowa 163, Marion County Road T-17, and Iowa 92. For more information on the Iowa 14 construction work between Knoxville and Monroe, visit iowadot.gov/IA14-DMRiver. The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system or visit 511ia.org.
IRS: Free File provides quick and easy way to file taxes
As the end of tax season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that IRS Free File is a quick and easy way to file federal tax returns for free.
IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers get free tax preparation, free electronic filing and free direct deposit of their federal tax refund, if they’re owed one, using guided tax preparation software available only at IRS.gov.
IRS Free File is available to taxpayers and families whose 2024 total adjusted gross income (AGI) was $84,000 or less. A taxpayer’s AGI includes wages, tips, business income, retirement income and other forms of taxable income. Through a public-private partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance, tax preparation and filing software providers make their online products available to eligible taxpayers. Each provider sets its own eligibility rules based on age, state residency and income. IRS Free File will guide taxpayers through choosing the provider that’s right for their needs
Benefits of IRS Free File
Using IRS Free File can help taxpayers find and calculate valuable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
Any individual or married couple that meets the income limitation is potentially eligible, and IRS Free File can also handle complex tax returns.
IRS Free File partner companies cannot disclose or use tax return information for purposes other than tax return preparation without the taxpayer’s informed and voluntary consent.
Taxpayers can use IRS Free File to file their taxes on any personal computer, tablet or smart phone. All products are available in English, and one guided tax product is available in Spanish.
Easy way to file an extension
Need more time to file? IRS Free File is one of the easiest ways to request an extension. A tax filing extension guarantees the taxpayer six additional months to file, with an extended deadline of Oct. 15. Although an extension grants extra time to file, it does not grant taxpayers extra time to pay if they owe. Taxpayers are still obligated to pay taxes due on April 15, 2025, to avoid penalties and interest. Taxpayers who owe should either pay their full tax bill or at least pay what they can afford by the April 15 deadline.
Other free tax filing options
In addition to IRS Free File, the IRS reminds taxpayers that there are other free programs available
to help:
Free File Fillable Forms. All taxpayers regardless of their income can use the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms. These are the electronic versions of IRS paper forms and are best for people who are comfortable preparing their own taxes using IRS forms and instructions.
Direct File. Taxpayers who lived and worked in one of 25 participating states for all of 2024 may use IRS Direct File to file federal tax returns online—for free—directly and securely with the IRS. Go to IRS Direct File to find more information, including eligibility requirements and updates to the list of tax situations added to IRS Direct File for the 2024 tax year. VITA and TCE. People who generally make $67,000 or less, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers and those who are 60 years of age and older, can also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. VITA/ TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who provide a trusted source for preparing tax returns.
MilTax. Offered through the Department of De -
fense, MilTax is a free tax resource available to members of the military, as well as qualifying veterans and family members. It is a suite of tax services designed to address the realities of military life—including deployments, combat and training pay, housing and rentals, and multi-state filings. MilTax includes tax preparation and electronic filing software, personalized support from tax consultants and current information about filing taxes. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to three state returns for free.
For more on IRS Free File or other filing methods, check out the File your return page on IRS.gov.
Ashton Wildwood Park house to be demolished after being used for training
Conservation says law enforcement and fire departments could utilize building
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Supervisors agreed with Jasper County Conservation that the house once used by staff at Ashton Wildwood Park in Mingo should be demolished. The structure had fallen into disrepair over the years, and officials came to consensus last week that it could host training for first responder agencies before it is destroyed.
Keri Van Zante, director of Jasper County Conservation, said Park Officer Jerry Ratliff has since moved out of the house. After discussing the building’s future with conservation board members, it was determined it needs to be torn down. Van Zante said it is not in good shape and has old utilities.
“To make it in good shape, it would cost a lot,” Van Zante said. “It is our
tually help bring that back.
and install some sort of structure.
“So (in that example) when it exits the field it’s not then becoming a problem for the neighbor. We offer cost share for those, but generally they’re about 50 percent of the cost — so we pay half, they pay half,” Sande said. “Some of them pay a little bit more, but at least they’re generally that 50 percent margin.”
Jasper County SWCD and NRCS have similar environmental goals. NRCS works alongside the district by administering some of their programs, and Sande attends every meeting and works as a point man with the district to spread awareness of their programs and increase participation in programs.
Working with Iowa farmers, Sande said, is important in conserving natural habitat and wildlife. Farmers need quality top soil for quality crops. By implementing conservation efforts to preserve their land, they can effectively reduce the negative impacts on the environment.
“Extensive cultivation and rain events and wind events — that top soil just keeps on shrinking,” Sande said. “We need to do our best to hold on to what we have so that 100 years down the road we can still keep growing crops … Some areas of the Middle East were incredibly fertile. Now, they’re dominated by desert.”
Stripping land of its nutrients proved devastating to that region’s fertility. Iowa certainly does not want to move in that direction.
More than three-quarters of the state was once covered in prairie. Nowadays, nearly all of the natural prairie has disappeared due to developments and agriculture. As a result, a lot of the natural wildlife habitat is no longer here. Sande said conservation efforts from farmers ac -
Pheasants have made a historic return in the state in recent years. Concerted efforts from all sorts of groups have made that possible.
Of course, conserving wildlife is not the only thing NRCS wants to help farmers with. Improving water quality is another goal the agency works toward regularly. While many people get their drinking water from underground wells, some get their water from rivers and watersheds.
High levels of nitrate in rivers pose a big challenge and make the water unsafe to drink, and it can also be harmful to the environment.
Which is why farmer’s voluntary conservation efforts are crucial. Sande said it comes down to reducing soil erosion, improving water quality and enhancing wildlife habitat. A lot of what the local SWCD does is holding outreach events and increasing participation from farmers.
“We do that through field days, workshops, educational days — stuff like that,” Sande said, noting a field day in August 2024 alone discussed the benefits of no-till farming and planting cover crops, and better ways to get more consistent and positive results from cover crops. About 25 producers attended the field day.
SWCD also had an individual share how they apply cover crops using drones. The district is all about educating farmers and producers, and, in turn, changing their thought processes. Sande said it is not easy for farmers to make these changes overnight. It takes time to yield the desired results.
Farmers know this all too well.
“A lot of times we might just plant that little seed in their head, and maybe a couple of years later they come back and it’s maybe grown a little bit,” Sande said. “Then maybe they’ll try something on a few acres and see how that does. Then maybe they expand it to a whole field.”
recommendation that the house be torn down.”
Supervisor Brandon Talsma said it did not make sense to invest money into the house, especially if the county is no longer requiring residency on parks. Van Zante said Ratliff drives to the park early in the morning and is there all day. He is also at the park at night, especially when the campgrounds are open.
“It sounds like, you know, you guys looked into possibly selling it, too, but then we’re running into the 10acre rule with the county,” Talsma
a childcare or preschool center. We thought maybe in the next five to 10 years we will build.”
The timeline was kicked into gear when almost $2 million came to the community. It wasn’t without a lot of effort from the many community members and the school district to make everything come together in such a short period of time.
Working with former Colfax City Administrator Wade Wagoner and local business owner George Dickerson, CEDCO was formed to serve as the non-profit for the grant.
“Besides us, George is the biggest employer in the city,” Salmon said. “George’s initial response was, ‘I lose employees because we don’t have child care and we don’t have housing.’”
Currently, Colfax does not have a childcare center. Parents in the community rely
said. “And then do we really want to parcel that off and sell it right next to the county park? Or is there potential there of keeping that going forward down the road.” In the future, the site could also be a good space for a cabin or campground. Van Zante noted the sheriff’s office could use the house for training purposes, and it could even be used for fire department trainings. She and her board are hopeful the demolition will not cost too much, especially after law enforcement and local firefighters get through with the building.
on in-home daycare or have to bring their children out of town for services. The new center will change all of that.
“We’ll have roughly 100 kids in the center. It will be infants up to school age,” Salmon said. “It will also have wraparound care, before and after school care for parents to drop off the kids before school or pick the up after school.”
About 20 spots will be reserved for staff members and business partners, leaving an ample amount for the community. Work is scheduled to start in July with the center open a year later prior to the start of the 2026-2027 school year.
“We know the benefits it will have for us (as a school district),” Salmon said. “For one, my staff are tickled to death that they will have child care. We’re going to move two preschool rooms out of the existing elementary building, which we’ve had overcrowding issues with space in there. We’re likely to get the stage, that has been closed for 20 years, opened back up. The library that we closed down two years will be able to open up. It is a win on both ends.”
ter has the non-provider driver. A handful of times, he said, that driver is the only person showing up to the call.
the county the billing agency and reimbursing Baxter, instead of vice versa. Gunsaulus specified it is only when Bax-
Stay Safe From Shingles
“And then our paramedics,” Gunsaulus said.
Other obligations include the county being obligated to provide ALS services when available and when required or requested by Baxter. The sheriff’s office shall also allow any Baxter service provide access to patient care reports on calls when paramedic-deputies were involved in assisting the EMS team.
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
A reserve deputy paramedic for the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office opens a pack full of medications. The sheriff’s office is equipped with deputy paramedics to provide advanced life support services for several Jasper County communities.
The worst day of my life!
We had to be at the University of Iowa Hospital at 5:30 in the morning for Ginnie’s hysterectomy. We were there on time and I was whisked away to a waiting room. This was to be a day all about Ginnie, of course. But I wasn’t feeling well, and hadn’t felt well for a couple of days. I won’t go into details except that it involved both ends.
The surgery lasted five hours, and then about the same amount of time in recovery. I was feeling sick and killing time in a waiting room was murder! On my way back from the restroom, one of the ladies in charge of the waiting area asked if I was all right. I said, no, I was sick. I asked if she could round up some ibuprofen and something to drink. She hurried off to the emergency room and came back with ibuprofen and a soda.
What an angel. My biggest concern was getting Ginnie from the hospital to our car. There are seemingly endless hallways and sky-walks and elevators. But I needn’t worry. A cute little teen volunteer pushed Ginnie all the way to our car in the parking ramp. Another angel. By the time we had Ginnie tucked into the car, I could hardly breathe. I made up my mind I would go to Urgent Care the following morning. And I did. I was running a low-grade fever and thought I might have pneumonia. The Urgent Care doc listened to my heart and informed me I had a heart murmur. A student doctor in the room listened and confirmed it.
I’m 76 and have never had a heart problem except for a pacemaker because of a low pulse. The Urgent Care Doctor informed me that because of the murmur and my difficulty breathing he was sending me to the emer-
Week eleven update
Iowa House Republicans have been active this past week, advancing legislation to bolster election integrity, safeguard landowners, enhance road safety, improve healthcare access, and refine public assistance programs.
For election security, House File 928 standardizes recounts with vote margin thresholds and entrusts county auditors—rather than campaigns—with oversight. House File 954 ensures only U.S. citizens vote by cleaning voter rolls, addressing the 35 noncitizen votes counted in 2024.
Protecting landowners from eminent domain misuse by CO2 pipeline projects, House File 943 bars taking agricultural land for such purposes. House File 639 requires pipeline companies to carry insurance, cover landowners’ added costs, and meet stricter public use standards for eminent domain.
Senate File 22 promotes safer roads by expanding Iowa’s texting-while-driving ban to all handheld device use, allowing handsfree options and imposing a $100 fine starting in 2026 after a warning phase.
Healthcare initiatives include House File 972, which consolidates loan repayment programs, funds 115 new medical residencies annually, and enhances rural care
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coordination. House File 887 removes regulatory hurdles for birth centers, and House File 919 designates ChildServe as a specialty children’s hospital for federal support.
House File 970 shifts SNAP toward healthier choices, seeking a federal waiver to redirect taxpayer funds from items like soda and candy—20 percent of SNAP spending per a 2016 USDA study—to combat Iowa’s high obesity rates, while adding $1 million to Double Up Food Bucks.
Senate File 615 introduces work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients, broadly defined to include education or caregiving, with exemptions for the disabled, elderly, pregnant, and others, aiming to foster self-reliance.
These efforts highlight Iowa House Republicans’ commitment to practical solutions: securing elections, defending property, boosting safety and health, and promoting independence. While some might see measures like SNAP or Medicaid changes as challenging for certain groups, supporters view them as empowering steps toward better outcomes for all Iowans. As of March 27, 2025, this agenda reflects a forward-looking vision for the state.
Let’s keep the conversation going.
Letters to the Newton Daily News will be edited for libel, grammar and length and should not exceed 400 words. We reserve the right to shorten letters and reject those deemed libelous, in poor taste or of a personal nature. Include your full name, address and a daytime phone number for verification. Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion of the writer or artist. Submit letters to newsroom@newtondailynews. com or Newton Daily News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208
gency room, and asked if I wanted to go by ambulance or did I have someone who could drive me? Ginnie was home, not able to drive because of her surgery. I had to call a friend to come and get me and haul my carcass to the ER.
At the ER, they could not detect a murmur, but told me murmurs could be intermittent. They did tell me I was positive for Influenza A, and asked if I was diabetic, because my blood sugar was 181. Yikes! No, I have never been diabetic. (BTW, I had my flu shot.) They sent me home with an antibiotic, and told me to watch what I ate.
I had an appointment coming right up with my oncologist, so I figured I would dump the whole problem in his lap—influenza and colitis, which was caused by the cancer treatment. Before this happened the only thing I knew about colitis was from the Beatles’ song, “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds” and what I thought were the lyrics, “The girl with colitis go by.” I know now that the lyrics are actually, “The girl with kaleidoscope eyes.” Trust me on this, I also know now what colitis is! (And my blood sugar
was back to normal.) It was St. Patrick’s Day and, even as sick as I was, I couldn’t resist a little prank. (This should tell you a lot about my character.) Whenever I visit my oncologist, he always asks if I have a rash on my back or stomach. I never do. But, as I was getting dressed for the doctor’s appointment, all in green by-the-way, I took it a step further. With a green magic marker I painted a big green splotch on my stomach. At the doctor’s office, sure enough, he asked if I had a rash. I pulled up my shirttail, and he just about fainted. “Happy St. Patrick’s Day!” I told him. A grin slowly came across his face, then he burst out laughing. He then went out in the hall and grabbed some other hospital staff and showed them my St. Patrick’s Day rash. They loved it!
One way to cure The Worst Day Ever is to have The Best Day Ever! God and I and your prayers are going to whip this cancer/colitis duo, and it’s going to be with a smile on my face, and a song in my heart. (Yes, Ginnie’s doing fine.)
Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com
Free speech and freedom of the press under assault
By Steve Corbin Professor Emeritus of Marketing, University of Northern Iowa
On June 4, 2024, an op-ed I penned (Project 2025’s threat to democracy) was published in The Fulcrum, a national bipartisan social media platform. It received more than 74,000 views and landed as one of the top 10 most read op-eds – out of 1,460 – published in 2024.
The op-ed identified how the rightwing extremist Heritage Foundation think tank had prepared a 900-page blueprint of actions Donald Trump should implement – if elected -- in the first 180 days of being America’s 47th president. Dozens of op-eds were spun off from the op-ed by a multitude of cross-partisan freelance writers and published in The Fulcrum, identifying – very specifically – what Trump and his appointees would do by following Heritage Foundation’s dictum of changing America from a democracy to an authoritarian, fascist-like country.
We’re about 1/3rd of the way through Heritage Foundation’s 180day blueprint and have witnessed 129 executive orders resulting in – no surprise to people who completed a high school U.S. government class and understand America’s distinct three levels of government -- 113 legal challenges (Litigation Tracker).
Five books were cited in the June 4 op-ed to assist readers better understand how an authoritarian-dictator acts and can – rather quickly -- convert a democracy into a totalitarian and oppressive ruled country. Four of the books were written by the contemporary authors’ Anne Applebaum, Barbara McQuade, Heather Cox Richardson and Timothy Snyder. The other book was George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984.”
You might like to know the #1 most banned book by right-wing agents is Orwell’s “1984,” which warned against
autocracy’s reign of terror. After Donald Trump made unprovable and “alternative fact” statements in 2017, sales of “1984” soared 9,500 percent. After Trump’s 2024 election victory, “1984” sales went “soaring off the shelves” (Axios, Nov. 8).
In Orwell’s “1984,” Big Brother and his acolytes installed the practice of eliminating words, called `Newspeak.’ `The Party’ was the name of the totalitarian government that used Newspeak to delete words, discourage free thought, limit people’s ability for critical thinking and control its citizens.
Jump to 2025 and the term `Newspeak’ is now being applied to a portion of our 47th president’s administration. Despite Mr. Trump claiming to be the “champion of free speech,” The New York Times found hundreds of words used in Trump 2.0 documents have disappeared on hundreds of federal document websites and on more than 5,000 pages.
A partial list of words that have being eliminated by Mr. Trump from America’s lexicon include: advocacy, biologically female, Black, clean energy, climate science, cultural heritage, disability, discrimination, diversity, equal opportunity, equity, female, females, feminism, gender, hate speech, Hispanic minority, inclusion, Latinx, LGBTQ, mental health, minority, multicultural, Native American, pregnant person, race, sex, social justice, transgender, tribal, under represented, victims and women.
Notice what words are not on Trump’s banned list: male, man, men and White.
Another example of Orwellianism in Trumpism exists ...
In George Orwell’s “1984,” several citizens in the authoritarian country Oceania work for the Ministry of Truth, whose job was to alter historical records to fit the needs of `The Party.’ On the sixth day of Trump’s 47th presidency, he ordered “the U.S. Air Force will no longer teach its re-
cruits about the Tuskegee Airmen, the more than 15,000 Blacks pilots (first Black aviators in the U.S. Army), mechanics and cooks in the segregated Army of World War II.” Trump’s very own `Ministry of Truth’ is attempting to erase history of active Black fighters from 1940 to 1952, who flew in over 15,000 sorties and destroyed more than 100 German aircraft.
Recall one of the words Mr. Trump has eliminated from U.S. documents is ... Black.
Orwell’s Big Brother also wanted to destroy the literature of Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Bryon, etc. so he could control the way people could think, how much they could think and what they could think about.
In a similar literature vein, Donald Trump has controlled what news agencies can work at the Pentagon; CNN, The Washington Post, The Hill, War Zone, NBC News, NPR, New York Times and Politico have been kicked out (AP, Feb. 7). Four news agencies (i.e., Associated Press, Reuters, HuffPost and Der Tagesspiegel) have been barred from attending Trump cabinet meetings. Americans are being controlled over what media can report to us and therefore how much to think and what to think about.
Evidence is replete Mr. Trump is not only following Heritage Foundation’s authoritarian-oriented playbook with his multitude of executive orders but many of the actions employed by the fascist rulers and tenants of George Orwell’s “1984.”
Call Sens. Grassley and Ernst and your U.S. House Rep. (202-224-3121) to remind them that the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects freedom of speech and freedom of the press and demand it is their job to put a stop to Trump’s 2.0 anti-free speech and anti-freedom of the press dystopian movement. Contact Steve Corbin at Steven.B.Corbin@gmail.com
‘Killer Krewe’ throws unexpected turns in Lisa M. Lucero’s 6th novel
Lisa M. Lucero’s latest novel “Killer Krewe” provides plenty of thrills as the town of Beaufort, N.C. celebrates Mardi Gras. During the festivities, scandalous mayor Franklin Lane commits the murder of Clayton Young and gets away with it by offering favors to community members to keep it hushed. Fortunately, there are two witnesses, Clayton’s girlfriend Meghan Stone and her friend, Amie Booker, who must seek justice for the murder.
They devise a plan to frame Lane, who is the leader of the corrupt Krewe Les Beat. Members of Krewe Les Beat threaten Meghan and Amie to keep quiet. Undeterred, the women put their plan in action. They discover a web of lies and find out the town is much more corrupt than what they originally had thought.
Lucero uses her own experience celebrating Mardi Gras while living in Louisiana and Southern Texas. Her interpretation of the celebration is evident in Krewe Les Beat.
“I love Mardi Gras,” Lucero said. “It’s a wonderful celebration that draws in large crowds. I have never seen so much joy from catching beads, doubloons, and other trinkets from large colorful floats that are intricately decorated before for
the festivities. People love to party and get swept up in all the excitement. I thought it would be the perfect occasion for chaos.”
Published by Light Switch Press in March 2025, “Killer Krewe” is a David versus Goliath type of story. It leaves readers wondering if the underdog will win.
“I had fun creating the twists and turns of this story,” Lucero said.
“There’s nothing like a good murder suspense that makes you wonder how the heroes will defeat the enemies.”
Lucero is currently working at Grinnell College as an administrative assistant in data and records. She grew up in McPherson, Kan., and is now living in Newton.
Visit her website for more information at lisamlucero.com.
Leadership Youth Summit set for June 3-4 at Central College
Central College will host the Leadership Youth Summit June 3-4 for students who will be in grades 7-12 in Fall 2025. The camp will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
both days, in the Maytag Student Center on Central’s campus. During the two-day camp, students will embark on a journey of growth, collaboration
HOWARD ST. CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(Disciples of Christ)
Pastor Josh Burns 101 N. Locust St., Colfax Cell - 515-779-3148
SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Fellowship;10:30 a.m. Worship, in person or online via YouTube
WEDNESDAY - 3:30 p.m. After school elementary youth; 6:15 ChiRho and CYF youth supper; 7:30 p.m. Youth Group
THIRD SUNDAY - 8 p.m. Elders meeting, Board meeting after church; Collect for Food Pantry
FOURTH SUNDAY - Potluck Dinner
FIFTH SUNDAY - Potluck Breakfast
FIRST MONDAY - WIC appointments
FOURTH & FIFTH TUESDAY - 3
p.m. Table of Grace
IRA UNITED CHURCH
Pastors Doug Cupples and Phil Butler
and skill-building. Various campus leaders and professionals in Pella will help teach students leadership skills they will use throughout their life. With inter-
active sessions and real-world scenarios, participants will cultivate skills in leadership and communication they will then use in an exciting escape room experience.
“Our Leadership Youth Summit builds relationships and skills that empower students to make a difference in the world,” Melissa Sharkey, assistant dean of students at Central College said. “I was impressed by the cohort of amazing students at the camp last year. It helps assure hope for the future and student potential.”
Leadership Youth Summit registration fee is $55 and includes lunch and snack both days. The deadline for registration is Thursday, May 1. For more information and to register, go to central.edu/ camps/register/leadership-youth-summit/.
Church Schedules
Clubs
Community Calendar
Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com
SATURDAY • Poweshiek Partners 4-H club meets at 9 a.m. the first Saturday of the month in the C-M Elementary lunchroom
MONDAY
• BEDCO meets at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday of month
• Colfax Cub Scouts Pack 345 meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of month in the C-M High School Cafetorium
• Colfax Planning & Zoning meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of month at the library
TUESDAY
• Baxter Masonic Lodge meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of month
• Baxter Chamber of Commerce meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of month at city hall
• Colfax American Legion Post 175 meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of month at the Colfax Senior Citizens Center
WEDNESDAY
• C-M Athletic Booster Club meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of month in the high school
THURSDAY
• Baxter Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. second Thursday of month, March to December, at the Baxter Community Building
2025 Iowa State Fair Way We Live award entries now open
The Iowa State Fair and media sponsors Iowa Farmer Today and WHO Radio, The Big Show, are seeking entries for the 2025 Way We Live Award. The Way We Live Award, in its 17th year of recognizing outstanding farm families, will be awarded to six Iowa families who exemplify hard-working farm values and a love for the occupation of farming. So far, the Way We Live Award has been given to 95 well-deserving Iowa families.
To nominate your family or someone you know, submit an entry form that describes how living on a farm and choosing the occupation of farming has shaped the family’s life. All entries must include a family picture that illustrates the family’s commitment to their farming operation.
Entry forms can be printed or filled out on the Iowa State Fair website: http://www.iowastatefair. org/participate/the-way-we-live-award/. All entries must be postmarked or submitted by May 15.
Winners will receive a prize package including $250 cash, fair admission, a parking pass, food vouchers, a one-night hotel stay and recognition on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage and in the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center during the Iowa State Fair, August 7-17.
Eligible families must be residents of Iowa and the farming operation can be centered around any agricultural commodity. Families may be nominated by a member of the family or by others.
Nominations must be submitted online (www. iowastatefair.org) or postmarked by May 15, 2025, and sent to: Iowa State Fair, Emily Wynn, PO Box 57130, Des Moines, Iowa 50317-0003 or e-mail all materials to ewynn@iowastatefair.org.
ASHTON CHAPEL
8887 W. 122nd St. N., Mingo
METZ COMMUNITY CHURCH
3253 W. 62nd St. S., Newton Pastor David Rex 641-521-4354
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:10 a.m. Worship Last Saturday of month - 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
Colfax Minister, Pastor Cody Dyer Church Office 674-4165
SATURDAY, April 5 - 7:30 a.m.
Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study SUNDAY, April 6 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dyer; 5 p.m. “The Well” Youth Group
MONDAY, April 6 - 6 p.m. Deacon/ Deaconess meeting
TUESDAY, April 7 - 3:30 p.m. Women’s Prayer and Coffee; 7 p.m. Trustee meeting
WEDNESDAY, April 9 - 9 a.m.
SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church service; 10:30 a.m. Sunday school Communion first Sunday
Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; 5:45 p.m. AWANA Family Meal; 6:25 p.m. AWANA
The church schedule is brought to you by Coburn FUNERAL HOMES Colfax-Prairie City-Monroe 515-674-3155 www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH
Newton, Iowa
SATURDAY - 4 p.m. Mass
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Mass
COLFAX FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
S. Locust & W. Division St. Office - 674-3782
Rev. Phil Dicks pastor
SUNDAY - 10:30 a.m. Family Worship with Holy Communion; Sunday School
HOPE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
126 E. Howard
Rev. Paul Avery, pastor Church: 674-3700 hopeassemblyofgod@yahoo.com
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship
WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Evening Service
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
CATHOLIC CHURCH
302 E. Howard St., Colfax Fr. Marty Goetz
515-674-3711
SUNDAY - 11 a.m. Mass
MINGO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Rev. Phil Dicks
515-689-4926
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship service
(Sunday school not meeting at this time)
Pastors: Larry Craig & Mark Eddy
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship
BETHANY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 5627 N. 95th Ave. W., Baxter 641-227-3402
Pastor Chris Hayward
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday School
(Sunday after Labor Day to second Sunday in May); 10 a.m. Sunday Worship. First Sunday communion. All are welcome. baxterbethanyucc. org
EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH
BAXTER Mike Mclintock, Pastor SUNDAY - 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Worship; 6 p.m. Awanas
WEDNESDAYS - 1st & 3rd - 6:30 p.m. Mens Bible Study 2nd & 4th - 6:30 p.m. Men’s and Womens Bible Study
THURSDAYS 10 a.m. - Womens Bible Study
BAXTER CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
218 S. Main, Baxter Pastor Ben Spera Church: 641-227-3382
SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Worship
WEDNESDAY - 6 p.m. Bible Study
THIRD THURSDAY of month6:30 p.m. Theology on Tap at Bea’s Place on Main Street
Check us out on Facebook and baxtercongregational.com
CORNERSTONE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP 1000 E. 12th St., Newton Rev. Josh Farver, pastor Phone 641-792-4650
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:15 a.m. Worship WEDNESDAY - 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study; Youth Group
HERITAGE WORD OF LIFE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 102 Second St. NW, Mitchellville Pastor Dave Adams 515-967-3330
Lisa M. Lucero’s sixth novel, “Killer Krewe,” was released in March.
Metro Creative
Students participating in the Leadership Youth Summit June 3-4 at Central College will embark on a journey of growth, collaboration and skill-building. The program is for students in grades 7-12 in Fall 2025.
Sports
Tigerhawks dominate Williamsburg in first-ever soccer match
WILLIAMSBURG —
The Colfax-Mingo girls soccer team has played one match and one jamboree so far this season.
And the Tigerhawks outscored their opponents 7-0 in those two contests.
Colfax-Mingo opened the regular season on March 31 with a 4-0 win over Williamsburg after downing the Southeast Polk junior varsity, 3-0, in the team’s first-ever home event on March 29.
“We had all 17 girls on (March 31) and all 17 contributed to the win,” Colfax-Mingo head girls soccer coach Zach Tomas said. “We made a few adjustments from the scrimmage, and the team looked more put together and compete tonight.”
It was the first win in program history for the Tigerhawks, and the first varsity victory for Tomas.
Freshman Meadow Lane scored all four
goals for the Tigerhawks against Williamsburg (01). Her first came with 1 second to go in the first half. She added a hat trick in the second half in her
varsity
“Coach Tjaden suggested we move Meadow up front in the lineup, and it resulted in multiple goals,” Tomas said. “We
only have 14 players some nights so we’ll have kids playing multiple spots.”
IHSAA moves boys state basketball to Hilton Coliseum starting in 2027
BOONE — A century after playing championships inside State Gym, the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and Iowa State University enter an exciting new era together as the IHSAA Boys State Basketball Tournament will move to Hilton Coliseum starting in 2027.
An initial five-year agreement with support from Discover Ames will place the fiveday, 32-team boys tournament inside Hilton Coliseum as the first-of-its-kind multi-use CyTown district is developed at the Iowa State Center and slated to come online in 2027.
“We couldn’t be more excited about what this opportunity will offer our student-athletes, schools and supporters as they experience an elite basketball environment at Hilton and an awesome new tournament community in CyTown and Ames,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said. “Our sincere appreciation goes to everyone who has helped make this possible at Iowa State University, Discover Ames and Cyclone Athletics.”
Lauded as one of the nation’s finest college basketball venues, Hilton Coliseum boasts consistently strong attendance for the Cyclones’ men’s and women’s basketball programs with a capacity of 14,267, and the programs annually rank among the national leaders in home attendance.
The surrounding CyTown district — announced in 2022 and expected to be up and running in 2027 — will feature space for retail, food and beverage, common areas and a 200-room Marriott hotel, The Cardinal.
“On behalf of Iowa State University, thank you to the IHSAA board, Tom Keating and Tom’s staff for deciding to bring the Athletic Association’s state basketball tournament to Ames to experience Hilton Magic,” Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. “We are excited to host this great event and our staff looks forward to working with the IHSAA to make this special for the athletes, coaches and fans whose teams reach the state tournament each year.”
IHSAA basketball brings eight qualifiers across four classifications to the state tournament. Since moving to a five-day format in 2018, the event has averaged nearly 50,000 paid attendees with full capacity available.
Max Handorf
Baxter sophomore Max Handorf has posted a career-best time of 4:37.45 in the 1,600-meter run and a career-best 10:03.74 in the 3,200 this spring. He also helped the Bolts finish the distance medley relay faster than at any point last year.
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Colfax-Mingo junior Bianca Lane (9) finds a teammate in the middle of the field against the Southeast Polk junior varsity during a jamboree on March 29 in Colfax. The Tigerhawks defeated the Rams, 3-0, and then shut out host Williamsburg, 4-0, in the season opener on March 31.
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Colfax-Mingo sophomore Victoria Woods (16) centers the ball against the Southeast Polk junior varsity during the Tigerhawks’ home jamboree on March 29.
It was the first career start in goal for Emmalyn Buchman, who helped the Tigerhawks score the shutout.
Tomas said Lilyan Hadsall and Brooklyn Yanske were big at the back end of the lineup and Bianca Lane stabilized the middle of the pitch. Hadsall collected an assist off a corner kick, too.
“They were huge,” Tomas said. “(Hadsall) and (Yanske) were rocks on defense, and (Bianca Lane) is so good in the middle. She’s not going to lose the ball and always makes good decisions.”
Colfax-Mingo (1-0) hosted Southeast Polk’s JV for a jamboree on March 29. The two teams played a 40-minute half and two of the three goals were scored by Meadow Lane.
She put in the first goal in the 9th minute and added a second one in the 37th minute.
The other goal was scored by Rylie Van Beek in the 32nd minute.
Ames already hosts more than 100,000 youth sports visitors annually through the Iowa Games, Special Olympics of Iowa’s Summer Games and more.
“We are super excited to partner with Iowa State Athletics and the IHSAA to bring the state basketball tournament to Ames and Hilton Coliseum starting in 2027,” Discover Ames President and CEO Kevin Bourke said.
“This week-long event will expose teams and fans from across the state to Iowa State University, as well as create a huge economic impact to Ames while showcasing our wonderful community.”
Ames played host to the IHSAA’s basketball tournament six times between 1917 and 1926, all inside then-Iowa State College’s State Gym.
The IHSAA concluded its 2025 championships on March 14 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, where the tournament has been hosted since 1963.
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter senior Rylie Van Beek (24) scored one of Colfax-Mingo’s
