JCT-03-07-2024

A soup-erb supper

Colfax Fire Department once again sees lines out of the door for annual soup supper fundraiser

Student representation

Colfax-Mingo to add student school board representative for district meetings

By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune

Colfax-Mingo is adding a new representative to the school board. The first reading of an ordinance adding a student school board representative was approved by the board at its February meeting.

“The board of education believes it is important to seek out and consider student ideas, viewpoints and opinions regarding the district’s educational program,” board documents said.

“To provide student input, the board shall include a non-voting representative from the student body.”

The student will serve one term, must be either a junior or a senior and be a full-time high school student in the district. They will participate in an orientation of board responsibilities and procedures as determined by the superintendent and will have the ability to attend the IASB conference. At meetings, the student representative can participate in discussion but cannot vote. They are also responsible for communicating board decisions with the student body.

Their time to shine

Colfax-Mingo Dance Team hosts annual showcase featuring state routines, solos and future Tigerhawk dancers

Discussion between Jasper County supervisors and union gets heated

By Christopher Braunschweig

Efforts to kickstart wage conversations between the American Federation of State, County and Municipal (AFSCME) Local 2840 union representatives and the Jasper County Board of Supervisors this week were ultimately successful, but at the cost of back-and-forth arguments over past supposals.

According to a letter drafted by the AFSCME, the union requested a meeting with the board of supervisors to discuss wage issues. Despite being in the middle of a

long-term collective bargaining agreement with Jasper County, the union stated there are uncontrollable circumstances causes wages to fall behind.

“This has caused not only hardship to the employees but also the county when it comes to retaining and recruiting new employees,” the union said in the letter.

“Jasper County has a long history of positive and open labor relations,” the union added, “and we wish to continue this tradition by having an open and honest dialogue to resolve the issues of recruitment, retention and to have wages more commensurate with the current climate both in and

outside of the county.”

AFSCME claimed to have made concessions when contacted by the county in the past, and now the union members are asking for the same consideration. The union submitted a supposal — not a formal proposal — to try to engage Jasper County in the conversation but claimed it did not receive an official response.

“It has not been uncommon in the past two years for an employer or an employee organization to request a supplemental wage package due to the unprecedented rise in costs of living as well as the very

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune

AFSCME Local 2840 President Craig Keith, left, and AFSCME Union

Representative Adam Swihart speak to the Jasper County Board of Supervisors during its meeting Feb. 27 at the Jasper County Courthouse.

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Tribune

Area Record/Tax & Money

Poweshiek and Jasper counties receive donation of AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer

AKC Reunite, the largest non-profit pet identification and recovery service provider in the United States, is pleased to announce the donation of its 110th AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer to Newton for Poweshiek County and Jasper County, the first donated trailer for the state of Iowa. This life-saving equipment will be available to dispatch to any local disaster scene that needs assistance sheltering pets. This trailer was delivered on February 27th and will assist Poweshiek County Emergency Management & Jasper County Emergency Management in helping community pets that may become displaced in an emergency.

“We are very happy to donate this trailer in Iowa,” Tom Sharp, President & CEO of AKC Reunite, said. “Just last year the area experienced such severe weather, the Governor declared a disaster. Now the local emergency management will have the materials they need when disaster strikes.”

AKC Pet Disaster Relief is a nationwide program sponsored by AKC Reunite, the country’s largest non-profit microchip identification and recovery service. AKC Reunite partners with AKC® Dog Clubs and pet lovers across the country to make these donations a

reality. The Poweshiek & Jasper County trailer was made possible by the Central Iowa Kennel Club, Poweshiek County Alliance and Grinnell College.

“The Central Iowa Kennel Club is proud to partner with AKC Reunite, Poweshiek and Jasper County Emergency Management Agencies, and Grinnell College to bring to Iowa our first AKC Reunite Pet Disaster Relief Trailer,” Kristina DeLisi, President of the Central Iowa Kennel Club, said. “Iowa regularly experi-

ences tornados and other severe weather that can devastate whole communities. This trailer will be a resource for all 99 counties to keep pets safe during these emergencies, as well as reuniting them with their owners. We would like to sincerely thank AKC Reunite and all of our partners for making this possible.”

The equipment in the AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailers helps to create a safe, temporary home-base for at least 65 pets during the first 72 hours after a disaster is declared.

The trailers house and deliver essential animal care items including crates and carriers, AKC Reunite microchips and an AKC Reunite universal microchip scanner, bowls, collars and leashes as well as fans, lighting and a generator, cleaning supplies and maintenance items. These supplies can be used as co-location shelters, where people can evacuate with their pets, as well as emergency animal shelters for displaced animals.

“This new trailer fills a resource gap that we have known

existed for some time, and we are excited that this is the first trailer of its kind in Iowa,” Brian Paul, Coordinator at Poweshiek County Emergency Management, said. “It will undoubtedly be a valuable resource to our two counties and we look forward to the partnerships and increased resiliency it creates.”

“This thoughtful contribution will undoubtedly enhance our community’s capacity to care for beloved animal companions during emergencies,” Jamey Robinson, EMA Director at Jasper County Emergency Management, said. “As we prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents, including our four-legged friends, this trailer is a valuable asset that aligns perfectly with our commitment to comprehensive disaster preparedness. The American Kennel Club’s support is a shining example of collaboration between organizations dedicated to the welfare of both humans and their cherished pets. Together, we are building a resilient community that extends its protective embrace to every member, ensuring that no pet is left behind in times of crisis.”

Learn more about how to get involved in AKC Pet Disaster Relief at www.akcreunite.org/ relief.

Colfax-Mingo High School Honor Roll

Semester 1

A Honor Roll

Dakota Allen, Sean Ament, Owen Ament, Evalyn Anderson, Cael Bracewell, Lily Brenner, Emmalyn Buchman, Ashton Byal, Gage Byal, Kaylee Collins, Sean Craven, Charlotte Donahue, Sydney Harter, Claire Hunsberger, Grace Hunsberger, Aryana Johnson, Britney Keeney, Merritt McConeghey, Colton Pierce, Macie Porter, Harrison Rhone, Ashton Robinson, Adalai Schroeder, Mallory Sipma, Cassidy Smith, Katelyn Steenhoek, Rachael Uecker, Ava Van Maaren,

Know your

Makenna Westercamp, Shae Wilkins, Kyle Wood B Honor Roll

Grace Allen, Hope Allen, Luke Allen, Lexie Aller, Kaydence Andersen, Lily Anderson, Lily Arndt, Brooklyn Audas, Elizabeth Audas, Olivia Bernstrauch, Allan Bregar, Alice Brown, Tate Carlson, Devan Chadwick, Chloe Clements, Emma Cook, Jaiden Cunningham, Kaden Dalton, Konner Dalton, Sammy Danley, Joseph Earles, Nathaniel Endersbe, Gustison Engle, Logan Exley, Cason Fitch, Aurora Foster, Pablo Garcia Moreno, Josie George, Fisher Grove, Lilyan Hadsall,

rights

Before filing this year, be aware of the fundamental rights you have as a taxpayer

They’re enumerated in a list established by Congress as part of the official Internal Revenue Code.

RIGHT TO BE INFORMED

You are entitled to complete and understandable information about what must be done to comply with tax burdens and any applicable laws.

These details may be shared in forms, publications, direct instructions, official notices and correspondence.

RIGHT TO QUALITY SERVICE

You are entitled to “prompt, courteous and professional” service from IRS personnel. If answers aren’t easily understandable or otherwise inadequate, you have the right to speak to a supervisor.

RIGHT TO PAY CORRECT AMOUNT

You are entitled to a specific tax bill, payable on a specific date, including any interest or penalties. Taxpayers also have a right to have all payments directed properly.

RIGHT TO CHALLENGE

You are entitled to object and provide additional documentation to refute any formal IRS action or proposed action. You also have the right to be heard promptly and fairly, and to receive a response from the IRS.

RIGHT TO INDEPENDENT APPEAL

You are entitled to an impartial administrative

appeal of most decisions, including many IRS penalties.

Taxpayers also have a right to receive written responses detailing any decision by the Office of Appeals, and generally to take these cases to court.

RIGHT TO FINALITY

You are entitled to know the maximum amount of time allowed to challenge the IRS, the maximum amount of time the IRS has to audit a tax year, and the maximum amount of time you have to collect a debt. Taxpayers also have the right to know when an IRS audit has been concluded.

RIGHT TO PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY

You have a right to expect any IRS inquiry to comply with privacy laws and due process rights. None of this information is to be disclosed unless authorized by the law or the taxpayer.

RIGHT TO REPRESENTATION

You are entitled to authorized representation, including assistance from the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic if needed.

RIGHT TO FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE

You are entitled to consideration of extenuating circumstances that impact liabilities or your ability to pay. You also have a right to assistance from the Taxpayer Advocate Service. – Green Shoot Media

Cody Heisler, Shane Hostetter, Ellie Hunsberger, Sophia Hunsberger, Caleb Jackson, Tanner Kanselaar, Layne Keller, Maleah Kertels, Brandon Kite, Asher Knutson, Austin Lane, Bianca Lane, Izaiah Lewis, Cadence Linn, Dove-Valelynn Lopez, John McGill, Layla Miller, Luke Padgett, Kayd Pleggenkuhle, Reese Richards, Jozelyn Richardson, Autumn Ritter, Michael Roberts, Calvin Schwab, Liam Smith, Mylee Smith, Ramona Smith, Lynnsey Solasberry, Alex Teed, Phoebe Wiese, Sullivan Winkins, Lazarus Winklepleck, Victoria Woods, Brooklyn Yanske

Stay on top next time

You don’t have to wait until the last moment to address taxes

There’s a reason CPAs work such long hours during tax season: Most people don’t deal with their taxes until the last possible moment — particularly if they owe money. But there’s a powerful argument to be made for dealing with this responsibility more incrementally throughout the year. Aside from lessening your worry and guilt over what’s owed, you’ll also be able to make smaller, more manageable payments.

BUNDLED SERVICES

Certified public accountants will typically offer bundled services for a fixed monthly fee. This allows the firm to monitor your income and expenses throughout the year. These services also include bookkeeping, payroll and general financial consulting, all of which are especially valuable to business owners. Freelancers and those who work from home also take advantage of these services since their taxes aren’t automatically deducted from a regular paycheck by their employer. But it’s a useful service for anyone who wants to stay on top of their tax responsibility, rather than having to deal with it all at once every spring.

MANAGING EXPENSES

Addressing your tax responsibility on a monthly or quarterly basis can be

much easier on the pocketbook. Depending on how much they needed, bundled services may also end up saving money, since monthly arrangements eliminate the hourly bills for these same services. You pay a CPA for their knowledge and expertise, but also their time — and those invoices can stack up. Working on a monthly basis also allows CPAs to adjust to changing laws and business practices in realtime. Trends will become clear sooner as they monitor things like payroll, financial reporting and bookkeeping throughout the year.

REQUIRED ESTIMATES

Those who are self-employed and certain other wage earners may be required to pay estimated taxes each quarter through IRS Form 1040-ES. Estimated taxes are owed on income that’s not subject to withholding, including interest, stock dividends or sales gains, business earnings and taxable alimony. Those who do not pay taxes through quarterly estimated payments — or traditional withholding — are subject to penalty for underpayment. The exceptions are for those who will owe less than $1,000, and for those whose withholding amounts to at least 90 percent of their total tax, among others. – Green Shoot Media

Submitted Photo

Pet Disaster Relief trailer donated to Poweshiek and Jasper Counties is the first of its kind donated in Iowa.

Colfax-Mingo Dance Team annual showcase

In other business:

• A 9-12 soccer sharing agreement as part of the Central Iowa United soccer team between East Marshall, Collins-Maxwell, Baxter, West Marshall, Colo-Nesco and Colfax-Mingo was approved.

• Consolidated Electrical Distributors of Urbandale was approved with a quote of more than $110,000 for the baseball lights replacement project. It will use existing light poles and includes removal and installation.

real issue of recruitment and retention of employees within the workforce,” the union said. If nothing is done at this time, the union fears Jasper County will fall even further behind in wage comparisons and compensation in the future.

AFSCME Local 2840

President Craig Keith and AFSCME Union Representative Adam Swihart met with supervisors in-person on Feb. 27 to begin conversations, not to formally request to reopen contracts. Swihart said the pandemic, changes in workforce and unprecedented inflation have put the county behind.

“We’ve had several people that we have contracts with

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come to us and say, ‘Hey, we’d like to reopen just for this’ or ‘We don’t have to reopen the contract we want to do an MOU (memorandum of understanding) to do a market adjustment on wages,’” Swihart said. “Because everyone is having problems with recruitment and retention.”

Ultimately, the union is hoping for a supplemental wage package to get workers through the end of their contracts. Alluding to what was stated in the letter, Swihart said the union wanted to have this conversation earlier with Jasper County, but representatives were unsuccessful.

“The employees just wanted their voices heard, hoping the county was receptive to either doing something supplemental or with the contract as a whole,” he said.

However, supervisors and the county’s human resources director, Dennis Simon, were under the impression they did reach out.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma asked Keith if he was aware the board instructed Simon to contact the union about the county’s offer for a 2 to 2.5 percent supplemental MOU. Keith said he was not aware. Talsma asked Swihart if he thinks the county’s human resources director is lying to the board.

“I don’t know if you want to take that kind of tone with me. I’m not trying to be argu-

mentative, but, no, I don’t recall a 2.5 supplemental wage increase for the county being proposed,” Swihart said.

Simon said to Swihart, “We had a meeting and discussed it. Talked about being reasonable. You asked me to present your information. I did and responded with a no.”

Talsma added, “I believe we approached you wanting to do a 2 to 2.5 percent.”

“No,” Swihart said.

“And what we got back from our human resources director was that you said no but that you would consider a 7 percent,” Talsma said.

“That’s not accurate.”

Swihart alleged he gave Simon a supposal for the board, but supervisors were not impressed and wished they had heard something sooner. He also denied any knowledge of the county’s supplemental MOU. Simon said he didn’t provide a supplemental and it was a verbal conversation.

“After the supposal that was received, there was nothing sent back other than a no response,” Simon said.

Both Swihart and Talsma went back and forth over who contacted who first. Eventually, Talsma started scrutinizing the claims made in the letter. The union mentioned opportunities when the county reached out to the union for concessions,

but Talsma wanted specific instances where that was true.

Neither the union nor the county could recall recent instances, but Swihart said he would provide that information; he and Talsma argued over what would be considered a concession and the differences between mid-contract concessions and concessions made in open contract negotiations.

Supervisor Denny Stevenson shared his concerns about the county allowing a wage adjustment and where that might fit in to negotiations for the next contract.

“In other words, if we were to do something now — no matter what settlement trends tend to be a year from now — will the union take all of that into consideration?” Stevenson asked.

Swihart said, “Absolutely. That’s the purpose of bargaining.”

Again, Swihart emphasized the meeting between the union and supervisors was a way to start the dialogue, because there are obviously differences of opinion between how the situation was handled. Talsma emphasized that the last contract negotiation the county gave the union everything it asked for.

“You guys requested a five-year contract, not the county. You guys requested the pay raises that were in that contract, not the county. We gave you everything that you asked for in the last contract negotiation,” Talsma said.

Swihart interjected. “I wouldn’t agree to that totality of a statement.”

“We approved what was presented to us from you guys. We made no changes, with the exception of one

policy regarding a tool allowance for one employee.” Returning back to the main topic, Swihart said what the union is requesting is not out of line and did not fall out of the sky as some weird idea they had. Talsma agreed, but he was unhappy because the board of supervisors tried initiating the conversation several months ago and was stalemated. Swihart didn’t recall that.

“I’m a little bit agitated because I feel like the county tried initiating this conversation, but the union wants credit for it,” Talsma said. Swihart and Keith disagreed. But what the union and the county could agree on was that both were willing to have a conversation.

“And I’m not asking for a full pie,” Keith said.

“I’m not even asking for half a pie,” Swihart added.

“I’m asking just for a part of the pie.”

Before concluding their meeting, Keith said he wanted to keep the good employees as much as possible. Talsma agreed. Swihart suggested it is harder to retain employees these days, saying it is a competitive business right now. Talsma cautioned Swihart from starting down that path.

“I’ve been arguing for years because the labor pool is not going to grow it’s only going to continue to decline, so I always err on the side of caution of (saying), ‘Well, Mahaska County gave 7 percent so now Jasper County needs to give 7 percent,’” Talsma said. “At the end of the day, we’re all chasing after the same limited labor pool, regardless of county, regardless of public employees, regardless of private employees.

“And it’s only going to get worse.”

Publisher Dan Goetz

Jamee A. Pierson Shaw Media

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

Ending taxpayer-funded terrorism

Imagine paying for a security system that enables, rather than deters, home intruders.

Well folks, that’s what’s happening.

The U.S. contributes more than $18 billion in taxpayer dollars to the United Nations (UN) a year. That’s about a third of the agency’s entire budget and more than any other nation.

The UN exists to help “maintain international peace and security.” Yet, the international bureaucracy has been caught undermining international peace as well as the security along our own border.

At least a dozen staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) helped Hamas plan and carry out the October 7th terrorist attacks against Israel that killed hundreds of people, including 32 Amer-

ican citizens. The UNRWA staff also assisted with Hamas’ hostage-taking. Hundreds of innocent civilians were kidnapped and carried off by the terrorists, including the six Americans who are still being held hostage.

A Hamas military command and control center found beneath the UNRWA headquarters building in Gaza appears to have run on electricity from the U.N. facility. Weapons and textbooks promoting hatred of Jews have been found in schools operated by UNRWA.

UNRWA has long been suspected of aiding Hamas and may be infiltrated by hundreds with ties to terrorist and militant groups. The Biden Administration, which had been paying UNRWA nearly $350 million a year before suspending the funding last month, acknowledges these claims are “highly, highly credible.”

When time is money, “Dynamic Pricing” makes everything cheaper

By Thomas L. Knapp

Wendy’s ran into a wall of popular resistance with the mid-February release of its “earnings call” transcript for the fourth quarter of 2023. The transcript mentioned an intention to test “dynamic pricing” starting next year. The knee-jerk panic reaction was understandable. Nobody looks forward to the prospect of sitting in a drive-thru line for 20 minutes before reaching the menu, only to learn that a Baconator combo is going for $50. Wendy’s quickly backed down on the plan and tried to explain that its focus is on “dynamic pricing” ideas other than mere “surge pricing” (i.e. higher prices at times of highest demand).

But “dynamic pricing,” including “surge pricing,” is a great idea — for Wendy’s and for its customers. Dynamic pricing goes in both directions, and it’s good all around. To see why, let’s look at that Baconator combo. I just priced one for pickup at my local Wendy’s: $12.29.

Now, suppose a nearby factory’s daytime shift is getting off work, or a local sporting event has just ended, and a bunch of hungry people are heading for Wendy’s. The drive-thru line extends into the street. The workers are running around like chickens with their heads cut off. People are waiting ten minutes instead of two minutes for their food.

Of course, most of those customers are ordering via phone app these days. They know the cost before they even join that drive-thru line. And if the cost is $15.29 instead of $12.29, many of them will decide to eat at home. The people who are willing and able to pay the extra three bucks will get their food more quickly; those who can’t or won’t will eat elsewhere; and the staff will not be overworked and exhausted.

That’s “surge pricing.” But let’s look at the other side. Think of it as “slow business” pricing. There’s one person in the dining area and two cars in the drive-thru. The workers are standing around and one could safely be sent home. The basket of fries that just came out of the oil will end up in the trash if not sold ASAP.

The manager presses a button and everyone with the Wendy’s app gets a promo message — Baconator combo for $9.99 if you order in the next 30 minutes! People who happen to feel a little peckish get a deal. Food doesn’t go in the garbage. A worker keeps getting paid instead of going home. Instead of losing money during that hour due to wasted food and wasted time, Wendy’s makes money.

Everything else being equal, nobody wants to pay more for food than necessary. But everything else is never equal. For some people, saving time is worth a little extra money; for others, saving money is worth a little extra time. For businesses, keeping demand more steady is profitable.

“Dynamic pricing” — prices rising and falling — has always been the rule, not the exception. It’s just getting compressed into shorter time frames. That’s a feature, not a bug, and the sooner we see it at the drive-thru the better.

ThomasL.Knappisdirectorandseniornewsanalyst at the William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian AdvocacyJournalism

SHARE YOUR VIEW

Letters to the Jasper County Tribune will be edited for libel, grammar and length and should not exceed 400 words. We reserve the right to shorten letters and reject those deemed libelous, in poor taste or of a personal nature. Include your full name, address and a daytime phone number for verification.

Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion of the writer or artist.

Submit letters to news@jaspercountytribune.com or Newton Daily News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208

Any of the UN employees who were aware of the plot could have prevented the attacks. Instead, they helped ignite the ongoing war that is claiming the lives of thousands of civilians and threatening to spread across the Middle East.

Despite these recent atrocities and decades of previous terrorist attacks, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator stated just last week that “Hamas is not a terrorist group for us.”

Closer to home, the UN is contributing to the humanitarian and national security crisis at our southern border by distributing millions of dollars in financial assistance to help support migrants headed north who are crossing into our country illegally in record numbers.

A 2024 UN migrant plan says handing out “multipurpose cash has taken on increased importance” because the money provides migrants “the flexibility to cover their expenses” during their travels. The document includes a map with a red line through one of the most perilous walks on Earth, where migrants must pay the drug cartel for

permission to pass, leading right to the U.S. border.

So why are U.S. taxpayers giving billions of dollars to an international organization facilitating the crisis at our southern border and whose own staff helped harm and take hostage American citizens?

We could make the world a safer place by putting those tax dollars to better use, securing our own border, helping our friend Israel eliminate the threat of Hamas, and providing humanitarian assistance to refugees who seek a better life while respecting our laws instead of facilitating illegal immigration.

That is why I gave my February 2024 Squeal Award to the United Nations and am supporting legislation to permanently end U.S. taxpayer funding to UNRWA. This effort would redirect the unspent money intended for that UN agency towards the construction of a wall along America’s southern border to maintain our own security.

Keeping Americans safe must be our top priority.

Joni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and a combat veteran, represents Iowa in the United States Senate

YOUR VIEW

Some

changes are hard on small to mid-sized independent family farms and communities

This past week, I passed the onemonth mark since becoming the new executive director for the Iowa Farmers Union, and WOW … what a great organization to be associated with!

The Iowa Farmers Union is involved in all kinds of things, like discussing state and federal policy with IFU members and lobbyists at the Statehouse, working for and supporting local foods, fighting against corporate monopolies, and working hard to improve the financial well-being of independent family farmers (sometimes considered to be a dying breed). The organization’s views and philosophy align quite nicely with my own, and it is great to be associated with an organization that has such an impact on where our farms and our families live and do business.

That said, it has been a learning experience that will continue for many months, if not years, to come. Without going off on a tangent, I am not happy with the direction agriculture in Iowa has gone. Many years ago, back in the 1970s and 1980s, farms were much more diverse in size, grain crops grown, and livestock

A theme song

After much reflection and anguish, I am suggesting a theme song for our legislature, the Iowa legislature in its current manifestation. The idea of a theme song with which our legislators can identify should have been accomplished several years ago, but either a lack of imagination or inertia has caused the delay in finding such a symbol for such a distinguished group of individuals engaged in the public business.

As I said, after much reflection and anguish, I am introducing a suggested theme song: Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Pissin’ in the Wind.” To me, it captures the essence of our current legislature and I am putting this idea forward for further comment. One should always be willing to debate any suggestion of a theme song, even those to whom it is not directed should be able to comment on the appropriateness of a par-

species common to most farmers.

Another sign of the times is the transition to larger farms, larger cooperatives, larger banks, etc. The changes are hard on small to midsized independent family farms and hard on communities. The Iowa Farmers Union’s focus is on helping those smaller farms find a way to make a decent living for their families. When that happens, it not only helps farm families but also keeps schools, hospitals, and grocery stores thriving in local communities throughout the state.

After farming for many years, I had the opportunity to move overseas and manage a couple of international agricultural projects: one large grain project in Romania and a large swine project in the Philippines. People used to ask what it was like living “over there.” Often, I would say it was like stepping back in time to the period my grandparents lived through.

In the evenings after dinner, if you lived in a town or a small village, you didn’t turn on the TV or the computer. Instead, you went out for a stroll. A person or family would take an hour or more just to walk around

ticular tune to reflect such an august body of Iowans. Now for those not familiar with either Jerry Jeff Walker or “Pissin’ in the Wind”, one can find most of his songs on YouTube which I direct anyone interested to for edification. Jeffy Jeff popularized ‘London Homesick Blues’ and produced ‘Redneck Mother” which made an immediate impact on the vocabulary of America. Having a song by Jerry Jeff as a symbol of our legislative body would do credit to both our legislators and Jerry Jeff.

A symbol is a shortcut — a shortcut to the nub of an idea, a method of understanding by osmosis; it doesn’t require thought which as we all know is in short supply. And as a shortcut, it can be very usefully utilized by almost anyone. “Hey, the ‘Pissin’ in the Wind’” guys are at it again! What more does one need to understand the activities of the group so symbol-

the neighborhood, stopping to chew the fat with their neighbors while the kids played. When you needed groceries, you went to the butcher shop for meat, the dairy for milk, the open market stalls for your vegetables, and the bakery for bread. I know we can never go back, and perhaps it is just as well because life was a lot harder back then, but it also had its positives.

I think you can be very proud of this organization called the Iowa Farmers Union. As I move forward and, with your help, define what the Executive Director position becomes, I will need your guidance and your advice. We need to work together to improve the economics for the independent family farmer in Iowa. Together, we can accomplish a lot. Thank you in advance, and let’s all work hard to make some progress in the years ahead and just as hard to get to know each other better and have some fun along the way. Please feel free to reach out to me, by email or phone, or just stop by the office. Dave Andrews Executive Director of Iowa Farmers Union

ized? None, it says it all in one phrase. I realize that there may be dissenting voices and I’m more than willing to discuss the issue if discussion is suggested by anyone dissenting. But, I would suggest in advance that they have any arguments against “Pissin’ in the Wind” as a theme song for our Iowa legislature thought out before the discussion commences. Simply saying you don’t like the idea isn’t going to get it. What we will need are specifics, such as how the song “Pissin’ in the Wind” does not precisely fit; or, what alternative might you suggest, if any. I am fairly confident that I have found the perfect symbol for our legislature. The suggestions for new laws and the enactment of them reinforce the idea daily. I can just see them now standing on the statehouse steps facing the gale.

Richard E.

H. Phelps II Mingo

IRS enhances ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool for 2024 filing season

WASHINGTON —

With millions of tax refunds going out each week, the Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers recent improvements to “Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov provide more information and remains the best way to check the status of a refund.

The “Where’s My Refund?” tool provides taxpayers with three key pieces of information: IRS confirmation of receiving a federal tax return, approval of the tax refund and issuing date of the approved tax refund. Information for returns from tax years 2023, 2022 and 2021 is available.

During this busy part of filing season, millions of taxpayers are anticipating refunds. In the second of the weekly Tax Time Guide series, the IRS highlights important details about “Where’s My Refund?” that can help taxpayers quickly get the information they need without calling the IRS.

The improvements to the heavily used tool follow Inflation Reduction Act funding, which is providing for a variety of IRS technological advances and upgrades designed to help taxpayers and transform agency operations.

“Where’s My Refund?” enhancements

In filing season 2024, taxpayers will benefit from important updates that reduce the need for many taxpayers to call the IRS and include:

• Messages with detailed refund status in plain language.

• Seamless access on mobile devices and with the IRS2Go app.

• Notifications indicating whether the IRS needs additional information.

How to use “Where’s My Refund?”

To use “Where’s My Refund?”, taxpayers must enter their Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification number, filing status and the exact whole dollar amount of their expected refund from the original tax return for the year they’re checking. Once the IRS acknowledges receipt of a return, refund status information is typically available within:

• 24 hours after receipt of a taxpayer’s e-filed tax year 2023 return.

• Three to four days after receipt of an e-filed tax year 2022 or 2021 return.

• Four weeks after mailing a paper return. Taxpayers should note that the IRS updates the tool once a day, usually overnight, so there’s no need to check more often. The IRS reminds taxpayers that the fastest way to get a refund is by filing electronically and using direct deposit. Refund delivery Many different factors may affect the timing of

refund delivery:

• The tax return has errors, requires additional review or is incomplete.

• The return needs a correction to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit.

• The time between the IRS issuing the refund and the bank posting it to an account may vary since processing times fluctuate.

The IRS will contact taxpayers by mail if more information is needed to process a return. IRS phone and walk-in representatives can only research the status of a refund if:

• 21 days or more have passed since a return was filed electronically.

• Six weeks or more have passed since a return was mailed.

• “Where’s My Refund?” tells the taxpayer to contact the IRS. If a taxpayer refund isn’t what is expected, it may be due to changes made by the IRS. These changes could include corrections to the Child Tax Credit or EITC amounts or an offset

from all or part of the refund amount to pay pastdue tax or debts. More information about reduced refunds is available on IRS.gov.

Filing season reminders Taxpayers should make IRS.gov their first stop to get information on filing a tax return. There is information on Choosing a tax professional, IRS Free File, Answers to tax questions and Tips on filing a return.

Taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit typically get their refund in less than 21 days. Taxpayers who don’t have a bank account can find out how to open a bank account at a FDIC-insured bank or the National Credit Union Locator Tool.

Refund information for amended tax returns is not available on “Where’s My Refund?” Use “Where’s My Amended Return?” to get the status of an amended return.

The deadline for most taxpayers to file a tax return, pay any tax due or request an extension to file is Monday, April 15.

Arts and Crafts Show March 8-10

Make plans now to attend the Annual Spring Arts and Crafts Show on March 8-10 in the Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.

This is Iowa’s largest show,

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

with more than 250 talented exhibitors from 8 states presenting and selling the Midwest’s finest handcrafts. Admission to the show is only $7, with anyone 10 and under free. All patrons will

receive a 3-day re-entry hand stamp good for the entire 3-day run of the show.

Show hours are from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Church Schedules

SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church 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, March 10 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dye

TUESDAY, March 12 - 3 p.m.

Women’s Prayer and coffee; 6 p.m. Trustee Meeting

WEDNESDAY, March 13 - 9 a.m. Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; NO

The church schedule is brought to you by

AWANA- Spring Break

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

Community Calendar

Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com

SATURDAY • Colfax Historical Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. 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

Colfax Farmers Market is open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Mineral Springs Park

Iowa ramps up push to register young voters

Election officials in Iowa are upping their efforts to increase political participation among the state’s youngest voters. A registration event has netted thousands of new voters - who are teens.

Iowa law requires high schools to conduct two voter registration drives every year to educate students.

This year, Secretary of State Paul Pate set aside a single day to turn the education into action, and get eligible high school students registered.

In Iowa, 17-year-olds who will be 18 by November of an election year can vote in primaries, and Pate travels the state to teach kids how government affects them.

“I ask young people, ‘How many of you work a part-time job?’ And hands go up,” said Pate. “And I go, ‘Well then, you’re paying taxes right now — and you have no voice in how much you should be paying and where it goes.’ Really, state

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

and local government has a huge impact on these young people. So, we start with that message.”

Pate said 4,500 17-year-olds are registered to vote as a result of the efforts. That’s 1,100 more than were registered six months ago.

“Still, the number one influencer is their family, so they’re still having that conversation around the dinner table,” said Pate. “And of course, the second one coming into it is social media - and their friends coming right in, close to third. So those are the audiences we have to play to, to instill in them why they need to be voters.”

In yet another effort to encourage participation, Iowa held a straw poll for teens just before the state’s first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses last month. Six thousand students cast ballots.

Donald Trump came out on top in the Republican contest — and Marianne Williamson, who has since dropped out of the presidential race, won on the Democratic side.

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

File Photo

The Internal Revenue Service reminded taxpayers recent improvements to “Where’s My Refund?” on IRS.gov provide more information and remains the best way to check the status of a refund.

Mark Moran Iowa News Service

Baxter’s Tuhn earns first team all-conference honor

Baxter junior Emie Tuhn was the only Bolts player to start a varsity girls basketball game before this season.

And only a handful of others had even played in a game.

It was a learning season mostly for the Bolts and despite a tough year on the hardwood by the team, Tuhn persevered to a first-team all-conference selection.

The Iowa Star Conference South Division released its all-conference squad recently and Tuhn earned a spot on the top team for the second time in her career.

All-conference recognition is based on statistics inside conference play only.

Tuhn was the only Baxter player recognized.

Tuhn ranked third in the South Division in scoring at 15 points per game.

She also ranked fourth in assists and fifth in steals at 3.8 and 3.2 per game, respectively, and averaged 4.8 rebounds per contest.

Tuhn, who started all 12 conference games,

led the division with 32 made 3-pointers. She shot 37.6 percent from the floor and ranked second in the division in free throw percentage at 63.2.

Player of the Year

Erica Houge, sr., Collins-Maxwell Coach of the Year

Aaron Hill, Collins-Maxwell

All-Conference First Team

Emie Tuhn, jr., Baxter; Erica Houge, sr.,

Collins-Maxwell; Chloe Wierson, sr., Collins-Maxwell; Grace Farnsworth, so., BCLUW; Sia Bear, sr.,

Meskwaki Settlement; Jocee Mason, sr., GMG. Second Team

Sydney Anderson, sr., BCLUW; Klayre Gallentine, jr., BCLUW; Dorothy Bear, fr., Meskwaki Settlement; Reese Dieleman, sr., GMG; Ava Breakenridge, jr., North Tama; Gemma Bower, sr., Colo-NESCO.

Honorable Mention

Callie Swanson, sr., BCLUW; Vivian Kahler, sr., Collins-Maxwell; Jadyn Neimeyer, jr., Colo-NESCO; Maecyn Lewis, sr., GMG; Sade Kapayou, fr., Meskwaki Settlement; Rylee Ridout, so., North Tama.

Tuhn grabs more postseason honors

Lynnville-Sully senior Majesta Vos excelled on both the court and inside the classroom this season.

Vos highlighted the best Lynnville-Sully girls’ basketball season in several years by averaging a double-double on the floor.

And her efforts in the classroom didn’t go unnoticed either.

Vos was one of three area girls basketball players to be named to both an all-district and an all-region team this season. She landed on the Class 1A Southeast District squad and was one of the top vote getters on the 1A Region 7 squad.

Baxter junior Emie Tuhn and PCM junior Addison Steenhoek

also were recognized by both the Iowa Girls Coaches Association and the Iowa Basketball Coaches Association with all-district and all-region honors.

Tuhn was one of 10 players to earn a spot on the 1A North Central District squad and one of eight players on the 1A Region 2 squad. She averaged a team-best 15.4 points, 3.7 assists and 3.6 steals per contest and ranked second on the team in rebounds at 4.2 per tilt.

She started all 19 games, shot 37 percent from the floor and 59 percent from the foul line.

Tuhn will enter her senior season with a school-record 879 career points.

Vos earned academic all-state honors from both the IGCA and the IBCA, too. Joining Vos on the IGCA’s academic all-state squad were Newton seniors Haylie Ryan and Estella Allen and Lynnville-Sully senior teammates Elise Alberts and Morgan Jones.

Pair of Colfax-Mingo girls land on all-SICL squad

After posting its best season since 2016-17, the Lynnville-Sully girls’ basketball team was well represented on the South Iowa Cedar League all-conference squad.

Five Hawk players were recognized and Jerry Hulsing was named SICL Coach of the Year after guiding L-S to a 13-2 conference record and a share of the conference title.

Senior Majesta Vos and sophomore Kate Harthoorn were unanimous first-team all-conference selections, while senior Aubree Arthur earned second-team honors.

Dakota Allen led Colfax-Mingo with per-game averages of 4.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 steals.

Sipma averaged 1.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per contest for the Tigerhawks. Hulsing guided Lynnville-Sully to its best record since the Hawks finished 21-3 overall and 15-1 in the SICL back in 2016-17. L-S also was 18-4 and 12-2 in the conference in 2018-19.

Team Conference Overall Colfax-Mingo 0-15 0-22 East Division Sigourney 10-4 19-5 English Valleys 8-6 14-9 Iowa Valley 7-7 11-12 Keota 4-10 6-14

Belle Plaine 2-12 3-18

Coach of the Year

Jerry Hulsing, Lynnville-Sully

Golden Award Karagyn Minnaert, jr., BGM

Josephine Moore, jr., Sigourney; Delaney Hall, sr., English Valleys; McKenzie Kempf, sr., HLV; Lydia Kriegel, jr., Iowa Valley; Laila Morrison, sr., BGM; Ava Fisch, jr., Sigourney.

Honorable Mention

Colfax-Mingo sophomore Mallory Sipma and freshman Dakota Allen earned all-conference honorable mention for the Tigerhawks.

All-conference recognition is based on statistics inside conference play only.

Senior Elise Alberts and sophomore Tatum Huyser were the Hawks’ honorable mention picks.

All-Conference First Team *Majesta Vos, sr., Lynnville-Sully; *Kate Harthoorn, so., Lynnville-Sully; *Ellen Cook, jr., Montezuma; *Carly Goodwin, sr., Sigourney; *Shiressa Wetering, jr., Montezuma; *Kennedy Axmear, sr., English Valleys; *Breckyn Schilling, jr., North Mahaska; Ayla Hall, jr., HLV.

*denotes unanimous selection Second Team Aubree Arthur, sr., Lynnville-Sully; Jadyn Sharer, sr., Montezuma; Reagan Grewe, jr., North Mahaska;

Elise Alberts, sr., Lynnville-Sully; Tatum Huyser, so., Lynnville-Sully; Dakota Allen, fr., Colfax-Mingo; Mallory Sipma, so., Colfax-Mingo; Lola Frimml, sr., Iowa Valley; Grace Ryan, sr., Iowa Valley; Hailey Jack, sr., HLV; Addy Shaull, sr., HLV; Aly Steil, so., North Mahaska; Sydney Anderson, jr., North Mahaska; Kimberly Clarahan, jr., Keota; Ava Greiner, jr., Kenta; Ella Grieder, sr., Belle Plaine; Janessa Blomme, sr., Belle Plaine;

Shaye Strong, so., BGM; Ryanne Van Dee, jr., BGM; Imigyn Stratton, sr., English Valleys; Addison Achenbach, fr., English Valleys; Amiya Smallwood, sr., Sigourney; Erin Dawson, sr., Sigourney; Claire Erselius, so., Montezuma; Vivian Cook, fr., Montezuma.

Allen Sipma

Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Tribune

Tuhn

Jasper County Tribune

Tuhn