By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Dollar General is looking to expand to the City of Baxter. The city has received a rezoning and lot split request to develop the business at the intersection of East Avenue and Hwy F-17 West on the southeast side of the com-
munity. “The city is not funding or initiating this project,” city staff said.
Supervisors change policy to be more in line with current trends, other counties
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Jasper County is now only allowing cremation services for indigent burials. The board of supervisors approved the policy changes for Jasper County General Assistance in a 3-0 vote this past week after discussing the matter briefly during a work session the week before.
Connie McQuiston, director of general assistance, said indigent burial services had previously funded traditional burials or cremations. However, the new policy now only allows cremations to be covered by the county. McQuiston said the vast majority of the requests have been for cremation services.
“I see that trend continuing,” she said. “Along with that I would ask that we raise the maximum allowed for that service. Currently, it’s at $800, and I would like to raise that to $1,200. The guidelines pertaining to that category have not been updated for six years. So this will bring us more in line with other counties.”
Indigent burials are offered to individuals whose next of kin lack the financial means to pay for funerals.
Seats for local city councils and the school board available in the Nov. 4 election
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Several seats are up for grabs in the Nov. 4 election for Baxter City Council, Colfax City Council, Mingo City Council, Baxter School Board and Col-
fax-Mingo School Board. The filing period recently opened for interested parties to turn in nomination papers by the Sept. 18 deadline. City of Baxter Offices on the ballot for Baxter is the mayoral seat and three at-large
city council seats. Serving as mayor is a 2-year term while city council members serve for four years. Nomination papers and candidates affidavits can be picked up at Baxter City Hall or at https://www.baxter-iowa.com/.../affidavit-of-candidacy.pdf
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Name: Madison Omtvedt
Position at Baxter: High School English Teacher
Education: B.A. in English and Secondary Education from Iowa State University
Work history: This will be my first year teaching! I graduated from ISU in December after completing my student teaching in the Ankeny Community
School District, then spent the remainder of last school year gaining experience as both a general district substitute and later as a building substitute in Ankeny.
What attracted you to Baxter to teach? I’ve called Ames home for the past five years, and while Baxter was new to me when applying, I’m always eager to try something new and step outside my comfort zone. Coming from a larger
high school in MN and doing my student teaching in Ankeny, I wanted to experience the connections and sense of community in a smaller district. From my very first phone interview with Mr. Harrold, every interaction with Baxter’s administration, staff, students, and families has been wonderful, and I’m truly looking forward to joining the community this school year. What is your favorite teach-
and https://www.baxter-iowa.com/.../ nomination-petition.pdf. Ten signatures from citizens are required on the nomination papers and candidates must be at least 18 years old at the time
SEATS | 3
Baxter and Colfax-Mingo new teachers ready for their first year
ing method, how do you like to interact with the kids? I love weaving creativity into my teaching and letting student ideas guide us forward. I’m a passionate believer in the power of independent reading and daily writing or journaling as a way of connecting with material and building communication and relational skills. I like to think teaching should be more of a conversation rather than a speech — every student brings experiences and ideas that can make lessons far more meaningful than any lecture I could give. What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching? Listen more than you speak, question more than you tell, and always point out the good in every student, every moment, and every day. What are you most excited for
Continuedfrompage1
said. “The city’s role is to ensure the request is reviewed through the proper public process, as required by state law and the City of Baxter’s zoning ordinances.”
The Baxter Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Baxter Com -
munity Center to consider weather the whether the rezoning request meets Baxter’s zoning criteria including compatibility with surrounding land uses, traffic and access considerations and the availability of utilities and infrastructure. The board wil also vote on whether the plat of survey (lot split) complies with city code requirements. The board will not decide if Dollar General will come to Baxter.
It is limited to only the request of zoning and subdivision standards.
The recommendation by the planning and zoning commission will move to the Baxter City Council, who will make the final decision on the zoning requests. Citizens will also have an opportunity to give input on the project to the city council during public hearings.
Any questions on the project are directed to city hall at 641-2273120.
Jasper County Conservation Board will host an Older, Wiser, Livelier Seniors (OWLS) program at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Jasper County Armory/Annex Building in Newton. The public is invited for coffee and a presentation given by Melanie Schmidt, who works for the Nature Conservancy’s North American Fire Program.
Schmidt will talk about the use of prescribed fire, what it’s like being on the burn crew and fighting wildfires.
The OWLS program is a conservation program that encourages seniors to stay active and learn new things about the natural world. Contact the Jasper County Conservation Board office at 641-792-9780 for more information.
Continuedfrompage1
The new policy comes into effect Sept. 1. According to the new policy, assistance may be granted to eligible applicants for cremations. The maximum funding of $1,200 is to cover the transfer of remains to the funeral home, the cremation, the cremation permit and a receptacle for the remains.
sant and anti-anxiety benefits.
People are drawn to honey, not only for its sweet taste, but because of the health benefits it provides.
1. Honey is rich in health-promoting plant compounds known as polyphe -
Some refer to honey as “the nectar of the gods” due to its ties to healing, divinity and culture in ancient times. Honeybees collect nectar from flowers and convert it into honey through an enzymatic process in their specialized bodies. Honey is stored in honeycombs for later consumption. The National Honey Board says a hive can produce about 55 pounds of surplus honey each year that beekeepers harvest from the combs.
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 TUESDAY3 p.m. Table of Grace
IRA UNITED CHURCH
Pastors Doug Cupples and Phil Butler
SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church service; 10:30 a.m. Sunday school Communion first Sunday
nols. Healthline says regular consumption of polyphenols is thought to boost digestion and brain health, and protect against certain diseases.
2. Antioxidants found in honey might be associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
3. The Mayo Clinic says studies suggest that honey might offer antidepressant, anticonvul-
4. Both the flavonoids and polyphenols in honey have been shown to be anti-inflammatory, which means they can help tame inflammation in the body that comes from illnesses and eating ultra-processed foods. As a natural sweetener, the Cleveland Clinic says honey is a less inflammatory choice than regular sugar.
5. The World Health Organization and the American Acad-
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
SATURDAY, Sept. 6 - 7:30 a.m. Mean’s Breakfast/Bible Study; 9 a.m. Women’s Ministry
SUNDAY, Sept. 7 - 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, Sept. 8 - 6 p.m. Deacon/Deaconess meetings
TUESDAY, Sept. 9 - 3:30 p.m. Women’s Prayer & Coffee; 6:30 p.m. Gospel of John Bible Study; 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 10 - 9 a.m. Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; 5:45 p.m. AWANA Family Meal; 6:26 p.m. AWANA Clubs
THURSDAY, Sept. 11 - 6:30 p.m. Men’s Group
church schedule is brought to you by Coburn FUNERAL
Colfax-Prairie City-Monroe 515-674-3155 www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
FRIDAY, Sept. 5 - 7 p.m. Life Recovery Meeting; “The Cellar” following the Colfax-Mingo home football game
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; Today is Food Pantry Sunday
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 - 9:30 a.m. Sunday School (Sunday after Labor Day to second Sunday in May); 10:30 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 month - 6:30 p.m. Theology on Tap at Bea’s Place on Main Street Check us out on Facebook and baxtercongregational.com
emy of Pediatrics both endorse honey as a natural cough remedy. However, honey should not be given to children under the age of one.
6. Manuka honey can be applied topically to treat cuts and sores. This specific type of honey is found to be both antibacterial and antifungal. Raw honey of other types has been used to treat burns and wounds for centuries.
— Metro Creative
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 Time, in person or via YouTube Live at 1040 am
WEDNESDAY - 5:30pm W.O.W Youth Group with supper provided Visit mitchellvillechristianchurch. org and follow us on Facebook
Continuedfrompage1
of filing.
City of Colfax
Two council seats are up for election along with the mayoral seat in Colfax. Ward 2, which is currently held by Karla Jones and an At-Large seat filled by Brad Magg will be on the ballot. Those interested in running for any of the positions can file
Continuedfrompage1
an affidavit of candidacy and nomination papers with the city which is available at Colfax City Hall.
City of Mingo Mingo is looking to fill three city council seats and the mayor role in the upcoming selection. Interested citizens can head to Mingo City Hall to pick up the required paperwork. Ten signatures are required for nomination from citizens and those interested must be 18 years old at the time of filing.
Baxter Community School
this school year? I’m most excited to see students walk into my classroom and leave each day as better learners, community members, and people than when they came in.
Name: Kristi Cook
Position at Baxter: Secondary Special Education/At Risk
Education: William Penn University
Work history: I worked at the Newton Community School District for the last three years as a behavior interventionist while I attended school at William Penn University to obtain my teaching license.
What attracted you to Baxter to teach? I love the small town atmosphere. What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids? I love doing hands-on activities with students and building relationships. What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching? I have learned that everyone learns differently and so it is important to teach in many ways for all learners.
What are you most excited for this school year? I am most excited to get to know all of my new students!
Name: Katherine Eden
Position at Baxter: 6-12 Band and Choir Director
Education: B.M. in Music Education (Instrumental emphasis)
Work history: This is my first year teaching, but I have student taught and given private lessons and absolutely love teaching music
What attracted me to Baxter: I love small towns and the close knit community they often provide, especially among the students. I am excited to teach smaller groups of students so that I can better invest in them as individuals. My brother, sister-in-law, and niece recently bought a house here and that is how this town was on my radar!
Favorite teaching method: The most important thing to me in my classroom is creating a space where students feel welcomed, prepared, and ready to make music together. This means that my classroom can be fast-paced so that we can make music faster!
A valuable lesson I’ve learned about teaching: Don’t be so focused on the content/curriculum to get through that you fail to see the students that you’re impacting.
What I’m most excited about: Getting
District Two school board seats will be on the ballot in 2025 for Baxter schools. Nomination papers can be picked up at the district office or county auditor’s office and must be turned in by 5 p.m. Sept. 18 to the board secretary at the district office.
Colfax-Mingo School District Four seats are up for election for Colfax-Mingo schools. The district is passionate about finding strong leadership to continue the governance of the
to know the students, teachers, and community in Baxter.
Name: Kenzie James
Position at Baxter: High School Math
Teacher
Education: BS in Mathematics and Secondary Education from Iowa State University
Work history: Student taught at Southeast Polk Middle School and Waukee Northwest High School
What attracted you to Baxter to teach? What attracted me to Baxter was the strong sense of community. From the moment I began connecting with staff at Baxter, it was clear that this school and community are truly exceptional. I was warmly welcomed, and every conversation reflected a deep sense of pride and positivity about the district and the town.
What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids? I encourage students to work collaboratively in groups, as this fosters a sense of ownership over their learning. It gives them the opportunity to share ideas, challenge each other’s thinking, and build deeper understanding together. These group settings also allow me to engage more meaningfully with students. I get to observe their thought processes, answer questions by connecting new concepts to their existing knowledge. This approach not only reinforces their math skills but also builds confidence.
What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching? Building relationships with students is essential. Taking the time to get to know them and form personal connections has a meaningful impact on each and every student. Establishing mutual respect creates a positive classroom environment where students feel valued, seen, and more willing to engage in their learning.
What are you most excited for this school year? I’m excited for the opportunity to build and grow new relationships with both students and staff. I’m also really looking forward to the ‘aha’ moments, those instances when a new skill or concept finally clicks for a student. Watching their confidence grow in those moments is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching.
Name: Ian Thomson Position: HS Science Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Biology with endorsements in Secondary Education and Chemistry from Central College.
Work history: I worked as a HS Science teacher at Newton High School for
district and moving it into the future.
“Strong leadership is critical to moving education forward in our state,” the district said. “School board members play significant roles in their communities-they must have leadership, vision and dedication. They are charged with accountability for student learning, determining educational goals, setting policy, overseeing school finances and more.”
Those interested can pick up nomination papers from the
the previous two years teaching Biology and Applied Chemistry.
What attracted me to Baxter: I graduated from Baxter in 2019 and so I always thought it’d be fun to teach at the same school I went to. There have also been some other contributing factors as well. I am excited for the 4 day work week. I will also be Head Cross Country coach so coaching opportunities played a part also.
Favorite teaching method: I love when we have the opportunity to do labs in class. The students are most engaged during them and they really enjoy them. It allows us to apply the things we have learned in class to some more practical applications.
Valuable Lesson: Kids do not care how much you know but they know how much you care. I want the kids to know that I am passionate about what I do and I want them to be able to feel that excitement as well. I find that if I am excited and passionate about something the kids generally reflect that as well.
What I am excited about: I am excited to teach Biology II this year at Baxter. It will be an anatomy and physiology based course. Anatomy and Physiology is a class that I believe Baxter has never offered before so I am excited to tackle that class in particular. I am also excited to have my first season as a head coach. The cross country team this year is going to do some great things!
Name: Carly Williams
Position at Baxter: Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor
Education: Iowa State University, I graduated this past May with my Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture & Life Sciences Education
Work history: Baxter will be my first teaching job! However I did tutor and substitute teach throughout college. What attracted you to Baxter to teach? One thing that attracted me to Baxter to teach was the family feel of the school and community. I have felt overwhelming support from the staff at the school, parents, and community members I have met.
What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids? My favorite teaching method is labs and simulations! I believe there is no better way to learn than doing! Whether that is tearing down a small engine or dissecting a cow’s intestinal tract, I love seeing how students start to “connect the dots” once they get their hands dirty.
What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching? A valuable lesson I’ve learned about teaching is that
board secretary at the district office. Candidates must get at least 32 signatures from qualified electors in the districts and turn in papers by the Sept. 18 deadline.
“Serving on the Colfax-Mingo School Board is a way to give back. Every decision we make is an investment in our students, teachers and community,” Colfax-Mingo School Board President Shannon Boehm said. “This work is about giving each student the tools to leave here ready for the future.”
building relationships with students is just as important as delivering content. Early on, I focused heavily on having the perfect lesson plan, but I quickly realized that students engage more and learn better when they feel respected, supported, and seen as individuals. Taking the time to learn about their interests, listen to their concerns, and show up consistently for them creates a classroom culture where learning naturally thrives.
What are you most excited for this school year? This school year, I am the most excited to build relationships with my students and help stir up a passion for agriculture.
Name: Amy Archer
Position at Colfax-Mingo: Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Teacher
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Apparel Design – Iowa State University, currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching, Secondary Education – Morningside University
Work history: Former FCS Teacher at Perry High School, industry experience in fashion and apparel design in Los Angeles, Small business owner – co-owned and operated an ice cream restaurant in Iowa, now bringing real-world culinary, child development, and design expertise to the classroom
What attracted you to Colfax-Mingo to teach? The location was a big draw—it’s close to home, and my family enjoys spending time on the local golf course. Plus, Colfax-Mingo has a welcoming community that makes it a great place to teach and connect with students.
What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids? I love interactive, hands-on learning where students get to do, not just listen. Whether it’s a lively kitchen lab or a design project, I enjoy seeing students take ownership of their learning. I keep things structured but fun, with lots of teamwork, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.
What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching? Flexibility is everything. Every class, every student, every day is different—and that’s what makes teaching exciting. Meeting students where they are and adjusting as needed can make all the difference.
What are you most excited for this school year? Building relationships with my new students and helping them see how the skills we learn in FCS — cooking, design, child development — connect to their futures. Oh, and of course — seeing who’s going to win “best dish” in our first big culinary challenge!
Wanna solution for being miserable?
Read Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables.” English Translation: “The Miserables” or “The Wretcheds.” Hugo’s nineteenth century historical novel is 1,200 pages long. On Kindle it cost me ninety-nine cents. It’s a classic and has been around a long time. What got me interested in reading this French behemoth was a quote I ran across that was taken from “Les Miserables.” “The pupil dilates in the dark, and the soul dilates in misfortune and ends up finding God there.”
I’ve been pretty much miserable fighting, and I do mean fighting, the side effects of cancer treatment. I have noticed that it has drawn me closer to God. I’m more diligent in my morning prayers, nicer to people (trying), and I’ve had to completely surrender my state of health and misery over to the Will of God. I can’t control it. He can.
I’ve never read a book this size, or
known anyone who has read “Les Miserables” except for one person, and he’s French, and it was required reading. Ginnie’s seen the musical stage version of “Les Miserables” and I’ve seen the musical on screen. I can’t remember a thing about it, except that I was completely lost as to what was going on and could hardly understand a word that was being said or sung. Now that I’ve read the book, I located the movie on Prime Video, and it’s very entertaining. Ginnie cried all the way through. The book is quite well written and surprisingly easy to understand, even with all the French names and terms. I found myself immediately caught up in the story, which is quite a story of forgiveness, good versus evil, revolution, redemption, and how a simple act of kindness can have a rippling effect, much like a butterfly flapping its wings in North America, can cause a tsunami on the other side of
And you are darn right! It should be! Throwing a sandwich at an ICE officer and hitting him in the chest with it certainly should be a felony. It shows total disrespect for an officer of the United States employed in capturing, detaining, and removing undesirables from mainland America. Being disrespectful should be a felony, don’t you think? What are we coming to throwing sandwiches at a uniformed employee of the federal government?
Now you may think I’m over reacting. Not at all. Living in a country where this sort of behavior is thought proper or necessary is untenable. ICE has an important function as do all law enforcement branches of the government. Our legislatures have made sure of this with practically uncountable new crimes and punishments for those who don’t show the proper respect for people in uniform of one kind or another. We have consequences here in the U.S.A.
The question is, of course, how do we discourage this sort of behavior in particular. We have learned through years of experience that by simply putting someone in jail doesn’t really have the consequences that we had hoped for. Many of those thrown in jail feel they shouldn’t be there and have been done wrong and consequently there is a substantial recidivism and we need to avoid that if possible. New suggestions need to be made.
How about requiring an offender to salute someone in uniform whenever they come in contact with one. Saluting is and always has been a sign of respect. After all you are saluting the uniform not necessarily the person in it and it is appropriate to do so since the people in that uniform are present for our protection after all. Sometimes you may wonder what exactly they are protecting us from but that is another issue altogether.
I am putting forth but one suggestion. You, the reader, may have others. Bowing is always a possibility although this form of salutation has long been unused here in America. Or, we could simply have some legislation introduced and passed by congress or the state legislatures making it an offence that if one were within a certain distance of a person in uniform that one must show some sort of outward respect (to be determined) toward that person which obviously would not include throwing a sandwich at the chest of that person in uniform with which you have come in contact.
The new crime would have to be clearly enunciated and defined as to what specific behavior the person in the presence of a uniformed must show and this might not be easy but necessary all the same if it is to be enforced uniformly. So, in conclusion, we must all give this some thought and especially conduct ourselves in an appropriate manner when in the vicinity of a person in uniform; and, if we do so, maybe legislation would be unnecessary.
Richard E. H. Phelps II Mingo
Life is already difficult
The old saying that all politics is local was made clear with a story in the Newton News. President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill is hurting students who receive free or reduced meals in the Newton Community School System.
The story does not mention that when Congress was considering cuts to this program, as well as to Medicade and Medicare, these proposals had the full support of Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Senator Joni Ernst, as well as the other elected representatives from Iowa. Life is becoming more difficult and more expensive for all of us because of Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Joni Ernst, as well as the Republican delegation. It doesn’t appear that this will change if we vote to keep them in office in 2026.
Robert W. Holley Newton
the world—The Butterfly Effect. “Les Miserables” is also a love story of epic proportions, comparable to “Dr. Zhivago,” “The Sound of Music,” “Gone With the Wind.” “Cold Mountain” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” We all love, love stories.
Historically speaking, “Les Miserables” is filled with side stepping, lengthy, educational, and sometimes irritating, for me anyway, essays on a variety of topics that Hugo thought necessary for background information, like Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, the intricate system of convents and monasteries in Europe, the French penal system, better known as the galleys, and the sewer system beneath the streets of Paris, to name a few. My guess is that if Hugo had left these essays out, the book would be about half the length, but lacking depth. How he knew all the details about say, the engineering, construction and pathways of the Paris sewer system is a credit to his dogged research and writing talent. He’s actually better known as a poet. Ha! A poet writing about the filth and stink of the sewer! I often found myself, while in the middle of some of these lengthy essays, wishing he would
get on with the story. But I’m through the book now and may read it again. There is so much detail that I had a hard time connecting. But connect it did. I must say reading the 1,200 page “Les Miserables” (it took me three weeks) helped me immensely with my own problems in dealing with the long-term effects of cancer, cancer treatment, and the brutal side effects, which may never go away. I am pretty much confined to my recliner. What better way to get my mind off myself than to read about someone else’s plight, and the victory of good over evil. God put this book in my hands. Kindness paid forward can travel around the world—The Kindness Effect.
My next book to read — Victor Hugo’s, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” It’s only 600 pages. Kindle’s price — forty-three cents. What a bargain. That’s cheaper than a feel-good pill. Or I may read “Tuesdays With Morrie” by Mitch Albom, another misery quencher. Books, along with Stormy our tomcat, kneading and purring on my lap, can relieve a lot of discomfort.
Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com
SHARE YOUR VIEW
Iowa’s First District is the manufacturing heart of our state, and I was proud to lead a Made in America Manufacturing Tour to showcase the real results we are delivering for workers, businesses, and families.
From Indianola to Pella to Muscatine, I met with employees, managers, and industry leaders who are already seeing the benefits of the pro-growth provisions passed in President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
At Cemen Tech in Indianola, company leadership shared how the 100% immediate expensing provisions are giving them certainty to reinvest in new equipment and expand production and employees told me they appreciated knowing the company could continue to thrive.
At Vermeer in Pella, the President and administration told me how permanent R&D expensing will help them keep innovating while hiring hundreds of skilled workers. And at SSAB in Muscatine, steelworkers
described the value of lower taxes on overtime pay and the long-term stability created by making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. These policies aren’t abstract, they directly benefit workers who put in long hours, and companies that are competing with China and the rest of the world.
President Trump’s leadership has been key. His America First agenda is restoring manufacturing, strengthening supply chains, and driving investment back into the United States. Across the country, trillions in new U.S. and foreign investment have been announced, much of it in advanced manufacturing, energy, and technology. Here in Iowa that means higher wages, security of current jobs and creation of new ones,
stronger families and communities, and renewed confidence in the future of American industry.
The reconciliation bill also frees up $500 billion for trade schools and workforce development. This is a game-changer for Iowa, where employers need skilled workers and young people deserve good-paying careers without being forced into debt at a four-year university. By empowering our trade schools, manufacturers and community colleges, we are equipping the next generation to build, design, and innovate right here at home.
The message from my tour was clear: America is open for business, and Iowa is leading the way. By cutting taxes, reducing red tape, and putting American workers first, we are building a stronger, more self-reliant nation. That is how we end our dependence on China, rebuild our industrial base, and secure a prosperous future for Iowa and for America.
With gerrymandering, your local Rep. isn’t local — and isn’t yours
By Jim Hightower
In a 2006 documentary, I assailed Texas Republican lawmakers for ramming a brutish gerrymandering scheme into law, doing my report from a street sign in central Austin.
That sign was the exact location the GOP had used as the pin point for slicing up the city’s one congressional district into four pieces like a pizza. Each slice radiated far out of town, merging into Republican suburbs in distant cities — thus suppressing Austin’s progressive voice in Congress.
Far from being just another corrupt hyper-partisan political manipulation, this GOP ploy is stripping away America’s fundamental principle of representative democracy.
Instead of grassroots communities sorting out their differences and choosing their own governing representatives in local elections, political hacks in Washington and the state capital are cynically relocating people’s political “locality” (with no participation at all by the people).
Instead of constituents choosing their members of Congress, gerry-
Now here they come again, assaulting progressive voters throughout the state withgerrymandering. At the command of Donald Trump, our so-called “representatives” are submissively shoving millions of Texans into jerry-rigged Trump enclaves, solely to serve his political desires.
mandering lets members choose their constituents. So “your” representative doesn’t need to know you, much less serve you. Thus, the issues that Congress considers don’t percolate up from local communities. They’re chosen by national and state political operatives and multimillion-dollar campaign donors. It’s the nationalization of local elections, ignoring the real needs of hometown people. Why shouldn’t you have a representative who’s at least from your community, maybe even knows your name — and cares about something more constructive than Trump’s anti-democratic, plutocratic agenda. Columnist Jim Hightower is a radiocommentator,writerandpublicspeaker
CAMBRIDGE — Baxter junior Max Handorf is a pretty accomplished runner.
He finished the 2024 cross country season on the deck in Fort Dodge and had a very strong track and field season last spring.
And even after starting the 2025 campaign ranked sixth in Class 1A, some folks still didn’t really know who he was at the Collins-Maxwell Spartan Invitational on Aug. 28.
But it may not take much longer for them to find out as Handorf ran to an impressive win in the boys’ 5K race and led the Bolts to the top of the standings.
“I think coaches definitely knew who Matt Richardson was,” Handorf said. “He’s the best to come out of Baxter. But here I am now. I’m out of his shadow.”
No. 6 Handorf won the boys’ race in 16 minutes, 57.8 seconds at Center Grove Orchard. That’s about 30 seconds off his career-best time, and it’s only the first meet of the season.
But he wasn’t the only Bolt to impress in the season opener. Baxter advanced to the state meet last season, but after losing its top runner to graduation, the Bolts did not begin the new year ranked in Class 1A.
Baxter though won the team title over No. 18 Lynnville-Sully and moved into the latest rankings that were released on Sept. 1 at No. 15.
The Bolts claimed the top two individual spots, put their top five runners in the first 14 positions and scored 35 points at the top of the standings.
Lynnville-Sully, which opened the season ranked 11th in 1A, scored 43 points in second. The rest of the 1A field included Collins-Maxwell (71), BGM (88) and Colo-NESCO (129). Colfax-Mingo had an incomplete team with only three runners.
“I think they did great. The course was really tough, and it was hot,” new Baxter head cross country coach Ian Thomson said. “But our guys went out and competed, and the results show that. The boys beat a really good team in Lynnville-Sully.”
The top 15 finishers in each varsity race received medals. Baxter’s seven varsity runners were given T-shirts and the Bolts took a home trophy after their team win.
CAMBRIDGE — It took one meet for the Lynnville-Sully girls cross country team to climb the Class 1A rankings.
The Hawks opened their season with a championship performance at the Collins-Maxwell Spartan Invitational on Aug. 28.
The host Spartans had the top two individual finishers, but the Class 1A No. 6 Hawks secured five spots in the top 11 and scored 29 points at the top of the standings.
L-S began the season ranked eighth, and Collins-Maxwell opened at No. 14. Both teams moved up two spots in the latest rankings released on Sept. 1.
“They were a state qualifying team a year ago just like us,” L-S head cross country coach Darin Arkema said. “Their top girl pulled away from the pack pretty early and their No. 2 runner finished runner-up overall, but then the pack of Hawks came in close pursuit and were pretty tightly spaced together.”
The Hawks edged No. 12 Collins-Maxwell (34) by five points and the rest of the 1A field featured Colfax-Mingo (65) and BGM (86).
Baxter and Colo-NESCO had incomplete teams.
The top 15 finishers in each varsity race received medals.
The Hawks were given T-shirts and a trophy after claiming the team win.
Mandeesa Vos of Lynnville-Sully led the area runners in third. She posted a time of 22 minutes, 1.9 seconds.
Vos had no idea she started the season in the 1A rankings at No. 22.
“I haven’t even looked at them yet,” Vos said. “Now that I know, it won’t change my running. I run how I feel.
“It was really hot and really hilly. I think everyone’s time took a hit because of that, but it makes us better.”
Lynnville-Sully’s Breah Lowry (22:15.5) placed fourth in the girls’ 5K race and Colfax-Mingo’s Ashlynn Hosbond (22:23.1) was fifth.
Hosbond led five Tigerhawks in their season debut.
Ivy Anderson (26:37.5) and Jessica Gibson (27:07.1) made their varsity debuts in 13th and 17th, respectively, while Lilyan Hadsall (28:56.7) and Mallory Sipma (28:59.7) were 20th and 21st, respectively.
COLFAX — After winning only twice in its home tournament last season, the Colfax-Mingo volleyball team reached the championship match in 2025.
The Tigerhawks cruised through their side of the bracket with a perfect record then knocked off conference rival Iowa Valley in the semifinals before falling to Coon Rapids-Bayard in the championship of the Tigerhawk Invitational on Aug. 30.
The tournament was reduced to just seven schools after Murray pulled out two weeks before the day of the tournament.
Colfax-Mingo swept Baxter, GMG and Nodaway Valley in pool play, dominated Iowa Valley in the semifinals but lost in two sets to the eventual champion Crusaders.
Coon Rapids-Bayard won the tournament after sweeping all four of its opponents. Nodaway Valley finished third, Iowa Valley placed fourth and the rest of the seven-team field included East Marshall in fifth, Baxter in sixth and GMG in seventh.
The Tigerhawks defeated Baxter 218, 21-16 in both teams’ first match of the day.
Katelyn Steenhoek led the Tigerhawks (4-1) with eight assists, two kills, four digs and five aces.
Grace Hunsberger added four kills, three digs and four aces, Britney Keeney put down six kills, Grace Allen had six digs, Isabelle Utz chipped in five digs and four aces and Hope Allen delivered four assists. Mickey Bucklin also registered
two kills.
The Tigerhawks were 35-of-41 in serves with 15 aces. They also had a kill efficiency of .231. It was Colfax-Mingo’s fifth straight win over the Bolts.
Colfax-Mingo swept GMG 21-17, 21-18 in its second match of pool play. Steenhoek led the Tigerhawks with six assists, six digs and four aces.
Utz added five kills, five digs and four aces, Grace Allen dished out two assists and collected four digs, Keeney totaled two digs and two aces and Macie Porter collected five digs.
Hunsberger put down three kills, Dakota Allen contributed two kills and Hope Allen delivered three assists.
The Tigerhawks finished 38-of-41 in serves with 11 aces. They had a kill efficiency of .178.
Colfax-Mingo got three blocks, three digs and three aces from Keeney in the 21-16, 21-11 win over Nodaway Valley.
Steenhoek posted seven assists and three kills, Hope Allen tallied six assists and four digs and Hunsberger collected six kills and two aces.
Utz finished with three kills and two aces, Grace Allen had eight digs, Porter added three digs, Dakota Allen put down two kills and Sydney Veasman collected two digs.
Colfax-Mingo was 38-of-41 in serves with eight aces. It had a kill efficiency of .214 and Hunsberger served 12-of-12.
Emma Boswell put down four kills, Mattison Thompson dished out eight assists and Taylor Laughey served up two aces to lead Nodaway Valley.
BAXTER — The Baxter football team scored twice in the first and last quarters against rival Collins-Maxwell on Aug. 29.
But the Spartans were just too good overall and dominated the middle two frames during a 60-26 non-district road win.
Collins-Maxwell snapped a fourgame skid in the series with a 22-0 second quarter. The Spartans led 22-12 after one and scored the only points of the third.
Stadan Vansice’s debut at quarterback was up and down. He rushed for 185 yards and two scores. He also threw for 46 yards and a TD on eight completions but was picked off three times, and the Spartans returned all three for touchdowns.
Cael Wishman gained 49 yards on 12 carries, Eli Dee grabbed four passes for 45 yards and one touchdown and Colten Damman snagged a pair of passes for 10 yards and a TD.
Hayden Burdess finished with three catches for 23 yards and Miles McCord grabbed one pass for 12 yards.
Blake Maxwell came in for Vansice at quarterback in the second half and finished 3-of-4 through the air for 45 yards and registered his first career TD pass.
Wishman led the Bolts’ defense with eight tackles and two tackles for loss. Trevor Hamilton collected 5.5 tackles, Cody Spurgeon totaled five tackles, Vansice and Damman each had four tackles and Burdess chipped in 3.5 tackles.
Baxter (0-1) rushed for 231 yards and averaged 5.9 yards per carry, while the Spartans (1-0) ran for 238 and averaged 6.1 yards per rush.
Cooper Wierson completed a pass for 14 yards, rushed for 71 yards and one score and returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the win.
Austin Boege ran for 135 yards and three scores, made 10 tackles and returned the other interception for a TD.
volleyball season in a triangular at Belle Plaine on Aug. 26.
Belle Plaine defeated Baxter 25-11, 25-12 and Highland swept the Bolts 25-9, 25-11.
OSCEOLA — The Colfax-Mingo football team opened the season with a lead after the first quarter, but Clarke rallied with a pair of 21-point quarters during a 4214 home win on Aug. 29.
In the semifinals, Colfax-Mingo downed Iowa Valley 21-11, 21-11. Steenhoek led the way with nine assists, three digs and two aces, and she served 10-of-10.
Hope Allen totaled four assists, two digs and two aces, Utz had four kills and seven digs and Keeney tallied four kills and three aces.
Hunsberger posted three kills and three digs, Dakota Allen chipped in two kills and five digs, Grace Allen and Porter each finished with two digs and Bucklin had two kills. The Tigerhawks were 35-of-41 with seven aces, and their kill efficiency was .333.
Olyvia Grant led Iowa Valley (1-3) with two aces, five digs and two assists. It was Colfax-Mingo’s fourth straight win over the Tigers.
Coon Rapids-Bayard swept Colfax-Mingo 21-10, 21-17 in the championship match.
Hope Allen registered three assists and four digs, Steenhoek delivered four assists, three kills and two digs and Grace Allen totaled 10 digs. Porter contributed seven digs and Utz had three digs.
Keeney and Hunsberger put down three and two kills, respectively, while Colfax-Mingo was 25-of-28 in serves with two aces.
Malia Clayburg led the Crusaders (6-0) with 12 kills, eight digs and three aces, and her kill efficiency was .417.
CR-B was 31-of-37 in serves with nine aces, and the Crusaders’ kill efficiency was .278.
Baxter’s lone win came against GMG (04). Nodaway Valley (3-3) handed the Bolts a 21-13, 21-15 loss and East Marshall (3-3) defeated Baxter 21-18, 21-14.
Official statistics for Baxter were not available at press time.
Bolts open season at Belle Plaine triangular BELLE PLAINE — Baxter opened its
Baxter junior Max Handorf ran to a victory in the Collins-Maxwell Spartan Invitational at Center Grove Orchard on Aug. 28. Handorf, who begins the season ranked sixth in Class 1A, posted a winning time of 16 minutes, 57.8 seconds.
Olivia Parrie had two assists and two digs against Belle Plaine, while Caydence Sulzle chipped in six digs, Kaylyn Krampe put down three kills, Kamdyn Krampe had two kills and Alyvia Burdess dished out two assists.
Jules Stamp finished with nine kills to lead Belle Plaine (2-0), while Annika Holtquist served up seven aces.
The Bolts were 17-of-24 in serves with two aces against the Lady Plainsmen and 18-of-22 with two aces in the loss to Highland.
Burdess finished with two assists and four digs against Highland and Sulzle chipped in four digs.
Highland (2-4) was led by Ava Sexton, who had five digs and six aces. Brena Hazelett put down six kills.
Martensdale-St. Marys 3, Baxter 2
MARTENSDALE — Against Martensdale-St. Marys on Aug. 28, the Blue Devils (1-0) defeated Baxter 25-16, 12-25, 25-22, 24-26, 17-15 at home.
Parrie finished with 11 assists and eight digs to lead the Bolts, while Sulzle chipped in 26 digs, two kills and three aces.
Lillian Grunstead registered four kills and four digs, Denver Sulzle put down six kills and had four digs, Kamdyn Krampe had seven kills and five digs and Kaylyn Krampe posted five kills and two digs.
Danika Flora collected seven digs, Rilyn Titus had four digs, Burdess tallied 10 assists and three digs, Lexi Dart served up three aces and Mallory Bottorff put down two kills.
The Bolts were 98-of-107 in serves with eight aces.
Caydence Sulzle served 16-of-16, Denver Sulzle was 13-of-13 and Kaylyn Krampe finished 18-of-19.
The Blue Devils (1-0) were led by Caitlin Reines-Schmidt, who finished with 11 kills, 10 digs and seven aces. Abigail White put down 12 kills and had four aces. The hosts had 25 aces in the win.
Girls XC
Continuedfrompage5
“I’m pretty happy with it because my first race last year was in the 24s,” Hosbond said. “This year is off to a better start. I was super nervous. I didn’t know what to expect, but I’m really happy.”
Collins-Maxwell’s Jayden Peters, who is ranked 18th in 1A, won the race in 20:37.4.
Her teammate, Cypress Erickson, was the runner-up in 21:55.2.
Baxter’s only runner so far this year is Elsie Hauser. Her prep debut time was clocked in 26:58.3 in 16th.
“She ran a really solid race,” new
The Tigerhawks led 8-0 after the first frame and scored again in the second, but the Indians prevailed behind 200 rushing yards.
Camden Cunningham led the Tigerhawks with 107 passing yards and two touchdowns in his debut as the team’s starting quarterback.
Chase Trotter rushed for 80 yards on 13 carries, Wyatt Carpenter caught two passes for 57 yards and two touchdowns and Alex Teed’s lone catch went for 39 yards.
Fisher Grove rushed five times for 21 yards and led the defense with 6.5 tackles.
Kyle Wood had 5.5 tackles and made one catch for 11 yards, Cunningham contributed five tackles, Lawrence Solasberry totaled 3.5 tackles and Teed made three tackles.
Izaiah Lewis recovered a fumble, but Cunningham also threw one interception on offense.
Colfax-Mingo (0-1) defeated Clarke in 2010 and 2011 and then again in 2014 and 2015, but the Indians (1-0) have posted three straight victories in the series.
Ryan Diehl threw for 151 yards and two scores and rushed for 36 and one TD in the win, while Urijah Fry gained 117 yards and scored two touchdowns on eight carries.
Lincoln Hill tallied three sacks on defense, and Fry forced a fumble, recovered the fumble and then returned the fumble for a TD.
Javier Munoz caught a 65yard TD, rushed for 28 yards and snagged a pick on defense.
Troy Hyde/ Jasper County Tribune
Colfax-Mingo seniors Lilyan Hadsall, left, and Mallory Sipma compete in the girls’ 5K race at Center Grove Orchard on Aug. 28.
Baxter head cross country coach Ian Thomson said. “The first 5K is always a learning experience, and it’s even harder when you’re the only one out there competing. She learned a lot about the distance, went out and battled and was right on the cusp of making the top 15.”
Hosbond likes to get out front during the early stages of the race. It’s what she’s done since junior high. New Colfax-Mingo head cross country coach Michaela Graffunder wants her to stay out front longer as the season progresses.
“She’s been training for that first mile to be a little bit faster,” Graffunder said. “We talked about her trying to stay with the front pack for as long as she can and then as the season progresses she should be able to stick with them for the whole race.”
Baxter’s Brecken Fisher came in after Handorf in second. He was clocked in 17:56.8. The rest of the top five included two more area runners in Colfax-Mingo’s Sullivan Wilkins (17:57.4) and
Lynnville-Sully’s Colton Alberts (18:18.8), who were third and fifth, respectively. It was the first time Wilkins went under 18 minutes in a race, and the third-place finish was his highest tally in a varsity race.
“I knew I could do it eventually, but at the same time, I was a little surprised I did it today,” Wilkins said about going under
18 minutes. “I had my eyes on the two Lynnville-Sully guys. I was sad I wasn’t ranked preseason because that was my last shot at that. But finishing ahead of a ranked runner is awesome. The preseason doesn’t matter, but this gives me confidence for sure.”
Fisher also finished ahead of Alberts, who began the season ranked 16th in 1A after qualifying for the state meet in backto-back seasons.
Fisher missed the state cross country meet due to an injury and was sidelined for all of track and field season. He didn’t start running again until around June, but Thomson said he’s been as good as he’s ever been during the preseason practices.
“I felt pretty good. This was the best I felt after a run,” Fisher said. “I didn’t really do anything. This was all God’s protection allowing me to get second.
“I had a good kick at the end. And (Handorf) helps me every day. He’s someone I look up to. I want to be like him. He always starts out so strong, and that
pushes me to go harder, too.”
Maddux Tuhn (19:48.3) and Dakota Parker (20:13.3) were 10th and 11th, respectively, for the Bolts, and Maddox Peters (20:34.9) grabbed one of the final medals in 14th.
Lincoln Russell (22:50.9) and Parker Bonney (23:07.7) were non-scoring runners in 25th and 27th, respectively. It was the varsity debut for both Russell and Tuhn, who played football at Baxter last fall.
“I think we wanted to make a statement,” Thomson said. “Our No. 1 goal was to beat L-S, but we feel like we are a ranked team and should have been ranked. Based on the metrics, it makes sense we aren’t, but we feel like we should be and will show it by the end of the season. It felt good to go out and prove that today.”
The Hawks placed three in the top 10 and eight in the top 20.
After Alberts was Blake Wilmesmeier (18:41.8) in sixth and Madden Gunsaulus
(19:48.2) in ninth.
Wilkins headlined a trio of Tigerhawks in their season opener. Willie Fitzgerald (23:23.6) placed 28th and Benjamin Faidley (25:28.5) took 36th in his varsity debut.
New Colfax-Mingo head cross country coach Michaela Graffunder expects more boys to compete in their next meet. She was happy with how her team performed in their first meet of the season though.
“I thought both teams competed well today, especially with the heat,” Graffunder said. “(Wilkins) has high goals for himself. He’s pretty stoked about breaking 18 minutes. He’s been working hard this summer, and he will just keep getting better. “I think he made a statement today. Everyone else showed up and ran great today.”
Notes: Coach Thomson won the Collins-Maxwell Spartan Invitational as a prep runner for Baxter in 2018. That was his junior year and the school’s first season as Bolts.
