Signed, sealed and delivered
Gov. Kim Reynolds signs pharmacy benefit manager reform to the delight of local pharmacies across the state and closer to home at Spring City Pharmacy
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
After weeks of waiting, community pharmacists across the State of Iowa rejoiced as Gov. Kim Reynolds finally signed legislation reforming practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Senate file 383 introduces comprehensive oversight of PBMs, ensuring greater transparency, accountability and fairness in a system that has operated without adequate regulation and to the detriment of those trying to serve the community — pharmacists.
“The passage of SF 383
is truly a lifeline for Spring City Pharmacy and for the patients we serve,” Spring City Pharmacy owner Brad Magg said. “As the only pharmacy in Colfax — and the only locally owned pharmacy left in Jasper County — this new law helps level the playing field with the monopoly of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who have made it nearly impossible for pharmacies to survive.”
With the passage of this legislation, the pharmacy will no longer be reimbursed less than the cost of the drug. They will also be paid a $10.68 dispensing fee for each
prescription, which is the state average of what the overhead costs to fill a prescription.
“In simple terms, it gives us a fighting chance to keep our doors open, continue caring for our neighbors and keep local healthcare local,” Magg said.
While some opponents claim it will put too much money in pharmacy pockets, feedback from those entities showed without the reform many could be closing their businesses within the next year.
“To be clear, this new legislation only provides enough to break even by covering the cost of the goods sold, plus labor
and expenses to fill that prescription,” Magg said.
“We’re ecstatic about it and very appreciative, but
A QUEEN IS CROWNED
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Nine girls from across the county took the stage in hopes of being crowned the 2025 Jasper County Fair Queen. The fair, which is celebrating its 170th year, will have a familiar face wearing the queen sash as 2024 Fair Princess and 2025 PCM graduate Meredith Chipps was selected during the ceremony held June 14 at the Newton Community Theatre.
“It means so much to me,” Chipps said. “I didn’t want to expect anything at all. I just knew that I was going to go out there and try my best. I knew a goal of mine was to become the princess and I
‘Our democracy has already been overthrown for autocracy’
Nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests sees Iowans gather in Newton to show resistance
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Protestors this weekend gathered around two main thoroughfares in Newton as part of a nationwide resistance to President Donald Trump — known as the “No Kings” protests — drawing both honks of approval from passersby and spiteful vitriol from MAGA movement supporters driving throughout town.
Signs from the demonstration showed an illustration of Trump spraying a bottle of perfume called “Eau de Musk.” Others proclaimed “Resist White Supremacy” and “Rise Up and Fight Fascism.” Another sign referenced a movie quote: “There’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.”
we’re still going to have to work our butts off slinging ice cream, greetings cards, band-aids, etc to
knew I wanted to become the queen. I think it is just so special.”
Before Chipps was crowned queen, she had the honor of crowning the next fair princess. 2025 Newton graduate Ella Machin was selected for the role just after she was chosen by her fellow candidates as Miss Congeniality.
“This is huge. I remember when (Logan Chandler) was fair princess and we hung out all of the time and I looked up to her. I am so excited to be a kind face for people at the fair,” Machin said. “(Being named Miss Congeniality) is such an accomplishment for me. All of these girls are amazing.”
The contest saw all nine
Megan Berryhill, of Newton, helped organize the demonstration on June 14. She did not expect to see many people, but to her surprise almost 100 people arrived to the Jasper County Courthouse. Another group had forward around Highway 14 near
the Casey’s gas station. She and others feared for the future of democracy.
“In my opinion, our democracy has already been overthrown for autocracy,” she said, referring to
help pay off the almost $1 million in debt we’ve ac-
girls show off their personalities by explaining what the theme of the fair “Cakes, Critters and Candles — Let’s Celebrate” means to them. From homemade cakes with each layer having a specific memory and meaning from the fair to slide presentations of pictures from fairs past and how it impacted them, the girls shared why that week is one the look forward to each year. The ceremony continued with the girls in their formal wear answering randomly selected questions about the fair. Each candidate gave answers on the spot to questions such as “what would you tell someone who is interested in QUEEN | 3
Engineer estimates counties will pay $100K each for bridge on County Line Road
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Bridge S33 — is located south of Galesburg and east of East 84th Street South. The single-span steel beam bridge will span 50 feet and 24.5 feet wide. The bridge will also have a reinforced poured concrete deck set over steel backwall abutments. “A 50-footer should be adequate for that particular location,” Frietsch said. “So we’re looking at about $100,000 our share and Marion County $100,000theirshare.Soit’sgoing SHARE | 3 Jasper County and Marion County to share costs of bridge replacement
Meredith Chipps, who served as princess in 2024, is named the 2025 Jasper County Fair Queen Jasper County formed an agreement with Marion County for the replacement of a bridge along the County Line Road, or South 128th Avenue, over a branch of the South Skunk River. A memorandum of understanding was approved this past week by the supervisors, which splits the costs of the bridge 50-50. County Engineer Michael Frietsch said the bridge — classified as
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune Protestors display anti-Trump signs during the “No Kings” protest June 14 at the Jasper County Courthouse in Newton.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune
PCM graduate Meredith Chipps is crowned 2025 Jasper County Fair Queen during a ceremony June 14 in Newton.
Submitted Photo
Community members from Colfax rally at the State Capitol in Des Moines in favor of Senate File 383, legislation reforming pharmacy benefits management for local pharmacies. Gov. Kim Reynolds recently signed the bill putting the legislation into action.
2024-25 Baxter Community School
A/B Honor Roll Sixth Grade — Hayden Akins, Mason Backus, Wesley Beavers, Gracie Breckenridge, Kaidon Bucklin, Ariah Eveland, Phillip Frasher, Tinsley Guckert, Seth Hansen, Sloan Hasselbrink, Calvin Hauser, Kahlene Hawkins, Colton Jochems, Abigail Mahoney, Adalia McDanel, Mason Meeker, Aria Mergen, Brynnlee Morgenson, Logan Moses, Jaxon Reed, Lillie Robinson, Ryan Rominger, Sephirra Rupe, Hayden Seeley, Bently Stoll, Kylah Wignall, Ava Yeltman Seventh Grade — Sydney Beavers, Rhiane Bolina, Lane Cannon, Allison Engle, Owen Halter, Lincoln Handorf, Diego Herrera Marquez, Drake Hewitt, Mazie Humston, Christian Jones, Jadelynn Kincel, Claire Kucera, Ava Maxwell, Ella Moffit, Reilly Oglesby, Jaxon Popenhagen, Riley Ratliff, Crew Redman, Liv Schnathorst, Gage Snyder, Tristan Thornton, Eliza Tiffey, Jenner Travis, Kinlee Varner, Ruth Warden, Ada Warkentin, Avery Whaley,
Second Semester Honor Roll
Libby Whitacre, Kydin Wing
Eighth Grade — Emileigh Beals, Nyle Brown, Mackenzie Cross, Gianna Dart, Holden Dee, SavannahFrasher, Elsie Hauser, Macie Jones, Auztyn Kerwin, Blake Maxwell, Brecken Maxwell, Brylea Nicholson, Zander Parker, Olivia Parrie, Alex Robinson, Lincoln Russell, Eli Schnieders, Nicholas Shedd, Cooper Smith, Grace Warden, Willow White, Kenzie Wignall, Sammel Wilhelm, Kattarina Wing Gold Honor Roll (4.0 GPA) Ninth Grade — Hayden Burdess, Colten Damman, Kaitlyn Engle, Sydney Hibbs, Myah Johnston, Kamdyn Krampe, Kaylyn Krampe, Dakota O’Harra, Owen Parrie, Derek Rominger 10th Grade — Kendall Brummel, Maxxon Handorf, Luci Kucera, Lauren McKibbin, Camden Moffit, Briah Mortenson, Denver Sulzle, Gwen Tichy, Avery Wonders 11th Grade — Grace Anderegg, Alyvia Burd-
ess, Callie Cross, Eli Dee, Austin England, Colton Moffit, Camryn Russell, Natalie Shedd, Cody Spurgeon, Caydence Sulzle, Rilyn Titus, Cody Travis, Callie Van Beek, Stadan Vansice
12th Grade — Grant Anderegg, Nicole Bunse, Kieren Chugg, Tyler McKibbin, Abigail Meyer, Logan Rainsbarger, Perrin Sulzle, Cainan Travis, Josslynn Travis, Emersen Tuhn, Rylee Van Beek
Silver Honor Roll (3.5-3.99 GPA)
Ninth Grade — Taylor Cross, Samuel Diaz, Mackenzie Eldred, Lillian Grunsted, Ayden Hansen, Malayla Hurd, Breadon Oliphant, Brienna Oliphant, Piper Redman, Grayson Scroggins, Masyn Titus, Liam Trent, Maddux Tuhn, Ivy Whitacre, Emily Winfield 10th Grade — Mallory Bottorff, Morgan DeGrave, Cole Frasher, Tayler Iverson, Journey Kampman, Coy Mergen, Madelyn Reimers, Rossi Swihart, Kaitlyn Ware
11th Grade — Alivia Boike, Kash Brummel,
Baxter FFA represented at the Iowa State Fair
Metro Creative Cancer is often discussed in ways that note the statistics regarding new diagnoses of the disease. That’s understandable, as the World Health Organization notes there were 20 million new cases diagnosed in 2022, when nearly 10 million individuals lost their lives to the disease. But it’s equally important, particularly for newly diagnosed patients and their families, to recognize how many survivors of the disease are currently walking among us and, in many instances, living normal and fulfilling lives. Estimates from the WHO suggest roughly 53.5 million people across the globe were alive within five years of receiving a cancer diagnosis. Such a statistic highlights the incredible progress cancer researchers have made in combatting the disease and can serve as inspiration to the millions of people who will receive a diagnosis and begin treatment in the year ahead.
Harleigh Cross, Danika Flora, Bree Hopkins, Maddox Peters, Klaire Shanks, Cael Wishman
12th Grade — Jack Anderson, Bailie Bennien, Hudson Bethards, Jace Bottorff, Zoey Gliem, Hannah Huffaker, Gavin Kampman, Karlee Koehler, Matthew Richardson, Cade Robinson, Carter SMith, Cadence Spurgeon, Janay Stone, MaKayla True Bronze Honor Roll
(3.0-3.499 GPA)
Ninth Grade — Parker Bonney, Ashlee Herr, Blaire Jutting, Benjamin Ratliff, Robert Richardson, Tate Schnathorst, Melodie Smith, Kakayla Vansice, Joshua Warden, 10th Grade — Nolan Hill
11th Grade — Aiden Shugg, Ashlyn Finch, Johnelle Gliem, Willow Grimes, Trevor Hamilton, Ruger Kincaid, John O’Roake
12th Grade — Adison Bonney, Amaysha Butler, Alexander Dille, James Esqueda, Colton Harder, Koltin Hurd, Jaci McMinamen
Community Calendar
Send items to news@jaspercountytribune.com
THURSDAY
• Mingo Men’s Club meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of month at the Mingo Community Center
SUNDAY • Colfax Historical Society Museum is open from 2 to 4 p.m. every Sunday through Labor Day.
MONDAY
• Baxter School Board meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of month
WEDNESDAY
• Colfax Farmers Market is open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Mineral Springs Park
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
Free program on coal mining in Jasper County June 24
The Colfax Historical Society and the Colfax Public Library are sponsoring a free program by writer and historian Dave Baker, to talk about the history of Jasper County coal mining. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, June 24 at the Colfax Historical Society.
Options to consider when a migraine strikes
Migraine headaches can be debilitating, result in lost hours at work and time spent away from friends and loved ones. Migraines are quite common, as studies estimate 12 percent of the United States population experiences them.
The Cleveland Clinic says researchers aren’t certain about what causes migraines, but studies indicate genetics play a role in their severity and frequency. Migraines occur when nerves in blood vessels send pain signals to the brain. This releases inflammatory substances into the head’s nerves and blood vessels. Migraines can cause severe, throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head, states the Mayo Clinic. This is often accompanied by extreme sensitivity to light and sound, nausea and vomiting. Attacks may last anywhere from a few hours to several days.
When suffering a migraine, people want to alleviate symptoms as quickly as possible. These options, courtesy of the Association of Migraine Disorders®, may be helpful when a migraine strikes.
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle choices that promote good health also can reduce the number of migraines a person has and lessen the pain. Taming
stress and spending time in a calm environment may keep migraines at bay. Heating pads can relax tense muscles and warm showers may be soothing. It’s important to maintain regular sleeping patterns and unwind at the end of the day. Eat a healthy diet and avoid any foods and beverages you’ve found trigger migraines. These may include wine, aged cheese and chocolate. Don’t skip meals, as fasting increases the risk of migraines, indicates the Mayo Clinic.
Preventive treatments
Preventive treatments aim to reduce severity and frequency of migraine attacks. Many of the options originally were designed for other ailments but have been used as “off-label” migraine treatments. These include:
· Antidepressants: Antidepressants stabilize the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain and may help with pain.
· Anti-seizure medications: These medicines are thought to calm hyper-excitable nerve cells in the brain.
· Botulinum toxin: This neurotoxin is used for the prevention of chronic migraines in adults. It is injected in key muscles of the head and neck to help block pain-signaling chemicals.
· Beta-blockers: Typically used for high blood pressure, beta-blockers affect the
blood vessels in the brain, make the nervous system less excitable and increase activity in the hypothalmus.
Acute treatments
Certain treatments are used when migraines are about to occur or are occurring. These may be overthe-counter or prescription options.
· OTC: OTC pain killers like acetaminophen, aspirin and ibuprofen help some people who suffer from migraines.
· Caffeine: Whether on its own or mixed with NSAIDs, caffeine in small amounts can be helpful in easing migraine symptoms.
· Triptans: Triptans target specific serotonin receptors on the brain’s blood vessels and nerve endings. They also narrow blood vessels to decrease inflammation and pain.
· Gepants: CGRP is a protein found in the peripheral and central nervous system. Levels of CGRP are higher during a migraine attack. Gepants target CGRP and block it from attaching to its receptor in the nervous system.
Nerve blocks, eye drops and even neuromodulation also may be options for people experiencing intense or frequent migraines. It’s important to speak with a doctor about the treatments available.
— Metro Creative
/Newton News
If you have ever been to the Agriculture Building (upper level) at the Iowa State Fair, you will notice a display of Iowa FFA chapter jackets. There is now one from the Baxter FFA. Cody Christianson has donated his FFA jacket to the fair. Christianson was a 2012 Baxter graduate and vice-president of the Baxter FFA chapter.
Pharmacy
Continuedfrompage1
million in debt we’ve accumulated since we started in 2022.”
In signing the bill, Reynolds said she consulted with employers and stakeholders on all sides of the complex issue and decided that SF 383 in an effort to continue improving the state’s healthcare system.
“PBMS play a central role in the pharmaceutical supply chain, negotiating drug prices and access for millions of Americans,” Reynolds said. “Over time, consolidation has led to three major PBMs controlling 80 percent of the market and a close affiliation with both insurers and pharmacies. This vertical integration gives them out-sized power over which medication patients receive and what they pay — often resulting in unaffordable drug costs, difficult choices for families and reimbursement below pharmacy acquisition cost.”
It took until two days before the bill expired for
Queen
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4-H,” “what would you show someone who is going to the fair for the first time” and “why do you want to be fair queen?”
The judges then took a break, and this year it ended up being an extended break, to choose the queen and
Protest
Reynolds to put pen to paper leaving everyone on edge about if it would actually happen. Magg said the Colfax community and beyond have been extremely supportive of the pharmacy’s efforts to see this legislation go through.
“This community has been nothing short of amazing. Folks in Colfax and beyond spoke up, signed petitions, called our lawmakers and almost 30 community members traveled to Des Moines for a rally at the State Capitol to stand beside us,” Magg said. “Several new patients made an extra effort to transfer their prescriptions to our local pharmacy to help keep it viable.”
From community members overhearing the need for a new air fryer for the staff and gifting a brandnew appliance to the pharmacy to others who brought sweet treats as soon as they heard the bill was signed to celebrate, people came together to fight for the pharmacy and entire shop that means so much to the downtown.
“It was truly the support like this that has kept us all going over the last few months, from things like being on credit hold with our supplier while we continued to take on more debt, to the roller coaster that
princess. Before the crowns came out, the audience had a chance to hear from the 2024 Jasper County Fair Queen
Libbie Keith and show her appreciation with a round of applause.
Chipps is more than excited to begin in the role of fair queen. It was a goal of hers to hold the title and now she will get to the experience the fair she loves and be a part of its history.
a government ruled by one person with absolute power, similar to a totalitarian dictatorship. “I know people say we’re on the edge, but I’m thinking once the Supreme Court said (Trump’s) got immunity that was it.”
According to coverage from the Associated Press, the “No Kings” protests
“I love the fair and everything about it. I am so excited to have this role,” Chipps said. “I’m mostly excited for state fair and be with all of the other queen candidates. I’m just so excited about everything.”
2025 Jasper County Fair
Queen Meredith Chipps
Meredith Chipps is the daughter of Mitchell and Melissa Chipps. She recently graduated from PCM High School. This fall she plans to
come after recent federal immigration raids and Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles. Several of these demonstrations were held in communities throughout the United States this past weekend.
To Berryhill, it seemed as though Trump feels like he can or should do whatever he wants without any form of checks and balances. He is breaking laws and undermining the U.S. Constitution, she added, without any repercussions; his followers only enable
When you don’t know who to turn to, Your Life Iowa is here for you 24/7 no matter where you live in the state. Whether its substance use, gambling, or mental
No judgment. Just help.
Jasper County Conservation will be accepting bids for the GEISLER-PENQUITE LAND STEWARDSHIP LAB until 3:00pm on July 10, 2025, at the Jasper County Conservation office at 1030 W 2nd Street S, Newton, IA 50208, or via email to kvanzante@jasperia.org. Bid proposals will be considered and acted on by the Conservation Board at a meeting at 8:30am on July 15, 2025, at the Conservation Office. The full bid announcement can be found at https://www.jasperia.org/bid_notices/ This project includes the construction of a new 3600sf facility located at 5284 Liberty Avenue, Newton, IA 50208. Separate bid proposals will be accepted for the following packages: 1: Site Preparation, Concrete & Site Concrete, 2: Site Utilities, 3: Building Shell, 4: Mechanical/ Plumbing, and 5: Electrical.
Contract documents, including plans, specifications and form of proposal will be available at qualified plan rooms and at the Beeline + Blue online distribution plan room. Physical copies are available at the Beeline + Blue shop located at 2507 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. Please direct all questions to: Keri VanZante, Director, Jasper County Conservation, 641-792-9780, or kvanzante@jasperia.org.
is the bureaucracy of trying to get legislation passed,” Magg said. “It’s humbling and powerful to see our community come together not just to protect access to hometown pharmacy care, but also to show their appreciation for all of the work and money we’ve invested to make sure that Colfax continues to have a pharmacy. It truly made a difference in getting this legislation across the finish line.”
While Magg is still waiting on clarification on the exact parameters and doesn’t expect to see the full effect of the new law until January, he thinks this will be the first time in a very long time the pharmacy in downtown Colfax will again be able to fill the prescriptions of every single person who walks in the door.
“No longer will patients be required to go use specific pharmacies and mail-order services, while also knowing that they will pay the same price, regardless if they fill at a chain big box store or at an independent like us,” Magg said. “The PBMs will no longer be able to offer incentives to fill at one pharmacy over another, so patients will be able to support local and know that they’re getting the best price without having to drive out of town.”
attend Iowa State University. Some activities she’s involved in are golf, FFA, 4-H and National Honor Society. Chipps is excited to represent the Jasper County Fair as queen because she would like to meet more people from our county, make more memories and continue to express her love for our county fair to others.
2025 Jasper County Fair
Princess Ella Machin
Ella Machin is a 2025 New -
him and his actions. Other demonstrators felt the same.
“It feels good — especially in a small town in the Midwest — to know we’re not alone,” she said. “Sometimes you kind of hesitate to speak out if you’re worried you’re going to hurt somebody’s feelings or be targeted … Most of the people who seem to vote Republican now are voting for things that seem to hurt them.”
Berryhill suggested if Trump gets his way with cutting public programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Securi-
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to be about a $200,000 total project. We have that currently scheduled to try to get up this fall. I’ll probably put out the steel package in July.”
Marion County already paid for and authorized the geotechnical investigations and soil samplings for the bridge, which is a practice nearly every bridge project has needed before a contract is even awarded or put out for bid. The board of supervisors voted 3-0 to pass the memorandum of understanding with Marion.
Collaborating with other counties for nearby projects is nothing new for Jasper County. Earlier this year, Jasper County had
ton graduate. She has lived in Newton all of her life with her family. Her parents are Ed and Meggan Machin. While in high school, she was involved in wrestling, cheerleading, trapshooting, FFA and HERO. She is excited to represent the Jasper County Fair as princess because 4-H and FFA has helped her become who she is today and she would like to give back to these organizations.
ty, it’s going to hurt people in Newton.
“We’re not a wealthy town,” she said. “…I understand there is anger and people think the Democrats have let them down — and I don’t disagree with that — but I’m upset that both major parties are beholden to their big money donors. Until we get rid of (overturn) Citizens United, I don’t know how to get around that.”
Still, Berryhill was heartened to see people turnout for the protests. “I hope this isn’t the last protest in Newton,” she said.
acquired materials for the bridge — known as Bridge C05 — that crosses Snipe Creek on North 115th Avenue West about 1.1 miles west of East 12th Street North.
Bridge C05 was constructed in 1921 and is currently a riveted pony truss style bridge. It is estimated to have less than six years of life left. It will be replaced with an 80-foot, single-span steel beam bridge with a reinforced poured concrete deck set over steel backwall abutments.
Marshall County will assume half of the costs for the Bridge C05 project.
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune Jasper County Engineer Michael Frietsch speaks with the board of supervisors at a past meeting. Jasper County and Marion County are going to share costs for a bridge replacement project.
Uncle Virgil
One of my first memories of Uncle Virgil was when my mother took me to see him and Auntie Florence on their farm between Nevada and Maxwell, Iowa. It was spring and, as we neared, we could see Uncle Virgil cultivating corn in a roadside field. My mother stopped the Buick and let me out. I climbed over the fence and ran toward him waving. I was so excited. He stopped the old John Deere, let me climb onto his lap and steer. He let me cultivate a row of corn. When we got to the end of the row, I was terrified about turning around and running over the end rows, or through the fence. His steady hand got us through. Ever after that, whenever he’d see me, he would remark that the row of corn I cultivated did better than any of the other corn.
Only a few years previous to this corn-cultivating experience, Uncle Virgil had farmed with horses. I’m the youngest of eight children, and two of my brothers were able to spend summers at Uncle Virgil’s farm. They learned how to ride those work horses the real way—bareback. I was so jealous.
One of my fondest memories of Uncle Virgil was when we were all at his house on a weekday. As we were sitting in the living room, the AE Milkman pulled in the driveway to deliver milk. Uncle Virgil ran to the door and tried to stop the milkman from leaving. But he was too late. Uncle Virgil grabbed me by the arm, and said, “C’mon Curt.” He shoved me into his old GMC pick-up, and took off after the milkman, driving like crazy, dust from the gravel road flying. I had no idea why he was chasing the milkman. Uncle Virgil flashed his lights. The milkman pulled over. Uncle Virgil drove up beside him, “Got any ice cream?” Uncle Virgil asked. The milkman laughed and handed over a gallon of vanilla. “Here you go, Virg.” Uncle Virgil wanted us (and him) to have ice cream. He was a huge old, bib-overall-wearing, German farmer, with hands as big as catcher’s mitts, and a heart of gold. He was also diabet-
It all starts with a dream
By Bryan Golden
Dreams precede everything; all actions and all creations. Truly, everything does start with a dream. Dreaming is not an idle activity. It’s not an escape from reality. Dreams are the foundation of all creativity.
The type of dreaming I’m talking about doesn’t just occur while you are sleeping. The thoughts occupy your mind constantly, while you are awake as well as resting. These types of dreams stick in your mind. They become a mental obsession. When your mind is focused on a specific detailed dream, it will lead you toward a path that will transform your dream to reality.
Dreaming is healthy, allowing you to explore different scenarios and options. Without dreams, you can’t venture beyond your perceived limits. For maximum effectiveness, a dream should be as detailed as possible. It shouldn’t be conceived in general terms such as, “if I were rich,” or “if I only had this,” or if I only had that.”
Without dreams, people would still be living in caves. Every element of society is the result of dreaming. Our country is the product of a dream. Dreams precede reality. There are no limits to what you can dream about. Health, relationships, success, finances, career, and lifestyle are all valid topics.
Your dreams shouldn’t be a passing thought or whim. They should embody specifics you have a burning desire for. They should be something you are willing to work for and expend whatever effort is required. Dreams can and do come true, but not by themselves. You have to make them happen. There are those who have a lotto mentality for their dreams. They are only willing to invest a dollar in the hopes of winning millions. Sure, there will be a winner, but the chance is one in millions that it will be you. When people have this lotto mentality, they are constantly disappointed. As a result, they wind up jaded and give up on their dreams. They become resigned to their lot in life and disconnected from the infinite potential that resides within. People who have given up will try to discourage others by using their own disappointments as evidence that dreams are a waste of time. Typically, being labeled a dreamer has a negative connotation. The implication is that a dreamer is not grounded in reality and is wasting their time chasing rainbows.
The dreamer will often be ridiculed and chided. Without a solid understanding of the value of dreaming, the dreamer runs the risk of abandoning their dreams in the face of peer pressure. Should this happen, it would be a real waste. Without dreams, one is in jeopardy of squandering their future.
Dreams have no constraints. Dreams are the seeds from which you can create a robust life. Guard your dreams. Don’t allow others to influence you to relinquish your dreams. You don’t have to share your dreams nor do you need the approval or acceptance of others.
Turning your dreams into reality requires action, determination, and perseverance. If not for dreamers our country never would have been founded. We would have no telephones, no electricity, no cars, no TV or radio, and no medical breakthroughs. In short, if people throughout history had not pursued their dreams we would still be in the dark ages. Go ahead and dream. Picture your life any way you would like it to be. Don’t put any limitations on your vision. Keep your dream in the front of your mind and review it daily. Take action and turn your dreams into reality.
ContactBryanGoldenatBryan@columnist.com
ic. For some reason, Auntie Florence and he couldn’t have kids. And they loved children. He loved to tell the story about the time he took us all to the “crick” for swimming and wading. (This was back in the day when you could do that.) He said I must’ve stepped in a hole because I went under. He reached in with one giant paw and yanked me out, and I was “sucking water like an old bull catfish.” I have no recollection of this.
I was fascinated by his tractor. One day when the adults were all in the house, I was outside and climbed on the tractor that was sitting in the driveway. It had a foot starter. I stepped on the starter and the tractor roared to life. It was in low gear and slowly took off. I panicked. Uncle Virgil and Dad ran out, climbed on the back of the tractor and got it stopped. I thought I was in trouble, but Uncle Virgil just laughed and said, “Ha! Curtie just wanted to cultivate more corn!”
Auntie Florence died and Uncle Virgil was all alone. He needed to have cataract surgery and, since he was diabetic, in those days, it was a difficult surgery. He came to stay with us while he was recuperating. He had a raging appetite fueled by diabetes. Mom was cooking something on the stove.
When she wasn’t watching, Uncle Virgil got into it, feeling by hand since he couldn’t see, and ate the scalding food right out of the pan. Mom called the doctor and had Uncle Virgil’s insulin adjusted.
Uncle Virgil had a problem with his jaws locking if he opened his mouth too wide. One time in the middle of the night, he let out a big yawn. His jaws locked. He had to get up and drive himself to the hospital, in that old truck, his mouth wide open, where they were able to unlock his jaws. Poor Uncle Virgil.
When I was a college student at Iowa State University in Ames, Nevada was the County Seat of Story County, and still is. I would have to go there for various business, like license plates, or a run to the County Liquor Store. (Remember those days?) While I was there one day, I decided to get a hair cut. I asked the barber if he knew my Uncle, Virgil Swarm. “Virg? Oh, yes,” he said. “Fine man. Great checker player, too. Checker Champ of Story County.”
My sister and I were painfully aware of this, as Uncle Virgil waxed us on a regular basis.
ContactCurtSwarmatcurtswarm@ yahoo.com
By Farrah Hassen
In the largest eviction of a homeless encampment in recent history, around 100 unhoused people were recently forced to vacate Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest — or else face a $5,000 fine and up to one year in jail.
The forest was the last hope for the encampment’s residents, many of whom were living in broken down RVs and cars. Shelters in nearby Bend — where the average home price is nearly $800,000 — are at capacity, and rent is increasingly unaffordable.
“There’s nowhere for us to go,” Chris Dake, an encampment resident who worked as a cashier and injured his knee, told the New York Times.
This sentiment was echoed by unhoused people in Grants Pass, 200 miles south, where a similar fight unfolded. A year ago this June, in Grants Pass v. Johnson, the Supreme Court’s billionaire-backed justices ruled that local governments can criminalize people for sleeping outside, even if there’s no available shelter.
Nearly one year later, homelessness — and its criminalization — has only worsened.
Today, a person who works fulltime and earns a minimum wage cannot afford a safe place to live almost anywhere in the country. The federal minimum wage has remained stagnant at $7.25 since 2009, and rent is now unaffordable for half of all tenants.
As a result, there are now over 770,000 people without housing nationwide — a record high. Many
SPEAK OUT
Brandon Talsma, chair
4309 W Fourth St. S. Newton, IA 50208
641-526-3142
btalsma@jasperia.org
more are just one emergency away from joining them.
The Supreme Court’s abhorrent decision opened the door for cities to harass people for the “crime” of not having a place to live. Fines and arrests, in turn, make it more difficult to get out of poverty and into stable housing.
Since Grants Pass, around 150 cities have passed or strengthened “anti-camping” laws that fine, ticket, or jail people for living outdoors — including over two dozen cities and counties in California alone. A Florida law mandates that counties and municipalities ban sleeping or camping on public property. Due to a related crackdown, almost half of arrests in Miami Beach last year were of unhoused people.
Emboldened by Grants Pass, localities have ramped up the forced clearing of encampments — a practice known as “sweeps.”
While officials justify them for safety and sanitation reasons, sweeps harm people by severing their ties to case workers, medical care, and other vital services. In many cases, basic survival items are confiscated by authorities. Alongside being deadly, research confirms that sweeps are also costly and unproductive.
Punitive fines, arrests, and sweeps don’t address the root of the problem: the lack of permanent, affordable, and adequate housing.
President Trump is only doubling down on failed housing policies. He ordered over 30 encampments in D.C. to be cleared based on a March executive order. And his budget request for 2026 would slash federal
rental assistance for over 10 million Americans by a devastating 43 percent (all to fund tax breaks for billionaires and corporations.)
For too long, our government policies have allowed a basic necessity for survival to become commodified and controlled by corporations and billionaire investors. We must challenge this if we ever want to resolve homelessness.
Housing is a fundamental human right under international law that the U.S. must recognize. Homelessness is solvable in our lifetime if our country commits to ensuring that every person has a safe, affordable, dignified, and permanent place to call home.
As housing experts have long noted, governments should invest in proven and humane solutions like Housing First, which provides permanent housing without preconditions, coupled with supportive services.
Despite the obstacles, communities continue to fight back — including in Grants Pass, where disability rights advocates are challenging the city’s public camping restrictions. Others are forming tenant and homeless unions in their cities, organizing rent strikes, and pushing for publicly funded housing (or “social housing”) that’s permanently affordable and protected from the private market.
The Grants Pass decision may have opened the door to new cruelties, but local governments still have a choice to do what’s right. Now, more than ever, we must demand real housing solutions.
Farrah Hassen, J.D., is a writer, policyanalystandeducator
How to contact your elected officials Jasper County Supervisors
Doug Cupples, vice chair
1205 S. 20th Ave. W. Newton, IA 50208
641-521-8725
dcupples@jasperia.org
Thad Nearmyer
4360 S. 96th Ave. W. Monroe, IA 50170
641-891-8863
tnearmyer@jasperia.org
Expenses to expect upon buying a home
Homeownership is often characterized as a fulfillment of a dream. Indeed, many homeowners feel their ability to buy a home is a reflection of their discipline and commitment to saving money. That discipline and dedication can set homeowners up for longterm financial health, providing a unique sense of security along the way. First-time home buyers may not know what to expect upon buying a home, and since each home is unique, it’s impossible for even long-time homeowners to say with certainty exactly how things will unfold once those new to home ownership get the keys to their first house. Various expenses might be the only common variable when it comes to homeownership, and some of those expenses may surprise first-time buyers. With that in mind, the following are some expenses first-time buyers can expect once their offers are accepted.
• Down payment: Con-
ventional wisdom long suggested home buyers should submit a down payment of at least 20 percent of the overall purchase price upon buying a home. Buyers who want to follow that advice would need a down payment of $80,000 when buying a $400,000 home. But many home buyers now submit down payments considerably less than 20 percent, particularly in the modern real estate market, which is characterized by high prices and low inventory. The lower the down payment, the higher your monthly mortgage payment will be, so it’s best to save as much as possible toward a down payment.
• Primary mortgage insurance (PMI): Buyers who cannot come up with a down payment of 20 percent or more will have to pay for primary mortgage insurance, which is typically a set fee that is incorporated into the mortgage payment each month. PMI fees are typically waived once
Did you know?
Board games are popular ways to pass the time and socialize with family and friends. Board games have been played for centuries.
HOWARD ST. CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) Pastor Josh 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
Pastors Doug Cupples and Phil Butler
SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church ser-
the balance on the mortgage reaches 79 percent or less of the purchase price, though some lenders may waive PMI prior to that if the value of the home increases considerably before the loan balance reaches the predetermined marker.
• Closing costs: The amount of closing costs varies widely depending on a host of vari-
The oldest board game is believed to have originated in the Middle East. It was discovered at the Royal Cemetery
ables, but Bankrate.com notes it’s not uncommon for these costs to come in at somewhere between 2 and 5 percent of the loan principal. Closing costs must be paid no later than when the sale becomes official and buyers sign on the (many) dotted lines. Application and credit fees, title fees, underwriting fees, appraisal fees,
and transfer tax are among the various fees that fall under the umbrella of closing costs.
• Moving: It’s also important that first-time home buyers budget for moving costs. Moving costs vary and may depend on how much buyers already own and how far they’re moving. The home renovation experts at Angi estimate that local moves typically cost somewhere between $883 and $2,568, while long-distance moves may run buyers anywhere from $2,700 to $10,000 or more. These costs are some of the upfront fees aspiring homeowners can expect when buying a home. Long-term costs, including homeowners’ insurance (which is separate from PMI), property taxes, homeowners’ association fees, and maintenance are some additional expenses buyers can plan for as they try to determine their home buying budgets.
of the Sumerian city of Ur in 1928 by a British archaeologist. Highly decorated boards made of wood and inlaid shell and lapis lazuli were found and believed to be made between 2,600 and 2,400 B.C. The game
Church Schedules
vice; 10:30 a.m. Sunday school Communion first Sunday
METZ COMMUNITY CHURCH
3253 W. 62nd St. S., Newton Pastor David Rex 641-521-4354
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:10 a.m. Worship Last Saturday of month - 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, Colfax Minister, Pastor Cody Dyer Church Office 674-4165
SUNDAY, June 22 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dyer; 5 p.m. “The Well” Youth Group
MONDAY, June 23 - 6 to 8 p.m. Vacation Bible School
TUESDAY, June 24 - 6 to 8 p.m. Vacation Bible School
WEDNESDAY, June 25 - 9 a.m.
Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; 6 to 8 p.m. Vacation Bible School
THURSDAY, June 26 - 6 to 8 p.m. Vacation Bible School
FUNERAL HOMES Colfax-Prairie City-Monroe 515-674-3155 www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH
Newton, Iowa
SATURDAY - 4 p.m. Mass
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Mass
COLFAX FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
S. Locust & W. Division St. Office - 674-3782
Rev. Phil Dicks pastor
SUNDAY - 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; Family Worship
HOPE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
126 E. Howard Rev. Paul Avery, pastor Church: 674-3700 hopeassemblyofgod@yahoo.com
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship
WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Evening Service
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION
CATHOLIC CHURCH
302 E. Howard St., Colfax Fr. Marty Goetz
515-674-3711
SUNDAY - 11 a.m. Mass
MINGO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Phil Dicks
515-689-4926
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship service (Sunday school not meeting at this time)
ASHTON CHAPEL
8887 W. 122nd St. N., Mingo
Pastors: Larry Craig & Mark Eddy
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship
BETHANY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 5627 N. 95th Ave. W., Baxter 641-227-3402
Pastor Chris Hayward
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday School
(Sunday after Labor Day to second Sunday in May); 10 a.m. Sunday Worship. First Sunday communion. All are welcome. baxterbethanyucc.org
EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH BAXTER Mike Mclintock, Pastor SUNDAY - 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Worship; 6 p.m. Awanas
WEDNESDAYS - 1st & 3rd - 6:30 p.m. Mens Bible Study 2nd & 4th - 6:30 p.m. Men’s and Womens Bible Study
THURSDAYS 10 a.m. - Womens Bible Study
BAXTER
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 218 S. Main, Baxter Pastor Ben Spera Church: 641-227-3382
SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Worship
WEDNESDAY - 6 p.m. Bible Study
THIRD THURSDAY of month6:30 p.m. Theology on Tap at Bea’s Place on Main Street
— Metro Creative
was dubbed the Royal Game of Ur since its original name wasn’t known.
Metro Creative
Check us out on Facebook and baxtercongregational.com
CORNERSTONE BIBLE
FELLOWSHIP
1000 E. 12th St., Newton Rev. Josh Farver, pastor Phone 641-792-4650
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:15 a.m. Worship
WEDNESDAY - 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study; Youth Group
HERITAGE WORD OF LIFE
ASSEMBLY OF GOD 102 Second St. NW, Mitchellville Pastor Dave Adams 515-967-3330
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Bible classes; 10 a.m. Worship service; 6 p.m. Evening service
WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Evening activities
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF HOPE Capitol II Theatre in Newton SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Livestream Worship Service
MITCHELLVILLE CHRISTIAN DISCIPLES OF CHRIST 210 Third St. NW, Mitchellville Text/Voicemail 515-519-0206 SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Coffee Time; 10:30 a.m. Worship
Metro Creative
First-time home buyers can expect a variety of expenses once their offers are accepted.
High scoring Lane earns all-state soccer honor
Colfax-Mingo freshman Meadow Lane ranked third in Class 1A in both goals and points this past season. And her older sister Bianca Lane was the glue that kept the Tigerhawks’ offense together during the program’s first varsity season.
Colfax-Mingo finished 11-2-3 in its initial go round and Meadow Lane’s
44 goals, 102 points and 14 assists led the way. It earned her first team all-state honors from the Iowa Girls Coaches Association.
Meadow Lane and Bianca Lane also were 1A Central all-district play-
ers, while Baxter’s Rylee Van Beek was academic all-state. Van Beek was one of three seniors on the C-M girls soccer squad.
Meadow Lane’s 44 goals and 102 points ranked third in 1A and her 14 assists tied for 10th.
She reached those numbers in only 15 matches and tied for first in 1A with five penalty kick goals. Her shot on goal percentage was 45.4.
Baxter baseball shuts out Dunkerton
DUNKERTON — Colton Moffit and Colten Damman combined to strike out 11 batters, Hayden Burdess led the offense with two hits and the Baxter baseball team snapped a two-game skid with a 4-0 win over Dunkerton on June 13.
The Bolts won the Iowa Star Conference cross-division matchup with only four hits, but the visitors walked five times and stole six bases.
Baxter broke a scoreless game with two runs in the second and then added single runs in the third and fourth to complete the shutout.
Moffit earned the pitching win after allowing no runs, one hit and one walk over four innings.
Damman allowed two hits in his three innings of relief and registered his first career save.
Moffit fanned six and now has 47 strikeouts in 28 1/3 innings.
He improved to 5-0 and lowered his earned run average to .99.
Damman fanned five batters and his ERA is now 2.21.
Burdess posted two hits, tripled, scored one run and stole two bases to lead the offense.
Cody Spurgeon walked three times and scored one run, Moffit totaled one hit and one RBI, Aiden Johnson doubled, Liam Trent walked and stole one base and Cael Wishman drew one walk.
Moffit now leads the Bolts (8-3) with 11 RBIs and Spurgeon has walked a team-most eight times.
Cole Frasher had one RBI, Damman scored one run and stole one base, Blake Maxwell scored one run and James Esqueda and Tate Schnathorst each stole one base.
Baxter now leads the series with Dunkerton 4-3 since 2018. The Raiders (1-8) won the previous two meetings by one run each.
Janesville 10, Baxter 9
JANESVILLE — Wishman slugged his fourth home run of the season and Baxter out-hit Janesville but six errors plagued the Bolts in a 10-9 loss on June 9.
Baxter
play against Colfax-Mingo on June 12. The game was suspended due to
The Tigerhawks lead the Bolts 3-2 in the fourth inning, and they will try to make up the game at a later date.
Baxter rallied from an early hole and used a six-run frame to rally late but Janesville tied the game with two runs in the sixth and won the ISC cross-division matchup in walk-off fashion in the seventh.
The Bolts trailed 2-0 after one, led 3-2 in the second and trailed 7-3 after five. The six-run sixth included Wishman’s goahead homer.
Wishman had two hits, three RBIs and was hit by a pitch in
the loss. His fourth homer put the Bolts in front 9-7 and ranks him tied for second in Class 1A. He also leads Baxter with 13 runs and 25 total bases.
Johnson totaled two hits, one run and one walk, Trent
contributed two hits and stole one base and Spurgeon, Jace Bottorff, Moffit and Damman all had one hit.
Moffit added one run, two RBIs and one walk, Damman chipped in one run, one walk and one steal and Spurgeon scored one run and walked once.
Burdess tallied two RBIs, Frasher had one RBI and one run, Esqueda scored one run and stole one base and Schnathorst and Miles McCord each scored one run.
Wishman, Moffit, Damman and Nolan Hill all pitched in the game.
Moffit started and went 1 1/3 innings. He allowed four runs — two earned on no hits, six walks and one hit batter and struck out two.
Damman tossed three innings and surrendered two earned runs on four hits and one hit batter with five strikeouts.
Hill gave up three runs — one earned — on one hit, three walks and one hit batter in one inning.
C-M softball routs rival Belle Plaine, Colo-NESCO
Jasper County Tribune
COLFAX — A fast start and a season-high 13 runs propelled the Colfax-Mingo softball team to its first win of the season on June 9. The Tigerhawks scored four runs in the opening inning and plated at least one run in all five frames during a 13-5 home victory over rival Belle Plaine during South Iowa Cedar League action.
“I think we’re getting better every day, talking more and having fun with what we’re doing, which makes a big difference,” Colfax-Mingo head softball coach Jen Holtan said. “It feels good to get that first win. It’s about time.” Colfax-Mingo out-hit the Lady Plainsmen 9-6 and won the game despite committing six errors. It was the Tigerhawks’ first win over Belle Plaine since 2021. They led 4-0 after one inning then plated two in the second, five in the third and one each in the fourth and fifth.
| 10
Jasper County Tribune
M. Lane B. Lane Van Beek
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
freshman Hayden Burdess puts the ball in
heavy rain.
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Baxter junior Colton Moffit leads the Bolts with 11 RBIs this summer. Moffit had one hit and one RBI and got the pitching win against Dunkerton on June 13.
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
From left: Colfax-Mingo freshman Kinley Johannes, sophomore Dakota Allen and junior Brianna Freerksen
smile between innings during the Tigerhawks’ home game against Belle Plaine on June 9. The Tigerhawks won their first game of the season, 13-5.
Colfax-Mingo baseball falls to pair of SICL foes
BROOKLYN — Kyle Wood had two hits, Alex Teed drew two walks and Wyatt Jay was on base two times, but the Colfax-Mingo baseball team fell behind early and never recovered during a 13-3 loss to BGM on June 11.
The Tigerhawks trailed 4-0 after one inning, 5-0 after two and the Bears plated six in the third to go up 11-0. C-M scored all three of its runs in the fifth, but BGM secured the run-rule victory with two runs in the bottom half of the frame.
“We’re hitting a reset,” Colfax-Mingo head baseball coach Joss Teed said. “It’s going to be an open tryout for positions. It’s not acceptable to get run-ruled every game.
“I don’t want that to be the culture here. We’re going to fix some things hopefully.”
The Bears out-hit the Tigerhawks 11-5, and Colfax-Mingo (1-9, 1-8 in the conference) was plagued by six errors in the South Iowa Cedar League game.
Wood produced one RBI and one steal to go with his two hits and Teed finished with one hit, one run, two walks and three steals.
Wood is batting a team-best .417 and has a team-most five steals and Teed is tied with Jay with seven steals.
Jay totaled one hit and one walk, Ayden Sloan tallied one hit and one run and Jadyn Patten walked once and scored one run.
Jace Lewis (0-2) took the pitching loss after allowing eight runs — seven earned — on five hits and four walks in two innings.
Sloan tossed two innings and surrendered three earned runs on five hits, one walk and two hit batters with one strikeout.
Parker Metzger gave up two earned runs on two hits, two walks and one hit batter and did not record an out.
Tucker Wright led BGM (75, 6-2) with two hits, three runs and four steals and Cael Coburn finished with three hits and four RBIs.
Colfax-Mingo freshman Camden Cunningham, left, throws to first base
Belle
on June 9. The Tigerhawks lost three times last week, including a 12-0 defeat against the Plainsmen.
Belle Plaine 12, Colfax-Mingo 0
COLFAX — The Plainsmen scored four runs in the first inning and ended the game early with a seven-run fifth during a 12-0 road win over the Tigerhawks on June 9.
Belle Plaine’s third straight win over Colfax-Mingo included a 7-2 advantage in hits, and the Tigerhawks committed six errors in the SICL contest.
“We’re youthful, but we’re not helping our pitchers at all with errors and not scoring runs,” Coach Teed said.
“They always want to hit more, but they also have to work on defensive skills. It’s not just about hitting.”
Teed had one hit and walked once, Chase Trotter got the other hit and Sloan, Jay and Lewis all drew one walk. Metzger also was hit by a pitch.
Jay (1-2) took the pitching
loss after surrendering four runs — two earned — on four hits and one walk in two innings. He struck out four.
Camden Cunningham surrendered five runs but none of them were earned. He allowed one hit and walked three while striking out five in 2 2/3 innings.
Patten got one out but not before surrendering three unearned runs, two hits and one walk.
Ty Alcott led Belle Plaine (45, 4-4) with two hits, two runs and four RBIs.
He also tossed a five-inning shutout on the mound, surrendering two hits and four walks while fanning nine.
“The main thing is, we’re young. So there is hope,” Coach Teed said. “We have some guys who are athletes and not necessarily baseball guys. It doesn’t help though when we get down
7-0 and the kids get dejected and can see the loss coming. That’s not helping anything. They are giving up before it’s over.”
Collins-Maxwell 15, Colfax-Mingo 5
COLLINS — Another early hole was too much to dig out of it during a 15-5 non-conference road loss to Collins-Maxwell on June 13.
The Tigerhawks trailed 7-0 after two, and the Spartans added four in the fourth and four in the sixth to end the game early.
Colfax-Mingo, which was limited to four hits, scored three in the third and two in the sixth and was plagued by two errors.
“It’s more of an attitude right now,” Coach Teed said. “They’re not taking responsibility for striking out or making an error. They are looking for excuses.
We need to get some attitudes straight and if they are going to play, you have to do more than one thing right.
“Our answers can’t be at least I got a hit or at least I didn’t make any errors.”
Wood had two of C-M’s four hits and added one run and two steals. Trotter totaled one hit, one run, one walk and two steals, Teed posted one hit, one run and one walk and Sloan walked once, had one RBI and swiped one base.
Trotter has a team-best six runs and a team-high nine total bases this summer.
Patten walked twice, scored one run and stole one base, Lewis walked twice, Wyatt Carpenter had one walk and one RBI, Fisher Grove scored one run and stole one base and Jay totaled one RBI.
Cunningham (0-4) started on the mound and took the loss. He allowed eight runs — four earned — on seven hits, three walks and one hit batter and fanned four in three innings.
Patten pitched 1 2/3 innings and gave up four runs — none earned — on three hits and two walks with two strikeouts.
Sloan got two outs on the mound but not before allowing three earned runs on two hits, two walks and one hit batter.
Trotter allowed three unearned runs on one walk and one hit batter, but he did record an out.
Josef Dvorak led Collins-Maxwell (5-7) with four hits, one home run, three runs and four RBIs.
He also tossed four innings on the mound, gave up one earned run and fanned seven while walking five and earned the pitching win.
Colfax-Mingo, Baxter suspended due to rain BAXTER — The Tigerhawks led the Bolts 3-2 in the fourth inning, but the game on June 12 was suspended after heavy rains moved through the Neil Seales Sports Complex. The game will resume from where it left off at if a date can be matched up later this season.
Baxter softball drops trio of Iowa Star Conference games
DUNKERTON — The Baxter softball team scored more than five runs for the second time this season but 13 hits were not enough during a 14-9 road loss against Dunkerton on June 13.
The Bolts tied the game in the top of the second, but Dunkerton plated eight in the bottom half and won the Iowa Star Conference cross-division matchup despite being out-hit by two.
The Raiders led 12-4 after two innings and held off a late push from Baxter, which included a three-run fourth. The Bolts were plagued by nine errors.
Emileigh Beals led the Bolts (1-12) with three hits, one run, one RBI and three steals and Mallory Bottorf, Klaire Shanks, Avery Wonders and Savannah Frasher all had two hits.
Bottorf walked once, had one RBI and stole one base and also was hit by a pitch, Shanks doubled, scored one run and had two RBIs, Wonders scored two runs, totaled one RBI and stole one base and Frasher scored one run.
Hannah Huffaker had one hit, walked twice and scored one run, Madison Jochems finished with one hit, one run and one walk and Caydence Sulzle walked once, scored two runs and contributed one RBI. Blaire Jutting drew one walk.
Baxter out-hit Dunkerton (211) 13-11.
Jochems leads the Bolts with seven runs and five walks, Shanks has a team-best five RBIs and Beals has posted a team-most 13 total bases and
swiped a team-high 10 steals.
Wonders was the losing pitcher after tossing five innings and allowing three runs — one earned — on eight hits and two walks with two strikeouts.
Jochems spun one inning and surrendered four runs — two earned — on two hits and one walk with one strikeout.
Jutting got one out in the circle and gave up seven runs — five earned — on one hit and four walks.
Madrid 10, Baxter 2
MADRID — The Bolts had more errors (6) than hits (5), and Madrid used three crooked numbers to score a 10-2 home win on June 14.
The Tigers (5-10) led 2-1 after one and added two in the third and five in the fourth. They outhit Baxter 10-5. Beals and Huffaker each had one hit and one run to lead the
Bolts, while Jochems, Jutting and Sulzle had the other hit.
Wonders took the pitching loss after allowing nine runs — two earned — on eight hits and one walk in four innings.
Jutting surrendered one earned run on two hits and four walks in one inning.
Janesville 9, Baxter 1 JANESVILLE — The Wildcats scored eight runs in the first and never looked back during a 9-1 home win over Baxter on June 9.
The Bolts lost the Iowa Star Conference cross-division game in part because they committed three errors and were limited to five hits.
Beals, Wonders, Shanks, Sulzle and Lillian Grunstead had the hits. Grunstead, Shanks and Jochems each walked once, Wonders produced one RBI and Myah Johnston walked
once and scored one run.
Wonders pitched 4 2/3 innings and allowed nine runs — four earned — on eight hits, three walks and one hit batter.
The game ended with two outs in the bottom of the fifth due to the new eight-run mercy rule.
Janesville (8-6) out-hit Baxter 8-5 and committed two errors. Keke Smith led the Wildcats with two hits and two RBIs.
Don Bosco 15, Baxter 1 BAXTER — Two big innings did the Bolts in against Don Bosco on June 11. The Dons led 1-0 after one but scored six in the second and eight in the sixth to end the Iowa Star Conference cross-division contest early. Grunstead and Shanks each had one hit and one walk to lead the Bolts, while Beals, Wonders and Sulzle tallied the other hits.
County Tribune Colfax-Mingo sophomore Brooklyn Yanske, right, was called out on this play at second base as Baxter eighth-grader Madison Jochems makes the tag on Yankse’s attempted steal on June 12. The game was suspended with Baxter leading the Tigerhawks 4-2. The two teams will try to complete the game at a later date.
Don Bosco (8-9) out-hit Baxter 11-5 and the Bolts committed three errors. Johnston walked once and scored the run and Jochems drew one walk.
Wonders took the pitching loss after allowing nine runs — four earned — on eight hits, three walks and one hit batter in 4 2/3 innings. Kennedi McGarvey led Don Bosco with two hits, one homer, three runs and three RBIs.
C-M, Baxter game suspended due to rain BAXTER — The Bolts led Colfax-Mingo 4-2 in the fourth inning on June 12 when the game was delayed due to thunder and eventually suspended because of heavy rain. The game will be picked up from where it left off if the two teams can find a matching make-up date.
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
against
Plaine
Jasper County Tribune Troy Hyde/Jasper
C-M Softball
Continuedfrompage8
“They want to be here, they are relaxing and not worrying as much,” Holtan said. “They’re doing a good job. They’re talking through things. They’re patient and working through it, too.”
Dakota Allen and Kinley Johannes both had two hits to lead the Tigerhawks. Allen added three runs and two RBIs and Johannes totaled one run, two RBIs and two walks.
Brianna Freerksen, Callie Rathje, Isabella Cushatt, Sydney Veasman and Katelyn Steenhoek all had one hit.
Rathje scored three runs, walked twice and stole one base, Cushatt scored one run, walked once and stole one base and Veasman walked twice, scored two runs and had one RBI.
Freerksen doubled and scored two runs, Steenhoek scored one run, walked twice and was hit by a pitch, Emma Cook walked once and was hit by a pitch and Brooklyn Yanske was hit by a pitch and totaled one RBI.
nis all scored one run.
Freerksen earned the pitching win after allowing no earned runs on two hits and one walk. She struck out five in four innings.
Landrey Harris had both of the Royals’ hits and scored the team’s only run.
BGM 7, Colfax-Mingo 2
BROOKLYN — The Tigerhawks had more errors (6) than hits (2) during a 7-2 loss to BGM on June 11.
Both Tigerhawk runs in the SICL contest came in the seventh inning, but the visitors were already down 7-0.
“We are very young. We have one senior and one junior,” Holtan said. “There’s lots of teaching, lots of talking through situations and when we mess up we talk about what we did wrong so we can fix it. We’re learning all the time.”
Freerksen had one hit and one run to lead the offense, while Yanske had the other hit and Rathje walked twice and scored one run. Johannes, Cushatt, Cook, Veasman and Ella Snyder each walked once.
Wishman (1-3) took the loss after allowing one earned run on one hit and one walk with one strikeout in 2/3 of an inning.
Isaac Jones led Janesville (8-3) with three hits and two runs. Kole Haan and Talan Pietz both had two RBIs and Haan was the winning pitcher.
Don Bosco 15, Baxter 0
BAXTER — Damman had two hits, but the Bolts had as many hits (3) as errors (3) during a 15-0 home loss to Don Bosco on June 11.
The 1A No. 8 Dons led 4-0 after three and ended the game with 11 runs in the fourth.
They out-hit the Bolts 7-3, and Baxter committed three errors.
Damman’s two hits improves his team-leading batting average to .471.
Wishman had the other hit and Spurgeon, Trent and Johnson all
Sports Calendar
June 19
Softball
Colfax-Mingo at Montezuma, 5:30 p.m.
June 20
Baseball
Collins-Maxwell at Baxter, 5 p.m.
Lynnville-Sully at Colfax-Mingo, 5:30 p.m.
Softball
Collins-Maxwell at Baxter, 5 p.m.
Lynnville-Sully at Colfax-Mingo, 5:30 p.m.
June 21
Softball
Baxter at Montezuma tournament, 10 a.m.
June 23
Softball
Keota at Colfax-Mingo, 5:30 p.m.
Baxter at North Tama, 5 p.m.
Baseball
Keota at Colfax-Mingo, 5:30 p.m.
Baxter at North Tama, 7 p.m.
June 24
Softball
Baxter at North Mahaska, 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m.
Baseball
Baxter at BGM, 5:30 p.m.
June 25
Softball
Colfax-Mingo at North Mahaska, 5:30 p.m.
BCLUW at Baxter, 5 p.m.
Baseball
Colfax-Mingo at North Mahaska, 5:30 p.m.
BCLUW at Baxter, 5 p.m.
June 26
Baseball Lynnville-Sully at Baxter, 5:30 p.m.
walked once.
Wishman took the pitching loss after allowing four runs — two earned — on two hits, five walks and one hit batter in 2 2/3 innings. He fanned two.
Johnson got two outs on the mound but not before allowing five earned runs on two hits, two walks and one hit batter.
Trent and Spurgeon both got one out. Spurgeon allowed one hit and one walk and Trent surrendered six runs — none earned — on two hits, one walk and two hit batters.
Payton Regenold led Don Bosco (134) with two walks and three runs and he was hit by two pitches. Jaren Lauver had two hits and three RBIs.
Colfax-Mingo, Baxter suspended due to rain
BAXTER — Colfax-Mingo led the Bolts 3-2 in the fourth inning, but the game on June 12 was suspended after heavy rains moved through the Neil Seales Sports Complex.
The game will resume from where it left off at if a date can be matched up later this season.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Brianna Freerksen
Colfax-Mingo junior Brianna Freerksen leads the Tigerhawk softball team with a .321 batting average and has a team-best 11 runs, three doubles, 12 total bases and 11 steals. She’s also walked nine times and has two pitching victories.
“We hit the ball better tonight,” Holtan said. “We are getting more confidence when we walk up to the plate, and that’s what it takes.”
Freerksen was the winning pitcher after allowing five runs — four earned — on four hits, one walk and one hit batter with four strikeouts in five innings.
Ava Grieder led Belle Plaine (0-15, 0-10) with two hits and two runs scored.
Colfax-Mingo 11, Colo-NESCO 1 MCCALLSBURG — Freerksen, Allen and Johannes all had two hits and a fast start powered the Tigerhawks to an 11-1 non-conference win over Colo-NESCO on June 13.
Colfax-Mingo led 1-0 after one and then plated two in the second, three in the third and five in the fourth to end the road game early.
Allen laced two doubles and scored one run, Johannes had two RBIs, one double and one run and Freerksen finished with one run, one RBI, one walk and one stolen base to lead the offense.
The Tigerhawks out-hit the Royals 10-2, and Colo-NESCO (3-10) committed six errors.
Veasman doubled, scored two runs and had one RBI, Cook finished with one hit and one RBI, Steenhoek walked once, scored two runs and totaled one RBI and Cushatt chipped in one hit and one run.
Rathje had the other hit and Brooklyn Yanske, Mia Frangopol and Londyn Ala-
Freerksen was the losing pitcher after surrendering seven runs — five earned — on 10 hits and she struck out three in six innings.
BGM (11-3, 7-2) was led by Emersyn Minnaert’s three hits, one homer and three RBIs.
Madrid 4, Colfax-Mingo 2
MADRID — A late rally from the Tigerhawks was not enough during a 4-2 loss to Madrid in the Tigers’ home tournament on June 7.
Rain wiped out the remaining games on the schedule, but C-M lost the non-conference game after falling behind 4-0.
Allen had two hits, one run, one RBI and two steals to lead the way, while Rathje added one hit and one run. Johannes had the other hit and Yanske and Cushatt both walked once.
Yanske threw all six innings and allowed two earned runs on four hits, one walk and one hit batter. She struck out two and C-M committed three errors.
Madrid (2-7) limited the Tigerhawks to four hits. The Tigers scored once in the first, once in the second and twice in the third.
C-M, Baxter game suspended due to rain
BAXTER — The Bolts led Colfax-Mingo 4-2 in the fourth on June 12 when the game was delayed due to thunder and eventually suspended because of heavy rain.
The game will picked up from where it left off if the two teams can find a matching make-up date.
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Colfax-Mingo freshman Sydney Veasman slides into third base during the Tigerhawks’ home game against Belle Plaine on June 9.
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Baxter sophomore Nolan Hill, left, throws out Colfax-Mingo junior Kyle Wood at first base during their non-conference contest on June 12.