JCT-02-22-2024

SOUPS ON

Colfax Fire Department’s Annual Soup Supper March 2

By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune

Some “pretty good soup” will once again be served at the 31st annual Colfax Fire Department Soup Supper.

The pots will be full of the crowd favorite during the fundraiser starting 5 p.m. March 2 at the fire department, 113 W. State St. “While we’ve never got a James Beard Award or been

on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, many people say it’s pretty good soup,” Dennis Lester with the CFD said. “In serving for 30 years, we’ve

Sgt. Tracy Cross announces campaign for Jasper County sheriff

Sheriff’s race now has at least two confirmed candidates vying for top spot

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Sgt. Tracy Cross of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office announced this past week on Facebook that he will be running for sheriff.

Current sheriff John Halferty has indicated this will be his last year holding the elected office, and he is likely to retire from law enforcement. When Cross announced his campaign, he said the sheriff’s office has a long, rich history of strong leaders who have paved the way for those who are called into leadership.

If elected as the next sheriff, Cross said he will honor those who led before him by upholding the integrity, honor and service pillars through serving and protecting communities, while also investing in the people serving and volunteering beside him.

Faith plays a large part in Cross’s life and he often devotes time and effort to this church. But Cross told Newton News in a phone interview that he felt led to do something more for his community. He enjoys his job at the sheriff’s office and working with both paid and volunteer agencies.

“I found that I like being out there in the community, and I

Baxter’s police chief, city clerk and EMS director resign

Small town loses half of its non-elected public employees in 2-week period

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

In the past two weeks, three city employees in Baxter submitted resignations, leaving the mayor and council to pick up the pieces and fill vacant positions.

Baxter City Council held a special meeting Feb. 16 to approve the resignations of police chief Bill Daggett and city clerk Katie Wilson, who have both asked to be released from their 30-day clause. The EMS director, Randi Gliem, voluntarily resigned from her position on Feb. 5, according to minutes from past meetings.

Newton News contacted Baxter Mayor Doug Bishop and asked if these recent resignations had anything to do with House File 718, a property tax relief law that he said could have major ramifications to city budget this year and the years to come. Bishop lobbed criticisms directly to lawmakers in January. However, it does not seem as if the law is directly responsible for the resignations of Daggett and Wilson. Bishop said council has considered restructuring the benefit packages and issued a wage freeze

Jasper County GOP chair announces campaign for supervisor

Thad Nearmyer wants to improve relationships between county and cities

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Thad Nearmyer has spent the past eight years helping Republican candidates get elected, but now the shoe is on the other foot, and he is running his own campaign for county supervisor. The chairman of the Jasper County Republican Party announced Feb. 12 he will be running for Denny Stevenson’s seat.

Nearmyer said in a press release that, as a rural citizen of Jasper County, he is very familiar with the challenges of maintaining gravel roads. He said the cur-

rent board of supervisors has worked closely with the county engineer to devise a plan to upgrade the roads, and he believes they have done a good job.

“It’s a work in progress and always will be. I will strive to see that this improvement continues,” he said, later noting he would prioritize roads and ensure public safety is properly funded.

If elected county supervisor, Nearmyer said he will also work hard to keep property taxes in check. He complimented the current board’s efforts when it comes to lower property taxes these past few years. His goal is to continue that

work and make sure taxpayers are “getting the best bang for their buck.”

Another goal Nearmyer has as supervisor is to improve Jasper County’s working relationship with city governments throughout the county to ensure future growth.

“To be clear, I am not saying the county should open up the checkbook,” Nearmyer said. “I’m saying that we share similar goals to make our county a great place to live, raise families and retire in; a place to be proud of and where people want to come to live and work.”

Nearmyer said he will bring the work ethic he learned on the farm to the courthouse, along with his interpersonal skills and collaborative abilities he cultivated while working seven

County supervisors break tradition and approve an almost $5K raise for themselves

Talsma reasoned the county needs to keep salary attractive enough for future candidates

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Over the years Jasper County supervisors have prided themselves for not taking a salary increase despite recommendations from the compensation board, but this past month elected officials broke tradition and not only approved a raise for themselves but also gave the chairman a $2,500 stipend. Jasper County Compensation Board recommended the supervisors receive a $7,980 raise, bumping their annual salaries from $42,020 to an even $50,000. In the past few years, the supervisors have not thought twice about rejecting the compensation board’s recommendation for their salaries.

However, supervisor Brandon Talsma reasoned that although he did not like the idea of a raise he also wanted to incentivize individuals to run for a seat on the board. To him, he always had a sense of pride saying the Jasper County Board of Supervisors hasn’t taken a raise in X-amount of years.

“We’re nearing the point where if we don’t keep it at an attractive enough of a salary we’re going to have a harder and harder time finding quality individuals who are willing to take time out of their personal lives, their family lives,

their hobbies to run for this job,” Talsma said.

Supervisor Denny Stevenson said years ago, when he was first on the board, the stipend was taken away for the chairman. Looking back, Stevenson said that was a mistake and he would like to see it come back.

The board chair “does way more extra work” than the $2,500 will cover, but it will help, he said.

As the current board chair, Talsma didn’t comment. Supervisor Doug Cupples agreed with Stevenson, leading to a 2-0 vote to reinstate the stipend.

Talsma abstained from the vote.

When it comes to supervisor salaries, Cupples and Talsma argued Jasper County’s wages were below that of nearby Marion and Marshal Counties.

Still, Talsma agonized over the idea of giving supervisors a pay raise, but he felt it was worth it to have the conversation now.

“Denny, you’re on the (Kellogg) City Council, how hard is it to find somebody who is wanting to sacrifice their time to run for city council?” Talsma asked. Stevenson shook his head. “It’s terrible,” he said.

While the supervisors would go on to approve the salary increase, they did not fully commit to the compensation board’s recommendation. Instead, they took a $4,980 increase instead of the proposed $7,980 increase, bringing their annual salaries to $47,000. The board approved the raise in a 3-0 vote.

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

The Colfax Fire Department Annual Soup Supper starts at 5 p.m. March 2 at the fire station.

Nearmyer

Talsma

Obituaries

Doris Mae Swanson

Feb. 12, 2024

Doris Mae Swanson (Varnum), age 92, of West Des Moines, IA (formerly Colfax), passed away on February 12, 2024. The family will greet friends for a visitation on Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM at Coburn Funeral Home in Colfax, Iowa. Following the visitation, a funeral will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Coburn Funeral Home in Colfax, Iowa. Directly

after the funeral service, burial will take place at Green Mountain Cemetery in Green Mountain, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made out to Progress Industries in Newton, Iowa. Online condolences may be left at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.

The daughter of Kenneth Varnum and Alice Varnum (Nelson), Doris was born on June 7, 1931, in Marshalltown, Iowa. Doris graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1949 and married Richard Swanson that same year. Doris and Dick resided for over 40 years in Colfax, Iowa where they raised their four daughters. Together they owned and operated Dick’s Tavern

and D&D Laundromat. Starting in the mid 1980′s, Doris worked as an associate in a Special Education classroom at Colfax-Mingo Elementary where she worked until retiring in 1996. Doris is a former member of the Colfax Methodist Church. She loved her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews and loved making each of us feel special. Doris enjoyed crossword puzzles, chatting with people, and sports-especially cheering on the Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes.

Those left to honor Doris’ memory include her children; Christie (Michael) Cochran, Diane Dasher, Lori Swanson, and Kasey (Alan) Eoriatti, her grandchil-

dren; Derek Cochran, Jamie (Gary) Fann, Sarah (Bryce) Johnson, Mollie Cochran, Shane (Tiffany) Dasher, Tabatha (Chris) White, Austin Eoriatti, Emma Eoriatti, Kaitlin Eoriatti, and Sophia Eoriatti, her great grandchildren; Brandon Gauci, Bailey Fann, Houston Fann, Lily Fann, Ashleigh Estes, Alley White, Joshua Brandon, Jace Dasher, Charlie Dasher, Dylan Dasher, Zachary Dasher, and Logan Dasher.

Preceding Doris in death were her parents; Alice and Ken Varnum, her husband; Richard Swanson, her siblings; Betty Caldwell and Lloyd Varnum, a granddaughter; Haley Eoriatti, and a son-in-law; John Dasher.

Procedures engagement report for Baxter

Martens & Company, CPA, LLP released an agreed-upon procedures engagement report on the City of Baxter for the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The agreed-upon procedures engagement was performed pursuant to Chapter 11.6 of the Code of Iowa.

Martens & Company, CPA, LLP reported three findings related to the receipt and disbursement of taxpayer funds. They are found on pages 8 and 9 of this report. The findings address issues such as segregation of duties, business transactions and certified budget.

Two of the three findings discussed above is repeated from the prior year. The City Council has fiduciary responsibility to provide oversight of the City’s operation and financial transactions. Oversight is typically defined as the “watchful and responsible care governing body exercises in its fiduciary capacity.”

A copy of the agreed-upon procedures report is available for review on the Auditor of State’s website at https://auditor.iowa.gov/audit-reports.

IMPACT is accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

IMPACT Community Action Partnership continues to accept applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through April 30. Families in Boone, Jasper, Marion, Polk or Warren counties interested in applying for LIHEAP should call 515-518-4770 to schedule an appointment by phone, by a home visit, or on site at an IMPACT location. Households may request an application to be mailed to them or visit www.impactcap.org/energyassistance to apply online.

Applicants will need to furnish some form of identification, a copy of their most recent heating and electric bill, social security or I-94 cards, and proof of gross income for all household members for the past 30 days, the most recent 12 months or for the past calendar year. Approved LIHEAP applicants may be eligible for assistance with non-working furnace emergencies. This assistance is based on household income and size, dwelling and fuel type and other factors. Eligibility income maximums for participation is established according to the following Fiscal

$10,280 for each additional member.

households with more than eight members, add

**All income will be annualized. Income will be collected for a 30-day period. The program is funded by the Department of Health and Human Services through the Iowa Department of Human Rights/DCAA, and has been established to help qualifying low-income Iowa homeowners and renters pay for a portion of their primary heating costs. This program is not designed to pay a household’s total energy cost. The program will provide supplemental assistance based on several factors. Those factors include total household income, household size, dwelling type and type of heating fuel, among others.

Non-profits invited to apply for grants to establish endowment funds

Board members of the Geisler-Penquite Foundation invite Jasper County non-profit organizations to submit applications for funding to support charitable work benefiting Jasper County residents. Geisler-Penquite Foundation grants, which are available only to Jasper County non-profits, must be invested by recipient organizations and held in a dedicated Geisler-Penquite Endowment. Each year, only earnings from the Endowment may be utilized to fund organizations’ current operations, projects or special programs.

Established in 2009, the Geisler-Penquite Foundation’s roots trace back to 1969 when the Geisler Penquite Charitable Corporation was created with just $7,000 by the Jasper County farm family of John E. and Gertrude Setzer Geisler and their children, Harold and

Cecil. Since then, distribution of the family’s farm holdings and investments have resulted in grants totaling nearly $9 million to Central College and 16 Jasper County non-profit organizations whose missions align closely with the family’s deeply held values of hard work, diligence, a love for learning and strong adherence to Christian principles.

In 1977, the family’s desire to invest in Christian higher education inspired Cecil Geisler Penquite and her husband, Loren, and Harold Geisler and his wife, Mavis, who resided in rural Mingo at the time, to donate $500,000 — then the largest single gift to Central College in the school’s history — to fund educational materials, technologies and learning experiences available in the Geisler Learning Resource Center.

In addition to Central

College’s Learning Resource Center and Education Department, long-time Geisler-Penquite Foundation grant recipients include Baxter Community Educational Scholarships, Centre for Arts & Artists, Colfax Mingo Scholarships, Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity (for Jasper County projects), Iowa Sculpture Festival, Jasper Community Foundation-Mingo, Jasper Community Foundation-Newton, Jasper County 4-H, Jasper County Historical Museum, Newton Dollars for Scholars, Newton Y.M.C.A., Park Centre/WesleyLife, Progress Industries Foundation, Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Mercy One/ Newton Medical Center, and Sheepgate — Division of Teen Challenge of the Midlands.

Geisler-Penquite Foundation board members include Dan Skokan, president and

treasurer; Eric Sickler, vice president; Sheri Roslien secretary; Noreen Otto, John Roslien, Eugene Knopf and Maurine Timmer. Gary Timmer serves as advisor to the board.

More information and ap -

plication forms may be requested by calling 719-641-1478 or writing to Geisler-Penquite Foundation, 164 Delft Drive, Pella, IA 50219. The submission deadline for new grant applications is July 1.

Metro Photo

Board members of the Geisler-Penquite Foundation invite Jasper County non-profit organizations to submit applications for funding to support charitable work benefiting Jasper County residents.

Soup Supper

Continuedfrompage1

never raised the price. A free will donation is all you need to enjoy either or both soups.”

On the menu is Ron’s signature potato soup and the firehouse chili, which is also Ron’s recipe. Members of the department will also provide relish trays and desserts for the event. The event typically brings in about $4,000 to $5,000 which is used to keep the department upto-date on much-needed equipment.

“The process of keep -

ing up to date equipment is never ending,” Lester said. “This year, one of the things we’re needing is a thermal imaging camera. As you can tell by the name it’s not cheap. But it does allow us to see in

don’t want to lose that in our office. I want to have more ability to serve and lead our people in that service. That’s the part I really enjoy about the job,” said Cross, who has served in law enforcement for nine years, starting at the sheriff’s office in 2017.

Prior to becoming a police officer for Baxter in 2015, Cross worked as a tradesman. It is a profession that, he said, has helped him form better relationships with people as an officer of the law. Keeping good connections with the community is important, because that is who runs the office, Cross said.

“The citizens dictate how we run our office,” he said. “So when there is an issue out there, that’s something we have to deal with. If they’re asking for more

Nearmyer

years at Principal Financial Group and serving leadership roles on the Jasper County Farm Bureau Board for the past 20 years.

“While at (Principal Financial

a dark, smoke-filled room. It will show us where the fire is, and if anyone is in the room we’ll be able to see them to get them out.”

Firefighters will also be on hand to answer any questions about the de -

things, that’s something we have to look at also … I have to look out for the mental health of our people. We deal with a lot of the mental health in the state.”

Cross referenced recent headlines that say Iowa ranks last in the nation for number of available state psychiatric beds.

“Unfortunately, those beds turn into jail cells. So what happens is those people come into jail and then our people have to deal with them, and that’s really fair to either of them. And I have to take care of our people’s mental health also,” Cross said, noting a number of Jasper County citizens are concerned about that, too.

Cross said the county has done a lot to do what it can do to address mental health, but it will likely have to come down to the state to find workable solutions.

When Cross was collecting signatures for his candidacy, the feedback

Group) I learned that I possess a skill in my ability to communicate with other people,” Nearmyer said. “It’s all about being open and listening to people. I know that I don’t have all the answers to every question, but I will find the correct person who does have the answer.”

Born and raised in Jasper County, Nearmyer and his wife Jodi live on a

partment, especially for those potentially interested in joining. Lester said that is the only way people can find out Ron’s recipes, too.

While the flyer says 5 p.m., the crowd typically starts well before the dinner bell is rung. Lines start forming around 4:30 p.m. with community members eager to get their yearly helping of the fire department favorites.

“Mark your calendars for March 2 to come meet the firefighters and your neighbors at the Colfax fire station,” Lester said. “It’ll be a feel good evening for you.”

For more information about the soup supper or any questions, call Lester at 515-238-0873.

Continuedfrompage1

the upcoming budget crunch the City of Baxter is going to face.

As far as what the Baxter City Council will do now that roughly half of its employees have resigned, Bishop said there is a plan in place.

“We have a great council, and it’s not the first time I’ve been involved in situations like this,” Bishop said. “I was the mayor 19 years ago before I became county treasurer. We had somewhat of a similar situation, and with everybody working together we came through it just fine.”

Since the city will be without a police chief, the council approved a short-term contract with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office to provide assistance until a new person fills the position. Three volunteers have since stepped up as interim EMS directors to get the city ready for its annual audit.

Baxter will also have an interim city administrator for the time being.

and questions he frequently heard were about retention and drug activity, in addition to mental health. Job retention and workforce shortages are tricky issues. While the sheriff’s office wants new deputies, it’s not going to lower standards.

“We want the right people in dispatch and for the jail. We want the right people on patrol who will serve our citizens to the best of their abilities,” Cross said.

In addressing the drug activity issues, Cross said it requires the sheriff’s office deputies to communicate with citizens. Communities are the agency’s biggest resources when it comes to thwarting drug activity, or any illegal activity. They don’t want it in their towns just as much as the sheriff’s office, he said.

Cross commended the sheriff’s office staff, who he called “servant minded” and that want to go out and help

third generation family farm two miles north of Monroe. He and his brother Todd custom feed hogs and have a cow-calf operation.

their community. It’s a sentiment Cross connects with personally.

“From the jail to dispatch to patrol and the EMS program, we do everything we can to be out there and be proactive with the numbers we got,” he said. “We’re always a little short-handed it seems like, and that’s a struggle for us, so I would really like for us to see more cars out there. But that comes down to budgets.”

Cross would also like to see the sheriff’s office add more layers to the law enforcement side, like finding grant opportunities to assign more school resource officers to area schools besides the Lynnville-Sully school district, which already has a deputy on-site for students and teachers.

“If we can add a few more, I think that would help us tremendously and help with our drug problem also,” he said.

Under his leadership, the Jasper County Republican Party has continued to grow. Not only are voter registrations growing to record numbers, he said the party is successfully electing Republicans to office in a way that has not been achieved in decades.

In 2018, outgoing supervisor and Democrat Joe Brock did not seek re-election, leading to newcomer Brandon Talsma being elected and the party securing a fully Republican-controlled board. That same year Zach Nunn was elected to the Iowa Senate. Years later, Jon Dunwell was elected to the Iowa House.

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

Crowds returned to the CFD station in 2023 after a couple of years of drive-thru service.

Colfax PD recognizes officers

Community Calendar

Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com

THURSDAY • AMVETS meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of month at the Colfax Fire Station.

MONDAY • Baxter School Board meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of month

• C-M Food Pantry meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Monday of month at the Food Pantry • Colfax Park Board meets at 6 p.m. the last Monday of month in the library meeting room

TUESDAY • C-M Education Foundation Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of month in Central Office

Naig encourages applications for Century and Heritage Farm recognition

Applications for 2024 recognition will be accepted through June 1

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig encourages eligible Iowa farm owners to apply for Century or Heritage Farm recognition as part of the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Century and Heritage Farm Program. The program was created by the Department and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to

FCS

honor families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.

To be included for recognition in 2024, completed applications must be postmarked or received by the Department by June 1. The ceremonies honoring the 2024 Century and Heritage Farm families will be held on Aug. 15 in the historic Livestock Pavilion at the Iowa State Fair.

“Century and Heritage Farm families represent the very best of our state and are remarkable examples of the ingenuity, strength and resilience of

Iowa agriculture,” Naig said. “You can’t help but be inspired by the pride, stories and legacies of these multi-generational farm families and that makes Century and Heritage Farm Day at the Iowa State Fair one of my favorite days of the year.”

To apply, download and complete the application found on the Department’s website and return it to: Century and Heritage Farm Program, c/o Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Wallace State Office Building, 502 E. Ninth St., Des Moines, IA 50319.

You may also request an application from Kelley Reece, coordinator of the Century and Heritage Farm Program, at 515-281-3645 or kelley.reece@iowaagriculture.gov.

This is the 48th year of the Century Farm Program, which started in 1976 as part of the Nation’s Bicentennial Celebration. To date, more than 21,000 farms from across the state have received this distinction. This is the 18th year of the Heritage Farm Program and more than 1,800 farms have been recognized since this program began in 2006.

returns an estimated $10.3M in cash-back dividends to counties, including Jasper

Farmers and ranchers in Jasper, Marion, Polk, Poweshiek and Warren counties will be receiving an estimated $10.3 million in cash-back dividends returned by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) as part of the financial cooperative’s patronage program. Eligible customer-owners will be issued cashback dividend checks the last week of January.

“No other lender can say it has shared its financial success with customers in such a tangible and meaningful way,” says Jim Knuth, FCSAmerica senior vice president of business development in Iowa. “Cash-back dividends effectively reduce our cost of borrowing. But there also is an exponential impact to putting money into the pockets of farmers and ranchers to invest in their operations, families and rural communities.”

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

2024 County-Level CashBack Dividends Distribution

This year’s cash-back dividend is equal to 100 basis points — or a return of 1% of a customer’s eligible average daily loan balance with FCSAmerica. The 2024 payout equates to the following county-level distributions:*

• $2.0 million in Jasper County.

• $1.1 million in Marion County.

• $4.0 million in Polk County

• $2.6 million in Poweshiek County.

• $628,000 in Warren County.

*Amounts are rounded.

Payout data for every county in Iowa is available on the interactive 2024 Cash-Back Dividends Distribution Map.

The Board of Directors for FCSAmerica has also approved a cash-back dividend

to be paid from the cooperative’s 2024 net earnings, the amount of which will be determined in December. Since

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

TUESDAY, Feb. 27 - 3 p.m.

Women’s Prayer and coffee; 6:30 p.m. Women’s Bible Study

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 28 - 9 a.m. Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; 5:45 p.m. AWANA Family Meal; 6:25 p.m. AWANA Clubs

SATURDAY, March 2 - 7:30

a.m. Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study; 9 a.m. Women’s Ministry

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

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

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

Submitted Photo

Colfax Police Chief Jeremy Burdess presents certificate for Police Officer of the Year to Officer Gabe Wilson.

Submitted Photo Colfax Police Chief Jeremy Burdess presents certificate of Reserve Officer of the Year to Officer Shawn McCauley.

Submitted Photo Colfax Police Chief Jeremy Burdess congratulates Officer Will Mortensen who was sworn in as a police officer at the Feb. 12 city council meeting.

2004, FCSAmerica has offered a patronage program and shared its success in the form of cash-back dividends.

The cooperative has now returned more than $1.3 billion to farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses in Iowa.

C-M’s McGill caps career with runner-up finish

By Troy Hyde Sports Editor

DES MOINES — John McGill’s route to the No. 1 seed in his bracket at the state wrestling tournament didn’t come easy.

The Colfax-Mingo senior won only one match at the state tournament as a freshman and missed the tournament entirely as a sophomore.

But last year’s run to a sixth-place medal gave McGill the confidence he can compete on the state’s biggest stage and it set up a senior season Tigerhawk nation will remember for a long time.

While his path to the state championship was altered on Feb. 17, McGill still had one of the best seasons in school history and was the first semifinalist and finalist at Colfax-Mingo since Michael Bucklin won the state title in 2004.

“I definitely will look back someday and be proud, but this sucks right now,” McGill said.

McGill wound up as the state runner-up in Class 1A at 165 pounds. His 38-match win streak ended in the finals of the state championship match at the Iowa High School State Wrestling Championships at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Tigerhawk senior won his first

three matches at the state tournament before losing 9-5 to top-ranked and second-seeded Maddox Nelson of Underwood.

“He had a very good down block. It was hard to get deep like normal,” McGill said. “I’m used to just shooting through guys and he was stopping me well. That made the match his.”

McGill was 3-1 in the tournament and finished his final prep season 43-2. He ended his career with a school-record 167 wins and a school-record 107 pins. He had 27 pins this winter.

“He knows he put his work in,” Colfax-Mingo head boys wrestling coach Stacey Rice said.

“Every match is his stuff and his pace. He’s in condition to go six minutes. If he can control the action, we like what the odds are going to be.”

McGill controlled the action in his other three matches.

He opened the tournament with a win by fall over Regan Witt (41-11) of Saint Ansgar after receiving a first-round bye.

McGill led 4-0 after one period following a takedown and two near fall points. The advantage grew to 11-0 in the second before he finished the match with a pin.

QUARTET | 6 RUNNER-UP

Beck leads Baxter wrestling quartet at state tournament

By Troy Hyde Sports Editor

DES MOINES — The Baxter boys wrestling team reset its expectation bar this winter.

The Bolts qualified four wrestlers for the state tournament for the first time in school history and the milestones continued at the Iowa High School State Wrestling Championships inside Wells Fargo Arena.

Junior Ayden Beck became the program’s first state medalist and senior Aiden McFadden also won multiple matches for the second time in his career.

Senior Callyn Bishop claimed his first state tournament victory, too.

“It’s great to have four qualifiers and our first state medalist,” Baxter head boys wrestling coach Dwight Gliem said. “We’ve already set the standard for our program really high.”

Beck’s run to his first state medal featured a 4-2 weekend at 120 pounds in Class 1A.

He won his first three matches to become Baxter’s first-ever semifinalist and then posted his fourth win to claim the fifth-place medal. Two of his four wins came against sixth-ranked Dawson Jacobsen of Central Springs.

McFadden (42-9) was 2-2 on the weekend at 285. One of those wins came against 1A No. 7 Isaac Cox of Cardinal, who McFadden eliminat-

Baxter boys rally past Spartans, end season against West Fork

By Troy Hyde Sports Editor

BAXTER — It’s been a few years since North Tama defeated the Baxter boys’ basketball team on a last-second shot in the postseason.

But Class 1A District 6 quarterfinal matchup on Feb. 12 between rival Collins-Maxwell had the same kind of feel.

The Bolts trailed the Spartans by eight at halftime and didn’t take their first lead until Perrin Sulzle scored inside with 4:47 to go in the game and then a 16-0 run put Collins-Maxwell away for good during a 66-59 home win.

“We didn’t do anything different. That’s just what we are supposed to do the entire game,” Baxter head boys basketball coach Zach Hasselbrink said. “For whatever reason, we didn’t get the energy the entire game that we got for that two-minute stretch in the fourth.”

North Tama’s last-second jumper eliminated Baxter 43-41 in the 2020-21 season. The latest game against the Spartans had a similar feel despite the Bolts defeating the Spartans by double-digits in their first two meetings.

The key stretch of the game for Baxter started late in the third and carried into the fourth.

A Ben Richardson layup started the 16-0 spurt in the third. The Bolts began the fourth with 14 straight points that took them from being down four to up 10 with about 3 minutes to go in the game.

Sulzle opened the fourth with a bucket inside and then scored and got fouled later to give the Bolts their first lead.

Cainan Travis’ best stretch of the game came during the game-deciding run as his six points on baskets inside the lane put Baxter in front by 10.

ed for the second straight season.

Bishop (40-7) was 1-2 at 170 and Ruger Kincaid finished 0-2 at 150.

All four Baxter wrestlers were state qualifiers last season. Bishop and McFadden were competing in the state tournament for a third time.

“It’s amazing to have a group of kids who worked hard all year and see success,” Gliem said. “The most amazing feeling as a small town is to get that first semifinalist.”

Beck, who ended the season ranked eighth at 120, opened the tournament with a 14-2 win over Jesup’s Gavin Bell.

He led Bell (32-20) 4-1 after the first period and pushed the advantage to 11-2 after two. The second period featured two takedowns and three near fall points.

The Baxter junior downed ninthranked Austin Etzel of Wilton, 11-4, in his second match. He led Eztel (39-11) 5-0 after one, 7-0 after two and went up by as many as 11-1 in the match.

Beck’s first win over Jacobsen (51-9) came in the quarterfinals. He used an early takedown to lead 2-0 and got an escape point in the third to win 3-1. It was Beck’s 100th career victory.

“I wanted to get ahead early so I wouldn’t have to work as terribly hard to get an advantage,” said Beck, who won more than one match at state for the first time in his career.

“I wanted to get ahead so that was big. Winning a medal and getting to the semifinals feels amazing. I can’t express it.”

The two losses for Beck came against fourth-ranked Cael Morrow of Akron-Westfield and fifth-ranked Eli Becerra of Missouri Valley.

Beck trailed Morrow (38-2) 2-0 after one, 4-0 after two and then fell behind 8-1 in the third before losing 8-4.

Becerra (38-6) led Beck 7-0 after two periods, went in front 9-1 and 11-2 in the third and went on to win 12-6.

“I just can’t get angry and get into my own head,” Beck said. “That’s what happened. I had to turn that around in my last match. I sat alone and got a harder warmup in. I went out there with some swag. That helped me a lot.”

In the rematch against Jacobsen, Beck led 2-0 after one. He rode out Jacobsen for the entire two minutes of the second period and then went in front 3-0 following an escape in the third.

Beck went on to win 5-0 after scoring a final takedown with 19 seconds to go in the match.

“The mindset was to still wrestle his match,” Gliem said. “We wanted to put the pedal to the metal and be on offense the whole time.”

McFadden, who ended the sea-

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter senior Treyton Travis (2) celebrates with junior Perrin Sulzle, center, after Sulzle made a bucket and got fouled in the fourth quarter of the Bolts’ district win over Collins-Maxwell on Feb. 12.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Colfax-Mingo senior John McGill, right, gets in deep for a takedown against East Buchanan’s Clay Wilgenbusch in a Class 1A semifinal match at 165 pounds at the state wrestling tournament on Feb. 16. McGill won the match 10-8 to advance to the finals.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter junior Ayden Beck celebrates his fourth and final win at the state wrestling tournament this weekend. The victory secured Beck his first state medal.

McFadden, who ended the season ranked 12th, opened his third state tournament with a 7-2 loss against No. 11 Jonah Reiling of Lisbon.

The match was scoreless after one period, but Reiling took a 2-0 lead on a reversal in the second.

McFadden tied the match with an escape, but a second stalling call gave Reiling another lead and he added to the margin with a takedown and two near fall points.

Facing elimination, McFadden (42-9) rallied from a 6-2 hole against Cox.

He trailed 5-0 after one but got his first takedown to close the gap in the second.

An escape by Cox (32-9) made it 6-2, but McFadden hit a headlock with 30 seconds to go and scored the win by fall 14 seconds later.

The takedown occurred at the edge of the mat. McFadden admitted the match could have gone either way.

“He’s stupid strong. He’s athletic,” McFadden said about Cox. “And he’s just shorter than anyone else I wrestle. I usually have to wrestle up in height not down. It’s a big change for me.

“I was trying to get him hooked and locked up for a while, but I just couldn’t get it to go. All of the coaches told me to throw it, so I threw it and it worked out.”

McFadden extended his tournament with a win by fall against Denver’s Cody Koepke. He led Koepke (31-16) 2-1 in the second at the time of the pin.

Unfortunately, McFadden was eliminated one match later when he was pinned by fourthranked Michael Block (46-4) of Sibley-Ocheyedan. Block went on to place seventh.

“Aiden didn’t meet his goal, but wrestling isn’t the end goal,” Gliem said. “He was more of a leader this year than he’s ever

been before. He worked harder this year, too. It’s hard to see Aiden not reach his goal because he did work hard to get to this point.”

Bishop (40-7) won his 40th match of the season when he

pinned Wapsie Valley’s Brock Kleitsch in the opening round at 170.

Bishop led Kleitsch (31-20) 4-0 after the first period following a takedown and two near fall points.

Sixth-ranked Zach Robbins (36-5) of Treynor pinned Bishop in 43 seconds in his second match.

Bishop was then eliminated 6-1 by Kody Jacobson of Ridge View. He trailed 2-0 after one and fell behind 5-0 after two.

“I have been coaching Callyn the last six years of his life, and it was a heartbreaker to see his last match,” Gliem said. “He’s been here three times and that was his first win. His goal was to win a match because he went 0-2 the other two times.

“He was still smiling after that last loss because he met his goal. His attitude was still great.”

Kincaid (32-17) went 0-2 at 150 after going 1-2 at 120 last season. He was pinned by No. 12 William Lawson (41-10) of Pocahontas Area and lost 8-3 to Ridge View’s Conner Jacobson.

Kincaid fell behind Conner

Jacobson (45-9) 4-1 after one. He got his deficit to 4-3 early in the second but that was the closest he got.

“Ruger went from 120 last year to 150 this year,” Gliem said. “He’s a strong kid but not quite as strong as the other 150s who are already grown into their bodies. I think Ruger needs to stay at 150 next year and we’ll be in business.”

Notes: Beck transferred to Baxter in the offseason after going 26-9 at 113 pounds wrestling for 3A Dallas Center-Grimes last season. He was 1-2 at the state tournament. “His goal for next year is the finals,” Gliem said. “It will take a lot of offseason work. We know what our weakness is. We have to be able to score from the down position.” … Gliem said McFadden plans to wrestle at Ellsworth Community College next season.

Financial mistakes anyone can avoid

Earnings go a long way toward determining an individual’s financial security. However, high wages do not guarantee longterm financial security any more than lower wages ensure a future marked by a lack of financial flexibility. Individuals are a unique variable in any financial equation, and those who can exercise and maintain some fiscal discipline are more likely to secure longterm security than those who cannot.

One way anyone can improve their chances at a secure and flexible financial future is to identify and avoid some common mistakes. Avoiding the following mistakes can increase the chances individuals at various income levels enjoy a secure financial future.

• Delay saving for retirement: Conventional wisdom says it’s never too early to begin saving for retirement. Despite that, surveys indicate many adults are behind on saving. A 2022 survey from Bankrate found that 55

percent of respondents indicated they were behind on their retirement savings, while 35 percent reported being “significantly behind.” Though laws governing retirement contributions have made it easier for people to catch up, it’s still better to begin saving once you enter the professional arena, which for most people is some time in their early to mid-twenties. The longer you delay saving for retirement, the more precarious your financial future becomes.

• Spending beyond your means: The post-pandemic increase in cost-of-living has garnered considerable attention in recent years, when inflation has driven up the cost of just about everything. There’s little consumers can do about the rising cost of living, but making a concerted effort to curtail spending is one way to combat the spike. However, surveys indicate many people earning significant salaries are living paycheck-to-paycheck. For example, a 2021 report

from LendingClub Corporation found that nearly 40 percent of individuals with annual incomes greater than $100,000 live paycheck to paycheck, with 12 percent reporting they are struggling to pay their bills. An assortment of variables undoubtedly contribute to that stark reality, and one might be a tendency for consumers to spend beyond their means. Individuals who are struggling to curtail their spending are urged to

seek the help of a certified financial planner who can help them devise a budget and alleviate some of the stress and pressure associated with overspending or living paycheck to paycheck.

• Poor use of credit: Credit cards can be a financial safety blanket, but that blanket can soon smother consumers who don’t know how and when to utilize credit. Reserve credit cards for emergency situations and resist the

temptation to use them for daily expenses, such as groceries and gas. Credit card interest rates tend to be in the double digits, so unless card holders can pay their balances in full each month, they’re only exacerbating the already high cost of living by using credit for daily expenses.

• Buying too much house: Overspending on housing is another financial mistake, and arguably the one that’s the most difficult to avoid. It can be hard to walk away from a dream home, but such a decision could secure your financial future. Unfortunately, data indicates far too many individuals are spending more on housing than conventional financial wisdom recommends.

The most recent Consumer Expenditure Survey from the U.S. Bureau

of Labor Statistics found that spending on housing accounted for 33 percent of the average household’s monthly expenses and that the average household spent 88 percent of its after-tax income each month. That latter figure is especially troubling, as conventional financial wisdom recommends a saving rate of 20 percent. Overspending on housing greatly affects a person’s ability to save and invest, so resisting the temptation to buy that expensive dream home could be the difference between a secure or scary financial future. Avoiding some common mistakes can help individuals be more financially flexible and secure over the long haul.

Overspending when buying a home is a financial mistake that can prove costly over the long haul.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Baxter head wrestling coach Dwight Gliem, right, and assistant coach Jeremy Smith celebrate Ayden Beck’s fourth win at the state wrestling tournament this past weekend. The victory gave the Bolts their first-ever state medalist.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Baxter junior Ruger Kincaid, top, battles in the state wrestling tournament inside Wells Fargo Arena on Feb. 15.

The run was triggered on the defensive end as steals at one end led to layups at the other.

“We just didn’t play very good defense until that stretch in the fourth,” said Sulzle, who scored a career-high 28 points. “That’s what it should look like all the time and hopefully we can do that on Thursday, too.

“We got yelled at at halftime. It took a bit to kick in, but we were able to get it going in the fourth.”

Collins-Maxwell (8-14) led 5-2 early and then led by as many as seven in the frame.

The Bolts couldn’t carve all the way through the deficit until the fourth. The Spartans eventually went up eight on a drive to the bucket by Josef Dvorak and then Austin Hennick answered a Richardson 3-pointer with one of his own to put C-M in front 24-16.

Sulzle keep Baxter close. His first 3 of the night closed the gap to 28-24 and then he buried two free throws to make it 30-28.

But the Spartans closed the period on an 8-2 run to go up 38-30 at the break.

“That was about as bad as we could play defensively,” Hasselbrink said. “Bad rotations. Bad switches. We let too many things inside. Then we collapsed and they got some good looks from 3.

“Credit to them. They moved the ball well and took what we were giving them, but we just didn’t defend them very well. It was a big conversation at halftime.”

The Bolts (16-5) couldn’t get closer than eight until Travis scored twice inside to make it 43-39. And then Sulzle drained another trey to close the margin to 43-42 with 4:30 to play in the period.

But, the Spartans stayed in front by closing the quarter with an 8-3 run.

The 16-0 run that put Baxter in front for good featured six points from Travis, four from Sulzle and two apiece from Richardson and Treyton Travis.

Baxter’s best defensive sequence of the night came during the run and it featured back-to-back steals, a block by Sulzle and a charge taken by Richardson. Sulzle and Treyton Travis combined to go 5-of-8 from the free-throw line in the final minute to close out the victory.

“That two minute stretch was the difference in the game,” Hasselbrink said. “When they bring it like that, they can be

a scary group. That’s the way we want to play. We can control the effort and we got great effort for about two minutes.”

A lot of Sulzle’s success came on passes from the short corner to the low post on sharp cuts to the hoop. The junior post added eight rebounds and two steals to his statistical line and he was 11-of-16 from the floor.

“We’ve ran it every time we’ve played them, but I just didn’t have a very good shooting game the last time out,” Sulzle

said. “My teammates are great at finding me from the short corner.

“It’s hard to beat a team three times. They know us well. It would have been really bad to cut down the nets after a loss.”

The Bolts cut down the nets after the game to celebrate a third straight conference championship.

Baxter went undefeated in the Iowa Star Conference South Division for the second straight winter.

Baxter defeated Collins-Maxwell three times this season, winning 78-52 and 74-61 in conference play.

“This is the most success they’ve had against us,” Hasselbrink said. “We know they have some dangerous kids. They made us force help and did a lot of good things. They made 3s we thought they could make, but we also thought we had a game plan to cover it up.”

Treyton Travis finished with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals and Cainan Travis put in 13 points. Richardson added seven points, four rebounds and three steals.

Stadan Vansice chipped in three points and four rebounds and Eli Dee registered three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

The Bolts shot 42 percent from the floor, made 5-of-21 from 3 and buried 13-of-21 from the free-throw line.

Dvorak led Collins-Maxwell with 14 points and seven rebounds, Hennick put in 14 points and Ian Beattie tallied nine points and seven rebounds.

The Spartans made 46 percent of their shots from the floor, buried 9-of-21 from 3 and connected on 6-of-9 from the foul line.

West Fork 64, Baxter 47

SHEFFIELD — A slow start plagued the Bolts against West Fork during a district semifinal game on Feb. 15.

Baxter trailed 18-8 after one and never recovered during a 64-47 season-ending road loss.

Baxter won just one quarter in the game, outscoring the Warhawks 17-16 in the third. West Fork won the second and fourth 15-11.

Treyton Travis led the Bolts with 13 points, two assists, three steals and two blocks and Dee had 13 points, two rebounds and two steals.

Cainan Travis added 10 points, four rebounds and two blocks, Sulzle chipped in eight points and six rebounds and Richardson tallied three points and five boards.

The Bolts shot 41 percent from the floor, made 6-of-17 from 3 and connected on 5-of-11 from the foul line. They turned the ball over 16 times.

Cayde Eberling had a game-high 23 points and Sage Suntken finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds and four steals. Jack Ward and Gavin Cronk both scored 10 points and Cronk grabbed 11 rebounds. The Warhawks (19-4) shot 42 percent from the floor, made 5-of-11 from 3 and buried 13-of-15 from the foul line.

Colfax-Mingo FFA

In honor of National FFA week, Feb. 19-24

The Colfax-Mingo FFA Chapter will be celebrating FFA Week (February 18-24). This year’s activities include: official dress day, Sub district contest and t-shirt day. The FFA has over 18,00 members in the state of Iowa and over 850,000 in the United States. Colfax-Mingo has 59 students participating in Agriculture Education with 28 enrolled in the FFA.

Colfax-Mingo FFA members have had a productive year while having some fun activities. This past fall 12 members participated in the fall district contest in Osceola. 3 members participated at Kirkwood community college for livestock judging. These members included Stevie Sapp, Isaiah Lewis, and Kyle Wood. 6 members went to National Convention in Indianapolis. These members included: Tate Carlson, Emma Cook, Joe Earles, Shane Hostetter, Elise Engle and Gus Engle. There were 11 members who participated in fruit sales with Gus Engle and Emma Cook being recognized as top salesmen. 12 members participated in Pork Congress in November with Kyle Wood, Tate Carlson, Emma Cook, and Brock Nichol as being top scorers for the Chapter. Attending Legislative Symposium included: Emma Cook,Elise Engle, Gus Engle, Tate Carlson, Ava VanMaaren, Lily Webster, and Jashawn Fleming. Tate Carlson recently tried out for South Central District Officer. Ben Keeney will be receiving his Iowa FFA degree this spring. He is also applying for State Star in Agribusiness. This years chapter officer team includes the following: President–Emma Cook, Vice President–Tate Carlson, Secretary–Lily Webster, Reporter-Elise Engle, Treasurer-Gus Engle, and Sentinel-Ava VanMaaren

Pictures: Top: Ben Keeney is receiving his Iowa Degree from operating his own firewood business.

Middle: Legislative Symposium: Left to Right: Rep Jon Dunwell, Emma Cook, Ava VanMaaren, Jashawn Fleming, Lily Webster, Gus Engle, Mr Rupert, Elise Engle, Tate Carlson

Bottom: National Convention: Left to right:

Elise Engle, Gus Engle, Tate Carlson, Shane Hostetter, Emma Cook, and Joe Earles

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Baxter junior Cainan Travis, right, scores two points against Collins-Maxwell during their district boys basketball game in Baxter on Feb. 12.

a takedown with 1 second on the clock.

Another takedown by McGill in the second made it 8-5 and it was 8-6 after two.

He handled Interstate 35s Bode Stanley in his next match, too. His 34th bonus-point victory of the season ended 12-4.

McGill scored an early takedown on Stanley (35-10) and led the match 4-2 after one period. The advantage grew to 10-4 after two and a reversal in the third got him to the difference.

“I just wanted to dominate, believe in myself and stay after it early,” McGill said after his win over Witt. “I definitely came in knowing that I’m the one seed, and it’s time to kick some butt.”

McGill faced one of his toughest tests of the season in the semifinals against East Buchanan’s Clay Wilgenbusch.

He trailed for the first time in a while after Wilgenbusch (36-12) scored an early takedown. McGill tied it with a reversal and then took a 4-3 lead with a takedown and led 6-4 at the end of the first following

An escape by McGill early in the third pushed his lead to 9-6, but a takedown by Wilgenbusch closed the gap to 9-8. The Tigerhawk senior went on to win 10-8 following one final escape.

Wilgenbusch took McGill down on the edge of the mat late in the match, but the referee determined it came after time had expired.

“He was strong,” McGill said. “I thought he was out of time. When my butt hit the mat, I thought the ref was going to call time. In my head I wanted to celebrate, but if they gave him the two then I had to get ready for another minute. I heard my family going crazy though.

“I felt like the underdog for so long. I had to prove it real quick that it was a mistake, and I should have been the first one to score. Then I took those two points back.”

McGill and Nelson (32-3) were scoreless in the finals after the first, but McGill didn’t get a takedown in

the match.

Nelson led 2-1, 4-2 and 6-3 before closing out the 9-5 win with a final takedown it the third.

Nelson won the state championship with four wins by decision. His other victories were 9-3, 8-4 and 5-2.

“He’s short and solid defensively. He got low and any time John got close he just had good hands and good defense,” Rice said. “That first period (Nelson) probably should have been hit with a stalling because John was doing all the stuff.

“It is what it is. John has had a great year and a great career and he’s an example of what you want in your room.”

McGill thought Nelson knew what was coming when the two wrestlers tied up.

“His timing was just really good,” McGill said. “He got in deep before I could move.”

Notes: McGill finished 38-9 at 126 and was 1-2 at state his freshmen season. He was 39-5 at 145 as a sophomore but finished third at districts. Last year, McGill was 47-8 and placed sixth at 160.

senior John

finished as the state runner-up in Class 1A at 165 pounds during the state wrestling tournament last week. McGill had a school-record 167 career wins and went 43-2 this season with 27 pins.

Broadcasting), Jo Harder (Silver Rating - Job Interview) and Holly Zahurones (Gold Rating - Ag Sales) at the subdistrict contests.

Churchill Downs

John McGill

Colfax-Mingo

McGill

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Colfax-Mingo senior John McGill gets a two-point takedown in one of his matches at the state wrestling tourna-

ment inside Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. McGill was the Class 1A state runner-up at 165 pounds.