Newton Independent

Newton Power Tour stop to feature Pinewood Derby race benefit

Newton Independent

Iowans planning to take in or participate in the 2010 HOT ROD Power Tour scheduled to kickoff Saturday, June 5, at the Iowa Speedway in Newton can do their part to help find a cure for pediatric cancer by participating in "Muscle Car" Pinewood Derby Races with a chance to win valuable prizes.

This year's Power Tour, presented by GM Performance Division, has named the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer the official charity of the seven-day, seven-city tour. The event kicks off in Newton and travels through Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama.

New to the tour in 2010 is the Austin Hatcher Foundation's daily Pinewood Derby races. Each day of the tour, participants and fans will have the chance to build and race customized pinewood cars in single heat eliminations with daily prizes awarded. Daily prize winners will compete for the grand prize on the last day of the tour.

The cars, sold in advance online for $25, with "skins" going for $12, will be mailed beginning Monday to allow time for customizing the cars before the competition. Cars purchased after May 1 will be available for pick up during the tour. Limited quantities of cars will be available for purchase at the tour stops.

Proceeds from the sales of the Pinewood "Muscle Car" will benefit the Austin Hatcher Foundation for pediatric cancer.

"We hope that this large community of car lovers will enjoy customizing and racing the pine cars during their week-long tour," said Jim Osborn, co-founder of the foundation. "We are fortunate that HOT ROD Magazine is bringing us on board with such an amazing event and giving us the opportunity to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer."

To purchase a car, follow this link. For more information on the Power Tour, go here.  

Marshalltown man sentenced on child porn charges

Newton Independent

A Marshalltown man was sentenced to 10 years in prison during federal proceedings in Des Moines today.

Randall F. Muhlenbruch, 43, received the prison term for receiving and possessing child pornography in a sentencing order handed down by U.S. District Court Judge James Gritzner.

The U.S. Attorney's Office issued a press release on the matter that said Muhlenbruch was also ordered to serve a five-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison and oay an assessment of $200 to the Crime Victims Fund.

Muhlenbruch was found guilty by a jury on April 1, 2009.

A search warrant was executed at his residence on Dec. 11, 2004 and his computer was seizd. A forensic exam of the computer revealed that Muhlenbruch had downloaded and saved numerous images of child pornography on his computer.

The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa. The case was investigated by the Marshalltown Police Department, the Iowa State University Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child exploitation and abuse. For information about the program, go to www.projectsafechildhood.gov

Newton sees slight increase in building activity value

By PETER HUSSMANN

The City of Newton saw a slight increase in the value of construction activity last year though the up-tick pushed total building valuation levels just above the city's 10-year low.

For 2009, the city recorded $9.8 million in building activity along all classes of permits, an increase of $875,000 over 2008 where the city recorded $8.9 million in building activity, the low point of the decade.

Two projects in the non-residential remodeling category accounted for more than $4 million of the year's total valuation. The category accounted for more than half of the year's total at $5.2 million, the highest level since 2000 and 2001 when $14.8 million and $12.4 million were recorded, respectively.

Construction of the Des Moines Area Community College's Career Academy in a portion of the former Maytag plant was valued at more than $2 million while Community Heights Alliance Church recorded a remodeling project valued at more than $2.3 million. Neither project pays property taxes.

The value and number of permits for new residential construction was up in 2009, but still pales in comparison to construction in the category in the early part of the decade.

The city recorded eight new residential construction permits in 2009 with a total valuation of $1.62 million. Seven duplexes under construction on First Street South at South Eighth Avenue were valued at just more than $1 million while the sole single family home issued a construction permit for the year was valued at $540,000.

The city recorded six new residential construction permits in 2008 with a value of $1.33 million, up from the four permits issued in 2007 with a value of $678,000. The three years represent the lowest amount of building activity in the category for the decade.

The high mark for new residential construction in the decade was hit in 2002 when 35 permits with a total value of $14.4 million were issued, 31 of which were for single-family homes. The remaining four were multi-unit structures with a total value of $9.5 million.

New non-residential construction in Newton in 2009 was valued at $1.9 million, the majority of which is represented by the Prairie Suites motel project which has currently stalled.

Following is the 10-year history of total building permit activity with valuations:

2000 - 170 - $22,100,196
2001 - 182 - $21,685,034
2002 - 198 - $23,265,669
2003 - 154 - $11,020,331
2004 - 208 - $10,271,003
2005 - 140 - $20,113,305
2006 - 108 - $27,397,535
2007 - 97 - $20,534,980
2008 - 108 - $8,954,559
2009 - 93 - $9,829,824

Newton hires new police officer

Newton Independent

A recent graduate of Kirkwood Community College will begin work next week as the newest member of the Newton Police Department.

Jonathan Schuler, currently a sheriff's reserve with the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, is scheduled to attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy beginning April 26. He will start his 12-week field training with the Newton department before he attends the 13-week academy training and finish up upon his graduation from the academy.

The Indianola native has signed a four-year contract with the police department that states he will reimburse the city for training and equipment expenses if he leaves employment prior to the four-year term. After each full year of work with the Newton Police Department, his contract will be reduced by 25 percent.

Schuler fills a position open since November when Ryan Repp, a 10-year member of the force, moved out of state with his family.

City looking into First Avenue West resurfacing flaws

Newton Independent

Newton City Council members have voiced concern about the roadway cracking that has occurred on First Avenue West just months after the street was resurfaced.

In a note to council members, Newton City Administrator Tom Wardlow told council members that new Public Works Director Keith Laube has been in contact with the Iowa Department of Transportation about the problem.

Wardlow noted that the DOT has indicated the "project is not closed out yet" and they will be in contact with the contractor.

Skiff lifts child visitor restrictions

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical Center has lifted its restrictions on visitors to the hospital under the age of 18 due to low H1N1 flu activity.

Previously, visitors had been asked not to bring children under the age of 18 to the hospital unless they were being treated, were visiting a new-born sibling or visiting a Hospice patient.

Sen. Black asks for federal help on Maytag retiree health care controversy

By PETER HUSSMANN

State Sen. Dennis Black, D-Lynnville, is weighing in to the controversy surrounding the changes to the health care benefits Whirlpool has made to Maytag retirees by asking for federal intervention in the matter.

In a letter to David Campbell, Rep. Leonard Boswell's district representative, Black asks whether there might be federal law that would disallow the changes Whirlpool has made - and plans to make again next year - to Maytag retiree health care benefits plans.

"As a past, and present, person committed to the issues of labor, I know you are very concerned about the problems being experienced by Maytag retirees regarding their insurance coverage and costs," Black writes in his letter that was also sent to Iowa Senators Tom Harkin and Charles Grassley, Whirlpool and a presidential assistant.

"We must, as representatives of the citizens of the state, and especially those prior employees of Maytag, take every measure possible to ensure that Whirlpool lives up to their responsibility of being good corporate citizens.

"Currently, they are not doing so, and as time passes, the retirees of Maytag are going to be further vilified by these folks in Michigan who care only about profits, and don't appear to give a damn about people and their lives."

Black goes on to ask whether there might be applicable federal codes that might require Whirlpool to continue to honor labor contracts entered into in the past.

"Surely there has to be federal law that would do so," Black states. "Maytag is not the first corporation purchased by another, and the bargained 'wages and other terms and conditions of employment' have got to be a part of the sale/purchase. "My understanding is that Whirlpool purchased the physical plants, other assets (albeit few) and the liabilities of Maytag. Therefore, where to they get off by not meeting their obligations?

"Highly dedicated workers, those who spent their one and only professional career in the Maytag factories, are now agonizing over the atrocious way they are being treated by Whirlpool. Insurance costs are being transferred to the ex-employees in an amount that can't be met.

"This is not what America is all about. Hands were shook, paper agreements were signed, and the negotiations for worker benefits were agreed upon in good faith. Now, if Whirlpool is reneging on their pledge, they MUST be counseled to reconsider, or themselves vilified by the national media for failing to meet their obligations.

"Dave, folks are being taken advantage of, and we cannot let this occur. ... There has to be federal law to require Whirlpool to make good on their commitments as accepted by their purchase of the Maytag Corporation. If not, than woe to the history of this great nation for having never had a statesman step foward to ensure that the federal government standing behind our working men and women.

"Timing of this issue is paramount to what I and my paranoia believe to be an effort by Whirlpool to, as quickly as possible, sever relationships with former Maytag employees. So far, what they have done is absolutely heartless, and surely a statute exists whereby they will have to reconsider actions of the past, and work with Local 997 in recreating and maintaining the good name that Whirlpool once had."

In July 2008, Whirlpool filed a lawsuit in federal court in Des Moines claiming it had the right to change the conditions of Maytag retiree health care plans. The company made those changes in January 2009 by requiring Maytag retirees to pay for a portion of their health care coverage, a benefit that had previously been negotiated as a no cost plan to retirees.

Maytag retirees saw premium increases at the beginning of this year and have also been notified that they will have to select a new plan by Jan. 1, 2011.

The UAW counter-sued over the health care benefit changes in a suit filed in Michigan in August 2008. That case was subsequently transferred to Iowa under the first to file rule and in December last year voluntarily dismissed.

Whirlpool's action against the Maytag retirees is still pending in federal court. U.S. District Court Judge James Gritzner issued an order this week requiring lawyers for both sides to file documents by the end of February outlining their current arguments over class designations.

A previous story on the voluntarily dismissal of the Maytag suit can be viewed here while a story on the pending changes to the Maytag retiree health care benefits plans can be viewed here.  

Newton school district residents to receive information on possible elementary school closure, other district cost reductions

Newton Independent

Residents in the Newton Community School District will soon receive the following information pertaining to its Elementary School Boundary and Alignment Study:

"The NCSD Board of Education began its consideration of elementary school boundaries and alignment in August of 2005. The District Improvement Team (DIT), a committee comprised of members of the school staff and community, began a more formal study of this topic in January, 2009.

"The DIT reported its findings to the board at a board meeting Nov. 25, 2009. The board then appointed a subcommittee to advance the study, share information with the public, gather public input, and ultimately develop a recommendation for the board's consideration.

"A persistent and dramatic decline in student enrollment in recent years coupled with significant budget cuts from the state level have forced the board to consider changes in the district. Initial school alignment discussions were focused primarily on school improvements for students and their learning, but recent financial challenges have created an even stronger urgency to consider adjustments to the way educational services are provided to our local girls and boys.

"Please review the information included in this handout and think about what you believe the board should consider when making boundary and alignment decisions in the near future. Thanks for your consideration and involvement!"

Certified Enrollment 1998-2010

• 98-99 - 3,619.2
• 99-00 - 3,557.7
• 00-01 - 3,552.6
• 01-02 - 3,549.6
• 02-03 - 3,458.2
• 03-04 - 3,396.8
• 04-05 - 3,389.2
• 05-06 - 3,396.7
• 06-07 - 3,328.6
• 07-08 - 3,326.5
• 08-09 - 3,267.2
• 09-10 - 3,202.2

> State Per Student Allotment = $5,768

> This year's drop of 65 students equals a reduction of $374,920 in state aid.

> District Certified Enrollment has declined by 417 students in 11 years. Should the current trend continue, next fall's enrollment will be down enarly 500 students over the past 12 years.

> Recent 10% Statewide Cut = $1,527,733 for Newton Community School District

Elementary School Realignment Alternatives and Associated Cost Reductions

Utilize all 5 elementary schools (4 elementary schools & 5th school houses central office, Basics and Beyond Alternative High School, and other district programs)
Reduction = $686,500

Close one elementary school (4 elementary schools remain)
Reduction = $712,000 to $770,000 (depending on which school is closed)

Close one elementary school (4 elementary schools and move central office and Four Oaks (juvenile justice program) to schools)
Reduction = $824,500 to $882,500 (depending on which school is closed)

Close one elementary school (4 elementary schools and move central office, Basics and Beyond, Four Oaks, and other district programs to schools)
Reduction = $864,500 to $922,500 (depending on which school is closed)

The District is still open to other alignment ideas

Other District Cost Reductions (district level, Newton HS, Berg MS)

Reductions or terminations of multiple positions and programs at district level, Newton Senior High School, and Berg Middle School
Reduction = $700,000 to $1,000,000 (depending on total number of cuts)

Total Possible Cost Reductions (Total of All Levels)

Elementary school realignment and reductions or terminations of multiple positions and programs at district level, Newton Senior High School, and Berg Middle School
Total Reduction Range = $1,386,500 to $1,922,500 (depending on total number of cuts)

Total Projected Cost Reduction Target

Decline in State Aid due to enrollment decline and statewide cuts
Total Reduction Range = $2,250,000 to $2,500,000

Given our current local property tax valuation, one additional cent on the school levy will generate $6,412.25. To generate $100,000, the levy would need to be increased by 16 cents.

Upcoming Public Meeting Calendar

Feb. 4th - 6 p.m. - Emerson Hough
Feb. 8th - 7:30 p.m. - Aurora Heights
Feb. 10th - 6 p.m. - Thomas Jefferson
Feb. 16th - 6 p.m. - Woodrow Wilson
Feb. 18th - 6 p.m. - Berg Elementary

In seeking the information pertaining to the Elementary School Boundary and Alignment Study, the Newton Independent asked Superintendent Steve McDermott whether the alternatives presented included any assumptions, such as the retention of the neighborhood school concept or a switch to building level class assignments so that two elementary schools might house kindergarten through third graders and two fourth through sixth graders. He said the alignment alternatives remain to be determined.

"No specific alignment alternative has yet been identified as 'the one,'" McDermott responded by e-mail. "As listed, one is to maintain all five buildings while repurposing one of the five. The others are to close one of the five buildings. Each of these options includes the assumption that somehow our local elementary students will be housed in four buildings rather than five. Beyond that, there are a few varied alternatives that could function well. We remain open to other ideas we may learn of as we discuss all this with our neighbors at the public meetings."

Individuals with thoughts or ideas on the subject may send them to realignment@newton.k12.ia.us

 

Letter: The real state of this union

To the Newton Independent:

I thought that Obama made a good speech about the state of the union.

But the best example of the state of this union was to see that Republican Supreme Court Justice sitting in the front row shaking his head and mouthing "that is not true." In other words, "you lie," Mr. President.

The disrespect heaped upon Obama by the Republicans is the state of this union. The party of No wants your vote and it won't surprise me if they get it.

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

PS. Would Tom Harkin really sell his mother for a vote?

Newton baby awarded $1,000 college savings account

Newton Independent

A baby born at Skiff Medical Center was the recipient of a $1,000 College Savings Iowa account during a ceremony held Wednesday at the hospital.

State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald was on hand to award the college savings account to baby Jackson Riney, son of Casie and Matthew Riney.

The savings account was awarded as part of the College Savings Iowa BABY 529 Giveaway. Each month a $1,000 savings account is given to a randomly selected baby born at participating Iowa hospitals who have registered for the drawing. Sixty six hospitals in Iowa currently participate by providing college savings materials to families before they leave the hospital.

"Little Jackson may not be able to study yet, but he's already got a jump start on his college savings, and it will continue to grow right along-side him," Fitzgerald said in a press release announcing the award.

Skiff board members hear the 'P' word though losses still accruing

By PETER HUSSMANN

Skiff Medical Center's expenses outpaced revenues by $580,000 in December bringing its fiscal-year-to-date total losses to $2.9 million though board members were told there may be light at the end of the tunnel.

The city-owned hospital's continuing financial owes were addressed in a report by interim financial officer Mike Anderson during today's trustee meeting.

Anderson said the hospital wrote off $1.5 million in bad debt for the month but that without that charge, Skiff would have seen a profit of about $20,000 for the month.

"I can't remember the last time I heard the word profit mentioned around here," trustee Dr. Gary Richardson said.

New Chief Executive Officer Steve Long told the board that while more work needs to be done to turn Skiff's financial fortunes around the efforts already undertaken are beginning to put the hospital in a better financial condition.

"We're not out of the woods yet but I can see light through the trees," Long said.

Specifically, Long said the hospital needs to regain market share it has lost to the Des Moines area, continue doctor recruitment efforts, review program offerings and continue to take a hard look at the hospital's expense structure.

"It's not going to be easy but I'm impressed with the resiliency and expertise of the staff here at Skiff," he said. "What you have done has been crucial and gives us the time we need to incrementally grow."

Anderson said the reduction in force initiative taken last October is now showing up in the hospital's monthly financial statements. Salary and wages were down $270,000 in December from November, though the November figures included approximately $171,000 in severance payments related to the elimination of jobs. In December, the hospital saw approximately $95,000 in savings directly attributable to the reduction in force, he said.

For the remaining six months of the fiscal year, the hospital is forecasting an additional loss of $1.2 million bringing its total losses for the year to more than $4 million.

In his first report as CEO, Long noted for the board several projects and activities currently under way.

• The recruitment of a new general surgeon is continuing
• The hospital is working with the Newton Clinic to provide obstetrics coverage due to the pending departure of Dr. Paul Nieves and plans to recruit a new doctor.
• The new CEO plans to look at the leadership structure in place at the hospital.
• An accrediting agency is on site as part of the process need to recertify Skiff's ability to be a provider of durable medical equipment. The process is about three months from being complete.

Skiff's consulting bills top $1 million

By PETER HUSSMANN

Most of the B.E. Smith consultants at Skiff Medical Center have left the building but their presence for much of the past year cost the hospital more than $1 million.

Consultants from B.E. Smith brought in to fill vacant management positions during the hospital's shakeup last year carried a price tag of nearly $1.06 million Add the cost of the operational assessment to the bill and the total is more than $1.11 million.

Skiff officials entered into several contracts with the Kansas-based consulting firm to fill positions left vacant after the resignations of several top managers at the city-owned hospital.

Following Francie Jahn's interim appointment as chief executive officer following Kris Baumgart's resignation a year ago, a B.E. Smith consultant was brought on to fill Jahn's former position as the director of patient care services. The contract called for a $17,500 monthly payment, plus a $5,000 signing bonus as well as rent, car rental and twice monthly airfare home. The bill through the month of December totals more than $202,000.

Following the resignations of Skiff's human resources and financial directors, a contract was signed to bring on an additional three B.E. Smith consultants. The contract called for a $115,000 monthly payment, plus a $10,000 signing bonus. Including housing, car rental and air fare, the bill since their arrival in late summer through the end of the year totals more than $733,000.

Only one B.E. Smith consultant remains on site. Nancy Burke currently works as the interim director of obstetrics though a search for a permanent replacement is under way.

That contract calls for a $17,000 monthly payment, plus a $5,000 signing bonus. Through the end of the year, the total bill stands at more than $122,000.

Skiff spent more than $57,000 for B.E. Smith to perform an operational assessment on the hospital, a document that has yet to be released.

County's unemployment rate sees year-end uptick

Newton Independent

Jasper County's unemployment rate jumped to 9.1 percent in December, statistics released by Iowa Workforce Development today indicate.

The county's December jobless rate represents the second highest level recorded in 2009. In August, the rate reached 9.2 percent before falling the following two months to 8.1 percent and 7.9 percent in September and October, respectively. In November, Jasper County's unemployment rate stood at 8.8 percent. For the year, the county's average unemployment rate was 8.1 percent.

Iowa Workforce officials released statewide data last week that showed a jobless rate in December of 6.6 percent. However, the data showed large numbers of job losses in the month.

A year ago, Jasper County's unemployment rate stood at 7.7 percent.

You can view a statewide map of each county's December unemployment rate by going here.

Judge issues order benefitting both sides in federal class action lawsuit over Iowa Telecom merger

By PETER HUSSMANN

A judge in Des Moines last week gave lawyers on both sides of the federal class action lawsuit brought in connection with Iowa Telecom's $1.1 billion merger deal with Windstream a victory of sorts in an order relating to motions in the case.

Lawyers for Joseph Haen, one of two Iowa Telecom shareholders who filed class action lawsuits in federal court following the announcement of the merger, plan to seek an injunction delaying the merger. In order to file such a motion, Haen's lawyers argue, information needs to be gathered from Iowa Telecom in regard to the merger discussions.

However, under court rules, that information is not allowed to be sought until a discovery planning conference is held, something that typically takes more than three months.

Lawyers for Haen asked the court to speed up the discovery process by granting a motion to force Iowa Telecom to release certain requested pieces of information and to allow for the depositions of three individuals involved in the merger negotiations.

Specifically, attorneys for the plaintiff are asking for minutes from the meetings attended by any Iowa Telecom board member concerning the merger, all opinions filed by financial advisors in connection with the deal, financial projections for the company, any documents discussing Iowa Telecom's value, any documents pertaining to benefits received by any board member or management member of the Newton, Iowa-based company and the ability to depose the two individuals with the most knowledge of the proposed transaction and the individual with the most knowledge of the financial projections of Iowa Telecom.

Lawyers for Iowa Telecom, its board members and Windstream filed motions in response asking the court to provide a protective order against any discovery and a motion to dismiss the case.

In the order issued Thursday, United States Magistrate Judge Ross A. Walters notes that "ordinarily a court should not wade very far into a case when a motion to dismiss for lack of subject matter jurisdiction is pending."

Although noting Iowa Telecom's motion to dismiss "challenges the authority of the court to hear and decide the case before it," ... "the court will accommodate plaintiff's concern to the extent of requiring defendants to tee up the requested documents for prompt production if and when the motions to dismiss are denied."

Until the motion to dismiss is decided, lawyers for shareholder Haen will not be allowed access to the requested documents. Should the court rule it has the authority to hear the case, Iowa Telecom will be required to release the pertinent documents and proceed with depositions, likely ahead of the ordinary discovery process timeline.

Newton residents would see property tax hike under proposed city budget

By PETER HUSSMANN

City of Newton residents would pay about $50 more a year in city property taxes under if the proposed levy rate released on Monday during the Newton City Council's budget workshop is eventually adopted.

The council met in a two and a half hour session to discuss details of next fiscal year's budget that includes a 31 cent decrease in the levy rate to $15.34.

But even with that significant decrease, a higher residential rollback (46.9094 percent for the coming fiscal year versus 45.5893 in the current fiscal year) and the state-mandated 6 percent increase on residential property values will mean increases in city taxes paid should the proposed levy rate stand pat.

In the current fiscal year, a Newton homeowner with a property valued at $100,000 pays approximately $713 in city taxes, based on the current levy rate for the city of $15.65.

Under the proposed budget scenario set out to the Newton council on Monday, that same property owner would see a city tax bill of approximately $763 in the coming fiscal year.

And even those Newton property owners who successfully appealed the state equalization order to the Jasper County Board of Review will pay higher city taxes under the proposed levy rate, although only about $7. (Full disclosure: I filed a successful appeal.)

City property taxes typically accounts for about one-third of a Newton resident's total property tax bill.

Newton City Administrator Tom Wardlow noted that the budget as presented Monday is balanced through the use of approximately $44,000 in general fund reserves, which would stand at 30 percent if adopted in its present form.

The budget includes funding for a number of external organizations from both local option sales taxes and hotel/motel taxes. Included in its present form, though each allocation would need to be approved through resolution by the council, payments of $120,000 to the Newton Convention and Visitors Bureau, $50,000 to the Newton Development Corporation, $3,000 to the municipal band (although councilman Mike Hansen suggested a $2,000 increase), funding for Aces Teen Center, Heartland Senior Services, the golf course's debt service, RSVP and $94,500 of hotel/motel taxes returned to the city's general fund.

What is not included are a number of capital improvement and capital expenditure items, including a new roof for the fire department and the city's $22,000 share of more than $200,000 in federal money to expand the city's hike and bike trail. In addition, the identified need for two new police cars, a new ambulance, a park department pickup truck and mower and plow attachments for city trucks, are also not included.

Councilman Hansen suggested the city consider using a portion of its 30 percent reserves to fund some of these capital expenses and improvements. He noted that reducing the carryover to 25 percent would free up nearly $500,000 for investment in these identified city needs.

The city is also looking for ways to fund the interest payments due on the speedway bonds over the course of the next three years. The three year total is $779,484.

Several options were discussed including reallocating unspent bond balances on the project, negotiating a higher state grant participation in the project and merging the Speedway and Prairie Fire TIF districts. City staff will make further investigations into the matter and update the council as budget discussions continue.

The council will continue budget discussions at its regular meeting next week and another budget meeting set for early February.

Letter: Are Americans really angry?

To the Newton Independent:

Are you angry? Well, I'm not yet every time I turn on the TV I hear some politician or broadcaster proclaiming how angry the American people are. These are lazy people talking.

What is going on in America today is not about anger but confusion. It seems to me that Americans are involved in an old-fashioned bar fight and we need a sheriff to step in and fire off his gun.

In any bar fight that I was involved in there was always a bunch of agitators urging everyone on but careful to stay clear of the blows being struck.

I think it is time for Americans to sober up and get on with our lives and stop listening to those people who tell us how angry we are.

Olen W. Lambert
Newton

Newton native Joe Mattingly featured in news story

Newton Independent

Joe Mattingly, part of the musically-inclinced Mattingly troupe from Newton, is featured in a news story in the Daily Iowan today about his work with the Newman Singers, a group of college-age musicians that tour the country performing at churches.

You can read the story in the University of Iowa's student newspaper here.  

Central Iowa Energy to hold informational meeting on proposed consolidation, liquidation

By PETER HUSSMANN

Shareholders of Central Iowa Energy, the financially-troubled Jasper County biodiesel plant, are being invited to an informational meeting early next month to hear details on the planned consolidation of the company with Renewable Energy Group of Ames.

In a Securities and Exchange Commission filing entered following the close of business on Friday, Central Iowa noted that it has set a special meeting for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at Newton High School to allow shareholders an opportunity to hear details on the proposed transaction. Representatives of REG, as well as CIE's financial advisers, will be on hand to give a presentation. Time will be allowed for shareholders to ask questions, the filing said.

The filing also stated that shareholders will vote on the proposed consolidation with Renewable Energy and Central Iowa's subsequent dissolution and liquidation at a special meeting on Feb. 17. The actions take separate votes of the shareholders.

Under the plan, REG will assume essentially all of Central Iowa's assets in exchange for the distribution of shares in the new company being formed by the consolidation. However, plans call for the shares to be used to satisfy outstanding claims owed by Central Iowa with distribution made only after those claims are satisfied.

In addition to assuming control of Central Iowa, REG is also involved in proposals to assume control of two other biodiesel plants, Western Iowa Energy and Blackhawk Biofuels.

Friday's SEC filing also included notification of REG's filing of a registration statement that included a definitive proxy statement. The proxy will be mailed to CIE shareholders in the near future.

The 300-page plus proxy statement includes a termination fees provision that would require Central Iowa Energy to pay REG $1 million in cash within 10 days should the agreement be terminated due to CIE's board of directors changing its favorable recommendation on the consolidation. Reverse termination fee provisions are also included favoring CIE shareholders.

Since its inception in 2007, Central Iowa Energy has lost $14.3 million from operations.

County residents remain without power

Newton Independent

More than 1,000 Alliant Energy electrical customers in Jasper County remain without power this morning, the company is reporting.

Late this morning, the company said 1,011 customers in the county were still experiencing power outages following Wednesday's ice storm. A total of 1,784 electrical customers are still without power in the company's east central region, the area encompassing Jasper County and areas to the east.

Across its service territory, which includes sections of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, Alliant was reporting a total of 5,256 electrical power outages, the largest in southwest Wisconsin where 2,660 customers remained without power following the storm.

TPI hires 500th employee

Newton Independent

TPI Composites announced today that it has hired its 500th employee at its Newton, Iowa wind blade manufacturing facility.

The announcement was made in a media release sent by the Lavidge Company, the public relations firm used by the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company.

When TPI opened its Newton operations in September 2008, the company had committed to the state, county and city to hire 500 people by the end of 2010.