PCM-02-29-2024

Explorer PCM

Going back to the ‘50s

‘The Nifty Fifties’ take the stage March 1, 2 and 3 at the PCM Middle School Auditorium

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

More than 70 kids are ready to help transport the audience back to the 1950s. The PCM Middle School presents “The Nifty Fifties,” a comedy musical tribute to the decade that brought poodle skirts, slicked back hair and doowop beats.

“We always alternate year to year from a fairy tale to a realistic piece,”

director Janice Davis said. “We had three that we had picked from and this one;we like the music and thought it would be fun to try out something with the ‘50s and the costuming and sets.”

Hitting the stage for three performances, the community can step back into the ‘50s starting with opening night at 7 p.m. March 1. The cast will be back for a second performance at 7 p.m. March 2 and a 2 p.m. matinee March 3 at the

PCM Middle School Auditorium. The musical features Gracie Stanley, who has gotten herself in hot water by promising to deliver her distant cousin, rock star Ziggy Springer, for the high school Hippity Hop at Louise’s Luncheonette. A wrench is thrown into the plans when Ziggy’s manager doesn’t want his client performing anywhere without pay.

TABLED

PCM School Board requests additional information for elementary alignment; proposal of split K-2, 3-5 buildings presented

By Jamee A. Pierson

Work on elementary alignment will move into March as the PCM School Board tabled the topic during its Feb. 18 meeting. The proposal of moving all of third grade to Prairie City as a part of the elementary vision to have all students on the same campus will need further explanation to the board before continuing what was started two years ago with fourth and fifth grades combining in Prairie City.

“This was a part of our grade alignment plan when we had space available,” superintendent Michelle Havenstrite said.

Currently, with the retirement of a third grade teacher in Monroe, there would only be one third grade class in the building. It would have about 20 kids. If the alignment remains the same as the previous year, the other

three third grade classes will be housed in Prairie City. Board members asked about kindergarten through second grade and how many classrooms there would be for each grade. Elementary principal Donita Geetings said the school is using a recommendation approved by the board for class size ranges.

“Several years ago, the board approved a class lists recommendation where we would stay within certain numbers,” Geetings said.

“We can’t have class sizes of 14 or 15 and afford that. Right now we are looking at class sizes in kindergarten, first and second grade of about 18 or 19 in three sections. Rather than it be a certain number of sections, we look at how many kids there are.”

Havenstrite also added that additional factors play into how many sections each grade level has.

Colfax Police Chief Jeremy Burdess announces run for Jasper County sheriff

June primary will decide Republican nominee from 3 potential candidates so far

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Colfax Police Chief Jeremy Burdess is one of three Republican candidates running for sheriff of Jasper County. Following the announcement of current sheriff John Halferty’s retirement at the end of this year, three other law en-

forcement officers have stepped up to take his place this coming election. In addition to Burdess, the other candidates include Lt. Brad Shutts and Sgt. Tracy Cross, both of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

In a recent interview with Newton News, Burdess said what prompted him to run for election was when a number of current employees at the sheriff’s office told him how unhappy they were with the culture of the sheriff’s office. They also did not like the idea of a new sheriff coming from within the department.

“It wasn’t necessarily appealing to them. Having worked

there and them knowing me, they reached out to see if it would be something I was interested in,” he said, noting he worked at the sheriff’s office for 10 years. “Personally, I also felt like I had the experience and the leadership abilities to be able to take on that task.”

While at the sheriff’s office, Burdess worked patrol before becoming a detective and a field training officer. Eventually, he moved to West Liberty for a year and then returned back home in Jasper County and has been serving the Colfax Police Department as its chief since 2022.

If elected as county sheriff, Burdess said he would address

One click to help

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

Finding help is just a click away with the new Jasper County Resource Guide available on the county’s website. The project was developed in collaboration between the Jasper County Health Department, Jasper County IT and Jasper County Cares Coalition (JCCC), and it provides almost 200 available services throughout the county.

“Jasper County Cares has continued to grow with health and human service providers serving Jasper

County. We are always getting phone calls or people asking where they go to get help for things like mental health, food programs, help for seniors to transportation needs,” Jasper County Health Department Administrator Becky Pryor said. “Jasper County Health Department has been doing the guide in a Word document for a few years, but we really wanted something user friendly.” Recently, the county updated its website and Pryor found out there was a way to add the guide to the site. She wrote a grant and was supported by the board of supervisors to move forward

with providing the information on an easy-to-use online format.

“We worked with the JCCC which has a distribution list of over 190 people that serve Jasper County,” Pryor said. “This includes all the schools, law enforcement, health and human service agencies. We worked together to make categories of services that many people often request.”

Pryor will continue to update the document as information changes or need to be added. She hopes by making the guide available

the issues brought up to him by personnel within the department by creating an environment where “everybody wants to come to work and do their job and feel wanted and respected.” Burdess said employees want a different style of leadership.

The sheriff’s office needs to have a proactive role when addressing these issues, he added, as well as the many other challenges law enforcement faces today.

“We have mental health issues that is a huge deal that we’re dealing with,” Burdess said. “Probably 20 percent of the calls we go on are some sort of mental health issue … All law enforce-

ment agencies are dealing with that. It’s just a matter of training and better preparing the officers.”

Providing resources to people experiencing a mental health crisis is also pivotal, but it can take some time before the adequate response can arrive on scene. Which means individuals with a mental illness may end up in jail rather than getting the real help they need. Burdess said jail is not what they need.

“They’re going there because there is essentially nowhere else for them to go at that particular time, and the mental health thing is a larger issue that’s kind of out of our hands,”

The Jasper County Resource Guide has 50 categories – from

Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer

Middle school students will take the stage March 1-3 for performances of the musical “The Nifty Fifties” at the middle school auditorium.

Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer

Burdess

PCM Explorer

Worth Mentioning

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Events at The Gathering Place

The Gathering Place will host an Acoustic Jam from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 30. Singalong or Walk with Jacque Phillips will begin at 2 p.m. Friday at The Gathering Place in Monroe.

Every Monday at 8 a.m. The Gathering Place in Monroe hosts Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann. “Get Fit, Move More” with Amy S. is being hosted by TGP at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Also planned for Wednesday is Bingo from 6 to 8 p.m.

Activities Saturday at NSNWR

Nature Tots Signs of Spring Children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult, are welcome to attend a free, fun and educational program about signs of spring in the tallgrass prairie. The program is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Activities will include storytime, a nature craft and an exploration of the tallgrass prairie, weather permitting. Lessons will focus on engaging children’s senses and using hands-on and interactive activities. Registration requested.

Free Evening Photography Walk

Join photographer Mike Cox as he leads a walk along a refuge trail at 4 p.m. Saturday at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy exploring the evening prairie landscape. Learn tips for taking excellent outdoor photographs while learning about Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, the tallgrass prairie and its wildlife. All types of cameras can be used during this program.

For additional information and to register for any of the programs, contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400.

Volunteers needed for Meals on Wheels program

Jasper County Elderly Nutrition has volunteer opportunities available to help deliver “Meals on Wheels” in Jasper County. Volunteers must provide their own transportation (mileage reimbursed at 67 cents/mile). The time commitment is approximately 11 a.m. to noon. To find out how you can support seniors staying in their home, call 641-792-7102.

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.

Prairie City audit

Roof, Gerdes, Erlbacher, PLC released an agreed-upon procedures report on the City of Prairie City, for the period July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. The agreed-upon procedures engagement was performed pursuant to Chapter 11.6 of the Code oflowa.

Roof, Gerdes, Erlbacher, PLC reported seventeen findings related to the receipt and disbursement of taxpayer funds. They are found on pages 9 through 13 of this report. The findings address issues such as a lack of segregation of duties, bank reconciliation issues, concerns with the City Council minutes and excessive tax increment financing fund balances. Roof, Gerdes, Erlbacher, PLC provided the City with recommendations to address each of the findings.

Thirteen of the 17 findings discussed above are repeated from the prior year. The City Council has a fiduciary responsibility to provide oversight of the City’s operations and financial transactions. Oversight is typically defined as the “watchful and responsible care” a governing body exercises in its fiduciary capacity.

A copy of the agreed-upon procedures report is available for review on the Auditor of State’s website at Audit Reports - Auditor of State.

Explorer PCM

Academic Achievement

Hastings College

HASTINGS, NE — Hastings College has announced the dean’s list for its fall 2023 semester. Caleb Duinink of Monroe, is included on the list with a 4.0 grade point average for the semester.

Upper Iowa University

FAYETTE — Upper Iowa University has announced the dean’s list for the 2023 fall semester. To be honored, a student must have earned a minimum 3.50 grade point average and be enrolled as a fulltime student. Area students named to the list include Danyelle Myers of Prairie City, Michaela Uhlenhopp of Prairie City and August Stock of Monroe.

University of Iowa

IOWA CITY — The University of Iowa awarded nearly 1,700 undergraduate, graduate and professional students degrees at the close of the 2023 fall semester. Area students receiving degrees include: Karsin Jenkins of Monroe, College of Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Nursing-RN.

Iowa State University

AMES — More than 1,700 graduates received degrees from Iowa State University this fall. The following are graduates from the local area: Kathryn Henkenius of Monroe, Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology and Health, Summa Cum Laude.

Cedarville University

CEDARVILLE, OHIO — The following local students were named to the dean’s honor List at Cedarville University for fall 2023. This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.75 grade point average or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours. Area students named to the list include Abigail Gosselink of Otley and Jason Stafford of Prairie City.

Iowa State University

AMES — More than 10,800 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the fall semester 2023 dean’s list. Students named to the dean’s list must earn a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work. The following are students listed below are from the local area: Carson

Duinink of Monroe, Kathryn Henkenius of Monroe, Noah Hirayama of Monroe, Riley Hjortshoj of Monroe, Evan Johnson of Monroe, Emma Thomas of Monroe, Victoria Conoan of Prairie City, Kyler Fischer of Prairie City, Emma George of Prairie City, Klaire Jungling of Prairie City, Madeline Ladehoff of Prairie City, Kate McClellan of Prairie City, Brayden Nessa of Prairie City, Megan North of Prairie City, Dane Owens of Prairie City, Paige Steenhoek of Prairie City, Kaeden Strum of Prairie City, Blake Van Der Kamp of Prairie City, Meleisha Vos of Reasnor.

University of Iowa

IOWA CITY — More than 950 undergraduate students at the University of Iowa named to the president’s list for the 2023 fall semester. Area students named to the list include: Isabelle Hudnut of Prairie City and Payton Konek of Monroe. Area students named to the dean’s list for the 2023 fall semester at the University of Iowa who achieve a grade-point average of 3.50 or higher include: Isabelle Hudnut of Prairie City, Lilli Baird of Monroe, Payton Konek of Monroe.

Simpson College INDIANOLA — Simpson College announced that 209 students made the dean’s list for the fall 2023 semester. Students named to the dean’s list achieved a grade point average between 3.70 and 3.99. Area students include Kenzie Van Haaften of Otley.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln LINCOLN, NE — Eli Owens of Runnells, has been named to the deans’ list at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the fall semester of the 2023-24 academic year.

University of Mississippi UNIVERSITY, MS — Maren Egging of Reasnor, was named to the University of Mississippi’s fall 2023 honor roll lists. Egging, majoring in finance, was named to the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, which is reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.75-4.00.

University of Dubuque DUBUQUE — The University of Dubuque congratulates Catherine Humpal of Monroe, on being appointed to the fall semester 2023 academic dean’s list. Full-time stu-

dents in good academic standing who earn a term grade point average of 3.5 or above.

University of Northern Iowa CEDAR FALLS — Area students named to the University of Northern Iowa’s fall semester dean’s list include: Carissa Van Walbeek of Monroe, Cynthia Layman of Prairie City, Hudson Geer of Monroe, Jaysea Miller of Reasnor, Laura Dowdy of Prairie City, Lily Ladehoff of Prairie City, Sidney Shaver of Prairie City, Skylar Fraker of Prairie City and Taylor Eilander of Prairie City.

Local students graduating from the University of Northern Iowa include: Carissa Van Walbeek of Monroe, Bachelor of Social Work, with honors, Social Work; and Cynthia Layman of Prairie City, Bachelor of Arts, Communication Disorders Central College

PELLA — Central College recognized 408 students who were named to the fall 2023 dean’s list. The honor is awarded to full-time students who achieve a 3.5 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale while taking 12 or more graded credit hours for the semester. Area students include: Amelia Brown of Prairie City, Jillian Fairbanks of Otley, Brock Jackson of Runnells, Chance Palm of Otley, Alexander Ver Heul of Monroe, Christopher Ver Heul of Monroe.

Drake University

DES MOINES — The following local students have been named to the Deans’ and President’s Lists at Drake University: Riley DeVore of Monroe, President’s List; Kinzi Van Wyk of Monroe, Dean’s List. To be eligible for the deans’ list, students must have earned a grade point average of 3.5 or higher during the fall 2023 semester at Drake. To be eligible for the President’s List, students must have earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average during the Fall 2023 semester at Drake. Mercy College of Health Sciences DES MOINES — The following student has received academic honors for the fall 2023 quarter and semester terms at Mercy College of Health Sciences: Rhiannon Nichol of Prairie City, President’s List. To qualify for the president’s list, Mercy College students must attain a minimum grade point average of 3.75.

4H and FFA rabbit/cavy workshop in Colfax

The 4H and FFA rabbit and cavy workshop about raising rabbits and cavies will be from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9 at the Jasper County Fairgrounds in Colfax. This workshop is sponsored by Iowa State University Extension & Outreach 4H, Iowa State Rabbit Breeders, South Central Iowa Rabbit Breeders and Eldon C Stutsman Inc and Heinold Feeds. There is no need to preregister and no cost (except for those youth who are purchasing rabbits or cavies and/or building a carrier and/

or purchasing rabbit and cavy equipment). Youth from Iowa and other states are encouraged to attend. Speakers will discuss rabbit breeds, cavy breeds, health, equipment, grooming, showing and fair information. Each family will receive a free packet of 4H and FFA rabbit and cavy information. Youth will receive free tickets for a huge drawing. Youth are encouraged to bring their rabbits and cavies (purebred guinea pigs) and consult with speakers. Examples of rabbits and cavies will be presented and discussed.

Purebred rabbits and cavies may be for sale with cash the preferred payment. A “build your rabbit or cavy carrier” session will be held with Wolfe’s Animal Supply. Call to preorder for the correct carrier size by contacting Bill at 515-556-5123 or Wolferabbit3@mediacombb.net. Rabbits can be tattooed. Cavies can be tagged. Youth need to decide on a short name or numbers for each rabbit tattoo. Youth may show their rabbits or cavies in a free “practice” rabbit and cavy show. All rabbits and cavies showing in the “practice” show are required to be earmarked with a tattoo for a rabbit or an ear tag for a cavy. Youth may want to attend, participate and/ or watch the 2024 ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) open and youth-sanctioned rabbit and cavy shows April 20 at Amana or June 8 in Colfax. More information about these and other ARBA shows will be available at this workshop. Questions can be directed to Lynne Rechterman at 563-260-5295 or Bill Wolfe at 515-5565123.

Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer

More than 70 students will take the stage and work behind the scenes to make “The Nifty Fifties” come to life.

Musical

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Gracie has to come up with a backup plan, and fast.

Also, Louise, the owner of the Luncheonette, is having her own problems. The building’s owner forbids the dance and plans to turn the eatery into a dry cleaner. Through all of the conflict and problem solving, the cast will entertain the audiences with songs including “Bop-A-Lu-Bop Dance Party,” “Teen Queen,” “It’s Tough To Be a Teenager In Love,” and the laughter inducing “It Was The Blob.”

The auditorium stage has been transformed into a 1950s space complete with black and white checked wallpaper and records serving as decoration on the walls. The kids are decked out in their 1950s best with slick leather jackets, poodle skirts and saddle shoes. Davis said about 42 kids will take

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the stage with almost 30 helping behind the scenes. Bringing that many kids together has been a challenge, especially when the weather put a hold on practice at the start of the year.

“It’s been a struggle with the snow days, but it is going to be great,” Davis said. “A lot of the kids have done well with putting in the extra time they needed to at home.”

Once they could all gather together and begin piecing together the musical, like each year, the kids rise to the occasion. It makes opening night that much more anticipated for the entire cast, director included.

“The energy that opening night brings the excitement of people seeing it the first time and not knowing what to expect,” Davis said. “That is fun to see what people think, and them getting into it is exciting.”

Tickets for “The Nifty Fifties” can be purchased online using Bound, available at pcmschools.org or at the door before each production.

he said, noting the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy is trying to work with legislators to better come up with solutions.

Other law enforcement issues that interest Burdess as county sheriff is re-establishing relationships between the sheriff’s office and the smaller town agencies, like Colfax, Prairie City, Monroe or Baxter. When speaking with fellow

Website

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online, people will have an easier, more readily available source to find organizations that serve Jasper County residents.

Explorer PCM

School Board

we have a pocket of kids that are struggling with reading, our goal is to have our kids progress,” Havenstrite said. “We have a matrix we use to stay within a range but there are kids that have particularly high needs that might impact the decisions on the recommendations we make on the number of sections.”

Board member Greg Ingle said the community is a factor in this decision. He continued he isn’t in favor or against, but that more information needs to be shared.

“The community is really fired up and talking about it and we need some more communication with the community about it if we do it,” Ingle said. “This is a big move and I want to make sure it is right. There are a lot of people out there that don’t like this at all, and like it or not they pay our bills.”

Havenstrite said the board had previously stated they are in favor of grade alignment, to which board president Ryan Van Der Kamp said the board needed to make a statement. She replied that the board did that previously by approving the plan two years ago. Ingle said that was a different board.

The grade alignment plan was first presented to the board by the Elementary Vision Team in January 2022. The team, consist-

chiefs, Burdess found those relationships are not as strong as they used to be.

“My belief is we may wear different uniforms — some are green, some are brown, some are blue — but we’re all one team: Law Enforcement,” Burdess said. “And we’re all working towards one goal, and that’s to protect our citizens and make this a safe environment for everyone to live in.”

Improving communication and being able to work together is crucial, he added, for all law enforcement agencies to better serve their citizens.

ing of parents, staff and administrators, recommended moving to one PCM elementary school and combining the students on one campus. The board approved the plan the following month.

Now, two years later, the board has questions about the plan and moving forward with having all elementary grade levels in one building.

“We were under the understanding ... I wasn’t clear that we needed to come back every year and get a recommittment,” Havenstrite said. “Our understanding was the board was committed to grade alignment and working through that process as space was available. If the board isn’t in favor we just need to know that direction. This was presented to you under the understanding, as we said during the work sessions, that was communicated to us that the board was in favor of grade alignment and moving forward through that.”

Van Der Kamp brought up talk that had been flowing through social media including several threads on Facebook. They proposed having a kindergarten through second grade building and third through fifth grade building.

“I would like to sit down with administrators to see what that looks like. The problems that would cause. I know we have concerns about music teachers and art teachers still spreading resources,” Van Der Kamp said. “To get everybody together

Burdess is also concerned about illegal drug activity, particularly when Interstate 80 cuts through a number of Jasper County communities. Vehicles passing through are carrying drugs from state to state, so Burdess would like to create an interdiction task force with the sheriff’s office, local police and State Patrol.

“All of us working cooperatively to address the drug trafficking issue coming through,” he said. “…Because of the State Patrol being short on people they kind of shut down their interdiction team they had. But there’s no reason we all can’t

quickly, that seems like an option.”

If there is a long-term vision, teachers might be on board, Geetings said. But overall, from her talks with them, teachers are not in favor of a K-2, 3-5 split.

“I don’t like to talk for all of the teachers, but I have talked to enough of them and if they knew the long-term vision was to be together in the long run, they would be fine with an interim plan. We would really like to have a preschool through grade six building,” Geetings said. “Ultimately, nobody really wants to have K-2. We do a lot of with our older students with our younger students. In a perfect world we would still have the older kids to lead the school. I think if teachers knew there was some hope for that, the interim solution would be different.”

Since the meeting, communication has been sent out by the board requesting input on aligning the elementary grades. The proposal they are asking about would place preschool through second grade at Monroe Elementary and third through fifth grade in Prairie City.

The board is holding a work session at 6 p.m. March 5 in the Monroe Elementary library on the topic. It is asking any questions and concerns be emailed to them before hand and they will be discussed at the work session. No questions or comments will be taken from the public during the work session.

work cooperatively to address that issue, rather than leading it to State Patrol.”

Out of the three individuals running for sheriff, Burdess said where he excels over his fellow candidates is his ability to build relationships.

“I would start within the sheriff’s office … building those relationships and making them strong,” he said, noting it may also help retain employees. “I want to make it a place where people want to come to work and they want to do their job because they feel like they’re wanted and they’re needed.”

“For example, if you click on substance misuse and treatment, it will bring up all the known resources,” Pryor said. “You can also search for keywords, like ‘pregnancy,’ and it will bring up anything related.”

website, jasperia.org and searching “resource guide” in the search box. It is also available through the Resource Guide icon on the Public Health section of the county website.

The public can access the information by going to jasperia.org/resources or visiting the Jasper County

Once in the guide, by clicking on a category, information from just that section can be accessed and printed.

“I hope that people can get access to all the wonderful, diverse services that are available in Jasper County,

and it helps organizations better serve others,” Pryor said. “The Jasper County Cares leadership team feels like we have numerous resources, but many times people just don’t know about what is available to them.”

Pryor is also very proud of the work the JCCC has done to network and build relationships with area providers. As the group continues to grow, more gaps will be filled in areas needed by

community members of all ages throughout the county.

“In a recent survey the JCCC said the top two strengths are (1) the community collaboration and participation and growth of JCCC and (2) the amazing amount of health and human services and resources available in Jasper County,” Pryor said. “We have people coming from other counties asking to attend Jasper County Cares because they want to replicate

in their county. Many say how amazed they are that so many organizations in Jasper County really care and take the time to come together to learn and share about resources available in Jasper County.”

For more information about the Jasper County Resource Guide, contact the Jasper County Health Department.

Time management tips for your wedding day

As any married couple can attest, a wedding day has a tendency to fly by. Couples have much to do on the day they tie the knot, which can make the day feel like a whirlwind.

Certain skills can come in especially handy on a wedding day, and the ability to manage time is certainly one of them. As their big day draws closer, couples can employ these time management tips to slow the day down a little bit.

• Create and distribute a schedule. A schedule can ensure the happy couple and all members of the bridal party know when and where they need to be at certain times during the day. Include all pertinent information on the schedule, including when and where hair and makeup appointments begin, when transportation to and from the ceremony and reception site will arrive and, of course, the start time for the ceremony. A printed copy can help, but a digital copy sent via text or email can guarantee the schedule is accessible via smartphone at all times during the day.

• Collaborate with your photographer in advance of your wedding day. Couples

can streamline wedding day photography sessions by collaborating with their photographer in advance. During these sessions, identify the bridal party shots you want to take and then create a schedule of photos so all party members know where they need to be and when. Some couples choose to schedule bridal party photoshoots before the ceremony, while others prefer theirs after the couple has made it official. Regardless of which option couples prefer, schedule these photos so no time is wasted finding bridal party members.

• Don’t forget to set aside time to eat. Anything can derail a wedding day schedule if it’s forgotten when couples devise their initial plan for how the day will unfold. Couples might be less inclined to forget hair and makeup appointments and photo sessions because such components are integral to wedding planning. But couples should not forget to leave time for themselves and their bridal party to eat. Schedule a breakfast for all bridal party members (separate ones if couples insist on avoiding each other until the ceremony) to ensure no one sleeps

in and throws off the day’s timeline. Include time to eat lunch if the ceremony is in late afternoon or early evening. If you forget to schedule time to eat, the timeline will almost certainly be thrown off when everyone gets hungry and requires some sustenance.

• Go over schedules with your vendors. In the weeks prior to your wedding,

reach out to your vendors to confirm the day’s timeline. Do this prior to handing out a schedule to your bridal party so no one is confused if any last-minute changes are made.

Couples have much to manage on their wedding days. Perhaps no component is more important to manage effectively than time. — Metro Creative

Fluffy

The following story was written by Colleen Armstrong from Burlington, a studentinmyCreativeWritingclass.

With an old Betty Crocker cookbook opened to the list of frosting recipes, I called out to my husband, “Do you know that Fluffy White Frosting is one of the few frosting recipes where boiling-hot water is required? Without it and lots of beating, you can’t achieve that fluffy stuff.”

“Oh, really?” was all he said.

I continued to think about that fluffy frosting. Why was it that boiling-hot water had to be used followed by an extended time of beating to make the frosting fluffy? It seemed to me that I, too, had endured boiling-hot water moments in my life, boiling-hot moments like cancer.

“Cancer, by definition, is a disease caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells in a part of the body.” Uncontrolled division of cells, everything about cancer seemed to fall under the label of uncontrollable. How could I know what to do? The treatment choices seemed absurd and guaranteed nothing. Doctors failed to agree on their approach. Who could I trust? Their differing opinions only brought me more unrest. How could hours of pumping bags of chemicals into

my body after mutilating it through multiple surgeries be the best answer? How could not doing anything at all be the right answer? Would refusing all treatments be demonstrating my trust in God or was it suicide by cancer and not cherishing the gift of life He has given me?

I didn’t pray that the cancer be miraculously removed from my body, but that I would not disappoint God with any decision. I begged my Lord to point me in the right direction and stay with me, and that would be more than enough. But honestly, fear gripped me.

I knew of times in the Bible when God directed people in dreams. I could use some direction. I knew what lay in front of me was allowed by God. I knew He could bring great things out of the most miserable of situations. I trusted He would do just that, but I feared I might not understand the things that would be happening. As I had repeatedly prayed in my life, “Please, my dear Lord, don’t allow me to disappoint You as I have so many times in my life.” The following morning,

Free tax filing: A crucial step toward unrigging our economy

By Susan Harley

Each year many Americans pay a steep cost when doing their taxes. It’s not just the money people shell out to use software to file taxes online, but also the time spent and the stress that comes with worrying an honest mistake will be held against them.

Luckily, change is in the air this spring. Eligible filers in a dozen states will finally have a true public option this tax season: a new free, online, mobile-friendly software from the IRS called Direct File.

Over the next several weeks the Direct File pilot will be ramping up in the states where it’s being offered: Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

Available in both English and Spanish, the new software pilot is starting small and will only be available to people with simple taxes who file with only limited types of incomes, credits, and deductions. While the Direct File tool won’t be available to everyone right away, it’s a crucial step toward unrigging our economy and protecting people’s pocketbooks.

Buoyed by funding the IRS received though the Inflation Reduction Act, the Direct File pilot is another example of the Biden administration’s commitment to tackle junk fees that chip away at people’s economic wellbeing and to foster a government that better serves the American people.

Direct File is also a recognition that struggling families shouldn’t have to pay money they can’t afford just to do their civic duty. The tool aims to make it easier for folks to get the refund they’re owed and to address the problem of one in five eligible recipients of the Earned Income Tax Credit not claiming it.

While there has technically been a Free File program at the IRS for decades, it has not lived up to its promise. Only a tiny percentage of eligible filers — about 2 percent — use it. And there was a high-profile data breach where corporate partners in the program shared sensitive tax information with Meta (formerly called Facebook) and Google.

Unsurprisingly, Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax, has not been taking this budding threat to its behemoth earnings laying down. It’s poured a record amount into its lobbying, almost a million dollars in just the past three months.

But it’s going to take more than lobbying and a Super Bowl ad to revive Intuit’s tarnished image. Intuit entered into a $141 million settlement last year to resolve claims that it steered low-income customers to paid products when they were eligible to use free services. And the Federal Trade Commission ruled in January that the company’s advertising about free tax prep was deceptive.

The Direct File tool is expected to be live to the public in those 12 states in early to mid-March. That means that this St. Patrick’s Day, some lucky filers will find a pot of gold under the rainbow — around $150 or more on average back in their pockets that they didn’t have to give to a greedy corporation just to use software to help them file their taxes online.

Direct File is the first brick in the road to return-free filing that many of our international peers enjoy, where they simply approve their pre-calculated return prepared by the government.

Like a garden, though, Direct File will only flourish with care and attention. Let’s make sure it doesn’t die on the vine! Help spread the word, check your eligibility at directfile.irs.gov, and visit act.citizen.org/ page/62332/petition/ to get reminded when it’s go time for Direct File in your state.

Susan Harley is the managing director for Public Citizen’s Congress Watch division.

I awoke with a dream vividly still on my mind. I read where “dreams are the brain’s attempt to make sense and a cohesive story out of randomly generated memories.” But there were no memories involved that would generate the dream I dreamed.

In the dream, I was led into a cancer treatment room. There was nothing in the room. Each of the four walls of the bare room were made of thick white Styrofoam. I curled up in a ball and pressed myself into a corner of the room.

At the same time, I was part of the medical team. I was the patient inside the room and part of the medical team outside the room, a scenario that is found only in dreams. The team surrounded the free-standing room with its Styrofoam walls. Each doctor held a rifle-style gun, an instrument of destruction, in their hands. I knew it was over for me. I was certainly going to die. Their chosen treatment, their bullets, would rip through the Styrofoam walls. With each gun pointed directly at me from the other side of the walls, I saw no way I would survive their actions. They successfully fired their loaded guns with precision.

But the Styrofoam walls didn’t fall. I looked closer and upon careful inspection, I saw the walls were not made of Styrofoam but of heavy white lumber. The bullets had failed to penetrate the heavy

boards. I had survived their attack. I had survived their treatment though I was certain it was killing me.

I chose to have surgeries, chemotherapy, and other drug treatments. That was over seven years ago. Each of the three members of my support team, made up of other cancer survivors or patients, have since died. God has stayed with me throughout these years, more years than I had hoped to be granted. I survived the treatments though many times I still felt I was dying. But the treatments did buy me at least three healthy years following the end of the sickening treatments.

“And what do you hope to do with any remaining time that you might have?” people often inquired of me. I hope to slow down and stay on God’s wingtip as He takes me safely home. I hope to knock down the walls I erected during my life with the sledgehammer of forgiveness. I hope to allow God to carry the heavy stuff while I walk by His side. I hope to bring comfort to others and help them recognize God in their daily lives through my writing. I want to run with perseverance the race that lies before me. And maybe, just maybe, share a cupcake or two with my husband, piled high with fluffy white frosting, and beaten to perfection.

Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com

YOUR VIEW

Poop snitchers

Well, we don’t like snitchers — unless they are snitching drug dealers of course. But poop snitchers, now, is serious business and we don’t much care for it. Our legislature, known for its robust support of our farmers (which includes livestock for those not in the know) are concerned about anonymous snitchers in particular. If you are going to call the DNR and complain that you can’t sit on your porch on a summer evening because of the smells of pig or cow poop, your name should be broadcast publicly for righteous recrimination from those causing the complaints.

It’s only fair. The article from the Capital City Dispatch discussing the matter indicates that the “vast majority” of those anonymous complaints lead to some type of corrective action. I can think of no

How is your tax money being spent?

Jasper County Board of Supervisors approved of more than $6,000 on bid for fence relocation on end of dead-end, leading to private land. Old roadway has not been open or maintained for more than 50 years. Private land at end of non-maintained road was purchased without access here. This landowner has two other accesses to his property, one the county helped him with. Now he wants another.

What is the priority now over other road projects? The pathway is a narrow sand bank with fence

better reason in discouraging such complaints. With fewer complaints there will be fewer corrective actions which is the obvious goal of livestock producers and hence the legislature. We want fewer corrective actions by the DNR, not more. And if your neighbor now hates you for being a snitch; well that’s just the price you’re going to have to pay for being a snitch.

It might actually be something that requires a little more thought however — unfortunately a quality not often found in our legislature. It’s been several years now that non-farm rural homes exceed farm homes. These are people who spend a great deal of money building homes and outbuildings and sometimes ponds to enjoy a rural setting and to get away from the hubbub of the city only to be assaulted by the aroma of poop — sometimes to an extent that makes their property non-saleable which

on top, there is drop off on east side of fence, part of which is steep. This was constructed 1986, by federal government and us the landowners. Surface is not suitable for roadway, not stable ground. Will have to be cleared of trees, leveled off because of steep grade along east side. This will cause more erosion.

We were told previously by county road officials it would be too costly to build a road here. Now they are going to go ahead and say this is a B-level road. The A-level road leading to this B-level non-maintained road is not maintained and impassible for road maintainer to go down because of overgrown trees. This non-maintained A-level road will have to be cleared which will be costly.

How are they going to make or

really makes them mad and understandably so.

So, before we get overwrought about poop snitchers, let’s count the votes. I can drive from Mingo, through Ira, then through Baxter, and over to Newton and I will see maybe one hog confinement and a few cows but a considerable number of houses with garages, and vehicles in the driveways, and a few outbuildings sans livestock. These are the people who don’t really care for the smell of poop in the morning with their coffee. It is clear from just a drive that rural residents without cows or pigs or chickens or turkeys for that matter, far outnumber those with them.

So, a cautionary note is in order. If you are an elected official you may want to reconsider any outrage you have against poop snitchers and count the votes.

maintain this new stretch? We are afraid they are not going to make this road safe or up to some sort of code. It will be open to public with nowhere to go or turn around. We believe this will lead to safety issues having to back up along steep incline.

Tax funds should be spent on road issues with high traffic. It is obvious we want to stay at the end of the road. We have invested and lovingly kept this property and don’t want it destroyed. If it wasn’t for our investment in filling deep erosion ditch there would not be a path. It would then be too costly to make a road. I believe it is too costly now with other roads needing to be repaired. If this road has to be opened, please do it safely. Gary and Mary Adams Colfax

Richard E. H. Phelps II Mingo

Curt Swarm

Empty Nest

The PCM

Working - Antonio Moralez 11

Going to Colorado - Lila Malani 9

Working -Evan Jones 10

Going to Italy - Kevin Thomas 10

Practice Soccer - Josh Wing 12

Going to Minnesota - Issac Miller 9

Going to Florida - Finn Wilson 11

Going to Mexico - Easton Webb 12

Hanging out with friends & Catching up on Sleep - Peytyn Adamson 9 Dominican Republic - Chase Wagaman 10

Going to Arizona - Jayden Fridley 10

Going to the Bahamas - Meylis Myradov 12

Going to the Big 12 Basketball Tournament - Coby DeRadd 10

Going to go Camping or Start on a Project with my Boyfriend - Bri Sutphin 12

Sleep - Vincent Villarreal 12

Bringing back the Fifties

The PCM Middle School will be performing “The Nifty FIfties,” written by Tim Kelly and music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur, on Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m., Saturday March 2 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 3 at 7 p.m. Those that are wanting to attend the musical can reserve their tickets on Bound at just $6 per ticket. Janice Davis, the head director, was asked to explain the backstory and why she chose this musical. She responded with, “The show tis year is titled, “The Nifty 50’s.” Ms. Teresa Thompson is my co-director and when we picked this show last fall, we loved the music and the size of the cast. The show is about Louise’s Luncheonette and the high school kids who love to frequent the eatery after school. Gracie is one of the high school girls who comes to the Luncheonette often with her friends. She has a problem she had to try to solve - - she is on the dance committee at school and the gym is being remodeled, so she has to find an alternative location for it. She decides the luncheonette is the perfect place to have it, but she has to convince a lot of people before they will agree that it won’t be a total flop.” Davis would like to encourage everyone to go and support the middle school mustangs and see how all their time an effort paid off.

Claire VanWyk Staff Writer

PCM High School Track for both boys and girls started Tuesday, February 20th. PCM has a lot of athletes that are looking forward to this season. This includes our girls 4x100 Meter Shuttle Hurdle Relay team, which consists of Sophomores Tori Lindsay, Jorja Teeter, Lillian Humpal, and Morgan Karr. Their fastest time recorded for the 2023 season was 1:08.76. Morgan Karr talks about her and her team’s goals for the season and what she is most looking forward to.

“I am really excited for this track season and I know that the coaches have big expectations of us and our performance. I have full trust in the other girls that they will work hard every day at practice and give it their best effort every meet. A goal that I have this season and I assume all the others do as well is improving all of our splits, and I am most looking forward to the ISU meet.

I believe that we have a good shot at winning their 60-meter shuttle hurdle relay.”

Our freshman star Cross Country runner Lila Milani shares her thoughts and goals for her freshman track season and how she plans on training differently throughout the season than she did during her Cross Country season to make it to state again.

“I am very excited to start my first year of high school track. I am excited for new opportunities and to make new friends. So far, the training does not feel much different from Cross Country. I am in both the distance and sprints groups, but the distance group has been like the Cross Country training but the sprints group just focuses on shorter and fast distances. My main goal for this reason is to improve my time on my 400 and to improve my long jump distance.”

Milani is not the only 400 runner this season. Senior runner Tiffani Koonce runs the 800 open, the 4x800, and the 400 meters open.

Tiffani’s current personal best for her open 400 is 1:03.67. She is the anchor runner for the 4x800, where their current best is 10:34.82.

Tiffani talks about her expectations for herself and how she feels about this being her last track season.

“The goals I have set for myself this year is to work harder, more than I have ever these past 4 years. This year is really important to me because it is the last one, and I have big goals this year. I am feeling excited, sad, and motivated because track has always been one of my favorite sports and as it being my last, I want to do the best I’ve ever done and end my high school days on a proud note!”

The boys will start their season with a meet at the UNI-Dome on March 4, 2024, with the girls following the next day.

Being an Iowa fan the last couple of seasons has not been very easy. The offense isn’t playing well at all, which makes for low scoring games and having to rely solely on the defense and special specials, which is stellar, but you never want to put all your hope on just them. The coaching staff has been a hit or miss situation, with the offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, who has now been let go, not being the best fit for the team and having major backlash on social media for his inability to put points on the board. The wide receiver coach, Kelton Copeland, who has also been let go from the team, was not doing a very good job on developing wide receivers to compete against BIG 10 level defensive backs. Iowa’s athletics team has yet to release any information about the new occupation of the offensive coordinator position or the wide receiver coach position. But things are starting to look up for Iowa and its fans. With the new athletic director, Beth Goetz, the university is looking to make some game-changing decisions in the coaches’ room, as well as getting some new high-star recruits. The newest playmakers added to the roster are some Iowa-bred boys, 3-star running back, Brevin Doll, and 4-star linebacker, Derek Weisskopf. Both are looking to make major impacts on the Iowa offense and defense. Being Iowa born and raised, they’ll definitely be some of the fan favorites on Saturdays at Kinnick. On top of the new promising recruits, returning this year will be Michigan transfer and former Heisman front-runner, Cade McNamara, who last year had a great start to the season before sustaining a season-ending injury to his knee. After the devastating torn ACL of McNamara, in came the tank and rocket of an arm Wisconsin transfer, Deacon Hill. Hill played the next 4 games for the Hawkeyes. Being under average, he threw for 1,152 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions before he was injured in the second half of the Cheez It Citrus Bowl against a fierce Tennessee Volunteers team, which then income freshman, Marco Lainez, who was less than impressive, only throwing for 4 yards the whole half but rushing for 51 yards on 6 attempts. Iowa lost that game 35-0. That being Brian Ferentz’ last game as offensive coordinator, most Iowa fans were relieved to see such a disappointment about a coach gone and excited/nervous for what was to come for a new offensive coordinator for the Hawkeyes. Iowa’s fans have their fingers crossed going into the 2024 season hoping for even an average offense and still that stellar defense followed by just as good, maybe even better special teams. They have their hopes up. Let’s hope that the Iowa team they love so much doesn’t let them down.

Shay Burns Staff Writer

Bri Sutphin Staff Writer

7 ways to incorporate personality into your wedding

Weddings present an opportunity to embrace time-honored traditions. However, couples can be as tradition-minded or as unique in their wedding details as they desire. There’s certainly room to let personalities shine through during both the ceremony and the reception. Increasingly couples are seeking ways to set their celebrations apart from the scores that came before them. While one may not want to banish all customs, there are several ways for couples to inject their own personalities into the proceedings. Here are seven ways to inject some personality into a wedding.

1. Have custom-designed rings made. Couples can work with jewelers to have rings made to their specifications rather than buying only what is available in the cases. Furthermore, the rings do not

have to be matching sets. A couple can select ring styles that complement one another but may be slightly different in design.

2. Cut out the cake. Many couples just aren’t fans of traditional sponge cake with buttercream or fondant overlay, so why have that expensive, multi-tiered confectionary creation at the wedding? Instead, serve a more popular dessert. Dessert artists can whip up many impressive options and present them in dramatic (or cake-like) fashion. What about a tower of decadent brownies or a stack of fruit-and-cream-filled crêpes?

3. Write the vows. Vows present an excellent way for couples to let their personalities shine through. Couples can showcase humor, compassion, quirks, and more with the messages they share

The benefits to hosting a wedding ceremony and reception at the same venue

Streamlining the wedding planning process can help couples feel relaxed and enable them to more fully enjoy their big day. Hosting a wedding ceremony and reception at the same location is one way to streamline and simplify the planning process.

According to the wedding resource Here Comes the Guide, all-in-one venues are preferred by the majority of modern engaged couples. Couples contemplating such an approach can consider the following benefits to tying the knot and hosting the reception at the same venue.

• Streamlined planning: Rather than having to coordinate with two places, all of couples’ attention can be directed to one location and working with one party coordinator. This can reduce the propensity for mix-ups.

• Ease of transport: Figuring out how to move between multiple locations and schedule hired vehicles and the like can be a chore. With one venue, guests simply arrive and are done with travel until the festivities end.

• Seamless transition: Sometimes there can be an awkward period between the ceremony and the reception. In such situations, a ceremony may end but the cocktail hour is still an hour or two away. A ceremony and reception in one locale can eliminate the gap, as such venues typically begin the cocktail hour a short time after the ceremony has ended.

• Better guest attendance: Guests who may find it challenging to get to

two different locations, particularly those who don’t drive or must rely on public transportation or a taxi, may find a single-location wedding more convenient.

• Outdoor ceremony: Couples who want to exchange vows outdoors often can do so when they have one wedding location because the nuptials are taking place outside of a house of worship, which may not allow for an outdoor wedding due to the sanctity of the location.

• Fewer travel worries: With a single location, it makes it much easier if inclement weather dampens the occasion because there is far less traveling involved.

Couples can keep in mind that a single-location wedding may come with some challenges. Unless the location is on the grounds of a house of worship, the wedding may lack the religious or spiritual component that some couples aspire to. Also, weather can cause issues if couples had hoped to have the ceremony outdoors and must move it into the same space as the reception as a plan B, necessitating a turnover of the room. Couples also may be limited in their photo backdrops, as there will not be two separate places where photos are taken, particularly if the wedding space is limited.

Hosting a ceremony and reception at a single location can benefit couples who want to simplify and streamline their wedding planning. — Metro Creative

with one another.

4. Customize table numbering. Seating cards traditionally guide guests to numbered tables around the reception hall. There is no rule that the tables have to be organized by numbers, however. Those who like movies can name the tables by movie titles. A couple that loves to travel can make the tables destinations around the world. Keep in mind the catering staff may ask that numbers also accompany the alternative system for ease of serving dinners and keeping orders straight.

5. Make a grand entrance. Couples need not feel beholden to taking a limousine to and from their weddings. Fans of the movie “Batman” can rent a Batmobile replica. Those who couldn’t get enough of “Breaking Bad” may want

to roll up in an RV. There’s also the option of a horse-drawn carriage or a sports car.

6. Serve custom cocktails. Traditional drinks can be given custom names that pertain to details of the couple’s lives or how they met. If someone is a microbrewer or makes his or her own wine, these boutique beverages also can be served.

7. Create a monogram. Use the monogram on save-the-dates, invitations, the home page of a wedding website, the ceremony program, and even on cocktail napkins at the reception. The continuity will help set the tone for the wedding.

Couples can allow their creativity and personality to shine through on their wedding day. — Metro Creative

Weddings are special events that celebrate two individuals’ love for one another. Weddings bring together friends and family to witness couples share vows and devote their lives to each other.

Wedding guests recognize that certain components are commonplace in ceremonies and receptions. Perhaps you were once a ring bearer or caught the bouquet? There’s a rich history behind the traditions that feature prominently at many weddings. Here’s a look at traditions past and present and the meaning behind these customs.

Marriage

The custom of marriage can be traced back thousands of years to when hunters and gatherers started coming together to form societies and farm land. In order to ensure the success of communities, couplings were developed to produce offspring and maintain households. Tie the knot

Getting married is sometimes referred to as “tying the knot.” This stems from the custom of “handfasting,” which is a common practice among various cultures around the world, and notably in ancient Rome. The bride and groom’s hands are tied together for the duration of the ceremony, not to be released until the wedding is made official. This isn’t something you see too often at modern weddings, but can be something unique couples may want to consider.

Bridal bouquet

A bouquet of beautiful flowers is held by the bride on her wedding day. Roses, orchids, peonies, and other fragrant blooms are often included, but in ancient times brides’ bouquets were likely made of herbs. According to the resource Minted Weddings, these aromatic herbs were

used to ward off evil spirits.

Veil

Evil spirits also were the basis for the wearing of bridal veils, as they were utilized to hide brides from these miscreants. Veils now are more style than substance. Bridesmaids

In ancient Rome, bridesmaids were tasked with protecting the bride. They wore the same dresses as the bride to confuse evil spirits from finding the soonto-be-betrothed and cursing her. Today’s bridesmaids are less decoy and more helper. They may wear similar dresses to the bride and one another, but they aren’t trying to fool any spirits.

Tossing rice

Rice and grains were long regarded as signs of prosperity and fertility, according to the gifting company Personal Creations. Therefore, couples were showered with rice to ensure their good fortune. Consumption of uncooked rice has been proven to be detrimental to some wildlife, so rice has now been widely replaced with bubbles or birdseed.

Cutting the cake

At the reception, many couples link hands and make the first cut in their wedding cakes. Wedding Wire says it’s a tradition that around 80 percent of wedding couples partake in. It is believed this tradition symbolizes the couple’s first official task performed together, and marks the promise to support and take care of one another throughout the marriage. However, in the past, brides were responsible for cutting the wedding cake alone and distributed slices to guests to aid in fertility, according to BakingNook. com.

Weddings are full of traditions with interesting histories. — Metro Creative

PCM sophomore Tori Lindsay and junior Addison Steenhoek combined to rank in the top 10 of 12 statistical categories in the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference this season.

Both Mustangs earned first-team all-conference recognition for their efforts and sophomore Jorja Teeter and freshman Lila Milani were honorable mention selections.

PCM’s four representatives helped the Mustangs place third in the conference this past winter.

PCM and South Hamilton both finished 10-4, but the Hawks were 2-0 against the Mustangs. Roland-Story won the conference title at 14-0.

All-conference recognition is based on statistics inside conference play only.

Lindsay ranked seventh in the conference in scoring at 13.4 points

per game. She also ranked tied for ninth in assists at 2.4 per contest and averaged 4.9 rebounds and 2.6 steals per tilt.

Lindsay’s 29 made 3-pointers ranked third, her 43 made free throws ranked fourth and her 58 field goals tied for sixth. She also shot 40.6 percent from the floor, ranked fifth in 3-point percentage at 37.2 and was ninth in free throw percentage at 67.2.

Steenhoek ranked sixth in the HOIAC in scoring at 13.7 points per game. Her 2.5 assists per contest ranked sixth and her 2.9 steals per tilt was tied for eighth. She also averaged 3.7 rebounds per game.

Steenhoek shot 74.4 percent from the foul line, which ranked third in the conference. Her 58 made free throws ranked second and her 59 field goals were fifth. She also made 16 treys.

Teeter averaged 4.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steals

per game. Milani averaged 7.1 points, 2.5 boards, 1.2 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Her 19 made 3s ranked tied for eighth.

Heart

All-Conference First Team

Addison Steenhoek, jr., PCM; Tori Lindsay, so., PCM; Matti Motta, jr., Roland-Story; Claire Truesdell, jr., Roland-Story; Bella Borgos, jr., West Marshall; Ashlyn Erickson, sr., South Hamilton; Paige Rummans, jr., Saydel. Second Team

Tanna Thompson, sr., South Hamilton; Isabelle Nelson, sr., Nevada; Dakota Hendricks, jr., Nevada; Lily Zahnd, jr., West Marshall; Shelby Johnston, so., West Marshall; Elizabeth Ihle, sr., Roland-Story; Alyssa Jones, so., Roland-Story; Kamryn Lande, jr., Roland-Story.

Honorable Mention

Jorja Teeter, so., PCM; Lila Milani, fr., PCM; Grace Neuberger, sr., South Hamilton; Kailyn Northrop, sr., South Hamilton; Emma Shipley, jr., Greene County; Kaycee Pittman, so., Greene County; Karagyn Whelchel, so., Perry; Maci Tunink, sr., Perry; Luella Weispfenning, so., Saydel; Lauren Frantz, fr., Saydel; Kate Berggren, jr., Roland-Story; Riley Johnson, fr., Roland-Story; Emilee Kelly, so., Nevada; Reagan Davis, sr., Nevada; Audrey Girard, sr., West Marshall. Distinguished All-Conference McKenna Galetich, sr., South Hamilton; Becca Anderson, so., Greene County; Emma Strottman, sr., Nevada.

Steenhoek

Teeter Milani

Jasper County gets no new bidders for cleaned up property

Supervisors at a standstill over small property and recouping costs

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Supervisors received no new bidders for the sale of a small property west of Lambs Grove that was abated by Jasper County. Even though the board of supervisors has held a number of bid openings over the past few months, only one person has shown any interest in purchasing the land.

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors have disagreed over the sale of the property and its program to acquire and abate abandoned properties at past meetings. None of the supervisors individually changed their stances at the Feb. 20 meeting, and neither has the person interested in buying the 0.22-acre lot. Buddy Cupples, who lives near the county-owned parcel, submitted a $6,700 bid for the property. The costs for the county to legally acquire the property and then clean it up total $16,000.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma said the county needs to recoup its costs. Supervisor Doug Cupples argued it is impossible to do so. Specifically, Doug said the assessed value of the lot is about $6,700, and he was skeptical

whether the land value, potential or otherwise, would be worth the $16,000 the county really wants for it; Doug ultimately felt the lot was not attractive enough for someone to bid that much for it.

Talsma was adamant the program should sustain itself by at least breaking even. He believed the county should sit on the property, and that just because it is not a business it doesn’t mean supervisors do not need to worry about overhead costs and the sustainability of the program.

Which puts the county at another standstill. Buddy submitted an $8,000 bid previously, and he even increased it to $10,000. Still, the board of supervisors could not come to agree on accepting the higher bid. This time, Buddy submitted a bid that matched what it was valued.

Doug asked Buddy to raise his bid again in hopes it would be accepted by the board, but Buddy reluctantly refused.

“I got to thinking. If you buy a house and you want to sell it and get twice as much out of it than it’s appraised at, you might be losing there, too,” Buddy said.

“I just came to the conclusion —

nothing against you guys, I realize you gotta recoup your money — I just don’t want to pay any more than I think it’s actually worth.”

In order to avoid situations like this in the future, Buddy suggested the county post for sale signs on properties it acquires but has not abated yet.

“Give the people around an opportunity to buy it,” he said.

Buddy was unsure if that was in the county’s power to implement. Talsma indicated it is not. When the county acquires the property, it has to finish the process and clean it up. Jasper County is legally obligated to proceed with abatement, Talsma said.

Doug added, “We like that idea. I would love to be able to sell it ahead of time.”

Supervisors were sympathetic to Buddy, who has followed through with bids each time. He understood the board’s predicament but he did not feel comfortable submitting a higher bid at this time. The board would go on to unanimously reject the bid.

“I wish we would have taken (the higher bid) the last time,” Doug said. Buddy said, “I do, too.”

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer

Jasper County has been unsuccessful in trying to sell an abandoned property it had acquired and then cleaned up. Supervisors on Feb. 20