It’s the most wonderful time of the year
Colfax Country Christmas heading to downtown Dec. 6
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Grab a stocking cap, pull on a warm coat and head downtown for Colfax Country Christmas. Starting at 9 a.m. and running throughout the evening Saturday, Dec. 6, the best of the season will be on display for everyone to enjoy.
“Businesses will be hosting open houses, there’ll be free horse drawn carriage rides, some businesses and organizations will be hosting family friendly activities and some will be open for holiday shopping and dining,” Colfax Main Street Director Stuart Patterson said.
The day kicks off with the Jasper County Christmas Crawl. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. stop into the shops along downtown and see how they are decked out for the holidays. Take time to look at the unique
Remodeled historic homes featured in Colfax Tour of Homes
Visit the beautifully decorated homes Dec. 12 and 13 in Colfax
Submitted Photo
Rebecca and Travis Pease’s house is one of four homes on the Colfax Holiday Tour of Homes Dec. 12 and 13
By Stuart Patterson
Special to the Jasper County Tribune
Leave it all on the floor
Baxter and Colfax-Mingo dance teams head to state competition Dec. 4 in Des Moines
It’s time to shine for the Baxter and Colfax-Mingo dance teams. The Iowa State Dance Championship, which is celebrating 50 years of high school dance, kicks off Dec. 4 with the local teams hitting the floor through the day at the Casey’s Center and EMC Expo Center in Des Moines.
The day starts with two soloists, one from each team, competing in the junior ballroom at the EMC Expo Center. Sydney Hibbs from Baxter will compete at 8:30 a.m. as a Class I solo finalist. Selma Metz from Colfax-Mingo will compete at 8:33 a.m. as a Class II solo finalist. Both dancers previously competed at State Solo Qualifying Oct. 24 and placed in the top 10 to move on to state finals.
The Baxter Dance Team will take the floor first with their hip hop routine at 9:44 a.m. in the
Casey’s Center facing east. They move to the EMC Expo Center at 11:23 a.m. for pom and finish the night back in they Casey’s Center facing west at 7:33 p.m. for their contemporary routine.
Colfax-Mingo first takes the floor at 10:25 a.m. for pom in the Casey’s Center facing west, returning to the same floor at 2:38 p.m. for The M.I.X. and finish the day competing lyrical at 4:30 p.m. at the EMC Expo Center.
After every team has taken the floor, awards will take place letting the teams know how they stacked up.
The Iowa State Dance Team Association, which was founded by Monroe native Kathy Enyart, is celebrating 50 years in 2026. From big poms and bigger hair to now more than 300 schools and more than 5,000 dancers, the organization has seen unprecedented growth and recognition as one of the preeminent competitions in the nation.
Barry Brauch
Open Saturday only 13792 Hwy F-48 W. Mitchellville
This is a remodeled late-Victorian farmhouse built in 1901 on the outskirts of Colfax and Mitchellville which features a large barn built in the early 1900s. The owner, Barry Brauch, lavishly decorates his home with 33 Christmas trees, 16 wreaths, 16 nativities and around 1,000 Santas! It takes
A handful of Colfax area residents will be showing off their beautifully decorated homes for the Colfax Holiday Tour of Homes on Dec. 12 and 13. This year’s Tour of Homes features four recently remodeled historic homes in the Colfax area. The Colfax Holiday Tour of Homes is a fundraiser for the Colfax Main Street program and their volunteer revitalization efforts in historic Downtown Colfax. Three houses will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec.12 and all four homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. Visitors can travel through the homes in any order and carpooling is encouraged.
HOLIDAY
him from September until Thanksgiving to decorate the whole house. Barry hosts fantastic private ticket dinners throughout the holiday season to showcase the wonderful decorations in his house. This house is open Saturday only and is a must see.
Karla and Todd Jones
724 E. Division St. Colfax
This Craftsman Style home was built by the Van Dusseldorp family in 1920. One hundred years later this home was reimagined by the Jones family and commissioned architects. The home was gutted and totally
TOUR | 3
WEEKEND SNOWSTORM
Jasper County and the rest of Iowa gets snowed in after an all-day winter storm
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
All of Iowa was affected by heavy snowstorms last weekend, including Newton and Jasper County. The snow started light on Friday evening, providing holiday events with a festive backdrop. But Saturday and Sunday snowfalls cloaked the region with its first real bout of winter weather, critically impacting travel.
National Weather Service forecasted heavy snowfall, with some areas of the state accumulating more than a foot. Travel would be difficult to impossible, they said, throughout the day and into the night. Wind gusts increased around the evening, which would only exacerbate and prolong travel impacts into Sunday. By around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jasper County Emergency Management Agency warned that
road conditions were continuing to deteriorate and would only get worse as the day went on. Towing was not recommended at that time. Travel was not advised. Jasper County EMA said it was best to stay home and stay safe.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office initiated a tow ban later that evening, reminding people to pack an emergency travel kit if
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
Kolten Slycord and Devin St. John sled down a hill at Sunset Park on Sunday, Nov. 30 in Newton.
Submitted Photo
Colfax Country Christmas starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 in downtown Colfax and features the tree lighting, Santa Claus and lots of fun activities for the whole family.
Submitted Photo
The Colfax-Mingo Dance Team will compete with three dances at the ISDTA Championship along with Selma Metz competing as a soloist.
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Submitted Photo
The Baxter Dance Team will compete at the Iowa State Dance Team Association Championships Dec. 4 in Des Moines.
in Colfax.
Heartland Singers present holiday music Dec. 7
Iowa’s pheasant hunting Thanksgiving tradition
Pheasant hunting has been as much a part of the Thanksgiving holiday for generations of Iowans, as cranberries and stuffing. And with a seasonable weather forecast that will likely put birds in cover, this would be a good year to continue that tradition and get back to the fields.
“It’s a good opportunity for hunters to get out with less competition,” Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said. “Would also be a good time to invite someone new along and pass along that tradition.”
The Iowa DNR offers an apprentice license that allows someone to give hunting a try under the supervision of an adult mentor without completing hunter education. This license may be purchased twice in a lifetime before the individual is required to complete a hunter education course.
Iowa’s pheasant population is at a 20-year high, with state wildlife experts forecasting hunters to potential-
ly harvest the highest number of roosters since 2007.
“The harvest is following what the roadside counts showed – better hunting in northern Iowa with lots of young birds out there,” Bogenschutz said.
Last year, more than 77,400 hunters harvested over 460,000 roosters, providing an estimated economic impact of nearly $170 million in Iowa.
The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State. The first season was held Oct. 20-22, 1925, when 13 counties in north central Iowa were opened to pheasant hunting. Hunters were allowed a three-rooster limit, for a half-day of hunting. An estimated 75,000 hunters participated.
Information on places to hunt, the August roadside survey results and more is available online by clicking the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting graphic at www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey.
Farmers, ag professionals invited to beginner and intermediate grain marketing workshop Jan. 6-7
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm Business Management Team invites farmers and agriculture professionals to a Grain Marketing Workshop in Ottumwa Jan. 6–7. The two-day workshop is designed for participants with various experience levels, including those with limited and intermediate skills, as well as seasoned, successful grain marketers.
Paul Martin, farm management specialist with ISU Extension andcorn and soybeans Outreach, said the event is a valuable opportunity for farmers. The primary goal of the workshop is that any farmer, farm family member or employee will learn more about how to create successful grain marketing plans to improve selling price. There is also value in getting away from dayto-day work and hearing from marketing experts.
Before attending the workshop, participants will complete several pre-workshop activities, including calcu-
lating their 2026 cost of production and cash flow budget, completing self-assessment exercises, answering questions about risk aversion and watching a short video series from Chad Hart. Another pre-workshop activity is the “Business IQ” survey, which
identifies strengths and weaknesses of agricultural producers in managing uncertainty and achieving business success. These activities will be provided upon registration and should be completed before the workshop. Workshop speakers
• Gary Schnitkey, professor in agricultural and consumer economics and extension farm management specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will discuss cost of production and marketing goals.
• Chad Hart, professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist at Iowa State University, will share a market outlook and teach lessons on options and how to utilize crop insurance in a marketing program.
• Logan Torrance, facility manager at Consolidated Grain and Barge Co., will speak about alternative grain contracts.
• Tim Christensen, Eric Weuve and Martin, farm management specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach, will discuss various marketing tools and activities.
Additionally, a panel of industry sponsors will respond to audience concerns and answer questions.
Registration and
accommodations Those who wish to attend the workshop must register online by Dec. 31. The registration cost is $100, and the workshop is limited to 60 participants.
This workshop will take place at the Bridgeview Center in Ottumwa, located at 102 Church Street, Ottumwa, and will begin at 9 a.m. Participants who require hotel accommodations can arrange lodging at the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in Ottumwa, which is conveniently located adjacent to the Bridgeview Center. A group rate for the conference is available for guests who can contact the hotel directly at 641-244-3644 and book a room under the “ISU Grain Group.”
For more information, including a complete agenda, visit the Ag Decision Maker website or watch the workshop introductory video. For answers to additional questions, contact Paul Martin at pmartin1@iastate.edu.
Iowa Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services reminds Iowans of tips to prepare for and stay safe this winter
The holidays are upon us, and winter is right around the corner. With the cold weather comes slick roads, frozen pipes, and other dangers that we often forget about after months of warm weather and mild temperatures. Whether you plan to be on the road or in the home this holiday season, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services encourages every Iowan to follow these tips to stay safe this winter.
Preparing the house:
Prepare your house: The lead up to winter is a great time to take an assessment of your house and make any updates necessary to prepare for the cold months ahead. First, check the insulation of your home, particularly around windows and doors. If there is a draft, or if you are having a hard time keeping the cold air out, you may want to look into installing new insulation, caulking, or weather stripping. Clean your gutters to prevent ice dams and heavy snow build up. Additionally, if your house has a furnace, it is smart to change the filter and schedule a tune up before the weather gets too cold.
Prepare your plumbing: Freezing temperatures mean your plumbing is at risk. The water freezing in your pipes can lead to burst pipes and unnecessary flooding. By keeping your house at a steady temperature, putting a “drip” on the faucets you don’t use often, and shutting down/disconnecting exterior hoses and water lines, you minimize your chances of this happening. In areas of the home that might be colder, such as the basement, garage, or attic, you may want to also insulate any exposed piping. Insurance policies often cover the resulting water damage from burst pipes, but only if the homeowner has taken reasonable steps to maintain the pipes and keep them from freezing.
Prepare your kitchen: As the holiday season picks up and we spend more time in the kitchen, make sure you are implementing safe practices – more than half of all house fires start from mishaps in the kitchen. As general tips, you should never leave your grill, stove, or oven unattended, and you should keep all combustible items (like cleaning supplies) away from these heat sources. Additionally, make sure your smoke detectors are installed
and regularly tested and that you are utilizing surge protectors to protect your outlets and circuits. Build an emergency kit: Build a kit with the nec essary materials in case a storm impacts your access to electricity. Keep nonperishable food and water handy throughout the winter in case your home gets snowed in. Additionally, have candles, match es, a flashlight, spare batteries, a snow shovel, ex tra blankets, firewood, a fire extinguisher, and a generator in the kit in the event you lose power.
What to do if disaster strikes: Check your health, then check your assets: Frostbite and hypothermia are dangerous and can lead to serious health issues. By moni toring yourself and your loved ones for numbness, discolored skin, and shiver ing, you can remain alert and treat the symptoms before issues begin. Stay warm, focus on heating up your core and head, and then you can check your assets.
Familiarize yourself with your insurance: It’s important to be up to date on your insurance policy and aware of your coverage and deductible options. Contact your state-registered insurance agent immediately following a disaster to discuss your options for filing an insurance claim. They will inspect and provide you with an estimate of the repairs that are covered by your policy.
winter survival kit, driving in snowy and icy conditions, or staying up to date on weather developments, be prepared this winter with the following tips from the Iowa DOT.
Beware of scammers: After a disaster, scammers work to take advantage of hard-working Iowans. Be sure any contractors you consult or hire are legitimate. Search them online, cross check their filing with the Iowa Insurance Division, and determine if they fall within your insurance network. By getting a written estimate from at least three different contractors, you can rest assured that you will get the best price for your needs. Know the warning signs of non-reputable businesses, be cautious about signing an assignment of benefits, and never pay in full upfront.
When the roads get icy, our friends at the Iowa Department of Transportation are here to help. Whether it’s winterizing your vehicle, packing a
Additional holiday tips and reminders: How to protect big holiday gifts with extra insurance coverage: Not all homeowners policies fully cover every loss. If you have a big-ticket item in your home, you may want to consider adding a rider or endorsement to your policy.
Online shopping for gifts this holiday season? As you place your orders, make sure to be aware of package protection scams. Unlicensed entities are not legally allowed to sell insurance products and may claim warranties, guarantees, or protection plans.
If you plan to travel home this holiday season, consider travel insurance: Travel plans can be expensive, and unexpected circumstances could cut a trip short or stick you with unforeseen costs – but there are ways to insure against these mishaps.
AlfRibeiro - stock.adobe/com
The grain and marketing workshop will explore how to create a successful grain marketing plan.
Submitted Photo
Heartland Singers Community Chorus presents “Angelic Bells” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at Oakwood United Methodist Church, 400 NE 56th St. in Pleasant Hill. The concert includes both sacred and secular music. It is directed by Dawn Hutchison and accompanied by Mary Nikkel and Claudia Holcomb. Connie Budding, Nancy Wright and Mary Nikkel. Refreshments will be served after the concert. There is no charge for the concert. A free will donation is appreciated.
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individuals need to travel. If a person were to end up in a ditch, the sheriff’s office recommended people keep their tailpipe clear of snow and remain patient until help can arrive.
The secondary roads department for Jasper County announced that snowplows were on the roads by 4:30 a.m. Saturday, continuing op -
Christmas
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erations for the next 12 hours.
The City of Newton announced its snow ordinance was in effect just before noon Saturday, meaning no street parking would be allowed.
Newton Fire Department issued warnings of the upcoming snowstorm as early as Tuesday, Nov. 25, saying that forecasters were confident snow would most definitely develop. However, the exact amounts and locations were not entirely certain at that time. Shortly after, forecasters expected up to eight or
pieces and maybe one will jump out as the perfect present for a friend or loved one.
The evening begins when the big man in the red suit rolls into town. Santa Claus arrives at 5 p.m. just in time for the
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modeled with two additions by local builder
Mike Talsma of M&J
Construction and finished in 2021. The Joneses love their open living space with vaulted ceilings. They used milled hickory wood from trees on their property in the interior of their home. They also love spending time on their three outdoor living spaces on their half acre property.
Rebecca and Travis Pease 2559 W. 112th St. N. Colfax
In 2024-2025, The Peases remodeled Travis’s grandparents’ house that was built in 1954 on the family farm. The original home was a simple, ranch style home which had a few additions over the years. Rebecca and Travis doubled the size of the home with additions to accommodate their family’s current needs. Local area contractor
nine inches.
Of course, those anticipated totals would grow with each day. Newton would go on to accumulate around 8.5 inches. Fort Dodge recorded a whopping 15 inches.
The fire department also warned of much colder air arriving Sunday and lasting into the week. They said wind chills would drop below zero at times, and that limiting time outside, dressing in thick layers and making sure pets had warm shelter was advised.
tree lighting ceremony at 1 West Howard Street behind Weathervane Vintage.
With the lights twinkling bright, the downtown businesses will shine, free horse drawn carriage rides start, caroling will fill the streets and family friendly activities will start up for everyone to enjoy. Santa will also be available to take photos, accept letters and hear all of the Christmas wishes at Bank Iowa at 100 N. Walnut St.
Additional shopping can be found at a vendor show at the Howard Street Christian Church at 101 N. Locust St. See handmade one-of-a-kind items that will add the perfect touch to your holiday decorations or make a special present unlike any other.
At 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. a holiday story time will take place at the Colfax Public Library. Stop in, take a break and hear the classic tales of the Christmas season.
Mike Talsma of M&J Construction completed the remodel and additions. They kept the original hardwood flooring in the house and original chimney in the kitchen which is now a unique architectural feature on their kitchen island. They enjoy watching the sunsets from their living room which looks over the farm fields and cattle.
Tonya and Eric Reed
225 S. Walnut St. Colfax
This large historic home was built in 1900 and was lovingly renovated over the course
of 11 years by the Reed Family. Tonya and Eric purchased the family home from Tonya’s parents in 2006 and began to renovate the home shortly afterwards. Their goal was to save the historic home instead of it being torn down; they also wanted to retain the historic integrity of the home’s style while making it more modern to suit their needs. Tim Freeman of Mingo Casegoods worked on the home’s renovation and offered great guidance on how to upgrade the spaces. The home features a master suite with two walk-in closets, a lot of ample storage space, a
Getting hungry after all of the activities? A freewill donation soup supper sponsored by Colfax Main Street will serve up tasty and warm soup and treats from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Colfax Senior Citizens Center.
“(It’s) fun for families and a great day for holiday shopping,” Patterson said. Check out the Colfax Main Street Facebook for all updates on activities for Colfax Country Christmas.
with gaming area, and a new basement with extra living space. Every member of
the Reed family has their own favorite space across the four levels of their home!
Tickets for the event are $15 and can be purchased by cash or check only at Colfax City Hall, Spring City Pharmacy, Professional Hair Designers and Shear Attraction Salon in Colfax. Tickets can also be purchased from Venmo @ MainStreetColfax and from Colfax Main Street’s Square Site: https://colfaxmainstreet-462147. square.site/. Please give the ticket holder’s name and phone number if purchasing through Venmo.
finished attic
Submitted Photo Todd and Karla Jones house on the Colfax Tour of Homes 2025.
Submitted Photo Tonya and Eric Reed house on the Colfax Tour of Homes 2025.
Submitted Photo
Barry Branch house on the Colfax Tour of Homes 2025.
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasperr County Tribune Kids in the community sled down the steep hills of Sunset Park on Sunday, Nov. 30 after the day-long snowstorm the day before.
The government is open. Now it needs to get America moving — literally
By LeeAnn Hall
Despite the government reopening, Americans are still suffering from the chaos of an administration that is out of touch with the needs of the people.
Though federal workers are back on the job and agencies are resuming their work, countless essential programs are stalled or at risk, costing all of us by failing to invest in the services we need, like health care, housing, and transit.
Reopening the government is not the same as restarting the economy — and if Congress and the White House want to turn relief into momentum, they need to put real investment behind one of the strongest engines of growth we have: public transportation.
Public transportation is one of the best economic investments a government can make. Every $1 billion invested in public transit creates and
supports more than 50,000 jobs, according to the American Public Transportation Association.
Strong transit networks attract businesses, get people to their jobs, and revitalize downtowns. Cities like Denver, Dallas, and Seattle have already seen how modern transit systems can spur billions in investment around new rail lines and stations.
Transportation also lies at the heart of our affordability crisis. It’s the second highest cost burden for most American households, just below housing.
But instead of addressing this head on, the administration is reneging on its funding obligations for projects of all types and threatening to further deplete investments that would give us more affordable options to get around.
Across the country, bus lines are being cut, subway systems are aging, and commuter rail projects are stalled be -
A dangerous new approach to homelessness
By Jeremy Saunders
No one wants people sleeping on our streets. For years, experts have agreed the best way to prevent that is to create more housing everyday people can afford, and to provide housing — coupled with supportive services for addiction, mental health, and other help — to those living on the streets.
That’s the one approach proven to work. Until recently, the state of Utah was a leader in it.
But now Utah has announced a new approach, with the Trump administration’s backing, that could erase this progress. And the Trump administration is proposing dramatic changes to housing fundsthat could force states across the country to follow suit — or lose the funds altogether.
That would be a disaster.
Utah is opening a large “accountability center” in the outskirts of Salt Lake City. Ostensibly the center will treat addiction and provide mental health services, but in practice this center will function like a jail where impoverished people who can’t afford housing will be sent against their will.
This “solution” was put forward by political appointees and business leaders, not actual homelessness experts. Local advocates warn this massive center won’t have the funds to provide treatment to the 1,300 people held there against their will. Instead, they worry it will only divert resources away from programs that actually work.
Experts have also raised concerns that the government advisor promoting this plan has a financial interest in the center: his firm has software that will get tax dollars to operate these internment camps.
Not long ago, Salt Lake was considered a model for solving homelessness, when a local housing program managed to get nearly the entire homeless veteran population off the streets. They did this not by forcing people into detention camps but by providing them with permanent, subsidized housing along with robust health and social services.
But supporters of this detention center have actually opposedmoving people from the streets into housing with
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services onsite, calling these policies “permissive” — even though, when adequately funded and supported by elected officials, they actually work.
There are certainly “permissive policies” being pushed by politicians.
Landlords are permitted to profit off record high rents that fuel homelessness. Corporations arepermittedto pay wages so low that full-time employees still can’t afford housing and groceries.
A ruling by our billionaire-backed Supreme Court permits cities to fine and jail people who are forced to live on the street because they can’t afford housing, even when there’s no available shelter.
And under the administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” the wealthiest Americans are permitted to get trillions of dollars in tax cuts while everyday people are denied health care, food assistance, decent wages, or housing they can afford.
The Trump administration has actively promoted all of this. Laws are popping up across the country to make it illegal to be homeless. Rents continue to rise, along with the cost of living, without any increase in wages. And we are seeing massive cuts to food, health care, and housing that will only increase homelessness.
If we don’t act now to demand common sense solutions that actually work, we could be entering a period in our country that we will look back on with deep regret — where government policy leads to mass poverty and sickness, and those forced onto the streets are imprisoned.
Who won’t be locked up?
Wealthier people who struggle with addiction and mental health issues. They’ll get access to the quality care they need — and if they relapse, they can get the same care they need again.
This is what all people deserve — and what research tells us works. We should bring back investments in actually housing people, not locking them up.
Jeremy Saunders is the Co-Executive Director of VOCAL-NY,partofVOCAL-US, an organization dedicated to ending homelessness and the overdose crisis.
cause federal funding remains uncertain or insufficient.
Which is why it is so troubling that the Trump administration is threatening to take the unprecedented step of gutting federal transit funding altogether in the next funding fight.
While this move may have the politically motivated goal of impacting larger transit systems in cities like New York and Los Angeles, what the administration does not realize is that the communities that would suffer the most are those with transit agencies who rely the most heavily on federal funding.
These include small urban and rural agencies like the ones you’ll find in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Flagstaff, Arizona, or Rocky Mount, North Carolina, where students rely on transit to get to class, warehouse workers rely on transit to get to work, and older adults rely on transit to remain independent and stay connected to their communities.
Washington’s next move should be clear: reject Trump’s plan to gut transit funding and pass a long-term, fully funded transit package.
That means investing in operating funding, supporting maintenance and
modernization, and putting resources towards expansion, so that local and state partners aren’t left to carry the burden alone. The return on that investment isn’t abstract — it’s faster commutes, stronger local economies, and cleaner air.
But this will require political will from our leaders. It means resisting the easy allure of short-term fixes like formula funding for highway expansion and narrow discretionary grants for transit, and instead delivering the long-term funding for the infrastructure that makes cities thrive.
Federal and state governments must prioritize sustained, predictable funding for local transit agencies. At the local level, cities should redesign streets for buses, bikes, and pedestrians — not just cars.
The government is open again. Good. Now let’s keep the country moving — literally.
A nation that invests in its people’s ability to move freely and affordably is a nation that’s investing in its own growth. And we need that more than ever.
LeeAnn Hall is the Executive DirectoroftheNationalCampaignforTransit Justice.
Without Medicaid, many rural Americans will die
By Marcia Dinkins
This summer, Congress and President Trump cut over $1 trillion from Medicaid to help offset the cost of tax cuts for billionaires. Those Medicaid cuts are scheduled to start kicking in after next year’s midterms, so it’s time for everyone to start understanding the life and death consequences now.
This year, my adult daughter in rural Michigan was hospitalized multiple times with a raging infection of her pancreas, spleen, and gallbladder. Surgery saved my daughter’s life. And that surgery was possible because of Medicaid.
As a parent and grandparent, I do everything possible to protect the health and safety of my loved ones — just like you do. That doesn’t just mean taking care of things around the house or getting them to the doctor — it can also mean fighting against the policies that make people sick or deny them care.
When my kids were young, poor air quality and environmental hazards caused our family physical, mental, and financial anguish. Now my three adult children have serious medical issues, including seizures and pulmonary embolisms.
Millions of other Americans have health issues like these — and their lives will be at risk if they lose Medicaid coverage.
That’s what drove me to found the Black Appalachian Coalition to close race and gender health disparities. Our work focuses on
communities throughout Appalachia, including in Kentucky, Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, New York, and West Virginia.
Through my work in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky, I met Linda Brown — a staunch advocate for affordable health care, driven by personal experience.
Brown once had a medical emergency and spent nine days in the hospital. “I didn’t know if I would live, yet I never had to wonder how I would pay. Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act saved my life,” she said. Affordable health care “let me focus on healing, on breathing, on being a mother, instead of drowning in fear of medical bills.”
As Brown recovered, she felt hopeful. She could take care of herself and her son, and help others in the community. Now she’s a Black Appalachian Coalition trainer and supports people to share their story and point us towards solutions.
Now’s the time to start sharing stories like hers. Ten million Americans will lose health care coverage because of the federal cuts to Medicaid. Coupled with cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies — the still unresolved sticking point of the recent government shutdown — up to 17 million Americans could lose care overall.
Without medical coverage and funding for health care institutions, people will lose access to maternal health care, mental health and drug treatment, and preventative and primary care.
Rural areas already experience slow care — but with the cuts, we will have no care. That’s because health care providers will cut services or shut down — especially in rural areas and low-income communities where hospitals are more dependent on patients with Medicaid coverage.
That will impact care even for people with traditional private insurance. We’ll see an increase in emergency room visits, and the burden of the costs will be shifted to already stretched communities. The attacks on Medicaid aren’t just policy choices — they’re signing people’s death certificates before they ever see a physician. They’re denying people like my daughter — or someone you love — access to the treatments, prescriptions, and care that could save their lives.
With this experience in mind, I worked with 40 organizations to produce the Rural Policy Action Report, which provides a federal policy agenda — including on health care — to improve rural people’s lives.
I know I speak for my rural neighbors when I say we’re demanding that Congress reverse its cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, expand health care coverage, lower prescription drug prices, and ensure the access to care that all of us deserve.
Archbishop Marcia Dinkins is the founder and executive director of the Black Appalachian Coalition.
Veterans receive quilts from Baxter Quilt Club
Did
Saving for retirement ensures people can navigate their golden years with enough money to comfortably say goodbye to working full-time. The earlier one begins to set aside savings for retirement, the more money accumulates. Mass Mutual says a saver at age 22 with a goal to retire at age 65 can achieve total savings of $2,255,844 before taxes and inflation when putting away $500 a month for retirement. Waiting until age 32 to start saving the same amount monthly drops the total savings down to $972,542, while waiting until age 42 shaves it down to $395,866. When a person starts saving at age 22, the rate of savings increases because of compounding interest over time. The earlier a person starts, the easier it is to end up with a nest egg that can ensure a comfortable retirement. While it may be challenging to think about retirement when just starting out in a career, keeping an eye on the future with smart saving strategies can set people up for financial security later in life.
12 facts about Pearl Harbor
December 7 is a solemn day marked by remembrance of an event that lives on in the minds of many people Ñ particularly those who are old enough to remember the ravages of World War II. On December 7, 1941, Japan launched a surprise attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, resulting in more than 3,500 American troops and civilians being wounded or killed. The Japanese attack brought the war much closer to home, shocking the country and the world.
In honor of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, here’s a look at some interesting and surprising details about the attack and Pearl Harbor in general.
1. Japan attacked Pearl Harbor as part of a strategy to expand its empire into Southeast Asia for oil and other vital resources. Japan was threatened by U.S. opposition and the oil embargo placed on the nation by the United States.
2. Pearl Harbor is an American lagoon harbor on the island of Oahu, which is west of Honolulu. It often was visited by the Naval fleet of the United States.
3. Pearl Harbor lies approximately 3,800 to 4,000 miles from Tokyo, Japan. It is much closer to the U.S., at roughly 2,600 miles from Los Angeles, despite Hawaii often being described as centrally located in the Pacific.
4. To catch the Americans by surprise, Japanese ships maintained strict radio silence throughout their trek from
HOWARD ST. CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ) Pastor Josh Burns 101 N. Locust St., Colfax Cell - 515-779-3148
SUNDAY - 10 a.m. Fellowship;10:30 a.m. Worship, in person or online via YouTube
MONDAY - Pastor Josh day off TUESDAY - 9:30 a.m. Coffee Time; 2:30 p.m. Chair Yoga
WEDNESDAY - 3:30 p.m. After school elementary youth; 6:15 ChiRho and CYF youth supper; 7:30 p.m. Youth Group
THIRD SUNDAY - 8 p.m. Elders meeting, Board meeting after church; Collect for Food Pantry
FOURTH SUNDAY - Potluck
Dinner
FIFTH SUNDAY - Potluck
Breakfast
FIRST MONDAY - WIC appointments
FOURTH & FIFTH TUESDAY -
3 p.m. Table of Grace
IRA UNITED CHURCH
Pastors Doug Cupples and Phil Butler
SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church
Hitokappu Bay to a predetermined launch sector 230 miles north of the Hawaiian island of Oahu, according to the National World War II Museum. Planes lifted off at 6 a.m., followed by a second wave an hour later.
5. The first wave of planes arrived shortly before 8 a.m. that Sunday morning, with hundreds of Japanese fighters descending on the base.
6. Pearl Harbor Tours says many people do not know that Americans fired the first shot the morning of December 7. The Wickes-class destroyer USS Ward attacked and sank a Ko-hyoteki-class midget submarine near the entrance to Pearl Harbor. It was the first shot fired on that day.
7. Japan’s plan was to destroy America’s Pacific Fleet so the Americans would not be able to fight back. Radio silence only was broken once Captain Mitsuo Fuchida was perched above the American ships and shouted, ÒTora! Tora! Tora! (Tiger!, Tiger! Tiger!),Ó the coded message informing the Japanese fleet that Americans were caught by surprise.
8. All nine battleships in Pearl Harbor sustained significant damage. All but the USS Arizona, USS Oklahoma and the USS Utah were eventually salvaged and repaired.
9. Half of the 2,403 U.S. personnel who perished at Pearl Harbor were aboard the USS Arizona. The sunken battleship serves as a memorial to all who died in the attack.
10. The Japanese suffered casualties
during the attack. One hundred twenty-nine Japanese soldiers were killed.
11. The attack on Pearl Harbor was the catalyst for the U.S. to enter World War Two. On December 8, 1941, Congress approved President Roosevelt’s declaration of war on Japan. Three days later, Germany and Italy (Japan’s allies) declared war against the United States.
12. Japan misjudged the American resolve and resilience, as well as the Americans’ capacity to wage a protracted war. Nearly four years later, World
Church Schedules
service; 10:30 a.m. Sunday school Communion first Sunday METZ COMMUNITY CHURCH
3253 W. 62nd St. S., Newton Pastor David Rex 641-521-4354
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:10 a.m. Worship Last Saturday of month - 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, Colfax Minister, Pastor Cody Dyer Church Office 674-4165
SUNDAY, Dec. 7 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Communion Sunday - Message by Pastor Cody Dyer
MONDAY, Dec. 8 - 6:30 p.m. Men’s Group
TUESDAY, Dec. 9- 9:30 a.m.
Women’s Prayers & Coffee; 6:30 p.m. Gospel of John Bible Study
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 10 - 9 a.m.
Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer; 5:45 p.m.
AWANA Family Meal; 6:25 p.m. AWANA Clubs
FRIDAY, Dec. 12 - 7 p.m. Life
The church schedule is brought to you by Coburn FUNERAL HOMES Colfax-Prairie City-Monroe 515-674-3155 www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
Recovery Meeting
SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH Newton, Iowa
SATURDAY - 4 p.m. Mass
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Mass
COLFAX FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
S. Locust & W. Division St. Office - 674-3782
Rev. Phil Dicks pastor
SUNDAY - 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; Family Worship with Holy Communion
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
Rev. William Reynolds
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
War II would come to a close after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 7 and August 9. More than 100,000 Japanese were killed and thousands more injured by radiation sickness.
The attack on Pearl Harbor is a day that has lived in infamy, marking not only a reason for the U.S. to get involved in World War II, but showing the world that Americans would not be bullied into submission.
— Metro Creative
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 & 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
SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Bible classes; 10 a.m. Worship service; 6 p.m. Evening service WEDNESDAY -
Text/Voicemail 515-519-0206 SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Coffee Time; 10 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
Creative
The sunken battleship, USS Arizona, serves as a memorial to all who died in the attack.
Submitted Photos
Baxter Quilt Club presented five “Quilts of Valor” to Baxter area veterans recently. Four quilts were given at the Veterans Day program at the Baxter School, sponsored by American Legion Post 493. One quilt was presented at the veteran’s home. Quilt Club members have made and given 73 quilts to Baxter veterans since starting in 2014. Club members are Cynthia Baldwin, Linda Glenn, Beth Simbro, Chris Tipton and Marie VanBeek. This year’s deserving recipients were, from left: Jordan Wall, Mike Churchill, David Kolpin and Zacc Watt. Roger Grandgeorge is right.
Seven C-M gridders earn all-district honors
The Lynnville-Sully football team outscored opponents 23358 during Class A District 6 this season. And 16 Hawks were named to the all-district squad after a run to the league championship.
Senior Dawson James highlighted the squad from the area as he was named Defensive MVP. Senior Ben Squires was the Offensive Lineman MVP and Lynnville-Sully head football coach Mike Parkinson was recognized as the district’s coach of the year after guiding the Hawks to a perfect 6-0 record.
Six Tigerhawks were named to the all-district squad, led by second-teamers Wyatt Carpenter, Camden Cunningham and Kyle Wood.
Carpenter was a second-teamer on offense and Cunningham and Wood both made the second team on defense for the Tigerhawks.
Fisher Grove, Wyatt Jay and Lawrence Solasberry were the honorable mention selections.
The Tigerhawks had a player who earned the Golden Award, which goes to players who would have been all-district selections had it not been for an injury. That player was Chase Trotter.
All-district recognition is based on statistics inside district play only. The only senior for the Tigerhawks who made
all-district was Wood.
Carpenter was a second-team pick as an offensive utility player.
He finished with 95 rushing yards on 27 carries, 85 receiving yards on seven catches and two total TDs.
Wood and Cunningham both were second-teamers at linebacker.
Cunningham ranked second in the district with 45 tackles, led the district with three forced fumbles and added six tackles for loss.
Wood posted 27.5 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and tied for second in the district with two fumble recoveries.
Baxter’s Dee scores 8-man all-state football honor
Baxter senior Eli Dee made the switch from quarterback to wide receiver in the middle of last season.
And it led to a first team all-district selection.
With a full season at the position in 2025, Dee returned to the all-district squad but went beyond, too, as he was named to the second team of the Iowa Football Coaches Association’s all-state squads recently.
Dee completed both of his passes for 45 yards and rushed for 63 yards and one touchdown on six carries.
But he ranked in the top 10 in the class in catches, receiving yards and receiving TDs, too.
His 50 receptions ranked tied for ninth in Class 8-man and his 809 receiving yards were seventh. He also caught 16 touchdown passes, which ranked fourth in the class.
Jochems leads Bolts at Midland Invitational
WYOMING — Madison Jochems finished third and lost to the eventual champion and Kenzie Wignall and Johnelle Gliem each won a pair of matches during the Midland Girls Invitational on Nov. 25.
The Bolts scored 43 points and took 15th place in the 17-team field. Clinton won the tournament championship with 202 points.
The rest of the top five included Central DeWitt (189), West Delaware (128.5), Class 1A No. 1 Denver (126) and Cascade (110.5).
Jochems placed third at 125 pounds after a 4-1 day. She lost her opening match by fall in the third period to Clinton’s Alaina Carpenter despite leading 10-9 at the time of the pin.
Her next four matches were all wins by pin. The first three lasted 51 seconds or less and the win in the third-place match took 1 minute, 17 seconds.
Gliem was fourth at 170. She was 2-2 with two pins and one of her losses came against 2A No. 12 Liv Lonergan of Clinton.
Wignall was 2-3 at 130. She opened with a 15-12 victory and had a win by fall but lost three times by pin, too. Malayla Hurd also competed for the Bolts but was 0-2 at 235. Both losses came by fall.
Grove totaled 25 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery for the Tigerhawks. He made the team as a defensive utility player.
Jay caught eight passes for 90 yards and one touchdown as C-M’s starting tight end and Solasberry was the team’s best offensive lineman.
Trotter was the Tigerhawks’ best skill position player before the injury. He gained 230 yards and scored three TDs on 27 carries and hauled in eight catches for 137 yards and another TD.
Offensive MVP Beau Burns, sr., BGM Defensive MVP Dawson James, sr., Lynnville-Sully Offensive Line MVP Ben Squires, sr., Lynnville-Sully Defensive Line MVP Terrin Lawrenson, sr., Madrid Coach of the Year Mike Parkinson, Lynnville-Sully
Assistant Coach of the Year
Bill Dean, Madrid
Golden Awards Chase Trotter, so., Colfax-Mingo; Jace Johnson, so., Lynnville-Sully; Robby Tometich, so., BGM; Blaine Tiedemann, sr., Earlham; Loken Velky, sr., Madrid.
All-District First Team Offense
Quarterback: Beau Burns, sr., BGM.
Running backs: Gavin Fisk, jr., Lynnville-Sully; Josh Winey, sr., Earlham; Easton Halverson, Madrid. Wide Receivers: Jack Bowlin, sr., Lynnville-Sully; Landon Hassett, sr., BGM; Hunter Dooley, jr., Martensdale-St. Marys. TE/FB: Jevyn Severson, so., Madrid.
Offensive Line: Ben Squires, sr., Lynnville-Sully; Michael Spooner, sr., Lynnville-Sully; Konnar Stiles, sr., Earlham; Ben Cadden, sr., BGM; Thomas Skalicky, sr., Madrid; Trent DeBruin, sr., North Mahaska. Utilty: Ryan Groom, sr., North Mahaska; Nathan Findlay, sr., BGM. Kicker: Charlie Goemaat, sr., North Mahaska. First Team Defense Defensive Line: Terrin Lawrenson, sr., Madrid; Landon Cooling, sr., Keegan Long, jr., Earlham; Chance Angle, sr., North Mahaska. Linebackers: Dawson James, sr., Lynnville-Sully; Emerson Bridgewater, jr., Madrid; Zach Clayton, jr., BGM; Jaxen Speedling, sr., Earlham. Defensive backs: JD Richards, sr., Lynnville-Sully; Dylan Meland, sr., North Mahaska; Kinnick Grimm, jr., Madrid; Brady Baker, so., Martensdale-St. Marys.
Utility: Wyatt Mathis, sr., Lynnville-Sully; Gage Reis, sr., North Mahaska.
Returner: Kinnick Grimm, jr., Madrid. Punter: Landyn Fisk, sr., Lynnville-Sully.
Second Team Offense Quarterback: Connor Deal, sr., Lynnville-Sully. Running back: Will Atkinson, jr., Madrid. Offensive Line: Hunter Neleman, jr., Lynnville-Sully; Dax Frey, sr., Madrid; Nick Milani, sr., Madrid; Camren Cooling, sr., BGM; Ty Conry, sr., Earlham; Caleb Hol, so., North Mahaska; Ash Arthur, sr., North Mahaska. Utility: Wyatt Carpenter, jr., Colfax-Mingo; Burt Johnson, sr., Lynnville-Sully. Kicker: Beckett Rhoads, sr., BGM. Second Team Defense Defensive Line: Cameyon James, jr., Lynnville-Sully; Reed Slater, jr., BGM; Ashton Kalinay, sr., BGM; Keeghen Reed, sr., Earlham; Corbin Etter, sr., Earlham. Linebackers: Kyle Wood, sr., Colfax-Mingo; Camden Cunningham, so., Colfax-Mingo; Henry Sharp, fr., Lynnville-Sully; Brady Springer, jr., Madrid; Ayden Groom, sr., North Mahaska; Alex Meland, sr., North Mahaska. Defensive backs: Landyn Fisk, sr., Lynnville-Sully; Chase Perkins, jr., Madrid; Chase Kriegel, so., BGM; Brady Reynolds, jr., Earlham. Honorable Mention Fisher Grove, jr., Colfax-Mingo; Wyatt Jay, so., Colfax-Mingo; Lawrence Solasberry, so., Colfax-Mingo; Jaxson Merten, fr., Lynnville-Sully; Trace Carlson, jr., Lynnville-Sully; Brayden Wehrle, so., Lynnville-Sully; Ethan Brigdgewater, sr., BGM; Brady Steward, sr., Earlham; AJ Dunsky, jr., Earlham; Cole Eitel, jr., BGM; Quinton Moore, jr., Madrid; Logan Bogardus, so., Madrid; Jake Sawyer, sr., Madrid; Orion Blaisdell, so., Martensdale-St. Marys;
State-ranked Hawks turn away Baxter girls in county matchup
BAXTER — Lynnville-Sully’s girls basketball team broke open a close game with a dominant final three quarters during its non-conference game against Baxter on Nov. 25.
The Class 1A No. 8 Hawks led by three after one quarter but cruised from there during a 57-24 road win.
Baxter got 15 points from Emileigh Beals and 11 rebounds from Olivia Parrie in their prep debuts, but the Bolts were outscored 46-16 in the final three frames.
Both teams shot under 30 percent for the game, but the Hawks had a 15-point advantage from the freethrow line and made four more shots from 3-point range.
The Hawks had 14 steals against the Bolts, who totaled 24 turnovers. The Hawks (2-0) were 5-of-17 from 3 and connected on 16-of-28 from the foul line. The Bolts (0-1)
Slow start plagues C-M girls in loss to No. 14 Martensdale-St. Marys
MARTENSDALE — A slow start and a tough shooting night plagued the Colfax-Mingo girls basketball team against Martensdale-St. Marys on Nov. 24.
The Class 1A No. 14 Blue Devils led by 12 after one quarter and finished off the Tigerhawks, 42-26, at home during non-conference action.
Colfax-Mingo shot 17.5 percent from the floor, made 2-of-15 from 3-point range and connected on just 10-of-24 from the free-throw line.
“We struggled offensively,” Colfax-Mingo head girls basketball coach Michaela Graffunder said. “We just couldn’t find any sets or group to click together.”
The Tigerhawks out-rebounded the Blue Devils 3330 but committed 21 turnovers.
Isabelle Foglesong led Colfax-Mingo (1-1) with 12 points and seven rebounds and Mickey Bucklin totaled seven points and five boards off the bench.
Blain Houseman chipped in three points, six rebounds, two assists and four steals, Lydia Hansen tallied three rebounds and two assists and Dakota Allen grabbed five rebounds.
Mallory Sipma collected four boards and Katelyn Steenhoek corralled three rebounds.
Rylie Fugate led Martensdale-St. Marys (1-0) with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and seven steals. The Blue Devils shot 33.3 percent from the floor, made 6-of-28 from 3 and buried 4-of-8 from the foul line. They also committed 15 turnovers.
Colfax-Mingo trailed 15-3 after one quarter but was only outscored by eight the rest of the way. The Blue Devils won the fourth 12-6.
were 1-of-11 from 3 and 1-of-7 from the charity stripe.
Beals finished with 15 points, seven rebounds and four steals and Parrie tallied four points, 11 boards and two steals to lead the Bolts.
Avery Wonders had four points, six rebounds and three assists, Kamdyn Krampe contributed four rebounds and four assists and Brylea Nicholson grabbed four boards in her prep debut. Kaylyn Krampe and Myah Johnston both pulled down three boards.
Breah Lowry led L-S with 12 points, six rebounds and four steals.
Emileigh Beals
Baxter freshman Emileigh Beals started her high school career with 15 points, seven rebounds and four steals in the Bolts’ season-opening loss against Class 1A No. 8 Lynnville-Sully on Nov. 25.
or performance
Dee
Jasper County Tribune
Jasper County Tribune
Parrie
Cooper Hamilton, so., Martensdale-St. Marys; Jackson Johnston, so., Martensdale-St. Marys; Max Reed, sr., North Mahaska; Kasen Van Ryswyk, jr., North Mahaska; Tyson Ferguson, sr., North Mahaska.
Jasper County Tribune
Carpenter
Wood Cunningham
Solasberry Grove
Trotter
Jay
Jasper County Tribune
Foglesong
Jasper County Tribune
Jochems Gliem
