PCM-02-01-2024

Explorer PCM

BINGO!

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

BINGO! The shout of excitement in a newly discovered bingo victory is just one of the many sounds heard as community members enjoy the Prairie City Celebration Committee’s newest monthly event. Next planned for Feb. 15 at the Prairie City Community Building, bingo is a fun way to help raise funds for town activities every third Thursday of the month.

“We have new committee members, so when we were talking about fundraising and one of them brought up to do bingo night monthly,” committee member Amy Witte said. “I know Colfax has done it for a while and other people throughout the city we have heard would like this so we thought we would try it.”

For those ages 18 and older, there are eight rounds of bingo

PC Celebration Committee adds monthly bingo event for the community

at each event. The first seven rounds are $1 while playing the well-known rules of bingo. There is also a bonus round on the same care where prizes are 50 percent

of the “pot” and a gift card. The final round is $2 per card and is “black out.”

One last night of dance

The PCM Dance Team along with many special guests took to the floor to celebrate the 2023-24 season

Rozenboom was hoping for advanced copy of AEA bill prior to announcement

Senate education committee chairman wanted to see draft of governor’s plan

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

State Sen. Ken Rozenboom of District 19 knew almost a year ago that Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds was going to take a hard look at the structure of Area Education Agencies, but the chairman of the Senate Education Committee had hoped he would have been given an advanced copy of the bill prior to its announcement.

COLD SNAPPED

It may be cold but rural Jasper County residents are getting hot over

hauling operations

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Jasper County and the 98 other counties in the state of Iowa were pummeled by a year’s worth of snow in about a week, but rural residents are so upset with the slow pace of hauling and plowing operations that they have resorted to calling other county departments like the auditor and DMV in order to complain.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma responded to the complaints in a 17-minute video posted on his Facebook page with the comment, “Manners, tempers and patience.” The video has since garnered more than 5,400 views and more than 100 reactions, many of which were sympathetic to the county’s challenges.

In the video, Talsma said during budget hearings on Jan. 15 he received around 27 different emails, texts and calls from individuals calling about snow on gravel roads. He then pleaded with residents to not contact other departments if they do not get through to secondary roads, which has been inundated with calls.

“You’re not the only person in the county. You’re not the only person trying to get a hold of them. Just simply hang up and try again,” he said. “Please do not start calling the treasurer’s office, the VA, the auditor’s office, emergency management or anybody else because you can’t get through to secondary roads.”

Two or three people in the secondary roads department, he added, cannot respond in an hour’s time to the

Iowa’s property tax reform law comes at a cost for local governments

‘Ramifications’ of House File 718 complicate budgets for cities and counties

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Doug Bishop picked one helluva time to run for mayor of Baxter. In addition to managing his office as the county treasurer and trying to find solutions to his town’s ongoing struggles with EMS service, state laws are making budgeting sessions extra tough for local governments these next few years.

While giving a legislative update with House Rep. Jon Dunwell at the Newton school board meeting on Jan. 22, Rozenboom held up a thick, black folder.

“I knew almost a year ago that the governor was

“I will tell you I had hoped to have a sneak preview of the governor’s proposal before she went public with it,” he said. “I did not have it. Those of you who watched her Condition of the State address 13 days ago saw it just as quickly as I did. The next morning, the bill, all 123 pages of it, was on my desk.”

He anticipates Baxter’s city officials will have to make some really hard decisions in the coming months and so forth, and it is in large part because of House File 718. Outcry from property assessments last year forced the Iowa Legislature to pass a bipartisan property tax reform law that have some city leaders on edge.

Newton City Administrator Matt Muckler has repeatedly criticized the law for penalizing city growth. Bishop is not too fond of the law either, and he lobbed his criticisms directly in the faces of Jasper Coun-

ty’s statehouse legislators during a legislative gathering Jan. 20 at Newton Public Library.

State Sen. Ken Rozenboom mentioned in a previous, unrelated topic that most Iowans — including himself — would not like it if the federal government told Iowa how to govern its state. Bishop suggested House File 718 does the same thing, only it is the state telling city and county governments what

do.

“We’re seeing everything first hand everything that you’re talking about,” Bishop said. “I heard you, Senator, say you don’t want the feds coming down and telling us what we’re going to do with ourselves … but House File 718, the state came

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Traffic drives along Highway 14 between Newton and Monroe while surrounded by snow. Crews working to plow and haul snow prioritized major highways following recent snowstorms before

to

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer

From left: Iowa House Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla, Iowa House Rep. Jon Dunwell and Iowa State Sen. Ken Rozenboom speak to constituents during a legislative gathering hosted by the League of Women Voters of Jasper County on Jan. 20 at the Newton Public Library.

BINGO | 2

Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer

Metro Photo

Worth Mentioning

Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com

Events at The Gathering Place

Visit The Gathering Place at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2, for a Singalong or walk with Jacque P. Every Monday at 8 a.m. Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann at TGP.

“Get Fit, Move More” at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 at TGP and play some Bingo beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Enjoy the Patty Richards Music Show at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at The Gathering Place. Friday, Feb. 9 Piano with Jacque Robinson begins at 2 p.m.

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.

TOPS

TOPS 1025 meets at 5:30 p.m. every Monday at the First Reformed Church in Prairie City for weigh-in, with meeting to follow. Go to the north side parking lot at the church and enter in the north door. Call 515-994-2200 for information.

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.

American Legion Post

The Monroe American Legion meets at 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month at the Legion.

Womens Recovery meeting

Lighthouse Recovery Ministries has a Women’s Recovery meeting at 6 p.m. each Wednesday at the Grace Alive Powerhouse, 701 W. Second St. in Prairie City. Contact Barb at b.miller@lighthouserecoveryia. com with questions.

Bingo

Continuedfrompage1

“Last month we start with calling 50 balls and if no one gets it, which they didn’t, that pot, which was $70, will roll over until next month and added to the February pot,” Witte said. “If we call 51 balls and then if it is not won we just keep rolling it over for the next month. Then we go ahead and play blackout for a gift card.”

Along with the game, food and drinks are available. Witte said they are eyeing adding food trucks in the future, too.

Started in January, the first bingo night saw the start of a snowstorm roll by the windows as the numbers were called. That did stop people from heading out to play, though.

“Besides it snowing people wanted out of the house and it went really well. We almost had 50 people our first bingo,” Witte said. “We’re hoping to see more and more every month. Everyone needs to spread the word and come play bingo.”

For updated information about the Prairie City Celebration Committee bingo event and other event’s in the community follow their Facebook page.

JCF grant applications available Feb. 15

The Jasper Community Foundation’s 2024 Grant Cycle begins Feb. 15. Grant applications will be accepted Feb. 15 through April 30 via the Foundation’s website: www.jaspercommunityfoundation.org.

Grant applications to be considered for funding this year must be received by April 30. All 501(c)3 organizations, 170(c)(1) units of government, and other potentially qualifying charitable organizations operating in or for the benefit of Jasper County should go to the Jasper Community Foundation website for

Snow

Continuedfrompage1

hundreds of calls they have been receiving since the snowstorms hit Jasper County. Talsma said it is also difficult for him to keep up with the phone calls he is receiving because of budget hearings.

Talsma asked residents to please be patient when it comes to the plowing of secondary roads. He understands that residents are getting irritated and want out of their homes. Secondary roads crews have been working 12hour shifts trying to get the roads cleared since the storms.

“We haven’t had a snow event like this in quite some time,” he said.

Secondary roads only has so many staff members and resources at their disposal, and the volume of snow, the pace in which it accumulated, the freezing temperatures and the excessively high drifts have only made matters worse for the plowing and snow hauling crews. Talsma didn’t mince words:

“We have over 927 miles of gravel road in Jasper County,” he said. “We have over 300 miles of paved routes in Jasper County. Jasper County is 733 square miles. We are the eighth largest county in the state of Iowa. The eighth largest county in the state of Iowa. It’s going to take the guys some time.”

Talsma said he saw a post from Mahaska County that claimed one truck driver spent seven-and-ahalf hours to clear a mileand-a-half of road trying to bust through drifts; Jasper County crews are encountering the exact same conditions. Talsma suggested such conditions are commonplace in the country.

“Living in the country

guidelines, applications and additional information. This will be the only grant cycle of 2024. This grant program is made possible through a contribution to the Foundation by the Iowa General Assembly’s County Endowment Fund Program. In 2023, the Jasper Community Foundation disbursed $120,000 to 23 different organizations throughout the county. These funds were awarded to charitable organizations for educational, civic and public purposes. A full listing of grantees can be found on the Foundation’s website.

brings a lot of freedom and a lot of privacy, but you’re also not going to experience the same level of expedited services or the same level of services as living in a city,” Talsma said. “We also are a lot larger territory with a lot more miles to cover than counties like Johnson, Polk, stuff like that.”

Talsma also addressed questions from citizens who wanted to know why Jasper County does not have crews running 24hour snow plowing services.

“Pretty simple: I’d have to tax you for several million dollars a year or more to be able to maintain a crew for situations that might happen three or four times a year. I’ve already got 28 guys that are running 12- to 16-hour shifts,” Talsma said, later noting most counties don’t run 24-hour shifts.

Before wrapping up the video, Talsma asked residents to not “cuss out” county employees. Although he understands why people are upset and going stir crazy, it is not justification to verbally harass employees. Talsma said he also got “f-bombed” four different times in one phone call.

“Our employees should not have to put up with that,” he said. “Please, if you are calling in to them, please mind your manners. Do not cuss at them. Do not yell at them. Do not scream at them. They do have our permission that they do not have to put up with that crap, and they will hang up on you.”

If a resident experiences a medical emergency and lives near an impassable road, Talsma encouraged them to call dispatch. Crews will coordinate with first responders to make sure they still respond to such calls. Talsma asked residents to not fake a medical emergency, which he claimed some-

“Qualifying organizations are encouraged to submit a grant application,” Dan Skokan, president of Jasper Community Foundation said. “Our goal is to benefit as many Jasper County residents as possible. These grant funds provide an excellent opportunity to address important needs and to improve the overall quality of life for our residents.”

All inquiries pertaining to the grant application process should be directed to the “Contact Us” link located on the homepage of the Jasper Community Foundation website.

one already attempted.

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty told Newton News in a follow-up interview that this past weather event has been “one of the most challenging circumstances we’ve ever had to operate in.” On Jan. 9 and 13, the sheriff’s office advised against travel all around Jasper County.

The secondary roads department has been regularly posting updates and status conditions of the roads and weather on its Facebook page. While messages are able to be shared and response is favorable, the administrator of the secondary roads department’s page has limited who can comment on many of the posts.

As of Jan. 18, the secondary roads department stated in a post it has rented additional equipment to get through the heavily drifted areas of the county. Attached to the post was a photo showing the path left behind by a V-plow after cutting through a drift as high as the operator’s cab.

Despite Talsma’s video, residents are still concerned about the county’s response to the impassable roads.

Greg Leavens, of Colfax, attended the board of supervisors meeting on Jan. 16 asking what the county was going to do to make secondary roads passable. Talsma did not know what else to tell him other than the county is working on it. Leavens asked if the county is short on employees to work on the roads.

“I know maintainers were on the pavement,” Leavens said. “I don’t understand it. I thought that’s what the trucks were for.”

Talsma responded, “Maintainers run on pavement during a snow event because paved roads are the primary concern.”

Kelli Van Mannen, program director for Jasper County Elderly Nutrition, had previously praised the secondary roads crews for their work at the start of the meeting. She said if the paved highways are not open, then “it doesn’t do you any good to get the gravel open.”

In the event of a large snowfall, Talsma said maintainers are always going to be running on the highways and roads — so long as it is called for — because they carry more traffic. When those pathways are adequately cleared, the maintainers move to the gravel roads and unincorporated territories.

“They’ve been working 12-hour shifts since last week Tuesday,” Talsma said. “We had 25 or 20plus inches of snow in four days. I mean, my dad who has spent his whole life living in the country, it ain’t the worst one he’s ever seen but it’s the worst one in 20 years. Then it started getting to subzero temps.”

Frigid conditions made the tall snow drifts extremely hard for plow trucks and maintainers to get through when it wasn’t also gelling up their diesel fuel.

“Every county is doing the exact same thing,” he said. “I’ve been talking with Mahaska County supervisors and they are facing and going through the exact same stuff (we) are. They still don’t think by the end of business today they’re going to have a route open to every single house yet.

“Marion County, which by the way has 300-some less miles of gravel than what Jasper County has, is hoping by noon today they have a path open to all of their houses. And they have 300 less miles of gravel than what we do.” Leavens paused. “Whatever. Thank you.”

AEA Bill

going to look at the AEA structure, and because I knew that I started about four months ago visiting with superintendents and school boards and teachers and parents, and this notebook is kind of my own research,” he said, displaying the notebook in one hand.

Rumors were swirling around potential legislation affecting the AEAs long before lawmakers convened for the 2024 session. Iowans were officially informed of the governor’s plan to rework the agencies during her Condition of the State address. The details of the proposed bill were released shortly after to much criticism.

“It was not quite what I expected,” Rozenboom said. “It was probably more aggressive than I expected. For the next few days I started trying to study the bill

Tax Reform

and study the ramifications. But I stayed away from discussions with colleagues because I wanted them to … create their own perceptions.”

Shortly after the bill was unveiled, it was clear the AEAs would be forced to stop providing a large majority of general education services and focus solely on improving special education. Reynolds said in her address that Iowa’s special education students are performing below the national average.

However, pushback from Iowans prompted Reynolds to amend the bill to include general education services. In an open letter to Iowans, the governor said her amended bill would allow AEAs to continue providing special education services and allow districts to get their share of AEA funding for education services, too.

At the time of the school board meeting, Rozenboom had not acquired the amended legislation, but he kind of knows what it says. To him, it is a much more accept-

down and told us what we could or couldn’t do as far as taxing our citizens.”

Bishop condemned the bill for being a “slammed through, middle-of-the-night deal” to appease citizens over their high property assessments. But Bishop said lawmakers may not have fully understood what they were voting on other than they were going to provide relief for Iowans. As treasurer, he understands that.

“But there has been ramifications since,” Bishop said.

The City of Baxter has a full-time public works director, one police officer, a fire department, a city clerk, a librarian and full-time EMS director. Bishop said House File 718 is driving down what municipalities can tax their citizens. For Baxter, the only place the city has room to cut is people. But doing so potentially comes at a loss of service.

To make matters even more complicated, the City of Baxter has already combined resources and shares its librarian with the school district. Bishop said what House File 718 has done is taken away the city’s local authority to tax its citizens more to maintain services. To him, the bill needs to be readdressed.

“We need to get back to local control,” Bishop said. “I understand the thoughts of y’all passing it, but we’re in crisis right now in our little town. The bigger ones can absorb it a little bit better. But it’s going to happen there by 2029. Y’all voted for it. Y’all supported. What can you do for us to fix it?”

Iowa House Rep. Jon Dunwell said the bill does sunset in 2029, and it was meant for lawmakers to have another discussion about it prior to the sunsetting to set up the new Iowa property tax bill. Dunwell said he has met with different cities to see what can be adjusted if necessary. Those meetings are also helping him prepare for a more long-term property tax bill. The challenge Iowa has is its complex property tax system, Dunwell said. But he

able bill than the original proposal. The senator was convinced that not a single legislator would have voted for the first proposal.

“I don’t know that and I don’t want to overstate it, but I didn’t sense a lot of, ‘Yeah! Let’s get this done!’ Last Wednesday when she talked about some revisions, I warmed up to it some,” Rozenboom said. “I’m not there yet. I’m keeping my powder dry.”

Rozenboom has served 12 years in the Iowa Senate, but this year is unlike any other in the sense that the AEA legislation has “sucked a lot of the oxygen out of the room” and is dominating every legislative conversation thus far. The senator is feeling the public pressure.

“I’ve been up here 12 years but I’ve never quite felt the pressure that I feel right now,” he said. “There is a half million Iowa kids that are depending upon us getting this right. And you’re depending on us getting this right. I don’t know what all that means right now. I’m being very open and

pushed back against some of the faults against the bill, saying it was passed with almost unanimous bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.

Only one person voted against it.

“Property taxes concern people. They saw their assessments go up. We already have a mechanism in government that drops that down; it’s called the rollback So your next tax bill you were maybe taxed on 52-some percent of your home’s taxable value … because the assessments went up so high,” Dunwell said.

House File 718 made it so the taxable assessed value of a city or county went up more than 3 percent, 2 percent of that growth had to be used to drop the levy.

“It does get to be a challenge if you’re a city growing at 3.1 percent,” Dunwell said. “You could have used those dollars. Instead, what happens is they now have to go toward, basically, a 1.1 percent growth. I met with some larger cities and I’m meeting with my smaller cities in the next month to have a confab.”

Dunwell added it is a struggle to have a mechanism that drops the rollback down and then another mechanism that drops it further. But the House representative said the piece he fought for in the bill was a provision for truth in taxation, which he suggested is giving more local control and increases transparency

“What I ultimately want to see in property taxes is you get a statement prior to the approval of the budget and prior to approval of the levy that says, ‘Here’s what you paid last year in taxes, the proposed combined levy and if that’s approved here’s what you would pay, here’s all the public meetings,’” Dunwell said.

There is a way around House File 718. But it’s a complicated one that requires the will of the voters to officially authorize through a referendum.

“We’re going to get more input on that, and the idea on that sunset is to actually write a new bill going forward,” Dunwell said.

Bishop said the 65-and-older and veterans tax credits were not backfilled, and he cautioned that if lawmakers have not heard from their county supervisors yet they will soon. According to Bishop there was a trigger in the

honest with you.”

But Rozenboom wanted the audience to be reassured about one thing: Despite what they may have heard, the statehouse process “is very transparent,” he said.

“You’ve heard it said that watching legislation get made is a lot like watching sausage get made,” he said. “A lot of truth to that, folks. But I want to reassure you it is all open and transparent. This will be no different. We’ll have all the eyes of Iowa on this as we proceed.”

Although Rozenboom is unsure where he is at on the AEA bill, he agrees with the governor that significant changes are need. He also believes the AEAs are “administratively heavy and performance light.” Regardless, he said he has made the commitment to listen well and be thoughtful and informed to the greatest extent possible.

“And with one primary goal at the end of the day, and that’s to serve our kids well,” he said.

bill for rural services — which Dunwell confirmed — and the cap was leveled off of last year’s askings.

Which could pose problems for more conservative counties who kept tax levies low and did not take in more money than they had to. In a follow up interview with Newton News, Jasper County Supervisor Brandon Talsma confirmed there have been some complications with the rural services levy.

Typically, Jasper County plays a balancing act with three major funding sources: rural, general and general supplemental. While some things can be paid for via a singular levy, others can be paid for with a mixture of funds. The balancing act the county plays thus changes from year to year depending on a number of factors.

Coupled with the county’s practice to alter its levies so that it is taking in the same amount of property tax as previous years despite high assessments, the levies often alter from year to year. High reserves and good fiscal management have provided Jasper County the luxury of some wiggle room in past budgets.

Talsma said that has changed during this year’s budget sessions. House File 718 established a new hard cap for the county’s rural levy, so it can only take in funds from the levy used for the last certified budget. In this case, the rural services levy would be set at roughly $3.05. In the past it could go as high as $3.95.

“So the problem is now the county found out we don’t have the wiggle room we thought we did,” Talsma said. “This could potentially cause an issue.”

The county’s road deputies and maintainer salaries come out of the rural services levy, while their benefits come out of general supplemental. But with union contracts solidifying required pay increases year to year, the county may struggle to find that wiggle room supervisors were relying on.

Even so Talsma stressed the county is not terminating any employees or programs, but House File 718 does limit what Jasper County can do.

“It changes the picture for what we can do going forward,” Talsma said, adding he is hoping the Iowa Legislature will make some corrections to House File 718.

Bishop claimed if the City of Baxter miraculously grows by about 15 houses this year, the city cannot even capture that growth. It feels like cities have been “bushwhacked,” he said. If lawmakers have not been receiving phone calls from their county supervisors, Bishop suggested they will soon.

“So we are where we are. We’re never going to be doing any better, even if our citizens say I’d like to have a school resource officer, because if the answer is the only way to a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun, then we can’t even tax to put a guy with a gun in our schools,” Bishop said. “We’re in trouble.”

Brock

In the 2022 NFL draft, Quarterback Brock Purdy, from Iowa State University, was selected the very last pick—number 262—by the San Francisco 49ers. The last pick of the NFL draft over the years has been colorfully, or cruelly, dubbed, “Mr. Irrelevant.” Purdy would be the third-string quarterback for the 49ers, behind Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo.

However, both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo went down with injuries.

Mr. Irrelevant stepped into the game for Garoppolo in week 13 against the Miami Dolphins, completing 25-of-37 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, for a 33-17 win. Purdy became the first Mr. Irrelevant to throw a touchdown pass in a regular season game. People began to take notice. Kyle Shanahan, coach of the 49ers, named Purdy the starting QB for the remainder of the 2022 season. On Dec. 11, 2022, Purdy became the only QB in his first career start to beat the famous (infamous?)

Tom Brady, in a 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 49ers sent out a tweet calling Purdy “Mr. Relevant.”

In this, his inaugural season, Purdy won all five of his regular season starts, leading the 49ers to the second seed in the NFC playoffs. With Purdy at the helm, the 49ers won their first two playoff games against the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys, leading to the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles. Unfortunately, Purdy injured his right throwing arm. Purdy’s backup, Josh Johnson, entered the game but immediately went down with a concussion. Purdy re-entered the game but was limited to handing the ball off. The 49ers lost to the Eagles 31-7. It’s tempting to speculate that, if Purdy hadn’t become injured, the 49ers may have won the game and wound up in the Super Bowl against the KC Chiefs.

During the off-season, speculation

This week, we witnessed Americans from tiny towns and big cities come together on the National Mall in celebration of the gift we all share –life. During this year’s March for Life, thousands gathered to focus on our desire to extend love and care for both the mother and child during pregnancy and in the years after.

From Washington, DC

This mission reminds me of the heroic work of pregnancy care centers and maternity homes that stand at the forefront of this fight. These centers serve as the bedrock of families across the nation, providing parents with compassionate support and resources like housing, transportation, education, and health care.

That’s because being pro-life means recognizing the joint responsibility of a mother, father, and society at large to protect and nurture each and every child from the moment that it is created throughout his or her life. To truly change our culture, communities must go all in on life and wrap around families who are struggling.

As I travel throughout the state of Iowa, I am inspired by the life-affirming message of hope at resource centers and adoption facilities. Each and every day, these folks provide a roadmap to how we can truly achieve a society that respects the inherent dignity of each and every one of us and makes sure no mother faces the challenge of parenthood alone.

To support their work, I am leading the fight to safeguard taxpayer dollars for women’s health care by redirecting them from Planned Parenthood, the nation’s single largest provider of abortion, and instead using them to support other eligible entities, like community health centers, which provide important health care services but do not offer abortions.

In addition to supporting healthy families, my bill ensures Iowa taxpayers are not forced to fork out billions of dollars for an organization that violates the consciences of many Americans. To prevent this, the historically bipartisan Hyde Amendment has protected hard-earned taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. I’m dedicated to continuing this tradition to ensure Iowans do not have to foot the bill – literally – for abortions.

As a mom and soon-to-be grandma, I know it takes a village at every age and every stage to support a family. To help parents with little ones, I’m also working to increase the availability of affordable, high-quality childcare by allowing small, non-profit childcare providers, including religiously affiliated non-profits, to participate in Small Business Administration loan programs.

This week, I’m encouraged that many dedicated Americans came together during the March for Life, united by one message: life matters. We are stronger when we can tackle the challenge of pregnancy and parenthood by leaning on friends and family to get us through. It’s a precious thing when a child is brought into this world, something so valuable that a community must unite around mother and child, committed to protecting that life.

Joni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and a combat veteran, representsIowaintheUnitedStatesSenate.

Week 3

As week three has come to an end at the Capitol, the Governor’s AEA bill has certainly been the main attraction. Iowa’s AEAs (Area Education Services) provide support for children with disabilities, special education, general education services, and media, and technology. Currently, there are 9 AEAs regionally located and governed by a regional board. On Tuesday of our first week, Governor Reynolds unveiled her broad plan for restructuring the AEAs in her State of the State address with her proposed bill becoming available

State House

Representative Jon Dunwell

to the legislature on Wednesday.

As I reviewed the initial bill, I concluded that I could not support the bill as is. As the Governor heard from educators, the public, and the legislature, she offered forth an amendment, adding back most of the AEA services that had been cut. Her plan allows each school district to have greater choice in who provides the needed services to their stu-

swirled as to whether Kyle Shanahan would keep Purdy as the 49ers starting QB. But Shanahan saw something in Purdy that very few professional athletes, or anyone for that matter, have: calmness under pressure. After successful surgery on Purdy’s arm, Shanahan named Purdy the starting QB for the 2023 season over Sam Darnold and Trey Lance.

Purdy has not let Shanahan or fans down. Purdy has led the 49ers to the top spot in the NFC playoffs. Not only that but, contrary to Purdy naysayers, he is in strong contention with two others for the NFL MVP. (Huh, Mr. Irrelevant.) The other two in contention for NFL MVP are his teammate, running back Christian McCaffrey, and Ravens’ QB, Lamar Jackson.

Being humble, Purdy wants his teammate, Christian McCaffrey, to be MVP. Once again, naysayers are quick to point out that Purdy is surrounded by superstars on the 49ers’ team.

Purdy supporters argue that, “True, Purdy is surrounded by great players, but so has been every other NFL MVP.”

Great people make great people. For the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft to be in

contention for NFL MVP, it is nothing short of miraculous.

Being an Iowa State grad, I have followed Iowa State football for quite some time. In my day, Iowa State was in a conference known as the Big 8. Incredibly, Big 8 teams, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Colorado finished one, two and three, respectively in national standings when I was in college. Match that SEC and Big 10!

So it goes without saying that I am Brock Purdy’s number one fan. As a writer and local newspaper columnist, I would like nothing better than to have my column published nationally and have the opportunity to write Brock Purdy’s life story. I have messaged him to that effect. Of course, I haven’t heard back. I imagine I am in a long line of writers who would love to write “The Brock Purdy Story.”

Brock, if you are reading this, I want to write your life story, and have my column carried nationally. These are dreams I have, and they’re no more farfetched than Brock Purdy, Mr. Irrelevant, from Iowa State University, being considered for NFL MVP.

Contact Curt Swarm at

Calling for the release and

safe return of all hostages held by Hamas

In a kibbutz in southern Israel, there is a community of almost 400 people. It is a close community that knows all too well the dangers of living in a war zone due to its location near Gaza.

But on October 7th, nothing could have prepared the Kibbutz Nir Oz community for the merciless surprise attack by Hamas terrorists. According to reports, 38 people were killed and 75 were abducted.

As we enter the fourth month of the Israel-Hamas War, the number of Israeli and American hostages looms, and Americans remain held captive by Hamas.

Stories like the massacre of Kibbutz Nir Oz are heartbreaking, and earlier this month, I witnessed the ravaged community first-hand as I joined Senator Joni Ernst on the bipartisan and bicameral Congressional Delegation to Egypt, Israel, Qatar, and Bahrain.

Being in the Middle East during this time was important to not only dovetail my work to safeguard Jewish communities here at home through my resolution to establish a commission to combat antisemi-

dents. Furthermore, it places the AEAs underneath the Iowa Department of Education and moves the boards to an advisory role. The amendment is still being drafted. As I review the current proposal, I’m continuing my due diligence. I am reviewing the correspondence I have received, engaging in conversations with educators, meeting with AEA chiefs, asking questions of the Governor and her staff, connecting with the Director of Education, and bringing my four School Superintendents into the conversation.

As I prepare to review the Governor’s proposed amendment, here are my questions.

Our District

U.S. Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks

tism, but it was also essential to go directly to the region and advocate for the Americans that are held captive by Hamas.

While in the region, we heard from family members, released hostages, and we also heard from leaders on the global stage about the escalation of crimes committed by Hamas against women and potential paths toward the immediate release of American — and all — hostages.

In Israel, we met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. We met with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and Intelligence Director Abbas Kamel in Egypt and discussed the crucial role that Egypt plays in the effort to release hostages held by Hamas.

In Qatar, we urged Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman

1. We need to begin with the “rural” in mind. How does this help my rural districts? If larger districts leave an AEA, will it reduce services to the smaller districts?

2. What specifically are the positive outcomes/benefits the proposed plan will bring to our students and staff? How will it raise test scores? Will it provide more boots on the ground, better quality of services, or easier access to services?

bin Jassim Al Thani to call for the return of the six American hostages, and our delegation met with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in Bahrain to discuss the US-Bahrain strategic relationship while working to bring hostages home.

We also had an opportunity to visit Iowans stationed in the region to thank them for their service.

Overall, our high-level meetings with leaders in the region were productive, and our tour of the Kibbutz Nir Oz was eye-opening.

This bipartisan and bicameral Congressional Delegation trip made it clear that our efforts abroad are linked to our efforts here in the US. Therefore, I will remain committed to calling for the safe return of all the hostages held by Hamas, and I will continue to work to establish the commission to combat antisemitism and ensure that our Jewish communities in the United States are protected.

Mariannette Miller-Meeks currently represents Iowa’s First DistrictintheUnitedStatesHouse ofRepresentatives.

3. What are the benefits to placing the AEAs directly underneath the Department of Education? Why is this accountability better than the existing accreditation standards? Will the regionality of the AEAs be lost?

4. What are the specific services that will no longer be available from the AEAs? Why shouldn’t they be offered by the AEAs?

Bottomline, I’m all for creating greater accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness. And I’m not afraid of change and the short-term disruption it can create. We always need to be seeking how we can do things better, especially when it comes to our students. But before we initiate those changes, we need to clearly understand the benefits and outcomes. We are still taking that journey in the Iowa House. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Sen. Joni Ernst

Curt Swarm Empty Nest

PCM Dance Teams Winter Show

Mustang Speech Goes to State

The PCM dance team has their yearly show that showcases their routines and the members of the team. The show was Jan. 27 at PCM High School. The girls danced a total of eight routines consisting of their performance pom and hip hop. Their competition is pom, hip-hop and skirts. Also, their kick routine, dads dance and co-ed. There are a total of fifteen girls on the team; four freshmen, three sophomores, five juniors and three seniors. The seniors on the team are Avery Houser, Ryan Bennett and Tiffani Koonce. Houser and Bennett have been on the team all four years of high school, while Koonce was only on the team for her junior and senior year. Senior Bennett shared what these past years have been like for her on the dance team and some of her favorite things.

Being on this team has been so fun, and I got to meet so many different girls and lead underclassmen,” Bennet said “I have learned leadership skills and how to have a good work ethic” Bennet had a hard time trying to decide her favorite dance out of four years. “My favorite dance was probably my Pom freshman year because we won first.” Bennett talked about what her senior year on the team was like “My senior year has been definitely stressful because I am a senior but very, very fun,” Bennet said, “this team this year has been very close, so I love being a part of it.” The team has practiced a lot, so they have gotten to know each other, “I am going to miss having girls and getting to see every morning and getting to talk to them,” Bennet had some advice to leave for new members of the team and current members, “My advice is practice at home because we only have an hour in the morning so put in extra work, and it pays off.” Bennett’s plans for college are to attend UNI and study biology to get her degree in medical lab science.

The seniors choreographed the performance of hip-hop, dads dance, co-ed and kick for this year. The freshman, sophomores and juniors also did a dance for the seniors that the juniors choreographed. The seniors had no clue about the song, choreography or the costumes. So it was a surprise to them. The whole dance team puts on a clinic that they do every year for ages pre-k to eighth grade. The dance team members come up with the routines themselves to teach the kids. Then the different age groups will perform at the show with the dance team members’ help. They have been putting a lot of work into making this a great show for everyone. The boys in co-ed had morning practices to prepare for the show and the dads had after-school practice. With the many snow days that caused practices to be canceled, and the show was just around the corner. The girls worked hard and finished everything just in time for the show!

PCM Basketball Showing Their Support for Perry

On Friday, January 26, PCM hosted Perry High School for Varsity Boys and Girls Basketball. Due to recent events with the school shooting happening at Perry High School, the PCM school board and athletes have decided to do something special for their school and athletes.

“What happened at Perry MS\ HS was a terribly terrible tragedy. We are asking all attendees to wear BLUE in support of the Perry students, parents, school staff and community. We want them to know and feel the support from the PCM District. PCM is committed to supporting the Perry District as they journey through the healing and recovery process. #strongertogether”

Our PCM Superintendent, Dr. Havenstrite, Shares her thoughts and opinions on the basketball game, Friday night, January 26.

When we found out of the incident at Perry High School, Dr. Havenstrite was not the only person that jumped into action by doing something nice for their athletes. PCM girls and boy head varsity basketball coaches reached out to our activity director, Mr. Swink asking if they would be willing to do something special for them. Mr. Swink immediately agreed and started planning.

“The Perry Schools and Perry Community have quite the road ahead of them in regards to returning to normalcy and healing. Perry is a member of our conference (HOIAC), and we, as PCM, felt it was the least we could do to show our continued support for them through this tough time. Our head basketball coaches (Tony Ford and Sami Allison-Rodriguez) took the lead on planning this event of a “blue out”, and coordinating with the Perry basketball coaches and teams post-game activities, such as meals, etc. My role in the planning process was approval of their plan and communication with the Perry administration to ensure they were comfortable with our plan and in support of it. I am fortunate to have great coaches on staff, like Tony and Sami, who are willing to take on this type of event, and to recognize there are much more important things than basketball.” Mr. Swink talked about his role in the planning.

Both the girls and boys basketball teams are making a meal or a sack lunch for Perry High School athletes. Girls basketball makes the Perry girls team a warm meal that they can eat after their basketball game and do not have to worry about getting food from the concession stand. Christy Lindsey and Jodi Van Wyk were parents signed up for their own girls’ team meal but when they found out about Perry they immediately offered to make enough food for the PCM girls basketball team along with the Perry basketball girls.

Tony Ford, along with other parents from the boys’ basketball team, are making a cold sack lunch for the Perry boys’ basketball team so that they will have food after the game. The boys’ team does not have team meals before their games, so doing this is very important to them, because it is something that they usually do not do, even for their own team and athletes.

Even though this is a very hard time for Perry, we all have to stay strong together and support one another. #staystrongtogether.

Jan. 28–NFL Championship Weekend brought two very interesting matchups to the table. The Kansas City Chiefs faced off versus the Baltimore Ravens and the Detroit Lions played the San Francisco 49ers. The Ravens and the Lions are both fairly new to the games. The last time the Ravens played in the AFC Championship was 2012 and the Lions hadn’t been to the NFC Championship since 1991. That was their first and only appearance until last week. The 49ers last appearance was 2019. They won that game and faced the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. The Kansas City Chiefs are the reigning champions and have made the AFC Championship every season since 2019.

Most people believed that the Ravens would take care of the Kansas City Chiefs beforehand, but Patrick Mahomes and co. proved many people and experts wrong. Sitting on a 17-7 for most of the game until the fourth quarter, when the Ravens would make it a one-possession game with a field goal, but it was too little too late as the Chiefs would hang on to win 17-10 in a defensive stalemate. Travis Kelce put on a show for Taylor Swift who was in attendance with 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs are looking to be the first back to back champion since Tom Brady and the Patriots did it back in the ‘04 and ‘05 Super Bowls.

The 49ers and the Lions was a highly intriguing matchup where no one seemed to know what was going to happen. The Lions jumped out to a 24-7 lead going into halftime. Head Coach Dan Campbell is known for his tendency to be crazily over aggressive on fourth down attempts, but he turned down an opportunity to do so on a fourth and goal from about the three-yard line with ten seconds left in the half. He took his points, and they went to the locker room with a 17 point lead, but the mistakes started piling up to start the half. The Lions dropped a fourth down conversion, let an interception bounce off the head of a defender that turned into a 55 yard gain for the 49ers, fumbled a handoff, and dropped another third downplay (it was the same receiver, Josh Reynolds), and missed an opportunity to down a punt on the one-yard line. This allowed the 49ers to take control of the game and ultimately win 34-31 after a failed onside kick attempt.

The Chiefs and Niners will meet again in the Super Bowl. They met in 2019 when the Chiefs came back and won 31-20 talented students and enjoy their performances.

Brianna Sutphin Staff Writer

Our Mustangs have made their way to State Speech and will be performing in Bettendorf, almost two and a half hours away from Monroe. The day of this exciting event will be held on Saturday, February 3. When talking to one of the coaches, Brooke Grett, she gave a lot of information about what State Speech is. She gives examples of speech and the students that will be attending. “Extracurricular speech is where students get to choose from what categories. It could be singing involved, it could be reading poetry, it could be working with… a lot of it is movement and facial expressions, so it’s really just being able to express yourself in a variety of ways. So this year we took five groups, two large group districts and two of those five groups went on to state. It was an ensemble piece with Max Kimball and Jordan VanDerWarf. And then another ensemble piece with Carter Dudley and Grace Taylor. And so they received division one ratings, and they got feedback from the judges.”

Then she was asked how a student would prepare themselves. She responded with, “Practicing all the time, whether it’s with a coach or not. A lot of times we’ll provide more feedback on just certain pauses, adding facial expressions, blocking, making sure that it’s really crisp, and that they have prepared and practiced a lot before they go onto the stage.”

The students given the opportunity to attend the State Speech were each asked the following questions: How are you feeling about going to the state for a speech? And what is something that you are looking forward to? Max Kimball and Jordan VanderWarf both say that they are excited and are looking forward to watching the other performances. Max also adds that he has a good feeling they will make it to all-state as well.

As for Grace Taylor, she answers, “I’m feeling nervous. I’m very excited because I didn’t make it last year, so this is a new opportunity for me. I’m really proud of all the work we have done, and I’m excited that more people are going to see all the hard work that we put in after school and before school. I’m looking forward to being able to perform in front of the new judges. I don’t know if we got feedback or not, but I feel like more people seeing it is going to be exciting.” When Carter Dudley answered, he exclaimed that he is excited and that, for the rest of the week and next, they were going to put the finishing touches. He also mentioned that he is excited to see the hard work of everything pay off. Hopefully, you will support our talented students and enjoy their performances.

Claire VanWyk Staff Writer

Kayla VanderLinden Staff Writer

The 2024 PCM Dance Team Members

PCM downs Perry for fifth straight win

MONROE — A fast start and a balanced offensive attack led the PCM girls’ basketball team to a home win over Perry on Jan. 26.

The Mustangs shut out the Bluejays in the first quarter and held their visitors to single digits in the other three during a 48-21 victory in Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference action.

“We got a chance to get JV players in with a lot of minutes,” PCM head girls’ basketball coach Sami Allison-Rodriguez said.

“It was a good team win and, most importantly, the community support for Perry was strong.”

PCM claimed its fourth straight win over Perry after allowing a total of 40 points to the Bluejays this season. The Mustangs’ lowest points against totals this year came against Perry.

The hosts led 18-0 after one and cruised from there to win their fifth straight game.

Addison Steenhoek had 10 points, two rebounds, two assists and three steals to lead the Mustangs, while Rebecca De Vries added a career-best 10 points and had six rebounds and two steals.

Tori Lindsay tallied nine points, two boards and four assists, Lila Milani collected seven points, two rebounds and two steals and Jorja Teeter chipped in six points and three rebounds.

The Mustangs’ bench gave PCM a lot of production. Kenna Grier led the reserves with three points, three rebounds and two steals.

Claire VanWyk added three points and two blocks, Kyra Naeve scored three points, Jayden Fridley and Emilyn Davis each grabbed three rebounds and Bailey Wheeler, Gretchen Uitermarkt and Lilly Knapp all corralled two boards.

PCM (12-4, 8-2 in the conference)

WRESTLING

shot 36.5 percent from the floor, made 8-of-28 from 3-point range and connected on 2-of-4 from the free-throw line.

The Mustangs turned the ball over 14 times.

Lily Myers led Perry (2-12, 1-9) with six points and nine rebounds and Litzy Ramirez grabbed nine boards. The Bluejays shot 18 percent from the floor, missed all seven shots from 3 and turned the ball over 23 times.

Mustangs finish third at annual Southern Iowa Classic

Troy Hyde

thyde@shawmedia.com

FAIRFIELD — The PCM wrestling team entered eight wrestlers into the Southern Iowa Classic on Jan. 27, but it was enough participants for the Mustangs to finish third in the final standings.

Kaliber Fry, Tucker Wheeler and Hewitt Brinegar all won individual titles and Wyatt Wheeler finished second as the Mustangs scored 137 points to tie Washington for third place.

Fort Madison’s full lineup of 14 wrestlers won the tournament with 179.5 points, while Fairfield (152) had 12 wrestlers in second. Washington and PCM scored the same number of points, but the Demons had three more wrestlers in the field.

The rest of the 10-team standings included Burlington (128.5), Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (114), Knoxville (88), Davis County (82), Mount Pleasant (66) and Keokuk (41).

Fry was 5-0 with four pins and a win by injury default at 113 pounds. Two of the four pins came in the first period.

Tucker Wheeler, who is ranked sixth in Class 2A at 144, was 2-0 with two pins. He improved to 38-3 on the season.

Brinegar, who is ranked 12th in 2A at 150, improved to 40-5 with a 3-0 day.

He won twice by fall and once by major decision.

Wyatt Wheeler is ranked ninth at 175. He was 2-1 with a win by fall and a 3-2 decision. His loss came against 2A No. 4 Daniel Gorskikh or Knoxville.

Remington Fry finished third at 138 after a 3-1 day. He had two first-period pins and a win by major decision.

Jeffrey McDanel was third at 157. He was 2-2 with a win by pin. Sawyer Bouwkamp finished fifth at 165 following a 2-2 day with two first-period pins.

The Mustangs’ eighth wrestler

was Kaiden Valcore. He placed eighth at 215 despite an 0-3 day.

PCM falls twice at road triangular

NEWTON — As the young wrestlers settle into the Newton lineup as we approach the postseason, PCM’s roster continues to shrink due to injuries. The forfeits were too much for the Mustangs to overcome on Jan. 25 during the Cardinals’ 45-21 home win.

Both Newton and PCM fell to Dallas Center-Grimes in their other dual as the Cardinals lost 52-15 and PCM fell 44-25.

Newton’s lineup featured six freshmen and four sophomores. PCM’s roster lost Nate Richards to injury earlier this season and Kaden Clark went down last weekend with an injury despite defeating two Class 3A state-ranked wrestlers at 285 pounds at the Ed Winger tournament.

PCM also competed without Tucker Wheeler.

The Cardinals and Mustangs each won five contested matches in their dual. But Newton was given four forfeits.

PCM’s contested wins came from Remington Fry at 138, Hewitt Brinegar at 150, Wyatt Wheeler at 175, Harrison Brinegar at 165 and Charlie Sitzmann at 126.

PCM fared well in contested matches against DCG, winning six of the 10 bouts. But another 0-4 disadvantage in forfeits led to the dual loss.

The contested wins for the Mustangs were picked up by Kaliber Fry at 120, Remington Fry at 138, Hewitt Brinegar at 150, Bouwkamp at 165, Wyatt Wheeler at 175 and Eli McGriff at 215.

Hewitt Brinegar, who is ranked 12th in 2A at 150, downed 3A No. 11 Cole Hemmingsen of DCG, 3-0, in their matchup.

Wyatt Wheeler and Remington Fry also were 2-0 with three of those four wins coming by decision.

Remington Fry and McGriff scored wins by pin against DCG and Hewitt Brinegar posted a pin against Newton. Bouwkamp, McGriff and Harrison Brinegar all were 1-0.

Bouwkamp’s win was a 2-1 decision in TB-1 against DCG and Harrison Brinegar won by DQ in his match against the Cardinals.

PCM 53, Saydel 27 A strong first half, 25 steals and a big offensive night from Steenhoek catapulted PCM to another win over Saydel on Jan. 23.

The Mustangs jumped out to an early lead and never looked back during a 5327 home win in HOIAC play.

“We played some lock-down defense and Addison had a great scoring game,” Allison-Rodriguez said. “We had the opportunity to get a lot of JV players in for the second half, which is great for all of us.”

It was PCM’s 16th consecutive victory over the Eagles. The Mustangs are now 20-1 against Saydel since 2013.

PCM led 17-9 after one quarter and outscored the Eagles 22-6 in the second. They won the third 12-8.

Steenhoek finished with 23 points, three rebounds and seven steals. She was 8-of-9 from the free-throw line.

Lindsay added 12 points, seven rebounds and three steals. She made 5-of6 from the foul line.

Milani registered six points, five boards and five steals, Teeter collected four points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals and Naeve tallied three points and six steals.

De Vries posted three points and a team-best eight boards, VanWyk grabbed seven rebounds and Addy Covington and Knapp each corralled three rebounds.

The Mustangs won the game despite shooting 24 percent from the floor and 1-of-29 from 3. They were 18-of-32 from the foul line and out-rebounded the Eagles 50-42. Paige Rummans led Saydel with 13 points, 18 rebounds and five blocks.

The Eagles (6-10, 2-8) turned the ball over 31 times, shot 22.4 percent from the floor and missed all 19 attempts from 3.

Photo by Gary Hanson

PCM junior Sawyer Bouwkamp, right, won his only match of the night in overtime during a road triangular at Newton on Jan. 25.

Photo by Jamie Steenhoek

PCM sophomore Tori Lindsay (11) had 12 points, seven rebounds and three steals in the Mustangs’ win over Saydel on Jan. 23.. She made 5-of-6 from the foul line.

Wyatt Wheeler

PCM senior Wyatt Wheeler moved up to No. 9 in Class 2A at 175 pounds in the latest rankings from IAwrestle.com. He was 2-0 in a road triangular at Newton on Jan. 25 and then finished second at the Southern Iowa Classic on Jan. 27 with his lone loss coming to No. 4 Daniel Gorskikh of Knoxville.

Explorer PCM

PCM shows off depth in win over Perry

Hyde thyde@shawmedia.com

MONROE — Jacob Wendt

posted a double-double, Jake Winters scored a career-high and nine Mustangs scored at least three points during the PCM boys’ basketball team’s home rout of Perry on Jan. 26.

The Mustangs scored 20 or more points in each of the final three quarters and dominated the Bluejays, 82-45, during Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference play.

It was PCM’s third straight win over Perry and the 82 points scored were the second most this season by the Mustangs.

PCM led 13-2 after one and then scored 20, 21 and 28 points in the final three quarters.

Wendt led the Mustangs with 12 points, 16 rebounds and four assists.

Gavin Van Gorp added a game-high 18 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Winters scored a career-high 14 points and added two rebounds and two steals off the bench. Alex Wendt chipped in

seven points and four rebounds, Chase Wagaman registered five points, five rebounds and six assists and Gavin Steenhoek pitched in six points and two assists.

Jack Jungling grabbed seven boards and dished out two assists, Cutler VandeLune scored six points, Kaleb DeVries posted three points and five assists and Easton Webb collected four points and two rebounds.

Pete Kiernan finished with two rebounds and two steals, Gavin DeRaad grabbed three rebounds and Jacob Elrod and Mark Bussan both pulled down two boards.

The Mustangs (8-8, 5-5 in the HOIAC) shot 51.6 percent

from the floor, made 7-of17 from 3-point range and connected on 11-of-16 from the free-throw line.

The hosts turned the ball over 15 times.

Owen Myers led Perry with 17 points and Drake Levan scored 10 points.

The Bluejays (4-11, 2-8) shot 7-of-19 from the foul line.

Saydel 55, PCM 52

Shyne Lo’s 3-pointer in the closing seconds propelled Saydel to a road win over PCM on Jan. 23.

The Mustangs outscored the Eagles by a pair in the first and fourth quarters, but Saydel used a significant advantage in the second to grab momentum and the visitors held off PCM 55-52 during Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference play.

PCM is 21-3 against Saydel since 2013, but the Eagles have won three of the past four meetings and swept the Mustangs this season for the first time in school history.

Van Gorp finished with 17

points, four rebounds and two assists and Jungling registered 10 points and three boards.

Jacob Wendt tallied nine points, five rebounds and five assists, Steenhoek posted seven points, two rebounds and two steals and DeVries added eight points, three assists and two steals.

VandeLune put in three points and Kiernan and Alex Wendt each grabbed two rebounds.

The Mustangs shot 39 percent from the floor, made 5-of26 from 3 and buried 5-of-7 from the foul line. They turned the ball over only nine times.

Saydel (7-7, 4-7) outscored PCM 22-15 in the second. Both teams scored 11 in the third.

Lo led the Eagles with 15 points, five rebounds and six assists.

Brady Hicks added 14 points and five boards and Hunter Reed tallied 13 points and five rebounds.

Saydel shot 46.7 percent from the floor, made 8-of-24 from 3 and buried 5-of-8 from the foul line. The Eagles turned the ball over 21 times.

Troy

J. Wendt Van Gorp