Newton Independent

Rep. Pearson introduces bill to ban all abortions in Iowa

2012-02-15T11:35:15-06:00

Newton Independent

Rep. Kim Pearson today introduced legislation that would ban abortions in Iowa under all circumstances.

The Pleasant Hill Republican, who represents the western portion of Jasper County, introduced House File 2298 that makes conforming changes throughout the Iowa Code to eliminate any reference to allowing abortions or terminations of pregnancy.

The bill also amends the application of the elements of the crime of feticide to include termination of a pregnancy at any point rather than only after the end of the second trimester and bumps the penalty to a Class A felony that carries a life prison term without the possibility of parole.

Further, the bill provides that the offenses of aiding and abetting and joint criminal conduct apply to the commission of a feticide meaning a woman receiving an abortion could be criminally charged.

Pearson, who has been at odds with members of her own political party during her first year in office, is not seeking re-election this fall.

Legislation would eliminate public employee collective bargaining in Iowa

2012-02-15T10:51:36-06:00

Newton Independent

Public employees in Iowa received a big smack on the mouth on Valentine's Day when a measure was introduced that calls for the elimination of collective bargaining rights.

Sen. Mark Chelgren, R-Ottumwa, introduced the legisation, Senate File 2187, that would prohibit the state, its agencies, departments, boards, commissions and its political subdivisions from renewing or modifying any collective bargaining agreement once the measure is enacted.

The terms of current public employee collective bargaining agreements would continue until their expiration dates.

The public employment relations board would continue its duties until the expiration or termination of all collective bargaining agreements entered into prior to the law's enactment.

Government entities impacted by the elimination of collective bargaining are allowed to submit reports to the General Assembly by December of this year on recommendations for transition provisions that might be needed to fully enact the law.

The measure was referred to the Senate State Government Committee.

Lobbyists representing union interests have already declared their opposition to the measure.

Grace Church members vote to buy former Aces Teen Club

2012-02-15T10:11:09-06:00

Newton Independent

Members of the Grace Church in Newton voted on Sunday to purchase the former Aces Teen Club building in Newton rather than the former Maytag product development building they are currently leasing from Windstream Corp.

Dan Hayton said the decision was made to buy the Y2 building, as it is now known, from the Newton YMCA because it is bigger and allows the church room to grow.

Windstream Corp. had asked for a decision from the church by the end of last week.

Earlier this month, Windstream said that though they have yet to reach a "definitive agreement," they have entered discussions and signed confidentiality agreements with an unknown entity for the purchase of the Maytag campus it acquired through its acquisition of Iowa Telecom in June 2010.

Officials with a veterans group hoping to turn the campus into a national treatment and training center for homeless vets were also notified their proposal would not be considered.

Hayton said the church will now enter negotiations with the YMCA on the sale. The church has a lease with Windstream for the building through mid-September, he said.

Newton-based food and drink part of tonight's state dinner

2012-02-15T09:31:30-06:00

Newton Independent

Tonight's state dinner in honor of China Vice President Xi Jinping will feature several food and drink items made by local businesses.

As guests mingle before the start of the 8 p.m. dinner, which can be viewed live here through an Iowa Public Television livestream, Madhouse Brewery's Pale Ale beer and Jasper Winery's Behind the Shed Red and La Crescent wines will be the alcohol choices.

Maytag Dairy Farm cheeses play a part in both the main entre and dessert courses of the meal. One main course option is certified Angus beef tenderloin with demi glaze and onion ring Maytag White Cheddar stuffed twice baked new potatoes. For dessert, one of the three options is Maytag Blue Cheese with Iowa Honey drizzle.

Bon appetit!

Church to hold benefit concert

2012-02-15T09:17:03-06:00

First Christian Church in Newton is hosting a benefit concert for Carlos Perez and Todd Friedman beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 4. Perez is a Newton fifth grade student undergoing chemotherapy treatments at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines. Friedman is the son of Bob and Peggy Friedman of Newton and graduate of Newton High School who was involved in a head-on accident where he suffered serious injuries. He is now recovering at home following extensive surgeries. The concert will feature Revelation FCC with other groups and individuals also providing music. An ice cream social will follow. Free will offerings will be accepted for Perez and Friedman at the concert. Donations may also be sent to First Christian Church, 314 E. 2nd St. N., Newton, Iowa 50208. For more information, call 641-792-5850.

Grinnell DAR Chapter celebrates 100 years

2012-02-15T09:10:27-06:00

Members of the Grinnell Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which this year is celebrating its 100th anniversary of its official organization on Jan. 1, 1912, were recently recognized for years of service with the organization. Leta Hollmann, seated in front, is celebrating 70 years as a member of DAR. She was a regent for the Montezuma Chapter before it merged with the Grinnell Chapter of DAR. In the back row, left to right, are Maxine Brubaker, 10 years, Newton; Jeanette Shannon, 20 years, Newton; and Delores Meyer, 10 years, Newton. Other DAR members celebrating anniversaries, though unavailable at the time the photo was taken, are Kris Macy, 25 years, Newton; Terry and Rochelle Brannian, 25 years, Iowa City; and Cynthia Crider, Wilmette, Ill., 40 years. DAR members are active in their communities preserving history, promoting education and fostering patriotism. Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership. The Grinnell Chapter has 51 members from the Grinnell and Newton areas and from areas out of state.

- Newton Independent

IndyCar to use heat qualifying at Iowa Speedway race this year

2012-02-14T16:28:39-06:00

Newton Independent

The IZOD IndyCar Series will use heat races for qualifying for the June 22 race at the Iowa Speedway this year, a news release posted on the track's web site today states.

Typically, the IndyCar Series uses single-vehicle timed speed qualifying on its oval tracks but this year will incorporate 30-lap heat races to determine track positions for the racers.

The field in each heat will be determined by practice times. One heat will determine the top 10 starting spots and the other two will determine odd-numbered starting positions 11 to 31 and even-numbered starting positions 12 through 32.

Newton residents weigh in on Chinese leader's trip to Iowa

2012-02-14T16:07:43-06:00

PRI's The World is in Iowa covering China's presumed next president Xi Jinping's trip to the state this week and turned to several Newton residents to get reaction on what Iowans think of Chinese competition and efforts by Iowa leaders to woo business opportunities to the state. "Why not?" is what Annie and John Gerkin (pictured above) said in today's report by Jason Margolis. The Gerkins, owners of the August Bergman Inn, a bed and breakfast in Newton, said they hold no grudge against the Chinese and that if Chinese companies would be willing to locate here - in three or four nice-sized buildings near downtown "that the city of Newton would love to have them (Chinese companies) occupy" - why not. Frank Liebl of the Newton Development Corporation also weighs in today's report by saying its incumbent upon state and local officials to try and bring Chinese business interests to the U.S. You can read the full report here.

Hamilton open to appointment to Newton School Board

2012-02-14T14:49:15-06:00

Newton Independent

Darrin Hamilton, who was ousted last September following a two-year stint on the Newton School Board, said today he is open to being appointed to the board following last night's resignation of school board member Jeremy Heaberlin.

Hamilton posted on his Facebook page today that he was "interested in being appointed to the upcoming vacancy on the school board, should the board decide they will fill the vacancy by appointment."

Heaberlin, who ran unopposed to fill the remaining two years on the term of Melissa Hintz, announced his resignation at Monday's school board meeting due to his family's pending move from the district.

Hamilton and Joe Klingensmith were both voted off the school board in last fall's election. Hamilton was the fourth highest vote getter in the election that saw two newcomers, Nat Clark and Bill Perrenoud, and one incumbent, Donna Cook, win election to the three open four-year seats.

Obituary: Masanobu 'Mas' Yoshinaga

2012-02-14T12:17:41-06:00

In the blink of a camera flash, the remarkable life of Masanobu "Mas" Yoshinaga came to a peaceful ending on Friday, February 10, 2012. His passing followed 85 years of capturing cherished images and creating lasting memories on film and in the hearts of all who loved him.

A longtime resident of Newton, Mas died at the Veterans Administration Community Living Center (CLC), Des Moines. He fought lung and bladder cancer with unwavering strength, conceding nothing to the challenges of those illnesses. He was sincerely humbled and tremendously thrilled to participate with fellow World War II veterans as part of the 2010 Jasper County Honor Flight.

Mas was born on September 25, 1926, in Honohino, Hawaii, to Sonosuke Yoshinaga and Hama Abe, immigrants from Japan. He was gifted and graced with an endearing smile, kind soul, joyful spirit and amazing eye for nature's beauty.

Mas proudly answered America's call during World War II. He served as an interpreter in the Military Intelligence Service of the U.S. Army in Tokyo, Japan. He graduated from Grinnell College in 1951 and began working for his brother, Kaneichi (Konnie), who operated a longtime chick sexing business in Newton.

With a growing interest in photography, Mas joined the Tyler Studio, Newton, in 1957 and later purchased that operation. There, he dedicated himself to mastering the art of portraiture. Through his lens came hundreds of graduation, wedding and family photographs that remain prized keepsakes. In 1987, Mas relocated his photography business to the headquarters of Maytag Corporation, Newton, providing portraiture and general photography services to the company. He retired in 2007 as chief photographer to the organization.

Rather than return to his native Hawaii, Mas preferred Newton as his retirement home, enabling him to enjoy and appreciate the ever-changing seasonal snapshots and scenic elegance of central Iowa - the snow-covered landscapes of winter; blossoming flowers of spring; radiant summer sunsets; fiery hues of falling autumn leaves; and vivid rainbow colors that brilliantly overshadowed the darkest rainy days.

Away from his viewfinder, Mas filled days with reading at the library, playing tennis, walking and visiting with friends. He was an active member in the Japan America Society of Des Moines and excelled at water balloon yoyoing. Many friends were presented with his carefully crafted origami.

Those left to carry forward the virtues of a life well lived include his two sisters: Mitsuyo "Mitzie" (Saichi) Maeda of Hilo, Hawaii, and Fusako "Fusa" (Bill) Sugawara of Los Angeles, Calif.; a brother: Nobu (Bea) Yoshinaga of Honolulu, Hawaii; 10 nieces and nephews; and countless friends who will profoundly miss his enriching company, humble selflessness and his smiling eyes.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Momoye and Shigeko; and three brothers: Konnie, Kiyoto and Haruyuki.

Mas will be laid to rest at a family burial plot in Hawaii. Locally, a celebration honoring his life will held at a time yet to be determined on Sunday, March 11, at the American Legion Hall, Newton. Memorials in Mas' name will benefit the funding of future Freedom Flights for Jasper County veterans. Contributions can be made at the life celebration event.

City budget workshop brings few questions from council

2012-02-14T11:54:43-06:00

Newton Independent

The Newton City Council had few questions concerning next year's proposed budget at a workshop Monday save whether a method could be found to build a fund to finance on-going capital equipment needs.

Council member Dennis Julius asked that staff look at what other communities might do in regard to financing capital equipment, such as a sort of "savings account" or capital equipment reserve fund.

Julius said that during his years on the council, it seems the city is always trying to catch up on its capital equipment needs and would rather "get ahead of the problem."

"It always seems like we're chasing our tail," he said. "It would be nice to get ahead of the problem."

Newton Community Development Director/Interim City Administrator Bryan Friedman said cities are allowed to establish a capital levy fund but it would need voter approval to establish it.

He said another option in the future might be to designate the $132,000 interest payment the city is in the last year of making to the county for its participation in bringing TPI Composites to Newton toward capital equipment.

Council member Noreen Otto said that while did not have a problem supporting some sort of equipment fund, she said that it might behoove the council to wait until the city's new Comprehensive Plan is completed before taking such a step. However, she said, instead of waiting until the later months of the year to develop a capital equipment needs budget, the council could begin looking at the issue at the start of the next fiscal year.

Council member Jeff Price agreed that getting ahead of the situation puts the city in a better position.

"We need to be more forward thinking rather than waiting for things to happen," he said.

Next year's city budget calls for the lowest levy rate seen in 18 years. At $14.91 per $1,000 valuation, it stands 39 cents below this year's rate.

However, even with the levy decrease, homeowners will pay more in city property taxes next fiscal year due to the increase in the residential rollback. A Newton homeowner with a property valued at $100,000 will pay $14.20 more in city taxes next fiscal year, $756.70 compared to $742.50.

The council will next set a public hearing on the budget for early next month. The budget needs to be certified to the state by March 15.

Soup supper to raise funds for Newton Firefighter Tribute

2012-02-14T11:00:47-06:00

Newton Independent

TPI's Lockard says uncertainty over tax credit extension impacting wind industry

2012-02-14T10:33:47-06:00

Newton Independent

Congress' failure to extend the production tax credit for wind energy is already producing negative impacts for wind energy manufacturers even though it doesn't expire until the end of the year, the head of TPI Composites, which has a wind blade plant in Newton, said today.

Steve Lockard, CEO of TPI, was interviewed on E&E TV today where he discussed efforts to get the tax credit extended and the impacts that the uncertainty is having on the wind energy industry.

Lockard said that due to the long lead time involved in developing operable wind farms, component builders like TPI, and wind tower builder Trinity Industries, which also has a plant in Newton, are facing a challenging environment.

"The credit expires at the end of the year," Lockard said. "But for all intents and purposes, it's expired now in that there's lead time associated with building these products and the developers that buy turbines, that buy components from companies like ours, are already starting to suffer layoffs. And so it's an urgent issue."

Lockard, who told the story of how TPI built a factory in Newton that employs 800 workers after the community lost 3,000 jobs upon Whirlpool's departure following its purchase of Maytag, said a positive impact of the production tax credit is the manufacturing jobs it produces in the U.S. The 75,000 U.S. wind energy manufacturing jobs across the country are estimated to be cut in half should the tax credit not be extended.

Lockard said the uncertainty surrounding the extention makes projections for the coming year "challenging."

"We're concerned about the fourth quarter of this year impacting our company and we're very concerned, deeply concerned about 2013 affecting our company and our industry," he said. "So again, there's this lead time associated with the components. We'll be shipping lots of product this year, but there's a cliff that's coming unless there's a clear extension and clarity on the extenstion and urgently so."

You can read the full transcript of the interview here.

New bill by Kelley adds to prohibited employment practices

2012-02-14T09:51:50-06:00

Newton Independent

Credit scores and home ownership status would be added to the list of prohibited employment discrimination practices under a measure introduced Monday by State Representative Dan Kelley of Newton.

The two new provisions would be added to current law that prohibits discrimination based upon a person's age, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion or disability.

Current penalty provisions would become applicable for individuals seeking damages for discrimination based on credit scores or home ownership status.

The bill, House File 2281, was referred to the House Labor Committee.

Letter: Auditor explains valuations glitch

2012-02-14T09:14:35-06:00

To the Newton Independent:

At budget time this year, the Auditor's Office experienced some trouble in determining the county's valuations. In fact, we experienced the perfect storm, if you will.

First, we lost a very talented 35-year employee who was responsible for doing valuations. This left a steep learning curve for myself and new staff.

We then experienced computer software issues that complicated the situation. The software combined all of the parcels of land in all of the TIF districts into one. Our only option was to painstakingly reconstruct each of the TIF districts again. There are approximately 30,000 parcels of land in Jasper County. It took an inordinate amount of time to assign each parcel to its own TIF district which increased the propensity for error.

We are going through that data with the assistance of our computer software company to confirm the accuracy and correct any possible parcel assignments that we may have missed. Our objective is to make sure that we have a final and correct valuations report by the end of Tuesday.

As Auditor, I am responsible for seeing that valuations are right and timely. I regret that this has extended the time it takes to do the budgets for the cities. The cities and the county must certify their budgets by March 15, 2012.

The cities have been extremely cooperative, expressing an understanding of our situation and in fact have even offered their help. I appreciate their understanding. It's times like these, when we have difficult times, that proves that governments can work together on behalf of our citizens.

Dennis K. Parrott
Jasper County Auditor

Gov. Branstad to hold 'Town Hall' in Newton next week to discuss property tax reform

2012-02-14T08:56:05-06:00

Newton Independent

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will be in Newton on Tuesday, Feb. 21, to hold a "Jasper County Town Hall" meeting to discuss his plan to reduce commercial and industrial property taxes.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 5:30 p.m. at Uncle Nancy's Coffee House & Eatery, 114 N. 2nd Ave. W., in downtown Newton.

"The purpose of Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds' visit to Newton is to share their plan to reduce property taxes for business owners and residents in Jasper County," said Tim Albrecht, the governor's spokesperson when asked about the purpose of the visit. "Over the next eight years, property taxes in Iowa will skyrocket by $2.3 billion if the Legislature fails to address the problem."

A property tax reform bill is scheduled to be debated in the Iowa House today where its passage appears likely.

Court hearings delayed for Newton man charged in Mingo woman's death

2012-02-13T14:15:10-06:00

Newton Independent

The probation revocation hearing and pretrial conference previously set for the Newton man charged in connection with the drug overdose death of a Mingo woman has been pushed back a week at the request of his attorney.

Wyatt Franklin, 19, had previously been scheduled to appear in Jasper County District Court today for a hearing on whether to revoke his probation on previous felony drug convictions and a pretrial conference on the felony involuntary manslaughter charge he faces in connection with the death of Shasta Sapp, 19, in November. Last week, Franklin's attorney filed a motion to continue today's hearings.

Last month, Franklin was court-ordered into a residential drug treatment program at the Mount Pleasant Mental Health Institute. He is scheduled to be released from the program today, but his attorney argued in his motion that there would not be sufficient time for Franklin to travel from Mount Pleasant to the courthouse in Newton to attend today's hearings.

District Court Judge Brad McCall reset the hearings for 1:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20.

On Sept. 26, 2011, Franklin received a deferred judgment in Jasper County District Court on felony charges of conspiracy to manufacture, deliver and/or possess with intent to delivery hydrocodone and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. While avoiding prison time, he was placed on probation for two years and ordered to pay civil penalties totaling $1,750 plus more than $5,000 in court costs.

In late December 2011, probation officers filed a notice of violations with the court after finding Franklin to be continuing to abuse prescription drugs. While in the Jasper County Jail awaiting the probation revocation hearing on his previous convictions, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office charged Franklin in Sapp's death.

On Nov. 12, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, along with Colfax Fire and EMS, responded to a report of an unresponsive female at 886 W. 120th St. S. in rural Colfax. Upon arrival at the residence, Sapp was discovered and transported to Skiff Medical Center in Newton where she was pronounced dead.

During the investigation, it was determined that Sapp had consumed both alcohol and oxymorphone, a schedule II controlled substance, prior to her death. An autopsy conducted on Sapp determined that the level of oxymorphone found in her system contributed to her death. The investigation determined that Franklin allegedly supplied and prepared the oxymorphone that Sapp consumed.

Oral arguments in Maytag retiree appeal up in the air

2012-02-13T11:15:07-06:00

Newton Independent

When oral arguments might happen in the UAW and its Local 997's appeal of the court ruling that said Whirlpool was within its rights when it changed the medical benefits to more than 3,000 Maytag retirees and their dependents is now anybody's guess.

On Friday, lawyers for Whirlpool told the court the dates they would be available for upcoming sessions of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals' oral argument hearings.

And, as one might have guessed, lawyers for Whirlpool aren't available during the June session, the only one in the next five months that lawyers for the union said they could attend.

Kelley introduces measure on radon control in new housing construction

2012-02-13T10:54:08-06:00

Newton Independent

State Rep. Dan Kelley, D-Newton, introduced legislation in the Iowa House last week that would require that statewide standards be developed for radon control in new residential construction.

Kelley's bill, House File 2272, is a companion bill to a similar measure introduced in the Senate earlier this month.

Under the measure, the state building code commissioner is required to adopt, as part of the state building code construction requirements, mandatory standards for radon control in new residential construction. Those standards are to be based on nationally recognized standards.

The measure, if enacted, would take effect Jan. 1, 2014. The statewide radon control code would supercede and and replace any minimum requirements found in any government subdivision's building codes.

Once-frozen-feline ready for adoption

2012-02-13T10:32:24-06:00

Newton Independent

Randy Van at KCOB had an unusual piece last week that is now getting statewide play.

Apparently, officials with the Jasper County Animal Rescue League rescued a cat that had become frozen to the ground.

The League tended to the kitty, who they named Murphy, and is now putting the once-frozen-feline up for adoption.

Here's a Radio Iowa story on it based on Van's original report.