THURSDAY, OCT. 30, 2025 • VOLUME N0. 125 • ISSUE NO. 6 • 1 SECTION • 10 PAGES
Serving Colfax • Mingo • Baxter • Western Jasper County
A Wonderful Halloween Walk
Hundreds of trick-or-treaters walked downtown Colfax gathering candy and goodies during the annual Halloween Walk Oct. 21.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune Spooky vampires, ferocious dinosaurs and hundreds of their friends visited the themed stops at the Colfax Halloween Walk sponsored by Colfax Main Street Oct. 21 in the downtown district.
ELECTION EDUCATION
County auditor reminds voters they can — and should — participate in upcoming school elections even if they live outside city limits By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune Historically, the city and school elections in Jasper County have considerably lower turnouts than state or federal elections, but the folks at the county auditor’s office hope their educational presentations with high schoolers and some of the older populations will result in a positive change in the coming years. County Auditor Jenna Jennings agreed some of the lower turnout is attributed to voters not knowing they can actually participate in these local elections, which happen every two years. For instance, some rural voters
may dismiss an election because they live outside city limits. However, city limits are not school limits. School district boundaries extend far beyond that of their respective city’s limits; Newton alone extends into portions of twelve townships. Every single household in Jasper County is part of a school district, and those votes are extremely important in determining who gets to serve on those school boards. In 2024, the Jasper County Auditor’s Office reported a 75 percent voter turnout. It was a highstakes presidential election that drew more than 20,000 people to the polls
or submit absentee ballots in Jasper County. Jennings and her staff would probably fall out of their seats if a local election garnered that much attention. So far, Jennings said more than 100 people have participated in early voting for the 2025 election. If that is any indication, the local turnout will be low again. In 2023, the last city and school election, the turnout was roughly 22 percent. It is relatively low, but it is a common figure for local elections. Jennings said 600 people submitted absentee ballots that year, and 5,333 people showed up on Election ELECTION | 3A
Jasper County The school district map of Jasper County shows how far district boundaries extend past city limits, indicating that many voters can participate in school elections.
ELECTION 2025 City of Baxter Mayoral Candidates Dan Kunkel Tell us a little bit about yourself: I’ve lived in our community my entire life and have always believed in the power of small towns where neighbors look out for one another and local involvement really matters. My wife and I raised our family here, and I’ve spent my career working hard, serving others and giving back to the place we call home. Whether it’s volunteering, helping a neighbor or supporting local projects, I’ve always had a heart for this community
Stephen Smith
and its people. What are you running for? I’m running for mayor because I care deeply about the future of our town and believe strong, steady leadership can help us continue to grow while preserving the values that make this a great place to live. Why are you running for city government? After serving on city council, I’ve
CONTACT US
KUNKEL | 3A
Tell us a little bit about yourself: My name is Stephen Smith. I have lived in Baxter since 1977. I met a wonderful lady from Baxter in 1974 and married her in 1975. I have two sons, four grand children and one great grandson. Both of my sons live Shaw Media in Baxter and are raising their families here. I have a great hobby of restoring antique furniture that keeps me very busy at times. I also work for the Baxter community school as a grounds person. est. 1851
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What are you running for? Mayor of Baxter Why are you running for city government? I have served in city government in many different positions over 30 years. I am very proud of this community and its people. I have seen good times and bad times, but the community always comes together in the end. I enjoy representing and SMITH | 3A
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