Participants get active at the 2025 Paddle Skedaddle
Before the temperature got too high, competitors took to the land and water at Quarry Springs Park for the annual event
A generous gift for the community of Baxter Deutsch family donates more than $200K to make the Geise Park shelter house a reality
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Thanks to a very generous donation, hard work and determination by the community and a belief that a dream can become reality, the Deutsch Family Shelter House at Geise Park is now open for the citizens of Baxter to use and enjoy. A event was held Sept. 13 to celebrate the completion of the project and all those who put in hours of work to make it come to life.
Marie Van Beek, daughter of Rich and Karen Deutsch, spoke about how the project was formed, what the community of Baxter meant to her parents and why they wanted to give back.
“My parents, Rich and Karen Deutsch loved Baxter,” Van Beek said. “Rich was on the city council and helped develop and volunteer on the first ambulance crew and was the fire chief for many years. Both of my parents were also entrepreneurs here and we were fortunate to make great
Jasper County intends to donate $320K to ER project
Knowing $5M renovation is progressing, supervisors
statement of gift intent
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Jasper County has officially signed its statement of gift intent for the emergency room project at MercyOne Newton Medical Center.
Jamey Robinson, director of Jasper County Emergency Management Agency, told the board of supervisors that he spoke with the chief operating officer at the hospital to make sure the project was progress -
ing and ensure the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds would not go to waste.
“Things are progressing,”
Robinson said at the Aug. 26 board of supervisors meeting.
“One of the things (MercyOne Newton COO Chad Kelley) asked about was a statement of gift intent to be completed and submitted just so they have some official records saying, yes, we do plan on giving you $320,000.”
Robinson noted the hospital
wants to recognize the county and the board of supervisors for their donation of ARPA funds towards the project, such as a plaque in the new emergency room. Robinson also noted that by approving the statement of gift intent, the county is not writing a manual check at the moment.
Jasper County EMA will continue working alongside MercyOne Newton to make
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office launches community outreach program
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office has launched a new program that leaders say will strengthen partnerships and trust between law enforcement and the community, and all the while enhancing support services all across the county. Sheriff Brad Shutts said connections with businesses, schools and residents are vital.
In a news release from the sheriff’s office on Sept. 10, it was announced the Community Outreach and Field Support Services Program was being devel-
oped. The program reflects the sheriff’s office’s commitment to proactive engagement, trust-building and responsive service. The program is made possible through generous donations from community members and local partners in Jasper County. The sheriff’s office said these actions are a reflection of the shared commitment of Jasper County residents and law enforcement o building a safer and more connected community. According the program’s mission statement, outreach and field support services will help public safety through engagement. The sheriff’s office strives
to provide compassionate support, responsive resources and collaborative partnerships that address the needs of residents. It does this by fostering open communication.
Three key areas will be focused on by the program: community outreach, field support services and partnership development. Community reach consists of relationship building through events, education and ongoing engagement with residents of all ages. Sheriff Brad Shutts explained in a follow-up with Newton News that these events can be anything from the annual Nation Night Out fes-
Building relationships is vital in order to provide the best services to citizens
tivities to hosting Halloween events at the sheriff’s office.
Field support services consists of offering compassionate, responsive assistance during emergencies, crises and community needs. Shutts said a big example of field support services is the partnerships with Crisis Canines of the Midlands and the therapeutic qualities the dogs can have on residents and first responders.
Partnership development involves collaborating with schools, local organizations and service providers to connect
| 3
Serving Colfax • Mingo • Baxter • Western Jasper County
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune MercyOne Newton Medical Center is progressing in its emergency room renovation project.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune
A crowd cheers on the participants who first kayaked through the waters before either starting the run themselves or tagging a teammate to make the trip around the park on Sept. 14 for the 2025 Paddle Skedaddle at Quarry Springs Park in Colfax.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune
The community celebrated the Deutsch Family Shelter House at Geise Park Sept. 13 in Baxter with food, activities and fellowship.
Obituaries
Donna Mae Baker
Sept. 10, 2025
Donna Mae Baker, the daughter of Lenard J. and Mary H. (Knochel) Marnell, was born September 14, 1952, in Burlington, Colorado. She graduated from the Chariton, Iowa Senior High School and went on to DMACC. On May 6, 1972, Donna was united in marriage with Gordon Baker in Chariton, Iowa. Donna worked in Human Re -
Baxter Garden Club
Baxter Federated Garden Club met on Sept. 11.
Club members presented the Baxter Food Pantry with donated food items. Bruce and Canice Connelly gave a tour of the Pantry and answered questions.
Program Presentation - Master Gardener Cindy Dethrow shared her knowledge about Mum care and updated the Club on the progress of the Inspiration Garden that is located at the Newton DMACC campus.
Meeting Called to Order by president Macy Lisk. Ten members responded to roll call stating their favorite color of Mum.
Secretary Report was given by secretary Deb Krampe. A correction was made on the minutes, changing Jasper County Foundation to Jasper Community Foundation.
Treasurer Report - Treasurer Janet
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
sources at Skiff Medical Center for 28 years. She was a member of SHRM (Human Resource Club) and First Baptist Church in Newton. Donna enjoyed nature, listening to audio books; walking with her sisters and her mom; and spending time with her kids and grandkids. Donna died on
Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at her home in Newton. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Korey, in 1986; and a sister Betty Thompson. Those left to honor Donna’s memory include her husband, Gordon; her son, Robert J. (Kristan) Baker; her daughter, Lisa R. (Kyle)
Club News
Damman presented a written report showing the income and expenses for the month of August. Macy presented the receipt from Iron Works for the planter that was purchased using the Jasper Community Foundation Grant money.
Correspondence/AnnouncementsJasper County Master Gardener Mum sale is Saturday September 13 from 10 – 2 at the Inspiration Garden Pavilion on the Newton DMACC Campus.
Macy shared there is a workshop September 27th at Rock Creek titled Safe Mushroom Foraging if any member is interested in attending. Deb Krampe shared that the Baxter school is looking for Garden club members to assist with helping plant trees with students on September 19th at 1:00pm. A DNR grant was received for 14 trees to be planted at the school and the park. Five cub members were interested in volunteering.
Connor; her grandchildren: Corrie Baker, Bryce Baker, Blake Baker, Hazley Connor, Lillian Connor; her sister, Luann (Greg) Lucas and a brother-in-law, Mark Thompson. A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 15, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Newton. The family will greet friends following the service, during lunch. A Facebook Live broadcast of the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the Pence Reese Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorials may be designated to MercyOne Hospice and may be left at the church or the Pence Reese Funeral Home.
Macy presented an idea of doing a Sitting Pretty contest for next years Fun Days.
Old/New Business - Thank you to Laura for her tour of her gardens at our last meeting.
Planters on Main Street can now be cleaned out and decorated for the fall season.
Members voted to purchase two trees from Earl May using Foundation Grant money. Barb and Macy will work with Earl May on this purchase and the planting of these trees.
Continued discussion on purchasing benches to be placed around the city of Baxter will continue in hopes this project will happen next year.
Discussion on assisting with the beautification of the Baxter Recreation Complex will be continued at a later meeting date.
Members decided to select their own individual Christmas craft to
Church Schedules
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, Sept. 21 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Larry Freed; 5 p.m. “The Well” Youth Group
TUESDAY, Sept. 23 - 3:30 p.m. Women’s Prayer & Coffee; 6:30 p.m. Gospel of John Bible Study
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
bring and make at our November meeting.
Peggy made a motion that we sponsor a fall and Christmas yard decorating contest for Baxter residents awarding cash prizes of $100 for first, $75 for second, and $50 for third place. Laura seconded the motion and the members voted yes. Macy and Laura volunteered to do the fall contest and Janet and Cindy volunteered for the Christmas contest. Posters will be made to promote the contests.
Peggy announced the three Baxter homes that were awarded the Yard of the Month.
Members enjoyed a sharing time and snacks provided by Deb Krampe. Next meeting will be on Saturday October 11 where members will travel to the Appleberry Farm in Marshalltown.
Meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.
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 & 3rd6:30 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
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
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
memories in this community.”
When the couple had to sell the family farm, Rich discovered they would have to pay $400,000 in capital gains taxes, a dollar amount that far exceeded anything he was comfortable with. From there, an idea was born to give back to the community they cherished.
“My dad decided he wanted to give back in the Jasper County zip code and they put their farm into a charitable remainder trust,” Van Beek said. “They were able to live off of the trust until their deaths and then the Deutsch Family Foundation was created.”
The main wish of her dad was to provide scholarships for graduating seniors at Baxter. Van Beek said each year it gets more and more difficult to decide who the recipient will be because of the high quality of applicants coming from the school.
“We decided we wanted to do a signature project with our name on it,” Van Beek said. “The Van Beeks joined Baxter Hometown Pride to facilitate that. There are a lot of people who helped this dream become a reality but there
is one person I would like to highlight for getting this project to completion. From a very rough
concept, Danny Kunkel contacted me and decided we were going to figure out how to get this done
for our community. You could tell it meant just as much to him as it did our family.”
Kunkel’s determination led to a $35,000 donation of labor costs to the project. Along with $30,000 from the Baxter Education Foundation, $20,000 from the Kidville Committee, $8,000 from Baxter Hometown Pride and $270,000 from the Deutsch Family, the beautiful structure that will last for generations is now open in Geise Park. The park also celebrated primitive campsites now available for rent. Thanks to a grant from the Jasper Community Foundation, work on the sites was completed and features a fire ring, picnic table and trash bin.
To reserve a space, visit https:// anc.apm.activecommunities. com/cityofbaxter/home?onlineSiteId. If you need help making the reservations, visit https:// www.baxter-iowa.com/sites/ default/files/uploads/baxter-online-reservation-guide.pdf for guided instructions on the process.
An asset to the community, the Deutsch Family Shelter House is set to become a much-used feature in Baxter. Being able to see the idea stand before her, Van Beek is excited for the future of the community.
“We are so proud to have this as a memory of my parents,” Van Beek said.
sure the project is making progress and that county funds are going to be used the way the county wants. Supervisor Brandon Talsma said the county can cut the check for the hospital as soon as it breaks ground on the project.
“It’s going to be a great addition to our community,” Robinson said. The supervisors approved the statement of gift intent in a 3-0 vote.
Outreach
residents with vital resources. The sheriff’s office has devoted two school resource officers to area schools, and it regularly works with organizations like Capstone Behavioral Healthcare for help in a crisis. The sheriff’s office is committed to ensuring public safety includes both law enforcement and community support. By working through this program, the sheriff’s office said its deputies can continue working alongside citizens to create a safer, healthier and more connected Jasper County.
Jasper County earmarked the ARPA funds toward the project back in 2023. The city recently pledged $50,000 towards the $5 million emergency room renovation. The emergency department at the Newton hospital was built in 1971 and was last renovated in 1994. Efforts to expand the ER started in 2019. Infrastructure and design limitations
are impacting staff efficiency and, most important, patient care. The hospital cited insufficient treatment space and triage areas, lack of negative pressure rooms for infection control and inadequate exam room sizes as major hurdles.
Coupled with the growing behavioral health demands and the concerns about noise and privacy due to the cramped layouts, officials emphasized the need for an expansion of the existing facili-
ties. The ER receives more than 10,000 patient visits every year and is the sole emergency care provider in Jasper County.
The renovation of the ER has been identified as a top community health need, and the city supports that need and has called it an “essential investment” in the health and safety of the community.
The City of Newton proposed a contribution of $50,000 to the local hospital’s capital campaign back in July.
“Recently, we joined a human trafficking task force,” Shutts said. “Those are just some of the things and the programs we’ve built partnerships with that are really community outreach based. We just wanted to put it under one hat, so to speak. And really add onto our field support services.”
Shutts added that some community outreach tools or related resources or items require funding, which is where donations come into play. The sheriff said many of these resources are not — and, to him, should not — be paid with tax dollars.
For instance, the sher-
Developing community outreach events or programs is something the sheriff’s office has always strived for. Shutts said previous sheriffs have made community outreach a focus and have built strong relationships with the residents of Jasper County. Shutts pointed to school resource officers and Crisis Canines.
ATTENTION
Jasper County Treasurer Doug Bishop would like to remind Jasper County residents that the first half property tax and mobile home taxes are due and need to be paid on or before the end of business Tuesday, September 30th. Tax Payments can be made at the office from 8:00 until 4:30 daily M-F. Credit card and E-check payments can also be made online at www. iowatreasurers.org.
Payments mailed and postmarked before September 30th will be accepted without penalty. There is also a convenient drop box for payments located on the East side of the new administration building. If you have any questions, please call the Treasurer’s office at 641-792-7731
iff’s office is looking at buying a cooling trailer for events. Why is community outreach so important? Shutts said a law enforcement agency cannot be successful if it doesn’t have the support of its community.
“We have hearts, too. We can be a resource for them and they can be a resource for us, too, if needed.”
“Building those relationships and being comfortable speaking to law enforcement is vital,” he said. “We want to have transparency and we want to let them know we’re not going to be there on their darkest day like what most likely happens when they encounter us. We’re people. We’re human. We have families.
To learn more about the Community Outreach and Field Support Services Program or to learn about making a donation, contact Shutts at 641-792-5912.
The program’s full mission statement reads:
“The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach and Field Support Services
Program is dedicated to building trust, strengthening relationships and enhancing public safety through proactive engagement with our communities. We strive to provide compassionate support, responsive resources, and collaborative partnerships that address the needs of our residents. By fostering open communication, offering critical field support and promoting education and awareness, we are committed to creating a safer, healthier, and more connected Jasper County for all.”
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office is developing a community outreach program that leaders say will help with providing services to the community and build strong relationships with citizens.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune
The Deutsch Family Shelter House was full for a celebration in honor of its opening Sept. 13 at Geise Park.
OPINION
A call to action during Suicide Prevention Month
September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to not just raise awareness, but to renew our commitment to action.
As a veteran and a physician, I know firsthand the toll that stress, trauma, and invisible wounds can take. Too many of our servicemembers come
OPINION
Our District
U.S. Rep.
Mariannette Miller-Meeks
home from war only to face a different battle, one of mental health, isolation, and despair. Veterans are at significantly higher risk for suicide than the general population. Every loss is a tragedy, and every life we save is a victory worth fighting for.
But this challenge is not confined to veterans. Corrections officers, who work in one of the most demanding and high-stress environments imaginable, face suicide rates nearly 40 percent
Iowa State v Iowa
Ginnie and I were lucky enough to score a couple of tickets for the number 16 Iowa State/ Iowa football game in Ames. The seats were on the 20 yard line, upper level. There’s not a bad seat in Jack Trice Stadium. Thanks to the handicap tag I now possess (for a limited time), we had choice parking. And it’s a good thing, for I am now walking with a cane, and taking frequent catch-my-breath breaks as I trudge along, especially going up stadium ramps and steps. They had an elevator for the handicapped. Groovy. Many people were saying that Iowa State would have its way with Iowa this year. Iowa State was favored, not heavily, by 3.5 points. With an intrastate rivalry like this, you never know what’s going to happen. Being an Iowa State Alumnus, you know whom I favor. Iowa has dominated the rivalry over the years, with Iowa State sprinkling in a few wins here and there. Iowa is more of a ground-and-pound team, where Iowa State likes to put the ball in the air and follow with runs. With Iowa State’s 3-man defensive line, many arm-chair quarterbacks were saying Iowa would run all over Iowa State. Others were saying Iowa couldn’t defend against Rocco Becht’s precision passing. The 3.5 point line was probably accurate, which was really saying the game was a tossup.
It was great getting back to my old stomping grounds. I showed Ginnie where my car caught on fire on Lincoln Way when a cigarette I tossed out got sucked into the back window. The campus fire department asked if I’d been drinking. I said, “Well, shoot no,” and they let me off. Things were different back then. I showed Ginnie the cockroach infested apartments I lived in above a pizza joint (Pizza Pi Alpha), once again on Lincoln Way, across the street from campus. I also showed her the Campanile, and the swans, Lancelot and Elaine, on Lake LaVerne (we called it Lake Latrine).
The game didn’t have the razzle-dazzle I, and most of the Iowa Sate fans were hoping for, although Iowa State never trailed Iowa. Both teams scored a touchdown and two field goals to tie the game at 13. Then late in the fourth quarter, Iowa State’s Kyle Konrardy kicked a 54-yard field goal to win the game 16 to 13. He did the same thing last year to defeat the Hawkeyes in Iowa City. Konrardy also holds the Iowa State record for the longest field goal at 63 yards. He did that last week against South Dakota. Iowa State is now 3-0.
No one wants to say it out loud, for fear of jinxing, but there’s quiet talk of Iowa State winning the Big 12 Championship. Kansas State was the preseason pick to win the Big 12, but Iowa State has already beaten them in Ireland, by a Konrardy field goal. Matt Campbell may be the best football coach Iowa State has ever had, and there’s been some good ones: Johnny Majors, Dan McCarney and Earl-the-Pearl Bruce. The Cy-Hawk trophy stays in Ames for the second year in a row. Their next game is at Arizona State, who beat Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship last year. Grrr. Ginnie and I went to that game in Arlington, Texas, at the AT&T stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Strange as it may seem, last year, which was Arizona State’s first year in the Big 12 (so many changes in all conferences), they were a preseason pick to finish last, and they finished first. The first shall be last and the last shall be first.
It’s a great day in Iowa whenever any of the four major universities play each other in any sport: Drake, UNI, ISU and Iowa. I must say, I have never been in such a mob of friendly people as were at the ISU/Iowa game. Where we sat in the stadium there were many Iowa fans, and we all treated each other with respect, as we should. No tush-push.
Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com
higher than the general population. These are men and women who put on the uniform every day, step behind the walls of our prisons, and keep our communities safe, yet they carry burdens few ever see.
That’s why I introduced the Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act, named in honor of an officer we lost too soon. This legislation creates a program for confidential mental health screenings, early intervention, and outreach tailored to the needs of corrections officers. It is built on a simple belief: those who protect us deserve every resource and tool we can give them.
In Congress, I’ll continue working
to strengthen suicide prevention programs for veterans, corrections officers, first responders, and all those at higher risk. We must reduce stigma, increase access to care, and make sure that help is available when and where it’s needed. This month, I ask every Iowan to join me in remembering those we’ve lost, supporting those who are struggling, and reaffirming that suicide is not inevitable. With the right support and compassion, lives can be saved. America is strongest when we stand together. That means investing in prevention, breaking down barriers to treatment, and ensuring no veteran, no corrections officer, and no family ever feels they have to fight this battle alone.
OPINION
Political violence
Well, here we go again. Another sick individual has decided that the best way to silence a person whose views they disagree with is to kill them. And we are now hearing the usual pleas from the media and our elected officials to “tone down the hateful political rhetoric”, and “learn how to work through our disagreements with respect and understanding of those with whom we disagree.”, and “we need to find common ground.” Good advice, yet I remember these exact same conversations and pleas for civility happening immediately after the 2011 shooting of Gabby Giffords, which lasted all of about a week before we were right back to hating and blaming and personally
OPINION
Don’t take the ER for granted
I am at a point in my life where healthcare is important to me. Although I can no longer have babies, the fact that someone who lives in Newton must travel for maternity care bothers me.
But I want to discuss the emergency room update at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. I recently
SHARE YOUR VIEW
attacking each other in the media and in the halls of government and on social media.
Within the past 50 years we’ve had several acts of political violence, all across the political spectrum, yet after listening to some of those in the media and even some of our elected officials, you’d think these acts of political violence were all being committed by one side.
Do the names, JFK, Malcom X, Martin Luther King, Jr, Robert Kennedy, ring a bell?
Attempts on the lives of Ronald Reagan, Gabby Giffords, Steve Scalise, Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Mike Pence on Jan 6, Josh Shapiro, Donald Trump twice.
And earlier this year two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers
had to make a trip to the Emergency Room because of elevated blood pressure. It was not inconvenient because I could drive myself. But I don’t want to HAVE to go out of town for emergency care. I don’t believe any of us do!
Funds are being donated by different organizations to help fund the emergency room update at the hospital. I believe we citizens should help contribute so that this vital function is there when we need it. I know times are tough
were killed. If we are going to point fingers at the rise in harsh political rhetoric and hate speech and threatening statements, whether or not “in jest” as some would try to have us believe, and use that as the cause for the rise of political violence in this country, it seems there is plenty of blame to go around. If our media and our political leaders can be quick to condemn political violence, yet not even mention the violent acts committed against those on the other side, then is there any real hope that anything will ever change? Or, are we just fooling ourselves into thinking things will ever get better in this toxic political climate?
John Moore Newton
right now and I know that groceries as well as everything else is expensive. But I am asking you to give what you can to help fund this upgrade.
Send a check to MercyOne Newton Medical Center and be sure to indicate in the memo line that this check is for Emergency Room Funds. You just never know when you might need to use the facility!
Janice Carpenter
Newton
Letters to the Newton News will be edited for libel, grammar and length and should not exceed 400 words. We reserve the right to shorten letters and reject those deemed libelous, in poor taste or of a personal nature. Include your full name, address and a daytime phone number for verification. Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion of the writer or artist. Submit letters to newsroom@newtondailynews.com or Newton News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208
SPEAK OUT
Brandon Talsma, chair 4309 W Fourth St. S. Newton, IA 50208 641-526-3142 btalsma@jasperia.org
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
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Curt Swarm Empty Nest
Record-setting night propels Bolts to first win of 2025
MELCHER-DALLAS — A school-record nine sacks helped the Baxter football team post its first shutout since 2022 on Sept. 12. The Bolts rushed for 230 yards and added 13 tackles for loss on defense during their 60-0 road win over Melcher-Dallas in Class 8-man District 7 action.
It was the first career varsity football win for first-year head coach Zach Hasselbrink, who was the program’s defensive coordinator the last time the Bolts shut out an opponent.
The nine sacks is not only a school record.
It’s also two more than the
Bolts registered all of last year. They had only 11 sacks two years ago.
Baxter (1-2, 1-1 in the district) won its fourth straight over Melcher-Dallas.
The previous two scores were 68-0 and 64-0, which came on Sept. 2, 2022, and was the
team’s most recent shutout before Sept. 12.
Eight of the nine sacks came from players who registered their first career varsity sacks.
Ruger Kincaid led the defense with a career-best 7.5 tackles, one sack and three tackles for loss.
Liam Trent posted a career-high 4.5 tackles, two sacks and two tackles for loss, Owen Parrie had a career-most four tackles, three sacks, three tackles for loss and one forced fumble and Cole Frasher chipped in a career-best four tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery and one forced fumble.
It was the first career varsity sacks for Kincaid, Trent, Parrie
Tigerhawks show off depth in SICL victory over Keota
By Troy Hyde Sports Editor
COLFAX — Colfax-Mingo junior setter Katelyn Steenhoek prefers spreading the ball around to her teammates throughout each match. While setting the hot hand can be beneficial, Steenhoek also wants every Tigerhawk hitter to get a fair chance at the net. That strategy worked out for the Colfax-Mingo volleyball team on Sept. 11 as five players totaled at least four kills during its 25-21, 20-25, 25-19, 25-22 South Iowa Cedar League win over Keota, “I told them I don’t think
there was a game MVP in that one,” Colfax-Mingo head volleyball coach Mike Hunsberger said. “That was a team win.
There were moments we needed every one of them, and they all stepped up.”
Steenhoek’s favorite target in the team’s latest win was Britney Keeney, who put down a career-high 14 kills. But Grace Hunsberger had nine kills, Isabelle Utz collected six and Mickey Bucklin registered four.
Even Steenhoek herself tallied eight kills as she works as the hitting setter in the 6-2 formation this season.
“I think it’s going great,” Steenhoek said about the 6-2. “We’re working well as a team
and Frasher. All three Parrie sacks came on Melcher-Dallas’ final possession of the game.
Hayden Burdess finished with six tackles as well as his first career varsity sack. He leads the Bolts with 21 tackles this fall.
Eli Dee tallied 5.5 tackles, Stadan Vansice collected four tackles, Cael Wishman added one sack and Cooper Smith recovered a fumble for the first time in his varsity career.
Baxter’s offense averaged 7.9 yards per carry and 21.6 yards per completion.
Vansice was 6-of-12 through the air for 120 yards and three touchdowns, added 67 rushing
yards and two scores on nine carries and scored three twopoint conversions.
Dee completed his only pass for 31 yards, rushed for 33 yards and one TD on two carries and hauled in four passes for 107 yards and three scores.
Wishman gained 67 yards and scored one TD on six carries, Derek Rominger ran for 56 yards on six carries and Colten Damman caught two passes for 34 yards.
Melcher-Dallas (1-2, 1-1) was limited to 59 rushing yards on 23 carries. Gavyn Thordarson led the Saints with seven caches for 78 yards and added 6.5 tackles and one fumble recovery on defense.
Short-handed Bolts headline area boys at Tigerhawk Invitational
COLFAX — The Baxter boys cross country team fell in the Class 1A rankings recently.
But the reason for the drop is mostly due to injury.
The Bolts have not had the services of their top runner Max Handorf for more than a week, but Baxter continues to show why they were ranked in the first place.
The Bolts were missing two of their top five runners at the Tigerhawk Invitational on Sept. 11 but still finished fourth in the team standings after a pair of top-five individual finishes at Kelly Fields.
The only teams who were better than Baxter were 3A Saydel and 2A Grand View Christian and 2A Woodward-Granger.
The Eagles had the top two individual finishers and won the meet with 67 points. Grand View Christian (79) edged Woodward-Granger (82) for second and Baxter scored 117 points in fourth.
Collins-Maxwell (154) completed the top five and the rest of the 13-team field included Clarke (181), BGM (194), Woodward Academy (208), Montezuma (215), Colo-NESCO (242), the Newton JV (244), host Colfax-Mingo (283) and Pleasantville (354).
the area runners in fourth and Maddux Tuhn placed fifth. Fisher posted a career-best time of 16:49.66 and Tuhn crossed the finish line in a career-best 17:20.8.
The Bolts did not have the services of Maddox Peters due to an illness, but Dakota Parker (19:02.16) was 27th, Parker Bonney (20:30.24) took 42nd and Lincoln Russell (20:38.54) ended up 44th as the final scoring runners.
Sam Wilhelm (22:56.58) and Levi Gregory (24:17.75) were non-scoring runners in 75th and 87th, respectively.
Bonney, Russell and Wilhelm posted career-best times and Gregory made his varsity debut.
Colfax-Mingo was led by Sullivan Wilkins, who placed seventh in 17:37.54.
The next best area finishers though came from a trio of runners on the Newton JV squad. Chase Lundberg (20:39.99), Hudson Swarts (20:46.47) and Emerson Cook (20:48.69) finished in succession in 45th, 46th and 47th, respectively. All three Cardinals posted career-best times.
and doing an awesome job together.”
The Tigerhawks improved to 10-1 against Keota since 2015. The Eagles’ only win during that time frame came in a fiveset thriller last season.
Other than the balanced attack at the net, Colfax-Mingo flipped the script this season in part because of 13 aces and eight blocks.
Keeney got the Tigerhawks off to a hot start. C-M led 7-0 and 10-1 in the opening set, and Keeney produced three kills and a block during that stretch.
Utz opened the match with a kill and then made it 9-1 with an ace later. Keota trimmed its margin to 11-10 though after a 9-1 run of its own.
Colfax-Mingo (7-3, 1-1 in the conference) pushed its advantage back to four a few points later, but the Eagles refused to falter. They closed the gap to 16-15 and 21-19 later, but a tip by Steenhoek swelled the Tigerhawks’ lead.
Kills by Grace Hunsberger and Steenhoek and a block by Bucklin finished off Keota in the opening set and gave the hosts an early advantage on the scoreboard. Bucklin had a career-best four blocks in the win.
The second set was nip and tuck. Neither team led by more than two until Keota used a 5-0 run to move in front 20-14.
HLV/TC had an incomplete roster.
Saydel’s Gage Moreno won the boys’ 5K race in 16 minutes, 25.52 seconds and teammate Jacob McPherren was the runner-up in 16:29.31.
Baxter’s Brecken Fisher led
The Tigerhawks scored as a team for the first time this season. After Wilkins in seventh was Willie Fitzgerald (20:56.03) in 49th with a career-best time. Benjamin Faidley (23:15.79), Ryan Moore (24:13.7) and Asher Knutson (28:14.6) were the final scoring runners in 82nd, 86th and 107th, respectively. Milo Knutson (31:58.87) made his varsity debut and placed 116th.
Jasper County Tribune
Kincaid Parrie
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter sophomore Parker Bonney (2) nears the finish line in the boys’ 5K race at the Tigerhawk Invitational at Kelly Fields in Colfax on Sept. 11.
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Colfax-Mingo senior Britney Keeney, left, had a career-high 14 kills in the team’s four-set win over Keota on Sept. 11.
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Colfax-Mingo sophomore Mickey Bucklin, left, gets her hands on a Keota attack shot at the net on Sept. 11. The Tigerhawks
Sports Calendar
September 18
Volleyball
Colfax-Mingo at HLV/TC, 7:30 p.m.
BCLUW at Baxter, 7:15 p.m.
Cross Country
Colfax-Mingo, Baxter coed at Colo-NESCO, 4:30 p.m.
September 19
Football
Central Decatur at Colfax-Mingo, 7 p.m.
Twin Cedars at Baxter, 7 p.m.
September 23
Cross Country Colfax-Mingo, Baxter coed at West Marshall, 5:15 p.m.
Girls Swimming Centerville at Newton, 5:30 p.m.
September 25
Volleyball North Mahaska at Colfax-Mingo, 7:30 p.m.
Meskwaki Settlement School at Baxter, 7 p.m.
Area girls post best times at Tigerhawk Invitational
Troy Hyde Jasper County Tribune
Baxter freshman Elsie Hauser (1) finished 14th and posted a career-best time at the Tigerhawk Invitational on Sept. 11.
Colfax-Mingo football drops district game to rival North Mahaska
NEW SHARON — Wyatt Jay scored the first two touchdowns of his varsity career and Chase Trotter returned a kickoff 95 yards for a score, but the Colfax-Mingo football team couldn’t slow down North Mahaska on Sept. 12.
The Warhawks rushed for 348 yards and totaled five sacks during their 64-27 win on Homecoming during Class A District 6 play.
Colfax-Mingo and North Mahaska are 4-4 against each other since 2014. The Warhawks averaged 13.9 yards per carry in the win.
Trotter rushed for 36 yards on eight carries, hauled in five passes for 90 yards and one touchdown and returned a kickoff for a TD for the first time in his career to lead the Tigerhawks, who fell to 0-3 and 0-2 in district play.
Jay threw for a touchdown and caught a touchdown in the loss. His only pass completion was a 28yard TD pass to Trotter. He also caught two passes for 22 yards and his first-ever varsity receiving TD.
Camden Cunningham was 6-of-15 through the air for 84 yards, one TD and two interceptions. He also rushed for 35 yards on 11 carries and averaged 37.5 yards on his five punts.
Wyatt Carpenter gained 24 yards on three carries and Fisher Grove ran for 25 yards on seven carries.
Cunningham and Grove both had six tackles to lead the Tigerhawk defense. They lead the squad with 19 and 16.5 tackles, respectively.
Kyle Wood chipped in 3.5 tackles and one fumble recovery, while Leo Van Hauen forced one fumble and recovered one fumble.
Gage Ries rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns to lead North Mahaska (2-1, 1-1 in the district), and Aydan Groom had 8.5 tackles.
Stadan Vansice
Baxter senior Stadan Vansice threw for 120 yards and three touchdowns, ran for 67 yards and two scores and had four tackles in the Bolts’ 60-0 win over Melcher-Dallas on Sept. 12. He has a team-most 13 total touchdowns this fall.
Jasper County Tribune
COLFAX — Ten area runners competed in the girls’ 5K race at the Tigerhawk Invitational on Sept. 11. And most of them turned in career-best times at the finish line.
Colfax-Mingo was the only complete area team, and the Tigerhawks finished fifth in their annual home meet at Kelly Fields.
Class 1A No. 11 Collins-Maxwell had the race winner, two top-five finishers and won the team title with 45 points.
The Spartans edged Class 2A Grand View Christian (51) by six points and the rest of the top five included 2A Woodward-Granger (75), Pleasantville (77) and Colfax-Mingo (106).
Colfax-Mingo’s Ashlynn Hosbond led the area runners in seventh place. Her time was clocked in a career-best 20 minutes, 41.6 sec-
onds. Ivy Anderson (23:16.56), Sahara Buenrostro (24:47.37), Mallory Sipma (24:48.86) and Lilyan Hadsall (24:54.58) were the other scoring runners in 21st, 32nd, 33rd and 36th, respectively.
Jessica Gibson (25:04.76) was the Tigerhawks’ non-scoring runner in 38th. Anderson, Buenrostro and Sipma also posted career-best times.
Elsie Hauser was Baxter’s only runner. She placed 14th overall with a career-best time of 21:36.58.
The girls’ standings featured eight teams. Montezuma (153), BGM (199) and HLV/TC (222) completed the field, and the other incomplete teams were Clarke, Colo-NESCO and Saydel.
Class 1A No. 21 Jayden Peters of Collins-Maxwell won the girls’ race in 18:51.13.
Class 2A No. 12 Eva Fleshner of Woodward-Granger was the runner-up in 18:57.13.
Baxter’s Russell sets Grinnell diving record
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Baxter senior Camryn Russell set a new pool and school record in 1-meter diving during Grinnell/BGM/Baxter’s swimming and diving meet at Grinnell College on Sept. 11. Russell, the defending state diving champion, posted a career-best six-dive score of 312.25.
Volleyball
Continuedfrompage5
Grace Hunsberger put down a kill and served up an ace to melt C-M’s deficit to three, but the Eagles closed out the set with a 3-1 run to even the match at 1-all.
“This conference has so many teams that are unknowns this year,” Coach Hunsberger said. “We’re going in kind of knowing what to expect, but it’s hard to get a good read on who teams are. Keota’s not a bad team, and we knew that. We challenged our kids after (Keota) tied the match because we were in a battle. And they did a good job continuing to fight and playing to the end.”
Keota (4-3, 0-1) scored the first three points of the third set, but two kills by Keeney and a combo block from Keeney and Dakota Allen trimmed the margin to 4-3.
The Eagles stayed in front until a 4-0 run by C-M flipped the advantage to the home team. But neither team led by more than three until Grace Hunsberger’s kill forced a Keota timeout and put her team in front 16-12.
Keeney opened the 7-0 run with back-to-back aces and Grace Hunsberger put down a pair of kills to swell the advantage to 19-12.
Keota forced a Tigerhawk timeout with a 4-0 run, but a Hope Allen ace extended the lead back to five.
The Tigerhawks scored three of the final four points in the set and all three came on kills from Steenhoek, who led the Tigerhawks with 17 assists, eight kills, 11 digs and three aces. Her kill efficiency was .231.
“We knew we had several pieces from last year moving into new and bigger roles this year,” Coach Hunsberger said. “We just really tried to work on playing as a team. We’re nowhere near where we want to be yet, but we’ve grown a lot in that area and are getting better and better.”
The fourth and final set started
similar to the previous two frames. Neither team led by more than two until Keota scored three straight to go up 10-7.
But three kills from Keeney drew the Tigerhawks even at 12-all and a Bucklin kill later kept the set tied at 15-all.
“We just really need to work on reading the ball a lot,” Steenhoek said. “That’s one thing we struggle with, and one thing that we need to improve.”
Colfax-Mingo had an answer for every Keota run. The Eagles led 7-5, 10-7, 15-12 and 18-15, but the Tigerhawks closed the gap to 18-17 after another ace by Allen.
Kills by Utz tied the frame at 20and 21-all. The set was tied at 22-all as well, but C-M got the final three points to close out the win.
Hope Allen matched Steenhoek with a double-double. She posted 14 assists, 10 digs and two aces, while Keeney totaled 14 kills, eight digs and five aces.
Grace Hunsberger added 11 digs to her nine kills, Utz had 12 digs and two aces to go with her six kills and Grace Allen contributed a career-best 22 digs. Macie Porter finished with six digs.
“I set everywhere,” Steenhoek said. “I’m trying to move the blockers, and everyone should get a fair chance to hit.”
The Tigerhawks were 88-of-94 in serves with 13 aces. They had a kill efficiency of .156.
Keeney was 21-of-21 in serves with a kill efficiency of .220. Grace Allen served 13-of-13, Hope Allen was 12-of-12 and Grace Hunsberger served 10-of-10.
“I don’t know that we have a No. 1 option,” Coach Hunsberger said. “They all showed tonight they’re capable hitters, and we need them all.”
Notes: Coach Hunsberger was proud of the way his team responded to adversity. The Tigerhawks came back from a deficit in three of the four sets, and the home team’s student section played a factor throughout the night. “A lot of those boys are my basketball players, and we challenged them to come out and be loud,” Coach Hunsberg-
er said. “They filled the seats and cheered loud and it helps so much.”
BGM 3, Colfax-Mingo 1
BROOKLYN — Five Tigerhawks registered at least three kills and Hope Allen and Steenhoek both posted double-doubles, but Colfax-Mingo fell to BGM in four sets on Sept. 9.
The Bears knocked off the Tigerhawks in C-M’s SICL opener 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 25-15 at home.
“We know we didn’t play like we’re capable of on (Sept. 9),” Coach Hunsberger said. “I don’t know if that was because it was a full gym and the first conference match or whatever. But we were stuck in the mud.”
The Tigerhawks finished with only six aces, had a kill efficiency of .031 and registered just one block at the net.
BGM (5-4, 2-1) served 95-of-97 in the win and Mya Beck and Kylie Arment each had double-doubles to lead the Bears.
Steenhoek led the Tigerhawks with 13 assists, 15 digs, six kills and two aces and Hope Allen added 14 assists, 18 digs and two aces.
Keeney put down nine kills and had three digs, Utz totaled seven kills and 11 digs and Grace Hunsberger tallied four kills and four digs.
Grace Allen contributed 19 digs, Meadow Lane posted 15 digs, Porter and Dakota Allen each chipped in eight digs and Bucklin put down three kills.
Colfax-Mingo was 76-of-84 in serves with six aces. Hope Allen served 16-of-16 and Keeney and Grace Hunsberger each finished 16of-17.
“We challenged them to respond and come right back and show they were capable of playing better,” Coach Hunsberger said. “I’m so proud of how they responded after Tuesday’s loss.”
Beck led the Bears with 12 kills and 17 digs and Arment added 13 assists and 12 digs. Shaye Strong contributed 25 digs, Emersyn Minnaert totaled 24 digs and BGM served up five aces.
Jasper County Tribune
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