Newton Independent

Senate Democrats call for ongoing negotiations over Iowa budget impasse

By PETER HUSSMANN

Members of the Iowa Senate leadership today sent a letter to Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad stating that they remain hopeful negotiations can continue and a compromise can be reached to avoid a state government shutdown.

"With 30 days before the end of the fiscal year, we remain hopeful that our negotiations with members of your staff and the House Republican leadership will continue in good faith," Senate Democrats Robert Dvorsky, Jack Kibbie and Mike Gronstal wrote.

"We are also hopeful that we can reach a compromise that results in a balanced budget (without raising taxes), keeps our savings accounts full, and continues efforts to help Iowans recover from the lingering national recession."

Earlier today, Gov. Branstad said Senate Democrats had abandoned budget negotiation talks and have not put forward a plan to break the stalemate over the state's budget, an allegation disputed by Senate Democrats in their letter to the governor today.

"We have all publicly stated that we want to avoid a state government shutdown," the lawmakers stated. "Senate Democrats have backed up those public statements by making multiple offers designed to be a middle ground between what you originally proposed for a state budget in January and what the Senate has already approved.

"At the same time, we understand that your Administration has already initiated contingency planning for an orderly shutdown of state government should the negotiations not be completed by June 30."

The Democrats suggested that the governor follow a model of action taken by the Obama Administration during the near recent shutdown of federal government services. That plan including negotiating in good faith and realizing that a middle-ground settlement would include pieces of legislation that each side would not agree to 100 percent.

Further, the Senate Democrats suggested that the Branstad Administration lay out to all taxpayers in Iowa what would happen if no budget deal is reached by the end of June.

"In the end, we believe that Iowans being empowered with vital, accurate information about the consequences of a state government shutdown would be helpful in pushing Republican and Democratic negotiators to find common ground and avoid a disaster," the Senate Democrats wrote.

Iowa tax revenues up

Newton Independent

During the 12-month period ending April 2011, net revenue from all taxes deposited to state funds totaled $6.378 billion, an increase of $228 million (3.7 percent) compared to the prior 12-month period, the Legislative Services Agency told state lawmakers in a memorandum released Friday.

The seven-page report can be read here.

Line-up of events set for Friday's Jasper County Relay for Life

Newton Independent

Relay for Life of Jasper County, a community-wide fund-raiser for the American Cancer Society, released its schedule of events and line-up of entertainment for this Friday's event.

Following is the event schedule. Master of Ceremonies for the evening is Dan Kelley.

5 - 5:45 p.m. Registration for Survivor's Walk
5 - 6 p.m. - Music by Wikid Likir
6 p.m. - Welcome by Newton Mayor Chaz Allen
             Invocation by Rev. Marv Potter
             National Anthem by State Street Singers, Baxter
             Survivor's Walk
6:15 p.m. - Introduction of 2011 major sponsors and Relay teams
6:15 - 8 p.m. - Cancer Learning Center
                       Dermascan screening for sun damage by Skiff
6:30 p.m. - Pork barbeque by Hy-Vee ($5 donation suggested)
6:30 - 11 p.m. - Snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn
6:30 - 6:45 p.m. - inMotion Dance Company
6:45 p.m. - Zumba (and throughout the evening)
7:30 - 8 p.m. - Pie Toss ($5 donation per throw at John Deegan, Heather Ross, Chris Wing, Darrin Hamilton, Steve Long, Nancy Parrott and Pete Hussmann)
8 - 8:30 p.m. - Music by Wikid Likir
8:30 p.m. - Culver's custard
8:30 - 9 p.m. - Accordz accordian group
Until 8:45 p.m. - Purchase luminaria
9 p.m. - Luminaria ceremony
             Cancer survivor Karen Parman, who climbed Mt. Everest
             Skiff CEO Steve Long
             Music by Kim Schnell
             Luminaria reading, Ron Husted on bagpipes
10:15 p.m. - Music by Wikid Likir
11 p.m. - Free hot dog roast sponsored by Monroe Foods
Midnight - Giveaway of hot air balloon ride by Diamond Jake (must be present to win)
                Most team members present from team wins sandwich lunch from Okoboji Grill

A photo booth by Life Art Photos and pictures courtesy of Walgreens will also be available, as well as massages by Holly Stadelmann, LMT at Skiff.

United Way releases annual report

Newton Independent

United Way of Jasper County today released its annual report for the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

The report shows total unaudited income of $311,188 with expenses for the fiscal year totaling $324,796, including $72,714 in general operating expenses.

In addition, the report provides an overview of the efforts undertaken by the United Way in the past year.

You can read the annual report here.

State patrol responds to area accidents

Newton Independent

Iowa State Patrol troopers responded to three accidents on Interstate 80 in Jasper County over the Memorial Day weekend.

On Friday, the state patrol was called to an accident at 11:44 p.m. at the westbound 152 mile marker after Albert Hayton, 38, of Clinton struck a deer causing $4,500 damage to his vehicle.

At 2:39 p.m. Saturday, troopers were called to the 163 mile marker on westbound I-80 after James Billings, 61, of Omaha, Neb., fell asleep at the wheel with his vehicle striking the inside guardrail and then traveling across both westbound lanes before coming to rest on the outside shoulder.

The four occupants in the vehicle were transported by Newton emergency response personnel for treatment of minor injuries. The vehicle was a total loss.

On Sunday at 11:11 p.m., troopers responded to the westbound 177 mile marker after Jonathan Bailey, 26, of Monroe struck a deer causing an estimated $4,000 damage and rendering his vehicle inoperable.

Freedom Flight fund-raiser a success

Newton Independent

Organizers of this fall's planned Freedom Flight to Washington, D.C., had a successful fund-raising day on Friday netting more than $400.

Representatives of the Newton American Legion were on hand at the Hy-Vee gas station where 10 cents of every gallon sold went toward efforts to take Jasper County World War II, Korean and Vietnam War veterans to tour the memorials at the nation's capitol. Gas sales and donations topped $400 during the two-hour event, organizers said.

An organizational meeting on methods to raise funds for the trip is set for 6 p.m. tonight at the Newton Elks Lodge. Anyone interested in assisting the effort to honor the county's veterans is invited to attend.

Wage issue class action lawsuit filed against Trinity also moved to federal court

Newton Independent

Both class action lawsuits brought against Newton's wind energy companies over worker pay issues will now be heard in federal court after attorneys for Trinity Structural Towers on Friday moved the litigation from Jasper County District Court to the jurisdiction of the federal Southern District Court of Iowa.

Last month, lawyers for Mary Ann Etter brought suit against Newton wind tower manufacturer Trinity claiming the company allowed workers to regularly work more than 40 hours per week without proper overtime compensation. The suit seeks to collect damages on behalf of Etter and "all others similarly situated."

Earlier this month, lawyers for TPI Composites moved a similar class action lawsuit contending wage rate violations to the federal court system. Both suits were filed by the same West Des Moines law firm, Hudson, Mallaney, Shindler and Anderson.

 

Branstad asks Senate Democrats to put forward budget plan

Newton Independent

Gov. Terry E. Branstad announced that Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will lead the upcoming trade mission to South Korea and China while he will remain in Des Moines to negotiate Iowa's budget, a press release from the governor's office states today.

Branstad accused legislative Democrats of walking away from budget negotiations. He asked that Senate Democrats put a budget plan forward so that negotiations can resume.

"I am asking Senator Gronstal to bring forward a plan and put it on the table," Branstad said. "We have repeatedly asked him to, and thus far have received nothing."

Branstad acknowledged last week that his pre-school bill would likely not be passed this session, and that his corporate income tax reduction plan would not likely survive.

"So while I have taken a number of issues off the table, Senate Democrats won't even put a plan on the table," the governor said. "I believed we were on our way to a resolution of this year's budget."

Lt. Gov. Reynolds today disputed Democratic lawmakers' claims that the state has a nearly $1 billion budget surplus.

"Our bills come due on July 1," she said. "Any funds in that ending balance are being used to fund next year's budget, and end the reckless and irresponsible budgeting of the past.

Reynolds likened the situation to a family that is paid on Monday, but the mortgage is due that Friday, the press release states. The kids may beg them to spend it, but the mother and father instead are looking out for the best interests of the long-term financial health of the family, the release from the governor's office said.

Barr named one of Ron Paul's state co-chairs

Newton Independent

Roger Barr of Jasper County has been named co-chair of U.S. Rep. Ron Paul's presidential campaign for the 2nd Congressional District of Iowa.

Barr has served several terms on the Jasper County Republican Central Committee and has been elected to a number of district and state conventions. He was elected as a GOP national convention alternate delegate in 2008 and ran for the State Central Committee in 2010.

Barr, the Paul press release states, has been active in tax relief and gun rights groups, along with other conservative organizations like the Iowa Republican Liberty Caucus, which he chaired.

Barr is an IT manager and is currently employed by OPN Architects of Cedar Rapids and Des Moines.

Friday Forecast

Newton Independent

The Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed members of the Greater Des Moines Partnership to Newton this week and makes note of the visit in this week's edition of its weekly newsletter Friday Forecast.

Find out what's going on around the county, as well as seeing who has recently joined the Chamber, by reading the Friday Forecast here.

Music in the Park Saturday in Colfax

Newton Independent

Jasper County residents are invited to Colfax on Saturday evening to watch the Swing Crew perform on the Anspach Stage in Women's Club Park, 13 East Division Street, in the first of the Colfax Main Street's sponsored season of Music in the Park.

The Swing Crew is an interactive acoustic band that plays a variety of music from Garth Brooks to Van Morrison to Jimmy Buffett to the Clash. They interact with the audience through jokes, stunts and cornball humor.

The concert starts at 7 p.m. Treats and refreshments (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available for sale. No coolers are allowed.

Future performances at Music in the Park include Newton's Eight Track Band on Saturday, June 18, and Bob Dorr and the Blue Band on Sunday, July 17.

For more information, contact the Colfax Main Street office at 515-674-9071 or visit their web site.

Campers reminded of new firewood labeling requirements

Newton Independent

Campers heading out this Memorial Day weekend are being reminded of new labeling requirements for firewood in Iowa.

On Jan. 1, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship began requiring that all firewood sold or acquired in Iowa to have the county and state of harvest location on the label of packages and delivery ticket for bulk firewood.

You can read a Q&A on the new requirements here.

Kelley @ the Capitol: String of good local economic news

By REP. DAN KELLEY
Democrat, Newton

Negotiations continued this week on the state budget between Senate leadership, the House majority and the Governor's office. There are still a lot of issues to resolve before the Legislature reaches final adjournment. I know we can't give up on the middle class and Iowa's rural communities. We need to continue job creation efforts that are successful and make sure we have a well-educated workforce. With nearly $1 billion in surplus and reserves, we can keep the state budget balanced while maintaining our commitment to jobs and our kids.

There's been a string of good economic news locally in the last week. First, the unemployment rate in Jasper County dropped a full point, which was the largest drop of the year. This means there are 110 more people working this month than last month. While our unemployment rate remains at an unacceptable level, the full point drop is welcome news. I believe we must continue to focus on attracting and developing quality jobs so families can make ends meet.

Also, the West Des Moines-based call center Caleris announced it will hire 100 people for an expansion of their operations in the former Maytag headquarters building. Again, we take a step in the right direction.

To top off the week, the local engineering firm launched after the closure of Maytag, Springboard Engineering was sold to Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) in a deal that will likely bring more jobs to Jasper County. These are the high-tech jobs of the 21st century requiring a highly-skilled workforce. We need more of them.

That's a big week, especially considering that this weekend, 37,811 race fans attended the NASCAR Nationwide race at the Iowa Speedway. They left an estimated average of $173 per person in our state and local economy.

More good news will come on Friday, June 3, at H.A. Lynn Field in Newton. This is the date of the 15th Annual Relay for Life of Jasper County. Ninety-six of Iowa's 99 counties host a Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. Volunteers from every community in our county will come together for a night of fun, fund-raising and remembrance. Our county-wide Relay for Life is regarded as one of the best organized and most successful in the state.

Most everyone's life has been touched by cancer. Can you name family, friends, co-workers or fellow church members who have fought cancer? Are you a cancer survivor? I became involved in Relay for Life in memory of my grandma, Lois Maddy, after she ended her battle with cancer in 2007. Please consider attending the Relay in honor of someone close to you.

The night will kick-off at 6 p.m. with the Survivor's Lap. Cancer survivors are encouraged to come to the stadium between 5 and 5:45 p.m. to receive a "Survivor" t-shirt. There are lots of folks who work very hard to put the Relay together, but the stars of the evening are the survivors, easily identified by their purple shirts. For the first time at our local Relay, survivors are encouraged to walk the ceremonial first lap with friends and family.

At dusk, the luminary ceremony provides an opportunity to remember those who have ended their battle with cancer and honor cancer survivors. Please consider donating at least $10 for a luminary in honor or memory of a friend or loved one. Contact Jeff Pence at 641-792-5125 to make a donation to the luminary display portion of the Relay.

Music, food, and fun are on the agenda for the evening. A special guest this year is Karen Parman of Colfax. She will deliver a brief presentation on her experience of climbing Mt. Everest with fellow cancer survivors.

In previous years, I have served as fund-raising team coordinator for our local event. This year I have been asked to put on my DJ hat and serve as master of ceremonies for a portion of the Relay. Please come out and help us top last year's total of $60,000.

By attending or helping with this event, you are part of an organized movement to put a cure for cancer and effective care at the top of our agenda. Watch the survivors walk the first lap. If each survivor can successfully battle cancer, our nation can come together and defeat it.

Iowa makes a major contribution to these efforts. At the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa Hospitals, $74.2 million is spent annually on cancer related research. About $427 million of cancer patient care is delivered by the UI Hospitals and Clinics and faculty physicians. At U of I Hospitals and elsewhere, the treatment of cancer in children has been among the most successful treatments in the history of medicine. Over 80 percent of these children are cured and progress is ongoing. Your contributions to the Relay for Life of Jasper County benefit these efforts made by Iowans.

As a legislator, I will always keep the battle against cancer high on my list of priorities.

To make an online donation to one of the Relay for Life of Jasper County fund-raising teams, go to the local web site. I'd appreciate it if you choose Team Kelley's Heroes!

Feel free to contact me anytime at 515-521-9260 or dan.kelley@legis.state.ia.us. Visit my web site and friend me on Facebook.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Keeping in Touch: Much work yet to be done

By SEN. DENNIS BLACK
Democrat, Lynnville

What's the hang-up? That's the question I receive several times a day. The answer is simple, and yet does not satisfy many who really want to understand why the legislature and governor can't work together to meet the needs of Iowans.

It boils down to this. There's no need to hurt local students when Iowa has a billion dollars in the bank. That's the bottom line. Just 6.5 percent of existing savings will meet local school needs next year. Check with your superintendent. If the state fails in funding "allowable growth" of $65 million a year for the next two years, the shift to property taxes of all classes of property will be inevitable.

Again ... one billion dollars. One BILLION dollars! That's the number Iowans must keep in mind during this extended session and budget stalemate. That's the amount Iowa will have in the bank when we start the next fiscal year on July 1, just one month away!

If you don't believe me, call State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald. This is the guy that counts the money and protects Iowa's AAA bond rating. Just this week he released the statement and report that the current budget wil end the year on June 30 with $400 million more than previously expected. Add this to our savings and you've got the final figure.

So what does that billion dollars mean? It means that the legislature and the governor are not being straight with Iowans when they claim the state must freeze state aid for local schools. Again, this just shifts the cost onto local property taxpayers.

In other words, we could fund our local schools for the coming fiscal year and still have a surplus of $935 million in the bank. Amazing, huh? We're just one of three states in the nation ending the fiscal year in the black, which in fact is the greatest surplus in the history of the state of Iowa.

Several have urged us to "quit spending" the state's surplus and do on the essentials, pass a budget and adjourn for the year. "We will survive," they say. Of course we would survive, but the list of unfunded items is such that Iowa's way of life would be less enjoyable, and many citizens would be hurt. I want to be in a position to allow us to vote on property tax cuts, and far rather would have that occur than sit back with a fat surplus. What about soil conservation, clean water, health and human services, indigent defense, research to reduce the inevitability of the devastation that will occur with the tsunami of the Emerald Ash Borer that will kill Iowa's most predominant shade trees in our cities and towns, etc., etc. These are just a few of the plethora of issues that have not been deliberated to a successful conclusion, and for us to simply wrap it all up, pass what now is on the table, and pull the plug on the session would be a gross disservice to Iowans and a shameful performance in our role as elected leaders of the state.

No, there is too much work yet to do. I'm involved on a daily basis, and frankly, well accepted as one who is able and willing to work with both sides in bringing this to conclusion.

In my opinion, there will NOT be a shut-down of state government for other temporary methods would be utilized to allow all essential services to continue beyond July 1. I do believe the reality of "give-and-take" will sink in by the third week in June, and a late day and hour will find the General Assembly gathered at the capitol in a compromise to the finish.

Questions? dennis.black@legis.state.ia.us or call me at 515-281-3371.

Reminder: Fund-raiser for Freedom Flight today

Newton Independent

Heading out for the Memorial Day weekend? Well, fill up your tank at the Newton Hy-Vee gas station from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today and help a Jasper County veteran get the opportunity to tour the memorials in Washington, D.C., during this fall's Freedom Flight.

The Hy-Vee gas station will be donating 10 cents from each gallon sold during the two-hour period today. Local veterans will be on hand to pump gas and thank those taking part in the fund-raising effort.

Representatives of the Newton American Legion are again in the process of raising funds to enable veterans from World War II, Korea and Vietnam fly free-of-charge for a day long trip to the nation's capitol.

A planning meeting on the effort is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Newton Elks Lodge.

Branstad calls out Democrats on stalled budget talks

Newton Independent

Gov. Terry E. Branstad today released the following statement upon "learning that Senate Democrats are abandoning budget negotiations," the release from the governor's office late today stated.

"I am extremely disappointed the Senate Democrats made the decision to walk away from the negotiating table. Our office has been negotiating in good faith and believed progress was being made. I have no idea why Senate Democrats have chosen to abandon this critical work

I am here. I will continue to work with House and Senate Republicans. I will also work with any other legislators willing to put together a responsible budget and do the work Iowans sent us here to do."

Newton students taking pledge against distracted driving

By PETER HUSSMANN

More than 50 Newton High School students have taken the pledge against distracted driving by signing on to a program sponsored by several local business members aimed at keeping teenage drivers safe.

The brainchild of Newton attorney Corey Walker, the program offers teens the opportunity to receive a $25 gift card and a $100 college tuition assistance grant in return for their written pledge not to text or talk on a cell phone while driving.

Walker, a Newton High School graduate, along with his wife, Beth, have enlisted the assistance of Newton insurance agent Jeff Maki and local chiropractor Dr. Jay Koenen to develop and finance the community safety project.

Walker said he decided to do something after seeing an alarming trend of car crashes caused by distracted driving, such as texting and talking on cell phones.

"We want to make a difference in the lives of local residents because if we prevent even one tragedy the money spent will be well worth it," Walker said.

Pledge cards are available at Newton High School. Newton students may also sign on to the program at a web site produced by the sponsors, Iowa Family Against Distracted Drivers.

Skiff to redistribute occupational health services

Newton Independent

Skiff Medical enter announced that effective June 24, the Newton hospital will decentralize the functions currently provided in the Occupational Health department, a move, however, that is not related and does not affect Skiff's occupational therapy services.

The medical center will continue to provide occupational health services, but not via an Occupational Health department. These services, and the departments they will relocate to, are:

• Drug screens - Laboratory
• Physical capacity profile (PCP) testing - Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Hearing screens - Audiology (division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
• Breath alcohol screening - Emergency Department

The decision to change the was occupational health services are provided follows a nearly year-long search for an occupational health mid-level provider, which has continued to be unsuccessful. Skiff's rural health clinics have been utilized in recent months as a short-term remedy but that option in the long-run does not conform to Skiff's values at being the best at what it does, hospital officials said in making the announcement.

"This decision was not one we made lightly - or quickly," said Skiff CEO Steve Long. "Our lack of success in recruiting an occupational health services provider, coupled with ongoing financial losses from this department, showed us that we needed to make a change. We are committed to being responsible stewards of our resources; if we can give the community the services it needs in a manner that is more effective, more efficient and more monetarily sound than we have been, then it's the right thing to do."

Long noted that the elimination of the department as a centralized function does not mean elimination of the department's three staff members.

"We will identify open positions elsewhere in the organization that fit these individuals' skill sets," he said, and help them transition without any gap in employment, should this be their desire."

As part of the announcement, Skiff has sent a letter to all of their occupational helath clients. In addition to informing them of the upcoming changes, they are being assured that they can receive ongoing services from the mid-level providers at Skiff's rural clinic locations in Baxter, Colfax and Monroe, as well as the physicians at Newton Clinic.

Luminaria ceremony planned for Jasper County Relay for Life

Newton Independent

A special luminaria ceremony will be held Friday, June 3, at the Jasper County Relay for Life event to raise funds for cancer research. The ceremony will allow community members an opportunity to remember those lost to cancer and honor those who have survived.

The ceremony will begin at 9 p.m. and will feature Karen Parman of Colfax as she talks of her battle with cancer and her recent experience of climbing Mt. Everest with a group of other cancer survivors. A reading will be given by Skiff Medical Center CEO Steve Long and Kim Schnell will sing. After the program, the names on the luminaria will be read as Ron Husted plays the bagpipe.

"Each luminaria represents the life of someone who has battled cancer," said Jeff Pence, volunteer luminaria chair. "It is a beautiful sight when all the bags with candles are illuminated around the track. The luminaria ceremony is a moving way to remember loved ones lost to cancer and to pay tribute to cancer survivors."

Anyone wishing to make a luminaria donation may contact Pence at 641-792-5125. Each luminaria is a minimum donation of $10. They may be purchased at the event until 8:45 p.m.

The Jasper County Relay for Life will kick off at 6 p.m. at H.A. Lynn Stadium with the Survivor's Lap, a tribute to cancer survivors. A number of other events are planned throughout the evening.

For more information, contact Relay for Life co-chairs Roxann Wormley at 792-3833 or Debby Pence at 521-9301. Donations to the fund-raiser for cancer research may also be made at the Jasper County Relay for Life web site.

Letter: War with Islam

To the Newton Independent:

I have been criticized by Christians and Muslims for saying that we are at war. You may not have to participate in a war but you damn well ought to recognize one when you see it.

I saw signs of it the other day when the head Jew from Israel was speaking to Congress and those people were on their feet cheering for him more than they were sitting. Like it or not, he is looked upon as one of the generals in the fight with Islam and the people of Palestine are looked at as the face of Islam.

It has been my experience in life that the face often hides the goodness of the heart. There are far more good hearts amongst the people of the world today, but everyone seems to be looking at the faces.

What a sad world we live in today. I hope President Obama will remember what President Truman did to a general who forgot who was in charge, be he Jew or Gentile.

Olen W. Lambert
Newton