Colfax Country Christmas bringing the holiday spirit Dec. 6 and 7
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
The calendar has turned which means it is time to celebrate the Christmas holiday season. Colfax is kicking off activities Dec. 6 with the Colfax Holiday Tour of Homes followed by a variety of events for Colfax Country Christmas Dec. 7.
“Come visit downtown Colfax for free horse-drawn carriage rides, children’s activities hosted by local businesses and organizations, holiday shopping, a vendor market, caroling, Santa Claus and more,” Colfax Main Street Director Stuart Patterson said.
Activities start Dec. 6 with community members getting the opportunity to tour four area homes decorated from floor to ceiling for the holiday season. The homes will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6.
Tickets for the Colfax Tour of Homes are $25 and available at Spring City
Pharmacy, Colfax City Hall, Bank Iowa or at www.colfaxmainstreet.com.
Events kick off Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. with Santa Claus arriving and the annual tree lighting at 1 W. Howard St. behind Weathervane Vintage.
After the lights are aglow, from 4:15 to 7 p.m. businesses will open their doors to visitors, free horse- drawn carriage rides will take people around
Miller-Meeks reelected to third term in Congress following recount
Bohannan-initiated recount shows race was decided by only 798 votes
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
downtown, caroling will be heard throughout the streets of Colfax and family-friendly activities will be available throughout area shops. Santa Claus will also relocate following the street lighting to greet children young and old in the toasty warm Bank Iowa building at 100 N. Walnut St.
For those looking for a homemade bite to eat, a soup supper will also run from 4:15 to 7 p.m. at the
Submitted Photo The free horse and carriage rides will be back for the 2024 Colfax Country Christmas celebration from 4:15 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7. Downtown shopping, a soup supper and story time at the library are just a few of the activities planned for the annual nholiday event.
Colfax Senior Center, 1 E. Howard St.
For those looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the downtown activities, the Colfax Public Library will be having a holiday story time from 5 to 6 p.m.
Colfax Country Christmas is a wonderful event showcasing the best of the community and bringing everyone together to celebrate the season.
Christmas event kicking off in Baxter
Parade, tree lighting, concert and tour of homes Dec. 6 and 7
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
It’s beginning to feel like Christmas in Baxter with the start of the community’s holiday events. The city will have two weekends full of activities that are sure to make any Grinch’s heart grow three sizes.
Starting at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 6, the season will get underway with the lighted Christmas parade down Main Street. Those interested in participating can line up at 6:15 p.m. at the sports complex.
Following the parade, the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place behind the caboose. Music will be provided by Rob Yeltman with treats available from the Congregational Church.
For those looking to continue celebrating, an ugly sweater part will be held from 7 p.m. to midnight at Benolas. Grab your best, or worst, sweater
Volunteers go out of their way to make this
Christmas
Museum to host its fourth holiday-inspired tour that features more than 200 trees
By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
event ‘tree-mendous’
Results from the districtwide recount of Iowa’s 1st Congressional District race confirm that Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is, indeed, the victor
over Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan, who has contested the two-term seat a second consecutive time. The race was decided by 798 votes.
In a notice published by the Jasper County Auditor’s Office, it stated the results of the recount did not change and therefore there would not be another canvass.
Miller-Meeks issued a press release after being declared the winner, calling
Volunteers have spent a combined 1,200 hours transforming the Jasper County Historical Museum into a winter wonderland better known as the Tree-mendous Christmas Experience, which is entering its fourth year after a very successful season in 2023 that managed to draw 1,300 visitors.
Barb Carroll, treasurer of the museum’s board of directors, said every year the organizers and decorating teams work tirelessly to not only make every event bigger and better, they
IT’S ALL ABOUT GIVING
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
Back for another beautiful year is the Jasper County 4-H Festival of Trees. Housed at the Jasper County Courthouse, trees surround the centerpiece two-story tree in the rotunda on both the first and second floor.
“Clubs pick a charity or non-profit to support then pick items to either put on the tree to decorate with,” Iowa State University Extension and Outreach County Youth Coordinator Stacey Wilson said.
Overnight at the start of Thanksgiving week trees popped up in the courthouse decorated with a variety of
feels like an entirely new experience every year.
go out of their way to ensure no trees are the same, no decorations the same. They want each visit to feel like a new experience.
“We always knew we wanted
to make it different every year,” she said. “Last year I thought to myself, ‘How are we ever going to top this?’ Now this year is even
Jasper County 4-H Festival of Trees highlights community-centered giving theme for local clubs
ornaments, both traditional and out-of-the-box. 4-H kids from across the county gathered to make their club’s own
unique tree. “It is a really fun night,” Wilson said. “No matter what kind of day you are having,
Jamee A. Pierson/ Jasper County Tribune
The annual Jasper County 4-H Festival of Trees is now set up at the courthouse in Newton. The trees have a variety of themes with an overall theme of “giving.”
you see all of the kids, some who haven’t seen each other since the fair, it is exciting and warms your heart.”
Many organizations benefit from the tree’s themes including Quilts of Valor, the PCM Food Pantry, local animal organizations and a variety of nonprofits throughout the county. The festival not only brings eye candy to the courthouse, it also works to help those in need where they live.
“When we had the Animal Rescue League they would use dog or cat toys,” Wilson said. “They are all so unique. There is one club that makes their tree out of packages of toilet paper that they then donate to the PCM Food Pantry. Then, they wrap garland around it.”
First hosted by the Jasper County Fair Board in
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune
Dave Rorabaugh, chair of the Christmas committee for the Jasper County Historical Museum Board of Directors, said volunteers go out of their way to ensure the Tree-mendous Christmas Experience
William Brown
Nov. 25, 2024
William “Bill” Brown, 94, passed away Monday, November 25, 2024. He was born in Colfax, Iowa, on October 3, 1930, the son of Clyde and Sadie Brown. Bill graduated from Colfax High School in
Obituaries
1949. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1956. Bill headed up the American Legion in Colfax for many years.
He worked for Skelley Gas Station, Brown Brothers, and owned a Dairy Queen for a couple of years. He retired from General Motors after 30 years of service. Bill loved the Iowa Hawkeyes, football, and NASCAR.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Sadie Brown; wives,
Josephine and Marilyn; and his sisters, Shirley Williams and Marcella Yocum. Bill is survived by his brothers, Don Brown of Newton and Bob Brown of Colfax as well as many stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bill will be interred at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter in the spring.
Common questions about reverse mortgages
Homeownership is a dream for millions of people across the globe. The National Association of Realtors indicates real estate has historially exhibited longterm, stable growth in value. Money spent on rent is money that a person will never see again. However, paying a traditional mortgage every month enables homeowners to build equity and can be a means to securing one’s financial future.
Homeowners typically can lean on the value of their homes should they need money for improvement projects or other plans. Reverse mortgages are one way to do just that.
Who is eligible for a reverse mortgage?
People near retirement age are eligible for a specific type of loan they can borrow against. Known as a ‘reverse mortgage,’ this type of loan can be great for people 62 or older who perhaps can no longer make payments on their home, or require a sum of money to use right now, without wanting to sell their home.
In addition to meeting the age requirement, a borrower must live at the property as a primary residence and certify occupancy annually to be eligible for a reverse mortgage. Also, the property must be maintained in the
Continuedfrompage1
Colfax at the fairgrounds, the festival coincided with the Colfax Country Christmas event. As the years progressed, the 4-H clubs took over the organizing and in 2006
same condition as when the reverse mortgage was obtained, says Fannie Mae.
How does a reverse mortgage work?
The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau says a reverse mortgage, commonly a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage, which is the most popular type of reverse mortgage loan, is different from a traditional mortgage. Instead of making monthly payments to bring down the amount owed on the loan, a reverse mortgage features no monthly payments. Rather, interest and fees are added to the loan balance each month and the balance grows. The loan is repaid when the borrower no longer lives in the home. What else should I know?
With a reverse mortgage, even though borrowers are not making monthly mortgage payments, they are still responsible for paying property-related expenses on time, including, real estate and property taxes, insurance premiums, HOA fees, and utilities. Reverse mortgages also come with additional costs, including origination fees and mortgage insurance up to 2.5 percent of the home’s appraised value, says Forbes. It’s important to note that most interest rates on these loans are variable, meaning they can
it moved to the county seat. “It is a good fit, the building is so pretty,” Wilson said. “We do get a lot of compliments and positive comments on the festival. We like to bring to light that 4-H is not just for farm and rural kids. There is community service involved,
rise over time and thus increase the cost of borrowing. In addition, unlike traditional mortgage payments, interest payments on reverse mortgages aren’t tax-deductible.
How is a reverse mortgage paid back?
A reverse mortgage is not free money. The homeowners or their heirs will eventually have to pay back the loan when the borrowers no longer live at the property. This is usually achieved by selling the home.
The CFPB notes if a reverse mortgage loan balance is less than the amount the home is sold for, then the borrower keeps the difference. If the loan balance is more than the amount the home sells for at the appraised value, one can pay off the loan by selling the home for at least 95 percent of the home’s appraised value, known as the 95 percent rule. The money from the sale will go toward the outstanding loan balance and any remaining balance on the loan is paid for by mortgage insurance, which the borrower has been paying for the duration of the loan.
Reverse mortgages can be a consideration for older adults. However, it is essential to get all of the facts to make an informed decision.
— Metro Creative
Tips to avoid scams when shopping this holiday season
While many people will receive legitimate emails and messages from delivery companies and businesses this holiday shopping season, sometimes it’s hard to distinguish between real and fake solicitations. UScellular wants to help ensure you stay diligent and prevent being scammed.
Identity thieves know that shoppers may be particularly vulnerable during the holiday season. If the message conveys urgency and asks you to do something immediately, consider that a red flag. You also should never click on a link in a text message unless you are 100 percent certain who sent it. Be especially vigilant about fake promotions, pop-up ads, package tracking emails, e-cards, charity donation links and purchase confirmation emails. When in doubt, call the organization directly.
“Now that the holiday shopping season is here, we want to provide consumers with tips to stay safe while buying gifts for family and friends,” Joshua Olbricht, UScellular’s director of sales for east Iowa, said. “UScellular wants to help customers find everything on their list, without the threat of fraud and scammers ruining their holiday spirit.”
If you suspect a message is a scam, you can report it using the free SpamResponse app that empowers customers to easily report potential text message spam. In response to reported spam, UScellular can investigate fraudulent websites – and can get them shut down to create a safer and better customer experience.
UScellular has the following tips to help you prevent scams around the holidays or anytime:
• Do not respond to unwanted texts from questionable sources.
• Don’t click on links in texts from any unknown numbers.
life skills involved, record keeping and all kinds of communication skills. This brings let the public see all of the citizenship that 4-H clubs and kids do.” And for almost two decades it has made the courthouse home for the holiday season. While the trees will be up until
after Christmas, those wanting to see all of the decorations will need to stop by before the 25th. As the holiday approaches, some of the items used to decorate the trees will make their way to the people and organizations the trees are based around to celebrate the giving theme.
• Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately. If you miss a call from an unknown number, don’t call it back.
• You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Caller ID showing a “local” number does not necessarily mean it is a local caller.
• Never give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords or other identifying information if you are at all suspicious.
Researchers say increasing the police presence in schools isn’t the best way to address classroom violence. One expert in Iowa says educators would do better to treat the underlying causes.
Fifty years ago, just 1 percent of the nation’s public schools had police officers on campus. That number has jumped to more than 40 percent now.
The 1999 Columbine High School
shooting in Colorado prompted officials to harden schools with more police presence, thinking it would keep students safer.
Iowa State University Associate Dean for the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Monic Behnken said academic research shows that hasn’t worked.
“What the literature is clear about for the past 20 years is actually the thing that you want to do is, you want to soften your schools,” said Behnken.
“You want to increase access to thera -
pists, counselors, social workers, community liaisons.”
Behnken said these professionals can address the emotional and social stressors among kids before they’d commit crimes.
She added that although school shootings have increased and get huge media attention when they happen, they are still statistically rare.
Behnken said data show that School Resource Officers (SROs), have next to no impact on stopping violence, bullying, or even schoolyard
fights - but they do have a big impact in other areas.
“The research shows that SROs are good at policing,” said Behnken. “So, they are fantastic in a school that has a drug problem. They are fantastic at a school that has a gang problem.” Behnken said otherwise, more officers on school campuses can do more harm than good - because school staff may learn to rely on SROs to solve discipline problems that administrators could handle without having to involve the police.
Mark Moran Iowa News Service
her near-800 vote gap an “insurmountable lead” and describing Bohannan a “failed congressional candidate” whose recount would cost Iowa taxpayers almost $20,000. This effectively amounts to a fraction of a penny per person in the district.
The recount certainly won’t break the bank for Iowans. But nevertheless it puts an end to one of the most contested races in the state and throughout the country. Miller-Meeks said she is deeply honored to have the recount completed and once again secure her reelection for a third term.
“I want to thank the election officials, volunteers and recount boards who worked tirelessly, even during this holiday week,” Miller-Meeks said. “I am now looking forward to getting back to work in Washington to lower prices at the gas pump, grocery store and on prescription drugs, secure the border and help farmers.”
Bohannan congratulated Miller-Meeks on her victory and hoped that during the congresswoman’s next term “she will listen to Iowans and deliver for the hardworking people who depend on her to represent them.” It was not the result Bohannan
wanted, but she was proud of her campaign.
“We exceeded all expectations and turned a district that many pundits thought was unwinnable into one of the very closest races in the country,” she said.
Bohannan commended her campaign for standing up to “the political establishment and corporate special interests that have taken advantage of hardworking Iowans for far too long.” The Democrat was grateful to the thousands of Iowans who joined the campaign and believed in her.
“And I am honored by the roughly half of Iowans in this district – people of all political parties – who voted for me to be their next congresswoman,” Bohannan said. “Although I won’t be able to represent them in Washington, D.C. this January, I want them to know that I will continue our important work of putting Iowa first.”
Earlier this month, the Bohannan campaign declared it wanted a full recount of the congressional district race in all 20 counties, including Jasper County. At that time, results from the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office showed Miller-Meeks leading by just 802 votes. It was close, but not nearly as close as four years ago.
In 2020, the race between Miller-Meeks and Democrat Rita Hart was decided by only six votes in the Republican’s favor. Still, the Bohannan campaign said it wanted to be absolutely certain every voter
was heard and asked for a recount as permitted by state law, much to the dismay of many Republicans.
The Bohannan campaign said it would accept results regardless of outcome. Because the margins were close enough for a recount, the Associated Press had not yet called an election winner for the Miller-Meeks and Bohannan race prior to the recount. Associated Press officially called the race on the afternoon of Nov. 27.
Here is Miller-Meeks’s full statement after the recount:
I am deeply honored to have the recount completed and once again secure reelection so I can continue serving the hardworking people of southeast Iowa. I want to thank the election officials, volunteers, and recount boards who worked tirelessly,evenduringthisholidayweek.I amnowlookingforwardtogettingbackto workinWashingtontolowerpricesatthe gaspump,grocerystoreandonprescription drugs, secure the border and help farmers.
Here is Bohannan’s full statement after the recount:
I want to thank our election officials and volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure every lawful vote was counted in this election. And I especially want to thank Iowans for their patience during this process. I congratulate Mariannette Miller-Meeks on her victory. In her next
term,IhopeshewilllistentoIowansand deliver for the hardworking people who dependonhertorepresentthem. Althoughthisisnottheresultwewanted, I am so proud of our campaign. We exceeded all expectations and turned a districtthatmanypunditsthoughtwasunwinnableintooneoftheveryclosestraces inthecountry.Butwhat’smoreimportant isthatthiswasacampaignofvalues.We stooduptothepoliticalestablishmentand corporatespecialintereststhathavetaken advantage of hardworking Iowans for far too long. We fought for our fundamental freedoms and for an economy where peoplewhoworkhardcannotonlygetby, butgetahead.Wereachedacrosspolitical dividestosolveourtoughestproblems,restorefaithinourgovernment,andmakea better future for our children and grandchildren.
I am grateful to the thousands of Iowanswhojoinedourgrassrootscampaign for believing in me, sharing these values, andgivingoftheirprecioustimeandtreasuretomakeouridealsareality.
AndIamhonoredbytheroughlyhalf of Iowans in this district – people of all politicalparties–whovotedformetobe their next congresswoman. Although I won’tbeabletorepresenttheminWashington DC this January, I want them to know that I will continue our important workofputtingIowafirst.
prettier than it was last year and last year was terrific for us! We’ve got such a great volunteer group that come in from all over the county to help.”
Newton News previously reported that visits from the 2023 event came from 59 towns, 24 coun-
ties and 16 states. The museum was awarded another Hotel-Motel Tourism Grant from the city this year to help the event bring people to town. Carroll said organizers have extended their reach with more advertising this year. Especially in areas outside of Jasper County. Carroll is looking forward to the excitement it brings to families who tour through the museum and see the
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more than 200 decorated trees on display with the museum exhibits. All the old school decorations and the festive colors create a uniquely fun atmosphere.
“Forget about all the stuff going on out in the world and come in here and walk through the wonderland,” Carroll said to Newton News. “It’s absolutely gorgeous and put you in the spirit and give you a peaceful heart when you see all these wonderful trees and all these beautiful decorations.”
The Tree-mendous Christmas Experience is the brainchild of Dave Rorabaugh, chair of the museum’s Christmas committee. Rorabaugh has bemoaned past comments saying the event is the same every year. Bah
humbug! Visitors have to look no further than their first steps into the museum to know that is wrong.
“The Newton Arboretum’s display is outstanding,” he said. “It’s one of the first things you’ll see when you walk in. I think it’s a home run and we really appreciate the time and effort they’ve put in because it is not only a build that took several days, it took all summer to dry out the plants.”
Every year the museum tries to reserve trees to acknowledge military service members, local churches and even departed loved ones. Rorabaugh said volunteers truly make an effort to have trees and displays that respond well to anybody who walks through the museum.
“I think we’ve done an excellent job this year,” he said. “Every year we think it’s the best. Well, I still
think this one is by far the best.”
The event also stands out for being open on Christmas Day, letting families a chance to get out of the house and enjoy a family-friendly outing.
“We’ve had really ‘tree-mendous’ success on Christmas Day,” Rorabaugh said. “The volunteers we have to make this happen is unbelievable. One of the most impressive things to me is how the community comes out, supports us and puts the hours in to make this what it is.”
Diane Dafflitto, secretary of the museum’s board of directors, has spent a great deal of time decorating the place. She said her preparation for the big event started as early as February this year when she started creating homemade decorations for trees and other displays.
However, the actual decorating in the museum didn’t start until September. Dafflitto said volunteers rotate every year, so the people who decorated a room last year have moved on to a different room. Again, she said this is to help make it so the Tree-mendous Christmas Experience never gets old or samey.
“The same people don’t do the same area year after year after year,” Dafflitto said. “We rotate everything.”
Jasper County Historical Museum’s Tree-mendous Christmas Experience kicks off 1-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, and 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at 1700 S. 15th Ave. W. in Newton. The event is open 1-8 p.m. Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 29, and it will be open 1-4 p.m. on Christmas Day.
need help.
I don’t like to act this way. I just need
I don’t like to act this way. I just need hel I
Trump is giving taxpayers trillions of reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving
My fellow Iowans sent me to the Senate ten years ago to make the porkers squeal.
It’s been a very lonely fight.
Even in this era of political polarization, Democrats and Republicans always come together in agreement over one issue: living high off the hog.
When faced with proposals to trim the fat from Washington’s budget, the turkeys in Congress from both parties act like Goldilocks. The portions are always too little or too big, always too hard, and never just right.
Want
From Washington, DC
U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst
But the real “make-believe” of this fairy tale is that it’s impossible to reduce Washington’s budget without causing pain. Most Americans aren’t even benefitting in any meaningful way from hundreds of billions of dollars being wasted. President Biden added more than
more young people to join the
military? Spend less
By Lindsay Koshgarian
The military is concerned about a growing recruitment crisis. Survey after survey reveals young people just aren’t inspired by military service.
Ironically, decades of sky-high military spending — and the endless war it enabled — may have much to do with that. And reversing that trend is critical to making Americans safer.
An 18-year-old today will have lived their entire life watching one failed, disastrous war after another. Born in 2006, they would have been an infant when George W. Bush surged troops in Iraq in 2007, years after the infamous “Mission Accomplished” banner. They would have been in about second grade when ISIS took over much of that country.
They could have been eligible to join the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) just as the United States withdrew from Afghanistan after 20 years, having only made conditions worse.
That same young person would have spent formative years in isolation because of a global pandemic, during which billionaires made record wealth gains and used their wealth to buy elections. They would see a country where public schools are underfunded and where neglected infrastructure means lead in drinking water and dams that can’t stand up to newly destructive storms.
This reflects the conscious decisions of the government they’re being asked to fight for. In 2024, the U.S. military budget is approaching $1 trillion, more than half of which goes to for-profit military contractors. Year after year, that’s money that hasn’t gone into education, health care, housing, climate or other needs desperately facing young people — and all of us — today.
Young people don’t want to sign up for this.
Americans under 30 are the only age group where a majority think the military has a negative effect on the country. Younger Americans are also likelier to say the military doesn’t
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make the world safer. And fewer than one in five of us under 35 say they’re “extremely proud” to be American — compared to half of those 55 and over.
Notably, these Americans also think the United States is on the wrong side in the Middle East. Just one in five younger Americans tell pollsters they support how Israel is conducting its war in Gaza, even as the United States continues to sponsor Israel’s fight through a continuing stream of weapons.
And for all that we’ve spent on the military, we’ve consistently failed to protect those who volunteer. With half the budget going to for-profit contractors with multimillionaire CEOs, the troops are often forced to rely on food stamps to get by.
Meanwhile, more veterans have died of suicide since 2001 than have died in wars. And our lawmakers have failed to adequately support veterans harmed by burn pits, traumatic brain injury, homelessness and other tragedies of military service.
No wonder over half of all Americans now say they’d advise a loved one not to join the military.
If we want the best for our country and its young people, we can’t blindly ask them to join an institution they don’t believe in and fight in wars they don’t support for a country that doesn’t have their backs.
Instead, we need to invest in a country worth fighting for. For what we’ve spent on wars and the military since 9/11, we could have easily decarbonized the entire U.S. electric grid, completely erased student debt, continued the pandemic-era Child Tax Credit (which cut child poverty in half) for another decade, and much more.
It’s not too late to press for those investments, which — unlike the trillions we’ve plowed into the Pentagon and unjust wars — would actually make this country safer. Just ask the young people we’re asking to defend it.
Lindsay Koshgarian directs the National Priorities Project at the Institute for Policy Studies.
$8 trillion in red ink in just four years. Instead of sticking a fork in his borrowing and spending, he keeps gobbling up more tax dollars on his way out the door. Biden’s binge-buying bureaucrats are being ordered to work overtime— including weekends—spending billions of dollars as quickly as possible before President-elect Trump takes office in January.
So then why am I squealing with joy?
Because we are making Washington go cold turkey.
President Trump is giving taxpayers trillions of reasons to be thankful this Thanksgiving.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy are being tasked with heading up the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with the mission of finding trillions of dollars of savings for taxpay-
ers by downsizing government. There’s no team better suited to lead the operation. And to support their efforts, I am chairing the Senate DOGE Caucus.
Washington’s out-of-control spending put our nation $36 trillion in debt. With another $3 billion being added every day just to pay for the interest, the longer we delay tackling the problem, the further away the finish line gets. For stuffing the budget like a turkey, I am giving my November 2024 Squeal Award to President Biden. As food for thought, I am putting trillions of dollars of savings on the menu, including gravy trains and lots of unwanted sides, for DOGE to dig into. Joni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and acombatveteran,representsIowainthe United States Senate.
on it Letters to the Jasper County Tribune will be edited for libel, grammar and length and should not exceed 400 words. We reserve the right to shorten letters and reject those deemed libelous, in poor taste or of a personal nature. Include your full name, address and a daytime phone number for verification. Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion of the writer or artist. Submit letters to news@jaspercountytribune.com or Newton Daily News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208
YOUR VIEW
Life will be better
Life will be better, or at least I presume so, after we load freight trains full of immigrants and deposit them in some desert in northern Mexico. Now I personally don’t know any illegal immigrants, nor do I know anyone that does know any, so I haven’t felt personal fear from them; but life will obviously be better, more secure, and idyllic if we get rid of them.
How do I know this? It has to be. The major issue raised in the last national election was illegal immigration. In speeches, editorials, and satellite news, we have heard the constant refrain of the awfulness of this hoard of people coming across the border uninvited. There must be a rather striking difference between an invited immigrant and an uninvited immigrant. Apparently there is sufficient danger in this hoard of illegals to frighten the most stalwart. The danger increases daily.
Loading up trainloads of immigrants is of such importance that the whole country must be reminded daily of the danger of not accomplishing this. The danger is imminent. We must all be on board with this homeland cleansing sort of thing.
Obviously the danger must be to our way of life, our wellbeing, our very existence. It has to be. One can not go through a day in contact with others either at work, at the gym, or attending some sporting event, without hearing random comments of the dangers posed by illegal immigrants. I’ve even heard say that they come armed with high powered weapons and backpacks full of fentanyl. We certainly don’t condone this behavior and the quicker we get rid of several million of these people and finish building that wall between us and Mexico, all will be well. Those who say so have convinced me.
The word I used “those” is a key here. Apparently everyone knows more than I do. I try to be somewhat up on national and world events by subscribing to
Dunwell was using poor judgment
Reading the reporting of candidate Jon Dunwell visiting election sites on Election Day leaves me wanting to ask Mr. Dunwell, “What the heck were you thinking?”
This entire election cycle has been tainted with all sorts of accusations, true or false, of election misconduct and cheating and whatever conspiracy one chooses to get on board with, and candidate Jon Dunwell sees nothing wrong with going to polling places and actually talking to those standing in line? Are you kidding me?
The excuse Dunwell gives, or should I say the justification he gives for this poorly thought-out action is that he wasn’t “cam-
paigning,” he just wanted to see for himself how the turnout was and was merely discussing things like “the weather and rain,” so he can’t be accused of anything inappropriate. Yeah, right. Did other candidates visit polling places and talk to voters on Election Day? I didn’t think so. They knew how it would look and wisely stayed away.
Also, Dunwell tries to convince us that since he didn’t introduce himself as a candidate, voters probably didn’t know who he was.
That is laughable, and Dunwell knows it. Did candidate Dunwell actually think that in Newton and Jasper County, where his face is very well known,
a few newspapers and monthly publications but I’ll be darned if I have felt any impending doom. Now I have been told, by a neighbor actually (not in Mingo) that there is an apartment in New Jersey with a group of illegal immigrants with high-powered firepower. Our governor has sent Iowa State troopers to the border to help control this flood of drugs and criminals coming into the United States. There was one illegal immigrant that was convicted of a heinous sex crime somewhere here in the States. Apparently and clearly I should be more aware.
So the facts speak for themselves; they have to go. Our well being depends on us being rid of these people. Just because we make their lives even more miserable than it already is should not deter us. Our lives and comfort are what count. Always has been and always will be. Just because you are miserable, have nothing, and nowhere to go, this is not my problem.
Richard E. H. Phelps II Mingo
where he has been very active in the community and has made it a point to make everyone aware of who he is, that he could strike up conversations with the voters and they would not know who he is? I don’t think so. Seems that Mr. Dunwell doesn’t think much of Jasper County voters if he really believes that. No, visiting election sites and interacting with voters was an extremely poor judgment call by candidate Dunwell, and for him to act all indignant and start blaming Democrats for “harassing” him just shows how woefully unqualified he is to be in any elected office.
Please, Mr. Dunwell, give the voters more credit than that. And take responsibility for your own poor judgement.
Sheesh! Politicians, right? John Moore Newton
Colfax Historical Society
The Nov. 18 meeting of the Colfax Historical Society was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by president Kevin Williams and he thanked everyone for attending. Members present were: BJ Williams, Karen Russell, Aaron Bartholmey, Steve and Cindy L. Van Dusseldorp, Stanley Daft, Larry and Charlet Daft, Don and Joyce Jessen, Rachel Wilty, Peggy Dvorak and Chris Smith. Minutes of the Oct. 21 was read. Treasurer’s report was presented.
Chris Smith filled in for Tranquillity who was sick and asked about the cost of the outside wedding. We all agreed it should be the same as for the inside cost.
Chris has been installing cables.
Larry D. discussed the Kids Christmas Party set for Saturday, Dec. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. We will have activities, games and refresh-
Club News
ments. Pictures with Santa at 4 pm. He has got volunteers to help with all of this.
An Election Day Soup Supper was held on Tuesday, Nov. 5 in our Community Room from 4:30 to 8 p.m. We had a free will donation and received $560, plus $5 in Gift Shop. Committee in charge was Cindy L. and Peggy and we Thanked them and the volunteers for a successful event.
Kevin will call the Print Shop in East Des Moines who will print the “Colfax Mineral Springs Little Carlsbad of America” booklets that we have in our Gift Shop, as there are only a couple left. He hopes they will have it done soon.
Colfax Country Christmas will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. We will be having a table at the Christian Church with items from our Gift Shop. Joyce and Cindy L. have volunteered to help.
Jasper County Historical Museum will be doing the Christmas Tree event again this year. It will be open every Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 30 – Dec. 29. Saturday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Also, open Dec. 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. For group visit options, call the Museum. Freewill donations accepted.
Pam Ingraham donated a beautiful large orange and black banner that said Colfax High School on it and it will be displayed in the museum.
We will be open the second Saturday of the month on Jan. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.The volunteers will be Charlet and Larry from 10 a.m. until noon and from noon until 2 p.m. will be Peggy and Joe. Admission is free.
The next meeting will be on Monday, Jan. 20. It is open to anyone who would like to attend.
Help with heating bills: low-income assistance available
Low-income families can apply for heating assistance programs
As temperatures go down during fall and winter, furnaces and heaters work harder and use more energy to help keep us warm and comfortable.
MidAmerican Energy reminds customers who struggle with wintertime heating bills that there may be financial help available. State agencies that administer home heating assistance through the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, now accept applications for energy assistance.
“Some of our customers trying hard to make ends meet don’t know about the LIHEAP program, so we want to make sure people know that this home heating help might be available to them,” Mike Gehringer, vice president of customer operations for MidAmerican Energy, said. “LIHEAP funds can really make a difference for those who qualify, but first, you have to apply through your local state agency.”
MidAmerican customers who have received a disconnection notice are encouraged to call the company at 888-427-5632
to discuss possible payment options. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides LIHEAP funding to states, which administer their own programs.
Iowa LIHEAP Community action agencies in Iowa review applications and administer energy assistance funds. Household income and size, type of primary heating fuel, housing type and other factors are considered.
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Iowa, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200 percent of 2023 federal poverty guidelines.
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and have a great time with friends new and old.
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
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 month - WIC appointments
IRA UNITED CHURCH
Rev. Michael Omundson
For example, a single-person household is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $30,120. A family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $62,400.
The program began taking applications Oct. 1. for those 60 or older, disabled or in crisis, and will accept all other applications through April 30, 2025.
Eligible customers who need help with energy bills should apply for LIHEAP at a local community action outreach office.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has additional information about the program. Eligibility requirements information is also available
A holiday concert will be held from 3 to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at Bethany Church. Community members are invited to hear the music of Derek Shields and Company with refreshment available starting at 2:30 p.m.
by dialing 211. Budget Billing provides predictable monthly bill
Customers who want to avoid month-to-month bill fluctuations can opt for MidAmerican’s Budget Billing program, which allows customers to pay the same amount each month for a set period. The free program does not lower rates or costs but does offer a more predictable bill.
How you can help low-income customers this winter
To help those in need, customers can donate to MidAmerican’s I CARE program. I CARE provides funding to local community action agencies to assist low-income residents with heating bills and home weatherization.
Customer donations fund I CARE, together with a 25 percent match from MidAmerican. Tax-deductible donations to the I CARE program stay within the local community and go directly to help those in need. MidAmerican customers can donate to the I CARE program by noting the donation amount on their monthly bill or pledging online.
After the concert, grab a ticket and visit the four homes featured in the 2024 Baxter Tour of Homes. Tickets are available at the Baxter Library or through Venmo on the Christmas in Baxter Facebook page.
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
• Mingo Park & Recreation regular meeting meets at 6:30 p.m. the last Thursday of month at City Hall
SATURDAY
• Poweshiek Partners 4-H club meets at 9 a.m. the first Saturday of the month in the C-M Elementary lunchroom
MONDAY
• Baxter City Council meets at 6 p.m. the second Monday of month at City Hall
• Colfax City Council meets the second Monday of month at the Colfax Fire Department
• Colfax Country Club meets at 7 p.m. the second Monday of month
• Mingo American Legion Auxiliary meets at 1 p.m. the second Monday of month
• Mingo City Council meets at 6 p.m. the second Monday of month
TUESDAY
• Baxter Masonic Lodge meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of month
• Baxter Chamber of Commerce meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of month at city hall
• Colfax American Legion Post 175 meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of month at the Colfax Senior Citizens Center
WEDNESDAY
• C-M Athletic Booster Club meets at 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of month in the high school
THURSDAY
• Baxter Garden Club meets at 7 p.m. second Thursday of month, March to December, at the Baxter Community Building
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 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.
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 down slightly from last year when hunters bagged the highest number of roosters since 2007. According to the August roadside survey, the regions with high-
er pheasant counts are north of Interstate 80.
“The harvest is following what the roadside counts showed — better hunting in northern Iowa with lots of young birds out there,” Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR said.
Last year, more than 83,000 hunters harvested over 590,000 roosters, providing an estimated economic impact of $180 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 to 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.
WEDNESDAYS - 1st & 3rd - 6:30 p.m. Mens Bible Study 2nd & 4th - 6:30 p.m. Men’s and Womens Bible Study
THURSDAYS 10 a.m. - Womens Bible Study BAXTER
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 month6:30 p.m. Theology on Tap at Bea’s Place on Main Street Check us out on Facebook and baxtercongregational.com
CORNERSTONE
Metro Creative
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Iowa, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200 percent of 2023 federal poverty guidelines.
Wrestling
Colfax-Mingo, Baxter at Williamsburg, 4 p.m.
December 10 Girls Basketball
Colfax-Mingo at Lynnville-Sully, 6 p.m.
Baxter at BCLUW, 6 p.m. Boys Basketball Colfax-Mingo at Lynnville-Sully, 7:30 p.m.
Baxter at BCLUW, 7:30 p.m.
Girls Wrestling
Baxter at Eagle Grove, 5 p.m.
Boys Wrestling Colfax-Mingo at Woodward-Granger, 5:30 p.m.
December 12
Boys Wrestling Colfax-Mingo
Colfax-Mingo girls score first victory since 2022
COLFAX — A fast start and seven 3-pointers led the Colfax-Mingo girls basketball team to its first win since 2022 on Nov. 26.
The Tigerhawks jumped out to an early lead and never looked back during a 49-25 non-conference home win over East Marshall. Colfax-Mingo led 11-2 after one quarter and outscored the Mustangs 14-9 in the second and 12-4 in the third.
It was Colfax-Mingo’s first varsity girls basketball win since defeating Tri-County, 59-48, on Feb. 8, 2022. The Tigerhawks were 0-22 last season and did not have a season the year before.
East Marshall is 6-2 against Colfax-Mingo since 2017, but the Tigerhawks have won two of the past three in the series.
Isabelle Voglesong posted a career-best 18 points and added four rebounds, four assists and three steals to lead the Tigerhawks. She was 3-of-8 from 3-point range and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line.
Blain Houseman tallied eight points, seven rebounds, six assists and five steals, Mallory Sipma chipped in nine points, four rebounds and four steals and Lydia Hansen contributed eight points and five boards.
Dakota Allen finished with three points and four rebounds, Victoria Woods contributed two rebounds and two steals and Mckinley Bucklin grabbed two boards.
7:30 p.m.
GMG at Baxter, 7:45 p.m.
December 14.
Boys Wrestling
Colfax-Mingo home tournament, 9 a.m.
Baxter at Montezuma tournament, 10 a.m.
December 16
Girls Wrestling Colfax-Mingo at Saydel tournament, 4 p.m.
December 17
Girls Basketball
Colfax-Mingo at North Mahaska, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball Colfax-Mingo at North Mahaska, 7:30 p.m.
Boys Wrestling Colfax-Mingo at English Valleys, 6 p.m.
December 19
Boys Basketball
Baxter at Martensdale-St. Marys, 7:30 p.m.
The Tigerhawks shot 35.7 percent from the floor, made 7-of-19 from 3 and buried 12-of-23 from the foul line. They turned the ball over 28 times.
East Marshall (1-1) was led by Ashtyn Wheater’s nine points, three rebounds and three steals. Delaney Ryan collected six points, six steals and three rebounds and Sydney Hull put in nine points.
The Mustangs turned the ball over 32 times and were just 1-of22 from 3.
Martensdale-St. Marys 37, Colfax-Mingo 32
The Tigerhawks overcame a slow start but couldn’t keep a
small advantage after three quarters during a 37-32 non-conference home loss to Martensdale-St. Marys on Nov. 25.
Colfax-Mingo trailed the Blue Devils 12-3 after one but outscored its visitors 16-6 in the second and 8-4 in the third. Martensdale-St. Marys, which overcame 20 percent shooting from the floor, rallied with a 15-5 fourth quarter.
Sipma led the Tigerhawks
with eight points, six rebounds and two steals and Katelyn Steenhoek put in a career-best 12 points. Hansen finished with five points, nine rebounds and two steals and Houseman added four points, five rebounds and three assists.
Foglesong grabbed five rebounds, Allen collected four boards and Woods corralled two rebounds.
The Tigerhawks shot 23.3 percent from the floor, made 4-of-10 from 3 and connected on 14-of19 from the foul line.
C-M out-rebounded the Blue Devils 32-21 but turned the ball over 36 times.
Martensdale-St. Marys (1-0) improved to 3-0 against Colfax-Mingo since 2014. Ellie Baker led the Blue Devils with nine points, seven rebounds and four steals and Rylie Fugate put in nine points.
The visitors were only 2-of-22 from 3 but made 17-of-33 from the foul line. They turned the ball over 20 times.
C-M girls win twice as Webster claims 100th victory at W-G duals
WOODWARD — Lily Webster won her 100th career match, six Tigerhawks finished 3-0 and posted at least two pins and the Colfax-Mingo girls wrestling team went 2-1 in a road quadrangular on Dec. 2. The Tigerhawks were 16-7 in contested matches and all 16 wins came by pin. They defeated Clarke 60-6 and downed host Woodward-Granger 5430. Dallas Center-Grimes finished 3-0 after defeating Colfax-Mingo 42-36. The Tigerhawks had an advantage in contested matches though.
Class 1A No. 9 Webster (12-1) was one of six Tigerhawks who posted three victories. She took two forfeits and won her match against DCG by pin at 100 pounds.
Hadley Millang (103) was 3-0 with three first-period pins. She won twice at 155 and once at 145. Devan Chadwick (110), Brianna Freerksen
(130/135), Jozlyn Wells (140) and Class 1A No. 7 Emma Cook (235) also went 3-0. The Tigerhawks (4-4)
were 5-1 with five pins in contested matches against Clarke. They also accepted five forfeits and there were three double forfeits.
Allison Minteer (105), Freerksen (135), Millang (155), Samantha Wheeler (190) and Cook (235) all won by fall and Chadwick (110), Wells (140), Lily Brenner (145), Emma Beyer (170) and Webster (100) took the forfeits.
Colfax-Mingo was 6-2 with six pins in the contested matches against Woodward-Granger. Minteer, Chadwick, Freerksen (130), Wells, Millang and Beyer all won by fall, while Wheeler, Cook and Webster accepted the forfeits.
The Tigerhawks were 5-4 with five pins in the contested matches against DCG.
Chadwick, Wells, Millang, Cook and Webster all won by fall, while Freerksen took the team’s lone forfeit. Cook (12-0), Minteer, Chadwick (9-3), Freerksen and Wells (8-4) all won twice by fall. Minteer and Beyer finished 2-1 in their three matches and Wheeler was 2-0.
DCG had a 3-1 advantage in forfeits against Colfax-Mingo.
L-S girls use big second quarter to down Baxter
SULLY — The Lynnville-Sully girls basketball team broke open a tight game with a big second quarter, dominated on the boards and cruised past Baxter 6238 during a non-conference game on Nov. 26. The Hawks won their home opener with a 16-5 advantage in the second and a 19-10 surplus in the third. L-S led 13-11 after one quarter and outscored the Bolts 14-12 in the fourth. The Hawks out-rebounded Baxter 49-21.
Kate Harthoorn led the Hawks with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and six steals and Ava Brummel added 10 points, 13 rebounds and four assists. The Hawks (1-1) shot 35.2 percent from the floor, made 3-of-12 from 3-point range and connected on 21-of-27 from the free-throw line.
Baxter was led by Emie Tuhn’s 17 points. She also had five of the team’s six assists and five of Baxter’s 12 steals. Kamdyn Krampe collected 10 points and five boards in her prep debut. Kendall Brummel added four points, five rebounds and three steals, Hannah Huffaker tallied five points and three rebounds and Karlee Koehler and Myah Johnston each grabbed two rebounds.
The Bolts (0-1) shot 30.2 percent from the floor, hit 3-of-22 from 3 and connected on 9-of-14 from the foul line. Baxter committed 20 turnovers.
Lily Webster
Colfax-Mingo senior Lily Webster claimed her 100th career win during the team’s road quadrangular at Woodward-Granger on Dec. 2. The Tigerhawks won two of their three duals and Webster improved to 12-1 on the season.
Jasper County Tribune
Tuhn
Brummel
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune
Colfax-Mingo junior Mallory Sipma, left, scored nine points,
grabbed four rebounds and dished out four assists in the team’s double-digit win over East Marshall on Nov. 26.
Jasper County Tribune
Troy Hyde/ Jasper County Tribune Colfax-Mingo freshman Blain Houseman filled up the stat sheet against East Marshall on Nov. 26. The Tigerhawks downed the Mustangs 49-25 for their first win since 2022.
Troy Hyde Jasper County Tribune Colfax-Mingo senior Lily Webster celebrated her 100th career victory during the Tigerhawks’ road quadrangular at Woodward-Granger on Dec. 2.
Mechanic, Small engine mechanic needed
Work is mostly on mowing equipment ranging from commercial
lawn tractors, push mowers, and handheld equipment.
Position is full-time year round. Experience with hydraulic drive systems and electrical is a plus. We stock a large inventory of parts and order daily so you can get the job done.
We have the best lifts and service tools in the industry to help you do your job safely and efficiently.
We offer training for the engines and equipment that we sell. Training is offered onsite via computer resources as well as hands on work.
We also pay our technicians to attend local factory training when and where available to keep up on the latest technology and certifications.
We are a family owned business that has always had a family first culture. Located just 12 miles east of Des Moines on University Ave. Top pay based on experience and qualifications. Benefits including 80% of employee health insurance paid, vacation, sick time and 401k with company match also available. Fax resume to 515-994-3272 attn. Kevin. Or email kevin@prairieagsupply.com.
Talk with your partner before having sex.
Talk about when you were last tested and suggest getting tested together.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your sex life. Ask them about HIV and STI testing: including what tests you need and how often.
