Newton
Serving Newton & Jasper County Since 1902
Daily News
75 cents
Thursday, October 3, 2013 OBITUARIES
www.newtondailynews.com
Newton, Iowa
Environmental Education Center
Dorothy Mae Pigg, 84
INSIDE TODAY
Coaches, players, fans warned of Friday night storm potential By Bob Eschliman Daily News Editor
Opinion
‘The Dixie Swim Club’ at NCT
Submitted Images A northwestern view of the future Jasper County Environmental Education Center, which will be located across from the former county home, is shown above. Jasper County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante said “now is the time” to get this project done. She hopes the walk will inspire citizens to contribute to the project which is estimated to cost $2.9 million.
Page 4A
Walk and talk tour gives local citizens glimpse of the future Entertainment
‘Dial M for Murder’ at Old Creamery Page 7A
Sports
Pregame outlook for Cardinals Page 1B
Weather
Friday
High 83 Low 52
Saturday
High 62 Low 38 Weather Almanac
Wed., Oct. 2 High 85 Low 65 No Precipitation Also:
By Ty Rushing Daily News Staff Writer Today, citizens of Jasper County can get a preview of what’s to come. The Jasper County Conservation Office will host a “walk and talk” tour on the grounds of its future Environmental Education Center at 5 p.m. The Jasper County Environmental Education Center will be located across from the former county care facility, which is also where the walk will take place. JCC Director Keri Van Zante talked about the project. “In May 2009, we announced our intention to seek a location for a new nature and conservation education center in Jasper County,” she said. “The facility has been a longtime dream of numerous conservation board members dating back 25 years in our board minutes.” Van Zante views the project as not just another county park but as something bigger that will benefit all of Jasper County. “(We hope to) reach more than 20,000 people annually by providing outdoor learning experiences to students of all ages,” she said. “The Center will be a significant tourism attraction and welcome center for Jasper County, as well as a hub for promoting the use of all Jasper County Conservation areas.” In addition to promoting the county, she sees the building as a way to showcase the benefits of a green lifestyle. “Jasper County has defined itself though the production of renewable resources, from wind energy to biodiesel,” Van Zante
STORMS See Page 5A
Newton Masonic Lodge honored said. “This education center demonstrates conservation and sustainable design through the use of photovoltaic cells, passive solar energy, geothermal and a living roof.” Van Zante said the conservation board has just started fundraising for the project this summer and spent the last two years working on the design of the building, which boasts some impressive specs. “The Environmental Education Center will be a stateof-the-art facility that will provide an extraordinary location for research, education, and family enjoyment,” she said. “The building is approximately 12,640 square feet and features flexible spaces, including a display area, laboratory, classrooms, storage, kitchen, outdoor viewing platform and offices. The facility will also serve as a community venue, capable of holding events for 400 people utilizing the main and lower levels.”
Astrograph Page 5B
Comics & Puzzles Page 6A
There also will be various attractions around the facility, including a sculpture park, amphitheater and community garden. The current estimated cost to complete the project $2.9 million. Van Zante is hoping the walk will inspire donors to be a part of the project. “This project has been discussed for more than 25 years by past and present conservation community leaders. Now is the time,” Van Zante said. Staff writer Ty Rushing may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 426, or at trushing@newtondailynews.com.
By Daily News Staff
Dear Abby Page 6A Opinion Page 4A Obituaries Page 3A
Dave Hon/Daily News
Holiday Inn ownership changes
Police Page 3A
By Dave Hon Daily News Staff Writer
Our 112th Year No. 96
98213 00008
By Daily News Staff The Newton Masonic Lodge No. 59, under the leadership of Worshipful Master Gregory Van Vark, was honored with the Lodge of the Year Award at the 169th Annual Meeting of Iowa Masons in Des Moines on Sept. 20. The Lodge of the Year Award is earned for its commitment and achievements in the areas of membership growth, local community support, and overall lodge organization for the past year. The 20,000 Masons in Iowa are dedicated to the betterment of their families and communities. Membership is open to men age 18 and older. Visit www. grandlodgeofiowa.com to learn more.
U.S. Cellular now providing 4G LTE service in Newton
Classifieds Page 4B
7
One of the essential functions of government not affected by the U.S. government shutdown is the National Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Okla. Earlier this week, the NSPC issued an alert that severe weather could impact a large portion of Iowa, including Jasper County. Since then, the storm center has not backed down from that forecast. Its latest update should serve as a warning to those who will be participating in Friday night football. “Another round of strong to severe thunderstorms is expected Friday afternoon north of U.S. Highway 30,
Ownership of the Holiday Inn Express has changed hands, but Manager Judy Johnson assures services won’t be affected. As a matter of fact, they might get better over time. 4
HOLIDAY INN See Page 5A
U.S. Cellular, in conjunction with its partner King Street Wireless, has announced residents of Newton now have access to high-speed 4G LTE services. 4G LTE speeds are up to 10 times faster than 3G and similar to a cable Internet connection. This service allows for fast web browsing, smooth video streaming, video chatting and speedy app downloads on compatible devices, such as smartphones, tablets and wireless mo-
By the end of the year, U.S. Cellular expects nearly 90 percent of its customers to have access to 4G LTE speeds. dems. “We’re continuously improving our customer experience, so we’re excited to offer 4G LTE speeds to more customers in Iowa,” said Don Cochran, U.S. Cellular’s
director of sales in Iowa. “4G LTE speeds, along with our growing lineup of 4G LTE devices, will make customers’ lives simpler and easier with quick access to important information and entertainment on their devices.” Currently, 61 percent of U.S. Cellular customers have access to 4G LTE speeds. By the end of the year, the company expects nearly 90 percent to be covered. To learn more about U.S. Cellular’s 4G LTE service, visit http://uscellular.com/4G.