Autism fundraiser set for final Thunder Nites

Aug. 26--In the continuing effect to raise money for treatment and education for her autistic son, Kelley Martin was approved for a dunk tank during the final Thunder Nites in September. The Jasper County Board of Supervisors granted approval for Martin to place the dunk tank on the courthouse lawn during the Sept. 11 event taking place downtown on the courthouse square.

"I fundraised my way to the Autism Treatment Center of America where I took a class and now I am fundraising for his Son-Rise room," Martin said.

Martin also had the dunk tank at the Aug. 14 Thunder Nites, but it was located off of the square and did not get the traffic she was hoping.

"It would have been great, we would have made some money if it was up closer," Martin said.

She will be selling three balls for $2 and is hoping to get local law enforcement to participate in the fundraiser. The Newton Fire Department volunteered to once again fill the tank and when the event is over that night she plans to take the dunk tank down.

The board suggested she contact the county maintenance staff to coordinate on the location of the dunk tank, whether it be on the grass or a pavement location.

Martin learned about the Son-Rise room while receiving training at the treatment center in Massachusetts. There she was trained in ways to communicate with her 2-year-old son, Joshua, who was recently diagnosed moderate to severe on the autism spectrum.

The room is a non-distracting play and observation area filled with safe, durable toys that will help facilitate interaction in a variety of ways.

In other business:

-- The board approved the Living Roadway Trust Fund Grant Agreement which gives the county $3,577.80 to go towards a Silt Fence Installer. The total price of the installer is $4,472.25 with $894.45 coming local contribution.

-- Jasper County resident Larry Cleverley asked for the board's support in his work to keep his home and farmland as the Iowa Department of Transportation continues with plans for diamond intersection on a large portion of his property.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com

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