Newton Independent

State judicial branch announces layoffs, work hour reductions

2009-11-12T15:45:50-06:00

Newton Independent

The Iowa Judicial Branch today said it would layoff 105 employees, cut 100 vacant staff positions and reduce work hours for 58 employees in continued efforts to reduce its operating expenses for the current fiscal year.

Today's actions are in addition to the 10 days of court closures and unpaid leave for all judges, magistrates and court employees announced earlier this week.

The job cuts announced today equate to a 9.3 percent reduction in workforce

The actions taken by the state judicial system will reduce its operating budget by $11.4 million or 7.1 percent this fiscal year. The cut corresponds with the state's revenue shortfalls as estimated by the State Revenue Estimating Conference last month.

The court system initially considered making cuts commensurate with the governor's 10 percent across-the-board reduction ordered for executive branch agencies. However, as a separate branch of government, the judicial branch is not subject to the governor's order.

"The court thoroughly examined and earnestly considered the actions we would need to take to meet a 10 percent cut," said Chief Justice Marsha Ternus. "At 10 percent, the cost in terms of public service would be enormous, decimating our workforce and crippling our ability to resolve critical cases and provide essential services. As it is, a 7.1 percent cut requires draconian measures that will result in long delays, gaps in service, and reduced public access to the courts."

The full press release on the court's budget cuts can be read here.

Appeals court denies Robuck's request for new murder trial

2009-11-12T11:01:25-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Iowa Court of Appeals today denied Justin Robuck's appeal of his conviction of second degree murder in the death of Jerry Pittman II of Newton in October 2007.

Lawyers for Robuck contended his conviction should be overturned because District Court Judge Dale Hagen erred in excluding testimony from Robuck's expert witness and in refusing to give a jury instruction on his right to arm himself.

Pittman, 19 at the time of his death in October 2007, was stabbed 29 times in the backyard of his home at 714 W. 3rd St. S. Three teens, including Robuck, were originally charged with first degree murder. Tyler Oberhart was convicted on the first degree murder charge and sentenced to life in prison. Ray Travis, pleaded guilty to second degree robbery and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Robuck received a 50 year prison term on the second degree murder conviction.

The three attacked Pittman after the previous day passed off as grass clippings marijuana in exchange for Xanax.

In asking that his conviction be overturned, lawyers for Robuck argued the court should have allowed the testimony of Dr. Jerome Fialkov, who had evaluated Robuck and prepared a psychiatric report on his findings. The doctor had concluded that "Robuck did not form specific intent at the time of the alleged crime because his tendency to act impulsively and without foresight" and "it was not in (Robuck's) nature or character to perpetrate an act of violence," but that he was acting as a "Good Samaritan."

In denying the claim, the appeals court noted that Robuck failed to plead either insanity or diminished responsibility as part of his defense, both of which implicate a person's ability to form specific intent to do an act. In addition, the court said that because Robuck was convicted of second degree murder, "a crime that does not require a showing of specific intent to kill, any possible error in excluding the testimony was harmless."

As to Robuck's argument about the expert witnesses testimony on his character, the court noted that "opinion evidence garnered by an expert through the use of psychological testing and offered to show a defendant's own good character for the proving it unlikely that he committed the crimes charged has been rejected in Iowa. We find the district court did not abuse its discretion in excluding the testimony of Dr. Fialkov."

Lawyers for Robuck also argued the district court erred in not allowing one of the defense's proposed jury instructions that he had a right to arm himself. The appeals court agreed with the lower court's ruling stating "the district court was correct in denying Robuck's requested jury instruction, as Robuck's right to arm himself would only bear on his intention to defend or become the aggressor. In convicting Robuck of second degree murder, the jury necessarily rejected Robuck's assertions he was acting in either defense of another or as he originally asserted, self-defense."

The full ruling can be read here.

Kahn, Lee resign from Skiff hospital board

2009-11-12T10:10:12-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees accepted the resignations of board members Gary Kahn and John Lee and voted to appoint board-elect members Dr. Gary Richardson and Lois Vogel to fill their unexpired terms until the two officially take office in January.

Kahn and Lee tendered their resignations, effective immediately, in letters presented to the board at today's special meeting.

Lee, acting as chair at the meeting due to Kahn's absence, first noted Kahn's dedication and service to Skiff over the past 17 years he's served on the board.

"Whether you agree with him or not, that service and dedication needs to be recognized," Lee said of Kahn's tenure on the board. "He's given more hours to this hospital than anyone in this room."

Lee then read from a prepared statement on the reasons behind his early departure.

"First of all, it has been an absolute privilege to serve Skiff Medical Center and the community of Newton," Lee said. "This institution is very dear to me. As a business person I realize how important this hospital is to the community of Newton and Jasper County."

Lee went on to note that his decision to step aside before his term expires will allow the city-owned hospital to begin the "healing process."

"Hindsight will always be twenty-twenty, but I have no regrets about the decisions I have made while sitting on this board and while some may have criticized those decisions they were made with careful thought, consideration and more recently, prayer," he said.

"I still do not agree with the conduct of some members of this board, as well as some of the stakeholders of this hospital, but there is one thing I believe we all agree on that is that this institution desperately needs to start the healing process. I believe my stepping aside just one month before my term expires will allow that healing to begin to happen."

Lee noted the tough work that lies ahead for the Skiff board.

"It is with complete sincerity I wish the new board all the best," he said. "You have a very tough job ahead and I trust you will carefully, thoughtfully and prayerfully consider every option and all of the people involved in the decision that is in front of you. Thank you for allowing me to serve."

Board member Dan Skokan thanked Kahn and Lee for their service.

"I would like to publicly recognize and thank both Gary and John for their service to Skiff over the past years," Skokan said. "Although there has been much controversy, I know they had Skiff's best interest in their hearts. We are all here to lead Skiff into the next chapter of success. It is a treasured community asset and we must not lose sight of our mission of providing compassionate and personalized health care services. Let the healing begin."

After accepting the resignations, the three remaining members voted to make Deb Pence chair of the board until January. Jeff King was appointed vice chair.

"The ultimate goal is to heal the organization," Pence said.

After the meeting, the board members were asked about the CEO search process. The three members said Monday's session with the three candidates - one dropped out - went well, with good input from the doctors and directors.

"The goal is to have something in place by Jan. 1," King said.

City of Newton seeks Skiff board 'confidentiality agreements'

2009-11-11T12:19:26-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Attorney has made an open records request to the counsel for the Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees seeking copies of "confidentiality agreements" allegedly signed by board members at the request of its consulting firm B.E. Smith.

In a letter dated Tuesday to Edwin McIntosh of the Dorsey & Whitney law firm in Des Moines, Newton City Attorney Darrin Hamilton is requesting copies of any confidentiality documents signed by Skiff board members.

"B.E. Smith has requested members of the Skiff Hospital Board of Trustees to sign a document or documents regarding confidentiality," the letter states. "At the direction of the Mayor, I am requesting a copy of these 'confidentiality agreements.'"

Hamilton goes on to note a section of state code that prohibits an elected board from denying access to a public document by contracting with a nongovernmental entity.

"Presumably the Skiff Hospital Board of Trustees are aware that a 'governmental body shall not prevent the examination or copying of a public record by contracting with a nongovernment body to perform any of its duties or functions," Hamilton writes citing Iowa Code Chapter 22.2 (2).

"Should this open records request be denied, please advise what section or sections of the Iowa Code are being relied upon in determining the requested record(s) is/are not an open record," the letter continues. "To the extent the document can have redactions so non-confidential information can be provided, it is requested this be done."

In September, Skiff Medical Center denied the City of Newton's official public records request for the operational assessment conducted by B.E. Smith.

In denying that request, the hospital concluded "that the confidentiality of marketing and advertising budget and strategy records may be protected."

Baxter Mayor Steve Smith was also denied a copy of the operational assessment. He has since taken the matter to the Iowa Attorneys General office seeking clarification on whether the document may be released as a public record in whole or in part. He is also seeking direction concerning the hiring of the B.E. Smith firm to conduct the follow through on the operational assessment's findings.

The Newton Independent was also denied its request for the operational assessment. However, the hospital did provide the N.I. its request for the contracts with B.E. Smith that show the consulting firm stands to collect more than $1 million in fees over the course of its contractual timeframe for services to Skiff Medical Center.

Hamilton's letter seeking the "confidentiality agreements" was sent to all members of the Newton City Council, all hospital board trustees, Interim Skiff CEO Francie Jahn, Newton City Administrator Tom Wardlow, as well as counsel for the city-owned hospital.

Skiff board revises agenda again

2009-11-11T10:51:39-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees revised its agenda for Thursday's special meeting for the second time this morning.

The board posted notice on Tuesday afternoon of its intention to meet in special session at 9 a.m. Thursday to act on board resignations. Later in the day the agenda was revised to include action on electing a board chairman. This morning the agenda was revised again to include discussion on how to fill the vacant seats.

Last week, two new board members were elected to replace outgoing members Gary Kahn and John Lee. Newcomers Dr. Gary Richardson and Lois Vogel are scheduled to assume their positions on the board in January.

Both Kahn and Lee have been under some pressure to resign their positions. The Skiff board is in the process of selecting a new chief executive officer at the same time the hospital is undergoing a reduction in force initiative put together by consultants from the B.E. Smith firm.

Both Richardson and Vogel have voiced concern over the retention of B.E. Smith to assist in the reorganization of the hospital in order to deal with financial difficulties.

Thursday's meeting is set for 9 a.m. in the board conference room.

New 'Holiday Treepalooza' being planned by CVB

2009-11-11T09:34:42-06:00

Newton Independent

The Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau is putting a new twist on an old tradition this year with its Holiday Treepalooza.

With the Newton Arboretum unavailable for Project Awake's traditional Festival of Trees, the Newton CVB decided to continue the tradition, but with a couple of new twists and the new name.

The new Holiday Treepalooza will allow participants to display a decorated tree at a property on the south side of the downtown square donated for use by owners Ken, Jody and Troy Smith.

Trees will be judged this year by visitors placing a monetary "vote" in the participants' decorated paint can - donated by Diamond Vogel Paints of Newton - with the winner receiving an overnight stay for two at LaCorsette Maison Inn in Newton. The money raised will go toward the Newton CVB's recently announced grant program for tourism and visitor promotion.

There is no charge for a decorated tree to be entered, but a $5 fee will be charged for those wishing to attach lights.

"With Project Awake's location at the Newton Arboretum being utilized in a fashion other than before with the Festival of Trees, the Newton CVB decided to continue with the tradition, yet with a couple new twists, a new location and a new name," said Linda Bacon, executive director of the Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"We formed a new committee in the Newton CVB to pull this event together in such short order. The new committee consists of Anne Gerken, Pam DeBruyn and Jennifer Headington."

Registration for a tree display may be made by calling Gerken at La Corsettee at 792-6833. Registrations will be taken through Nov. 18. Once registered, participants will need to pick up their paint cans at the Newton CVB office at 113 1st Ave. W. during regular business hours.

Times to set up displays are Nov. 19 from noon to 4 p.m. and Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Viewing of the trees is scheduled to kickoff on Friday, Nov. 27, in conjunction with the annual lighting of the courthouse and Lighted Christmas Parade.

In addition, Santa Claus will be visiting the Holiday Treepalooza on the kickoff evening after the Lighted Christmas Parade sponsored by the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce. Children will be able to have their pictures taken with Santa Claus, which will be printed on site. The picture taking event is being sponsored by the DMACC Student Activity Council.

Additional viewing times will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 28 and 29 and Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13.

Displays will be taken down on Dec. 13 from 3 to 5 p.m. and Dec. 14 by arrangement.

"We hope everyone will enjoy coming to the Newton Holiday Treepalooza," Bacon said.

Local Democrats planning 'New Energy' presentation

2009-11-11T09:03:58-06:00

Newton Independent

The Jasper County Democratic Central Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Park Centre in Newton to continue planning for a presentation on the green economy set for next month.

The local Democratic party plans to hold a presentation called "New Energy for Jasper County" at 2 p.m. on Dec. 6 at the Jasper County Community Center. The event will feature guest presentations and discussion on the climate, environment and green collar job creation.

For more information, contact Dan Kelley, chairman of the Jasper County Democratic Central Committee, at 641-521-9260 or at dankelley@mchsi.com

Skiff board calls special meeting Thursday to act on board resignations

2009-11-10T14:36:28-06:00

Newton Independent

The Skiff Medical Center Board of Directors has scheduled a special meeting for 9 a.m. Thursday in the board conference room to act on one item - board resignations.

No further information has been provided. The information was provided to the Newton Independent 30 minutes ago.

Last week, two new board members were elected to replace outgoing members John Lee and Gary Kahn. Lois Vogel, the former vice president of patient services at Skiff, and Dr. Gary Richardson, a local surgeon, were elected to the board.

Under Iowa law, the board members-elect will assume their positions on the Skiff board in January.

The current board interviewed candidates for the open CEO position in a scheduled meeting on Monday. The board also had a meeting scheduled for this morning purportedly to discuss a potential candidate to hire. The board members-elect were allowed to give input and sit in on the process.

Both Lee and Kahn have been under some pressure to leave their positions early.

Update Wednesday: Skiff Medical Center sent out a revised agenda for Thursday's meeting late Tuesday that indicates the board will also act on the election of a board chairman. Kahn currently holds that position.

State budget problems force judges, court staff to take unpaid leave; court office closures

2009-11-10T10:47:35-06:00

Newton Independent

The Iowa Supreme Court today ordered that all judges, magistrates and court staff take 10 days of unpaid leave over the course of the final seven months of the fiscal year to deal with state's revenue shortfalls.

In addition, the Supreme Court ordered that all court offices be closed on the days designated for mandatory unpaid leave. The first court closure date is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 4.

The move is anticipated to reduce judicial branch operating expenses by $4.1 million this fiscal year. The court said additional cost-cutting measures will be announced later this week. Earlier this year, court offices were closed for five days to meet previous state budget cuts.

"We designed the court closure schedule to minimize the impact of closures on the public as much as possible," said State Court Administrator David Boyd. "Regrettably, the closures will disrupt and reduce public access to the courts. There will be gaps in services and more delays and backlogs will grow. But under the circumstances these problems are unavoidable. The state's budget crisis demands drastic action."

A full copy of the Supreme Court's announcement, including the dates of the 10 mandatory unpaid leave and court closure days, can be read here.

Court grants continuance in Jasper County Transit theft trials

2009-11-10T09:32:17-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

Trials for the three people charged in connection with the alleged misappropriation of nearly $154,000 from the now defunct Jasper County Transit agency have been pushed back to February.

On Monday, Judge Gregory Hulse approved Jasper County Attorney Mike Jacobsen's motions to continue the trials of Mark Ackerman, Susan Reese and Ray Sprague that had previously been set for later this month until Feb. 24, 2010.

The three were charged with first degree theft and on-going criminal conduct following a state audit that "identified $153,597.31 of undeposited collections, improper disbursements and unsupported disbursements."

The audit covered the full period of Jasper County Transit's operations in the community, from April 2004 to April 2006. The agency provided transportation services primarily to the elderly and disabled.

In asking the court to continue the merged trials, Jacobsen noted that federal prosecutors "are investigating interest in litigating this case." He said that should federal authorities proceed, "the state will, in all likelihood, dismiss its prosecution."

Jacobsen goes on to state in his motion that "two of the three defendants have indicated that they wish to schedule and conduct discussions with the office of the county attorney prior to proceeding to trial."

Each of the defendants have plead not guilty to the felony charges.

Newton CVB to offer new grant program to promote tourism

2009-11-10T09:10:05-06:00

Newton Independent

The Newton Convention & Visitors Bureau will start a new grant program in 2010 aimed at assisting local groups in holding events that promote tourism and economic activity in Newton by bringing visitors to the community.

While the CVB currently provides a variety of promotional services and resources at no cost, the aim of the grant program is supporting groups that may need support beyond the office's standard services.

"The Newton CVB is anticipating there are a number of eligible organizations out there that want to sponsor an event or bring a group to Newton, but just don't have the funds to pull it off at this time," said Linda Bacon, executive director of the CVB. "We're hoping this will be another incentive for non-profits to take advantage of to help promote our community and is another way we can offer assistance to their efforts."

Bacon said the grant program will begin In January. The CVB plans to initially allocate $1,000 worth of grants over the course of the year with a maximum of $200 for each eligible applicant. Grants will be given based on their merits and the availability of funds. As the grant dollars are depleted, new applications will not be eligible for that calendar year.

The Newton CVB grant program guidelines and application will soon be able to be downloaded from the organization's Web site at www.visitnewton.comor by stopping by the office located at 113 1st Ave. E.

Newton Building Trades Board may be asked to look at permit compliance

2009-11-09T10:48:30-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

Members of the city's recently-created Building Trades Board have yet to be appointed but they'll likely soon be tasked with helping the city gain greater compliance on building permit requirements.

Newton City Administrator Tom Wardlow suggested gaining the new board's input on the compliance issue in response to council member Steve Mullan's recent question on building permit enforcement and public information efforts.

In a report to council, Wardlow noted that certain types of building projects in the city get 100 percent compliance. Electric service panel work, he noted, receives 100 percent compliance because Alliant Energy will not turn on the power unless the city sign's off on code conformation. New building construction also receives 100 percent compliance, he said.

Wardlow said city building officials monitor construction activity across town during the course of their daily inspection activity. When small projects are found, like the construction of a new deck, the homeowner is given a notice on the need for a building permit. When contractors are found to have started a project without a permit, they are required to get a permit and charged a double fee as allowed by the Uniform Building Code.

Other types of projects are more difficult to monitor, he said, especially internal plumbing, wiring and remodeling work.

"It is difficult to quantify how much work that requires a permit does not get a permit," Wardlow wrote in his report to council.

The city administrator suggested that city officials could monitor "One Call" requests.

"The Engineering Division receives these requests from the 'call before you dig' service and then goes and marks sewer line locations," Wardlow wrote. "Some of these do not have relevance to building permitting (e.g. planting a tree), but there may be times where they do indicate building activity that does not have a permit."

Wardlow suggested the recently-created Building Trades Board be asked to look into the compliance matter. The new five-member board replaces the Building Board of Appeals, the Electrical Board and the Plumbers Examining Board.

"They may have more insight (about themselves or their peers) and may have ideas as to how to increase compliance," Wardlow wrote. "They can be a good resource to tell us what we are missing and give guidance as to how to educate contractors about permitting requirements."

Construction activity slows in Newton in October

2009-11-09T09:22:17-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

Building activity in Newton in October dropped by about one-third from the previous month's level with only four construction permits taken out with a total value of just under $400,000, statistics released by city officials indicate.

October's building activity was lead by two non-residential remodeling projects totaling $363,115. A residential remodeling permit and a residential garage project added another $30,000 in value for the month bringing the total to $393,366.

In September, 18 building permits were issued - the highest number for the year - with a value of $1.26 million, the second highest value level of the year. The month's building activity was lead by building permits for the construction of seven duplexes on First Street South with a value of $1.085 million. That value was the highest recorded in Newton since February 2006.

Year-to-date, the city has issued 85 building permits with a total valuation of $7.67 million.

Maytag Bowl project committee to hear from venue users on 'must haves'

2009-11-09T08:50:35-06:00

Newton Independent

The Maytag Bowl project committee will hear from users of the outdoor performance venue to gain their insights on what features should be included in any renovation or reconstruction projects eventually suggested for the site.

The committee will hear from Dean Stoner of Flatland Frank and Nathan Unsworth, who was involved in the Shakespearian production, about their ideas for "must have features" of outdoor venues.

The committee is scheduled to meet at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Newton Parks and Recreation office at Agnes Patterson Park, 3000 N. 4th Ave. E.

The group is also scheduled to discuss committee membership and take comments from the public.

Clemons dealership to close Saturday

2009-11-08T18:34:02-06:00

Newton Independent

KCCI television is reporting that the Clemons Chrysler Jeep dealership is planning to close its doors this coming Saturday due to the poor economy and lack of profitability at its Newton location.

According to KCCI, some of the dealership's 12 employees will be able to take positions at facilities it also owns in Boone, Marshalltown and Oskaloosa. Some will lose their jobs.

The television station is reporting that the remaining assets of the dealership will be auctioned on Nov. 27.

The local newspaper reported on Clemons' pending closure on Friday, citing going out of business signs on the dealerships' windows.

Garber takes new HR position with United Methodist Church

2009-11-08T18:26:00-06:00

Newton Independent

Former Skiff Medical Center human relations director Gena Garber has taken a new position with the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.

Garber, who began as human resources director at Skiff in 2004 after leaving Maytag Corporation, began her new position with the Annual Conference in Des Moines on Nov. 2.

She resigned her position at Skiff in March.

A welcoming message on her new position with the church may be viewed here.

Demoted nurse supervisors at Skiff get jobs back

2009-11-06T12:19:21-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton Independent has confirmed that the three nurse supervisors at Skiff Medical Center that earlier this week were demoted to part-time, overnight status have regained their positions at the city-owned hospital.

On Wednesday, the three nurses, with nearly 80 years of experience at Skiff, were told they could accept 18 hour a week positions on the overnight shift or leave employment with Skiff and not be eligible for severance.

The nurses were told late this morning that they would retain their positions effectively immediately.

Attorney asks court to dismiss charge against woman charged in Legion theft

2009-11-06T10:08:50-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

The attorney for the Newton woman charged with the alleged theft of funds from the American Legion is asking the court to dismiss one of the charges filed against her, a move county prosecutors are resisting.

James Nelson, the attorney for Shari Good, filed a motion on Tuesday to dismiss the charge of ongoing criminal conduct against Shari Good saying the charge is duplicative of the first degree theft charge she also faces and violates the double jeopardy clause of the U.S. Constitution.

Good was charged following an audit of the American Legion's finances. She is accused of misappropriating more than $10,000 from the veteran's club.

District Court Judge Darrell Goodhue has scheduled a hearing on the motion to dismiss for Nov. 16. Good is scheduled to stand trial on the charges on Dec. 16.

Prosecutor asks court to continue trials of 3 charged in theft from Jasper County Transit

2009-11-06T09:50:14-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

Interest by federal authorities in taking over the prosecution of individuals charged in connection with the misappropriation of nearly $154,000 from the now defunct Jasper County Transit agency is one of the issues raised by the state prosecutor in asking the court to delay their trials currently scheduled later this month.

On Monday, Jasper County Attorney Mike Jacobsen filed a motion to continue the first degree theft and ongoing criminal conduct trials of Mark Ackerman, Susan Reese and Ray Sprague scheduled to begin Nov. 18 in Jasper County District Court. A hearing on the motion has been set for Monday.

Ackerman, Reese and Sprague were charged following an investigation of the former Jasper County Transit agency by Iowa State Auditor David Vaudt that "identified $153,597.31 of undeposited collections, improper disbursements and unsupported disbursements." The audit covers the full period of Jasper County Transit's operations in the community, from April 2004 to April 2006.

In his motion to continue the trials, Jacobsen states that "federal authorities are investigating interest in litigating this case. If the federal authorities proceed the state will, in all likelihood, dismiss its prosecution."

The appointed county prosecutor goes on to state in his motion that "two of the three defendants have indicated that they wish to schedule and conduct discussions with the office of the county attorney prior to proceeding to trial."

Jacobsen also argues in his motion to continue that the Thanksgiving holiday will fall within the time frame expected to prosecute the case, that he will be unavailable for trial preparation for the two-week period prior to the trial due to his attendance at a prosecuting attorney's training conference and scheduled vacation, that the state needs additional time to prepare and that the defendants have waived their right to a speedy trial.

Jasper County Transit took over the county operations of transportation services to residents of the county on April 1, 2004. The agency primarily provided transportation services to the elderly and disabled.

The special investigation was requested by the Jasper County Attorney's office as a result of concerns identified by the state auditor during preliminary field work for an audit on the agency. The transit agency's board of directors requested that the audit not move forward due to the agency's pending closure on April 1, 2006.

Of the total amount misappropriated, $108,355.07 is attributable to actions taken by Ackerman, the agency's former executive director. Reese, the former Jasper County Transit bookkeeper, is attributed with misappropriating $15,325.16 while actions taken by former agency board member Sprague accounts for $11,114.74 of the misappropriated funds, the audit report states.

Ackerman had previously been sentenced to 10-year suspended prison term for misappropriating funds from an Adair County grain elevator, court documents indicate.

In August 1992, Ackerman was sentenced on a first degree theft charge for misappropriating funds from Stuart Feed and Grain between October 1988 and August 1989, court records state. In addition to the suspended prison term, Ackerman was placed on five years probation and ordered to make more than $19,500 in restitution to the elevator. Court records show more than $15,000 remains due.

Skiff trustees to interview CEO finalists

2009-11-06T08:25:48-06:00

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Skiff Medical Center Board of Trustees has set closed door meetings on Monday and Tuesday to interview the four finalists for the chief executive officer position and ostensibly to extend a contract offer to the board's choice to head the city-owned hospital.

The four finalists, who have not been named but are known to all be male with Midwest roots, were winnowed from more than 125 applicants for the position. The Skiff board hired Slaven Management Consultants, with former Newton City Administrator Paul Wenbert heading the effort, to assist with the executive search.

Plans call for the CEO hopefuls to arrive in Newton this weekend with an informal gathering with local doctors set for Sunday.

In addition to the formal interviews with the board, the finalists will be interviewed by a panel of doctors, a panel of senior administrators and will be given an opportunity to meet with employees.

Trustee-elects Dr. Gary Richardson and Lois Vogel have been invited to participate in the selection process.

The trustee meetings on Monday and Tuesday are set to begin at 8;45 a.m. both days.