Newton Independent

Bowling equipment put up for sale

By PETER HUSSMANN

It appears a local businessman has scuttled plans to open a second bowling alley in Newton after the equipment needed for such an endeavor was placed up for sale.

In September 2007, Levi Pence went before the Newton City Council and Jasper County Board of Supervisors asking for letters of support for his plan to develop a community center addition to his Skate Castle property on the west edge of town. Pence told the council and supervisors that he intended to more than triple his existing space with the inclusion of a bowling alley, restaurant, lounge, banquet facility and area to hold outdoor events. He sought the city's and county's support to seek state Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) funding for the endeavor.

On Monday, however, an advertisement for the sale of 16 lanes of bowling alley equipment appeared on craigslist at a sale price of $120,000. The equipment includes pinsetters, pins, returns, computer, monitors and hardwood lanes "removed from operating bowling alley to be moved to new location. Location not available so selling equipment." The seller's location was listed as Newton, Iowa.

Prior to Hy-Vee Corporation's purchase and demolition of the Newton Mall to make way for its new store, T&M Center Lanes operated a 16 lane bowling alley in the basement of the mall. Former T&M Lanes employees indicated to the Newton Independent that Pence acquired the equipment at that time.

Pence was unavailable for comment this morning.

Bush to speak in Benton Harbor

Newton Independent

The Michigan Messenger reported Monday that President George W. Bush will speak in Benton Harbor, Mich., in late May to the Economic Development Club of Southwest Michigan, an organization founded by Whirlpool founder Lewis Upton.

The report goes on to note the controversy in that community over a Whirlpool-backed effort that lead federal officials to allow a land swap of a public beachfront park for development of a private golf course. You can read the report here.

Two receive deferred judgments on arson charges

By PETER HUSSMANN

Two Jasper County residents received deferred judgments on Monday, a rare occurrence District Court Judge Martha Mertz noted, especially considering both involved arson cases.

Prior to sentencing 81-year-old Ruth Marshall to a 10-year suspended prison term, Judge Mertz granted deferred judgments to Carol Berry and Andrew Winningham.

Berry, 49, was initially charged with felony second degree arson for setting fire to a neighbor's home in Colfax last October. The state dropped the charge to an aggravated misdemeanor to which Berry plead guilty.

At the sentencing, Berry, who suffers from an anxiety disorder, said she set fire to the home of the late Mary Hopkins in an effort to stop Hopkins' son, who was camping in the yard at the residence, from harassing her and damaging her property. She told the court that excrement was dumped in her yard and an electrical wire had been cut. She said she complained to both police and the county attorney about the situation but was told nothing could be done.

"I feel bad for what I did to the Hopkins property," she said. "I want to pay for the restoration to the house. I'm sorry I did this."

Judge Mertz said that while each case is unique, "this is the most unusual arson case I have ever heard. How rude and deliberately cruel."

In granting the deferred judgment, with the charge expunged from her record upon successful completion of the two years formal probation the judge ordered, Mertz ordered Berry to pay $1,475 in restitution to the estate of Hopkins, as well as pay a $650 civil penalty.

"It appears to the court you have learned from this and and are not going to do it again," Mertz said. "You are entitled to an opportunity to prove yourself."

Winningham, 22, was charged with felony second degree arson for setting fire to the garage of his family home last October.

His attorney, John Billingsley, said Winningham had been drinking prior to the incident, upset that the house that had been in the family for two generations was in the foreclosure process. He said Winningham thought that he had put the fire out but it smoldered causing smoke damage. Billingsley also noted to the court at sentencing that Winningham was instrumental in helping authorities gain convictions of two men who robbed the Kellogg convenience store years earlier, chasing the fleeing suspects in his car on county gravel roads.

In granting the deferred judgment, Mertz ordered Winningham to three years formal probation, a $1,000 civil penalty, restitution to be determined within 60 days, substance abuse and mental health screening and a life skills class. Failure to complete the probation would lead to a revocation hearing where Winningham could face up to 10 years in prison.

Newton Maytag retirees lose life insurance benefit

By PETER HUSSMANN

Maytag retirees impacted by a switch from Maytag to Whirlpool benefit plans are receiving another dose of bad news with a letter from the Benton Harbor, Mich. corporation saying life insurance coverage provided to employees is also impacted by the change.

The letter retirees began receiving today states:

"As you know, all Newton retirees adopted the Whirlpool retiree benefit plans effective Jan. 1, 2009. As such, eligibility for the Dependent Only Life insurance plan insured by MetLife ended on Dec. 31, 2008.

"Due to system error, contributions for this benefit were deducted from your pension check for January, February and March of 2009. The issue has been resolved so that this deduction will no longer be taken. Your next pension check will show a refund for the amount deducted in error.

You will have the option to continue this coverage with MetLIfe by converting your coverage to an individual plan. You will receive additional information on conversion options from MetLife within two weeks of receipt of this letter. Please look for this important package of information.

"We regret any confusion this may have caused. ...

Regards, Whirlpool Corporate Benefits"

Newton Maytag retirees have sued Whirlpool over the switch in health insurance coverage. A jurisdictional battle is being waged between Michigan and Iowa federal court systems.

81-year-old Newton woman gets suspended prison term on arson conviction

By PETER HUSSMANN

An 81-year-old Newton woman was given a 10-year suspended prison sentence today for burning down her old family residence.

Ruth Arlene Marshall was sentenced by District Court Judge Martha Mertz on the second degree arson felony charge after pleading guilty last month for setting fire to a vacant residence at 1309 1st Ave. E. on Nov. 15, 2008.

Marshall was placed on three years formal probation. A $1,000 fine, the lowest allowable by law on the charge, was also suspended. Marshall will be required to pay court costs and her court appointed attorney fees, although a portion of that may be eligible to be paid through community service work. Insurance coverage on the home covered the cost of demolishing the structure, which incurred an estimated $50,000 in damage, so restitution was also waived, although Marshall may have to pay the cost of any deductibles.

Marshall admitted setting fire to her mother's home west of Hy-Vee on First Avenue in a dispute with family members. She used gasoline purchased from the grocery store's gas station to set the fire.

At the sentencing hearing today, Judge Mertz attempted to understand what prompted Marshall to set the blaze.

A sobbing Marshall, who came alone to her sentencing at the Jasper County Courthouse wearing a tan turtleneck, black pants and white Reebok tennis shoes, told the judge that she was "sorry," but thought at the time that it was the "only thing left for me to do."

Marshall told the judge that she had cared for her elderly mother at the residence for a number of years before her mother, who died a year ago at age 104, was moved to a nursing home. She said she was "left out in the cold" as family members disbursed her mother's property once she left the family home.

At the hearing, which Marshall complained she was having trouble hearing due to an ear wax build up she was being treated for, the elderly Newton woman disputed a pre-sentence investigation report that indicated Marshall felt burning down the family home was the "only option" she had.

"Would you do it again?" judge Mertz asked.

"No," Marshall responded.

Mertz, who had to raise her voice to get Marshall to stop interrupting, urged the Newton woman to closely follow the rules and requirements imposed by the probation officer. Failure to do so, the judge said, would trigger a probation revocation hearing. If the probation requirements are fully met prior to the three years, including the monetary payments, early release will be considered.

"There are lots of folks who commit crimes who aren't criminals," the judge told Marshall. "You're old enough to know better. But I'm not going to incarcerate you for three reasons; it's not going to benefit society, it's not going to benefit you and it won't resolve the problem. I'm cutting you as much financial slack as allowed by law."

The judge requested that Marshall's court appointed attorney stay on the case for a period of time to assist her in setting up her probation and understanding its requirements.

"It's a great life if you don't weaken," the judge told Marshall in closing the hearing.

Alternative spin placed newspaper's story on Newton

Newton Independent

On Sunday, the Newton Independent linked to an article published in the Janesville, Wis., newspaper touting the economic revival of Newton after the loss of Maytag. The story gave the Sunday newspaper readers an idea on how Janesville might rebound after the loss of if GM plant.

Today on Rocknetrootscommentary, a story appears that puts a little different spin on the efforts under way in that Wisconsin community. You can read it here.

Census Bureau begins address verification work

Newton Independent

U.S. Census Bureau workers will begin fanning out across the United States today in an effort to verify some 145 million addresses in advance of next year's count of Americans.

The Bureau will employ a workforce of more than 140,000 people to conduct the effort. You can read a press release here.

Whirlpool to shut down Oxford, Miss., plant; takeover rumors?

Newton Independent

After more than 50 years in operation, Whirlpool is set to shut down a production facility in Oxford, Miss. You can read the story here.

And this report mentions rumors that Whirlpool is a target of a takeover bid by Lowe's. 

Newton touted as model for economic resurgence

Newton Independent

The Janesville, Wis., newspaper runs a long piece today showcasing Newton as an example of what a community can do to rebound from the loss of a major employer. While Newton lost Maytag, Janesville lost a General Motors plant. A number of local individuals are interviewed for the article. You can read it here.

Obituary: Fritz K. Reinhard

Fritz K. Reinhard, the father of Sylvia Cool of rural Baxter, died today, March 28, 2009, at the hospice center at Skiff Medical Center in Newton, Iowa.

No local funeral services are planned. Graveside ceremonies will be held at a later date in the New York City area. Memorials may be left to Hospice of Jasper County.

Mr. Reinhard, 89, moved to Jasper County, Iowa to live with his daughter in April 2003.

Mr. Reinhard was born in Frankfurt, Germany on Feb. 19, 1920. He emigrated to the United States in 1950 after serving in World War II. He became a citizen of the United States in 1957 while residing in New York City.

Mr. Reinhard worked for Manufacturers Hanover Trust Bank until his retirement.

The son of William and Margareta Behnken Reinhard, he was joined in marriage to Sybilla Mueller on Feb. 28, 1941.

Survivors include Friedrich and Phyllis Reinhard of Coatsville, Penn., Werner Reinhard of Carmel, N.Y., Sylvia and David Cool of Baxter, seven grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and daughter in-law, Carol Reinhard.

House committee likes Crazy Good Beer, too

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Iowa House state government committee recommended passage of a measure that will allow a local man involved in his family's wine operation to work in a beer brewery a group of investors has plans to open in a section of the former Maytag headquarters' building.

On Thursday, the committee voted to present Senate File 420 to a full vote of the House of Representatives. A week earlier, the measure passed unanimously in the Iowa Senate and was forwarded to the House for consideration.

If enacted, the change in a state law dating back to the end of Prohibition would allow Mason Groben, who helped his parents open Jasper Winery in 2003 in Newton, to also work in the beer industry, something that has been prohibited in Iowa since 1933. The bill would allow an individual employed in the wine industry to also be employed in the beer industry, as long as the "person has no ownership interest in either licensed premises."

Sen. Dennis Black, D-Lynnville, introduced the legislation to assist Groben and investors in the project.

Plans call for a brewery to be opened in a section of Maytag's former downtown factory that last housed research and development activities. Mad House Brewing Co., which would produce a brand called Crazy Good Beer, is being backed by a group of unnamed investors. Mad House was incorporated last summer as a limited liability corporation with Groben as the registered agent. 

Iowa cities, counties get energy efficiency funds

Newton Independent

A number of Iowa cities and counties have been awarded funding fromt he U.S. Department of Energy as part of the economic recovery package.

A total of $21.1 million was granted for energy efficiency and conservation block grant programs. The funds will be used for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions.

In addition to the $9.59 million awarded to the Iowa Energy Office, cities and counties in central Iowa receiving funding include Ames ($544,000), Ankeny ($166,000), Des Moines ($1,982,300), Urbandale ($162,900), West Des Moines ($557,000), Dallas ($199,700), Polk ($408,800) and Warren ($171,200). The Sac and Fox Tribe in Tama received $46,600.

A press release detailing funding for cities and counties across the state can be found here.

Iowans eligible for extened unemployment benefits

Newton Independent

Area individuals will be notified by Iowa Workforce Development officials beginning next week about their possible eligibility for extended emergency unemployment insurance benefits. Up to 9,000 Iowans will be notified by mail beginning Monday. The full press release from the IWD released late this afternoon can be read here.

County school districts to get Title I funding from recovery package

By PETER HUSSMANN

School districts in Jasper County will receive more than $360,000 in Title 1 education funding through the recently passed economic recovery package, Sen. Tom Harkin announced in a press release last week.

Statewide, school districts will receive more than $50 million to provide additional academic support to assist low-achieving children meet state standards in core academic subjects.

"The economic recovery bill is fulfilling its mission each day with funding that targets our most vulnerable while at the same time boosting our economy," Harkin said in the release. "With this funding, we will ensure Iowa students continue to thrive with the best teachers and materials available."

Specifically, Harkin said the funding can be used by school districts to hire teachers and teacher assistants, provide tutoring, create school computer labs, fund parent involvement activities, purchase instructional materials, host professional development for teachers and create pre-kindergarten classes.

According to the release, the Baxter school district will receive $15,199 in stimulus money, Colfax-Mingo $110,632, Newton $194,128 and PCM $42,832. Lynnville-Sully is listed as receiving no funding under the program.

Actual amounts received by the school districts will be "smaller due to state-level adjustments to Federal Title I allocations," Harkin's release notes.

The U.S. Department of Education plans to award half of the Title I funding to school districts by then of this month, with the other half awarded in October. Iowa schools will also receive funding for special education, education technology and other programs from the recovery package in the coming months, Harkin said.

A complete list of Iowa school district allocations can be viewed here.

County eliminates work release coordinator position; prisoner infraction being investigated

By PETER HUSSMANN

The loss of the county's ability to field a prisoner road work crew lead the board of supervisors to place the county coordinator of the crew on paid administrative leave for the next 30 days and eliminate the position at the end of that period.

The action came during a special meeting of the Jasper County Board of Supervisors this morning.

Newton Correctional Facility Warden Terry Mapes said he was unable to comment on the specifics of the incident that lead to the loss of the prisoner work program within the county's road department. He said an investigation by state correctional facility officials and the county is under way. Until that investigation is complete, which he said had no set time frame, the county will be unable to use $4-a-day prisoner labor on road projects. The three-to-four man crews typically cleared roadside brush for the county, among other projects.

Homer Dickey, the county's full-time road crew work release coordinator since January 2001, apologized to the supervisors.

"I faced something I didn't know how to handle and I apologize," he said. "I dealt with it inappropriately and I apologize for not coming to you and telling you."

With the loss of the county's ability to use prison labor on its road crews, the supervisors were faced with the decision of what to do with the county's coordinator position.

"There's nothing for him to do," board chair Rick Tiedje said, capsulizing the situation the board faced.

Tiedje also noted that the board was "coming from more than one direction" in viewing its options. He said that when the board approved next fiscal year's budget earlier this month, it made clear that it planned to look at additional cost saving measures for the county going forward.

"We need to make budget cuts," he said.

Supervisor John Parsons noted that during previous budget discussions, the board had considered the possibility of eliminating the work release coordinator position entirely.

Denny Stevenson, the board's newest member, said the decision "comes down to dollars and cents." He noted that on top of Dickey's $42,182.40 salary as work release coordinator, county benefits bring his total compensation to more than $55,000. In addition, he said county departments wanting to use prison labor could have access to them on their own, without the need for a coordinator.

"We don't know how soon we will be able to remedy this situation," Stevenson said. "I've got to look at this as a cost saving measure."

Dickey suggested that he be allowed to continue to work until the end of the fiscal year at the end of June. He said his original plan was to retire at the end of this year, but said he wanted to be allowed to "finish up some loose ends."

"I don't like to get paid for nothing," Dickey said. "I'd like to get a couple of projects finished up."

Board members were reluctant to allow Dickey to work by himself on county road ditch clearing projects.

The supervisors were told that the secondary roads union contract requires 30-calendar-day notice should the supervisors decide to lower work force levels within the department. Dickey could be allowed to work within another department or be placed on paid administrative leave.

After 45 minutes of discussion, Tiedje said the board needed "to make a clean break." Stevenson moved and Parsons seconded a motion to place Dickey on 30 days paid administrative leave and eliminate the position at the end of that period. The motion was approved unanimously.

After the action, county officials praised Dickey's efforts at working with prisoners from the minimum-security prison since first starting part-time with the conservation department in October 1997.

"You've done more than work for the county," said supervisor Tiedje. "You've made a difference in people's lives."

Conservation director Keri Van Zante concurred.

"You've taught life lessons to everyone you've worked with," she told Dickey. "I thank you for everything you've done."

Skiff's internal study group begins its work

By PETER HUSSMANN

Skiff Medical Center provided a report to hospital employees today on a task force's first meeting on issues that need to be addressed in regard to internal problems that have impacted the city-owned health care facility's operations in the recent past

Development of the task force was part of a consultant's recommendations nearly a month ago after interviewing hospital elected officials, top management and physicians in regard to concerns involving the hospital's operations.

The consultant's brief study came after the resignation of former administrator's Kris Baumgart's resignation and preceded the resignations of two other top managers, Cheryl Ritter, the chief financial officer, and Gina Garber, head human resources. Skiff's chief medical officer, Tammy Chance, announced at Wednesday's board meeting, that her last day with the hospital will be April 2, although she agreed to continue on with Skiff in a part-time, as-needed basis until the end of May.

The internal communication, provided to Skiff employees through its employee news line and noted for release at Wednesday's board meeting, identifies the members of the ad hoc committee as Interim CEO Francie Jahn, Skiff trustees John Lee and Jeff King, as well as doctors Chance, Gary Richardson and Leighton Frost.

The task force was assisted in its initial meeting by Bob Ruch, the consultant hired to assist in charting a course of action for the hospital. The report to hospital employees identifies three goals "dealing with the framework for communication among task force members." They are, as quoted in the report to employees:

Identify relevant issues of mutual interest

Problem solve using hospital resources available to both groups

Publicize the outcomes of their work as an example of collaborative leadership.

As the task force moves forward, the members agreed to "contribute to an atmosphere of collaboration" that will:

build self respect and empathy with other members of the group

move away from an adversarial arena that promotes conflict, secrecy and poor communication

support a leadership system devoted to exploring the parties' respective interests, not their positions.

Specific discussion, according to the report to employees, was held about the future role of the chief medical officer's position within the framework of Skiff operations. With Dr. Chance soon to leave the hospital's employment, "the group explored the idea of blending the chief of staff role with key duties of the (chief medical officer) CMO. This concept would require the chief of staff to assume a part-time, paid position in return for specific responsibilities related to medical staff matters."

The committee decided to allow Jahn and Ruch to "develop a model" in regard to the "concept" in advance of next week's meeting. The "fetal heart monitor issue" will also be discussed next week, the group agreed. What that involves was not explained in the report to Skiff employees.

The Skiff trustees voted Wednesday to move ahead with Ruch's recommendation to hire an outside firm to conduct an operational assessment of the hospital. Jahn was authorized to spend up to $70,000 to hire a company to conduct the study. It is anticipated the assessment will begin soon with completion within six weeks after inception.

It's Your Money

Newton Independent

The City of Newton spent $367,551.42 paying bills during the month of February. Following is a list of some of those payments:

Alliant Energy - All Departments - Electric - $34,199.05

Black Hills Energy - All Departments - Natural Gas - $14,389.82

Carl's Window Service - Library - Window Cleaning - $90

Carter Printing - Parks - Brochures/Letterhead - $2,333.06

Central Salt - Public Works - Road Salt - $14,000.17

Clapsaddle-Garber Assc. - Airport/Maytag Plant 2 TIF - Apron expansion/8th St. N. relocation - $4,498.09

Des Moines Register - Police - Chief of Police Ad - $4,337

Dodd's Trash Hauling & Recycling - Water Pollution Control Plant - 2008 leaf bag collection, 2008 Christmas tree collection, trash/recycling - $49,797.32

DW Zinser Co., Inc. - Synergy - Payment 7 on Maytag demolition project - $68,807.98

FBG Service Corporation - Library - January cleaning - $3,161

Fox Engineering - WPCP - Intercept odor/standby generator - $24,150

Hawkins Water Treatment - WPCP - Odor eliminator - $5,423

Home Plastics Inc. - WPCP - Leaf bags - $1,816.63

Marsden Building Maintenance - City Center - February janitorial - $1,951

Mid States Lawn Care - Library - Snow removal/ice melt - $899

News Printing Company - Police/Fire/Administration - Rental ad/City Report/Post agendas/Meetings - $2,926.93

Newton Correctional Facility - Cemetery - Labor - $516

Simmering-Cory Inc. - Maytag Plant 2 TIF - TIF Project - $4,462.50

Visa - Fire - Training, meals, education - $278.01

Skiff operational assessment to begin soon; ad hoc task force meets

By PETER HUSSMANN

An operational assessment of Skiff Medical Center will begin soon after the hospital's board of trustees today gave authority for the expenditure of up to $70,000 for the study.

Interim CEO Francie Jahn told the board today that she has interviewed four firms contacted to conduct the study and whittled that list to two. She is currently in the process of checking references provided by the companies and upon completion will select one of the firm's to complete the hospital assessment.

Jahn said that the firm selected will move quickly to complete the process. She anticipates the company will be on-site at the hospital within a week of section with a final report to the board available within about six weeks.

Trustee Jeff King said he hoped the study will be beneficial.

"I hope we choose someone who's not going to try to tell us what they think we want to hear," he said. "I hope the company will evaluate us against a set of criteria that makes sense for our facility."

Jahn said the study should be able to provide trustees with benchmarks and a work plan or road map that can help guide the hospital's leadership as it moves forward.

Conducting an operational assessment was one of three recommendations made by Bob Ruch, a consultant hired "to review recent events that have weakened (the) hospitals's mission and performance." During a public meeting in late February, he presented a scathing review of his interviews with trustees, senior management and selected medical staff.

Ruch went on to recommend that the hospital develop an ad hoc committee made up of the interim CEO, two board members and three doctors to identify actions that can be taken to improve the hospital's operations.

Acting board president John Lee said today the committee has now been formed and held its first meeting on Tuesday, with Ruch moderating the discussion.

Lee said the meeting went well with some "good discussion."

"It was a good start at mending and healing," he said.

Lee indicated that the hospital will issue a communication to the public concerning the task force meeting later today. The Newton Independent will publish the information upon its release.

The acting board president said during discussion on the status of the CEO search that board members have now received the criteria it developed as part of its last search two years ago and is reviewing it. He said the board is taking a go slow approach in finding a permanent replacement.

"It's critical we get our house a little bit more in order before we go forward," Lee said, noting that it would be appropriate to await the findings of the operational assessment and see what transpires with the ad hoc committee's recommendations for improvements. "We're taking the process slow and orderly."

In other business, the board:

• Once again tabled action on the Newton Development Corporation's request for a $10,000 donation. Trustee Gary Kahn, telephoning in from Florida, reported on the amounts other entities in the community donate to the NDC noting that several banks, utilities and private businesses make yearly donations ranging from $5,000 to $750. Skiff, Kahn noted, has donated $10,000 a year to the NDC for many years, but suggested such a large donation this year might not be able to be forthcoming due to the hospital's financial struggles. During Kahn's presentation, Bob Campbell, director of quality management, interjected that Kahn might need to recuse himself from the vote due to his position on the NDC's executive board. Trustee Lee suggested that he, too, might need to abstain from a vote on the matter due to his wife's former position as director of the local development group. With only two other board members present, the item was tabled until next month when a full contingent of board members is expected to attend.

• Heard from Dr. Tammy Chance, chief medical officer at the hospital, that her final day at Skiff will be April 2, although she will be available on a part-time basis until the end of May.

• Heard a report from Dr. Chance about initial discussions with officials in Kellogg about the possibility of opening a Skiff medical clinic in that community. Further preliminary information will be developed and brought to the board at future meetings.

Newton man pleads guilty to killing his brother

Newton Independent

A Newton man accused of shooting his older brother at their East 19th Street South home last November has plead guilty to a reduced charge of second degree murder.

Keith R. Van Dusseldorp, 51, admitted shooting his 54-year-old brother Ray Van Dusseldorp with a .20-gauge shotgun on Nov. 7. He is scheduled for sentencing May 4.

A radio news account can be read here.

Lt. Gov. Judge to push I-JOBS plan in Newton Thursday

Newton Independent

Lt. Gov. Patty Judge will be in Newton on Thursday to discuss the governor's $750 million I-JOBS initiative.

The lieutenant governor will meet with local officials at 8:45 a.m. in the council chambers at Newton City Hall.

Earlier this month, Gov. Chet Culver announced his plan to use the proceeds of $750 million in bonds to assist a variety of infrastructure projects around the state. The plan would be funded through gambling revenues.

"During these challenging economic times, Iowa is in the unique position to put people back to work while rebuilding our communities and our state," Judge said. "Gov. Culver and I have traveled from one side of the state to the other and we have seen for ourselves the outstanding infrastructure needs that exist on the local, county and state levels. I look forward to traveling to Newton and Boone and discussing our administration's vision for a stronger, smarter Iowa."