JCT-06-12-2024

THE NEWEST TIGERHAWK

Colfax-Mingo School District announces Jake Troja as the new junior/senior high school principal

By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune

The Colfax-Mingo Community School District on June 6 announced Jake Troja as the new junior/senior high school principal. Troja will take over for Alex Lancaster who is departing the district following this school year.

A Granger native, Troja is a Buena Vista University graduate with a major in music education. He went on to receive his Masters of Education from Grand Canyon University and Doctorate of Education from the University of Iowa. Troja taught at Woodward Academy as both a music teacher and principal before joining the Des Moines Public School District as an assistant principal. Most recently, he served as the director of school climate where he was a member of the executive team for the student and family services department. In that position he worked to implement, monitor and guide the improvement of student services programs including at-risk programing, case management, community school coordinators, community partnerships, drop-out prevention and re-engagement,

Jasper County Conservation goes all out for new campout

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

Mariposa Park is nothing like it was 10 years ago, and that’s a good thing.

The 151-acre recreation area, located about five miles northeast of Newton, has undergone massive improvements since then, including a project that

extracted heavy amounts of sediment in the nearby lake, to the point fish can be seen from the bottom. The latest project ensures more visitors can see that for themselves.

Jasper County Conservation officially launched the Bison Ridge Campground and Coneflower Cottage, 6825 N. 67th Ave. E., at Mariposa Park this

past weekend, allowing campers near and far to take advantage of modern utilities when enjoying a few days of outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking and fishing.

Each of the 15 campground sites has access to electricity and water, and the nearby bathhouse has restrooms and shower facilities. Fire rings and picnic tables are installed at each site and there is also a dump station for when guests leave. This style of campground is the first of its kind for conservation.

“It just seems like something we’ve talked about for so long,” said Keri Van Zante, director of Jasper County Conservation. “People have been asking about it, and now it’s finally here. I’m excited to see new people coming to our parks and the same people coming to our parks, but also seeing them stay longer.”

Of course the other new addition is a furnished rental cabin with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen and a back

CONSERVATION | 3

Lt. Brad Shutts receives most votes in primary for Jasper County sheriff

Unofficial results show contested race was close but won’t be final until canvass

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

Unofficial results of the contested Jasper County primary election for county sheriff show Lt. Brad Shutts received the most votes over fellow Republican candidates Tracy Cross and Jeremy Burdess, but a winner has yet to be fully determined until the ballots are canvassed and write-ins are all accounted for.

In order for one of the county sheriff prospects to be chosen as the Republican candidate and put on the ballot in the November election, the winner must have a 35 percent majority of the votes. Otherwise, it would have to be determined at a conven-

tion, which could open the candidacy to just about anybody.

According to the unofficial results released by the Jasper County Auditor’s Office on election night, Shutts received 834 votes, or 40.13 percent. Cross received 795 votes, or 38.26 percent. Burdess received 446 votes, or 21.46 percent. There were three write-in votes, or 0.14 percent.

In total, 2,078 votes were cast for the county sheriff primary.

Election Day brought more votes in for Cross than Shutts and Burdess. In fact, 721 of the 795 votes Cross earned were on the day of the polls being open. Shutts received 716 votes on Election Day, but it was the abundance of absentee ballots in his favor — 118 in total — that ultimately gave him the edge. Since there are no Democratic candidates running for the seat, this primary election could very well decide who will be the next sheriff of Jasper County.

Miller-Meeks defeats Pautsch in state and Jasper County primary elections

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks will remain the Republican nominee in the race for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District following the release of the unofficial results of the primary election.

Which means Miller-Meeks’s challenger has shifted from David Pautsch to Democratic candidate Christina Bohannan. According to unofficial results of the primary election posted by the Jasper County Auditor’s Office, several Republicans wanted Miller-Meeks over

bilingual family liaisons, vulnerable children programing, school counselors, behavioral health, school safety and district-wide 504 coordination. “A music teacher by trade, Jake brings great experience to the district,” the C-M announcement said. Troja will start with the district July 1.

Fierce Faith Music Fest lineup to perform at Community Heights Alliance Church

Newton-based Christian music festival returns for a third year at new venue

By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune

Fierce Faith Music Fest is back for another evening of rock ‘n’ roll worship at a brand new venue. The grass roots Christian music festival has played in the Newton town square and the green space of Legacy Plaza in years past, but this year the musical acts will be playing at Community Heights Alliance Church.

But if there is one constant Fierce Faith Music Fest always delivers on it’s the awesome performers they bring onstage. They not only show great musical prowess but a strong passion for worship. This year’s lineup includes Jordan Feliz, Sanctus Real and three-year returning opener Friday Night Fire.

Fierce Faith Music Fest 2024 starts at 5 p.m. June 15 at Community Heights Alliance Church, 2500 S. 13th Ave. E., in Newton. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Eventbrite. com. Kids ages 10 and under can enter the festival free of charge. Food trucks, a kids zone and merchandise tents will be available.

Hundreds of concertgoers have been flocking to Fierce Faith Music since 2022. Founders Nick and Kristi Cummins, who frequent many Christian music festivals, have worked to expand the offerings every year to make the festival fun and memorable for all. This year is no different, apart from the change in scenery.

Congresswoman chosen to face Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan in November

Pautsch, who ran a relentless campaign blasting the congresswoman and doubting her conservative beliefs. Voters in Jasper County largely thought otherwise.

Miller-Meeks received 1,235 votes, or 62.85 percent, in Jasper County; Pautsch earned 728 votes, or 37.05 per-

cent. In total, 1,965 votes were cast in Jasper County for the District IA-01 race. Miller-Meeks said in a Twitter/X post following her win: “We will work hard to hold Biden and the Democrats accountable and fire them in November. The majority matters.”

Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune Jasper County Conservation staff and board members pose for a picture outside the Coneflower Cottage, a new cabin at Mariposa Park that is available for rent.

Mariposa Park outfitted with modern-style campground sites, shower building and a furnished cabin now available for rent

Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune Friday Night Fire performs during the Fierce Faith Music Festival on June 17, 2023, at the green space between DMACC Newton Campus and Legacy Plaza. The Christian music festival makes its return on June 15 at Community Heights Alliance Church.

Troja

Max Eldon Maggard

June 7, 2024

Max Eldon Maggard, 89, of Colfax died June 7, 2024. He was born Feb. 23, 1935, to Roscoe and Neva (Beals) Maggard.

Max lived in rural Colfax his entire life, and he farmed the land since he could walk. He married Joyce Olson on Dec. 16, 1956, in Altoona, and they welcomed

Obituaries

Ron, Keith, Linda, Rhonda and Mitzi.

They made a life in rural Colfax, where he raised cattle and perfected his famous “Max Maggard Beef.” When planting he didn’t have a need for GPS, his rows were always straight. He also didn’t need a calculator; the math was always done in his head.

Max had a gregarious and colorful personality, he always kept his hair and mustache pristine, and he was never too busy to visit with anyone.

Max participated in over 23 Great Iowa Tractor Rides. He served on the Jasper County Pork

Board and the Jasper County Cattlemen’s Association, and he served 30 years as the Poweshiek County Trustee and six years on the Mingo Community School Board. He also enjoyed bowling in a league for many years.

He valued his friendships, the community, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of his life.

He is survived by his wife Joyce; his son Ron (Karen) Maggard; his daughters Linda (Joe) Maher, Rhonda Maggard and Mitzi (Darin) Wood; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death

by his parents, his son Keith Maggard, his grandson Blake Wood and other beloved extended family.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Howard Street Christian Church in Colfax. A celebration of his life will be held at the church at 10:30 a.m. the following day, Wednesday, June 12, 2024. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the church following the service, and all are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the McKeever Cemetery Association or Ira United Church.

Newton Municipal Band prepares for outdoor concert at Maytag Park

The members of the Newton Municipal Band are hard at work, preparing for its 7 p.m. June 13 Concert in the Park at Fred Maytag Bowl in beautiful Maytag Park.

The park’s founder, Fred Maytag, so appreciated the band, that in the mid-1930s, he donated funds for gold-trimmed uniforms for its members. Nearly 100 years later, those uniforms are long gone, but the band carries on with a bit cooler summer apparel of black and white.

Join the band for its second appearance of the summer. The concert will be filled with a wide variety of musical styles, sure to please every taste. Make it an evening with blankets, chairs, friends and family members. Food trucks may be present.

The concert will open with the “Star Spangled Banner” with director Jim Beerends on the podium and Fred Chabot at the mic.

Bank Iowa awards scholarships to high school seniors across Iowa

Each year, Bank Iowa awards $1,000 scholarships to commendable high school students across the state. This year’s Spirit of Chandy scholarship award recipients totaled 17 seniors in Iowa high schools from as far west as Shenandoah to as far east as New Hampton.

Local seniors Morgan Dawn Powers

HOWARD ST. CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Disciples of Christ)

Pastor Tom Burns

Howard & Locust St., Colfax Office - 674-3746

Church Cell - 971-0569

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Adult & Wired

Word Adult Sunday school classes; 10 a.m. Fellowship

Time;10:30 a.m. Worship, in person or online via YouTube

MONDAY - Tom’s day off

TUESDAY - 9:30 a.m. Coffee

Time/Fellowship; 2 p.m. Easy Yoga

WEDNESDAY - 3:30 p.m. After school elementary youth; 6:10 ChiRho and CYF youth supper/ youth group

THIRD SUNDAY of month

- Marathon Sunday includes elders, board, potluck and food pantry

FIRST MONDAY of monthWIC appointments

IRA UNITED CHURCH

Rev. Michael Omundson

of Newton and Cassidy Smith of Colfax, were among the winners.

Powers, Newton Senior High graduate, plans to attend William Penn University in Oskaloosa. Smith, recent graduate of of Colfax-Mingo Jr/ Sr High School, plans to attend Minnesota State University. The Spirit of Chandy scholarship

honors Bank Iowa co-founder Harry Barr’s daughter, Chandy Barr Clanton, who passed away in 2009. Students are selected based on academics, character, leadership, honors/awards received and participation in school and community activities, including swimming, biking, running and flying — activities Chandy was passionate about.

To commemorate Chandy’s life, Harrison Clanton, son of Chandy, shared a piece of her story to students at the beginning of the application process.

Church Schedules

SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Church service; 10:15 a.m. Sunday school (communion first Sunday)

METZ COMMUNITY CHURCH

3253 W. 62nd St. S., Newton Pastor David Rex 641-521-4354

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10:10 a.m. Worship Last Saturday of month - 8 a.m. Men’s Breakfast

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Colfax Minister, Pastor Cody Dyer Church Office 674-4165

SUNDAY, June 16 - 9 a.m. Fellowship; 9:15 a.m. Bible Education Classes; 10:25 a.m. Message by Pastor Cody Dyer

TUESDAY, June 18 - 3:30 p.m. Women’s Prayer and coffee; 6 p.m. Trustee meeting

WEDNESDAY, June 19 - 9 a.m. Busy Bee Quilters and Fresh Encounter Prayer

THURSDAY, June 20 - 4 p.m.

The church schedule is brought to you by

Colfax-Prairie City-Monroe 515-674-3155 www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

Email

VBS Kickoff Set-Up

SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH

Newton, Iowa

SATURDAY - 4 p.m. Mass

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Mass

COLFAX FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

S. Locust & W. Division St. Office - 674-3782

Rev. Phil Dicks pastor

SUNDAY - 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; Family Worship

HOPE ASSEMBLY OF GOD

126 E. Howard

Rev. Paul Avery, pastor Church: 674-3700 hopeassemblyofgod@yahoo.com

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship

WEDNESDAY - 7 p.m. Evening Service

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

CATHOLIC CHURCH

302 E. Howard St., Colfax Fr. Ron Hodges

515-674-3711

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Mass

DAILY MASS - 8 a.m.

MINGO UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Phil Dicks

515-689-4926

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Worship ser-

As part of the application process, students were encouraged to listen to Chandy’s story and complete an essay describing their personal strengths, as well as their education and career goals.

“The quality of applicants just keeps getting better with every passing year,” said Bank Iowa President/ CEO Jim Plagge. “You can’t help but feel incredibly optimistic when you read the stories and then understand the ambitions of our next generation of leaders.

vice (Sunday school not meeting at this time)

ASHTON CHAPEL

8887 W. 122nd St. N., Mingo Pastors: Larry Craig & Mark Eddy

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday school; 10 a.m. Worship

BETHANY UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

5627 N. 95th Ave. W., Baxter 641-227-3402

Pastor Chris Hayward

SUNDAY - 9 a.m. Sunday School (Sunday after Labor Day to second Sunday in May); 10 a.m. Sunday Worship. First Sunday communion. All are welcome. baxterbethanyucc.org

EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH BAXTER

Mike Mclintock, Pastor SUNDAY - 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10 a.m. Worship; 6 p.m. Awanas

WEDNESDAYS - 1st & 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 - 7 p.m. Evening activities

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF HOPE Capitol II Theatre in Newton SUNDAY - 9:30 a.m. Livestream Worship Service

We can stop HIV, Iowa—by taking part in National HIV Testing Day

No matter how you test , no matter your test results, you can take the next step for your health.

Did you know? Getting tested for HIV is the only way to know your status. And knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy! The CDC recommends everyone get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime, and more often when needed.

Find HIV testing location near you at stophiviowa.org

Powers Smith

deck with one of the best views in the park. Conservation contracted out the foundation and insulation work, as well as the utilities installation, but it was otherwise fully constructed by staff.

Ethan Vander Pol, maintenance technician for Jasper County Conservation, took on most of the construction work, which was completed in roughly six months. He said the conservation board had been wanting a cabin out at Mariposa Park for some time, so to finally see it come to fruition is gratifying and exciting.

“The vision was this was kind of a cool spot down here,” Vander Pol said in an interview with Newton News while on the back deck of the cabin, which over looks the lake. “It’s a spot for people who don’t want to camp or don’t have a camper. They can come stay here and use the park and benefit from all of this.”

Greg Oldsen, a naturalist for Jasper County Conservation, said now is the time to see all of what is available at Mariposa Park.

“There are a lot of extra opportunities people now have at the park,” Oldsen said, noting amenities like the boat ramp, the kayak launch, kayak rentals and the nature playscape are big draws. “There are just so many things that families can do while they are out here. And that’s pretty exciting.”

Vander Pol confirmed the cabin was built for families in mind, which is why one of the bedrooms is equipped with bunkbeds and the living space has a pull-out couch. The other bedroom is furnished with a queen-style bed. Conservation wanted families to be comfortable and enjoy the easy access to park activities.

While Mariposa Park still has its primitive campground site, Vander Pol expects the modern alternative will be just as popular if not more.

“I’m happy with the outcome and it’s kind of been

what my job has been here lately,” Vander Pol said. “Because we did the whole campground and that shower building, too. This whole project started with the campground probably a year ago; it’s when we first started doing the dirt work for that.”

Funding for the project was primarily facilitated through grants and allocations of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the Jasper County Board of Supervisors. In September 2022, the supervisors provided $850,000 for bike trail repairs and modern campground additions at Mariposa Park.

Later that month the supervisors provided $400,000 in ARPA money to go towards the new nature center, which may break ground this year.

For Van Zante, these new additions not only give people something new to try out but may also have bigger implications for the county in the long run.

“We want people to see the progress and the care we’ve all taken to add this opportunity to everybody in Jasper County, and hopefully beyond Jasper County,” Van Zante said. “Maybe it will bring people who think we have so many great things here that they want to live here.”

The new, modern-style campground sites are available to rent today for $25 per day for a minimum of two days. The cabin is available to rent for $175 per day for a minimum of two days. Visit www.mycountyparks.com to book a stay at the new camping facilities in Jasper County.

Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune

The interior of the Coneflower Cottage at Mariposa Park is outfitted with a full kitchen and a living space that connects directly to the back porch overlooking the lake. The cabin features two bedrooms and one bathroom and is available for rent at $175 per night for a minimum of two nights.

Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune

Bison Ridge Campground is furnished with modern utilities like electricity and water, and each site has a bench and a fire ring.

The Chinese Communist Party represents

a clear and present danger to the

This June 4th marks the 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre. The anniversary is yet another reminder of the brutality and control exerted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Beyond the oppression of their own people, we are also reminded of the threat posed by the CCPs infiltration into American institutions.

The strategies employed by the CCP to exert influence are subtle and varied. Through tactics such as pressure, propaganda dissemination and espionage activities, they aim to manipulate governments and entities. In the United States we have observed instances of this infiltration firsthand ranging from attempts to influence college campuses to large scale theft of intellectual

The pitfall of worry

By Bryan Golden

U.S.

property. An alarming manifestation of the CCP’s manipulation is its exploitation of research establishments. By forming partnerships and providing funding, they have gained access to our systems often without due consideration for intellectual property rights or national security implications. China is known to be an egregious violator of U.S. intellectual property theft.

Additionally, the CCPs influence

Everyone is conditioned to worry. Our conditioning begins as soon as we learn to speak. Since we see everyone around us worrying, we emulate their behavior. There are no limits to what you worry about. You worry about the past. You worry about the present. You worry about the future. You worry about what might happen. You worry about what might not happen. You worry about what other people think, say, or do. You worry about the opinion others have of you. You worry about making mistakes. You worry about what you say. You spend so much time and energy worrying that you feel something is wrong if you’re not worrying. Although worry accomplishes nothing, there are many negative impacts. Worry wastes time and energy. All the effort that goes into fretting about an issue is useless. You become drained without anything to show for it.

Worry causes elevated levels of stress. Since worry is ineffective, it provides no resolution for any problems. Your stress level rises, as you expend energy with no positive results. You then begin to start focusing on exactly what you don’t want. This progression is a downward spiral, which attracts the opposite of what you do want.

There are two categories of situations you will face. There are those circumstances beyond your control, and those you can influence. There is a strong tendency to worry about issues you have absolutely no control over. This causes additional frustration because you aren’t able to have any positive impact whatsoever.

There is nothing you can do to change situations beyond your control. Let go of issues you can’t do anything about. Instead, focus your actions on those situations which can be improved by your actions.

Worry has a negative impact on the people around you. Those who care about you are concerned about your stress and frustration. When your nerves become frayed, there is an increased likelihood you will become increasingly irritable and angry. Taking your frustration out on others only makes your situation worse.

Worry must be replaced by action. Action is the only thing which can make a positive difference. However, the time and energy you spend worrying diminishes your ability to take action. So, not only are you burning yourself out by worrying, you are missing opportunities for improving your situation by taking appropriate action.

Here are some strategies to avoid the pitfall of worry. Start by cutting free from the past. There’s no point worrying about it. It’s over. Learn from the past. Don’t repeat the same mistakes. Do repeat those strategies which produced desirable results.

Don’t worry about other people. You can’t control them. You can’t change them. The only things you have control over are your thoughts and actions. This is how you overcome a basic pitfall of worry; focus on what you are thinking about, and what you are doing, instead of what others are doing.

You have been worrying about things all of your life. It’s virtually impossible to instantly stop worrying. A more effective approach is to stop worrying in small increments. First, don’t worry about anything for just 15 minutes. It’s OK, you can do this. Next, don’t worry for an hour at a time. As you progress, you can get to the point where you stop worrying for an entire day.

You will experience how nice it feels to be worry free. You can train yourself to have a worry-free life. Since worry doesn’t accomplish anything positive, there is no rational reason to worry. Put your effort into taking whatever positive action is necessary to deal with the issues you face.

Contact Bryan Golden at Bryan@columnist.com

extends into our media and entertainment sectors where censorship practices and self-censorship have become prevalent to access the market. This compromises the integrity of our press. Suppresses dissenting voices in favor of accommodating an authoritarian regime.

They are also trying to influence our policy. Whether it’s through influencing policymakers with lobbying efforts or other mechanisms, they aim to sway decision makers to support their interests. It’s crucial that we don’t allow foreign entities to control our policies or disrupt our processes. This was seen recently as Congress debated banning Chinese ownership of TikTok, which overwhelmingly passed Congress despite the CCP’s lobbying efforts. Here in Iowa, the CCP is a threat as well. According to a 2020 U.S. Department of Agriculture report, Chinese owners possessed 192,000 agricultural acres in the U.S. That is why I joined legislation to prohibit the purchase of

public or private agricultural land in the United States by foreign nationals associated with the CCP. It is no secret that they are working to undermine critical American resources like our food supply. Ensuring our domestic food supply is secure is key to our national security.

The 35th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protest is a reminder of the nature of the CCP regime and their willingness to suppress dissent and maintain authority by any means necessary. As Americans it’s important for us to stand resolute against their goals and protect our institutions from meddling.

The CCP poses a threat to the United States and the principles we cherish. We must stay watchful in combating their influence and safeguarding our independence from their globalist ambitions. The events at Tiananmen Square should inspire people who value freedom worldwide to resist tyranny wherever it emerges.

Purpose of Life

Author’s Note: I originally ran this article in 2019. One of my readers contacted me and asked me to rerun it, as it had affected hersomuch,itchangedherlife.So here it is, “Purpose of Life” rerun, withslightmodifications.

“The spiritual and moral will eventually overcome the material and unmoral. That is the purpose and destiny of the human race.”

Most people, myself included, have struggled with the Big Question of, “What is the purpose of life?” For a long time, I thought man’s purpose on this planet was to procreate. Then I began to believe, through organized religion, that our purpose was to worship God, that God “enjoyed” being worshiped. Then my belief became one of service to God through service to man.

I have a book of daily meditation that I have read faithfully, every morning, for 34 years. It is “Twenty-Four Hours a Day” by Hazelden. Each day is divided into three sections: “Thought for the Day,” “Meditation for the Day,” and “Prayer for the Day.”

In the “Meditation for the Day,” I kept noticing throughout the year, a discussion of “The Purpose of Life.” I decided to go through the book and document these “Purposes.” Here are a few of the “Purposes of Life”:

“A life of service is the finest life we can live. We are here on

earth to serve others.” “It is the work of a lifetime to develop to full stature spiritually. This is what I am on earth for.”

Hmm. Well, now that I have an understanding of what my, or man’s, “Purpose of Life” is, I am now ready for more information.

“God sees, as no one can see, what is within you. He sees you growing more and more like Himself. That is your reason for existence, to grow more and more like God, to develop more and more the spirit of God within you.”

Heavy stuff. As I was undertaking this project of documenting “The Purposes of Life” in the predawn hours, (my usual time for reading, writing and meditation), I became spiritually high. Putting all these thoughts together at one time was transforming me.

Or was it the coffee?

“All your existence in this world is a training for a better life to come.” “The gradual elimination of selfishness in the growth of love for God and your fellow human beings is the goal of life.”

“Your real work in life is to grow spiritually.”

Okay, now that we have all that settled, I was ready for even more. “This life on earth should be largely a preparation for the eternal life to come.”

“Faith in God can give an objective and purpose to life. Many of us are at least subconsciously seeking for a Power greater than ourselves because that would give a meaning to our existence.”

In addition to “The Purpose of Life,” here are a couple of other tidbits I gleaned from the “Meditation for the Day” section of “Twenty-Four Hours a Day” that I think worthy of passing along: “God can use you as a tool to accomplish miracles in people’s lives” and “Claim the power to work miracles in human lives!”

Far out, man! (It’s not the coffee!) Call me a Jesus Freak if you like. I consider it a compliment. There is more to life than just living and dying. The soul is immortal. “Your life has been given to you mainly for the purpose of training your soul.” We are here for a reason. “I will try to be at one with God. No human aspiration can reach higher than this.” “Our chief ambition should be to be used by God.”

Researchers have found that people with a purpose in life live longer. God works through us to help others. Go out and serve! Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com

How to contact your elected officials Jasper County Supervisors SPEAK OUT

Brandon Talsma, chair 4309 W Fourth St. S. Newton, IA 50208

641-526-3142

btalsma@co.jasper.ia.us

Doug Cupples, vice chair 1205 S. 20th Ave. W. Newton, IA 50208

641-521-8725

dcupples@co.jasper.ia.us

Denny Stevenson 110 Railroad Street Kellogg, IA 50135 641-521-8553

dstevenson@co.jasper.ia.us

Baxter baseball ends losing skid against North Tama

BAXTER — Colton Moffit stayed unbeaten on the mound, Perrin Sulzle produced his first career triple and the Baxter baseball team defeated North Tama for the first time since joining the Iowa Star Conference on June 3.

The Bolts jumped out to an early lead with five runs in the first three frames and Moffit did the rest as Baxter downed the Redhawks 5-2 in conference action.

Baxter out-hit rival North Tama 9-7 and won the game despite committing two errors. Moffit needed only 82 pitches to throw a complete game. He earned the win after allowing two runs — one earned — on seven hits, one walk and one hit batter. He struck out seven and now has 49 strikeouts in 32 1/3 innings.

Sulzle, Liam Trent and Hayden Burdess led the offense with two hits each. Sulzle tripled, walked once and scored one run and Trent and Burdess each scored one run and tallied one RBI.

Burdess’ 16 singles leads the Bolts this summer. Cael Wishman chipped in a double, one run and one RBI, while Colten Damman and Moffit had the other hits.

Damman and Moffit also registered one RBI each and

Damman scored one run.

Josh Dostal led the North Tama offense with two hits and he allowed five earned runs on 10 hits in six innings on the mound.

Baxter 10, Colo-NESCO 5

ZEARING — The first time Baxter and Colo-NESCO met this summer, the Bolts scored the only run of the game in the first and Moffit tossed his first-ever no-hitter.

The second meeting on June 7 was much different, but it still resulted in a Bolts’ victory and Moffit stayed unbeaten on the mound.

Baxter plated four runs in the first, scored single runs in the fourth and seventh and a four-run fifth pushed the Bolts to a 10-5 road win over the Royals during Iowa Star Conference South Division play on June 7.

The Bolts out-hit the Royals

7-4 and won the game despite committing four errors. Baxter drew 11 walks and were hit by six pitches. All seven hits were singles. Sulzle and Burdess each had two of them and Ben Richardson, Wishman and Moffit all had one hit.

Sulzle scored two runs, stole two bases and was hit by one pitch, Burdess scored two runs, walked once, stole one base and had one RBI and Wishman scored one run, walked once, stole one base and tallied one RBI.

Sulzle improved his batting average to .409 and his 17 steals and 16 runs are team highs. Burdess is now batting .400. Trent walked twice, was hit by two pitches and scored one run, James Esqueda walked three times, scored one run and had one RBI and Moffit walked twice and had one RBI.

Trent’s team-best on-base percentage grew to .551 and he leads the team with 10 walks. Johnson drew two walks, scored one run and had one RBI and he’s now tied for the team lead with 12 RBIs. Cody Spurgeon was hit by three pitches, scored one run and had one RBI and Cole Frasher scored one run. Spurgeon has been plunked a teammost six times this summer.

Moffit, who threw the no-hitter on May 24, went five innings against the Royals the second time around.

Moffit improved to 5-0 after allowing three runs — one earned — on three hits, one walk and one hit batter. He struck out 10.

Moffit needed 87 pitches to get through five innings and his ERA rose to 1.08.

C-M baseball falls short in pitching dual

COLFAX — Cael Bracewell has surrendered five earned runs in his five starts on the mound this summer.

When he pitches, the Colfax-Mingo baseball team has been in a great position to win the game.

On June 3, Bracewell simply ran out of pitches in a pitching dual and the Tigerhawks fell 1-0 to Belle Plaine during a South Iowa Cedar League contest.

The Plainsmen scored their lone run in the sixth inning, one frame after Bracewell came out of the game.

“We want to be able to use Cael twice in a week and not just once so we limited him to 84 pitches,” Colfax-Mingo head baseball coach Joss Teed said. “I had confidence in Cam (Cunningham). He’s our No. 2 and pitched well.

“I kind of wish we had another walk-off. We had our chances.” The last two times Bracewell pitched, Colfax-Mingo scored the game-winning runs in the bottom of the seventh.

The Tigerhawks put the first two runners on base in the bottom of the seventh against Belle Plaine, but a pair of strikeouts forced the game into Donnie Baucom’s bat and he hit a hard ground ball to shortstop that ended the game.

Colfax-Mingo has struggled with strikeouts all season and fanned another 11 times against the Plainsmen. Nine of those came against Belle Plaine’s ace, Wade Sankot, who tossed the first six innings and earned the pitching win.

“We are still striking out too much,” Teed said. “I think guys are freezing. I don’t know if it’s they can’t see it, but maybe they are guessing or hoping that it’s a ball and not swinging. They need to be more aggressive. That’s frustrating as a coach because we’ve worked on it. We need to foul off more pitches and work counts. That’s what others do to our ace.”

Bracewell had to work to get through his five innings. He had to get four outs in the first after a Belle Plaine batter reached on a dropped third strike.

He walked the first batter he faced in the second. That Plainsmen ended up stranded at third after three consecutive strikeouts. Belle Plaine stranded another runner on second in the third.

Still, Bracewell finished with 13 strikeouts in five innings and walked just one.

He has a state-best 75 strikeouts in 33 innings. The 33 innings are tied for the second most in the state.

“Today I had a hard time getting up in the count,” Bracewell said. “But when I’ve been up in

the count, I just ride the curve ball.”

The Tigerhawks (5-7, 4-5 in the conference) out-hit Belle Plaine 5-3 but also had three errors.

Baucom had two-out single in the first, Bracewell doubled in the third and Joe Earles reached on an infield single and then stole second in the sixth.

Bracewell also walked and

stole second in the fifth and then was hit by a pitch in the seventh after Xavier Woods drew a leadoff pinch-hit walk. Logan Exley and Wyatt Jay had the other hits, Jay also was hit by a pitch and Konner Dalton walked once. Woods also stole second base in the seventh.

Colfax-Mingo also stranded the bases loaded in the fourth.

“We do leave a lot of guys on base,” Teed said. “We are focused on putting the ball in play and getting the right guys in the lineup to do that.” Camden Cunningham entered the mound in the sixth and allowed the lone run of the game. Belle Plaine scored with a lead-off double and a bloop single to left field.

COLFAX-MINGO | 6

Baxter softball can’t hold leads against pair of Iowa Star foes

CONRAD — The Baxter softball team couldn’t hold its first lead of the season during an Iowa Star Conference South Division matchup with BCLUW on May 28.

The Bolts scored three runs in the first inning, plated two in the third and went up 6-0 in the top of the fourth, but the Comets rallied with three crooked numbers and won 9-6.

Both teams had seven hits and they combined to commit 15 errors.

Lydia Pierce led the Bolts with three hits, one double and two runs, Briah Mortensen tallied two hits and Hannah Huffaker collected one hit and two runs.

Holly Zahurones had the other hit, while Camden Moffit walked once and scored one run and Kendall Brummel scored one run and stole one base.

Avery Wonders (0-4) took the loss in the circle after allowing seven runs — four earned — on five hits and three walks in 5 1/3 innings. She fanned one.

Blaire Jutting got two outs and surrendered two runs —

one earned — on one hit and three walks. Cassie Nason led the Comets (3-2, 3-1 in the conference) with two hits and two runs.

North Tama 19, Baxter 7 BAXTER — The Bolts scored first but couldn’t hold the lead during a 19-7 loss to North Tama in Iowa Star Conference South Division play on June 3. The Redhawks out-hit Baxter 16-7, and the Bolts were plagued by 11 errors.

Baxter (0-9, 0-6) led 2-0 after one, but North Tama scored six in the second, eight in the fourth and five in the fifth to end the game early. The Bolts scored once in the third and four in the fourth.

Huffaker doubled twice, scored one run and had one RBI, Caydence Sulzle, Karlee Koehler, Brummel, Moffit and Mortensen had the other hits.

Sulzle scored two runs, walked once and had one steal, Moffit scored one run, had one RBI and stole one base and Brummel scored one run and swiped one base.

Koehler scored one run and had one RBI, Mortensen collected one RBI, Zahurones walked once and scored one run and Emie Tuhn walked once.

Wonders, Jutting and Zahurones split up the five innings in the circle. Wonders took the loss

after allowing six runs — two earned — on four hits and one walk. She struck out two in 1 1/3 innings.

Jutting pitched 1 2/3 innings and surrendered 10 runs — two earned — on four hits and five walks.

Zahurones spun two innings and gave up three runs — one earned — on two hits and four walks. She struck out two.

Addison Hochstetler led North Tama (3-4, 3-3) with three hits and two walks and Adelyn Sienknecht finished with three hits and five RBIs.

Collins-Maxwell 11, Baxter 1

BAXTER — Sulzle got the Bolts’ lone hit and scored the team’s only run in the first, but Collins-Maxwell used three crooked numbers to down the rival Bolts, 11-1, in five innings on May 29.

The Class 1A No. 11 Spartans out-hit Baxter 10-1 and took advantage of 11 Bolts errors during the Iowa Star Conference South Division contest.

Sulzle stole one base, too.

Wonders took the pitching loss after allowing 11 runs — five earned — on 10 hits and three

walks in five innings. Erica Houge led Collins-Maxwell (12-1, 7-0) with three hits and four runs and spun a one-hitter and struck out 11 in the circle.

Lynnville-Sully 14, Baxter 1 SULLY — The Bolts couldn’t overcome a slow start during a 14-1 road non-conference loss to Lynnville-Sully on May 30. The Bolts scored their only run in the third, but the Hawks out-hit Baxter 12-3. The Bolts were plagued by seven errors.

Sulzle, Huffaker and Brummel had the three hits and Brummel scored one run and stole one base.

Tuhn also walked and Moffit stole one base.

Wonders spun two innings in the circle and took the loss after allowing eight earned runs on 10 hits and one walk. She struck out one.

Zahurones tossed 1 2/3 innings and surrendered six runs — one earned — on four hits, one walk and two hit batters. Kate Harthoorn led the Hawks (4-11) with three hits, two runs and two RBIs.

Moffit Burdess

Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Tribune

Jasper County Tribune

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter sophomore Caydence Sulzle throws the ball back to the infield during a home game earlier this season. The Bolts fell to a trio of Iowa Star Conference South Division teams last week.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Colfax-Mingo freshman Jace Lewis, left, tags out a runner at the plate during the Tigerhawks’ 1-0 loss to Belle Plaine on June 3.

C-M softball can’t overcome mistakes in SICL losses

COLFAX — A slow start and a few defensive miscues put the Colfax-Mingo softball team behind several runs early during its South Iowa Cedar League contest against Belle Plaine on June 3.

The Tigerhawks committed two errors in the game and the Lady Plainsmen took advantage with three runs in the first and two more in the second during a 7-2 road victory.

“My perception and disappointment today was we didn’t come here ready to play,” Colfax-Mingo head softball coach Bryan Poulter said. “We fell behind early and our offense has had a hard time putting many runs together outside of the Baxter game.”

The Tigerhawks (2-10, 1-8 in the conference) were out-hit 8-5 in the loss. Emma Cook singled and Lily Webster reached on an error in the second, but a double play before that hindered the scoring threat.

In the fourth, Dakota Allen was hit by a pitch before Macie Porter reached an error.

Cook and Kaylee Collins were hit by pitches between a Webster single, but the inning ended on a fielder’s choice. Allen scored on a wild pitch, but Porter was thrown out trying to score on passed ball.

Brianna Freerksen walked and scored on an RBI single by Porter in the fifth, but that’s all the Tigerhawks could muster offensively.

Olivia Rausch doubled, Victoria Woods had the other hit and Katelyn Steenhoek walked in the contest.

Brooklyn Yanske took the pitching loss after allowing five runs — none earned — on five hits with four strikeouts in three innings.

ished with two runs, one RBI and one walk, Collins had one hit and one run and Cook delivered one RBI. Allen and Freerksen lead the team with eight RBIs each.

The Tigerhawks used three pitchers to get through six innings. Freerksen (1-4) tossed two frames and took the loss after allowing nine runs — two earned — on five hits, two walks and two hit batters. She struck out four.

Yanske tossed 3 1/3 innings and surrendered one unearned run on three hits and one walk and struck out two. Allen got one out and allowed three earned runs on two walks and one hit batter and struck out one.

Keota (1-7, 1-7) scored 13 runs on just eight hits because it walked five times and was hit by three pitches.

Tigerhawks lose twice at Madrid tournament MADRID — Colfax-Mingo was limited to 10 hits and eight errors in its two games at the Madrid tournament on June 8. The Tigerhawks fell behind the host Tigers early and never recovered during a 10-0 loss and then couldn’t overcome another slow start in a 16-3 loss to Nevada.

Porter, Rausch, Woods and Yanske had one hit each against Madrid. Freerksen took the pitching loss after allowing 10 runs — six earned — on 12 hits, six walks and one hit batter. She also fanned six in five innings. Claire Knudsen led Madrid (7-9) with a homer, two hits, two runs and two RBIs. Brooklyn Murry earned the pitching win.

Nevada plated 13 runs in the first and never looked back in the other game.

“The defense is a work in progress,” Poulter said. “We started out tonight by giving them three runs on things we helped with. We had a dropped third strike that we didn’t get the out on with two outs and that runner ended up scoring, too.”

Ava Grieder led Belle Plaine (5-5, 5-2) with three hits, two runs and four RBIs.

Denisyn Adams tallied three hits and two RBIs and Ellie Hosek chipped in two hits and two runs.

Keota 13, Colfax-Mingo 10

KEOTA — Freerksen had four hits and the Tigerhawks out-hit Keota in the game, but Colfax-Mingo couldn’t overcome four errors and a seven-run fifth frame from the Eagles during a 13-10 road loss on June 5.

Freerksen spun the final four innings and surrendered two runs — none earned — on three hits and two hit batters. She struck out six.

Baxter

Continuedfrompage5

Sulzle tossed the final two frames and surrendered two runs — one earned — on two hits with one hit batter and he fanned three.

Landon Gjerde had two hits and two RBIs for the Royals (56, 3-5) and Trenton Beard was hit by two pitches and scored two runs.

Dunkerton 10, Baxter 9

DUNKERTON — The Bolts matched Dunkerton in hits and both teams committed three errors, but the Raiders scored a run in the eighth inning to score a 10-9 victory on June 5 during an Iowa Star Conference cross-division matchup.

Baxter trailed 3-2 after one but scored three times in the second and once in the fourth to go up 6-3. Dunkerton plated four in fourth to go back in front.

Colfax-Mingo

Cunningham (0-4) struck out two and allowed one earned run on three hits in two innings.

Sankot got the pitching win for Belle Plaine (4-4, 3-2) as he allowed no runs and five hits in six innings. He struck out nine, walked two and hit one.

Colfax-Mingo 7, Keota 0, Forfeit KEOTA — The Tigerhawks were limited to three hits and scored just one run during a road contest against Keota on June 5.

But after the hosts used a non-sanctioned umpire it was determined that the Eagles must forfeit the contest. It goes down as a 7-0 forfeit win for Colfax-Mingo but the statistics for the game do not change.

Keota scored one run in the first, two in the third and one in the fourth and went on to win the game 4-1 before the forfeit.

Both teams had three hits, but C-M had a 2-1 surplus in errors.

Kaden Dalton, Earles and Jay had the hits, while Baucom and Exley both were hit by pitches and Jace Lewis walked once.

Earles led the Tigerhawks with one RBI, one walk and one steal, Kaden Dalton doubled and stole one base and Cunningham scored one run and stole one base. Woods also stole one base.

Kaden Dalton (0-1) pitched the first five innings and allowed four runs — three earned — on three hits, three walks and three hit batters. He struck out four.

Cunningham tossed the final frame and allowed no hits and no runs with one strikeout and one walk.

Evan Vittetoe led Keota (4-6, 1-5) with two doubles and two RBIs. Tanner Waterhouse tossed all seven innings and allowed no earned runs on four hits with eight strikeouts.

Colfax-Mingo 10, English Valleys 0 COLFAX — Bracewell’s second start of the week

The Tigerhawks led 4-3 after one and 6-4 after four, but the Eagles plated seven in the fifth and two in the sixth to pull away. C-M scored three in the seventh, but it wasn’t enough.

Colfax-Mingo out-hit the Eagles 14-8 and took advantage of three Keota errors.

Freerksen added one run, one RBI and two steals to her four hits. She leads the Tigerhawks with a .419 batting average and has a team-best 15 total bases.

Porter, Rausch and Woods all had two hits, while Allen, Webster, Collins and Sydney Veasman had the other hits.

Rausch added two runs, one RBI and one steal, Porter doubled, had one run and one RBI and Woods chipped in two runs, one walk and one steal. Rausch leads the team with 11 runs scored.

Allen doubled, scored one run and had two RBIs and was hit by one pitch, Veasman fin-

The Bolts scored two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh, but the Raiders plated single runs in each of the final three frames to win.

Both teams finished with 14 hits. Sulzle led the Bolts with three hits, one double, three runs, two RBIs, one walk and two steals.

Richardson, Trent, Burdess and Moffit all had two hits, while Wishman, Johnson and Spurgeon each tallied one hit.

Burdess added one RBI, one

English Valleys 11, Colfax-Mingo 0

COLFAX — The Tigerhawks were limited to one hit and committed six errors during an 11-0, five-inning loss to English Valleys on June 7.

Colfax-Mingo trailed 2-0 after one but allowed six runs in the second and three in the fifth.

Rausch had the lone hit and Allen drew one walk. The Tigerhawks struck out nine times.

Yanske took the loss in the circle after allowing eight runs — two earned — on four hits, two walks and one hit batter. She struck out three in two innings.

Freerksen pitched three innings and allowed three runs — two earned — on three hits and two walks and she fanned two.

Ada Mews led English Valleys (8-2, 6-2) with two hits and three RBIs and Kennedy Axmear added two hits and earned the pitching win after striking out nine and allowing one hit and one walk over five innings.

run, one walk and two steals, Trent scored one run, had two RBIs and walked twice and Richardson stole two bases, scored one run and totaled one RBI.

Wishman tripled, had one RBI and walked once, Johnson scored two runs and walked twice, Spurgeon tallied one RBI, Frasher and Nolan Hill both stole one base and Hill scored one run.

Wishman started on the mound but took the no deci-

produced another 13 strikeouts and the Tigerhawks thumped winless English Valley at home during SICL play on June 7.

Colfax-Mingo scored two runs in the first, fourth and fifth frames, plated one in the second and three in the third during a 10-0, five-inning victory.

The Tigerhawks had an 11-2 advantage in hits and did not commit an error.

Bracewell, Exley, Lewis and Alex Teed all had two hits to lead the offense, while Kaden Dalton, Anthony Camp and Cunningham registered the other hits.

Bracewell doubled twice, scored two runs, had one RBI, was hit by one pitch and stole one base.

He improved his team-best on-base percentage to .578 and also has a team-high 12 runs, 10 steals, five doubles and 20 total bases and he’s been plunked a team-most seven times.

Exley and Teed both scored one run and had two RBIs, Lewis added one run and one RBI and Camp doubled, scored two runs and was hit by one pitch.

Kaden Dalton scored one run and stole one base, Konner Dalton walked twice, scored two runs and stole two bases and Earles tallied two RBIs.

Bracewell (4-0) allowed no earned runs on two hits and one walk and he struck out 13.

Bracewell needed only 66 pitches to get through five innings and he lowered his earned run average to 1.06.

English Valleys dropped to 0-8 and 0-8 in the conference.

Colfax-Mingo’s run came in the third, but the game ended after the inning thanks to the mercy rule.

Freerksen led the Tigerhawks with two hits and one run, Allen and Rausch each had one hit and one run and Woods finished with one hit and one RBI and she was hit by one pitch. Katelyn Steenhoek added one hit and two RBIs.

Yanske (1-6) took the pitching loss after getting just one out in the circle. She allowed 10 runs — four earned — on six hits, one walk and one hit batter. She struck out one and the Tigerhawks were plagued by four errors.

Allen tossed two innings and surrendered six runs — four earned — on four hits, one walk and one hit batter. She struck out three.

Nevada (4-10) hit three home runs in the win. Megan McGaffin belted her seventh, while Jadyn Melohn homered and had three hits.

sion. He allowed three earned runs on five hits and two walks and struck out one in two innings.

Johnson tossed the next two frames and surrendered four runs — none earned — on three hits and one walk and he struck out one.

Sulzle (1-2) took the pitching loss after allowing three runs — two earned — on six hits in 3 1/3 innings. He struck out one. Radley Fulton led Dunkerton (3-4) with three hits.

Perrin Sulzle

Baxter junior Perrin Sulzle leads the baseball team with 18 hits, 16 runs, 12 RBIs, 22 total bases and 17 steals this summer. Sulzle also is batting .409 and has an on-base percentage of .500, which both rank second on the squad.

Jasper County Tribune

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Colfax-Mingo sophomore Olivia Rausch has 12 hits, four walks and five steals this season.

Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune

Colfax-Mingo junior Xavier Woods steals second base during a home game this season.