PCM-01-25-2024

Explorer PCM

Is there a snow day today?

Guidelines help show when PCM schools will stay home from class due to weather

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

Winter break is having a hard time letting go with students and staff at area schools getting multiple snow and cold weather days at the start of January. PCM Community School District recently released its guidelines for when school will be let out early, delayed or canceled due to weather.

“As always, the safety and well-being of students and staff is our top priority, and deciding to close, delay or release school can be challenging,” superintendent Michelle Havenstrite said. “PCM is committed to implementing a weather-related closing or delay process that ensures decisions are made wisely and timely to keep students and staff safe and the community informed.”

To start, if a weather situation arises, the superintendent will consult with experts inside and outside of the dis-

trict. District officials use the National Weather Service (NWS) website to monitor weather conditions and forecasts to make weather-related decisions. At PCM, they specifically utilize information from the NWS for Prairie City and Monroe. The NWS’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) wind chill index chart is also utilized.

“Schools will be closed or delayed if the NWS forecasts a sustained wind chill of -25 degrees Fahrenheit or colder or actual sustained temperature of -15 degrees Fahrenheit or colder,” Havenstrite said. “A delay or release will be considered if the above temperatures are forecast between the travel times of 5:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. and/or 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. A school cancellation will be considered if the forecast temperatures fall within our guidelines for 10 a.m. the following morning.”

With a variety of ages on the roads in cars, trucks, buses and more, plus students that may be walking to school, extra care is given to decisions relating to weather travel. In most cases, decisions and notifications will be made by 6:30 a.m. If possible, a notification will go out by 9 p.m. the night prior.

School will be canceled if heavy snow and/ or ice make it exceedingly hazardous or impossible for school buses to travel routes along with staff and students to attend school safely. In most cases, decisions and notifications will be made by 6:30 a.m. If possible, a notification will go out by 9 p.m. the night prior. All activities, practices and events will be canceled unless otherwise noted.

For early dismissal, a decision will be determined as soon as possible and preferably by 10:30 a.m. The release time may vary depending on weather conditions. Students who ride the bus will be returned by bus unless other arrangements have been communicated with the student’s school.

“School will be delayed if the forecast for

GUIDELINES | 3

Jasper County to pay more rent for Monroe congregate meal site

The Gathering Place will receive $400 per month, but elderly nutrition is monitoring efficiency

By Christopher Braunschweig

Elderly nutrition received authorization from the board of supervisors on Jan. 16 to increase the county’s rent payments to The Gathering Place from $200 per month to $400 per month in order to use the facility for congregate meals, so long as attendance is high enough to justify the increased rate.

Kelli Van Manen, program director for Jasper County Elderly Nutrition, told the board of supervisors she would monitor the amount of attendees until June to determine if the meal site is a wise investment, a sentiment that pleased the fiscally conservative supervisors. Van Manen is looking forward to the new site.

“I really would like to see a site there,” Van Manen said.

The original contract with The Gathering Place was approved in November 2023 at $200 per month. Staff indicated to Van Manen at the time they needed $300 in rent; the county’s portion would cover the bulk, but it was requested the Monroe City Council create a 28E agreement to pay $100 per month for its portion.

“I sent it down to The Gathering Place. Didn’t get it back so I checked in and they had people who apparently were not involved in the original $300. (They) had questions and just were doing some more research

Jasper County wants Trump, and so does the rest of Iowa

Preliminary results of Iowa Republican Caucus show Trump’s popularity is still strong

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Donald Trump was the clear favorite going into the Iowa Republican Caucus, and results show that was true in both the state and in Jasper County.

Out of the 1,375 registered Republicans who voted in Jasper County precincts, 751 (about 54 percent) voted for the former president to be the nominee. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis received 314 votes (about 22 percent) while former South Carolina Gov. Nikki received 179 votes (13 percent).

Meanwhile Vivek Ramaswamy earned only 108 votes in Jasper County.

The long-shots Ryan Binkley and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson received 19 votes and three votes, respectively. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie got no votes in Jasper County, and altogether he received a measly 35 votes in Iowa.

COLD CAUCUS, COLOSSAL CROWDS

Turnout high at Jasper County caucuses despite frigid temperatures, deep snow

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Jack and Jean Ferguson were not going to miss the Republican caucus, and neither was the woman whose car they found stuck in the middle of the road. Like them, she was on her way to the Kellogg precinct, going against the national narrative that Iowans would not show up for caucus due to recent snowstorms.

“She had run into a big snowbank,” Jack said. “The maintainers had not been able to get through the road at that point, so they backed out and didn’t finish plowing the road. She come upon it too fast, couldn’t get stopped and had run into the snowbank. She couldn’t even open her door. She was buried!” Thankfully, the driver had a

CAUCUS | 3

According to the preliminary results posted by the Republican Party of Iowa, Trump commanded a 51 percent victory statewide with 56,260 votes as of 11:22 a.m. Jan. 17. In total, 110,298 votes were cast. DeSantis got 23,420 votes (21.2 percent) while Haley ended up with

21,085 votes (19.1 percent).

Ramaswamy could not break into a five-digit total, receiving 8,449 votes (7.7 percent). Binkley got 774 votes (0.7 percent) and Hutchinson got 191 votes (0.2 percent). Interestingly, Trump seemingly won 98 of Iowa’s 99 counties. Haley pulled an outlier victory in Johnson County, beating Trump by only one vote.

At the Newton precinct of Jasper County caucuses, Trump was supported by special guest speaker Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz. Initially, Newton resident Dean Earnhart stepped up as the speaker in favor of the former president, but after some issues with the microphone Gaetz took the lead.

“I want to start just by thanking all of you because I watched the mainstream media say the weather was too cold, your blood is too thin, that folks wouldn’t come and turnout for these

‘It’s time’: The Farmer’s Wife closes its doors, leaving behind strong legacy

Newton small business was considered the ‘anchor’ of the downtown

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

For the past 21 years, Bonnie Terpstra took pride in making sure she utilized every square inch of space in The Farmer’s Wife to display her home decor merchandise, and after announcing last month that the downtown business would be closing its doors, large gaps have started to appear on

the walls. But none will be as large or as impactful as the gap left behind by one of Newton’s most popular and most resilient small businesses. In a series of Facebook posts, Terpstra explained she has no specific end date; it all depends on when her inventory is depleted.

Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer

Supporters of Donald Trump watch a video of the former president speaking to them about the Iowa caucuses and supporting his campaign.

TRUMP | 3

Terpstra

Worth Mentioning

Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com

Lions to host monthly breakfast

Prairie City Lions Club is hosting its monthly pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Prairie City Community Building. Menu includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and drink. This month’s proceeds will support the PCM Backpack Program.

Chili Cook-Off / Silent Auction

The Gathering Place, 113 S. Monroe St., is hosting a Chili Cook-Off and Silent Auction Fundraiser from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday. This event is to raise money for its organization, a non-profit dedicated to fostering community engagement and providing a safe space for socializing.

PCM Food Pantry

The PCM Food Pantry at the Monroe Presbyterian Church, 113 S. Main St. in Monroe, is open 9 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays and 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays.

Men’s Recovery meeting

Lighthouse Recovery Ministries hosts a Men’s Recovery meeting at 6:30 p.m. each Monday at Grace Alive Church, 703 W. Second St. in Prairie City. Contact Barb at b.miller@lighthouserecoveryia.com with questions.

PCM Clothing Closet

The PCM Clothing Closet, on the second floor of the Family Life Center at 105 S. Sherman St. in Prairie City, will be open from 3:30 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday and 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Time to renew registrations

ATV/UTV/Golf Cart registration in Monroe are due March 1 at city hall. A valid driver’s license and proof of insurance showing a special rider on your auto policy must be provided.

The Farmer’s Wife

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It is a bittersweet decision, she said, but she had her reasons. At 59 years old, the demanding work of filling the store literally from top to bottom has finally caught up to her.

Between the stairs and the ladders and the lifting of boxes, her knees are all but spent. She needs knee replacement surgery soon, and with that comes a long recovery. The store has withstood the closing of Maytag and the pandemic, but running a retail shop while also healing from major surgery is just not possible.

Another reason Terpstra wants to close up shop is to have more time with family. In less than two years she lost both of her parents and her mother-in-law. She realized through the pain of loss that life is short. With almost 11 grandchildren in her family, Terpstra is tired of the business taking away time from them.

“I want to be that grandma that is always there for them, and I just can’t with the responsibilities that come with this,” Terpstra told Newton News last week inside her shop, which has remained in its current location at the northwest corner of the town square for two decades. “It’s time. It’s time for me.”

Marceda Maxine Romick

Jan. 15, 2024

Obituaries

Marceda Maxine “Marcy” Romick, age 82 of Monroe, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024 at MercyOne in Newton. Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 10:30 am at the Monroe United Methodist Church. Burial will take place at Silent City Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Sunday, January 21, 2024 from 2:00 - 4:00 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Monroe United Methodist Church and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.

The daughter of Lewis Henry and Grace Irene (Walker) Dammeier, Marcy was born on November 29, 1941, in the country southwest of Newton. She graduated from Newton Senior High School in 1959. On June 26, 1959, she married Larry Romick in Newton. She

Hundreds of people have reacted to the Dec. 17, 2023 goodbye post from The Farmer’s Wife. Customers coming in for one last shop tell her how much the store meant to them. They understand. Terpstra is purposefully understaffed in the interim, so it is only her, her daughter and a few part-timers working the store.

“I’m at peace with the decision,” she said. “I’m ready.”

When one door closes, another door opens, Terpstra said. For the past year or so, her family has been renovating a barn into a wedding venue they call Country View Barn. The barn has been on their farm long before they moved in 41 years ago and it is full of history; it still has the name tags of the cows stored there.

Across the way from the 75-year-old barn is a shed that will one day be filled with a number of home decor items. Sound familiar? Terpstra can’t completely get away from her design and retail work. The smaller scale shop has its benefits, like setting her own hours or deciding to be open only once or twice a month.

The Farmer’s Wife was an outlet for Terpstra’s creativity when all of her kids were out of school,

met Larry while he was cruising on the square in Monroe in his 1957 Chevy Belair 2 door hardtop and she said she loved that car. Marcy was a member of the Monroe United Methodist Church, where she was involved as the church secretary and as a custodian for many years. Marcy had many passions throughout her life but her family was her greatest source of joy. When she wasn’t sorting corn at PAG back in her earlier days, she could be found working at Maddy’s Dairy Sweet interacting with the many people who frequented there. Marcy was definitely a people person! If Marcy couldn’t be found at home the next place we knew to check would be at her church. Her involvement there with the many turkey suppers, ice cream socials, and fall bazaars over the years kept her busy and happy organizing and soliciting out responsibilities. In her later years she and Larry enjoyed their involvement with M&M’s and they even took on as custodians for the church where again you would find her happily delegating to Larry what needed to be done next or sometimes done better! Square

dancing was something she and Larry enjoyed very much together and because Marcy was an avid sports enthusiast, it was only natural for her to be involved with both a bowling and a golf league, and routing on her beloved Iowa Hawkeyes. Marcy was her children’s greatest supporter in their many activities and then became both her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s ardent cheerleader at their many sporting and various activities, to the point of it being “painful” to her if she had to miss an event.

Marcy went on to retire from Principal Financial early so that she could spend time with and care for her daughter Tammy and Tammy’s family who she knew needed her more at that time than Principal did. Marcy and Larry took many trips including to Europe, Hawaii, and Washington D.C. and especially to her favorite Branson, Missouri. Marcy’s claim to fame was her made from scratch angel food cake and it was a frequent dessert request and was enjoyed by many! There was always something sweet or salty in her cabinet to snack on and something cold to drink in her fridge

and the shop flourished in large part because of her natural abilities and her dedication to the community. Of course she admitted it also survived through sheer stubbornness and willpower.

“I’m not a quitter,” she said. “My parents raised me to not being a quitter. Things have been tough and stressful. I had many nights where I didn’t sleep wondering how I’m going to pay for everything. But, yeah, it’s only through my determination and my husband understanding businesses don’t always bring back a cashflow.”

To her core, Terpstra is a designer with a strong penchant for decorating, a skill that only improved over time with her countless hours spent at The Farmer’s Wife creating displays

for her merchandise. Customers loved her sense of style and how she placed items in her store to match what it would look like at home.

“This is what I love and this is who I am,” Terpstra said. “This is me.”

The people coming through the doors each day is what made owning a small business enjoyable for Terpstra. When she announced the shop would be closing she was touched to find so many people in the comments posting heartfelt responses. They’ll miss the shop, but they’re going to miss her most of all.

“That’s hard, but I’ll still see people around,” she said. “It’s just going to be different. I love to help people. I’ve been able to console people in these walls

and her Sunday Dinner was a standing day and time and her ham balls were legendary! Nothing made Marcy happier than spending time with her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, her entire family and all of her many friends. She was Grandma Marcy or GG to more than just her family and it was because of that sentiment that she will be so dearly missed.

Those left to honor her memory include her husband of 64 years, Larry; a son, Barry (Kelly) Romick; eight grandchildren, Nathan (Jennifer) Van Wyk, Andrew (Celia) Romick, Alisa (Melanie) Romick, Emily (Nick) Bates, Austin Van Wyk, Katlyn (Brad) Millison, Jenna Petersen and Bryce (Amber Beener) Romick; 19 great grandchildren; siblings, Merita Dammeier, Arlene Boyer, Murry (Diane) Dammeier and many nieces, nephews and friends. Marcy was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Marvin Van Wyk; two grandchildren, Zachary Van Wyk and Natha LeGrand and siblings, Derald Dammeier, Vera Boles, Hilma Mae McKinney, Roma Lee Mosier and Luella Bragg.

when people are looking for a memorial gift because of a loss of family member. I’ve been able to listen if people need to talk. I’ve been here for them.”

Terpstra has been told by many customers that The Farmer’s Wife was their “happy place” or “a piece of heaven.” It was a comforting environment made all the better by her presence for more than 20 years, which no doubt contributed to the shop’s reputation for good products and equally good company.

“I’m just happy I’m a piece of Newton’s history now,” she said. “Being on Newton Main Street I know how much history means, and being in this location for so long I know I’m a piece of the history. This building is going to be The Farmer’s Wife, in which that’s me.”

Despite many people understanding her reasons for closing up shop and having personally come to terms with her decision, Terpstra is sad for doing it and she’s worried how it will affect downtown.

“Everybody says Newton is going to be hit hard losing The Farmer’s Wife. They called me the anchor of the downtown,” she said. “But it is also potential for something else to be that in the future. People are allowed to retire all the time, and I’m retiring. Nothing lasts forever.”

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer

Bonnie Terpstra, owner of The Farmer’s Wife, announced she will be closing the 21-year-old small business that many consider to be the “anchor” of downtown Newton.

Guidelines

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6:30 a.m. the following morning shows a threat of hazardous weather conditions such as heavy snow, ice, fog, extremely cold temperatures, etc,” Havenstrite said. “Notifications of the late start will be made by 9 p.m. the night before a cancellation when possible. If conditions have worsened following the 9 p.m. notification timeline, the district will recheck conditions and make a notification by 6:30 a.m.” If a late start occurs, breakfast will not be served.

Meals

General Guidelines

If school will be delayed or canceled, those in the district will notified by 6:30 a.m. the day of the event. If able to, the district will inform those affected by 9 p.m. the night prior. Along with emails, phone calls and texts that people can sign up for, communication will also be on KCOB 95.9 FM/1280 AM, WeAreIowa 5, KCCI 8 and WHOTV 13. The school’s social media page will also have all the information. If weather conditions decline rapidly, decisions may be made outside of the general timelines used.

School Buildings and Programs

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into things,” Van Manen said, noting the owners were going to reach out to council for more financial support.

In total, the owners are requesting $500 per month in rent, but, again, the county would pay for the bulk of it while the city council in Monroe pays the $100 via a 28E agreement. Van Manen was hoping to keep the county rate at $200 because she does not know how well attended the meal site will be.

“I do have about 15 people who have indicated they will come,” she said. “They filled out the application.

caucuses,” Gaetz said. “We have doubled the turnout we expected here. You’ve proved them all wrong!”

While the U.S. representative from Florida was hoping to bring balmy weather to Iowa, he was willing to settle for an “overwhelming victory for the greatest president of my lifetime.” Gaetz said he has been impressed by all candidates, but Iowan faced what he described as a “historical choosing” at this moment.

Gaetz encouraged caucusgoers to unify around the Trump in order to put an end to the tens of millions of dollars being spent by Republicans to attack other Republicans in the race and thereby focus efforts on swing states to make sure “we have the key victories

Explorer PCM

Campfire Sparks Childcare and any other before and after-school programs will follow the same weather-related closing, late start or early dismissal protocols at the district. If a school is closed, the buildings will be closed to all outside organizations including youth and adult activities and sports.

All elementary, middle school and high school activities, practices and events will also follow the same weather-related closing, late start or early dismissal protocols at the district unless otherwise noted.

“The PCM District Activities Director will decide to cancel after-school or evening activi-

ties, practices or events in collaboration with the transportation director and building-level administrators,” Havenstrite said. “When it is deemed that a cancellation is necessary due to declining weather, the decision will be made by 2:30 p.m. the day of the scheduled event, activity or practice and the PCM Activities Department will communicate cancellations or postponement.”

But filling out the application doesn’t get them in the door. They got a lot of great things going there. It’s a beautiful site. I really want us to try a program there. They have volunteers running programs.”

Which would help alleviate county staff time. Van Manen said the increased rent could open up a can of worms at the Colfax site, which is demanding less rent. She anticipates Colfax will come to the county wanting more rent. If The Gathering Place has these expenses, she said, so does Colfax.

By June 30, Van Manen hopes to report to the board of supervisors on the progress of the Monroe meal site and whether it has proven successful.

“If we end up with the same four, then we haven’t gained anything,” she said. “Or if all of a sudden they’re

across the board” for the 2024 election.

“When Joe Biden is out there trying to leave the border open, we’ll close it. When they’re trying to spend more money, we’ll enforced balanced budgets. When they allow some of the most unethical behavior in government, we will stand for term limits and President Trump’s plan to ban members to caucus in front of lobbyists.”

The crowd went wild, bursting into applause.

“I don’t care what temperature it is out there,” he added.

“There is nowhere in the world I’d rather be than in this hall and with all of you at this moment. There is love here. There is unity here. When the Democrats abandoned Iowa, when they showed they can’t run their caucuses, they showed the kind of party they are.

“Let’s show the kind of party we are tonight.”

cellphone and called someone to pick her up. The Fergusons helped the woman into their car and took her to a neighbor’s house until her ride arrived. Although her plans may have been changed after getting stuck, it showed people were still dedicated to participating in caucuses.

Weather most certainly had an effect on the turnout of the Republican caucuses in Jasper County, but not in the way political pundits were expecting. Many individuals did opt to stay home, but even so the attendance was exceedingly high at the Newton precinct in Berg Middle School on the night of Jan. 15. Although you would not have noticed it driving past the school. The snow that was

“One appropriate decision must be made for more than 1,100 students and 184 staff members,” Havenstrite said.

“We recognize that this decision may not always fit with individual circumstances; therefore, we support our parents in deciding what is best for their child on inclement days when school has not been delayed, released early or canceled due to weather. Please contact your child’s school office to report the absence.”

Activity cancellations may include: District-sponsored after-school programs, activities and practices; All school events (Elementary/Middle School/ High School); Family engagement activities such as conferences; Meetings and activities in a school building or District facility hosted by an outside organization, including youth and adult sports.

wanting more from us and my staff and I need to provide more staff and my expenses go up. I have to weigh that. I want to be financially responsible. Big picture, $200 extra a month is small but it does add up.”

Supervisor Doug Cupples said a benefit of using The Gathering Place is the venue utilizes a lot of self-promotion, which could benefit elderly nutrition, too.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma had no problem with the rent increase and praised Van Manen for her work running a very conservative program.

“We do appreciate how much work and effort you put into it,” Talsma said. “…If it works I think it would be a phenomenal complement to congregate meals and Kelli’s program. I guess you kind of got a nice little five-month trial period.”

plowed into piles on the south side of the middle school parking lot was so high it was impossible to see the cars that had already begun to fill in the spaces an hour before the action started. But parking was the least of their worries.

For most, finding a place to sit was an effort in futility after 6:30 p.m. They would have to stand while listening to speakers give their final pitches for which of the seven candidates caucusgoers should vote for. Those who stood on the stairwell got a birds-eye view of the crowd. Some say it even surpassed 2016 caucus.

Bob Main, treasurer of the Jasper County Republican Party, is sure of it. Which is impressive because there were more candidates in 2016, and Ted Cruz ended up being the favorite over Donald Trump in Iowa. The weather may have been a deterrent for some this year, but Main suggested it was motivation for others.

“We’re just a rebellious enough group to do that,” Main said. “I didn’t have any worries about the weather. Yeah, it’s cold.

But, hey, it gets cold in Iowa. We’ve been spoiled up until the last week or so. But the snowstorms this past week, it’s been a long time since we had storms like that.” Despite the harsh negative-degree temperatures, seeing a large turnout tells Main that the party as a whole is alive and well. There is a lot of unity and enthusiasm in spite of the number of different candidates. Regardless of the results, Main is confident party members will fall in line with whoever is chosen as the nominee.

“I’m just proud to be part of the process,” he said. “It’s an important process, and too many people take it for granted. They don’t get out. Even come Election Day.” Jim Farland, who spoke in favor of former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, also stressed the importance of the process, keeping in tune with political issues and getting to know the candidates, a luxury Iowans have thanks the state’s first-in-the-nation status for caucuses. To him, participation is key.

“I felt it was my duty as an American to partake,” he said. “You can’t sit back and complain about what’s going on if you don’t get involved.”

Clark continues to amaze

Is there anything Caitlin Clark can do at this point that would surprise you?

The nation’s best player put in 45 points on Sunday afternoon during a road loss to nationally ranked Ohio State.

She played 43 minutes, dished out seven assists and the Hawks scored 92 points. But it wasn’t enough on the road against the Buckeyes.

Losses happen. And Iowa wasn’t going to go undefeated in the Big Ten anyway. Clark and the Hawks did all they could in a game that went overtime despite head Lisa Bluder saying after the game that half of the roster was either sick or had food poisoning.

When it comes to Iowa fans, Clark can do no wrong. When it comes to anyone else, they seem to find something to complain about.

She takes too many shots. She doesn’t pass it enough. She’s not a team player. She only cares about herself. The list goes on. And there’s no real proof that any of that is true. Even national-champion winning coaches have issues with Clark. South Carolina’s Dawn Staley has had issues with the Hawk-

Troy Hyde This & That

eye guard ever since the Hawks upset her Gamecocks last spring. And LSU head coach Kim Mulkey also seems to say something controversial about Clark.

Both of them have no reason to hate Clark. What she is doing is only good for the game of women’s basketball. But because those two coaches are not the ones everyone is talking about, they seem to be finding anything they can to bring her down.

One of them recently talked about no one their team takes 40 shots per game so the statistics aren’t as good. That seemed to be a direct jab at Clark even though she’s never taken 40 shots in a game before.

In fact, she’s leading the nation in scoring despite only averaging 22 shots per game. She needed only 25 shots to score 45 points on Sunday, too.

Every fan base has idiots. That goes without saying and it’s hard to deny.

Living in Iowa, it stands out even more when an Iowa State fan tries to downplay how good Clark is, too.

I saw a tweet on Sunday that was about Iowa State standout freshman Audi Crooks but the post had more hate toward Clark

Education is failing America’s future by forgetting its past

By Jamie Gass and Chris Sinacola

In 2022, eighth grade test scores in civics and U.S. history hit record lows. The decline didn’t start with pandemic school closings. But they made it worse and revealed its extent.

Less than half of adults can name the three branches of the U.S. government. Another 25% can’t name even one. And just over one-third of Americans can pass the U.S. citizenship test.

These sad facts are a reminder that the future success of our nation is far from guaranteed. We must acknowledge the imperfections of our current system and work to reform them -- a challenging but hardly impossible task.

For starters, history curricula should be based on the United States’ founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Federalist Papers.

Some states have prioritized reading primary sources and writing assignments so that students develop background knowledge, vocabulary, and the ability to advance evidence-based arguments. The 1993 Massachusetts Education Reform Act, for example, prioritized the study of U.S. history through primary documents in each grade and required passing a U.S. history exam for high school graduation. South Carolina, California, Alabama, Indiana, and New York have also previously adopted rigorous state standards for history and social science.

In some cases, these reforms were repealed in favor of trendier classes in “social studies.” But the principles underlying the 1993 Massachusetts law and others like it got the fundamental questions right. They are worthy of revival.

YOUR VIEW

All states should also require a passing mark on a civics test or the U.S. citizenship exam for a high-school diploma. Today, only eight states do so.

If we’re to truly become the educated society the Founders envisioned, we’ll have to invest in better training for teachers as well. Most states have dropped even basic requirements for people entering the teaching profession, blaming a shortage of qualified labor. Finally, the institutes of higher learning that train teachers must convey the centrality of civics and history in a curriculum geared toward producing good citizens.

Education is the responsibility of state and local actors. Rather than retaining the top-down approach that has led to our current failures, school systems should engage with parents to understand their educational priorities for their children. Expanded school-choice programs can provide the means for parents to go elsewhere when they are dissatisfied with available public education options.

The importance of a nonpartisan, fact-based U.S. history and civics education cannot be overstated. Without one, students will not be able to take their place as informed and engaged citizens dedicated to preserving the legacy of America’s Founders. We know how to provide that sort of education. We just need the will to make it happen. The future of our great country depends on it. Jamie Gass is Director for the Center for School Reform at Pioneer Institute, where Chris Sinacola is Director of Communications. They are co-editors of Restoring the City on a Hill: U.S. History and Civics in America’s Schools

Just work together

Now that the circus we call the Iowa Caucus has packed up and left the area, I got to thinking about what politics is really about. Is it about two differing opinions coming together to recognize the issues that everyday citizens face in their daily lives and work to overcome their differences to solve those issues? Or is politics just about finding fault with the “other side” in order to get people to

than positive information about Crooks.

The post had a picture of Clark and read “no assaulting opposing fans, no attention seeking, no bullying other players and no State Farm commercials. Just pure, unadulterated ball.”

Crooks is impossible to hate. Like Clark, she’s an Iowa girl has found immediate success on the floor for a D-1 program in the state.

The only issue I have with the post is, why do we have to put someone down to prop someone else up?

I get it. When someone or something gets too good or too popular negativity always follows.

Let’s address each one of the things from the above tweet.

Clark assaults opposing fans? Clearly, this is in reference to the drama after Sunday’s game at Ohio State. Buckeye fans, as is typical with upset victories, stormed the court after the overtime win and while Clark was jogging of the floor, an Ohio State fan collided with her while videoing herself running onto the floor.

The most important thing here would be to hope that both parties are not seriously hurt. That seems to be the case.

But some have tweeted Sunday night that they think Clark was the one who shoved the fan and then flopped on her way down to the floor.

Again, if you are not a fan of Clark, you

will find anything to make your case. Next up is attention seeking. I don’t see this one. I see passionate basketball player who does everything to help her team and when you are the best player in the country, all eyes will be on you. That leads me to bullying players. I don’t watch every women’s basketball game. But I have never seen her bully anyone. That makes no sense to me.

As for the State Farm commercials, yes, Clark has become quite wealthy with NIL endorsements. That is really none of our business. If Nike, Hy-Vee, State Farm, Buick or Gatorade (just to name a few of the big ones) want to use Clark to help their product or business, who am I to stop them? And there’s not an athlete out there that won’t try to take advantage of this kind of stuff to enhance their brand.

Clark is already the GOAT of Iowa women’s basketball and probably women’s college basketball period. She will break the all-time scoring record before this season ends and maybe she comes back for one more year.

The only question left to be answered is whether or not Iowa fans will have the opinion of her being the GOAT of Hawkeye athletics period.

There have been some good ones but Clark certainly belongs in the conversation. Especially if she can lead them back to the Final Four before her time at Iowa is finished.

Milk, bread and eggs

The winter storms are upon us. What’s the first thing people do when they know a winter storm is approaching? Run to the supermarket and get milk, bread and eggs. Why? I dunno. Are they going to make French toast? Probably not, but why do people think “milk, bread and eggs” at the first hint of a winter storm? Milk, bread and eggs are staples, yes, but truth be known, they (we) probably had enough of the Big Three to get through a day or so of winter isolation.

With this latest Midwest storm on its way, Ginnie and I did exactly what everyone else does: after church we ran to the supermarket for, guess what, milk, bread and eggs. And it’s a good thing we stopped early in the day. The milk cooler was close to empty, as were the eggs and bread sections. The supermarket was packed with people just like us, with that little, wehave-to-get-stocked-up-beforethe-storm-hits look in their eye.

At home, Ginnie and I got to talking about why people stocked up on milk, bread and eggs, and wondered if they were going to make French toast. It got me to hankering for French toast. I hadn’t eaten French toast since I was a kid and Mom fixed it.

“Okay, in the morning we’re having French toast,” Ginnie said. And, by golly, we did. Only Ginnie didn’t fix it in the traditional individual-slice way, which I thought

vote for you? I was reading the latest column from Jon Dunwell and it occured to me that the latter is more true. Dunwell used many words to praise the Governor’s budget. Which is to be expected, I suppose. But I have no doubt that if we had a Democrat as our governor, Dunwell would be using his words to condemn and criticize everything in that budget. Even if the goals were exactly the same. It seems that our politicians are more

was the only way to eat French toast. Ginnie found a recipe from “Pioneer Woman” (that she watches religiously) where the French toast is made sort of like a casserole. What?

I was a little disappointed. Until I tasted it. Man-oh-man, with fruit on top and decadent maple syrup smothering the whole thing, I had my carboload for the day (and week. LOL).

At breakfast, as the snow swirled and the wind howled outside, Ginnie and I got to talking about snow ice-cream. My mother used to make snow ice-cream, as did Ginnie’s. My mother would get a metal pan (it has to be metal) full of snow by opening the window and scooping it in. She poured Carnation Evaporated Milk over the snow, and I don’t know what all. (Ginnie found a recipe for snow ice-cream on the internet.) Milk, sugar, vanilla, dash of salt, etc. Voila! Snow ice-cream! It’s a fun thing to make and eat during a day of isolation. The tendency is to compare it to homemade ice-cream, which it’s not. But in a snowstorm, the mind runs to weather related products and activities: snowmen, snow forts, snowball fights, sledding, stranded

interested in turning everyone against the other side than they are working to improve lives for everyone across the state and country.

Maybe if our elected leaders began with the assumption that both sides want the same thing for the people and focused on what they agreed upon, and then worked on coming together on whatever differences they may have, things might actually get done in government.

motorists, white-outs, etc.

As I write this, and the snow and ice accumulates on the finch feeder hanging in our window, our lights are blinking. Not to worry. We have a backup generator. But my mind flashed back to the winter of ‘73. I was a student at Iowa State University in Ames and working part time at a service station. There was a blizzard and the roads were so bad, I took the wrecker home that was equipped with chains. On the way, I stopped at Ames Fruit and Grocery and got, what else? Milk, bread and eggs. As I was checking out, the lights were blinking. In my apartment on Lincoln Way, above the Pizza House and across the street from ISU’s campus, I flipped on the light and watched roaches scramble. Outside on the street I could hear a car with its wheels spinning. It was hopelessly stuck in a foot of ice and slush. There was a young couple in the car trying to get home to Huxley. I offered them my apartment for the night, and they accepted. In the morning, with no power, and the apartment at 40 degrees, the young woman fixed French toast on the gas stove, the old fashioned kind, with individual slices. We stood close to the stove for heat and ate like thieves. It would be two days before the couple made it home. By then, I was out of milk, bread and eggs. Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com

But as long as both sides just snipe at each other and automatically come out against anything their other side puts forth, nothing will get done and we’ll just remain in an endless loop of finger-pointing, name-calling, and childish stubborn refusals to work together on anything.

I just can’t wait until next caucus season. How about you? John Moore Newton

Curt Swarm Empty Nest

Explorer PCM

The PCM

Q- How did you get into this position?

A- “Mrs. Havenstite (Superintendent) sent out an application and I applied for the position and then some school board members reviewed the applications and those didn’t have our names on them. After reviewing them, they picked mine and then I got chosen.”

Q- What does this entale?

A- “I go to every school board meeting and if it is something that involves students, I am there to give a student perspective. I have the opportunity to speak up and give my opinion on it and, in the future, when there’s something that revolves around the student that’s bigger, I’ll be able to bring it back here and get students’ input on it, then bring it back to the school board and discuss it further with them.”

Q- How do you feel this position is beneficial?

A- “I really want to grow in my leadership roles and I think that this is a big help with that. It teaches me how to talk to adults in a more serious situation and in the future I want to go into a leadership role, so once again, that will help me with that.”

Meet the new 2024 Journalism members

Evan Jones 10

Extracurricular Activities: Football, Track, FCA

Dream Job : Army Ranger

What made you want to join journalism?: I love how entertaining Thunder TV is and I want to help think of good, funny, entertaining ideas for future episodes.

What are you looking forward to : Making the Thunder TV episodes with the other students

Claire Van Wyk 10

Extracurricular Activities: Volleyball, Basketball, FCA

Dream Job : Something in nursing

What made you want to join : I needed an elective credit and the environment and people made it feel very welcoming and lots of fun.

What are you looking forward to : Participating in TTV (Thunder TV) & sharing my ideas.

Brianna Sutphin 12

Favorite Book : Hooked by Emily Mcintire

Dream Job: Family and Marriage Counselor

What made you want to join: It sounded fun.

What are you looking forward to: I’m most looking forward to the TTV (Thunder TV). They sound like a lot of fun to do.

Lilly Knapp 9

Extracurricular Activities: Volleyball, Softball, Basketball, & FCA

Dream Job : A counselor working in a hospital

What made you want to join: I have always loved writing. Writing was a way I could express what is going through my mind.

What are you looking forward to : Seeing the hard work pay off and all the friendships being made.

Jeter Hartson 10

Extracurricular Activities: Basketball, Golf, & FCA

Dream Job: Professional Sports Videographer/ Photographer

What made you want to join: Future Job Interest

What are you looking forward to: Having Fun & Taking Videos/ Pictures

January Students of the Month

FAITH DEFENBAUGH

Parents: Ellen & Bill Wright

Employer: Georges Pizza

Future Plans: Attend UNI

to Study Business Management

Extracurricular Activities:

Student Representative on School Board, NHS, Student Body Vice President, & Soccer Manager

Best High School Memory: TP-ing for Homecoming Every Year

Dream Job: Business Owner

JUSTIN JOHNSTON Nickname: JJ

Parents : Brenda and Gary Johnston

Employer: Under Armor

Future Plans: Attend ISU with a Major in Diet and Exercise

Extracurricular Activities: Football, Soccer & Track

Best High School Memory: The Power Going out Every Single Year

Dream Job: Astronaut

Monday Jan. 8–The Michigan Wolverines beat the Washington Huskies 34-13 in the College Football Playoff National Championship. A long awaited championship for Wolverine players, coaches and fans as this was their third straight playoff appearance, the past two ended in a semifinal loss. Michigan outgained Washington in total yards 443-301, but the big difference was in the run game as Michigan rushed for 303 yards to Washington’s 46. Michigan’s physicality proved to be too much for Micheal Penix Jr. and the Husky offense. Michigan took the opening kickoff and scored a touchdown in eight plays, going 84 yards in 4:46, capped off by a 2nd & 14th, 42yard touchdown run by Donovan Edwards. Washington, being a team that thrives off of big plays, was held to very few big plays against the stiff Michigan defense. But they were able to get a field goal on their opening drive, a 14-page drive that got as close as the eight-yard line, but they had to settle for three in the end. The Wolverine offense, being known more for their physicality and ability to run the ball, was connecting on their big plays that night. They would score in four plays. A three-yard run, a 37-yard pass, an incomplete pass, and then a 46-yard touchdown run by Donovan Edwards. Washington would go three-and-out on their next drive, and the game was never really out of Michigan’s hands for the rest of the night. The final being 34-13, capped off by an interception by Michigan DB Mike Sainristill that was returned to the eight-yard line. Blake Corum would score two plays later. A lot of people criticize the Michigan QB, J.J. McCarthy, for his ‘lack of contribution’ for lack of better words. Although he is an astounding 27-1 as a starter, not to mention he’s now a National Champion, it’s hard to say that he doesn’t get a lot of help from his run game and defense. He was 10-18 for 140 yards passing in the National Championship, nothing crazy, but he didn’t turn the ball over and managed the game well. But two games that people point to are when Michigan played at Penn State, and home against Bowling Green. Against PSU he went 7-8 for 60 yards, quite literally military school numbers. And against BGSU he was 8-13 for 143 yards, and three interceptions. So, although there is an argument for how well he would have done had the offense gone through him, there is no argument to his greatness and success as a Michigan QB, and Michigan fans, players and coaches wouldn’t want anyone else leading the charge.

(Disclaimer: the column containsspoilsfrom“The PerfectMarriage”byJeneva Rose.)

“The Perfect Marriage” by Jeneva Rose is now one of my favorite books. It falls into the psychological thriller genre, a category I’m gradually growing to appreciate more. The beginning of the book wasn’t slow; it showcased both perspectives of the main characters, Sarah Morgan and Adam Morgan. The narrative introduces their lives, portraying Sarah as a successful lawyer and Adam expressing dissatisfaction with her frequent absence despite seemingly being in a happy relationship. As the story unfolds, you observe the flaws in their marriage. It’s revealed that Adam has been having an affair with a woman named Kelly for about a year, who, as it turns out, is also in a troubled marriage with a guy named Scott. Adam and Kelly decide they’d rather be with each other than their current partners. Understanding Adam’s emotional struggle, I sympathized with his bad decisions while disliking his plan to leave Sarah, who I believed didn’t deserve such treatment. The plot thickens as Adam is arrested for Kelly’s murder. Sarah, being Adam’s lawyer, receives the call while at work. Visiting him in jail, she witnesses him being assaulted by someone named Scott. This revelation intrigues me, especially considering that Kelly’s husband, Scott, is part of the same police department detaining Adam. The suspense intensifies, keeping me engrossed in the book. Questions about the murderer’s identity, Sarah’s dual roles as a wife and lawyer, Adam’s mindset, and Scott’s involvement swirl in my mind. The book’s unpredictability and crime-solving aspect added to my enjoyment. Towards the end, my suspicions proved partly correct. Sheriff Stevens was linked to Kelly, but not in the way I anticipated. He was another person involved with Kelly at the time. Another suspicion confirmed was Anna, Sarah’s assistant, having a role, though not as the killer. She knew about the affair and sent Adam a threat to end it. These revelations surprised me, yet I had a sense that they might unfold. The final chapters brought unexpected twists. Adam faces execution for his crimes, and Sarah, having lost the battle for him, prepares for her wedding the next day. The author vividly describes Sarah’s victorious smile as Adam dies, only to reveal in a shocking turn of events that Sarah orchestrated everything as revenge. She had planned the murder with her co-worker, Bob, who happened to be Kelly’s deceased ex-husband’s brother and the person she was marrying at the end. Sarah’s intelligence and creativity left me impressed. In conclusion, “The Perfect Marriage” was an engaging and unpredictable read that kept me hooked throughout.

Rylee Parsons Staff Writer

Kayla VanderLinden Staff Writer

news@pcmexplorer.com with your calendar item

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3 V, B WR at ADM

2 2pm Singalong or Walk with Jacque at TGP 4:30pm JV, G BB vs S. Hamilton at PCM 6pm V G BB vs S. Hamilton at PCM 7:30pm V, B BB vs S. Hamilton at PCM

1 4:30pm 7, B BB vs Oskaloosa at PCM 4:30pm 8, B BB at Oskaloosa 6pm JV2, B BB at Lynnville-Sully 7:30pm JV, B BB at Lynnville-Sully

10 10am V, B WR Districts at Atlantic

9 1:30pm UMW 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson at TGP 6pm Crimson & Gol Gala

8 10am Patty Richards Music Show at TGP 5pm JV, B BB at E dd yville Blakesburg Fremont 5:30pm ME presents Importance of Rea d ing 6:15pm JV2, B BB at E dd yville Blakesburg Fremont 7:30pm V, B BB at E dd yville Blakesburg Fremont

7 Monroe Trash PC Trash & Recycling 1pm Get Fit, Move More at TGP 6pm Bingo at TGP 6:30pm Monroe Fire Meeting, Mon Fire Station 7pm Activities Boosters at HS 10am G/B Bowling

6 9:30am Jasper County Board of Supervisors, Jasper County Courthouse Kiwanis, Mon City Hall 4:30PM JV, G BB vs Neva d a at PCM 4:30pm 7, B BB at Pella Christian 4:30pm 8, B BB vs Pella Christian at PCM 6pm V, G BB vs Neva d a at PCM 7:30pm V, B BB vs Neva d a at PCM

5 90-minute late start for school 8am Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann at TGP 7pm PC Fire Dept, PC City Hall 4:30pm 7, B BB vs W. Marshall at PCM 4:30pm 8, B BB at W. Marshall 6pm JV2, B BB vs Nevada at PCM 7:30pm JV, B BB vs Nevada at PCM

12 90-minute late start for school 8am Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann at TGP 2pm Singalong or Walk with Jacque at TGP 7pm PC Fire Dept, PC City Hall Monroe City Council 4:30pm 7, B BB at W. Marshall 4:30pm 8, B BB vs W. Marshall at PCM 13 9:30am Jasper County Board of Supervisors, Jasper County Courthouse 6pm Mon American Legion 6:30pm Kiwanis, Mon City Hall 4:30pm 7, B BB vs Saydel at PCM 4:30pm 8, B

3:30pm Baseball Open Gym at MS

Three champs lead Mustangs to fifth at conference tourney

Troy Hyde

thyde@shawmedia.com

MONROE — Tucker Wheeler, Hewitt Brinegar and Kaden Clark all won their first conference titles and seven Mustangs finished in the top five of their weight brackets during the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference tournament on Jan. 19.

PCM hosted the tournament and finished fifth overall with its 12 wrestlers. The Mustangs and Perry each had a tournament-high three individual champions but ended up fifth and fourth, respectively, in the final standings.

Roland-Story won the conference championship with 190.5 points, which edged runner-up Greene County (180) by 10.5 and West Marshall (164) finished third.

Perry (141.5) edged PCM (140) for fourth while Nevada (121), South Hamilton (86) and Saydel (78) completed the eight-team field.

Wheeler bounced back from his first loss of the season on Jan. 16 with three first-period pins at 144 pounds.

Brinegar and Clark both finished 2-0 to win their brackets at 150 and 285, respectively. Clark won both of his matches by fall in the first period and Brinegar won a pair of decisions.

Both Wheeler and Clark finished second in the conference tournament last season. Remington Fry (138) also was the runner-up for the third straight season, while Wyatt Wheeler (175) took second for the second straight year and Kaliber Fry ended up third for the second time.

Wyatt Wheeler won a pair of decisions at 175 and Remington Fry was 1-1 at 138 with his lone loss coming to 2A No. 5 Shane Hanford of West Marshall. It was an up-and-down night for the Mustangs, who were second last year, sixth in 2022 and fourth in 2021. PCM qualified five for the finals but four wrestlers went 0-2.

Kaliber Fry was 2-1 at 113 with two pins. His lone loss came after he was whistled for an illegal throw and his opponent couldn’t continue.

The other top-five finisher was Sawyer Bouwkamp, who placed fourth at 157. Trent Nickelson was sixth at 190. Bouwkamp ended up 2-2 with one pin

and Nickelson finished 1-3. Charlie Sitzmann (126), Jackson Overton (132), Harrison Brinegar (165) and Kaiden Valcore (215) all went 0-2 at their weights.

Clark leads Mustangs at loaded Ed Winger Classic URBANDALE — Clark’s 285-pound bracket at the Ed Winger Classic featured six ranked 3A wrestlers and the Mustang junior still found a way to finish third on Jan. 20.

Clark’s day featured two pins over a pair of ranked opponents and 10 Mustangs scored 61 points in 11th place during the annual tournament that featured four of the top six ranked teams in 3A and 21 total teams.

Bettendorf and Fort Dodge came into the weekend both ranked No. 2 in 3A and the Bulldogs edged the Dodgers by five points in the final standings.

Bettendorf’s 10 wrestlers scored 199.5 points, while Fort Dodge’s eight grapplers scored 194.5. The rest of the top five feature No. 6 Ankeny Centennial (186.5), No. 4 Waverly-Shell Rock (140) and Johnston (133).

Clark was 4-1 with four first-period pins. He finished third after scoring a 56-second pin against 3A No. 10 Luke Fierke of Bettendorf.

Before that, he pinned 3A No. 11 Dawson Rheingans of North Scott in 42 seconds.

Clark’s lone loss was an 8-2 defeat against 3A No. 6 Drew Campbell of Cedar Falls. The 285-pound bracket also featured the No. 1, No. 4, No. 5, No. 7, No. 8 and No. 12 ranked wrestlers in 3A. The next best finisher was 2A No. 11

BOYS BASKETBALL

Troy Hyde/ PCM Explorer PCM junior Charlie Sitzmann, left, competes in a 126-pound match at the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference tournament on Jan. 19.

Hewitt Brinegar, who placed fourth at 150. He was 3-2 with victories of 12-4 and 4-1. Both of his losses came against 3A No. 11 Cole Hemmingsen of Dallas Center-Grimes.

Both Kaliber Fry and 2A No. 4 Tucker Wheeler finished fifth at their weights. Fry was 3-2 with victories of 16-3, 10-6 and 11-8 at 113, while Tucker Wheeler was 3-2 with victories of 15-3, 8-6 and a pin at 144.

Sitzmann went 1-2 with a pin at 126, Harrison Brinegar was 1-2 at 165 and Remington Fry (138), Bouwkamp (157), 2A No. 10 Wyatt Wheeler (175) and Valcore (215) all finished 0-2.

PCM falls to pair of conference rivals STATE CENTER — PCM returned to the mat on Jan. 16, but the Mustangs struggled against two solid programs during an 0-2 night in a road triangular hosted by West Marshall.

PCM went 4-7 in contested matches in both duals, losing 47-21 to the host Trojans and falling 54-17 to North Polk.

The Mustangs also were hampered by three forfeits in each dual as stateranked Wyatt Wheeler did not wrestle.

The only Mustang to go 2-0 was Hewitt Brinegar, who won 10-4 and 11-2 in his matches at 150.

Tucker Wheeler lost for the first time this season. He suffered a 12-4 loss to West Marshall’s Hanford, who is ranked No. 5 in 2A at 138.

Joining Tucker Wheeler with one win were Kaliber Fry (113), Remington Fry (138), Bouwkamp (157), Nickelson (190) and Clark (285).

Bouwkamp, Nickelson, Clark and Tucker Wheeler all had pins.

Third-quarter avalanche sends Mustangs past West Marshall

Troy Hyde thyde@shawmedia.com

STATE CENTER — A strong third quarter propelled the PCM boys’ basketball team to a season sweep over West Marshall on Jan. 19.

The Mustangs trailed by five at halftime but dominated the third period and defeated the Trojans, 55-43, during Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference play.

Jacob Wendt finished with a double-double, Gavin Steenhoek scored a career-high 10 points and the Mustangs turned the ball over only 10 times and won the battle on the boards.

West Marshall led 14-11 after one and outscored PCM 11-9 in the second.

Carter VandeLune tallied five points and three rebounds, Kaleb DeVries added five points, four assists and two rebounds and Alex Wendt grabbed six boards and scored three points.

A 19-4 advantage in the third pushed the Mustangs in front for good and then won the fourth 16-14. Wendt posted 16 points and 10 rebounds, Steenhoek had a career-best 10 points and added two rebounds and two assists and Jack Jungling chipped in eight points, four rebounds and two assists.

Gavin Van Gorp finished with three points, four rebounds and two steals, Pete Kiernan had two boards and two assists, Chase Wagaman tallied two rebounds and two blocks and Jacob Elrod swiped two steals.

The Mustangs shot 40 percent from the floor despite making only 2-of-17 from 3-point range. They hit 17 of their 28 attempts from the freethrow line.

PCM (7-7, 4-4 in the HOIAC) defeated West Marshall for a ninth straight time and is now 11-3 against the Trojans since 2006.

Cash Johnston led West Marshall (2-8, 1-7) with seven points and nine rebounds and Noah Desotel added eight points and four boards.

The Trojans shot 31.4 percent from the floor, made 3-of-23 from 3 and connected on only 8-of-18 from the foul line.

Troy Hyde thyde@shawmedia.com

STATE CENTER — The PCM girls’ basketball team overcame a tough shooting night and 17 turnovers during a road win over West Marshall on Jan. 19.

The Mustangs led by seven at halftime and held on to down the Trojans 52-47 in Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference action.

Addison Steenhoek and Tori Lindsay both scored in double-figures and four other Mustangs put in at least five points as PCM earned the season sweep of the Trojans after ending a six-game skid against them earlier this season.

PCM led 8-6 after one quarter and then pushed further ahead with a 16-11 advantage in the second.

West Marshall outscored its visitors 30-28 in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to complete the rally.

Steenhoek finished with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals and Lindsay added 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists to lead the Mustangs.

Kyra Naeve, a transfer from Southeast Polk, posted eight points, two rebounds and two steals in her PCM debut and Jorja Teeter collected six points and eight rebounds.

Lila Milani registered five points, two rebounds and two assists, Rebecca De Vries finished with five points and four boards and Claire VanWyk grabbed two rebounds.

The Mustangs (10-4, 6-2 in the HOIAC) shot 28.8 percent from the floor, made 7-of-22 from 3-point range and buried 15-of-28 from the freethrow line.

Bella Borger led West Marshall (74, 5-3) with 14 points, while Shelby Johnston added 12 points.

junior Kaden Clark won the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference championship at 285 pounds on Jan. 19 and then finished third at the Ed Winger Classic on Jan. 20. He pinned two state-ranked wrestlers on the second day and went 4-1 with four first-period pins to lead the Mustangs.

Kaden Clark

PCM

Steenhoek

Lindsay

Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer

PCM junior Gavin Van Gorp attempts a jump shot during a home game earlier this season. Van Gorp helped the Mustangs complete the season sweep against West Marshall last week.

Explorer PCM

City of Monroe, Iowa is seeking a part-time Ambulance Filing Clerk.

This position will be under the supervision of the City of Monroe and the Monroe Fire and Rescue Department. Duties will include but are not limited to the electronic submission of highly confidential medical information, completion of state required billing forms, monthly audit documentation, answering of questions concerning confidential medical records and patient billing status inquiries. Candidate will be required to work with a third party billing service to insure that all billings are completed in an accurate and timely manner. Candidate must have experience in electronic filing and provide proof of Iowa Emergency Medical Technician Certification upon hiring. Pay is strictly on an hourly basis. City of Monroe applications are available at www.MonroeIA.com or at the Monroe City Hall. Application deadline is February 9, 2024. The City of Monroe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applications should be mailed to PO Box 370, Monroe, IA 50170 or delivered to City Hall at 206 W. Sherman Street.

PERMANENT PROGRAM TECHNICIAN

The Jasper County USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Office located in Newton, Iowa, is accepting applications to fill a permanent Program Technician position. The individual selected will be responsible for carrying out general office activities and technical functions pertaining to FSA administered programs. Applicants should possess excellent human relations skills as well as strong clerical and computer skills. A general knowledge of agricultural practices would also be beneficial. The full vacancy announcement with mandatory application requirements can be obtained online at www.usajobs.gov and accessing vacancy announcement number FSA-2412272411-DE-IA.

Questions regarding this position can be directed to Mary Glaspie, at 319-668-2010 extension 8013. USDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Prairie Ag Supply, Prairie City, IA, is actively hiring a full-time person to perform all areas of accounting and office management.

Position Summary:

• Process accounts payable, accounts receivable, invoicing and deposits.

• Prepare and process bi-weekly payroll, quarterly and yearend payroll-related tax filings.

• Reconcile accounts for monthly statements.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of accounting system and procedures in a small office environment.

• Payroll knowledge and proficiency in MS Office (Word and Excel).

• Strong communication and customer service skills.