Thursday, June 13, 2024
Vol. 5, No. 43
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
Jasper County Conservation goes all out for new campout
Mariposa Park outfitted with modern-style campground sites, shower building and a furnished cabin now available for rent
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Jasper County Conservation staff and board members pose for a picture outside the Coneflower Cottage, a new cabin at Mariposa Park that is available for rent.
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Mariposa Park is nothing like it was 10 years ago, and that’s a good thing. The 151-acre recreation area, located about five miles northeast of Newton, has undergone massive improvements since then, including a project that
extracted heavy amounts of sediment in the nearby lake, to the point fish can be seen from the bottom. The latest project ensures more visitors can see that for themselves. Jasper County Conservation officially launched the Bison Ridge Campground and Coneflower Cottage, 6825 N. 67th Ave. E., at Mariposa Park this
past weekend, allowing campers near and far to take advantage of modern utilities when enjoying a few days of outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking and fishing. Each of the 15 campground sites has access to electricity and water, and the nearby bathhouse has restrooms and shower facilities. Fire rings and picnic tables are installed at each site and there is also a dump station for when guests leave. This style of campground is the first of its kind for conservation. “It just seems like something we’ve talked about for so long,” said Keri Van Zante, director of Jasper County Conservation. “People have been asking about it, and now it’s finally here. I’m excited to see new people coming to our parks and the same people coming to our parks, but also seeing them stay longer.” Of course the other new addition is a furnished rental cabin with two bedrooms, one bathroom, a full kitchen and a back CONSERVATION | 3
Lt. Brad Shutts receives most votes in primary for Jasper County sheriff Unofficial results show contested race was close but won’t be final until canvass By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Unofficial results of the contested Jasper County primary election for county sheriff show Lt. Brad Shutts received the most votes over fellow Republican candidates Tracy Cross and Jeremy Burdess, but a winner has yet to be fully determined until the ballots are canvassed and write-ins are all accounted for. In order for one of the county sheriff prospects to be chosen as the Republican candidate and put on the ballot in the November election, the winner must have a 35 percent majority of the votes. Otherwise, it would have to be determined at a conven-
tion, which could open the candidacy to just about anybody. According to the unofficial results released by the Jasper County Auditor’s Office on election night, Shutts received 834 votes, or 40.13 percent. Cross received 795 votes, or 38.26 percent. Burdess received 446 votes, or 21.46 percent. There were three write-in votes, or 0.14 percent. In total, 2,078 votes were cast for the county sheriff primary. Election Day brought more votes in for Cross than Shutts and Burdess. In fact, 721 of the 795 votes Cross earned were on the day of the polls being open. Shutts received 716 votes on Election Day, but it was the abundance of absentee ballots in his favor — 118 in total — that ultimately gave him the edge. Since there are no Democratic candidates running for the seat, this primary election could very well decide who will be the next sheriff of Jasper County.
Miller-Meeks defeats Pautsch in state and Jasper County primary elections
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Friday Night Fire performs during the Fierce Faith Music Festival on June 17, 2023, at the green space between DMACC Newton Campus and Legacy Plaza. The Christian music festival makes its return on June 15 at Community Heights Alliance Church.
Fierce Faith Music Fest lineup to perform at Community Heights Alliance Church Newton-based Christian music festival returns for a third year at new venue By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Fierce Faith Music Fest is back for another evening of rock ‘n’ roll worship at a brand new venue. The grass roots Christian music festival has played in the Newton town square and the green space of Legacy Plaza in years past, but this year the musical acts will be playing at Community Heights Alliance Church. Hundreds of concertgoers have been flocking to Fierce Faith Music since 2022. Founders Nick and Kristi Cummins, who frequent many Christian music festivals, have worked to expand the offerings every year to make the festival fun and memorable for all. This year is no differ-
ent, apart from the change in scenery. But if there is one constant Fierce Faith Music Fest always delivers on it’s the awesome performers they bring onstage. They not only show great musical prowess but a strong passion for worship. This year’s lineup includes Jordan Feliz, Sanctus Real and three-year returning opener Friday Night Fire. Fierce Faith Music Fest 2024 starts at 5 p.m. June 15 at Community Heights Alliance Church, 2500 S. 13th Ave. E., in Newton. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at Eventbrite. com. Kids ages 10 and under can enter the festival free of charge. Food trucks, a kids zone and merchandise tents will be available.
Pure madness The inaugural Monroe Classic Madness Car Show sponsored by The Gathering Place of Monroe draws hundreds to downtown for food, fun and classic vehicles
Congresswoman chosen to face Democratic challenger Christina Bohannan in November By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks will remain the Republican nominee in the race for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District following the release of the unofficial results of the primary election. Which means Miller-Meeks’s challenger has shifted from David Pautsch to Democratic candidate Christina Bohannan. According to unofficial results of the primary election posted by the Jasper County Auditor’s Office, several Republicans wanted Miller-Meeks
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over Pautsch, who ran a relentless campaign blasting the congresswoman and doubting her conservative beliefs. Voters in Jasper County largely thought otherwise. Miller-Meeks received 1,235 votes, or 62.85 percent, in Jasper County; Pautsch earned 728 votes, or 37.05 percent. In total, 1,965 votes were cast in Jasper County for the District IA-01 race. Miller-Meeks said in a Twitter/X post following her win: “We will work hard to hold Biden and the Democrats accountable and fire them in November. The majority matters.”
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Between viewing around 100 vehicles, new, vintage and unique, grabbing a bite from multiple food trucks and stands, playing games and listening to live music, the first Monroe Classic Madness Car Show June 8 in the town square had something for everyone.
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