PCM-04-04-2024

Explorer PCM

Iowa governor signs education bill reforming AEAs, raising teacher salaries

Jasper County lawmakers have discussed the issues in-depth for months, constituents have largely pushed back

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds officially signed an education bill into law that not only provides schools a 2.5 percent increase in supplemental state aid, it also raised starting salaries for teachers and fulfilled her top priority this year to restructure the state’s Area Education Agencies, which spurred fierce discussions locally. Jasper County lawmakers spent considerable time talking about AEAs during a prolonged New-

ton school board meeting in January and at legislative gatherings hosted by the League of Women Voters. The most recent gathering in mid-March was no different. In fact, it was the first topic they discussed.

Specifically, legislators were asked about the task force element of the House’s AEA bill, which did make it through to the final version adopted by Reynolds last week. Sen. Ken Rozenboom said the Senate at the time was resisting the idea to create a task force, which was already created

Jasper County covers road maintenance in Reasnor

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Jasper County is footing the bill of a small road project on Main Street in Reasnor, and as a result the county engineer is recommending an agreement be drafted in order to cover the future construction and maintenance of the other farm-to-market routes in the small town.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma said on March 19 he was contacted by city officials in Reasnor late last fall about resurfacing the stretch of road on Main Street from Broad Street to Robin Avenue, which is near the county garage. Reas-

nearly 14 years ago.

The results of the task force were released in a 99-page report in 2011, and it included several recommendations. Rozenboom said “absolutely nothing” happened after the task force completed its work, and there was no legislative action or internal reform. He said the same issues are still prevalent in AEAs.

“We can go through the process of another task force. We’re going to find the same thing. Our recommendations are probably going to be very similar,” he said. “Meanwhile, those kids that were in kindergarten in 2011 are now

Stabilization of a 0.25-mile portion of Main Street to cost more than $86K

The Jasper County Board of Supervisors approved road maintenance in Reasnor. The 0.25-mile stretch of Main Street from

will be restabilized for more than $86,000. The road is often used by secondary roads crews, which has a shed nearby.

nor officials asked if the county would be able to contribute because of its heavy traffic.

Reasnor Mayor Tami

Weishaar brought Talsma a finalized plan and notified him that the road may also be considered a farm-to-mar-

Jasper County purchases 68K tons of rock for FY25

More than $1.4M worth of rock to be used in northern townships

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Jasper County secured more than $1.4 million worth of rock for granular roads in fiscal year 2025. The board of supervisors on March 26 approved the low bid from the Des Moines area-based Martin Marietta Materials, which will provide the county with more than 68,000 tons of rock, according to agenda documents.

Michael Frietsch, county engineer, estimated the rock bids would cost about $1,321,069, which put the low bid of $1,409,811 from Martin Marietta over estimate by about 6.7 percent. Frietsch said the Decorah-based Bruening

Rock Products, Inc. submitted a bid of about $1,523,600.

“Overall, we’re seeing about a $3 per ton increase from last year for our rock prices for haul,” Frietsch said. “The prices for the material itself went up about $1 per ton at the beginning of this year, so the other $2 is probably hauling costs going up. So that’s kind of where we’re at right now.”

Despite the rock bids for fiscal year 2025 going over the engineer’s estimate, he said the county is on track for what secondary roads budgeted. Frietsch when accounting for this, reclamation and spot rock, it leaves

2 Republican candidates set to primary for IA-01 seat

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Two Republican candidates filed paperwork to run for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House, which means Jasper County conservatives will have until June to decide who they want on the ballot in November: incumbent congresswoman Marriannette Miller-Meeks or newcomer David Pautsch.

According to a Feb. 26 article published by The Gazette, Miller-Meeks submitted more than 4,000 signatures and said in a statement that she is looking forward to

running for re-election and continuing “to bring sensible reforms to Washington and continuing to fight for Iowa.”

In a press release on March 13, Pautsch’s campaign announced his qualifying for the U.S. House ballot in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. He submitted more than 4,500 signatures, which

Pautsch said demonstrates the widespread support for his candidacy. He also shared some high-profile endorsements.

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who also ran for president in 2008 and 2016, spoke highly of Pautsch, calling the Republican candidate — who is described by his campaign as a dedicated advocate for Judeo-Christian values and conservative principles — “strong” and “uncompromised.”

Huckabee said Pautsch will help save Americans from the oppression that has destroyed constitutional liberties, national security, the economy, schools, law and

Supervisors update Jasper County building codes

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Updated building codes approved by the board of supervisors last week brings Jasper County up to compliance with state requirements, and the ordinance also gives the head of community development the ability to withhold issuance of building/ electrical permits if there are some unresolved issues.

Kevin Luetters, director of community development of Jasper County, said the building, residential, energy conservation and existing building codes identified in Ordinance #40D will stay the same. But the fire, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes were all updated to current standards.

“We’re required in Iowa Code to keep those current, which we’re not current right now,”

Luetters said in a public hearing held during the March 26 county board of supervisors meeting. “So it’s more of things we’re already doing we just need to get our ordinance in order.”

Under the “construction documents by registered design professional” section of the ordinance, Jasper County added an exemption for post frame buildings that meet all of the following requirements: area of 1,000

order, small businesses and families. The former governor also drew attention to Pautsch’s faith.

“He is confident the Lord will give us wisdom and power to overcome these national disasters and thrive under His loving care – just as our founders did,” Huckabee said.

Mike Lindell, the CEO of My Pillow, also gave his endorsement to Pautsch.

“David’s commitment to saving America by trusting in God’s power is unwavering. His leadership guarantees constitu-

Ordinance gives county ability to withhold building permits if there are unresolved issues

square feet or less, eave height of 12 feet or less and pole spacing of eight feet or less.

Otherwise, construction documents for all buildings and/or structures other than those covered by the International Residential Code shall be prepared, signed and sealed by a registered design professional. Luetters said the exemption mainly covers much smaller buildings.

The county also added a sched-

ule of permit fees to the ordinance. Supervisors set the building fees via resolution. According to the ordinance, any person who commences work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits may have fees doubled.

Valuation for the purpose of establishing permit fees for new

ket route, which he said could change things a little bit. Jasper County

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer

Broad Street to Robin Avenue

Pautsch

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Jasper County Engineer Michael Frietsch hands out documents explaining the secondary roads department’s new approach to gravel roads during a public meeting in Lynnville in 2023. The county secured its rock for FY2025, which will be used on the 10 northern townships.

Mentioning

Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com

Events at The Gathering Place

• 8 a.m. every Monday, The Gathering Place will host Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann.

• 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 4, Cater 2U2 Fundraiser – drive-thru

• 10 a.m. April 8, Video Exercise Class with Sandy 10am

• Noon, April 10, FRESH CONVERSATIONS **Nutrition & Health

• 1 p.m. April 10, “Get Fit, Move More!” with Amy S.

• 7 p.m. April 10, Wanting to start a Monthly Game Night, come and show your interest. Bunco, Pitch, Cribbage, etc.

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.

Survey in Monroe

The City of Monroe Public Works Department must identify the material used for your water service line. Surveys have been mailed out and are due back by April 15 with drop off locations being city hall, the post office or Leighton State Bank.

Explorer PCM

Jeannie D. Lester

March 24, 2024

Jeannie D. Lester, a beloved resident of Newton, Iowa, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2024, at her home surrounded by the love of her husband. In accordance with her wishes, no formal services will be held.

Born on August 2, 1948, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton, Iowa,

Jeannie was the cherished daughter of Robert E. and Irene (Biehl) Colyn. She graduated from Monroe Senior High School with the class of 1966. Jeannie shared 24 years of unwavering love and commitment with he soulmate, Darrell W. Lester, who she married on February 17, 2011. Throughout her life, Jeannie remained a dedicated member of her community. She spent 20 years of her career at Newton Manufacturing Company, where she retired as a respected mail clerk. However, Jeannie’s true passion lay in her devotion to her family,

friends, and her feline companions. Jeannie had a special affinity for cats, and her home was always filled with their love and presence. Alongside her love for her furry friends, she found joy in reading, collecting Precious Moments figurines, and, of course, cat figurines. Her gentle and warm-hearted nature endeared her to all who knew her, leaving a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to cross her path. Jeannie will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Darrell, and her many dear friends whose lives she touched

with her kindness and generosity. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Irene Colyn, and her sister, Mary Colyn. While she may have left this world, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a local animal shelter or rescue organization in Jeannie’s honor, reflecting her deep love and compassion for animals. Pence ~ Reese Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Iowa 14 between Monroe and South 60th Avenue will close April 8

If you drive on Iowa 14 between Monroe and South 60th Avenue in Jasper County you need to be aware of an upcoming road closure that may impact your trip beginning April 8.

While the roadway is closed and material is overlaid on the existing pavement, you will follow a marked detour route around the work zone using Iowa 163, Iowa 117 and I-80.

Changes could be made to detour routes during the construction season. Visit 511ia.org for current detour route information before traveling through this construction zone and pay attention to detour signing and messages

boards while driving.

Help keep everyone on the road safer. Drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, you should stay alert, allow ample

space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

The latest traveler information is available anytime through our 511 system. Visit 511ia.org; call 511 (within Iowa) or 800-2881047 (nationwide); stay connected with 511 on Facebook or Twitter (find links at https://iowadot. gov/511/511-social-media-sites); or download the free app to your mobile device.

It’s easy to subscribe to Your 511 and sign up to receive email/ text alerts. Visit https://new.511ia. org/#login to sign up. For instructions and help with this feature, visit https://www.511ia.org/help/ section/how-to-create-and-man -

On May 3, 2024, Newton News will publish “Thank You, Teachers.” We will be dedicating the May 3 editions of our newspaper to teachers as a “Thank You” for their selfless service and dedication to our children. The “Thank You, Teachers” contest asks current and former students of all ages for nominations of outstanding teachers in their local area. Once all nominations have been submitted, a random drawing will determine the winning submission. One lucky winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card!

Mustangs are willing to help

PCM Serves is from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday, April 29. If you have any yard work needing done or have questions,

Free

call PCM High School at 515-994-8222 or email Samantha Pohl at spohl@pcmschools.org. Two important things to

know: There is no makeup day and the homeowner is responsible for getting rid of the trashbags.

Good News Club meets Monday

The Good News Club will meet after school Monday, April 8 at the Prairie City Elementary library and the Monroe Elementary art room. Kindergarten through 5th grade are welcome. Enjoy snacks, games, bible stories, songs and prizes. Parent permission required. Sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship. Contact Jane McConeghey at 641-891-2733, Monroe or Sheryl Plate or 641-521-3120, Prairie City.

Join photographer Greg Punelli for a hands-on photography workshop for young adults ages 12-18, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 6 at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Punelli will cover various topics, including key camera controls and modes and exposure modes. He will also discuss useful nature photography equipment, tips for taking better outdoor photos, and information about printing photos. Handouts will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their cameras and equipment for the outdoor hands-on instruction portion (weather permitting). An adult must accompany participants under 18 years of age. Contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400 to register and to get additional information.

high school seniors and we didn’t do anything.”

From Rozenboom’s perspective, Iowa lawmakers have a good idea of what the problems are and how they might fix them.

Rep. Jon Dunwell said lawmakers are responding to a bill the governor created, and he asserts the questions she raised to superintendents and AEAs are valid. Dunwell said the provision in the bill that creates a task force will inspect all AEA services beyond just special education.

“We didn’t start the conversation, but in talking with the AEAs we have to finish the conversation,” Dunwell said. “The AEAs, in my conversations with them, have said, ‘You can’t do nothing. You must do something.’ They do not want to have the questions that have been raised hanging over their heads. It’s too difficult.”

Questions raised regarding the AEAs include salaries for administrators. The bill passed by the governor addresses that

issue by administering salary caps based on the average salaries of superintendents in their region. Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla said superintendents in her district are looking forward to the task force.

“I had individuals from everybody that was to be involved, before we pushed a bill through, come to the table and they said that was so important to them because they’re all in the room together, they figure things out and then from there move forward,” she said. “But it takes more than just one task force meeting.”

Dunwell said one of the bigger issues that comes up with AEAs in relation to Jasper County is that there are three very small school districts in Heartland AEA. Those schools are of great concern when it comes to moving to an open-market model for services that were once provided by AEAs.

“There is no doubt that in the current system the smaller school districts stand the greater chance at receiving more services than their dollars contribute,” he said. “Your larger districts typically will contribute more dollars and not receive the

• Kellogg: 7,246 tons for $142,383.90

• Rock Creek: 4,561 tons for $88,255.35

the county with about a $250,000 cushion in the budget for next year.

The rock acquired through this bid process covers ten townships in the northern part of Jasper County, which includes Hickory Grove, Mariposa, Malaka, Independence, Clear Creek, Poweshiek, Sherman, Newton, Kellogg and Rock Creek. The following is how any tons each township will receive:

• Hickory Grove: 4,263 tons for $83,128.50

• Mariposa: 2,823 tons for $54,799.20

• Malaka: 6,725 tons for $136,853.75

• Independence: 9,329 tons for $201,506.40

• Clear Creek: 6,776 tons for $144,328.80

• Poweshiek: 10,686 tons for $231,351.90

• Sherman: 7,734 tons for $165,894.30

• Newton: 8,106 tons for $161,309.40

Frietsch said secondary roads plans to work in rock on stabilization routes at 250 tons per mile. The reclamation roads — which have 50 to 100 cars per day — will get 220 tons per mile. Resurfacing routes that have 30 to 50 vehicles per day get 200 tons per mile. The rest of the roads under 30 will get 50 tons per mile.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma asked when crews would be starting their rock work. Frietsch said it would begin on April 22, weather permitting.

“I would expect we’re going to probably start our stabilization process and our stabilization routes here before that,” Frietsch said during the board of supervisors meeting. “We’ll have all of the materials pretty soon here. The roads are getting favorable for that.”

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same amount back. Our system has created that.”

The governor’s education bill, House File 2612, designates 90 percent of all special education support funds for school districts to be used expressly for special education services contracted by the AEAs. The remainder can be used to cover other services.

Rozenboom stressed the need for AEA reform, repeating past comments he made that say the U.S. Department of Education has identified Iowa “needs assistance” for implementation of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and that if the state doesn’t fix it the federal government will.

“With performance in the classroom of our special needs population, we are sub-par, we are underwater, we are doing worse than much of the country is,” said Rozenboom, who is also chair of the Senate Education Committee. “And that is falling under the eyes of the U.S Department of Education.”

However, those claims have been disputed by David Tilly, a former deputy director of the Iowa Department of Education. In an open letter to state lawmakers that was published by

Engineer Michael Frietsch made contact with the mayor shortly after to sort out the details and scope of the project.

The county engineer said rather than a full reconstruction of the road it is more so considered maintenance, especially given how short the stretch is. The city, he said, is adding material to the existing stretch of Main Street, which is indeed a farm-to-market extension route because of the city’s low population density.

“They’re going to put three inches of material — one-inch road stone — on this road and then incorporate into the existing road that’s there with cement and water,” Frietsch said. “So they’re going to cement stabilize or cement treat this base is essentially what they’re going to do. They’re going to stabilize it.”

Bleeding Heartland on March 20, Tilly said the statement that feds might come in and take over is “patently false.”

Tilly also provided greater clarity to the designation Iowa was given regarding its implementation of IDEA requirements. States are placed in on of four categories.

From best to worst determinations, they include: Meets the requirements and purposes of IDEA; Needs assistance in implementing the requirements of IDEA; Needs intervention in implementing the requirements of IDEA; or Needs substantial intervention in implementing the requirements of IDEA.

Which means Rozenboom’s claims may have been overblown and show Iowa is at a level two designation and is not in need of intervention. Even if there was need for intervention, Tilly said the federal government and the Office of Special Education Programs have no authority or even the resources to do so.

In addition to the AEA reform parts of the bill, it also grants teachers an increase in starting pay. The minimum pay for new teachers is now set at $47,500

To seal off the road and protect the cement treatment, contractors are going to put a layer of seal coat.

“It is a maintenance project,” Frietsch said. “If they were going through and doing soil-cement stabilization and then they were putting asphalt back down on it, then it would be a different story. But since they are doing a seal coat here I’m considering this to be a maintenance project in my opinion.

Frietsch obtained the quote the City of Reasnor received from Manatt’s, Inc. for $86,873.60, which he described as a reasonable number.

“When we were looking at 112th Avenue down there in Monroe and looking at that stretch — a three-quarter-mile — we were looking at probably $150,000. And that would be the same thing,” Frietsch said. “…And that was about a couple of years ago. So this is probably not unreasonable.”

instead of the initial $50,000 that was proposed earlier in the year. However, the wages of new teachers will be increased to $50,000 the very next year. Teachers with 12 years experience will also see their minimum salaries increased to $60,000, which will then increase to $62,000 the next year. HF 2612 also grants money to schools to equalize salaries of experienced teachers and non-salaried school staff as well. Supplemental State Aid for public schools is also increased by 2.5 percent as a result of the law. Reynolds released a statement before signing HF2612:

“I’m proud to sign legislation that further strengthens Iowa’s commitment to students, parents, teachers, and schools,” Reynolds said. “This bill will improve special education for students with disabilities and raise salaries for new and experienced teachers – two foundational pillars of a world class education system which is exactly what we strive to provide for every student in our state. High quality teachers and instruction unlock the potential for student success, and this legislation delivers both.”

The stretch of road to be restabilized is about 0.25 miles.

Frietsch said the project would be a good investment for Reasnor and for the county, particularly because it goes by the secondary roads motor grader shed.

“There is good justification there for us to do it,” he said.

However, Frietsch also said he identified about four roads in Reasnor that would classify as farm-to-market routes for Jasper County. He recommended it might be a good idea to form a 28E Agreement with Reasnor acknowledging the county would be in charge of future construction or maintenance of those roads.

“If they have some things that they want to do maintenance on their own, then we can negotiate that into the 28E Agreement and we can do like we’ve done with Mingo and with Lynnville and say we’ll give you ‘X’ amount of dollars or a certain percentage, whichever is greater,” Frietsch said.

Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right

By Steve Corbina Clowns to the left of me Jokerstotheright

Here I am Stuckinthemiddlewithyou.

These are lyrics from the song “Stuck in the Middle With You,” co-written by Garry Rafferty and Joe Eagan and performed by their band in 1972. The 43 percent of voters who are independent (Gallup poll) would agree the lyrics “stuck in the middle” speak to them and our 2024 presidential election.

On March 12, Joe Biden and Donald Trump locked up their respective political party nomination, starting a 244 day campaign to Nov. 5.

Research reveals the vast majority of registered Democrats are committed to vote for Biden despite his octogenarian age (though former Special Counsel Robert Hur told Congress Joe had “photographic recall”).

Likewise, research notes the MAGA Republicans will vote for Trump, regardless of past legal issues (e.g., $83.3 million E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse finding,

New York’s $453.5 million Trump Organization litigation, 2005-2021 Trump Organization criminal tax fraud - $1.6 million fine, etc.) and pending cases (i.e., 2020 federal election interference, Georgia’s RICO election interference, stolen national defense classified documents and 2016 porn star hush-money election interference and 34 counts of falsifying business records).

Research is also replete that due to D & R polarization, independents will determine – on Nov. 5 – who will be America’s 47th president. A number of Democrat and Republican loyalists are turning against their respective party’s designated presidential candidate. Let’s explore that issue.

Joe Biden

Back in the summer of 2022, Politico reported that RootsAction – a left-wing activist group -- who supported Biden’s 2020 presidential election, tried to persuade Joe not to run in 2024. Se leve.

There’s sufficient rumbling that some Blacks, Latinos and young people are suspicious of voting for Biden like they did in 2020. However, 15 different and mostly Gen Z (ages 18-27) and young millennials recently endorsed Biden and joined the Students for Biden-Harris coalition citing Joe’s achievements supersede his age.

Gallup’s annual governance poll reveals 63 percent of voters want a third party choice. American Bridge, Third Way, MoveOn and Save our Republic PAC – all left-of-center groups -- are worried the centrist group No Labels and political activists’ Robert F. Kennedy, Cornel West

The end of anti-woke politics

By Jim Hightower

Well, well, well — look who’s waking up and raring to go: Mr. and Ms. Woke!

We so-called “woke” people have been the target of far-right politicos and front groups that are frantically trying to ban us and our ideas from America’s political discourse. In the past few years, such thuggish gubernatorial demagogues as Ron DeSantis have perverted the power of Big Government to attack teachers, librarians, public agencies, and even beer. Beer!

Why? Because such people and organizations make educational efforts to reduce bigotry, hatred, and exclusiveness in our society. “That’s woke,” screech the ultra-rightists, demanding that any talk about racism, sexism, gender discrimination, or other ugly realities in America must be suppressed.

Like the witch hunters of old, today’s pious puritans of ideological conformity have demonized such basic values as diversity and equity, calling them “toxic.” DeSantis outlawed any teaching of them in Florida uni -

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versities, and then he cut sociology from the core curriculum of the state’s educational system — essentially cutting out “us,” the study of humanity. If ignorance is bliss, the DeSantis clique must be ecstatic, for they are eliminating crucial lessons in the art of tolerance, community, sharing, collaboration, and getting along together. You can have a society that works for the benefit of all — or a DeSantisWorld, where the few rule, and everyone else is forced to conform to their biases.

But the great majority of Americans are rebelling and saying: “We are woke!”

Even Republicans flatly rejected DeSantis’ presidential campaign that promised to “Floridize” America with anti-woke nonsense. And far from wanting to reverse efforts to increase diversity and inclusiveness, a recent poll found that 70 percent of Americans (including half of Republicans) say our country “needs to do more to increase social justice.”

Jim Hightower is a radio commentator, writer, and public speaker

Letters to the PCM Explorer will be edited for libel, grammar and length and should not exceed 400 words. We reserve the right to shorten letters and reject those deemed libelous, in poor taste or of a personal nature. Include your full name, address and a daytime phone number for verification.

Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion of the writer or artist.

Submit letters to news@pcmexplorer.com or Newton News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208.

YOUR VIEW

Water rate increase

This editorial is about the Newton water rate increase and more so how it was handled.

Waiving the second and third reading is almost criminal, or whatever other adjectives you want to use. The second and third reading has its rea-

and Jill Stein will take votes away from Biden.

Third-party presidential candidates are Biden’s biggest re-election threat.

Donald Trump

Turmoil in Trump’s world is more troubling than in the Biden camp. Business Insider reports 40 of Trump’s 44 former cabinet members (91%) are not endorsing his 2024 candidacy. Wikipedia’s “List of Republicans who oppose the Donald Trump presidential campaign” features 128 individuals from GOP officials to judicial, governors, Congress, etc.

Trump’s former attorney general Bill Barr testified before Congress that Trump is “a troubled man” who must face justice. Former vice president Mike Pence announced on Fox News (March 15) his ex-boss has strayed too far from conservative philosophy. Both are not endorsing Trump’s campaign.

A GOP group who call themselves Republican Voters Against Trump have launched a $50 million ad blitz campaign featuring first-person video testimonials of more than 100 former Trump voters.

The Guardian notes Fox News on-air personalities’ relationship with Trump started eroding with the Jan. 6 insurrection presidential coup attempt and ensuing $1.6 billion lawsuit by Dominion against Fox News Network. Knowing the owner and chair of Fox Corp is Rupert Murdoch, it’s not surprising that The Wall Street Journal, which he also owns, is no longer kissing Trump’s ring.

On Jan. 25, The Wall Street Journal’s

editorial board publicly criticized Trump for meddling into congressional talks on border security and his blatant threat to permanently bar Republicans from the MAGA camp who supported Nikki Haley’s campaign, calling his actions “a high act of self-sabotage” and “it would be a good reason to vote for someone else” (The Hill, Jan. 26).

The Wall Street Journal and Trump romance has been eroding for years as witnessed by the editorial board’s leading op-ed on Nov. 9, 2022 titled “Trump is the Republican party’s biggest loser.”

Biden and Trump

Turnover of employees is a standard business measure of stability or chaos. Donald Trump had a 35 percent firstyear turnover of senior executives while Joe Biden only had an eight percent firstyear turnover (Axios, Jan. 20, 2022). On Trump’s last day of office, 60 of the 65 senior executives (92%) had left his administration. Currently, Biden’s turnover rate is 71 percent (Brookings, Jan. 20).

Between now and Nov. 5 continue to do your independent presidential candidate homework versus being a lemming and getting hoodwinked by the respective political party’s disinformation, misinformation and propaganda.

Let’s admit it. We have clowns to the left, jokers to the right and here I am -like 43 percent of voters -- stuck in the middle with you.

Steve Corbin, Professor Emeritus of Marketing, University of Northern Iowa can be contacted at Steven.B.Corbin@ gmail.com

YOUR VIEW

Tracy Cross not fit for Jasper County Sheriff

Recently, I read a social media post that reminded me of the importance of seeking the truth and not relying on misleading information that pervades the Internet, especially during election season.

On his Facebook page, Tracy Cross for Jasper County Sheriff, Tracy Cross exalted his own family as well as all families of Jasper County’s first responders. Though I do believe Mr. Cross cares about his family, in fact, I believe we all care about our families, I question his care for “the well-being of” fellow employees. Mr. Cross writes that he prioritizes “getting to know” his colleagues “personally” because he cares “about their goals, aspirations, and most of all returning them home safely.”

While Mr. Cross certainly expresses an idea that sounds good and that readers may easily believe, it’s crucial readers seek the truth from those who have been directly affected. As a spouse of a first responder, I have seen the effects first-hand of the internal

sons for existing. One of those is to keep the council from doing something stupid, like not realizing the longterm affects. Obviously, the Newton City Council gave no thought to how it would affect local area residents, who live outside the city limits, but consider Newton home. If they had, they might have realized where those local area people will most likely do their purchasing in the future. From the

dynamics and how Mr. Cross conducts himself. Mr. Cross does not demonstrate care for those he supervises or their families, unless they belong to his specific community of faith.

Before I continue, I wish to clarify that faith is an important part of my life, and that of my family. I mention the importance of our faith because our faith shapes the way my family serves and cares for others. Our faith recognizes the shared humanity of neighbors, colleagues, and community members, regardless of differences in cultures, beliefs, and practices. Our faith also recognizes the need to serve our community without bias or preferential treatment.

In my experience, Mr. Cross has not expressed any sort of care for our family or even recognition of our shared humanity, whether in the context of the sheriff’s department or of the community. We have noted a personal bias that has influenced the treatment of my family as well as colleagues former or present that have worked alongside or beneath him.

Instead of prioritizing the development of positive communication with the Jasper County community and providing a safe place for our families to grow, Mr. Cross has prioritized the micromanagement of his subordinates

barbershop, the gas station, the farm store, to the grocery store. For IRUA customers who live between Newton and other cities, the decision to just go to Pella, Marshalltown or Altoona was just made very simple.

What is Newton going to do with an overproducing water plant, if IRUA partners with another town that needs a water treatment plant, and all at once Newton has 60 percent more ca-

by not allowing them to make decisions and by instilling a fear of discipline or termination. His lack of knowledge, experience, and leadership shows through his treatment of others.

I encourage the people of Jasper County to seek the truth behind the posted words. I encourage the people of Jasper County to talk to all of those who have experienced the dynamics underpinning current conditions. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office deserves a strong servant leader for those willing to sacrifice their lives to keep the community safe. Jasper County needs a leader who provides equal opportunity to employees of all departments, who encourages all employees to grow their own strengths and skills, who provides the safest environment for all citizens. Jasper County needs an unbiased leader who sets aside personal beliefs to ensure the well-being of the sheriff’s department and of the community. Jasper County deserves a leader whose actions match his words. Jasper County Sheriff’s Office deserves a leader who cares equally about all first responders and their families.

Tracy Cross is not the right leader and is not fit for the position of Jasper County sheriff.

Audia Lazenby Baxter

pacity than they are using?

The school board reversed their school decision. The Newton City Counsel needs to come to their senses and handle this correctly. Work it out with the IRUA, in a way that benefits all. Not ram it through, as has been done.

David DeRouchey (IRUA customer since 1979) Newton

The PCM

Springing Into an Upcoming Season

Spring league for the PCM softball team was supposed to start on March 23 at Urbandale high school, but due to some unfortunate cold temperatures that weekend, the Mustangs started their pre-season games at their home field in Monroe this past weekend. Spring league is an invite-only event where around 15 girls are invited to play for the weekend. These games are open for the public to watch. There was one fan who always took advantage of these games, Don (Donald) Teeple. Don would always come to outdoor practices, intrasquads, spring league games, and in-season games. Don would always show up to these games in his classic plain orange shirt, so the team came up with a plan. At one of the very first official outdoor practices of the 2023 season, Don made his way from his house, right next to the softball field, and was given his very own orange PCM softball shirt. Don unfortunately passed away in December 2023. Per Don’s wishes, no service was held, and all donations made to his family were given to the PCM softball team. With the first spring league game of the season, the team tried to make it extra special. After the first game, the entire team was there on Saturday. We all went to Subway and just talked about our favorite memories from the previous seasons and what we could do to improve in the upcoming season. The Mustangs did go 0-2 on the day, losing to 2A Interstate 35 Roadrunners and 5A Ankeny Centennial. The Mustangs will continue their pre-season with games at PCM on Saturday, April 6, facing Waukee at 10 a.m. and Johnston Purple at 1:30 p.m.

Are Energy Drinks Safe For Students?

Evan Jones Staff Writer

Most people instantly think about energy drinks as a direct road to heart problems and caffeine addiction. They have too much caffeine and sugar in them, so they are bad for the body. It is a common thought about energy drinks and what they do. But then there are some people who look at the benefits of energy drinks. When you’re tired, they boost your energy levels, which hints at the name ‘energy drink’. If you’re completely out of it in class, a little boost will help you concentrate better, if a child or adult has low blood pressure, an energy drink can boost those rates, etc. These are the main arguments made by energy drink companies across the globe. So here’s the question. Are energy drinks safe for students? Energy drinks, across the market like to use the argument that too much caffeine in a day can be a problem, but if you don’t consume too much, you’ll be just fine. This argument is scientifically proven. A healthy adult can safely consume 400 mgs (milligrams) of caffeine in a day, while a child 10 and older is around 100 mgs and a child 9 and younger is 50 mgs. If a person drinks more than the safely recommended amount, then they could run into some problems if they continuously consume that amount daily. Some side effects of too much caffeine can be restlessness, fast heart rate, dehydration, insomnia, headaches, dizziness, etc. So if you are a person that regularly consumes caffeine, and you have these problems, it is strongly recommended to slow down. Sophomore, Raegan Vannoy, talks about her caffeine intake and how it makes her feel. “I have 69 mgs of caffeine a day, whatever is in my Bubbl’r, but it really doesn’t make me feel anything because of how used to them, I am”. With the concern of people consuming too much caffeine, this question arises. Is it safe for schools to provide energy drinks for students to purchase?

Junior, Finn Wilson, explains his opinion on energy drinks being provided in schools. “I feel like it’s a great idea because it helps me do my work and, like everyone in the school, has an energy drink every day, so they might as well provide them.”

At PCM High School, Bubbl’r brand beverages are provided in the vending machines. Bubbl’r is one of the least caffeinated and highest populated energy drinks on the market today. One can of Bubbl’r only has 69 mgs of caffeine on top of only having 5 calories, 0 gs (grams) of sugar, 8 gs of carbohydrates, and 25 mgs of sodium. Bubbl’r is also one of the healthiest and most flavorful energy drinks around, which is why, on top of students absolutely loving them, they are provided at PCM High School.

This argument about energy drinks can go two different ways. Some say they are bad for you, but others say if you don’t drink too many of them, then they won’t affect your overall health. Both opinions have been scientifically proven, so with that being said, what do you think, are energy drinks safe for students?

The second weekend of the NCAA Tournament was one for the books, with a couple of unlikely teams extending their runs beyond the sweet 16 and a couple to the final four. The weekend was highlighted by 11-seeded North Carolina State and their run to the Final Four. It’s their first appearance in the Final Four since 1983, and they are the sixth 11 seed to make it. They join 1986 LSU, 2006 George Mason, 2011 VCU, 2018 Loyola Chicago, and 2021 UCLA. Another big headline is Purdue making their first Final Four since 1980. Led by 7’4 center and reigning National Player of the Year Zach Edey, who averages 25 points per game and 12.2 rebounds per game. The Final Four games are UConn vs. Alabama and NC State vs. Purdue.

Iowa State’s tournament run and phenomenal season came to an end on Thursday night vs. Big Ten Tournament Champs Illinois. The final was 72-69, and it was a battle until the very end, star Illini guard Terrence Shannon Jr. finished with 29 points to lead Illinois, forward Coleman Hawkins also had 12 points. Illinois came out hot in the first half and took a ten-point lead into halftime, but the Cyclones came clawing back but didn’t have enough in the tank to complete the comeback. Their leading scorer was Curtis Jones, who came off the bench with 26 points.

Also on Thursday night, sixth-seeded Clemson upset a popular Final Four pick, Arizona. The Tigers played an all-around great game with a balanced scoring attack that was too much for the second-seeded Wildcats.

Alabama edged out a dogfight vs. the one seed in their bracket, North Carolina. The North Dakota State transfer, a 6’11 forward Grant Nelson, led the Crimson tide with 24 points. He made a number of clutch free throws down the stretch that would lead to the upset win. The Tide would then go on to beat Clemson to advance to the Final Four where they would meet UConn, who ran, by Illinois in the Elite Eight.

Purdue has dominated their region of the bracket, they beat Gonzaga and Tennessee without too much stress. Zach Edey finished the game vs Tennessee with 40 points and 16 rebounds, the most points scored in a tournament this season. They will meet NC State in the Final Four. The matchup between Zach Edey and NC State center DJ Burns Jr. will be the most anticipated matchup of the tournament. With the Wolfpack, Cinderella’s run continued through fourth-seeded Duke.

Purdue and NC State play Saturday, April 6 at roughly 5 PM. UConn and Alabama play shortly after that, scheduled for 7:50 PM.

Mental health is one of themostimportantthings in this world. If you have bad mental health, it can be difficult to function. Not taking care of your mental health can affect yourphysicalhealthifit’s not taken care of sooner. The well-being of other people has always been important to me. Ever since I was young, I had made sure everyone I cared about was doing okay.Wheneversomeone wascrying,Iwouldforget about my problems and figure out how to help. Now that I am a young adult, mental health is a significant thing to me, moreimportantthanwhen Iwasyoung.Throughout my life, I have struggled withmymentalhealth,and it was always difficult for metoexpressmyfeelings, no matter if it was to my familyorfriends.Itseems like everyone around me hasthesameproblems.My familyalsodealswithalot of the same issues. Due to me being able to relate to that, I make sure that I am a caring and calming personforsomeonetotalk to.Myfriendsarethemain peoplethatalwayscometo mewhentheywanttotalk to someone. They either justventaboutsomething or they ask for advice. When some of my family asks to talk, I only listen. Sometimes they will ask for advice, but mostofthetimetheyjust want someone to listen to them. However, when my friends ask to talk or receive advice, it’s mostly about their relationships. Helpingyourfriendswith their relationships can sometimes be difficult andemotionallyexhausting. Whenever I do this, I end up putting all my problems aside, and my mental health seems to get worse. To be fair, I always put them aside and forget about them until I feel like I’m about to explode, which is not the healthiest way to go about it. But it hardly seems like I have people thatIhavetotalkto,other thanmywonderfultherapist who understands me morethanalotofpeople. I visit my therapist every month and discuss some of the stress I’m having. AsI’vesaidbefore,mental health is important. It is your overall well-being andifitisnothelped,it’ll be difficult to function. This does not relate to everyone,justsome.Find someone you trust with everything, and talk to themaboutyourfeelings. It may be difficult, but it helps and it’s important. It’s a big step toward becomingastrongerperson and will make you feel much better in the long run.

Rylee Parsons Staff Writer

The Softball Teams Traditional .5 Selfie With Don

Two victories highlight PCM at Roland-Story

By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer

STORY CITY — Griffin Olson collected the Mustangs’ lone individual win and the PCM boys track and field team also won the sprint medley relay during the Roland-Story Coed Early Bird Invitational on March 28.

PCM scored 10 top-five finishes in all and ended up in fourth place in the fiveteam standings.

The Mustangs scored 54 points in fourth, edging Southeast Valley by one point.

Gilbert won the meet championship

with 126 points, and the rest of the top three were Hampton-Dumont-CAL (82) and host Roland-Story (77). Olson’s win came in the 110-meter

high hurdles. He finished the race in 15.73 seconds.

The Mustangs posted a winning time of 1 minute, 39.45 seconds in the sprint medley relay.

That foursome featured Gavin Steenhoek, Evan Jones, Gabe Hobbs and Olson.

Chase Wagaman and Mark Bussan were second in a field event. Wagaman cleared 5 feet, 8 inches in the high jump and Bussan’s second-place throw in the shot put covered 46-4 1/2.

PCM finished second in both the 4x100 and distance medley relays.

The 4x100 team of Olson, Hobbs, Ja-

cob Wendt and Jones finished in 44.69 seconds. The distance medley foursome of Jones, Hobbs, Riley Graber and Coby DeRaad hit the finish line in 3:48.33. PCM went 3-4 in the 800 with Carson Hansen and Joe Shaver. Hansen’s time was clocked in 2:14.57 and Shaver finished in 2:18.29.

Alex Wendt placed fourth in the discus with a toss of 113-5, Tad Wilson was fifth in the 200 with a time of 24.40 and Finn Wilson ended up fifth in the long jump with a leap of 18-1 1/2. DeRaad also finished sixth in the 1,600 with a time of 5:21.85.

Mustangs open season with win over Sigourney

Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer

PCM senior Justin Johnston opened the scoring on March 26 with a goal in the 13th minute against Sigourney. The Mustangs won their season opener 3-0 but lost to Pella Christian, 4-0, on March 28.

By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer

MONROE — The PCM soccer team opened its season with a shutout win over Sigourney on March 26.

The Mustangs led 1-0 at halftime and then added two goals in the second half on a bitterly cold night at PCM High School.

Justin Johnston scored the team’s first goal of the season in the 13th minute and then Dominic Witt and Dylan Beyer added second-half goals in the victory.

Official statistics for both teams were unavailable at press time. Sigourney and PCM are both 1-1 after two matches this spring.

Pella Christian 4, PCM 0 PELLA — The Eagles scored three first-half goals and never looked back during a 4-0 win over PCM on March 28.

Pella Christian took 13 shots and put 10 of them on goal. Nathan Brouwer led the Eagles with a penalty kick goal and one assist. PCM unofficially finished with seven shots on goal.

Caue Bastos, Ethan Van Arendonk and Camden Parker also scored goals for the hosts in their

By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer

LYNNVILLE — Three career-best scores propelled the PCM girls golf team to a second-place finish during a road quadrangular on March 28.

The Mustangs opened their season with a 219 at Diamond Trail Golf Club and downed Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and host Lynnville-Sully.

Pella had the top two individual golfers and won the meet with a 190.

EBF shot a 242 in third and Lynnville-Sully carded a 264 in fourth.

Sophomore Gretchen Uitermarkt shot a career-best 50 and finished third for the Mustangs, while sophomore Emilyn Davis turned in a career-best 54 in fifth.

Junior Brelee Berger matched a career-best with a 55 and she ended up in a tie for sixth.

The other scoring golfer was junior Meredith Chipps, who turned in a 60.

Sophomore Seriah Nolin had a non-counting 70 in her varsity debut.

Renzi Ingersoll led the Hawks in ninth with a 57.

Pella’s Karsyn Lyons was the meet medalist with a 39, while teammate Sophia Reynolds turned in a 45 as the runner-up.

Griffin Olson

season opener.

Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer

PCM sophomore Dominic Witt (10) battles for possession in the first half against Sigourney on March 28. Witt scored one of the Mustangs’ goals in the team’s 3-0 win.

Explorer PCM

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liberty, biblical values, fair and honest elections and a bright future for our children,” Lindell said in a statement to the Pautsch campaign.

construction, additions or alterations to existing buildings may be determined by the building official, based on the most current ICC Building Valuation Data, local comparative data and submitted documents, according to the ordinance.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma asked what this specific piece of the ordinance allows community development to do. Luetters said staff would talk to the person constructing a building and let them know what the valuation of the building would be based on statistical data from the aforementioned sources.

“So it enables you to be able

The press release went on to claim Pautsch brings significant integrity and leadership to the political arena, specifically prioritizing “traditional family values and a common sense approach to governance.”

Pautsch said, “I stand firmly on the Lord and conservative principles regarding border security, education,

to deal with the situation of if I submit a building permit and I’m saying the building is valued at $200,000 — when it reality it’s close to $400,000 — it allows you guys the discretion to be able to have that conversation?” Talsma asked.

Luetters nodded his head.

“To talk about it. There may be some information there we don’t know. So it just starts the conversation.”

Brett Jennings, the building official for Jasper County, said the ordinance can help in a situation where a new house that is 1,700 square feet on the main floor and 1,300 square feet in the finished basement is valued by the builder at $100,000. The county’s data could find it is valued much higher.

Which would, in turn, affect

balanced budgets and the sanctity of human life, and promise to represent the community with honor and integrity.”

Democratic candidate Christina Bohannan is also seeking Iowa’s 1st Congressional District seat, making it her second run for Congress. In August 2023, Bohannan said Iowans need

the permit fees for that particular building.

Luetters also added more language in a subchapter under “enforcement as a county or municipal infraction.”

It states the director of community development may withhold the issuance of a building and/or electrical permit if the property has an unresolved noncompliance letter from the county, an unresolved order for abatement or an unresolved order of judgement related to abatement costs that predates the permit application.

“We may withhold a building permit if they receive a letter from us concerning a nuisance or maybe a septic problem or they’re in process with the court system to correct a nuisance,” Luetters said.

somebody who will put them first in Washington, and she frequently criticized Miller-Meeks’s voting record.

“My opponent Mariannette Miller-Meeks has consistently taken votes against Iowa families and against our seniors,” Bohannan said. “She voted against affordable prescription drugs, against good-paying jobs for Iowans.”

Jasper County also has specific violations in the ordinance, which remain unchanged from the previous iteration.

For instance, the code says that engagement in any development, use, construction, remodeling or other activity of any nature upon the land or improvements thereon without the required permits, certificates or other authorization could be met with penalties.

Other violations of the code include:

• Conducting an activity of any nature in any way inconsistent with any approved plan, permit, certificate or other form of authorization granted for such activity;

• Erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, repairing, converting, maintaining or using any building or structure or using any land in violation to contravention of the ordinance or any other regulation made under the authority conferred thereby.

After closing the public hearing and receiving no pushback from citizens, the board of supervisors waived the subsequent second and third readings and adopted the ordinance. Luetters also noted the updated building codes should not affect local contractors.

• Violating by act or omission any term, variance or waiver, condition or qualification placed by Jasper County or its agents upon any required permit, certificate or other form of authorization for the use development or other activity upon land or improvements thereon; and