NEWTON
THE UNDEFEATED
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DAILY NEWS THURSDAY, NOV. 2, 2017 • WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU NEED TO KNOW
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County health insurance increases by $300,000 by the board of supervisors. The benefits, which include health, dental and vision coverage, are provided through Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and increased at
By Jamee A. Pierson Newton Daily News An increase of more than $300,000 to Jasper County’s employee benefits was approved Tuesday
an average rate of 16.35 percent across plans. Human Resources Director Dennis Simon and Bob Meller, of Meller Insurance and Consulting, gave an overview of the
coverage to the board about what county employees can expect for the coming year. Unlike the county’s fiscal year, which runs from July 1 through June 30, the new
benefits plan year starts Jan. 1. “We had a little bit larger than anticipated increase,” Meller said. “I went out and got a quote from United Healthcare
and the rates there are a 21.05 percent increase, just confirming that Wellmark did rate us correctly for the renewal.” INSURANCE | 3A
NHS student earns Eagle Scout Only 4% of scouts attain the rank, scouting’s highest honor By David Dolmage Newton Daily News
Polling site changes in effect for Election Day By Jamee A. Pierson Newton Daily News Voters in the Newton city election are encouraged to check their polling place as locations have changed this year requiring residents to cast their votes in their respective wards. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday with four polling location, one for each ward. The change will give voters a central location within the wards and will help keep lines to a minimum. The four locations are different from the school board election earlier this year and the general election in 2016. “You have to vote in the precinct that you live for your vote to count,” Jasper County Auditor Dennis Parrott said. “If voters happen to go to the wrong polling place, the workers will have the ability to look up the person’s name and direct them to the right polling location.” Tina Mulgrew, deputy auditor in charge of elections, said signs will also be posted at locations where voting has previously taken
Be prepared; it’s the Boy Scout motto and it’s also Gage Linahon’s mantra. The Newton High School sophomore, who attained the rank of Eagle Scout last month said scouting has helped prepare him for every aspect of his life. It’s also been the push that’s kept him going as he worked to become an Eagle Scout, the highest honor a Boy Scout can receive. “I just had to finish it I guess, my uncle was a Life Scout and he never finished, I didn’t want to be like that,” Gage Linahon said. Only four percent of Boy Scouts will become an Eagle Scout, achieving the rank requires years of work and a minimum of 24 merit badges. Scouts have to complete all the work required to earn their Eagle Scout before their 18th birthday. Linahon’s father, Tim Linahon, said he was proud to see his son stick it out to the end. After a disastrous camping trip at Stevens State Forest, shortly after Gage joined Boy Scouts, Tim Linahon worried the cold, snow and the incessant rain might be too much for his son, and he might quit on the spot. Gage didn’t and that’s when his father realized he might be able to go all the way. “It can never get any worse than this” Tim Linahon said, recalling the winter camping trip. During the Eagle Scout process each scout is SCOUT | 3A
Jamee A. Pierson/Daily News Election Day is Tuesday and voters are encouraged to check their polling place as locations have changed since previous elections. Citizens can also absentee vote at the Jasper County Auditor’s Office through Monday.
place to direct voters to the correct polling place. Voting locations are as follows: Ward 1: Park Centre, 500 First St. N.; Ward 2: St. Luke United Methodist Church, 501 E. 19th St N.; Ward 3: Jasper County Commu-
nity Center, 2401 First Ave. E.; Ward 4: American Legion, 1101 W. Fourth St. S. The location in Ward 4 changed after ward boundary lines were ELECTION | 3A
David Dolmage/Daily News Eagle Scout Gage Linahon addresses the Newton Community School district board during its regular meeting. Linahon, a member of Boy Scout Troop 354 recently completed all of the work required to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, Linahon will receive his Eagle Scout award on Nov 12.
Community Heights Alliance Church welcomes new senior pastor By Kayla Singletary Newton Daily News As a new senior pastor of Community Heights Alliance Church has become acquainted with Newton in the last month, he said he appreciates the “real-life vibe” the community appears to emit. Jeff Keady has been in pastoral ministry for 30 years. For the last 24 years, he has served in two churches, one near Albany, N.Y. and the Alliance Church in Orange City,
Submitted Photo Jeff and Debbie Keady moved to Newton last month as Jeff took on the senior pastor position at Community Heights Alliance Church. Jeff said he appreciates the “real-life” vibe Newton has and its hard working people.
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made the move to Newton to pursue the position at Community Heights. Keady said the move also allows him to only be 35 minutes from his children and grandchildren who live in Ankeny. “It’s been wonderful,” Keady said. “Iowa is a great place to live and to raise a family.” Keady began Sept. 1, with his installation service held that following Sunday. KEADY | 3A
EVENTS
WHERE IT’S AT Astrograph......................5B Calendar..........................5A Classifieds......................4B
Iowa. Keady received his bachelor’s degree in pastoral ministry from Clarks Summit University in Pennsylvania and his master’s degree of divinity from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul. For Keady and his wife Debbie, two things have become increasingly important in recent years — family, kids and grandkids — and Jesus’ one command to love God and others. After living nearly 14 years in Orange City, the Keady’s
Comics & Puzzles...........6A Dear Abby........................6A Local Sports......................1B
Obituaries.......................5A Opinion............................4A State News......................7A
This Week’s Go & Do
See the Top 5 events in the county / 9A
Volume No. 116 No. 119 2 sections 16 pages
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