JCT-04-04-2024

Easter Bunny hops in to Colfax for a visit

Jasper County purchases 68K tons of rock for FY25

More than $1.4M worth of rock to be used in northern townships

partment’s new approach to gravel roads during a public meeting in Lynnville in 2023. The county secured its rock for FY2025, which will be used on the 10 northern townships.

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County secured more than $1.4 million worth of rock for granular roads in fiscal year 2025. The board of supervisors on March 26 approved the low bid from the Des Moines area-based Martin Marietta Materials, which will provide the county with more than 68,000 tons of rock, according to agenda documents.

Michael Frietsch, county engineer, estimated the rock bids would cost about $1,321,069, which put the low bid of $1,409,811 from Martin Marietta over estimate by about 6.7 percent. Frietsch said the Decorah-based Bruening Rock Products, Inc. submitted a bid of about $1,523,600.

“Overall, we’re seeing about a $3 per ton increase from last year for our rock prices for haul,” Frietsch said. “The prices for the material itself went up about $1 per ton at the beginning of this year, so the other $2 is probably hauling costs going up. So

Iowa governor signs education bill reforming AEAs, raising teacher salaries

Jasper County lawmakers have discussed

the issues in-depth for months

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds officially signed an education bill into law that not only provides schools a 2.5 percent increase in supplemental state aid, it also raised starting salaries for teachers and fulfilled her top priority this year to restructure the state’s Area Education Agencies, which spurred fierce discussions locally.

Jasper County lawmakers spent considerable time talking about AEAs during a Newton school board meeting in January and

at legislative gatherings hosted by the League of Women Voters. The most recent gathering in midMarch was no different. In fact, it was the first topic they discussed.

Specifically, legislators were asked about the task force element of the House’s AEA bill, which did make it through to the final version adopted by Reynolds last week. Sen. Ken Rozenboom said the Senate at the time was resisting the idea to create a task force, which was already created nearly 14 years ago.

The results of the task force were released in a 99-page report in

2011, and it included several recommendations. Rozenboom said “absolutely nothing” happened after the task force completed its work, and there was no legislative action or internal reform. He said the same issues are still prevalent in AEAs.

“We can go through the process of another task force. We’re going to find the same thing. Our recommendations are probably going to be very similar,” he said. “Meanwhile, those kids that were in kindergarten in 2011 are now high school seniors and we didn’t do anything.”

From Rozenboom’s perspective, Iowa lawmakers have a good idea

Supervisors update Jasper County building codes

Ordinance gives county ability to withhold building permits if there are unresolved issues

By Christopher Braunschweig

Jasper County Tribune

Updated building codes approved by the board of supervisors last week brings Jasper County up to compliance with state requirements, and the ordinance also gives the head of community development the ability to with-

hold issuance of building/ electrical permits if there are some unresolved issues.

Kevin Luetters, director of community development of Jasper County, said the building, residential, energy conservation and existing building codes identified in Ordinance #40D will stay the same. But the fire,

2 Republican candidates set to primary for IA-01 seat

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

Two Republican candidates filed paperwork to run for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House, which means Jasper County conservatives will have until June to decide who they want on the ballot in November: incumbent congresswoman Marriannette Miller-Meeks or newcomer David Pautsch.

According to a Feb. 26 article published by The Gazette, Miller-Meeks submitted more than 4,000 signatures and said in a statement that she is looking forward to running for re-election and continuing “to

bring sensible reforms to Washington and continuing to fight for Iowa.”

In a press release on March 13, Pautsch’s campaign announced his qualifying for the U.S. House ballot in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. He submitted more than 4,500 signatures, which Pautsch said demonstrates the widespread support

plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes were all updated to current standards.

“We’re required in Iowa Code to keep those current, which we’re not current right now,” Luetters said in a public hearing held during the March 26 county board of supervisors meeting. “So it’s more of things we’re already

doing; we just need to get our ordinance in order.”

Under the “construction documents by registered design professional” section of the ordinance, Jasper County added an exemption for post frame buildings that meet all of the following requirements: area of 1,000

GOP voters will have to decide between incumbent Miller-Meeks and newcomer Pautsch

for his candidacy. He also shared some high-profile endorsements.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who also ran for president in 2008 and 2016, spoke highly of Pautsch, calling the Republican candidate — who is described by his campaign as a dedicated advocate for Judeo-Christian values and conservative principles — “strong” and “uncompromised.”

Huckabee said Pautsch will help save Americans from the oppression that has destroyed constitutional liberties, national security, the economy, schools, law and order, small businesses and families. The former governor also drew attention to

Pautsch’s faith.

“He is confident the Lord will give us wisdom and power to overcome these national disasters and thrive under His loving care – just as our founders did,” Huckabee said.

Mike Lindell, the CEO of My Pillow, also gave his endorsement to Pautsch.

“David’s commitment to saving America by trusting in God’s power is unwavering. His leadership guarantees constitutional liberty, biblical values, fair and honest elections and a bright future for our children,” Lindell said in a statement

Pautsch

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Jasper County Engineer Michael Frietsch hands out documents explaining the secondary roads de-

Obituaries

William J. Gannon

March 27, 2024

William J. Gannon died March 27, 2024. Known by his aliases Bill, “Mingo,” Dad, and Grampa, he was a lifelong resident of Mingo, Iowa. Bill was from the beginning a black dirt farmer growing up on what is now the Gannon Century Farm with his parents Casey and Teresa Gannon, and sisters Mary Alice, Teresa Ann,

Douglas Holdefer

March 15, 2024

Douglas Holdefer, 76, of Pleasant Hill, passed away peacefully on March 15th, 2024, surrounded by family.

Doug was born on June 1st, 1947 to Howard and Helen Holdefer. In Doug’s youth, his family lived in Colfax, Newton, and Kellogg, Iowa.

Doug attended Colfax High School, where he met his high school sweetheart Barbara; the two dated throughout high school. After graduating in 1965, Doug began working for Hy-

Frances, and Joan. In 1964, the 27-year-old kid from Mingo was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives. He served three terms and was the Democratic Minority Leader during his final two terms. He was especially proud of the investments they made in public schools and ending the death penalty in the state of Iowa. He rode across the state on horseback, which made for great campaign pictures and complicated logistics. Bill traded suit and tie for yellow shirts and green pants, owning and operating the Farmer’s Supply Store, the local John Deere deal-

Vee Food Stores. He joined the United States Coast Guard in October of 1966; he completed 9 months of commissary school in Connecticut. Doug and Barb married later that year in December of 1966, and made their first home together at his station in Hawaii. They were later restationed to Connecticut, where they started their family.

After serving in the Coast Guard, Doug and Barb moved back to Iowa where he continued his career with HyVee. He retired as a Meat Manager after 40 years of service with the company. During their 57 years of marriage, Doug and Barb welcomed their three children: Brenda, Stacy, and Craig, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

ership for 24 years, before retiring to what his wife Kathleen called the world’s most expensive habit – full-time farming. Bill’s public service continued throughout his life, serving his community on the Colfax-Mingo School Board for 21 years, proudly handing a diploma to each of his three children.

Speaking of three children, Bill married Kathleen Kennedy of New Hampton on January 3, 1970. Fifty-four years later they have shared more than their fair share of laughs in Mingo, Kona, honky-tonks, and fancy hotel bars. Many of those laughs due to the antics

Doug loved his time with his family, and especially enjoyed his grandchildren and all the time he spent with them. Over the years, he enjoyed many hobbies – including fishing, hunting, and his Corvette that he meticulously maintained. One of Doug’s favorite activities was peaceful early morning drives down gravel roads throughout the Iowa countryside. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Holdefer Sr and Helen Holdefer, and his brother Ronald Holdefer. He is survived by his wife Barbara, his daughters, Brenda (Stacey) Rice and Stacy Holdefer, and son Craig Holdefer. His grandchildren: Cody (Aly) Breeden, Kip Breeden, Cole Breeden, Kaitlyn Breeden, AJ Holdefer, and Stevie Holdefer. His

or wit of their children Matt, Tim, and Clare. The family was complete when it was joined with Alissa, Emma, and Isabel; Liz, Lucy, and Grace, and Jano and Finnegan.

Monday, April 1 a wake and visitation will be held from 5 pm – 7 pm at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Colfax. The funeral mass will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, April 2 at Immaculate Conception. Memorial contributions may be made to Colfax-Mingo Scholarships or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. If you really want to honor him, vote for the Democrats this and every fall.

great-grandchildren: Brantley Breeden, Avery Culp, Noah Breeden, and Ralyn Breeden. His brothers Howard Holdefer, Jr. and Michael Holdefer, and sister Georgia Pierce.

A private viewing for Doug’s immediate family was held. A Celebration of Life Service for family and friends will be at McKeever Cemetery in Colfax, Iowa on Doug’s birthday, June 1st, 2024 at 11:00 am with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Barb Holdefer (payable) is collecting donations which will be gifted to Child Serve Continued Care Unit in honor of their grandson Cole, who is a resident.

On May 3, 2024, Newton News will publish “Thank You, Teachers.” We will be dedicating the May 3 editions of our newspaper to teachers as a “Thank You” for their selfless service and dedication to our children. The “Thank You, Teachers” contest asks current and former students of all ages for nominations of outstanding teachers in their local area. Once all nominations have been submitted, a random drawing will determine the winning submission. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card!

TITLE: SUPPORTING:

If you drive on Iowa 14 between Monroe and South 60th Avenue in Jasper County you need to be aware of an upcoming road closure that may impact your trip beginning April 8. While the roadway is closed and material is overlaid on the existing pavement, you will follow a marked detour route around the work zone using Iowa 163, Iowa 117 and I-80.

Changes could be made to detour routes during the construction season. Visit 511ia.org for current detour route information before traveling through this construction zone and pay attention to detour signing and messages boards while driving.

Help keep everyone on the road safer. Drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, you should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia. org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-288-1047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot. gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com.

It’s easy to subscribe to Your 511 and sign up to receive email/text alerts. Visit https://new.511ia. org/#login to sign up. For instructions and help with this feature, visit https://www.511ia.org/ help/section/how-to-create-and-manage-a-511account.html.

Free youth photography workshop at NSNWR

Join photographer Greg Punelli for a hands-on photography workshop for young adults ages 12-18, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Punelli will cover various topics,

including key camera controls and modes and exposure modes. He will also discuss useful nature photography equipment, tips for taking better outdoor photos, and information about printing photos. Handouts will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras and equipment for the outdoor handson instruction portion (weather permitting). An adult must accompany participants under 18 years of age. Contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400 to register and to get additional information.

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that’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

Despite the rock bids for fiscal year 2025 going over the engineer’s estimate, he said the county is on track for what secondary roads budgeted. Frietsch when accounting for this, reclamation and spot rock, it leaves the county with about a $250,000 cushion in the budget for next year.

The rock acquired through this bid process covers 10 townships in the northern part of Jasper County, which includes Hickory Grove, Mariposa, Malaka, Independence, Clear Creek, Poweshiek, Sherman, Newton, Kellogg and Rock Creek. The following is how any tons each township will receive:

• Hickory Grove: 4,263 tons for $83,128.50

• Mariposa: 2,823 tons for $54,799.20

• Malaka: 6,725 tons for $136,853.75

• Independence: 9,329 tons for $201,506.40

• Clear Creek: 6,776 tons for $144,328.80

• Poweshiek: 10,686 tons for $231,351.90

• Sherman: 7,734 tons for $165,894.30

• Newton: 8,106 tons for $161,309.40

• Kellogg: 7,246 tons for $142,383.90

• Rock Creek: 4,561 tons for $88,255.35

Frietsch said secondary roads plans to work in rock on stabilization routes at 250 tons per mile. The reclamation roads — which have 50 to 100 cars per day — will get 220 tons per mile. Resurfacing routes that have 30 to 50 vehicles per day get 200 tons per mile. The rest of the roads under 30 vehicles per day will get 50 tons per mile.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma asked when crews would be starting their rock work. Frietsch said it would begin on April 22, weather permitting.

“I would expect we’re going to probably start our stabilization process and our stabilization routes here before that,” Frietsch said during the board of supervisors meeting.

“We’ll have all of the materials pretty soon here. The roads are getting favorable for that.”

Review safe hunting practices ahead of spring turkey season

Roughly 35,000 camo-covered hunters in stealth mode will be heading to the timber in the next few weeks for Iowa’s spring turkey season. And, just as important as contacting the landowner, checking the shell supply and finding the decoys, part of every hunt prep is to review safe hunting practices.

“When I think about spring turkey hunting safety, I come

AEA

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back to the basic safety tips –avoid wearing patriotic colors –red, white, blue – those are the same colors found in a gobblers head - and don’t shoot at movement – wait to take the shot until you’ve identified the beard on the turkey,” Jamie Cook, hunter education coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, said. “We also tell hunters to be sure of what’s in front of and

of what the problems are and how they might fix them.

Rep. Jon Dunwell said lawmakers are responding to a bill the governor created, and he asserts the questions she raised to superintendents and AEAs are valid. Dunwell said the provision in the bill that creates a task force will inspect all AEA services beyond just special education.

“We didn’t start the conversation, but in talking with the AEAs we have to finish the conversation,” Dunwell said. “The AEAs, in my conversations with them, have said, ‘You can’t do nothing. You must do something.’ They do not want to have the questions that have been raised hanging over their heads. It’s too difficult.”

Questions raised regarding the AEAs include salaries for administrators. The bill passed by the governor addresses that issue by administering salary caps based on the average salaries of superintendents in their region. Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla said superintendents in her district are looking forward to the task force.

“I had individuals from everybody that was to be involved, before we pushed a bill through, come to the table and they said that was so important to them because they’re all in the room together, they figure things out and then from there move forward,” she said. “But it takes more than just one task force meeting.”

Dunwell said one of the bigger issues that comes up with AEAs in relation to Jasper County is that there are three very small school districts in Heartland AEA. Those schools are of great concern when it comes to moving to an open-market model for services that were once provided by AEAs.

Candidates

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to the Pautsch campaign. The press release went on to claim Pautsch brings significant integrity and leadership to the political arena, specifically prioritizing “traditional family values and a common sense approach to governance.”

Pautsch said, “I stand firmly on the Lord and conservative

behind the bird before taking the shot in case you miss because once you pull that trigger, you can’t call the shot back.”

Cook said the mild winter will likely lead to an early leaf out and green up and as the forest changes to spring, hunters will need to dial in their zone and range of fire.

“There is no doubt that in the current system the smaller school districts stand the greater chance at receiving more services than their dollars contribute,” he said. “Your larger districts typically will contribute more dollars and not receive the same amount back. Our system has created that.”

The governor’s education bill, House File 2612, designates 90 percent of all special education support funds for school districts to be used expressly for special education services contracted by the AEAs. The remainder can be used to cover other services.

Rozenboom stressed the need for AEA reform, repeating past comments he made that say the U.S. Department of Education has identified Iowa “needs assistance” for implementation of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and that if the state doesn’t fix it the federal government will.

“With performance in the classroom of our special needs population, we are subpar, we are underwater, we are doing worse than much of the country is,” said Rozenboom, who is also chair of the Senate Education Committee. “And that is falling under the eyes of the U.S Department of Education.”

However, those claims have been disputed by David Tilly, a former deputy director of the Iowa Department of Education. In an open letter to state lawmakers that was published by Bleeding Heartland on March 20, Tilly said the statement that feds might come in and take over is “patently false.”

Tilly also provided greater clarity to the designation Iowa was given regarding its implementation of IDEA requirements. States are placed in on of four categories.

From best to worst determinations, they include: Meets the requirements and purposes of IDEA; Needs assistance in implementing the requirements of IDEA; Needs

principles regarding border security, education, balanced budgets and the sanctity of human life, and promise to represent the community with honor and integrity.”

Democratic candidate Christina Bohannan is also seeking Iowa’s 1st Congressional District seat, making it her second run for Congress. In August 2023, Bohannan said Iowans need somebody who will put them first in Washington, and she frequently criticized Miller-Meeks’s

“Pattern your gun so you know its effective distance,” he said. “Know the lay of the land and as the timber greens up, you need to reduce your zone of fire.” If mentoring a new hunter, he said, be sure to model ethical hunter behavior.

“How you hunt will leave an impression and influence how they hunt in the future,” he said. “Teach them the right way to hunt and you will be giving them the tools to be successful.”

intervention in implementing the requirements of IDEA; or Needs substantial intervention in implementing the requirements of IDEA.

Which means Rozenboom’s claims may have been overblown and show Iowa is at a level two designation and is not in need of intervention. Even if there was need for intervention, Tilly said the federal government and the Office of Special Education Programs have no authority or even the resources to do so.

In addition to the AEA reform parts of the bill, it also grants teachers an increase in starting pay. The minimum pay for new teachers is now set at $47,500 instead of the initial $50,000 that was proposed earlier in the year. However, the wages of new teachers will be increased to $50,000 the very next year.

Teachers with 12 years experience will also see their minimum salaries increased to $60,000, which will then increase to $62,000 the next year. HF 2612 also grants money to schools to equalize salaries of experienced teachers and non-salaried school staff as well.

Supplemental State Aid for public schools is also increased by 2.5 percent as a result of the law. Reynolds released a statement before signing HF2612:

“I’m proud to sign legislation that further strengthens Iowa’s commitment to students, parents, teachers, and schools,” Reynolds said. “This bill will improve special education for students with disabilities and raise salaries for new and experienced teachers – two foundational pillars of a world class education system which is exactly what we strive to provide for every student in our state. High quality teachers and instruction unlock the potential for student success, and this legislation delivers both.”

voting record. “My opponent Mariannette Miller-Meeks has consistently taken votes against Iowa families and against our seniors,” Bohannan said. “She voted against

affordable prescription drugs, against good-paying jobs for Iowans.”

Easter Bunny visits Colfax

Codes

square feet or less, eave height of 12 feet or less and pole spacing of eight feet or less.

Otherwise, construction documents for all buildings and/or structures other than those covered by the International Residential Code shall be prepared, signed and sealed by a registered design professional. Luetters said the exemption mainly covers much smaller buildings.

The county also added a schedule of permit fees to the ordinance. Supervisors set the building fees via resolution. According to the ordinance, any person who commences work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits may have fees doubled.

Valuation for the purpose of establishing permit fees for new construction, additions or alterations to existing buildings may be determined by the building official, based on the most current ICC Building Valuation Data, local comparative

data and submitted documents, according to the ordinance.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma asked what this specific piece of the ordinance allows community development to do. Luetters said staff would talk to the person constructing a building and let them know what the valuation of the building would be based on statistical data from the aforementioned sources.

“So it enables you to be able to deal with the situation of if I submit a building permit and I’m saying the building is valued at $200,000 — when it reality it’s close to $400,000 — it allows you guys the discretion to be able to have that conversation?”

Talsma asked.

Luetters nodded his head. “To talk about it. There may be some information there we don’t know. So it just starts the conversation.”

Brett Jennings, the building official for Jasper County, said the ordinance can help in a situation where a new house that is 1,700 square feet on the main floor and 1,300 square feet in the finished basement is valued by the builder at $100,000. The county’s data could find it

is valued much higher.

Which would, in turn, affect the permit fees for that particular building.

Luetters also added more language in a subchapter under “enforcement as a county or municipal infraction.”

It states the director of community development may withhold the issuance of a building and/ or electrical permit if the property has an unresolved noncompliance letter from the county, an unresolved order for abatement or an unresolved order of judgement related to abatement costs that predates the permit application.

“We may withhold a building permit if they receive a letter from us concerning a nuisance or maybe a septic problem or they’re in process with the court system to correct a nuisance,” Luetters said. Jasper County also has specific violations in the ordinance, which remain unchanged from the previous iteration.

For instance, the code says that engagement in any development, use, construction, remodeling or other activity of any nature upon the land or improvements thereon without the required per-

mits, certificates or other authorization could be met with penalties.

Other violations of the code include:

• Conducting an activity of any nature in any way inconsistent with any approved plan, permit, certificate or other form of authorization granted for such activity;

• Violating by act or omission any term, variance or waiver, condition or qualification placed by Jasper County or its agents upon any required permit, certificate or other form of authorization for the use development or other activity upon land or improvements thereon; and

• Erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, repairing, converting, maintaining or using any building or structure or using any land in violation to contravention of the ordinance or any other regulation made under the authority conferred thereby.

After closing the public hearing and receiving no pushback from citizens, the board of supervisors waived the subsequent second and third readings and adopted the ordinance. Luetters also noted the updated building codes should not affect local contractors.

Church Schedules

Community Calendar

Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com

MONDAY

• BEDCO meets at 5:30 p.m. the first Monday of month

• Colfax Cub Scouts Pack 345 meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of month in the C-M High School Cafetorium

• Colfax Planning & Zoning meets at 7 p.m. the first Monday of month at the library

• 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

• Colfax Historical Society meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of month at the museum

• 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

Doctors link binge drinking to higher cancer rates

New research from the University of Iowa found cancer linked to binge drinking is up in the state.

As part of the annual Iowa Cancer Registry, doctors are working to educate people about the dangers associated with excessive alcohol consumption. Iowa has the second-highest and most rapidly growing cancer rates in the nation. Breast, prostate, lung and colorectal cancers will make up about half of Iowa’s projected 21,000 new diagnoses in the state this year.

Mary Charlton, professor of epidemiology and director of the Iowa Cancer Registry at the University of Iowa, said researchers found an alarming increase in the link between binge drinking and cancer, and said studies show only 40% of people are even aware alcohol and cancer are linked.

“Unfortunately, it works in many different ways to contribute to cancer,” Charlton pointed out.

“We noted that breast cancer and prostate cancer are

two of the ones driving our high, increasing rate and both of those, studies have shown, can be impacted by alcohol.”

The Iowa Cancer Registry has been tracking cases, survival rates and deaths from cancer in the state since 1973. Charlton added Iowa has the fourth-highest rate of binge drinking in the nation and the key to addressing the link between alcohol and cancer is public awareness.

“I think in Iowa, it’s just kind of something that’s baked into our culture,” Charlton acknowledged. “The message here is I certainly don’t expect everybody to quit drinking, but just to understand that the more you drink, the higher your risk for cancer is, and the more you can cut back, the more you can lower your risk for cancer.”

While cancer diagnoses are on the rise in the state, so too is the number of people beating it. Charlton reported 169,000 people have survived the disease since the Registry first started tracking cases more than 50 years ago.

515-689-4926

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 monthMarathon Sunday includes elders, board, potluck and food pantry

FIRST MONDAY of monthWIC appointments

IRA UNITED CHURCH

Rev. Michael Omundson

METZ COMMUNITY CHURCH

3253 W. 62nd St. S., Newton Pastor David Rex 641-521-4354

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:10 a.m. Worship Last Saturday of month - 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Colfax

Minister, Pastor Cody Dyer Church Office 674-4165

SATURDAY, April 6 - 7:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study; 9 a.m. Women’s Ministry

SUNDAY, April 7 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dye

TUESDAY, April 9 - 3 p.m. Women’s Prayer and coffee; 6 p.m. Trustee meeting

WEDNESDAY, April 10 - 9 a.m. Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; 6:25 p.m.

SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church service; 10:15 a.m. Sunday school (communion first Sunday)

AWANA Clubs Fun Night, no Family Meal

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 with Holy Communion

HOPE ASSEMBLY OF GOD

126 E. Howard

Rev. Paul Avery, pastor Church: 674-3700

hopeassemblyofgod@yahoo.com

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship

WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Evening Service

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

CATHOLIC CHURCH

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

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Mass

DAILY MASS - 8 a.m.

MINGO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Phil Dicks

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

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Mark Moran Iowa News Service

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Seven wins power Baxter boys to title at Colfax-Mingo

COLFAX — Seven wins, 20 topthree finishes and at least two new school records powered the Baxter boys track and field team to its first outdoor team championship on March 28. Logan Rainsbarger, Lincoln Betterton and Matt Richardson all won individual events and the Bolts won four relays during a dominating performance at the Colfax-Mingo Coed Relays.

Baxter scored 183 points to win the team title by 63 over Collins-Maxwell (120). The rest of the six-team field included Ankeny Christian Academy (102), Colfax-Mingo (100), Colo-NESCO (78) and Grand View Christian (57).

It was the first outdoor track and field meet at Colfax-Mingo since the 1990s.

Tigerhawk junior Xavier Woods was the only area athlete to win two individual events as he led C-M on its new all-weather track.

Woods started his day with a huge career-best leap in the high jump. He won the event with a jump of 6 feet, 2 inches.

He followed that up with a win in the 400-meter hurdles and a runner-up finish in the 110 high hurdles. His 400 hurdle time was clocked in a career-best 59.41 seconds. The runner-up ran 59.48. His 110 high hurdle time was clocked in a career-best 15.9.

There was a timing error in the 110 high hurdles. Woods was hand timed at 15.66 in the event.

The three individual wins for the Bolts came from Rainsbarger in the 110 high hurdles, Betterton in the 200 and Richardson in the 3,200.

Rainsbarger won the 110 highs in a season-best 15.74 and Betterton was third in a career-best 16.74.

Richardson set a new school record in the 3,200 with a career-best time of 10 minutes, 1.61 seconds. Max Handorf was the runner-up in a career-best 10:09.62.

Betterton’s career-best time of 23.7 won the 200 and Cade Robinson was fourth in a career-best 24.4.

The Bolts registered nine second-place finishes. Carter Smith had two of them as he was the runner-up in both the shot put and discus with a career-best throw of 41-4 and a season-best toss of 125-1 1/2, respectively.

Cael Wishman was second in the 400 with a career-best time of 58.54 and he was fifth in the shot put with a career-best toss of 38-8 1/2.

Logan Jones and Richardson tied for second in the 800. Their times of 2:11.47 was a career best for Jones and a season best for Richardson.

Treyton Travis was the runner-up behind Woods in the high jump. He tied a season best with a leap of 5-10. Travis also set a new school record in the 100 dash with a career-best time of 11.62. That placed him fourth, while Robinson ran a career-best 11.95 in fifth.

The Bolts also got double points in the discus as Cody Spurgeon placed fourth with a career-best throw of 97-4 1/2. Rainsbarger (18-4) and Coy Mergen (16-9) went 3-6 in the long jump and Handorf placed third in the 1,600 with a time of 4:54.96.

Colfax-Mingo registered two wins, two runner-up finishes and a pair of bronze-medal performances.

Wyatt Thornton finished fourth in both the 110 high hurdles and 400 hurdles. He posted career-best times of 18.65 and 1:03.21, respectively, and was fifth in the long jump with a leap of 17-1.

Davion Long finished fifth in the 200 with a career-best time of 24.87 and Sully Wilkins took fifth in both the 400 and 800 with career-best times of 59.64 and 2:23.21, respectively.

Isaiah Baucom took sixth in the 100 with a career-best time of 12.75 and Owen Ament was sixth in the 3,200 in a career-best 12:31.06.

Baxter won the 4x200, 4x400,

senior Rachael Uecker,

Colfax-Mingo girls finish third, Baxter fifth in outdoor openers

Evalyn Anderson and Arlo Steck finished in 1 minute, 17.04 seconds.

4x800 and distance medley relays. The Bolts also were second in the sprint medley and third in the 4x100.

In the 4x200, Baxter’s team of Cody Travis, Mergen, Betterton and Wishman won the race in a season-best 1:43.14.

Baxter and C-M went 1-2 in the 4x400 relay. The Bolts won in a season-best 3:56.15 with Rainsbarger, Jones, Cody Samson and Cainan Travis and the Tigerhawks were second in 3:59.45 with Ament, Izaiah Lewis, Fisher Grove and Wilkins.

Samson, Handorf, Jones and Richardson won the 4x800 relay in 9:04.67 and the Tigerhawks were third in 9:51.04 with Grove, Kyle Wood, Wilkins and Ament.

Baxter’s distance medley relay team won the race in 3:55.65 with Robinson, Treyton Travis, Cainan Travis and Richardson.

The two area teams were 2-3 in the sprint medley relay.

The Bolts finished second in a season-best 1:51.35 with Betterton, Mergen, Eli Dee and Cody Travis and the Tigerhawks finished in a season-best 1:53.38 with Grove, Asher Knutson, Cody Heisler and Lewis.

Colfax-Mingo was second in the shuttle hurdle relay. The team of Thornton, Lewis, Wood and Woods finished in a season-best 1:12.59.

Baxter’s 4x100 relay team placed third with Robinson, Rainsbarger, Treyton Travis and Cainan Travis. They finished in 47.91.

COLFAX — The Baxter girls track and field team claimed three victories on March 28, while Colfax-Mingo collected just one gold medal for the night.

But the host Tigerhawks finished ahead of the Bolts in the final team standings because of their depth. Colfax-Mingo finished third five times and posted plenty of fifth- and sixth-place finishes to score 95.5 points.

Colfax-Mingo hosted its first outdoor meet since the 1990s and edged conference rival Iowa Valley for third place in the seven-team field.

Collins-Maxwell won the Colfax-Mingo Coed Relays with 151.5 points. Grand View Christian was the only other school in triple figures as the Thunder placed second with 123 points.

Colfax-Mingo (95.5), Iowa Valley (93.5), Baxter (87), Ankeny Christian Academy (75) and Colo-NESCO (33.5) completed the field.

The Tigerhawks’ lone win came from Grace Hunsberger. She won the high jump with a career-best leap of 4 feet, 10 inches.

Three participants cleared 4-10 and three others went over 4-8, which included Katelyn Steenhoek in fourth.

Camryn Russell had a big night for Baxter. She won the 100-meter hurdles in a career-best time of 16.54 seconds.

She also anchored the Bolts’ shuttle hurdle relay team to a come-from-behind win. The group of Grace Anderegg, Rossi Swihart, Kendall Brummel and Russell finished in 1 minute, 16.45 seconds.

The Bolts’ final win came in the last event of the night.

Their 4x400 relay team of Avery Wonders, Brummel, Johnelle Gliem and Caydence Sulzle posted a winning time of 4:44.6.

Russell’s big night also included thirdplace finishes in the long jump and 400 hurdles.

She was one of three jumpers to reach 15-9 in the long jump but finished third based on the second-best mark.

Russell debuted in the 400 hurdles with a time of 1:16.92.

Colfax-Mingo’s lone second-place finish came in the shuttle hurdle relay. The team of Lily Webster, Cadence Linn,

The Tigerhawks came in third five times, including the 4x200 and 4x800 relays.

In the 4x200 relay, the team of Rachael Uecker, Charlotte Donahue, Krissy Snow and Karmylia Snyder finished in 2:07.

Addie Schroeder, Uecker, Shae Wilkins and Mallory Sipma completed the 4x800 relay in a season-best time of 11:36.18.

The rest of the bronze-medal performances came in individual events.

Webster and Steck went 3-4 in the 100 hurdles.

Webster finished in 18.58, while Steck hit the finish line in 18.81. Cadence Linn was sixth in 19.51.

Lilly Arndt and Britney Keeney gave the Tigerhawks double points in both the shot put and discus.

Arndt was third in the discus with a throw of 73-1 and Keeney was fifth with a career-best throw of 72-3.

They flipped those results in the shot put. Keeney was third with a career-best throw of 27-2 and Arndt was fifth with a career-best toss of 25-7.

Snow finished fourth in the 100 with a time of 14.61 and Steck placed fourth in the 400 hurdles in 1:25.74. Anderson was fifth in the 400 hurdles in 1:37.43. Snyder ran a career-best time of 28.1 seconds in the 200 to place sixth, while Sipma was sixth in the 800 with a career-best time of 2:56.15. Schroeder also was sixth in the 1,500 with a time of 6:04.39.

Baxter had one second-place finish. It came in the 4x800 relay. The team of Brummel, Gliem, Gwen Tichy and Morgan Ratliff finished in a season-best 11:20.96.

Wonders was one of three jumpers to clear 4-10 in the high jump but she was third in the final standings. The 4-10 was a career-best mark and a new school record.

Jo Harder (25-10) and Callie Cross (25-5) were fourth and sixth, respectively, in the shot put and Mallory Bottorff reached a career-best 65-10 to place sixth in the discus.

Tichy ran in the 800 and finished fourth with a carer-best time of 2:51.41.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Colfax-Mingo

right, hands the baton to senior Charlotte Donahue during a relay at the Tigerhawks’ home outdoor opener on March 28. The Tigerhawks finished third as a team.

Jasper County Tribune

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter freshman Rossi Swihart helped the Bolts win the shuttle hurdle relay on March 28 at the Colfax-Mingo Coed Relays. The Bolts were fifth as a team.

Jasper County Tribune

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter senior Cody Samson ran the opening leg of the Bolts’ winning 4x800 relay on March 28 during the Colfax-Mingo Coed Relays. He also was part of the winning 4x400 relay team.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Colfax-Mingo freshman Fisher Grove runs in the 4x800 relay at the team’s home track and field meet on March 28.

Rainsbarger Woods

Central Iowa United soccer teams hope to take another step in 2024

By Troy Hyde Sports Editor

The Central Iowa United boys’ soccer team took big strides last season.

The program won six matches, lost three times by two goals or less and claimed the first postseason win in school history when it downed Boone 4-1.

With so many key players returning this spring, CIU head boys soccer coach John Fuller has high expectations.

“The momentum from last year is really huge as we had several players try out on select teams and play last fall as well as some who played indoors in Waukee this past winter,” Fuller said. “The team was right in there for most games last year and lost several close ones during the learning process.”

CIU did do a lot of learning last season. But with a handful of returners, including the top two goal scorers and a goalie who had more than 200 saves, the squad wants to turn learning into more wins in 2024.

“We hope to make some improvements in the little things to help us win close matches,” Fuller said. “We look to every rostered player to add something to this team as the season goes on. This is going to be a fun ride this year.”

Central Iowa United’s soccer programs started with five schools in Baxter, Colfax-Mingo, West Marshall, Collins-Maxwell and Colo-NESCO. This year, the program adds players from East Marshall.

The boys’ squad is led by Baxter senior Ben Richardson, Colfax-Mingo senior Austin Lane and sophomore Gage Byal and West Marshall junior goalie Lucas Barnes.

Richardson is the lone player from Baxter on the roster. He led CIU with 13 goals last season and added four assists.

Lane tallied 10 goals and six assists, while Byal chipped in two goals and four assists as a freshman.

Barnes spent 1,155 minutes at goalie and stopped 212 shots, which ranked second in Class 3A.

“We look to Lucas to be one of the top goalkeepers in the state this year as he played select and went to training camps in the offseason,” Fuller said. “He will likely play a crucial role in helping us win the close ones.”

The other key returners are West Marshall seniors Aiden Downs and Andrew Tollefson and junior Wade Weave. Fuller said Colo-NESCO junior Jack Seyller also will factor in on the offensive side of the pitch as well as a few newcomers.

Tollefson had four assists last season, while Downs tallied one goal and one assist and Weave chipped in one assist.

The Central Iowa United defense will be led by Weave, Collins-Maxwell junior Ian Beattie and West Marshall senior Aidan Andersen.

The newcomers expected to play significant roles on the back line include Collins-Maxwell sophomore Jaxson Cox, Colfax-Mingo junior Pablo Garcia Moreno and Colo-NESCO junior Adrian Schaedlich. Garcia Moreno and Schaedlich are both foreign exchange students.

“We are focusing on condition-

ing and possession soccer,” Fuller said. “I told the team during our meeting that it would be hard work, sweat and some pain. But these boys want to get to state, and we have a really good shot if we put the work in.”

GIRLS SOCCER

Last season was a learning experience for the Central Iowa United girls’ soccer team.

CIU won just one match, were shut out nine times and scored only nine goals in 15 matches. But the squad brings back one of the top goalies in Class 2A and four other defensive players who each started at least 13 matches last spring.

“We are really fortunate to have so many returning varsity players,” CIU head girls soccer coach Casady Myers said. “We have really good numbers so far this year and the girls seem excited to learn the sport. We have many girls who have never played before so it’s exciting to see the program grow.”

The CIU girls roster goes 32 deep. There are five seniors, 12 juniors, 11 sophomores and four freshmen.

West Marshall makes up 12 of the 32 players, while Colo-NESCO fields eight players and Colfax-Mingo has seven.

Unfortunately, the team’s leading returning scorer, junior captain Reese Jensen, is out for the season due to an injury suffered during basketball season. Jensen scored seven of the team’s nine goals last season.

Myers expects Colfax-Mingo sophomores Bianca Lane and Lilyan Hadsall to play key roles on the offensive side of the pitch, but it’s too early to know exactly who plays where.

“Obviously scoring more goals is going to be a focus,” Myers said. “Our early practices are focusing a lot on ball control and getting to know each other as we have a lot of new players joining our team.”

Unlike other programs in the state, CIU’s disadvantage is the fact that players come from five different

school districts.

“Our first weeks of practice probably look a little different than other schools because we have to learn each others names and create a connection with each girl on the field,” Myers said. “It takes time to see who will fit where.”

Baxter sophomore Ashlyn Finch has the only returning goal from a player who will be on the pitch this season.

Hadsall dished out two assists and Lane delivered one assist. Both Hadsall and Lane started all 15 matches last season, while Finch started five of the seven matches she appeared in.

Colfax-Mingo senior Cassidy Smith is back at goalie after ranking third in 2A with 228 saves in 947 minutes. She started all 13 matches she played in.

“We are really excited to see what (Smith) will be able to achieve this year,” Myers said. “She’s a very strong goalie and my hope is she won’t need to make as many saves as she has had to in the past.”

it’s also too early to tell which players will lead the defense this season, but CIU ended last season with West Marshall senior Meredith Crawford and sophomore Addison Turner, Collins-Maxwell senior Sophie Comegys and Colo-NESCO senior Mailey Short.

The other Baxter Bolt on the roster is junior Rylee Van Beek, who started five of the 11 matches she played in last season.

The other four Colfax-Mingo players are senior Dove Lopez, junior Karmylia Snyder, sophomore Emmalyn Buchman and freshman Brooklyn Yanske. Snyder will dual sport with track and field this spring.

“We have some strong seniors returning from the defensive line last year, but we also have some up and coming athletes who are in the mix to join the back line,” Myers said.

CIU finished 1-14 in Myers’ first season as head coach. The team downed Greene County, 4-1.

Central Iowa United soccer squads open season with trio of losses

JEFFERSON — Colfax-Mingo senior Austin Lane scored twice, but the Central Iowa United boys soccer team couldn’t slow down Greene County during a 7-2 road loss on March 28.

CIU trailed the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference match 5-2 at halftime, and the Rams added a pair of goals in the second half at Linduska Field.

Gesser Gutierres scored six goals to lead Greene County, while Nathan Behne added one goal and three assists.

Gabe Ebersole registered seven saves for the Rams (1-0, 1-0 in the HOIAC). Central Iowa United (0-3,

Central Iowa United boys lose twice at Cardinal Classic

Jasper County Tribune

Zach Jensen has guided the Newton boys soccer program to multiple state tournaments in his seven full seasons as head coach.

But until March 30, none of his Cardinal squads began their season 4-0. Newton accomplished that feat after winning its home tournament following victories over Central Iowa United and Ottumwa.

The Cardinals opened their day with a 4-1 win over Central Iowa United and then ended the tournament with a 3-0 victory over Ottumwa.

The Bulldogs defeated Benton Community 1-0 in the second match of the tournament, while Central Iowa United lost 4-1 to Benton in its other contest.

The Cardinals led Central Iowa United 2-0 at halftime.

CIU got within a goal in the 52nd minute when Colfax-Mingo senior Austin Lane scored his third goal of the spring.

But the Cardinals countered with a pair of goals in the final 8 minutes.

Lane was forced to the bench following a yellow card that came before Newton was awarded a penalty kick following a CIU foul in the box.

Newton’s Nate Lampe converted the penalty kick in the 53rd minute and Caleb Mattes finalized the scoring with a goal 4 minutes and 30 seconds later.

Newton held a 19-5 advantage in shots against Central Iowa United. The Cardinals also had a 10-3 surplus in shots on goal and a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Central Iowa United fell behind Benton in that matchup, too. The Bobcats’ Caleb Gessner scored on a through ball less than two minutes into the contest.

Gage Byal, a Colfax-Mingo sophomore, answered with his first goal of the season for CIU. That came off an assist by Andrew Tollefson in the 19th minute.

Benton (1-1) added a goal in the 26th minute to go up 2-1 at halftime and then added a pair of goals in the second half to pull away for good.

The Bobcats held an 18-14 advantage in shots and had an 11-5 surplus in shots on goal. Central Iowa United (0-3) produced a 4-2 advantage in corner kicks.

Ben Richardson missed on a penalty kick in the final minutes of the second half to stay three goals behind.

Notes: The Newton Cardinal Classic features two 30-minute halves in each of its four matches.

0-1) allowed 15 shots and 10 shots on goal.

GIRLS Marshalltown 3, Central Iowa United 1

STATE CENTER — The Central Iowa United girls’ soccer team couldn’t recover from a halftime deficit against Marshalltown on March 28.

The Bobcats scored two first-half goals and added another in the second half during a 3-1 non-conference road win.

Colfax-Mingo’s Lilyan Hadsall scored the team’s first goal of the season in the first half, and C-M’s Cassidy Smith had 12 saves in 80 minutes for Central Iowa United.

Carli Pfantz tallied the assist as

CIU (0-2) registered eight shots and six shots on goal. Marshalltown improved to 2-0 for the season.

Van Meter 10, CIU 0 VAN METER — Central Iowa United’s girls were limited to just one shot during its season opener against Van Meter on March 25.

The Bulldogs scored eight goals in the first half and won 10-0. The match ended in the 45th minute.

Colfax-Mingo sophomore Emmalyn Buchman had CIU’s only shot of the match. Smith registered 10 saves. Eden Moore led the Bulldogs (11) with six goals and two assists.

Xavier Woods

Colfax-Mingo junior Xavier Woods won the high jump and 400-meter hurdles and placed second in the 110 high hurdles at the team’s first home outdoor meet since the 1990s. Woods had a career-best leap of 6 feet, 2 inches in the high jump.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Colfax-Mingo senior Austin Lane (13) of Central Iowa United battles Newton senior Bryen Hernandez for possession during the team’s match at the Newton tournament on March 30. Lane is one of the key returners of the boys’ soccer team this spring.

Jasper County Tribune

Troy Hyde/ Jasper County Tribune

Junior Lucas Barnes, center, makes a leaping save for Central Iowa United during the team’s loss to Newton on March 30. CIU opened its season with a 7-2 road loss to Greene County on March 28.