OPEN FOR TRAVEL
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
After months of work, Highway F-48 west of Newton and east of Colfax is back open. The Jasper County Engineer’s Office announced it is open unofficially Aug. 8.
“The road work should be completed, weather permitting by the end of the week,” the department released. “Markings will be completed soon, still waiting on a start date confirmation.”
Work started on the rejuvenation project of what is locally known as “Old Highway 6” in mid-March. The 5.8 miles of roadway from the South Skunk River to the Newton city limits was the first phase of the project, which well see a total of 13.9 miles of highway addressed by the county.
“Although this key link between the Polk County line and the west city limits of Newton
hasn’t seen any significant upgrades since the 1970s, we’re determined to change that with careful planning and stringent execution of a comprehensive resurfacing project,” the department said. “The resurfacing of this highway is a project that the Jasper County Engineer’s Office and Secondary Roads Department has made a priority. Due to the length of this highway, and a relatively short construction season here in Iowa, our current plan is to break this project into three phases over the next three years.”
Work completed included the removal of the existing pavement and replacing it with 8 inches of concrete at the Interstate 80 interchange, the rural section of Highway F-48 milled three inches and replaced with a 3/8 inch base course asphalt mix and a 1/2 inch surface course asphalt mix and a 2-foot shoulder and safety edge will be constructed within the rural
Committee awards $284K among 4 groups in Jasper County
Opioid settlement funds to go towards substance abuse treatment and prevention programs
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Four local entities were awarded a combined total of $284,000 from the Jasper County Opioid Settlement Committee and the board of supervisors, and it will go towards substance treatment services, prevention programs in an area school district and an expansion for an already existing treatment facility.
Becky Pryor, administrator of Jasper County Health Department and a member of the committee, told supervisors at their Aug. 6 meeting that applications had been accepted until June 30. The
committee then interviewed the applicants that it felt were qualified to move on and four recommendations were settled upon.
Capstone Behavioral Healthcare received $70,000 for justice-involved substance treatment programs with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Julie Smith, executive director of Capstone Behavioral Healthcare, said the organization provides transitional services to county jail inmates.
For instance, the staff member assigned to the program can help individuals with Medicaid applications,
First phase of Highway F-48 West project completed by county
Highway F48 West is now open for travel including the exits on and off of Interstate
section of this project. The urban section, from approximately 400 feet east of West 36th Street North to Thomas Jefferson Drive, was milled 3 inches and replaced with a 3/8 inch base course asphalt mix and a 1/2 inch surface course asphalt mix. The second phase of the Highway F-48 West project will see work from the east city limits of Colfax to the South Skunk River. It is set to take place be-
tween June and August 2025. The final phase will complete the work from the Polk County line to the west city limits of Colfax and will start in June 2026 and finalized, weather permitting, by August 2026.
HOMETOWN INSPIRATION
Sara Haines returns to Newton for ‘Voices of Inspiration’ series by United Way of Jasper County
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
You can take the girl out of Iowa, but you can’t take the Iowa out of the girl. That is how television host and Newton native Sara Haines began her speech during the United Way of Jasper County’s “Voices of Inspiration” series on the evening of Aug. 6 inside the conference center of the DMACC Newton Campus.
In an interview with Newton News afterwards, Haines said the Iowa values that she holds deep within her can be attributed to her success. Specifically, it is her strong work ethic and her “Iowa nice” kindness that have helped her journey from an NBC page to co-host of “The View” and host of the game show “The Chase.”
“That’s more professional advice, but when I look at why my life feels so fulfilled it’s because there was a lot of simple life living in Iowa,” Haines said. “It was church and it was school and there wasn’t any-
thing fabulous in town. It was who you were hanging with. And it’s made life so thrilling for me.” Throughout her career Haines has committed herself
to staying true to her values and her humble Midwestern upbringing. As a result, it makes all the lights and
State Fair picks
Jasper County 4-H’ers have their projects on display at the 4-H Building throughout the Iowa State Fair
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Having a 4-H project selected for the Iowa State Fair is an honor. It means hundreds of thousands of people have a chance to see what the 4-H’er made while it on display in the 4-H Building throughout the 11-day fair.
“When this project was selected for the State Fair, I was super excited, and it made the hard work even more rewarding,” Sherman Sunbeam member Karly Spear said.
For her project, Spear restored an old wooden rocking chair. She got the idea when at an antique
store and after checking that it was structurally sound, purchased it for the project.
“The first step of this project was to learn more about the chair’s past — what era it was from and what its purpose was. I soon found that this chair was likely a sewing or nursing rocker from the Victorian era,” Spear said. “Upon completing my research, I began sanding the chair. Next I stained the chair, then reupholstered the seat cushion.”
At the Jasper County Fair, Spear received the Quester Preservation and Restoration Award for her work. At the state fair she received a red ribbon.
Along with her static exhibit, Spear is looking forward to showing off her animals at the state fair, too.
“I am excited to exhibit my livestock at the fair,” Spear said. “I will be showing poultry, goats and cattle.” Also on display is a sculpture from Jasper County Farmhand member Kolby Clark. The intricate work put into his wire tree made it a shoe-in to move on to the next level.
“I got the idea from a picture my mom sent me after I made a smaller one of a different type I saw on TikTok,” Clark said. “My steps to making it were cutting all the wires then wrapping
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune
80.
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
Sara Haines, a TV host and Newton native, poses for pictues with residents and old friends after her speech during the United Way of Jasper County’s “Voices of Inspiration” series on Aug. 6 inside the conference center of the DMACC Newton Campus.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune Sherman Sunbeam member Karly Spear restored an antique rocker which won the Quester Preservation and Restoration Award at the Jasper County Fair and was selected for the Iowa State Fair.
Obituaries
Melvin L. Montgomery
July 29, 2024
Melvin L. Montgomery, 90, passed away at Newton Care Center in Newton, Iowa on July 29, 2024. A private family burial will take place in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
Melvin was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa on December 4, 1933, to Orville and Lena (Ruby) Montgomery. He grew up in Oskaloosa and graduated from Oskaloosa High School. Melvin married the love of his life, Elaine on April 8, 1956, at the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa, Iowa. They farmed together, later moving to Haverhill, then rural Baxter, Iowa to continue farming. They moved into the town of Baxter in
Sunbonnet Quester’s
The Sunbonnet Quester’s awarded its sixth annual 4-H Preservation & Restoration Awards at the Jasper County Fair July 23.
Quester’s is an international organization whose members promote the preservation and restoration of antique items for future generations.
Judy Swenson, Charlotte Townsend and Verla VanScoy of the Sunbonnet Chapter awarded certificate; medals and cash awards to three 4-H members for their projects in restoration & preservation.
The first place winner was Caleb Leonard, a member of Sherman Sunbeams Club. Caleb restored an antique dresser that was a family piece. The project involved the tedious job of stripping black paint off the dresser. He then refinished it and replaced the mirror, mar-
the 1960′s and remained there until 2020 when they moved to Newton Health Care Center. While growing up, Melvin was very active. Melvin played basketball for the Mahaska 4-H Cage Title games and was recognized for his “beautiful one-handed shots.” He was also player of the Softball “All Stars.” His love for the agricultural community came from growing up helping his father on the farm and raising steers. They both participated in father-son steer competitions. Melvin and his father participated in the San Antonio Livestock Exposition, the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado, the Southwestern Livestock show in Fort Worth, Texas. Melvin was an officer of the Mahaska county boys 4-H organization, vice president of the Mahaska farm bureau young people and was presented a 4-H Top Boys’ award during his active participation with 4-H. He was also the Grand Champion of the Mahas-
ka Baby Beef Competition; won the Mahaska State Fair competition; won the big junior steer show at the Iowa State Fair; set a record for highest sale of Grand Champion Steer and many more honors!
This journey led Melvin to becoming an official auctioneer and in the 1960′s Montgomery Auction Services was formed. In his 50 plus years, there wasn’t much Melvin hasn’t auctioned off but auctioning the annual football players auctions, church and fire department, Salvation Army and other fund raisers that he donated his time to always had a special place in his heart.
Later in life, Melvin coached softball and was known as “Coach Mel.” He coached and led the Baxter Lady Bulldogs for many years. They won several championships and participated in the Baxter Fun Days Float Parade with the team over the years. One of his sayings was “Let’s Go” when the game was close
and tense.
Other recognitions
Melvin received was being named Grand Marshal along with his wife, Elaine in Baxter’s Fun Days. In 2000, Melvin was presented with “Citizen of the Year” plaque for his involvement in the community. Melvin was awarded as the “Employee of the Year,” for the Baxter Oil company. He worked there every day at 5 A.M. sharp. He dedicated 37 years with a positive attitude smile and leadership. He loved meeting people every morning and at the holidays he would make a large plate of homemade candy for the staff and customers to enjoy.
Melvin served as Baxter City Clerk on the Counsel and was always involved in everything the community had to offer. He was a big help with community Thanksgiving dinners, helped with the county fair, was a 4-H leader and was a youth leader in his in Ferguson and in his local community. He was also the Chap -
Club News
ble top and drawer pulls. Caleb received a $25 cash award
Second place winner was Coen Whipple from the Sherman Sunbeam Club. Coen restored an Ertl John Deere pedal tractor
el music leader at church every Sunday morning for many, many years and sang in the Good Gospel Singers traveling around Iowa and at the State Fair.
Melvin along with his wife would take community residents to different events around Iowa and sometimes on vacations so they too could experience traveling. A few of his hobbies were fishing, woodworking, cooking always trying new recipes that he would share with his family and others, flowers and gardening.
Melvin had a big garden and loved sharing his produce with the residents in the community delivering buckets of fresh vegetables to many. Melvin never knew a stranger. He loved music and was always heard singing. Melvin and his wife loved to dance and enjoyed square dancing, waltzes, and most of all Polkas. Most important to him was his family. He loved family gatherings, going to family activities and having his family close by.
Proceeded in death were his parents, brother Eugene Montgomery, sister in law Erma Griffey, and his wife of 67 years Elaine Montgomery. Those left to cherish Melvin in loving memory are his daughters, Christie (Mark) Milligan, Marsha (Rick) Strickland); grandchildren, Ashley (Brent) Jensen, Brandon (Megan) Milligan, Kristi (Scott) Padgett, Kip (Tiffany) Strickland, Travis (Alicia) Schmidt and Troy (Angela) Schmidt; 17 great-grandchildren; siblings, Robert (Diana) Montgomery of Colorado, Richard (Sue) Montgomery of Arizona, and Sister in law Edna (Steve) Upchurch of South Carolina; many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a future memorial in the community in his honor.
Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the cremation care of Melvin and his family.
Baxter Garden Club
Baxter Federated Garden Club met Aug. 8. Twelve members were present. Baxter Chamber of Commerce Natalie Moorman shared updates on the many Baxter events, and grants that they are working on for the city of Baxter. Growing Tomatoes presentation was given by member Peggy Smith. Peggy shared several handouts to inform members of different kinds of tomatoes you can grow and tips to growing them.
The meeting was called to order by co-president Macy Lisk. For roll call members shared what kinds of tomatoes they are growing in their gardens. Secretary report was given by Deb Krampe. Minutes for June and July were read and approved. Treasurer Janet Damman presented June and July’s finance report to club members. Macy Lisk announced that the Ackworth Garden Club Autumn Fest is Oct. 5, if any member would like to attend. She also shared there is a trip to England to tour gardens available for members.
and wagon. His report described the detailed steps involved in cleaning, powder coating, painting and detailing the piece. Coen received an award of $10. Third place winner was Carter Dudley a member of P. C. Champs Club. He researched the long gone coal mining town of Seevers which was south of Colfax. He displayed his research of this early 1900s
town of 500 including maps, photos and information on a 12-pane window with holder. It was a very informative and attractive display. Carter received a $10 award.
If anyone is interested in joining Sunbonnet Questers contact Charlotte Townsend at 641-8405654 or Susan Grigsby at 641-781-1337. New members are welcome.
In old and new business - Members enjoyed touring the Enabling Garden in July. Mallory presented the reprinted brochures. Members discussed the October meeting date and location change due to Community Building not being available. It was decided to keep the Oct. 10 date but to meet in Beth Simbro’s garage to make our pumpkin/succulent center pieces at 6 p.m.
Macy asked members to share ideas that she could take to the State Officers on how to increase attendance for the State Convention.
Members discussed watering, fertilizing, and trimming the main street planter flowers so they will look nice for the RTV event on Sept. 5. Macy volunteered to look for something festive to add to the planters for this event. The club discussed possible flowers for next year for the planters. Macy will visit with the Flower Court Garden Center on possibilities. Planters will be decorated for fall towards the end September
Peggy Smith reported that she needs six more t-shirt orders to be able to place an order. Members voted to give her permission to order six t-shirts of varies sizes to complete an order.
Peggy also shared that the Yard of the Week was going well; members gave her some ideas for whom to award this honor.
Members enjoyed a social time with snacks provided by Lynette Meis.
Our next meeting will be Saturday, Sept. 14. Members will meet at 9:30 a.m. to travel and tour the Reiman Gardens in Ames followed by a lunch at Hickory Park.
Submitted Photo
From left to right are Judy Swensen, Carter Dudley, Charlotte Townsend, Coen Whipple,Verla Van Scoy and Caleb Leonard.
housing and other services so that they can transition back into the community as seamlessly as possible. The service was previously funded by Central Iowa Community Services.
“But the issue with the region funding it is because they fund only mental health and it doesn’t allow us to broaden in if someone has just a substance abuse diagnosis,” Smith said. “So this will assist us with helping more people that are incarcerated and transition back into the community.”
Funds from the opioid settlement committee will also go towards a substance abuse counselor to provide evaluations at the jail. Smith noted Capstone does not have a funding source for this and had been providing this service pro bono with no reimbursement to the county jail.
Supervisor Denny Stevenson commended the program, saying that Capstone is catching people while they are sober to make positive changes to their life.
“You have the best chance of getting something done,” said Stevenson, who had worked for the sheriff’s office many years ago. “I talked with people over the years and a lot of times that is what got them started. Somebody got to them while they were sober. I think it’s critical.”
Clearview Recovery, Inc. re -
Haines
Continuedfrompage1
ceived $82,000 to go towards Jasper County residents with no insurance coverage for substance treatment for women in Prairie City. Pryor said Clearview has received funds from the committee before but she described the organization as a “success story.”
Scott Pritchard, executive director of Clearview Recovery, Inc., said the programs are going really well. It has been nice, he added, to be able to bring clients in even if they do not have insurance or the proper insurance. They are still able to receive their treatment regardless of that potential barrier.
Colfax-Mingo Community School District received $32,000 to pay for a part-time
bells and whistles from her professional life all the more amazing and gratifying. Haines told Newton News she is constantly reminded of her Iowa roots.
“When I was at ‘The Today Show,’ there’s the plaza (Rockefeller Plaza) and everyone knew if they saw an Iowa sign they would have to come and tell Sara,” she said. “Because I worked behind the scenes actively at the show, not just later in the day. So I would come out and pose with Iowans.”
Newton still feels like home to Haines. Although her immediate family is no longer in town, her hometown family of neighbors and family friends and church friends still are, and many of them were sitting in the front row during her presentation. Afterwards they embraced Haines and spoke of old times and new.
“It’s just so much of who I am,” Haines said. “I’m just so proud of the people, this room — I’m a gushy Iowan, but more so for Newton.”
Jessica Lowe Vokes, executive director of the United Way of Jasper County, said the Voices of Inspiration speaker series is in its “second season” after previous-
Projects
them together for the trunk and branches and then putting the beads on for the leaves. I didn’t really follow a pattern, I just branched them off randomly and I did it myself. I felt pretty good about it when it was done because it looked really nice after putting it in the pot.” At judging, Clark felt he had a pretty good chance to move on to the state fair by the comments each judge were giving. All positive feedback was given, making Clark more confident in his chances.
position to help with the substance prevention program called “Building a Better Community.” It would also go towards the D.A.R.E. program, the TeamMates mentoring program and materials for drug awareness.
Superintendent Tim Salmon said one of the things the district feels is critical is catching kids before a problem starts. Salmon looks at the funding as prevention measures. The position specifically was introduced last year and the district was unable to fund it this year, but the award from the committee changes things.
“We will continue some of our programs this year,” Salmon said. “We’re going to expand our community resources that
ly featuring philanthropist Carson King, Native American activist Carol Kramer, NFL player Andre Allen, historian Kevin Mason and Olympian Ben Peterson.
When Lowe Vokes got the idea for the series, Haines was at the top of her list. She wanted a program where Jasper County residents could hear interesting stories from interesting people. Haines was able to fit the event in her schedule and speak about her journey in front of hundreds of people.
“She donated her time and did that for us, which is really amazing,” Lowe Vokes said, noting the series is about promoting lifelong learning by giving people a chance to learn from someone else’s unique perspective. “…To me, this series is part of that extension of offering lifelong learning to folks in a different way.”
The series is made possible by supporters, including Dodd’s Trash Hauling and Recycling, Inc., Pence-Reese Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Ryan’s Tire and Auto, DMACC Newton Campus, Mark and Emily Allen and Erik Vokes and Jessica Lowe Vokes.
Upcoming speakers include: “Final Season” coach Kent Stock on Sept. 12, author Mike Chapman on Sept. 26 and journalist and filmmaker Ty Rushing on Oct. 24.
“It felt pretty nice when it was selected but I kind of expected it because most of the time if a judge gets something they don’t see every year it goes to state,” Clark said. This isn’t his first project to make it to the state fair. Last year he constructed a chain mail head piece that went on to Des Moines, as well. This year for his efforts he earned a blue ribbon. But what he’s looking forward to is a favorite of
many fairgoers.
“The thing I’m most excited for about state fair is the food and that bucket of cookies that we get every year,” Clark said.
Clear Creek Wrangler member Sydney Beavers was so excited about her project being selected
we have available to connect our families to that. So there are some things we put in last year that we want to continue to expand so we can really catch our kids really and put families in contact.”
Sheepgate, a division of Adult & Teen Challenge of the Midlands, received $100,000 to go towards the proposed expansion of its facility in Colfax. Pryor said Sheepgate wants to construct a new building for substance treatment services. Sustainability was a main factor the committee was concerned with.
“We are out of space at our currently location,” Hook said to supervisors. “And so we would like to build a multi-purpose building that we’ll use for non-residential meetings and also to explore and 90-day model for people who have never set foot into a 12-month program.”
Jasper County Attorney Scott Nicholson said out of the four organizations recommended for funding, three were entirely applicants: Capstone, Colfax-Mingo schools and Sheepgate. Pryor said the committee would like to wait about one year before giving out another round of funding.
“It’s a lot of work to go through this process, and it would let the funds build up a bit — that way we can fund the projects that are coming forth to us,” Pryor said. “One project that we had come to us was MercyOne about the ER for substance treatment. They’re not going to start their project until 2026.”
While supervisors did have questions about sustainability and reoccurring expenses from a few of the organizations — who assured them they would find room in their budgets to keep programs and positions going — they all agreed to approve the allotment of funds in a 3-0 vote.
Prior to being awarded funds from the committee, Sheepgate raised about $70,000 for the expansion project. Nikki Hook, who works regional operations for Sheepgate, said the residential program is currently for men only, but the organization knows there is a need for more services for men and women.
for the fair. It was at the top of her list when she walked through the gate.
“First thing I did was go check to see what ribbon I got on my project,” Beavers said. She was rewarded for her efforts with a blue
ribbon on her horseshoe coasters project. A unique idea, she started out by wanting to make something with western decor for her living room. The work was in the details for Beavers as she started the process of making her project.
“I had to make a template of the horseshoe to make sure they were all identical. I also tested different types of glue to see what would stick best to the hair on hide and the metal horseshoe. Using the template, I cut out all of the hair on hide leather making sure the hair was going the same direction on all of the coasters,” Beavers said. “I then used a contrasting leather lace to weave in the nail holes of the horseshoe. Once the glue on the laces was set I glued the horseshoe to the leather. With the extra lacing I wrapped it around the stack of coasters and secured it with a
Concho to make a nice presentation for display.”
She did get a little help when assembling the project to make sure nothing shifted as she set the glue. Once complete, she was pleased with how well they turned out.
“I was glad the coasters looked as nice as I had expected them to and was happy with how they turned out,” Beavers said. She wasn’t nervous going into judging at the county fair; this wasn’t her first year making projects. She also said the judges were very nice and interested in her work.
“I was happy that the judge liked my project as much as I did,” Beavers said.
Now that it is State Fair time, she is looking forward to a week with those important to her.
“I am excited to spend the week at the State Fair with my friends and family,” Beavers said.
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
Sara Haines, a TV host and Newton native, speaks during the United Way of Jasper County’s “Voices of Inspiration” series on Aug. 6 inside the conference center of the DMACC Newton Campus.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune Clear Creek Wrangler member Sydney Beavers earned a blue ribbon for her horseshoe coasters at the Iowa State Fair. The projects are on display in the 4-H building throughout the fair.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune
Jasper County Farmhand member Kolby Clark earned a blue ribbon for his wire tree at the Iowa State Fair.
Schools Operating the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program
The Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services, has finalized its policy for free and reduced price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program and the Afterschool Care Snack Program.
State and Local school officials have adopted the following family size and income criteria for determining eligibility:
Households may be eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits one of four ways
1. Households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for reduced price meals or free meals, if they complete an application for free and reduced price school meals/milk. Households may complete one application listing all children and return it to your student’s school. When completing an application, only the last four digits of the social security number of the household’s primary wage earner or another adult household member is needed.
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households, students receiving benefits under the Family Investment Program (FIP) and students in a few specific Medicaid programs are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Most students from SNAP and FIP households will be qualified for free meals automatically. These households will receive a letter from their student’s schools notifying them of their benefits. Households that receive a letter from the school need to do nothing more for their student(s) to receive free or reduced price meals. No further application is necessary. If any students were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free or reduced price meal benefits extended to them. If you feel you would qualify for free meal benefits and received notification qualifying for reduced price benefits, complete an application for free and reduced price meals. Households must contact the school if they choose to decline meal benefits.
3. Some SNAP and FIP households will receive a letter from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) which will qualify the children listed on the letter for free meals. Parents must take this letter to the student’s school to receive free meals.
4. SNAP or FIP households receiving benefits that do not receive a letter from Iowa HHS must complete an application with the abbreviated information as indicated on the application and instructions, for their students to receive free meals. When the application lists an assistance program’s case number for any household member, eligibility for free benefits is extended to all students in a household. Eligibility from the previous year will continue within the same school for up to 30 operating days into the new school year. When the carryover period ends, unless the household is notified that their students are directly certified or the household submits an application that is approved, the students must pay full price for school meals and the school will not send a reminder or a notice of expired eligibility. An application cannot be approved unless complete eligibility information is submitted. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. If a family member becomes unemployed the family should contact the school to complete an application. Households notified of their student’s eligibility must contact the school if the household chooses to decline the free meal benefits. Foster children are eligible for free meal benefits. Some foster students will be qualified for free meals automatically through the state direct certification process. Their host family will receive notification of these benefits. Families that receive this notification from the school need to do nothing more for their foster students to receive free meals. If a family has foster students living with them and does not receive notification and wishes to apply for such meals, instructions for making application for such students are contained on the application form. A foster student may be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits for other students. Including students in foster care as household members may help other students in the household qualify for benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, it does not prevent a foster student from receiving benefits. Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
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
Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free or reduced price meals based on a completed application.
When known by the school, households will be notified of any child eligible for free meals if the children are enrolled in the Head Start/Even Start program or are considered homeless, migrant or runaway. If any children are not listed on the notice of eligibility, contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits. If households are dissatisfied with the application approval done by the officials, they may make a formal appeal either orally or in writing to the school’s designated hearing official. The policy statement on file at the school contains an outline of the hearing procedure. School officials may verify the information in the application, and that deliberate misrepresentation of information may subject the applicant to prosecution under applicable state and federal criminal statutes. Households should contact their local school for additional information.
There will be no discrimination against individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in the school meal programs.
Nondiscrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 7202600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 3. email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Declaración de no Discriminación del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos
Iowa Nondiscrimination Notice. “It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 400 E. 14th St. Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-4574416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.”
Community Calendar
Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com
THURSDAY
• Mingo Men’s Club meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of month at the Mingo Community Center
SUNDAY
• Colfax Historical Society Museum is open from 2 to 4 p.m. every Sunday through Labor Day.
MONDAY
• Colfax Historical Society meets at 7 p.m. the third Monday of month at the museum
TUESDAY
• Colfax Farmers Market is open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Mineral Springs Park
THURSDAY
• AMVETS meet at 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of month at the Colfax Fire Station.
CHS to host program on Iowa’s Civil War involvement Aug. 25
The Colfax Historical Society is hosting “Iowa’s Involvement in the Civil War” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25. Michael Huston, guest speaker, will discuss the many individuals who served from Jasper County. Those attending this free event are encouraged to take images and artifacts of their own relatives to share.
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
SUNDAY, Aug. 18 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dyer
TUESDAY, Aug. 20 - 3:30 p.m. Women’s Prayer and Coffee
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 21 - 9 a.m. Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; 6:30 p.m. AWANA Registration/Fun
The church schedule is brought
Night
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.
wMINGO 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 & 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
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Bible classes; 10 a.m. Worship service; 6 p.m. Evening service
WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Evening activities
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF HOPE Capitol II Theatre in Newton SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Livestream Worship Service
Newton Main
Director Erin Yeager presented RVTV (Channel 13 News) coming to Newton around 1:00 on September 6, 2024, to broadcast before the Iowa/Iowa State game. There will be yard games food vendors, a band, and other entertainment throughout the afternoon into early evening Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to approve the use of the Courthouse lawn on September 6, 2024, for RVTV
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Stevenson seconded by Cupples to approve the Sheriff's Quarterly report for the period of April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Stevenson, seconded by Cupples to approve the Sheriff's FY2023-2024 report.
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to approve the EMS Fund Quarterly report for the period of April 1, 2024 to June 30, 2024
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to approve the EMS Fund FY2023-2024 report.
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to adopt Resolution 24-73 approving the increase of out of County inmates housing daily fee from $55.00/day to $60.00/day and $75.00/day for inmates that require additional care
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the Office of the Jasper County Auditor. Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to adopt Resolution 24-74 approving an increase in the minimum hourly rate for reserve deputies from $25.00/hour to $35.00/hour YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the Office of the Jasper County Auditor. Motion by Stevenson seconded by Cupples to approve the Law Enforcement Service Contract between the City of Baxter and the Jasper County Sheriff's Office for $3,000.00/month beginning August 1, 2024, and ending December 31, 2024, with the removal of Item 10 from the agreement
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Stevenson seconded by Cupples to approve Traveler's Cyber Bond coverage for threeyears paid in full at $4,665.00. YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Cupples seconded by Stevenson to approve Valuations Northwest to appraise the Courthouse at a $2,500.00 flat rate share travel expenses with Marshall County and potentially appraise additional County Buildings
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Stevenson, seconded by Cupples to allocate funds quarterly from the General Assistance budget to the Veteran Affairs budget for Shared Benefits Coordinator Josh Price's wages and benefits to reflect a 50/50 split YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Stevenson seconded by Cupples to adopt Resolution 24-75 for Central Iowa Regional Housing Authority to re-appoint Brandon Talsma to the Board with Doug Cupples being the alternate. YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA A complete copy of the resolution is on file in the Office of the Jasper County Auditor. Motion by Stevenson seconded by Cupples to approve the Canvass of the City of Baxter Special election and the Board of Supervisors minutes from July 16, 2024 YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Stevenson seconded by Cupples to re-appoint Marta Ford to the Veterans Affairs Commission term expires 6-302027. YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Stevenson seconded by Cupples to enter into a closed session requested by Dennis Simon in accordance with Iowa Code Section 21.5c to discuss
Commission
Public
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion to come out of closed session due to Veterans wanting to speak during public input and comments.
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES
TALSMA Several concerned Veterans spoke out to the Board of Supervisors asking to give the Veteran Affairs Director more help more office space, extra training, and to remove existing Veteran Affairs Commissioners and appoint new Veterans to the Commission. Dennis Simon expressed that applications are currently on the Jasper County website for those interested in serving on the VA Commission. Motion by Stevenson, seconded by Cupples to enter into a closed session.
YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Motion by Stevenson, seconded by Cupples to come out of closed session. YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA There was no work session. Motion by Stevenson, seconded by Cupples to adjourn the Tuesday July 23, 2024, meeting of the Jasper County Board of Supervisors YEA: STEVENSON, CUPPLES, TALSMA Jenna Jennings Auditor Brandon Talsma Chairman August 15
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JASPER COUNTY Re zone Request to Agricultural “A” - Parcel #06.31.100.018 To Whom It May Concern: You are hereby notified that at 9:30AM, on August 20th, August 27th, and September 3rd, 2024, at the Jasper County Courthouse, Board of Supervisor's Room 101 1st Street North, Newton, IA 50208, there will be a Public Hearing for Rezone Request to Agricultural - “A” - Parcel #06.31.100.018. END OF SECTION August 15
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF TH E BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF JASPER COUNTY IN TH E STATE OF IOWA ON THE MATTER OF THE PROPOSAL TO ENTER INTO A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH HILLTOP ESTATES, L.L.C., AND THE HEARING THEREON PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that the Board of Jasper County in the State of Iowa, will hold a public hearing on August 20 2024, at 9:30 A.M. in the Supervisors Room County Courthouse, 101 1st Street N, Newton, Iowa at which meeting the Board proposes to take action on the proposal to enter into a Development Agreement (the "Agreement") with Hilltop Estates, L.L.C. (the "Developer") The Agreement would obligate the Developer to construct certain Minimum Improvements (as defined in the Agreement) on certain real property located within the Hilltop Estates Urban Renewal Area as defined and legally described in the Agreement, consisting of the construction of 2 Housing Units and certain Infrastructure Improvements to serve the Housing Units including On-site Improvements and Off-site Improvements under the terms and following satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Agreement.
The Agreement would obligate the City to make up to ten (10) annual payments of Economic Development Grants to Developer in the amount of 100% of the Tax Increment generated by the construction of the Housing Units and collected pursuant to Iowa Code Section 403.19, less the required LMI setaside, starting the first fiscal year in which Tax Increment generated by the construction of the Housing Units is collected pursuant to Iowa Code Section 403.19 and ending upon the earlier of (i) after ten (10) annual Economic Development Grants have been paid, (ii) the maximum cumulative total of the Grants has been paid, (iii) the ability to collect Tax Increment terminates or (iv) the Agreement is terminated pursuant to its terms. The maximum cumulative total for all Economic Development Grants is not to exceed the lesser of (i) the aggregate amount of the Qualified Costs and Expenses incurred by Developer for constructing the On-Site Improvements, (ii) $321,000, or (iii) the amount of Tax Increment available under the schedule and formula set forth in the Agreement during the 10-year period. The Agreement would further obligation the City to provide one (1) Benchmark Grant to Developer in the amount of the lesser of $315,000 or the Qualified Costs and Expenses incurred in constructing the OffSite Improvements after the Developer has
and 4:30pm Monday through Friday August 15
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING JASPER COUNTY Re zone Request from Agricultural “A ” to Rural Re sidential (RR1) - Parcel #12.02.200.018 To Whom It May Concern: You are
Getting prepared for back to school
Children will soon be
the chimes of neighborhood ice cream trucks for the bells of school as summer vacation gives way to the start of a new academic year. August through September is prime back-to-school season, with children all across the country stocking their backpacks and shopping for new school wardrobes.
There is more to getting ready for the start of school than making sure pencils are sharpened and tablets are charged. Parents and children can work together to ensure the transition back to the classroom is as seamless as possible.
Adjust sleep and wake times
Summer vacation often means letting loose of sched-
ules for a while, and that may translate into later-than-normal bedtimes and rising a little later in the morning. Everyone in the household will have to reacquaint themselves with schedules that ensure kids get to school on time. A few weeks before the first day of school, start incrementally going to bed at an earlier time and start waking up earlier each morning. Try to plan out the increments so that by the time the last few days of summer vacation wind down, the family is on target with a waking schedule that mirrors the school schedule.
Acclimate to being around people
Although summer vacation may involve trips that bring children in contact with other
people, it may have been some time since they’ve spent five or more hours per day around 20 to 30 people their age. It may take a transition period to get used to being around a bunch of peers, so families can visit places where there tend to be crowds of kids, such as zoos, aquariums, parks, and trampoline centers. These can be low-pressure locations to dust off social skills. Know the route or plan for school transportation Students may be driven independently, ride the school bus, walk or bike, or carpool with others to and from school. Families can establish plans so that getting to and from school is not something kids need to worry about. Practice routes and timing,
taking into consideration that when schools open there will be much more traffic. Parents can reassure children that there will be a learning curve, but all of the kinks generally get worked out during the first week.
Avoid “summer slide”
Most students don’t want to think about studying, homework and testing while on summer break, but it can be beneficial to stay current on some lessons. Summer slide refers to the loss of some of the learning achieved during the previous school year over the summer break. Some experts say summer slide is overstated, but it can’t hurt for students to refresh their memories on some math, science and language arts concepts
over break so that they will be ready to hit the books when the new school year begins. Prep for school lunches Children and adults can work together to map out healthy eating options for school lunch. Many school districts have lunch plans that can be purchased through an online account. Participating students simply enter a number or swipe a code at checkout. School lunches are built to be nutritionally diverse and have options that even picky eaters will like. School is right around the corner, and families should get ready for the routine and needs that go with the academic year as the first day draws closer.
