Newton News

Gov. Branstad and Republicans in the Iowa House have reached consensus this week on a plan to slash commercial property taxes by 40 percent phased in over a period of eight years - the goal being to improve the atmosphere for businesses across Iowa.

A fundraiser dance to benefit the American Legion Post 111 and the 2013 Jasper County Freedom Flight is planned for Saturday at the American Legion in Newton.

Negotiations are under way between Windstream and an unidentified company to purchase the former Maytag corporate headquarters on West Fourth Street in Newton.

Local residents still have until the end of the work day on Monday to provide input in the “Newton's Future” planning process by completing a community-wide survey.

Newton resident and author John McNeer stands with Newton YMCA Executive Director Tom Vanderlaan in front of the new ping pong table and other equipment purchased with donations made by McNeer.

For the 43 years Garrett's Hardware was located on the north side of the Newton square, you could depend on them for nearly everything, from a package of thumb tacks to a piece of stove pipe for the old range on the farm.

The Jasper County Compensation Board met last month and had recommended raises for all the county elected officials, including 4 percent for the county attorney and county sheriff, 3 percent for the supervisors and a $2,000 stipend for the board chairman.

A free community meal at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newton is set for 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday.

There are many who could but don't. There are many who would but won't. They do not realize what they are missing with this one pass through life.

Despite a decrease in the city's tax levy, Newton residents may still see a slight uptick in their property taxes under a proposed budget presented to the Newton City Council on Monday evening.

The Newton Community School District Board of Education met with district principals and administrators Monday night for a budget planning work session.

Beginning Monday, the Newton Sanitary Landfill will close one hour earlier on weekdays, making the new hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Newton Noon Kiwanis will meet from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 223 E. Fourth St.

Sliding enthusiasts like this boy at Sunset Park received about 3 inches of snow on Saturday, perfect for sledding, tubing and snowboarding.

Newton Police and other law enforcement officials were called to the 700 block of East 5th Street North just before 1 p.m. Sunday when a welfare check went awry.

Newton resident Johnathan Groenenboom and Sully residents Heather VanSant, Andrew VanSoelen and Paige Zylstra were named to the Trinity Christian College dean's list for fall 2011.

Several local students graduated from Iowa State University this fall, including Newton residents Desirae Jaye Kenney Kingery with a bachelor of science degree in animal ecology; David Thongvanh with a bachelor of science degree in technical communication; and Michael Lee Wormley, graduating cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in agronomy.

Throughout 2011, the Iowa Department of Corrections has struggled with state legislative appropriators on the proper funding levels for Iowa's nine government operated prisons.

Nick Cummins, golf course superintendent at Westwood Golf Course in Newton, was named Iowa Superintendent of the Year at the Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association annual meeting on Jan.

The Knights of Columbus is sponsoring a Valentine Bingo event beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday at the McCann Center in Newton.