Newton Independent

Jury begins deliberations in Lynnville man's sex abuse, burglary case

2013-05-17T16:10:23-05:00

Newton Independent

A Jasper County jury began deliberations late this afternoon in the trial of a Lynnville man accused of entering a Lynnville residence and performing a sex act on a sleeping teenage girl last year.

The jury is deciding the fate of Gary Lee Eilander, 43, who is charged with second degree burglary and sexual abuse in the third degree.

Eilander is accused of entering the Lynnville residence at 4:30 a.m. on June 30, 2012 where he went to an upstairs bedroom where three females were sleeping. A 17-year-old female stated that she woke up to rustling noises and then felt a hand rubbing her back. When she turned, court documents state, the hand went down the front of her pants, touching skin.

The female was able to push the hand away and flee the room. She woke her parents where they confronted Eilander in the kitchen of the home. The parents said Eilander appeared intoxicated at that time, court records state.

The trial began Wednesday in Jasper County District Court.

Letter: Greed and politics

2013-05-17T12:55:04-05:00

To the Newton Independent:

I had to sit up and take notice this morning after reading two different articles in the Newton Independent having to do with the Iowa Speedway.

On the one hand, there is an appropriations bill that has been in discussion now in the Iowa Legislature that would provide taxpayer money to develop the Iowa Speedway furhter to attract another class of NASCAR events. Been known that this was going on for a while. Sounds questionable, but no problem so far.

Then I read, after we are going to help the Iowa Speedway out, they want to have a cow about how their property is assessed. Man, talk about biting the hand that feeds you.

So, since they want their cake and eat it too, then we could reduce the assessed value of Iowa Speedway and also deny one dollar of assistance to help them develop it further. The we all would be in agreement - their property wouldn't be worth it for NASCAR to do more with them, so the value would drop and then they could enjoy the lower assessment that they want.

If they want Iowa to fork over taxpayer money to help them out, they need to shut their yap and quit trying to act like greedy little school children. They are perfectly fine with taking tax money from the citizens, but they will fight tooth and nail to keep from paying any more than THEY think is necessary.

Welcome to the world of greed and politics.

Clifford Downing
Kellogg

Newton Police Report

2013-05-17T10:11:36-05:00

Newton Independent

Shannon K. Wood, 42, of Newton was charged with driving while barred after police stopped his vehicle at 5:55 a.m. Thursday in the 500 block of East Fourth Street South for speeding and an equipment violation. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
Nicole L. Clark, 35, of Newton was taken into custody at 7:33 p.m. Thursday at 1401 S. 7th Ave. W. on an outstanding Poweshiek County arrest warrant for vehicle theft. She was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
Eugene C Wood, 39, of Newton was charged with violation of a no contact order after police located him at 7:11 p.m. Wednesday at the residence of the protected party. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
Troy A. Gram, 45, of Newton was charged with public intoxication at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday after he was located in the 100 block of East Fourth Street after having previously been warned not to leave his hotel room because of his intoxication. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.
Caleb J. Wilson, 22, of Newton was picked up on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear on drug charges from Jasper County after he was located in a vehicle that was stopped at 2:24 a.m. Thursday in 800 block of South Eighth Avenue East.

Registration deadline nears for free family fishing derby

2013-05-17T09:24:33-05:00

Newton Independent

Registration continues for another week for area residents to participate in the Jasper Conservation Connection and the Jasper County Conservation Board's 6th annual Hook, Line & Sinker free family fishing derby set for June 8 at the Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve.

Beginning at 9 a.m., presentations will be made about fish identification, proper ways to cast a line, how to clean fish and making lures. After a provided lunch, participants will have the afternoon to go fishing and try their new skills, including competing in a casting contest.

The first 100 children to register will receive a free t-shirt.

The fishing derby is free and open to all ages. It is also the state's free fishing weekend so a fishing license is not required.

To register, visit the Jasper County Conservation web site to print off a registration form.

Forms must be returned by Friday, May 24, at the Conservation Office in the old National Guard Armory adjacent to Maytag Park to ensure participants are served a meal the day of the derby.

For more information, call 641-792-9780.

Newton man charged for manufacturing meth in Children's Forest

2013-05-17T09:08:10-05:00

Newton Independent

The suspicions of the Newton Police Department's School Resource Officer after observing a man leaving the Children's Forest south of the Newton High School early last week led to the filing of numerous felony drug charges against the individual.

Shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, the School Resource Officer observed a "suspicious male," later identified as Joshua D. Stubbe, 25, of Newton, leaving the Children's Forest in the 1200 block of East Fifth Street South and get into a vehicle.

Officers then stopped Stubbe's vehicle in the 1100 block of East 12th Street South where a backpack was observed in the vehicle. Inside the backpack officers found contents that are used for the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Police said Stubbe allegedly admitted that the contents in the backpack were being used for the manufacture of the controlled substance.

Stubbe was arrested at the scence and charged with:

manufacturing or conspiracy to manufacture more than 5 grams of meth (Class B felony)
possession of a precursor (pseudo ephedrine) with the intent to use to manufacture a controlled substance (Class D felony)
possession of a precursor (lithium) with intent to use to manufacture a controlled substance (Class D felony)
possession of more than one-half ounce but less than 50 kilograms of marijuana with intent to deliver (Class D felony)
possession of methamphetamine (serious misdemeanor)
possession of drug paraphernalia (simple misdemeanor)

Stubbe was taken to the Jasper County Jail where he eventually was released on bail.

On Thursday, Stubbe was taken into custody after he was located in a vehicle at 3:08 a.m. in the 500 block of First Street South on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for a hearing in connection with separate drug charges. He was taken to the Jasper County Jail.

Proposed interchange alternatives of Iowa 330 in Jasper County to be discussed

2013-05-17T08:44:58-05:00

Newton Independent

The Iowa Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting to discuss the proposed interchange improvement alternatives under consideration for the Iowa 330, U.S. 65 and Jasper County Road F-17 on Tuesday, May 28.

DOT staff will be on hand between 5:30 and 7 p.m. at Baxter City Hall, 203 S. Main St., to meet with residents informally to discuss the proposed northwest Jasper County interchange alternatives. No formal presentation will be made.

Those unable to attend the meeting but want general information about the proposed interchange alternatives are asked to contact Tony Gustafson, assistant district engineer, at 515-239-1635 or by emailing him at tony.gustafson@dot.iowa.gov.

Newton council approves Iowa Speedway development amendment with eye on Sprint Cup race

2013-05-16T19:32:06-05:00

Newton Independent

The Newton City Council voted unanimously tonight to approve an amendment to the development agreement that brought the Iowa Speedway to Newton nearly a decade ago to assist in its effort to move the track forward in potentially securing a NASCAR Sprint Cup race.

You can read below what the council did.

Download May 16 Special Meeting Agenda Packet

In a related matter, WHO-TV 13 spoke with Rep. Dan Kelley, D-Newton, today on his efforts to keep alive an $8 million state appropriate to assist the Iowa Speedway with its infrastructure needs related to bringing a Sprint Cup race to Newton.

The funding is currently uncertain as differences have arisen between the Iowa Senate and House versions of a broad spending bill where the allocation is located.

In addition, WHO is reporting that should the state provide the financing as earmarked in the Senate's standings appropriations bill, the area around the Newton racetrack may see additional development.

Iowa Speedway appeals its $44 million assessment

2013-05-16T13:20:01-05:00

Newton Independent

The owners of the Iowa Speedway have appealed the nearly $45 million assessment placed on the Newton racetrack this year claiming the value is far in excess of fair market value.

Conrad Clement, chairman of US Motorsports, owners of the Iowa Speedway, filed an appeal with the Jasper County Board of Review last month asking that its assessment be cut by more than half.

Clement's petition claims the property is over-assessed by $24,976,310 and that its actual value is $20 million.

The Jasper County Board of Review is in session throughout the month of May. Property owners will be notified of appeal decisions when the session adjourns on May 31.

The Board of Review can only reduce the current $44.9 million assessment to the $40 million minimum assessment in effect as part of the original development agreement with the city in effect as of the first of the year.

The Newton City Council will hold a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. tonight to hold a public hearing on a measure to amend the financial incentive agreement with the Iowa Speedway that would cut in half its $40 million minimum assessed value and substitute a user fee on tickets sold at the track to make the city's bond payments, as well as make additional tax rebates to the track.

If approved by the council, the lower minimum assessment would be applied beginning Jan. 1, 2014.

Relay for Life fund-raising event Saturday

2013-05-16T10:00:27-05:00

Newton Independent

The Walgreen's Relay for Life of Jasper County team will hold a fund-raising event in the Newton store's parking lot on Saturday.

The event, set to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature a garage sale, bake sale and a silent auction. Mississippi Queen will have barbecue on hand.

In a new twist this year, Store for Homes is offering a $250 gift certificate to the top two individuals raising the most funds for the Relay for Life event that benefits the American Cancer Society.

This year's Relay for Life for Jasper County is set for Friday, June 7, at H.A. Lynn Stadium in Newton.

'Guitar Hero' to hit Newton Saturday

2013-05-16T09:41:23-05:00

Electric guitar bluesman Craig Erickson, along with Nashville drummer Rob Haskell, will hit Newton for a one-night show Saturday as the South Skunk Blues Society's Almost Legal Nightlife series rolls on. "Guitar Hero" Erickson will throw down original and cover electric blues from 8 p.m. to midnight at the First Avenue Speakeasy on the south side of the downtown Newton square.

Skiff Trustees to discuss potential sale of Sports Rehab building Monday following Friday's auction

2013-05-16T09:23:30-05:00

Newton Independent

The Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees will meet in a closed session at 10:30 a.m. Monday to discuss the sale of its Sports Rehab and Physical Therapy building set to be auctioned on Friday.

Earlier this month, Sage Auctions began advertising for the sale set for 2 p.m. Friday.

The building has sat empty since Skiff relocated its Sports Rehab services back to the hospital facility in the summer of 2010. Efforts to sell the building since that time have been unsuccessful.

The clinic was opened in March 2007 after Skiff purchased the former Hansen Directory Building at 1730 1st Ave. E.

Skiff has placed a deed restriction on the property which will not allow the property to be used for physical therapy in the future.

Following the closed session, the Skiff Trustees will return to open session to either accept, counter or reject the high bid received for the building. It's current assessed value is $300,090.

Coffee time gathering set at museum

2013-05-16T09:13:05-05:00

Newton Independent

The Jasper County Historical Museum will host a coffee time gathering from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the museum, 1700 S. 15th Ave. W. in Newton.

Homemade coffee cake and coffee will be available for $1 each, with free refills on the coffee. The event will be held inside the museum and those attending should enter through the south door. Portion of the first floor of the museum will be open for viewing.

The museum will open for regular tours at 1 p.m. Saturday with the last tour beginning at 4 p.m.

The coffee time gatherings at the museum are held the first and third Saturday of each month now through August.

Newton Police Department to auction unclaimed property

2013-05-16T08:57:52-05:00

Newton Independent

The Newton Police Department will hold a silent auction of unclaimed property from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday in the back lot of the police department at 101 W. 4th St. S.

Property to be auctioned includes approximately 32 bicycles, a ring with a black stone, a watch, miscellaneous jewelry, Power Pro Quantium lawnmower, camera, stroller and IBM Thinkpad laptop computer.

Auction property will be on display for viewing from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at the auction site, and again before the auction on Saturday.

CRP informational meetings set

2013-05-16T08:49:19-05:00

Newton Independent

The Jasper County FSA Office, in partnership with NRCS and DNR, are planning CRP informational meetings later this month in Newton.

Officials with the agencies will present information and answer questions regarding signing up for CRP, both general and continious; developing a CRP conservation plan including seeding and cover establishment. The DNR will provide information on increasing wildlife and other environmental benefits.

The first workshop is set for 1 p.m. Thursday, May 23, at the Newton Arboretum, 3000 N. 4th Ave. E. The second meeting is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, May 30, also at the Arboretum.

The 45th general CRP sign-up runs from May 20 to June 14.

Those interested in enrolling may also contact the Jasper County FSA Office at 641-792-5019 to schedule an appointment.

Those unable to attend either workshop may also participate in a free webinar on the topic set for 10 a.m. Thursday, May 23. The webinar is being sponsored by the Women, Food, and Agriculture Network. You can register by following this link.

Newton Council looking at proposal to cut minimum assessed value at Iowa Speedway

2013-05-15T20:41:02-05:00

Newton Independent

The Newton City Council will hold a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday to hold a public hearing on a measure to amend the financial incentive agreement with the Iowa Speedway that would cut in half its taxable assessed value and substitute a user fee on tickets sold at the track to make the city's bond payments, as well as make additional tax rebates to the track.

The end of the current tax fiscal year marked the City of Newton's previous final tax rebate year.

Legislation before the state legislature calls for an infusion of $8 million in state tax dollars at the Newton racetrack to help it build the infrastructure necessary to bring it to the "next level," a running of a NASCAR Sprint Cup race in Newton.

Reports today indicate that financing is yet uncertain.

The full report, sent out just prior to the 6:30 p.m. 24-hour open meeting law advance notice, can be downloaded below.

Download May 16 Special Meeting Agenda Packet

The Newton Independent has not yet had an opportunity to fully analyze the proposal set to come before the council. Information will be updated on Thursday.

State funding to help Iowa Speedway go to 'next level' may have hit the wall

2013-05-15T15:45:16-05:00

Newton Independent

Efforts to take the Iowa Speedway to the "next level" through an $8 million state appropriation to help the Newton racetrack land a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race looks like it may have crashed on the final turn, Des Moines Register statehouse writer William Petroski is reporting on his blog today.

Petroski writes that Iowa House Speaker Craig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha, said today that the Republican-controlled Iowa House can't muster the votes needed to have the money included in a broad-based standings appropriations bill being hammered out in conference committee.

Last week, the Democrat-controlled Iowa Senate voted to include the $8 million appropriation - to be doled out in $2 million increments for the next four fiscal years - to help the Iowa Speedway make infrastructure improvements to bring a "national sporting event" to Newton.

The lack of House support for the appropriation comes despite Rusty Wallace's personal lobbying with lawmakers on the issue at the statehouse on Tuesday.

But Sen. William Dotzler, D-Waterloo, the lawmaker and Iowa Speedway season ticket holder who is pushing the appropriation, says that though he has been told the House doesn't have the votes to approve the funding, anything can still happen.

State Rep. Dan Kelley, D-Newton, agrees. He said late this afternoon that the funding for the Iowa Speedway is not yet dead with headway being made on the issue.

Newton track officials said last week the money is needed to "assist with the funding necessary to take Iowa Speedway to the next level in professional motorsports."

"A public-private partnership like this is common throughout major league sports, especially where the economic impact on a state or region is as significant as ours in Iowa," said Iowa Speedway spokesperson Craig Armstrong.

Sen. Dotzler estimated a Sprint Cup Series race would provide a $100 million per race economic impact on the state.

Students tackle a variety of projects on Red Pride Service Day

2013-05-15T12:06:35-05:00

Newton High School students and volunteers paint the wall in the alleyway outside the Capitol Theatre II in downtown Newton as part of the 5th Annual Red Pride Service Day being held today. Community volunteers are teaming up with Newton High School students to conduct planting, painting and cleaning projects throughout the community. In the photos below, Newton High School students helped scrape and paint the Jasper County Museum's 1875 barn, recondition the Museum's Indian canoe, as well as some general cleaning and trash pickup.

Whirlpool hit with second lawsuit over 'Clyde cancer cluster'

2013-05-15T11:40:36-05:00

Newton Independent

Whirlpool Corporation was hit with a a second class action lawsuit on Tuesday in connection with a Clyde, Ohio-area cancer cluster where dozens of children have been diagnosed with cancer and several have died.

The case filed in federal court in Ohio Tuesday attempts to link the cancers to a compound found in homes near Whirlpool's laundry plant in Clyde and used by the world's largest appliance manufacturer in producing the machines.

In late March, lawyers in Ohio filed the first lawsuit over "the Clyde cancer cluster" by attempting to link the findings of an EPA report that indicated Whirlpool Park in Clyde had previously been a dumping ground for PCBs and sludge filled with toxic metals.

Newton students receive DAR Good Citizen awards

2013-05-15T10:25:46-05:00

The Grinnell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented awards to its Good Citizen winners during its May 11 meeting in Grinnell. Gabriella Daft of Newton High School, left, was the first place winner with Stephanie Petted, center, of Basics and Beyond High School in Newton finishing as runner-up. Betty Carr, Good Citizen Chairman, presented the awards to the students on behalf of the Chapter. The winners and their families were served a brunch in their honor. The next meeting of the Grinnell Chapter of the DAR will be held June 8 at the Centre for Art & Artists in Newton. Anyone interested in joining the DAR is asked to contact Darlene Leib at 641-792-0174.

2013-05-15T10:14:55-05:00

Newton Independent

Jamie N. Dorn, 30, of Newton was taken into custody at 8:09 p.m. Tuesday at 430 N. 8th Ave. E. on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear for a court hearing for failing to pay child support. She was taken to the Jasper County Jail.