NDN-MAG-Jasper County Living

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D Permit No. 371 Newton, IA 50208 ****************ECRWSS**** ****************ECRWSS**** Local Local Postal Customer Postal Customer

A few of your favorite fall recipes Spotlight on Happy Endings restaurant Lake Mariposa restored in coming years

Baxter

The renovated Red caboose serves as a landmark of remembrance, education and a couple’s love for history October 2013

Guess Who Runs Newton Village?

Our Tenants... ...All 107 of them.

And....More to come in 2014 when Continuum Care is completed.

Newton Village is devoted to making your life enjoyable.

641-792-0115 110 N. 5th Ave. W., Newton, Iowa

Newton Clinic  PC

Be treated ... like family

Past

Future

Our roots were established as far back as the

Our Clinic continues to grow to meet the needs of our

1920s! The doctors of Newton Clinic have been

community! Whether you want a male provider or a

caring for this community for more than 80 years.

female one, a new graduate or a veteran doc, we

Present

have the right health care provider for you.

We want to make you better when you are sick,

Always

keep you healthy when you are well, help you grow

Every patient has a choice. Thank you for turning to

your family when a little one is on the way, and

Newton Clinic. Thank you for letting us treat you

help you say goodbye in peace when your journey

... like family.

is done.

Our Hours Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-noon Same day appointments always available!

641-792-2112 300 N. 4th Ave. E www.newtonclinic.com www.facebook.com/newtonclinic

Community for Healthy Living is more than a Continuing Care Retirement Community.

We support the independence, health and wellbeing of older adults wherever they call home.

Park Centre 434573

• Independent Living • Assisted Living • Healthcare and Rehabilitation • Memory Support

CALL SCOTT TODAY AT 641-791-5000 TO SCHEDULE A TOUR OR TO CHOOSE YOUR NEW HOME! 500 First Street North, Newton, IA 50208 Directly West of Skiff Medical Center

500 First Street North, Newton, IA 50208 Directly West of Skiff Medical Center

Stop in and See Us Today!

L to R: Diane Ergenbright, Tim Franklin, Jerri Jones, Lana Corso, Loretta Tool, Sierra DeVoe, Marcia Herwehe, Cindy Bednarczyk, Linda Neubauer, Diane Meyer, Bobbie Smith, and Gary Bruett

w w w. b a n k i o w a b a n k s . c o m

4 Jasper County Living

October 2013

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 6

Jasper County Notebook Take a look at featured news stories about the Iowa Speedway, Miss Iowa USA and the Environmental Education Center.

7

Jasper County Recreation Find out more about Newton’s Izaak Walton League and why it’s a place for a fan or family of the great outdoors.

Jasper County Jasper County Living Living Find out out how how the the Kisers’ Kisers’ Find red caboose of made made the redthe caboose of Baxter Baxter into a historical into a historical stop. stop.

14

9

Jasper County Gifts From candy to clothing, explore what King’s Castle of Nifty Thrifty’s in Monroe has to offer.

10

Jasper County Dining The north side of the Prairie City square is home to Happy Endings, a restaurant with a little bit of everything.

13

Jasper County People Sully resident Sheryl Carter has written a Christian historical romance novel called “The Quiet Road.”

16

Jasper County Treasures See what antiques and treasures you can find inside the Gem of Colfax, located on Main Street.

19

Jasper County Issues Lake Mariposa has been a place of escape for years. Find out about IDNR’s efforts in its future restoration.

23

Jasper County Calendar Check out the variety of local events happening in the community this fall and winter.

Volume 1 Issue 3

21

Jasper County Flavors Serve your family and friends one of these winter classics at your next get-together.

9

Jasper County Gifts Stop by King’s Castle, a gift, thrift and variety store in downtown Monroe.

Jasper County Living is a Daily News publication. To contact our sales team regarding advertising in future issues, call Jeff Holschuh at (641) 792-3121, ext. 300 October 2013

Jasper County Living

5

NOTEBOOK

• News and Notes from Around Jasper County •

Jasper County Conservation unveils plans for Environmental Education Center Last month, Jasper County Conservation unveiled plans for a new Environmental Education Center to be located across from the former county care facility. The facility has been a longtime dream of several Conservation Board members.

County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante said the board announced its intention to build the facility four years ago.

Since then, her office has worked on plans for the building.

Fundraising for the project began this summer. The estimated price tag is $2.9 million.

The 12,640-squarefoot building will feature a display area, laboratory, classrooms, storage, kitchen, am outdoor viewing plat-

Iowa Corn revving up for bigger, better 2014 at Iowa Speedway

form, and offices. The facility will also serve as a 400-capacity community venue.

Van Zante said the Environmental Education Center will be significant tourism draw, brining in as

many as 20,000 people a year. She said, in addition to promoting county conservation efforts, the center will also showcase Jasper County’s contributions to the renewable energy industry.

The Iowa Speedway has announced its 2014 schedule will feature one of the most unique race weekends in all of motorsports.

With the support of Iowa Corn — the Iowa Corn Growers Association and Iowa Corn Promotion Board — NASCAR and IndyCar will run on the same weekend next July. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will come to Newton July 11 for the annual running of the American Ethanol 200.

The next night, with 50 additional laps added to the race, the ethanol-powered open-wheel IndyCar Series will return for the Iowa Corn Indy 300. NASCAR Hall of Famer and Iowa Speedway track designer Rusty Wallace said he is enthusiastic about the new format, calling it “by far the best IndyCar weekend we have ever put together.”

State beauty pageant winners crowned in Newton The Miss Iowa USA 2014 and Miss Iowa Teen USA 2014 pageants were held last month at Newton Senior High School’s Center for Performance.

In front of a standing-room-only crowd, Carlyn Bradarich was crowned Miss Iowa USA 2014 and Amanda Armstrong was crown Miss Iowa Teen USA 2014.

The top 15 competitors received scholarships totaling more than $1.3 million. Competition co-director Denis Wallace was once again thrilled with the pageant, as well as the support received from Newton.

This is the third year in a row the pageants were held in Newton. Organizers say they are working on making the community the permanent home for the pageants. More than 1,000 visitors came to Newton from all across Iowa.

6

Jasper County Living

October 2013

• Local recreation opportunities •

RECREATION

Izaak Walton League

By Dave Hon Daily News Staff Writer Enjoy the outdoors, but don’t own a lot of acreage yourself? The Izaak Walton League has you covered.

Corky Simmons, the president of the Izaak Walton League in Newton, has always considered himself an outdoors person, and in 1989, he figured the league would be a good fit for his interests.

“Basically, it’s a conservation organization,” Simmons said. “We like to see more conservation of wildlife habitats and air just so it’s a sustainable environment. You’ve got to have fish for kids to learn how to fish.”

The league isn’t just for hunters

and fisherman but more for people who just enjoy the outdoors.

“We’ve got families that don’t hunt or fish either one, and they come out and walk around the trails and just enjoy being out in the country in town,” Simmons said.

For $65 a year, members get access to 42 acres of land and a 4.5 acres pond for fishing. The league also has rifle and trap ranges. Additionally, it holds archery shoots once or twice a year. Families are welcome to join for the single price, and Simmons said a common activity for families is to walk around the nature trail.

Each Thursday, members enjoy a feast together at the league’s house.

Members are encouraged to bring

their own meat and grill on a long charcoal grill.

The maintenance of the land, mowing and other upkeep, all comes from volunteers within the organization. Simmons himself organizes events for high school students, like a youth bow shoot for the FFA. “We couldn’t do it without all the volunteers,” Simmons said.

Being president of the league is a volunteer position itself, but since he loves the outdoors, Simmons enjoys the work.

“It’s just kind of a nice relaxed organization,” Simmons said.

IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE See Page 11A

We Help You Stay Safe, Secure and Comfortable at Home

Complete kitChen remodeling Patti Hayes & Jessica Thornburg • Mobility Specialists - Power Wheelchairs & Scooters • Respiratoy Services - Oxygen & CPAP Machines • Diabetic Shoes • New Cherokee Scrubs

1719 1st Ave. E. • Newton • 641-792-9339

Make your home as unique as you by using certified kitchen designer, Marilyn Terlouw make an appointment today to see our beautiful showroom on the north side of the square.

110 N. 2nd Ave. W. 641.792.7205 • marilynkt42@gmail.com October 2013

Jasper County Living

7

Quality Glass for every need.

Auto, Residential, Commercial & More!

The Newton

American Legion for your next event! m for Book our Ballroo

FREE in 2013!

nded.) and your deposit is refu ning or do it yourself ($100 deposit for clea

Auto Glass • AGRSS Registered Facility • Certified Technicians • OEM Glass & Adhesives • Insurance Approved

“Your Dream Beautiful Shower Available energy Today!” efficient • Heavy Duty Hardware windows • Custom Applications for your home • Tempered Safety or business.

Glass

We have many more products to assist with your home remodeling needs.

Proud to serve the area since 1948

219 1st Ave. E., Newton 641-792-1641 www.hamiltonglass.com

2306 S. 3rd Ave. E. • Newton • 641-792-7300 Looking for a church home! You are invited to visit The Way!

SuNdAy MorNiNgS clASSic 7:45 - 8:30AM igNitE i 9:00 - 10:00AM igNitE ii 10:30 - 11:30AM The Way Café 8:30 - 10:30am

Prayer of Blessing 5:00-7:00pm

Everyone Welcome!

New Service!Nite ignite rdEaveyry Saturday!

Sa7:t00upm For youth grAdES

ning Sunday Mor

7-12

Children’s Ministr y

WEdNESdAy’S

6:30-8:30pM

10:30am

for 3 yr. olds thru 6th grade

Check out our website!!

6 Jasper County Living

October 2013

www.newtonway.org

The Legion is all on ground level with complete kitchen, ample parking and OPEN to the Public.

Great for reunions, family gatherings, graduations and wedding receptions No membership required

Stop in Mon.-Sat. after 4 p.m. or call 792-3353 for more details.

1101 W. 4th St. So. • Newton • 792-3353

Gifts

• Treasures Around Jasper County •

King’s Castle of Nifty Thrifty’s 109 E. Marion, Monroe, Iowa 50170 — (641) 259-4058 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday; 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday

Featuring a variety of new and used novelties, King’s Castle of Nifty Thrifty’s offers candy, novelty items, gift baskets, homemade bath scrubs and lotions, baking mixes, new and used clothing and shoes, nick knacks, toys, baby items, furniture and more.

Gift shop not Kings’ only gift to Monroe

By Mandi Lamb Daily News Associate Editor A resident of Monroe for three years, Paula King is realizing her dream with the recent opening of King’s Castle of Nifty Thrifty’s.

“I just always wanted a thrift store,” she said. “I’m a very crafty person, and I wanted a place I could sell stuff.”

The store, which first opened in July and celebrated its grand opening in early August, offers unique gift baskets for special occasions — weddings, baby showers, holidays, etc. — and also gives customers the option of creating their own gift packages using jars, baskets or bags. Gift selections include homemade bath scrubs and lotions, baking mixes, afghans a n d more.

Another highlight of King’s Castle is the 5- and 10-cent candy options displayed in rustic wooden cases, evoking nostalgic images of old-time Mom and Pop stores.

“Children aren’t used to seeing nickle and dime candy like when we were kids, so that was one of my goals,” Paula said.

Along with the candy are a variety of other small children’s toys and novelty items, including balls, Frisbees, mini cars, kazoos, bracelets, rings, beads, water guns, Play-Doh, crayons, mini bubbles, sidewalk chalk, hair clips and more.

King’s Castle also accepts donations of used items to re-sell, from clothing, s h o e s and baby i t e m s to nick knacks, toys,

movies and furniture.

The business has become a family affair, with Paula’s husband, Brian, assisting with the building of shelves and display cases and her son, Kyle, contributing his skills by designing their first sign.

P a u l a ’ s dream, however, only begins with the shopping opportunities offered at King’s Castle. After cleaning out the store’s large back room just in time for the city-wide garage

sale on Sept. 28, Paula plans to utilize the room for community events, classes and as a place for everyone — young and old alike — to congregate.

“This is going to be my favorite part of it,” Paula said.

King’s Castle already has a variety of activities and events planned for the community room, including quilting and craft times, yoga classes, youth and adult social times and more.

She hopes the space eventually can be used to feature bingo nights, potlucks, line-dancing, bands, movie nights and a place for young people to hang out and even receive tutoring.

“Our kids in Monroe don’t have any place to go,” Paula said.

A comp l e t e list of events currently scheduled is available on the King’s Castle Facebook page at www.facebook. com/thriftstore13/ events.

“We’ll see how far it goes,” Paula said. “For me, this is like having two dreams in one.”

October 2013

Jasper County Living

9

• Great Places to Dine •

DINING

Happy Endings

112 E. Jefferson St., Prairie City, IA 50228; (515) 994-3100 Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday

Prairie City restaurant making people ‘happy’

By Ty Rushing Daily News Staff Writer While “Come On, Get Happy,” may be synonymous with the Partridge Family, one Prairie City restaurant is hoping to convey the same message to its customers.

Happy Endings is located at 112 E. Jefferson Street on the north side of the town square, and the restaurant’s motto tells you all you need to know: “Good Food. Good Friends. Good Times.”

Set in a bar/grill atmosphere, Happy Endings offers family-style dining and also caters to a more adult crowd, with a midnight closing time Tuesday through Thursday and a 2 a.m. closing time on Friday and Saturdays. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. each night, but the restaurant still offers a wide range of adult beverages. Happy Endings is closed on Mondays and Sundays.

Owner Jeff Brouwer even has daily specials throughout the week to lure customers in to sample the restaurants very diverse menu. The most popular event, and a staple of bars across the county, is “Taco Tuesdays.”

On Tuesdays, customers can get either a soft shell or fried shell taco for $2.75 each, hard shells for $2, taco burgers for $4.50 and

10

Jasper County Living

October 2013

taco salad for $6.25. A review from restaurant.com should tell you whether or not to participate in the taco festivities.

“This was your typical hometown restaurant,” Marla C wrote.” It was a combination bar/restaurant. We went on Tuesday when they have Taco Tuesday. The tacos and onion rings were very good. They have other specials on other nights. My husband and sons liked the $1 draws on Taco Tuesday night.”

The good times don’t stop on Tuesday. Wednesday, they offer a fried chicken lunch. The specials are limited, and for $7, customers are treated to fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, a choice of vegetable and a fresh dinner roll.

As with Taco Tuesdays, this also has proved popular and some patrons have demanded the fried chicken become a regular menu item.

Happy Endings also has other various deals throughout the week, and the best way to stay up to date is to ‘Like’ them on Facebook at www. facebook.com/HappyEndingsRestaurantAndLounge.

Happy Endings also has a wide variety

of other items, including two types of onion rings, and several signature items. One signature item is the “Nate Burger.” The Nate Burger consists of a quarter pound ground beef patty, bacon, jalapenos, a fried onion ring, barbecue sauce, cheese and grilled onions.

Pizza is also a house specialty, and the restaurant offers thin, extra thin and traditional 14- inch crust pizzas as well 7-inch personal pizzas. Toppings include, beef, mild sausage, Italian sausage, ham, pepperoni, mushrooms, green peppers, pineapple, red onions, olives and jalapeño slices.

A cheese pizza starts at $10.99 and additional toppings are $1 each. Other options include purchasing the “Happy Endings Supreme,” which is Italian sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, red onions and green peppers. The “Happy Meat Lovers,” is covered in all five meat toppings and a blanket of cheese.

Besides the food, Happy Endings keeps customers satisfied with a fullservice bar, pool tables, arcade games, a dance floor, occasional live music and different parties and themes. There are karaoke nights, bags tournaments and special events around the holidays.

Jeff said it best: “We’re just better.

Come in to experience it.”

Izaak Walton League Continued from Page 7 The league also grows sweet corn that it sells a few weeks before fall begins. Simmons said its sweet corn is very popular around Jasper County.

Simmons said the organization is for anyone, and isn’t

a high-pressured organization and isn’t demanding of its members.

“I’d much rather be outdoors than indoors,” Simmons said on a hot summer day. “Unless it’s like today.”

Being there is why I’m here.

Lonnie Portner, Agent

Member FDIC

511 First Avenue E., Newton, IA • 641-792-9832 GreatWesternBank.com

Whether you need a question answered, a problem solved, or a claim reported, my job is to make it happen. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® CALL ME TODAY.

123 E. 2nd Street S. Newton, IA 50208 Bus: 641-792-6000 lonnie.portner.p4jn@statefarm.com

P097193.1

State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL

PELLA REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER’S

Continuing Commitment to Jasper County Residents We are happy to continue our commitment in meeting your health care needs at our Medical Clinics in Monroe and Sully.

112 E. 4th St. S. • Newton, IA 50208 641-792-4880

William Bitsas, MD Monroe & Sully

• Sincerity • Truthfulness • Experience • Professionalism

Diane DeJong, PA–C Leah Bruxvoort, ARNP Monroe & Sully Sully

To schedule an appointment go to www.pellahealth.org/request-an-appointment or call 641–259–2155 in Monroe or 641–594–3150 in Sully.

www.pellahealth.org

Providing healthcare and healing services with Christian compassion.

112 E. 4th St. S. • Newton, IA 50208 • 641-792-4880 October 2013

Jasper County Living

11

For all the Things that Move you.™ Buyers & Sellers, We can help.

Shaped by our Past, Focused on Your Future.

641-791-2800 120 N. 2nd Ave. W., Newton, IA 50208

www.remax.com

100 N. 2nd Ave. W. 1821 First Ave. E. Newton Newton 641-792-3010 641-792-9420 www.firstnnb.com Member

FDIC

Come in and see our great selection!

• Beer • Wine • Snacks • Liquor • Tobacco & MORE!

Brad Sponseller PGA Head Professional

Gift Certificates Available for Christmas Memberships Available for 2014 Season

3387 Hwy F-48 W., Newton, IA

12 Jasper County Living

October 2013

792-3087

Now offering a great selection of fall flavored Beer, Wine & Liqours

1324 1st Ave E. Mon-Thurs • 9 am - 10 pm Fri-Sat • 9 am - 11 pm • Sunday • 9 am - 8 pm

• Faces Around the Community •

PEOPLE

Sheryl Carter

Lynnville’s Quiet Road

By Matthew Nosco Daily News Staff Writer After moving to the Sully area with her husband in 1968, Sheryl continued to sporadically write while raising their three children. She worked for a number of newspapers and other, often creatively inclined, part-time positions.

Eight years ago, Sheryl finished her novel “The Quiet Road.” The book is a Christian historical novel, embroiled in romance and intrigue, and set upon the backdrop of the great American prairie in the 1860s.

The plot follows a young woman named Hannah. A wicked man named Wade Hazlett has designs to steal Hannah away so he can nab the inheritance to her father’s farm, but Hannah is able to escape him.

Hannah is afflicted with amnesia, and she awakes alone in a snow-blanketed meadow. She comes across a seemingly abandoned old cabin and a young man named Dow, who is near death. She saves his life, and their romance buds.

For a brief time, Sheryl tried to market her book through the ordinary channels, seeking out publishers and agents. She met with little luck and set it aside for a few years until she heard about The Write Place, a publishing house in Pella, which was holding a contest. The winner would receive free publishing of their books, and other runners-up would receive money toward getting their books published and printed.

Sheryl was one of the top contestants, and she decided to get the book published through the company.

Sheryl struggled for a time with the question of what to do with her cover art. She asked her daughter if she might be willing to paint something for her, but her daughter pointed her to the answer lying beneath her nose.

Sheryl’s mother, who had always

Submitted photo

encouraged her artistic side, had painted a beautiful depiction of a cabin at the end of a road many years ago. This painting had always hung in Sheryl’s childhood home and now was on the wall of her own home.

The Write Place was able to scan the painting, using it for the cover art to print Sheryl’s multi-generational work of creativity.

Since then, she has received fa-

vorable reviews from the people she knows, and they often have one question for her: When is the sequel coming out?

Sheryl can be reached at (641) 594-4297 or lscarter@netins.net for anyone interested in an autographed copy of her book. Books can be delivered by mail, or a meeting can be arranged.

October 2013

Jasper County Living

13

Baxter’s Red caboose The renovated caboose serves as a landmark of remembrance, education and a couple’s love for history

14

Jasper County Living

October 2013

HISTORY

By Matthew Nosco Daily News Staff Writer For Norma and Larry Kiser of Baxter, the red caboose in Baxter has always been a labor of love. The Baxter landmark stands faithfully alongside the Chichaqua Trail, and over the years it has been visited by school children of all ages, RAGBRAI riders and people from all across Iowa.

The idea was born when the two would travel throughout the United States on vacations. They took note of how many towns had their own caboose or train compartment in their parks.

It was only a matter of time before Norma had the idea that Baxter could be home to its own caboose as well.

Larry had retired from his position in Maytag in 1991, and it didn’t take long for Norma to get envious of his time at home. She decided to leave her position at a bank in 1993 so the two could spend more time home together.

Their time at home left a void that needed filled, however. They had an itch to do something more and to still be involved in the community, so they started researching how they could bring a caboose to Baxter.

Before long, a Baxter businessman named Pat Milligan got ahold of their idea, and Milligan brought all of his own enthusiasm to the table.

“His daughter had an advertisement in the paper, and she told him about it,” Norma said. “Pat bought a caboose for $500, and then it was just a matter of getting it back to Baxter.”

The Kisers, alongside other interested community members, started fundraising. They were able to obtain a loan, and with it they paid for a railway style bedding to be laid for the caboose CABOOSE See Page 15

alongside the Chichaqua Trail. As Donations flooded in. As peo- from the ceiling now. soon as the bedding was laid, they had ple cleared out old basements, went As the caboose filled with interestthe caboose hauled to Baxter from In- through parental estates and turned ing historical items, interest contindianola, a process that took all day and up old artifacts, they brought them to ued to grow and school groups visited cost $4,000. the caboose to be housed in perpetuity. more frequently.

On Oct. 14, 1994, the caboose setThe walls are lined with displays.

In 2001, when RAGBRAI came tled into its new home in Baxter.

A lot of the items are things that old through Baxter, visitors from across For the next two years after that, Baxter businesses used to give away, the nation toured the caboose, and chaos ruled the Kisers’ lives. Larry such as calendars, cups or papers, all many of them walked away with memcould be seen working out at the ca- stamped with the business insignia. orabilia shirts printed for the occasion. boose almost every day, hauling wood Undoubtedly the most interesting After a while, the Kisers felt their back to his home to cut it after getting item is an old banner from a saddle dues paid, and they donated the cathe proper measurements and then club, active in the first half of the 20th boose to the city in the hopes that taking it back out to be placed. century. The velvet-like banner had someone else might take up the reins Slowly, with the help of a number found a home in a farmstead just out- and continue the tradition. of community volunteers, the couple side of Baxter, and on Sept. 28, 1986, a Now the caboose is owned and was able to completely replace the tornado tore through the countryside. operated by the city, and while there floor of the caboose, which had caved The tornado shredded a number of are no volunteers available to open it beneath Larry, as well as install a new homes and deposited debris across a as regularly as the Kisers might hope, roof. The platforms on either side of span of miles as it lost its momentum. it is still available to be viewed by apthe caboose were redone. Some of the More than half a year after the tor- pointment, school groups still visit interior paneling was redone, as well, nado hit, a family 60 miles away found from time to time, and when someone and every part of the caboose received the banner and returned it in mint finds an old piece of Baxter history in new paint. condition. The family held onto it for their basement, the little red caboose During the 1995- 1996 school year, a number of years and eventually do- by the trail still comes to mind. seventh- and eighth-grade Baxter stu- nated it to the caboose, where it hangs dents came out and helped paint the caboose as part of the school’s community service program.

“We thought that if we could get the kids to invest their time and energy into working on it, they would feel ownership and take care of it,” Norma said. “We haven’t had any incidents of graffiti, and we’ve had only one window broken since we brought it.”

All throughout the renovations, the fundraising continued. Sometimes they held as many as two or three events in one month, working toward paying off the loan and building new capital to invest in the caboose.

It was decided the caboose could serve as a museum of sorts, giving insight into the past of the Baxter community and the railway system it had once been connected to.

In a grant application, the Kisers wrote, “We believe there will be a strong interest from people of all ages to visit our caboose. By preserving this historic piece of our past, we can also use it as a positive educational tool for all children to teach them of the railroad that once traveled through our town. It will also pass on to the next generation the history of our commuMatthew Nosco/Daily Staff nity. For our elderly, it is an inspiration Norma Kiser takes it upon herself to clean up around Baxter’s caboose. Despite to relive the old memories and rekin- relinquishing responsibilities for the museum, the Kisers still feel a sense of owenership after years of caretaking. dle the spark of youth.”

October 2013

Jasper County Living

15

• Places Worth a Visit •

TREASURES

Gem of Colfax

114 N. Walnut St., Colfax, IA 50054; (515) 520-5353 Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

The Gem of Colfax You never know what you might find

By Dave Hon Daily News Staff Writer For most people, their dreams don’t come true, but Patty Briggs is not most people.

Briggs is the owner of the Gem of Colfax, an antique store located in the Briggs Building on Main Street in Colfax. Almost anything can be found in the store, from marbles and old comic books to furniture and fishing supplies.

“I wasn’t really ready to GEM See Page 17 16

Jasper County Living

October 2013

Above: Sports pennets from baseball, football and racing line a stand at the Gem of Colfax, located on Main Street.

Left: An old and colorful Singer sewing machine is available for sale. The store is full of an assortment of products, from purses to record players.

Kate Malott/ Daily News

TREASURES

Gem Continued from Page 16 retire and start knitting, so this came available and just took,” Briggs said.

Briggs said she considers her business a success, and people from all over the nation have visited the store.

“They come from as far as California,” Briggs said.

A lot of her merchandise came with her when she moved from Florida back to Colfax, although people do bring items in, and she does attend estate sales. Prior to moving, Briggs worked in human resources at the University of South Florida but is glad to be in Colfax.

“I love Colfax,” she said. “The people are great. The town’s great. They’ve been a very supportive town. The town counsel has been very supportive of us. I just like the small town atmosphere.”

Briggs recently sold The Waterfall, a set of beautiful bedroom furniture from the 1940s. Briggs only had the furniture for two weeks before it sold.

“Things go fast here,” she said. “It’s just a little store, but people come in.”

Briggs is always thinking about her customers when she’s acquiring new merchandise.

“I try to get the rare objects at good prices so I can pass the savings on to others,” Briggs said.

Right now, Briggs has a framed Chevy Poster, with interchangeable posters, that lights up under a blacklight.

She also has a banjo from the 1800s with pearl inlay.

Briggs’s son, Shaun Martin, works in the store as well, mainly operating the store’s growing online presence.

“We’re working very hard at this business,” Briggs said.

The second floor of the store is currently being renovated, and there is extra space next door. Essentially, Briggs plans to expand the Gem of Colfax and maybe open another business next door.

Briggs said that the Gem of Colfax is a store for everybody and it’s a great place to find a gift for a friend or family member.

“There’s so much in here that I’m proud of,” she said.

“This is a dream come true.”

Kate Malott/ Daily News Above: An assortment of miniature cars and trucks are for sale at the Gem of Colfax. Below: Antiques such as a large Pepsi Cola vehicle and a variety of furniture pieces are just two of many items available.

October 2013

Jasper County Living

17

Heating • Air Conditioning • Plumbing Proud to be a part of what makes Newton great!

Celebrating 51 years in business Quality Work and On-time Performance are just two reasons to have us take care of your Heating & Cooling needs.

Call us for all your heating and air conditioning needs Grinnell 816 4th Ave. 641-236-6307

Knoxville 2009 N. Lincoln 641-842-4315

Newton 409 N. 23rd Ave W. 641-792-1186 www.brookwoodinc.com

Our All New Health Market is NOW Open!

DANIEL WAY AUDIOLOGIST 218 1st Ave West • Newton, IA

(641) 791-2458

www.AmplifyYourLife.com

An additional section of bulk items coming soon!

• Nut Grinders

Health Market Manager Erin Blank Dietician Jenny Thompson and employee Emily Ring are eager to assist you with nutrition and over 1500 Health Market items.

1501 1st Ave. E. Newton 792-7030

18 Jasper County Living

October 2013

• Making A Difference •

ISSUES

LAKE

MARIPOSA

By Ty Rushing Daily News Staff Writer Jasper County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante remembers how when she was a kid, Lake Mariposa was a premier outdoor destination in the region.

“Growing up, that was the place when I was little.

That was the place to go,” she said.

If all goes according to plan, it will be again.

“Not that it’s poor quality (now), but poor water quality definitely makes a difference in people wanting to use it.”

She and Iowa Sen. Dennis Black have spent the last 20 years trying to get the lake revitalized through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Lake Restoration program. Their hard work paid off and in August, IDNR tabbed Mariposa as the next project.

“IDNR has set aside $200,000 for the next three years, so that’s $600,000 to do restoration at Mariposa,” Van Zante said. “They would like to see success in a small project like this in Jasper County, so that we can find success in a similar larger (project) like Rock Creek.”

During the Aug. 20 Jasper County Board of Supervisors meeting, Van Zante received approval from the board to proceed with the project. She also gave background on some of the previous work her office had done in order to garner support from IDNR. “Over the years, we have had a water quality project,” she told the board. “We’ve worked with some people in the watershed to do some projects. We’ve done some waterways, some buffer strips, we did a big timber stand project in the park, where we got rid of a lot of the scrub timber. We did a large wetland project last year, which was kind of the last thing the IDNR wanted to see done before they would kick in

any money.”

The new Mariposa is still a ways away, but Van Zante and IDNR have an ideal of how the project should go.

“Kind of the plan is to go out there this fall or winter and do a bathometric survey,” Van Zante said. “Which is just a survey of the bottom (of the lake) to see what the bottom is like now. We have some pretty accurate maps from 1979 and (we want to) compare it to that to see where the sediment has come in and to guess where the biggest bang for the buck may be to remove sediment.”

“Not this winter, but the next winter potentially, we would drain the lake,” she said. “When it’s frozen, go in there and remove sediment.”

Van Zante plans on working with neighboring landowners to place the removed sediment on top of their ridge tops to ease erosion concerns. Then in the spring, when it melts, the farmers could incorporate it into their field.

“We would do some soil testing to make sure it was proper soil to grow things in,” she added.

IDNR estimates it would have to remove 100,000 yards of dirt from the lake, which Van Zante said equates to between 5,000 to 7,000 dump truck loads.

There have been similar projects done at Lake of Three Fires, Hickory Grove, Crystal and Clear lakes in Iowa.

Once the restoration is complete and combined with her office’s previous work, she has high expectations for her childhood stomping grounds.

“We’re excited to get the project underway and we hope people are patient with it,” Van Zante said. “We will be draining it, so it will be season where it will be out of commission. But as long as people know they are getting some better, my hope is they will be patient.”

October 2013

Jasper County Living

19

Say “I Do” to Amazing Service and Quality from the Bridal Sweet GOWNS: Bridal • Bridesmaids • Flower Girl • Mothers • Special Occasion • Men’s Suits INVITATIONS • ACCESSORIES • TUXEDO RENTAL In-House Professional Alterations

The

Bridal Sweet Full Service Bridal 105 W. 2nd St. N. Newton 641-792-5115 www.bridalsweetonline.com

Hours: Mon. 11-8; Wed. - Fri. 11-5; Sat. 10-3; Closed Tuesdays & Sundays

Hawkeye Mutual Insurance Serving 23 Counties in Central Iowa Longest operating business in Jasper County - nearly 140 years ®

Farm • Home www.hawkeyemutual.com

641-792-4267 315 S. 2nd Ave W. • Newton, IA 50208

Think of us for all your upcoming events.

• Holiday Parties • Corporate Events • Reunions • Anniversaries & More!

A Family Business All About Your Family.

Farm Fresh Produce

Grocery 792-7950

Full Service Meat Counter

Meat 792-3325

801 Hwy. 14 South Newton • 641-791-9093

120 N. 3rd Ave. E. Newton Store Hours: 7:30 AM-9 PM

www.mccallmonument.com

Parkview Animal Hospital 2012 1st Ave E., Newton 792.0340

Since 1968

We’re not only the best place to buy tires...

We Do: Alignments • Brakes • Shocks • Struts • Tune-ups • Batteries • Transmission Service • Oil Changes • Custom Wheels & More 641-792-7894 • 220 1st Ave. E., Newton

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 7 am - 5:30 pm; Sat. 8 am - 2 pm; Closed Sunday

Fire & Water Restoration

Newton’s pet care leader in Compassion and Professionalism

Dr. Doug DeWolf, DVM and his staff are committed to providing compassionate, professional and thorough veterinary care to each and every pet that comes through the door. We strive to create a place of healing and warmth by offering a full range of competitively price veterinary services, including preventative health care, geriatric care and the latest pain management techniques for your faithful companions.

We also offer the following products and services: Boarding, Grooming, Microchipping, Pet Odor Candles & Iams/Science Diet Foods. As well as Activyl & Confortis for all your flea and tick needs. Early drop-off is also available.

Bundle All Your InsurAnce needs In our WorrY-Free Bucket!

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

Service Master of Newton 3768 Harbor Ave. Newton, IA 641-792-9580

Tri-County Insurance

106 N. 2nd Ave. E., Newton (641) 792-6226 ®

Home Office: West Des Moines, Iowa

2013 986October Howe Street Newton, IA

10 Jasper County Living

FLAVORS

Fall Favorites The leaves are falling, the weather is getting cooler and it’s time to bundle up at home. Whether you’re hosting a holiday event this season or staying in for the night, these warm and filling recipes are sure to satisfy any house guest.

All recipes are available from the Skiff Hospice Monarch Memories cookbook, located at Skiff Medical Center.

October 2013

Jasper County Living 21

FLAVORS

Maytag White Cheddar + Potato Soup 1 stick butter 1 green onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced 1 large carrot, diced 2 large potatoes, diced 1 ⁄4 c. flour 5 c. chicken broth 1 c. half and half 1 ⁄2 lb. Maytag white Cheddar cheese, grated 1 tsp. hot sauce 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter. Saute onions, celery and carrots until wilted. Dust the mixture with flour and stir for 3 minutes. Whisk in broth, one cup at a time. Add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 20 to 30 minutes, until potatoes are cooked. Remove from heat.

Whisk in half and half, Maytag white Cheddar, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.

Garnish each serving, if desired, with crispy cut bacon, grated cheese, chives or croutons.

Serve with bread.

(Recipe courtesy of the Skiff Monarch Hospice Cookbook)

additional toppings:

white cheddar

bacon

Creamy Bacon Macaroni + Cheese 4 c. heavy cream 2 tsp. diced rosemary 1 ⁄2 lb. bacon, cooked 1 lb. elbow macaroni 1 c. gruyere cheese, shredded 1 c. Mozzarella cheese, shredded 2 green onion, chopped salt and pepper to taste

22

Jasper County Living

Cook pasta until done and drain. Reserve 1⁄3 c. water. In a large saucepan, combine heavy cream, rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring to boil and then simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until reduced. Stir in cheese slowly until melted. Stir in macaroni and 1⁄3 c. water. Let heat and then add bacon.

Garnish with green onion and bread crumbs.

October 2013

red onion

croutons

Caramel Apple Pork Chops 4 pork chops 2 T. brown sugar 1 ⁄8 tsp. cinnamon 1 ⁄8 tsp. ground nutmeg 2 T. unsalted butter 2 tart apples, sliced salt and pepper to taste Preheat oven to 175 degrees F. Place a medium dish in the oven to warm.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook

chops for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, or until done. Transfer to the warm dish.

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt and pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Add butter to skillet, and stir in brown sugar mixture and apples. Cover and cook until apples are just tender.

Spoon apples and sauce on top of chops.

HAPPENINGS

November 2 Autograph Auction

Come to the Newton YMCA’s Third Annual Autograph Auction for your chance to go home with some amazing pieces of autographed memorabilia.

From actors to athletes, astronauts to cartoonists, authors to historical figures, more than 200 pieces will be auctioned off in silent and live auctions on Saturday, Nov. 2. Doors open at 6 p.m. Live bidding begins at 7 p.m. at Fore Seasons Golf Practice Center in Newton.

Admission is free, and appetizers will be provided by Okoboji Grill in Newton.

5 City Elections

City elections will be taking place in Jasper County on Nov. 5 this year.

Absentee ballots are now available.

Newton, Baxter, Colfax, Monroe and Prairie City polling locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Kellogg, Lambs Grove, Lynnville, Mingo, Oakland Acres, Reasnor, Sully, Valeria and Mingo polling locations will be open from noon to 8 p.m.

If you have questions, please contact the auditor’s office at (641)792-7016 or email at auditor@co.jasper.ia.us.

16 Turkey Trot 5K

It’s time to get your trot on! The third annual Turkey Trot 5K will take place on Nov. 16 at the Newton YMCA. Pre-registered runners will receive a long sleeve T-shirt, and everyone will have the opportunity to win a turkey and all the fixings. Anyone 14 years old and older can register. The cost is

$20 for YMCA members and $30 for non-members.

29 Courthouse Lighting

Attend the annual lighting of the Jasper County Courthouse immediately followed by the Newton Chamber of Commerce’s 10th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade on Nov. 29.

The theme for the parade this year is “Christmas in Toyland!”

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. will include the Young Professionals of Jasper County annual chili cook-off and carriage rides around the square.

The parade will be followed by more food and festivities on the courthouse square until 8 p.m., including Christmas Caroling around the Courthouse with Steve Knight, the 4-H Festival of Trees featuring Santa Claus in the Courthouse.

December 6 - 14 “A Christmas Carol”

The Newton Community Theatre will present its 2013 holiday production, “A Christmas Carol” by Michael A. Youngs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, 7 and 12-14 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 8.

Here is a delightfully refreshing version of Charles Dickens’s classic Christmas tale told from a new perspective — a young boy’s grandfather. Thomas enjoys spending time at his grandfather’s prominent London business but has trouble understanding why his grandfather would give his hard-earned money to the poor.

This gives Grandfather the perfect opportunity to tell the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he recalls it, and a traditional retelling of “A Christmas Carol” comes to life onstage as a play-within-a-play. As the story goes, of course, revelations brought

by visiting his past, present and future with three ghosts persuade Scrooge to turn his life around. In this beautifully written adaptation, you’ll find all of the classic Charles Dickens characters, including Jacob Marley, Scrooge’s sister Fan and even his long-lost Belle. The play ends uniquely with a heartwarming surprise for all as we learn who Thomas’ grandfather really is.

For more information or ticket reservations, contact the Newton Community Theatre at (64)7921230.

7 Newton Dollars for Scholars Tour of Homes

The Newton Dollars for Scholars organization will host their annual Tour of Homes event on the first Saturday of December. The tour will

feature homes throughout Newton, and is a fundraising opportunity to help provide scholarships for Newton High School senior students.

The list of featured homes and cost will come out later this fall.

3, 10, 14, 24 and 31 ARTSTOCK The Centre for Arts & Artists will be hosting a month of creative craft opportunities every Tuesday from 1 - 4 p.m.

All creative spirits are invited to the Centre for Arts & Artists, 501 W. 3rd St. N., Newton for an afternoon of fun. Anyone who wants to paint, sculpt, create fabric arts, draw, or use any other choice of medium is welcome to come and enjoy the spirit of the creative process. For more information, call Linda at (641)7921391 or (641)521-3554.

October 2013

Jasper County Living

23

COLFAX

DENTAL SERVICES

Rick’s Amoco The only FUll SERVICE gas station in newton.

475 N. Walnut St. P.O. Box 155 • Colfax

24 HOUR FUEL

515.674.4466

PRAIRIE CITY

DENTAL SERVICES 111 North Main St. P.O. Box 40 • Prairie City

515.994.2210

• Belts • Hoses • Tires

• Plugs • Batteries • Antifreeze • Tune-ups • Wiper Blades

Check with us for brake & exhaust work, shocks & struts, front/rear alignment, cv shafts & all minor repair service. car starting service • flat tire rescue

321 1st ave. e., newton • 641-792-8080

We are partners with our community, working together to create a place that fosters mental health and supports those with mental health challenges.

Programs include: • Individual, group, child and family therapy • Psychiatric evaluation and treatment for adults and children • Chemical Dependency evaluation and treatment • Psychological testing for adults and children • Residential and Community Based support services With offices in: 306 N. 3rd Ave. E. Newton, IA 50208 641-792-4012 14 Jasper County Living

October 2013

2003 N. Lincoln Knoxville, IA 50138 641-842-4925