Newton Independent

Heartsill to hold meet and greet gatherings

Newton Independent

Greg Heartsill, Republican candidate for the new Iowa House District 28, will attend a meet and greet on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at the Stoneypoint Barn, 3241 Ranch Ave., near Reasnor.

Heartsill will address those attending the gathering, which begins at 6:30 p.m., on the issues facing Iowa and then take questions. Dessert and coffee will be served.

Heartsill, a Marion County businessman, is a candidate on the Republican ballot for the June 5 primary election. The new House District 28 encompasses four townships in southern Jasper County including the communities of Reasnor, Monroe, Lynnville and Sully, as well as nearly all of Marion County, except Pella, and the eastern half of Lucas County.

He will hold a similar event beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at the Coffee Connection in Knoxville.

Measure would ban labor unions from making political contributions

Newton Independent

A group of Iowa Senate Republicans on Tuesday introduced legislation that would bar labor unions in Iowa from making campaign contributions to candidates seeking office.

Eleven GOP state senators signed on to Senate File 2084 that would bar a labor union from making a monetary or in-kind contribution to a candidate or committee, except for a ballot issue committee.

The bill would not preclude individual members of a union from making contributions.

Currently, Iowa law permits labor unions to make contributions from their general funds (union dues, except public employee union dues) to candidates and other political committees.

Reporter's Notebook: Journalism 101

By PETER HUSSMANN

Pete Scarnati, publisher of the Prairie City News, is going to come out with a piece in his weekly paper today dealing with the spat going on between John Parsons and the Jasper County Consevation Board over the development of farm ground donated to the county more than five years ago.

Scarnati, however, took a little different tack then just the "he said, she said" stuff that's been going on in the letters and stories on the topic in the local media by scouring the records of what actually took place, a basic tenant of the craft. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa.

Lucky for me, Scarnati shared with me some of the things he found in his search. Surprisingly, or maybe not so much, some information being presented doesn't match with the record or has been left out of the story.

It starts in October of 2006 when Terry Rickers, then an attorney with Matthias, Campbell, Tyler, Nuzum and Rickers, informed the county of his client's wish to bequeth a piece of farm ground to the county. As executor of Lillian Johnston's estate, Rickers notified County Auditor Dennis Parrott of her wishes and provided a copy of her will.

"Jasper County is a beneficiary under the Last Will and Testament of Lillian Johnston," the Oct. 17, 2006-dated letter states. "The County is bequethed a tract of farmland located south of Prairie City. The bequest carries the stipulation that the County must use the land for a park or wildlife refuge. The County must decide whether or not it wishes to accept the land with that stipulation. According to Lillian's Will, the County has 120 days from the date that the Will was admitted to probate to make its decision. The County should notify me of its decision, in writing, no later than 120 days after the date the estate was opened (October 2, 2006).

The record also contains a copy of the will. In it, Johnston states, "I give to Jasper County, Iowa, the following described real estate for use exclusively as either as a park or wildlife refuge, and if the County cannot or does not accept the real estate for use as a park or wildlife refuge, then I give this real estate to the United Methodist Church of Prairie City, Iowa, to use or sell as it may see fit. The County shall indicate in writing whether or not it accepts this bequest (subject to the foregoing conditions) within one hundred twenty (120) days of the date that this Will is admitted to probate."

All this information can be found contained with the Jan. 17, 2012 Jasper County Board of Supervisors agenda.

Here's where some memories have appeared to have faded.

The Nov. 21, 2006 supervisor agenda has an agenda item asking the board to accept the farm ground from the Johnston estate. The minutes from that meeting show that it was moved by Bill Ward and seconded by Denny Carpenter to approve the acceptance of the tract of farmland. Max Worthington also voted to accept.

Discussion of the farm ground site came up again in early 2007. At the March 21, 2007 meeting, the supervisors - who now consisted of newcomers Parsons and Rick Tiedje, along with Worthington - were asked for permission to deposit land rent from the Lillian Johnston Estate into the Conservation Land Acquisition Trust Fund.

The minutes from that meeting indicate the board agreed to allow that the $11,160 yearly rent being received at the time from the Johnston estate ground "be deposited in a trust fund to be used for the sole purpose of developing that piece of property."

I'm not certain what else Mr. Scarnati may have uncovered but I look forward to reading his piece. He's obviously shed some new light on the situation.

Noted Des Moines lawyer makes appearance on behalf of two charged in synthetic pot sting

By PETER HUSSMANN

A high-profile Des Moines attorney made his appearance on behalf of the two Jasper County convenience store operators targeted in an undercover drug operation for selling synthetic marijuana.

Alfredo Parrish made his appearance in Jasper County District Court on Tuesday on behalf of Jawant Singh, operator of the Petro Stop in Newton, and Jarnail Manhani, operator of the Kellogg Country Store.

Both men were charged with several counts of delivery and/or possession with intent to deliver a synthetic cannabinoid after undercover agents with the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement drug task force made purchases of packages of products marketed as incense and potpourri, along with smoking paraphernalia, at the two stores over the past several months.

Last week, the drug task force executed search warrants at the two stores where an abundance of the products were found.

Last year, the Iowa State Legislature and Gov. Branstad signed into law a measure banning certain synthetic marijuana products. However, sale of similar products remain prevelant throughout the state.

The problem, as this report from the Cedar Rapids Gazette last month spells out, is that manufacturers have changed the chemicals used in the production of the product so that they do not include the specific chemicals banned under the state law.

Two finalists named for Newton City Administrator position

By PETER HUSSMANN

Newton city officials shortly after noon provided the names of two of the three individuals interviewed by council members last weekend as finalists for the open city administrator position, a day after denying to provide that information when requested by the Newton Independent.

Community Development Director/Interim City Administrator Bryan Friedman sent an email to the Newton Independent at 12:12 p.m. stating that the "field of current applicants has been narrowed to two; Robert Knabel of Collinsville, Ill., and David Van Dee of Lake Ozark, Mo."

"Both of these candidates have extensive experience as city administrators," the email announcing the remaining two applicants states.

On Saturday, council members interviewed Knabel and Van Dee, along with another unnamed applicant. On Friday of last week, the candidates for the city's top posts met with representatives of organizations receiving city funding.

Friedman's email states the council plans to have additional interviews with them in the near future. No date has been set to have a new administrator hired, the message states.

An news article in the Suburban Journals in November 2011 indicates Knabel resigned from his position with the community he held since 2006. He was paid $93,790 to leave the post he held for more than five years. And a few months before his departure and over his objections, Collinsville City Council members voted to make wearing saggy pants punishable by a fine. The Illinois Municipal League featured Knabel's leadership efforts in this article. He was a finalist for the Carbondale, Ill., city manager position in December 2011.

In August 2010, an article from the Lake News indicated Lake Ozark city officials were planning to hold a special meeting to consider terminating Van Dee's contract, a decision they then rescinded. A year ago, he was one of six finalists for the Knoxville, Iowa city manager position. He previously held city manager posts in Dyersville and Hiawatha. Iowa State Auditor Dave Vaudt conducted a reaudit of the City of Dyersville while Van Dee was administrator in 2003 after being petitioned by local residents to do so. The report can be read here. He left for the positon in Hiawatha shortly thereafter. And here's Q and A with Van Dee done by the Lake News shortly after his arrival in Lake Ozark following his time in Hiawatha.

Trinity moves wrongful termination case to federal court

Newton Independent

Attorneys for Trinity Structural Towers have moved the wrongful termination lawsuit filed against the Newton wind tower producer by a former worker to the federal court system in Des Moines.

Gregory Mack of Pella filed suit against the company in Jasper County District Court earlier this month claiming he was terminated from his position after seeking treatment for an injury he sustained on the job.

The suit contends he was terminated after seeking to make a valid worker's compensation claim for the injury he sustained while working as a painter at the plant.

Measure would allow state fair-goers to carry 'dangerous weapons'

Newton Independent

An Iowa lawmaker introduced legislation today that would allow Iowa State Fair-goers to carry weapons while touring the fairgrounds.

Rep. Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley, introduced House File 2160 that bars the state fair board from prohibiting "any dangerous weapon on the state fairgrounds," including any buildings, "when the carrying, transportation, or possession is otherwise lawful under the laws of this state."

The explantation of the measure defines "dangerous weapon" as "any instrument of device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal." The weapons include such things as pistols, revolvers, daggers, razors, stillettos, switchblades and "any portable device or weapon directing an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person."

Currently, guns are prohibited on the state fairgrounds,  with or without a valid permit to carry. Failure to comply is cause for expulsion from the state fair.

Newton levy rate likely to fall; impact on taxes paid not yet certain

By PETER HUSSMANN

Newton residents will likely see the lowest city levy rates in nearly 20 years next fiscal year, but its impact on the amount of city property taxes they pay is yet to be determined.

Newton Community Development Director/Interim City Administrator Bryan Friedman provided that bit of news to the Newton City Council on Monday during a brief budget update at its special meeting. He told the council that while he had hoped "to be a little further along than we are right now," the city's budget work had been stalled because "we just got our values on Friday," the first step in the overall process.

In giving a general overview, Friedman noted that as recently as six years ago, Newton's levy rate was pushing $17 per thousand valuation but has been decreasing since that time. Early projections for next fiscal year see the rate falling below $15 for the first time since the 1994-95 budget year, he said.

What's driving the expected levy decline is the increasing total valuations the city has been seeing, he said. As of Jan. 1, 2011, total valuation for the city jumped 7.6 percent, from $429 million in 2010 to $462 million.

He noted that valuation gains are due to a number of factors. A big one is the end of tax abatements associated with the TPI project that adds $13 million to the community's total, as well as the end of abatement periods for a number of other commercial projects that were completed in the middle of the past decade.

Further, Friedman said, the city is releasing $7 million from tax increment financing areas in Newton to general taxation.

Another factor in the budget equation is the Iowa Department of Revenue's action last fall to raise the residential rollback rate by just over 4 percent. The rollback sets the percentage of a homeowner's property value that is subject to taxation. In the current fiscal year, that rate is 48.5299 percent. Next year, property owners will pay taxes on 50.7518 percent of the total value.

A home valued at $100,000 in Newton is paying $742.50 in city taxes this fiscal year, under the current levy rate of $15.30. For the same valued home to pay a like amount in the coming fiscal year, using the new rollback rates the city levy rate would need to fall to approximately $14.65 per $1,000 valuation.

Friedman said the increase in the rollback offsets the 3.5 percent decrease the city has seen in overall residential values. He estimated the increased rollback generates an additional $10 million in value for the city.

The interim administrator said the city is also continuing to be able to lower its debt service levy. He anticipated another 30 cent drop in the coming fiscal year, with the levy getting under $1 in the coming years.

Other factors that are contributing to the ability to lower the levy rate needed to cover the cost of city operations include a "lower than industry trends" increase of just 4 percent for insurance costs and pending long-time city employee retirements. City reserves, he said, are $350,000 ahead of what had been projected.

Looking ahead, Friedman noted the city is entering its final year of paying $132,000 in interest costs to the county as part of the TPI Composites development and is likely able to release additional tax increment financing money into the general taxation fund. Projections also see values stabling off in coming years in the community.

Negatively, Friedman noted that local option sales tax collections have seen a downturn, likely a result of the condition of the overall economy, as well as lower hotel/motel tax collections.

Another uncertainty for the city is how the state Legislature addresses calls for changes to commercial and industrial property assessments.

"We're on a trend for a sustainability," Friedman said of the city's financial condition, "though we're not there yet."

Going forward, he noted the council still needs to address its capital equipment program budget for the coming year, as well as funding requests from outside agencies and the target reserve level, typically 25 percent.

Friedman said he planned to have full budget proposal to council members by the end of this week, with the council holding budget discussions on the details during its regular meeting next Monday. On Feb. 13 he proposed holding a budget workshop with the council setting the public hearing to adopt next fiscal year's budget at its regular Feb. 20 meeting. By adopting the budget at its March 5 meeting, the council would be able to comply with the state's March 15 certification date.

Following his presentation, council member Dennis Julius asked that city staff look at the possibility of taking advantage of the historically low interest rates to refinance some of its outstanding debt in order to even further lower the debt service levy.

Councilman Steve Mullan asked that city staff prepare a "worst scenario" financial impact to the city document based on the current legislative proposals to change the commercial and industrial property tax system, including the assumption that promised state "backfills" to cities will eventually go unfunded.

The Newton City Council met in closed session following the budget discussion but did not select a new city administrator. Last Saturday, the council interviewed three finalists for the position. The names of the candidates have not been released.

 

City, YMCA sponsoring Deep Freeze Days

Newton Independent

The City of Newton and the Newton YMCA are hosting a variety of events as part of Deep Freeze Days set for Feb. 24 and 25.

Activities begin on Chill Out Day on Friday, Feb. 24, with a six-person volleyball tournament at the Newton YMCA and the start of a doubles raquetball tournament, sponsored by Clemon-Maki Insurance. Both tournaments begin at 5:30 p.m. Cost for the volleyball tournament is $60. The team cost for the raquetball tournament is $40, with a guarantee of at least two games.

Events are scheduled throughout the day and at venues across town on Big Freeze Day on Saturday, Feb. 25, highlighted by the Jack Frost 5K where all proceeds from registrations will go toward the cost of the annual Fourth of July fireworks display in Newton. Activities and times are as follows:

• 7:30 - 8 a.m. - Registration for Jack Frost 5K. Cost is $25 per person by Feb. 14 and $30 per person from Feb. 15 to race day.
• 8 - 10 a.m. - Newton Noon Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at YMCA.
• 8 a.m. - Kiddie Popcicle 1K - Free
• 8:30 a.m. - Jack Frost 5K.
• 8:30 a.m. - Doubles raquetball tournament continues
• 9:30 a.m.- Registration for Hoop It Up 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Cost is $50 per team prior to Feb. 8 and $60 after that date.
• 10 a.m. Basketball tournament begins.
• 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Project AWAKE beverage and snack stand open at Newton Arboretum at Agnes Patterson Park.
• 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Newton Arboretum Winter Olympics. Contests include a snowman building contest, snowball toss and a two-person "Dog" sled pull (must bring own sled). All events are free and alternative activities will be held in the event of no snow.
• 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Registration opens for Project AWAKE checker tournament at arboretum. Cost is $5 per person with proceeds to Project AWAKE/Newton Arboretum.
• 1- 4 p.m. - Checker tournament runs.
• 1 - 3 p.m. - Jasper County Conservation Board cross country skiing and snowshoeing at Agnes Patterson Park. Cost is $10.
• 3-4 p.m. - Winter Magic Show and Balloon Animal Extravaganza with Jonathan May at the Newton Community Theatre in the YMCA. Cost is $4 per person.

All registrations and payments may be made at the Newton YMCA or at the Newton Parks and Recreation offices at the Newton Arboretum.

Valentine Bingo at KC's Saturday

Newton Independent

The Newton Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a "Valentine Bingo" at 7 p.m. Saturday at the McCann Center, 1115 S. 8th Ave. E. in Newton.

Cash prizes, door prizes and a raffle for two seats on the bus trip to watch the Chicago Cubs play at Wrigley Field in June are being offered.

Those attending are being advised to arrived early as seats fill up quickly.

Food and beverages will be available during the 20 bingo games which typically take about two hours to complete.

Local students named to BV dean's list

Newton Independent

A number of Newton residents were named to Buena Vista University Graduate and Professional Studies Dean's list for terms one and two. Students named to the dean's list must have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for the two terms, based on a 4.0 grade system, and taken at least 12 hours of course work.

Those named to the dean's list are:

• Ashley Carter - Marshalltown campus (4.0)
• Lorie Blumeyer - Newton campus (4.0)
• Melissa Brummel - Newton campus
• Krista Clark - Newton campus (4.0)
• Tamera Stucker - Newton campus
• Sidney Wenndt - Newton campus
• Michelle Winther - Newton campus (4.0)
• Janet Jansma - Online campus (4.0)

Big turnout for Skiff's Pink Nose/Blue Toes 5K; race nets $1,800 for hospital's cancer clinic

Jon and Susie Dyck of Ankeny were the respective winners in the men's and women's divisions in Skiff Medical Center's inaugural Pink Nose/Blue Toes 5K on Saturday.

Peyton Patterson, 12, of Newton, and Fred Matthias, 96-1/2, of Newton were the youngest and oldest participants in 5K race on Saturday that raised more than $1,800 for the Skiff Cancer Clinic.

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical Center's first-ever Pink Nose/Blue Toes 5K turned out to be a red-letter day for the Newton hospital with 101 runners tackling the chilly course on Saturday and raising more than $1,800 for the Skiff Cancer Clinic.

Jon Dyck of Ankeny, who recently held an internship in Skiff's Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, was the first place finisher in the men's division in a time of 16:58. His wife, Susie, completed the course in 17:38, the first woman across the finish line and the third place finisher overall, coming in only two seconds behind second-place runner Corey Jansen, also of Ankeny.

The winter 5K saw a large variety of runners, including the ages they represented. Eighty-four years separated the youngest participant, 12-year-old Peyton Patterson, from the oldest, 96-1/2-year-old Fred Matthias, both of Newton.

As for some of the more unusual wardrobe (or lack thereof) challenges posed, those were met directly. Contenders fro the craziest outfit included a young man who ran the race in the jeans and puffy vest of "Back to the Future's" Marty McFly, and another who wore a t-shirt illustrated with a bikini-clad female torso. But the winner was Ross McKay of Des Moines, who decked himself out in full Hawkeye regalia, including an old-fashioned leather football helmet, a black superhero cape, plaid pajama pants and a button-down shirt.

Two awards were handed out to the gentlemen who dared to bare by running the race only in spandex bicycle shorts, Chuck Fritz of Clive and Newton's Steve Rossler (husband of Joanne Rossler, Skiff human resources generalist).

Another admirable competitor of note was 24-year-old Jayme Barge of Newton who ran the course despite being in her eighth month of pregnancy.

"I don't think we could have asked for a better day," said Leisa Zylstra, events and community coordinator for Skiff. "It was cold, but the sun was shining and there was no ice on the ground. We are absolutely thrilled with the amount of participation the event got, both in runners and walkers, and in all the volunteers who helped make the 5K go smoothly. Skiff is proud to offer a wide array of cancer services right here in Jasper County, so that people don't have to drive far from their homes for care, especially when they're not feeling well. For this event to raise so much money for and awareness of local cancer care, it was a big success."

 For a complete list of race results go here.

Sinclair to meet with voters at Uncle Nancy's Wednesday

Newton Independent

Amy Sinclair, a Republican candidate for State Senate District 14, will be at Uncle Nancy's Coffee House in downtown Newton at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Sinclair is making the Newton stop to meet with voters and answer any questions they may have about her candidacy.

Sinclair, a Wayne County Supervisor, announced her candidacy in December.

The new Senate District 14 covers a large area, running from Interstate 80 in Jasper County south to the Missouri border. In Jasper County, it includes the communities of Lynnville, Sully, Reasnor and Monroe.

Main Street Iowa to hold workshop in Colfax

Newton Independent

Main Street Iowa will hold its winter workshop on Tuesday and Wednesday in Colfax.

Representatives of the state's 45 Main Street communities will focus on upper floor revitalization during the two-day conference.

More information on the workshop, and additional information on Colfax Main Street activities, can be read here.

Newton City Council interviews administrator finalists; names not released

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Newton City Council interviewed three finalists for the position of city administrator on Saturday though their identities have yet to be released publicly.

The closed door interviews followed meetings with the candidates for the top city post on Friday with organizations that receive city funding, Community Development Director/Interim City Administrator Bryan Friedman said this morning.

Friedman said the names of the finalists have not been released publicly because written permission from the finalists allowing that their names be made public as part of the selection process has not been secured.

In the past, the City of Newton has released the names of the finalists when selecting a new city administrator.

Newton City Council member Mike Hansen said today that he has been pushing for the release of the finalists' names so as to allow the public to be involved in the vetting process.

Ostensibly, the Newton City Council could select the next city administrator when it meets in a special session tonight at 6 p.m.

Tonight's agenda includes a closed session to "evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual's reputation and that individual request a closed session," an exception allowed under Iowa's Open Meetings Law.

In October 2011, the council hired HR One Source of Johnston to assist in the search for a replacement for Tom Wardlow, who retired as Newton City Administrator at the first of the year.

Also on tonight's agenda is a consent item to approve the liquor license for Joe's Italian at the former Newton Country Club and a budget status update, an item that is expected to be short since the city just received its valuation data on Friday, the first bit of information needed in putting the city budget together.

Kelley @ the Capitol: Tuition assistance for veterans right thing to do

By Rep. DAN KELLEY
Democrat, Newton

A foundation of bipartisanship has been established in the first three weeks of the 2012 Iowa legislative session. I am pleased with this development. I'm doing my best to be part of it. While bipartisanship requires cooperation, the Minority Party must call for immediate action from time to time.

Since the session began three weeks ago, we've been pushing for the House Majority to help prevent college tuition hikes on Iowa National Guard members. The issue arose last month when members of the National Guard were informed that awards and benefits for spring semester tuition assistance would be cut.

Last week, the Senate passed a bill restoring their assistance. I co-sponsored a companion bill in the House. I am proud to report the House Majority agreed to approve this bill and it hit the Governor's desk before the weekend. As I write this commentary on Friday night, I am hopeful Gov. Branstad will sign the bill in the coming days. If he does, Iowa's National Guard soldier-students will return to class with the tuition assistance they deserve.

Restoring their benefits requires immediate action. Nearly 3,000 Iowans returned home last year after serving in Afghanistan. Many of them were unable to return to school because of the cuts. They deserve, earn and count on tuition assistance. The bill will allow Iowa National Guard members to upgrade their skills before re-entering the workforce.

Over 10 percent of the soldiers returning home are unemployed. Keep in mind, the most recent state unemployment, for December, was 5.6 percent. Nationally, 39 percent of veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 are unemployed. These numbers are unacceptable. We must do more to help these soldiers re-enter the workforce, not less.

My top priority is growing our economy and helping to put Iowans back to work. Iowa must continue to build a foundation for solid economic growth. We need a highly-skilled workforce that can adapt and re-train for the jobs of the 21st Century. Our community colleges provide this opportunity to many Iowans in urban and rural communities. In Jasper County, our DMACC Campus and Career Academy help attract and maintain employers by strengthening our workforce.

I was invited to represent the House Minority on a panel discussion at a community college conference recently. Senators Kibbee, Bowman and Feenstra, as well as Representative Schulte and I, met with 250 student government leaders from Iowa's 15 community colleges.

I was excited to hear the students' ideas on how Iowa can best prepare for our economic future. We discussed Iowa's leadership in agriculture and renewable energy. I talked with students who are enrolled in programs offering training in hands-on skills such as welding. This skill development is necessary for Iowa, and the entire Midwest to take advantage of new opportunities in manufacturing, many of them in the renewable energy field. I also met students who pursue professions in nursing, business and culinary arts.

Community colleges can quickly adapt to train workers for the jobs needed in local communities. Educators and administrators of these schools work closely with local businesses to ensure workers are getting the right training for jobs as they become available. The students I met are likely to find work without leaving Iowa, perhaps in their hometowns.

Many of the community college student leaders expressed deep concern with Governor Branstad's budget plan which will reduce worker training initiatives in al fields at community colleges. As we begin our budget work for next year, I will continue to work to ensure higher education is affordable and accessible to the middle class and working families.

Clearly, the state should be doing more to put Iowans back to work, not less. The Governor's proposed cuts to community colleges are unacceptable. I hope you will join me in supporting our students and employers by signing an online petition at www.iowahouse.org/communitycollege. If you do not have internet access, contact me by phone or write using the contact information listed at the end of the column and I will send you a copy.

During the panel discussion on Wednesday, a DMACC student (who obviously did his homework on the bills I'm drafting) addressed Iowa's need to further develop its digital infrastructure. I am working on a bill to improve cellular access to rural communities. The students agreed with me that access to the digital-internet-super-highway is just as important to the economic future of rural Iowa as the roads and bridges that connect our towns. As digital devices become more mobile, cellular access becomes necessary. To attract future high-tech employers and new residents while assisting Main Street retailers and service providers, Iowa must more aggressively address this issue now.

The internet offers a new way to follow the daily activities of the Iowa House of Representatives this session. All House floor activity can be viewed and heard live on your computer or mobile device. It's simple. Log on to www.legis.iowa.gov and click on "Live House Video." This gives greater transparency to state government by making our debates more readily available to Iowans. No state tax dollars were spent on this effort as a grant was secured to make the audio-video digital stream accessible. Click in and look for me at seat #3. Find the black-and-white checkered desk flag.

Feel free to contact me any time at 641-521-9260 or dan.kelley(at sign)legis.state.ia.us. Visit my web site at www.electkelley.com, friend me on Facebook and follow me on Twitter.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Keeping in Touch: Legislature less contentious

By SEN. DENNIS BLACK
Democrat, Lynnville

Up to this point, to my surprise, it appears the legislative factions are more cooperative than usual. Perhaps it is a mutual understanding that the partisan drama at the federal level has resulted in a "pox" on us all, and it is essential we provide state leadership to quickly and effectively direct our provincial affairs.

Our budget targets will be distributed this week, and thus I see a short session. In fact, as chair of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, I have already developed and presented the FY2012-13 budget for the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources to my subcommittee members, who have approved its content. Thus, we are ready to order a draft bill and present our plan to the full Appropriations Committee for deliberation. From there, it would go to the floor of the Senate for debate.

The solution to the big issues of tax reform, education reform, mental health care and job creation continue to be elusive. In fact, I notice with the passage of each day that more and more distance occurs in the approaches to solving these very important issues. Frankly, it boils down to the different ideologies of the Republicans and Democrats. That is to be expected, yet it provides a great opportunity for the General Assembly to get serious with compromise.

New figures were released that show how important some of these issues are. The budget has approximately 58 percent going to education (preschool through high school, the Regents institutions, books and transportation for privite schools, community colleges, etc.) 26 percent going to health and human services and 10 percent for public safety (law enforcement, prisons, etc.). That leaves just 6 percent for all other budgets of state government! My appropriation for agriculture and natural resources protection consumes about a quarter of a percent of the state budget. Sad, because Iowa is agriculture, and the products of our land have kept Iowa's budget in the black. Likewise, we have had our funding for soil and water conservation cut 50 percent in the past 10 years. This can't continue and if it does, short term solutions are absolutely futile. After all, it takes a hundred years for the natural creation of an inch of topsoil.

"Hot button" issues result in thousands of emails coming into my account at the capitol. I simply cannot answer them all, but do the best I can. According to my session clerk, I have received just over 500 emails on the state funding $5 million of the costs to replace the dam that creates Lake Delhi in Delaware County; and collectively thousands in opposition to nuclear power, lead shot on doves, photographing animal abuse at confinement facilities, increasing the tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, changes to the fencing law, gambling expansion, and repealing the law that allows communities to utilize cameras to identify speeders and those going through stop signs. Strangely, I receive very few letters, calls or emails on education policy, taxation reform and job creation. Yes, it is a strange year.

I have a weekly legislative letter that to an email list. If you would like to receive it, let me know by sending your email to dennis.black(at sign)legis.state.ia.us. I think you'll find it interesting.

Letter: Larry Shaver will be missed

To the Newton Independent

I was shocked in disbelief when I was told of my good friend's passing. He had been in and out of my life since I was a very young man and became close to my own family, including my parents. We spent many good times in business and friendship with him.

We will always be thankful for the many hours of his own time spent working on the passion of his life, that being the brothers and sisters of the Local UAW 997 union hall. His voice and great humor was an inspiration at so many of our local's retirement suppers each month. It will never be the same as it was with his presence.

I know even though he was rough on the outside, his heart was solid gold. I also know God will welcome him with open arms for he was a man of great passion for others.

My friend, rest in peace knowing we loved you for who you are.

Lawrence Funk
Newton

Kellogg Country Store also targeted in synthetic marijuana bust

Newton Independent

A press release issued by the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (MINE) Drug Task Force indicates that the operator of the Kellogg Country Store was also targeted in the undercover drug operation targeting the sale of synthetic marijuana.

In addition to charges filed against the operator of the Petro Stop in Newton, the MINE task force filed four counts of possession and/or possession with intent to deliver a synthetic cannabinoid, aggravated misdemeanors, against Jarnail Manhani, 58, after more than 130 grams of the synthetic marijuana was found at the convenience store following a search on Tuesday.

Undercover officers made three purchases of the synthetic cannabinoid, which is marketed as potpourri and incense, at the Kellogg Country Store before executing a search warrant on Tuesday.

Jasper County taxable valuations up significantly

By PETER HUSSMANN

Jasper County's total taxable valuations continue to be bumped higher and higher, the latest report issued today by the Jasper County Auditor's office indicate.

The third report issued by the auditor's office this week shows that total taxable value for all property in Jasper County stood at $1.391 billion as of Jan. 1, 2011, a $79 million increase over values reported last year.

Today's report, which follows two instances earlier this week where the information was removed from the Iowa Department of Management's web site to allow officials to "correct a few errors," shows that total valuations increased by $58 million for urban properties to $666 million and $21 million for rural properties to $725 million.

Each time the information was posted the total values went up, from $1.366 billion to 1.383 billion to $1.391 billion.

The valuations are used by local taxing jurisdictions as the first step in determining levy rates necessary to fund city, school and county operations.

The valuation figures released today show that the City of Newton's total value as of Jan. 1, 2011 was $462 million, up $33 million from one year ago.

The Newton Community School District's total valuation was recorded at $702 million, up $43 million from last year's level.

You can download the latest report below.

Download JASPER_Co_Txbl_Valuations_By_Levy_Auth_By_Co_FY12-13