THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2024 • VOLUME N0. 129 • ISSUE NO. 28 • 1 SECTION • 8 PAGES
Serving Colfax • Mingo • Baxter • Western Jasper County
Firearms in schools
Districts prepare as legislation allowing staff firearms on school grounds moves through the state house By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer This legislative session, the Iowa House has approved two bills that would allow teachers permits to carry firearms on school grounds and offer grants to districts to purchase security equipment or trainings for staff, which can be interpreted as an effort by lawmakers to mitigate or deter school violence. Local district leaders are keeping an eye on the work being done at the statehouse and how it could potentially affect their schools. “This legislation would allow teachers to obtain a permit to carry firearms
on school grounds. A strict training protocol would be put in place, including in-person training for teachers to obtain the permit,” PCM Superintendent Michelle Havenstrite said. “There are a lot of details that have not been worked out yet so I have a lot of questions, such as: How many teachers can have a permit? Is there a specific type of firearm that will be allowed? Is the training required annually? How long are permits valid?” Any changes such as this would first go to the school board to let them decide how to proceed, Baxter Superintendent Mickolyn Clapper said. Should the board want to move forward, policies
Hippy hoppity Easter is on its way Easter egg hunts Saturday in Colfax and Baxter
By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune The Easter Bunny is hopping over to Colfax and Baxter for fun community events. Both towns will celebrate the spring holiday March 30 with a variety of activities for all ages. In Baxter, the Easter Bunny is ready to hop to it at an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m. at Bethany UCC Park, 5627 N. 95th Ave. W. Hosted by the Baxter Easter Committee, everyone is welcome to search for the sweet treats.
said. “Negatives may include increased anxiety or fear among students and staff, the potential for accidents or misuse of firearms and the complex legal and logistical challenges of implementing such policies.” Among the logistics would be continuing to insure the schools. Recent history has shown that insurance companies have been feeling unfavorable when it comes to putting their name on districts with additional firearms on campus. “It will be critically important to work closely with our insurance carrier FIREARMS | 3
A night for art
Baxter Fine Arts Night features young artists work in many forms By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune
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and procedures would need to be developed to implement having firearms on school property. “During this policy development phase, it will be critically important that teacher, parent and community input is solicited and considered,” Havenstrite said. The legislation comes with a mixed bag of feelings. While having additional firearms on campuses could increase security, it could also build fear for students and staff. “Positives may include enhanced security measures, quicker response times to potential threats and a greater sense of safety for some individuals,” Clapper
Participants must bring their own basket or bag to gather as many goodies as they can. In Colfax, an Eggstravaganza Children’s Egg Hunt will be held at 11 a.m. at Woman’s Club Park. Sponsored by Colfax Main Street, kids up to 12 years old are invited to hunt for eggs and other goodies at the free event. The hunt will be divided into age groups: 0-3, 4-7 and 8-12. Children much be accompanied by an adult to participate. Organizers are asking people to park in the First Baptist Church of Colfax parking lot.
Young artists are ready to entertain at Baxter’s Fine Arts Night. As an openhouse and family event, artworks from all ages will be on display along with student performances from 4 to 7 p.m. April 5 in the east gym at the school. “This is visual art’s big celebration of learning and artistic growth, music’s lower-pressure event for getting brave and just a big event to have fun with family and friends,” Baxter K-12 Art Teacher Elizabeth Carter said. The event will have K-5 art on display with three pieces for each student, including two 2D art displays and one ceramic piece. The middle school will have art deemed “worthy” by the students, and the high school will have a summative presentation by each elective artist. “You’ll see all sorts (of art). There is something for everyone,” Carter said.
Jamee A. Pierson/Jasper County Tribune
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Local ‘Voices of Inspiration’ United Way of Jasper County to host six speakers for new series beginning in April
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By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune The United Way of Jasper County is hosting six speakers over the coming months as a part of its “Voices of Inspiration” series. Local to the area, the speakers will talk on a variety of topics from accidental beer money fundraisers
to community action and much more. “I have had the opportunity to hear some amazing speakers — Civil Rights leader Coretta Scott King, ‘Superman’ actor Christopher Reeves, astronaut Peggy Whitson, local resident Jean Cleere, former presidents and many others,” UWJC Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes said. “I left those
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events feeling informed, empowered game. King raised more than $3 million and I have kept many of the things they from people donating to his cause and said close to heart. They are experiences corporations such as Budweiser and I won’t forget and I Shaw wanted to Media replicate Venmo matching the proceeds to go to that here.” the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Kicking off the series is Carson King, Iowa City. a Prairie City native who found viral Since the initial fundraiser, King has fame from a “need beer money” sign at the 2019 Iowa vs Iowa State football SPEAKERS | 2A est. 1851
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