RVTV continues to be all about people of small-town Iowa
RVTV started as a three-person excursion that took place outside of Cyclones Stadium in Ames back in 1995.
It has evolved into a mass television production and the street party of the year in small towns all across Central Iowa.
“There was no buzz or enthusiasm at that time,” WHO-TV 13 Sports Director Keith Murphy said about the start of RVTV. “Iowa fans knew they were going to win and Iowa State fans tried to be excited but knew what was coming.
“I came up with the idea because the Cyclones had started to win and the game became a bigger deal in the state. I decided to camp out at the stadium. It was called Cyclone Stadium at the time.”
Murphy worked for WOI Channel 5 in 1995. His first experience staying inside Cyclones Stadium was in an RV similar to what Cousin Eddie drove in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.
Murphy recalls parking the RV right by the field and being the only one of his three-person crew who actually stayed in the RV.
When Murphy made the switch to WHO-TV 13, they began rotating between stadiums in Ames and Iowa City.
There was even a point during the early stages of the week-long event where Murphy thought it was time to jump the shark.
“We were repeating the same stories and I felt like it was the same attempt at humor,” Murphy said. “The station knew it was a pretty good brand. So they asked us to keep doing it. That’s when I thought of having the tour on the way to the game. That kind of rejuvenated it.”
The RVTV brand has expanded into a week-long journey that takes the WHOTV 13 “Soundoff” crew into small towns across Central Iowa who are excited to
host the year’s best street party.
This year, the team chose four new sites, including a pair of Jasper County towns. They drove into Baxter on Thursday and ended their week Friday in Newton. According to Murphy, it was the crew’s first time in both places. RVTV did make a stop at Iowa Speedway several years ago though.
“I go all the way back to the beginning.
I think that was 2001,” WHO-TV 13 news anchor Andy Fales said. “It’s about making new connections in the towns. I end up getting feature story ideas that I can come back to. I meet a bunch of people who I never would have met otherwise. We are here for one purpose, and we just meet so many people.”
Murphy said choosing the route each year is a team effort, but WHO-TV 13 sports reporter John Sears is largely involved in the process. Sears said around 50 towns apply for consideration each year. But only about 20 of those are real options.
Amanda Moorman, the Baxter Chamber of Commerce Treasurer, said a restaurant in town called Benolas asked her team to apply for consideration.
The town of Baxter currently has 970 citizens, making it the second-smallest town to ever be featured for RVTV.
“It’s incredible. We are a really small community,” Moorman said. “It’s been really cool to see this all come together. There were people out here at 9:30 in the morning getting things set up.”
Baxter’s street party officially started at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. Main Street was packed before the 4 p.m. newscast that featured Murphy’s interview with Baxter head football coach Rob Luther.
The RVTV crew also made its way out to the football stadium for a promo video that might have been used to motivate
Popular annual event invades two Jasper County towns
It’s Paddle Skedaddle time!
Supervisors appoint Katherine Thompson to VA commission
Officials move forward with commissioners’ recommendation to fill vacant seat
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Following through with the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission’s top recommendation for its new member, the board of supervisors on Sept. 3 voted 3-0 to appoint Katherine Thompson to the vacant seat. The decision comes one week after supervisors wanted extra time to vet the candidates themselves.
Supervisor Brandon Talsma said he reached out to the top three applicants: Thompson, William Cobbs and James Pfleger. After speaking with them all individually, Talsma said he would be OK with appointing Thompson to the veterans affairs commission. Thompson was every member’s top choice.
Newton News previously reported the veterans affairs commission had been searching for months to find someone to fill a seat left vacant after the death of commissioner Sue Springer in June. Commissioners received a total of seven applications, and from those forms narrowed
down their search.
When commissioners Jerry Nelson and Marta Ford presented the applications to the board of supervisors, they included all seven for their review. However, the veterans affairs commissioners were in agreement that Thompson in particular was the best candidate for the job, and they recommended she be appointed. Applications were posted on the Jasper County website. In addition to providing their contact information, they must indicate if they are a veteran and explain why they are interested in serving the commission, what contributions they can make to the commission and how much time they can devote to the position.
The veterans affairs commissioners are now as follows: Fred Chabot, Marta Ford, Jerry Nelson, Ed Spangenburg and Katherine Thompson. The commission oversees the veterans affairs administrator and the shared benefits coordinator positions. The commission meets every second Wednesday of the month.
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Trbune
WHO13 Sports Director Keith Murphy interviewed Baxter head football coach Rob Luther during the 4 p.m. newscast at the RVTV stop Sept. 5 in Baxter.
By Troy Hyde Jasper County Tribune
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Trbune
Baxter Cheerleaders perform on the downtown football field during WHO13
RVTV Sept. 5 in Baxter.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune
Paddle boarders, kayakers, runners and walks took to the Paddle Skedaddle course Sept. 8 at Quarry Springs Park in Colfax.
then edit the videos at the end of the night for a montage that concludes the visit at each town.
ther.
The RVTV crew also made its way out to the football stadium for a promo video that might have been used to motivate other football teams across Iowa on Friday night.
Fans in Baxter donned Hawkeye black and gold, Cyclone red and gold or Bolts purple to support their favorite team.
There was a pep rally for the 5 p.m. newscast and the party continued through the 10 p.m. newscast.
“It’s a great way to bring small towns together,” Baxter Mayor Doug Bishop said. “I want to give a big shoutout to all of the volunteers that made this happen.
“We just had our (annual Baxter) Fun Days in July. Then to turn around to get this event done, they really stepped up. As you can see by the people around, lots of folks showed up. We are excited and having a great time. It’s a great event for the City of Baxter.”
The regular RVTV team these days goes about eight deep. And they all have a very specific set of roles.
Murphy, Fales and WHO-TV 13 Chief Meteorologist Ed Wilson handle most of the onair spots for the 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. newscasts.
Sears and WHO-TV 13 sports reporter Mark Freund help with the live shots and get video throughout the day and
Scott Siepker, also known as the Iowa Nice Guy, sees himself as the utility guy.
“All I do is the weather. But I do interview people and put them on live TV,” said Wilson, who joined the RVTV team 10 years ago. “I’m the diversion who takes pressure off the other guys so they can step away to edit or get things done for their newscasts. I’m the dog and pony show, really.”
This year’s RVTV was Freund’s fifth. He said the toughest part for him are the two weeks before when he’s working on the feature story in each town that airs during their RVTV night.
Freund’s stories close to our hearts in Jasper County were about Baxter’s record-setting quarterback Braydon Aker and the Newton-Colfax-Mingo-Pella girls swim team.
“My stories are done before we even get started,” Freund said. “That allows me to be a floater and help with whatever is needed during the week.
“Connecting with all the people is the best part. They are all really nice to us and so warm and welcoming.”
A typical day on RVTV starts at 9 a.m. when the crew exits one town and heads to another. Most nights end no earlier than midnight. Even though the smart decision is always to go to bed and get a good night’s sleep.
“There’s usually a pub on the town square to hang out at at the end of the night,” Murphy said. “I don’t always enjoy the
next morning, but the best part is staying up late with the guys and folks from the town and reminiscing about the day and how great things went.
“The most difficult part is just getting worn out. It’s not physical labor. But yesterday we left at 9 a.m. and worked until 11 p.m. It’s mostly rewarding and we appreciate the photos and meeting people, but by the end of the week, you do get worn out from it. These are firstworld problems though.”
The RVTV crew had a short 15-mile drive from Baxter to Newton on Friday morning.
Their time in Newton started with a visit to Berg Middle School at around noon.
Murphy and Fales then went to Murph and Mary’s Pub for their highly popular Murph & Andy podcast.
The street party began at the town square at 3:30 p.m. There was a pep rally for Newton’s football game against Dallas Center-Grimes at 4 p.m.
The Cardinals’ first home game of 2024 was part of the reason Newton’s street party ended at 8 p.m.
“I think it’s great to showcase Newton. It’s awesome to have RVTV here,” said Erin Yeager, who is the executive director of Newton Main Street. “Newton’s a great town and it’s fun to be the last stop before Iowa City.
“The four-hour night is like any other night we do. It’s an easier setup. It’s basically a tailgate party before the first home football game. And we get to showcase Newton in the process.”
Newton Mayor Evelyn
George loved the fact that Newton ended RVTV’s week. The community gets a chance to showcase its downtown and talk about all the town has to offer.
“Newton is very excited that we were selected. Especially on Football Friday Night,” George said. “Newton has a long, storied history with high school football and we get to kick the event off with a pep rally before the first home game.”
The distance between Baxter and Newton has to be one of the shortest drives from one town to the next in RVTV history.
Murphy can’t recall what the shortest trip was, but there have been a few others that may have been shorter.
“We’ve probably had a similar route where two towns are so close together, but it’s not common,” Murphy said. “The main thing we are trying to do with this event these days is finding new towns that are interested in doing it.”
Murphy said he slept in the camper for the first 15 years of RVTV, but the group no longer stays in it during the week. They rely on hotels in the towns they are in or someone in the community lets them stay at their house, which was the case in Baxter.
The RVTV crew returned to their homes during the overnight in Mitchellville because there were no hotels there to stay in.
Staying in the RV was a point of pride for Murphy during the early stages of RVTV, but it’s not the best decision for adult men in their 40s and 50s to stay in a camper for an entire week.
We can stop HIV, Iowa— by staying up-to-date on recommended screenings!
“They stopped staying in the RV about 10 years ago. Reality is, guys in their 40s and 50s staying in an RV for five or six days in a week is not healthy and not good for your body,” said Sears, who finished up his 12th year on RVTV this week.
“It also got to the point where the school band or someone with a loud car would show up at 6 a.m. outside the RV. They think it’s funny. But it became not fun.”
Wilson was asked to do RVTV when Fales moved to the morning newscast at WHO-TV 13. Fales said he spent two years on RVTV when he went to mornings but often had to go to bed after the 6 p.m. newscast.
He even recalls sleeping on the closet floor of the RV one year because he couldn’t get his body out of that brutal schedule.
Fales’ work schedule has since changed, which allowed him to return to the event and they got to keep Wilson, too.
“Andy couldn’t be out here and that kind of kills it because Murph and Andy go together,” Wilson said. “Now we are all on here and it works out even better.
“The best part to me is meeting people you wouldn’t meet otherwise. And we are not here for a bank robbery, or a fire or severe weather. It’s for something positive. You meet some great people. It’s the best thing we do every year.”
Siepker finished his ninth year of RVTV. He said his duties for the week involve coming up with an idea, editing or shooting video, being on
camera or simply just carrying stuff around.
“The best part about the week is just hanging out,” Siepker said. “It’s stressful. And we bicker sometimes, but there’s a real brotherhood. We laughed so hard the other day editing some stuff that our bellies hurt. That’s what this week is all about.”
The consensus from the RVTV crew is that the week is hard. But also very rewarding.
Freund is most proud of being able to put out a good TV product despite being pulled in many different directions and staying up way past their bedtimes.
“The quality could drop off simply because we are running around with our hair on fire,” Freund said. “But for the most part, the product still looks great. That’s a point of pride for all of us.”
Sears has spent more than a decade on TV. But is still surprised to see so much support from people who know him only from watching him on the news every night.
But he also stresses to the towns during the selection process that it’s about them.
“We want the communities to build the day around their town and the people and don’t focus on us,” Sears said. “We want them to plan a big party that we happen to show up for. We want it to be about the town. And not about us.
“We can promote this, and market it but it’s all about the towns. We don’t tell anyone what to do. We give them ideas, but they take it and run with it.”
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All people ages 13-64 should be screened for HIV at least once in their lifetime.
All people ages 18 and over should be screened for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime.
All people ages 18 and over should be screened for hepatitis C at least once in their lifetime.
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Football Coach Rob Lu-
Christopher Braunschweig/Newton News
“Birds of a feather flock together” with Hawkeye, Cyclone and Cardinal fans celebrating WHO13’s RVTV Sept. 6 in Newton.
Jasper County Dispatch received a 911 call about an unresponsive inmate who was not breathing and was receiving CPR. Newton Fire Department responded by ambulance to the prison that very morning to assist. However, it was reported Malga Harun Yanga died at the scene.
In a release sent to subscribers on the Iowa Department of Correction’s delivery list, it was revealed Yanga was pronounced dead at 6:06 a.m. Sept. 4. Yanga had been serving a “life special sentence” from Buena Vista County. His
sentence began on Aug. 17, 2020. No other information is being shared at this time. In Iowa, a life special sentence means an individual must be supervised by the department of corrections for the rest of their lives unless excused by a parole board or upon a successful appeal. Some law experts have described special sentences has “lifetime parole.”
According to a September 2019 report by KCAU, Yanga was charged with third-degree sexual abuse (Class C felony), invasion of privacy and an aggravated misdemeanor after law enforcement in Storm Lake found a cell phone video of an alleged sexual assault of an adult woman.
Storm Lake Police Department was
DO I SPOT A SKIMMER?
HOW
In the press release, the Newton Police Department included information on how to spot a skimmer and how best to protect your information.
processing evidence related to vehicle burglaries and theft when they found possible evidence of more criminal activity. Police identified Yanga, 18 years old at the time, and then arrested him and booked him in Buena Vista County Jail.
Yanga was a graduate of Storm Lake High School and played shooting guard for the varsity basketball team. His Twitter/X page shows on March 2019 he worked for an offer on the men’s basketball team at William Penn University. The Oskaloosa-based basketball team’s page declared him a “future All-American.”
Sources close to the prison speculate Yanga had been experiencing health or medical issues prior to his death. It’s happened before at Newton Correction-
method, such as Apple Pay. Gas pump skimmers can only read the magnetic strip on your card.
al Facility. Earlier this year, 73-year-old Pete Alspach died from an “unexpected medical emergency” while incarcerated. Alspach was serving a life sentence for first-degree kidnapping from Wright County. The state said an autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death and that foul play was not suspected. Newton News also received numerous inquires questioning how a young man like Yanga dies in prison.
In June, a 24-year-old serving his sentence at Anamosa State Penitentiary also died due to an “unexpected medical emergency.” Foul play was not suspected either. Andrew Redman Jr. was serving a sentence for drug crimes and for possessing a firearm as a felon in Polk County.
had purchased gasoline at the Git-NGo pumps.
The affected pumps were placed out of service following the discovery. Captain Chris Wing highly recommended people not swipe their credit or debit cards when paying and instead use either the tap or a mobile wallet because “they do not transmit card data and only transmit a token to the bank.”
Even the Federal Bureau of Investigations says tap-to-pay transactions are “more secure and less likely to be compromised.” The FBI also recommends gas station patrons use a fuel pump that is closer to the store and in direct view of the attendant. These pumps are less likely to be targets for skimming devices.
Other tips the FBI listed on its website include examining the keypad before use for any inconsistencies in coloring, material or shape. These inconsistencies could suggest that a foreign device is present. Customers may also want to consider paying inside with the attendant and not outside at the pump.
What are fuel pump skimmers? The FBI says they are devices attached to the internal wiring of the machine and are not visible to the customer. Skimming devices store data to be downloaded or wirelessly transferred later.
Skimming costs financial institutions and customers more than $1 billion each year.
Some gas pump skimmers are undetectable, but others may be suspicious or show signs the device does not belong. If a credit card reader moves or doesn’t seem like it quite fits into place when you jiggle it, police say do not use and notify management right away.
Other physical indicators include being oversized, sticking out strangely, having cracks or damage to the reader or having arrows or lines that do not align with the pump. Customers at the fuel pump can also compare the card reader to others at the surrounding pumps to see if there are dissimilar.
Still, despite careful inspections some skimming devices are just impossible to spot since they can connect to the card reader internally and are not visible from the outside of the pump. All gas pumps are supposed to have tamper-proof security seals affixed to the locked operating systems so businesses can spot tampering.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF?
Is there a way to avoid having credit card information stolen at the gas station? Newton Police Department says the most effective way is to simply pay inside with an attendant. But for those who do not wish to do that, there are ways to protect themselves to some degree:
• Remember to inspect the card reader using the tips above.
• Pay with credit, not debit, if you can.
• Pay with a chip or contact-free
• Avoid using your PIN or enter it discreetly. Some criminals install hidden cameras to catch this information.
• Pay at the pump closest to the building. Because it’s often being watched by attendants inside, it’s harder for criminals to tamper with.
• Set your payment cards to notify you for purchases over a certain amount.
• If something feels off, it might be worth it to mention it to an employee, find another way to pay or go somewhere else.
WHAT CAN BUSINESSES DO?
Customers are not the only victims of skimming. Police say businesses suffer from the associated costs, the damage to their reputation and lost sales.
Here are best practices business owners can do to help customers and keep their businesses safe from skimmers:
• Make pump inspection part of the daily routine for employees.
• Use and track pump security seals. These large labels are adhered to the pump near the credit card reader. If the pump panel is opened, the label will read “void,” which means the machine has been tampered with.
• Log the serial numbers on the seals. Thieves can use counterfeit security stickers, so make sure serial numbers on the seals match your station’s master list.
• Look for warped or protruding surfaces. For example, card readers and PIN pads not flush with the pump’s door panel are a warning sign.
was able to do something that big.”
If a little bit goes a long way, then $890 can certainly go much further. Morrison shared photos of the shopping spree and the huge haul of items collected. Boxes of pencils and markers and colored pencils, folders, calculators, notebooks, tissues, cleaning wipes, backpacks, glue, construction paper, rulers.
For Morrison, it felt good giving back to her school district and being able to provide students and teachers with things they will actually use.
“We’re more than just aloe, teas and shake,” she said. “We try to differentiate ourselves from being a place where you just go to get a drink. We’re trying to spread who we are — who we truly are — and our meaning to the town, and I think doing this really showed that.”
1st Ave has organized other partnership opportunities with the community. For instance, the shop will often hold “tea drops” by bringing in samples. 1st Ave is also involved with the Chamber of Commerce, participated in runs and donation events in the past and has held local sports fundraisers.
“We try to stay really involved,” Morrison said.
Shirley Reid
Aug. 15, 2024
Shirley Reid passed away August 15, 2024, two weeks shy of her 94th birthday and less than three months shy of the election of the first female president, an event that she has been waiting to happen for years.
Shirley was born on August 29, 1930, in Newton, IA to Lela and El-
Larry Arthur Romick
Aug. 11, 2024
mer Kooistra and grew up on her family farm with her brother Verle, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse — something that amazed her fellow residents at Sunrise Senior Living in Washington, DC. Shirley had a thirst for learning and, in order to attend high school, she lived with her aunts in town. Shirley graduated from Central College in Pella, IA where she met Paul Tedford. Shirley and Paul married in 1952. They soon moved to Springfield, MA where Paul received training for a career with the YMCA and Shirley taught En-
glish in the public school system. After their stint in Springfield, they moved to Galveston, TX where Paul continued his career with YMCA and Shirley taught school, including many immigrant students. While in Galveston, Shirley gave birth to her first child, daughter Ann Lora. Shirley, Paul, and Ann moved to Wilmington, DE in 1957. In 1960, Shirley gave birth to her second daughter, Jane Brand. Shirley was a working mother before it was popular as she took the position of Assistant Professor of English at Goldey-Beacom College.
Shirley had a love for musical theater and participated in many community theater productions.
Shirley shared the stage with Robert Reid and in 1973, they married. Shirley and Robert lived in St. Louis, MO and Buffalo, NY before finally moving to Washington, DC. In Washington, Shirley was able to make a career out of her love of politics by taking professional positions with the Carter/Mondale Re-election Campaign and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. In 1987, Shirley opened her own business
as a political research consultant specializing in opposition research. Shirley and Robert traveled the world and shared a love of baseball with Shirley rooting for the Cubs and Robert cheering on the Cardinals. With the arrival of the Washington Nationals, they both gave up lifelong allegiance to their teams and became diehard Nats fans. When Shirley decided it was time to move to an assisted living facility, much of the decision was based on the ability to watch the Nationals.
Shirley lost Robert, the love of her life, in
2023. She is predeceased by her brother Verle. Shirley is survived by her four daughters, Anna Beth Reid, Catherine Reid Jirik (Peter), Ann Lora Tedford and Jane Brand Walter (Darryl); four grandchildren, Ellen Beth Jirik Kaku (Diego),Kyle Walter, Lela Walter and Hannah Walter; and one great-granddaughter, Minori Catherine Jirik Kaku. Shirley donated her body to the Georgetown University School of Medicine. A celebration of life will be held on October 5. Donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to the ACLU.
Larry Arthur Romick, 85, of Monroe Iowa, passed away on August 11, 2024, at Pella Regional Health Center, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Larry was born on September 29, 1938, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Charles Arthur “Art” and Marie (Fisher) Romick. During his lifetime Larry lived in many towns including St. Louis, Fairfield, Oskaloosa, Knoxville, Red Rock, Ivy,
Alfred Henry Ward
Sept. 4, 2024
Clive, and Leon, before finally settling in Monroe where he graduated high school in 1956. He would go on to attend five quarters at Iowa State where he studied Agriculture. Larry’s 1957 Chevy Belaire 2 door hardtop caught the eye of his future wife Marcy Dammeier of Metz while cruising the square in Monroe. The couple were later married on June 26, 1959, in Newton. They settled in Monroe where they raised their family and enjoyed 64 years of marriage. Larry worked as a welder and maintenance operator at Vermeer Manufacturing, Parsons, and Armstrong/Pirelli until his retirement in 1994. After his retirement Larry did not stop working. He sold cars and
worked as a school custodian for several years. Larry’s final job was as custodian at the Monroe Methodist church, where he was a long-time member and took great pride in ensuring the church was always ready for the next event. Larry loved going to car auctions and could always be spotted wearing his N.A.D.A. car value bible in his back pocket. He and Marcy square danced for many years and were heavily involved in supporting their church. His other passion was to find old items at garage and estate sales that needed to be refurbished; he had many hammers and garden tools in his garage that he restored. Larry especially enjoyed traveling with his wife, Marcy. They took many trips to -
gether and during their marriage visited Branson, MO, Washington D.C., Texas, Hawaii, and Europe. Larry and Marcy loved living life.
Larry loved cars. He routinely watched NASCAR and was a big fan of Dale Earnhardt. His most treasured possession was his 1969 Camaro Indy Pace Car Convertible that he restored with his brother Rod in Storm Lake, IA. He loved to go out and cruise with the top down and take family members out with him.
As much as he loved his Camaro, he loved being a dad, a grandpa, and a great grandpa more. Larry could always be counted on to support his grandkids in any activity they participated in, to include support via prac-
ticing with his grandkids. Larry possessed a legendary work ethic and always thought of other people before considering himself, there is nothing he wouldn’t do for his family. The loss of his daughter Tammy strengthened his devotion and commitment to his family. Larry and Marcy dedicated the remainder of their lives to supporting their son Barry, their grandkids, and their great grandkids. He was a devoted and loving husband to Marcy and deeply missed her. Larry was a great man. Remaining to cherish his memory are his son Barry (Kelly) Romick; eight grandchildren, Nathan (Jennifer) Van Wyk, Andrew (Celia) Romick, Alisa (Melanie) Romick, Emily (Nick) Bates,
Austin Van Wyk, Katlyn (Brad) Millison, Jenna Petersen, and Bryce (Amber) Romick; 19 great grandchildren; siblings Jim (Terri) Romick, Gloria (Paul) Kane, Rodney (Barb) Romick, Barb (Russ) Hagen, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Marcy, his parents, his brother Garry Romick, a daughter and son-in-law Tammy and Marvin Van Wyk; two grandchildren, Zachary Van Wyk and Nathan LeGrand. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:30 am at the Monroe United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends on Saturday from 9:30 am until service time. Burial will take place at Silent City Cemetery.
Alfred “Al” Henry Ward, 85, of Newton, the son of Alva and Delia Mae (Hicks) Ward was born September 20, 1938, near Matkins, Harrison County, Missouri. Alfred was one of eleven children. He
Mary Louise Mowen Matthews
Sept. 6, 2024
Our family navigator has followed the path Jesus created for her over the course of the past 82 years.
Having lived her life with a strong faith and belief in Jesus, He called Mary home to be with Him in heaven.
Mary Louise Mowen Matthews was the firstborn to Leonard L. and Genevieve L. Mowen on February 12, 1942. Born in Des Moines, Mary received a high quality education
shared his birth year with Route ‘66 and Superman. He lost his father at the age eight, in a tragic car wreck. He attended country school near Bodem County, Bethany and Albany, MO. When he wasn’t skipping school to go fishing at the river. He was a high school graduate. Al had served his country, at the age of 17, with the U.S. Army, in 1959. Serving during Korea, as a Sp-5 Sergeant. On July 2, 1961, Al was united in marriage with Mary Patsy Rinehart,
beginning in 1946 with the first Black teacher in the Des Moines Public Schools. She attended Perkins Elementary, Franklin Junior High School, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1960 as a proud Rough Rider.
Mary had fond memories of family vacations together to Cedar Rapids Lodge on Medicine Lake in northern Minnesota each year with her siblings, parents, aunts, uncles and many cousins. She graduated from State College of Iowa (now UNI) in 1964. During this time Mary was set up on a blind date by a close friend (and future sister-in-law) and met the love of her life, Jim Matthews. They were married August 9, 1964 and blessed to celebrate
in the McFall Baptist Church. Moving to Iowa in 1963, he was employed by the Maytag Company in Newton, retiring in 1998, after 35 years. Al devoted his life to his family, and was a member of the Newton Foursquare Church, the Local #997 UAW Retirees Union and Jasper County Senior Citizens. He enjoyed the outdoors, feeding his squirrels, watching the birds, making pies with Pat and making candles. He had remodeled four homes, built several garages and
60 years of marriage last month. Jim and Mary had three children: Carol, David, and Daniel. Mary taught second graders at Mingo Community School from 1968-1970. She shared many memories of her students and her teaching colleagues during that time. Mary enjoyed being with people, especially children. She was known as a “baby whisperer”, calming those cries when no one else had success. During Covid, Mary found herself in a skilled nursing rehabilitation center. She would navigate her way (masked of course) into a neighbor’s room to visit and share because their grandsons were very close friends. The staff would find her and navigate her direction back to her own room.
helped many of his neighbors do the same. He used many of his talents serving the Lord. Al passed from this world to a better life on Wednesday evening, September 4, 2024, at his home in Newton. Funeral services for Al will be 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at the Newton Foursquare Church. With a visitation from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m., Tuesday, at the Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home in Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be
Mary’s life path continued as a homemaker as her family moved to Indiana and Washington, making many special friendships and bonds along the way. We clamored into the old green station wagon and Mary navigated beside Jim on many trips across the country, and even into some places no vehicle had seen before, nor should have. She navigated directions in the car and provided direction to us in life.
Mary and Jim returned to their Iowa roots and took over the family farmstead. Mary was raised in the city but became a farm wife. She attended classes for Accounting and as a result worked for the Iowa Department of Revenue for more than twenty five years. She would work long
designated to Al’s family or to a charity of your choosing. Burial will be in the Newton Union Cemetery, next to son Joel. He was preceded in death by his parents; son Joel Henry Ward on April 15, 2015; a grandson Tanner; and several brothers and sisters: Buck, Arnold, Jim, Nadine, Mae, Ruby, Sarah, Arty, Frances, and a special sisterin-law Judy. Those left to honor Al’s memory include his wife Pat; his sons: Dan (Mary Miller) Ward, Dave Ward,
hours during tax seasons to make sure deposits into the state coffers were exactly right-to the penny. She was detailed and accurate.
Mary loved God and her family above all. She was a supporter of her children’s activities in school music, sports, and 4-H over the years. That support continued with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even when Mary’s mobility made attendance difficult she watched from afar and loved hearing about dance competitions, football, basketball, baseball, running and Special Olympics events. Holidays were great opportunities to spend time with family and share good food together. Mary had a deep love for puzzles and games, finding joy in the challenge and camaraderie they brought to her life.
Mary and Jim taught Sunday school classes at Ira United Church where they remain dedicated members.
Visitation with family members will be held 5:007:00 pm Tuesday, September 10th, at Wallace Family Funeral Home in Newton, Iowa. Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, September 11th, at 11:00 am at Ira United Church in Ira, Iowa.
Mary is predeceased by her father Leonard, moth-
Darin (Leigh) Ward and John (Tammy) Ward; his former daughter-inlaw Mindy Ward; his grandchildren: Heather, Amanda, Ciara, Maddison, Jaxson, Mateo, Prudence, Phobe, Nichole, Jarid and Brett; a brother Willie Ward; his brothers-in-law and sisters-inlaw: Frank, Dan, Danny, Linda, Velma, Zelma and Barbara; and his many extended family and friends.
Online condolences may be left for the family at: www.pencefh.com.
er Genevieve, brother Bill, mother in-law Janet and father-in-law C. Robert, brother-in-laws Roland Isaacson and Ed Krekow. Left on Earth to cherish her memory and celebrate her entrance into heaven are her husband James, siblings Robert (Rita) Mowen, Susan (James) Nicholson, brother and sisters-in-law Robert (Marilyn) Matthews, Barbara Krekow, Mary Isaacson, daughter Carol (Steve) Seid, sons David and Daniel (Tina), along with her grandchildren Matthew (Leah) Karns, Jacqueline (Ben) Butzke, Nicole (Mike) Romey, Katherine (Mike) Taylor, Shane Matthews, Brad Matthews, Lisa Robertson, Danica (Azalea) Wilson, Jandi Westendorf, Westen Matthews, Rebecca Matthews, Jayden Matthews, Kailie Reeves, Brittany Jones, 19 great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and dear friends. Mary navigated a straight and narrow path throughout her life and gave us all direction with love and care. We are left to find and navigate our own path now. Thank you, mom, for giving us the tools to do this well.
The family asks that memorial donations be sent to Ira United Church.
Russell Dean Jones
Aug. 26, 2024
Russell Dean Jones, born June 26, 1941, grew up in Hampton, graduated from Hampton High School in 1959, and began working at Maytag. He married Shirley Hansen of Coulter, and they moved to Newton where he worked as an Industrial Engineer for
Jerrie Lloyd McKinney
Aug. 30, 2024
Jerrie Lloyd McKinney, 62, of Harrison, AR, died Friday, August 30, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Wallace Family
Ross Robert Wadzinski
Ross Robert Wadzinski died unexpectedly after a years-long struggle with addiction.
Born to parents Robert and Mary Ellen (Cada) Wadzinski in Schuyler, Nebraska, Ross was on the move early—from the toddler who escaped and made his way down to
Obituaries
38 years until his retirement. Russ enjoyed fishing, hunting,and collecting rocks and artifacts. He was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite FreeMason, a 50 year member of Lodge 59 in Newton. He was married to Shirley, the love of his
life, for 33 years. They raised two children, Lori and Steve. Russ died Aug. 26, 2024. Russ is survived by his children: Lori (Phil) Ruge-Jones and Steve (Laura) Jones; five grandchildren, Kayla (Rob) Hammons, Jonah (Ashley) Jones, Grace “Ryan” Jones, Luisa Ruge-Jones, and Lucas (Lexi) Ruge-Jones; and six great-grandchildren, Camren, Vada, Rose, Ty-
ler, Alessa, and Delphina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck and Lorraine Jones of Hampton. A funeral service will be held at St. John Lutheran Church in rural Hampton, Iowa Saturday, September 28, 11:00 am. Memorials may be sent to Russ Jones Memorial Fund at Advantage Credit Union, 121 W. 3rd St. N., Newton, IA 50208.
Glenna Gaye
Anthony
Sept. 1, 2024
Glenna Gaye “Gigi” Anthony, 62, was born July 17, 1962 in Newton, Iowa
and passed away on September 1, 2024 in Altoona, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September, 20, 2024 from 5-7pm at Park Centre Garden Room, 500 1st Street N., Newton, Iowa. To view Gigi’s full obituary or to leave an online condolence, please visit: www.hamiltonsfuneralhome. com.
Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. The family will greet friends from 12-1 p.m., Friday, September 20, at the funeral home. Memorial donations can be left to
a charity of the donor’s choice.
Jerrie, the son of Lloyd and Wanda (Shore) McKinney, was born October 31, 1961, in Newton. He graduated from Newton High School and then attended Drake University for business management. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1982, where he served until retiring
in 1992 for medical reasons. He then worked as a professional satellite dish installer and later as an electronics specialist for Chuck E. Cheese.
Jerrie was a member of VFW Post 788 in Cedar Rapids. He loved spending time in nature and was an animal lover. He volunteered at and donated to many wildlife
refuges as well. Jerrie enjoyed building race cars, saltwater fishing, target shooting, and fast cars. He especially loved doting on his cats, Shredder and Terror, who were like children to him.
Jerrie is survived by his sisters, Patricia (Eddie) Frommer of Independence, MO and Marilyn (Tom) Robinson
Dean (Letitia) Shore of Newton; aunt, Janice Schmidt of Baxter; and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joy Rudkin.
the Felco gas station to the Schuyler Junior High teen taking first place in the 400-meter dash at the state track meet. He was fast.
In earlier years, Ross enjoyed winter sledding, summer firecrackers and
Facts about the month of September
• Though Latin is no longer widely spoken or taught, plenty of words, including September, trace their origins to the
fishing at the family cabin in Fremont, Nebraska. While he grew to appreciate different music than his father, swapping classic rock for rap, he still embraced a family tradition, becoming a fourth-generation cheesemaker for a time.
Ross could analyze any mechanical issue, often prepared spicy food (the hotter, the better), and loved his two children.
language of ancient Rome and its empire. “Septem” is the Latin word for “seven,” and September was originally the seventh month of the Roman calendar.
• Though its name might
Diversions
But neither his passions nor repeated treatment programs could break the grip alcohol and drugs had on his life.
Ross is survived by his son Asher Wadzinski of Sheridan, Wyoming, his daughter Allison Mueller of Kellogg, Iowa, his father Robert Wadzinski (Carole Tillotson) of Newton, his brother Reid Wadzinski of Newton, and his sisters Katie
suggest otherwise, Oktoberfest actually begins in late September. Modern Oktoberfest celebrations, particularly those outside the Bavaria region of Germany, may have little to do
Wadzinski of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Kristine and her daughter Annah Wadzinski of Columbus, Nebraska. Ross was preceded in death by his mother.
Visitation is Sunday, September 8, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 9, at Sacred Heart Catholic
with a marriage, but the festival traces its origins to the marriage of Kronprinz Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. Citizens of Munich were invited to attend
Church in Newton. There will be a Rosary Service at the church at 10:00 a.m., prior to the funeral Mass. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Schuyler, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Robert Wadzinski to help cover funeral and burial expenses. Any remaining funds will be donated to Hope Ministries.
the festivities, and more than two centuries later that jovial atmosphere dominates the city, and countless others across the globe, during Oktoberfest. — Metro Creative
To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and
of Waterloo; niece, Angie (Derek) Hickok and nephew, Chris Robinson; his nephews, Andy Manley, Tony Rudkin, Adrian Joy and Ryan Joy; his uncle,
Ashton Chapel Next to Ashton Park, near intersection of Hwy 330 and F17 (8887 W. 122nd St. N., Mingo, IA) Sunday School
9:00am; Worship 10:00am.
Pastors: Larry Craig and Mark Eddy
Bar None Cowboy Church Building next to Culver’s Newton David Rex, Pastor 641-521-4354
7:00pm Thursdays.
10 AM Thursdays at church Awanas Sunday 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Bethany United Church of Christ 5627 N. 95th Ave. W, Baxter 641-227-3402
Pastor Chris Hayward SUNDAY SCHOOL - 9:00 a.m.
(From Sunday after Labor Day to second Sunday in May)
SUNDAY WORSHIP10:00 a.m.
First Sunday communion. All are welcome. baxterbethanyucc.org
Believers in Grace United
Pentecostal Church
813 E. 7th St. N., Pastor: Steve Doland
9:45am: Sunday School
11:00am: Sunday Worship
7:00pm: Bible Study
Bible Missionary Church
909 N. 6th Ave. E. 641-840-2093
Pastor Lucas. Sunday School 9:45am, Morning Worship 10:45, Evening Service, 6:00pm. Mid-week Service, 7:00pm Center Friends Church Northeast of Newton
Karen Mendenhall, pastor Dallas Gilreath, pastor
Cheri Doane, assistant pastor
9:30am: Sunday school
10:30am: Worship. Call 641-792-2473.
Christian Life Church
421 S. 2nd Ave. W., Pastor James Miller 641-521-9294.
Coffeetime: 9:30am, Worship: 10:00am.
Lunch Served first Sunday of the month at noon. Bible Study: Tuesday 10:00am.
Christian Reformed Church Prairie City, Matthew McClure, pastor 9:30am Worship 10:45am Sunday school, 6:30pm Worship. E-mail:pcrc@dwx.com
Jasper County Church of Christ 1813 1st St. N, 9:30am Bible classes, 10:30am & 1:00pm Worship; Wednesday evening 7:00pm Bible Study.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 1405 N. 11th Ave. E., Branch PresidentAndrew Cope 1014 W. 16th St. S., Newton, IA 50208.
10:00am Sacrament meeting, 11:10am Sunday School & Primary, 11:10am Priesthood, Relief Society & Young Women.
Colfax First United Methodist Church S. Locust St. & Division St., Rev. Phil Dicks 515-674-3782. 10:30am: Sunday School, 10:30am: Family Worship. Community Heights Alliance Sunday Worship Services 9:00am, 10:30am; Programs for kids K-12 Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm, School year only 2500 S. 13th Ave. E. Ph: 792-1620. Handicap accessible. For more information go to: www.communityheights.org or follow us on facebook.
Congregational United Church Of Christ-Newton 308 E. 2nd St. N., Newton
Pastor Kurt Hoover Sunday Worship: 11:00am Fellowship Time: 10:15am Open & Affirming. Accessible to all. No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here! www.newtonUCC.org facebook.com/NewtonUCC
Cornerstone Bible Fellowship 1000 E. 12th St. S., Newton; Senior Pastor: Josh Farver Sunday School: 9 am, Sunday Worship: 10:15am, Wednesdays: Adult Bible Study 6:30 pm. Men’s Breakfast 1st Saturday of the month at 8 am. For more info: www.CBFnewton.com
First Assembly of God 1029 E. 19th St. N., Newton www.newtonassembly.com
Pastor Don Hayessenior pastor
Pastor James Brownyouth pastor. 9am Sunday School, 10:15am Worship 7pm Wed. mid-week service.
First Baptist Church Colfax, 674-3752. , Sunday Fellowship 9:00 am; Bible Education Classes: 9:15 am; Morning Worship by Pastor Cody Dyer, 10:25 am; Wed.; 9:00 am Ladies Busy Bee Quilting & Fresh Encounter Prayer. During school year: 6:25pm-8:00pm Wed nights AWANA; Women’s coffee and prayer, Thurs., 3:30pm First Baptist Church (Newton) 620 S. 8th Ave. E., Ph#: 792-7113. www.NewtonFirstBaptist.com and on facebook.
Pastor Aaron Loree, Family Education Time: 9:00am, Powerkidz infants - 5th grade: 9:00 am; Worship Service: 10:00am. Coffee time: 8:45-10:00am. Men’s group meets on the first Sat. of every month at 7:30am.
First Baptist 810 S. Commerce, Monroe 641-259-2922 9:30 am Sun. School 10:30 am Worship
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 314 E. 2nd St. N. Sunday: 10:00 a.m. Worship, 11:15 a.m. coffee fellowship. www.fccnewton.org 641-792-5850
First Church of Christ Scientist 616 6th Ave., Grinnell 10:30 am Services.
First Lutheran Church - ELCA 309 E. 3rd St. N., Newton. Pastor Kurt Hoover Sunday Worship at 9:00 am through Sept. 8. Fellowship to follow at 10:45 am. 641-792-3934. All are welcome! Handicap Accessible. www.newtonfirstlutheran.org
First Presbyterian Church 220 N 2nd Ave E. Newton Pastor: Paul Millhollin Worship: 10:30 am Sunday Like us on Facebook! Visit our website: www.newton1stpresbyterian.org
Everyone Welcome! Contact us at: 641-792-2790 or office1stpresnewton@gmail.com
First United Methodist Church
210 N 2nd Ave E • 792-4648
Pastor Doug Cue Worship 8:45 AM
Fellowship 10:15 AM
Sunday School 10:15 AM Handicapped Accessible Nursery Provided 9 AM “First Church on the Air” – KCOB. www.newtonfirst.org
Foursquare Church 1510 S. 8th Ave. E., Pastor Dottie Black, 9:45 a.m.
Sunday morning worship service, 6:30 p.m.
Sunday night Sunday School and prayer meetings 10 a.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, 7 p.m. Wednesday and 9:15 a.m. Sunday until service time. Haven Kid’s Ministry at 6:50 Wednesdays
Grace Alive Church
702 W. 2nd St., Prairie City 515-994-2135
9:00am. Bible Hour-All ages 10:30am, Worship Wednesday, 6:30pm- Kids’ Rock www.gracealivepc.com
Grace Church “A Family Of Friends” 1620 N. 11th Ave E., Newton; Pastor Dan Hayton; Sunday Morning Refreshments: 9:30 am
Worship Service with nursery care 10:00 am.
The Edge: 5 yr olds to 5th grade & The Kids Community
Pre School age, Sunday at 10:00am.
Experience God Bible Study Wed. at 7am; Life Student Ministries Wed. 6:45-8pm 641-792-1793 www.gracenewton.com
Grinnell Church of Christ 1402 3rd Ave., Grinnell, Iowa
Bible study Sunday 9:30 a.m., Wednesday 7:00 p.m., Worship services Sunday: 10:30 a.m. grinnellcoc@netins.net or www.grinnellcoc.com
Haven Vineyard Church
207 1st Ave. E, Newton; Pastor Caz & Jane Cibula; 641-526-3157; 10 am Sunday Service.
Heart of Worship 14283 Hwy F62, Lynnville Pastor Tom Pool, Worship: 9 a.m., Children’s Church: 9:45 a.m. Fellowship: 10:15 a.m. Sunday School: 10:45 a.m.
Hickory Grove Chuch
Located 3 1/2 miles west of Newburg, IA on Hwy F-17 and 1 mile South. Physical Address: 8464 E. 128th St. N., Kellogg, IA Sunday School: 9:30 am Worship Service: 10:30 am Phone: (641) 780-8621
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, ELCA 1409 S. 8th Ave. E., Pastor Kari Lee. 10:30am Worship with fellowship following. Easy access - no steps; Everyone is welcome!
Hope Assembly of God 126 E. Howard St., Colfax Pastor: Paul Avery Wed. Evening Sevice: 7:00 pm Sunday School: 9:00 am Sunday Worship: 10:00 am 515-674-3700 hopeassemblyofgod@yahoo.com
Howard Street Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Rev. Tom Burns, pastor. Adult Sunday School & Adult Wired Word Sunday School: 9:00am; Fellowship: 10:00am; Worship (in person or online via YouTube): 10:30am Tues: Coffee Time/Fellowship: 9:30am, Easy Yoga: 2:00PM Wed: Elementary Youth 3:305pm; ChiRho & CYF Youth Supper: 6:10pm Y outh Group over at 7:30pm Howard and Locust Colfax. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church 302 E. Howard St., Colfax 515-674-3711; Father: Marty Goetz; Sunday Mass: 11:00am, Daily Mass: Tues: 8:00am, Thursday: 5:30pm www.immaculateconceptioncolfax.com.
Immanuel Baptist (GARB) 1300 N. 4th Ave. E. Bob Simon, Pastor 9:00 am Sunday school, 10:15 am Morning Worship, Apply & Praise 11:45 AM, Kids4Truth (School Year) 6:45PM. Adult Bible Study/ prayer 6:45PM. Call 792-4470.
Ira United Church Rev. Michael Omundson, pastor 9:30 am Worship 10:45 am Sunday School. Kellogg Christian (Disciples of Christ) 321 Bolton St., Kellogg, Rev. Brian Kleinschrodt 10:30 am Worship. Kellogg’s Hill Church 417 2nd St., Kellogg, Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday Nursery available Killduff United Methodist Church 7279 Railroad St., Killduff Rev. Dennis Hopes Worship 10:00 am. Communion first Sunday of each month. Least of Saints Home to the Iowa Chaper of LOS and the Iron Sharpens Iron Prision Ministry 1305 E 10th St. S. Ministers of Reconciliation: Scott Greene, Doug Cupples, Cheryl Palmer. Sun.: 10AM Worship, Fellowship following AM Service, Bible Study: 6pm. Mon.: Bible Study, 6:30pm Thurs.: Men’s Bible Study, 6pm Living Word Fellowship Doug Bradey, Pastor 321 E. Robinson St., Knoxville 641-828-7119 Wed. Night Service: 6pm prayer, 7pm worship, 6:15pm Fuzion Youth Service Sun. Morning Service: 8:30 am prayer, 9 am Life Groups, 10 am Worship Service, Nursery and Children’s Ministry available.
Lutheran Church of Hope –Newton Capitol II Theatre in Newton Livestream Worship Service Every Sunday, 9:30 am All Are Welcome! Bible Study: 6:30 pm Wednesdays at Van Maanen Electric, 500 Iowa Speedway Dr. Lynnville Friends Jamie Bogaard Pastor 9:00 am Morning Worship, 10:30 am Sunday School, Kids 4 Christ, FOCUS Youth Group and Women’s Bible Study, Wednesday evenings from September-March. www.lynnvillefriends.org
Metz Community 3253 W. 62nd St. S., Newton 641-521-4354 Pastor David Rex; Sunday School 9:00 am. 10:10 am service. Mingo United Methodist 202 W. Main, Mingo Rev. Phil Dicks 641-363-4229; 9:00 - Sunday Worship (Sunday school is not meeting at this time.)
Monroe Presbyterian Church 115 S. Main, Monroe Rev. Ann Johnson Sonlight Service 8:00 am; 9:00 am church school 10:00 am Traditional Worship, communion on 1st Sunday of month
6:00 pm Session Committees 2nd Sunday of month
7:00 pm Session Meeting 2nd Sunday of month.
Monroe United Methodist 407 N. Monroe St., Monroe, 641-259-2822
Pastor: Brandon Campbell Sunday School (All Ages) at 9:00am Coffee Time 9:30am, Sunday Worship 10:00am, Bible Study Every Tuesday Morning at 9:00am monroeum@gmail.com www.monroeunitedmethodist.org
New Creation Church (NCC) In the City. For the City. With the City. Discover Hope 733 1st Ave E. Pastor Robbie Robinson Worship every Sunday at 9AM Kids Ministry Infants-3rd Grade Available www.nccnewton.com
New Life Baptist Church 124 E. Howard St., Colfax, 515-674-3103 Sunday School 9:45 am, Worship Service 10:45, Evening Service 6 pm, Midweek service 7 pm Wednesdays. Independent Fundamental Baptist Church.
New Life Community Church of the Nazarene 605 W. 8th St. N., Newton Rev. Jack Droste, Pastor 641-792-4323
Sunday School: 9:30 am, Morning Worship: 10:30 am, Sunday Evening Service: 6pm, Wednesday Evening Service: 7pm “Sharing God’s Love with others because we care.”
Newton Baptist Temple (A Fundamental Independent Church) 621 E. 12th St. N., Gerald Stinen, pastor. 10:00 am Sunday School, 11:00 am Worship, Wednesday and Sunday 6:00 pm Worship, Bus transportation available, 6:00 pm Wednesday Bible study.
Newton Christian Reformed Church 511 S. 5th Ave. E., Aaron Gunsaulus, Pastor, 9:30 am Morning worship, 10:50 am Sunday school during the school year.
Newton Church of The Way 2306 South 3rd Ave East, 641-792-7300 Pastor Steve Heerema Sunday morning services, 9am and 11am Nursery newborn - 2 years during both services Everyone welcome! For classes, groups and gatherings go to www.newtonway.org/events
Our Savior Lutheran Missouri Synod 1900 N. 4th Ave. E., Newton Rev. Michael Manz, Pastor Sunday 9:00 am Worship; 10:00 am Fellowship 10:30 am Bible Study & Sunday School www.oursavlutheran.com
Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Rev. Dr. Willy Mafuta 151 60th Ave., Prairie City Sunday 10:30 am Worship Service 10 am Sunday School pcumc@q.com (515) 994-2354
Pleasant View Church 8454 S. 28th Ave. E., Newton, Pastor Tim Morgan Worship 9:00 a.m. Sunday
Prairie City Church of the Brethren 12015 Hwy S 6G, Corner of S 6G & F70 W, 5 miles south of Prairie City on S6G Worship/Children’s Church at 9:45am. Go to www.prairiecitycob.org Call 515-994-2940 Email: prairiecitycob@gmail.com
Prairie City Christian Church 207 W. 5th St. Pastor Max Wagaman Pastor Max Cell: 641-780-0797 mpwagaman@iowatelecom.net Sunday: 10:00 am-11:00 am Sunday Service also available on Facebook. Sunday School: 9:00-9:40 am Wednesday: Bible Study 6:00-7:00 pm
Prairie City First Reformed Church
300 E. 5th St., P. O. Box 178, 515-994-2250, frcprairiecity@ aol.com; 9:30 am Worship, 10:50 am Sunday School. www.reformedchurchprairiecity.com
Prairie City United Methodist Church 706 W. McMurray St. Pastor Jon Bailey Saturday Service: 6pm Sunday 9 a.m. Worship Service Office Hours: 10am-2pm M-F 515-994-2354 • 515-994-2354
St. N., Newton, ph. 792-6971. Rev. Kathleen Milligan, assisted by Merle Smith. Sunday Worship 10 AM. Evening Prayer, Wednesday afternoons at 5:15pm. All are welcome. Sully Community Church 12559 S 92nd Ave E (just E of grass air strip S edge of town). PO Box 463. 641-594-4124. Pastor Jerry Morningstar 9:30 am Sunday school. 10:30 am Worship. 5 pm Women of Grace Bible Study. 6 pm Worship Wednesday Evening Activities: Sept-April: 6:30 pm Awana/ Youth. 7 pm Men’s & Women’s Bible studies. May-August: 7 pm Bible study/prayer meeting www.sullycommunitychurch.com
Sully Christian Reformed Pastor Brian Ochsner. 9:30 am Morning worship, 6:00 pm Evening worship, 10:45 am Sunday School. 9:30 am Tues. Coffee Break for women, Nursery and preschool classes provided. 7:15 pm Wed - Gems, Cadets and High School Youth, Prayer for Country - everyone welcome. 8 Bible studies call 594-4440. Sully First Reformed Church Sunday, 9:30 am Worship Service Lead Pastor, Jeff Knouse Children’s Ministry DirectorAnnette Zimmerman Youth Directors - Bob & Diana Scandridge Sunday school - 10:45 am September - May Wednesday night - Family night - September - March www.sullyfrc.org
United Presbyterian 209 N. 2nd Ave. E., Rev. Donald Freeman, 9:15 am Sunday School, 10:30 am worship service (broadcasted on KCOB radio); 11:30 am Fellowship Westfield Community Church
4164 20th St., Grinnell, Pastor Jann Braaksma Sunday, 9:30 a.m. Sunday School Sunday 10:30 a.m. Worship; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Youth Group; www.westfieldwitness.org
Newton football controls DCG for first win
Cardinals end RVTV day in Newton with impressive home victory
By Troy Hyde Sports Editor
Dallas Center-Grimes used a 10-play, 73-yard touchdown drive out of halftime to grab a little bit of momentum in its road game against the Newton football team on Friday night.
But Christian Ergenbright erased that momentum with a 98-yard return on the ensuing kickoff, and that was more than enough for the Cardinals during a 28-7 non-district victory at H.A. Lynn Stadium.
Ergenbright lured DCG to the visitor’s side of the field with a fake reverse and then sprinted down the home sideline for the touchdown. He only had to break a tackle from the Mustang kicker to reach paydirt.
“We put it in earlier this week. And in practice, I put the ball behind my back and everyone went that same way,” Ergenbright said. “I scored on it in practice, too. I was telling kids in school all day today that if we ran it again, I was scoring again. The exact same thing happened, everyone went the other way, and we got the touchdown.
“I kind of realized how big it was after I scored. They were getting a little bit of momentum before that. The kickoff return just shut it all down.”
It was a big swing in the
game. Newton led 15-0 at halftime following two scoring drives in the final 5 minutes of the second quarter. The Cardinals also scored on their first drive of the second half to put the game away.
Newton’s defense held DCG to 63 rush yards on 22 carries, snagged two second-half interceptions and forced the Mustangs into five three and outs.
“It’s been phenomenal. I think it’s even better than last year,” senior defensive back Pey-
ton Rozendaal said about the defense. “I have no doubt when I go out that we can stop them with a three and out.”
Both teams started slow offensively. Newton’s first five drives featured 17 plays and only 34 yards.
But DCG managed only three first downs and 57 total yards in the first half. All four of the Mustangs punts came in the first two quarters and DCG’s second drive of the game resulted in a missed field goal.
The Mustangs drove 34 yards in 10 plays on their final drive of the first half but the possession ended in a turnover on downs. That drive followed Newton’s first scoring drive. The Cardinals (1-1) marched 73 yards in five plays. Caden Klein connected with Finn Martin for 20 yards on third and six and then Klein sprinted 47 yards to the DCG 2-yard line one play later. Isaiah Hansen capped the drive with a 2-yard TD run and Klein powered his way in for the
Aquagirls stay unbeaten, swim past Grinnell, Indianola
By Troy Hyde Sports Editor
GRINNELL — The Newton-Colfax-Mingo-Pella girls swim team claimed eight victories during a triangular meet at Grinnell College on Thursday.
But that’s not the only reason the Aquagirls remained unbeaten.
NCMP showed off its depth with a 1-23 finish in the 100-yard backstroke and 1-2 finishes in the 200 individual medley, 100 freestyle and 100 breaststroke.
The Aquagirls also posted a 2-3-4 finish in the backstroke as NCMP swept a pair of conference foes.
NCMP downed Indianola 133-28 and defeated Grinnell/BGM/Baxter 112-71 despite the hosts grabbing the only diving points of the night.
“We are one of the deeper teams definitely in our conference but probably in the state, too,” NCMP head girls swim coach Nick Shelton said. “We just have so many girls who can go 2-3-4 in any event. That’s helping us win a lot of these meets.” Harper Barton was part of four wins despite feeling under the weather and Peyton Ray, Addison Van Maanen and Tori White all grabbed three wins and one runner-up finish. Alex Riney was part of two victories and was second in another event.
The Aquagirls continue to shine in relays. They posted times in all three events that are fast enough to be ranked in the
top 10 in the state.
The 200 medley relay team of White, Van Maanen, Izzy Lane and Riney won the race in 1 minute, 59.31 seconds.
NCMP also had the third and fourth best times overall and the squad was 1-23 against Indianola. Hailey Dickerson, Anna DeVries, Avery Meyer and Kimberlee Miller finished third in 2:10.08 and the team of Emalee Weuve, Alexa Van Maanen, Julia Nedder and Haylee White were not far behind in 2:10.16.
“We want to make sure we have the next girl up if someone can’t go,” Shelton said. “Harper was not feeling well. If she couldn’t go, who was the next one up? We preach that all the time. It could be any of them today so swim your best when you get the chance.”
The 200 freestyle relay went to the team of Ray, Riney, Paige Benson and Barton and they finished in 1:45.32.
NCMP was 1-3-4 against both squads.
The team of DeVries, Meyer, Miller and Temple Barton finished fourth overall in 1:58.63 and Nedder, Peyton Phillips, Lillian Pifko and Haylee White were fifth in 2:04.59.
The 400 freestyle relay teams went 1-35. The winning team featured Ray, Tori White, Addison Van Maanen and Harper Barton and they finished in 3:53.48.
Benson, Lane, Dickerson and Riney were third in 4:08.07 and Temple Barton, Alexa Van Maanen, DeVries and Weuve were fifth in 4:17.66.
“I’m trying to mix them up as much as
I can,” Shelton said. “I want to see what the times are for the girls on the ‘B’ relay because they are all really close. The 200 freestyle relay probably won’t change. It’s pretty set.”
Addison Van Maanen said the 400 freestyle relay ‘A’ team has not changed all season. But the swimmers who competed on the 200 medley relay on Thursday were different.
“We continue to keep dropping time so that’s always good. We also mesh really well on those,” Addison Van Maanen said.
The best individual event for NCMP was the 100 backstroke as Tori White (1:05.3), Dickerson (1:09.88) and Weuve (1:14.92) went 1-2-3 in the race.
Harper Barton also won two individual events. She was the 100 breaststroke winner in 1:11.38 and won the 100 freestyle in 55.51.
“Her commitment to the sport and her team is unmatched,” Shelton said about Barton competing under the weather. “She’s here to compete and she’s here to show what she can do. And I think she’s swimming with a little bit of a chip on her shoulder this year. I think that’s a good thing. It’s pushing her and helping her win races.”
Ray was 1 second back of Barton in the 100 freestyle as her 56.51 placed her second. Temple Barton also was fourth in 1:00.77.
two-point conversion. Newton responded to DCG’s turnover on downs with a late TD drive to go up two scores at the break. That scoring drive covered 75 yards in six plays. Klein had runs of 38 and 24 yards on the possession and he also found Martin for 16 more before Skyler Milheiser barreled into the end zone from 2 yards out to make it 15-0.
L-S football improves to 2-0 after win over North Mahaska
NEW SHARON — The Lynnville-Sully football team was outgained by North Mahaska on Friday night.
But the Warhawks committed nine penalties and threw three interceptions and that was enough to allow the visiting Hawks to sneak past their South Iowa Cedar League rivals during a non-district contest.
Lynnville-Sully scored first and never trailed during a 30-22 road victory. It was the second straight L-S game that ended by that score. Matthew Mintle rushed for three touchdowns, Gavin Fisk collected a career-high 10.5 tackles and the Hawks put away North Mahaska with a final touchdown with 3:30 left in the game.
Mintle gained 61 yards and scored three TDs on 12 carries, grabbed three passes for 40 yards and made three tackles on defense.
Lannon Montgomery was 10of-14 through the air for 152 yards and one touchdown. He also threw two picks and snagged one pick on defense.
Jack Bowlin grabbed five passes for 84 yards and one score and snagged one interception.
Dawson James rushed for 22 yards on two carries and had 8.5 tackles, Fisk collected 10.5 tackles and snagged an interception and Landyn Fisk caught one pass for 26 yards.
Terran Gosselink tallied five tackles, Michael Spooner contributed 4.5 tackles and Carson Maston and Jaiden Richards each added 3.5 tackles. Wyatt Mathis had four tackles and recovered a fumble.
Troy Hyde/Newton News
Newton senior Izzy Lane swims in the 200-yard medley relay at Grinnell College on Thursday. The Aquagirls stayed unbeaten with dual wins
and Indianola.
Troy Hyde/ Newton News Newton seniors Christian Ergenbright, bottom, and Kaiden Rogers and junior Caden Klein, right, bring down DCG’s Wyatt Valenta during the Cardinals’ home win on Friday night. Rogers snagged a second-half pick, Ergenbright returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown and Klein rushed for 137 yards in the home triumph.
Newton News
James
Sports calendar
Tuesday Volleyball
Pella Christian at Newton, 7:15 p.m.
Cross Country Newton, Lynnville-Sully coed at Grinnell, 5 p.m.
Girls Swimming NCMP at Williamsburg, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday Volleyball
PCM at Saydel, 6:30 p.m.
Baxter, Valley Lutheran at BCLUW, 5:30 p.m.
Girls Swimming NCMP at Ankeny, 5:30 p.m.
Cross Country Newton JV, Baxter coed at Colfax-Mingo, 4:30 p.m.
PCM coed at Davis County, 4:30 p.m.
Friday Football
Newton at Norwalk, 7:30 p.m.
Nevada at PCM, 7:30 p.m.
Colfax-Mingo at Saydel, 7 p.m.
Pleasantville at Lynnville-Sully, 7 p.m.
Fort Dodge St. Edmond at Baxter, 7 p.m.
Saturday Cross Country
Newton coed at St. Louis, TBA Volleyball
Lynnville-Sully at GMG tournament, 8 a.m.
Colfax-Mingo at English Valleys tournament, 9 a.m.
September 16 Volleyball
Colfax-Mingo at Montezuma, 7:30 p.m.
HLV at Lynnville-Sully, 7 p.m.
Cross Country
Colfax-Mingo, Lynnville-Sully coed at Pleasantville, 5 p.m.
Baxter coed at South Tama County, 5 p.m.
September 17
Girls Swimming
Oskaloosa at NCMP, 5:30 p.m.
Volleyball
Newton at Norwalk, 7:15 p.m.
PCM at Sigourney, 7:30 p.m.
Cross Country Newton, PCM coed at Oskaloosa, 4:45 p.m.
Newton volleyball falls twice in home triangular
cluded four aces from Addie Hackett.
“Those drives were huge for us. That’s a big swing,” Newton head football coach Andy Swedenhjelm said. “We got good practice in the two minute drive at the end of the game last week. Our guys were able to execute this time and that’s something good football teams have to be able to do. I’m proud of how they executed that two-minute drill. That’s not an easy thing to do. And airing it out hasn’t always been our style, but we did a nice job.”
The Mustangs (0-2) opened the second half with their best drive of the game. Starting at their own 27-yard line, DCG used a heavy dose of Landon Morton on the ground to pick up a pair of first downs.
The biggest play of the drive was a 33-yard pass from Tate Perrin to Hudson Heidgerken. Then on third and eight, Perrin connected with Wyatt Valenta for a 10-yard touchdown pass.
Ergenbright, who was part of Newton’s state championship winning sprint medley relay team in the spring, showed off his speed on the ensuing kickoff.
The 98-yard return shifted momentum back to the home team and DCG never recovered.
“That was huge. That’s something we worked on. That’s Coach (Trent) Powers’ specialty,” Swedenhjelm said. “He was pretty hyped after that. Good teams know how to shut down momentum swings. They may have felt like they had some momentum at that point, but great teams know how to answer that,
The Newton volleyball team used a long service run to grab an advantage in the first set against Grand View Christian on Thursday.
But the Cardinals were burned by a few long service runs later in the match and the Thunder rallied from an early match hole and a big deficit in the second set to down Newton 20-25, 26-24, 15-9.
Newton ended its home triangular with a 25-20, 25-13 loss to North Polk.
The Cardinals trailed Grand View Christian 7-5 in the opening set, but a long service run by Sloan Brodersen pushed the hosts in front for good and Newton held on to take the opening set.
The Thunder began the second set with three straight points, but Newton scored seven in a row to go in front 7-3. The Cardinals also led 10-4 and 17-5 before GVC rallied with an 8-0 run.
Macy Lampe put down a trio of kills to give her squad an 1813, 19-14 and 20-14 advantage.
The Cardinals had many set points after that but couldn’t close the door. Grand View Christian used a 9-0 run to end the set and force a third game. The Thunder’s late stretch in-
Newton (5-4) also led the third set 2-0, 3-1 and 6-3 before the Thunder rallied again. Another ace from Hackett put GVC (3-3) in front 7-6 and the visitors stayed in front the rest of the way.
Isabelle Rawlins led the Cardinals in the loss. She finished with 25 assists, two blocks, five digs and four aces.
Lampe added 11 kills and 11 digs, Delaney Woollums chipped in 14 kills, eight digs and two aces and Chloe Swank tallied 15 digs.
Lola Rivera collected four digs, Lainey Vander Schel added three digs, Addie Ratcliff put down two kills and Brodersen served up two aces.
The Cardinals were 54-of-58 in serves with 10 aces. Rawlins served 12-of-12 and Brodersen was 11-of-11.
In the straight-set loss to North Polk (6-6), Rawlins led Newton with 11 assists and eight digs.
Woollums posted five kills and seven digs, Lampe chipped in six kills and Brodersen secured seven digs. Swank and Vander Schel each chipped in four digs and Hook had two digs.
The Cardinals were 32-of-32 in serves. Woollums finished 9-of-9 and Hook was 7-of-7.
ter a delay of game penalty and another incompletion on fourth down gave the ball back to Newton.
The Cardinals went backwards on their next drive and punted after three plays.
DCG grabbed three first downs on its next drive, but the defense forced another turnover when Rozendaal picked off Chase Engel on the 10th play of the possession.
Rozendaal dropped an interception earlier in the game that he thought he had a chance to score on, but took advantage of his second opportunity and returned the pick 33 yards.
“I play defense for a reason,” Rozendaal said with a smile. “It was frustrating, but the ball came back to me and I got that one. Then I just tried to take advantage of the open field. I had an even better angle to maybe score with the first one, but that’s all right.”
Nick Milburn led the Cardinal defense with seven tackles, while Rozendaal and Damien Smith finished with 4.5 tackles.
Derek Wermager totaled four tackles, Colton Northcutt chipped in 3.5 tackles and two tackles for loss and Rozendaal and Rogers snagged interceptions. The Cardinal defense allowed 234 yards against DCG and is surrendering only 10 points per contest through two games.
“The defense has been fantastic,” Swedenhjelm said. “They fly around, they hit and I’m really proud of those guys.” Perrin threw for 56 yards and one TD for DCG, while Engel was 10-of-24 for 115 yards and two picks.
Valenta hauled in six passes for 62 yards and one score and Heidgerken grabbed four passes for 76 yards.
Addison Van Maanen (1:14.01) was the runner-up in the 100 breaststroke, while DeVries (1:18.18) placed fourth. Ray opened her night with a win in the 200 freestyle. She won the race in 2:05.08. Temple Barton (2:14.24) was third and Dickerson (2:21.21) placed fourth.
The final individual win came in the 200 IM where Addison Van Maanen won the race in 2:25.23. Miller (2:44.91) was the runner-up.
and it was a great answer for us.”
The Newton defense went back to work after the long kickoff return. DCG ran three plays on its next drive and the possession ended with a Kaiden Rogers interception.
The Cardinals capitalized on the turnover with another scoring drive. This time, Newton marched 67 yards in 13 plays. Klein hit Martin for 14 yards on third and eight and the Cardinals were given 15 more yards on a DCG personal foul penalty.
The home team converted three more third downs on the drive. Klein ran 7 yards on third and two, hit Qhjuan Coley for 12 yards on third and 12 and then
gained 2 yards on third and one to set up first and goal from the 2-yard line.
That’s when Coley shoved his way in for the touchdown and Jackson Price added the point after for a 28-7 lead.
“The defense has been amazing,” Klein said. “We have great coaches over there who give us great assignments and we just have to go execute them. We’ve been doing that well so far this year.”
The Mustangs went 41 yards in six plays on the ensuing drive but 35 came in the first two plays. After that, Newton forced back-to-back incompletions, DCG moved back five yards af-
“I’ve been feeling strong in the 200 IM. I have some things to work on, but It felt pretty good,” Addison Van Maanen said. “I felt OK in the breaststroke. It definitely wasn’t my
best performance, but I think it might be up and down throughout the year. I just have to take it as it comes. “I need to work on my turns and I need a faster pull out. I’m
Klein finished with 137 rushing yards on 15 carries and completed 9-of-15 through the air for 91 yards. He was at his best on the final two drives of the first half. The two possessions that gave Newton a lead it wouldn’t relinquish.
“Those drives were huge. I have to shout out the offensive line,” Klein said. “They didn’t come out how they wanted to but stepped up their game on those two drives. That’s how we were able to score before the half.”
Coley rushed for 28 yards and one TD and added a 12yard catch. Milheiser and Hansen chipped in rushing touchdowns and Martin grabbed six passes for 68 yards.
gliding to the surface instead of being right at the surface to start.”
In the 100 butterfly, Tori White (1:05.69), Lane (1:09.96) and Benson (1:12.27) finished 2-3-4 overall.
Nedder posted a time of 1:10.43 in the event but only three swimmers can score varsity points.
Riney (26.69) and Benson (27.8) were 2-3 in the 50 freestyle. In the 500 freestyle, Weuve (6:19.97) and Meyer (6:20.03) were 2-3 overall and 1-2 against Indianola.
Grinnell’s Kyliee Zylstra won the race in 5:36.19, which broke
Connor Stolpe made seven tackles to lead the Mustang defense, while Karsten Freund had 6.5 tackles and Sampson Johannsen and Cole Hemmingsen contributed six tackles.
Notes: The Mustangs had an 11-9 advantage in first downs but also committed six penalties for 40 yards. … Five of Newton’s seven punts came in the first half. … Newton did not register a sack on Friday but the front seven created a ton of pressure on the quarterbacks. The Cardinals finished with five tackles for loss. “We focused a lot on their deep balls,” Rozendaal said. “We saw they got a lot of their points against Gilbert off deep throws so we tried to limit those. Our front seven has been really good so that made it even harder for them.”
the school’s longest standing record that dated back to 1978. Grinnell/BGM/Baxter went 1-2-3 in 1-meter diving. Baxter junior Camryn Russell won the six-dive event with a career-best score of 273.2.
Notes: The Aquagirls JV went 1-2-3 in the 50 freestyle with Nedder, Meyer and Haylee White. Phillips (100/200 freestyle) and Alexa Van Maanen (200 IM/100 breaststroke) won two individual events, while Veronica Mark (100 backstroke) also won an event. Mark and Madison Scott were part of all three JV winning relays and Pifko and Amiya Amos were on two winning relay teams.
Newton News
Troy Hyde/Newton News Newton senior Lainey Vander Schel receives a serve during the Cardinals’ three-set loss to Grand View Christian on Thursday.
Troy Hyde/Newton News
Newton senior Derek Wermager tackles DCG’s Tate Perrin (5) near the line of scrimmage during the Cardinals’ 28-7 home win on Friday night. Newton limited the Mustangs to 2.9 yards per carry.
Troy Hyde/Newton News
Newton senior Peyton Ray won the 200-yard freestyle and was part of two winning relays on Thursday.
