Newton
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Thursday, Aug. 21, 2014
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Newton, Iowa
El Loco’s Tacos opens food truck eatery
OBITUARIES Dean Miller, 82 June Nickolish, 83
By Jamee A. Pierson Daily News Staff Writer Locals driving on First Avenue may have noticed a new food truck the past couple weeks in the parking lot of the Pit Stop Liquors store. El Loco’s Tacos, owned and operated by Alex “Loco” Lopez, serves authentic Mexican dishes from his mobile restaurant. “We used to make tacos in Mexico so it’s like a family
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tradition, my brothers and my uncles, they own restaurant chains in San Antonio,” Lopez said. “We like to make the real authentic Mexican tacos.” Born and raised in California with family still in Mexico, Lopez now calls Newton home with his family. He originally started his truck in Ottumwa with a lot of success. After getting the opportunity to open his truck in Newton, Lopez no longer has to make the drive to Ottumwa and can work closer
to home. “Since we opened the first day, it was so busy ... I can stay here, people are friendly here, they are nice. Sometimes they don’t know what they are eating, but I hope they come here and try,” Lopez said. Lopez started cooking at an early age, learning from family and creating his own dishes. “We had been following my grandma and aunts, seeing what they are making. I have been cooking since I was a kid,
Ellis shares travels with Rotary
I was curious smelling the food and mixing ingredients,” Lopez said. “I try to have different meals that a lot of people haven’t tried. Right now, I started selling tacos ... with like pineapple, pork and seasonings.” He said his food is on the spicier side but that “the good Mexican food is spicy.” Lopez makes all of his own tortillas and everything is preEL LOCOS See Page 5A
Local artist Homeier having Art Sale
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By Jamee A. Pierson Daily News Staff Writer
Health
Workout smarter not harder Page 8A
Daily News File Photo Robyn Friedman of Newton won the 6K portion of last year’s “Off the Beaten Path 6K Trail Race and 3K Fun Run.” Registration is now open for this year’s race on Sept. 20.
Sports
Part two of the Newton A’s series Page 1B
Friday
High 90 Low 74
Saturday
High 92 Low 74
ALSO: Comics & Puzzles Page 6A Opinion Page 4A
“This event not only brings people from all over Iowa, and beyond, to Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve, but also raises funds to help improve our parks and expand our environmental education program,” said Keri Van Zante, county conservation director. Last year’s event drew 125 runners, and Van Zante said events like Off the Beaten Path and others have helped to build a shelter house, two family-sized cook grills, an observation tower and a playground at various county parks. “Our group is continuing with fundraising for multiple small projects, but we also have our sights set on building a new nature center in Newton,” Van Zante said. Off the Beaten Path is one of the most consistent events for the conservation office and JCCC. “It has stayed fairly stable over the years, though in my experience, race numbers are usually
driven by weather, so we see lots of ‘week of ’ registrations coming in after the weather has been predicted for the day,” Van Zante said. Van Zante also believes trail races, like Off the Beaten Path, gives participants a unique experience. “A trail race in itself is a unique experience compared to a road race. At Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve, mowed paths lead runners up hills, through timber, down into valleys and around several bodies of water. Wildlife and prairie surround participants and creates a definite sense of serenity,” Van Zante said. Van Zante, an avid runner herself, is hoping for a strong turnout and plans on being there to ensure that things go smoothly. “I wish I could participate,” she said. “Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve is one of my very TRAIL See Page 5A
Daily News File Photo Long-time local artist Mary Homeier will be holding an art sale of at least 95 pieces from throughout her career.
Local farm families recognized as environmental leaders
Obituaries Page 3A
By Daily News Staff
Police Page 3A
Our 113th Year No. 67
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By Ty Rushing Daily News Senior Staff Writer One of the longest ongoing trail races in Jasper County is turning 10 and registration is open for this year’s run. The 10th annual “Off the Beaten Path 6K Trail Race and 3K Fun Run” will begin at 9 a.m. on Sept. 20 at the Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve in eastern Jasper County. There are seven different categories designed for runners or walkers of all ages. It costs $20 to register if postmarked before Sept. 5, which will also guarantee participants a T-shirt. People who sign-up after that date, must pay $25 and the T-shirt is not guaranteed. Off the Beaten Path is sponsored by the Jasper County Conservation Office and the Jasper County Conservation Connection, which is a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting and supporting the county’s park system.
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Registration open for Krumm trail race
Local artist Mary Homeier will be having an art sale, located in the P.J.’s Deli Annex in Newton, beginning Friday. Spending her entire life in art, Homeier is known as an eclectic artist with an adventuresome attack on art. She works in many mediums including oil paintings, charcoal drawing and watercolor paintings but is especially known for her polychrome linocuts. Homeier was also an elementary art teacher for many years in the Newton Community School District. Along with her classroom instruction, she gave private lessons to individuals as well. After her teaching days came to an end, Homeier worked at the State Historical Building as well as continuing to study under prestigious artists. Homeier was one of the few who still painted in open air, on sight, in every weather condition. Passersby could often see her with her raincoat, umbrella and sketch pad, working on her next piece. The sale will be comprised of at least 95 pieces that Homeier has completed throughout the years in all different mediums. The sale is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and continues from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
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Two local Iowa farm families were recognized with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 13. Ward Van Dyke of Reasnor and Gordon Wassenaar of Prairie City were each given the acclaimed award. Only 88 farm families across the state were given the award at the ceremony. “It’s no secret that Iowa has a strong agriculture industry, as our
state’s farmers provide food, biofuels and fiber to families in Iowa and around the world. Farmers take pride in the work they do and also take pride in conservation efforts, preserving and protecting our natural resources. The Farm Environmental Leader award gives us all an opportunity to recognize their efforts as exceptional leaders,” Gov. Terry Branstad said. The award is a joint FARM See Page 5A
Submitted Photo Ward Van Dyke of Reasnor accepts the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair.