Colfax city administrator leaves with praise for council, scorn for legislators
Fears of consolidation and property tax laws negatively affecting small towns partially prompts departure
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Colfax City Administrator Wade Wagoner could not finish reading aloud his goodbye letter to city council members last week without getting choked up, but he spared no tears for the lawmakers at the State Capitol that he partially blames for his difficult decision to leave and take a job at a bigger city.
For the past six years, Wagoner has served as head of the City of Colfax. He embraced the community and took joy in celebrating the city’s accomplishments. Oftentimes he thought Colfax would
be the final job. The one he would carry on through retirement. He has a dozen or so years left to go before that happens.
So when it came time to say farewell to his elected officials at his final council meeting, he had to have city clerk Nancy Earles finish his praises for council members Karla Jones, Brad Magg, Bryan Poulter, Curtis Small and Wes Snyder, and mayor David Mast. Wagoner had a personal story to tell for each one.
These positive sentiments toward the city and its staff, council and mayor were echoed in Wagoner’s exit interview that obtained by Newton News. In it, he speaks
highly of his council, who treated him “unbelievably well” especially when he was confined to a wheelchair for six months after a MRSA infection.
“The way I’ve been treated and my love of Colfax could have easily made it my last stop,” he said. “I’m just afraid it won’t last another decade and I need to work at least that long. “Indianola should be large enough to give me the protection I need to get to the finish line in spite of the state legislature’s onslaught.”
Another reason he wanted to leave was because the city would be losing a number of key employees within the next few years, including the city clerk and two individuals in public works. Coupled with a council member moving outside city limits and the
Colfax City Council to name pocket park after mayor
David Mast surprised by outgoing city administrator and council in gesture that acknowledges his lifetime of service
Colfax Mayor David Mast is not one to wear his emotions on his sleeve, but if he did they would be short sleeves. Very short sleeves.
Perhaps his subdued emotions come from the few years he spent in the
Baxter CSD exploring 4-day school week
Parent and community feedback requested by district on the topic
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Following a growing trend in the State of Iowa, the Baxter Community School District is exploring moving to a four-day school week. The district held an informational meeting Dec. 11 to help educate the community about what a four-day instructional week would look like, the rationale for making the move, benefits and concerns, along with research done on the topic.
“To this point, what we have been doing as a
district is spending about seven to 10 weeks doing research and meeting with districts already in the four-day instructional week,” superintendent Chris Peterson said. “We have issued a teacher survey, we are having our meeting and following the meeting we will issue a parent and community member survey. What we want our community to know is ultimately this decision will be determined by the data we receive from our parents and community members.”
When starting the process of determining if Baxter would be a candi-
date for a four-day school week, district leaders looked at teacher retention as a strong factor for the move. By retaining staff, the district can continue to move forward with implementing high level initiatives without having to retrain new teachers each year, slowing the progress.
“The top answer you’re going to get is teacher attraction and retention. We are no different in this is one of our major rationales into looking into this move,” Peterson said. “I would also argue that teacher attraction and retention really ties back in to the quality of academics we provide to our kids.”
In the past three years, Baxter has seen the num-
ber of vacancies increase, with 2024 having 14 openings. During that time, the turnover rate has hit 24 percent for the district.
“What we have noticed recently is a high level of turnover rate at Baxter,” Peterson said. “One of the reasons that came up over and over is teachers can get higher paying jobs in the Des Moines metro, Ankeny area.”
By implementing a four-day instruction week, research has found it reduces burnout, creates a greater work/life balance, improves student and staff mental health and creates a more positive culture.
To implement the fourday week, the district has looked at extending the
school day by 40 minutes. It would run from 7:55 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
“The bulk of the schools have found Mondays seem to work best or at least they are the most predominate,” Peterson said.
With such a big change being considered, research on major concerns districts have had prior to the move were also presented. The topics most brought up by other districts prior to transitioning included academic performance, daycare/child care, length of the school day, extracurricular activities and change.
The impact of the fourday school week varies depending on a number of factors such as the num-
ber of student contact hours each week, the daily schedule and the demographics of the community.
ACADEMIC IMPACT
Research has found there is little to no negative impact on academic achievement. Districts that operate with 30 or more student hours per week showed no significant impact on student achievement. The only real changes were found in urban districts, but in rural districts it has little no effect. Other districts in Iowa have had no setbacks or decline academically but also cannot credit any gains to the change.
“That is important
BAXTER | 3
Veterans affairs administrator fired following investigation by Jasper County
Supporters denounce the commission’s decision after heated exchanges
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Alyssa Wilson said she did not have enough time in the day to do her job, but the findings from an internal investigation into the veterans affairs administrator’s working habits say that is because she often arrived late, left early, had extended lunch periods and other breaks and even falsified her timesheets.
In addition to a number of other alleged policy violations that Jasper County uncovered within the past three-and-a-half months — including insubordination and failure to
follow proper procedures during home visits — the veterans affairs commission decided in a 4-1 vote to fire Wilson, effective immediately. Wilson was placed on paid administrative leave on Dec. 5, less than a week before the commission meeting. She had to turn in her keys and remove all personal items from her office. In the meantime, shared benefits coordinator Josh Price answered calls to the veterans affairs office and handled any walk-ins.
The internal investigation report from human resources showed more than 60 instances of Wilson not working a full work day or taking time off.
INTERNAL INVESTIGATION REPORT MADE PUBLIC
Information about the investigation was shared publicly during the veterans affairs commission meeting on Dec. 11
inside a relatively packed conference room at the Jasper County Administration Building. Since Wilson was not present to request a closed session, the findings were discussed in an open meeting.
According to a copy of the internal investigation obtained by Newton News, the county alleged Wilson violated a number of working rules, which are divided into classes. If an employee violates Class I rules for the first time, it will not usually result in a discharge. Here are the Class I rules the county alleged were violated:
• Failure to begin work at start time.
• Frequent tardiness, absenteeism or leaving work early without authorized or just cause.
• Working unauthorized hours or violation of working hours, rest periods or lunch periods.
• Leaving employee’s workplace during work hours without authorization.
• Unauthorized extensions of break and/or lunch periods.
Jasper County also alleged Wilson violated Class II rules, which are of a more serious nature than Class I. Any violation of Class II rules will result in more serious disciplinary measures, up to and including discharge. Here are the Class II rules the county alleged were violated by Wilson:
• Dishonesty, theft.
• Deliberately falsifying, altering or supplying false information on county records.
• Failure to notify supervisor that the employee will be absent from work.
• Failure to follow the proper procedures or policies of the county.
• Absolute disobedience, insubordination or refusal to comply with reasonable instructors or authorized supervision.
From Aug. 19 until Dec. 5, human resources documented a timeline of
Provided by the City of Colfax
An image of the City of Colfax’s pocket park shows what it would look like with a new sign that would be named after Mayor David Mast.
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Wilson
Donald Ray Gullion
Dec. 11, 2024
Obituaries
“Attn: Donald Gullion, Coburn Funeral Homes, 24 W Howard St, Colfax, IA 50054.”
Club News
Baxter Federated Garden Club
Donald Ray Gullion, age 86, of Newton, Iowa, passed on December 11, 2024. Born on April 6, 1938, in Davenport, Iowa, Donald was a devoted father and a steadfast friend to many. If you wish to send a card for the family, please direct it to,
Donald proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, enlisting on January 24, 1956, and honorably discharged on October 1, 1960. Following his military service, he dedicated his professional life to the construction industry as a skilled builder, earning a reputation for his hard work and integrity. Throughout his life, Donald exemplified the values of honesty and commitment. An old-fash-
ioned man at heart, he cherished time spent with friends and family and enjoyed various outdoor activities, including fishing and hunting. He was actively involved in his community, frequenting the Seniors Club in Colfax and being a proud member of the Moose Lodge as well as the American Legion.
Donald is survived by his beloved daughters, Lori Gullion and Suzanne Barraza; his son, James Gullion; and his sister, Betty Phillips. The legacy of his strong moral character and unwavering
loyalty will forever be remembered by those who had the honor of knowing him.
Per Donald’s wishes, a private graveside service will take place at a later date.
Donald Ray Gullion will be deeply missed but will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
Donald was preceded in death by: his wife, Katherine (Beals) Gullion; parents, Cleo Gullion and Marvel Gullion; and siblings, Edward Gullion, Norman Gullion, Earl Gullion, and Lois Booth.
Pre-register for MAC training by Dec. 27 for commercial applications
Register at the Jasper County Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office at DMACC
Beginning Jan. 9, 2025, commercial manure applicators can fulfill annual training for manure applicator certification (MAC) requirements at 73 locations in Iowa. Most locations offer training from 9 a.m. to noon, with doors opening at 8:30 a.m.
“Be sure to pre-register by Dec. 27 with your county Extension office,” Jeff Prier, DNR MAC coordinator, said. “Walk-ins will not be allowed. Once again this year,
there will be eight locations combined with confinement applicators to offer in-person opportunities for commercial applicators. Check the postcard commercial applicators received or the IMMAG website if you are interested in attending one of these locations.”
Register at the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office in the county where you will attend. Jasper County workshop will be at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Des Moines Area Community College in Newton. Call 641-792-6433 for information. There is no fee for the workshop.
Two-hour training sessions for Confinement Site Applicators begins Jan. 16 and continues through Feb. 28. Training ses -
Join a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day
sions are offered throughout the state.
Dry and solid manure handlers can pick from five training sessions in February, which meet the requirements for both commercial and confinement manure applicators.
Those unable to attend a scheduled session can:
• Schedule a training session at local extension offices
• Take training online
Find more information from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach at the Iowa Manure Management Action Group website under the Commercial or Confinement applicator pages.
To learn more about MAC, visit DNR’s manure applicator webpage or contact your local DNR field office.
What’s the best way to spend New Year’s Day? Take a First Day Hike in an Iowa state park or forest!
More than 40 parks are hosting either a guided group hike or suggesting a self-guided hike.
“These hikes are a great way to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and welcome the New Year with friends and family,” Sherry Arntzen, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ State Parks, Forests and Preserves Bureau, said.
Staff and volunteers will lead free, guided First Day Hikes in 26 participating state parks. Some hikes will include wildlife viewing and hot beverages. Hikes will average one to two miles, or longer, depending on location.
Details about the hikes can be found atiowadnr.gov/firstdayhikes. To see a comprehensive national map of First Day Hikes, visit www.stateparks.org.
Baxter Federated Garden Club met Dec. 11. Eleven members were present to enjoy a Christmas potluck and gathering hosted by Deb Krampe.
Meeting called to order by co-president Macy Lisk. For roll call members shared their favorite Christmas movie.
Secretary report was given by secretary Deb Krampe who read the November minutes. There were no additions or corrections so minutes stood as read.
Treasurer report was given by Janet Damman.
Old and New Business
Co-president Macy Lisk thanked all members who helped out in 2025 with our many projects throughout the year,
Several members shared that they had gone to the Jasper County Museum Tree-Mendous Christmas event and thanked Laura, Lynette, and Peggy for a great job they did decorating the garden club’s tree.
Member Beth Simbro put together our silent auction basket for Christmas in Baxter, This auction benefits all the fun Christmas events Baxter puts on. Club members donated all the items for the basket.
After further discussion Beth Simbro motioned that we have a Tea fundraiser in 2025, Macy Lisk seconded the motion and the motioned carried. A committee of Peggy Smith, Laura Hanawalt, Cindy Brunner, and Betty Damman was elected to plan this event.
The club voted to keep our meeting times for next year the same. We will meet the second Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Baxter Community Building unless specified differently. The club will meet the months of March through December.
Members spent some time writing down ideas for next year’s meetings, programs, and trip.
Laura Hanawalt shared the Book of Evidence she completed and is ready to send in to FGCI. Members praised and thanked Laura for doing a fantastic job. Laura volunteered to continue to put together the Book of Evidence for next year. All year-end reports will be sent in by their due dates.
Election of Officers
Officers for next year will be Macy Lisk as president, Peggy Smith as vice-president, and Deb Krampe as secretary, Janet Damman as treasurer. Officers will meet on Jan. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Macy’s to prepare for the 2025 year.
Did you know?
Even though the debate continues regarding the merits of artificial and real Christmas trees, it seems there is a winner. According to Statista, 47 percent of American households own an artificial Christmas tree, while 24 percent purchase real trees. Though real trees might not be as popular as their artificial alternatives, the number of real trees that are purchased each year remains significant. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, roughly 25 to 30 million real Christmas trees are sold annually in the United States.
Iowa State University
mayor being on his last term, Wagoner said it was time.
“What I’m saying is that while I love the bones of our community and the brick and mortar stuff we’ve built, I love the people I work with more,” Wagoner said in his exit interview. “The reality is that a lot of what I love is changing and I’m getting out ahead of that change.”
However, much of the exit interview condemns the Iowa Legislature and what Wagoner believes is an encroaching overstep from the state and the decline of home rule, or the power that lets cities and counties manager their own local governments. Wagoner said he is sick and tired of sleeping with one eye open.
Wagoner said he has what he believes to be “highly credible sources” telling him the end game is consolation, similarly to how school districts like Colfax-Mingo and Prairie City-Monroe have combined. In his exit interview, he questions how that affects Colfax and his role as city administrator.
To him, his decision to leave is a matter of job security. But Wagoner feels like he is leaving the city in working order. He said finances are tight, but if there was anything he regretted it was “not figuring out how to get the housing
Park
Continuedfrompage1
U.S. Army. No doubt he was trained to not show overtly strong emotions during basic training. Perhaps it comes from his service as a deacon and treasurer for Colfax First Baptist Church. Working in the church is serious business you know. Perhaps it comes from his 30-year tenure as a high school math teacher
rock rolling,” though he has high hopes that Colfax’s economic development team will.
In a follow-up with Newton News, Wagoner said he is a big believer in home rule and that no one sitting at the council dais loves taxes or wants to tax citizens of Colfax out of their homes.
Wagoner said tough decisions about
in Colfax. His classroom surely had a few knuckleheads who tested his patience through the years. Whatever the case may be, Mast seems to keep his feelings in check most of the time. Only those with a keen eye can detect them.
When the Colfax City Council and outgoing city administrator Wade Wagoner presented and moved forward with the idea of naming the new pocket park after Mast, he did not jump for joy
Continuedfrompage1
data for us. Baxter is obviously not an urban community and if we decide to moving forward we’re going to want to ensure we have at least 30 hours of student contact per week,” Peterson said.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Moving to a four-day school week has no major impact on the district;s cost savings. On average districts save 1 to 2 percent annually on expenditures.
OTHER IMPACTS
Peterson said it has been found that staff morale
or try to hide his face in his hands or bark, “Bah humbug!” in the spirit of the holidays. Heck, he didn’t even blush.
But a small twitch of his brow and the faintest of playful smirks was all the sign officials needed to know. Indeed, Mast was speechless, but touched. The naming of the park represents all of his years of service. Whether it was for his country, his church, his students or his community, Mast is a proven ser-
taxes deserve to be handled at the local level. He also pointed to issues with House File 718.
Reports of more property tax reform in the works during the next legislative session only reinforce Wagoner’s fears.
“It hits small towns harder,” he said.
“Not every community of 2,200 people have a city administrator. It some ways
viceman.
While it may seem like a tiny project — and it was — the pocket park, for Wagoner, represents the staff, the council and the mayor. It was especially important for Wagoner as it was a project he helped complete while working from home after a MRSA infection put him on temporary disability. For Wagoner, the naming of the pocket park was one of his final gifts to the mayor before he left the City of Colfax. The other
improves following the move. Districts have also seen fighting and bullying declines at the school level with the four-day week.
Currently 17 districts in Iowa use the four-day instruction week model. That number is up from just five last year.
EXPERIENCES OF OTHER DISTRICTS
Daycare, extracurricular activities and behavior and attendance were three big concerns of shareholders in Iowa school districts before moving to the four-day school week. Following the transition, the districts reported mostly positive outcomes with each topic.
“Every district listed daycare as a concern prior to transition. No districts listed daycare as an issue after implementation,” Peterson said. “Nearly all districts reported a decrease in discipline referrals as well as improved student and staff attendance.”
Extracurricular activities were a major concern prior to switching, but once the four-day week was implemented there were no issues reported.
its a luxury position. My council saw the value in it. I can show you in the annual reports that I’ve brought in more grant money than what I’ve been paid … I had real concerns about whether that will continue.”
Wagoner was unsure where his seat at the table would be in the future. He questioned if Colfax would be absorbed by Newton or by Jasper County as a whole. A larger city, he reasoned, would have more secure employment for him and would be better for his family. Still, he is grateful for Colfax.
“It’s a difficult thing to come in and to be really, really appreciated by your mayor and council — who are your boss — and for them to find value in what you’re doing,” Wagoner said. “But I’m wondering if that’s not good enough. Because it should be. It should be good enough. But the state has other ideas.” He speculated if the City of Colfax had to cut 20 percent of its budget due to new property tax reform, Wagoner said if he was on the outside looking in he would recommend eliminating the city administrator position. Other city services, he suggested, are more important than a city administrator.
“You’ve got to plow the streets. You’ve got to flush the toilet. You’ve got to balance the books and do the budget. You’ve got to have a city clerk,” Wagoner said to Newton News. “But you don’t have to have a city administrator. And I got tired of that hanging over me.”
was an updated state of the city document. Wagoner said he always appreciated Mast’s servant heart and his humor, which he admitted has begun to rub off on him. Bryan Poulter, a member of the Colfax City Council, provided a list of names for the park to be called, which include: Mast Park, Mast Alley, Lois Lane (both a nod to Mast’s wife of 53 years and a reference to the fictional character from the Superman comics), Mast
Square, Mast2 and Mast Square2
“Obviously, these are only suggestions,” Poulter said. “We’d like you to be able to make the choice as what you would like it to be named after.”
The motion to name the pocket park after Mast was approved in a 5-0 vote.
“I think this is a very worthy acknowledgement of our mayor and the things he brings to the service of our community,” Poulter said.
“One district altered transportation for middle school students on Mondays off for practices/games but discontinued early due to non-use,” Peterson said. “All districts reported positive feedback from community, students and staff after initial implementation. No districts are discussing or considering a move back to the five-day week”
The next steps for the district include a parent and community member survey available at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/JMRXL6X. The survey is due back by Dec. 20.
“We’ll then share the initial information with the school board, probably in early January,” Peterson said. “We will then schedule a community Q&A meeting. We understand there will be a lot of questions about this, maybe a lot comments and concerns and we certainly want your input. Then, we’ll look to make a decision at our February or March school board meeting. Ultimately we want to come out with a decision that is right for the Baxter community.”
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
Colfax City Administrator Wade Wagoner speaks to council members and staff during his last council meeting on Dec. 9 at City Hall.
Cancer free — celebrate!
The great news on Dec. 4, I’m cancer free! It was the day of my fourth infusion with the immunotherapy drug, Keytruda. The first thing on the agenda was a full-body PET/CAT scan. I was pretty sure it was going to show that I was cancer free — I could feel the health in my body — and I was right. The doc confirmed what I was feeling, and I had the pleasure of ringing the bell. Praise God!
However, I have to continue the infusions for one year as an insurance against the cancer returning. I can handle that. The doc spread the infusions out from every three weeks, to six weeks (by doubling the dose), so that means I have seven to eight infusions to go. Doable.
I credit the early cure to (1) early detection; (2) drinking aronia juice daily; (3) outstanding doctors, starting with
Great River Medical Center in Burlington and extending to the University of Iowa; and (4) prayers, well-wishes, cards and gifts from so many people, even strangers. It started with a red splotch (called a lesion) on my forehead. I thought it was an old-man liver mark, but Ginnie made me go to the dermatologist in Burlington. They did a biopsy, which revealed a neuroendocrine carcinoma. Burlington sent me to Iowa City. In the mean time, while waiting for the appointment in Iowa City, about a month, Ginnie and I started drinking aronia juice daily. By the time we got to Iowa City the lesion had disappeared, which sort of baffled the doctors. But they did a PET scan and some cancer was located in a lymph node in my neck. The
The right to die is part of the
right to life
By Thomas L. Knapp
In late November, by a vote of 330 to 275, the British House of Commons supported a bill which will “allow” doctors to assist terminally ill patients, facing prognoses of death within six months, in ending their own lives.
Responses in the United Kingdom and elsewhere range from gratitude to outrage.
Oddly, much of the outrage comes from supporters of a “right to life” who oppose abortion and, when they’re consistent, capital punishment.
Consistency would also dictate recognition of your personal rights of ownership over your life.
Decreeing that you may not be killed in the womb, or by another person, but that your rights end if you want to end it all, is a claim that you are property without inherent rights.
The “right to life” these advocates assert is, in this context, no different than a “right” to not have their cattle stolen or their slaves escape. It’s not about the opinions of the cattle or the slaves. It’s about exercising ownership rights over the cattle and the slaves.
The basis of any plausible “right to life” — or any other right — is self-ownership. It’s your life. You own it. It’s yours to do with as you wish, so long as you don’t infringe the equal rights of others.
It’s also yours to end,
when and how you wish, so long as — again — you don’t violate others’ rights with the way you end it.
There are obvious areas of reasonable disagreement on when that’s true or not, such as in cases of diminished mental capacity due to youth, dementia, etc. But there’s no reasonable argument for conditioning your exercise of that right on the arbitrary whims of government.
Maybe you’re terminally ill and don’t want to face your final moments in pain.
Maybe you’re IN pain that’s incurable, intolerable, and unlikely to cease.
Maybe the love of your life died and you don’t relish living out years or decades in your partner’s absence.
Maybe your situation has you believing that your continued existence will impose undue hardships on people you love.
Those are all reasons. Maybe “good” reasons. But your reasons don’t have to be “good” for the decision to remain, by right, yours and yours alone. Maybe you flipped a coin. Perhaps your religious beliefs say that you’ve reached your permissible lifespan. Your call.
If you don’t possess the right to end your life, you possess no rights at all.
Thomas L. Knapp is director and senior news analyst at the William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism.
By Bryan Golden
cancer had spread from my forehead to my neck. The docs were now calling it Merkel Cell Carcinoma, which is sort of rare.
The first infusion of Keytruda made me sick, so sick that I stopped drinking the aronia juice, thinking the aronia juice and Keytruda might be fighting each other. By the second and third infusion, the ill side effects stopped.
The doctors at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics are beyond excellent, they are some of the best in the world. Ginnie and I had no problem putting our complete trust and faith in them. The proof is in the pudding — four months from Stage III Cancer to cancer free.
The well-wishing, support and cards we received from so many people were overwhelming and much appreciated. Of the many gifts and notes we received, I’ll mention one. The ladies of our church made Ginnie and me each a hand made prayer quilt, tied with prayer knots. I’m a prayer warrior. I can lean back in my recliner with the prayer
quilt over my lap, finger a prayer knot, and pray for someone. The sensation of God’s power and peace are comforting. Everything will work out. Ok, so how do we celebrate being cancer free? I’m an Iowa State grad — don’t hold that against me. Iowa State played in the Big 12 Championship against Arizona State at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX on Dec. 7. We went. We had never been to anything like this, and it was time we went. Iowa State got thrashed, but we still enjoyed going anyway, and being in the awesome Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium. Ginnie has relatives living in the Dallas/ Ft. Worth area, and we were able to visit with them also, cancer free. Yippee! Aronia berries have the highest concentration of anti-oxidants and anti-inflamatories of any berry in the world. If you would like more info on aronia berries and where you can purchase the juice and powder, go to www.linngrovearonia.com. Tell’m Curt sent you. Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@ yahoo.com
True holiday spirit
Among other things, the holidays are a time of giving and receiving gifts. The question most often asked of people is, “what did you get?” Much less frequently asked is, “what did you give?” Invariably, the inquiries concern material gifts. Purchasing a gift can certainly be thoughtful and a wonderful gesture, especially when it’s backed up by your actions.
However, the most valuable presents are those that aren’t sold in stores. When you give your love, your time, help someone in need, aid another in solving a problem or overcoming an obstacle, you give something priceless.
The true spirit of the holidays is giving. When you give, you receive. You can get anything in life you want by helping enough others get what they want. But only if you give without expecting anything in return. The impact of giving isn’t limited to just the holiday season, it’s something that has value all year.
The power of giving is often underestimated. When you give unconditionally, you don’t just impact the recipient; you start a chain reaction. By brightening the life of one
person you also affect all those who they then touch.
No gesture of giving or kindness is too small. Holding the door open at a store, helping someone carry groceries to their car, letting another car in front of you, saying please and thank you, and saying hello to a stranger you pass on the sidewalk, are some of the many things you can do daily.
For family and friends, your time is one of the most precious gifts you can offer. Are you there for others when they need you? Do you offer a hand without being asked? Do you help out when asked?
Too often, people get caught up in their own desires, thus losing sight of the needs of others. A person who tries to get through life by looking out for himself or herself first is invariably frustrated. Often this person views life as a competition to determine who can accumulate more.
On the other hand, those who are concerned for the well-being of others are happier, more content, and more satisfied. By giving without expecting, they in turn receive the things they need.
Giving is a simple concept that works every time it is applied. There will be people who don’t appreci-
ate what you do, but it doesn’t matter. You are giving without anticipating anything in return. Besides, there will be many more who are thankful for your efforts. If you don’t treat others well, buying a gift won’t compensate for your behavior. The recipient might like what you give them but it won’t make up for your actions. You can’t bribe someone to forgive the way you treat them with a present. The best gift you can receive is the joy of making someone else happy. Being unselfish is a wonderful way to live. When you give with no ulterior motives, your actions are seen as genuine. Should you expect something in return, your behavior is always suspect. We all know people who do nice things only when they want something in return. Make giving a daily routine. Don’t start and end with the holiday season. Every day is a good day to do something nice. When people feel good due to your actions, you can’t help but feel happy yourself. And that is priceless. The most significant action you can take is having a positive impact on the lives of others.
ContactBryanGoldenatBryan@ columnist.com
Nearly half of older Americans can’t afford basic needs
By Sherlea Dony
I worked hard my whole career and retired feeling secure. Then I lost every last dime in a scam. I was left with $1,300 a month in Social Security benefits to live on in an area where monthly expenses run about $3,700.
I’m a smart woman, but scams against older Americans are increasing in number and sophistication. Whether through scams, strained savings, or costs of living going up, half of older Americans — that’s 27 million households — can’t afford their basic needs. And suddenly I became one of them. The experience has taught me a lot about the value of a strong social safety net —
and why we’ll need to protect it from the coming administration.
I was ashamed and frightened after what happened, but I scraped myself up off the floor and tried to make the best of it.
I’d worked with aging people earlier in my career, so I was familiar with at least some of the groups who could help. I reached out to a local nonprofit and they came through with flying colors, connecting me to life-saving federal assistance programs.
I was assigned a caseworker, who guided me through applying for public programs like the Medical Savings Plan (MSP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), subsidized housing, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid.
It’s hard to describe my relief at getting this help.
Before receiving the MSP, I’d been paying for medications and health insurance — which cost about $200 — out of my monthly Social Security check. With MSP, that cost is covered. I also found an apartment I liked through subsidized housing, and I have more money for groceries through SNAP. Now it’s easier to afford other necessities, like hearing aid batteries and my asthma inhaler.
But I’m worried about the incoming administration’s plans to cut programs like these, which have helped me so much. They’re proposing slashing funding and imposing overly burdensome work and reporting requirements. Studies show
that requirements like these can cause millions of otherwise eligible people to lose critical assistance.
President-elect Trump has also indicated that he favors increased privatization of Medicare, which would result in higher costs and less care. And his tax promises are projected to move up the insolvency date of Social Security.
All told, the federal budget cuts the incoming Republican majority in Congress has put forward would slash health care, food, and housing by trillions over the next 10 years, resulting in at least a 50 percent reduction in these services. And they plan to divert those investments in us into more tax cuts for the nation’s very wealthiest.
I want lawmakers of each party to know how important these social investments are for seniors and families. Older Americans — who’ve worked hard all our lives — shouldn’t be pushed out onto the streets, forced to go without sufficient food or health care due to unfortunate circumstances. We have the tax dollars — the question is whether we have the political will to invest in seniors, workers, and families, or only for tax cuts for the very rich. If we do the latter, that’s the real scam.
Sherlea Dony is a retired American Sign Language interpreter, consultant on access services for students who are deaf and hard of hearing, and copy editor
instances where Wilson was completely absent from the office or worked shorter days. Many of these instances were not documented on her timesheet. Although Wilson is a salaried employee, she must still track her work for the county.
REPORT SHOWS PATTERN OF ABSENCES & SHORT WORK DAYS
Excluding the times she was on vacation or in training, Wilson did not work one full week in the office in the entire time she was being investigated.
Jasper County Veterans Affairs is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every weekday in the administration building near the 300 block of West Third Street North. Which means Wilson has roughly 30 minutes for a lunch and eight hours of work each day to reach 40 hours per week.
In those 108 days her work habits were being investigated, human resources indicated Wilson had left early about 15 times and was late to work around four times. The report also classifies many late starts and early departures as a “short day,” of which it was mentioned about 21 times in the report.
The report also said Wilson was “out all day” on 10 occasions in a three-and-a-half month period. That amounts to 80 hours lost. Or two weeks of work.
However, absences can be covered by employers. When Wilson was out all day, she often cited that she was sick or her kids were sick or that she needed to go to a doctor appointment. While commissioners are supposed to be informed of when she will be gone from the office, the report shows they rarely were.
The report also shows Wilson utilized 55 hours of sick time, 52.5 hours of family sick time, 10.5 hours of vacation time and eight hours of floating holiday hours. It is also assumed Wilson did not work on Labor or the Thanksgiving holiday; that adds another 24 hours of holiday time.
In total, that is 150 hours missed in three-and-a-half months, whether it was excused or unexcused. That equates to a little less than four work weeks.
From the time the county started its investigation until human resources notified Wilson she was on administrative leave, approximately 78 work days had passed, which amounts to roughly 624 hours of work. Factoring in sick, vacation and holiday hours, Wilson was missing from the office 24 percent of the time.
IMPROPER CODING & HOME VISIT PROCEDURE VIOLATIONS
In late November, the report found three incidents of improper coding on Wilson’s timesheet. After previously mentioning she would be taking vacation around that time during past commission meetings, she documented 24 hours of sick time instead of vacation time on her timesheet.
Dennis Simon, director of hu-
HOWARD ST. CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ)
Pastor Tom Burns
101 N. Locust St., Colfax Cell - 515-779-3148
SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Fellowship;10:30 a.m. Worship, in person or online via YouTube
MONDAY - Pastor Josh day off
TUESDAY - 9:30 a.m. Coffee Time; 2:30 p.m. Chair Yoga
WEDNESDAY - 3:30 p.m. After school elementary youth; 6:15 ChiRho and CYF youth supper; 7:30 p.m. Youth Group
THIRD SUNDAY - 8 p.m. Elders meeting, Board meeting after church; Collect for Food Pantry
FOURTH SUNDAY - Potluck Dinner
FIFTH SUNDAY - Potluck Breakfast
FIRST MONDAY - WIC appointments
FOURTH & FIFTH TUESDAY - 3 p.m.
Table of Grace
IRA UNITED CHURCH Rev. Michael Omundson
man resources for Jasper County, confronted Wilson on Dec. 2 about the use of three consecutive sick days, and she revealed she had documented it incorrectly and was going to call payroll to check. Simon told Wilson to contact Melissa Hartgers at the auditor’s office to get it corrected.
Apart from issues of stolen time, the county alleged Wilson did not follow proper procedures when conducting a home visit on Oct. 30. Price asked Wilson if she wanted him to go with her to the home visit since commissioners stated they wanted two people there and that she inform the sheriff’s office before leaving.
Wilson said a social worker would be present, so she did not need him. Simon followed up with Lt. Brad Shutts of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and found that Willson had not contacted dispatch to notify them she was conducting a home visit. No call was logged providing any information of the sort.
REPORT PROVIDES NO DISCIPLINARY RECOMMENDATION
The investigation sustained the allegations against Wilson and concluded she violated Jasper County’s policies and procedures. No disciplinary action was noted, but the report said “it appears there is significant concern with Ms. Wilson’s ability to follow established procedures.”
Furthermore, the report stated the number of deficiencies identified between timesheets and the reasons for Wilson’s absences, tardiness or leaving early “shows intentional action to deceive the payroll system or proper utilization of accrual of vacation and/or stick time.”
Improperly documenting absences is perceived as theft of time from employers. According to the report, theft of time is “a major concern” of Jasper County. Simon’s report also noted Wilson failed to follow established protocol in notifying dispatch for when arriving or department a veteran’s residence for a home visit.
Simon did not provide a disciplinary recommendation in his report, leaving the decision up to the commission.
“Disciplinary action is language taken straight from the county policy. Based on the severity of the infractions and the frequency, discipline can basically result in anything from nothing up to separation,” Simon said. “That will be up to the commission to determine.”
COMMISSIONERS UPHOLD
FINDINGS IN THE REPORT
Fred Chabot was the only member of the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission to vote “no” on the motion to fire Wilson. Prior to that he even suggested a more “balanced” disciplinary action and made a motion that she be suspended without pay for two weeks. The motion died without a second.
While Chabot was willing to give Wilson a second chance in large part due to the amount of good she did for veterans in Jasper County, he was not shy in voicing his displeasure with the work habits outlined in the investigation. Chabot
counted 63 instances where Wilson did not work a full work day or had time off.
“I would have looked to have been notified 63 times,” he said. “I took a look at both the text messages that I received from Alyssa Wilson and also email messages that I received from Alyssa Wilson with regard to those absences. I have no text messages from Alyssa Wilson … and I received only 14 emails.”
From what Chabot could see, there was a “gross abuse” of expected work hours. In the past threeand-a-half months, Chabot said it is apparent Wilson is not working an eight-hour workday and it is clear she is not working the expected number of hours for every pay period.
“There is a minority of days over that period of time, based on communications I’ve received, of her informing the commission in advance of taking sick leave or vacation time,” Chabot said. “There are many instances of her taking sick time or vacation time where the commission was simply not notified.”
Jerry Nelson, chair of the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission, said it is difficult to ask supervisors to allow for additional help when the administrator is not working the required time. In the past, there have been complaints lobbed at the office when veterans visited in person only to be met with closed doors.
It becomes even more frustrating for the commission since the state’s allotment for Wilson only amounts to 30 hours. Jasper County covered the other 10 hours to allow the administrator a 40-hour work week to better serve individuals coming to the veterans affairs office.
“We’re not getting 40 hours,” Nelson said.
Chabot added there has been a “constant drumbeat” from Wilson about not having enough time to serve Jasper County veterans.
“I took on the goal of coming up with data to present to the county supervisors in terms of overtime work … as a way to justify the need for a full-time veterans services officer in our office,” Chabot said. “That was a constantly drumbeat that there was simply not enough hours to serve our veterans.”
VETERANS SUPPORTIVE OF WILSON ARE NOT HAPPY
Commissioner Kat Thompson recalled one of the first things Wilson said to her in one of their initial meetings together was that there isn’t enough time in the day to do her work. But she also told the newest member of the county veterans affairs commission that she was looking for a new job.
By Thompson’s calculations, there were 45 hours unaccounted for where Wilson was paid regular hours to be absent. Again, Simon said that is theft of time.
Chabot said several veterans have spoken very favorably and positively about the help Wilson has given them in seeking benefits. The commissioner wanted to make an impression on Wilson that this set of behaviors has to stop, which
FIRED | 10
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, Dec. 22 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dyer; No “The Well” Youth Group
TUESDAY, Dec. 24 - 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 25 - No Activities
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
MONDAY • Baxter School Board meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of month
TUESDAY
• C-M Education Foundation Committee meets at 5:30 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of month in Central Office
THURSDAY • AMVETS meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Thursday of month at the Colfax Fire Station.
• Mingo Park & Recreation regular meeting meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of month at City Hall
Stay safe on the ice this winter
The recent blast of arctic air is growing ice on lakes and ponds across the northern two-thirds of Iowa. Outdoor ice enthusiasts are ready to get out ice fishing, snowmobiling, ice skating or fat-tire bike riding.
The DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of clear ice for fishing and at least five inches for snowmobiles and ATVs.
Ice forms at different rates on each body of water depending upon the size and water depth. Once frozen, conditions change constantly and ice thickness can vary across the lake. Rocks, trees, docks or other things that poke through the ice will conduct heat and make the ice around it less stable. Trust your instincts – if the ice does not look right, don’t go out.
A blanket of snow on top of an ice covered lake insulates the ice, slowing the growth of ice and hiding potential hazards or weak spots. River ice is 15 percent weaker than lake ice. Ice with a bluish color is safer than clear ice. Avoid slushy or honey-combed and stay away from dark spots on the ice. Don’t walk into areas where the snow cover looks discolored. Safety Tips on the Ice No ice is 100 percent safe. New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Don’t go out alone — if the worst should happen, someone will be there to call for help or to help rescue. Let someone know where you are going and when you will return. Check ice thickness as you go out - there could be pockets of thin ice or places where ice recently formed. Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness. The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. Bring along these basic items to help keep you safe: hand warmers, ice cleats to help prevent falls, ice picks (wear around your neck) to help you crawl out of the water if you fall in, a life jacket, a floating safety rope, a whistle to call for help, a basic first aid kit and extra dry clothes including a pair of gloves. Use extreme caution when snowmobiling on ice. Snowmobiles can be difficult to steer and take a long time to stop with limited traction on ice. Slow down and avoid heavy braking.
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. Family Worship; Sunday School
TUESDAY - 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
HOPE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
126 E. Howard
Rev. Paul Avery, pastor Church: 674-3700 hopeassemblyofgod@yahoo.com
FRIDAY, Dec. 27 - Saturday, Dec. 29 - 6 p.m. through 10 a.m. “The Well” Youth Group Lock-In
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship
WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Evening Service
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
CATHOLIC CHURCH
302 E. Howard St., Colfax Fr. Ron Hodges 515-674-3711
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Mass
DAILY MASS - 8 a.m.
MINGO UNITED
METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Phil Dicks 515-689-4926
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship service (Sunday school not meeting at this time)
ASHTON CHAPEL 8887 W. 122nd St. N., Mingo Pastors: Larry Craig & Mark Eddy
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship
BETHANY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 5627 N. 95th Ave. W., Baxter 641-227-3402 Pastor Chris Hayward
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday School (Sunday after Labor Day to second Sunday in May); 10 a.m. Sunday Worship. First Sunday communion. All are welcome. baxterbethanyucc.org
EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH BAXTER
Dee drops 50 in Baxter’s win over GMG
BAXTER — A school-record performance from Eli Dee and another double-double from Perrin Sulzle powered the Baxter boys basketball team to an 87-67 home win over GMG on Dec. 13.
Dee scored a school-record 50 points, made 20-of-39 from the floor and helped the Bolts pull away from the Wolverines during Iowa Star Conference South Division play.
Baxter led 20-18 after one quarter but outscored GMG 27-20 in the second, 17-13 in the third and 23-16 in the fourth on Hall of Fame Night.
Baxter High School welcomed Will Clapper, Jason Aker, Braydon Aker and Ed Schmidt into its Athletic Hall of Fame during the varsity girl-boy doubleheader and the Bolt boys
stayed undefeated on the court.
Dee added five rebounds and seven steals to his 50 points. He was 7-of-10 from the free-throw line and is now averaging 37 points per game through five contests, which ranks second in Class 1A.
Sulzle added 14 points, 15 rebounds and two blocks and Logan Rainsbarger finished with a career-high eight points and five boards and chipped in two steals.
Stadan Vansice tallied three points, six rebounds and two steals, Cainan Travis posted five points, five rebounds and two steals and Maddux Tuhn put in five points.
The Bolts (5-0, 4-0) shot 50.7 percent from the floor, made 4-of-12 from 3-point range and buried 15-of-20 from the freethrow line.
Baxter turned the ball over 14 times but swiped 16 steals and out-rebounded the Wolverines 31-23.
The Bolts are averaging 80.4 points per game this season, which ranks third in 1A and eighth in Iowa.
GMG got 24 points from Colin Teske and Grady Dieleman added 18 points. Ethan Klemesrud had nine points and 11 rebounds.
The Wolverines (1-4, 0-3) shot 52 percent from the floor,
made 6-of-14 from 3 and connected on 5-of-9 from the foul line. They also committed 23 turnovers.
Baxter is 13-2 against GMG since 2017 and claimed its eighth straight win in the series.
The Bolts, who have won 40 straight conference games, have won 13 of 14 games in the series.
Baxter 70, BCLUW 16 CONRAD — The Bolts used a fast start and Dee put in at least 30 points for the fourth straight game and Baxter cruised past BCLUW, 70-16, during Iowa Star Conference South Division play on Dec. 10.
Baxter led 24-7 after one and outscored the Coments 31-2 in the second half. The Bolts have scored at least 70 points in all five games this season.
Dee scored 31 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out
Baxter adds quartet to Athletic Hall of Fame
C-M girls fall to pair of ranked SICL foes
SULLY — Three players scored in double figures and a dominating effort on the glass led the Lynnville-Sully girls basketball team a 65-36 home win over Colfax-Mingo on Dec. 10. The Class 1A No. 13 Hawks used a fast start and made seven 3-pointers in the South Iowa Cedar League game.
L-S led 17-9 after one quarter and won the second
20-5. The Hawks outscored C-M 28-22 in the second half.
Dakota Allen led Colfax-Mingo with 10 points and five boards. Blain Houseman added six points, four rebounds and four assists. Isabelle Voglesong collected five points, five rebounds and three steals, Lydia Hansen tallied four points and three boards, Mallory Sipma scored four points and Victoria Woods grabbed four rebounds.
Katelyn Steenhoek contributed three points and two boards and Mickinley Bucklin grabbed two rebounds.
The Tigerhawks (2-5, 1-3 in the SICL) shot 34 percent from the floor, made 4-of-23 from 3-point range and committed 24 turnovers.
Ava Brummel led the Hawks with 15 points, 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals.
The Hawks (4-2, 2-1 in the SICL) shot 40 percent from
the floor, made 7-of-16 from 3 and out-rebounded the Tigerhawks 39-25. L-S was 12of-17 from the foul line.
Montezuma 49, Colfax-Mingo 26 COLFAX — Montezuma is 17-0 against Colfax-Mingo since 2015.
But the Tigerhawks came closer than they’ve ever been before on Dec. 13.
C-M GIRLS | 7
four assists. Sulzle filled up the stat sheet with 10 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, seven steals and five blocks and Vansice contributed eight points, four assists and five steals.
Travis registered four points, seven rebounds, eight assists and two steals, Tuhn added five points and three steals, Cael Wishman chipped in four points and two boards and Rainsbarger posted three points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Colten Damman also finished with three points and three boards.
The Bolts shot 57 percent from the floor, made 7-of-13 from 3 and connected on 5-of-7 from the free-throw line.
Baxter committed 15 turnovers but swiped 21 steals and had 23 assists on 29 field goals. The Bolts defeated BCLUW (12, 1-2) for the fifth straight time.
Short-handed Bolts fall to Knoxville
Jasper County Tribune
KNOXVILLE — The short-handed Bolts had a 4-2 advantage in contested matches, but Baxter fell to host Knoxville, 54-23, on Dec. 13.
Kolton Hurd (144), Maddox Peters (157) and Ruger Kincaid (165) all won by fall and Jack Anderson (138) scored a 16-0 technical fall victory, but the Bolts (1-3) gave up seven forfeits in the loss.
Gliem sisters lead Baxter girls at Eagle Grove
EAGLE GROVE — Johnelle Gliem finished second at 155 pounds, Zoey Gliem took third at 145 and the Baxter girls wrestling team placed 13th at the Lady Eagle Invitational on Dec. 11.
The Bolts scored 41.5 points in the 15-team tournament hosted by Eagle Grove.
Lake Mills won the tournament with 181 points, while Humboldt (169), Nevada (166), West Marshall (161) and Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire (109) completed the top five.
Johnelle Gliem’s runner-up finish included a 2-1 day with two first-period pins. She improved to 5-2 this season.
Zoey Gliem (7-2) was 3-1 at 145. She won once by fall, once by medical forfeit and once by 15-0 technical fall.
Malaya Hurd was the Bolts’ third competitor and she finished 0-2 at 235.
Fast start helps Baxter girls bolt past GMG
BAXTER — Karlee Koehler and Kaylyn Krampe scored career highs, Emie Tuhn inched closer to 1,000 career points, and the Baxter girls basketball team hammered GMG on Dec. 13. The Bolts snapped a twogame skid against the Wolverines thanks in part to a fast start during a 64-11 home win in the Iowa Star Conference South Division contest. Baxter led 19-6 after one quarter and dominated the second 26-3.
The Bolts outscored GMG 19-2 in the second half.
Koehler put in a career-best 19 points and added three rebounds, four assists and three
steals. Tuhn had 18 points, six rebounds, eight assists and five steals. She now has 989 career points.
Krampe scored a career-best 13 points and chipped in three rebounds, two assists and two blocks, Kamdyn Krampe finished with six points, three rebounds, two assists and two blocks and Hannah Huffak-
er collected six points and five boards.
Kendall Brummel registered five rebounds, three assists and three steals and Avery Wonders had two rebounds and two assists.
The Bolts (4-2, 3-1 in the conference) shot 41.5 percent from the floor, made 10-of-27 from 3-point range and turned the ball over only five times.
Baxter improved to 10-5 against GMG (2-4, 1-2) since 2017. The Bolts have won 10 of the past 12 in the series.
BCLUW 48, Baxter 45 CONRAD — The Bolts shot better from the floor, made one more shot from long range and both teams committed 16 turnovers, but a tough shoot-
ing night from the free-throw line and a severe disadvantage on the glass hindered Baxter during a 48-45 road loss in Iowa Star Conference South Division on Dec. 10.
Kamdyn Krampe, Tuhn and Koehler all scored in double figures, but the Bolts finished 7-of21 from the foul line and got out-rebounded 53-29.
BCLUW led 13-11 after one, but the game was tied at halftime. The Comets won the third 13-8 and held off the Bolts in the fourth. The hosts improved to 7-2 against Baxter since 2017.
Kamdyn Krampe led the Bolts with 16 points, six rebounds and three steals.
Tuhn finished with 15 points, three rebounds and four assists.
She was 5-of-6 from the foul line while the rest of team made only 2-of-15.
Koehler finished with 10 points, three rebounds and two blocks, Brummel added three points, nine rebounds and two steals and Kaylyn Krampe grabbed four rebounds. Myah Johnston pulled down two boards.
Baxter shot 32 percent from the floor and made 6-of-20 from 3.
The Comets shot 23.7 percent from the floor, made 5-of21 from 3 and buried 15-of-32 from the foul line.
BCLUW (4-2, 3-0) got 23 points and 23 rebounds from Grace Farnsworth and Klayre Gallentine added 12 points and five boards.
Dee Sulzle
Jasper County Tribune
Kincaid
J. Gliem
Jasper County Tribune
Tuhn Koehler
Jasper County Tribune
Submitted Photo
The latest members of the Baxter Athletic Hall of Fame are (from left) Braydon Aker, Jason Aker, Will Clapper and Ed Schmidt. The quartet was inducted into the hall of fame during a ceremony at the basketball games against GMG on Dec. 13.
Sports calendar
December 19
Boys Basketball
Baxter at Martensdale-St.
Marys, 7:30 p.m.
December 20
Girls Basketball
Colfax-Mingo at English
Valleys, 6 p.m..
Baxter at Collins-Maxwell, 6:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Colfax-Mingo at English
Valleys, 7:30 p.m.
Baxter at Collins-Maxwell, 7:45 p.m.
December 21
Girls Wrestling
Colfax-Mingo at Chariton tournament, 10 a.m.
Boys Wrestling
Colfax-Mingo at Pleasantville tournament, 9 a.m.
IHSAA chooses sites for state baseball
BOONE — Locations for the next four years of the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s State Baseball Tournament are set following extensive planning for the upcoming 2025 postseason and beyond.
The split site tournament will head west this summer to Sioux City and Carroll, then return to Cedar Rapids and Carroll from 2026 through at least 2028.
“Thanks to a great team effort, our state baseball tournament will continue to be showcased at first-class facilities with outstanding hosts,” IHSAA executive director Tom Keating said.
Sioux City’s Lewis & Clark Park will host Class 4A and 3A for the 2025 tournament (July 21-25).
The 3,800-seat stadium is home to the minor league Sioux City Explorers and will host the IHSAA event on a one-year agreement.
Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids became a state baseball site in 2024 for the first time since the 1970s and will host 4A and 3A again as part of a three-year arrangement starting in 2026. MLB scheduling has the Cedar Rapids Kernels playing at home during the IHSAA tournament week in 2025.
Carroll will remain home for 2A and 1A as part of a four-year agreement, running from 2025-28. Merchants Park resumed hosting in 2021.
“Our appreciation goes out to these communities and ballparks for hosting these tournaments,” IHSAA baseball administrator Andy Umthun said.
“We’re excited state baseball will visit Sioux City for the first time, and we know returning to Carroll and Cedar Rapids also will provide great experiences for our schools.”
The 2025 tournament will mark the first IHSAA team championship to ever be played in Sioux City.
The IHSAA’s Board of Control approved the four-year proposal in November, pending coordination with the American Rivers Conference to utilize their MiLB reserved dates in Cedar Rapids. The ARC Presidents Council confirmed the agreement Monday, shifting rights for the 2026 dates from the NCAA Division III conference to the IHSAA.
C-M boys defeat West Bend-Mallard at road wrestling quadrangular
SIOUX RAPIDS — Cason
Fitch remained unbeaten, Caden Sykes also finished 3-0 for the night and three other Tigerhawks went 2-1, but Colfax-Mingo’s boys wrestling team finished 1-2 in a road quadrangular on Dec. 12.
The Tigerhawks defeated West Bend-Mallard 48-15 but lost 52-29 to Manson-NW Webster and 45-22 to host Sioux Central.
Colfax-Mingo was 8-13 in contested matches and gave up six forfeits in the two duals it lost.
In the win over West Bend-Mallard (0-6), C-M was 2-2 in contested matches but had a 6-1 advantage in forfeits. There were three double forfeits and Kyle Wood (165) and Nathan Endersbe (215) each won by fall.
Logan Roam (106), Fitch (126), Jayden Cherveny (132), Tanner Miller (157), Sykes (175) and Alex Hartson (190) all accepted forfeits.
The Tigerhawks were 3-5 in contested matches against Manson-NW Webster (5-1) and they had a 4-2 disadvantage in forfeits.
Sykes scored a 36-second pin, Miller won by a 23-3 technical fall and Allan Bregar (285) scored a win by pin, while Fitch and Cherveny took forfeits.
Both Sykes and Fitch won 16-1 technical falls against Sioux Central (5-2). The Tigerhawks (3-6) were 3-6 in contested matches as Bregar also won by fall. Roam took C-M’s only forfeit at 106.
Fitch (12-0), who is ranked 11th in Class 1A at 120, was 3-0 with two forfeits at 126, Sykes (9-3) was 3-0 with one forfeit
and Bregar was 2-1 with two pins. Roam finished 2-1 with two forfeits and Miller was 2-1.
Tigerhawks down Perry in road quadrangular WOODWARD — The Tigerhawks were just below .500 in contested matches, but giving up eight forfeits in two duals was too much to overcome during a road quadrangular on Dec. 10.
Colfax-Mingo defeated Perry 47-30 but fell 44-26 to Ogden and lost 56-24 to host Woodward-Granger. Only the Hawks were significantly better in contested matches though.
The Tigerhawks were 5-2 in contested matches against Perry (0-3). Miller won 21-6 at 157 and Sykes (175), Endersbe (190), Bregar (215) and Konner Bennett (285) all won by fall.
Fitch (126), Kyle Wood (165) and Roam (106) all won by for-
Devan
third at 110 pounds at the Williamsburg
Colfax-Mingo girls finish 10th, Baxter 26th at Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG — Three of the six wrestlers in the Colfax-Mingo girls’ lineup finished in the top three of their respective weights at the Williamsburg Girls Invitational on Dec. 9.
Emma Cook won her bracket at 235 pounds, Lily Webster was the runner-up at 100 and Devan Chadwick’s lone loss came to a state-ranked wrestler in Class 2A.
Baxter’s top finisher was Johnelle Gliem in seventh, but the Bolts scored 14 points and placed 26th in the 29team field. Colfax-Mingo was 10th with 86 points.
The only two teams in the top 10 which had fewer than eight wrestlers were West Delaware (88) and Colfax-Mingo in ninth and 10th, respectively.
Sixth-place Independence and 10thplace Colfax-Mingo were separated by only 12 points.
South Tama County won the tournament with 184.5 points. East Buchan-
an (179.5), Vinton-Shellsburg (169), Mount Vernon (136.5) and Benton Community (103) completed the top five.
Class 1A No. 6 Cook (20-2) finished 3-0 with three pins at 235. She had two first-period falls.
Class 1A No. 6 Webster (21-2) was 2-1 with two pins at 100. She lost 6-3 to fifth-ranked Kenedee Helscher of Wapello.
Chadwick (19-4) finished third and was 3-1 with three pins at 110. Two of those pins came in the first period and her lone loss was 7-0 to 2A No. 12 Sophia Hurley of Independence.
Hadley Millang (20-6) placed eighth at 145. She was 4-3 with four pins and two first-period falls.
Allison Minteer was 1-2 with one pin at 105 and Brianna Freerksen (138) finished 0-2 at 130.
Gliem was seventh at 155 for the Bolts. She finished 2-2 with two pins.
Zoey Gliem also was 2-2 with one pin at 145 and Malaya Hurd placed eighth but was 0-3 at 235.
feit. Both teams received three forfeits and there was one double forfeit.
Colfax-Mingo was 4-5 in contested matches against Ogden, but the Bulldogs (2-4) had a 4-1 surplus in forfeit wins.
Fitch won his match 5-2 at 126, Sykes scored a 24-8 technical fall at 175 and Bennett (285) and Cherveny (120) each won by first-period pin. Roam took a forfeit at 106.
Fitch, Cherveny and Bennett all won by fall against Woodward-Granger (4-1), but the Tigerhawks were 3-6 in contested matches and had a 4-1 disadvantage in forfeits. Miller accepted his forfeit at 157.
Bennett finished 3-0 with three pins, Fitch ended up 3-0 and Cherveny, Roam, Miller and Sykes all were 2-1. Cherveny recorded two pins and Roam took two forfeits.
Girls
Unfortunately, a tough shooting night and 30 turnovers were too much to overcome during a 4926 home loss in South Iowa Cedar League play.
The 1A No. 7 Bravettes led 17-5 after one and outscored the Tigerhawks 11-6, 10-7 and 11-8 in the other three quarters. Foglesong led Colfax-Mingo with five points, nine rebounds and two assists and Hansen added five points, six rebounds and four blocks.
Houseman chipped in five points, four rebounds and two assists, Bucklin put in a team-best six points and made 4-of-4 from the freethrow line and Sipma and Steenhoek each grabbed four boards.
Allen finished with two rebounds and two steals. The Tigerhawks shot 28 percent from the floor, made 2-of-10 from 3 and were 6-of-11 from the foul line. Colfax-Mingo out-rebounded the Bravettes 31-28. Vivian Cook led Montezuma (3-3, 3-1) with 16 points and five steals and Shiressa Wetering added 10 points, six rebounds, three steals and four blocks.
The Bravettes shot only 28.6 percent from the floor after connecting on only 6-of-25 from 3 but made 7-of-10 from the foul line. They turned the ball over 15 times.
Jasper County Tribune
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/ Jasper County Tribune Colfax-Mingo head girls basketball coach Michaela Graffunder talks with her starting lineup before a game earlier this season.
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Colfax-Mingo senior
Chadwick, left, was 3-1 with three pins and finished
Girls Invitational on Dec. 9.
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Colfax-Mingo senior Emma Cook, top, won the 235-pound bracket at the Wil-
Dec. 9.
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