Emergency management pushes for Jasper County to be on federal declaration
Addendum may be added to president’s disaster order to allow further assistance
even more sporadic downpours the next day.
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Jasper County has sustained an estimated $10 million in damages following the floods and severe storms back in May, and yet it was excluded from President Joe Biden’s disaster declaration
for the state. Emergency management officials on June 21 turned to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley to push through the red tape.
Jamey Robinson, director of Jasper County Emergency Management Agency, said there are citizens still trying to recover from the damages to their homes and the
loss of essential utilities, like heating and cooling systems and hot water. Others have lost everything. He still gets phone calls from citizens needing help.
“I have a gentleman still living in his home that’s cracked in half,”
DISASTER | 3
Jasper County decides to remove planters and replace concrete sidewalk panels
Project is to cost $42K and will be handled by Jeff Seals Construction in 2025
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Although the work won’t happen until next spring, the Jasper County Board of Supervisors decided on June 11 to have Jeff Seals Construction tear out the corner planters on the north side of the courthouse and replace them and surrounding ar-
eas
the
contractors. According to county documents, contractors were to remove the sets of planters, or bunkers, on the northwest and northeast corners and
Jasper County bridges damaged by May floods added to engineer’s 5-year plan
Floodwaters compromised the structural integrity, fast-tracking replacement
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Four bridges damaged beyond repair by the May floods in Jasper County have been added to the engineer’s five-year plan for 2025. Since the plan was already approved at a past meeting, the board of supervisors on June 18 voted 3-0 to amend the plan to include all four structures, which will need to be replaced.
Newton News previously reported about the damages to Bridge M03 in late May. The bridge, which goes over Cherry Creek along South 24th Avenue East, had entirely collapsed in on itself after floodwaters pulled the walls in. Jasper County Engineer Michael Frietsch said it has now been included on the five-year plan.
Also included in the five-year plan are Bridge H08, located northwest of Newton on North 35th Avenue West; Bridge L01, located east of Newton on South 12th Avenue East; and Bridge A08, located north of F-17 on North 99th Avenue East. Fortunately, Frietsch said, all four of the bridges are on gravel roads.
“We didn’t have any bridge on one of our paved
Commissioner uses call logs as ammunition against VA administrator
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
The administrator of Jasper County Veterans Affairs was driven to tears and had to excuse herself from a meeting last week after a commissioner accosted her for not returning the calls of an undetermined number of veterans, even though she and several local veterans have said she is overworked and needs assistance.
included in the department’s monthly activity report for May 2024 and determined that administrator Alyssa Wilson and shared benefits coordinator Josh Price had not returned the calls of 86 veterans.
Wilson berated for not returning enough calls to veterans, blamed if they die by suicide as result VA | 3
Ed Spangenburg, a member of the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission, looked at the unspecific phone data
“You guys work for the Jasper County veterans,” Spangenburg said. “…I don’t care what it takes, you call your 86 people back. It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to hear an excuse. Not a one. If you can’t call back 86 people in 30 days, we night need to look at something else. I’m upset about that.”
From the data shared, it is impossible to know if it is 86 veterans. According to the latest administrator’s activity report, veterans affairs answered 62 incoming calls and made 109 outgoing calls in May. But there are also 195 missed calls. Spangenburg subtracted 109 outgoing calls from 195 missed calls to get to 86. Veterans affairs commissioners Fred Chabot and Marta Ford argued it may not be 86 individual veterans and that a single person could have called multiple times. Price later recalled an experience in which a spouse of a veteran called up to 35 times in one day, but staff was preoccupied with walk-in customers. Some of the calls may not even be for veterans affairs either. On occasion, the veterans affairs department will receive phone calls originally meant for general assistance. Price’s role as the shared benefits coordinator means he splits his time evenly with veterans affairs and general assistance, so he gets both calls. Still, Spangenburg was unrelenting in his critiques against the administrator,
Submitted by Jasper County Bridge M03 over Cherry Creek along South 24th Avenue East caved in as a result of floodwaters in May. The bridge has been added to the county engineer’s five-year plan.
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
Vehicles and a home in Lambs Grove on May 21 are almost completely submerged in floodwater. Several communities in Jasper County were affected by the floods after a full night of heavy rainfall and
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
The Jasper County Board of Supervisors voted 3-0 on June 11 to accept the $42,000 bid from Jeff Seals Construction to remove the concrete planters and adjacent sidewalk panels.
Obituaries
Beverly Ann Iske
Nov. 1, 2023
Lively tunes for 3rd Newton Municipal Band Concert
Beverly Ann (Thomas) Iske, 87, was born on December 26, 1935 to the parents of Raymond Thomas and Edna (DeReus) Thomas in Valeria, Iowa. Beverly grew up living on farms that her parents rented. She was one of eleven children. Beverly graduated from Mingo High School in 1954. She married Harlin E. Iske on
Iowa’s
June 16th, 1955. During their marriage, she was blessed to have six children: Debra (deceased at birth), Al, Randy, Karen, Jeff, and Mike.
Beverly was a farmer’s wife and homemaker. She enjoyed canning and outdoor activities like gardening. She also worked as a housekeeper for different clients and at Prairie Meadows. She enjoyed spending time with family and grandkids.
Beverly will be remembered by her saying “Try to get along”. She lived in Iowa for most of her life.
She moved to Safford, Arizona in 2015 until death on November 1, 2023.
During her passing, Beverly was surrounded by her children.
Beverly will be deeply missed. She was preceded death by her parents; husband, Harlin E. Iske; daughter Debra Iske; her siblings, Dorothy (Burl) Brashear, James Thomas, Harold (Susie) Thomas, Howard (Marjorie) Thomas, Wilma (Russell) Wright, Melvin Thomas, Marvin Thomas, Helen (Kermit) Garbe; great grandchildren Thomas and Emily Brown; great niece Danielle Thomas; and nephew Jim Brashear.
Beverly is survived by her children: Al (Ellen) Iske, Randy Iske, Kar-
en (Ron) Maggard, Jeff (Deanna) Iske, and Mike (Becky) Iske; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren; her siblings Coleen (Ronald) Henderson and Sharon (Jack) Starmer; and other family members and extended family members.
Graveside Funeral Services will be on July 6th, 2024 at 2 pm at Restland Cemetery in Baxter, Iowa. Followed by Memorial Refreshment at the Baxter Community Center in Baxter, Iowa from 3pm to 5 pm with family, friends, and other attendees.
Donations can be made to Restland Cemetery or Ira Church.
The Newton Municipal Band is busy preparing for its third concert of the season at 7 p.m. June 27 at the bowl in Maytag Park, and promises to be an exciting one. Director Jim Beerends has chosen a nice variety of musical pieces sure to help end your day on a high note. Master of Ceremonies Fred Chabot will be on hand to share information about each piece. Grab some lawn chairs or a blanket, your family members, neighbors and friends and relax and enjoy a piece of Americana, in beautiful Maytag Park.
unemployment rate remains at 2.8 % in May
Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8 percent in May, unchanged from April and the same as one year ago. The state’s labor force participation rate fell to 66.7 percent, down slightly from 66.8 percent last month. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate increased to 4.0 percent in May.
“After strong job growth earlier this year, Iowa saw moderate decreases in hiring across many industries, except health care,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “We also know that IWD’s Reemployment Case Management program has been very successful in helping unemployed Iowans find
their next job in the shortest time possible. IowaWORKSCareer Planners provide one-on-one assistance for jobless Iowans from the very beginning and can help them find their next opportunity at one of the 56,000+ job openings around the state.”
The number of unemployed Iowans decreased to 46,900 in May from 47,200 in April.
The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,644,700 in May. This figure is 2,200 lower than April and 20,600 lower than one year ago.
Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Employment Iowa establishments showed little movement in payrolls compared to April
Bridges
Continuedfrompage1
routes that was damaged beyond repair, so that was a fortunate thing in this whole deal,” he said. “So we moved (Bridge) L01 up into ’25 (after previously being scheduled in ’27), we’ve added (Bridge) H08, Bridge M03 and Bridge A08 now.”
From what Friestch can estimate, Bridge M03 will likely be the most expensive structure to replace. He anticipates it will be a $520,000 project to complete. The bridge will likely have to expand to 120 feet and be made with steel back walls. Bridge H08 will be the next expensive
(-200). This modest loss is the second consecutive and was fueled by private sector losses in professional and business services, other services, and trade. The losses were partially offset by hiring in local government, which advanced by 700 jobs at the local level as municipal entities ramped up for summer activities. Compared to last May, total nonfarm employment is now up 23,800 jobs. Professional and business services shed the most jobs in May (-900). Administrative support and waste management industries were responsible for most of the decline this month, which is identical to the decline in April (-1,100). Smaller losses occurred in
project and expand to 80 feet.
other services (-700). Many of these job losses were related to civic, professional, and similar organizations. Other losses included both wholesale and retail trade, which led to a decline of 500 jobs in trade, transportation, and utilities. This monthly loss was the first since January. On the other hand, education and health care gained 1,400 jobs to lead all sectors. Much of the increase stemmed from health care and social assistance (+1,100 jobs). Offices of physicians, dentists, and other practitioners showed the most signs of hiring in May. Leisure and hospitality had the only other notable increase with 500 jobs added since April. Amuse -
Bridges L01 and A08 will be minor replacements and only be about 50 feet long.
“We’re talking $520,000 for M03; $300,000 for H08; and about $200,000 for L01 and $200,000 for A08,” Frietsch said.
In total, that is about $1.22 million, but there may be federal reimbursement.
“I’m going to have to clear all four of these with FEMA eventually,” Frietsch said. “Hopefully their engineers are going to be getting back with me because I think we’re going to have to get these designed or make sure the structures designed to what’s called an HL-99 loading. Which is kind of a federal requirement thing.”
ment, gambling, and other recreational industries was responsible for most of the gains.
Annually, Iowa employers added 23,800 jobs over the past 12 months. Health care and social assistance has gained 5,500 jobs and fueled a gain of 6,900 in the education and health care super sector. Leisure and hospitality industries are up 6,500 jobs. Accommodations and food services was responsible for all the hiring. Alternatively, trade, transportation, and utilities shed the most jobs over the past 12 months, paring 1,700 jobs. Both retail trade and transportation and warehousing were responsible for these losses.
Concrete
Continuedfrompage1
haul away the concrete, and then tear out old concrete, widen handicap bumps and pour new concrete.
Jeff Seals Construction estimated it would cost $8,000 to tear out the planters and then $34,000 to finish the concrete replacement project in specifically marked areas. In total, the project is to cost $42,000. It was not the lowest bid out of the four contractors who submitted quotes to Jasper County.
Maintenance director Adam Sparks said Griffin Excavating submitted a bid of $30,613.15;
Karl Peters bid $60,850; and Lanphier Excavating bid $46,000. Supervisor Brandon Talsma was hesitant to accept the low bid because of its near $12,000 difference from the next lowest bid from Jeff Seals.
To him, it was a red flag, and he suggested other past projects have yielded questionable results when the discrepancy in price is that much. Talsma also argued it made sense for Jeff Seals to take over the project since the contractor had already done a number of concrete work around the courthouse. The board of supervisors voted 3-0 to award the project to Jeff Seals, who will not be able to do the project until spring 2025.
Robinson said. “He has nothing. Everything has been sent to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). It was my understanding it was done a week-and-a-half ago; the governor was here and John Benson of Iowa Homeland Security.”
Robinson referred to a June 12 meeting in which elected officials, city leaders and first responders met with the governor, state EMA and FEMA representatives to discuss the issues Jasper County has faced. Robinson, too, emphasized the need for Jasper County to be included in the presidential declarations. According to the May 24 presidential disaster declaration, federal funding was made
available to Adair, Montgomery, Polk and Story Counties.
“We have residents in this community that need help desperately,” Robinson said to Grassley during a town hall meeting at the courthouse.
“I know it’s not the town destroyed by a tornado or the larger communities impacted, but you know we had 208 impacted from flooding. Substantial flooding. And they need help.”
Jennifer Heins, the U.S. senator’s chief of staff, confirmed Grassley’s office had been in touch with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management and has also been waiting on a response from FEMA. She said Grassley’s office would be glad to contact FEMA directly to force a decision.
“We support it being added on, of course,” Heins said. “…
We’d be glad to check in (with FEMA) again and push for a decision.”
Robinson said it is his understanding that since the president has already made a declaration for Iowa, all that would need to happen now is FEMA’s confirmation of an addendum including Jasper County to the disaster order. He thanked the senator and his staff for listening and helping his efforts.
suggesting that even if it was just 10 veterans who didn’t get a call back it would still be unacceptable. He then placed responsibility on Wilson if veterans decide to kill themselves after having no one at veterans affairs answer the phone.
“So 10 out of 22 a day. Remember that. Twenty-two a day,” Spangenburg said to Wilson, referencing the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s estimate that 22 veterans may die by suicide each day. “You might be that phone call that they need to talk to. Twenty-two a day.”
Later on, the subject of phone calls was brought up again.
Spangenburg said, “I’m just worried we’re missing a lot of people getting a phone call back.” Wilson responded, “I’m missing a lot of things right now and I’m aware of your frustrations. I fell them, too.”
Afterwards Wilson excused herself from the meeting briefly. She could be seen crying as she exited the conference room.
None of the commissioners acknowledged her leave.
CALL LOGS SHOW VA GETS 11th MOST TOTAL CALLS IN COUNTY Newton News obtained the call logs from every county department from April 1 until May 31 in an open records request to Jasper County. The two months of data show Wilson’s office phone has the 11th most total calls (incoming and outgoing) out of 113 phone extensions included in the user activity summary. Department calls are usually answered by a group of one to eight users. Of those 10 phone lines before Wilson, four
are for the jail, three are for dispatch, two are for the treasurer’s office and one is for the attorney’s office, all of which are departments that have more than one-and-ahalf employees. On average, Wilson is also on the phone much longer than all of these lines.
Here is the two-month phone data for the departments with the top 10 total calls:
• Lisa Richardson of the treasurer’s office — 371 total calls (314 inbound, 57 outbound) averaging 1:57 minutes.
• Dispatch Channel 2 — 335 total calls (335 inbound, 0 outbound) averaging 1:40 minutes. Here is the two-month call log volume for veterans affairs staff:
• Alyssa Wilson — 329 total (133 inbound, 196 outbound) averaging 4:09 minutes.
• Josh Price — 230 total (95 inbound, 135 outbound) averaging 2:47 minutes. It is also important to
or give a call back.
note that the number of missed calls are not included in the report Newton News received in the open records request from Jasper County; nor do the total number of calls align with the calls included in the veteran affairs administrator’s activities report, which are higher.
In April, the administrator’s activities report says there was a total of 437 calls (incoming, outgoing and missed). In May, there were a total of 366 calls. Added together, that is 803 calls. Call records show if all of Price’s calls were directed to veterans affairs work, that would equate to a total of 559 calls.
ARGUMENTS OVER TRAININGS LEADS TO THREATS OF FIRING
Commissioners have been pressuring Wilson to compile data in the form of a work log or a work study to track her hours doing specific dayto-day tasks. With this data, they argue they can take it to the board of supervisors and have a better chance of convincing them of adding another position in veterans affairs.
Chabot has doubts about administering a work log for Wilson. At the veterans affairs commission meeting in May, he noted the department
had collected Wilson’s overtime hours but he was not sure that data ever got to the county supervisors when they made the decision to make a split-department employee.
At the June meeting, shortly it was suggested Wilson think about veteran suicide rates the next time she decides to not answer the phone or call someone back, the conversation pivoted to Price’s spit-department position. Wilson said she wants to have him trained and to be involved in talks regarding that position.
Spangenburg said, “Well that’s perfect. I am glad you brought that up. Because there is training coming up in—Albia?”
“That’s June 25,” Wilson said.
Spangenburg pointed to Price. “You will be there. You will enroll yourself. Is that understood? I’d make a motion that Josh will enroll himself into that class.”
agenda the commission could not take action on Spangenburg’s motion. The meeting was already taking a questionable turn for often the commissioners were getting off topic and skipping agenda items.
Later, I sought the guidance from the Iowa Freedom of Information Council who upheld that government boards are venturing onto thin ice by taking up a matter that is not on the agenda. Although veterans affairs commissioner Jerry Nelson would acknowledge my concern, Spangenburg hinted at a future motion.
“In one year, I will make a motion to fire you for not being on trainings,” he said.
DISAGREEMENTS OVER STAFF USE, STATE CODE, ACCREDITATION
times pulled away by general assistance. They also argued over duties.
“A lot of demand on the office is either pertaining to claims and permission about claims statuses,” Wilson said. “Without the training accreditation from OGC (Office of General Counsel) … the accreditation is what is crucial to get your PIV card, which is how you access inside of the system and that runs through OGC.”
Spangenburg said, “So could we not make up some packets and paperwork that a new guy comes in, or gal, that we can hand over to them and say, ‘Look, we need to fill out these paperwork,’ because you’re busy. Fill this out, that’s one step down ahead of you. You can’t hand them the paperwork?”
Wilson claimed Price cannot hand the 21-22 form to veterans. Spangenburg was skeptical whether that was true, and he later told Wilson that she is not properly using Price and that she is doing all the work. He said the supervisors will see that, too, which will work against the department getting another full-time worker.
But Wilson suggested there are countless times Price has been busy with general assistance and was unable to help her. Nelson eventually intervened, telling them to settle down.
“Enough discussion on that,” Nelson said before turning to Wilson. “Keep in mind, your office works for us.”
VETERAN ACCUSES COMMISSIONER OF THREATENING PRICE’S JOB
The commission voted in favor of requiring Price to enroll in the class, but after the matter was voted on it was revealed that Wilson had already planned for him to take the course. He was already enrolled. Spangenburg said another class is to be held in September and he was about to make a motion to sign him up
While it is not often I speak out of order at public meetings, I voiced my concerns that because it is not on the
Spangenburg and Wilson went on to disagree over the legislative changes made by House File 259, which affect veterans affairs laws in state code. Wilson argued the guidance received from other veterans affairs agencies contradicts with what Spangenburg says. But he insisted he is right about state code.
Specifically, they argued over how Price needs certain certifications to truly assist Wilson in the office. Price said he primarily goes through and scans paperwork, and then he helps veterans with financial assistance. But Wilson said he is often-
Paul Padilla, a veteran who had previously shown up in support of Wilson in the May veterans affairs commission meeting, spoke out against Spangenburg’s comments against Wilson. He accused Spangenburg of raising his voice and then threatening to fire Price in one year.
Spangenburg said, “Iowa Code states that he has to be terminated if he is not certified within 12 months of employment. So that’s not threatening.”
Padilla added, “That’s not threatening? Your tone of voice? You don’t think that was threatening? As a commissioner?”
“Maybe. He might have taken it that way.”
Nelson defended Spangenburg, saying he and every commissioner is very passionate about veterans affairs.
“But all he did today was find fault with Alyssa,” Padilla said. Spangenburg said, “No, I didn’t find fault. I’m pointing out the problems in the office that we have.”
Publisher Dan Goetz Editor Jamee A. Pierson Shaw Media
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
Ed Spangenburg, right, of Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission, accosted the department administrator for not answering enough veteran phone calls, telling her to remember the veteran suicide rate the next time she doesn’t answer
Iowa Speedway’s first NASCAR Cup Series event a huge success
Well hello there. It’s been a long time since I’ve occupied space on this page. But I thought after the Iowa Speedway hosted its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series race last weekend, now is about as good of a time as any to return.
I enjoyed the experience from a media member’s standpoint. And for the most part, positive feedback followed the weekend’s festivities.
There were some negative comments here and there, but that’s bound to happen with anything. It seems like some folks just have to find the negative in everything.
The grandstands sold out months in advance. And people tuned into their television in bulk.
According to Adam Stern, 2.69 million tuned in to watch the NASCAR Cup
Angels!
Troy Hyde This & That
Series Iowa Corn 350 on USA Network. Stern is a Motorsports reporter for the Sports Business Journal.
There’s no direct comparison for TV ratings because this was the first Cup Series race at the track, but it was the most-watched cable sporting event of that weekend.
“I’ve heard lots of positive feedback from the fans and residents about the event and our community,” Newton Mayor Evelyn George said. “The much anticipated inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at the Iowa Speedway was a great success from all I’ve heard.”
Seven-year-old Jamison Price enjoyed his first NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa. It would have gone better had Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson won the race.
But Price loved the Kids Zone, the driving simulators and the semi-trucks that sold T-shirts of his favorite drivers.
The first Angel was Jane. She called while I was driving on Highway 63, north for Rochester, Minnesota. She was calling to ask me how to change her password on Facebook, that she had been hacked. I told her, “Jane, I’m on my way to the Mayo Clinic to pick up Joe. He’s dying and wants to go home. I’ve never been to Rochester, I don’t know if I can even find Joe.” Jane, a prayer warrior, didn’t hesitate. “Let’s pray,” she said. And she did, Right there on the phone while I was driving. I felt so much better after hearing her voice and prayer. I relaxed. Somehow, I knew this was all going to work out.
When Joe called me, a couple of days earlier, and asked me to come and get him, I asked, “God, how am I going to do this? I’ve never been to Mayo before. But Joe needs taken to his home in Illinois. He may have less than a year to live.” Right then a feeling came over me. God had a job for me to do and He would provide all the strength I needed.
The second Angel was waiting for me at a convenience store outside of Rochester. I stopped to take a bathroom break before hitting heavy traffic. The guy was standing on the curb right in front of my parking space. He was looking at me and smiling, almost like he was waiting for me. I got out of the car and unloaded on him. “I’m headed for St. Mary’s Hospital to pick up my friend, Joe. He’s dying and needs a ride home. I’ve never been to Rochester.” The man didn’t hesitate. He gave me exact, easy to follow directions to St. Mary’s. Then he put his hand on my shoulder and prayed for Joe and me.
I went into the convenience store and there was Angel number three. She was a convenience store clerk handing out free samples of mac-and-cheese, two flavors: one regular and the other buffalo M&C. Only these weren’t the normal free samples that are just a taste, these were small cereal bowls full! I told her I’d take the buffalo M&C. How delicious, and just what I needed— nourishment before I hit the big city!
When I returned to my car, I located St. Mary’s Hospital on GPS, and was off again. The man’s directions were spot on. I had no trouble locating St. Mary’s. Joe told me he would be waiting at the emergency room entrance. Only there looked like there were three emergency room entrances. I stopped at the first and went in. Angel number four was waiting. She told me to go on to the main emergency room entrance. I pulled ahead to the next door. Before I could get out of the car, the same Angel number four came out, and with an angelic smile, pointed me toward the third and final emergency room door.
And there were angels, I swear, flying all over the parking lot, directing traffic! “Go here, go there, pull up to the door, your patient will be brought out to you.” I did as I was told, and there was Joe, being brought out to me in a wheelchair. He was terribly skinny and pale, but happy to see me. I loaded him up and we were off.
On the way home, it was getting late, so we decided to stop at a mutual friend’s house (Angel number? I lost track.) and spend the night. The friend took us out to dinner at a Texas Roadhouse, and put us up for the night. I never slept so good.
The next morning, we breakfasted at a Hy-Vee. I had a store employee snap our picture. I call it, “The Three Amigos.”
I delivered Joe safe and sound to his home in Illinois. He’s doing well, considering. His attitude is good, and I have no doubt, that with prayer, he’s gong to fulfill God’s plan.
As I look back on this God Trip, I’m convinced that I was sent on a mission, and God placed Angels all along my path to pray, protect and guide me. Amen. ContactCurtSwarmatcurtswarm@yahoo.com
SHARE YOUR VIEW
“I liked the place where you can play video games,” Price said. “The Kids Zone was fun. I was rooting for Kyle Larson, but my second favorites were the Grimace (Bubba Wallace) car and the Hamburglar (Tyler Reddick) car. My favorite thing to do outside the race track was the simulators. I liked looking at Kyle Larson shirts, too.
“It was fun. It was really cool. I definitely want to do it again.”
Doing it again was one of the topics of discussion before, during and after the weekend. No one is really sure if the Cup Series will be back, but after selling out both races that weekend, and nearly every driver loving the fact that it’s on this year’s schedule, I’m not sure how they wouldn’t want to be back.
There also was no major traffic incidents and no arrests or ejections.
“Police and fire reported fans were very complimentary of the race event and Newton,” George said. “Traffic flow was well managed, too.
“Downtown, we saw vehicles with license plates from a variety of Iowa counties and other states. Coffee shops and restaurants reported good business.”
That was another hot topic. Some of the negative Nancys continually talked about how the race weekend doesn’t really benefit Newton. I imagine that’s pretty far from the truth. George told me before the Cup Series race that all hotels in town were full.
The comments on our Facebook page after the weekend were a mixed bag, too.
One commenter said she had a wild time.
Someone else mentioned they tried to go out to eat on Sunday but ended up in Des Moines because everything was packed.
One of the negative commenters talked about how the community needs better restaurants and stores so the money can stay in town.
A representative from the Capitol II Theatre mentioned they had a bunch of out-of-towners that weekend.
One other commentator wants the track to host more events, especially concerts like they used to.
All in all, there’s plenty of data that suggests the first-ever Cup Series race weekend at Iowa was a huge success. Contact Troy Hyde at thyde@shawmedia.com
Aesop’s fable is on trial: Will presidential candidates be judged by the company they keep?
By Steve Corbin
One of the renowned Greek storyteller Aesop’s 725 fables was called “The Donkey and His Purchaser.” In summation a man wished to purchase a donkey and decided to give the animal a trial to see how the donkey would fit in with his herd. He took the donkey home and put him in the field with the other donkeys. Quickly the donkey-on-trial joined the laziest and greediest donkey. Seeing who the new donkey chose to spend time with, the man returned the donkey back to its owner because he knew the donkey-on-trial would also become lazy and greedy. The moral of the story: a man is known by the company he keeps (www.grammarits.com and Greta Dsouza).
Likewise, a parallel five word phrase from the Bible speaks volumes: “Bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33).
The phrases are all about ethics and morals. If you hang around dishonest people, your association with them reflects a lack of good judgement, moral standards and character. Might an examination of who our mainstream 2024 presidential candidates associate with assist America’s 161.4 million registered voters pick out who to vote for on Nov. 5? Your choice for president could also be a direct reflection on your judgement capability, moral standards and character.
Let’s examine Biden and Trump’s respective election associates as they seek to become the 47th president of America.
To date, Joe Biden’s re-election campaign is based upon seeking advice, guidance and counsel from Julie Chavez Rodriguez (campaign manager), Quentin Fulks (principle deputy campaign manager) and Mike Donilon (chief strategist).
Biden’s national campaign cochairs include Rep. Lisa Blunt
daytime phone number
Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion
Submit letters to news@jaspercountytribune.com or Newton News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208
Rochester (Delaware), Rep. Jim Clyburn (S. Car.), Sen. Chris Coons (Delaware), Sen. Tammy Duckworth (Illinois), Jeffrey Katzenberg (media proprietor), Louisiana Emeritus Rep. Cedric Richmond (Democratic National Committee senior advisor) and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
Thirteen others assisting in Biden’s re-election campaign include Colleen Coffey, Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Mia Ehrenberg, Grace Landrieu, Charles Lutvak, Alana Mounce, Kevin Munoz, Michael Pratt, Michael Press, Roohi Rustum, Sara Schreiber, Becca Siegel and Michael Tyler.
None of Biden’s 23 re-election associates have a criminal record, are under investigation or on trial.
Donald Trump’s national staff campaign is composed of two co-campaign managers (Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles), two senior advisors (Brian Jack and Jason Miller), Steven Cheung as communications director and Karoline Leavitt as national press secretary. These individuals have no criminal record.
The remainder of Trump’s re-election campaign aides, allies, assistants and associates who -according to Reuters News -- have faced criminal prosecution include Steve Bannon, Elliot Broidy, Michael Flynn, Rick Gates, Paul Manafort, Peter Navarro, Stewart Rhodes (Oath Keepers), Roger Stone and Allen Weisselberg.
Four more people can be added to the Reuters News list by what MSNBC has referred to as “Trump’s team of felons”: Tom Barrack, Kenneth Chesebro, George Papadopoulos and Sidney Powell. USA Today claims five additional Trump election associates who’ve had legal trouble of their own include Jeffrey Clark, John Eastman, Jenna Ellis, Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows.
The right-wing conserva-
tive-based Wall Street Journal notes to not forget Ray Smith III (one of Trump’s 18 co-defendants in the criminal conspiracy to alter the outcome of the 2020 Georgia election) plus Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, alleged for mishandling – with Trump - federal secret classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
And, let’s not forget Trump acolytes and Republican Representatives Andy Biggs (Arizona), Jim Jordan (Ohio), Kevin McCarthy (Calif.) and Scott Perry (Pennsylvania) have violated Congressional ethics rules by defying legitimate Congressional subpoenas related to their involvement in or knowledge of the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol meant to overturn the results of a free and fair election.
The Washington Post described the number of people in Trump’s orbit “who’ve been convicted of crimes is so great” as a “remarkable universe of criminality.” Those statements were made in 2019. The size of Trump’s current universe of criminality is even more daunting.
William J.H. Boetcker (18731962), a revered Presbyterian minister, is credited for stating “A man is judged by the company he keeps and a company is judged by the men it keeps, and the people of Democratic nations are judged by the type and caliber of officers they elect.”
What will be the caliber of officers `We The People’ elect on Nov. 5? Will the ethics, morals, judgement, character and the company Biden and Trump respectfully keep be a plausible voting guide? Your good (or poor) judgement, moral standards (or not) and character (or lack thereof) may very well be measured by who you vote for on Nov. 5.
Steve Corbin, Professor Emeritus of Marketing, University of Northern Iowa
Curt Swarm Empty Nest
Colfax Historical Society
The meeting of the Colfax Historical Society was called to order at 7:02 p.m. June 17 by president Kevin Williams and he thanked everyone for attending. Members present were: BJ Williams, Karen Russell, Aaron Bartholmey, Steve and Cindy L. Van Dusseldorp, Stanley Daft, Larry and Charlet Daft, Don Jessen, Larry Hurto, Peggy Dvorak and Tranquillity Smith, facility manager. The minutes of May 20 were read. Treasurer’s report was presented. Facility manager gave her report and she had no complaints and it is working well.
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
Michael Huston, who is extremely knowledgeable about many aspects of the Civil War will be coming to Colfax Historical Society building on Sunday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m. for a presentation. Refreshments will be served.
On June 11, the financial records for the 2023 calendar year for the Colfax Historical Society were found to be accurate and in good order by Peggy Dvorak and Cindy L. Van Dusseldorp.
The emptying of the items out of the semitrailer and into the building addition was a success. We will be contacting the owner to have the semitrailer removed.
Aaron received a letter from the IRS about filing our annual return. He talked to our attorney Mark Otto and now will be filing our tax form
under 990-N. This should eliminate our cost.
We will be open the second Saturday of the month on July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The volunteers will be Deb Coulson and Peggy 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 Sundays now from 2 to 4 p.m. and ending on Sunday, Sept. 3. The next Sunday open is Sunday, July 7 with Don and Joyce volunteering to be there. The following Sunday, July 14 will be Kevin and BJ. The next Sunday, July 21 will be Tranquillity and Charlet. It will also be admission-free.
Next meeting will be on Monday, July 15 at 7 p.m. It is open to anyone who would like to attend.
Register now for Stay Independent nutrition and wellbeing program
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Jasper County
Stay Independent is a nutrition and wellbeing program offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for adults who are 60 and older. The program begins July 1 in Monroe.
“Our program provides topics related to the nutrition risks and key behaviors of older Iowans through research-based nutrition and wellness information. Other topics help Iowans assess environmental
HOWARD ST. CHRISTIAN CHURCH
(Disciples of Christ)
Pastor Tom Burns
Howard & Locust St., Colfax Office - 674-3746 Church Cell - 971-0569
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Adult & Wired
Word Adult Sunday school classes; 10 a.m. Fellowship
Time;10:30 a.m. Worship, in person or online via YouTube
MONDAY - Tom’s day off
TUESDAY - 9:30 a.m. Coffee
Time/Fellowship; 2 p.m. Easy Yoga
WEDNESDAY - 3:30 p.m. After school elementary youth; 6:10 ChiRho and CYF youth supper/ youth group
THIRD SUNDAY of month
- Marathon Sunday includes elders, board, potluck and food pantry
FIRST MONDAY of monthWIC appointments
IRA UNITED CHURCH
Rev. Michael Omundson
SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church
factors to age in place, identify financial exploitation and fraud, and raise awareness about planning for future care and end-of-life decisions,” Cathy Drost, human sciences specialist, said. An upcoming series will be offered from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Mondays, July 1 through July 15 at The Gathering Place. The topics include: Power Up with Protein, Brain Health and Thriving in
Place.
There is no cost to attend the programs but registration is necessary. Visit the webpage at www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/ stay-independent for a list of upcoming events and additional information. Contact Jasmine Bailey at jnbailey@iastate.edu or 641-792-6433 with any questions.
Church Schedules
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, June 30 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dyer
MONDAY, July 1 - 6 p.m. Deacon/Deaconess meeting
TUESDAY, July 2 - 3:30 p.m. Women’s Prayer and Coffee
WEDNESDAY, July 3- 9 a.m.
Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Praye
SATURDAY, July 6- 7:30 a.m.
Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study; 9
a.m. Women’s Ministry
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
Community Calendar
Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com
THURSDAY
• AMVETS meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of month at the Colfax Fire Station.
• Mingo Park & Recreation regular meeting meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of month at City Hall
SUNDAY
• Colfax Historical Society Museum is open from 2 to 4 p.m. every Sunday through Labor Day.
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
Iowa Swine Day July 25 in Ames
Pork producers and others involved with swine production can learn the most current information on emerging critical industry topics at Iowa Swine Day, July 25 at the Iowa State Center in Ames. Sessions will be presented by renowned speakers from the U.S. and around the world.
Following the morning plenary session and lunch, participants will choose their own schedule from the four concurrent topical sessions with four presentations in each: current topics, improving on-farm labor, protecting herd health and Iowa State research. The preconference symposium, on July 24, will feature eight leading swine industry experts presenting Soybean Meal 360. Moderated by David Holzgraefe, the topics include the dynamic landscape of increased soybean meal availability, the expanding horizons of soybean meal discoveries in swine diets and field-proven feeding strategies for improving pork production. The preconference symposium runs from 12:30-5 p.m. July 24, at the Scheman Building, 1805 Center Drive. Including the preconference symposium, there are six primary sessions, 28 individual talks, 31 speakers and more than 30 sponsors. Cost is $85 and parking for all events is free. Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the official program starts at 8 a.m. at Stephens Auditorium, 1900 Center Drive. Walk-in registration is discouraged.
The full program, information, registration forms and directions to the venues are available on the Iowa Swine Day conference website.
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship service (Sunday school not meeting at this time)
ASHTON CHAPEL 8887 W. 122nd St. N., Mingo
Pastors: Larry Craig & Mark Eddy
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship
BETHANY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 5627 N. 95th Ave. W., Baxter 641-227-3402
Pastor Chris Hayward
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday School (Sunday after Labor Day to second Sunday in May); 10 a.m. Sunday Worship. First Sunday communion. All are welcome. baxterbethanyucc.org
EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH BAXTER
Mike Mclintock, Pastor
SUNDAY - 9:15 a.m. Sunday
School; 10 a.m. Worship; 6 p.m. Awanas
WEDNESDAYS - 1st & 3rd6:30 p.m. Mens Bible Study 2nd & 4th - 6:30 p.m. Men’s and Womens Bible Study
THURSDAYS 10 a.m. - Womens Bible Study
BAXTER
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
218 S. Main, Baxter
Pastor Ben Spera
Church: 641-227-3382
SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Worship
WEDNESDAY - 6 p.m. Bible Study
THIRD THURSDAY of month - 6:30 p.m. Theology on Tap at Bea’s Place on Main Street
Check us out on Facebook and baxtercongregational.com
CORNERSTONE BIBLE FELLOWSHIP
1000 E. 12th St., Newton Rev. Josh Farver, pastor Phone 641-792-4650
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:15 a.m. Worship
WEDNESDAY - 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study; Youth Group
HERITAGE WORD OF LIFE
ASSEMBLY OF GOD 102 Second St. NW, Mitchellville Pastor Dave Adams 515-967-3330
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF HOPE Capitol II Theatre in Newton SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Livestream Worship Service
Metro Photo
Stay Independent is a nutrition and wellbeing program offered through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for adults who are 60 and older.
Colfax-Mingo baseball rallies past Montezuma
MONTEZUMA — Cael
Bracewell homered on the first at-bat of the game and the Colfax-Mingo baseball team rallied from an early hole to down Montezuma on June 17.
The Tigerhawks posted season highs in hits and errors and won the South Iowa Cedar League game, 13-11, in eight innings. The 13 runs also are a season high.
The Braves answered Bracewell’s bomb with a four-run first inning and the hosts took a 6-2 lead after three.
Colfax-Mingo rallied with two in the second and two in the third and then went in front following a four-run sixth.
The Tigerhawks extended the lead with a single run in the seventh, but Montezuma forced extras with four runs in the bottom of the frame.
Joe Earles, Donnie Baucom and Alex Teed all had three hits to lead the offense, while Bracewell and Logan Exley tallied two hits.
Earles finished with two doubles, two runs, two RBIs, one walk and one steal, Teed doubled, scored two runs and had one RBI and Baucom doubled and scored one run.
Bracewell’s night included his second homer of the season, a double, four runs, four walks, one RBI and one steal.
The Tigerhawk senior leads Colfax-Mingo with 16 runs, six doubles, 13 walks, 27 total bases and 12 steals and he’s posted a team-best on-base percentage of .559. Both of Bracewell’s homers this season have come in wins against Montezuma. The
Tigerhawks swept the Braves this summer and have won six straight in the series. Exley added one RBI to his
hits,
had
two RBIs, walked once and scored one run, Jay collected two RBIs and was hit by one pitch and Dalton doubled, scored one run and had one RBI.
Kaden Dalton drew two walks, scored one run and stole one base and Xavier Woods scored one run and swiped one bag.
The Tigerhawks (6-9, 5-7 in the SICL) struck out 13 times at the plate but also drew eight walks.
Colfax-Mingo had a 16-8 advantage in hits and Montezuma (4-8, 4-8) committed four errors.
Cunningham started on the mound and took the no decision after allowing seven runs — four earned — on six hits, three walks and two hit batters in four innings. He struck out five.
Kaden Dalton pitched the fifth and sixth innings and surrendered four runs — three earned — on one hit and three walks with two strikeouts. Jay (1-2) got his first varsity pitching win after tossing the final two frames. He allowed no earned runs, one hit and two walks and fanned three.
Easton Hudnut led Montezuma (4-9, 4-9) with two hits, two runs and two steals and Cruz DeJong walked three times and stole five bases.
Colfax-Mingo’s home game against BGM on June 19 and road contest at HLV on June 20 were postponed due to weather.
The Tigerhawks made up the BGM game on June 28 in Colfax and played HLV on June 26 in Victor.
Baxter baseball downs Clarksville, falls to Spartans
CLARKSVILLE — The Baxter baseball team had no trouble scoring runs against Clarksville on June 19.
The Indians also did their fare share of scoring. That’s why Baxter needed a huge number late in the game to edge their Iowa Star Conference North Division foes and a seven-run sixth pushed the visiting Bolts to a 1310 road win.
Baxter trailed 9-5 after five. Both teams scored once in the first, but Clarksville went in front with one run in the second, three in the third and four in the fourth.
The Bolts though scored once in the third and fourth and plated two in the fifth to stay close. The seven-run sixth moved Baxter to the lead and both teams scored one run in the seventh.
Baxter (10-10, 8-6 in the conference) out-hit Clarksville 15-9 and the Bolts won the game despite committing three errors.
Ben Richardson and Hayden Burdess each had three hits to lead the offense, while Perrin Sulzle, Cael Wishman and James Esqueda tallied two hits apiece.
Richardson, who is batting a team-best .413, scored five runs and stole three bases, Burdess scored two runs, had one RBI and stole one base and Sulzle
doubled, scored two runs, tallied one RBI, walked twice and stole one base.
Wishman collected five RBIs, scored one run and stole one base and Esqueda scored one run and had one RBI.
Wishman leads the team with an on-base percentage of .515.
Liam Trent, Colton Moffit and Cody Spurgeon all had one hit and Nolan Hill scored one run and stole two bases. Trent
scored one run, had one RBI and stole one base and Spurgeon was hit by a pitch and totaled one RBI.
Wishman earned the pitching win in relief after allowing one earned run on two hits, one walk and one hit batter in three innings. He struck out seven. It was Wishman’s first career varsity pitching victory.
Moffit, Aiden Johnson and Sulzle also pitched. Baxter’s
four pitchers combined to strike out 14, walk seven and hit two batters.
Moffit tossed one inning and surrendered one unearned run on one hit and one walk with two strikeouts.
Johnson allowed four runs — two earned — on two hits, two walks and one hit batter. He struck out two in 1 1/3 innings.
Sulzle pitched 1 2/3 innings and surrendered four runs — three earned — on four hits and three walks. He struck out three.
The 10 wins for Baxter ties a school-record. The Bolts won 10 games last season, too.
Clarksville (1-15, 0-13) was led by Camden Behrends, who finished with three hits, two runs and two RBIs. Gavin Jacobs added two hits and two runs.
Collins-Maxwell 3, Baxter 1 COLLINS — Trent had two hits at the plate and Moffit struck out 13 on the mound, but the Bolts fell behind early and couldn’t catch up during a 3-1 road loss to rival Collins-Maxwell on June 21.
The Spartans scored one run in the first, third and fourth to grab a lead held off a late rally by the Bolts, who scored their only run in the fifth.
Baxter out-hit the Spartans 8-7, but one error gave the hosts
an unearned run and all eight hits were singles.
The Bolts did not draw a walk.
Moffit (6-1) lost for the first time in his varsity pitching career despite allowing only two earned runs on seven hits, two walks and one hit batter in six innings.
Moffit struck out a career-high 13 in 106 pitches.
He has 77 strikeouts in 49 2/3 innings this summer and his earned run average is now 1.13.
The 77 strikeouts lead Class 1A and rank fourth in the state overall.
Trent finished with two hits and one RBI, Wishman tallied one hit, one run and one hit by pitch and Richardson, Johnson, Burdess, Moffit and Esqueda all had one hit.
Sulzle was hit by one pitch and stole one base. He now leads Baxter with 21 steals, 23 runs and 33 total bases. Trent has a team-best 19 RBIs.
Collins-Maxwell (8-11, 8-6) is 7-5 against Baxter since 2019, but the Spartans have won six of the past seven meetings.
Lane Oswalt led the Spartans with two hits and two RBIs. Cooper Wierson (6-3) went the distance on the mound and allowed one earned run and struck out five.
Saydel 10, Baxter 0 BAXTER — The Bolts were held to two hits and four errors plagued the hosts during a 10-0 non-conference loss to Class 3A Saydel on June 20. Richardson and Sulzle had the only hits and Spurgeon walked once and got one out on the mound.
Hill took the pitching loss after tossing the first two frames and allowing six runs — three earned — on three hits and two walks.
Colten Damman surrendered four runs — three earned — on three hits, five walks and one hit batter in 2 2/3 innings. He struck out two.
two
while Camden Cunningham, Wyatt Jay and Konner Dalton all had one hit. Cunningham tripled,
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Colfax-Mingo eighth-grader Wyatt Jay got his first career varsity pitching win against Montezuma last week. The Tigerhawks defeated the Braves 13-11 to scored the season sweep.
Jasper County Tribune
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Baxter senior Ben Richardson, right, leads the Bolts with a .413 batting average this season. Baxter tied the school record with its 10th win of the season last week.
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Baxter eighth-grader Liam Trent puts the ball in play during a home game earlier this season. Trent leads the Bolts with 19 RBIs this summer.
C-M softball falls to pair of SICL foes
VICTOR — The Colfax-Mingo softball team was limited to two hits and the Tigerhawks were plagued by five errors during a road loss to HLV on June 20.
Colfax-Mingo scored first but couldn’t keep the Warriors down for long as HLV scored three in the first to grab a lead for good and won 12-2 in five innings during South Iowa Cedar League play.
The Tigerhawks scored one in the first and one in the fifth but couldn’t avoid the 10-run mercy rule.
Brianna Freerksen led Colfax-Mingo (2-15, 1-12 in the SICL) with one hit, one run, one walk and one steal.
Dakota Allen had the other hit and tallied one RBI and Kaylee Collins walked once and scored one run.
Freerksen leads the Tigerhawks with a .396 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage. She also has a team-best 10 walks and a team-most 21 total bases.
Freerksen (1-6) took the loss in the circle after allowing 12 runs — five earned — on eight hits and five walks. She struck out five.
HLV (13-5, 10-2) scored its first season sweep of the Tigerhawks since 2017. Ayla Hall led the hosts with two hits, three runs and two steals.
Montezuma 12, Colfax-Mingo 2 MONTEZUMA — Allen, Olivia Rausch and Katelyn Steenhoek had the team’s only hits, but Montezuma led 3-0 after one, 6-0 after two and cruised from there during a 12-2 home win on June 17.
The Bravettes won the SICL game in five innings after scoring five runs in the fourth. C-M plated both of its runs in the fourth.
Brooklyn Yanske walked and scored one run, Allen scored one run, Emma Cook walked once and Victoria Woods tallied one RBI.
Yanske (1-9) took the loss after allowing seven runs — three earned — on seven hits and two walks. She struck out one in three innings.
Freerksen pitched one inning and surrendered five runs — three earned — on three hits and three walks.
Ellen Cook led Montezuma (8-7, 7-6) with three hits and three RBIs.
Brianna Freerksen
Baxter softball suffers conference losses to BCLUW, Don Bosco
BAXTER — The Baxter softball team was limited to three hits and plagued by eight errors during a 7-1 loss to BCLUW on June 14.
The Bolts fell behind the Iowa Star Conference South Division matchup and never recovered.
Holly Zahurones led the offense with one hit, one RBI and one steal, but the Bolts were out-hit 7-3. They scored their lone run in the fifth but were down 3-0 at the time.
Kendall Brummel added one hit and one steal, Emie Tuhn tallied the other hit and Klaire Shanks walked once and stole one base.
Zahurones leads the Bolts (0-17, 0-12 in the conference) with five RBIs, while Brummel has a teambest 10 steals.
Avery Wonders started in the circle and took the loss.
She allowed five runs — two earned — on six hits and three walks. She struck out two in six innings.
Zahurones tossed the final frame and surrendered two unearned runs on one hit and one walk. She struck out one.
Marrisa Grant led BCLUW (1212, 8-4) with two hits, one run and one steal and Callie Swanson added one hit, one run, two walks and one steal.
Klayre Gallentine earned the pitching win after striking out nine and allowing one earned run in seven innings.
Don Bosco 8, Baxter 0 BAXTER — Tuhn had one hit
and one walk, but the Bolts were held to two hits and another eight errors led to an 8-0 home loss to Don Bosco during Iowa Star Conference action on June 17.
Briah Mortensen had the other hit and Caydence Sulzle drew her team-leading eighth walk of the season.
Wonders (0-10) took the pitching loss after surrendering eight runs — three earned — on six hits and two walks in seven innings. She struck out one.
Sophia Barnett finished with three hits, two runs and three RBIs to lead Don Bosco (16-5, 10-2), while Rachel Knepper added two hits and three RBIs.
Cali Weber struck out 10 and allowed two hits in the circle. She pitched all seven innings and spun a shutout victory.
Baxter was held to three hits and committed six errors in a 19-1 loss to Montezuma and then had just five hits during a 15-2 defeat against the Mohawks. Against Montezuma, Mortensen had two of the three hits and added an RBI, Sulzle had one hit and Brummel walked and stole one base. Tuhn also walked and Blaire Jutting scored one run.
Wonders, Zahurones and Jutting split time in the circle. Wonders took the loss after allowing six runs — three earned — on six hits, one walk and one strikeout in two innings.
Zahurones tossed 1 2/3 innings and surrendered 10 runs — nine earned — on six hits, three walks, three hit batters and two strikeouts. Jutting got one out but allowed one hit and hit one batter.
Vivian Cook led Montezuma (8-7) with three hits, two runs, four RBIs and three steals and Chloe Snook added two hits, three runs and three stolen bases. The Bravettes stole 17 bases in the win.
Tuhn, Shanks, Sulzle, Karlee Koehler and Mallory Bottorff had the hits against Moravia and Shanks and Sulzle scored the runs. Koehler and Bottorff collected the RBIs.
Kenna Spencer led Moravia (1216) with four hits and two RBIs and Layla Ewing had three hits and three runs. The Mohawks stole 10 bases.
Colfax-Mingo sophomore
Brianna Freerksen leads the Tigerhawk softball team with a .396 batting average and a .500 on-base percentage.
She also has a team-most 10 walks and 21 total bases and ranks second with 10 RBIs and four stolen bases.
The Eagles (20-8) used a five-run second frame to help end the game after five.
Saydel registered six hits at the plate and drew seven walks.
Boyd Jones and Braydon Boston each had two hits and two runs to lead Saydel.
Don Bosco 23, Baxter 7 BAXTER — The Dons scored 10 runs in the first and the Bolts never recovered during a 23-7 home loss on June 17.
Don Bosco led 10-3 after one, neither team scored in the second and the Dons outscored the Bolts 13-4 in the final two frames.
The visitors had a 17-9 advantage in hits and the Bolts committed four errors. Richardson, Sulzle and Wishman all had two hits, while Johnson doubled and Trent and Moffit each singled.
Sulzle led the Baxter offensive attack with two hits, one double, three runs, one RBI, one walk and one steal.
Wishman belted his first career varsity homer, scored two runs and had
four RBIs, Richardson scored two runs and Trent tallied two RBIs. Spurgeon also drew one walk. Wishman took the loss on the mound after allowing eight runs — three earned — on four hits, one walk and two hit batters in 2/3 of an inning. He struck out one.
Sulzle pitched 1 1/3 innings and surrendered two earned runs on three hits with one strikeout. Johnson and Trent both tossed one inning. Johnson allowed eight runs — three earned — on eight hits and Trent surrendered one earned run on two hits.
Hill allowed four earned runs on two walks and two hit batters.
Landon Frost led Don Bosco (16-7) with a homer, two hits and four runs and Andrew Kimball had three hits and three runs at the plate and earned the pitching win.
The Dons, who have won six straight games, registered 10 steals.
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Colfax-Mingo freshman Brooklyn Yanske spins a pitch to the plate during a home game earlier this season.
Sulzle
Wishman
Bolts fall twice at Bravette Classic MONTEZUMA — The Bolts struggled to keep up with host Montezuma and Moravia at the Bravette Classic on June 15.
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter eighth-grader Blaire Jutting throws the ball to first base from the circle during a home game earlier this season.
Troy Hyde/ Jasper County Tribune
Baxter freshman Camden Moffit throws out a runner at first base during a home game earlier this season. The Bolts are still searching for their first win of the season.
TheCertifiedWinners in Jasper County on theDemocratic side are: United States Representative District 1: Christina Bohannan StateRepresentativeDistrict 37: No Candidateonthe ballot
StateRepresentativeDistrict38: Brad Magg County Supervisor: No Candidate on theballot(NO ONE NOMINATED) County SupervisorToFill A Vacancy: No Candidateonthe ballot (NOONE NOMINATED) County Auditor: No Candidateon theballot(NO ONE NOMINATED) County Sheriff: Brad Shutts (WRITE-IN NOMINATED) TheCertifiedWinners in Jasper County on theRepublican side are: United States Representative District 1: Mariannette MillerMeeks StateRepresentativeDistrict37: Barb Kniff-McCulla StateRepresentativeDistrict38: Jon Dunwell
County Supervisor:Doug Cupples(NOMINATED) County Supervisor To Fill a Vacancy: Thad Nearmyer (NOMINATED) County Auditor: Jenna Jennings (NOMINATED) County Sheriff: Brad Shutts (NOMINATED) TheCertifiedWinners in Jasper
ONENOMINATED)
County Supervisor: No Candidate on theballot(NO ONE NOMINATED)
County Supervisor To Fill a Vacancy: No Candidateonthe ballot (NOONE NOMINATED) County Auditor: No Candidateon theballot(NO ONE NOMINATED) County Sheriff: No Candidateon theballot(NO ONE NOMINATED) Date:June 11, 2024 Supervisors Brandon, Talsma DennyStevenson Doug Cupples AuditorJenna Jennings Deputy AuditorKristin Carley Motion by Stevenson,seconded by Cupples to adjournthe Tuesday,June 11, 2024, meeting of theJasper County Boardof Supervisors YEA: CUPPLES, STEVENSON, TALSMA Jenna Jennings,Auditor Brandon Talsma,Chairman June 27
OFFICIAL NOTICE OF SPECIAL CITY ELECTION CITY OF BAXTER Notice is herebygiven to the qualifiedelectorsofthe City of BAX1ER in theCounty of Jasper StateofIowa, that aSpecial Election of said City will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. All pollswillbeopen from 7:00A.M to 8:00P.M
TALSMA Motion by Stevenson,seconded by Cupples to adjournthe regular meetingand enterintoa work session. YEA: CUPPLES, STEVENSON, TALSMA TheBoarddiscussedthe railroad potentiallypurchasing aportion g of land locatedNorthofNewton They wouldliketorestructure Jenn Cross' positionintomoreof aPublic InformationOfficer position allowing Department HeadstoutilizeJenntoportray informationtothe media. The Boardalsodiscussed becoming amemberwithIMWCA's partner GovInvesttodoawage comparison study MotionbyStevenson, seconded by Cupples to recessuntil 2:00 p.m. to canvass theJune 4th, 2024 PrimaryElection. YEA: CUPPLES, STEVENSON, TALSMA Motion by Stevenson, seconded by Cupples to come out of recess YEA: CUPPLES, STEVENSON, TALSMA JASPER COUNTY CANVASSBOARD Canvass of theJune4,2024, Primary Election Attendance: Supervisors Talsma,Stevenson& Cupples AuditorJenningsand Deputy AuditorCarley Therewas no change in either theoutcome or thevotetotals from the resultsreported on election night RepublicanBallots Cast 1879 DemocraticBallots Cast 464 LibertarianBallots Cast 5
g hasthe right to voteinthe voter's vehicle. Anyvoter whorequires assistancetovotebyreason of blindness, disability,orinabilityto read or writemay be given assistancebya person of the voter'schoice,other than the voter'semployer or agent of that employer or officeroragentof thevoter'sunion. Pleaseread this notice carefullytodetermine your correcttemporaryvoting location. If youare unsureofyour voting locationfor this election, please contactthe Jasper County Auditor'sofficeat641-792-7016 or by emailat iiennings@jaspercounty.iowa gov. Voters will be voting to fillthe vacancyfor 2CityCouncil members. Notice is further giventhat the pollinglocationfor this election forall electors of theCityof Baxter residing in Jasper County are as follows: Pet1 Baxter City Hall, 203 S. Main,Baxter,Iowa50028 forthe City of Baxter. TheVoter Pre-Registration Deadline forthisElectionisJune 24, 2024, in theAuditor'sOffice or by mail if postmarked on or beforeJune24, 2024. Dueto the dateofthe election time does not allowfor registered voters to requestanAbsentee Ballotby mail. If an eligible electoris unabletoregister to vote on or beforethe registration deadline, Iowa Law permitsElectionDay Registration at theirpolling location with current proof of IdentityAND Residencewithin theprecinct. Allvotersare required to provide an approved form of identification at thepollingplace before receivingand castingaballot. Voters whoare not pre-registered -suchasvotersregisteringto vote on election day- and voters whohavechanged precinctswill also be requiredtoprovideproof of residence. Avoter whocannot provideproof of identification mayhavetheiridentity attested to by another voterregistered in theprecinct whohas an approved form of identification. Formoreinformation about voter ID,visit http://sos.iowa.gov/voterid or call theJasper Co.Auditorat641792-7016 Monday thru Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm.Any voter unable to proveidentityand residenceatthe polling placehas theoptiontocasta provisional ballot ANDprovideproof of identityand residencetothe County AuditorbeforeNoon on July 15, 2024. Aperson whoiseligible to register to votemay register on election day andvoteby appearinginperson at thepolling placefor theprecinct in whichthe individualresides.The voter must complete avoter registration application, sign a writtenoath, andprovide acceptableproof of identity and acceptableproof of residence Acceptable documentswhich can be used as proof of identityand proofofresidenceare very specific and substituteswillnot be accepted. To seeall formsof approved ID visit http://sos.iowa.gov/voterid ELECTION FRAUD. Avoter commitsthe crimeofElection Misconductinthe FirstDegree if thepersonsubmitsfalse informationwhen registeringto vote.Electionmisconductinthe frrstdegree is aclass "D"felony, and punishable by afineofupto $10,245 and/or imprisonment ofup to five (5)years. Convicted felons whoregister and vote without receivinga restorationof voting rightsfromthe Governor are committing aclass "D"felony. NOTICE IS FURTHERGIVEN,in accordancewithChapter 52.35 of theIowaCode that theduly authorizedagentsofthe Jasper County Auditorand Commissioner of Elections shall publicly examineand test the voting machines to be used for theJuly9,2024, SpecialCityof Baxter Election. Public testing will beginonTuesday,July1,at 1:00 p.m. in thebasementofthe Jasper CountyCourthouse locatedat101 1stSt. N.,Newton. Electionresultswill be posted on theJasper County Elections websiteonElection Nightafter thepolls close. Please view the website at:https://jaspercountyelections.io wa.gov Following is alistofcandidates that will be on theballotfor the voters of theCityofBaxter in Jasper County. Joel Schabilion, Michael Churchill,Dalton Kinzel Thecanvassofthe election resultswill be conductedinthe Jasper CountyBoardof
Supervisor'sroom203 at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday,July16, 2024. This is open to thepublic. Jenna Jennings,Jasper County Auditorand Commissioner of Elections July 27
