Following the congressional redistricting of 2012, Iowa’s Second District gained a little more territory encompassing most of Jasper County. While longtime U.S. Rep. Dave Loebsack visited Newton on several occasions during his campaign, Thursday marked his first stop in Baxter.

“Jasper County is new to me,” Loebsack said, “and this is as far northwest in Jasper county as I’ve been. I’ve been to Newton plenty of times but this is my first time in Baxter. I met Steve (Smith), the mayor, and other contacts, and he told me about some of the great things happening in Baxter -- the sewer system, the schools, the community center, the cooperation between the schools and the city and all the things going on here, so it’s a very forward-looking town.”

Loebsack met with Wright for a tour of the town’s recently renovated sewer system and collaboration between the city and Baxter Community School District necessary to spur the joint City/School Library and Wellness Center within the Community Center.