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Legislators talk education spending, collective bargaining at legislative coffee

By Justin Jagler Newton Daily News

occurrence in 2016.

“We’ve seen theft reduction in Newton during the past decade but it remains one of the most reported crimes in the community and is the most reported crime across the country,” Burdess said.

To combat theft, Burdess said citizens need to take precautions, including locking their cars and garages and not leaving valuables, such as bicycles, laying in the yard.

“That is really the bulk of those thefts, every day we have people call saying their car was broken into, but really it was unlocked and somebody opened the door and took something out,” Burdess said. “We have very few instances where a car is actually damaged and gotten into. Same thing with vehicle theft, there is usually about 20 of those, but the keys are left in the car.”

The Jasper County League of Women Voters hosted its first legislative coffee of the year Saturday morning at Newton Hy-Vee with Sen. Chaz Allen, D-Newton, and Rep. Wes Breckenridge, D-Newton, on hand to discuss a range of issues with the public.

Among the topics addressed were collective bargaining, education spending and voter ID legislation.

Allen said Gov. Terry Branstad’s proposed cut of $34 million to higher education would be a blow to developing skilled workers in Iowa. Breckenridge He said site selectors for businesses look at a skilled workforce as a top priority.

“A skilled workforce is always No. 1 on the list,” Allen said. “It has not changed for five years. Skilled workforce is No. 1.”

Breckenridge said the state’s budget shortfall of more than $117 million for this year could potentially impact a lot of services in Jasper County.

Allen “It’s something that we’re taking seriously, trying to figure out what we can do to mitigate those things,” Breckenridge said.

Both Breckenridge and Allen agreed legislation is coming out slower than they anticipated in the early stages of the session. Allen attributed the slow start to many people attending the presidential inauguration and also several legislators being ill. He said he thinks the pace will pick up in week three of the session.

Republican leaders in the state have named the restricting of collective bargaining rights for public employees as a priority in 2017. Breckenridge said Republicans, who control the governor’s office, the House and the Senate, are in the driver’s seat.

“I’ve had many discussions with Republicans across the aisle just in the two weeks I’ve been up there about (collective bargaining),” he said. “The approach I’m trying to take with them is what is going to be the economic impact to our community.”

Under current Republican proposals, public employees would still be able to negotiate salary but would no longer be able to negotiate benefits like

CRIME | 8A

COFFEE | 3A

Jamee A. Pierson/Daily News A Newton police officer makes a traffic stop, recently. During the past 16 years, the City of Newton has seen crime rates fluctuate depending on several factors including economic circumstances. In 2016, the city saw the lowest crime rate recorded this century, 7 percent lower than 2015.

Crime rate at an all-time low in Newton

By Jamee A. Pierson Newton Daily News

Like most communities, Newton works to be a welcoming, safe place to raise families and live a comfortable life. Low crime rates, receiving a good education and engaging in social activities are staples to making Newton thrive.

Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess said the city is now seeing a trend of decreased crime throughout Newton. In fact, the crime rate is the lowest the community has seen this century.

“In the past 16 years, for reported crimes, we’re at a 7 percent reduction from last year and 22 percent reduction over the past two years,” Burdess said. “We have seen a nice little decline and that is probably the lowest we’ve seen it in more than 20 years.”

Since 2000, reported crimes have reduced by almost 1,000

from a high of 2,871 to 1,961 in 2016. The department has also seen a vast decrease just in the past two years, down more than 550 reported crimes from 2,516 in 2014.

“It is a nationwide trend.

Some of the big metropolitan areas are seeing an increase in violent crimes. In the majority of communities nationwide you are seeing a decrease,” Burdess said.

“Newton has been ahead of the curve for the most part, specifically in violent crimes.”

In the area of violent crimes, Newton has seen the number almost cut in half from a high of 32 in 2015 to 18 in 2016. The number of property crimes has also reduced dramatically from 594 in 2014 to 446 in 2016.

Of property crimes, the most popular is general theft creating the bulk of the reports at 334 with burglary coming in next at 89, auto theft at 22 and one arson

Board of Supervisors receive budget requests

By Kayla Langmaid Newton Daily News The Jasper County Board of Supervisors heard from all county funded organizations and departments Friday during its annual budget hearing.

Supervisors Doug Cupples and Joe Brock were the only two supervisors present Friday as Denny Carpenter was absent due to illness.

All those who spoke to the board gave recommendations on a budget for their respective areas, with the board making a final decision after reviewing all requests.

Some of the budgets remain undecided and are subject to change, including the maintenance and capital projects. The board will continue dis-

cussion of the budgets Tuesday.

Larry Ryan from planning and zoning started off the meeting by requesting $131,367, mostly to cover personnel salary and insurance after recently hiring a new employee. Ryan said he also over estimated expenses in case they run into any problems.

Domestic violence services didn’t ask for a budget increase from last year, keeping its budget at $2,500.

Denice Fischer of RSVP, Retired Senior Volunteer Program, also requested the same funding as last year with a budget of $7,500. Fischer said the organization reached more than 600 residents in Jasper County in 2016.

BUDGET | 3A

Jasper County Republicans share thoughts on Trump administration

By Justin Jagler Newton Daily News There is a new President of the United States. Jasper County Republicans weighed in over the weekend and discussed their expectations for the new administration.

Rep. Greg Heartsill, R-Columbia, said he expects Trump to follow through on his campaign promises by putting American first and promoting the ideals of American exceptionalism.

“Even before President Trump took the oath of office, there has been a nationwide trend of businesses committing to future job growth due to consumer confidence rising and an overall positive outlook on the economy,” Heartsill said.

“Here locally, I believe that will translate into better economic conditions and more job opportunities.”

Sen. Amy Sinclair, R-Aller-

ton, said she is excited to see another peaceful transfer of power. Her only expectation is that things will be different.

She said Trump is a little unpredictable sometimes, but she is excited about having a Republican president again.

“I think the fact that there is complete control of the legislative and the executive branches sends a message to the Republican Party that people expect change,” Sinclair said. “People expect a more conservative approach.”

Doug Cupples, who was recently elected to the Jasper County Board of Supervisors, said that he is excited and nervous at the same time.

“What I hope for, what I believe, is that he’s going to do the right things for all the American people,” Cupples said. “Hopefully all presidents do, no matter what

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TRUMP | 3A

Making a difference using art

Art Junkie paintings to raise money / 2A

Volume No. 115 No. 172 2 sections 18 pages

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2A |

Business

www.newtondailynews.com | Monday | Jan. 23, 2017

Local artist encourages students to make a difference Art Junkie paintings to benefit animals in Africa

By Kayla Langmaid Newton Daily News A local art studio and its young students are donating their artwork to benefit safari animals in Africa — something that not every child gets the opportunity to do.

Sommer Kibbee, the head artist at Art Junkie, said she tries get her students to do something bigger than themselves and this year’s charity idea is no exception.

This year, paintings will be donated to a charity event, Art for the Wild, at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, and the money will be used to help animals across the globe.

“A little bit of creativity and working with their hands can be used to brighten someone else’s day,” Kibbee said. “If the kids know the art piece is going to somewhere extra special they will work a little harder.”

Kibbee said she was emailing with the Blank Park Zoo when they mentioned a charity event that the studio could get involved in.

“The last eight months have brought on an awesome partnership with the zoo,” Kibbee said. “It’s crazy how this little studio in Newton, is going to be helping a rhinoceros in Africa.”

Kibbee’s studio was full of colorful animals including, a lion, a rhinoceros, an elephant and a giraffe Thursday evening as students and Kibbee worked

Kayla Langmaid/Daily News Sommer Kibbee, head artist at Art Junkie, shows Isabelle, a Colfax first grader, how to draw eyelashes on her giraffe painting. Art Junkie offers painting classes and is an available space for birthday parties.

to complete the projects.

Isabelle Utz, a first grader in Colfax, was drawing a giraffe during Kibbee’s class. Kibbee demonstrated to Utz how to draw the eyelashes on the blue-eyed giraffe and helped her as she used her brush to make thin, sweepy strokes.

Kibbee stresses to parents and painters that her studio is a “judgment free” zone.

Amanda Utz takes her daughter to Art Junkie weekly so Isabelle can express herself and be involved in art.

“Once we found out there wasn’t going to be art classes this year in school, we started taking her here in September,” Utz said.

Kibbee was encouraged at a young age to be involved in art from her father, Dana Brown, who is a sculptor and painter

and by her mother, Jackie Althof.

“Every weekend as a child it was some other hands on thing he would teach me,” Kibbee said. “People would ask me what I wanted to be growing up and I would always say an artist, and they would say ‘well what else do you want to be, what else you want to be?’”

When Kibbee worked for Arrow Pest Control in March 2014, the tenant said she could also use the small space as her studio.

“I was his bookkeeper during the day, and then I would paint by the huge window, and at that time I only had one boy who took lessons from me,” Kibbee said.

In the early days of her business, Kibbee said everyone began to give her the nickname of “art junkie.”

“People would bring me junk and I would constantly tell everyone to recycle everything — so, eventually people would start bringing me things and I would turn it into art,” Kibbee said.

Kibbee said the interest of her studio began when kids would peek in while they were at the hair salon next door.

“Kids next door would come by and ask ‘can you give me a lesson?’” Kibbee said. “We would pack people into that room, and then I outgrew that space.”

Kibbee doubled her space by also moving into the business next door to Arrow Pest Control, but that wasn’t enough for the demand of art lessons and the interest she was receiving.

“Six months later, we were busting at the seams,” Kibbee said. “Students, classes, birth-

Hy-Vee introduces ‘ugly’ produce to compliment food waste diversion efforts WEST DES MOINES — To further combat the nation’s food waste issue, Hy-Vee recently began offering socalled “ugly” produce in nearly all of its 242 grocery stores.

“Ugly” produce is cosmetically challenged fruits and vegetables that would traditionally go unsold due to the industry’s size and shape standards. However, a movement to make this imperfect produce culturally acceptable to purchase and available to consumers has been gaining popularity overseas in Europe and now in the United States.

Hy-Vee has partnered with Robinson Fresh, one of the largest produce companies in the world, to offer its unique line of Misfits produce. Misfits provides customers more fruit and vegetable variety at a lower cost while also helping to reduce produce waste. Through the program, four to six Misfit items are delivered weekly, based on what is season-

ally available, and are sold on average at a 30 percent discount. Some of the line’s items include peppers, cucumbers, squash, apples and tomatoes.

“The beauty of this program is that the produce tastes the same and is of the same high quality, it just looks different.

As the saying goes, you can’t judge a book by its cover. The same is true for Misfits fruits and vegetables,” said John Griesenbrock, Hy-Vee’s vice president of produce/HealthMarkets. “As a company with several focused environmental efforts, we feel it’s our responsibility to help educate consumers and dispel any misperceptions about produce that is not cosmetically perfect.”

The United Nations estimates between 20 to 40 percent of produce harvested each year is thrown away because it does not meet sizing standards for store shelves. In accepting less cosmetically pleasing produce, Hy-Vee is aligning with the U.S. De-

partment of Agriculture’s recently announced goal to reduce food waste by 50 percent by the year 2030.

“We understand that there is product left in the field because farmers don’t think there’s a market for it,” said Hunter Winton, Robinson Fresh general manager. “With the Misfits program, farmers have an outlet to sell more produce and customers have an opportunity to save money and help reduce waste.”

Launching the Misfits program is another way Hy-Vee is trying to reduce food waste at all levels — from the supply chain to distribution and disposal.

For several years now, Hy-Vee has been recognized for its food waste donation and diversion efforts in the communities it operates. More than 220 Hy-Vee stores have implemented composting operations and collectively they diverted 17.8 million pounds of food waste in fiscal year 2016.

day parties, all of these people calling.”

In 2015, Kibbee said she inquired about the large space that was on the top floor of the historic building, as she knew it would be perfect for her growing business.

The top floor fit Kibbee’s vision for a studio that could house lessons, birthday parties and wine and canvas classes.

Kibbee said it’s important for kids to have an outlet, to get their hands dirty and to get inspired.

“I try to tell the kids that they can paint with anything they can find, if they don’t have paint brushes at home, they can use a spatula and 50 cent paint,” Kibbee said.

Kibbee said if she is having a stressful day, the studio is her outlet, and more importantly, when the kids come in “it all just goes away.”

“I just wanted a cool space to paint my murals, and I just started inspiring kids to get involved,” Kibbee said. “I feel completely blessed, I get to be a real artist and make a real living and see the kids’ smiling faces every day.”

There will be an open house in the spring at the studio for students and their family and friends.

“It’s kind of like their recital. They get to make the invitations and hand them out to their family and friends,” Kibbee said.

Art Junkie, located at 225 1/2 First Ave. W. is open 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and by appointment only on weekends.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com

In Brief

YPJC meeting Wednesday The Young Professionals of Jasper County is holding an evening social and meeting starting at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Okoboji Bar and Grill in Newton.

The social will start at 5:30 p.m. with the meeting following at 6:30 p.m.

Come to meet young professionals from throughout the county and learn about what the organization does and future activities planned.

DMACC job fair March 29 A job fair is scheduled for March 29 at Newton DMACC campus. The event is sponsored by Newton Development Corporation, Goodwill Career Connection and ISU Extension & Outreach.

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Local & State News

www.newtondailynews.com | Monday | Jan. 23, 2017 | 3A

Justin Jagler/Daily News Rep. Wes Breckenridge, D-Newton, and Sen. Chaz Allen, D-Newton, address the public at the year’s first legislative coffee hosted by the Jasper County League of Women Voters Saturday morning.

Coffee Continued from Page 1A insurance. Breckenridge said if a school or agency has taken lower wages for the last five years to keep health benefits, that it would be all for naught because health insurance would no lon-

ger be a negotiable topic.

Allen said the restrictions on collective bargaining would impact rural Iowa the most. He said when you start taking away income from public employees in rural areas, it will impact the local businesses. School districts are

the largest employers in some small towns, Newton included.

Allen also spoke about the need for school districts to have more flexibility in how they are allowed to spend money. There are currently restrictions on the avenues of funds.

Money from certain

Trump

Budget

Continued from Page 1A

Continued from Page 1A

Cupples said the voters will respond in four years if Trump does not deliver. Jasper County will feel the affects of the new administration through health care reform and probably in taxation, he said.

“The administration he’s bringing in, these people that he’s hired – it’s definitely a paradigm shift, that’s for sure,” Cupples said. “There’s going to be good and bad that comes from it.”

Dave McNeer, owner of Maxim Advertising in Newton, has watched the Trump campaign since day one. McNeer has a personal connection to Trump, and Maxim Advertising printed yard signs and buttons for the Trump campaign.

“I’m excited. It’s a great day for America,” McNeer said. “I thought that he really tapped into a lot of the frustration in America with everything in politics. I think he resonated from day one, and he continued to do that.”

McNeer said Trump might have said a few things that not everybody agreed with, but people were forgiving in those circumstances for the greater good. The Newton business owner said Trump is going to be a great commander in chief and do a great job running the economy.

“I really believe deep down in his heart he cares about the average Joe,” McNeer said. “He really does.”

Jasper County, which went to Barack Obama in both 2008 and 2012, selected Trump in 2016.

Trump bested Democratic opponent Hillary Clinton by more than 3,000 votes in Jasper County.

The director of the Jasper County Library Board Jamie Sawin and employees of rural libraries requested a 16 percent increase in funding due to the addition of a new rural library, which will bring a 15 percent population increase. Colfax will now be included in the rural libraries that will receive funding. The library hasn’t asked for a budget increase for at least five years. The library board requested $175,000.

The Jasper County Fair Board President Doug Woebbeking requested $15,000, the same amount requested last year. Woebbeking said the funds will primarily be used to renovate the pavilion building, including, fixing a leak, making the temperature cooler and to change the lighting to LED lighting.

The cemetery commission requested $3,000 to cover stone work that is needed to be completed.

The Department of Human Services requested $53,800, a $2,200 increase from last year, to go toward smartphones for employees, salaries and office supplies.

The Jasper County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante requested $1,030,756 in funding.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com

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lanes can only be spent in one particular area, even if that area of need has already been sufficiently funded.

“That’s what frustrates me,” he said.

“There needs to be some sort of readjustment of those silos of money so the school can have more flexibility to use it.”

Breckenridge said Sen. Amy Sinclair, R-Allerton, who is chair of the education committee in the Senate, mentioned spending flexibility for schools at a public meeting earlier Saturday morning. Breckenridge said he hopes Sinclair follows through with those intentions in the bills she puts forward.

There were four rows of tables set up at the Club Room in Hy-Vee on Saturday, and most of the chairs were full.

The topic of voter ID brought on some discussion between members of the public at the legislative coffee.

Ideas were shared

about the effectiveness of Indiana’s voter ID law, as well as the lack of evidence of voter fraud in Iowa. One viewpoint was that in the same way you do not put a virus scan on your computer after you get a virus, the state should enact voter ID as a preventative safeguard. Another perspective was voter ID laws are a solution in search of a problem and are of little importance compared to other pressing issues.

Allen said he understands the argument for voter ID because identification is used for so many common daily activities. However, the senator also said that he has not been shown evidence of voter fraud in his district.

Breckenridge also took a middle-ground approach to the issue.

He said the lack of voter fraud in Iowa is a testament to the state doing something right, but he did not completely dismiss the idea of legis-

lation addressing voter fraud.

“I want to see what the legislation is and make sure it’s not going to have negative impacts on allowing people to go out and vote,” Breckenridge said.

The legislative coffee lasted for more than an hour. Several members of the public thanked the legislators for being available on a weekend morning, when a lot of people are off of work and can attend. Breckenridge said he was making interactions with the public a priority during the legislative session.

“I’m really trying to get out there, as the session goes on, to be available because we need to hear these things from you guys to help us tell some of the stories when legislation comes through that’s not good for us,” he said.

Contact Justin Jagler at 641-792-3121 ext 6532 or jjagler@newtondailynews.com

Kayla Langmaid/Daily News The director of the Jasper County Library Board Jamie Sawin makes a budget request during Friday’s budget hearing. Sawin said the board is asking for increased funding due to the recent addition of the Colfax library.

Of that amount, portions will be refunded by grants and additional funding sources the county has received for current and past projects, including a pipeline access refund.

Van Zante said the conservation isn’t asking for more funding but is asking to use leftover funds from a previous project to go toward the repair of 3.7 miles of the Chichaqua trail going from Baxter to Ira. The total budget discussed by Maintenance Director Adam Sparks for maintenance and capital projects came in at $1.3 million. Sparks said $200,000 of the funding would be set aside to

Friday, January 27, 2017 3pm-6pm 709 1st Avenue West, Ste 2 Newton, Iowa 50208

purchase a generator to be placed inside or outside of the courthouse.

Amounts are subject to change.

The Jasper County Sheriff ’s Office requested $5,163,117. Sheriff John Halferty said funding would go toward holding inmates from other counties and to work on getting a new radio system.

The upgraded service would require a $250,000 tower and the purchase of new radios. Halferty said the equipment is expected to last up to 10 to 15 years.

Jasper County engineer Russ Stutt and assistant Pam Olson requested $11,712,277 to go toward bridge repairs, additional rock, tires, beams, signs and posts.

Additional requests are as follows: • Jasper County At-

torney Mike Jacobsen requested $1,086,670 • Jasper County Treasurer Doug Bishop requested $749,681.

• Elderly Nutrition requested $573,122.

Wellness and safety requested $13,070.

• CPC/Mental Health requested $819,925.

• The Jasper County Board of Health requested $1,006,839.

• The Jasper County Auditors requested $932,513.

• Human Resources requested $141,911.

• IT requested $716,201.

• Jasper County recorder requested $407,275.

• IMPACT requested $20,000.

Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6513 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com

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Opinion

4A |

www.newtondailynews.com | Monday | Jan. 23, 2017

A trip to ‘La La Land’ I

In the Neighborhood Pam Rodgers

have never been a great movie reviewer possibly because I tend to pick movies I know I will enjoy and avoid ones that don’t sound very interesting, to me at least. I’m a sucker for movies I know will give me the “Hollywood ending” I’ve come to expect. A trip to the theatre is supposed to be an escape from reality, after all.

At times, I will go to the “critically acclaimed” movies as well. These are the movies that tell a more realistic version of fantasy than my beloved rom-coms or superhero action movies. Last year when I saw the “Revenant,” I knew I was in for a three-hour struggle of man against nature. I loved that just as much.

In my adulthood, I have come to really appreciate the beauty that cin-

ematography can bring to the screen — especially after all of those television production classes in college that put me behind the camera. Things like lighting, framing and focus mean so much more to me now.

However, these acclaimed movies must also have a story I like for me to truly say “I liked them.” “Crash” won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and I hated every moment of that movie. I understood the appeal to the academy, but that doesn’t mean that it appealed to me.

“La La Land” is arguably this award season’s most talked about movie. I knew I had to see it. All of the previews showed a call back to movie musicals of old I adore. I loved turning on movies with Gene Kelly, Debbie Reyn-

olds, Doris Day and the like, which were popular long before I was even a thought. I was ready for a nostalgic trip on the silver screen, and I wasn’t disappointed.

It was framed like a musical from the 1950s, but told a modern story of a man and woman seeking to fulfill their dreams in Los Angeles. Emma Stone played an aspiring actress and Ryan Gosling a jazz musician with dreams of opening his own club in the city.

Their paths crossed a few times before they entwined themselves in a love story that would change the course of both their lives.

Both Stone and Gosling received Golden Globes for their performances in “La La Land,” and they were both deserving of the honor. They carried the movie and made it what it is. Both had to learn to dance for their roles.

Choreographer Mandy Moore did a great job with the task (for those familiar with “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance?”

that name should be familiar). Moore did an excellent job mixing in the song and dance within the story — complete with a dream sequence that is a nod to Gene Kelly’s “An American in Paris” and “Singin’ in the Rain.”

“La La Land” was poetry in motion, giving a nice visual to how every small decision has the potential to shape our lives and set us on a path. It even took time to show how if one or all the decisions were made differently, the outcome would be completely changed.

In my opinion, this movie is worth the price of admission. If you talk to my brother and his girlfriend, they thought differently (I think they just didn’t like seeing Stone and Gosling breaking out into song every once in awhile), but it’s that kind of movie. You either connect with it or you don’t. The only way to find out where you land, is to go see it yourself. I hope it speaks to you as it did to me.

Contact Pam Rodgers at prodgers@newtondailynews.com

Eye on America John Stossel

Trump’s first week Donald Trump will be busy.

He and Mike Pence have promised, Mother Jones magazine points out, that on Trump’s first day in office he will repeal Obamacare, end the “war on coal,” expel illegal immigrants, begin construction of a “beautiful Southern border wall,” fix the Department of Veterans Affairs, come up with a plan to stop ISIS, get rid of “gunfree zones,” “start taking care of our ... military,” withdraw from the TPP trade agreement, cut regulations and designate China a currency manipulator.

OK, much of that was probably just campaign talk.

I’m grateful for that. I hope some of it never happens.

But there’s a lot of good Trump and Pence could do their first day, or, let’s be generous, their first week. How about this?

Monday: Abolish the Department of Commerce.

Trump is a businessman, so he knows that business works best when government stays out of it. Why does America need something called a Commerce Department ? Commerce just happens; it doesn’t need a department.

Today the Department of Commerce spends $9 billion a year subsidizing companies with political connections, gathering economic data, setting industry standards and doing a bunch of things companies ought to do for themselves.

Get rid of it.

Tuesday: Abolish the Department of Labor.

The Department inserts itself into almost every protracted argument between workers and management.

Why should we let government referee every argument?

Let workers, bosses, unions and their lawyers fight it out.

Then people can make contracts as individuals so they can get deals tailored to their individual needs.

That’s fairer than letting government bureaucrats and labor union bosses pretend to speak for them.

The Labor Department also spends about $9 billion gathering information on workers. Top labor-union bosses make six-figure salaries. I’m sure their organizations could spend a little on statistics and workplace studies. Leave the poor, oppressed taxpayer out of it.

Wednesday: Abolish the Small Business Administration.

I love small businesses and the entrepreneurs who create them.

That’s exactly why I don’t want them chosen or coddled by the state, just as big corporations shouldn’t be.

Entrepreneurs should devote their energy to inventing things, not sucking up to bureaucrats who give loans to businesses they favor.

Businesses should sink or swim in accordance with the wishes of customers on the open market.

Thursday: Abolish the Department of Education.

Every time government pokes its nose into some activity, it pretends that activity could never have happened without government. Left-wing activists agree and pretend the sky will fall if anyone got rid of a department.

But we’ve only had a federal Department of Education since 1980, and it’s done nothing useful.

The department doesn’t teach kids or pay teachers. It comes up with studies, test requirements, and one-sizefits-all rules that limit what schools can do if they want federal money. That money gets taken from states and shipped to Washington, D.C., which then ships it back to states if they do something the department likes. On that long journey, plenty of the money disappears into the hands of bureaucrats.

Turn education back over to local governments, the way it was not so long ago. Let entrepreneurs and local governments compete to improve schools.

Friday: Abolish the Department of Energy.

Politicians say that America needs “an energy policy.”

But we have one — the free market. If someone invents a better or cheaper form of energy, the rewards will be huge. Investors will eagerly fund it. We don’t need federal bureaucrats funneling your tax money to their vision of what’s best.

THE FIRST

AMENDMENT

Veterans Day on the Hill Veterans from across Iowa came to the State Capitol to meet with legislators and enjoy a full schedule of activities, including a special ceremony in the rotunda honoring their service.

They also had the opportunity to meet Brig. Gen. William DeHaes of the Iowa National Guard, Brig. Gen. Jonathon McColumn, Commanding General of the 103rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, U.S. Army Reserve, Commandant Jodi Tymeson of the Iowa Veterans Home and members of the Iowa Commission of Veterans Affairs.

The commitment of Iowans to serve our country has always been strong, which is why veterans make up a higher proportion of our population than they do in many other states.

I am a member of the Iowa

State View Sen. Chaz Allen Senate’s Veterans Affairs Committee. We have made it a priority to thank those who’ve served and sacrificed. We want Iowa to be a great place for veterans and their families, to become the home of returning service members and to offer the education, job opportunities, health care and quality of life they deserve.

Recent successes include: • Protecting the parental rights of military members while they’re deployed.

• Making sure all veterans get a proper funeral with military honors and a final resting place.

• Investing in improvements at our military and veterans’ facilities.

• Ensuring service-disabled veterans who own their own business are “targeted small businesses” eligible for low-interest loans, grants and consideration when the state seeks bids for goods and services.

• Establishing a “one-stop shop” to access information on veterans’ preference for public employment.

• Requiring disclosures by private providers who charge a fee to help veterans access their benefits.

• Authorizing a veteran designation on Iowa driver’s licenses and identification cards for honorably discharged U.S. military veterans.

Contact Sen. Chaz Allen at 641-5216297 or chaz.allen@legis.iowa.gov

SPEAK OUT How to contact your elected officials

Newton Community School Board Travis Padget, board president 511 N. Ninth Ave. E. Newton, Iowa 50208 641-792-1684 travispadget@gmail.com Robyn Friedman, vice president 1500 S. 12th Ave. W. Newton, Iowa 50208 641-787-0911 robynpt5@gmail.com

Josh Cantu 1103 N. Fourth Ave. W. Newton, Iowa 50208 641-840-1091 josh.cantu.ncsd.schoolboard@ gmail.com Sheri Benson 1209 W. 16th St. S. #205 Newton, Iowa 50208 641-417-0227 slb04362@gmail.com

Donna Cook 518 N. Second Ave. E. Newton, Iowa 50208 641-791-2665 dcook2014@gmail.com Andy Elbert 710 W. Ninth St. S. Newton, IA 50208 641-521-1641 andyelbert@gmail.com Ann Leonard 901 Highway S-52 N. Newton, Iowa 50208 641-521-2463 ann.leonardsb@gmail.com

SHARE YOUR VIEW We welcome letters to the editor and guest columns.

Letters to the Newton Daily News 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.

Unsigned editorials are the opinion of the Newton Daily News as an institution. Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion of the writer or artist.

Submit letters by email: newsroom@newtondailynews.com

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Records

www.newtondailynews.com | Monday | Jan. 23, 2017 | 5A

Community Calendar

Obituaries Adra E. Clymer Jan. 20, 2017 Adra E. Clymer, 91, of Newton, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, at Park Centre in Ne wton.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m.

Tu e s day, Jan. 24 at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Memorials to the Metz

Karla J. Lewis Jan. 20, 2017 Karla J. Lewis, 54, of Newton, passed away Friday, Jan. 20, 2017, at Newton Healthcare in Ne wton.

A funeral service will be at 1 p.m.

Community Church may be left at the funeral home.

Adra, the daughter of Merl and Zora (Autry) Van Gilder, was born Feb. 16, 1925, in Colfax.

She was a lifelong resident of Jasper County and graduated from Prairie City High School.

Adra was united in marriage to Forrest “Frosty” L. Clymer July 6, 1947, in Marshalltown. Frosty and Adra celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2007, at the Sugar Grove Vineyards and Gathering

Place. Adra was a member of the Metz Community Church, Sugar Grove Grange, Jasper Pamona Grange, State Grange, National Grange, Jasper County Farm Bureau, Sugar Grove Ladies Farm Bureau Club and RSVP. She was dedicated to her family and enjoyed sewing, baking, camping and going on tours with friends.

Those left to honor Adra’s memory are her daughter, Cindy (Ralph) Raggio of Marshalltown; two grand-

children, Aaron Taylor and Nicole Ratcliff; five great-grandchildren, Dahlia, Andrew, Zach, Gracie and Mikhal; one great-great-grandchild, Avery; and her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Forrest “Frosty;” a daughter, Janie; two brothers, Conrad (Sarah) Van Gilder and Murray (Fern) Van Gilder; sister, Elna (Sant) Saunders; a brother in infancy; nephew, Chuck Van Gilder; and a niece, Karla Charon.

Tuesday, Jan. 24 at the Howard Street Christian Church. Burial will follow at McKeever Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 at Coburn Funeral Home in Colfax. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Memorials may be directed to The Karla Lewis Memorial Fund and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfu-

neralhomes.com.

The daughter of Charles Griffith and Francis Eleanor (Welch) Lewis, Karla was born Sept. 10, 1962, in Newton. She graduated from Colfax High School in 1980. Karla loved cooking, camping and riding horses.

Those left to honor her memory include her two children, Hattie (Cody Madden) Lewis

of Northwood and Rodney Lewis of Newton; six grandchildren, Joel, Noah, Gavyn, Porschea, Aspen and Victoria; her mother, Eleanor; brothers, Donald Lewis, Kenneth Lewis, Kevin (Beth) Lewis and Kirk (Janet) Lewis, all of Colfax; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Karla in death was her father; a grandson, Elijah; and sister-in-law, Sherri Lewis.

Marvel M. Clement

W. Ken Wisgerhof

Jan. 21, 2017

Jan. 22, 2017

Marvel M. Clement, 99, of Newton, died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at Accura Health Care West in Newton.

Funeral services for Marvel are pending, and the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, have been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.pencefh.com.

W. Ken Wisgerhof, 77, of Newton, died Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017, at his home in rural Newton.

Funeral services for Ken are pending and the Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton, have been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.pencefh.com.

Library hosts program to protect yourself online Get the information you need to protect your identity and finances.

Join technology professional Craig McClanahan at 6 p.m.

Thursday at the Newton Public Library. McClanahan will discuss everything you need to know to protect yourself from online scams, hackers and viruses. This event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact public services librarian Becca Klein at 641-792-4108.

Jasper Community Foundation grant leads to life-saving technology

Lottery Friday Midday Pick 3: 5 7 9 Pick 4: 8 6 6 7 All or Nothing Game 1 3 4 6 10 11 12 13 15 19 20 22 Friday Evening Mega Millions 7 9 24 41 53 MB 14 MP 3 Pick 3: 6 8 2 Pick 4: 4 7 8 5 All or Nothing Game 1 5 7 9 12 13 15 16 17 18 19 23 Saturday Midday Pick 3: 1 0 1 Pick 4: 4 8 7 3 All or Nothing Game: 1 3 4 5 6 14 15 17 20 22 23 24 Saturday Evening Powerball 23 25 45 52 67 PB 2 PP 2 Hot Lotto 3 5 12 23 29 HB 8 Sizzler 3 Pick 3: 9 4 9 Pick 4: 2 6 0 0 All or Nothing Game 1 3 5 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 18 24

Sunday Evening Pick 3: 7 4 8 Pick 4: 9 0 9 5 All or Nothing Game 2 4 7 9 11 14 15 17 18 20 21 23 Submitted Photo A new defibrillator was recently purchased through grant funds the Skiff Foundation received from the Jasper Community Foundation. The new defibrillator completes the upgrade of all of the crash carts throughout the hospital and ensures that the most current life-saving equipment is readily available to providers during an emergency cardiac arrest situation. Shown with the new equipment are Becca Duffy, emergency department manager, Leasha Trease, clinical resource nurse and trauma coordinator and Leisa Zylstra, foundation and mission manager.

Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol team members are looking for volunteers in the Jasper County area.

The volunteers go through an

extensive training program and are able to educate audiences on the following: Identifying healthcare fraud, errors & abuse, being alert to identity theft, reviewing

N E P O W NO TON IN NEW

The team members of Konek P.C. will be providing services to the clients of Jerry D. Koons, P.C., following the passing of Charles D Koons. The Koons family has been providing tax and accounting services in the Newton area for almost 50 years. The Konek team looks forward to providing excellent professional services to those clients and others in Newton.

The former Koons office located at 213 1st Ave W, is in the process of being completely renovated consistent with the vision of Newton Main Street. Once completed, this convenient location, with adequate parking, will be Konek P.C.’s Newton center to serve you. During the renovation, we will remain at the current Konek P.C. Newton location at 108 1st St S.

The team at Konek P.C. offers the traditional services of: • Business Income Tax Preparation • Bookkeeping • Personal Income Tax Preparation • Payroll Service

641.792.3951

• Jasper County Republican Party will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at American Legion, 101 W. Fourth St. S. in Newton. Please note the time change. The meeting will be starting early because a meal will be served provided by the party. Following dinner, the meeting will discuss last year’s election. Anyone who is interested is invited to attend.

• Newton Golden “K” Kiwanis will meet at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in the activity room at Newton Village, 110 N. Fifth Ave. W. in Newton.

• Congressman Dave Loebsack’s District Representative Bri Dennison will host open office hours at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Uncle Nancy’s Coffeehouse & Eatery, 114 N. Second Ave. W. in Newton.

• Toddler Storytime will meet at 10:30 a.m.

Tuesday in the Carousel Horse Room at Newton Public Library, 100 N. Third Ave. W. Storytime is for children ages 18-36 months with a caregiver, siblings welcome. Storytime includes stories, music, and a craft.

• Rotary Club will meet at noon Tuesday at Newton DMACC. The program will be presented by Mary Cownie of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs. Anyone interested in attending and learning more about the Newton Rotary Club is welcome. For more information, or to make reservations for lunch, call Jerry Sawin at 641-792-9861.

Sunday Midday Pick 3: 7 9 1 Pick 4: 6 6 1 4 All or Nothing Game: 1 3 6 7 9 11 12 14 17 18 20 24

Iowa Senior Medicare Patrol seeking volunteers

www.konekpc.com

Submit events and view more events online at www.newtondailynews.com

medicare summary notices and why all of this is important to us.

For more information, call 1-800-423-2449 or email iowasmp@nei3a.org

Get a New Look for the New Year Dr. Chad Stocker • (641) 753-2150 Schedule Your Annual Mole Exam & Skin Cancer Check Today

Congregate Meals Tuesday Beef burger on a bun, potato salad, baked beans, tropical fruit, apple sauce and skim milk Wednesday Herb baked chicken, parsley potatoes, green beans almondine, pineapple, apricots and skim milk For reservations or information about congregate and home-delivered meals, call 641-792-7102 or 866-9427102 toll-free.

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Email birth announcements to newsroom@newtondailynews.com

6A |

Diversions

DENNIS THE MENACE

BABY BLUES

PEANUTS

THE BORN LOSER

FAMILY CIRCUS

www.newtondailynews.com | Monday | Jan. 23, 2017

Longtime family friend feels hurt by sulky teen’s attitude DEAR ABBY: I have had a best friend for more than 20 years. We met when we were 18 and have been inseparable ever since. I was best man in his wedding, and when his first child was born, I traveled six hours to be at the hospital when “Sara” was born. I have never missed a birthday or Christmas.

When my friend announced they were moving from Ohio to Arizona, I knew I couldn’t be away from him and his family, so I moved as well. I have no family of my own, and I adore his two girls.

Well, Sara turned 13 this year and like most teenagers, she’s distancing herself from her family and even more so from me. When her mom and dad invite me for dinner or a family get-together, she barely acknowledges me when I say hi or ask how she’s doing. She wants nothing to do with me. It breaks my heart. I love her and I consider her to be family.

My question is, should I continue to go and support her with her sporting events at school? (I have never missed a game.) Do I continue to shower her with birthday and Christmas gifts?

On one hand, I tell myself this is just a phase she is going through and to change nothing, hoping one day she realizes that I’m her biggest cheerleader and recognizes the love I have for her. On the other hand, I think she’s acting like a spoiled brat, and if she doesn’t know how to treat people, then I want nothing to do with her. How should I handle this?

— UN-UNCLE IN ARIZONA DEAR UN-UNCLE: I am sure what you are feeling isn’t any different than what Sara’s parents are feeling right now. I agree that she is probably going through a phase and “just being a teenager.” My advice is to give her some space and hope that when she

finally pulls out of it she will recognize how lucky she is to have such a loving un-uncle. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.

DEAR ABBY: My sister and I are senior citizens with health problems, so we share an apartment to minimize expenses and to be sure someone is around if needed. My brother and his wife sometimes socialize with us.

The problem is, my brother has a friend. The friend and his wife constantly use foul language. I don’t like hearing the F-bomb used as an everyday part of speech. I have tried modeling correct behavior and not cursing, but it hasn’t worked. How can I ask them to stop without alienating them and losing my brother and his friend?

— APPALLED IN NEW JERSEY DEAR APPALLED: In recent decades there has been a coarsening of the language many individuals use on a daily basis, and it’s regrettable.

However, that doesn’t mean you must listen to it and remain silent.

The next time it happens, tell your brother and his friends that when they use the F-bomb, it makes you and your sister uncomfortable and ask them to please refrain from dropping it when they are with you. That’s not an unreasonable request, and it shouldn’t alienate anyone.

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1/23/17

Local & State News 1

www.newtondailynews.com | Monday | Jan. 23, 2017 | 7A

4

Man died after kayak capsized DES MOINES — Authorities say the body of a man was recovered from the Des Moines River after his kayak capsized.

Rescue crews were sent to the Sycamore Access boat ramp in Des Moines around 5:30 p.m. Sunday after a 911 call. A man who also had been kayaking told authorities that he’d sought help after turning around and seeing that his companion’s kayak had capsized. The body was recovered around 6:30 p.m. It’s not yet clear whether the 71-year-old man who died had any medical issues.

MARSHALLTOWN — Authorities are investigating what caused a methane-fueled fire at the JBS pork plant in Marshalltown. Firetrucks were dispatched to the plant’s methane collection lagoon about 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Firefighters and JBS staffers isolated the plant from the methane collection system to prevent any gas exposure to the plant itself. Officials say it took about three hours to extinguish the blaze. No injuries have been reported. JBS officials estimate damage at $500,000.

2 4 1 5

3

3 Vandals destroy trees, plants in community orchard

2 Man fatally shot in Waterloo,

5

DAVENPORT — Vandals have damaged or destroyed about three dozen fruit and nut trees and plants at an eastern Iowa community orchard.

Vandals at the Quad-Cities Food Forest broke off about 30 trees at the base, and other plants and trees had tar poured over them. The Food Forest is in Davenport’s Garden Addition on 9 acres of land. Two years ago, volunteers planted 100 small plants that will bear edible fruits, including gooseberry and elderberry bushes.

authorities say

WATERLOO — Authorities say a 55-year-old man has been shot to death in Waterloo.

The shooting was reported a little after 5 a.m. Sunday. Police say officers found the wounded man, who died later at a hospital.

The man’s name and other information about the shooting haven’t been released.

No arrests have been reported.

No injuries reported in fire at pork plant

Thousands join Women’s March in Des Moines DES MOINES — Thousands of people marched and cheered speakers in Des Moines in an event connected to similar gatherings in Washington and cities around the country.

People gathered Saturday morning for the Women’s March at the state Capitol.

The event was part of a national movement, with similar gatherings held throughout the country.

—The Associated Press

Why can’t Iowa pay all its bills? Tax cuts among reasons DES MOINES (AP) — Why is Iowa in the position of struggling to pay its bills despite a relatively strong economy? One reason is a major tax cut enacted several years ago on commercial buildings and other properties that sliced hundreds of millions of dollars from the state budget.

Signed into law in 2013 by Republican Gov. Terry Branstad, the largest tax cut in state history has gradually cost Iowa more than $400 million over several years.

A separate $300 million will hit Iowa’s main spending fund this budget year, and that cost is slated to be permanent for the years to come.

Democrats and Republicans understood the tax cut’s longterm financial impact when they approved the legislation backed

by Branstad, but its consequences have become especially clear this year, as a GOP-controlled Legislature works privately to cover a roughly $110 million shortfall in the $7.2 billion budget that began last July.

Branstad has asked some departments to cut spending to make up the loss, arguing his plan is more strategic than the acrossthe-board cuts ordered in 2009 by then-Democratic Gov. Chet Culver.

But whereas Culver faced a larger shortfall amid one of the deepest recessions in the nation’s history, Branstad’s proposed cuts come even as Iowa’s tax revenue grows by several percentage points every year.

“This is a pinch right here, and it’s not common,” said Jeff Robinson, a senior analysist for the non-partisan Legislative Services Agency.

So why doesn’t Iowa have enough money? It depends on who you ask. There’s the property tax cut, though Branstad has vehemently defended it and

recommended its funding be spared from the chopping block. Spokesman Ben Hammes said in an email the law has “been pivotal for jobs, growth and economic development in Branstad all corners of the state.” No comprehensive data is available to back up those assertions.

Branstad’s office has instead focused on another fact: Lower-than-expected state revenue linked to reduced farm commodity prices.

There’s also been a shift in how lawmakers spent extra one-time money in recent years, according to LSA. The leftover dollars can appear at the end of a budget year and typically help plug unexpected expenses for the following year.

Iowa entered its current budget year with a small surplus, after more than $300 million was tapped last year. Those expenses can’t be tied to one thing, though lawmakers did decide to spend $98 million on tax relief to businesses, farmers and other taxpayers buying certain equipment and items. Branstad and Democrats did not initially support the tax cut because of its impact on the future budget. All sides eventually reached a compromise.

Separately, Iowa is expected to dole out about $400 million in tax credits this budget year. The credits pay residents and entities seeking reimbursement on certain purchases. Some of the roughly 40 tax credit programs are decades old, while others were put into effect in the past 10 years. Some have no expiration and others are uncapped, meaning the state must pay up no matter how many people

Iowa town considering solar power project

seek the credit.

The tax credits will eat up another $430 million in the budget year that begins in July. That’s more than any other time in Iowa history, according to LSA. As Iowa lawmakers this week discuss the current budget shortfall, they’ll consider Branstad’s recommendation to reduce spending on departments that oversee corrections, higher education and public safety. Iowa has more than $730 million in two reserve funds, though Hammes said the governor doesn’t believe in using the one-time money for ongoing expenses.

With Republicans holding large majorities in both chambers, Democrats will have little role in balancing the budget, but they have urged lawmakers to be cautious about cutting budgets of critical agencies.

“We should look many places before we’re looking to balance the budget on the backs of students and the elderly and disabled,” said Rep. Chris Hall, a Sioux City Democrat and member of a key spending committee.

Apart from dealing with the current shortfall, Republicans are considering further cuts to personal income taxes or corporate taxes. Although lawmakers haven’t released details, Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, R-Shell Rock, made clear on the opening day of the session that they should work to cut spending.

“We promised more money back in the pockets of Iowans,” he said. “Money that Iowans have earned and deserve to keep.”

Branstad didn’t include additional tax cuts in his recommendations, noting the budget constraints.

MARATHON — A northwestern Iowa town is considering turning to the sun to provide power to its nearly 250 residents.

The town of Marathon in Buena Vista County is considering building a 1.42-megawatt solar project on city-owned land to supply power to residents.

The more than 1,400 solar panels would be built on a former baseball field.

A study by renewable energy company Trusted Energy, based in Spencer, says the proposed project would save Marathon residents $2 million over 20 years in electric costs and produce 2 million kilowatt hours per year.

Currently, Marathon receives its electrical

service from the neighboring city of Laurens.

Trusted Energy CEO Rob Hach said in a statement that the planning, engineering, equipment and installation costs of building the solar park would not be directly footed by the city.

“The cost for the project will not require the city to bond or take on more debt as the project will be owned and operated by Marathon Power Partners LLC, which will be a collaboration of local investors and banks to finance the project,” Hach said.

The $2.5 million startup cost to build the solar park could be paid off within 10 years of it becoming operational, he said.

Iowa City closer to having food trucks IOWA CITY (AP) — The Iowa City Council is a step closer to allowing food trucks to operate downtown between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. as part of a pilot program.

City council members are considering a plan that came after several vendors and potential customers requested to park their food trucks downtown. The city council has one more vote set on the ordinance.

Some restaurant owners are not in favor of the proposed ordinance, including Brix Cheese Shop owner Nicholas Craig.

Craig said he doesn’t like that food-truck vendors might park in front of his business.

Under the proposal, the program would run for three months in the spring and food trucks would have designated spots to park downtown.

The city is trying to create a pilot program that both respects the significant investment that it takes for brick and mortar restaurants and allows for new business models and restaurants, said Simon Andrew, assistant to the Iowa City manager.

Annual bike ride across Iowa features easier northern route DES MOINES — This year’s annual bike ride across Iowa will feature an easier northern route across the state.

The Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa — known as RAGBRAI — will start in Orange City on July 23 and continue to Lansing on July 29. The route covers 411

miles and climbs 13,078 feet.

Organizers say this year’s course should be the third-easiest one in the event’s 45-year history.

RAGBRAI director T.J. Juskiewicz joked that he’s not sorry that many riders thought last year’s southern route was difficult, but this

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The route will take riders through the towns of Spencer, Algona, Clear Lake, Charles City and Waukon.

Along the way riders will see the Surf Ballroom where Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens performed before they were killed in a plane crash.

Other sights include the site of a prisoner of war camp where Germans were held near Algona during World War II. RAGBRAI officials typical-

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Local & State News

www.newtondailynews.com | Monday | Jan. 23, 2017

Submitted Image While calls for service decreased slightly in 2016, the number of calls for services other than traffic stops increased by almost 1,000. Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess said the increase shows officers aren’t doing as much enforcement but the public needs their services to a higher level including in areas of mental health, substance abuse and family issues.

Crime Continued from Page 1A A comparison of Part 1 and Part 2 crimes since 2000 shows more than numbers, it tells a story of what happened in the community and country during the past 16 years, including the closing of Maytag and the country-wide recession. A Part 1 crime are classified as serious offenses and include homicide, forcible rape, arson, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft. Part 2 crimes are less serious offenses and include simple assaults, forgery/counterfeiting, embezzlement/fraud, receiving stolen property, weapon violations, prostitution, sex crimes, crimes against family/child, narcotic drug laws, liquor laws, drunkenness, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, gambling, driving under the influence and moving traffic violations.

By the numbers, Newton, in 2000, had 2,387 Part 2 crimes. That number steadily decreased to a low of 1,550 in 2006 before increasing more

than 300 in 2008 and topping out at 2,019 in 2009. Since that time, the numbers have been going down to 2016’s low of 1,101.

“We typically will see an up tick during a recession and you can see through the years there was an up tick in the lower level crimes (around 2008). Now we’re starting to see a downward trend,” Burdess said.

Part 1 crimes took a different path starting at a low as 480 in 2000 and increasing to a high of 1,176 in 2012. In the past four years, the number has started to decrease to 2016’s number of 840.

“You normally see an up tick in some of the more serious crimes,” Burdess said.

“As the recession or depression continues you’ll see that rate decrease and you will see some of the lower level crime increase. What that means is the unemployment, the poverty that is there start taking effect of the family a little more.”

While the crime rate is going down, the calls for service has seen a steady increased during the past decade. Calls

for service include anyone who calls the police department for help along with traffic stops.

Broken down, the number of traffic stops has decreased by more than 1,000 in the last year form 3,974 to 2,945. The calls for service has increased by more than 800 from 12,459 in 2015 to 13,341 in 2016.

That number is also up almost 3,000 from a low of 10,502 in 2004.

“What that tells us is the crime rate is going down, the officers aren’t doing as much enforcement but the public needs our services to a higher level,” Burdess said. “What we are seeing is the mental health, the substance abuse, the family issues that are going on are some of things we are seeing people need help with.”

To address the new climate of service, the department is looking to work with partners in the community along with continuing to receive ongoing training and education.

Another trend the department has seen is a decrease in juvenile crime. Burdess did not have any hard num-

Ribbon Cutting

bers but said over the past few years they have a vast reduction in that area.

“Typically the most active years for criminals is between 16 and 27. When we are losing that juvenile group as one of the contributing factors, that is a big piece of the puzzle,” Burdess said. “We are not seeing the same type of things as we used to with the juvenile groups. I don’t know if there is different dynamics in the schools or the homes, I don’t know what that looks like.”

Burdess credits many contributing factors throughout the city for the decrease in crime. From city policy to an overall community rally by citizens, he sees Newton heading in a positive direction.

“I think Newton has done some things in the past decade to really address some of the issues. The D&D program and the crime-free multi-housing program have been implemented,” Burdess said. “We also seem to have a better relationship with the community and they seem to be reporting things.

“The community is really

getting behind building Newton back up and when people see that they are less likely to get involved with activities that are not so legal. People are taking care of their property a lot better now and when a community looks good it is really reflective of the responsibility and accountability in the community.”

While the trend in reduced crime is moving in a positive direction, Burdess said work if far from being done in the community.

“I think the public has really been the change to make this happen. The police department is doing a great job, we have great men and women working here, but we can do so much ourselves. I think they key point is the community has really responded to what they have seen over the past years and are doing things to fix it,” Burdess said.

“We’re not satisfied with these numbers, though, we also want to improve and better what we are doing.”

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com

Get Well Go Home From the Transitional Care Suites at Park Centre

Over 100 people got well and went home from the Transitional Care Suites at Park Centre. · Park Centre is Medicare Certified · 99% Patient Satisfaction Rate · On-Site Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy · All private suites with kitchenettes · On-site aqua therapy · Park Centre’s interior hallway connects you to Newton’s medical center and clinic thus making it easy to get to follow up appointments

The Newton Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Konek P.C. in celebration of a new location.

Patient and Family Tours

Park Centre has a brand new look with our newly remodeled rehab to home suites! If you have surgery planned or have an unexpected hospital stay, let your physician know that you prefer to receive rehabilitation services at Park Centre. If you or your family member would like a tour, please call Andrea Smith, Social Worker, at 641-791-4601.

500 1st St N • Newton (641) 791-5000 www.wesleylife.org Celebrating 25 years serving Jasper County - 1992-2017

The Ministries of Park Centre

Independent and Assisted Living I Rehabilitation I Memory Support Adult Day Services I Home Health Care I Hospice

Pictured are: Kurt Konek, President, along with staff members, Chamber Ambassadors and Business Leaders

The business is located at: 213 1st Ave. W. • Newton

Hours of operation are:

Mon.-Fri. 8am - 5pm During tax season, hours will be: Mon.-Fri. 8am - 5pm Sat. 8am - 12pm Or by appointment.

Sun. Closed SM-NE4449579-0123

641-792-3951 konekpc.com

How you want it.

Where you want it.

When you want it.

200 1st Ave. E. 641-792-3121 newtondailynews.com