Newton
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Friday, February 14, 2014
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Newton, Iowa
Judge asks for more information before ruling on Edwards motion
OBITUARIES Loren “Ted” Tedrow, 81 Alvin V. Whitlatch, 86
INSIDE TODAY
By Bob Eschliman Daily News Editor
Go Guide
Jocelyn Sheets/Daily News A pit crew makes adjustments and a tire change during a Camping World Truck Series race at Iowa Speedway last season. The racetrack is seeking revisions that will allow it to benefit from a sales tax rebate incentive instituted by the State of Iowa when the track was constructed, now that it is owned by NASCAR.
Find show times, concert events Page 2A
Revision to sales tax rebate plan for Iowa Speedway clears first hurdle By Bob Eschliman Daily News Editor
Education
Iowa senators are looking to revamp one of the incentives the State of Iowa used to spur construction of Iowa Speedway in Newton to ensure it remains an option for future development of the “fastest short track on the planet.” Thursday morning, the Iowa Senate Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee voted unanimously to send Senate Study Bill 3162 to the Ways and Means Committee. The bill would ensure Iowa Speedway’s potential sales tax break can be tapped into by its new owners, while also ex-
Forum on school year options Page 8A
Sports
Bowling teams set for regionals Page 1B
Weather
Saturday
By Zach Johnson Daily News Staff Writer
Sunday
High 27 Low 24 Weather Almanac
Thurs., Feb. 13 High 41 Low 12 No Precipitation Also: Astrograph Page 5B Classifieds Page 3B
SPEEDWAY See Page 5A
The Newton City Council will take up a resolution to adopt “Get to Know Newton” as the official City of Newton brand during Monday night’s regular meeting. Over the past several months, city staff and community leaders have been working on the development of a community brand and marketing strategy. “Get to Know Newton” was designed to promote community pride, strengthen community partnerships and promote community growth. City staff has recommended the adoption of the “Get to Know Newton” brand as the official city logo and brand. The council also will have a public hearing on a resolution to approve the voluntary annexation into the City of Newton property located by the Iowa
COURTS See Page 5A
Wednesday accident off Colfax exit held up traffic for hours By Daily News Staff
Speedway, inlcuding Iowa Speedway Drive, Modlin Property, Raceway Acres LLC and the City of Newton. In addition to bringing privately held land into the corporate city limits, the city also is taking the opportunity to incorporate the full right-of-way for Iowa Speedway Drive and the sanitary sewer lift station. The total size of the annexation area is 65.78 acres. Staff recommends approval of the resolution. Following the hearing, the council will vote on a resolution to approve the voluntary annexation of the property. The council also will have a public hearing on a resolution to institute proceedings to take additional action for the issuance of up to$630,000 in general obligation bonds.
A two-vehicle collision on Interstate 80 on Wednesday morning caused a back-up in traffic extending more than three miles and lasting several hours according to Jasper County Deputy Duane Rozendaal. One driver involved suffered non-life threatening injuries while the other wasn’t treated for any injuries. According to the preliminary investigation, Rozendaal said that it appeared that a van being driven by Pamela Heine, a 62-year old from West Branch, lost control just before Exit 155 and slid sideways into a semitruck at 9:40 a.m. The truck, driven by Mario Duag from Glendale, Calif., struck the cable barriers on the Colfax exit’s off-ramp, jack-knifing the trailer. The van came to rest against the trailer, with both vehicles blocking portions of the interstate. The Jasper County Sheriff ’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department
COUNCIL See Page 3A
ACCIDENT See Page 3A
For Makis, military made for the perfect matchmaker
Comics & Puzzles Page 6A
By Ty Rushing Daily News Staff Writer
Dear Abby Page 6A Opinion Page 4A Obituaries Page 3A Police Page 3A Our 112th Year No. 189
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community still needs to get back on its feet, and we’re going to do whatever we can to help.” Dotzler said the incentive package is one that has been used in a few other cases, each one tailored specifically for each individual project. The Iowa Speedway package is supposed to allow the track’s owners to get back 5 percent of the sales tax money it generates to use for improvements and infrastructure needs. The problem is that since November, when NASCAR purchased the financially struggling track, a key provision of
Council to make ‘Get To Know Newton’ official logo, brand of city
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tending the time frame in which it may be used. When Iowa Speedway was constructed, the State of Iowa provided a sales tax rebate fund of up to $12.5 million, which could be used over a period of 10 years. Sen. Bill Dotzler (D-Waterloo), chairman of the subcommittee, said the speedway has only used $3.5 million over the course of the incentive period. “I’ve been a season ticket holder since its opening, so I know how important this is to Newton, especially in light of the Maytag closure,” he said. “I used to shop at the antique store on the square (Pappy’s), but I just learned that has closed. That’s a sign the
The Newton man accused of driving while under the influence of synthetic marijuana and then striking and killing a 14-year-old boy with his vehicle will get a new trial date. Attorneys for Daniel Edwards, 42, and the Jasper County Attorney’s Office argued before District Court Judge Martha Mertz regarding a defense motion to throw out urinalysis results taken after the April 21, 2013, incident that claimed the life of Brendan O’Brien, 14, of Newton. The defense argued the Newton Police Department had no grounds to invoke Iowa’s implied consent law following the incident. The matter was not resolved Wednesday, forcing Mertz to schedule a continuation of the motion hearing for Friday, Feb. 28, in Jasper County District Court. In the meantime, she instructed the attorneys to present written arguments and legal authorities for their respective positions on the evidence. A pretrial conference in the case was then rescheduled for Monday, March 24, at which time a new trial date will be set.
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One weapon Ryan and Jennifer Maki weren’t prepared to face when they served in the military was Cupid’s arrow. Ryan, a Newton native, wanted to join the U.S. Army to protect his country after 9/11 and because it would be a way for him to see the world. He also said it was something he had always aspired to do. His wife, Jennifer, had different reasons for signing up. “Well, mine’s not such a great story like his,” Jen-
nifer said jokingly. “I was kind of floating through life, trying to get through school and working too much and not getting anywhere. I had never had any plans to sign up for the military.” Jennifer’s decision to
join the military was so unplanned, she didn’t even join the branch she originally intended to serve in. “I was, honest to God, driving down the highway and saw the recruitment center for Navy and Army sideby-side, and my cousin was in the Navy, and I thought, ‘I’m going to sign up for the Navy,’” Jennifer said. “I walked into the wrong door. I meant to go into the Navy door, and I walked into the Army door. MAKI See Page 5A
Submitted Photo Newton native Ryan Maki met his wife of nine years, Jennifer, while both were serving in the U.S. Army.