PCM-03-28-2024

Explorer PCM

Firearms in schools

Districts prepare as legislation

allowing staff firearms on school grounds moves through the state house

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

This legislative session, the Iowa House has approved two bills that would allow teachers permits to carry firearms on school grounds and offer grants to districts to purchase security equipment or trainings for staff, which can be interpreted as an effort by lawmakers to mitigate or deter school violence. Local district leaders are keeping an eye on the work being done at the statehouse and how it could potentially affect their schools.

“This legislation would allow teachers to obtain a permit to carry firearms on school grounds. A strict training protocol would be put in place, including in-person training for teachers to obtain the permit,” PCM Superintendent

Michelle Havenstrite said. “There are a lot of details that have not been worked out yet so I have a lot of questions, such as: How many teachers can have a permit? Is there a specific type of firearm that will be allowed? Is the training required annually? How long are permits valid?”

Any changes such as this would first go to the school board to let them decide how to proceed, Baxter Superintendent Mickolyn Clapper said. Should the board want to move forward, policies and procedures would need to be developed to implement having firearms on school property.

“During this policy development phase, it will be critically important that teacher, parent and community input is solicited and considered,” Havenstrite said.

The legislation comes

with a mixed bag of feelings. While having additional firearms on campuses could increase security, it could also build fear for students and staff.

“Positives may include enhanced security measures, quicker response times to potential threats and a greater sense of safety for some individuals,” Clapper said. “Negatives may include increased anxiety or fear among students and staff, the potential for accidents or misuse of firearms and the complex legal and logistical challenges of implementing such policies.”

Among the logistics would be continuing to insure the schools. Recent history has shown that insurance companies have been feeling unfavorable when it comes to putting their name on districts with

additional firearms on campus.

“It will be critically important to work closely with our insurance carrier regarding the fiscal impact of this decision,” Havenstrite said. “The two districts (Spirit Lake and Cherokee) that allowed teachers to carry handguns quickly discontinued this practice as the increase in insurance cost was prohibitive.”

Currently, the schools have many practices in place to address school violence. At PCM, the school is working on prevention to address the multi-faceted issues.

“So much time and energy is spent on the ‘response’ to a school violence issue. While I believe this is important, I wish more energy and time would go into the conversations about

Hitting the breaks, maybe

After hearing emotional responses from teachers to the elementary principal leaving, the school board considers doing nothing or splitting the school

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

The March PCM School Board meeting started with emotional speeches from current elementary teachers about the resignation of principal Donita Geetings. The thoughts and feelings of the educators about their appreciation for Geetings and disappointment in the district losing her brought forth strong emotional responses that had many on the verge of tears.

“I am extremely saddened that we are losing the most amazing elementary principal that we have had in my 17 years at the district,” kindergarten

teacher Jen Kline said. “In those years I have had four different principals with number five coming next year. Does anyone else see this as a problem? I can’t help but question the need to be made to help PCM keep administrators. It’s hard to get a good thing going when we replace our admin team every four to five years and the process starts all over again.”

Fourth grade teacher Becky Firkins brought up the six elementary teachers who submitted their resignation to the board, along with Geetings.

“This morning it was brought to our attention

Local ‘Voices of Inspiration’

United Way of Jasper County to host six speakers for new series beginning in April

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

The United Way of Jasper County is hosting six speakers over the coming months as a part of its “Voices of Inspiration” series. Local to the area, the speakers will talk on a variety of topics from accidental beer money fundraisers to community action and much more.

“I have had the opportunity to hear some amazing speakers — Civil Rights leader Coretta Scott King, ‘Superman’ actor Christopher Reeves, astronaut Peggy Whitson, local resident Jean Cleere, former presidents and many others,” UWJC Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes said. “I left those events feeling informed, empowered and I have kept many

BOOK BY

BOOK

Citizens help move Prairie City Library books to new location in ‘Book Brigade’

of the things they said close to heart. They are experiences I won’t forget and I wanted to replicate that here.”

Kicking off the series is Carson King, a Prairie City native who found viral fame from a “need beer money” sign at the 2019 Iowa vs Iowa State football game. King

SPEAKERS | 8

File Art PCM alum Carson King holds his sign up during ESPN’s GameDay show in September 2019. What started as a joke turned into an entrepreneurial future for King.

Explorer PCM

Worth Mentioning

Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com

Events at The Gathering Place

An Acoustic JAMM will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday, March 28 at TGP.

A fundraiser for Thelma’s Chicken for The Gathering Place. Ordering will end April 1. Every Monday at 8 a.m. The Gathering Place will host Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann. “Get Fit, Move More!” with Amy S. at 1 p.m. Wednesday at The Gathering Place. Bingo will begine at 6 p.m. Wednesday at The Gathering Place in Monroe.

Drive-thru pickup for Thelma’s Chicken Dinner is from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. April 4.

PCM Food Pantry

The PCM Food Pantry at the Monroe Presbyterian Church, 113 S. Main St., 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.

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.

GriefShare at PC FRC

First Reformed Church in Prairie City hosts GriefShare from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through June 12. For more information, contact Mary Lemmertat 515-205-0835 or at hope2you@aol.com.

Remove flowers from Silent Cemetery

The City of Monroe announces flowers must be removed from Silent City Cemetery in Monroe by April 15 or risk being mowed.

Packaging events for Hunger Relief

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church will host the Jasper County Hunger Relief (formerly Jasper County Take Away Hunger) meal packaging event on Saturday, April 20 in one-hour slots starting at 9 a.m.

The Jasper County Hunger Relief Board is excited to introduce new packaging assembly line events that package simple nutritious meals that follow safety and health guidelines.

Volunteers are asked to form a team of twelve people for one hour of time and a donation of $35 per person or $420 per team. The donations help cover the costs of the meals packaged for families with food insecurity.

Everyone is encouraged and invited to participate in this community service event. This includes youth groups, service clubs, businesses, church groups, and individuals. Contact Bill Bennett by email at jaspercohunger@gmail.com or by phone at 515-2576460 to reserve a one-hour time slot for your team. The deadline to register is Sunday, April 14.

Master Conservationist program offered

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer the Iowa Master Conservationist program spring 2024 in Region 18, Jasper, Poweshiek, Marion and Mahaska Counties. The program will meet in various sites within the counties to provide the participants with handson interaction with the diversity of the state’s natural resources.

The program teaches about Iowa’s natural ecosystems and the diversity of conservation challenges and opportunities that exist in the region. Graduates of the course learn to make informed choices for leading and education others to improve conservation in Iowa.

Master Conservationists are individuals who share an interest in the stability of Iowa’s natural resources, and in becoming better stewards of Iowa’s resources. This program alone will not make

a person a “master,” but this course is a step in that journey.

The program consists of approximately 12 hours of online curriculum and six in-person meetings. The online modules will include lessons and resource by Iowa State subject matter experts to be reviewed at the participants own pace at home or at the ISU Extension and Outreach offices. Module topics include conservation history and science, understanding Iowa ecosystems, implementing conservation practices in human-dominated landscapes and developing skills to help educated others about conservation practices.

In-person meeting will build on the online sessions and be from 6 to 9 p.m. at various sites with Jasper, Poweshiek, Marion and Mahaska Counties.

The session dates and locations are: May 9 — Orientation,

Van Zee Team receives top real estate award

Farmers National Company, the nation’s leading farm and ranch management and brokerage company, announced the Van Zee Team was recently presented with the Farmers National Company President’s Circle Award for their outstanding efforts in real estate sales.

John and Eric Van Zee, real estate sales agents with Farmers National Company, received the company’s top award for real estate sales in 2023. John began working with Farmers National Company in 2000, and Eric began working with Farmers National Company in 2019.

John can be contacted at 641-521-0151 or by email at JVanZee@ FarmersNational.com. Eric can be contacted at 515-971-2633 or by email at EVanZee@ FarmersNational.com.

Volunteers needed to help local children in foster care

The Iowa Citizens Foster Care Review Board in Poweshiek County is seeking volunteers to join the board, which ensures children in the foster care system receive the services they need during the process of finding a permanent home.

Foster Care Review Boards (FCRB) serve as a forum where key parties involved in the child’s case hear about both the progress and the challenges being encountered. Board members then offer recommendations for ways to clear any obstacles while also ensuring the case maintains a sense of urgency. The Poweshiek County FCRB currently has three seats open. It serves children in foster care from the Poweshiek and Jasper County areas in Southeast Iowa.

This volunteer opportunity requires an average of 10 hours a month of reviewing specific case materials and attending the monthly board meeting. For more information about the FCRB pro -

gram, call or text Cara Galloway, Program Coordinator for the Foster Care Review Board for Southeast Iowa at 515499-3160 or visit https:// hhs.iowa.gov/programs/ programs-and-services/ fcrb.

ATTENTION

County Treasurer Doug Bishop would like to remind Jasper County residents that the second half property tax and mobile home taxes are due and need to be paid on or before Monday April 1st 2024 due to last day of March being a Sunday. Payments can be made at the office from 8:00 until 4:30 daily. Credit card and E-check payments can also be made online at www.iowatreasurers.org. Payments mailed and postmarked before April 2nd will be accepted without penalty. There is also a convenient drop box on the East side of our new office building at 315 W 3rd St N. If you have any questions, please call the Treasurer’s office at 641-792-7731.

Lake Red Rock May 16 — Ashton-Wildwood Park, Jasper County May 23 — Quercus Wilderness Area, Mahaska County May 30 — Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge June 6 — Lake Red Rock June 13 — Drake Community Library, Poweshiek County June 20 — Closing session, Conrad Environmental Research Area, Poweshiek County

Each meeting will be led by local subject matter experts to demonstrate how the principles covered in the online curriculum and play out locally. Participants will work with program partners, who include Iowa DNR, Jasper, Poweshiek, Monroe & Mahaska Counties’ Conservation. NRCS, & ISU Extension and Outreach, along with educational experts in their fields. Registration for the course is $60 per participant. Payment is due at the time of registration. There is limited registration. To register, contact Marion County Extension office; 210 N. Iowa St., Knoxville, call 641-842-2014 or email Lydia Dingeman at dingeman@iastate.edu. The deadline is May 1.

Securing STOP THE BLEED license

The Department of Defense’s STOP THE BLEED (STB) Program aims to empower the public to effectively address traumatic injuries involving severe bleeding until first responders arrive. The Jasper County Emergency Management Agency has been granted a STOP THE BLEED educational license.

It’s estimated that more than 30,000 lives could be saved annually with widespread access to this essential STOP THE BLEED training. Organizations licensed to deliver DoD-approved STOP THE BLEED courses play a pivotal role in the program’s success.

The Stop the Bleed Coalition is dedicated to supporting the STOP THE BLEED campaign by facilitating collaboration and cooperation among the numerous individuals and organizations com-

mitted to training and equipping the nation to mitigate the loss of life due to traumatic bleeding. Licensed by the U.S. Department of Defense, the Coalition provides various DoD-approved services and products to the burgeoning STOP THE BLEED community and the public. STOP THE BLEED stands as a vital public health initiative garnering support from both public and private sector entities and individuals dedicated to preserving lives. Jasper County Emergency Management Agency now stands among the ever-growing public-private partnerships driving the campaign forward. Any business or organization is encouraged to reach out if they want to learn this life-saving skill. Email em@jasperema-hls.org or call 641792-7555.

John Van Zee

Eric Van Zee

Explorer PCM

Firearms

prevention,” Havenstrite said. “We have implemented a Classroom Clinic to provide our students with easier access to mental health counseling. We have hired student advocates to assist parents and families connect with needed resources. We have implemented CSTAG — which is a threat assessment protocol”

The district has also started programs such as Leader in Me and Restorative Circles in each building to improve relationships between students and staff.

Using the governor’s safety grant, the district replaced doors, door knobs, added cameras, fencing and improved the alarm system among other additions.

“We have also increased training with our admin team, crisis teams and staff. We have been working closely with the Jasper County Emergency Director. He is guiding the administration in training staff. We will be conducting intruder drills in collaboration with him so that he can observe and provide feedback,” Ha-

venstrite said. “We will conduct Blank Shooting Drills in our buildings for staff only before the year ends. Additionally, we are working to get training in place to have every employee in PCM be CPR and First Aid trained by the start of the 2024 school year.”

At Baxter, staff has been trained on emergency procedures and Stop the Bleed training along with emergency evacuation drills. In the past, the district had a sharing agreement with the City of Baxter for the police chief to also serve as the school resource officer.

“We have added school counselors to help students who are struggling,” Clapper said. “Using the governor’s school safety grant dollars we are adding additional cameras and locks to our building, as well.”

Work doesn’t stop in districts to address school violence. Many avenues work to build relationships to help both students and staff with what they are needing.

The districts will continue to work, and should the legislation pass the Senate and be signed into law, use the best of what is given to keep protecting everyone within the school walls.

School Admin

that multiple teachers are resigning from our elementaries. Half of them do not have a future plan going forward. That is extremely alarming to me that they just want to be done,” Firkins said. “Mrs. Geetings’ plan was not to leave us. Her plan was to build us to be the best elementary school around. I will be forever grateful of her leadership and the vision that she let shine during her time with us.”

Kindergarten teacher Stacy Fridley highlighted the successes of Geetings and the uncertainty of moving forward with yet another new principal.

“Look at the huge success of our fourth and fifth grade classes. I can promise you that would not have happened without Mrs. Geetings leading the way. She implemented Leader in Me which has been absolutely amazing. To watch these kids become leaders of their school is so impressive. I know every single decision that our administrators had made was made based on putting kids’ needs first. That is their job – to educate,” Fridley said. “I know that we get asked for a lot of data all of the time. In the past 22 years, we have had at least 22

different elementary or middle school principals. That is insane. Some of you that are currently sitting on the board have been serving during that ridiculous amount of turnover. What is it going to take for you to realize there is a problem?”

Kline and Fridley both had calls to action for the board. They want to know if the board trusts in the administration team to do what is best for the students and district or not.

“As a board member, it is your job to work with our admin, not against them,” Kline said. “Having attended the past several board meetings and work sessions, it has become quite clear the board members do not have faith in our admin team to make the best decisions for our students. This is extremely disheartening.”

“Many of us are also upset and angry. We are angry at the disrespect that has been shown to our administrators, including Mrs. Geetings, over the last several years. It is clear that many of you sitting on the board don’t want to make changes. It appears that you are content with a school that is performing average or below average. Teachers and administrators want better for our school and our kids,” Fridley said. “I ask you to start trusting your administrators, who are the experts, to

work with them and not against them. To put the kids first or you are going to see more and more resignations for our incredible administrative team and our incredible teachers who are tired of fighting to do what is best for kids.”

When the topic of grade alignment came before the board at the meeting, school board president Ryan Van Der Kamp gave his recommendation to halt the process.

“My recommendation right now is to pause moving third grade and to keep double sections at Monroe Elementary next year,” Van Der Kamp said.

That action was not met with approval by all board members.

“I was hoping to move forward,” board member Jeremy St. Peter said. “The feedback I am hearing is the teachers support grade alignment even if it means upper and lower for the time being. My concern is if we just do third grade, what about the lower grades? If it would be possible to go for an upper and lower, that would be my request.”

Board member Steve Nearmyer said from what he heard, the K-2, 3-5 building alignment couldn’t be ready for next year. He said if they can’t get it done, to pause.

“My concern is we have everybody in a up -

roar and people are really wanting us to take action on this. I think if we don’t do that, we are letting people down because they want a decision,” St. Peter said. “Unfortunately we’re looking for another admin now. I just hate to put another admin through this big fight of alignment of grades. If we could get that done and move forward with the plan that would take a lot of pressure off the admin and eliminate that part of the discussion.”

He also said the vast majority of the teachers he talked to would support the K-2, 3-5 alignment if the board has a long-term plan of the vision that was presented, all elementary grade under one roof.

“It has to be something more concrete,” board member Rod DeHaai said. “We’ve got part of the way, but we haven’t committed to the rest of it, which is one of the primary reasons she (Geetings) is leaving.”

The board settled on having a proposal for a K-2 building and 3-5 building for the next school year brought before them at the April meeting.

“I would like that because I feel it would support the teachers. I know the long-term vision is to be under one roof,” St. Peter said. “I think we can move past the whole alignment discussion and move toward that goal.”

Metro Photo

Shining a light on secret spending

Bureaucrats were busted trying to bamboozle taxpayers by hiding the shocking price tag of a pork project pushed by former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and President Biden. A scathing new audit calls the scheme to bury a San Francisco area subway’s true costs a “breach in transparency.” The six-mile extension was initially sold to the public for $4.7 billion. But after securing billions of taxpayer dollars from Washington, the amount nearly tripled to $12.8 billion — more than $2 billion per mile. While digging taxpayers into a hole, shoveling hasn’t even started on this money pit. It was scheduled to be completed by 2026, but now won’t be done until 2037. Maybe.

Cone of shame

From Washington, DC

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst

Rather than canceling this project that is billions over budget and more than a decade behind schedule, Biden and his Transportation Secretary are treating it “as one of their top transit projects in the country,” putting taxpayers on the hook for nearly half of its runaway costs.

Folks, I wrote a law to expose gravy trains like this so we can bring them to a squealing halt before they take taxpayers for a ride. But the Biden Administration is refusing to comply with that law, knowing it would hold the president accountable for all of his embarrassing billion-dollar boondoggles. The same is happening with other transparency laws I authored, requiring price tags on projects funded by the Pentagon and the Small Business Administration. Biden and his bureaucrats are choosing to keep taxpayers in the dark. It’s disappointing to deliver such a dim report during Sunshine Week, the annual celebration of the public’s right to know what the gov-

Like master, like dog. I have lipomas all over my body. Especially on my forearms. They’re embarrassing. I think I have them on my forearms because of all the knocks and bruises I took playing high school football. I was a lineman. Forearms are an integral part of blocking, or they were back in the days when holding was enforced.

I’ve had some of the larger lipomas removed. There was even a huge one on the top of my foot where the shoestring knot of my running shoe rubbed. When wearing sandals, the lipoma glowed like a beach ball. People, especially women, would comment, “Eww, what’s that?” I got tired of it and had the lipoma removed. I limped around for a week, and it became infected and had to be drained, twice. I was almost sorry I had the lipoma removed. One time a lipoma formed at the spot where a phlebotomist drew blood from my arm. The lipoma was the size of a golf ball. I had it removed. It left a scar. The next time I had blood drawn, the phlebotomist asked what that scar was, like it was a “track mark.” Good grief.

My dad and brother had lipomas, so I guess it runs in the family. I’ve asked the doc numerous times what causes them. I just get a blank look that says, “If you wanna see some people with real problems, buster, come with me on my morning rounds.” So I shut up.

Buddy, our (my) dog has lipomas all over his body, also. A couple of years ago, the vet removed a big one that was rubbing under Buddy’s front leg. Recently, Buddy developed a huge lipoma on his belly that was so big, it was rubbing on the floor. I thought it was a hernia. It made him look fat. We talked it over with the vet. Buddy is going on 14. We didn’t wanna put Buddy through any kind of surgery that was going to hasten his death. We love Buddy. The vet assured us that Buddy could handle the surgery, even at his age. So we went ahead with it.

Ye gads. The vet removed three lipomas from Buddy’s belly — two small ones and that big one that was dragging on the floor, plus a cyst on his foot. The vet said there were more lipomas he wasn’t going to mess with. I counted the stitches. There were over 20 that I could see. The vet said there were more internal stitches. Poor Buddy! Right away, Buddy got sick and was throwing up. The antibiotic the vet prescribed for Buddy was making him sick. So we stopped the antibiotic. Buddy got so lethargic that I thought he was dying. I rushed Buddy to the vet. The vet looked at Buddy’s stitches and said he was licking them. Out came “The Cone of Shame.” Poor Buddy! Along with a change of medication, Buddy came home. He got sick again — in the “Cone of Shame.” Another trip to the vet. He had a fever. We were told to put Buddy on a bland diet — rice and chicken breast. Buddy liked that. He got used to his “Cone of Shame” and was getting around pretty good. I felt so sorry for him, though. Those stitches were driving him nuts, but the “Cone” kept him from licking or chewing on them. The stitches started looking a lot less angry. The big day of the stitches removal finally arrived — three weeks after surgery. Ginnie said, “If he gets another lipoma, we’re leaving it alone.” I had to agree. Buddy sailed home, stitches free, and no “Cone of Shame.” He thanked us by getting in the cat food. There’s a lesson in all this for me, I think. If people ask me one more time what those bumps on my arms are, I’ll just say, “It’s better’n having a ‘Cone of Shame’ around my neck to keep me from chewing on the stitches.” That’ll shut’m up, by golly. Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com

ernment is doing. I know sunlight is the best disinfectant because I’ve stopped billions of dollars of wasteful spending by shining a bright light on it. We defunded China’s notorious Wuhan Institute of Virology, ended subsidies to institutions in Russia, and forced Biden to recollect billions of dollars of delinquent small business loans. We all know there is wasteful spending everywhere you look in Washington, but Biden wants to keep you in the dark because we can’t stop what we can’t see. That is why USAspending.gov, a searchable public website containing all government grants, contracts, and other expenditures, is taxpayers’ most valuable tool for spotting and then stopping Washington waste. In fact, thanks to USAspending.gov, I have learned the shady organization that shipped more than one million taxpayer dollars to the Wuhan Institute for dangerous experiments on bat coronaviruses just received more dollars from the Department of Defense to do more research on “highrisk pathogens.” You better believe this is on my hit list to target for taxpayer savings!

But folks, there is a big problem. Once again, Biden is hiding billions by not dis-

closing the details about the dollars his deputies are doling out using loosely defined deals referred to as “other transaction agreements,” or OTAs. The use of OTAs by the government is growing “significantly” and over $40 billion in OTAs have not been reported to USAspending.gov, according to the Government Accountability Office. This means less transparency and less accountability of secret sweetheart deals. The Treasury Department, which is responsible for running the website, “does not believe agencies should report OTA spending to USAspending.gov,” despite the law stating that all “federal financial assistance and expenditures” totaling $25,000 or more should be included. It seems pretty clear to me! With Washington adding $1 trillion to the national debt every three months, we really need to review the receipts they’re hiding and request refunds. To do that, I am introducing the Stop Secret Spending Act, mandating that OTAs be disclosed on USAspending.gov and that the public be informed of any other secret Washington spending schemes.

Joni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and acombatveteran,representsIowainthe United States Senate.

Protecting IVF & reproductive freedom

By Jennifer Konfrst Iowa House Democratic Leader

Recently in the House, Representative Heather Matson of Ankeny bravely told her story of struggling with infertility and using in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to become a mom. She knows personally how critical it is to protect this option for Iowans who want desperately to become a parent, and she’s concerned about legislation that passed the Iowa House this week.

The controversial bill, which is making national headlines, would make changes to how Iowa law defines a “person.” In this case, anyone causing death or injuries to an “unborn person” — defined in the bill to begin from the moment of fertilization — could be jailed for life, without the possibility of parole.

While a word change seems simple, doctors and legal experts are weighing in because the bill is so broadly written, it could have wide-ranging consequences, including a halt on fertility treatments like IVF and some forms of birth control.

The concern comes on the heels of a court ruling on a similar law in Alabama. In the court ruling just a few weeks ago, the Alabama Supreme Court essentially concluded that every fertilized egg frozen

in an IVF lab was a person. The ruling immediately paused IVF treatments for some families while creating chaos for other families, providers, and fertility clinics.

House Democrats continue to work to protect IVF — and we understand the consequences if we don’t. As Rep. Matson questioned, “What can we realistically expect of doctors when it comes to the practice of modern fertility treatments with the court ruling in Alabama and a bill that changes Iowa Code from ‘human pregnancy’ to ‘unborn person’? What a tragedy it would be for all Iowans if what has come to pass in Alabama comes to pass here because, as written, this bill does not explicitly protect IVF.”

Instead of listening to colleagues like Rep. Matson about the potential consequences of the bill, the GOP lawmaker running the bill here in Iowa just dismissed every legitimate question brought up by anyone else. He wasn’t willing to even acknowledge — let alone work together - that the poorly written bill could be improved.

It’s why Iowans are so frustrated with politics these days.

It’s no secret the special interest groups that want to ban all abortion and take away more reproductive freedom from Iowans are among the most powerful at

the State Capitol. They’ve gotten many bills passed over the last several years to roll back reproductive rights with the centerpiece of their agenda — a near total abortion ban — on hold as it’s reviewed by the Iowa Supreme Court. They will stop at nothing to ban all abortion, even if it means Iowans trying to start a family with IVF get caught in the crosshairs.

The truth is that a strong majority of Iowans want lawmakers to protect reproductive freedom, not destroy it. They believe everyone deserves the right to make their own health care decisions and politicians have no place interfering in someone else’s decisions about when to start a family.

I couldn’t agree more. Until GOP lawmakers can answer some basic questions and prove it won’t impact IVF or birth control, I think the bill should be shelved.

The one bit of good news is the bill has yet to be approved by the Iowa Senate and time is running short. Iowans who support reproductive freedom should let their Senator know where they stand before it’s too late.

There’s still time to put people over politics.

State Representative Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights serves the 32nd District in the Iowa House and is the Iowa House Democratic Leader

Curt Swarm Empty Nest

TikTok’s Future is now in the Hands of the House

On Wednesday, March 13, the House of Representatives voted to pass legislation that could possibly ban TikTok in the US. In the past, TikTok has been criticized for failing to protect children from addiction to the app, dangerous viral challenges, and sharing of personal or false information.

One viral challenge on TikTok that led to the deaths of 15–20 children was called the “blackout challenge”. This popular challenge on social media encouraged people to choke themselves with any household objects until they became unconscious. They would then film the adrenaline rushing back once the person regained consciousness. TikTok was sued by the parents of the children who died from the challenge, but is still in business.

Many house legislators have argued that the app could possibly allow the Chinese government to access users’ data. They also have argued that the Chinese government can influence Americans through social media platforms and addictive algorithms.

Representative of Connecticut, Jim Himes, states, “China shuts down newspapers, broadcast stations, and social media platforms”. He also states, “We do not trust our citizens to be worthy of their democracy. We do not trust our government to decide what information you may or may not see”.

The House of Representatives wants the owner of ByteDance (creator of TikTok), to either disinvest from the company or be booted out of US app stores completely.

“ByteDance is not owned or controlled by the Chinese government. It is a private company,” says TikTok’s CEO Shou Chew in a testimony before Congress in March.

PCM art teacher, Jenny Morrett, shares her thoughts about TikTok possibly getting banned.

“I think TikTok being banned is great. I think while TikTok is entertaining, I don’t think it’s necessarily great and I don’t think it’s necessary. I think if it is banned, people will be more encouraged to be in the world in a more present way, like interacting with people or finding other ways to kill boredom.”

Many students also have an opinion on the matter.

An Article from the New York Times states that Rosario from Atrisco Heritage Academy High School says, “TikTok is another form of entertainment and news outlet. If the government is considering banning TikTok, why not ban Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat? All are forms of social media that everyone has access to all around the world. The government needs to focus its attention and resources on other things that are posing a literal threat to society, like gun violence and the hungry that are without homes or food throughout our country”.

Another article by the New York Times from Stacey of Galeway, NY, states, “As the first Amendment states, ‘Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. By getting rid of an app that is used by many to promote their beliefs, not just in America, but in other parts of the world in which information can spread across seas to better educate people on current events would go against the Constitution … Removing those beliefs by making it impossible to use an app, would diminish the viewing of said beliefs and encroach on people’s freedoms.”

The app has become an attraction for educators, activists, and creatives to influence all aspects of culture. From releasing dance trends, propelling decades of old books onto the bestseller list, to educating viewers and making changes to society, TikTok has become key to how over 150 million users across the United States create, learn, and change the world. TikTok being banned could not only affect the users, but it also affects the creators greatly. TikTok’s creators have invested years of effort in building their entire careers around their TikTok followers. This also includes many businesses that have used the app to stay in business during the 2020 pandemic. It can also be used for business by showing great sales and revenues.

Freshman, Addy Pederson, shares her thoughts about the possible banning of TikTok.

“I think it is really upsetting for most people because it’s been around since as long as we can remember, and I think a lot of memories were made on it, and it’s just very fun for people to socialize with each other and meet new people. Also, the fact that a lot of people are going to have to lose their jobs because there’s a lot of creators on there, and they just do TikTok as their main job and a lot of small businesses will lose their businesses easily because they won’t have a big enough platform to advertise for their small business.”

While TikTok comes with many benefits and advantages, should the House of Representatives truly ban it? Even though it promotes business and gives creators a platform for a future career, it has been said to share users’ information with the wrong people and has caused deaths. What do you think about this?

First March MadnessCyclones RollDrake Falls Short

The first weekend of March Madness was a fun one for some, and not so fun for others. Iowa State’s Men’s Basketball team flew through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, beating 15-seed South Dakota State and 7-seed Washington State, both fairly easily. Drake’s team wasn’t as fortunate, as most of the state of Iowa was hyped up for a second round match up of ISU vs. Drake in Omaha, just a short two-hour drive from Des Moines. But the Bulldogs came up short against Washington State in the first round game, losing 66-61. Drake was trailing by three at halftime but took the lead and extended it up to as much as nine with just under eight minutes to go, but they would allow the Cougars to go on a run and win the game 66-61. A big reason as to why the Bulldogs weren’t able to pull away would be the seemingly offensive absence of star guard Tucker Devries, who played 38 minutes and scored 14 points. Devries is currently ninth in the country in points per game with 21.6, although he did have six assists in the game vs. WSU, the Bulldogs were missing the elite scorer that was in the game. Devries’ father, Drake Head Coach Darian Devries, was hired to be the next Head Coach at West Virginia on March 24. Tucker Devries also announced that he would transfer to West Virginia for his senior season and follow his dad.

Iowa State came into the NCAA Tournament hot and fresh off of a Big 12 tournament Championship, and they haven’t cooled off yet. Head Coach TJ Otzelberger has his team rolling. They shot 47.8% from three against South Dakota State and 50% against Washington State. The Cyclones pressure man defense and athleticism proved to be too much for the Jackrabbits, who actually cut the lead down to four early in the second half, but they couldn’t keep up and the Cyclones would roll to an 82-65 victory. The Cyclones led by as much as 25 in the second half. Their balanced scoring attack overwhelmed the Jackrabbits, with five players over ten points and three over 15 points. Milan Momcilovic, Tamin Lipsey, and Curtic Jones all hit three triples and combined for 47 points.

The Cyclones stayed strong vs Washington State in the second round game, although the Cougars led for the entire first half until the end when the Cyclones tied it at 27, the Cyclones took the lead early and never gave up to start the second half. They would hold off every Cougar surge and pull away in the end to win it 67-56. The Cyclones will take on 3-seed Illinois late Thursday night for a spot in the elite eight, where they haven’t been since 2000.

eSports is a new program added to PCM activities coached by Dylan Heacock in which all students can be involved. eSports consists of students playing video games and competing against other schools in the Midwest for a trophy and a banner that would be represented in our school. There are also many scholarship opportunities.

These past 2 years, e-Spots have been a bigger part of my life. eSports is playing video games while representing my school. I am currently in the middle of my fourth season and I have made the finals two out of three times and I have been second in the Midwest the past 2 seasons. I am hoping to make it again by the end of this season. Each time I have made the finals I have fallen short and lost. I have two second place trophies and with this being my last season I am hoping to finally win it all.

Each year I have the same problem, and it’s losing to the same guy over and over. I play Madden, which is football and not to brag or anything, but I tend to be really good at it. That is a brag. I am aware not many people can beat me. But, anyways, I lost to the same guy, and it’s getting really frustrating, but this season is different. I am going to win it all. I usually use the Cleveland Browns, but when I play against them, I have to use the Kansas City Chiefs just because I tend to play better with them. My two friends and I also play, and I am definitely better than them, but it’s always fun watching them play.

I like playing Madden because I’m good at it, and I have made a lot of money from it. I make money doing wagers against other people and I have been invited to two pro tournaments. There are these pro tournaments that I have only played in once, even though I was invited to two, but I got third place, and I should have moved onto the championship game, but I made a very dumb mistake. I can’t do anything about it now, but at least I learned what to do next time and how to get better. Hopefully, in the future, I can enter more tournaments and I can win loads of money because there is a lot of money to be won in these tournaments. I think it would be really good and super awesome if I could turn this into an actual profession. Nothing is impossible and people are making loads of money by playing video games. eSports has been beneficial for me and I hope to continue it even after I graduate high school.

Riley Graber Staff Writer

Lillian Knapp Staff Writer

6:30am Kiwanis, Mon City Hall 9:30am Jasper County Board of Supervisors, Jasper County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP Senior Trip to St. Louis 4:30pm V, B TR at Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont

Monroe Trash & Recycling

14 3:30pm Open Gym at MS 15 NO SCHOOL 8am Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm School Board at ME 6:30pm PC Ambulance, City Hall 2pm V, B Golf at West Marshall 4pm V, G Golf at Pella 4:30pm V, B TR at Van Meter 5:30pm V, B S at Knoxville 7pm JV, B S at Knoxville

16 9:30am Supervisors, County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6:30pm Mon Legion Auxiliary 3pm Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group at the PC FRC 6pm Bingo at TGP 2pm V, G Golf at West Marshall 4pm JV, B Golf at Gateway 4:30pm V, G TR at Eddyville Blakesburg Fremont 4:30pm JH, G/B TR at Saydel

17 Monroe Trash 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 1pm “Get Fit, Move

Move More!” with Amy S. at TGP 6pm PC City Council, City Hall 11am JV, B Golf at Keota

11 10am Patty Richards Music Show at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 10am Patty Richards Country Show 9am V, B Golf at Jester Park 4pm V, G Golf at Pleasantville 4:15pm V, G TR at Panther Relays 4:30pm JH, G/B Golf at Baxter 4:30pm V, B TR at Saydel 5pm JV, B S at West Marshall

12 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 1:30pm UMW 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson at TGP 5:30pm V, B S vs Grand View Christian at PCM 7pm JV, B S vs Grand View Christin at PCM 7pm The Patty Richard Country Music Show at TGP

13 8am PCM Shooting Sports meet at Marion County Sportsmen Club

of the 100 series Board adoption policy, Parent Engagement Policy (Title I programs), and Payroll Periods 2. 2nd Read A motion was made to approve of policy 505.05 Motion made by: Jeremy St. Peter Motion seconded by: Lori Jungling

Voting:

Unanimously Approved

D. Superintendent

1. 24-25 Registration Open 24/25 School Registration is open on infinite campus As of tonight 64 current students and 23 preschoolers are registered 2. ESSER Position Potential Reductions Based on the discussions at the Work Session, Dr Havenstrite recommends eliminating the two long-term substitute positions These employees have been informed and encouraged to apply for other positions within the district. These two positions were ESSER-funded. Both employees in these positions would be transferred to open teaching positions in the district We additionally funded three student advocate positions through GEER and ESSER. Since these funds have been utilized, these positions could be considered for elimination. (With the cost savings of these three positions the district could consider hiring a full-time social worker.) Please note we do utilize these positions to support behavioral, social and emotional needs of our students *Action will need to be taken on Mar. 25th

3. Board Dates Mar. 25 - Board Work Session at 5 PM (Mark and Patrick will be presenting the work of the Facility Master Planning Team) Board Budget Hearing 6 PM Board Calendar Hearing 6:15 PM April 1 - Board Work Session with Matt Gillespie 5:30 PM at the High School Learning Center April 15 2nd Board Budget Hearing. 5:30 PM Reg. Board Meeting 6:00 PM 4. Additional Comments no additional comments IX Closed Session Pursuant to Iowa Code Section 21.5(1)(a)"To review or discuss records which are authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential for that governmental body's possession or continued receipt of federal funds" and 21.5(1)(e), "To evaluate the professional competency of an individual whose appointment, hiring, performance, or discharge is being considered when necessary to prevent needless and irreparable injury to that individual's reputation

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Speakers

raised more than $3 million from people donating to his cause and corporations such as Budweiser and Venmo matching the proceeds to go to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

Since the initial fundraiser, King has continued to help Iowans through a variety of efforts, including his annual CyHawk game event. He will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. April 4 at the DMACC auditorium in Newton. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

“We are so excited Carson will be kicking off the series. All our amazing speakers were carefully selected so we could cover a variety of topics, and provide interesting and different viewpoints,” Lowe Vokes said. “We will feature local residents to international guests from all different backgrounds. The special thing is everyone has a story and there is power and knowledge in hearing people share those stories and this series will focus on that.”

Along with King, featured speakers for the spring series will include:

• Former professional football player Andre Allen April 11

• Newton resident, Native American and community activist Carol Kramer April 25

• Historian and founder of

• Olympic Gold Medalist Ben Peterson May 9

• Newton resident, award-winning journalist and author Mike Chapman May

16. Each program will begin at 6:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. at the DMACC auditorium. Following the programs, some of the guest speakers will have time to

meet and greet with those in attendance. All ages are encouraged to attend. The event is open to all with a free-will admission collected to help continue and grow the speaker series.

“‘Voices of Inspiration’ will feature engaging speakers who will inspire, motivate and inform the audience,” Lowe Vokes said. “The series aligns with the core mission of United Way of Jasper County, which is to uplift and empower the community and promote life-long learning.”

UWJC Board President Deb Pence said the speaker series is just another way the organization is working to reach people, promote education and have a positive impact in Jasper County.

“Looking at the lineup we have an impressive group of people who will be part of our first season of speakers,” Pence said. “The ability to offer people the chance to learn and engage through these events is just another way United Way of Jasper County is making positive things happen. We are so excited for these events and to offer these memorable experiences.”

For full event details and speaker biographies visit www. unitedwayofjaspercounty.org/ voices-of-inspiration.html

Notes on Iowa Dr. Kevin Mason, PhD., May 2