An Iowa native who has been refereeing NFL football games for 22 years will be speaking in Newton tonight, as part of the free “Voices of Inspiration” spring speakers series presented by the United Way of Jasper County. Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes says NFL back judge Scott Halverson will be tonight’s speaker. Halverson played football for the University of Iowa and began refereeing youth football in the Des Moines area. His career as a football referee has ascended from there, having now officiated in three NFL Super Bowls. Vokes says Halverson is another example of an Iowan who’s done very well in their chosen career.

“Sometimes we get looked over as a fly-over state. But you can go on and do really big things, whether in the state or on a national stage. You can do some really cool stuff”.

Doors to Halverson’s speaking engagement tonight at the Newton DMACC Auditorium will open at 6:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 pm. Free-will donations are accepted to help continue the speaker series.