NDN-MAG-9-22-16

1Cover

JASPER COUNTY Living ****************ECRWSS**** Local Postal Customer PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D Permit No. 371 Newton, IA 50208

Try a flatbread taco at your next

TAILGATE Meet Baxter

officer

Tracy Cross

Time and

money:

Medicaid costs local providers

Kern apartments bring modern amenities to historic downtown space in a look at

LifE oN Main

3

One of the Midwest’s largest independent clinics... because you deserve a choice in health care

Paul Ruggle, M.D. family practice

Steve Hill, M.D. family practice with OB

Pat Edwards, M.D. family practice with OB

Orville Bunker, M.D. family practice

T. Y. Chan, D.O. internal medicine

Min Pak, M.D. family practice

Mureema Solberg, M.D. family practice

Leighton Frost, M.D. family practice with OB

Zack Alexander, M.D., CCD family practice

Duane Jolivette, M.D. family practice

Andrew Cope, D.O. family practice with OB

Stephanie Bantell, M.D. family practice with OB

Esgar Guarin, M.D., FAAFP family practice with OB

Janice Gates, DPM podiatry

Laurie Siddall, ARNP, FNP-C family practice

Past

Our roots were established as far back as the 1920s.

The providers of Newton Clinic have been caring for this community for more than 80 years.

Present

We want to make you better when you are sick, keep you healthy when you are well, help you grow your family when a little one is on the way, and help you say goodbye in peace when your journey is done.

Beth Preston, ARNP, FNP-C family practice

Jodi Holloway. ARNP, FNP-C family practice

Lacy Lundgren, CNM, MSM women’s health with OB

Future

Our clinic continues to grow to meet your needs. Whether you want a male provider or a female one, a new graduate or a veteran doc, we have the right health-care provider for you.

Always

Every patient has a choice. Thank you for turning to Newton Clinic. Thank you for letting us treat you ... like family.

Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. • Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon Same-day appointments always available!

(641) 792-2112 • 300 N. 4th Ave. E., Newton • www.newtonclinic.com • www.facebook.com/newtonclinic

5

Events

9

Food + Drink

11

INDEX

Find out what holiday and seasonal activities are happening around the county this fall.

Moo’s BBQ owner Jeremy Biondi shares a fried flatbread taco to please any tailgate crowd.

9

What’s In

Check out a variety of autumn essentials available locally to enjoy throughout the entire season.

13

At home

17

Q+A

21

Issue

21

Wellness

21

See the upscale loft apartment of Brian and Julia Kern, located in downtown Colfax.

11

11

Meet a former Newton resident and now Baxter police officer in his first year on the force.

Find out why the recent statewide Medicaid transition has been costly to health care providers.

21

The Jasper County Health Department is only six months old, but it’s already making an impact.

JASPER COUNTY

Living

Dan Goetz Publisher Abigail Pelzer Editor Kate Malott Niche Publications Editor Jeff Holschuh Advertising Director Jasper County Living is a Newton Daily News publication

Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

Volume 4 Issue 3

3

4

Make your forty

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Welcome to the end of the day™

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110 N. 5th Ave. W. Newton, Iowa 641-792-0115 4

Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

calendar Mark your

events October and November

Oct. 7-9 Miss Iowa USA and Miss Iowa Teen USA All Day Newton High School Auditorium

Miss Iowa USA

October Oct. 1 Jasper County Pheasants Forever Banquet 5:30 p.m.

Fore Seasons Jasper County Pheasants Forever will host its annual banquet on Oct 1 at Fore Seasons Golf Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner catered

by Magg Catering at 6:30 p.m.

The banquet serves as the main fundraiser for the year with all proceeds benefiting local conservation efforts. These efforts include hosting a youth mentor hunt for young hunters, supporting local high school trap teams, partnering with Jasper County Conservation, environmental education efforts and improving habitat on both private and public lands.

and Wine course with the featured painting of Fall Trees.

Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage and enjoy step-by-step instruction with experienced and local artist Karen King. You’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind creation and a new found talent you’ll want to explore. Price starts at $20.

Most popular size canvases are $30 to $40. This includes all supplies and class fee.

The next class painting will be Poinsettia on Nov. 18.

The weekend begins on Friday night with registration, and then Saturday night are the preliminary rounds of the pageants with the big finale on Sunday afternoon. The winners of the pageants in Newton go on to represent Iowa at the Miss USA and the Miss Teen USA pageants next year with the Miss USA winner going on to the Miss Universe pageant.

For more information, visit www.missiowausa.com.

Oct. 14- 15, 20-22 “Caucus! The Musical” 7:30 p.m.

Newton Community Theatre Under the direction of John Dougan and Rachel Faidley with the book, music and lyrics

by Robert John Ford. The story begins when an Iowa farmer and his family are dubbed “the typical caucus-goers” by the national media, the candidates prove that they will do anything to win their votes.

Tickets will go on sale Oct. 3, and are $17 for adults and $15 for youth. For reservations, call the box office at 641-7921230.

Oct. 22 Family Bike and Hike 2 p.m.

Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Bring your bicycle and helmet and ride with a ranger from the Prairie Learning Center to the Savanna Trail. Take the half mile guided hike to learn about the endangered oak savanna. Pedal back to the PLC to complete the 1.5 mile round trip bike ride.

To register call 515/9943400 or email Nancy_corona@ fws.gov.

Oct. 7 Canvas and Wine 6 to 9 p.m.

Centre for Arts & Artists Centre for Arts and Artists will host its monthly Canvas Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

Neal Smith Family Bike and Hike 5

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The Newton

2016

American Legion Book your Event in our Ballroom for 2016

EVENT SCHEDULE

November 13 November 25 December 8

No membership required!

pen House Retail Holiday O

Open to the Public!

Check out our Weekly Events Calendar!

hting Festival Courthouse Lig ristmas Social Membership Ch

113 1st Avenue West - Newton, Iowa 50208 Phone: 641-792-5545 - www.experiencenewton.com

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November 12

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6

Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

Nov. 5-6 Iowa Sculpture Festival 14th Anniversary 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Centre for Arts & Artists The 2016 Iowa Sculpture & Fine Arts Festival will showcase the unique works of juried artists. Watch and learn how the exhibiting artists have adapted techniques in their creative process. Art will be for sale with the inclusion of a silent auction.

For additional information, please call Linda Klepinger at 641-521-3554.

Downtown Newton Beggar’s Night

November

Oct. 25 Halloween Walk 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Downtown Colfax Trick-or-Treaters and families from throughout Jasper County are invited to stroll in costume through Colfax’ Main Street District to see each business’ unique Halloween display and get a bucket or bag full or treats.

Oct. 28 Halloween Hike 6 p.m.

Mariposa County Park

Nov. 4 United Way of Jasper County Autograph and Experience Auction 6 to 8 p.m.

Fore Seasons The United Way of Jasper County will host its annual fundraiser where autographed memorabilia and experiences

will be auctioned off.

Some items include signatures from Cubs great Ryne Sandberg, Norm from “Cheers,” “The Bachelor” Chris Soules, Andy Grammer, the voice of Bart Simpson Nancy Cartwright, Princess Leia, Rick Springfield and Kansas City Royals tickets.

All items will be up for live and silent auction with all proceeds going toward the United Way of Jasper County.

The event is free admission.

Nov. 25 Jasper County Courthouse Lighting and Newton Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Festival 5 to 8 p.m.

Downtown Newton Square Some of the activities include a countdown and courthouse lighting at 6 p.m., Santa’s arrival downtown at 6:15 p.m. and Jasper County 4-H Festival of Trees inside the Jasper County Courthouse.

Santa will visit with children on the second floor of the courthouse.

This is a family friendly educational event, free and open to the public.

Oct. 31 Beggar’s Night 6 to 8 p.m.

City of Newton Calling all ghastly ghouls and wicked witches: There are plenty of area locations to get your treat on during this year’s Beggar’s Night. The annual event will bring children out to downtown Newton, area business and neighborhoods.

Check out the Newton Daily News this October for more information.

Jasper County Courthouse Lighting Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

7

IOWA

PELLA

America’s Dutch Treasure

Food + Drink pulled pork or chicken

sour cream

flatbread

pico de gallo or fresh salsa

cheddar cheese

spice up your tailgate By Jamee A. Pierson

Flatbread Taco 6 pre-made flatbread 2 c. cheddar cheese 1 lb. pulled pork or chicken

12 oz. pico de gallo 8 oz. sour cream

Directions: 1. Fry the flatbreads in the hot oil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Flip and fry on the second side for another 2 minutes. This can be completed prior to tailgate.

2. Warm packaged pulled pork or pulled chicken in the grill in foil.

Seasoned grilling veterans or those looking to try something new can smoke or grill pork or chicken to make fresh pulled pork or chicken.

With all of the prep work done, now it is time to create. Fill the flatbread with pulled meat, cheese, pico de gallo, salsa and sour cream as desired.

Fold and eat like taco.

Double or triple recipe to feed all of the hungry tailgaters before the big game.

Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

Moo’s BBQ owner Jeremy Biondi shared a new, tasty creation that would be a delicious addition to any tailgate. While hot dog, brats and hamburgers often take the spotlight at the grill before the game, Biondi’s Flatbread Taco is something different that will wow guests and keep them coming back for more.

9

GARDEN GATE LANDSCAPING, LTD

We are booking projects for the 2016 & 2017 seasons now.

Call Today!

We are partners with our community community, working together to create a place that fosters mental health and supports those with mental health challenges.

Programs include:

• Retaining Walls • Custom Fencing • Patios • Outdoor Lighting • Landscape Design • Installation

• Individual, group, child and family therapy • Psychiatric evaluation and treatment for adults and children • Chemical Dependency evaluation and treatment • Psychological testing for adults and children • Residential and Community Based support services

With offices in: 306 N. 3rd Ave. E. Newton, IA 50208 641-792-4012

James Moon, Owner

Phone: 641-791-9062 Fax: 641-791-5358 1217 E. 8th St. N. • PO Box 772 • Newton

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10

Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

WHAT’s IN

Fall Favorites

As temperatures fall and the leaves begin to change, enjoy the season with some of these local items.

Throw Blanket

For a cool night inside on the couch or outside on the deck, cuddle up with warmth and comfort of a plaid throw blanket. Availasble in a variety of colors.

Theisen’s, $15

Garden Mums

Mums are among the most popular flowers for autumn plantings and landscape decor. These hardy, colorful plants are the perfect addition to liven up any space.

Hy-Vee, $6 and up

Autumn Wreath

Put away your summer decor and add in some autumn simplicity to your home with a seasonal wreath.

Available in a variety of warm orange, red, gold and brown colors and organic materials.

Farmer’s Wife, $20 and up

Newton Appareal

Sport your Red Pride with a new Under Armour Newton Cardinal T-shirt or sweatshirt. Available at any home game.

Newton Booster Club, $20 and up

Wilson Football

Grab a jacket and get outside before the cold sets in. It is the perfect time of year for a game of catch with friends or family on a sunny weekend afternoon.

Walmart, $20 Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

Apple Cider

Cozy up this fall with hot, fresh from the orchard apple cider now available at local stores. Try it with cinnamon or nutmeg.

Fareway, $3 and up

11

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Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

AT HOME

Living on Main Street

Kern apartments bring modern amenities to historic downtown space

hall n e d en ke M i M By

COLFAX — Upscale downtown apartment living has taken off in the past decade in some of Iowa’s biggest cities.

Urban developers are capitalizing on unused upper level spaces as young professionals desire to live in an urban environment.

Des Monies, Cedar Rapids Davenport and other urban areas have seen a surge in residential development in their downtowns.

Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

But what would small town Main Street?

Smaller communities are starting to take advantage of available second floor space in their downtowns, including Jasper County’s city of Colfax — population 2,093.

Downtown apartments in Colfax are not new, but no one has it down it quiet like Brian and Julia Kern.

When the Kerns purchased their building at 13 East Howard Street for Brian’s law practice in 2004, they knew the build-

ing needed a full remodel to achieve the modern look they sought. But they also wanted to keep the building early 1900s historic charm intact.

The law office opened in March 2006 with nine months of earnest work creating a modern boardroom, offices, kitchenette space and waiting room.

But it wasn’t financially feasible to remodel the two aging and unused second level apartments at that time.

“There was no way the math was going to work to finish it at the time, so we just let it ride. This was pre-(Colfax) Main Street, so

we didn’t have any concept of grant-type things,” Brian said. “If we thought there was going to be a need in the future and the finances were possible, we’d do it.”

But the couple knew their ultimate goal was to eventually transform the second-level space. The Kerns had the architects who designed the first level offices draw a rough sketch of the second story — two one bedroom apartments with high-end features — so they could run basic plumbing and utility provisions.

They demoed and gutted the old apartments from the green shag carpets

MAIN STREET | 15

13

Vanderwaal Insurance

Owner Randy “Slim” Vanderwaal • Commercial • Home Owners

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NEWTON

IN REAL ESTATE Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

MAIN STREET continued from page 13

“down to the studs,” Brian said.

Some of the apartment’s development was longterm planning while the rest was fortuitous timing.

In 2011, Julia was Colfax Main Street Director and she found a grant opportunity through contacts at Main Street Iowa and the Iowa Economic Development Authority — Federal dollars appropriated after the 2008 floods to recover lost housing in the state.

The money came from a county to county transfer of funds from Cerro Gordo County which had addressed its flood damaged or lost housing. This, combined with their own capital investment, made the project feasible.

The grant came with stipulations. There is a fiveyear income restriction for tenants to make the housing affordable for young professionals or low-income renters.

Eventually a second architect did a dimensional layout. From planning and

Kitchen Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

funding through construction, the apartments were finally ready to go in Summer 2014.

Each apartment is large, constructed at 1,400 square feet. The first thing noticeable when walking into the apartment is the cathedral-like feel coming from the ceilings. At 10 feet-plus in height, architects and contractors worked with the roof height for the ceiling instead of making it artificially lower.

This height made the second most notably feature about space possible — the closets. The hallway storage lines the length of the main hall and entryway and feature 8-foot off-white doors with a tan hue, which clip into place without a traditional latch and stationary handles.

The closets interior nearly match the ceiling height.

This allows boxes, totes and other hidden treasures to be packed and stacked high maximizing space.

The apartments have similar closest space for linens and clothing in the bedrooms.

Moving through the long

Bedroom

Hallway

hallway into the main living space, you find an open floor plan connecting to a spacious galley kitchen.

With long granite counter tops, a glass top range, modern side-by-side refrigerator and dishwasher are included in with the lease, the kitchen provides

an upscale cooking experience.

The living space in each apartment has little nooks which give the living room character and options for furniture staging. The walls are painted a neutral latte and the living room is carpeted while the kitchen, hallway, laundry and bathrooms have simulated hardwood vinyl flooring.

But it is all brought to life by the two tall, custom designed windows with deep sills allowing natural light to flow in to the living space.

The eastern apartment features a third smaller window in the living area and the unit on the west side of the building features widows over the duel basin kitchen sinks and in the bathroom.

This natural light is mirrored in the bedrooms.

These windows overlook

MAIN STREET | 22

15

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16

Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

Q+A

Town: Baxter Job: Officer at Baxter Police Department Education: A t t e n d e d K i r k w o o d College for auto body work.

Graduated from police academy in April.

Hobbies: R u n n i n g , working on cars and continuing with body work on the side, spending time with his wife and three kids.

Past: Moved to Baxter this year. Previously worked in construction while living in Newton and is currently working in his first-ever law enforcement position in Baxter.

Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

Get to know Baxter Police Department Officer

Tracy Cross

by Alex Olp

Q. What pushed you to want to become a police officer?

A. It’s always something I’ve been interested in. The opportunity arose, and it was a chance for me. My daughter went to school here, and we were driving up from Newton, so this came up and it just kind of fell into place.

Q. What differences have you noticed in small town policing versus larger police departments?

A. The largest difference is the amount of activity. Traffic stops are fairly similar, but the amount of activity we see compared to larger communities is less. And relationships are closer here. We know people personally whereas a bigger city doesn’t always know who they’re going to talk to, so things are handled a little bit differently. The call volume isn’t nearly as high either but there’s always something going on.

Q. What is it that you like about Jasper County?

A. I like that it’s all pretty much small towns, except for Newton of course.

And for the most part it’s fairly quiet and everybody gets along compared to a place like Des Moines or surround-

ing cities where it’s busier, and there’s a lot more traffic.

Q. What individual accomplishments are you most proud of?

A. I’d have to say just getting through the academy. I’m not much of a school person and that was a lot of reading and a lot to take in a short amount of time for me. I think just getting though that while being married and having kids and having them do everything in 14 weeks was quite a bit for me. It took a toll on us personally and with family just trying to get through mentally and prepare for this.

I knew there was a lot going on when I got out and I wanted to be ready.

Q. What’s your future goal moving forward as a Baxter police officer?

A. Just building a larger relationship base with the community. Law enforcement is on kind of a down roll right now with everything going on. It’s not so much locally, but it does affect small towns. Some people think big city stuff happens here, and it can as far as how we are viewed. I think just building that relationship up with the community and keeping it on a positive note will be a large part of our job.

17

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Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

ISSUE

Medicaid transition consumes time, energy of health care providers

By Jason W. Brooks Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

F

orums and public hearings have been held in Des Moines and across Iowa this year to address issues related to the state’s Medicaid transition to a system that involves three managed-care organizations.

Though the issue has been largely partisan in terms of Democrats criticizing Republican Gov. Terry Branstad, who championed the transition, much of the follow-up has been a more direct criticism and series of complaints about the three MCOs. From contractual issues to timely payments to providers to eligibility for benefits, the transition has sparked a whole new layer of controversy and frustration to go with the many other complicated financial medical issues that already existed.

“We’re about $200,000 in payments due to us since April 1, and we’ve had to take out loans to make payroll,” said Capstone Behavioral Healthcare Director Julie Smith. “It’s been very frustrating.”

Sen. Chaz Allen (D-Newton), as a member of the Senate Human Resources Committee, heard from state Medicaid employees and MCO representatives a special out-of-session hearing to address Medicaid, held in late July. An early August meeting drew about 40 people to the Baxter Community Center, focusing partly on the July closure of the small city’s only health clinic due to Medicaid reimbursements quickly enough to meet expenses.

Gov. Terry Branstad and state government officials overseeing Medicaid have refuted some of the numbers with their own. In August, Branstad said the three MCOs were paying more than 90 percent of payment claims within 14 days, with the average payment made in fewer than nine days. This is on par with the old Medicaid program paying an average of seven to 10 days, he said.

In late August, a forum was held at the statehouse in Des Moines where citizens could sign

up to give recorded testimony about Medicaid issues that affect them personally, followed by a hearing with the newly formed Joint Legislative Health Policy Oversight Committee.

These meetings have been geared toward giving state officials more information about specific issues in the transition.

Some of the impositions described as new MCO policy or procedure include quarterly patient reassessments (as opposed to annual assessments), approving lower-grade or shorter-term treatments, massive hours needed by clinicians to understand and submit claims and long ma-

“I’m getting more than three calls on this every single day.”

— Sen. Chaz Allen, D-Newton

neuvers through phone trees were among the other concerns.

One parent discussed the lack of availability of specialists, including the ones needed to help treat her son’s cerebral palsy.

Rep. Mark Smith (D-Marshalltown), the House minority leader, said he plans to meet with providers at his office and discuss issues, just as he has done recently with Marshall County providers.

He invited everyone at the forum to contact him. Allen echoed the sentiment from other Democrats around the state recently in declaring Medicaid issues an emergency that requires attention.

“One person calls me about an issue, I get information and deal with it,” Allen said. “Two people call me about something, and that’s a real concern. Three people on a subject, and that’s a crisis. I’m getting more than three calls on this every single day.”

Scott Pritchard, director of TRANSITION | 22

19

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Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

Wellness Jasper County Health Department:

new and growing

By Jamee A. Pierson

The Jasper County Health Department is only six months old, but has already started to make a mark in the county. Lead by new administrator Becky Pryor, JCHD is becoming more involved in the community through events and social media.

“I see unlimited potential,” Pryor said.

Pryor started in the position on Feb. 16, only two weeks after Skiff Medical Center turned public health services back over to the county. The transition of public health to the county began with Skiff Medical Center deciding to no longer provide the service following the merger with Mercy in 2015. Skiff provided the service since 1984.

Following the transition, the newly formed JCHD started assessing county needs, and several moves were made within the office space to better accommodate the growing service.

A new space was created to conduct clinics and department business by converting an office into a spacious room in the basement of the Jasper County Annex building.

The main feature in the room is an oversized industrial refrigerator that stores immunizations for immunization clinics held weekly by the department.

“The refrigerator system has a continual monitoring system on it to monitor the temperature. It is im-

portant to keep our vaccines at a stable t e m p e r a t u re,” Pryor said.

Other changes include Lisa Damman transitioning to Public Health Coordinator and the hire of new Home Care Manager Brenda Steenhoek. Filling both positions has eased the responsibilities of Pryor from serving as the primary manager of specific departments to an overall leader of the organization.

In rec e n t months, JCHD has

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started a concentrated effort to reach the community by publishing weekly articles in the Newton Daily News and posting information on the department’s Facebook page.

The department has also been present at Maytag Pool and the Jasper County Fair w i t h s u n screen g i ve aways a n d leading the Maternal and Child Health T a s k Force, bring-

ing education to new or established parents.

The county will also take on more maternal and child health services, adding to the already established immunizations clinics. Starting in October, services including developmental screens and oral health screens will be provided at public health.

“There are so many people that need services,” Pryor said. “When they come in for immunizations, I always feel like they need more than what we can give them during that time.”

The department will assess how the changes effect the day-to-day work of the current staff and make changes or additions as needed.

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MAIN STREET continued from page 15

the small downtown business district in Colfax, reminding residents when they wake up in the morning they are living a downtown experience every day.

The bedrooms also have one of the most unique features in the apartment.

The Kerns wanted to keep historical elements of the space intact and achieved this through restored hardwood floors in the bedroom.

The floors are original from the early 1990s, and a refinishing group was commissioned to take the wood back to its original shine.

Although the units are income contingent, Brian said they didn’t want to throw something together

TRANSITION | continued from 19

Clearview Recovery, Inc., in Prairie City, operates a facility that’s been open since 2005. Its services include residential substance abuse treatment for women who have children. Pritchard said MCOs are dictating, without much patient knowledge, how much treatment can be covered, rather than simply covering an entire service.

“I had a young lady who had to have outpatient surgery on her foot and had to spend time on the phone with an MCO doctor who is in Texas,” Pritchard said. “It turned out she could only be authorized for one additional day (at Clearview). So I had the choice of kicking her to curb on a Saturday morning or having her stay longer and risk not getting paid for her stay, and I’m not going to kick people out. I have at least four or five women at our facility who I’m not getting paid to care for. I really

that was just adequate.

“It kind of goes back to tone of my dad’s old adage: if you give someone something nice they take care of it. If you don’t give someone something nice they don’t take care of it,” Brian said.

“The idea was to create a space that was very nice and above market, so you wouldn’t have trouble attracting good tenants and the tenants you had would be implored to take care of it versus you standard, runof-the-mill, slapped together apartment space.”

Another important aspect of the apartment is energy efficiency — a challenge to be achieved in a turn-ofthe-century building. All appliances and airflow in the apartment are certified energy efficient. Brian said

this is both a selling point for the apartments and a requirement of the grant used to remodel the space.

The apartments each have a laundry room equipped with Samsung, energy star washer and dryers. The heating and cooling systems are Mitsubishi wall-mounted electric systems. But the real energy savings comes from the insulation.

The walls and attic of the apartment are filled with R88 foam insulation, keeping the cold air out in the winter and the hot air at bay during the summer.

Brian and Julia knew all the flourishes and efficiencies in the downtown Colfax apartment would have incremental increases on the initial construction costs,

don’t think the MCOs are honoring their contracts.”

Dr. Greg Ingle, a longtime medical director at the now-defunct Des Moines General Hospital, is partners with other medical professionals at the Prairie City Family Clinic. He said doctors are leaving Iowa over the Medicaid transition or retiring early or finding another line of work outside of medicine.

“It’s just been a disaster,” Ingle said. “We already have a severe shortage of psychologists and psychiatrists. Now, we’re seeing lots of doctors either not accepting Medicaid or getting out of the business altogether. I saw a patient twice myself while they’re still waiting on a September rheumatologist appointment as a condition worsened. We’re not going to have enough medical people to take care of patients.”

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com

but they see it translating into both apartments and tenant longevity. The apartments have been occupied for more than two years, one by an original tenant with no indication of moving.

Julia said the apartment could be used as a model for landlords in Colfax and Jasper County looking to renovate their downtown second story apartment units.

“If you have the finances to do it or you apply for a grant, you can build a certain quality of apartment.

People will pay more for it, they’ll stay longer,” Julia said. “We hoped it would be a model. It’s working out.”

Contact Mike Mendenhall at mmendenhall@newtondailynews.com

Scott Pritchard, Clearview Recovery Center

Melody Burkman and Deb Petersen, Prairie City Family Clinic

22

Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

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Fall 2016 • Jasper County Living

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