JCT-05-30-2024

Serving Colfax

Mingo • Baxter

Western Jasper County

Forever a Bolt

After 28 great years, Baxter High School Principal Rob Luther calls it a career

the football team as a coach, making him a certified fixture in the community.

If there was ever a “Mr. Bolt,” it is Rob Luther. For almost 30 years, Luther has led not only the high school as principal but

Having been in Baxter since 1998, Luther walked through the doors for his final last day of school May 24, marking the end

of a memorable career.

A Maxwell High School graduate, Luther attended Missouri Southern State University where he played basketball and LUTHER | 3

Wild winds wallop Jasper County

Severe weather hits Colfax, Mingo and western Jasper County in early morning storm May 24

In what is starting to feel like an endless cycle, Jasper County residents were once again cleaning up from a severe weather event that rolled through in the early hours of May 24. The storm, which uprooted trees, inverted power lines and left a layer of debris to be picked up, came just days after torrential rains caused flooding in the streets and pushed rivers out of their banks.

“The recent severe weather has significantly impacted the west side of Jasper

WEATHER | 3

Honoring those who gave it all

Age 51

Hometown: Colfax

1. Introduce yourself to Jasper County voters and tell us why you’re running.

Age: 40

Hometown: Baxter

1. Introduce yourself to Jasper County voters and tell us why you’re running.

Age: 47

Hometown: Grinnell

My name is Jeremy Burdess and I am a lifelong resident of Jasper County, having grown up and lived most of my life in Colfax. I have been in law enforcement for the past 14 years. I spent 10 years with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office serving in a number of different roles there. The last two years I have been the chief of police for the City of Colfax. I am running for Jasper County sheriff because I believe the sheriff’s office and the communities of Jasper County need a fresh perspective, new ideas and a sheriff that will prioritize proactive policing to provide its citizens with a safe place to live and work. The ALS program has grown into a program that is extremely beneficial to the communities in our county. Due to the growth of the program it is my opinion that the program needs to be operated as its own entity and not run through the sheriff’s office. I believe that a focus group comprised of county officials and EMS leaders through-

My name is Tracy Cross, I am a fifth generation Jasper County resident. The Cross family homesteaded outside of what is Baxter today in 1857. I am married to Jennifer Cross and have three daughters who will be the fourth generation to graduate from Baxter. My faith, family, and Jasper County are the three most important things me. We are very involved in our church and our community. After spending my adult career as a tradesman, I was called into law enforcement in 2015 to serve a bigger purpose and calling. I started as a police officer in Baxter in 2015, and in 2017 I became a Deputy at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Through hard work, consistency, and dedication, I was promoted to Sergeant in 2020. I am currently the team leader for the Central Iowa Regional Tactical team, Jasper County Emergency Services Honor Guard Member and Treasurer, oversee the Sheriff’s Office field training program, and was a handler of retired K9 Deputy Nuke.

1. Introduce yourself to Jasper County voters and tell us why you’re running. I am Brad Shutts, a lieutenant with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. I am a 28-year veteran of law enforcement with 22 of those years with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office where I have been involved in numerous roles and responsibilities. I am running for Jasper County sheriff with a strong passion for law enforcement that began as a young child who grew up in a law enforcement family, with my father serving as a deputy sheriff for 29 years. I strive to serve the Jasper County community every day and will continue to support and stand for the freedom and liberties of all Jasper County citizens.

2. What do you feel the role of the county sheriff’s office should be, especially when considering the addition of the ALS program?

The sheriff by Iowa law is the 2nd highest law enforcement official in the county following the county attorney. The sheriff is a representative of the courts and is responsible for the execution of the orders of

Burdess Cross Shutts

By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune Uprooted trees took down powerlines after storms rolled through the morning of May 24 in Colfax.

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

A principal, a coach and many more titles along the way, Baxter Principal Rob Luther is retiring after 28 years serving the district.

By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune

Colfax Historical Society

The Colfax Historical Society meeting was called to order at 6:59 p.m. May 20 by President Kevin Williams and he thanked everyone for attending. Members present were: BJ Williams, Karen Russell, Steve and Cindy L. Van Dusseldorp, Stanley Daft, Larry and Charlet Daft, Rachel Wilty, Don and Joyce Jessen, Larry Hurto, Deb Coulson and Chris Smith filling in for our facility manager. Minutes of the April 15 meeting were read. Treasurer’s report presented.

A thank you note was read from the family of Christopher Todd Smith.

Chris Smith will also be helping Kevin with installing the security camera system.

Aaron will be helping Joyce, Peggy, Deb and Cindy L. with learning the Past Perfect Program and will work out the dates and times they will meet.

Club News

Further discussion was held of annual events and those mentioned were: a possible program in September or October, by Michael Huston who is extremely knowledgeable about many aspects of the Civil War, the Election Day Soup Supper on Nov. 5, Christmas movie with Larry D. in charge of activities, cookies and hot chocolate will be served and possibly Santa to arrive.

Kevin submitted an application for the endowment-type grant by the Geisler-Penquite Foundation Grant and we received an e-mail that we didn’t make the break. If they choose, they may open again.

Peggy and Cindy L. have volunteered to audit the 2023 books.

There was a lot of discussion about the fact that we need to get the items out of the semi that we want in the building addition and get rid of the stuff we don’t want. Stanley was going to call

Jim Warnock and see if he knew who owns the semi. Help will be needed on June 1 and June 2.

There was discussion and Cindy L. made the motion to purchase a sweeper, seconded by Stanley, motion carried.

We will be open the second Saturday of the month on June 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The volunteers will be Charlet and Larry from 10 a.m. to noon and from noon until 2 p.m. will be Cindy L. and Karen. Admission is free.

We will have the museum open on Sundays now from 2 to 4 p.m. and ending on Sunday, Sept. 3. The next Sunday open is June 2 with Kevin and BJ volunteering to be there. The following Sunday, June 9 will be Tranquillity and Joyce. The next Sunday, June 16 will be Charlet and Larry Daft.

Next meeting will be on Monday, June 17 at 7 p.m. It is open to anyone who would like to attend.

Iowa lawmakers’ $2 billion tax cuts put services ‘at risk’

Mark Moran Iowa News Service

The latest state tax cuts are expected to cost Iowa more than $2 billion in revenue over the next two years. Advocates for tax fairness argued lawmakers are not considering the longterm consequences of the cuts on schools, workers, and livability.

In the face of a dwindling population and shrinking tax base, Iowa lawmakers doubled down on tax cuts this year, and also passed a measure calling for a constitutional amendment to require any state income tax to be a single rate.

Anne Discher, executive director of Common Good Iowa, said lawmakers chose to cut taxes despite the state’s growing economic demands like funding Educational Savings Accounts, which allow parents to use public education dollars to pay for private school.

“I understand that in a vacuum, tax cuts can sound pretty good to folks,” Discher acknowledged. “But when you really have a serious conversation about tradeoffs, the popularity of

FranciscoJavier/Adobe Stock Iowa will consider amending its state Constitution to require a flat state income tax.

tax cuts is a lot less clearcut.”

Lawmakers also passed a cluster of bills to accelerate cuts in the state income tax rate from 3.9 percent to 3.8 percent, which Discher argued will have longterm economic effects.

Supporters of the tax cut measures, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, have promised more fiscal austerity.

The deeper tax cuts mean an average reduction of about $6 to

someone in the bottom 20 percent of the income bracket, $402 for the middle 20 percent, and more than $20,000 for someone making more than $1.5 million a year. Lawmakers said they plan to cover the tax cuts with Iowa’s budget surplus, which Discher called shortsighted.

“The moment in which that’s really going to impact services can be pushed out, right?”

Discher noted. “But the thing about surpluses is

they are one-time money, and you can’t count on them in the long run. And so, when the surpluses are gone, we’re going to be looking at a level of tax cuts that are really going to put a lot of important services at risk.”

Discher contends implementing a flat-rate income tax would be regressive and hurt lower-income Iowans most. Supporters counter it would be more fair and efficient.

Newton Municipal Band to open concert series

The Newton Municipal Band will open the Newton Parks and Recreation’s Concerts in the Park series at 7 p.m. May 30 at the Fred Maytag Bowl in Maytag Park.

The Newton Municipal Band has a long history in Newton, with its forerunners going as far back as 1891. Fred Maytag donated funds for a bandshell in the mid-1930s, and the band has called Fred Maytag Bowl home since.

This year’s band includes musicians from high school age through beyond age 80, who love to play music. Come to the park to enjoy this first concert of the season, directed by Jim Beerends. Fred Chabot will serve as Master of Ceremonies. Bring lawn chairs and/or blankets for a great evening.

The band is always ready to welcome new members. Anyone wishing to join or to learn more about the band, contact Pam Andrews at 641-792-9583.

Burdess

Continuedfrompage1 out the county should review this program and see how it can best serve our communities.

The Sheriff’s Office can improve communication literally by meeting with residents, county departments and other agencies and having conversations about expectations and not making assumptions.

I do not feel the sheriff’s office is meeting the needs of employees or citizens. There is a lack of communication with everyone. With the inception of the ALS program a lot of focus has been put into this and as a result the law enforcement side of the sheriff’s office, their primary function, has suffered and is not meeting the needs of the communities.

The county budget will be a concern to make sure that the necessary programs, equipment, etc are able to be funded. Staffing is an ongoing issue with constant turnover. The new sheriff needs to think outside the box to hire, develop and retain qualified, quality employees.

The sheriff’s office needs a leader that will prioritize his employees, the citizens and the communities in Jasper County over himself and his position. They need a leader that will move Jasper County forward and not settle for “ I think we are doing a good job” there is always room for improvement. They need a leader who will listen to others and not think that their way is the only way. Jasper County needs a leader who will be proactive to prevention as well as enforcement.

Enjoy outdoor programs at NSNWR

Wildflower and Wildlife

Photography Walk

Join photographer Mike Cox for a guided walk along the half-mile Oak Savanna loop trail to learn photography tips while viewing the plants and animals that reside in the endangered oak savanna ecosystem. The program is scheduled at 8 a.m. Saturday at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. The trail has gradual inclines with a gravel surface.

Second Saturday Stewardship

Join staff and volunteers to do trail maintenance and invasive species removal from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 8

at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers will use hand tools to clear trails and remove invasive plants. Learn about Iowa’s native ecosystems and wildlife while providing a helping hand. Volunteers must sign a volunteer agreement and a volunteer under the age of 18 must have a parent or

legal guardian fill out and sign the form. Volunteers ages 16 or older are permitted to use hand tools.

Volunteers are required to wear pants, closed shoes suitable for field work, a long sleeve shirt and bring a refillable water bottle. Contact Nancy Corona for additional information at nancy_co -

rona@fws.gov or call 515994-3400. Bird Watching and Bagels Walk

Enjoy an introduction to the world of bird watching beginning at 8

a.m. Saturday, June 15 at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Free loaner binoculars will be available for check-out and free bagels and coffee will be provided after the walk. Contact Nancy Corona for additional information on any of these activities or to register at nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400.

File Photo

The Newton Municipal Band opens the Newton Parks and Recreation’s Concerts in the Park series at 7 p.m. May 30 at the Fred Maytag Bowl in Maytag Park. Jim Beerends will direct the first performance of the season.

participated in theater. It was the latter where his dreams lie, not the path of education he would eventually follow.

“No one would believe it if I told them,” Luther said. “I’d always loved doing the musicals and plays in high school. I was a theater major in college and as soon as I graduated I went to New York to go be famous and make a life on Broadway. I worked out there for about two-anda-half years, did some plays, did some shows and had another job. I learned quickly that missing family and a lot of reasons brought me back.”

Upon returning from the Big Apple, Luther wasn’t sure what he would do next. Luckily, a theater professor told him while in college that while a theater degree is great, there isn’t a lot he could do with it and a backup plan would be a good idea. Luther listened and got his education degree as well, just in case.

“I bounced around at a couple of jobs I didn’t like and I decided just to sub,” Luther said. “I thought I would just sub theater classes. The first day I was in there I subbed, came back the second day and somebody from the district office came in and said, ‘Hey, we have a theater longterm sub job, would you be interested?’ I did that and before it was done that principal hired me to go on to another school. I spent four to five years in Des Moines doing theater and coaching.”

Wanting to further his coaching career, when Maxwell Superintendent Rick Sullivan called and said the CMB head football coach position was open, Luther was interested. The position came with a newly created dean of student role, one that Luther didn’t know a lot about but was willing to learn.

“Ironically, that year the Baxter High School principal job came open in the spring of 1998 for the 98-99 school year. The superintendent here, Neil Seals, who is a huge mentor and a lot of the reason I’m still sitting here, asked if I wanted to apply, saying there are no guarantees,” Luther said. “I said I don’t even have my admin degree and he said let’s just go through the process. I get the position, so I was actually seated as a principal without ever taking a principal class. I started right away because then you could get a waiver to do it before you got your degree. I went to Drake and two or three years later I had it and I’ve never left.”

Luther said luck has helped out a lot along his journey. From finding his way back to Iowa to getting an ideal career near his hometown, each step has fallen into place culminating in a great career.

“I don’t know how many theater major football coaches there are around, but I’m just lucky,” Luther said. “I thought I’ll do this for three or four years but every time I looked at another job or was offered one there were so many better reasons to stay. This is a really awesome place. You always think the grass is greener and every time it comes back to what I am looking for that I don’t have and there is really nothing outside of a bigger school. But bigger isn’t always better.”

Through his career in education there have been many changes not only with technology but how public education is viewed and treated. At Baxter, Luther has found almost unwaivering support from the community which made it easy to make a career in the small town in northern Jasper County.

“I think education is still changing rapidly and maybe not for the better. It is tough, but one thing I can say about this school, this community, this board, our kids, I feel kind of like we are bucking the trend. These negative changes are out

there and we see them but we just keep doing what we are doing and it is working. I feel talking to colleagues we are the rarity and not the norm,” Luther said. “Our building has changed. We have a beautiful high school. You have to stay up with the Jones’. You feel like you are doing it right for the kids. What it is really about when you start to see what the teachers are doing, what is going on inside of the school, which is some really good stuff.”

Looking back to the start of his time in the classroom, Luther has a funny story about his thought on the internet. While it is such an integral part of life now, in the mid-1990s the world wide web wasn’t quite the need as it is now.

“I was at Goodrell Middle School in 1993-1994 and I got a sheet in my box that said we have an after school professional development on this thing called the internet. I was talking to a couple of my coaching friends on if we were going to go to it and I said, ‘No, I have to go coach football. This is goofy, we’re never going to be able to communicate with people on these computer things,’” Luther said. “Then, I look back and think what a dumb comment. The Chromebook, phones, now we are battling AI. Technology has changed. Some for way the better, but it takes up a lot of time to make sure we’re getting technology right.”

Luther has seen a lot in his time in Baxter. From coaching as the CMB Raiders to splitting and creating the Baxter Bolts, it has always been a challenge. With the district in a good place, Luther finally felt it was time for him to pass the reins.

“I could have went last year but there was some changes were happening. I talked to the board and they said we want you to do what you want to do but if you go one more it lets us prepare,” Luther said. “I wasn’t in a hurry to get out of here but I started on my first principal job when I was 30, and I’ll be 58 in July. That’s a

lot. Thirty is really young. It is a really rewarding job, but it can be a grind.”

Thankfully, the highs have more than outweighed the lows. Serving in Baxter has been a great experience for Luther and he wouldn’t trade it for anything.

“I feel like I have been on 28 years of the honeymoon period,” Luther said. “There have been mistakes and a million things but I always feel like I have been treated fairly here and right and supported.”

Even as great as it has been, Luther knows it’s time to move on to the next phase of his life. With all five of his kids now graduated from college and his first kid’s wedding just taking place, he is ready for the next adventures waiting for him in retirement.

“I am ready to do some other things. My wife (who teaches at Baxter), she’s going to go for a semester, then we’re going to travel,” Luther said. “It is a stressful position and I want to spend some time without the stress. We put in a lot of time on this end so why not enjoy it on the back end. I’m ready for the next stage.”

As he begins to reflect, Luther sees that it isn’t about the accolades or the wins on the scoreboard that kept him going. It is the people, the kids that he will remember from his time at Baxter.

“You come here to give back. You go into education to give back to kids and hopefully help teachers become better. What you realize in this process is they have changed you,” Luther said. “It is the private single little moments that affected me the most. Whether it be a kid that walked across the stage that I know I worked extremely hard to get there. The invitation to the wedding you get in the mail. It’s a teacher that asks you to be a part of their personal life, some of my best friends have worked with me and for me. That’s the things they gave me, the day in and day out relationships.”

County,” Jasper County Emergency Management Director Jamey Robinson said. “We understand the inconvenience and difficulties posed by this situation and appreciate your patience and cooperation. Please be assured that updates will be provided as we receive more information.”

According to the National Weather Service, a

large low pressure system moving from the eastern Dakotas into western Minnesota spawned thunderstorms in Nebraska late May 23. That storm swept across Iowa in the early morning of May 24. Initially, a few thunderstorms produced large hail. Then as the main squall line moved through, the threat transitioned to damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes.

In Prairie City, 1.5-inch hail was recorded at approximately 5:22 a.m. Not

long after at 5:44 a.m. 75 mph wind gusts blew through causing substantial damage to structures such as barns and sheds.

“In light of the new damages from the recent storm, we urge all citizens to report any damages they encounter,” Robinson said. “This will assist us in addressing the situation more effectively.”

To report damages, visit the county EMA website at www.jasperema-hls.org

Colfax, Mingo and Newton also saw wind gusts topping out at 84 mph at approximately 5:30 a.m., causing similar damage.

Central Jasper County already had its fill of weather with flash flooding on May 21 that caused homes and properties, especially in Kellogg, to take on water.

AccuWeather reported in March that spring could provide more severe weath-

er, in part because of El Niño. While El Niño typically leads to below-average tornado and hail reports in the Plains, it was expected to weaken throughout the

early spring. The weakened El Niño could allow for an uptick in activity from April into May. Also, according to AccuWeather, the water in the Gulf of Mexico might

heat up quickly during the middle and latter parts of the spring, which is one of the reasons why May was highlighted as a critical month for tornadoes.

Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune

Downed powerlines could be seen throughout Jasper County after a storm featuring high winds went through May 24.

God bless nurses — and please hurry!

Every religion prioritizes care for the needy. Christianity’s Benedictine Rule, for example, puts care of the sick atop the moral order — “above and before every other duty.”

Really? Even above the holy Wall Street mandate that medical and insurance conglomerates must

Another View

Jim Hightower

squeeze every last penny of profits out of America’s corporate-care system? Well, there’s morality — and then there’s business. Consider how today’s monopolized and financialized hospital networks treat nurses — the high-touch frontline people who do the most to put “care” in “health care.”

Often paid a pittance, thousands of nurses across America are now or-

Just for the kicks

By Thomas L. Knapp

It’s graduation time in America! By which I which mean: it’s “problematic” commencement speech time in America!

For a couple of days, the big story (if commencement speeches can really be said to constitute news) was the Duke University student walkout on comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s talk, less because of anything he had to say than because they regarded him as too “pro-Israel.”

But, as we’ve seen over the last five years, the Kansas City Chiefs almost always find a way to win.

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s speech at Benedictine College took place the day before Seinfeld’s outing, then methodically marched down the news cycle field to score.

While I’ve browsed an account or two of Butker’s speech -- in summary, he seems to think women belong in the kitchen, LGBTQ people belong in the closet, and Joe Biden belongs somewhere other than in the White House -- this is one of those rare opinion pieces where studying the material misses the point.

I don’t care what Harrison Butker thinks about politics. I don’t care what Harrison Butker thinks about religion. I don’t care what Harrison Butker thinks about women or gender and sexual minorities. I’d rather not even know what he thinks about those people and things.

Harrison Butker’s job involves kicking a football through a goalpost to score points in a game. He’s good at that. VERY good. He saved the Chiefs’ bacon in several games last season and kicked the winning field goal in Super Bowl LVIII, after a Super Bowl record kick (57 yards) earlier in the game. He boasts the second best career field goal percentage of any kicker in NFL history. That’s all I want from the guy. If he runs around babbling nonsense at college graduates in the off-season, that’s his business, so long as he avoids injury and comes back this fall to kick more footballs through more goalposts.

I watch movies featuring actors whose politics and/ or personalities I might find odious (Sean Penn, James Woods, and Kevin Spacey come immediately to mind). Why? Because I love good movies and great acting. In the mid-1990s, I saw REM live in concert at Sandstone Amphitheater (now Azura) outside Kansas City. The band’s singer, Michael Stipe, vocally supported gun control, which I oppose. I bought the ticket and enjoyed the show anyway. Why? Because they were hands-down the greatest American band of the time, that’s why.

If I engaged with Harrison Butker on political or social issues, I’d care about Harrison Butker’s deep thoughts on political and social issues. But I engage with Harrison Butker as a Chiefs fan watching a Chiefs player kick footballs (and opponents’ rear ends). And he delivers the goods. Thus endeth the lesson.

Thomas L. Knapp is director and senior news analystattheWilliamLloydGarrisonCenterforLibertarianAdvocacyJournalism

SPEAK OUT

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

ganizing and unionizing against the inequities of this system. The nurses’ core grievance, however, is not their pay, but the gross understaffing imposed on them and their patients by profiteering hospital chains.

In a national survey, more than half of nurses feel “used up” and “emotionally drained.” Why? Primarily because executives keep goosing up profits by eliminating care providers, making it impossible for the remaining, stretched-out staff to meet their own high moral standard of care.

That’s demoralizing for nurses — and deadly for patients.

Yet corporate care lobbyists loudly squawk that hospital chains can’t

afford to pay fair wages and fully staff up. Ironically, one of the loudest squawkers is the hospital mega-chain Ascension, a Catholic Church offshoot proclaiming to be “rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer.” Some healer. In a devilish partnership with a Wall Street huckster, Ascension has been slashing nursing staffs while paying its CEO $13 million a year, hoarding $18 billion in cash, and allotting a pitiful 2 percent of its budget for charitable care of the poor. To help battle health care greed, go to NationalNursesUnited.org. Jim Hightower is a radio commentator,writer,andpublicspeaker.

Security and integrity of our election system is fundamental

It should go without saying that the security and integrity of our election system is fundamental to our republic. That’s why it has been so concerning to see the federal government’s lack of attention on the security, funding, and integrity of our elections as we enter one of the most pivotal election years in recent history. Election security funds continue to decline, despite the need we are seeing in the states – and the clear and present threat from overseas and outside adversaries, who are increasingly turning their attention toward cyberattacks on our election systems.

Cross elevates the Constitution as a guiding

leadership principle

Recently, I attended a forum held for voters to meet and assess three candidates seeking the Republican nomination for Jasper County sheriff. Following almost two hours of candidate Q&A, the frontrunner was Tracy Cross. Of

Every local election matters more than ever

Over the last few years, Jasper County and the State of Iowa have made great strides electing conservative, constitutionally-based officials. Voters are clearly showing that they want sound conservative leadership that demonstrates complete understanding of the enumerated powers of the federal government in regard to state

While the management and oversight of elections must remain in the hands of state and local election officials, federal funding is needed. During the Trump administration, election security funding levels were around $400 million annually. However, last year, that figure was cut down to just $75 million, dealing a significant blow to election integrity and security efforts across the country. And this year, Congress passed a last-minute spending package that includes a paltry $55 million for election security.

As a conservative, I’m no fan of federal spending, but the integrity

them all, he was the only one to elevate the U.S. Constitution as a guiding leadership principle. As the federal government continues its relentless overreach against states and citizens, it is critical that an elected sheriff stand in the gap with our governor and attorney general who have shown they will fight to protect Iowa sovereignty and the rights of Iowa citizens. Cross is publicly endorsed by a strong conservative Jasper County leader, Brandon Talsma.

After reviewing public records of campaign donor disclosures and who is endorsing particular candidates, I continue to believe Tracy

sovereignty and individual rights. These days, every local election matters more than ever, but perhaps none more so than that of our county sheriff. This is the only law enforcement agency head that is elected by the citizens and must be filled by a person who champions and understands the rights of citizens as intended by our founding fathers. Having attended the candidate’s Q&A forum on the 14th, only one candidate spoke clearly about his priority of protecting the citizens’ constitutional rights, therefore, for liberty, I am voting for Tracy Cross. Through my research, I have found the endorsements of many constitutionally

and security of our elections is paramount, especially in this crucial election year. The Biden administration has not done enough to promote election security as President Trump’s administration did, and that comes at a major risk. We must make sure all polling locations are properly staffed, trained, and have the proper technology and security measures to ensure we keep the integrity of our elections.

As we get closer to November, Congress and the Biden administration must do more to commit to election security for the sake of our current and future elections, just as the Trump administration and Iowa’s leaders including Gov. Reynolds and Secretary of State Paul Pate have.

Thad Nearmyer Monroe

Cross is the most likely to honor his oath to the Constitution and serve his constituents accordingly. Being a good administrator for decades says nothing about fealty to the U.S. Constitution and bold leadership. Coming from a law enforcement family is about the past, not the future. Jasper County cannot afford to remain mired in the past as the rest of the state moves forward toward a conservative, freedom-focused future. In uncertain times, leaders must stand fast with our liberties. I believe Tracy Cross is the best candidate for the job. Theresa Dunnington Grinnell

based leaders and citizens including our county supervisor Brandon Talsma who has never wavered at protecting our Constitution. We cannot afford to equivocate about our rights at a time when the federal government is growing ever more intrusive and lawless. Please join me in voting for the man most likely to uphold his sacred oath to our Constitution and protect the citizens of Jasper County, Tracy Cross. Please vote at this primary election as the outcome will likely result in choosing our next sheriff as the Democrats have not officially put a candidate forward.

Brian Meeker Grinnell

YOUR VIEW

Our County’s Sheriff is the only elected law enforcement position; I do not take that for granted. I am running for the Republican Party nominee because I am a leader who will work side by side with all employees of the Sheriff’s Office, other first responders, and all Jasper County Departments and elected officials. I understand the importance of teamwork and having a vision for the Office through open communication. I will continue to train and meet the standards required to be a patrol deputy while maintaining the administrative and civil side aspects of the Office. I took an oath to serve and protect Jasper County, and I will never ask anyone to do something I would not do myself. The Constitution protects all citizens of Jasper County. I will defend our God-given freedoms while being proactive against those who commit crimes against our citizens and communities. This profession carries a lot of weight to make tough decisions to protect citizens, employees, and Jasper County. I lean on my faith and conservative values to guide my leadership decisions and personal life.

2. What do you feel the role of the county sheriff’s Office should be, especially when considering the addition of the ALS program?

The Sheriff’s Office’s primary role will always be serving Jasper County with law enforcement needs through patrol, dispatch,

Shutts

and the jail. These departments will always be my first focus for budgeting, hiring, and retention.

Most first responders will tell you that the rapid decline of volunteers and individuals wanting to work in these professions has caused us to adjust to the emergency medical needs of rural Jasper County. The preference will always be that local EMS services will be able to respond to their calls and continue to serve their communities with pride. Short staffing or call volume can sometimes prevent rural EMS departments from responding to medical emergencies. The Sheriff’s Office, Board of Supervisors, and county EMS representatives worked together on the ALS program. I was honored to work with our leaders to implement this program. The ALS program supports Jasper County EMS departments with paramedics or Reserve Deputy Paramedics who respond in marked units with medical supplies and equipment that an ambulance would carry. I have witnessed the benefits and quality of care the ALS program provides our citizens while on calls and working with them. I will always support the ALS program in Jasper County. Suppose the program continues to grow and becomes a full-time department; in that case, Emergency Management would be a better department to oversee the program.

3. What sorts of ways do you think the Sheriff’s Office can improve communication with residents, county departments, other

the court. The sheriff is responsible for the operations of the Jasper County Jail Division, the Jasper County Communications Division, the Jasper County Civil Division, and the Jasper County Law Enforcement Division provide primary law enforcement to all unincorporated areas of the county, incorporated cities holding law enforcement contracts and to be an assisting agency to all other law enforcement in the county. The ALS assistance program is something that I was assigned by Sheriff Halferty to assist in developing. The ALS assistance program provides paramedic level first responders during the peak hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to assist our smaller volunteer fire and EMS departments with staffing while those volunteers are typically out of town working. Some of our paramedics are reserve deputies

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

agencies, and media?

Communication and transparency are crucial to having strong relationships with citizens, county departments, and the media.

The citizens are our County’s stakeholders. Before COVID, I set up opportunities throughout Jasper County for citizens to meet the Sheriff, supervisors, deputies, and other department leaders. These events allowed citizens to express concerns, share support, and build relationships. I will continue to be present in our communities and transparent with them regarding any changes or concerns happening in their community. I will continue to use and develop our social media platform to provide important information on events happening and seek assistance from citizens when needed. Our citizens are the eyes and ears of Jasper County, and they also want a safe community to live in. They know their communities best!

I have always worked and communicated well with the other law enforcement, fire, ambulance, and county departments. We are all in this to serve Jasper County as a team. Meeting with leaders regularly to share ideas and collaborate on future needs, training, and resources is crucial to build relationships and better serve our citizens.

Having an open relationship with the media and accessibility is essential to providing citizens with answers and information from all sides.

4. Do you feel like the Sheriff’s Office is meeting the needs of its employees

that provide additional law enforcement support to our full-time deputies. Having the ALS assistance program under the sheriff’s office gives us those additional support roles to our deputies who sometimes work shorthanded. Our primary duties at the sheriff’s office are law enforcement, but we must help out our first responder partners in the county with medical assistance.

3. What sorts of ways do you think the sheriff’s office can improve communication with residents, county departments, other agencies and media?

I plan on working to develop a phone app that is specific to Jasper County where information can be released and requested by the Jasper County community. Open communication and transparency are a key component with citizens, other county departments and agencies in the county. I would like to see the Jasper County Attorney’s Office begin holding rural chief’s meetings monthly or quarterly, similar to what was done pre covid. Supplying our lo -

and the county residents?

The Sheriff’s Office has prioritized keeping equipment and facilities updated regularly with the support of the Board of Supervisors and the citizens. Throughout my career, I have built strong relations with employees at the Sheriff’s Office. I have worked with them to bring ideas and concerns forward to solve problems and provide a safe work environment.

5. What are some of the biggest challenges the Sheriff’s Office is facing currently or is going to face and how would to approach those issues?

One of the biggest challenges is staffing. Law enforcement is a difficult and demanding profession, and the number of applicants is at an all-time low nationwide. I will continue to hire only the best applicants who fit the Office’s standards. I owe it to the current employees to hold that standard. Hiring new employees will always be part of the job, but retention of current employees is a must. I make it a priority to support each employee in their professional and personal goals.

6. What sort of leader does the Sheriff’s office need?

The Sheriff is one of the most important positions in our local government and takes someone who is an active community member. This person must protect our God-given freedoms while being proactive against those who conduct criminal activity in our County. We need a present and available sheriff, a leader who doesn’t place themselves above reproach, and who

Community Calendar

Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com

THURSDAY

• Mingo Park & Recreation regular meeting meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of month at City Hall

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

• Poweshiek Partners 4-H club meets at 9 a.m. the first Saturday of the month in the C-M Elementary lunchroom

MONDAY

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

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

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

TUESDAY

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

• Mingo Library Board meets at 5 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month (public meeting)

WEDNESDAY

• Hominy Ridge 4-H Club meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of month in the Baxter School Cafeteria

• Colfax Public Library Board of Trustees meets at 5 p.m. the first Wednesday of month in the downstairs meeting room.

• MEDCO meets the first Wednesday of month

• Baxter City Library Board meets at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of month at the Baxter Library

is willing to ask for help from and work with all departments in the County.

A sheriff who encourages and celebrates all the good things at the Office but is unafraid to hold the line on policy and standards to protect both the individual and Jasper County. Both of these matter because we are held to high standards in our morals and integrity, expected to perform in

cal media with information to inform the local communities is and always has been a priority for me. Our local media has the local public interest in mind and delivers necessary information quickly, which is a huge asset to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

4. Do you feel like the sheriff’s office is meeting the needs of its employees and the county residents?

The employees of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office are my top priority. We would not have a successful office without the diligent work of the employees and their physical and mental health should never be overlooked. Supplying the employees with the necessary equipment to do their jobs is key to giving the county residents the quality service they expect.

5. What are some of the biggest challenges the sheriff’s office is facing currently or is going to face and how would to approach those issues?

Right now, the stability of the sheriff’s 7.8-million-dollar budget is going to

Church Schedules

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

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

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

Last Saturday of month - 8 a.m.

Men’s Breakfast

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

Colfax Minister, Pastor Cody Dyer Church Office 674-4165

SATURDAY, June 1 - 7 a.m.

Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study; 9 a.m.

Women’s Ministry

SUNDAY, June 2 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Communion Sunday, Message by Pastor Cody Dyer

MONDAY, June 3 - 6 p.m.

Deacon/Deaconess meeting

TUESDAY, June 4 - 3:30 p.m.

The church schedule is brought to you by

Coburn FUNERAL HOMES

Colfax-Prairie City-Monroe 515-674-3155

www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

Women’s Prayer and coffee

WEDNESDAY, June 5 - 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.

the toughest of situations, and provide the best service to our citizens. We need a leader who listens to the needs of their employees, citizens, and other leaders and works with them to find the best solution. These are all qualities that I have and practice daily. Please vote for Tracy Cross on June 4th for the Republican Party nominee for Jasper County Sheriff.

be a challenge in the 25-26 budget with levy cap legislation. Maintaining staffing levels without losing quality levels of services is going to be a struggle, but working with the board of supervisors and other departments is a must as we navigate through those challenges.

6. What sort of leader does the sheriff’s office need?

The sheriff’s office needs the continued leadership that has led me through the past 22 years at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Having mentors in retired Sheriff Mike Balmer and current Sheriff John Halferty has been instrumental in the accomplishments of my career. The sheriff’s office needs a leader with a long history of dedication and experience in law enforcement, not someone who decided midlife that they wanted to give a career in law enforcement a shot. Experience, dedication, and a strong passion for law enforcement will lead the office to success in the future for the Jasper County community it serves.

MINGO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Phil Dicks 515-689-4926

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship service (Sunday school not meeting at this time)

ASHTON CHAPEL 8887 W. 122nd St. N., Mingo

Pastors: Larry Craig & Mark Eddy

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

BETHANY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 5627 N. 95th Ave. W., Baxter 641-227-3402

Pastor Chris Hayward

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday School

(Sunday after Labor Day to second Sunday in May); 10 a.m. Sunday Worship. First Sunday communion. All are welcome. baxterbethanyucc.org

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH BAXTER Mike Mclintock, Pastor

SUNDAY - 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Worship; 6 p.m. Awanas WEDNESDAYS - 1st & 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

SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Worship

WEDNESDAY - 6 p.m. Bible Study

THIRD THURSDAY of month6:30 p.m. Theology on Tap at Bea’s Place on Main Street Check us out on Facebook and baxtercongregational.com

CORNERSTONE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP

Troy Hyde/ Jasper County Tribune

Baxter

sophomores

Cael Wishman (9) and Colton Moffit celebrate the Bolts’ 1-0 win over Colo-NESCO on May 24. Moffit threw his first-ever no-hitter in the victory.

Moffit’s no-hitter guides Baxter baseball past Colo-NESCO

By Troy Hyde Sports Editor

BAXTER — The very first batter in the Baxter baseball team’s lineup scored the game’s only run on May 24.

The Bolts were limited to three hits but downed Colo-NESCO 1-0 after Colton Moffit tossed the second no-hitter in Bolts’ history.

Moffit went the distance for the first time in his career, struck out a career-best 10 batters and only one ball left the infield as Baxter pulled back to .500 on the season following its win in Iowa Star Conference South Division play.

“It was pretty surreal. I never thought something like this would happen,” Moffit said. “I threw the curve ball and the sidearm fast ball in a row to every hitter basically. It was working. They were chasing the curve ball a lot.

“With two strikes, I threw the

side arm curve ball and got them to chase it.”

Baxter put its first three hitters on base in the first, but the Bolts pushed across just one run.

Ben Richardson doubled, Perrin Sulzle was hit by a pitch and Cael Wishman loaded the bases with a walk. Richardson made it 1-0 when he scored on a wild pitch.

That’s all Moffit needed though as he allowed no runs and no hits in seven innings. He walked two and hit one and needed only 98 pitches to go the distance.

Moffit improved to 2-0 on the mound and he has 23 strikeouts in 14 innings.

“He’s had to work hard to earn what he’s gotten on the field,” Baxter head baseball coach Jeremy Moffit said. “He’s not always the most athletic kid or the most overpowering pitcher, but he really works hard to perfect his location and his command and today he was locating with all of

his pitches. It was really fun to watch.”

Colton Moffit’s array of pitches goes eight deep. He throws a four- and two-seam fastball, a circle change up and a curve ball and he can throw all of them from two different arm angles. That gives him eight pitches to attack hitters with.

“I change up my angles and throwing positions to almost every batter,” Colton Moffit said. “We haven’t had to use all of my pitches yet this year, but I told my catcher, Hayden Burdess, that we were going to use the full arsenal. I think we brought out all eight pitches today.”

Aside from the one ball that was hit to Perrin Sulzle in center field, nothing else left the infield. Richardson fielded a hard line drive and kept the no-hitter intact when he got to a slow roller and threw out a Royal batter at first.

“He was locating from his sidearm and his over hand posi-

Bracewell strikes out 15, hits walk-off homer

against rival Montezuma

tion,” Coach Moffit said. “When he’s got all of his pitches working, he can keep hitters off balance.”

The Bolts’ other two hits came from Wishman and Aiden Johnson. Wishman also walked and stole two bases, Sulzle was hit by two pitches and stole one base and Liam Trent was hit by a pitch.

That production came against Colo-NESCO ace pitcher Drew Banks, who allowed one earned run on three hits, one walk and three hit batters in six innings.

“Their pitcher is good. We faced him a couple times last year,” Coach Moffit said. “He’s their ace and an all-conference pitcher. We knew he would be good. We put the ball in play, but they made plays on their end, too. We didn’t hit the ball especially hard either. The wind didn’t make things easy for any of the hitters.”

BAXTER | 7

CIU boys eliminated by No. 3 Tigers

Jasper County Tribune

ADEL — Lucas Barnes made eight saves, but the Central Iowa United boys soccer team was eliminated from the postseason following a 5-0 loss to Class 3A No. 3 ADM on May 20.

The top-seeded Tigers led 3-0 at halftime and added a pair of goals in the second half of the 3A Substate 4 semifinal matchup.

Central Iowa United (6-10) had five shots and placed three of them on goal. The Tigers totaled 17 shots and put 12 on goal.

Cael Orban led ADM (15-2) with one goal and two assists, while Peyton Meier added one goal and one assist.

ADM lost 4-0 in the substate championship match to ninth-ranked Cedar Rapids Washington.

CIU girls end season with loss to IF-A

Jasper County Tribune

IOWA FALLS — Colfax-Mingo senior Cassidy Smith made 18 saves, but Iowa Falls-Alden scored twice in each half and ended the Central Iowa United girls soccer team’s season, 4-0, during a Class 2A Region 1 semifinal contest on May 22. Central Iowa United took eight shots in the loss with five of them coming from Colfax-Mingo sophomore Lilyan Hadsall. CIU (5-11) put one shot on goal.

Abbie Andrews led IF-A (12-6) with one goal and three assists, while Adessa Gillespie tallied one goal and one assist. Joslin Johnson also scored one goal and spent 53 minutes in goal.

C-M softball rallies past rival Montezuma, cruises past Baxter

na Freerksen, Victoria Woods, Emma Cook, Lily Webster and Chloe Clements.

COLFAX — Cael Bracewell struck out 15 on the mound and clubbed a walk-off two-run home run during the Colfax-Mingo baseball team’s 5-3 win over Montezuma during South Iowa Cedar League play on May 22. The Tigerhawks lost a pair of small leads before winning it with a pair of runs in the bottom of the seventh. Colfax-Mingo won the game despite being outhit 5-2 and committing five errors.

Bracewell’s lone hit was the two-run home run in the seventh and he added three runs, two steals and one hit by pitch. On the mound, Bracewell allowed no earned runs and two hits and struck out 15 in seven innings.

He improved to 2-0 and has 38 strikeouts in 16 innings and leads the Tigerhawks (2-4, 1-2 in the SICL) with eight runs, four walks, six steals and four hit by pitches at the plate. Bracewell’s on-

base percentage is a team-best .571. Joe Earles had the Tigerhawks’ other hit against Montezuma and stole one base. Kaden Dalton walked once, Donnie Baucom collected one RBI and Alex Teed scored one run and stole one base. Baucom leads the Tigerhawks with seven RBIs.

Ayden Sloan was hit by a pitch and stole one base and Camden Cunningham scored one run.

Montezuma (0-2, 0-2) was led by Broox Stockman, who finished with one hit, one run and one steal. Luke Erselius tallied one hit and one run.

Erselius took the pitching loss after allowing three earned runs on two hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out 13.

BGM 12, Colfax-Mingo 2 BROOKLYN — The Tigerhawks were limited to five hits and gave away 14 free bases during a 12-2 loss to BGM in SICL play on May 24.

Colfax-Mingo scored twice in the top of the fifth, but couldn’t avoid the 10-run mercy rule after BGM plated four in the bottom of the fifth. The Bears also scored five in the third and three in the fourth.

COLFAX — A sudden coaching change before the team’s first game put a wrench into the start of the season for the Colfax-Mingo softball team.

But the Tigerhawks still found a way to win a pair of games in their first week of competition and one of those was a comefrom-behind victory over rival Montezuma on May 22.

Colfax-Mingo trailed the Bravettes 6-0 after two innings, but a three-run third got the Tigerhawks back into the game and a five-run sixth completed the comeback during a 9-8 home victory in South Iowa Cedar League action.

Montezuma added two runs in the fifth to go up 8-4, but the Tigerhawks rallied despite committing five errors.

Colfax-Mingo (2-2, 1-2 in the conference) out-hit Montezuma 9-5. Macie Porter had two of those hits to lead the hosts while the other hits came from Olivia Rausch, Dakota Allen, Brian-

Porter added two RBIs, one run and one walk, Rausch scored three runs and stole two bases, Allen scored two runs and walked twice and Freerksen finished with one run, one RBI and three walks.

Woods scored one run, drove in two runs and walked once, Cook totaled two RBIs and Webster contributed one RBI. Sydney Veasman scored one run, walked once, had one RBI and was hit by one pitch.

Freerksen was the winning pitcher. She allowed eight runs — two earned — on five hits and three walks and struck out 10 in seven innings.

Madison Van Zee led Montezuma (0-2, 0-2) with two hits, while Chloe Snook scored two runs and stole three bases.

Colfax-Mingo is now being coached by Bryan Poulter and former Tigerhawk Kylie Doty after Shawn Stackhouse resigned a few days into the season. Poulter and Doty are co-head coaches.

Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Tribune

Bracewell Allen

Sports calendar

May 30

Softball

Baxter at Lynnville-Sully,

5:30 p.m.

Baseball

Baxter at Lynnville-Sully, 5:30 p.m.

May 31

Softball

Colfax-Mingo at Sigourney, 5:30 p.m.

Baseball

Colfax-Mingo at Sigourney, 5:30 p.m.

Baxter at GMG, 7 p.m.

June 1

Softball

Baxter at HLV tournament, 9 a.m.

June 3

Softball

Belle Plaine at Colfax-Mingo, 5:30 p.m.

North Tama at Baxter, 5 p.m.

Baseball

Belle Plaine at Colfax-Mingo, 5:30 p.m.

North Tama at Baxter, 5 p.m.

June 5

Softball

Colfax-Mingo at Keota, 5:30 p.m.

Baxter at Dunkerton, 6:30 p.m.

Baseball

Colfax-Mingo at Keota, 5:30 p.m.

Baxter at Dunkerton, 5 p.m.

CIU girls fall to IF-A

C-M Baseball

Continuedfrompage6

The hosts out-hit Colfax-Mingo 10-5 and committed just one error. The Tigerhawks had four miscues in the field and three C-M pitchers combined to walk nine and hit one in the loss.

Kaden Dalton led the Tigerhawks at the plate with a double. He’s batting a team-best .312.

The other hits came from Bracewell, Cunningham, Jace Lewis and Wyatt Jay.

Cunningham also scored one run, Sloan was hit by one pitch, stole one base and scored one run and Konner Dalton was hit by a pitch and stole one base.

Cunningham (0-2) took the pitching loss after allowing five runs — four earned — on four hits and three walks in 2 1/3 innings. He struck out one.

Konner Dalton tossed 1 1/3 innings and surrendered three runs — one earned — on two hits, three walks and one hit batter.

Rausch walked twice and scored two runs, Porter was hit by a pitch, scored one run, had one RBI and stole one base and Yanske added a run scored to her one walk and hit by pitch.

Colfax-Mingo 14, Baxter 0

COLFAX — Brooklyn Yanske spun a no-hitter in the circle and walked and was hit by a pitch at the plate, and Colfax-Mingo scored all 14 of its runs in the second frame during a 14-0, three-inning win over Baxter on May 23.

The Tigerhawks had a 6-0 advantage in hits and committed just one error in the victory.

Yanske’s no-hitter included three strikeouts, one walk and one hit batter in three innings.

Freerksen led the Tigerhawk offense with two hits, one double, two runs, one walk and three RBIs.

Allen, Woods, Webster and Kaylee Collins had the other hits. Allen finished with one run, two RBIs and one walk, Woods scored two runs and walked once, Collins scored two runs and Webster was plated once.

Katelyn Steenhoek also chipped in one walk, two runs, one RBI and one steal. Statistics for Baxter were unavailable at press time.

BGM 5, Colfax-Mingo 0

BROOKLYN — The Tigerhawks were limited to two hits during a 5-0 road loss to BGM in SICL play on May 24.

The Bears out-hit Colfax-Mingo 4-2 and scored four runs in the fourth.

Rausch registered one hit and one walk, Freerksen had the other hit and Cook and Collins each walked once.

Freerksen took the pitching loss after allowing five runs — one earned — on three hits, three walks and two hit batters in four innings. She struck out six.

Yanske tossed two innings and allowed no runs and no hits while striking out two.

Kaden Dalton pitched the fifth inning but didn’t get an out. He allowed four earned runs on three hits and three walks.

Mason Maschmann led the Bears (4-2, 2-1) with two hits, three runs, four RBIs and two steals and Dominic Coleman finished with two hits, three runs and three steals. Kieran Sacora totaled two hits, two runs and three steals. The Bears swiped 19 steals.

Beau Burns needed 49 pitches to get through five innings. He got the win after allowing two earned runs on five hits and two hit batters and he struck out three.

BGM (2-1, 2-1) was led by Emersyn Minnaert, who had one hit and two RBIs and she was hit by a pitch.

Laila Morrison earned the pitching win after surrendering no earned runs on two hits.

Lynnville-Sully 9, Colfax-Mingo 1 SULLY — Alaina Roberts homered and doubled and Lynnville-Sully used a fast start to down Colfax-Mingo on May 20 during the season opener for both teams.

The Hawks broke a 1-all tie with two runs in the second and third and then plated four runs in the fifth to close out the SICL home win.

Lynnville-Sully out-hit Colfax-Mingo 10-5 and the Tigerhawks had two errors.

Roberts, Morgan Jones and Ava Brummel all had two hits to lead the Hawks (1-2, 1-2 in the conference).

Conover (1-2) earned the pitching win after surrendering no earned runs on five hits with seven strikeouts.

Lynnville-Sully 14, Colfax-Mingo 4

SULLY — Lynnville-Sully answered a quick start by Colfax-Mingo with three straight crooked numbers and the Class 1A No. 3 Hawks scored 14 runs on just six hits because they walked eight times and stole nine bases during a 14-4 home victory on May 20.

The Hawks led 4-2 after one and scored three runs in the second and five in the third to close out the SICL matchup after five innings.

L-S led 12-3 after three. The Hawks scored one run in the bottom of the fourth and both teams plated one run in the fifth.

The Tigerhawks committed four errors.

Lannon Montgomery led the Hawks (5-0, 3-0 in the SICL) with three hits, one double, two runs, three RBIs and one walk and CJ Nikkel finished with three walks, three runs, two RBIs and two steals.

The Hawks have outscored their first five opponents by a combined score of 59-11.

Bracewell led the Tigerhawks with one hit, two runs, one walk and two steals and he was hit by one pitch.

Kaden Dalton tallied one hit, one run and one steal, Konner Dalton finished with one hit and two RBIs and Sloan collected one hit, one run and one steal. Jay also had one hit.

Colfax-Mingo struck out 12 times.

Konner Dalton took the pitching loss after surrendering seven runs — four earned — on four hits, two walks and one hit batter in two innings.

Kaden Dalton tossed two innings and allowed six runs — three earned — on two hits, four walks and one hit batter. He struck out one.

Baucom allowed one earned run and walked two.

The Tigerhawks were led by Rausch, who finished with one hit, one walk, one run and one stolen base.

Allen, Woods, Yanske and Chloe Clements all had one hit, Allen registered one RBI and Freerksen walked twice. Yanske took the loss after allowing five runs — three earned — on six hits and two walks. She struck out one in three innings. Freerksen tossed three innings and surrendered four earned runs on three hits with three walks, two hit batters and one strikeout.

Notes: Colton Moffit was the second Bolts player to throw a no-hitter. The first was Carter Nelsen. … Moffit’s previous high for innings pitched in one game was six, which was set last year. … Trenton Beard led Colo-NESCO’s offense with one walk and one steal. The Royals dropped to 1-3 and 0-3 in the conference.

GMG 11, Baxter 7

BAXTER — Baxter rallied from an early hole but couldn’t keep GMG down for seven innings as the Wolverines scored five runs in their final at-bat and slipped past the Bolts 11-7 during Iowa Star Conference South Division play on May 20.

Baxter trailed 2-0 after the first and 4-1 after the top of the fourth but scored two in the fourth, three in the fifth and one in the sixth to take a narrow advantage.

The Wolverines, who out-hit Baxter 10-8, took advantage of four Baxter errors and the five-run seventh was enough to seal the conference win.

Johnson led the Bolts (3-3, 1-2 in the conference) at the plate with two hits, one double and three RBIs and Colton Moffit finished with one hit, two runs, one RBI and three walks. Trent tripled, scored one run and had one RBI, James Esqueda finished with one hit, one run and one

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Baxter eighth-grader Colten Damman throws a Colo-NESCO runner out at first base during the Bolts’ 1-0 win on May 24.

steal and Colten Damman chipped in one hit, one RBI and one walk.

Wishman walked once, scored one run and stole one base, Sulzle had one RBI and stole one base and Hayden Burdess tallied one hit and one steal.

Cody Spurgeon tallied one hit, Cole Frasher scored one run and stole one base and Derek Rominger scored one run.

Colton Moffit started on the mound but didn’t factor into the decision after allowing two earned runs on three hits and four walks. He struck out three in 1 1/3 innings. Wishman tossed 5 1/3 innings and surrendered nine runs — five

earned — on six hits, six walks and one hit batter. He took the loss and struck out five.

Sulzle got one out on two pitches. Baxter’s pitchers walked 10 batters.

Kaleb Gill led GMG (3-3, 2-0) with three hits, two runs and two RBIs and Rider Kupka chipped in two hits, three runs and three RBIs. Colin Teske also had two hits and three runs.

North Tama 4, Baxter 1 TRAER — Baxter was limited to two hits and a slow start plagued the Bolts during a 4-1 loss to North Tama in Iowa Star Conference South Division play on May 22.

The Redhawks scored all four of their runs in the first and Baxter couldn’t catch up. The Bolts’ lone run came in the fourth.

Richardson doubled, scored one run and stole one base to lead the Bolts, while Trent had the other hit and Wishman tallied one RBI.

Sulzle pitched five innings and took the loss after allowing four runs — three earned — on three walks and seven hits. He struck out three.

Johnson allowed one hit in his only inning of work.

North Tama (6-1, 2-0) was led by Tyler Popelka’s two hits and two RBIs. Kayler Morris also had two hits and Kolt Knaack stole three bases. The Redhawks swiped eight bags in the win.

Josh Dostal earned the win on the mound after surrendering one earned run on three hits and he struck out four.

Baxter sophomore Colton Moffit threw his first career no-hitter during the Bolts’ 1-0 win over Colo-NESCO on May 24. Moffit struck out 10 in the win and is now 2-0 with an earned run average of 1.00. He also has 23 strikeouts over 14 innings.

Colton Moffit

Justin Ites/Iowa Falls Time-Citizen

Colfax-Mingo senior Cassidy Smith, left, defends the goal against Iowa Falls-Alden during Central Iowa United’s girls soccer regional match on May 22. Iowa Falls-Alden won the match 4-0.

Troy Hyde/ Jasper County Tribune

a ground ball in the circle

the Bolts’ 13-4 loss to Colo-NESCO on May 24.