THURSDAY, OCT. 23, 2025 • VOLUME N0. 125 • ISSUE NO. 5 • 1 SECTION • 10 PAGES
Serving Colfax • Mingo • Baxter • Western Jasper County
A CONCERT WITH A CAUSE
The Boots and Roots Benefit Concert for the Colfax-Mingo Childcare Center weathered Mother Nature to put on a fantastic show flat, theres corn, people like 90’s country. I’m all in.” Smith was tapped to play the concert by friends George and Kathy Dickerson and their daughter, Teresa. A friend of Teresa’s husband, Smith has gotten to know the Dickersons when they traveled to the area the past several years. “They were throwing this event together as a fundraiser and asked if I would come play it. It’s always good to give back,” Smith said. “For me,
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune Crowds outlasted the rain and lightning that put on a show to enjoy an evening of music as the Boots and Roots Benefit Concert for the Colfax-Mingo Childcare Center Oct. 17 in the parking lot of Georgioz. Headlining the event was Nashville musician Nick Smith who made his first trip to Iowa for the event. “I love it. It’s no different than where I am from,” Smith said. “It’s
they are my friends and when friends ask you to do something you always want to help them out if you can.” A native of the Volunteer State, Smith got into music after graduating college. He moved to Nashville and started playing gigs on Broadway Street. “I kind of got thrown in the fire and I’ve been there ever since,” Smith said. The funds raised from CONCERT | 2A
Submitted Photo Boots and Roots headliner Nick Smith, a Nashville musician, takes the stage during the benefit concert Oct. 17 in Georgioz parking lot in Colfax.
Veterans group authorized to add plaque to memorial south of the courthouse Board of supervisors approve the addition, which comes at no cost to taxpayers By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune Jasper County Vietnam Veterans, a local group of military service members, was given permission by the board of supervisors last week to add a plaque by the veterans memorial sculpture located on the south side of the county courthouse. Veterans Bud Pickett and Dick Couch made the
Christopher Braunschweig/ Jasper County Tribune A Vietnam veterans group was authorized by the Jasper County Board of Supervisors to add a plaque to the veterans memorial on the south side of the courthouse.
request to supervisors. “We’re wanting to put a plaque of the memorial out here on the south side of the courthouse,” Pickett said to supervisors. “The plaque would be approximately 24 inches by 10 inches and would fit probably right underneath the ribbon we put up there … We’d just like your approval to do this.” VETERANS | 3A
ELECTION 2025
Baxter City Council Candidates Tootie Samson
Lindsay Bethards
Brad Hier
Michael Churchill
Joel Schabilion
Tell us a little bit about yourself: My name is Tootie Samson. My husband and I have lived in Baxter for about 30 years. We have three children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. I am a graduate of Baxter High School along with our three children and three of our grandchildren. I have served as officers on both Baxter Pride and Baxter Economic Development. I have also served on Planning and Zoning and currently serve on the Board of Adjustments. What are you running for? I am running for one of the open city council seats. Why are you running for city government? I served on the council from 2019 to 2023. I am your average tax paying citizen and not a business owner. I am a voice for the citizens of Baxter and especially the elderly who have helped
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I have been a Baxter resident for nearly 13 years and have loved this community since day one. I am a wife, mother of six and welcoming my first two grandchildren this winter. I am a business owner and Director of Growing Greatness Learning Center since 2021. I have been in the child care industry for over 20 years, previously running that business from my home. I am also new to the real estate industry as an agent since spring of 2024. I am a graduate of William Penn with a BA in Business Management. I am also a substitute bus driver and substitute teacher for Baxter Community School. I enjoy time spent with family and friends. What are you running for? Baxter City Council Why are you running for city government?
What are you running for? Baxter City Council Vacancy Why are you running for city government? Living in the Baxter community since 1995, outside of a few years in southeast Iowa with the Department of Corrections at Fort Madison, I believe it is important to give back to the community and make a positive difference to the citizens of Baxter. With more than 23 years of State government experience in the Department of Corrections as a Deputy Director of Administration and Associate Warden of Administration with responsibilities to include the Governor’s Office, Iowa Legislature, fiscal budgets, plant and administrative operations and personnel, coupled with 15 years of private sector experience as a technology engineer, project and fiscal
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I grew up in a small town not far from Baxter. I’ve been with my wife Bunny for 15 years, married 10 and have two sons, Oliver and Andrew, one of which lives in Baxter, as well. We own and operate the local bar and restaurant in Baxter - Benola’s. I’m a Marine Corps veteran who served during the Iraq conflict — 2002-2006. I’ve worked in the technology field for over 20 years. We’ve lived in Baxter for three years What are you running for? City Council Why are you running for city government? We moved here for a reason, we bought the bar and restaurant for a reason, we see the potential for continued greatness and growth in Shaw Media and this small community, I want to do my part on the council to see that through. Why do you think public service is important?
Tell us a little bit about yourself: My name is Joel Schabilion, my wife and I moved our family to Jasper County in 2006 after I accepted a job with the Newton Fire Department as a firefighter/paramedic. We moved to Baxter in 2007 and raised our four children and they all graduated from BCSD. What are you running for? I am running to retain my seat on Baxter City Council after winning by special election last year. Why are you running for city government? I am running for city government because I (and a large group of fellow residents) were frustrated with the state of our city and felt that all residents of Baxter weren’t being treated fairly/ equally or being heard when it came to concerns and priorities that the council should have. Myself, other appointees and council
SAMSON | 3A
BETHARDS | 3A
HIER | 3A
CHURCHILL | 3A
SCHABILION | 3A
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