JCT-05-09-2024

TIn his own words

he has worked with throughout his career

By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune

As Baxter Principal Rob Luther prepares to wrap up his almost 30year career, he shares his appreciation for the teachers he has worked with throughout his time at the school. Through his monthly article, Luther thanked those teachers and what they have meant to him:

I wrote my first newsletter article in the summer of 1998. After more than 100 more articles, I am down to my last two. Some months I have used this platform to inform, sometimes to celebrate and others to share opinions. I have always appreciated the occasional e-mail or phone call about something I shared. It just let me know that parents, students and community members read these. In this next-to-last article, I wanted to focus on the teaching profession, specifically our Baxter teachers since I have been here. “Teaching is the one profession

that creates all other professions.”

Inthelastfewyears,Ihavebeenso disappointed in our society, media and government in creating the narrative about the teachers in our country. I would challenge anyone that there is no more important profession on the planet. As people make comments about how the youth of today are different or how schools have changed, should we not put a stronger emphasis on recruiting and maintaining great teachers? Outside of parents, no one makes a more significant impact on young people and helps to shape their futures.

A school principal is both a juggler and a fireman. No two days look the same. On any singular day, I can solve student issues, help teachers with instruction, cover classes, calm down an angry parent, attend an IEP meeting, sit in classrooms, look at cameras, supervise lunch and the list can go onandon.Butthemostimportant thing any principal does is HIRE

GREAT TEACHERS! So many peoplehelpschoolsbesuccessful(I will share some thanks and praise in my last article), but heads and shoulders above everyone is the classroom teacher. For 180 days a year and 43 minutes each class period, they are expected to instruct, modify, assess, counsel, listen, discipline and build relationships, and then do this seven times a day with new students in each class. I say just put an “S” on their chest. And you think Bruce Springsteen is a rock star? I can‘t begin to tell you how blessed Baxter has been with the teachers we have had. Some have stayed for a short time, and others made Baxter home. On the next page are the names of all the teachers I have had the pleasureofworkingwithfor27yearsat Baxter. Each and every one should be recognized and celebrated.

When I first became Baxter’s principal, I had little idea what

Finding their voice

Baxter High School English Teacher Cassidy Applegate Brummell helps students craft their words to create unique stories

By Jamee A. Pierson

A lot of teachers wear many hats. Cassidy Applegate Brummel is not only the high school English teacher at Baxter but she also leads the yearbook and serves as the cheerleading coach. She took her interests in literature and writing and decided to major in English Literature, not quite sure what she would do after graduation. After giving teaching a try, she knew it was what she was meant to do.

“I realized though that I loved teaching students about books and helping them find their voices as writers,” Brummel said. “I can’t imagine doing anything else.”

When looking for her first teaching job, Brummel had a good feeling after interviewing at Baxter. The small-town feel and

close community won her over. “I liked the small community atmosphere and having the freedom and

creativity to teach different things,” Brummel said. “I was a young graduate who really wasn’t sure who she was as a teacher, and I am

Creating beautiful music

Helping kids find a love of music is a passion for Colfax-Mingo Junior/Senior High School 5-12 Band Director Michelle Grant

By Jamee A. Pierson

Jasper County Tribune

It was always just meant to be. Colfax-Mingo Junior/Senior High School 5-12 Band Director Michelle Grant followed in the footsteps of her dad and after inspiration from a few of her teachers she landed in the music department teaching.

“I don’t remember a time when I didn’t know that I was going to be a teacher, and I don’t necessarily remember ‘deciding’ to be a teacher. I was just always going to be a teacher,” Grant said. “I do remember choosing band/music in my senior year of high school after getting the push from two of my band directors and my choir director.”

She honed her skills while at Buena Vista University. There she credits professors Jerry Bertrand and Neal Schwarting for teaching her everything she needs to know when it comes to music instruction.

“From score study to instrument repair to conducting, if I do it well, it came from Jerry. I learned everything I know about teaching choir from my high school choir director, Neal Schwarting,” Grant said. “When I came out of college, I wasn’t looking to teach choir and I ended up teaching it for 16 years, before becoming the 5-12 band director and now I am looking at getting back to choir. Mr. Schwarting helped me tremendously with literature choice, vocal training and vocal pedagogy.”

When looking for a position, Grant wanted a smaller district and an area close to family for her own family. Colfax-Mingo checked all of the boxes.

While at the district, she not only took on the band, she also is the varsity volleyball coach, junior high girls basketball coach and assistant varsity and junior high softball coach.

“I enjoy using whatever the vehicle is – band, volleyball, choir, softball, basketball – to teach kids how to be in the world,” Grant said. “How to work hard and improve and work with others and start something difficult and work until it isn’t difficult anymore.”

As a music instructor, she is able to see kids grow in the craft and go from beginners to skilled musicians. There is also a bit of teamwork as the band comes together to create the music laid out on the pages.

“I think every concert is a victory. It teaches kids the process of learning, working through obstacles, practicing until we get it right, working together to make something beautiful, analyzing our performance to improve each day and on and on,” Grant said. “I enjoy the life

GRANT

Baxter Principal Rob Luther shares his thoughts on the teachers

grateful that Baxter and Rob (Luther, my principal) took a chance on me.

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

During her time at Baxter, Cassidy Applegate Brummel has not only taught English but also served at the yearbook advisor and cheerleading coach.

Jasper County Tribune

Kathleen Joyce O’Hara

April 16, 2024

Kathleen “Kathy” Joyce O’Hara, 89, of Baxter, IA, passed away on April 16, 2024, in Lincoln, NE.

Kathleen, known affectionately as “Neene,” was born in Persia, IA,

Obituaries

to Raymond and Katherine Collings. She managed the Elks Club in Nebraska City alongside her husband, Don O’Hara. In the 1970s, they purchased O’Hara’s Steakhouse in Irwin, IA.

Following life’s twists and turns, she relocated to San Antonio, TX, where Kathleen pursued a career as a travel agent. Returning to Iowa, she continued her work as a travel agent, exploring the world she loved.

Kathy’s hobbies included watching golf on

TV, reading, Tuesday coffee at church, monthly lunch with Juan and Marj and most importantly, connecting with her grandkids daily. She was always happy and took immense pride in her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her children: Donella Anderson, Annette (Rick) Condon, Ray (Cindy) O’Hara, Kelly (Gigi) O’Hara, Michelle Nightser; sister Beverly Adkins; brothers David (Judy) Collings, Lin Sprague; cousin

Nancy Hemmingsen; 30 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-granddaughter, lot of nieces/ nephews. She is preceded in death by her son Stuart O’Hara and brother Tom Collings.

A service to celebrate Kathleen’s life will be held at Baxter Congregational Church, May 10, 11:00 am, 218 S Main Street, Baxter, IA 50028.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family for a future memorial are appreciated.

Scholarship opportunity for area students

Friends of Neal Smith

Newton Municipal Band welcomes new members throughout county

The Newton Municipal Band will open this year’s series of Summer Concerts in the Park, on May 30. The band is always happy to welcome new members.

If you are in high school or older, and you play a wind or percussion instrument, you are invited to play!

The first rehearsal will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 16 in the band room at Newton Senior High. Enter the building through the lower east door, and the band room is right there.

The band’s members hail from throughout Jasper County and from as far away as Des Moines.

To learn more about the band, call Pam at 641792-9583 or just come to the first rehearsal.

Making music in the park, is a great way to spend some lovely summer evenings.

National Wildlife Refuge, a volunteer group supporting the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, are offering a $1,000 annual renewable scholarship for a graduating student from an area high school. One student will be awarded the scholarship each year. Eligible students are graduating seniors from the following high schools: Bondurant-Farrar, Colfax-Mingo, Newton, PCM, Pella, Pella Christian and Southeast Polk.

Students receiving the award may renew for up

State Treasurer Roby Smith is celebrating 529 Day with the College Savings Iowa 529 plan by giving away a $1,000 account contribution.

“The cost of education is rising, and saving ahead of time is one of the best ways to help your children prepare for whatever path their journey holds. Whether you have a newborn or a soon-to-be graduate, saving now could cost less than borrowing later,” Smith said. “Jasper County residents recognize the power of saving for future education costs and have more than $16.4 million invested with College Savings Iowa.”

to an additional three years at $1,000 for each year. Requirements are based on high school academic records, college academic achievement and the understanding that the student works toward a 2- or 4-year degree in conservation or environmental related studies.

Recognized annually on May 29, 529 Day raises awareness about the value of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for future education expenses. “529 plans help make your money work for you. With the power of compounding – earning interest and then earning interest on those earnings – it pays to start saving now,” Smith added. “Start your education savings or give it a boost by registering for my $1,000 529 Day giveaway at Iowa529Contest.com.”

There are also tax advantages for those saving with College Savings Iowa. Earnings grow federally and

Camping season is underway

Iowa state parks and forest staff are busy preparing for the summer camping season, turning on water, sprucing up campgrounds and freshening up bathroom, cabin, lodge and shelter facilities. With more than 864,000 campers and almost 14 million visitor days last year, state parks are anticipating another busy season. For park visitors, there will be some new things to see.

Recently renovated and 100 percent reservable sites

Pikes Peak and Lake Ahquabi state parks, two of Iowa’s most popular campgrounds, reopened in July 2023 after undergoing extensive renovations. Both campgrounds feature electrical upgrades, pull-through driveways and a reduction in the number of campsites to create more space for large vehicles.

Both the Pikes Peak and Lake Ahquabi campgrounds also switched to 100 percent reservable sites, allowing for campers to see availability in real time. The change has been popular with campers who enjoy the increased convenience and peace of mind for trip planning. Additional campgrounds switching to 100 percent reservable in 2024 include Ambrose A. Call, Ledges, Lewis and Clark, Pleasant Creek, Wilson Island and Clear Lake. Other new or reno -

vated amenities in the state park system:

• George Wyth State Park – Cedar Valley Trail 1.3 miles reconstruction

• Twin Lakes – new boat ramp

• Lake Macbride – new boat ramp, parking lot resurfacing and new fishing dock

• Rock Creek State Park – new water lines and sewer repairs

• Green Valley State Park – renovated fishing pier, spillway

repair and sewer repairs

• Beeds Lake – new dump station at the campground

Current construction and renovation projects

State parks are also busy with several new construction projects. Some of these projects will temporarily close parts or all of the listed parks in the 2024 season. Park visitors can go to www.iowadnr.gov/ parkclosures for latest information on any closures.

Scholarship requirements and application are available on the Friends of Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge website at www.tallgrass.org/friends-scholarship.

Deadline for applications is May 15.

Iowa state tax-deferred. Qualified withdrawals are federally tax free and all withdrawals are Iowa state tax free. Additionally, Iowa taxpayers saving with the Plan can deduct up to $4,028 in contributions per Beneficiary account from their 2024 state income taxes.

College Savings Iowa is Iowa’s direct-sold 529 plan and helps families save for future education expenses. Funds in an account can be used for tuition, room and board, books, computers, supplies and other education-related expenses at any eligible education institution in the U.S. or

abroad, including two- and four-year colleges, apprenticeship programs and trade schools. Additionally, up to $10,000 can be withdrawn to pay for tuition expenses in connection with enrollment at a K-12 institution per year or used for repayment of any qualified education loan.

Connect with College Savings Iowa on Facebook, Instagram and X to stay up to date on current events and updates. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, visit CollegeSavingsIowa.com or call 888-672-9116. For additional details about the Plan, read the Program Description.

Free bird photography walk Saturday at Neal Smith NWR

Join photographer Mike Cox at 8 a.m. Saturday as he leads a walk along a trail at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. The spring bird migration will be at its peak. Learn tips for taking excellent outdoor photographs while looking for migrating birds and more. All types of cameras can be used during this program. For additional information and to register contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515994-3400.

Medical examiners confirm the DNA matched that of the 64-year-old home owner

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County law enforcement released the name of the individual whose body was recovered from a house fire almost two months ago in rural Colfax. According to a May 1 press release, the State of Iowa Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the DNA of the victim matched that of 64-year-old Dale Albert Schmidt.

The investigation into the cause of the fire is still ongoing.

Newton News previously reported that one person was killed in a house fire March 16 in rural Colfax. Fire crews on March 17 recovered the body of the occupant who was unable to escape the blaze. First responders had spent several hours removing debris after the flames were extinguished.

According to a press release from Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, a 911 call was made at 10:43 p.m. about a house fire at the 8000 block of South 52nd Avenue West, one-and-a-half miles southeast of Colfax. When first responders arrived, the home was fully engulfed in flames and the number of occupants unknown.

While crews from multiple departments worked to extinguish the fire, it was determined one individual was inside of the home. At approximately 10:45 a.m. March 17, search and rescue crews located the deceased individual — whose name has not been released — in the basement of the home.

The body was sent to the Iowa Medical Examiner for identification and autopsy.

In addition to the Colfax Fire Department and Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, mutual aid was provided by agencies in Baxter, Knoxville, Mingo, Mitchellville, Monroe, Newton, Prairie City and the Iowa State Fire Marshall’s Office, who have helped put out the flames, search for the occupant and investigate the fire.

Continuedfrompage1

made a good principal. I reflect on this and am so grateful to some of those early teachers for helping me, giving me feedback, and shaping me as a school leader. Donna Akins, Lisa Cross, Tim Robinson, Diane Halter, Dennis Vaughn, DianeTrpkoshandmanyotherswere already teachers when I came to Baxter. To me, they were the foundation of all that is great with our school. I am proud of how many teachers I have hired who have moved to being a school leader. I think there are eight to 10 of those people who have moved out of the classroom and into school leadership professions as a director, principal or superintendent. It is hard to separate professional and personal lives in a small

Continuedfrompage1

school like Baxter. Some of those names on the list, I am blessed to be able to call a friend. We have vacationed together, been invited to weddings and been part of births. And, tragically, even a death and funeral. My wife of 22 years is a teacher in our district. I knew what an amazing woman she was, but I did not know just how incredible she was as a teacher until she came to teach here seven years ago First and foremost, we have a job and an obligation to educate every kid who enters our door. But there are times you just need to have fun. Humor and laughter can build such a positive culture. I have always said I would rather lead a school where kids are happy and enjoying their day than be so focused on test scores. When you start with a culture people want to be a part of, the rest will take care of itself. As I leave this office in May, I will have so many

lessons that are learned through every concert process.”

One of her favorite programs that C-M put on was “Grease” in 2019. The work the kids put in to make the musical a success has stuck with Grant and it is something she is very proud of.

“We had a large cast from so many different backgrounds and several different ‘friendships circles’ who came together has a new group and became friends through the rehearsal process, and it was astounding to watch,” Grant said. “I often find myself reminiscing those days, rehearsals and performances, and missing those students.”

And it is the students who keep inspiring Grant each day. Every one of them who enters her classroom bring a new opportunity and chance to create beautiful music and learn a variety of skills along the way.

“For exactly that reason, if only one student at a time, teachers make a difference,” Grant said.

memories. “We didn’t realize we were making memories. We just thought we were having fun!”

The conversations on the old second and third floor, the homecoming skits and dress-up days, the pranks that we pulled, the shoulders that were cried on and the futures that were made.

Thank you to each and every person who taught here over the past 27 years. You all made an impact on me. I have appreciated you more than any words can describe. We have had three building projects in my time here. We now have an incredibly beautiful high school. But those are just bricks and walls. It is the people who walk in as teachers and give all they can to make a difference in our kids’ lives. A teacher can affect eternity!Theywillneverbeableto tell where their influence stops! Thank you to this amazing group of rock stars (teachers)! Rob Luther

Publisher Dan Goetz

Jamee A. Pierson Shaw Media

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

One of Colfax-Mingo Junior/Senior High School 5-12 Band Director Michelle Grant’s favorite memories of teaching was the high school production of “Grease” in 2019.

The purveyors of antisemitism must be stopped

This week, our Jewish friends and neighbors are observing Passover, a holiday which commemorates the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in Egypt and the “passing over” of faithful Jewish households, sparing them from the 10th plague and leading to their eventual liberation. Passover is a time when families gather, and stories of overcoming adversity, of conquering hate, are retold.

Unfortunately, this week, a new tale of hate has emerged, unfolding on our college campuses. Terrorist-supporting Hamas sympathizers flooded Columbia University with vile attacks on the university’s Jewish community. Every American has a constitutional right to peacefully protest. However, they do not have the right to threat-

en the very existence of people in the Jewish community.

What we’re witnessing at Columbia University and many other universities around the country, including at one point the University of Iowa, is violence fueled by hatred of Israel and the Jewish people, and it must be stopped.

Such violence is unacceptable anywhere, but to witness it at our universities is another low, even for the radical left who organize and fund these protests. Places of education are places of discourse, and all those who choose to attend deserve peace, respect, and safety. My heart truly goes out to all the Jewish students who no longer feel safe at American universities. They deserve better, and sadly, the university

New children’s book by Denise McCormick

Drawing on her experience as an educator and motivational speaker, and her love of children, animals and the farm, Denise McCormick is about to announce the publication of her second children’s book, “Polly the Talking Collie, I am Taking 100% Responsibility!” Here are a few excerpts:

I don’t remember the day very well. I was just a puppy when my new parents came to take me to their Iowa farm. We drove along a gravel road to their big, white farmhouse surrounded by corn and bean fields.

I had a game I played when a car or truck came up the road. I ran alongside my invisible fence to see if I could outrun the vehicle. It was so much fun! Also, all my barking let my Mom and Dad know someone was in our area. Barking to protect the farm was one of my responsibilities.

My name is Polly, and everyone calls me Polly the talking Collie. That’s because my barking always gets their attention.

As a puppy growing up, I had so many life lessons to learn and so many responsibilities on the farm. At first, I didn’t understand what responsibility meant. Responsibility means taking care of my jobs and duties. Taking one hundred percent responsibility means I did what needed to be done, and I took ownership of my actions.

I’m an old doggy now, and I have a new responsibility. I am a service dog. I stay by my farmer’s side every day and love him unconditionally.

Denise McCormick’s goals with her new book are to (1) Teach children what it means to take 100% responsibility; (2) Highlight a modern Iowa farm with

modern machinery; and (3) show how important a dog can be as a farm dog and then as a service dog.

Denise McCormick’s first children’s book, “Never Mind the Monkey Mind” was an international number one best seller. Look for her second book to be the same, especially since she was recently named to the “Who’s Who of Distinguished Leaders: 2024 Honorees.” Co-authored and featured in “Women Who Shine,” she is a Certified Canfield Trainer in the Success Principles, a Success Mindset Coach, inspirational speaker, and creator of the Facebook group, “The Educator’s Edge.” She is about to depart for West Africa where she will be the Marketing and Fundraising Director for the Notfor-Profit, Links Across Borders, an international organization that co-creates libraries, facilitates training programs, supports teacher training and girl empowerment programs, etc., in Ghana. Donations can be made at www.linksacrossborders.org.

Denise was recently notified that she will be on the Cover of “T.I.P. Magazine” which will include a 4 – 6 page feature about Denise. T.I.P. (Top Industry Professionals) Magazine promotes high-ranking industry professionals. Her new book, “Polly the Talking Collie” illustrated by Julie Bousum, will be released sometime this year. Denise will be doing book signings, and is available for public speaking engagements.

BTW: Polly is not fictional. She is a real collie, owned and loved by Denise and John McCormick, on their farm in Canaan Township, north of Mt. Pleasant. Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com

How to contact your elected officials Jasper County Supervisors

Brandon Talsma, chair 4309 W Fourth St. S. • Newton, IA 50208

641-526-3142 • btalsma@co.jasper.ia.us

Doug Cupples, vice chair 1205 S. 20th Ave. W. • Newton, IA 50208 641-521-8725 • dcupples@co.jasper.ia.us

Denny Stevenson 110 Railroad Street • Kellogg, IA 50135 641-521-8553 • dstevenson@co.jasper.ia.us

Our District

presidents refuse to help them.

In just the last few months, the presidents of two major universities (Harvard & Penn) resigned in shame following their inability to condemn and control antisemitism on their campuses. Now, Columbia University’s President, Minouche Shafik, is being pressed to resign following her inaction and unwillingness to condemn the antisemitic, pro-terrorist demonstrators on her campus, some of whom call for the murder of Jewish people. Speaker Johnson and Conference Chair Elise Stefanik have rightfully called for her resignation, and I echo their sentiment.

Columbia, much like most Ivy League Schools, receives billions of

dollars from the federal government. From 2018 to 2022, Columbia received over $5.8 billion in grants from the federal government. Funding for these institutions should be reconsidered. The federal government should not be funding any school that allows antisemitism and allows for violence against Jewish students.

The purveyors of antisemitism must be stopped. I have recently spearheaded a piece of legislation aimed at tackling antisemitism across the country. The Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States Act addresses the uptick of antisemitism in the United States. It establishes a commission to investigate the causes of antisemitism, evaluate the evidence and circumstances, and report the findings and recommendations to the President and Congress.

In Congress, I will continue to push for efforts to combat antisemitism and stand with our Jewish friends and neighbors.

Terminating AI funding to our adversaries

Artificial intelligence (AI) was engineered to make our lives easier but poses the possibility of being twisted into menacing machines that wage war against mankind. At least, it’s a familiar plotline of futuristic fictional fantasies, like The Matrix and The Terminator, but the sci-fi scenario could quickly become a reality if the impressive advances being made today in AI fall into the hands of a rogue researcher working on behalf of an adversarial nation. Because of this, AI is the modern “equivalent to the ‘atomic bomb’” warns a leading scientist whose work has been supported with tens of millions of dollars provided by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and other government agencies.

“If my country can take the lead in realizing a genuine artificial general intelligence,” this respected researcher says, it “will become a winning hand in international technological competition for my country.”

Despite the financial backing from the U.S. government and American taxpayers, when he says “my country,” he is not referring to the United States, but rather our global rival—the People’s Republic of China. That’s right, folks!

According to an investigation by Newsweek, the research of a scientist “at the forefront of China’s race to develop the most advanced artificial intelligence” was financed with more than $30 million of U.S. taxpayer dollars over the past two decades.

Since 2001, Song-Chun Zhu’s projects have received the backing of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Army, the Navy, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). As recently as 2021, Zhu was the principal investigator on two different

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From Washington, DC

DoD grants totaling more than $1.2 million, seeking to develop “high-level robot autonomy” that is “important for DoD tasks” and “cognitive robot platforms” for “intelligence and surveillance systems.”

Even Zhu’s NSF-funded work is described as “the foundation for building a wide range of applications in commercial and defense industry, such as intelligence image search, security and surveillance, autonomous vehicle,” and other purposes.

While amassing “an almost unheard of sum for a statistics professor at a public university” in California, Zhu was doing parallel work in China.

In 2004, he founded a robotics and IT institute in his hometown in China. In 2010, Zhu became a member of the Thousand Talents Plan, the CCP’s recruitment program that steals scientific innovation, transfers technology, and lures scientists to China. Zhu became an advisor at the Beijing Institute of Technology, which supports the Chinese military. In 2020, he returned to China. Today, Zhu is the chief scientist at the Wuhan Institute for Artificial Intelligence—located in the infamous city where U.S. agencies were funding risky research on coronaviruses at the Wuhan Institute of Virology that may have caused the COVID-19 pandemic.

Zhu isn’t the only researcher whose work has been sponsored by the Pentagon who is now working for China, either. A chemist, who was part of another grooming program to lure scientists to Chi-

na, was supported with nearly $4 million from the Army, Air Force, and NSF. And six of the seven investigators involved in a 2020 robotics study funded by DARPA and the Navy are now at the Beijing Institute for General Artificial Intelligence in China.

Clearly, greater intelligence— whether artificial or human—is needed to prevent our defense dollars from advancing China’s ambitions to become the world’s AI superpower.

To make researchers receiving support from DoD more accountable, I authored a law—that the Biden administration has refused to enact— requiring public disclosure of Pentagon projects paid for with taxpayer dollars. Until the law is enacted, it will continue to be difficult to identify DoD collaborations with those closely connected to the Chinese government.

While Congress recently directed the Defense Secretary to enforce compliance with my transparency law, I am also launching an investigation now being conducted by the DoD Inspector General to determine the amount of U.S. defense dollars that may have been sent to labs and research institutions in China over the past ten years. To put a cherry on top, I’m giving my April 2024 Squeal Award to the bureaucrats at DoD who have been blindly bankrolling Beijing’s AI brain trust.

So we don’t end here on an ominous note, I’ll point out that the millions of dollars the Pentagon spent on Zhu’s projects—despite the warning posted outside his old lab warning “Beware of Robot”— didn’t create anything close to an army of killer robots. The real impact of his years of pricey research is difficult to measure, but the most tangible AI assembled in Zhu’s lab may be an android named Tony, capable of folding laundry.

Curt Swarm Empty Nest

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst

U.S. Rep.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks

The Grinnell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently elected new officers for 2024-26. Iowa Society DAR State Regent Edee Brunia attended the meeting and installed the officers. New officers are Linda Hatch, Regent; Barbara Jones, Vice Regent; Maureen Wilkins, Chaplain; Rita Mertens, Secretary; Jessica Meyer, Treasurer; Nancy Bender, Registrar; Lynne Petty, Historian; and Martha Voyles, Librarian. Hatch, Mertens, Bender and Voyles are residents of Grinnell; Jones, Wilkins, and Meyer live in Newton, and Petty lives in Kellogg.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was

Club News

founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Its members are descended from the patriots who won American independence during the Revolutionary War. Any

woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible to join.

The Grinnell Chapter

is named after Josiah B. Grinnell, the founder of the city of Grinnell. Members come from Grinnell, Newton, Montezuma, and surrounding communities. Chapter meetings are the second Saturday of the month March through July and September through December. Recent service projects have included glazing bowls for the Empty Bowls project, assembling “Pick-meup” jars for veterans, and providing seed packets for the Hindman Settlement School in Kentucky.

For information about membership in DAR, contact Nancy Bender, registrar, 641-236-7065. Members are available to help prove your lineage to a Revolutionary War patriot.

Legion to host ceremonies in Baxter

Baxter American Legion Post

493 will have a Flag Retirement Ceremony at 11 a.m. May 21 at Restland Cemetery in Baxter. The pub -

lic may bring their old or tattered flags to the cemetery on that day or contact your local Legion member.

Baxter American Legion Post

493 will host its annual Memorial Day Service at 10 a.m. Monday, May 27 at Restland Cemetery in Baxter.

Community Calendar

Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com

THURSDAY

• Baxter Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. second Thursday of month, March to December, at the Baxter Community Building

SATURDAY

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

MONDAY

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

• Colfax City Council meets the second Monday of month at city hall

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

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

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

TUESDAY • Baxter American Legion meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of month at the Baxter Community Building

• Baxter Masonic Lodge meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of month

• Baxter Chamber of Commerce meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of month at city hall

• Colfax American Legion Post 175 meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of month at the Colfax Senior Citizens Center

Peak camping season is underway

Iowa state parks and forest staff are busy preparing for the summer camping season, turning on water, sprucing up campgrounds and freshening up bathroom, cabin, lodge and shelter facilities. With more than 864,000 campers and almost 14 million visitor days last year, state parks are anticipating another busy season. For park visitors, there will be some new things to see.

Recently renovated and 100 percent reservable sites

Pikes Peak and Lake Ahquabi state parks, two of Iowa’s most popular campgrounds, reopened in July 2023 after undergoing extensive renovations. Both campgrounds feature electrical upgrades, pull-through

driveways and a reduction in the number of campsites to create more space for large vehicles.

Both the Pikes Peak and Lake Ahquabi campgrounds also switched to 100 percent reservable sites, allowing for campers to see availability in real time. The change has been popular with campers who enjoy the increased convenience and peace of mind for trip planning. Additional campgrounds switching to 100 percent reservable in 2024 include Ambrose A. Call, Ledges, Lewis and Clark, Pleasant Creek, Wilson Island and Clear Lake.

Other new or renovated amenities in the state park system:

• George Wyth State Park –

I have grown a lot in my years teaching at Baxter, and most of that is due to the supportive culture of our school. This will be my last year at Baxter, but after spending 12 years here it will always be an important part of my story.”

As her story is evolving and changing, Brummel has taken on another role as

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

SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church service; 10:15 a.m. Sunday school

schedule

Cedar Valley Trail 1.3 miles reconstruction

• Twin Lakes – new boat ramp

• Lake Macbride – new boat ramp, parking lot resurfacing and new fishing dock

• Rock Creek State Park – new water lines and sewer repairs

• Green Valley State Park –renovated fishing pier, spillway repair and sewer repairs

Beeds Lake – new dump station at the campground Current construction and renovation projects

State parks are also busy with several new construction projects. Some of these projects will temporarily close parts or all of the listed parks in the 2024 season. Park visitors can go to www.iowadnr.gov/park-

parent. Learning to work while being a new mom has brought struggles but also victories for the teacher.

“We want kids to succeed and teachers to care about their students, but there will always be roadblocks. A personal struggle that has been new to me this year is balancing being a new mom to twins with being a teacher,” Brummel said. “The small victories are the best victories. When students feel proud of their work, when they do something they didn’t think they could do, when

closures for latest information on any closures. 2024 projects include:

• Clear Lake campgroundrenovations will start around August 1 to update electrical facilities, campsite design and roadways

• Red Haw – campground renovations and shelter construction have begun after major damage caused by a tornado in March 2022

• Lake Ahquabi – lodge and shelter renovations

• Fort Atkinson – restoration of historic buildings, closing the park to visitors until mid-July

• Brushy Creek – campground renovations starting around August 1

they feel confident and prepared to be citizens of the world, those are victories for me.”

While in school, Brummel learned that she will never be “done” learning how to write. She has brought that knowledge to her students to keep working and crafting their voice.

“Writing is always a process,” Brummel said. “When I teach my students, I want them to see that they can always be learning and growing, especially as writers.”

Church Schedules

(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, May 12 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dyer

TUESDAY, May 14 - 3:30 p.m. Women’s Prayer and coffee (Note time change); 6 p.m. Trustee meeting

WEDNESDAY, May 15 - 9 a.m.

Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer

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 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

515-689-4926

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship service (Sunday school not meeting

at this time)

ASHTON CHAPEL

• Pleasant Creek – campground renovations starting around October 1

• Lake Manawa – concession building remodel

• Ledges – new shower building and shelter renovation

• McIntosh Woods – shelter renovation

• Wapsipinicon – flood repairs, renovating river wing dams Big Creek – fishing pier renovations

• Road resurfacing in Palisades-Kepler, Wildcat Den, Pleasant Creek, Elk Rock and Lake Manawa

To learn more about Iowa state parks, go to iowadnr.gov/ stateparks or make a reservation at https://iowastateparks. reserveamerica.com/

As the years have passed, many students have passed through her doors, beginning their journeys and creating their own stories. That is what she remembers most about her time in the classroom — the students.

“Relationships I have built over the years with my students – there would be far too many to list – but I don’t always remember the exact lesson plans I taught, but I do remember the students I taught and the things we learned together,” Brummel said.

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

MONDAY, April 22 - 5 p.m.

Pancake & Sausage Supper, free will offering at the door. SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Worship

WEDNESDAY - 6 p.m. Bible Study

THIRD THURSDAY of month - 6:30 p.m. Theology on Tap at Bea’s Place on Main Street Check us out on Facebook and baxtercongregational.com

CORNERSTONE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

1000 E. 12th St., Newton Rev. Josh Farver, pastor Phone 641-792-4650

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:15 a.m. Worship

WEDNESDAY - 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study; Youth Group

HERITAGE WORD OF LIFE

ASSEMBLY OF GOD 102 Second St. NW, Mitchellville Pastor Dave Adams 515-967-3330

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

WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Evening activities

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

Submitted Photo Front row: Linda Hatch, Regent; Barbara Jones, Vice Regent; Martha Voyles, Librarian; and Edee Brunia, Iowa State Regent; back row: Rita Mertens, Secretary; Jessica Meyer, Treasurer; Nancy Bender, Registrar; Lynne Petty, Historian; and Maurine Wilkins, Chaplain

Seven wins power Baxter boys to ISC title

BAXTER — Seven wins and a pair of new school records highlighted the Baxter boys track and field team at the Iowa Star Conference meet on May 2.

The Bolts won three relays, finished 1-2 in the 3,200-meter run and doubled up in five events during their run to the conference championship.

After scoring 129 points and finishing in second last year, the Bolts climbed to the top of the conference standings with 135 this spring.

That was 31 points better than runner-up BCLUW (104) and the rest of the top five featured Dunkerton (74), Janesville (73.5) and Collins-Maxwell (68.5).

Clarksville (63), Don Bosco (57), GMG (48), North Tama (42), Riceville (25.5), Colo-NESCO (25.5), Waterloo Christian (19), Valley Lutheran (4) and Meskwaki Settlement (1) completed the 14-team field.

Treyton Travis, Matt Richardson, Carter Smith and Logan Rainsbarger all won individual events and the Bolts added conference titles in the 4x200, 4x800 and distance medley relays.

Travis won the high jump after placing second last season. His winning leap was 5 feet, 10 inches.

Rainsbarger grabbed another top-six finish as he was sixth in the long jump with a leap of 17-3 1/2. Cael Wishman (12.27) was sixth in the 100.

Jones, Cody Samson, Handorf and Richardson won the 4x800 relay after the Bolts placed second last year. The foursome completed the race in 8:50.58.

The Bolts posted season-best times in the 4x100, 4x200 and distance medley relays.

Treyton Travis, Cainan Travis, Rainsbarger and Samson teamed up to win the 4x100 and 4x200.

The group won the 4x200 with a school-record time of 1:37.67 and finished third in the 4x100 in 46.36.

The Bolts were second in the distance medley relay last year, but this year’s foursome of Treyton Travis, Cainan Travis, Samson and Richardson won the race in 3:51.53.

Bolts finish second at Dream Builders Invitational

The rest of the nine-team field included Collins-Maxwell (75), South Tama County (69), North Tama (62), Colo-NESCO (60), GMG (55) and host Meskwaki Settlement School (10). Handorf (4:58.26) and Jones (5:02.74) went 1-2 in the 1,600, Richardson (10:04.84) and Handorf (10:27.06) were 1-2 in the 3,200 and Smith won the discus with a toss of 142-8.

The other individual runner-up finishes came from Richardson (2:11.17) in the 800 and Rainsbarger (16.07) in the 110 high hurdles.

Betterton (17.63) gave the Bolts double points in the 110 hurdles in fourth.

Rainsbarger (18-0 1/2) and Dakota Parker (5-0) were fourth in the long jump and high jump, respectively, and Smith (393) and Anderegg (109-9) were sixth in the shot put and discus, respectively.

Wishman was fourth in the 100 with a career-best time of 12.18 seconds and finished sixth in the 400 in 59.32.

Smith was the discus winner following a toss of 137-1. Grant Anderegg finished fourth with a heave of 118-8. Richardson and Max Handorf went 1-2 in the 3,200. Richardson won the race and set a new school record with a career-best time of 9 minutes, 58.17 seconds. Handorf’s runner-up time was clocked in 10:13.66.

Richardson (2:10.20) and Handorf (2:13.8) also finished 2-4 in the 800 and Handorf (4:52.87) and Logan Jones (career-best 4:58.06) were 2-3 in the 1,600.

The victory gave Richardson a win in the event for the second straight season.

Rainsbarger won the 110 high hurdles after placing second last spring. He won this year’s race with a time of 16.26 seconds and Lincoln Betterton was fourth in 17.24.

MESKWAKI SETTLEMENT — Richardson, Handorf and Smith all won individual events and the Bolts won the distance medley relay during the Dream Builders Invitational on April 29.

Baxter also finished second six times and placed second as a team with 125.5 points. West Marshall won the meet with 148 points and BCLUW (111.5) also reached triple figures.

Tigerhawk boys claim fourth at home tournament

COLFAX — All five teams in the Colfax-Mingo Tigerhawk Boys Golf Invitational shot under their 18-hole averages on May 3.

But Pella Christian placed its top five golfers in the first 11 positions and came out on top of a tournament that featured three area squads.

PCM put its first five golfers in the top 16 and posted its second-best score of the season to finish in second.

Newton had six scores in the 80s for the first time this season but settled for fourth, while Colfax-Mingo completed the five-team field.

The Eagles came into the day with the third-best average in Class 2A. They were four strokes below that at the par 72 Colfax Country Club as they won the tournament with a 309.

The Mustangs were four strokes back in second with a 313, while Pleasantville (328) was 10 shots under its season average in third. Newton shot 332 in fourth and the host Tigerhawks finished fifth with a 399.

Pella Christian and PCM both had three scores in the 70s and five totaled a score of 82 or better, but the Eagles won in part because Eliot Menninga turned in a 1-under-par 71 to win medalist honors.

Easton Van Veen led PCM with a 74 as the runner-up medalist and Nick Farver shot a 77 in third.

Jackson Price led Newton in eighth. He shot an 80 and his backnine score was a 38.

Colfax-Mingo was led by Cael Bracewell’s 96 and Joe Earles turned in a career-best 98.

Cason Fitch (99) and Jared Lewis (106) had the other counting scores.

Shane Hostetter (108) and Luke Allen (110) posted non-counting scores.

Tigerhawks finish ninth at SICL tournament

OSKALOOSA — There were 23 golfers who posted a score few than 90 during the South Iowa Cedar League boys golf tournament on April 30.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Colfax-Mingo senior Joe Earles reacts to a missed putt on the No. 2 hole at Colfax Country Club on May 3 during the team’s annual home tournament. The Tigerhawks placed fifth as a team.

But Lynnville-Sully’s Keegan DeWitt was the only one from the area as the Hawks placed seventh and Colfax-Mingo was ninth in the 10-team field at the par 72 Oskaloosa Golf Course.

Lynnville-Sully shot a 372, which was 10 shots better than North Mahaska (382). Colfax-Mingo turned in a 416, while Belle Plaine (464) completed the field.

The Bolts’ winning distance medley relay team featured Cade Robinson, Cainan Travis, Samson and Richardson and they won the race in 3:51.69.

Baxter was the runner-up in both the 4x200 and 4x800 relays. Cainan Travis, Robinson, Rainsbarger and Samson completed the 4x200 in 1:40.17 and Jones, Samson, Handorf and Richardson posted a time of 8:53.30 in the 4x800.

Baxter girls finish third at conference track and field meet

MAXWELL — Camryn Russell won her second straight conference championship in the 100-meter hurdles, but the Baxter girls track and field team went from sixth to third in the team standings in one season because of a win in the shuttle hurdle relay and a few more top-five finishes.

The Bolts scored 74 points in third after scoring 60 last year. The top two teams in the Iowa Star Conference remained the same as BCLUW scored 136 points at the top and Collins-Maxwell (114.5) was the runner-up.

“We had girls competing hard whether it was for first or second or running for eighth and a team point,” Baxter head girls track and field coach Josh Russell said. “Anytime you can come into a big meet and score points it’s an accomplishment because each event gets deeper and relays tend to get faster with some teams consolidating runners.”

Don Bosco (59), Janesville (54), Tripoli (53), Dunkerton (50), Riceville (45), Colo-NESCO (37.5) and Clarksville (37) completed the top 10 of the 15-team field.

Russell improved her winning time in the 100 hurdles this season. She posted a time of 16.66 seconds and also moved up from fifth to third in the long jump with a leap of 15 feet, 7 1/4 inches.

She also anchored the shuttle hurdle relay team to a win and a season-best time. The foursome of Grace Anderergg, Rossi Swihart, Kendall Brummel and Russell won the race in 1 minute, 12.3 seconds.

The 4x800 relay team of Caydence Sulzle, Gwen Tichy, Morgan Ratliff and Regan Russell were third in a season-best time of 11:19.44.

“We had two relays run season-best times and they both happened to break school records so that got the kids excited and feeling like they can compete in this environment,” Coach Russell said. “Our shuttle girls felt fast and wanted to prove they have what it takes to compete for a conference title and a state bid.”

The final third-place finish came from Avery Wonders as she grabbed the bronze medal in the high jump with a leap of 4-8. Wonders also was fifth in the 200 in 29.01 seconds.

Makayla True posted career-best times in both the 1,500 (5:34.87) and the 3,000 (12:06.2) to place sixth and fourth, respectively.

Ratliff posted a time of 2:44.67 to finish fifth in the 800 and Jo Harder (81-8) was sixth in the discus.

Colfax-Mingo was led by Bracewell, who shot a 98. Lewis (103), Fitch (105) and Earles (110) had the other counting scores, and the non-counting scores came from Hostetter (114) and Allen (137).

HLV’s Peyton Roth was the meet medalist with a 75 and Sigourney’s Solon Yates shot a 76 as the runner-up.

Sigourney won the conference tournament with a 336, while BGM (339), Keota (344), Montezuma (344) and HLV (350) rounded out the top five. English Valleys (358) was sixth. DeWitt led the Hawks with an 89, while the other three scoring golfers were Klayton Van Dyke (90), Lucas Sieck (94) and Carson Maston (99).

Bolts nearly score 100 points, finish third at Dream Builders Invitational

MESKWAKI SETTLEMENT — Camryn Russell grabbed another win in the 100 hurdles, Baxter won the shuttle hurdle relay and those two wins led the Bolts to a third-place finish at the Dream Builders Coed Invitational on April 29.

Jasper County Tribune

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Baxter junior Matt Richardson won the conference title in the 3,200-meter run for the second straight season and set a new school record, too.

Jasper County Tribune

C. Russell

Jasper County Tribune

Central Iowa United boys down Creston, fall to Van Meter

STATE CENTER — Baxter’s Ben Richardson tallied a hat trick, Andrew Tollefson added to his team-leading goal count for the season and the Central Iowa United boys soccer team blasted Creston 10-0 on April 29.

CIU led 8-0 at halftime before scoring twice in the second half.

Tollefson finished with two goals and three assists in the win and now has a team-high 12 goals and a team-best seven assists.

Richardson added three goals, Jack Seyller scored twice and Colfax-Mingo’s Gage Byal chipped in two assists.

Aiden Downs tallied one goal and one assist and the other goals were scored by Col-

fax-Mingo’s Austin Lane and Aidan Andersen. It was Lane’s ninth goal of the season, while Byal delivered his third assist.

CIU (4-7) registered 22 shots and put 14 of them on goal. Lucas Barnes made one save and now has 92 saves this season.

Seven of the Panthers’ eight losses have ended in a shutout.

Van Meter 3, Central Iowa United 1

STATE CENTER —

Tollefson scored in the first half, but Central Iowa United allowed two second-half goals in a 3-1 non-conference loss to Van Meter on April 23.

Lane delivered the assist for CIU. The win for Van Meter was its sixth straight but the Bulldogs (9-4) have since lost two matches.

Central Iowa United finished with 11 shots and put three of them on goal. Barnes made 12 saves in his 80 minutes.

GIRLS CIU lose twice at Boone tournament BOONE — Colfax-Mingo’s Lilyan Hadsall totaled one goal and one assist, but the Central Iowa United girls soccer team lost twice at the Boone tournament on April 27.

CIU fell to host Boone 4-2 and then dropped an 8-0 decision to West Central Valley. The Toreadors led 3-1 at halftime, and West Central Valley scored seven of its eight goals in the first half. Haylee Merryman scored the other goal for CIU, which totaled nine shots and put seven of them on goal.

Colfax-Mingo’s Cassidy Smith made 14 saves in 50 minutes and now has 99 saves this spring. Annabelle Heller collected three saves in 10 minutes. It was Hadsall’s fourth goal and fifth assist of the season.

Kaylee Chesnut led Boone with one goal and two assists. The Toreadors (4-7) registered 22 shots.

Central Iowa United took six shots and put one of them on goal. Smith and Heller collected

C-M finishes ninth at SICL meet

MARENGO — The South Iowa Cedar League girls track and field title was not decided when the meet was suspended due to weather with two events to go on April 30.

When some of the teams returned to Iowa Valley High School on May 3, the end result was a runner-up finish for Lynnville-Sully.

The Hawks won just one event but four second-place finishes helped the defending conference champions score 113 points.

That was good enough to tie HLV but was two points shy of English Valleys, which won the meet with 115 points.

L-S closed the gap with

a win in the 4x100-meter relay and HLV got within two points following its win in the 4x400 relay.

North Mahaska (101.5) and host Iowa Valley (59.5) completed the top five and the rest of the field featured Belle Plaine (55), Sigourney (52), Montezuma (52), Colfax-Mingo (43.5), BGM (15.5) and Keota (13).

Colfax-Mingo’s night was highlighted by a run-

ner-up finish in the shuttle hurdle relay.

The team featured Lily Webster, Cadence Linn, Trinity Smith and Arlo Steck and the Tigerhawks were second in 1 minute, 16.48 seconds.

The Tigerhawks doubled up in the high jump as Grace Hunsberger was fourth with a leap of 4 feet, 10 inches and Katelyn Steenhoek (4-6) placed sixth.

Smith’s time in the 400-meter hurdles was 1:15.11 and that was good enough for fourth.

Steck (19.23 seconds) was fifth in the 100 hurdles and Olivia Rausch (14-5 1/2) took fifth in the long jump.

Woods leads Tigerhawks at SICL meet

The streak is over. After winning the conference title in four straight seasons, the Lynnville-Sully boys track and field team was limited to one victory on April 30 and when the meet finally ended three days later, the Hawks were in third place of the 11-team field.

Lynnville-Sully still

reached triple digits though as the Hawks scored 100.5 points and trailed runner-up North Mahaska by 7.5.

Host Iowa Valley won the conference title with 132 points and the rest of the top five included Montezuma (93) and English Valleys (78).

Colfax-Mingo was led by a pair of runner-up finishes from Xavier Woods, but the Tigerhawks scored just 26 points in ninth.

Woods gave the Tigerhawks their only topthree finishes.

Woods was the runner-up in the 400 hurdles with a career-best time of 57.89 seconds.

He also tied for second in the high jump with a leap of 5-10.

Belle Plaine (67), Sigourney (52), BGM (46), Colfax-Mingo (26), HLV (25) and Keota (11.5) completed the field.

The meet started on April 30 but was suspended due to weather with two events left.

Some of the teams returned to Iowa Valley High School for the 4x100 and 4x400 relays on May 3.

five saves each. Sara Titkova had four goals and one assist for West Central Valley (5-7) and Meleah Speichinger totaled three goals. Titkova now has 28 goals this season, which ranks tied for fifth in the state.

Ballard 8, Central Iowa United 0 HUXLEY — McKenzie Dee’s hat trick led Ballard to an 8-0 win over Central Iowa United on May 2.

The Bombers led 2-0 at halftime before scoring six times in the second half. Amelia Faubus added two goals for the hosts as the Bombers (3-8) totaled 19 shots and put 12 of them on goal.

Heller made 12 saves for Central Iowa United, which fell to 3-8 this season.

Charlotte Donahue

Colfax-Mingo senior Charlotte Donahue is dualing sport with golf and track and field this spring. On the golf course, Donahue is averaging 50.8 for nine holes and her lone 18hole round was a career-best 89. Her nine-hole career-best of 47 also was set this spring.

Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Tribune

Smith Woods

C-M girls finish second, boys fifth at Cardinal Relays

NEWTON — Eight Cardinals won an individual event, the hosts won four relays and the Newton girls track and field team swept the field events for the first time maybe ever during the annual Cardinal Relays on May 2.

Newton also doubled up in eight events and the dominating effort resulted in a 236-point night. The Cardinals won their second home meet of each spring for at least the fifth straight season.

Newton won the team championship with 236 points and Colfax-Mingo scored 129.5 points in second. The rest of the seven-team field featured Lynnville-Sully (94), North Mahaska (73), Southeast Warren (45), Pleasantville (36.5) and Twin Cedars (20).

Colfax-Mingo was 2-3 in the 400 and 2-4 in the 3,000, high jump and long jump.

In the 400-meter dash, Claire Hunsberger (1:12.9) posted a career-best time of 1 minute, 12.9 seconds in second and Macie Porter finished third in 1:19.42. Grace Hunsberger (4 feet, 10 inches) and Katelyn Steenhoek (4-8) were 2-4 in the high jump and Trinity Smith (15-7) and Ol-

ivia Rausch (14-11) went 2-4 in the long jump. Addie Schroeder (13:01.35) and Shae Wilkins (13:30.87) placed 2-4 in the 3,000 and

Des Moines Lincoln edges C-M girls in non-conference contest

COLFAX — Charlotte Donahue lost her ball on the very first hole of the Tigerhawks’ head-to-head dual against Des Moines Lincoln.

That didn’t stop the Colfax-Mingo senior from earning medalist honors at the par 36 Colfax Country Club on April 29. Donahue shot a 54 and sophomore teammate Lily Brenner was the runner-up with a 57, but the C-M girls golf team lost to the Railsplitters by a single stroke.

Des Moines Lincoln drove home with a victory after shooting a 245. The visitors put three in the top five and five in the first nine positions.

Colfax-Mingo carded a 246 after placing its other three golfers in the 6-8-10 spots on the leaderboard.

Lillie Jones was sixth overall with

Baxter Girls

Baxter scored 99 points in third after totaling three runner-up finishes and a pair of thirds.

a 64, while Emily Dyer had the final counting score with a 71. Chloe Clements turned in a non-counting 79.

Tigerhawks finish fourth in road quadrangular OSKALOOSA — Without Donahue in the lineup, the Tigerhawks finished fourth in a road quadrangular on April 30.

Colfax-Mingo got a 56 from Brenner, but the Tigerhawks shot 270 as a team. Sigourney and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont both shot 220s at the top, while Montezuma was third with a 233.

Dyer (65), Jones (69) and Clements (80) had the other three counting scores.

EBF’s Tessa Brink was the meet medalist with a 45, while Lana Thomas of Sigourney also shot a 45 as the runner-up medalist.

and Denver Sulzle doubled up in the shot put.

Brummel’s time in the 400 hurdles was clocked in a career-best 1:14.89 and Russell was fifth in 1:17.38. Cross placed fifth in the shot put with a toss of 28-3 and Denver Sulzle was sixth with a career-best toss of 27-4.

Schroeder (6:00.12) was the runner-up in the 1,500. Smith posted a career-best time of 1:14.18 to finish third in the 400 hurdles and Emma Cook’s career-best toss of 2911 in the shot put placed her fourth. Lexie Aller tied for fifth in the shot put with a throw of 29-8 1/2.

The Tigerhawks’ shuttle hurdle relay team of Lily Webster, Cadence Linn, Evalyn Anderson and Arlo Steck grabbed the silver medal in 1:19.06.

The 4x200 relay also placed third in a season-best 2:00.55 with Karmylia Snyder, Charlotte Donahue, Smith and Linn.

C-M boys finish fifth at Cardinal Relays

Caden Klein won three events, the Cardinals registered victories in four relays and the Newton boys track and field team won its Cardinal Relays for the fifth straight season.

Newton totaled 11 wins, doubled up in 10 events and scored 231 points after registering 24 top-three finishes.

Lynnville-Sully was held to one victory but six runner-up

finishes pushed the Hawks to a second-place team finish for the fifth year in a row, and Colfax-Mingo was fifth as the third area school. Xavier Woods headlined Colfax-Mingo with a pair of thirdplace finishes and the Tigerhawks posted season-best times in the 4x400 and sprint medley relays. Woods was third in both the high jump (5-8) and 400 hurdles (1:00.71) to lead Colfax-Mingo.

He also anchored the sprint medley relay team to third in a season-best time of 1:43.16. That foursome also featured Isaiah Baucom, Fisher Grove and Wyatt Thornton. Grove, Woods, Thornton and Sully Wilkins placed third in the 4x400 with a season-best time of 3:51.89.

Lynnville-Sully (125) edged North Mahaska (121) for second in the team standings. The Warhawks were third for the third time in the last four years. Southeast Warren (86), Colfax-Mingo (60), Pleasantville (54) and Twin Cedars (11) completed the seven-team field.

Baxter boys set two school records at road triangular

COLO — Two more school records were set by the Baxter boys golf team on April 29, but the Bolts finished second in a road triangular.

Host Colo-NESCO shot a 159 to win the meet at the par 34 Twin Anchors Golf Course. Baxter’s school-record 193 was good for second and GMG (267) completed the field.

Stadan Vansice now owns the school’s ninehole record after firing a career-best 42, while Treyton Travis posted a career-best 45.

The other two counting scores came from Perrin Sulzle (52) and Hudson Bethards (54).

Colton Moffit (62) turned in a non-counting score.

Colo-NESCO’s Austin Hennick was the meet medalist with a 37 and Quin McCollom and Drew Christie both shot 40 for the Royals.

Travis leads Bolts at conference tournament

TRIPOLI — Three career-best scores highlighted Baxter at the Iowa Star Conference tournament on May 1.

The Bolts were led by Travis, a firstyear golfer, and Baxter placed seventh in the 11-team field.

Baxter shot a 393 at Maple Hills Country Club.

Don Bosco won the conference title with a 352 and the rest of the top five was Colo-NESCO/Collins-Maxwell (353), BCLUW (355), host Tripoli (355) and Waterloo Christian (363). Dunkerton was sixth with a 381, too.

The top four teams were separated by just three strokes and the top four had a difference of only 11.

Travis carded a career-best 93 to lead Baxter, while Vansice posted a career-best 96 and Bethards turned in a 98.

Sulzle shot a career-best 106 as the final counting scorer and Carter Smith (118) had a non-counting score.

Meyer leads Baxter girls to second in road triangular COLO — Abbie Meyer won medalist honors and Maddie Reimers finished in the top five, but the Baxter girls golf team finished second in a road triangular on April 29.

The Bolts shot a 233 in second, but GMG won the meet with a 221.

Host Colo-NESCO/Collins-Maxwell did not have enough golfers for a team score at the par 34 Twin Anchors Golf Course.

Meyer was the meet medalist with a career-best 47.

That score also tied the school record with her older sister Sadie Meyer and Allison Colyn.

Reimers finished fifth with a career-best 57, Klaire Shanks had a career-best 63 and Hannah Huffaker (66) completed the counting scores.

GMG’s Stella Betts was the runner-up medalist with a 51.

BCLUW won the meet title with 165.5 points and Collins-Maxwell (156) also was in front of Baxter. The rest of the eight-team field featured South Tama County (75), Colo-NESCO (58.5), GMG (53), host Meskwaki Settlement School (50) and North Tama (27).

Brummel

Camryn Russell (16.34) and Swihart (19.52) scored double points in the 100 hurdles as Russell was first and Swihart took sixth.

Brummel and Camryn Russell went 4-5 in the 400 hurdles and Callie Cross

Camryn Russell (13.98) also placed second in the 100, Tichy (career-best 5:57.58) finished third in the 1,500 and True was third in the 3,000 (12:29.82) and fifth in the 800 (career-best 2:50.1). Harder reached 85-3 on her best throw in the discus to place fourth.

The Bolts’ winning shuttle hurdle relay team consisted of Anderegg, Brummel, Swihart and Wonders and they posted a time of 1:18.87.

Anderegg, Camden Moffit, Wonders and Brummel teamed up to place second in the distance medley relay and they finished in a season-best time of 4:51.95.

The 4x800 relay team of Regan Russell, Tichy, Caydence Sulzle and Johnelle Gliem finished second in 11:22.53.

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Colfax-Mingo junior Emma Cook placed fourth in the shot put at the annual Cardinal Relays in Newton on May 2.

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Meyer

Vansice

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Colfax-Mingo sophomore Lillie Jones sends the ball toward the hole during the Tigerhawks’ home meet against Des Moines Lincoln last week.