Newton Independent

Friday Forecast

Newton Independent

Find out what events are in store for the coming week as well as the latest Chamber news by reading today's edition of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce's weekly Friday Forecast.

House committee votes to toughen synthetic pot laws

Newton Independent

A House committee on Thursday voted to add numerous synthetic marijuana compounds to the list of banned substances in Iowa, as well as giving state regulators the ability to temporarily designate new products that come on the market as controlled substances.

The Public Safety Committee voted 20-0 to approve House Study Bill 609, a measure that targets the sale of incense and potpourri products that contain chemicals not currently banned but are part of the same synthetic cannabinoid family.

Last year, state lawmakers banned six chemicals commonly contained in K2 synthethic marijuana products. Since that time, however, manufactururers of the products have tweaked the chemical compositions of the products to bypass state control over their sale.

This year's measure gives the Iowa Pharmacy Board the power to regulate new products on a temporary basis until lawmakers have the chance to place permanent bans on the new compounds found in the products.

The bill specifies that if any new substance has not been designated a controlled substance under federal law and the board of pharmacy finds that the "substance poses an imminent hazard to public safety, the board may designate the substance a controlled substance."

Late last month, the operators of the Petro Stop in Newton, Jawant Singh, and the Kellogg Country Store, Jarnail Manhani, were charged with four aggravated misdeamenor counts for allegedly selling synthetic marijuana from their stores.

Both men have plead not guilty to the charges and have demanded speedy trials.

 

Jasper County Rescue League sets series of fundraisers

Puma, a domestic medium hair female, is among the cats currently available for adoption at the Jasper County Animal Rescue League.

Newton Independent

The Jasper County Animal Rescue League and Humane Society is teaming up with two local businesses - Pizza Ranch and Hy-Vee Food Store - on a series of fundraising activities designed to provide the organization with important financial support, while a separate public campaign is being launched to help encourage pet adoptions from the League.

While the Rescue League provides a host of services that benefit the local community and abandoned and stray animals, a primary objective of the organization is to find new, safe and loving homes for the many dogs and cats that are brought to the facility in Newton each year.

With the traditional cold weather months having increased its cat population, the League is also seeking financial contributions that will go toward the spaying and neutering of the resident felines. This innovative approach would significantly reduce upfront adoption fees, making them more affordable for prospective pet owners.

JCARL's Neuter or Spay a Stray Campaign

"With pet adoptions from our League, individuals are typically responsible for covering upfront fees taht include the cost of spaying or neutering, if necessary," said Emily Bostwick, director of the Jasper County Animal Rescue League and Humane Society. "With our 'Neuter or Spay a Stray' campaign, we're looking to raise funding through which we ultimately hope to alter all of our resident animals, thereby reducing overall fees and making pet adoptions a more economical and appealing option for area residents. Having animlas altered during their stay at the League will also create a healthier and less-stressful overall environment for the animals."

Individuals or groups interested in making tax-deductible financial contributions to the "Neuter or Spay a Stray" program may send checks to the JCARL, 5411 Liberty Avenue, Newton, Iowa 50208.

Partnering with Pizza Ranch

In addition, the JCARL is partnering with Pizza Ranch on fundraising efforts to assist with the League's general operating expenses. Staff, board members and volunteers from the League are currently selling special discunt cards that can be used exclusively at the Newton Pizza Ranch location.

The "Round Up Ranch Cards," available for $10 each, provide customers with a host of food discount options, including a buy-one-get-one-at-a-reduced-cost offers. The discount cards will be valid until Aug. 31, 2012.

On Monday, representatives of the Animal Rescue League will be working as wait staff at the Newton Pizza Ranch from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Over the four-hour "Tip Night" period, all customer tips collected by the League members will directly benefit JCARL operations. In addition, 10 percent of all dine-in restaurant sales over $500 during that time period will be donated to the Rescue League.

Hy-Vee's "Helpful Smiles" Helping the JCARL

Newton residents are also be encouraged to save their returnable beverage cans for the JCARL "I Can Help" can and bottle drive set for Saturday, March 3, and Sunday, March 4.

The returnable empties may be delivered to the Rescue League at 5411 Liberty Avenue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, and from noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 4. Cans and bottles may also be dropped off outside the northeast corner of the Hy-Vee store from noon until 3 p.m on Saturday, March 3, and from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 4.

Later in March, Hy-Vee will be sponsoring additional in-store fundraising promotions and activities to benefit the Jasper County Animal Rescue League. More details of those events will be announced in the near future.

For more information on donation, adoption and volunteering opportunities, contact the Rescue League at 641-792-5407 or visit the League's web site here.

 

Lumbard featured in final Blues Under the Blue Roof series Monday

Rob Lumbard, a long-time Iowa blues/folk artist, will be the final performer in the South Skunk Blues Society's Blues Under the Blue Roof series at the Newton Public Library. Lumbard will perform from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the library. The performance is free and open to the public.

Kelley @ the Capitol: A busy funnel week

By REP. DAN KELLEY
Democrat, Newton

We are at the halfway point in the 2012 legislative session. This means we've hit the first self-imposed deadline to narrow the number of bills still eligible for debate. While there are a few exceptions for tax, budget bills and amendments, any bill that has not cleared a House or Senate committee this week is ineligible for consideration.

What is funnel week like from a legislator's perspective? Think of it as cramming for college finals. The difference is we're preparing for votes instead of tests. Committee meetings start early and often adjourn after midnight. While last week we attended a formal state dinner at the Capitol in honor of Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, this week I had Chinese delivery on speed dial.

Several bills survived funnel week which could benefit Iowans and our economy. These bills encourage Iowans to purchase more local foods, keep Iowa businesses open when the owner retires, expand the production of renewable energy and reduce filing fees for small businesses. Also, a bill was approved in the Senate to give Iowa businesses first preference on state and local government contracts. The measure will keep more of our taxpayer dollars in Iowa instead of going to another state or country.

Other surviving bills are designed to protect our must vulnerable Iowans. These bills expand protections for domestic abuse victims and make sure our health care facilities are safe. I will work hard to help these bills become law.

I spent most of funnel week in the House Education Committee. As these meetings progressed, it became more and more evident that House members in both parties shared my concerns with the Governor's education proposal. I am very proud that votes on amendments and the overall bill did not simply fall along party lines. I'm convinced my colleagues were motivated, as I was, by what is best for students rather than our political parties.

The House Education Committee made significant changes to the education plan crafted by the Governor's off and supported by Iowa Director of Education Jason Glass. While there is still a long way to go before it becomes law, we are going to keep working to broaden literacy support for students before third grade and encouraging more personalized instruction for Iowa's kids.

I was deeply involved in much of the discussion concerning online learning. While I see valuable opportunity for enhancement of education thrugh the application of Internet and computer-based technology, I am concerned with what the Governor is proposing. The Governor's proposal further opens the door for out-of-state, online education corporations to financially benefit by taking Iowa school children, kindergarten through senior year, out of the classroom and putting them in front of a computer all day. This is already happening in several small, rural school districts. In these districts, 97 percent of the money which follows students into the school district goes to an out-of-state corporation while 3 percent goes to the local schools. Unfortunately, some schools are encouraging open enrollment to online course offerings as a way to bring funds into their districts. Thankfully, the House Education Committee successfully amended the portion of the Governor's education proposal which would have made this situation worse.

While we didn't fix the problems with understaffing at Iowa's correctional facilities, we did make progress. The House and Senate sent the governor a supplemental bill for the current fiscal year to help maintain public safety at our prisons. This bill will also clear waiting lists of Iowans who need mental health services.

Should the Governor sign the bill, SF 2071, the Newton Correctional Facility is set to receive $642,000. This will help put the prison at normal staffing levels. It's long overdue. Nearly a decade ago, approximately 400 staff members worked at the facility housing an inmate population of less than 1,000. Today, nearly 250 workers are employed while the prison population is about 1,200.

Over the last year-and-a-half, I've visited with many prison employees in groups and individually. We owe them all a debt of gratitude. Correctional officers and other prison employees put their well-being and lives on the line every day to keep Iowa safe. The least we can do is make sure they have our support, financial and otherwise.

The 2012 budget, signed by the Governor last year, did not provide sufficient funding to avoid stafff reductions. With prison populations continuing to climb, the Department of Corrections requested additional help this year to maintain public safety. I am pleased with the approval of additional funding, but I am far from satisfied. We must meet these needs appropriately in upcoming budgets. Supplemental spending is not a long-term solution. Our corrections workers deserve better and I will demand it when considering future budget bills.

The highlight of the week came on Tuesday afternoon. I was honored to be in attendance as William F. "Bill" Vernon, Jr., of Newton was inducted into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame by Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. Bill Vernon earned his induction by helping establish Progress Industries. He also helped create the Iowa Sports Foundation, organizers of the Iowa Games. Induction into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame is the most prestigious state-level honor that an individual can receive for their volunteer work.

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

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

Van Zee presented Skiff's DAISY nursing award

Newton Independent

Sandy Van Zee, a registered nurse at Skiff Medical Center, was recognized for her compassion to her patients and continuing quest for knowledge during the Newton hospital's first 2012 DAISY Award ceremony held earlier this month.

The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses was presented to Van Zee, who is currently in her 42nd year with Skiff and is the hospital's longest-serving current employee, following a nomination by colleague Lisa Dobbie.

"Sandy is a terrific advocate for her patients," Dobbie said in her nomination. "She lovingly cares for them. She will bathe those unable to do so for themselves, treating them as though they were her own mother. Patients will ask when she'll be working again because they remembered the gentle care they received from her. Nursing is a calling that Sandy is so richly serving."

Dobbie went on to note Van Zee's dedication to ongoing education.

"Sandy is always striving to learn more and is constantly furthering her education through seminars, reading, etc." Dobbie noted. "She recently became one of our competent would care nurses. She is a wonderful source of information for other nurses."

Van Zee said bases her dedication to nursing on Scripture.

"I cherish the words in Ephesians 5:21: 'Submit to one another out of reverance for Christ,'" she said. "Every day I come to work I feel rewarded from something I did for another. Skiff is a place I admire and I am proud to say I work here."

Van Zee was among a total of nine nurses nominated for this quarter's DAISY Award. Others were Kristy Axtell, Stacey Dee, Kari Hemann, Genevieve Langmaid, Darla Newsom, Judy Orr, Jenna Seals and Donna Spidle.

"Each quarter we've had more and more nominations," said Chief Nursing Officer Mary Swoboda. "When a nurse goes home at the end of a shift, she may not fully realize the impact she's had. But all of these nominations show that their patients and colleagues are recognizing that impact."

The DAISY Award, presented in collaboration with The American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), is part of the DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the work nurses do each day.

Nomination forms are available throughout Skiff Medical Center. The nominations are reviewed and award winners are selected on a quarterly basis by the Nursing Coordinating Council, which consists of professional nursing representatives from all areas of the organization.

Lawyer for convenience store operators charged with selling fake pot demands state turn over all evidence to be used against them at trial

By PETER HUSSMANN

The Des Moines lawyer representing the two convience store operators charged with selling synthetic marijuana this week filed motions asking the court to require state prosecutors to produce detailed information on the evidence gathered in the drug sting operation that lead to the charges.

Alfredo Parrish filed the identical eight-page motions to produce on behalf of Jaswant Singh, operator of the Petro Stop in Newton, and Jarnail Manhani, operator of the Kellogg Country Store.

Both men were charged in late January with four aggravated misdemeanor counts of conspiracy to manufacture, deliver and/or possess with intent to deliver synthetic marijuana following a drug sting operation conducted by the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (MINE) Drug Task Force late last year.

The motion to produce also asks the court to require state prosecutors to produce any and all exculpatory evidence that is favorable to both defendants and evidence that might be used to impeach the credibility of witnesses.

Earlier this month, Parrish entered written pleas of not guilty on behalf of both men and demanded a speedy trial. A pretrial conference is set for later this month.

Lawyers for Clements ask court permission for additonal legal representation in lawsuit over sale of Iowa Speedway

By PETER HUSSMANN

The West Des Moines law firm representing the U.S. Motorsport Corporation and the Clement family in its breach of contract lawsuit against Manaco and Manatt's, Inc., over the sale of the Iowa Speedway filed a motion Wednesday asking that two attorneys from Minneapolis be allowed to assist in the case.

Scott Brennan of the Davis Brown law firm filed a motion to admit council pro hac vice in the case, a request that needs court approval when the lawyers being asked to join the case have not been admitted to practice in the jurisdiction.

The motion asks that Jason Asmus and Charles Rogers with the Briggs and Morgan law firm in Minneapolis be allowed to enter the case.

Late last month, the U.S. MotorSport Corporation filed suit against Manaco and Manatt's Inc., claiming the Brooklyn-based road construction company and former majority owner of the Iowa Speedway breached the purchase agreement it entered into with the Clement family when it took controlling ownership of the Newton racetrack last June.

Manaco and Manatt's have denied the allegations, according to court documents filed in connection with the case, and claim the Clements' action is a "deliberative, bad faith, intentional scheme to avoid their payment obligations to Manaco."

Senator Black lends support to jobs training legislation

Newton Independent

Local state lawmaker Dennis Black today is lauding a vote in the Iowa Senate on Wednesday that invests $20 million a year over a three-year period to identify skilled job shortages and help Iowans receive the training needed to fill them.

Senate File 2024, an act relating to workforce training programs in community colleges, passed on a 26-22 vote and now heads to the Iowa House where its future is uncertain.

"Iowa's economy is recovering, but it will recover faster and stronger when Iowa employers are able to find the skilled workers they need," the Lynnville Democrat said. "Our excellent community colleges already work closely with local businesses to identify skills in short supply. The legislation I helped pass provides innovative programs and resources to local community colelges like Des Moines Area Community College so iowans can fill those skilled job shortages."

In hearings leading up to Wednesday's vote, lawmakers were told that there are currently as many as 500 skilled welding positions in Iowa that are unable to be filled. Information technology is another area where skilled workers are in short supply.

"If Iowa employers can't find the skilled workers they need here in Iowa, they can choose to lose business to competitors, hire people in some other state or country or move out of Iowa," Black said. "A better choice for Iowa is to identify skilled job shortages and helping Iowans fill them."

The legislation creates a new source of financial aid to help workers upgrade their skills and also takes to pilot programs statewide. Students in local workforce shortage areas can receive new Skilled Workforce Shortage Tuition Grants. The Gap Assistance Program helps Iowans earn recognized certificates and professional licenses at community colleges, the sort of non-credit classes ineligible for federal financial aid. The Pathways for Academic Career and Employment program identifies local job openings and coordinates efforts to help nontraditional students qualify for them.

"Helping Iowa businesses succeed by finding the skilled employees they need has bipartisan support in my district," Black said. "And helping Iowans upgrade their skills so they can fill local job openings that are hard to fill is a win-win for the Iowa economy."

Two named to Luther dean's list

Newton Independent

Two students from Newton, freshman Caleb Sander and senior Kelsey Hunerdoose, were named to the 2011 fall semester dean's list at Luther College in Decorah.

Local members of National Board of Realtors visit statehouse

Rep. Dan Kelley, D-Newton, met with local members of the National Association of Realtors at the statehouse on Tuesday. Pictured with Kelley, far right, are Jo Jenkins, regional vice president; Koni Bunse, realtor; and Krista Clark, president of the Newton Board of Realtors.

Local beef producer's Charolais wins Breeder's Choice Award

Jeannine Doughty shows a bull owned by John Dodge of Newton during the Charolais sale at the Iowa Beef Expo held last week in Des Moines. The bull, The Iowa Farmer Today reported, was the winner of the Breeder's Choice Award and was the top selling Charolais at $5,250. This year's Beef Expo sale grossed a record $2.35 million, the online magazine reported.

GOP trio accuses Republican committee chair of blocking pro-gun legislation

Newton Independent

A trio of Republican state lawmakers are questioning the 2nd Amendment resolve of one of their party members in a letter recently sent to the Speaker of the House Kraig Paulsen.

Rep. Kim Pearson, who represents the western portion of Jasper County, along with Sen. Kent Sorenson and Sen. Mark Chelgren co-authored a letter that accuses Republican Rep. Clel Baudler of being soft on gun laws and even siding with Democrats on the issue.

Rep. Pearson sent out a copy of the letter in her newsletter today. It reads:

Dear Mr. Speaker, Recently we had the opportunity to sit in on a full House Public Safety Committee being chaired by Representative Clel Baudler.

The committee was considering HJR 2005 and HF 2114. Both of these bills would advance and strengthen the 2nd Amendment here in Iowa.

Unfortunately, it became quickly obvious that Chairman Baudler, despite a vast numerical advantage, had little intention of passing either of these bills as they were originally submitted.

In fact, he sided with the Democratic caucus in supporting drastically watered down versions of both bills. When a Republican colleague asked for a caucus to discuss the weakening amendments, Chairman Baudler flat out refused.

We are greatly concerned about his actions that day. As we looked into this more closely, we've discovered that Chairman Baudler is unwilling to advance a host of pro-2nd Amendment pieces of legislation.

HF 2113 is this year's version of Constitutional Carry. This year it's supported by the NRA, Iowa Gun Owners and tens of thousands of grassroots Iowans. However, Chairman Baudler assigned the bill to himself and refuses to even conduct a subcommittee hearing regarding this legislation.

HF 2116 is another gun bill that shares the support of the NRA and Iowa Gun Owners and would greatly improve the laws regarding the purchase of handguns by law abiding Iowans. Chairman Baudler has assigned this bill to himself as well, and refuses to advance it.

We've already discussed our concerns regarding  HF 2114 and HJR 2005.

As well we've learned that Chairman Baudler has voted against bills like HF 2113 for years.

Iowa has experienced a recent number of horrific crimes with a young real estate agent being murdered in West Des Moines while showing a property, an elderly couple murdered in their own home in Madison County, two shopkeepers shot in two separate gas stations in North Central Iowa, and more.

These sorts of crimes are happening right now. No gun law restriction will prevent this from happening in the future. Since you personally voted for legislation like HF 2113 in the past we assume you agree with us on this.

However, passage of Constitutional Carry would go a long way in removing the restrictions that currently leave some people unable to obtain a permit to carry due to the time and money involved in this process.

Further, our own party platform, in section 7.15 says, "We demand full restoration of 2nd Amendment rights and call for a state law authorizing law-abiding citizens to carry firearms, open or concealed, without a permit."

Further still, many members of our party have made promises to our voters to see Constitutional Carry become law in this state. In fact, some of our party won their elections last time by as few as 13 votes - after gun owners got involved in their races. For their sakes alone, if nothing else, we should do what we can to pass Constitutional Carry and the aforementioned bills so as to make sure that our party can count on the support of gun owners in the next election cycle.

While Republicans cannot force the Senate's hand (we will leave that up to grass roots gun owners), we're very disturbed that these bills have been locked up in sub-committees that do not meet or watered down in full committees in the House.

As this is funnel week, we strongly urge you to schedule immediate sub-committee and full committee votes on HF 2113 and HF 2116 as quickly as possible.

Since the Republican Party controls two of the three seats on these sub-committees and a 13 to 8 advantage in the full Public Safety Committee this should not be difficult to accomplish.

Please, Speaker Paulsen, let's honor the 2nd Amendment, our party platform, and our compaign promises by doing our part to advance these important bills this session. If the Senate Democrats decide to kill these bills, then grass roots gun owners will have the last word on that on election day, as they did in 2010.

Sincerely,
Sen. Kent Sorenson
Sen. Mark Chelgren
Rep. Kim Pearson

Former Trinity worker asks that wrongful termination suit be moved back to state court system

Newton Independent

Attorneys for the Pella man who filed suit against Trinity Towers claiming he was wrongfully terminated from his position as a painter at the Newton wind tower plant is asking the federal court to return the case to the Iowa court system.

Gregory Mack filed suit against the company in Jasper County District Court earlier this month claiming he was terminated from his position after seeking treatment for an injury he sustained on the job. The suit contends he was terminated after seeking to make a valid worker's compensation claim.

In late January, attorneys for Trinity moved the case to the federal court system.

On Monday, Mack's attorneys filed a motion asking that the case be remanded to the state court because no violations of federal claims are being alleged and the amount of damages being sought does not exceed $75,000.

Windstream reports 4Q loss on previously announced charge, sees momentum going forward

Newton Independent

Windstream Corporation's previous announcement that it would take a charge in the fourth quarter due to changes to its accounting method for its pension plan lead the Little Rock-based company to report a net loss of nearly $32 million in the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Windstream reported consolidated revenue of $1.2 billion but a net loss of $31.9 million due to a pension charge of approximately $163 million. That compares to net income of $57 million on total revenues of $981 million during the same period in 2010.

Despite the fourth quarter loss, Windstream's CEO Jeff Gardner noted that the company's recent acquisitions improves the company's "financial trajectory" heading into 2102.

"2011 was an incredibly successful year for Windstream." Gardner said in today's earnings release. "As a result of solid execution in our legacy business, coupled with our targeted acquisition approach, we significantly improved the financial trajectory of our company ... giving us great momentum heading into 2012."

Windstream acquired PAETEC, a leading national business services provider, in the fourth quarter of 2011 which added 36,000 miles of fiber to Windstream's network and seven data centers, a move that enhances the company's ability to provide services to business customers.

"Together, we are a much stronger company with an expensive fiber network, an attractive portfolio and an outstanding business sales team, positioning Windstream for success in the enterprise space on a national level," Gardner said.

Windstream acquired Iowa Telecom, previously headquartered in Newton, in June 2010. The company said earlier this month that it is in confidential negotiations to sell the former Maytag headquarters campus near downtown Newton.

Y fitness instructor making Fight for Air Climb in Des Moines

Newton Independent

Newton YMCA kickboxing instructor Tiffannie Bruce will be participating in the American Lung Association's 2012 Fight for Air Climb in Des Moines.

On March 4, Bruce will join hundreds of other participants in the annual climbing of the stairs at the 801 Grand Building in downtown Des Moines.

Bruce said she is making the climb in honor of her son, Kinser, who had chronic lung disease when he was born and in honor of her grandmother who is a survivor of lung cancer.

Follow this link to assist Bruce in reaching her $100 fundraising goal. All proceeds go to the American Lung Association.

Local residents earns master's degree

Newton Independent

Lisa Anne Aldrich of Newton has earned a master of business administration, managing in the global economy degree fro Excelsior College in Albany, NY.

Deep Freeze Days set this weekend

Newton Independent

The Newton YMCA and City of Newton Parks Department's Deep Freeze Days are set to run this Friday and Saturday.

The Jack Frost 5K will start Saturday's activities at the YMCA. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the $30 cost going to the city's Fourth of July fireworks fund. The race begins at 8:30 a.m.

Other activities Saturday include the Newton Noon Kiwanis' pancake breakfast running from 8 to 10 a.m. in the multipurpose room at the Y.

Project Awake will be hosting an all-ages checker tournament at the Newton Arboretum on Saturday. Registration, which costs $5, runs from 12:30 to 1 p.m. with the tournament running from 1 to 4 p.m. Winners will take home prizes.

Also on Saturday, Des Moines magician Jonathan May will perform a Winter Magic Show from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Newton Community Theatre. Cost is $4 with proceeds supporting youth activities at the YMCA.

The volleyball tournament set for Friday night still has one remaining team spot open. Cost is $60 for up to eight players. Contact Sarah Swanson at 792-4006 if interested.

Legislation requires student testing on Constitution

Newton Independent

Iowa high school students would be required to pass a test on both the U.S. and Iowa Constitutions as a condition of graduation under legislation introduced by a state lawmaker on Monday.

Sen. Nancy Boettger, R-Harlan, introduced Senate File 2235 that calls for the new testing requirement.

"Citizens must know the basis of how their government operates in order to maintain their liberties and rights," the measure states.

New trial date set for Newton man charged in connection with Mingo woman's death

Newton Independent

A new trial date has been set for the Newton man charged with involuntary manslaughter in the drug overdose death of a Mingo woman.

Wyatt Franklin was scheduled to appear in Jasper County District Court on Monday for a pretrial conference in connection with the charge filed following the death of Shasta Sapp, 19, of Mingo last November.

That proceeding, along with a probation revocation hearing in connection with Franklin's previous conviction and deferred judgment on felony drug charges, was reset by District Court Judge Brad McCall to April 23.

McCall set the trial date on involuntary manslaughter charge against Franklin for May 23.

Also on Monday, Franklin's attorney waived Franklin's right to a speedy trial on the charge. He also filed a motion seeking to extend the deadline for filing motions in the case, including, but not limited to, motions to suppress and a change of venue.