Josh Britton and ‘Johnny Bolt’ to serve as SRO duo at Baxter schools
Sheriff’s office forms partnership with school district for enhanced safety and relationship building
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Baxter Community School District has a new school resource officer starting this year, and he brings with him extensive experience in community policing.
Deputy Josh Britton of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office also has a dog tagging along with him: John, or “Johnny Bolt,” a Crisis Canine in training. Sheriff Brad Shutts announced the identity of the new SRO in an Aug. 11 press release. Acquiring an SRO for the Baxter school district took
Making his mark
By Jamee
Ed Machin has made an impact on the Jasper County Fair nobody can miss. From infrastructure to serving as a board member and helping his own children with their animals and projects, Machin is a well-deserving selection for the 4-H Hall of Fame.
“I didn’t see it coming,” Machin said. ‘I’ve done a lot of work there, though, and I enjoy doing it.”
From fourth grade through high school, Machin built his foundation in 4-H. He continued his passion for 4-H, FFA and the fair when his children
almost a year.
Newton News previously reported in March that the sheriff’s office and Baxter school district formed a partnership to provide a dedicated SRO to students and staff. Sheriff Brad Shutts said at the time the project had been in the works for over a year and finally came to fruition thanks to a grant.
Federal grant money will only provide a little more than $41,000 each year. The school district will allocate $45,000 during the 2025-2026 school year, then $47,500 in 2026-2027, then $50,000 in 2027-2028 and $52,500 in 2028-2029. Shutts
said quarterly payments will be billed to the Baxter school district.
According to the agreement between Baxter and the county, the SRO shall be assigned a four, 10-hour day work week to coincide with the district’s new fourday school week schedule. At this point, the sheriff’s office has not decided who will be hired to become the SRO at Baxter Community School District.
When an SRO is hired on in Baxter, he or she will have to patrol the district and neighboring
Jasper County 4-H Hall of Fame inductee Ed Machin is hands-on making a difference at the fairgrounds
UNVEILING KRAMER PARK
Jasper County Conservation names park where nature center resides after board member Carol Kramer, honoring her more than 30 years of dedication to project
and
is named after
and
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to see part of
Jasper County purchases hardware to print absentee ballots in-house
County auditor says new equipment can cut costs in half every election cycle
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
The Jasper County Auditor’s Office will be obtaining new hardware to print off absentee ballots in-house during elections rather than ordering them out of state.
Supervisors approved the new piece of hardware called “Ballot on Demand” for a total of $8,825, which includes a warranty license, maintenance and support fees. Jasper County Auditor Jenna Jennings said the hardware would only print absentee ballots, which is what many other offices do around the state.
Typically, the County Auditor’s Office has ballots printed and shipped directly from Omaha. Election Day ballots will still be printed and shipped this way. At the last general election, Jennings said about 27,500 ballots were ordered at a cost of 27 cents each. Coupled with other fees, that totals to about $9,400.
“We think we can cut the costs in about half with every election that we are printing our own,” Jennings said. “We think it also
would be nice to have that as a safeguard if we get low on our stock. And we’re always trying to hit that fine line of getting as close to zero left in the office at the end of the day.”
But the Jasper County Auditor’s Office also wants to make sure it has enough in case more citizens show up to vote. Jennings argued the more than $8,000 price tag of the hardware will pay for itself over time. She said the auditor’s office went through 8,237 absentee ballots during the 2024 election.
“We’re seeing an uptick in absentee voters as we continue to go through the years,” Jennings said.
Election Systems & Software’s Ballot on Demand system includes a printer, laptop and BOD software. According to the company’s website, the system automates and streamlines ballot production and distribution, offering flexible options for on-demand ballot printing needs.
Security features include a physical and system access controls, audit logs, encryption, validation and digital signature and system application controls.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Jasper County Deputy Josh Britton and Johnny Bolt will serve as the school resource officer duo at Baxter Community School District.
Carol Kramer always envisioned a better home for Jasper County Conservation, but she
expected
it named after her and her late husband.
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
Carol Kramer
daughter Katy Kramer Lee smile after unveiling the sign to Kramer Park. The park
Carol
her late husband Frederick “Fritz” Kramer, who have been lifelong advocates and supporters of Jasper County Conservation and its pursuits to build a nature center.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune Ed Machin receives his award at the Jasper County 2025 4-H Hall of Fame selection during the ceremony Aug. 17 at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.
HALL OF FAME | 3
A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune Poll data is sealed in blue bags on Election Day. The Jasper County Auditor’s Office recently purchased new hardware to print absentee ballots in-house, which could cut down on costs.
Colfax library updates area with gift in memory of former trustee
Thanks to a generous donation in memory of Daryl Grimm by his wife, the Colfax Public Library has been able to update some space with new shelving and chairs. Mr. Grimm was on the Colfax Public Library Board of Trustees for 23 years (1988-2011). His passion was reading about history. If you are interested in supporting the next steps in updating at the library, stop by, contact the library at library@colfaxia.gov or call 515-674-3625.
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
City of Colfax Municipal Election
The position of two (2) Council seats will be on the ballot for the November 2025 Election.
The Council seats that will be on the ballot are currently held by Karla Jones (Ward 2) and Brad Magg (At-Large). The Council seats have a four (4) year term. The three (3) Council seats that are NOT up for election are Bryan Poulter, Curtis Small, and Wes Snyder. The Mayor’s seat held by David Mast is NOT up for election. The persons elected will begin service Jan. 1, 2026. Candidates must be eligible electors of the City of Colfax. This means you must live within the City Limits of Colfax, be a U.S. citizen, be of legal voting age, and not have been convicted of a felony or other infamous crime for
which your rights have not been restored by the Iowa Governor or the President of the United States.
Each candidate must file an Affidavit of Candidacy and a Nomination Petition with a Minimum of 10 signatures, with the Colfax City Hall starting Monday, Aug. 25 through Thursday, Sept. 18.
Forms can be picked at City Hall between the hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
All City of Colfax residents vote at the Jasper County Fair Grounds at 359 N. Walnut St., Colfax. The polls will be open Nov. 4 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You may register to vote or update your registration online at www. usa.gov/voter-registration/.
GriefShare to begin fall session
Learn to cope after loss of a loved one with the support of others
First Reformed Church in Prairie City will begin a fall session of GriefShare from 6:30 to 8 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Aug. 27 in the junior high room at FRC; participants can park in the north parking lot and use the back doors.
Each week, for 11 weeks, we will watch an informative video and have a time of discussion and sharing. The $20 registration fee covers cost of the workbook participants will use throughout each week. (Scholarships are available).
Church Schedules
SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church service; 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
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 TUESDAY3 p.m. Table of Grace
IRA UNITED CHURCH
Pastors Doug Cupples and Phil Butler
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, Colfax Minister, Pastor Cody Dyer Church Office 674-4165
SUNDAY, Aug. 24 - 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
TUESDAY, Aug. 26 - 3:30 p.m. Women’s Prayer & Coffee; 6:30 p.m. Gospel of John Bible Study
WEDNESDAY, Aug. 27 - 9 a.m. Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; 6:30 p.m. AWANA Leaders’ Meeting
THURSDAY, Aug. 28 - 6:30 p.m. Outreach Meeting; Men’s Group
The church schedule is brought to you by Coburn FUNERAL HOMES Colfax-Prairie City-Monroe 515-674-3155 www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Primary Health Care offers:
FRIDAY, Aug. 29 - 7 p.m. Life Recovery Meeting
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. Worship service (Sunday school not meeting at
GriefShare is a Christ-centered support group for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one.
For more information contact Mary Lemmert at 515-205-0835 or go to GriefShare.org.
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
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
• Free testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis
• Free hepatitis C testing (if qualified)
• PrEP (HIV prevention medication)
• PEP (emergency medication for preventing HIV after exposure)
• Help connecting to care & treatment for people living with HIV
• Free condoms, safer sex supplies & supplies for reducing harms of substance use
Locations: To make an appointment: Call 515-248-1500
Schedule online at: https://phctheproject.org/free-testing Also, look for Primary Health Care at community events!
Des Moines
Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
PHC University Medical Clinic
1200 University Avenue, #120
Des Moines, IA
Ames
2nd Wednesday of the month 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PHC Medical Dental Clinic
3510 W. Lincoln Way Ames, IA
Marshalltown
1st Monday of the month 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PHC Medical Dental Clinic
101 Iowa Ave., W, #102 Marshalltown, IA
Submitted Photo
Club News
Baxter Federated Garden Club Baxter Federated Garden Club met Aug. 14. Prior to meeting the club members met at the Jasper County Master’s Inspiration Garden for a brief tour of the newly constructed Donation Garden, Garden House, Pavilion and Greenhouse. Members then traveled to Laura Hanawalt’s for a tour of her lovely flower gardens and our meeting.
Meeting Called to Order by President Macy Lisk. For roll call members shared what flower they liked the best in Laura’s gardens. The majority of members really enjoyed her beautiful Dalha’s.
Secretary Report was given by Secretary
Baxter SRO
Continuedfrompage1
properties, provide safety and security at district events, facilitate in-service training, work closely with administrators and staff to ensure a safe learning environment and be a visible and active law enforcement officer on site.
The SRO will also act as a deterrent for criminal and delinquent actions and will coordinate security and crowd control at extracurricular activities, serve as the initial first responder and school safety coordinator for district emergencies, provide classroom talks, conduct security assessments and carry out many other duties.
Britton has experience with D.A.R.E. education and youth engagement. He and Johnny Bolt will provide a comforting and supportive presence in the school while also serving as a resource for students, faculty and staff. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is a top priority for the sheriff’s office.
Johnny Bolt will be equipped to assist students experiencing stress, anxiety or trauma. His presence in the school will give students emotional support and contribute to a more positive and inclusive environment once he is nationally certified this fall, the sheriff’s office said in the press release.
Britton and Johnny Bolt will begin their new roles at the start of the 2025-26 school year.
Deb Krampe. No corrections to July’s minutes.
Treasurer Report was given by Treasurer Janet Damman. Janet reported there were no activities for the month of July. Janet reported she turned the club’s financial report into the Federated Garden Club State Treasurer. Our 990 tax form will need to be done soon.
Correspondence and Announcements
Member Peggy Smith was not present at meeting due to her being selected the Iowan of the Day at the State Fair. Congratulations to Peggy on this honor.
Jasper County Master Gardener Mum sale is Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Inspiration Garden Pavilion
Hall of Fame
Continuedfrompage1
were old enough to participate. The biggest step he took to ensure the future of the fair was becoming a Jasper County Fair board member.
As a board member, Machin, who lives in Newton, has used his knowledge of construction — his full-time job — to upgrade many building and systems throughout the grounds. From replacing concrete, installing a new public address system, upgrading the bath house, fixing waterlines and
Continuedfrompage1
The dream is coming true as the nature center is nearly finished.
It took years of fundraising to get to this point, and there is still plenty left to do. Kramer was pivotal in helping lead the charge for the nature center, now known as the Dana King Ceretti Environmental Education Center. In honor of her dedication to conservation, the facility will now reside in Kramer Park.
Friends, loved ones and community members gathered for the official unveiling on Aug. 15. The park sign was hidden behind a thick
(DMACC, Newton).
Old and New Business
Members shared how much they enjoyed July’s meeting at Cindy Brunner’s vineyard and what they had learned from Jamie Beyer on Pollinators.
Main Street planters are looking good yet. Members will continue to water them and then clean them out after September’s meeting to decorate for fall.
Thanks to all who helped clean out the cemetery and Baxter sign gardens. It was suggested that we add more flowering plants to make the gardens more pleasing year round.
Diane Halter shared the three yards that were chosen for Yard of the Month for Au-
addressing electrical issues, Machin’s expertise is felt everywhere.
His biggest project to date is the new Geisler-Penquite Youth Learning Center. He had dreamed of building a new multi-use building on the fairgrounds and even when the funding didn’t come through as he had hoped, Machin was undeterred. Along with a few friends, Machin went door-todoor collecting donations and came back with 75 percent of the funds needed. The building didn’t quite make its debut at the 2025 fair, but requests to reserve the building are already coming in for when it is
tarp, which Kramer pulled off with the help of daughters Anne Yakle and Katy Kramer Lee. Kramer was touched to see so many people attend the event.
“My goodness,” Kramer said with a smile. “I want to thank you all for coming. This place means the world to me. I’m only sorry that Fritz isn’t here — but he’s here in spirit — because we have dreamed about this ever since I started teaching. And that was a long time ago.”
She recalled speaking with then-Conservation Board Director Dennis Black about finding a new home for the department that kids would enjoy. He agreed and told her it was certainly possible, but it would cost a lot of money. Kramer told him
gust. Baxter Garden Club received $964 from the Jasper County Foundation Grant to purchase more planters and trees for the city.
Club members spent some time discussing what Ed Schmidt had proposed to the Garden Club on the improvements to the sports complex. President Macy Lisk will get more answers to the questions the club had before voting on how we could help with this project.
Meeting adjourned around 8 p.m. Members enjoyed a sharing time and snacks provided by Laura.
Next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at the Baxter Community Building.
complete.
When the Geisler-Penquite Youth Learning Center opens, it will mark more than $600,000 worth of improvements Machin has been a part of at the Jasper County Fair.
“It’s what I do for a living,” Machin said. “It was a matter of coordinating all of the contractors.”
It isn’t just the big projects that Machin takes part in. Despite his busy work and life schedules, weeks before kids and animals descend upon the Colfax grounds, Machin can be found prepping the fair to make it the best it can be for the upcoming year. Likewise, once the fair is over, Machin makes sure it is ready for the upcoming winter season. His passion has been passed on to his family who can often be seen helping on projects at the fair or helping anyone who needs assistance while at the fair or on a project. His daughter Ella was even selected as Jasper County Fair Princess for the 2025 fair.
she wasn’t rich, but she could definitely raise some money.
“We did that and now we’re here,” Kramer said. “… We’re ready to go to serve the kids in Jasper County, and I’m so proud of that. At the age of 88, I am ready.”
Jasper County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante said the nature center project has been in the works for more than three decades, and Kramer has been along for the ride ever since. Naming the park after her seemed fitting, considering all that she has done not only for conservation but the community.
“It was a Conservation Board decision to honor Carol and Fritz for all of their gifts they have given to Jasper County,” Van Zante said
“His unwavering support by sharing his time and talents and his countless hours spent have been vital to those who use and enjoy our fairgrounds,” the nominating committee said. “We are proud to induct Ed into the 4-H Hall of Fame.”
in an interview with Newton News. “I don’t think conservation would be what it is without Carol. She knows everybody. She’s a pillar in our community … Her impact is all encompassing.” In October 2024, Jasper County Conservation held a groundbreaking ceremony for the nature center, which is named after Dana King Ceretti, the daughter of Jeff and Jodi King. Dana King Ceretti died in late 2009 at age 30. The King family has provided generous donations to the project and held a donation challenge. Van Zante said conservation is still raising funds for the nature center. Currently, staff are hoping to have a grand opening as early as November 2025.
It’s time to stop the CCP’s land grab for good
America’s farmland belongs to the American people, not to the Chinese Communist Party.
For too long, the CCP has exploited our openness and ignored our laws to infiltrate our economy, compromise our security, and steal our innovation. The FBI estimates we lose between $250 and $600 billion each year to Chinese intellectual property theft. Now, they’re not just stealing ideas, they’re buying the land beneath our feet.
Our District
U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks
The CCP and its proxies have quietly bought up over 265,000 acres of U.S. farmland, including property dangerously close to at least 19 military bases. They hide behind shell companies and holding groups to avoid detection, while positioning themselves to monitor military activity, disrupt our food supply, and influence our communities from within. That ends now.
I strongly support the National Farm Security Action Plan, announced last week by President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rol-
lins. This multi-agency effort will ban the purchase of American farmland by Chinese nationals, terminate existing contracts with foreign adversaries, and claw back land already bought through deceptive practices.
It will also remove hundreds of foreign nationals from sensitive USDA research projects and halt dangerous partnerships, like those exposed at the University of Michigan and even here in Iowa, where USDA was collaborating on bird flu experiments with researchers linked to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. That has now been shut down.
The CCP’s strategy is clear: infiltrate our supply chains, buy up our land, steal intellectual property, manipulate our research, and exploit our free markets, all without firing a shot. We cannot let them succeed.
President Trump’s plan tackles this head-on. It includes tougher penalties for hiding foreign ownership, closer monitoring of foreign supply chain vulnerabilities, and new guardrails to protect our agricultural technology from theft.
This isn’t about isolationism. It’s about survival. It’s about making sure Iowa farmers can compete on a level playing field. It’s about protecting the land that feeds America and defending the bases that protect her. Iowans deserve to know who owns the land next door. And they deserve leaders who will fight to keep it in American hands.
I’m proud to stand with President Trump to stop the CCP’s land grab, secure our food supply, and defend the homeland. It’s not just smart policy, it’s national security.
By Olabisi Omoniyi-Alake
Like many other Gen-Zers, I have an interest in sustainability initiatives. Our rapidly changing climate — and our constant exposure to it on social media — encourages us to be more active in seeking out ways to reduce our environmental impacts.
As more Gen-Zers enter the workforce, 74 percent of us have reported wanting to find a sustainable employer. We also place a strong emphasis on supporting sustainability with our dollars, with Gen-Zers on average willing to spend 10 percent more on sustainable items and brands.
One surprising trend that’s taken off as a result of these concerns? Crafting.
Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the socalled fiber arts — like knitting, embroidery, quilting, crocheting, and so on — have helped Gen-Zers channel their environmental concerns into their wardrobes while also expressing their creativity. Once labeled a “grandma activity,” a stunning 73 percent of crocheters are now between the ages of 18 and 34, according to one website dedicated to the craft.
The explosion of fiber arts on TikTok and Instagram inspired me to take up knitting, thrifting, and crocheting as a way to expand my wardrobe consciously while limiting the amount of waste I produce.
Last year, I knit a sweater for my mother for her birthday and crocheted a scarf for my father for Christmas. I love taking weekend thrifting trips with my friends, exploring new areas as we purchase second-hand clothing. Engaging in fiber arts and eco-conscious shopping helps me feel closer to my community while reducing my environmental impact.
But while young people are knitting sweaters and thrifting new clothes, our representatives in Congress are passing huge giveaways to the fossil fuel industry and attacks on sustainability.
President Trump’s recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” will significantly reduce funding for sustainable programs. It will drastically scale back the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits, which have accelerated the clean energy sector. This will hinder the transition to clean energy, raise energy prices, and substantially increase carbon emissions.
The bill also introduces “pay to play” provisions that will allow large companies to pay fees for expedited environmental reviews, effectively repealing the National Environmental Policy Act. By bypassing these reviews, these companies can avoid regulatory requirements to streamline gas or oil drilling projects.
The bill also included a measure that would have forced the unprecedented sale of 250 million acres of public lands. These lands, which include hiking trails, drinking water, and critical wildlife migration corridors, would be made available for companies to purchase for oil drilling.
This provision was stripped after a massive public outcry, but the danger remains that it could be reintroduced in one form or another.
These changes are accompanied by a historic increase in the military budget, throwing an extra $150 billion into the Pentagon, which has a carbon footprint larger than most entire countries. This will raise the total Pentagon budget to over $1 trillion annually. Unless it’s repealed, Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill will be a disaster for the planet — and my generation. It’s incredibly frustrating as an individual trying to lessen my impact on the environment — spending hours knitting, crocheting, and thrifting — while watching politicians on Capitol Hill greenlight massive polluters. My actions, and the collective actions of my generation, deserve to be acknowledged. We deserve to have our sustainability concerns reflected in our federal budget. We’re doing our part — don’t erase our progress.
Olabisi Omoniyi-Alake is a Henry A. Wallace Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies.
SHARE YOUR VIEW
OPINION
The Dark Side
We see it now; we see it again. It has arisen from the depths as it always does and will do — the dark side of America. It has always been here, sometimes apparent, sometimes not. It was submerged for many years, but always waiting and pondering the time it was to rise again. The reaction to George Floyd, the new demonstrations, the anger of the black public once again rose from dormancy and told white America it was not finished, there is more to do.
And once again white America reacted: it took a while but it slowly gathered momentum — the attack on what is now called DEI — diversity, equity, inclusion. We no longer call it racism; but it is racism at its finest and most inclusive. One simply can’t hide the obvious. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are, or at least have been, words of importance, words denoting common values and goals. Not now.
We now have the vocabulary to stigmatize anyone who is not white or properly white-like and with that stigmatization gather again the forces of repression and exclusion. They have always been with us; sometimes muted and sometimes not. Now they have again risen to dominate the landscape. Trump is not the source of this; he is the result and rides its momentum.
SPEAK OUT
Brandon Talsma, chair 4309 W Fourth St. S. Newton, IA 50208 641-526-3142 btalsma@jasperia.org
This too will fade, but not before it does damage to all of us. It is the acceptance of brutality towards thousands if not millions. It is the effort to destroy our educational institutions which produce those who question. It is a quest of power unprecedented in American history. It is the empowerment of those who most vehemently want a white society with what they believe is the power to obtain it.
What makes the movement more dangerous than it would be otherwise is the realization that it is not to be. The battle for whiteness will not achieve its goal. We, the United States, have become what it was always envisioned by some to be: a haven for those who need a haven, a new beginning, an escape from an intolerable life. And most of these new people are not white and many are not Christian both of which are anathema to what is suppose to be here — whites and Christians. Our Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, quoting a bible verse as the culmination of the passage of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” encapsulates perfectly the prevailing attitude. The United States does not have enough births to replace its population. Japan and China with their aging populations have the same issue and may soon have a crisis of aging. How do they support all their old people and have enough workers for their factories and farms? We,
here in the United States, don’t have this problem - yet. We have immigrants who do the work and their children will be Americans just like us; a fact that is intolerable to many. If nothing else we are talking simple economics. We live in a capitalist world; a capitalist world depends on an expanding population with increasing wealth — what is produced has to be consumed. Consumption is the necessary element in a modern economy. Without consumption there will be no production; without production there will be no jobs; without jobs there will be no Social Security for those who require it. Immigration fuels our economy and supports our aged. Those who support this new racism in the name of DEI have no understanding of the consequences if their wishes were to be realized when thousands if not millions of people here in the United States are picked up and forcibly deported to places unknown to them. Treating people poorly not only reflects on us as a people but affects us in many ways obviously hidden to many. There are more reasons not to be a racist than to be one but to understand this would take some reflection and maybe some kindness. As I began, the dark side of America has arisen again. It does so periodically but regularly. I wish it were not so.
Richard
E H Phelps II Mingo
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
CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA
YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA There were no Board Appointments. Motion by Nearmyer seconded by Cupples to open a Public Hearing for the 2nd reading on the Iowa Street Bridge removal over the North Skunk River. YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA
YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer seconded by Cupples to enter
CALL YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer seconded by Cupples to come out of closed session. YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer seconded by Cupples to approve the quote for phone and internet services for the Nature Center in the amount of $3,346 00. YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA Motion by Cupples seconded by Nearmyer to put cameras and security systems on the Nature Center in the amount of $17,946.00 to be paid from donations allocated to the Nature Center for the Conservation Board. YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer seconded by Cupples to adjourn from the regular meeting and enter into the work session. YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA Kevin Luetters spoke to the Board regarding a possible change to the 10-acre rule. There is a consideration for another exception to the rule but it is opening up to a wide range of exceptions. Motion by Nearmyer seconded by Cupples to recess until 2:30. YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA Motion by Talsma seconded by Nearmyer to come out of
YEA: NEARMYER & TALSMA
YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA ROLL CALL YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Cupples seconded by Nearmyer to come out of closed session.
YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA Motion by Cupples, seconded by Nearmyer to enter into closed session requested by Ryan Eaton in accordance with Iowa Code Section 22.7(50) to discuss information and records concerning physical infrastructure cyber security critical infrastructure
procedures or emergency preparedness developed, maintained or held by a governmental body for the protection of life or property, if disclosure could reasonably be expected to jeopardize such life or property
YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA ROLL CALL YEA: CUPPLES, NEARMYER, TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer, seconded by Cupples to come out of closed session.
YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA Motion by Nearmyer seconded by Cupples to approve the quote for phone and internet services for the Nature Center in the amount of $3,346 00.
YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
TALSMA Motion by Cupples seconded by Nearmyer to put cameras and security systems on the Nature Center in the amount of $17,946.00 to be paid from donations allocated to the Nature Center for the Conservation Board. YEA: CUPPLES NEARMYER
