Newton
Serving Newton & Jasper County Since 1902
Daily News
75 cents
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
www.newtondailynews.com
Newton, Iowa
School board updated on facility study, technology committee
OBITUARIES
By Zach Johnson Daily News Staff Writer
Wilbur Bert Hugen, 93
The Newton Community School District Board of Education was given updates and reports on the future of the district as it comes to technology and facilities at each of the campuses in the school district during Monday night’s meeting. Superintendent Bob Callaghan gave an update on the facility study. The study is bringing together the space at each of the campuses in the district and the usage of
INSIDE TODAY
the spaces. He reported that Dave Briden of FRK is assembling a report to be completed around March of 2014. “Dave Briden of FRK is assembling a report on the standard classroom size and space per pupil. He is also giving lighting recommendations and HVAC options,” Superintendent Bob Callaghan said. Chris Bieghler gave an introductory update on the technology committee. The group will be looking at ways to implement all forms of technology to create a new standard for technology use for the
district. The group presented one- and three-year plans to make technology a skill more than a tool for the students, faculty, and administration of Newton Community Schools. “The technology committee is in the preliminary stages of making a full plan on the further advancements of technology in the district,” Callaghan said. Staff writer Zach Johnson may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 425, or at zjohnson@newtondailynews.com.
New rates for inmates approved by supervisors
Community
AnecDocents to perform at church Page 2A
By Zach Johnson Daily News Staff Writer
Scrapbook
Rogahn earns religious emblem Page 7A
Bob Eschliman/Daily News Jasper County Supervisor Denny Carpenter draws the name of sitting Lambs Grove Mayor Bill Perrenoud from a shoe box held by Deputy County Auditor Tina Mulgrew. After all of the votes from the Tuesday, Nov. 5, municipal elections were counted, Perrenoud tied with councilor Kevin Parsons. By law, the tie must be broken by drawing a name from a hat — or, in this case, a box. Perrenoud had decided not to seek re-election, and no one ran on the ballot to replace him. Both he and Parsons had four write-in votes each. If Perrenoud declines to accept the position for another two-year term, it will be offered to Parsons, who must then decide if he wishes to become mayor or remain a city councilor.
Sports
Basketball players begin practice Page 1B
By Bob Eschliman Daily News Editor
Weather
Thursday
High 45 Low 26
Friday
High 48 Low 37 Weather Almanac
Tues., Nov. 12 High 28 Low 19 No Precipitation Also: Astrograph Page 5B Classifieds Page 4B Comics & Puzzles Page 6A Dear Abby Page 6A Opinion Page 4A
Special to the Daily News
Police Page 3A Our 112th Year No. 125
98213 00008
Can four people change one man’s mind? That’s the question on the minds of residents of Lambs Grove following Tuesday’s official canvass of the 2013 municipal elections in Jasper County. The Board of Supervisors met at noon in their boardroom to confirm the final vote tallies, both from Election Night and from absentee ballots cast prior to the election. The election results changed only in one community, but the board also has one tie it had to break. Prior to the Tuesday, Nov. 5, municipal elections, current Lambs Grove Mayor Bill Perrenoud decided he wanted to step down, and did not seek re-election. No one else filed nomination papers to appear on the ballot, leaving the position open to writein votes. When the final votes were tallied, both he and city councilor Kevin Parsons each had four write-ins. Neither man declared they were re-
moving themselves from consideration prior to the canvass, so in accordance with state law, their names were placed in a shoe box to be drawn. Supervisor Denny Carpenter pulled out the plastic container that held Perrenoud’s name. The long-time mayor was then recorded as the official winner of the election. Perrenoud may still decline the position, if he wishes. According to state law, anyone elected in Jasper County by a write-in vote has until 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, to inform their local city clerk in writing that they do not wish to serve. At that point, the position would be offered to the next-highest vote getter. In the case of Lambs Grove, Parsons was also re-elected to the City Council on Election Night. If he were to be offered and then accept the mayorship, he would have to resign his seat on the council. County Auditor Dennis Parrott said that because Parsons appeared on the ballot for city council, any poten-
tial vacancy would have to be filled by appointment. He noted the citizens of Lambs Grove would have the right to petition for a special election, if they chose to do so. An Election Night winner in Sully declined his position prior to the canvass. Wes VanWyk, a current city councilor, received 85 write-in votes for one of three seats up for election. Last week, following the election, he presented a letter of resignation to the Sully City Clerk’s Office, announcing he would step down from the council when his current term expires on Jan. 2. According to Iowa law, he was then removed from the list of declared winners. Darin Morvant, who received 62 votes in the final tally, will now serve on the Sully City Council in VanWyk’s place. If he were to decline the position, as well, Melinda Hardin had the next-highest vote total with 43. If a position remains CANVASS See Page 5A
The ‘King of Uncool’ to invade Newton on Nov. 22 at benefit The Newton Christian School will host its annual benefit dinner at Community Heights Alliance Church 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22. The entertainment will be world-touring Christian comedian Daren Streblow. A native of Minnesota, Streblow is known for his outlandishly clean behavior. He got his start in 1995 and is known for being a humor opportunist and making Streblow the simplest concepts funny, resulting in his nickname, “King of Uncool.” Families from the Newton Christian School will be hosting tables with a special supper for their table, and freewill donations will be collected at the end of the show for the school. Reservations are required and can be made by contacting any Newton Christian School family or calling the school at (641) 792-1924. Daren Streblow can be found on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook or on his website at www.darenstreblow.com.
Newton Village surpasses goal in capital campaign
Obituaries Page 3A
7
Canvass of municipal elections sees few changes
The Jasper County Board of Supervisors approved a policy setting inmate fees for room, board and medical expenses at the Jasper County Jail in accordance with Iowa Code. Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty presented the resolution that passed unanimously. Halferty will present income totals to the board in 90 days. “These rates are middle-of-the-road rates for surrounding county jails,” Halferty said. Room, board and medical expense will be charged the following rates: • Room and board: $40 per qualified day • Medical expense: $10 per doctor visit • Nurse visit: $5 per visit • Bubble pack fee for medication brought in: $5 • Over-the-counter medication: $0.75 per 2 pills • Offsite medical appointments in town: $10 transport fee • Offsite medical appointments out of town: $25 • Stock prescription medication: $0.35 per prescription per day.
4
Campaign leaders for Newton Village’s Senior Adult Community announced Tuesday to tenants, supporters and community leaders that efforts to raise a campaign goal of $300,000 to support construction of a new health center on their campus were a success. Plans for Newton Village’s nearly $4 million new skilled
care health center had called for charitable community support to make the project possible. News of the campaign was made Tuesday at Newton Village. “By achieving the goal that was set before us, we are excited the dirt that has already begun being turned will lead to completion of a beautiful new health center ... this is the most important project in
Newton Village’s history as it will provide a continuum of care,” Newton Village Administrator Gary Shebeck said. He acknowledged the contributions of many, including a grant awarded by Maytag Family Foundation. Its gift will be permanently acknowledged at Newton Village by naming the new chapel that is part of the health center in honor of Ellen Maytag
Madesen. “A great thank you must go to the ‘Building for the Future’ campaign committee comprised of community volunteers who have generously given their time and from their hearts to see this challenge accomplished,” Shebeck said. CAMPAIGN See Page 5A