JCT-05-16-2024

RVTV HEADING TO BAXTER

By Jamee A. Pierson

For the first time, WHO 13 TV’s RVTV is making a stop in Baxter on its tour leading up to the Iowa-Iowa State CyHawk game. On Sept. 5 the RV crew will roll into Baxter ready to celebrate not only the game but the community as well.

“Can’t wait to find out what awaits us in Baxter,” WHO 13 Sports Anchor John Sears said. “Word is they know how to throw a party.”

The lineup for 2024 starts Sept. 2 in Perry and continues each day to Mitchellville, Oskaloosa, Baxter and Newton before landing in Iowa City Sept. 7 for game day.

Going strong since 1995, RVTV was conceived when WHO 13 Sports Director Keith Murphy was at WOI. At the time, Iowa was dominating the series having won 15 games in a row.

“The game was in Ames, and we just tried to create some buzz and fun. I said, ‘This game is so big, I’m camping at the stadium.’ And I did (in a)

Cousin Eddie-type RV we borrowed from one of our engineers,” Murphy said. “I slept in it all week right there inside the stadium fence. We called it RVTV.”

The next year he moved to WHO 13 and a few years later decided to start up RVTV again. The crew continued to stay either at the stadiums in Ames or Iowa City the week of the game, he said. But after a while it grew stale and they needed to change up the format.

“We decided to take the show on the road as a traveling tailgate celebrating the Iowa-Iowa State rivalry. That re-energized RVTV, and took it up a notch,” Murphy said.

The traveling event has made dozens of stops in different towns throughout the years with a few favorites having the team stop by more than once. Baxter is already getting the ball rolling with planning underway.

“It has become an event,” Sears said. “We’ve got a couple of months until it kicks off but we like to announce it now so those towns can start gearing up.”

Annual WHO 13 tour headed to Bolts Country Sept. 5

SENDING REINFORCEMENTS

Commission meeting sees outpour of support for VA administrator and a demand for more resources

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

Veterans typically do not mince words, and the ones who showed up to the most recent Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission meeting last week did not hold back their feelings over what they perceived as a lack of support for twoyear administrator Alyssa Wilson, who at times was in tears listening to feedback.

Josh Davis, a veteran who arrived to the meeting in crutches to support Wilson, said, “The people that came here today shows that she needs help. She’s overloaded. I just had surgery a week ago and I shouldn’t be here. But I came over here for her.”

Paul Padilla, also a veteran, suggested Wilson already has enough work to do but is being asked to do more work, saying, “She has all that paperwork there for about two weeks. She’s up to her eyeballs in paperwork. But let’s give her more paperwork to do to track her paperwork?”

Judy Jones, a direct but soft-spoken woman whose sister has received support from Wilson, said, “We 100 percent — maybe even 150 percent — support Alyssa. She’s doing a wonderful job and this board needs to know that. They need to leave her alone and let her do her job.”

It was the largest meeting turnout the commissioners had ever seen. There were more than 30 people in attendance and it had quickly become a standing room only event. Most of the folks who gathered in the administration building conference room were veterans. Young and old. They all agreed on one thing: Wilson needs reinforcements.

To them, she is a beloved champion of all veterans who has proven she will fight

tooth and nail to get them the financial benefits they deserve. Ever since she was hired in as the head of Jasper County Veterans Affairs, Wilson hit the ground running with her valuable expertise and followed through for her veterans.

Prior to her joining Jasper County, some veterans felt disenfranchised or ignored. While many received their benefits, others had hit brick walls and lost hope that the department — or, perhaps, their government — would ever come through for them again. Wilson turned things around in part because she knows the game.

Somewhere underneath all that bureaucracy and the piles of endless paperwork is a veteran’s certification to receive his or her benefits. Wilson knows it takes more than a shovel to get to the buried treasure that will make her veterans whole. She is patient and she is persistent. Some might even call her obsessive.

Others, like Lisa Van Ryswyk, may call her passionate. Todd Magel of KCCI Des Moines released a report in mid-April about how Van Ryswyk’s father, Ken Van Veen, was recognized by the federal government as a Vietnam veteran only after he died. Van Veen was seeking disability benefits.

Magel reported that Wilson helped Van Ryswyk fill out forms and ignore repeated denials from the feds, who later discovered their mistake.

But it was too late. Wilson told Channel 5 she wished these stories were rare. It is clear Wilson is very protective of her veterans. To her they are more than just clients, and she feels very strongly that because of their service to their country they are entitled to emergency financial assistance or application approvals for VA compensation and VA pensions.

Veterans say her work speaks for itself.

In August 2023, Newton News reported that Wilson’s department had handled 1,042 veteran appointments in fiscal year 2022. The past quarter of that year saw 328 appointments between scheduled visits, walk-ins and home visits. Veterans affairs also brought in more than $2 million for veterans that past quarter.

On average, the office brings in more than $780,000 per month for veterans. Sometimes it’s upwards of $1 million per month.

VETERANS ARRIVE IN FORCE TO DEFEND ADMINISTRATOR

Which may be why folks were so quick to react to the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission agenda on May 8. Phrases like “administrator’s activity report,” “home visit guidelines” and “work log” did not sit well with those veterans. Initially, they saw it as unfair scrutiny and ignorance of the real problem.

Apart from Wilson handling the bulk of the work, she is assisted by employee Josh Price, who splits his time between veterans affairs and general assistance. But the workload is still too much for oneand-a-half people to handle. It was too much back when Keith Thorpe, a VSO, was helping out in the office.

Things got so busy that Wilson told the board of supervisors she may need Thorpe to transition from an hourly position to a salaried position.

Even the administrator’s activities report included in the agenda packet shows that while Wilson is maintaining a high level of appointments — a total of 123 in April — she is not able to answer every phone call. She was able to answer 79

Health assessment survey available through county

Survey used to determine top needs in Jasper County

By Jamee A.

The Jasper County Health Department is encouraging residents of the county to participate in the Jasper County Community Health Assessment Survey. The survey, which is available through May 31, seeks to engage in a dialogue with citizens about their health concerns, experiences and goals.

“MercyOne Newton Medical Center, Jasper County Health Department and numerous community partners have collaborated to launch the 2025-2028 Jasper County Community Health Assessment,” Jasper County Health Department Administrator Becky Pryor said. “We’d love for everyone to take the survey and share it at their workplaces. We want to know the needs in the community.”

The survey works to gather valuable information on the health needs and priorities of the citizens of Jasper County. By documenting the results, the county can further understand the variety of challenges and opportunities people are up against, and work to address them through more specific programs and services.

Questions range from ranking how active people are to what kind of foods do they eat and what chronic diseases they have. It addresses mental health, barriers to receiving healthcare and the quality of the services they have used.

The survey also requests information about housing, food availability, childcare and work opportunities. Finally, it asks community members to rank the priorities for Jasper County and list areas of strength and where improvements can be made moving forward.

“We had 210 back already and we’ve only been open since Friday (May 3),” Pryor said. “I was thrilled with that. We’re hoping for around 300 to 400 surveys back.”

A town hall meeting will also be held Sept. 11 to discuss community needs, as well. Additional details about the town hall will be released at a later date. Once

Serving Colfax

Mingo

Baxter

Western Jasper County

Pierson Jasper County Tribune

Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune

Members of the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission speak to guests during a packed meeting on May 8 inside the conference room of the county administration building.

Jasper County Tribune

Screenshot from WHO 13

Baxter is the fourth stop on WHO 13’s RVTV 2024. The annual tour before the CyHawk game will be in town Sept. 5 for a day filled with activities and excitement on everything Baxter.

Iowa women behind on mammograms, despite deadly breast cancer rate

Mark Moran Iowa News Service

Results of a new study show more American women are falling behind on getting critical breast cancer scans.

Nowhere is this perhaps more important than in Iowa, a state that is among the nation’s leaders in lethal breast cancer cases.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. It claims about 40,000 women every year.

Researchers have historically broken down mammography use by state and demographics, but the University of Iowa’s Iowa Cancer Registry Research Director, Sarah Nash, said that

for the first time, this study took critical social factors into account when studying mammography use.

“And so they looked at several different things,”

Nash said, “and the strongest predictors among these social drivers of health were life dissatisfaction, feeling socially isolated, experiencing lost or reduced employment, receiving food stamps, lacking reliable transportation, and reporting cost as a barrier to care.”

Nash said the results of this study point to the need to address social drivers and not just healthcare access when figuring out who needs help and how they can get it.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that only 65 percent

of women ages 50 to 74, with three or more health-related social needs, are up to date with their mammograms.

Despite acknowledging the social determinants that can stand between a woman and her mammogram, Nash and other researchers have said the number one factor is cost.

“So, to address costs, we can think about making sure preventive care remains at no co-pay,” Nash said. “We have a program in Iowa called the ‘Iowa Care for Yourself’ program, which helps provide lowor no-cost screening for Iowans who are underinsured.”

Scientists estimate early detection and treatment can reduce breast cancer deaths by almost a quarter.

Valeria student receives nursing pin

Campus

Preschool Open House

Baxter Preschool Open House is from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 in the Preschool classroom. If your child will be 4 years old by Sept. 15, come meet the teachers, see the classroom, and learn about the preschool program.

Email svanbeek@baxter. k12.ia.us for more information.

pins signifying their entrance into the nursing profession.

Church Schedules

HOWARD ST. CHRISTIAN CHURCH

(Disciples of Christ)

Pastor Tom Burns Howard & Locust St., Colfax Office - 674-3746

Church Cell - 971-0569

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Adult & Wired Word Adult Sunday school classes; 10 a.m.

Fellowship Time;10:30 a.m. Worship, in person or online via YouTube

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

WEDNESDAY - 3:30 p.m. After school elementary youth; 6:10 ChiRho and CYF youth supper/youth group

THIRD SUNDAY of month - Marathon Sunday includes elders, board, potluck and food pantry

FIRST MONDAY of month - WIC appointments

IRA UNITED CHURCH Rev. Michael Omundson

SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m.

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

METZ COMMUNITY CHURCH

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

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

Last Saturday of month - 8

a.m. Men’s Breakfast

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Colfax

Minister, Pastor Cody Dyer Church Office 674-4165

SUNDAY, May 19 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25

a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dyer

TUESDAY, May 21 - 3:30

p.m. Women’s Prayer and coffee (Note time change)

WEDNESDAY, May 22 - 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

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 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

The church schedule is brought to you by

Coburn FUNERAL HOMES

Colfax-Prairie City-Monroe

515-674-3155 www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

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 & 3rd - 6:30 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

Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com

THURSDAY

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

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

Ernst rep to Newton

Wednesday

A representative from Senator Joni Ernst’s office will be available from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 22 in the Newton Public Library Conference Room to assist Iowans with problems or questions about issues involving Social Security, veterans’ benefits, military affairs, passports, immigration issues and other federal programs.

Constituents seeking assistance with federal agencies who are unable to attend the traveling office hours can contact one of the senator’s offices directly or submit a casework request online at www.Ernst.senate.gov.

Adobe Stock

In 1975, the average rate of five-year breast cancer survival was 75.2 percent. In 2005, it was 90.5 percent. Scientists and doctors credit aggressive research and a better understanding of the disease.

Submitted Photo DMACC Urban

Nursing student Tabatha Lopez (left) of Valeria receives her nursing pin from husband, Martin Lopez at the recent DMACC Urban Campus Nursing Pinning ceremony. A total of 23 students received their nursing

calls and make 104 outgoing calls, but she missed 254 calls this past month.

More than 2,000 veterans live in Jasper County.

When commissioners finally reached the agenda items that attendees were fired up about, veterans and their families did not hold back. The relaxed decorum resulted in fiery anecdotes and on occasion Wilson sounded motherly when telling veterans to watch their language. They were frustrated.

On the defensive, commissioners tried their best to calm the storm that had been building and building. Outside the administration building the temperature had skyrocketed to the high 70s and the overcast horizon was blinding white. Inside the conference the clouds had moved in above us waiting to burst.

HOME VISIT DISCUSSION LEADS TO WORKLOAD TALKS

Discussions over the upcoming Memorial Day ceremony and home visit guidelines had loosened everybody up, parting those dark clouds overhead. But only just. If anything, it was an ice breaker that encouraged folks who had been wanting to speak to speak up and speak loud.

Judy Jones spoke in favor of home visits. Jones said her sister is in need of that assistance, and Wilson only stays as long as necessary to complete the appointment. She went on to commend Wilson for doing “a wonderful job,” to which the room collectively agreed. Affirmative. Amen.

“I don’t like to see her mistreated,” Jones said.

Jerry Nelson, chair of the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission, tried to interrupt saying that “is not where we’re going right now,” and he later said the commission is not suggesting to end home visits but rather define what qualifies as a home visit and set the ensuing procedures for Wilson to follow.

Commissioner Ed Spangenburg also suggested guidelines would help keep Wilson’s safety in mind, noting it is a potential risk for the administrator.

“Not everybody is a perfect individual,” Spangenburg said. “Everybody knows this. You can’t just expect to put somebody out there in somebody’s home and nobody knows where that individual is … I’m not saying any of you people are bad. I’m not saying I’m bad. But we all know there is always one individual.”

Jones said she understands the com-

mission is not advocating for ending home visits, but she wanted to let them know how much she appreciates the practice. Wilson said it would be challenging to notify a random person of a home visit because telling someone who she is meeting could violate confidentiality.

Spangenburg said Iowa Code allows Wilson to share that information with the commissioners, but the commissioner cannot publish the names of veterans or their families who receive benefits. Commissioners later proposed Wilson ask the sheriff about checking in with county dispatch through the non-emergency line.

Wilson said a home visit is reserved for situations where there is no other way to assist the veteran. Oftentimes she makes it a point to not leave for home visits until after 3 p.m., which is when the walk-in traffic usually dies down at Wilson’s office. Frankly, she does not have much time for home visits, she said.

Another role of her position is to go to other meetings in the community, which may in turn be beneficial to her veterans. But the workload is too demanding.

“I can’t even go to the meetings that I should be going to as the administrator,” Wilson said. “I should be able to go to Jasper County Cares (Coalition) meetings … Other administrators are always at events and functions, learning new things, getting new resources. I can’t do that.”

Nelson said, “That’s why we brought additional help in.”

“But I’m not getting additional help out of that current situation.”

“Then that’s something we’ll work on.”

COMMISSIONERS WANT WORK STUDY TO JUSTIFY FUTURE REQUEST

When the discussion moved on to the work log, Nelson began by saying his choice of language for this particular agenda item may not have been the best. He explained the work log was more in line with a work study, something he said most Maytagers would be familiar with.

“It’s more of a what are you doing during the day so we can track how much business is being conducted so we know,” Nelson said, noting it may help determine how much more assistance Wilson needs and could help in justify adding a fulltime employee in veterans affairs.

Nelson suggested the work study is not intended to measure Wilson’s productivity in a negative way; it should be able to track how much work is being accomplished. If more work needs to be accomplished, it gives the commission cause to look for more personnel or equipment.

Survey

“That is the intent of what we’re doing,” Nelson said, suggesting the commission needs strong evidence before asking county supervisors for more resources.

“…I can sit here and say Alyssa’s busy. I can’t show a quantitative number to outside folks that we gotta ask for resources from if I say she’s busy.”

Josh Davis interjected, “I think the people that came here today shows that.”

Commissioner Marta Ford reiterated Nelson’s point that the Jasper County Board of Supervisors ultimately makes the decision over whether veterans affairs needs extra help. But Nelson did say the crowd of veterans who showed up to this very meeting will make its way to the board. It will get their attention, at least.

“But I can’t get the help if we don’t have the numbers to show,” Nelson said.

CONVINCING SUPERVISORS MAY BE CHALLENGING

However, one commissioner was skeptical accumulating more information through a work study or work log would make any difference to supervisors. Commissioner Fred Chabot recalled when the board of supervisors decided on a split-department employee to work in general assistance and veterans affairs.

“We recognized the need to give the county supervisors some data early on in my tenure the past 18 months,” Chabot said. “We started collecting the overtime hours that Alyssa worked and that Keith worked, and I don’t know if that information ever got to county supervisors.”

Nelson noted the number of employees and hours those employees can work in the veterans affairs office largely is determined by veteran populations. Which means Wilson is covered for 30 hours a week in Jasper County. The county has picked up the extra 10 hours of funding to make Wilson 40 hours.

Lisa Van Ryswyk suggested Wilson’s plea should be acknowledged for the sheer amount of money she is bringing in for veterans.

“That is still a lot of people and that is still a lot of money,” Van Ryswyk said. “And there is a lot of veterans backlogged trying to get the help. If you want to do a workload (study), you need to analyze everything to include the money she has brought into the county.”

Van Ryswyk later asked what it would take to get another genuine, caring individual in the veterans affairs office to help Wilson. Nelson said he cannot speak to that, but if the commission can provide the numbers he believed the department may have a case.

ORGANIZING MAY BE WAY TO CONVINCE SUPERVISORS TO ASSIST

Eventually some veterans and family

Continuedfrompage1

completed, JCHD will take the data and being working with health and human service providers, along with community leaders to address the top issues for the county.

“Then, we will work on a plan

members of veterans encouraged each other to form a group and meet with the board of supervisors at a future meeting in order to voice their support for Wilson. Commissioners and even Wilson recommended the group devote spokespersons in order to keep decorum.

In the event of a chaotic back-andforth with elected officials, their testimonials may be overlooked. And it may be hard to temper some of that passion. For as much passion Wilson has for her veterans, they have just as much love and admiration for her simply because she has shown she will fight for them.

For Davis, who has not had positive experiences with other veterans affairs offices in the past, the Jasper County department has come through for him.

“She’s got a lot expected of her besides doing the filing of paperwork for veterans coming in here and utilizing her for help … Until today coming into this meeting I didn’t realize her responsibilities as one person,” Davis said. “I don’t know how she does it. I honestly don’t. She’s one person doing the job of three.”

Former veterans affairs commissioner Randy Wagner was keeping quiet throughout most of the meeting. When it came time for public comment toward the end when everyone had become restless, he addressed what he felt was the elephant in the room, suggesting there is a movement oust Wilson.

“I’d like to know why this would even be suggested,” he said. “She’s doing a fantastic job. Every one of us veterans sitting at this table has had some dealings with her. We know what she does and we know that she’s good at her job. So why would anybody want to try and remove her? It don’t make sense.”

In fact, he added, she needs more help.

“She needs more help. We need to get more money from our supervisors and help her out. That’s the only way we’re going to get things back on track.”

Wagner said he served 16 years on the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission, and he worked with two directors in that time.

They were good, he said, and they tried their best doing everything they could to help veterans.

“When I can see a non-veteran who’s doing this job for veterans, I personally don’t see any sense or any need to try to eliminate her,” Wagner said.

To hear that comment reinforced what Wilson has always believed about the veterans she has served as a civilian.

“If you do the job right, they’re going to protect you like one of their own.”

of what issues we will be working on for the next three years,” Pryor said. “It is a big project. We take it serious. We’re really trying to work to make systematic changes in the county to make it better.”

Links to the survey can be found at MercyOne Newton Medical Center’s Facebook page, Jasper County Health Department’s Facebook page, the Jasper County website or at www.surveymonkey.com/r/JasperCo2024 along with hard copies at the health department office. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and responses are confidential.

“I hope we can get a lot more feedback for it so the leadership team can organize the material and really figure this out,” Board of Health President Julie Smith said.

I protest: It is not a merry May

By Joel Schlosberg

“V-U. DAY!” proclaimed the May 2 cover of the New York Post. Despite the jubilant headline and “mostly sunny, warm” weather forecast, the national mood in early May is more malaise than morning-in-America.

After all, even the classic Cold War political thriller Seven Days in May took its time revealing the scope of the challenge to the American way, rather than letting it into the open on day one.

New York mayor Eric Adams is quoted as considering it “despicable that schools will allow another country’s flag to fly in our country.” (Has

YOUR VIEW

Amendment 1

Adams forgotten the Israeli flags unfurled by counterprotesters, or the multitudinous banners seen on class trips to the United Nations?)

The paranoid Post is more historically true to its founder Alexander Hamilton’s backing of the Alien and Sedition Acts than his fictionalization in The Hamilton Mixtape finding it “astonishing that in a country founded by immigrants, ‘immigrant’ has somehow become a bad word.” Even so, they should calm down about the university populations they liken to the Axis.

Historian James Loewen emphasized that polls consistently found more approval for the wars in Vietnam and Iraq among those with college education. Antiwar demonstrators have always been “the loud minority” of Mad magazine’s 139th cover from 1970.

Even many not viewing protesters as a fifth column on campus share the frustrations of Resentment Against Achievement author Robert Sheaffer,

The hullabaloo over the 2nd Amendment roars on unabated — we need our guns! This refrain seems constant. As a criminal defense attorney, I have former clients calling about how they might get their gun rights back. They need their guns back as if that were the necessary requirement for their self-esteem. I’ve never had one ask me how to get their wife or kids back, just their guns. Apparently guns are more important than wife or kids. However, if one were to actually read the Amendments to the Constitution of the United States, the gun thing comes in second to religion. Religion frightened our founding fathers and rightly so. It really hadn’t been too long since the protestants and the Catholics were slaughtering each other all over Europe, the auto de fé was still in mind, and witches and heretics recently were still being burnt to a crisp or dunked till drowned. Jews were still being killed at random and muslims were the antichrist. To people like Benjamin Franklin, Samuel and John Adams, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, Madison and Monroe, religion above all other things, concerned them the most.

Amendment 1 of the Constitution of the United States reads as follows:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an established religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for redress of grievance.”

Folks, this is number one!

The Puritans didn’t much care for the religious climate in England which was apparently way too indifferent. What they preferred was an enforced, religiously based government in New England, which they created as soon as they got here. So the idea that the American colonies were founded for purposes of religious freedom needs some closer scrutiny than most are willing to give it.

Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York supported the Anglican Church; New England supported the Congregational Church; Delaware, Rhode Island, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey had no colonial supported religion. The founding fathers decided that a government-sponsored religion would not be allowed in any national government for it would cause way too many problems as it had in the previous centuries. And, you know, it still would.

We have people of certain religious views today attempting to implant their views into the rest of us. We are seeing a resurgence of these efforts in the United States now. Listen to the TV and radio evangelists, look to the book banning and the laws being passed. Religion by nature is intolerant; it abhors difference. We have a new, successful effort through our legislature here in Iowa not only to monitor and control behavior, but to control beliefs — the beliefs opposing their beliefs. Fortunately or unfortunately we have a country that is made up of every possible religion and political belief found on the planet. The idea that one group will now impose its beliefs on the rest of us, is not only unconstitutional, but simply absurd. Regardless of the efforts, it isn’t going to happen.

Richard E. H. Phelps II Mingo

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Letters to the Jasper County Tribune will be edited for libel, grammar and length and should not exceed 400 words. We reserve the right to shorten letters and reject those deemed libelous, in poor taste or of a personal nature. Include your full name, address and a daytime phone number for verification. Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion of the writer or artist. Submit letters to news@jaspercountytribune.com or Newton News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208

who sees “the largesse of the taxpaying class” leading to “far fewer concerns about productive activity” than among those who prefer to spend time on pursuits “that will yield far more gain” than “joining some probably futile protest.”

Heavy financial subsidization, extending to even nominally private American institutions, does atrophy their resource-allocation acumen in, and outside, the classroom. However, as Loewen notes, funding pays for itself as “a bulwark of allegiance” to the state. While paralleling the “vastly extended schooling” of Castro’s Cuba and Maoist China, it results in a student body far more loyal to the USA than to the ghost of the USSR.

Ronald Radosh was haunted by that specter when he wrote of having been to New York’s “historic center of radical protest” in Union Square as a red-diaper baby from literal infancy. In the summer of 2001, he perceived a “growing irony” that May Day parades

were “the first step of my journey to America, a country where I was born but didn’t fully discover until middle age.” Ironically, that celebration originates with labor agitators not from the twentieth century Kremlin but nineteenth century Chicago. Hippolyte Havel pointed out that organizers like Albert Parsons and Dyer Lum drew upon American experience for ideas dismissed as “foreign poison imported into the States from decadent Europe.” For a century before Sheaffer suggested it, “pro-freedom” Americans inspired by the first May Day have been on the march “against government restrictions on our liberties.” As Liberty’s Benjamin Tucker recommended in 1884, their supporters need “not even gather in the streets but stay at home and stand back on their rights” to win them.

Joel Schlosberg is a senior news analyst at The William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism.

Biden vs. Trump - A partial voting guide: Part 2

By Steve Corbin

This is the second op-ed of a 2-part series, focusing on presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump. The first op-ed examined five major issues confronting the candidates and voters: immigration, abortion, NATO, Ukraine and Israel-Hamas-Gaza.

This meta compare and contrast analysis of 13 additional issues may assist voters come Nov. 5: Education: USA Today political experts see Trump wanting to give parents more control over local schools, “including the right to elect and fire school principals.” Trump has praised court rulings that target higher education affirmative action programs. Biden’s signature priorities have addressed student loan debt, denounced school book banning and scolded legislative bodies that attack LGBTQIA individual’s rights (April 13).

Climate change: Alan Blinder, professor of economics and public affairs at Princeton and former vice chairman of the Federal Reserve (1994-1996), wrote in his March 28 Wall Street Journal oped that Congress and Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act “contains the largest carbon-reduction measures in U.S. history. Donald Trump, by contrast, has called global warming a Chinese hoax.”

Jan. 6, 2020 insurrectionists: Donald Trump has stated that, if elected, he will pardon all of the 1,353 arrested and charged Jan. 6 US Capitol insurrectionists. To which, Karl Rove, GOP strategist, George W. Bush’s deputy chief of staff and weekly writer for The Wall Street Journal, called Trump’s pledge a “critical mistake . . . they’re thugs” (The Hill, April 4).

Unemployment and Jobs: During Donald Trump’s era as president, the unemployment rate was 6.4 percent while it is under

four percent during Biden’s term of office (Yahoo Finance, March 17). Manufacturing job growth: 6.5 percent with Biden and 3.4 percent under Trump (Poynter, March 5).

Stock market: Since Biden took office, the S&P stock index has risen 40 percent. At the same point in Trump’s presidential term, the S&P was up just 13 percent (Yahoo Finance, April 1).

National Debt: Biden’s presidency has increased national debt by $4.7 trillion (up 16.67 percent).

During Trump’s reign, the national debt increased by $8.18 trillion (up 40.43 percent) (Self Financial, Inc.).

Federal deficit: The deficit, the difference between the government’s income and expenses, added $7.8 trillion to the country’s debt during Trump’s presidency and $6.7 trillion under Biden’s leadership (PolitiFact, March 12).

Gross Domestic Product: GDP, a measure of all of the goods and services produced in the country, grew 14 percent during Trump’s presidency compared to 22 percent since Biden took office (Washington Post, Dec. 23, 2023).

Trade policy: Trump wants a 100 percent tariff on imported cars from China and Mexico, 10 percent across the board tariff and 60 percent tariff on Chinese goods. Biden believes in global trade with America’s 1,600 partners and Trump believes in isolationism. (Blinder, Wall Street Journal, March 28).

Tax policy: The Trump tax cuts of 2017 expire in 2025; Trump wants to extend the cuts by 10 years, estimated by the Congressional Research Service to cost about $3.5 trillion. Biden and the Democrats “want to pay for domestic priorities and reduce the budget deficit with higher taxes on the rich and corporations” (Blinder, March 28).

Infrastructure: In 2017 Trump’s proposed $1 trillion infrastructure

package never got off the ground (New York Times, May 22, 2019). On Nov. 6, 2021, Congress passed Biden’s $1.2 trillion bipartisan-approved Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will add about 1.5 million jobs for each of the next 10 years and address issues like clean water, reliable high-speed internet, roads, bridges, airports, ports, rail, pipelines, power grid and cyber-attacks.

2020 and 2024 elections: Even after 100 percent of America’s 8,000-plus election managers, 61 court cases and Bill Barr — Trump’s attorney general — all concluded the 2020 election results were valid, Trump “insists falsely that the 2020 election was stolen from him” (Blinder, The Wall Street Journal, March 28). Trump has already claimed the 2024 election will be rigged and people should not mail in their ballot, both of which greatly muddles the GOP’s get-out-thevote effort (Mariah Timms, Wall Street Journal, March 20).

Democracy vs. Authoritarianism: Matthew C. MacWilliams, in his exhaustive research at University of Massachusetts Amherst, has found “41 percent of Americans tend to favor authority, obedience and uniformity over freedom, independence and diversity” (Politico, Sept. 23, 2020). Eighty-two percent of voters are worried about America’s historic democracy (Morning Consult, Sept. 7, 2023). Hence, Biden-Trump’s democracy-authoritarianism posturing is for real. In this two-part op-ed series comparing and contrasting Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s respective presidential candidacy, 18 issues have been analyzed to give voters a better perspective as to who to vote for in the Nov. 5 election.

Don’t be among the third of voters who usually sit out the election — how unpatriotic is that? Vote! ContactSteve.B.Corbin@gmail.com

Police pups lend a helping paw — PAGE 7

Jasper County Sheriff

John Halferty — PAGE 8

Howard Holdefer

Memorial Bridge — PAGE 9

Police Week offers honor, remembrance and peer support, while allowing law enforcement, survivors and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

People from all walks of life work in law enforcement, where careers include dispatchers, crime scene technicians and police chiefs. The law enforcement field is vast and interesting, and the following are facts about those who protect and serve, courtesy of Fact Retriever, Kiddle, the National Law Enforcement Memorial Fund, and the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund.

• The deadliest day in law enforcement history was on September 11, 2001. Seventy-two officers were killed while responding to the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and other locations.

• In 1916, Georgia Ann Robinson became the first African American police woman.

• Law enforcement agencies are still staffed primarily with men. However, about 12 percent of sworn law enforcement officers in the U.S. are women.

• Police are trained in first aid and rescue because they usually are the first to arrive on the scene of an emergency.

• Police in the United States cannot make an arrest without probable cause and the intent to prosecute.

• The vast majority of Americans (71 percent) are satisfied with local police.

• Most officers (95 percent) never fire their service weapons on duty during their entire careers.

• 99.9 percent of police calls are resolved peacefully.

• Only about one-third of a police officer’s time is spent actually enforcing crime. Officers spend the majority of their time maintaining the peace and solving problems.

POLICE PUPS LEND A HELPING PAW

Sheriff’s office utilizes therapy dogs to ease the stress of staff and those in crisis

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Sheriff’s Office has two new recruits who play a pivotal role in improving the mental health of law enforcement officers and the people they help when responding to emergencies, even though these two deputies spend a majority of their time laying around, visiting with staff and, on occasion, chasing their tail.

This might not sound like the most productive schedule for a patrol officer on the department, but for the two pups in the county’s Crisis Response Therapy K9 team this is perfectly acceptable. They are trained therapy dogs and their presence is putting first responders and citizens more at ease in times of crisis.

Lt. Michael Gunsaulus and deputy T.J. Decker are the handlers of Poppy and Delta, respectively. Poppy is a Golden Retriever-Labrador mix and she keeps Gunsaulus on his toes with her curiosity and young spirit. Delta is a Golden Retriever who is more than content resting at Decker’s feet.

“She’s kind of a different dog when the vest comes off, because then it’s time to play,” Decker said. “When the vest is on, she’s pretty calm and pretty serious.”

Poppy and Delta are just over a year old. Poppy joined the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office through Crisis Canines of the Midlands, a local nonprofit whose goal is to place a dog in every county in Iowa to provide crisis response, peer support and street relief, and even be agency ambassadors for the community. Although Poppy was brought through the program at a young age with the expressed purpose of becoming a therapy dog for law enforcement, Delta

joined the program as an “outsider,” per se. She was Decker’s dog and at first Decker even put his name in to become a handler for Poppy.

Eventually, Delta was brought onto the program and participated in the trainings.

Both Gunsaulus and Decker still attend periodic trainings with their pups, honing their skills along the way. But these dogs are much different than a typical police department K9 unit used for drug detection and tracking. Oftentimes they are used to comfort those during or after a traumatic event that required law enforcement and/ or first responder intervention.

The following businesses

For instance, both Poppy and Delta were deployed to Des Moines-area hospitals after the school shooting incident at Perry High School earlier this year. Poppy and Delta also make appearances at local schools, and they are — to no one’s surprise — quite popular with the students.

“All the dogs in the program are doing different public events but also doing those crisis intervention and stuff like that,” Gunsaulus said, alongside Decker and the two pups in an interview with Newton News. “…The primary objective is to help the department, help staff and co-workers and

be used in debriefings.”

Neither Gunsaulus, who has worked 15 years in Jasper County, nor Decker, a newer recruit with two-and-a-half years in the sheriff’s office, have worked with dogs or headed a K9 unit in the past. But both did grow up with dogs. Decker even has a few others at home who don’t wear a badge and vest.

“I’ve had dogs my whole life growing up but nothing like this,” Decker said.

Gunsaulus said the people who benefit the most from having dogs on the team is the staff. When Poppy arrives to the sheriff’s office in the mornings, she has to make her

rounds. Her routine is to visit the front office staff, then dispatchers and periodically the jail staff.

Of course, Poppy’s and Delta’s secondary objective of helping people in times of crisis is very important, too. Everywhere they go, people are at ease.

“It’s a stress release,” Gunsaulus said, noting there are plenty of studies that show that animal-assisted crisis response is effective.

It’s a big job for these fourlegged ambassadors. But somebody’s gotta do it. And from the looks of their wagging tails, they’re happy to help.

Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune

From left: Jasper County Deputy T.J. Decker with Delta and Lt. Michael Gunsaulus with Poppy pose for a photo outside the county courthouse. Both Delta and Poppy are used as crisis canines to help relieve stress for staff and comfort victims during or after traumatic events.

IT HAS BEEN AN HONOR

By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune

For almost 40 years, Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty has served the public. A life-long Jasper County resident, Halferty has reached residents from Baxter to Monroe and everywhere in between during his time at the sheriff’s office and has been named the 2024 Law Enforcement Employee of the Year.

Early on, Halferty was interested in law enforcement after watching both his grandfather and uncle serve. After graduating from Newton High School in 1984, he attended DMACC and earned an AS degree in criminal justice while also interning with the Newton Police Department.

“In January 1987, I was offered a position as a police officer with Newton Police Department and attended the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy that spring. I worked nearly 11 years with Newton Police Department before accepting a position with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, under Sheriff Jim Verwers,” Halferty said. “I was very fortunate to have many opportunities, beginning with Newton Police Department. I was an instructor, field training officer, DARE instructor, School Resource Officer, Tactical Team member and Drug Task Force Officer.”

Once at the sheriff’s office, he was assigned as a drug task force officer. It was during that time the rise in methamphetamine production started and Halferty saw his share of clandestine labs.

“I was later appointed as chief deputy in 2000, under Sheriff Mike Balmer,” Halferty said. “I served in that position until 2012, when Sheriff Balmer retired and was elected to my first term as sheriff.”

As sheriff, Halferty has seen and done a lot in Jasper County. While there are difficult situations — from serious incidents that involve the death of a person or persons, people that are upset with him or his team members over a situation and he is responsible for mediating, watching significant events impact the citizens and county and struggling to work through these incidents

— there is also rewarding parts to the job.

“When we are able to help someone in need, or mediate a serious situation with a good outcome (that is rewarding),” Halferty said. “Also, the older I get the more I appreciate working in the county that I grew up in. You get to know a lot of people and form good relationships. My faith and family are my support team that help me when times get tough.”

With less than eight months left on duty, Halferty reflected that even when there have been many challenges and disappointments, his team has helped pull him through and been a blessing during his time in office.

“I have a great team that works here,

dedicated, professional and serving individuals that make it much easier to be sheriff,” Halferty said. “I was recently contacted by someone I have known since childhood. They sent me an encouraging note about my work as sheriff and also that they were doing well after many struggles in life. That simple message reinforced my desire to finish my law enforcement career with the same dedication and passion that I have tried to model.”

When Halferty isn’t on duty, he has stayed active in the community along with his wife, Kendra, whether it was coaching his kids sports or with youth programs at his church in Colfax.

“My wife, Kendra, and I, met in college and have been married since 1988.

PAYING TRIBUTE

Chief Mike German joined in the Prairie City Police Department in 2014, taking over as police chief in 2020. He died of complications from COVID-19 Jan. 13, 2022. His death was considered a line of duty death. His badge number, 292, was retired by the Prairie City City Council.

Lieutenant Patrick Richardson joined the Newton Police Department July 28, 1990. He was promoted to lieutenant May 10, 2010. Lieutenant Richardson suffered a fatal heart attack Sept. 1, 2013, when he was exercising for the department’s agility test.

Officer Bobby Barrickman joined the Newton Police Department July 1, 1974. Officer Barrickman was killed Sept. 30, 1979, in a traffic accident while on duty.

We have two children and four grandchildren,” Halferty said. “Kendra has been on the Jasper County Fair Board since 2004 and she and I help with activities there. I have also been a volunteer Firefighter/EMT with Mingo Fire since 2000. I have been appointed as Medical Examiner Investigator by Jasper County and continue to serve in that position when needed.”

After hanging up his badge for the final time. Halferty expects to continue serving the public and spending even more time with his family.

“For those that know me, I do not like to be idle,” Halferty said. “I love helping and serving others and am confident that an opportunity will present itself.”

Remembering those officers who made the ultimate sacrifice

Officer Dan McPherren joined the Newton Police Department Dec. 4, 1973. Officer McPherren was shot and killed Sept. 13, 1985, when he responded with other officers to a robbery at a grocery store.

Officer Donald Rusty Hewitt served the Prairie City Police Department until the time of his death Dec. 3, 1977. Officer Hewitt was killed in an automobile accident during a highspeed pursuit.

Reserve Captain Howard Holdefer served the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office until the time of his death Oct. 30, 1973. Reserve Captain Holdefer suffered a fatal heart attack while assisting other deputies in the arrest of three individuals near Reasnor.

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty is retiring at the end of the year, concluding a 38-year career in law enforcement, all in Jasper County.

Bridge over F-62 near Reasnor commemorates departed reserve deputy

By Christopher Braunschweig

Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty is glad that a bridge has now been renamed to honor the memory of reserve deputy captain Howard Holdefer — who died of a heart attack while on active duty more than 50 years ago — but what would make the sheriff even happier is if no more bridges had to be dedicated. It would mean no other officer would have had to make the ultimate sacrifice.

In Jasper County, Holdefer is one of six officers who have died on active duty. The others include Prairie City Police

Chief Mike German, Newton Lt. Patrick Richardson, Officer Dan McPherren, Officer Bobby Barrickman and Officer Donald “Rusty” Hewitt. Several of these officers have bridges dedicated to them.

When drivers travel over the bridges they can see their names clear as day, posted on sign for all to see. It’s a way to remember our fallen heroes. To forget their memory and their service to their communities would be a dishonor, which is why law enforcement from all over Jasper County regularly commemorate them.

During National Police Week it is customary for law enforcement to erect wreaths

for the departed officers. Holdefer’s portrait appears in one of those wreaths, and though he has been gone the longest he has not had a bridge named after him. Halferty sought to correct this and in this past year he finally received approval.

Halferty said Holdefer’s grandchildren contacted him after one of the memorial services and asked if there was a way to find a bridge to honor their grandfather.

Holdefer was originally from Colfax, but many of the bridges in that town had already been taken and named after other individuals. Halferty decided on the Highway F-62 bridge

over the South Skunk River near Reasnor, which is the town Holdefer was responding to when he suffered a fatal heart attack.

The bridge will now be known as the Howard Holdefer Memorial Bridge. Holdefer’s end of watch was Oct. 30, 1973. He was assisting his fellow deputies in arresting three individuals when he went into cardiac arrest.

Haflerty said it is important to recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“Not only did he make the ultimate sacrifice, he also was a reserve — so he was serving as a volunteer,” Halferty said. “Just as important, it’s import-

ant for his family and friends to know he won’t be forgotten and that we recognize that sacrifice and his memory and his service lives on through that.”

When people attend the National Police Week ceremony this year, Halferty hopes citizens not only remember officers like Holdefer but also anyone who has put on a uniform and selflessly served their community.

“We can reflect back on those sacrifices, but it should be our commitment in the law enforcement profession to make ourselves better and to provide better services to hopefully limit or even stop any line-ofduty deaths,” Haflerty said.

Christopher Braunschweig/ Jasper County Tribune

The Jasper County Reserve

Deputy Captain Howard W. Holdefer Memorial Bridge is located on Highway F-62 East. It goes over the South Skunk River and leads to the town of Reasnor.

C-M’s Hunsberger, Woods leap to state meet

STORY CITY — The PCM girls track and field team finished fourth and scored 78 points at the Class 2A state qualifying meet hosted by Roland-Story on May 9.

And almost all of that production came from the seven events that qualified for the state track and field meet.

Morgan Karr, Tiffani Koonce and Ayla Barrett all claimed individual wins, the Mustangs won a pair of relays and Abi Teeter clinched a spot as an individual as PCM trailed Woodward-Granger (80) by just two points for third place.

The top two finishers in

each Class 2A state qualifying meet earn automatic bids into the state meet and the next eight best times, distances and heights in each event secure atlarge bids.

Colfax-Mingo did not secure any at-large bids, but Grace Hunsberger heads to state for

the first time after securing a runner-up finish in the high jump. She tied PCM’s Ayla Barrett and a few others with the seventh-best qualifying leap of 5 feet, 1 inch.

Trinity Smith’s time of 1 minute, 12.84 seconds placed her fifth in the 400 hurdles.

Roland-Story won the meet with 112 points and Pella Christian (102.5) was second, while PCM edged Des Moines Christian (76) and South Hamilton (73) for fourth.

Iowa Falls-Alden (56), West Central Valley (48), Southeast Valley (37), Pleasantville (30), Eagle Grove (27) and Colfax-Mingo (20.5) completed the 12-team field.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Baxter junior Abbie Meyer finished fourth in the opening round of the Class 1A Region 5A tournament at Diamond Trail Golf Club on May 10. The top six individual finishers advanced to this week’s final round.

Meyer makes history for Baxter girls golf

LYNNVILLE — A career-best score from Abbie Meyer was enough to advance the Baxter junior to the final round of regionals on May 10.

Meyer was the lone area golfer to advance from the Class 1A Region 5A site at Diamond Trail Golf Club. The season ended for the rest of the Baxter girls golf team.

Meyer is the first female golfer in Baxter Bolts history to advance to the final round of regionals.

Baxter finished fourth as a team with a 512, while Lynnville-Sully was fifth with a 545. The sixth full team in the field was Grand View Christian, which shot a 557 in sixth.

Martensdale-St. Marys won the regional championship with a 406, while Nodaway Valley also advanced to the next round with a 429.

Southeast Warren completed the field with a 483. The top two teams and the top six individuals advanced to the 1A Region 5 final, which took place at Honey Creek Resort on May 15.

That group included Meyer, who finished fourth overall with a career-best and school-record 103. Rilynn Titus ended up 19th with a 133 and the other two counting scores were career bests from Hannah Huffaker (137) and Klaire Shanks (139).

Maddie Reimers started the round but could not finish due to illness.

Martensdale-St. Marys’ Kathryn Ballard won medalist honors with a 93. Nodaway Valley’s Ashlyn Gutierrez was the runner-up with a 98. It took a 104 to advance to the next round.

Meyer leads Bolts at Iowa Star Conference tournament

UNION — Meyer finished 16th overall to lead Baxter at the Iowa Star Conference tournament on May 6.

The Bolts finished in eighth place in the nine-team field with a 533. That was 13 shots better than Tripoli.

BCLUW put its top five golfers in the first seven positions and Lindsay Boeghly and Sydney Anderson were 1-2 in the final standings.

Boeghly was the meet medalist with an 81 and Anderson was the runner-up with an 86.

Meyer’s 16th-place finish came with a score of 111. Titus was next for Baxter with a 126 and the other two counting scores came from Shanks (144) and Huffaker (152). Reimers (156) had a non-counting score.

BCLUW won the conference championship with a 359, which was 62 shots in front of runner-up North Tama (421). Don Bosco (436), Waterloo

(480) and Clarksville (484)

the top five.

Woods joins Hunsberger in high jump at state meet

A banner day for the PCM boys track and field team resulted in state qualification in 11 events, five relays set season-best times and two set new school records as the Mustangs were second at a Class 2A state qualifier at Roland-Story High School on May 9. PCM won two events but piled up six runner-up finishes and were good enough to lock in three at-large berths.

Colfax-Mingo’s Xavier Woods locked up the Tigerhawks’ lone state berth when he finished second in the high jump.

Des Moines Christian won the meet title with 123 points,

while PCM finished second with 114. Iowa Falls-Alden (107), Roland-Story (69) and South Hamilton (67) completed the top five. Pella Christian (63), Pleasantville (52), Southeast Valley (44), West Central Valley (35), Woodward-Granger (27), Eagle Grove (24) and Colfax-Mingo (12) rounded out the 12-team field.

Woods secured a spot in the state meet with a leap of 5-10 in the high jump. Four jumpers hit that mark and its the 22nd best qualifying leap. Sullivan Wilkins also gave the Tigerhawks a sixth-place finish in the 800. He completed the two laps in a career-best 2:09.39.

Richardson leads Baxter boys at state track qualifier

BROOKLYN — Matt Richardson and Logan Rainsbarger both qualified for the state track and field meet in events they competed in last year.

Richardson added another state event this season and freshman Max Handorf joins him as the Baxter boys track and field team placed fifth in the Class 1A state qualifier hosted by BGM on May 9. Richardson was the lone area athlete who clinched an automatic bid, but Richardson and Handorf went 2-3 in the 1,600-meter run, Rainsbarger finished second in the 110 high hurdles and the Lynnville-Sully boys also advanced to state in the 4x100 relay.

Defending state champion Lisbon ran away with the team title, finishing with 174 points.

BCLUW (71.5) edged Iowa Valley (71) in second and the rest of the top five were North Cedar (69) and Baxter (67.5).

Lynnville-Sully (54) headlined the next group in a tie for sixth and the rest of the 14-team field featured English Valleys (54), Midland (40), Springville (34),

BGM (34), Calamus-Wheatland (29), GMG (17), HLV (13) and Prince of Peace (10).

Richardson locked up an automatic bid into the 1A state meet with a narrow win in the 1,600. Richardson edged English Valleys’ Gage Heyne by .09 seconds and won the race in a career-best and school-record time of 4 minutes, 35.62 seconds.

The winner of each event in 1A throughout all the meets in the state secure an automatic bid into the state meet.

The at-large bids go to the next 14 best times, distances and heights in each event. Richardson’s 1,600 time was the third-fastest qualifying mark in 1A and it moves into the top 12 in 1A overall. Heyne (9:54.75) edged Richardson in the 3,200 earlier in the night.

But Richardson’s career-best and school-record time of 9:57.48 was good enough for second and another state berth.

Handorf secured his at-large state bid in third with a time of 10:20.1. Richardson’s 3,200 time was the fifth-best qualifying time and Handorf’s ranked 17th.

Russell headlines Baxter girls with three state track bids

BROOKLYN — Camryn Russell was the only area female athlete who clinched an automatic bid into the state track and field meet during a Class 1A state qualifier at BGM High School on May 9.

Russell, a Baxter sophomore, won the 100-meter hurdles to clinch an automatic bid into the state meet and then found out one day later she also will return to state in the long jump and will anchor the shuttle hurdle relay on the blue oval.

Lisbon (104.5) edged BCLUW (103.5) by one point to win the meet championship.

The rest of the top five featured English Valleys (78) and HLV (70) and Baxter was sixth with 65 points.

The 13-team field also included Springville (45), Iowa Valley (44), Midland (38), Calamus-Wheatland (37), North Cedar (24), GMG (17) and BGM (11).

The meet had timing issues and the 100-, 200- and 800-meter runs all were hand timed, which adds .24 seconds to each athlete’s time. The 4x400 relay also didn’t start until 11 p.m.

Russell returns to the state meet in both the 100 hurdles and the long jump.

Her time of 16.1 seconds won the 100 hurdles and clinched an automatic bid into the state meet. Russell was second in the long jump with a leap of 15 feet, 10 1/2 inches.

Russell’s 100 hurdle time is the eighth fastest qualifying mark in 1A and her 1510 1/2 is the 19th best.

Baxter’s final state qualifying event will be the shuttle hurdle relay. The foursome of Grace Anderegg, Kendall Brummel, Rossi Swihart and Russell finished third in a season-best and school-record 1:12.17, which ranks as the 19th-fastest qualifying time.

The Bolts’ other runner-up finish came from Makayla True. She was second in the 1,500 (5:35.15) and placed third in the 3,000 (12:09.24).

Avery Wonders took fourth in the 200 and her official converted time was 28.24. Brummel was fourth in the 400 hurdles in 1:16.54. Jocelyn Harder set a new career best in the discus and placed fifth with a toss of 95-1.

Baxter’s 4x800 and distance medley relay teams both finished fifth.

Regan Russell, Morgan Ratliff, Gwen Tichy and Caydence Sulzle stopped the clocked in the 4x800 relay in 11:53.67 and the distance medley relay group of Alyvia Burdess, Camden Moffit, Ratliff and Brummel posted a time of 5:02.67.

Jasper County Tribune

Hunsberger Woods

Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Tribune

Richardson

C. Russell

Christian

completed

Jasper County Tribune

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter sophomore Rilynn Titus chips onto a green at Diamond Trail Golf Club during the Class 1A Region 5A tournament on May 10.

BOYS

C-M girls end season at regionals

ELDORA — Meredith

Chipps led all area golfers at the Class 2A Region 4B tournament at Pine Lake Country Club on May 10.

But the seasons for both the PCM and Colfax-Mingo girls golf teams ended short of advancement.

The top two teams and the top six individuals advance to the next round of regionals. It took a 99 to advance as an individual.

Jesup won the tournament with a 395 and Grundy Center also advanced with a 402.

The rest of the field featured host South Hardin (416), Hudson (464), PCM (472), East Marshall (482) and Colfax-Mingo (544).

Colfax-Mingo was led by Lily Brenner (114) and Charlotte Donahue (115). The other counting scores came from Emily Dyer (157) and Chloe Clements (158).

Jesup’s Morgan Krall won medalist honors with an 88 and South Hardin’s Bella Keaveny shot a 91 as the runner-up.

C-M’s Brenner, Donahue headline Tigerhawks at SICL tournament

OSKALOOSA — Brenner and Donahue finished in the top seven to lead Colfax-Mingo to a second-place finish at the South Iowa Cedar League tournament on May 6.

The Tigerhawks and Montezuma both shot 465, but C-M was the runner-up due to having a fifth golfer.

Brenner and Donahue both shot 101 at the par 70 Oskaloosa Golf Course.

Brenner finished sixth and Donahue was seventh, while Lillie Jones (130) and Dyer (131) had the other counting scores. Clements (180) turned in a non-counting score.

BGM won the SICL team championship with a 446. Iowa Valley and HLV both shot 485 to round out the top five.

North Mahaska’s Aly Steil was the meet medalist with an 84.

The Bolts’ season ended short of advancement.

Travis’ school record not enough for Baxter boys golf

LYNNVILLE — Lynnville-Sully senior Keegan DeWitt finished seventh in the final standings but missed out on a district tournament berth by one stroke during a Class 1A sectional tournament on May 8.

DeWitt led the Hawks with a 79 at the par 72 Diamond Trail Golf Club, but Lynnville-Sully and Baxter ended their seasons short of advancement.

Hillcrest Academy won the sectional title with a 313, while BGM locked up the second district berth with a 315.

Montezuma was two strokes back in third, but the Braves grabbed the two individual district qualifying spots.

The top two teams and the top two

individuals from non-qualifying teams advanced to districts.

Lynnville-Sully finished fourth in the six-team field with a 349, while North Mahaska (351) and Baxter (375) competed the lineup.

Treyton Travis led Baxter with a career-best and school-record 86. Cade Robinson (94) and Stadan Vansice (95) also posted career-best scores and Hudson Bethards (100) had the final counting score.

Hillcrest Academy had the medalist and runner-up medalist. Rowan Miller won the tournament with a 2-under-par 70 and Liam Shrock shot a 73 in second.

Montezuma’s Cruz DeJong and Jack Erselius both shot 78s to advance as individuals.

Central Iowa United girls down Perry

STATE CENTER — Colfax-Mingo sophomore Lilyan

Hadsall’s hat trick led the Central Iowa United girls soccer team to a come-from-behind win over Perry on May 9.

Central Iowa United trailed the Lady Jays 2-0 at halftime but scored four times in the final 40 minutes during a 4-2 victory in Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference play.

Hadsall scored three times and Colfax-Mingo freshman Brooklyn Yanske scored the other goal to lead the hosts.

Colfax-Mingo sophomore Emmalyn Buchman and Baxter freshman Ashlyn Finch had one assist apiece and C-M senior Cassidy Smith tallied nine saves.

Central Iowa United (4-10, 2-1 in the conference) registered 23 shots and seven shots on goal in the win. Perry dropped to 4-13 overall and 1-2 in the conference.

West Central Valley 5,

Central Iowa United 0

Sara Titkova registered a hat trick and Meleah Speichinger

also scored twice and had one assist as West Central Valley downed Central Iowa United on May 10. The Wildcats (6-10) led the non-conference match 3-0 at halftime as Titkova made it 1-0 in the 7th minute and 3-0 in the 40th minute. She completed the hat trick with 6:38 to play in the match.

Pella Christian 5, Central Iowa United 1

Yanske scored Central Iowa United’s goal and Hadsall delivered the assist, but Pella Christian led 3-1 at halftime and scored twice in the second half during a 5-1 non-conference road win on May 6. Smith made nine saves, and CIU tallied 14 shots and put six on goal. Hadsall tallied her team-leading sixth assist. Esther Ford registered two goals and one assist for the Ea-

gles (8-7) and Danie Roose made six saves.

BOYS

Bondurant-Farrar 1, Central Iowa United 0

BONDURANT — Neither Central Iowa United nor Bondurant-Farrar found the back of the net during regulation or two overtime periods, but the Bluejays escaped with a 1-0 win in a shootout on May 6.

Central Iowa United took 12 shots and put six of them on goal. Lucas Barnes made 12 saves and now has 116 this season, which ranks sixth in Class 3A.

West Central Valley 8, Central Iowa United 1 STATE CENTER — Nate Gerling scored twice and made six saves during his 71 minutes in goal, and West Central Valley scored four times in each half and downed Central Iowa United 8-1 on May 10. Aiden Brandon also scored twice and Gabe Gerling dished out two assists. The Wildcats (11-3) attempted 22 shots and put 12 on goal.

Bracewell leads C-M boys in season-ending tournament

PELLA — Cael Bracewell led the Colfax-Mingo boys golf team at its Class 2A sectional tournament on May 8, but the Tigerhawks’ season ended short of districts.

Pella Christian, one of the top teams in 2A, won the sectional title with a 328, while Pleasantville also advanced to districts with a 354.

The rest of the field fea-

The Tigerhawks finished seventh in the eight-team field with a 423. They were better than Central Decatur, which shot a 471 at Bos Landen Golf Course.

tured Woodward-Granger (368), Grand View Christian (370), Van Meter (378) and Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (420).

The top two teams and the top two individuals not on a qualifying team advance to districts.

Pella Christian’s Isaiah Breems and Eliot Menninga both shot 80s at the top of the leaderboard. Bracewell led C-M with a 100, while the other counting scores came from Cason Fitch (105), Shane Hostetter (109) and Jared Lewis (109). Joe Earles (115) and Luke Padgett (129) had non-counting scores. It was the 18-hole debut for Padgett.

C-M track teams end regular season at L-S coed

SULLY — Hendrick Lowry won two individual events, Corder Noun Harder was part of two victories and the Lynnville-Sully boys track and field team placed second at the L-S Hawk Coed Last Chance Meet on May 6. The Hawks grabbed five wins and tallied 12 topthree finishes but were five points back of Pekin.

Pekin won the meet title with 132 points, while Lynnville-Sully scored 127 in second. The rest of the top five featured BCLUW (90), West Marshall (72) and Belle Plaine (68).

The remaining seven-team field

Boys Track

Continuedfrompage9

Rainsbarger returns to the state meet in the 110 high hurdles. He was the runner-up on May 9 in 15.95, and that was the 18th-best qualifying time. Lincoln Betterton (17.31) placed sixth in the event. The next-best finishes for Baxter came in the 4x200 and distance medley relays.

included GMG (47) in sixth and Colfax-Mingo (31) in seventh. The Tigerhawks were led by a 2-5 finish in the 800 from Sullivan Wilkins (2:10.07) and Owen Ament (career-best 2:25.86).

Izaiah Lewis also was fourth in the 400 in a career-best 58.3 seconds, Davion Long (26.26) finished fifth in the 200, Kyle Wood (20.02) placed fifth in the 110 high hurdles and Wyatt Thornton (career-best 12.87) came in sixth in the 100.

Smith, Cook lead C-M girls at L-S coed Tatum Huyser won a pair of in-

The 4x200 relay team of Treyton Travis, Cainan Travis, Rainsbarger and Cody Samson placed fourth in 1:38.14 and the distance medley relay team of Treyton Travis, Cainan Travis, Samson and Richardson took fourth in 3:51.71. Logan Jones and Samson started both the 4x400 and 4x800 relays. They were joined by Handorf and Richardson in the 4x800 and finished fifth in 8:55.28 and Rainsbarger and Cainan Travis finished the 4x400 with the Bolts finishing

dividual events and anchored two relays to wins, Carsyn McFarland was part of three victories and the Lynnville-Sully girls track and field team scored 144 points in second at the L-S Hawk Coed Last Chance Meet on May 6.

Pekin (155) was 11 points better at the top of the standings, but the Hawks tallied six wins and 16 topthree finishes.

Belle Plaine (99), Colo-NESCO (62), GMG (43) and Colfax-Mingo (17) complèted the six-team field.

Colfax-Mingo was led by runner-up finishes from Trinity Smith and Emma Cook.

Cook registered a career-best mark in the shot put and placed second with a throw of 31-6 1/2.

Smith and Lily Webster finished 2-6 in the 400 hurdles. Smith ran a career-best time of 1:12.75 and Webster finished in 1:28.4.

fifth in 3:48.62. Cael Wishman finished fifth in the 100 in 12.26 seconds and Carter Smith placed fifth in the discus with a toss of 127 feet, 6 inches.

There were plenty of timing issues throughout the night and the 100 was even ran twice after meet officials began the race from the wrong starting line.

The 100, 200 and 800 also were hand timed, which adds .24 seconds to each athlete’s time. The 4x400 relay did not start until 11 p.m.

Baxter junior Abbie Meyer finished fourth at the Class 1A Region 5A tourney on May 10 and became the first female golfer in Baxter Bolts history to reach the final round of regionals. She carded a school-record 103 and also led the Bolts at the ISC tourney.

Abbie Meyer

Jasper County Tribune

Wilkins Cook

Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Tribune

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter sophomore Stadan Vansice shoots the ball down the fairway at Diamond Trail Golf Club during the Class 1A sectional tournament on May 8.

Jasper County Tribune

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Colfax-Mingo senior goalie Cassidy Smith boots the ball downfield for the Central Iowa United girls soccer team on May 10. West Central Valley defeated CIU 5-0 at West Marshall High School.

Secondary Roads Budget Amendment YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to close the Public Hearing FY2024 Secondary Roads Budget Amendment Motion by Stevenson seconded by Cupples to waive the second & third public hearings YEA: TALSMA STEVENSON, CUPPLES Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to approve the FY2024 Secondary Roads Budget Amendment YEA: CUPPLES, STEVENSON, TALSMA Engineer Mike Frietsch presented a Resolution for FY2024 County Five Year Road Plan Motion by Cupples, seconded by Stevenson to adopt Resolution 24-50 FY2024 County Fi ve Year Road Plan YEA: STEVENSON, TALSMA CUPPLES A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the Office of the Jasper County Auditor. Engineer Frietsch also presented bids for HMA Resurfacing with Milling of E 142nd St S, South of S 12th Ave E. Manatt's Inc. .....$157,436.78 Inroads LLD. $166,166.00 Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to approve the low bid from Manatt's Inc in the amount of $157,436.78, for HMA Resurfacing with Milling of E 142nd St S, South of S 12th Ave E. YEA: CUPPLES, TALSMA STEVENSON Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to approve the quote for 4 Snap-Tite Culvert Liners from Denco Highway Construction, in the amount of $33,579.74

YEA: TALSMA CUPPLES

STEVENSON Motion by Stevenson seconded by Cupples to approve the Aging Resources of Central Iowa 2025 & 2026 Contract YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to approve the MOU Agreement between Jasper County Iowa & Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship (IDALS). YEA: TALSMA, STEVENSON, CUPPLES Motion by Stevenson, seconded by Cupples to adopt Resolution 24-51 to Ratify & Confirm Changes made to the Hilltop Estates Urban Renewal Plan & the Notice of Public Hearing for the Development Agreement with Platinum Development Co LLC YEA: CUPPLES, TALSMA STEVENSON A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the Office of the Jasper County Auditor. Motion by Cupples, seconded by Stevenson to adopt Resolution 24-52 Approving Transfer Order 1518. A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the Office of the Jasper County Auditor. Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson for approval of claims paid through April 23, 2024 YEA: TALSMA, CUPPLES, STEVENSON Motion by Cupples, seconded by Stevenson to approve the Board of Supervisors minutes for April 16, 2024 YEA: STEVENSON, TALSMA CUPPLES There were no Board Appointments. Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to adjourn the regular meeting and enter into the work session. Connie McQuiston, General Assistance Director discussed the need to increase rates paid for those needing assistance. Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to adjourn the Tuesday April 23, 2024, meeting of the Jasper County Board of Supervisors YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Teresa Arrowood, Deputy Auditor Brandon Talsma Chairman May 13

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF TH E BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF JASPER COUNTY IN TH E STATE OF IOWA, ON THE MATTER OF THE PROPOSAL TO ENTER INTO A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH PLATINUM DEVELOPMENT CO., L.L.C. AND THE HEARING THEREON

PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Jasper County in the State of Iowa, will hold a public hearing on May 21 2024, at 9:30 A.M. in the Supervisors Room County Courthouse, 101 1st Street N, Newton, Iowa, at which meeting the Board proposes to take action on the proposal to enter into a Development Agreement (the "Agreement") with Platinum Development Co L.L.C. (the "Developer").

The Agreement would obligate the Developer to construct certain Minimum Improvements (as defined in the Agreement) on certain real property located within the Hilltop Estates Urban Renewal Area as defined and lega lly described in the Agreement, consisting of the construction of 2 Housing Units and certain Infrastructure Improvements to serve the Housing Units including On-site Improvements and Off-site Improvements under the terms and following satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Agreement.

The Agreement would obligate the City to make up to ten (10) annual payments of Economic Development Grants to Developer in the amount of 100% of the Tax Increment generated by the construction of the Minimum Improvements and collected pursuant to Iowa Code Section 403.19 less the required LMI set-aside, starting the first fiscal year in which Tax Increment generated by the construction of the Minimum Improvements is collected pursuant to Iowa Code Section 403.19 and ending upon the earlier of (i) after ten (10) annual Economic Development Grants have been paid, (ii) the maximum cumulative total of the Grants has been paid, (iii) the ability to collect Tax Increment terminates or (iv) the Agreement is terminated pursuant to its terms. The maximum cumulative total for all Economic Development Grants is not to exceed the lesser of (i) the aggregate amount of the Qualified Costs and Expenses incurred by Developer for constructing the On-Site Improvements, (ii) $321,000, or (iii) the amount of Tax Increment available under the schedule and formula set forth in the Agreement during the 10-year period.

The Agreement would further obligation the City to provide one (1) Benchmark Grant to Developer, in the amount of the lesser of $315,000 or the Qualified Costs and Expenses incurred in constructing the OffSite Improvements after the Developer has completed the Infrastructure Improvements and two Housing Units and subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement. A copy of the Agreement is on file for public inspecti on during regular business hours in the office of the County Auditor, Courthouse, Jasper Iowa At the above meeting the Board shall receive oral or written objections from any resident or property owner of said County to the proposal to enter into the Agreement with the Developer After all objections have been received and considered, the Board will at this meeting or at any adjournment thereof take additional action on the proposal or will abandon the proposal to authorize said Agreement This notice is given by order of the Board of Supervisors of Jasper County in the State of Iowa as provided by Sections 331.301(5) and 331.305 Code of Iowa Dated this 23 day of April, 2024.

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