THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2024 • VOLUME N0. 121 • ISSUE NO. 38 • 1 SECTION • 10 PAGES
Serving Colfax • Mingo • Baxter • Western Jasper County
Fish were biting in Colfax, bugs were biting more
High waters added challenges but Youth Fishing Derby at Quarry Springs Park still a success
Christopher Braunschweig/Jasper County Tribune The eighth annual Youth Fishing Derby saw many young anglers dipping their lines in the water for the big bite on June 1 at Quarry Springs Park. Some of the hardto-reach areas around the water — which have produced great results in the past — were infested with mosquitoes, prompting anglers to join the others in more open areas. Despite the itchy challenges, fishermen and fisherwomen were still able to reel in a variety of fish, including bluegills, catfish, sunfish and bass.
Water supply a concern for Hilltop Estates fire response Mingo assistant fire chief says successful grant for new equipment could help By Christopher Braunschweig Jasper County Tribune Following the approval of the Hilltop Estates subdivision near Mingo, the county sheriff and assistant fire chief of the local fire department, John Halferty, told the board of supervisors he has serious concerns about water supply in that area, saying it is considered “nowhere land” in Colfax, Mingo and Mitchellville. Halferty asked the board of supervisors to consider drafting a letter of support to help Mingo Fire Department and the City of Mingo secure a substantial grant that would pay for a piece of equipment to help areas like Hilltop Estates. The federal grant is part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program. “Mingo has applied for a $600,000 grant for an apparatus to help be prepared for that area when that development gets in,” Halferty said during the public input and comments portion
of the May 14 supervisors meeting. “I think there will actually be more houses in that area than in the city of Mingo.” Supervisor Brandon Talsma said he would be more than happy to write a letter of support, which would ultimately require board approval at a future meeting. Halfety said there is a rural water supply established in the area, but with the amount of residences using the water it can be difficult to draw enough for fires. “It causes issues,” Halferty said. HALFERTY EXPLAINS WATER ISSUES & EQUIPMENT In a follow-up interview with Newton News, Halferty explained that more than 15 years ago the county and emergency management were able to install a bulk underground water tank. If memory serves, Halfety said the tank can hold about 5,000 gallons. The extraction point is lo-
cated southwest of Hilltop Estates. “There are no hydrants. So they put a bulk tank in that we can draw from, but it fills slowly. We could actually get up to 5,000 gallons from that but otherwise if we have a significant fire we’re having to do a water shuttle with tankers,” Halferty said. “They either have to go to Mingo or Colfax or Mitchellville for water supply.” Iowa Rural Utilities Association would supply water to the residents of Hilltop Estates, much like the nearby residents at the Indian Hills subdivision. By design, most of the rural water systems do not have a lot of hydrants or any hydrants at all, which is why Halferty wanted to share his concerns with the supervisors. The piece of equipment Mingo Fire Department wants to purchase with the help of the federal grant is a pumper tanker that is able SUPPLY | 3
Makers ready for summer market Baxter Summer Market set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 15 on Main Street By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune With the Baxter Fall Market a runaway hit, the crew is back this summer to try it again. The Baxter Summer Market will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 15 on Main Street between Fox Avenue and Station Street and will feature more than 40 vendors with a wide-range of goods guaranteeing something for everyone. “Our vendors offer everything starting with baked goods, wood working, dog treats, flowers, an-
tiques, soaps, goat milk products, jewelry, home decor, children’s clothes, art, the list truly goes on,” organizer Amanda Moorman said. “The Baxter Chamber of Commerce will even have their own booth/table to give you all the information on the happenings around Baxter, and we have some great swag items you will want to check out, as well.” The summer event is a followup to the fall market which was held in October 2023. It was the MARKET | 5
The quest to be crowned queen 6 local 4-H and FFA girls up for Jasper County Fair Queen title By Jamee A. Pierson Jasper County Tribune Six candidates will try for the title of Jasper County Fair Queen 2024. The queen contest will take place at 3 p.m. June 15 at the Newton Community Theater, located in the Newton YMCA. The Jasper County Fair kicks off July 19 in Colfax. Libbie Keith — Newton Libbie Keith is a 2024 Graduate of Newton High School. She is the daughter of Craig and Angel Keith. During high school, Libbie was on the bowling team, both football and winter varsity cheer teams, played the
flute and piccolo in concert and marching band, and was involved in FFA and National Honors Society. Outside of school, she danced in InMotion and is involved in SherKeith man Sunbeams 4-H Club. Some of her achievements include graduating with highest honors, valedictorian, 4.0 GPA, All-American Cheer and being the first four-time state bowling qualifier in her school’s history. The
CONTACT US
reasons that she would be honored and would enjoy representing Jasper County would be because the fair is her most favorite time of year. Some of her best memories and friends have come out of being a part of the Jasper County Fair and camping on the grounds. She also enjoys being a role model to the younger kids and influencing them to want to stay active in FFA and 4-H.
ton Senior High School. She is a dancer at InMotion Dance Studio. Trinity-Ann would like to represent the Jasper County Fair as queen or princess because the county fair is all about Shaw Media Hanson the fun memories Trinity-Ann Hanson — Newton and being a role Trinity-Ann Hanson is the daugh- model for everyone. Looking up to the ter of Lance and Tracy Hanson. She older kids when she was younger has is an active member of the Sherman shaped her into who she is now at the Sunbeam’s 4-H Club and the Newton FFA Chapter. She is a student at NewFAIR QUEEN | 5 est. 1851
est. 1851
Newsroom: 641-792-3121, ext. 7 • Advertising: 641-792-3121, ext. 2 Subscriptions/Delivery: 641-792-5320 • Billing: 641-792-3121, ext. 6
est. 1851