THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 2025 • VOLUME N0. 124 • ISSUE NO. 17 • 1 SECTION • 6 PAGES
Serving Colfax • Mingo • Baxter • Western Jasper County
A heartfelt thank you Hundreds of people gather to celebrate former Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty at retirement open house
Jasper County auditor, sheriff and supervisor sworn in Elected officials take their oaths to uphold Constitution and serve the people By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune A constant line of well-wishers could be found at former Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty’s retirement open house Jan. 4 at the Jasper County Fair Grounds. Memories from his 38 years of service lined the walls and friends, family and community members he met along the way stopped by to say thank you.
DUNWELL: Truth in taxation remains No. 1 priority in 2025 legislative session Lawmaker also seeks solutions for preschool funding and corrections issues By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune Iowa State Rep. Jon Dunwell of House District 38 has long advocated for what he calls “truth in taxation,” and in this upcoming legislative session he intends to recite that mantra once again so that Iowans have a clearer understanding about property tax adjustments from cities, counties and school districts. Dunwell said all Iowans should receive mailers alongside their tax bills that show them exactly
what they paid last year, the proposed levies for next year, the precise amount they will then pay for their Dunwell property if the levies are approved by the respective taxing entities and the public hearing dates to dispute them. “It puts the taxpayer and it puts the election official where they can actually
have a conversation about their property taxes,” he said. “I think at that point it also allows the local entities, the county, the city and to lesser extent the schools … to have an interaction with voters and say, ‘I want to pay higher taxes’ or ‘I don’t.’” Property tax legislation in 2025 has already been teased by state leaders, and Dunwell confirmed the issue will most definitely be on the schedule. To him, it is something the state needs to get right for Iowans and for cities and counties and school dis-
tricts. But he knows it is also a complicated subject. Regardless, property tax is a concern Dunwell heard about often from his constituents, especially those with fixed incomes. They see their housing values increase and the rollback not adjust enough. He also said the process is not easy enough for people to understand what they will pay before budget hearings. “It’s not necessarily the city’s or the county’s or the school’s fault, it’s just a matter of how our system DUNWELL | 2
Three elected officials in Jasper County were sworn in to their respective offices last week. County Auditor Jenna Jennings is now officially elected to the office after being appointed to it back in 2023; County Sheriff Brad Shutts takes over after a competitive primary; and Supervisor Doug Cupples secures his third term. Senior Judge William Price swore in all three individuals before the start of the Dec. 31 board of supervisors meeting in the Jasper County Courthouse. After each person was sworn in, he allowed them a few moments to address the audience and make a few moments to their constituents. Jennings thanked her friends and family for getting her through the elections process, especially when the past two years since she was appointed county auditor have been busy. In addition to running her first election in 2023, she also led her first presidential election this past year, as well as a recount. She also thanked the public for electing her to serve as county auditor for the next four years. Shutts swore his oath of office with one hand on the Bible, which was held by his wife Stephanie Shutts. The SWORN IN | 2
Christopher Braunschweig/JCT Jenna Jennings is congratulated after being sworn in as auditor of Jasper County before the board of supervisors meeting on Dec. 31 in the Jasper County Courthouse in Newton.
Baxter’s Luther ready for next big challenge on gridiron By Troy Hyde Jasper County Tribune When Rob Luther announced publicly on social media that he was stepping down as Baxter head football coach, many thought the long-time ball coach was retiring from the sport. And it was a bit awkward and uncomfortable keeping his future quiet while things got settled on both sides. But Luther never really considered retiring. He just kind of knew his time at Baxter was winding down. “I knew it was the right time,” Luther said. “I couldn’t be in the weight room over the summer because of the retirement and IPERS stuff. I got the juice back for a while, but it just felt different. I felt like the old guy who was just hanging on. I
need rejuvenated.” This is year one of Luther being retired as Baxter High School Principal. He was not allowed in the building for a short time even as the football coach because of IPERS. He didn’t go into this past season thinking it would be his last. But he figured it out pretty quickly that it was probably going to be it. And right before Christmas, Luther got an opportunity he just couldn’t turn down. While subbing at Ankeny High School, he received a text from a friend that would eventually lead to his latest role as the offensive coordinator for the Ankeny Hawks. “It’s kind of fate. My wife and his wife were teaching partners for 10 years and Jeff Bauer subbed for us in Baxter about six years ago,” CONTACT US
Luther said. “He was a top scout for the New York Jets when Rex Ryan was there. Our families knew each other. His daughter baby sat our kids. “We stayed in touch and then he got a job in Ankeny when Rick Nelson got there. I was subbing in Ankeny recently, and he shoots me a text to ask if I was in the building. Then he asked me to come to his room at lunch. He then told me his offensive coordinator had left and another offensive coach left and he wanted to know if I had any interest.” The soul searching began there. Luther started to weigh his options but had already thought about contacting some bigger schools after the holiday break anyway. LUTHER | 5
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est. 1851 Troy Hyde/Jasper County Tribune Baxter head football coach Rob Luther directs his team before a kickoff during the Bolts’ comeback win over Springville this past fall season. Luther has coached his final game in Baxter as he recently accepted the role of offensive coordinator for Class 5A Ankeny High School.
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