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Wednesday, February 5, 2014 OBITUARIES Ira ‘Max’ Milligan, 88 Gordon Stanley Schrader Jr. INSIDE TODAY
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Newton, Iowa
Heartsill introduces term limit legislation By Bob Eschliman Daily News Editor He’s only in his first term in the Iowa House of Representatives, but if Rep. Greg Heartsill (R-Columbia) has his way, an amendment to the Iowa Constitution will limit how long he can remain in office. Heartsill, who represents Iowa House District 28, which includes the south-
east corner of Jasper County, introduced House Joint Resolution 2002 on Monday. The constitutional amendment would limit the number of terms served in the Iowa General Assembly and the Office of Governor. “Public service is a trust that needs to be restored,” he said. “By imposing term limits on elected officials, I believe it is a necessary step for the citizens of Iowa to regain confidence in the political system.”
HJR 2002, if passed, would need to be approved by Iowa voters in two consecutive general elections before it could go into effect. The earliest that could happen is July 1, 2017. The amendment would limit representatives, senators, governors and lieutenant governors to 12 years. For members of the Iowa House of Representatives, that is six terms, for members of the Senate, Governor and Lt. Governor, that is three terms.
Supervisors will allow RRACAP to stay rent free
Local
Hula in the Coola at Park Centre Page 2A
By Ty Rushing Daily News Staff Writer
Sports
Team manager encourages team Page 7A
Zach Johnson/Daily News REG’s executive team, along with Rep. Dan Kelley, help break ground for the facility’s planned upgrade. The new upgrade will create 75 full-time construction jobs and allow REG to process more source materials to make an even purer form of its biodiesel product. Kelley called the $13.2 million upgrade “a significant investment in Newton.”
REG breaks ground on planned upgrades to its Newton facility
Religion
Nye, Ham debate universe origins Page 12A
By Ty Rushing Daily News Staff Writer
Weather
Thursday
High 9 Low -5
Friday
High 16 Low 4 Weather Almanac
Tues., Feb. 4
High 19 Low 2 4 inches of snow Also: Astrograph Page 11A Calendar Page 3A Classifieds Page 9A Comics & Puzzles Page 6A Dear Abby Page 6A Opinion Page 4A Obituaries Page 3A Police Page 2A, 3A Our 112th Year No. 182
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Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony at the REG biodiesel plant in Newton showcased the company’s continued belief in its Newton facility and that the city’s new industrial base is still a growing commodity. “As many of you may remember, a little more than six years ago, Maytag closed its doors in Newton,” Rep. Dan Kelley said in a speech during the event. “It was a devastating blow made worse by the overall economic downturn within our state and the entire country.” “We could have simply given up. Turned off our lights, shut our doors and moved away,” he continued. “But Newton refused to give up. To be sure, it’s been tough, but from that struggle we have seen new businesses develop … they are great examples of the success that can flow form hard work, commitment and perseverance — a lot of perseverance.” REG’s groundbreaking was to celebrate its upcoming $13.2 million upgrade to its Newton facility. REG said the expansion was going to create 75 full-time construction jobs and allow the Newton plant to produce a higher quality biodiesel product and enable it to distill even more source materials. “This investment shows our continuing confidence in biodiesel for the long-term,” REG President and CEO Dan Oh said. “It furthers our efforts to enhance our lower-cost, multi-feedstock biodiesel business by con-
“This investment shows our continuing confidence in biodiesel for the long-term.” — REG President and CEO Dan Oh
tinuing to broaden our customer base and provide more options for our customers to choose from.” A number of staff members and executives from REG were present as well as some of its business partners, customers and Newton community leaders. U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack was unable to attend, but sent district representative Amelia Schoeneman and a letter on his behalf. “Investments like these at REG are exactly what is needed right now,” Loebsack wrote. “There is no doubt that concerns about the (Renewable Fuel Standard) and the future of biofuels is causing uncertain-
ty in the industry. This upgrade at REG says loud and clear that the industry is continuing to move forward, that the market for biodiesel will continue to exist and grow and you all are going to continue making even better fuel options for consumers.” REG’s Newton plant, located at 3426 E. 28th St. N., has 27 employees and is capable of producing up to 30 million gallons of biodiesel annually. Kelley also commended the company for its role in producing a green energy and for its continued support of Newton and Jasper County. “This ribbon cutting represents a significant investment in Newton — over $13 million dollars,” Kelley said. “That’s money that comes back into the local economy in construction and engineering jobs. It also increases the value of this plant by making even better biodiesel.” That’s not only good for the folks at REG, that’s good for the community that supplies this plant a quality feedstock and a talented labor force,” he continued. Staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641) 7923121, ext. 426, or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.
Ask and you shall receive was the message at Tuesday’s Jasper County Board of Supervisors meeting. The Red Rock Area Community Action Program received permission from the board to continue using office space in the county annex building located at 115 N. Second Ave. E. RRACAP’s Jasper County Coordinator Amy Hansen presented on behalf of the organization to the board. RRACAP had previously sent a letter to the board expressing its desire to stay in its current location and thanked the board for its support. “The space granted to us by the county is conveniently located, and we appreciate the fact that we don’t have to pay rent. The addition of (a) door and window to our office has allowed us to create a waiting room and provide for increased confidentiality for our clients. We are grateful for the time and financing allotted for this project.” RRACAP provided assistance to 2,393 individuals and 1,023 households in Jasper County in 2013. County Engineer Russ Stutt also received board approval for a resolution to set a public presentation for the Secondary Roads Department’s five-year plan. The presentation will be at 1 p.m. Feb. 25 in Room 203 of Jasper County Courthouse. The five-year plan itself details potential road and bridge construction and repaving projects in the county. Staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 426, or at trushing@newtondailynews. com.
PCM voters approve new revenue purpose statement By Daily News Staff Voters in the Prairie City-Monroe school district braved cold weather and snow Tuesday to head to the polls. On the special election ballot was a new revenue purpose statement for the district’s one-cent special-option sales tax revenue. The measure, which had failed to get the necessary simple majority vote at a July 2013 special election, passed with overwhelming support. Of the 305 votes cast, 249 — 81.64 percent — voted “Yes” and 56 voted “No.” The official results will be canvassed Tuesday, Feb. 11, by the Jasper County Board of Supervisors.
Snowstorm
Zach Johnson/Daily News Newton received about 4 inches of snow in the most recent winter storm, which began late Tuesday morning and lasted through the night. More snow is expected today and Saturday.