JCT-02-08-2024

Serving Colfax

Mingo

Baxter

Western Jasper County

Get ready to play ‘The Dating Game’

Colfax Public Library offering fun way to try out a new book for Valentine’s Day

The Colfax Library is hoping it can find patrons the perfect “date” for Valentine’s Day. The Dating Game: Book Edition is underway giving community members the chance to try out a new book that might not have otherwise caught their eye.

“All of the books are less than three years old and have been checked out less than two times,” librarian Lisa Van Gorp said. “They are books that for some reason people have overlooked. Here we are with them still in the library and people are finding new things to read.”

Van Gorp came up with the dating game idea after “Blind Date with a Book” was so successful last year. She want-

FEELING

It may only be Feburary but planning is well underway for Baxter Fun Days 2024. A key part of planning is the yearly theme, and the organizing committee put it up to a vote to get the community’s favorite choice.

“We put it to Facebook to vote and let the community decide. It’s their town celebration after all,” organizer Lindsay Black said. “We are just the party planners.”

Options for this year included Pirates, Dancing through the Decades, Vegas and USA. After a great turnout, the voters were feeling patriotic with flags flying in the comment section.

“USA! Red, White and Baxter,” Black said.

Now that the theme is in the books,

A fun way to try a new book, the Colfax Public Library is offering “The Dating Game” to narrow down the selection. Made up of books that haven’t been checked out more than twice in the past few years, the books are divided into categories that are selected by answering a weekly Dating Game question.

ed another way to get books through the door that for some reason weren’t popular selections.

“I wanted to try something different. I was kicking around

PAT R I OT I C

planning starts on how to make the event the best one yet.

“We try to think of fun, unique ideas that would go with the theme,” Black said. “We are hoping one this year will be a silent disco and paint the flag in the street. We also try to give all the traditional events a theme-based name for the year.”

A favorite from last year, band Brushville will be back with their country tunes for the Saturday night street dance. Additional live music is also being planned for the weekend.

“We have lots of new ideas on how to make things bigger and better than ever,” Black said. “It’ll be a blast!” Baxter Fun Days will be July 11 to 14.

To find out all of the fun activities making their way to Baxter Fun Days, follow the event on Facebook.

ideas with one of my co-workers, just some other ideas of dating things,” Van Gorp said. “I was able to identify a romance, a thriller and just identify them that way.”

Questions like “If you’re stranded on a desert island, what kind of book would you take?” and “What’s the most important thing you look for in a date?” help readers identify what style of book they want, then a lucky draw of the bag decides what they are bringing home. There is also an area for kids that leave off the dating part but still lets them pick from various categories to give them a surprise to try out.

DATING GAME | 3

selects Fun Days theme for 2024

Local school leaders not in favor of AEA changes

Baxter and Colfax-Mingo schools would face a ‘significant impact’ should bill be passed by the Iowa Legislature

By Jamee

With a potential upheaval to Iowa’s Area Education Agencies working its way around the Iowa Legislature, area superintendents share the affects proposed changes would make at their schools. Baxter’s Mickolyn Clapper and Colfax-Mingo’s Tim Salmon both said their schools would face a significant impact should the AEA be reorganized as proposed.

“Potential changes that are proposed would be detrimental to Colfax-Mingo,” Salmon said. “We would lose services, take on additional responsibilities and lower the educational programming in our district. We would have to hire staff, supervise, which would be difficult as they would all be part-time positions. The flow-through money would not support what we currently have. Our staff and students would suffer. Less services and more work for our district.”

Clapper said with the changes in the bill Baxter would have to remove educational services, media/

Talsma said the change was needed to save money and retain employees

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

In an effort to save money and retain its department heads, the Jasper County Board of Supervisors have spent considerable time this past year tying to get a handle on salaries. For some that means increasing their pay to be more in line with their duties, but for most it means negotiating their raises.

Jasper County Supervisor Brandon Talsma told Newton News at the conclusion of a recent budget session that most department heads have responded well to the board’s change in policy. Supervisors revised the policy on Jan. 23 and it no longer allows individuals in managerial positions to be on a pay scale. Since the updated policy will become effective July 1, the board of supervisors have been discussing department head salaries over the past few weeks during budget workshops. The Jan. 30 budget workshop gave a glimpse into how pay increases for department heads would proceed in the future.

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune Students and staff would be affected if the changes proposed in the AEA restructuring bill are approved by the Iowa Legislature.

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

Themes in the past, including Margaritaville in 2022, can be seen in every part of the Baxter Fun Days celebration. Red, White and Baxter, a patriotic theme, was selected for 2024.

Jamee A. Pierson/ Jasper County Tribune

A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune

By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune

By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune

Memorial donation to Colfax library

Submitted Photo

Karen Douglas, Matt Millburn, Kathy Kaldenberg and Patty Shissler, recently presented a memorial donation to the Colfax Public Library in honor of their father, Francis Millburn.

A memorial donation in honor of former board member, Francis Millburn, was recently made to the Colfax Public Library.

Funds collected at his October visitation were used to upgrade

the lighting in the meeting room with the remainder to be used to purchase blinds for the first floor.

Millburn served on the board from 2003-2021.

Colfax FFA students visit state house

Academic Achievement

Iowa State University AMES — More than 10,800 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the fall semester 2023 dean’s list. Students named to the dean’s list must earn a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work. The following are students listed below are from the local area: Cody Damman of Baxter, Sophie Meyer of Baxter, Adam Shelley of Baxter, Cael Shepley of Baxter, Isaac Ensminger of Colfax, Alexander Faidley of Colfax, Reghan Robinette of Colfax, Kira Warrick of Colfax.

Northwestern College

ORANGE CITY — Emma Dunsbergen and Kallie Van Kley, students at Northwestern College in Orange City, earned a spot on the academic dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester by earning a grade point average of 3.75 or higher.

University of Iowa

IOWA CITY — More than 950 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa named to the president’s list for the 2023 fall semester. Area students named to the list include Kyra Lester of Mitchellville.

Area students named to the dean’s list for the 2023 fall semester at the Univer-

sity of Iowa who achieve a grade-point average of 3.50 or higher include: Kyra Lester of Mitchellville, Chelsey Atwood of Colfax, Avery Fricke of Maxwell, Tylar Meister of Mitchellville and Abigail Shepley of Baxter. Iowa State University AMES — More than 10,800 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the fall semester 2023 dean’s list. Students named to the dean’s list must earn a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work. The following are students listed below are from the local area: Cody Damman of Baxter, Sophie Meyer of Baxter, Adam Shelley of Baxter, Cael Shepley of Baxter, Isaac Ensminger of Colfax, Alexander Faidley of Colfax, Reghan Robinette of Colfax, Kira Warrick of Colfax, Rachel Kenney of Mingo, Tanner Smith of Mingo. Northwestern College ORANGE CITY — Emma Dunsbergen and Kallie Van Kley, students at Northwestern College in Orange City, earned a spot on the academic dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester by earning a grade point average of 3.75 or higher and are considered Collegiate Scholars.

Simpson College INDIANOLA — Simp -

son College announced Zach Steenhoek of Colfax, was named to the dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester. Students named to the dean’s list achieved a grade point average between 3.70 and 3.99. Simpson College announced that 165 students made the president’s list for the fall 2023 semester. Local students named to the president’s list achieved a 4.00 grade point average include: Holly Bailey of Colfax, Joseph Butcher of Collins, Adria Fullerton of Maxwell and Elie Tuhn of Baxter. University of Northern Iowa CEDAR FALLS — Area students named to the University of Northern Iowa’s fall semester dean’s list include: Alistair Gibson of Colfax, Betsy McClellan of Colfax, John Scroggins of Rhodes, Maxwell Van Dusseldorp of Colfax, Morgan Kielly of Baxter. Central College PELLA — Central College recognized 408 students who were named to the fall 2023 dean’s list. The honor is awarded to fulltime students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale while taking 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester. Area students include: Parker Lawrence of Maxwell, Carley Underwood of Mitchellville and Rylie Van Wyk of Mitchellville.

OWLS program ‘Paper Quilling’ Wednesday

Jasper County Conservation Board will host an Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors (OWLS) program at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb 14 at the Jasper County Armory/Annex Building in Newton. The public is invited to come for coffee and a program given by Heidi Holley.

Holley makes cards and art using the method of paper quilling — rolling, shaping and gluing paper into decorative de -

signs. Holley will demonstrate the technique and provide materials needed to make your own Valentine’s Day cards.

The OWLS program is a conservation program that encourages seniors to stay active and learn new things about the natural world. Contact the Jasper County Conservation Board office at 641-792-9780 for more information.

Iowans continue to lose millions of dollars to imposter scammers

AARP urges passage of common-sense legislation to protect Iowans from gift card scams

For nearly a decade, imposter scams have been by far the most reported type of scam in Iowa. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), for nine consecutive years, imposter scams – defined as scams where thieves pretend to be someone else to steal your money –rank as the TOP scam in Iowa. How do imposter scammers get paid? The FTC cites gift cards as the most common way these scammers seek payment from their targets. AARP Iowa is calling on legisla-

tors to support Senate File 2147, a bill to help protect Iowans from this nefarious practice.

“Imposter scams have been the dominant scam in Iowa for nearly a decade, costing Iowans millions. Clearly, something needs to change,” said Brad Anderson, AARP Iowa State Director. “This bill would require retailers selling gift cards to post a notice warning and informing consumers about gift card scams and who to contact for help. This simple notice will help people think

twice before buying a gift card to pay someone.”

In a 2022 AARP survey, one in three adults said they or someone they know had been asked at some point to purchase a gift card to pay a bill, fee, or some other debt or obligation or to claim a prize. About one in four adults who were contacted reported they bought the cards. The nearly 65,000 consumers who filed complaints with the FTC about gift card payment scams in 2022 lost a total of $228.3 million.

Submitted Photo

Rep. Jon Dunwell (R-Newton) welcomed members of the Newton FFA chapter to the Iowa House during the FFA Legislative Symposium Tuesday, Jan. 30.

Metro Photo

Dating Game

Continuedfrompage1

“They are excited about it,” Van Gorp said.

The Dating Game started at the library a couple of weeks ago and will run through the week of Valentine’s Day. Those who participate twice even get a prize.

“They can try a new author,” Van Gorp said. “We like to keep the traffic coming.”

The library has been given a slight facelift with a new interior paint job and becoming more accessible with new chair lifts at the entrance to go both upstairs and downstairs. Events such as “Taco bout great books at the library” for National Take Your Child to the Library Day and store time at 10:30 a.m. each Thursday, make going to the library fun and a destination for more than quiet reading.

“(For Taco bout great books at the library) we had a story time, did a craft and Cocina Hernandez donated a free taco for each kid that came. It was exciting,” Van Gorp said. “(At story time) they are coming to connect and kids are having fun.”

More events will come, keeping the library busy, especially as the weather turns warm.

“Things are good at the library,” Van Gorp said. “It has been fun. It has been exciting.”

Continuedfrompage1

technology services and professional development from the district’s access. She also explained funds they are currently receiving would be rerouted and no longer available to the district.

“The flow-through dollars that previously supported these services would be absorbed into the state general budget, making them unavailable for use by the district,” Clapper said.

Salaries

Continuedfrompage1

Two department heads with their own independent boards — Keri Van Zante of Jasper County Conservation and Becky Pryor of Jasper County Board of Health — were present during the meeting to discuss potential pay increases, which would be approved at a later date.

Department heads are entrusted to manage and coordinate individual employees and to plan budgets and capital projects, among other duties. Generally, they have a lot more responsibility than a regular employee. But supervisors did not think it was right for them to be placed on a step progression pay program.

Talsma likened the updated policy to how the board of supervisors determines raises for the county engineer. The board and the engineer often have a two-way conversation — in the form of an employee evaluation — about what the position is worth, what that individual is worth and what the county is willing to pay them.

From an economical standpoint, Talsma began to notice a trend of unsustainable salary increases for department heads using the step progression pay program.

“We have those who are more than fairly compensated that most likely are a lot closer to retirement than some other ones,” he said. “Even from a sustainability portion, if we didn’t try to get something under control we were

“This would lead to a loss of access to consultants, services and resources crucial for the district’s educational support. This would be a major loss for our district.”

Both districts utilize the AEA if a variety of ways that enhance the experience for students and assist the staff. Salmon calls the relationship with Heartland AEA a “tight partnership” where they receive resources they do not have internally.

“In addition to special education, we rely on AEA to help our leadership team move forward,

provide professional development, provide printing services, curriculum support, Crisis response, PBIS support and much more,” Salmon said. “The AEA team members that are assigned to our district are each part-time with us, as they are shared with other districts. They are part of our team, not a separate group. We work closely through collaboration to continue to push our district to improve. This is critical to our success.”

going to have department heads that were going to be pricing themselves out of a job.”

For example, if there was a department head in Jasper County with a salary of $140,000, and they were continually receiving 6 percent raises year after year, at some point the board is going to be forced into a position of having to take a hard look at the job and whether it is necessarily a justifiable salary.

“Obviously a 6 percent increase on $140,000 is a lot different than a 6 percent increase at $60,000, let alone those year-over-year compounding interests,”

eas, personalized support for teachers and learners, professional development opportunities, media and technology resources and support for diverse learners, authentic learning, and data-related needs,” Clapper said. “The relationships built between the district team and AEA staff contribute to addressing the unique needs of the district. The AEA staff are a huge part of the success of the students and staff at Baxter.”

Talsma said. “Those add up over time. We feel like that’s what we had going on or had the potential to start happening with a couple of our department heads.”

Talsma added the county doesn’t want to lose its department heads and that there are also those employees on the other end of the spectrum that are having their salaries addressed at budget sessions.

“We have those that were probably being grossly underpaid for their role,” Talsma said. There’s probably two or three that could probably make that point.”

mine what the needs are before making wholesale changes to a system that is effective.” Clapper suggests that funding should, at the least, remain for essential education services and allowing districts to continue benefiting from consultant support, professional development and media/technology services.

Baxter also uses the AEA in a variety of ways, first and foremost for special education. Other areas include literacy, math, science, social studies, career and technical education, media services, school improvement and even more.

“The AEA services bring access to consultants and specialists in various educational ar-

Should changes be made to the AEA, the affect would be more broad than to the specific students that are served. The loss of printing services and professional learning are just a couple of examples of services that could be lost.

“We get a lot of resources at a discounted price from the AEA and we benefit from their

ability to buy things in bulk and they transfer the savings on to us,” Clapper said. Salmon also said early access to those children ages 0-3 would no longer be provided leaving the “most vulnerable students would not provided critical services.” He also shared his thoughts on how the process to make these changes left out many important factors. “I don’t understand the rush with this legislation. The timeline that has been laid out is not feasible for us to put a plan together and provide services by the beginning of next school year,” Salmon said. “This entire process has been done without input from stakeholders and done behind closed doors, without transparency. Can services be improved? Yes. But take the time and really deter-

“While the special education support is critical to the success of our students with IEPS, the importance of the other services also provided by the AEA are very important in enhancing overall educational quality and outcomes for all of our students,” Clapper said. While the future of the AEA reorganization bill is currently not looking bright in the legislature, time will tell if any or all of it will make its way to Iowa’s schools and students.

Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors have a discussion with human resources director Dennis Simon at a past meeting. The board recently approved a revised policy removing department heads from step progression pay plans, and supervisors have since discussed their pay increases individual at budget sessions the past three weeks.

Manage winter energy costs and utility bills

By Carol Ehlers Iowa State University

Faced with inflation and rising energy costs, many households may struggle to pay their utility bills. Whether you are a homeowner or renter, it is important to get a good handle on how much to budget each month to cover your various utility bills, says Carol Ehlers, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

“Regardless of what you pay for utilities, there are ways to pay less. Consider these resources that can help,” Ehlers said.

Check eligibility and request energy assistance. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps households with a portion of their home heating bills, particularly those facing disconnection or who

have trouble paying their utility bill. Early applications started Oct. 1, with Nov. 1 to April 30 as the annual application timeframe through a local community action agency. Learn more from the Iowa Health and Human Services website. Ask for a winter moratorium. Your utilities may not be shut off during the “winter moratorium” if you apply for and qualify for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance

Program. If you are certified eligible for the program, utilities cannot shut off your gas or electric services from Nov. 1 through April 1, but you should still try to pay as much as you can on your utility bills, even during the winter moratorium, Ehlers noted.

“It is always best to keep making payments to the maximum extent possible. Making payments during the moratorium creates ‘good will’ with the

utility company and keeps the problem from getting worse,” Ehlers said. Ehlers offered additional tips for managing utility bills.

Know how much to expect. Ask your utility provider how much the utility bill was last year for your home or apartment. Weatherize your home. Leaky or old windows can account for 10 percent to 25 percent of heating costs due to warm air escaping. Replace windows with double-pane windows or install storm windows. Get help from the Iowa Weatherization Assistance Program.

Lower the thermostat. Dial down the thermostat to save energy in the winter. Industry figures for every degree you turn down your thermostat (and leave it for eight hours) you save between 1 percent and 3 percent of your heating bill.

Community Calendar

Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com

SATURDAY • Colfax Historical Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the second Saturday of the month. Admission is free.

MONDAY • Baxter City Council meets at 6 p.m. the second Monday of month at City Hall

• Colfax City Council meets the second Monday of month at the Colfax Fire Department

• Colfax Country Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of month

• Mingo American Legion Auxiliary meets at 1 p.m. the second Monday of month

• Mingo City Council meets at 6 p.m. the second Monday of month

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

• Mingo Men’s Club meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of month at the Mingo Community Center

Crop production estimates available for 2024 growing season

Farmers can estimate the cost of producing various crops in 2024 by using data published in the January edition of Ag Decision Maker.

The article “Estimated Costs of Crop Production” includes average production costs for corn, corn silage, soybeans, alfalfa and pasture maintenance. Decision tools are also available that allow farmers to enter their own numbers, so they can estimate production costs on their own farm.

Production costs are always important to know in advance of planting season, but even more so as the crop market heads into a period of tighter profit margins.

“The economic outlook for 2024 is somewhat of a return to normal, where

prices are roughly in line with production costs and profits can be captured sporadically throughout the year,” said Alejandro Plastina, associate professor in economics and economist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

Plastina said the report shows a 5-7 percent decline in the cost of corn and soybean production, driven by lower input costs compared to 2023. Land cost is projected to be stable, with increases in labor and machinery costs.

The report provides estimates for specific crop rotations, including corn following corn, corn following soybeans and corn following silage. The report lists specific costs commonly associated with each crop, including

seed, fertilizer, machinery use and labor.

Machinery costs re fl ect both new and used equipment, and are up 23 percent, based on the increase from 2020 to 2022, reported by the USDA Economic Research Service.

Due to differences in soil condition, the quantity of inputs used and other factors, production costs will ultimately vary from farm to farm, said Plastina. Labor is treated as a fixed cost in the report, because most labor on Iowa farms is supplied by the operator, family or permanent hired labor.

Starting in 2023, projected land costs used in the report are based on a survey of Iowa State Farm Management Team members.

Historical estimates of Iowa crop production are also available in the Ag Decision Maker, dating back to 2000. Farm bill decisions

Other important tools are also available in the January Ag Decision Maker, including decision tools to help farmers select the appropriate farm bill program. Options include Price Loss Coverage and Agricultural Risk Coverage, with options for individual farm coverage or county-level coverage. The tools help farmers analyze and select the best option for their own operation. Plastina said the deadline to select a farm bill program with the USDA Farm Service Agency for 2024 is March 15. The current farm bill has been extended through Sept. 30.

DNR looking for volunteer campground hosts for upcoming recreation season

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking people who enjoy the outdoors, camping and meeting new people, to consider becoming volunteer campground hosts for the upcoming recreation season.

Volunteer campground hosts live in state parks from one to five months assisting DNR staff with light main-

HOWARD ST. CHRISTIAN CHURCH

(Disciples of Christ)

Pastor Tom Burns Howard & Locust St., Colfax Office - 674-3746 Church Cell - 971-0569

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Adult & Wired Word Adult Sunday school classes; 10 a.m. Fellowship Time;10:30 a.m. Worship, in person or online via YouTube

MONDAY - Tom’s day off TUESDAY - 9:30 a.m. Coffee Time/Fellowship; 2 p.m. Easy Yoga

WEDNESDAY - 3:30 p.m.

After school elementary youth; 6:10 ChiRho and CYF youth supper/youth group

THIRD SUNDAY of month

- Marathon Sunday includes elders, board, potluck and food pantry

FIRST MONDAY of monthWIC appointments

IRA UNITED CHURCH

Rev. Michael Omundson

SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church

The church schedule

tenance duties, checking in campers and being a resource for visitors enjoying state parks and forests.

Campground hosts are provided a free campsite while they are actively hosting during the camping season. Hosts volunteer 20 – 40 hours per week, including weekends and holidays, while living on site in their own camper.

Campground hosts general duties include greeting visitors, assisting campers checking in and with reservations, cleaning bathrooms, light maintenance.

Administrative duties, acting as a liaison between campers and DNR staff and answering questions and disseminating information to campers.

Host positions are available at: • Backbone

Brushy Creek • Clear Lake • George Wyth • Lake Anita (Labor Day Weekend) • Lake Wapello (Part time) • Maquoketa Caves • McIntosh Woods • Nine Eagles

Pikes Peak

Church Schedules

service; 10:15 a.m. Sunday school (communion first Sunday)

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

SUNDAY, Feb. 11 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dye

TUESDAY, Feb. 13 - 3 p.m. Women’s Prayer and coffee; 6 p.m. Trustee Meeting; 6:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 14 - 9 a.m.

Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; 5:45 p.m. AWANA Family Meal; 6:25

p.m. AWANA Clubs

FRIDAY, Feb. 16 - 5 p.m. Friday Night Out - Free babysitting offered for anyone needing an evening out. Call 515-674-4165 to sign up.

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. Sunday School; Family Worship - Today is Food Pantry Sunday

HOPE ASSEMBLY OF GOD 126 E. Howard

Rev. Paul Avery, pastor Church: 674-3700

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship; 6 p.m. Evening services

WEDNESDAY - 6 p.m. Bible study

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

CATHOLIC CHURCH

302 E. Howard St., Colfax Fr. Ron Hodges 515-674-3711

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Mass

DAILY MASS - 8 a.m.

MINGO UNITED

METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Phil Dicks 515-689-4926

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship service (Sunday school not meeting at this time)

ASHTON CHAPEL

8887 W. 122nd St. N., Mingo 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 & 3rd6:30 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

• Pine Lake • Springbrook

• Yellow River Volunteer information is available at www.iowadnr. gov/volunteer. Information about campgrounds and state parks is available at www.iowadnr.gov/stateparks. To discuss the host position, contact the state park directly, or call 515-443-2533.

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 month - 6:30 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

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Bible classes; 10 a.m. Worship service; 6 p.m. Evening service WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Evening activities

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF HOPE Capitol II Theatre in Newton SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Livestream Worship Service

Adobe Stock

Tigerhawk girls can’t overcome more adversity at state wrestling tournament

By Troy Hyde Sports Editor

CORALVILLE — The Colfax-Mingo girls’ wrestling team had high hopes this season. But sometimes things just simply don’t work out.

From injuries to multiple wrestlers throughout the year to a pair of transfers at the end of the season, the Tigerhawks battled through a laundry list of adversity this winter.

Unfortunately, Colfax-Mingo added to the list on Feb. 1 at the girls state wrestling tournament.

Junior Lily Webster, a medalist as a freshman, woke up feeling ill on the morning of Feb. 1 and it translated into a tough day on the mat.

Junior Emma Cook missed most of the season with a knee injury and never quite got her footing this season despite advancing to state last week.

“We haven’t seen Lily and Emma’s best yet,” Colfax-Mingo head girls wrestling coach Erin Hume said. “My heart hurts for them. They are good leaders, they work hard and Emma worked really hard to get back to give herself this opportunity. Lily has been battling injuries the last few weeks, too, and then got sick last night.

“Wrestling is tough and unforgiving sometimes. Everyone here wants to win as bad we do. Unfortunately, it didn’t go our way.”

Cook won a pair of matches at 235 pounds and Webster went 1-2 despite being under the weather. They both fell short of their goals of winning their second state medal.

Cook (7-6) came in as the No. 6 seed after placing fourth in the state tournament last season.

She opened the tournament with a loss by fall to 27th-seeded Amelia Sirola of Okoboji. Cook trailed Sirola (14-15) 4-0 before falling in the second period. Cook bounced back with a win over 22nd-seeded Delilah Subsin of Ottumwa. She trailed 4-3 early but went in front 6-4 with a reversal.

Subsin (15-7) tied it at 6-all, but an escape put Cook in front for good and she ended it in the second period.

“That was a big moment in the match. It put momentum back in my favor, which really helped,” Cook said about the reversal. “I had to keep going. I wasn’t ready to be done yet.”

Cook faced a deficit in her third match of the tournament, too. It was scoreless after one but Cook trailed 1-0 following a stalling call. Trailing 2-0 in an elimination match, Cook used a headlock to put 10th-ranked and fifth-seeded Madison Hinrichs (42-9) of Waverly-Shell Rock on her back. She got the pin with 4 seconds on the clock.

“I knew I had to do something. It was me or her,” Cook said. “It’s just something that’s worked for me in the past. It used to be my go-to move so I decided it was the time to do it.”

Cook was eliminated in her fourth match of the day. Western Dubuque’s Adrianna Shepherd (14-3), who was seeded 20th, won by fall at the end of the first period.

“I’m definitely behind in every way,” Cook said. “They’ve had 20 more matches than me. But you can’t use that as an excuse. You just have to keep pushing.”

Webster (35-8) was 1-2 in her third state tournament. But it was mostly because of her illness.

She opened the tournament with a loss by fall against 19th-seeded Lauren Watson of Ankeny. Webster, who was seeded

14th, rallied from an 0-2 hole to tie it with a takedown but fell behind Watson (37-10) again 5-2.

Webster decided to keep going in the tournament despite the illness and battled to a 9-4 overtime win over 30th-seeded Kyla Schwager of Sheldon/Sibley-Ocheyedan in an elimination match.

Webster fell behind 2-0 in the first and Schwager rode her out to end the period.

In the second, Webster rallied to tie the match at 2- and 4-all. The final points forced overtime and a headlock in SV-1 turned out to be a five-point move for the win.

Getting weaker and weaker by the round due to the illness, Webster was eliminated in her next match following a loss by first-period pin against 20th-seeded Alexis Kolbet (33-21) of Osage.

“Fortunately, both of them are juniors and knowing them they will use whatever time we have until next year to prepare so this feeling doesn’t happen again,” Hume said.

Notes: Colfax-Mingo finished with seven points and tied for 98th place in the team standings. Decorah won the state championship with 141 points. The rest of the top five included East Buchanan (96), Raccoon River-Northwest (96), Waverly-Shell Rock (93) and Council Bluffs Lewis Central (89) and 141 schools scored at least one point in the tournament.

Baxter wrestlers finish third in Iowa Star Conference Invitational

BAXTER — Aiden McFadden ended his day at the Iowa Star Conference Invitational on Feb. 3 with a pin over Class 1A No. 3 Aiden Salow of Maquoketa Valley. That capped a 5-0 tournament for the 11th-ranked McFadden and he won all five matches at 285 pounds by fall.

Three Bolts won individual titles and two others finished second as the Baxter boys’ wrestling team finished third in the team standings.

The Bolts’ seven wrestlers scored 114 points. Maquoketa Valley scored 147 points to win the title, while West Marshall used 12 wrestlers to score 141 points in second.

The rest of the eight-team field included Moravia (81), North Tama (76.5), Riceville (76), Tripoli (36) and Rockford (16).

McFadden was joined at the top of the podium by Ayden Beck and Callyn Bishop, while Jack Anderson and Ruger Kincaid both finished second at their weights.

McFadden (36-6) had two first-period pins at 285. Salow dropped to 35-3 after the loss.

Beck, who is now 37-3 and ranked seventh in 1A at 120, was 3-0 with one first-period pin, a 20-3 technical fall and a 10-2 major decision.

Bishop (34-5) was 4-0 with four pins and two of those came in the first period as he won the title at 175.

Anderson (37-6) and Kincaid (29-13) were second at 144 and 157, respectively.

Anderson was 3-1 with a first-period pin and two technical falls. Those wins were 19-4 and 19-3. His lone loss came by fall to fourth-ranked Kolt Knaack of North Tama.

Kincaid was 2-1 with a win by fall and a 20-5 technical fall.

Skyler Stoll (23-10) was fourth at 150. He finished 2-2 with two pins. One of those pins came in 8 seconds, which is a new school record.

The seventh and final wrestler to compete for Baxter was Koltin Hurd, who was fifth at 132 after a 1-2 day.

Bolts down three SICL foes in road quadrangular NORTH ENGLISH — Not even a short-handed lineup slowed down Baxter on Jan. 30.

The Bolts dominated a majority of their contested matches during a quadrangular road sweep.

Baxter faced three South Iowa Cedar League opponents and cruised to a 42-6 win over Montezuma, defeated Lynnville-Sully 36-9 and downed host English Valleys/Tri-County 42-30.

The Bolts competed in 10 contested matches and went 9-1 with nine pins. Five of the wins came in the first period.

Lynnville-Sully was 1-2 for the night with the win being a 30-24 triumph over Montezuma. The Hawks lost 30-18 to EV/TC.

Against Montezuma, the Bolts were 4-0 in contested matches and held a 3-1 advantage in forfeit victories. There were six double forfeits.

Beck scored a win by fall at 126 and Hurd (132), Kincaid (165) and Bishop (190) also won by fall. The forfeits were accepted by McFadden (285), Anderson (144) and Stoll (150).

The victory over Lynnville-Sully included a 2-1 record in contested matches and a 4-1 surplus in forfeits. There were six double forfeits in this dual, too.

Beck (120) and Bishop (175) won again by pin and McFadden, Anderson, Stoll and Kincaid took the forfeits.

Colfax-Mingo girls fall to trio of South Iowa Cedar League foes

VICTOR — A career night from Katelyn Steenhoek wasn’t enough for the Colfax-Mingo girls’ basketball team on Jan. 29. HLV started fast, dominated on the boards and forced 33 Tigerhawk turnovers during a 67-21 home win in South Iowa Cedar League action.

Steenhoek scored a career-high 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds, but the Warriors led 23-2 after one quarter and never trailed the rest of the way. Dakota Allen added nine points and six rebounds for the

Tigerhawks, who shot 25.7 percent from the floor and were 2-of-10 from 3-point range.

Mallory Sipma grabbed five rebounds and dished out three assists, Brooklyn Yanske had two boards and two assists and Dove Lopez and Lexie Aller each corralled two rebounds. The Tigerhawks (0-20, 0-15 in the SICL) were out-rebounded 39-27.

HLV got 19 points, five rebounds, four assists and nine steals from Ayla Hall.

The Warriors (8-7, 8-6) shot 35 percent from the floor and connected on 10-of-18 from the free-throw line.

North Mahaska 73, Colfax-Mingo 9 NEW SHARON — A tough shooting night, a slow start and 28 turnovers plagued the Tigerhawks against Class 2A No. 13 North Mahaska on Jan. 30.

Colfax-Mingo trailed 29-0 after one and went into halftime down 55-7. Allen led the Tigerhawks

with two rebounds and two assists, Yanske scored three points and Sipma grabbed two boards in the loss.

Colfax-Mingo shot 17.6 percent from the floor, made 3-of8 from the foul line and was out-rebounded 26-8. Kayla Readshaw led the Warhawks with eight points, five rebounds and six assists.

North Mahaska (14-3, 11-2) shot 51.7 percent from the floor and made 8-of-20 from 3.

Sigourney 62, Colfax-Mingo 15

COLFAX — A 42-turnover night hindered the Tigerhawks during an SICL home loss to

Sigourney on Feb. 1. Colfax-Mingo fell behind 11-3 after one and went into halftime down 28-5. Sigourney won the second half 34-10 and downed the Tigerhawks 62-15. Allen led the Tigerhawks with nine points and two steals, Steenhoek grabbed eight rebounds and Yanske corralled four boards. Sipma had two rebounds and two steals and Lopez grabbed two rebounds and dished out two assists.

Colfax-Mingo shot 29 percent from the floor Erin Dawson led the Savages (15-4, 9-4) with 17 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Colfax-Mingo junior Lily Webster fought through an illness during the girls state wrestling tournament on Feb. 1. She finished 1-2 at 100 pounds inside Xtream Arena in Coralville.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Colfax-Mingo junior Emma Cook, top, battles for position at the girls state wrestling tournament in Coralville on Feb. 1.

Jasper County Tribune

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Baxter junior Ayden Beck, top, improved to 37-3 on the season after winning three times on Feb. 1 in Iowa Falls and four more times on Feb. 3 at the Iowa Star Conference Invitational in Baxter.

Jasper County Tribune Steenhoek

Slow starts plague Baxter girls against conference foes

By Troy Hyde Sports Editor

BAXTER — Another slow start plagued the Baxter girls’ basketball team on Jan. 30.

GMG scored the game’s first 16 points and led 30-9 in the second quarter before cruising to a 62-33 road win during Iowa Star Conference South Division play.

The Bolts couldn’t overcome a tough shooting night and the Wolverines dominated on the boards.

“We’ve been starting slow recently,” Baxter head girls’ basketball coach Kyle Krampe said. “For some reason, we can’t get going in the first quarter. I think the last four games we’ve dug ourselves a big hole after the first.”

Travis hits career scoring milestone in Bolts’ win over GMG

By Troy Hyde Sports Editor

BAXTER — When Treyton Travis began to get ready for the Bolts’ home game against GMG on Jan. 30, he discovered something was missing.

3-point range in the game. That’s mostly what led to nearly every bucket coming from inside the lane.

The lead stayed at around 10 until an 8-0 run by the Bolts pushed the margin to 51-37.

After GMG started with a 16-0 lead, Denver Sulzle and Kendall Brummel both hit 3-pointers to send the Bolts into the second with a 19-6 deficit.

The Wolverines opened the second with an 11-3 run. Sulzle’s 3 was the only points for Baxter during that stretch, but Emie Tuhn added a pair of free throws and a trey of her own and Brummel made a layup to close the gap to 15.

GMG finished the half with six straight points and led 35-16 at halftime.

“The effort is there. We’re trying,” Krampe said. “That’s what we are challenging them to do. We want to play hard all the time.”

Baxter was outscored 11-4 in the third and 18-13 in the fourth. Lydia Pierce ended the third with a 3 and Sulzle and Brummel added triples in the fourth.

A three-point play and a pair of free throws from Tuhn finalized the Bolts’ scoring.

Tuhn and Brummel had 10 points apiece to lead the Bolts. Tuhn chipped in two rebounds, four assists and three steals and Brummel tallied two rebounds, two assists and five steals.

Sulzle collected nine points, three rebounds and three steals, Avery Wonders grabbed five boards and swiped three steals, Pierce registered three points and two rebounds and Rilynn Titus pulled down three boards and dished out two assists.

The Bolts (3-14, 2-9 in the conference) shot just 19 percent from the floor, made 7-of-34 from 3 and connected on 6-of-12 from the free-throw line.

Jocee Mason finished with a game-high 22 points and 16 rebounds for GMG. The Wolverines (10-9, 6-4) shot 53.2 percent from the floor and out-rebounded the Bolts 46-17.

Collins-Maxwell 63, Baxter 30

The Bolts struggled in the first and third quarters during a home loss to rival Collins-Maxwell on Jan. 29.

The Spartans got double-doubles from both Erica Houge and Chloe Wierson and a 31-point advantage in the first and third propelled the visitors to a 63-30 conference victory.

The Bolts were plagued by 25 percent shooting and a 5-of-27 performance from 3. They also were out-rebounded 36-17.

Collins-Maxwell won the first 19-3 and outscored the Bolts 18-3 in the third. Both teams scored 10 in the second and the Spartans won the fourth 16-14.

Tuhn led the Bolts with 10 points and two steals. Brummel chipped in seven points, seven rebounds and two assists and Sulzle finished with nine points. Pierce had four rebounds and two steals and Titus tallied two boards and two assists.

Houge led Collins-Maxwell (16-4, 11-1) with 20 points, 19 rebounds and nine assists and Wierson added 25 points and 12 boards.

“We had a game last night and Cainan threw my uniform in the wash for me,” Treyton Travis said. “In the morning, I forgot to put my stuff into my bag. I didn’t think about it until I went to open my bag here to change and it wasn’t in there. Thankfully, my uncle was on his way here so he stopped by and picked it up for me.”

While Travis’ night started with a minor wardrobe malfunction, it ended with another milestone.

Travis scored 14 of his game-high 23 points in the second half and his final bucket of the night was the 1,001st point of his prep career.

The Bolts trailed by one at halftime but a big second half pushed them to a 62-45 home win over the Wolverines during Iowa Star Conference South Division play.

Travis is the first four-year player in Baxter Bolts history to score 1,000 career points.

There were five ties and three lead changes in the first half. Neither team led by more than five points.

Perrin Sulzle scored eight of his 10 points in the first frame to lead the Bolts to a 16-14 advantage after one.

Baxter was held to eight points in the second and trailed 25-24 at halftime. Travis scored six of the eight Bolts’ points.

“Too many easy drives. The half court defense wasn’t all bad, but they were getting out in transition and making us pay,” Baxter head boys basketball coach Zach Hasselbrink said. “We had a few mental errors and gave up around 12 points in transition in the first half.”

Travis said the Bolts had similar results in the first half against Collins-Maxwell on Jan. 29, too. The halftime chat that night didn’t carry over into the next night right away, but a big third frame helped the hosts create separation.

Baxter regained the lead with back-to-back buckets inside the lane by Stadan Vansice and Sulzle and then the Travis brothers scored consecutive baskets to make it 32-27.

That started an 11-0 run that also featured a pair of free throws from Eli Dee, another hoop inside by Cainan Travis and a fadeaway jumper and free throw from Treyton Travis.

The final bucket of the third was a Ben Richardson layup that put the Bolts in front 4131.

Baxter was 0-for-16 from

Anderson and Stoll were 3-0 with three forfeits and Kincaid was 3-0 with two forfeits. Hurd finished 2-1 with two pins.

Bracewell powers C-M boys to win over HLV

VICTOR — Career high scoring nights from Cael Bracewell and Konner Dalton guided the Colfax-Mingo boys’ basketball team to a road win over HLV on Jan. 29.

The closest dual of the night came against EV/TC. The Bolts had no trouble with the three contested matches, claiming all three wins by pin from Beck (120), Hurd and Bishop.

Baxter’s disadvantage in forfeits was 5-4. Claiming those forfeit victories were McFadden, Anderson, Stoll and Kincaid.

Beck and Bishop both were 3-0 with three pins and two first-period falls. McFadden,

Bolts down East Marshall/GMG at road quadrangular

IOWA FALLS — Another successful night on the mat for the Bolts only led to one dual win as forfeits plagued Baxter during a road quadrangular on Feb. 1.

Baxter downed East Marshall/ GMG 42-36 but lost 56-16 to Ames and 45-27 to host Iowa Falls-Alden.

The Bolts were 4-0 in contested matches in their win over East Marshall/GMG. All four victories came on pins from Beck (126), Hurd (132), Anderson (144) and Stoll (157). McFadden, Alex Dille (120) and Kincaid (165) all accepted forfeits.

Treyton Travis and Richardson scored the remaining Baxter points. Richardson followed a 3-point play from Travis with two more free throws and two more buckets inside the lane from Travis put the game away.

The second field goal was the milestone basket. Richardson, who converted a layup to end the scoring, passed up an open look inside the lane before that to give Travis his 1,000th career point.

“I would like to thank Ben for giving me the ball there at the end. He could have shot that one,” Treyton Travis said. “I wanted to do it tonight. It was Senior Night and I had a bunch of family in town to watch.”

Baxter (14-4, 11-0 in the conference) won the third 17-6 and outscored GMG 21-14 in the fourth.

Treyton Travis’ 23 points led four Bolts in double figures. Richardson had 15 points, five rebounds and five steals and Sulzle and Cainan Travis each scored 10 points.

Treyton Travis grabbed seven boards and swiped two steals, Sulzle had 10 rebounds and three blocks and Cainan Travis tallied two steals and three rebounds.

Vansice registered four rebounds and two steals and Dee grabbed four boards.

The Bolts shot 44 percent from the floor and were 12-of17 from the free-throw line.

Jabari Woodbury led GMG (9-10, 6-6) with 14 points, nine rebounds and four steals.

Baxter 74, Collins-Maxwell 61

The Bolts started fast and made nine 3s during a 7461 home win over rival Collins-Maxwell on Jan. 29.

Treyton Travis posted a double-double, Dee made 6-of-12 from 3 and the Bolts led 39-23 at halftime.

The Bolts shot 46.8 percent from the floor, made 9-of-26 from 3 and connected on 7-of11 from the foul line.

Treyton Travis led the Bolts with 25 points, 10 rebounds and two steals and Dee splashed home 22 points.

Sulzle dished out a career-best eight assists and tallied 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Cainan Travis chipped in eight points, nine rebounds and two assists, Richardson posted five points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals and Vansice grabbed four rebounds.

Cooper Wierson led the Spartans (8-12, 6-6) with 16 points, five rebounds and four assists.

Baxter was 4-2 in contested matches against the host Cadets, but it had a 6-1 disadvantage in forfeits.

McFadden, Stoll and Bishop all both won by fall and Anderson scored an 11-5 victory. Beck accepted the team’s only forfeit.

The Bolts were 3-3 in contested matches against Ames, but the Little Cyclones collected all seven forfeits in the dual.

Anderson and Stoll both won by fall and Beck (120) scored an 18-4 victory. McFadden’s loss came by technical fall against 3A No. 1 Daniel Herrera.

Stoll finished 3-0 with three pins, Anderson was 3-0 with two pins and Beck also finished 3-0. Bishop won his only match of the night and Dille was 1-0. McFadden had a 2-1 night.

The Tigerhawks trailed by one after one quarter but a scoring surge in the second quarter gave the visitors the lead and they carried it to the finish line during a 59-51 victory in South Iowa Cedar League play.

Colfax-Mingo won the second quarter 26-13 and outscored the Warriors 15-8 in the fourth. HLV won the third 17-6.

Bracewell finished with a career-high 21 points and added five rebounds, five assists and three steals. He was 6-of-9 from the free-throw line.

Dalton made 4-of-6 from 3-point range and score a career-best 13 points and Harrison Rhone added 12 points, six rebounds and two assists.

Joe Earles had seven points, five rebounds and two assists, Brandon Kite tallied four points and eight rebounds and Kaden Dalton tallied three rebounds and two assists.

The Tigerhawks (5-13, 4-11 in the SICL) shot 38 percent from the floor, made 10-of-27 from 3 and buried 11-of-16 from the foul line.

Colfax-Mingo also overcome a 40-point night from HLV’s Peyton Roth.

The Warriors (4-13, 4-12) shot 30.6 percent from the floor, connected on 7-of-33 from 3 and sunk 14of-19 from the foul line.

Montezuma 50, Colfax-Mingo 20 COLFAX — A slow start and a tough shooting night plagued the Tigerhawks on Jan. 26 during a 50-20 home loss to Montezuma.

Earles posted a season high in points, but the Tigerhawks fell behind early and never recovered during SICL action.

Colfax-Mingo trailed 13-3 after one and was outscored 19-2 in the second. The Tigerhawks won the fourth 11-2, but it wasn’t enough.

Earles led Colfax-Mingo with 13 points and five rebounds. Kaden Dalton grabbed seven boards, Woods corralled six rebounds and Rhone had three rebounds and two assists.

Kite, Isaiah Lewis and Konner Dalton all grabbed three rebounds and Austin Lane had two boards.

The Tigerhawks shot 14.6 percent from the floor, made 2-of-15 from 3 and buried 4-of-12 from the foul line.

Brady Boulton led Montezuma (12-6, 10-5) with 18 points and five rebounds, while Kohen Holland chipped in 17 points and five boards.

The Braves shot 41 percent from the floor despite making only 3-of-25 from 3.

Colfax-Mingo senior Cael Bracewell led the Tigerhawks to a win over HLV on Jan. 29. He tallied 21 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Against Baxter on Feb. 2, Bracewell had 18 points, eight rebounds and three assists. He’s averaging 8.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, a team-best 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals per game this season.

Cael Bracewell

Jasper County Tribune

Tuhn

Travis

Health Care Tax Deductions

Seniors often incur more medical expenses as they age, and out-of-pocket expenses can spiral out of control. The good news is that many medical expenses are tax deductible.

You’ll have to itemize your taxes and medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. A tax professional can help you decide what is an itemizable and deductible expense, but here are some common examples:

• Dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids and batteries, prosthetic devices and wheelchairs.

• Hospital service fees such as those for nursing services, surgery, lab work and more.

• Doctor service fees.

• Ambulance service fees.

• The premium for a Medicare Part A plan if you aren’t covered under Social Security or weren’t a government employee who paid Medicare tax.

• Medicare Part B and Part D premiums.

• Insurance premiums for policies that cover medical care so long as you aren’t claiming a credit or deduction for premiums that were paid.

• Nursing home care, including room and board, so long as the primary reason for residence is to receive

medical care.

• Braille books and magazines.

• Oxygen and related equipment.

• Prescription drugs.

• Diagnostic devices such as blood sugar test kits for diabetics.

• Qualifying longterm care services.

• Qualifying capital expenses for special equipment installed in the home or for home improvements if the main purpose is to provide medical care.

These are things such as widening doorways, lowering or modifying kitchen cabinets, installing lifts and adding handrails or grab bars.

• Transportation and car expenses related to travel to and from medical care.

• Dental treatment, including preventive treatment and procedures to alleviate dental disease.

• Care expenses incurred for disabled dependents.

• Eye exams and qualifying corrective vision devices such as glasses and contacts.

• Fees related to the buying, training and maintenance of a guide dog or other service animal.

• Personal protective equipment for the primary purpose of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

• Prepaid insurance premiums for medical care so long as they are payable in equal yearly installments or more often and payable for at least 10 years or until age 65, but not less than five years.

dependent at a specially equipped medical center.

• Medical expenses related to programs to help you stop smoking.

• Psychiatric care, including the cost of supporting a mentally ill

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Equipment in the amount of $37,591.22.

YEA: TALSMA, CUPPLES, STEVENSON Frietsch presented Contra cts for Bridge Project BRS-C050(137)60-50: Peterson Contractors Inc.

$1,538,699.68

Godberse n-Smith Construction Co & Subsid

$1,635,043.79

A.M. Cohron & Son Inc

$1,698,552.44 Iowa Bridge & Culvert, L.C.

$1,709,311.93 He rberger Construction Co., Inc

$1,745,785.99 Minturn, Inc

$1,877,646.00

Motion by Stevenson sec onded by Cupples to award Contract to Peterson Contra ctors Inc fo r Bridge Project BRS-C050(137)60-50, in the amount of $1,538,699.68.

YEA: STEVENSON, TALSMA CUPPLES Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to approve the Ca lhoun-Burns & Associates Inc Bridge Inspection & Rating Program for 20 24 & 2025 in the amount of $34,500, FY24 & $36,900, FY25, not including extra fees

YEA: TALSMA CUPPLES STEVENSON Motion by Stevenson sec onded by Cupples to approve Liquor License for Iowa's Be st Burger Ca fé

YEA: CUPPLES, STEVENSON, TALSMA Motion by Cupples, seconded by Stevenson to approve claims pa id throug h January 2, 20 24

YEA: STEVENSON, TALSMA CUPPLES Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to approve Boar d of Supervisors minutes fo r De cember 19, 2023. YEA: STEVENSON, TALSMA CUPPLES No Board Appo intments No Work Session Motion by Stevenson, sec onded by Cupples to adjourn the Tuesday January 2, 2024 meet ing of the Jasper County

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