PCM-05-23-2024

Explorer PCM

Class of 2024 awarded for hard work throughout school career

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

Thousands of dollars in scholarship money was awarded to seniors in the PCM Class of 2024 during the annual scholarship and awards night May 15. Friends and family gathered to congratulate the students as they move closer to finishing their time at PCM

‘Make

Scholarships and awards presented:

• Altar & Rosary Society, Immaculate Conception Parish $200: Samantha McDonald

• American Legion Fred Slayden Post 363 $500: Nate Richards

• American Legion Fred Slayden Post 363 Riders $500: Carter Burns

AWARDS | 10

‘Take the world as you find it, but leave it a better place’ PCM

Class of 2024 celebrates graduation May 19

it worth the price we pay’

Sheriff reinforces the message of National Police Week at annual ceremony

By Christopher Braunschweig

Explorer

Surrounded by local law enforcement officers and support staff gathered on the north lawn of the county courthouse for the annual National Police Week ceremony, Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty held back tears when recalling the on-duty and line of duty deaths of fallen comrades.

During the time that the six fallen officers served, Halferty was alive and living in Jasper County. However, as a child he had no recollection of the deaths of reserve deputy Howard Holdefer in 1973 and officer Donald “Rusty” Hewitt in 1977, nor the death of officer Bobby Barrickman death in 1979. In September 1985,

Halferty recalled being on a date with his college sweetheart on a football Friday night. As they drove into Newton, Halferty was shocked by the presence of a large contingent of law enforcement officers. Many were armed with long guns. They were posted at Highway 14, First Avenue and Hy-Vee West.

“Kendra and I had plans to go to Pizza Hut but we drove to my parent’s house where I was living,” he said. “My mom, Melba, was a scanner fan and she quickly filled me in that a Newton officer had been shot in an armed robbery that evening in the Hy-Vee store. I remember we stayed up all night glued to the scanner.”

Officer Daniel McPherren did not survive his

All in for a night of fun

PCM Elementary Schools celebrate the end of the school year with Fun Night May 17

Jasper County names bridge after reserve deputy who died on duty in 1973

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Georgia Pierce, of Colfax, introduced herself as “the one and only” daughter of Howard Holdefer before pointing out the rest of her big family. Sons, in-laws, nieces, nephews, grandchildren. A dozen names. The whole lot showed up to honor Holdefer’s memory at a bridge dedication ceremony last week in Reasnor. It was a solemn reminder of the true loss that happens when a law enforcement officer makes the ultimate sacrifice, like Holdefer did.

On Oct. 30, 1973, Holdefer suffered a heart attack when assisting the arrests of three individuals. Some of the family members who attended the dedication ceremony did not even get a chance to meet him. Jeremy Holdefer, a grandson, only knew about him through the stories his father would tell him. Even without having any personal memories of Holdefer, Jeremy played a big role in pushing for a bridge dedication for his grandfather. With a little help from the highway department and Jasper

DEDICATION | 9

Republican candidates for Jasper County sheriff participate in forum

Q&A covered qualifications, party relevance, drug problems and more

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Three Republican candidates running for sheriff of Jasper County participated in a party-organized forum this week. Since the local Democratic Party does not have any of its own candidates running for the seat, the results of the primary election on June 4 will, in all likelihood, decide who will be the next sheriff. Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty will be retiring from a nearly 40-year career in law enforcement at the end of the year. In the running to take over his spot are Republican candidates

Lt. Brad Shutts and Sgt. Tracy Cross of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Colfax Police Chief Jeremy Burdess.

Candidates gathered inside the chapel of the St. Luke United Methodist Church, whose parking lot in the 500 block of East 19th Street North was completely full of cars. The room was similarly filled to the brim with an attentive audience eagerly awaiting answers to their submitted questions.

WHAT QUALIFIES YOU TO BE SHERIFF?

Shutts has been exposed to law enforcement all his life. His father was a deputy for 29 years and he grew up in that lifestyle. It was a

profession he felt he had a good sense for, and he always felt the need to help others. Shutts pursued his career as a reserve, a dispatcher and a jailer while working through college.

“I worked with numerous amounts of law enforcement — family, friends — throughout the years. Troopers, city police officers, fire -

men, EMTs. It’s kind of shaped my whole life in law enforcement,” Shutts said. “I have a good sense for the people and their needs and I’m open to talk to.” Cross entered into his career in law enforcement by making sure he focused on paying attention to the things his

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Members of the Honor Guard participate in the National Police Week Ceremony on May 16 outside the Jasper County Courthouse in Newton.

Burdess Cross Shutts

Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer

Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer

Obituaries

Franklin Edward Kingery

May 14, 2024

Franklin Edward Kingery, 83, of Monroe, Iowa, passed away on May 14th, 2024, from metastatic cancer. He died peacefully surrounded by family. His funeral will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Monroe, Iowa on Wednesday, May 22nd, at 11am. Following the funeral, a visitation and time

of food and fellowship will be held from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at the Presbyterian church and all are welcome to attend. Frank was born on February 18th, 1941, to Marian C. (Currier) Kingery and Earnest (Daye) Kingery in Marion County. After graduating from Knoxville High School in 1959, he married and had two children: Terri Lynn Kingery and David Dale Kingery. In his early career he assisted with the construction of several large projects, including the Red Rock Dam, bridges over the Des Moines River, and office buildings in downtown Des Moines. He also worked briefly as a

Mentioning

Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com

PCM Food Pantry

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

Prairie City Residential Appliance/Scrap Metal Drop-Off

The City of Prairie City is offering Residential Appliance/Scrap Metal Drop-Off from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 7-9 at 901 W. Second St.

Propane tanks of any kind, tires, wooden furniture, plastic or hazardous materials will not be accepted.

Contact the city hall at 515-994-2649 with any questions.

Ice Cream Social June 13

Monroe United Methodist Church, 407 N. Monroe St., will host an Ice Cream Social from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 13. A freewill offering will be accepted with proceeds going toward local missions.

policeman in Monroe and apprenticed in woodworking and carpentry with his uncle, Jack Currier. In the 70s he started his own business, the Frank E. Kingery Construction Company. He continued in that profession throughout his career, building and remodeling countless homes in Central Iowa, and later serving as a housing inspector. He was also an engaged community member. Frank was one of the founding members of the Monroe chapter of the Masons, helped start the Monroe JCs, and helped secure grants to start the Monroe Golf Club. Frank won first place in a state cribbage tournament in

Karen Norene

Martinache

May 11, 2024

1978, with his son, David, winning second place, and together they won first place in doubles cribbage.

On April 21st, 1985, Frank married his best friend and love of his life, Vicky L. Lewis. They spent more than 41 years together, enjoying their grandkids and seeing the world. Some of their favorite adventures took them to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska, and Mexico. They also built a rental property business together, fostered children in their home, and enjoyed summers camping and fishing throughout Iowa.

Frank believed a person needed to do something productive every day or it

was a day wasted. He was a hard worker, an avid hunter and fisherman, and an advocate of education for all the young people in his life. He was also a dedicated mentor to his grandchildren and many others.

He is survived by his wife, Vicky Kingery of Monroe; children: Terri Kingery of Florence, Arizona and David Kingery of Pella; stepchildren: Chris Dickerson (Leslie Schilling) of Reasnor, and Corrine (Richard V.) Brown of Laurel; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings: Donna Karr,

Ronald Kingery, and Dennis Kingery. He was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Pam Kingery, a granddaughter-in-law, Sybil Cogley, and a nephew, Randy Kingery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Jasper County Cops and Bobbers, or the Monroe Public Library. If you are unable to attend and wish to send a card, please address it to: “Attn: Frank Kingery, Coburn Funeral Home, 24, W Howard St, Colfax, Iowa 50054. Online condolences may be left for Frank’s family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.

Karen Norene (Mattice) Martinache passed on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at her home in Monroe, Iowa surrounded by her family. A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Dunreath Cemetery in Marion County, Iowa. A celebration of life will be held from 1-3 p.m. the same day at the Monroe

City Hall, 206 Sherman St, Monroe, Iowa. Memorial contributions to Monroe Fire and Rescue may be left at the celebration of life the day of or at Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

The family would like to extend their deepest thank you’s to Gerald Malone and Rusty and Gina Vos, as well as to Karen’s caretakers from Gentiva Hospice, Tammy and Sydney, for their kindness and exquisite care.

Karen was born October 30, 1942 to Chester Lawrence Sr. and Jessie Irene Mattice in Atchison County, Missouri. She was known to have a

stern and tough demeanor – but she loved her family dearly. She married Donald E. Martinache on March 9, 1972 in Nebraska City, Nebraska and together they raised a family. Karen worked at Caseys for over 18 years and was a homemaker for so many more. Spending time with her grandchildren was one of her favorite past times.

She also enjoyed knitting, sewing, reading, and gardening. Karen is survived by her children; Cindy Tangeman, Wendy Battles (Doug DeHaai), Jim (Karla) Martinache, and Chad Martinache; grandchildren, David Knowles, Jordan Knowles, Heath-

er Tangeman, Samantha McCumber, Jessie Tangeman, Carrie (Ben) McFarland, Alex (Adara) Martinache, Dakota Martinache, Sydney Martinache (Brett Ellringer); siblings, Chester Mattice, JR (Gloria) Mattice, Joy Mattice (Larry Owen); brother-in-laws, Roger Massengale and Kenny Beason; eight great grandchildren; and many other extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald E. Martinache; daughter, Kelly Lynn Knowles; infant son, Bobby in 1963; siblings, Joann Massengale, Evelyn Beason, and Roy Mattice.

Bennett, Craig Nelson, Jeff Kriz, Lyle Maxwell, Not pictured: Kevin Mitchell and Brandon Carlisi

Ceremony

Continued from page 1

injuries. McPherren had been an officer in Newton for almost 12 years. When Halferty started his law enforcement career as an officer for the Newton Police Department, he was quickly reminded of how the ultimate sacrifice can occur in so many ways in law enforcement.

Halferty said he attended many area funerals, shootings, car accidents, medical emergencies and ambush killings. They were common but not frequent. A few years after he began working with Newton, another young police officer was hired. He and Halferty worked many night shifts together.

“As our careers moved on, I took a position with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and he moved up in the ranks,” Halferty said.

“So, on another September day, in 2013, I received the devastating news from

Lt. Ron Cook that we had lost Lt. Pat Richardson. This one was really close to home and it really hurt.” Years went on. Halferty’s career continued to climb. Law enforcement continued to change, and departments began to face challenges that were once unheard of: staffing shortages, meth labs, heroine and fentanyl overdoses, administration of the drug NARCAN, derecho, political unrest, protests and the pandemic.

Toward the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jasper County law enforcement lost another member of the team: Prairie City Police Chief Mike German. It was a COVID-19-related sickness that took him from his family and his fellow law enforcement officers.

“No doubt he put himself into the many situations during the pandemic that exposed him to these dangers,” Halferty said.

Recently, Jasper County dedicated the bridge along Highway F-62 over

the South Skunk River to Holdefer, which Halferty said has become a recognition to honor the life and memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. “So why is it important to have an annual memorial service?” Halferty asked.

thanked the family members of the fallen officers for attending the ceremony, assuring them they will not forget.

Haflerty recalled the lyrics of “Fight the Good Fight” by Triumph:

Fightthegoodfightevery moment

Everyminute,everyday Fightthegoodnightevery moment

Makeitworkthepricewe pay

If you love yourfreedom... thank a veteran and the men and women currently serving. Thanks to all who support our club

NEWTON AMERICAN LEGION Post 111 1101 W. 4th St. S., Newton, 641-792-3353

The county sheriff said it is important for those officers currently serving to memorialize and reflect on all those who served before them in order to honor them and their families. Earlier, Halferty had

“You, too, have sacrificed in the loss of your loved one,” Halferty said before thanking those present who are serving, those who have served and the ones who will one day serve their community as a member of law enforcement. “…Know that your service is appreciated and recognized.”

Halferty said he prays

WOP WOP WOP “CHOPPER INCOMING”

Our efforts to provide a historically patriotic monument is nearly impossible without the support of everyone in our community. That’s where you come in!

We are kindly asking for Donations to reach our goal of $75,000!

that law enforcement no longer has to designate any other Jasper County bridges in honor of officers who died in the line of duty. “Why do we continue to do this knowing that next year one of us could be on a blue wreath? I cannot speak for all those present that are serving, but what I can do is to encourage you via song — no, I’m not going to sing — that I’ve listened to a thousand times,” Halferty said. “But the words hit home this week.”

Everymomentofyour lifetime

Everyminuteandevery day

Fightthegoodfightevery moment

Makeitworththeprice we pay

We can stop HIV, Iowa by finding the HIV prevention methods that work best for us!

Find a health care provider to whom you can talk openly about your sexual health.

Make HIV testing part of your journey. Getting tested is the only way to know your status!

Get in care. Stay in care.

If you’re living with HIV, getting and keeping an undetectable viral load helps you stay healthy and prevents transmission to your sex partners.

Practice safer sex. Use condoms and choose sexual activities with a lower likelihood of passing on an infection. Learn more at stophiviowa.org

This will help fund the project. By donating you will be able to share in this very patriotic addition to your veteran’s memorial in Baxter, IA. We are planning to add one of the Vietnam War “Huey” helicopters to the display which will be presented on a pedestal to be honored and appreciated by the public 24/7! Your tax deductible donation will be used to fund the purchase of the helicopter, provide the necessary iron & steel support pedestal, and concrete with steel rebar form the base for the pedestal.

The American Legion has raised $27,812 so far.

Help us reach our goal to have the Huey installed by July 2024!

Checks can be payable to American Legion Post 493 and dropped off at State Savings Bank in Baxter or mailed directly to Baxter American Legion, PO Box 401, Baxter, IA 50028

Fellow veterans and friends - a donation of $200 or more gets your name on the Memorial Wall in Baxter! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer

Officers of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office gather for the National Police Week Ceremony on May 16 at the county courthouse in Newton.

YOUR VIEW

Experience, work ethic and integrity make him a good choice

I am writing this letter to wholeheartedly endorse Brad Shutts for Jasper County Sheriff. Brad comes from a family of law enforcement officers. When I began my career as a deputy sheriff in 1974, I worked with Brad’s dad, Mike Shutts, a Poweshiek County deputy sheriff, and his uncle Doug Shutts, a Grinnell Police Department officer. Both were dedicated career officers. Mike raised two sons, Brad and his brother Blaine, and both chose to follow their father’s lead to serve the public as peace officers.

I first hired Brad to fill a part-time deputy position in 2002. He was a dedicated, thorough, competent deputy, and when a full-time position became available, I did not hesitate to put Brad in the position. Through the years, Brad displayed a willingness to go above and beyond any assignment he was given, and was always willing to learn and accept new duties and responsibilities. In 2009, I promoted Brad to Lieutenant, and he served in a rotating position from Patrol supervisor to Investigations/Drug Task Force supervisor. He did a great job in both positions, and through experience, learned how to manage officers and their various duties in all areas of Sheriff’s Office operations. When I retired in 2012, I knew I was leaving Sheriff John Halferty with a Lieutenant he could depend on in all aspects of his operation. Sheriff Halferty made Brad the Dispatch supervisor when Ed Roach retired, and Brad worked to improve and upgrade the county-wide communications system. The Sheriff’s Office is a multi-faceted operation. It consists of a patrol division, criminal investigations, civil division, 911 Dispatch, and jail operation. Brad’s twenty-eight (28) years of Sheriff’s Office experience make him the best and logical choice to serve as Jasper County’s next sheriff. Please join me in voting for Brad Shutts for Sheriff on June 4th. His experience, work ethic, and integrity make him my choice to be the next Jasper County Sheriff.

Sheriff Michael J. Balmer (retired) Newton

Get out and vote to elect Brad Shutts

I am writing today to encourage you to get out and vote to elect Lieutenant Brad Shutts as the Jasper County Sheriff.

I am the Sheriff of Wayne County, Iowa, a small southern Iowa County. I had the pleasure of meeting Lt. Shutts through my involvement with the Iowa State Sheriff’s and Deputies Association. Brad greeted me and treated me with respect from day one just the same as he does to his brothers and sisters from all agencies and of all sizes. Brad is a born natural leader. Brad is an active member of the Executive Board of Directors for the ISSDA and serves on the Legislative Committee with me as well. Brad always provides thoughtful insight and is well respected by his peers. There are several other ISSDA Committees that I am aware of that Lt. Shutts serves on and I know his dedication to provide his knowledge of the subjects benefits public safety and the citizens not only of Jasper County but the entire state as well.

I fully support Brad in his campaign to become the next Sheriff of Jasper County where I know he will serve with pride and dedication to the citizens he represents. Please join me and support Lt. Brad Shutts so he may be successful in his campaign.

Wayne County Sheriff

D. Keith Davis Corydon

Shutts is the perfect candidate

I am writing this letter in support of electing Lt. Brad Shutts as Sheriff of Jasper County.

I am retired from the Newton Police department with 32 years of service. I served as treasurer for Mike Balmer’s campaign when he ran and was elected Sheriff. I also served as Co-Campaign Manager for John Halferty when he ran and was elected Sheriff.

Before I retired from Newton Police, I worked with Lt. Shutts in his capacity as a Deputy Sheriff. Brad was professional, empathetic, and an excellent officer to work with.

The Jasper County Sheriff currently heads a department that has an authorized strength of 18 deputies plus the Sheriff. Thirteen dispatchers, who handle 911 calls for all police, fire, and ambulance services in Jasper County. Twenty-four Jail Staff maintaining the jail, which houses up to 96 inmates. 6 civil office employees, handling gun permits, sheriff sales, sex offender registry, civil process services, etc. Plus two transport officers, seven reserve deputies, six ALS (Advanced Life Support) paramedics, and one

Shutts will lead Jasper County in the present and future

I have been honored to serve as your Jasper County Sheriff for almost 12 years, and as a law enforcement officer in Jasper County for more than 37 years. In 2020, after being elected to my third term as Jasper County Sheriff, I made the decision to retire in December 2024. Due to my pending retirement, I fully endorse Lt. Brad Shutts, as our next Jasper County Sheriff.

First and foremost, Brad has the training and experience to continue to lead the Jasper County Sheriffs Office. Years of service, sacrifice, accepting challenges and being actively involved in the dayto-day operations of the Sheriffs Office are all qualifications that Brad has demonstrated.

Brad started his career early on as a dispatcher and reserve deputy. He was hired as a part-time deputy in 2002 and was promoted to Lt. in 2009.

During my first term as Sheriff in 2013, Brad was asked to take over the role of dispatch supervisor. Brad recognized an opportunity in implementing a significant upgrade to our communications

system countywide. With my blessing he took the lead, trained, and educated himself on what system was needed, and leveraged funding and grant opportunities to create a county wide, county owned communications system that benefits all public safety agencies in Jasper County. This was a tremendous, multimillion dollar project that overall will save taxpayers money.

Any major budget decision, hiring decision, personnel issue, equipment upgrade and special projects and services decisions, were made by my executive team, of which Brad is a member.

A good leader surrounds himself with great people! Brad and the executive team have been instrumental in development of a Central Iowa Regional Tactical Team (CIRTT), Lynnville Sully School Resource Officer Program, Car/Body Camera implementation, Crisis Intervention Team, Mental Health and Wellness Program, Crisis Canine Teams, EMS and later Advance Life Support EMS service, contracted services with smaller communities, outdoor storm siren support, field

volunteer chaplain. When all positions are filled, there are 78 employed at the Sheriff’s Office, with an operating budget of $7.8 million dollars.

Twenty-eight years of law enforcement experience, compassion, unmatched integrity, along with mentoring from Sheriffs Balmer and Halferty make Lt. Brad Shutts the perfect candidate for the position of Jasper County Sheriff. Please Vote June 4th! Gary Dodds (Retired Newton Police) Newton

training programs, and significant technology upgrades.

Early on as Sheriff, I included Brad and the executive team with the annual budgeting process, and our 5-year plan to provide the best services to our citizens. During that time Brad and the executive team have added full and/or part time positions to Deputies, Dispatch, and Jail Divisions. Safety and security of our team members are our priority, and Brad takes this responsibility as his primary focus.

When I ran for this position in 2012, trusted mentors told me to not change who I was or what I do. Brad has followed that same line of advice. He continues to work towards making the Jasper County Sheriffs Office a professional and honorable public service agency. I have instilled in Brad that our priority is the nearly 70 fulltime, part-time and volunteer team members that take care of our office and Jasper County every day. This includes arguing for pay and benefit equality, training, and equipment.

I had the opportunity to mentor and be mentored by Brad during my tenure at this office. Brad is a trusted friend and colleague that will continue to lead the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office in the present and future.

John R. Halferty,

Sheriff Newton

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. All letters regarding the June 4 Primary Elections must be received by noon May 27 to be considered for publication. Submit letters to news@pcmexplorer.com or Newton News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208.

The PCM

Going to a Concert - Grace Taylor 10

- Trent Nickelson 10

Going by Centerville for the 4th of July to see family - Ethan McCoy 10

Going to Colorado for the 4th of July - Finn Wilson 11

Going to Paris to visit Leane and visit surrounding countries

- Alyssa Buckingham 10

The Seniors Kill it Again At The Senior Awards Ceremony 2024

On the night of May 15th, PCM High School held its annual National Honor Society induction, Baccalaureate, and senior awards ceremony. Soon after senior night the Baccalaureate service washeld. Pastors within the PCM community came together to provide words of encouragement, guidance and support towards the soon to be graduating seniors. The PCM graduating class of 2024 finishes their final days at PCM at the end of this week. With graduation quickly approaching, many of the seniors are beginning to cherish their final high school moments.. While some seniors are ready for graduation day, others are feeling as if this is just like any other year. During the Baccalaureate the seniors were invited to line up in front of the community and parents attending the service to shake hands, give hugs, and accept congratulation wishes from the people in attendance. Following the Baccalaureate the senior awards ceremony began. Students who self-reported scholarships and achievements directly from their chosen college were given certificates to show their success. Other memorial scholarships were given in addition to scholarships from foundations around the community. The PCM Foundation/Endowment awarded many scholarships in different amounts towards seniors who applied. Various scholarships were given out to PCM High School seniors, Samantha McDonald, Nate Ricards, Carter Burns, Faith Defenbaugh, Tiffani Koonce, Ella Schendel, Avery Houser, Alias Nolin, Jake Wendt, Elle Davis, Ayla Barrett, Eliana Buswell Jack Jungling, Jacob Elrod, Miranda Bellinghausen, Lark Drake, Kade Wahlert, Jordan VanderWerf, Zach Roorda, Gabe Hobbs, Justin Johnston, Ryan Bennett, Olivia Kinnamon, Mark Bussan, Reese Palm, Ella Schendel,Rylie Muck, Easton Webb, Mark Bussan, Griffin Olson, Wyatt Schutte, Austin VanMaanen, Nick Farver Jacob Burns, Josh Wing, Delilah Miranda, Abbigail Belvin, Emily Astudillo, Hewitt Brinegar, Hope Buckley-Bonham, Alexander Egland, Jaret Eslinger, Trevor Fagg, Remington Fry, Addyson Hegwood, Martin Hosbond, Alissa Ives, Lucas Ludwick, Jayden McClelland, Blake Owens, Tiernan Pearson, Lea Van Wyk, and Lilly Van Wyk. We wish the best of luck to the class of 2024!

Call us for grain bids or have them sent directly to your cell phone!

After 29 issues and countless hours spent on it, this year’s volume of The PCM Outlook is coming to a close. When I started this class at the beginning of the year, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. Little did I know that the very first issue would be just learning how to edit. At first, it was difficult, but eventually, I did get the hang of it. I have some issues I’m really proud of; issue 10 and issue 15, and some that were very challenging to do. This class not only taught me how to edit, it also guided me into what I might major in, in college. Originally, I also dreamed of being a pediatric emergency medicine doctor. In the end, if I am going to go play softball, possibly at a Division I school, it is going to be very difficult to become a doctor. Though I’m not fully letting go of that dream, I think I have decided that I’m going to major in communications and minor in photography in hopes of actually becoming a journalist one day; but I do have two more years to figure it out. Despite being an editor, I am so much more than that. I am a daughter, sister, friend, high school student, athlete, and more. I’ve been playing softball for almost 10 years now and have made so many friends out of it. I’ve received 2, 2nd team all conference awards my 8th grade and Freshman year. It has also taken me to some pretty cool places with my travel team. Kansas, Missouri, Florida, South Dakota, Tennessee, and many more. At the end of this year and reflecting on this school year and how everyone in this class did, I’m proud. With everything we have going on together, and in our personal lives, we still found a way to make this available to you. Thank you and we will see you next year! :)

Rylee Parsons Staff

Claire VanWyk Staff Writer

Riley Graber

Day Breakfast 17 8am Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann at TGP 10am Video exercise with Sandy at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm School Board at ME 7pm PC Ambulance, City Hall 10am 8 BB vs N. Polk at PCM 11:30am 7, BB vs N. Polk at PCM 5:15pm JV, BB vs Perry at PCM 7:30pm V, BB vs Perry at PCM 5:30pm V, SB vs Perry at PCM 7:30pm V, SB vs Perry at PCM

Pella Christian 7:30pm V, BB at Pella Christian

18 9am Kids Craft Day at TGP Plant a flower 9:30am Supervisors, County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm Bingo at TGP 6:30pm Mon Legion Auxiliary 3pm Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group at the PC FRC 10am JV, BB vs Ottumwa at PCM 10am

19 Monroe Trash & Recycling Day 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 1pm “Get Fit, Move More” with Amy S. at TGP 5pm Community Meal at Monroe United Methodist Church 6pm PC Celebration Commission 9am 8, SB vs Lynnville-Sully at PCM 10:30am 7, SB vs Lynnville-Sully at PCM 9am 8, BB at Lynnville-Sully 10:30am 7, BB at Lynnville-Sully 5:30pm JV, SB at Roland-Story 7:30pm V, SB at Roland-Story

20 9am Kids Craft Day at TGP Suncatcher 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 5pm PC Community Bingo Night 10am Focus Group meeting at TGP 10am 8 BB vs Roland-Story at PCM 11:30am 7, BB vs Roland-Story at PCM 10am 8, SB vs Roland-Story at PCM 11:30 7, SB vs Rolandl-Story at PCM 5:15pm JV, BB at Roland-Story 7:30pm V, BB at Roland-Story 5:30pm JV, SB at Pella Christian 7:15pm V, SB at Pella Christian

21 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson at TGP 9am 7/8, SB at Grand View Christian 9am 7/9, BB at Grand View Christian 10am JV2, SB vs Oskaloosa at PCM 11:30am JV2, SB vs Oskaloosa at PCM 5:30pm JV, SB at Cardinal 7:30pm V, SB at Cardinal

9 8am JV/V State Trap meet 8am PC Appliance/Scrap Metal Drop-off 10 8am Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann at TGP 9:30am Video exercise with Sandy at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 7pm PC Fire Dept, PC City Hall Monroe City Council 9am 8, BB at Albia 10:30am 7, BB at Albia 3:30pm JV2, BB at W. Marshall 5:15pm JV, BB at W. Marshall 7:30pm V, BB at W. Marshall 5:30pm JV, SB at W. Marshall

11 9am Kids Craft Day at TGPSand Art 9:30am Jasper County Board of Supervisors, Jasper County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm Mon American Legion 6:30pm Kiwanis, Mon City Hall 9am 8, BB vs Pella Christian at PCM 10:30am 7, BB vs Pella Christian at PCM 9am 8, SB vs Pella at PCM 10:15am 7, SB vs Pella at PCM 10am JV2, BB at Albia Noon JV2, BB at Albia 4pm JV2, SB vs E. Marshall at PCM 5:30pm JV, SB vs E. Marshall at PCM 7:30pm V, SB vs E. Marshall at PCM

12 Monroe Trash 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 12:15pm Fresh Conversations at TGP 1pm “Get Fit, Move More!” with Amy S. at TGP 6pm PC City Council, City Hall 10am 8, BB vs Knoxville at PCM 11:30am 7, BB vs Knoxville at PCM 3:30pm JV2, BB vs Saydel at PCM 5:15pm JV, BB vs Saydel at PCM 7:30pm V, BB vs Saydel at PCM 7pm V, SB vs Saydel at PCM

13 9am Kids Craft Day at TGPPlane Making 10am Patty Richards Music Show at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 5pm Ice Cream Social at Monroe United Methodist Church 10am JV2, SB vs Pella at PCM 11:30am JV2, SB at PCM

14 8am PC Appliance/Scrap Metal Drop-off 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson 9am 8, SB at Newton 10:15am 7, SB at Newton 9am 8, BB vs Chariton at PCM 10:30am 7, BB vs Chariton at PCM 10am JV2, BB at Indianola 5pm JV, BB at Bondurant-Farrar 7pm V, BB at Bondurant-Farrar 5:30pm JV, SB at Pleasantville 7:30pm V, SB at Pleasantville

15 6:30pm Painting with a Twist at TGP

3

6 9am Kids Craft Day at TGP Rock Painting 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 8am Doubles State Trap meet 10am JV2, BB at Newton Noon JV2, BB at Newton 10am 8, BB vs Saydel at PCM 11:30am 7, BB vs Saydel at PCM 10am 8, SB vs Saydel at PCM 11:30am 7, SB vs Saydel at PCM

7 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 8am PC Appliance/Scrap Metal Drop-off 8am JV/V State Trap meet 5:15pm JV, BB at Greene County 7:30pm V, BB at Greene County 5:30pm JV, SB at Greene County 7:30pm V, SB at Greene County 8 8am JV/V State Trap meet 8am PC Appliance/Scrap Metal Drop-off 8am Monroe Classic Madness Breakfast at TGP for contestants

GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD

Karr’s state title headlines PCM at state meet

even faster in the finals and won her first state championship with a career-best time of 15.01.

DES MOINES — The PCM girls track and field team qual-

ified seven events for the state track and field meet. And the Mustangs brought back state medals in three of them.

The common denominator?

All three were hurdle events.

Sophomore Morgan Karr reached the top of the mountain in the 100-meter hurdles, senior Tiffani Koonce earned her first and only state medal in an event she has attempted just three times and the shuttle hurdle relay team took advantage of a disqualification in the prelims and moved up the ladder in the finals.

Karr entered the Iowa High School State Track and Field Championships as the favorite to win the Class 2A title in the 100 hurdles. She posted the fastest time of 15.22 seconds in Friday’s prelims and then went

BOYS TRACK AND FIELD

“I’m truly proud of myself knowing that all of my hard work has paid off. I can’t explain how I am feeling right now,”

Karr said. “It’s so much better than I could have ever imagined it would be.”

Karr also anchored the shuttle hurdle relay team to sixth.

The Mustangs had a roller coaster weekend after originally placing ninth in the prelims before advancing in the finals after a disqualification to another team.

The shuttle hurdle relay team featured four sophomores in Tori Lindsay, Jorja Teeter, Lillian Humpal and Karr and they posted a time of 1 minute, 9.46 seconds in the prelims.

Iowa City Regina was originally in the top eight, but PCM took its spot in the finals after a disqualification. In the finals, PCM’s group went even faster

and moved up to sixth with a season-best time of 1:08.8. Aplington-Parkersburg won the 2A state title in 1:05.39.

“It feels good. This is what we wanted all year and finally got our chance,” Lindsay said. “It doesn’t matter where we placed, I’m just glad we got to do it together.”

Senior Tiffani Koonce capped her career with a state medal in the 400 hurdles. The only three times she’s ever competed in this event came in the month of May and her final time was clocked in a career-best 1:07.13. That was good enough to secure the final eighth-place medal in 2A.

Koonce would have placed fourth in 1A and fifth in 3A. The 2A state champion was Van Meter’s Eden Moore, who won the race in 1:03.13.

“It still feels new. I’m working on trying to run over them and not just jumping over them,” Koonce said. “I’m so ex-

cited. First time at state. Third time running 400 hurdles. First state medal in my last year. You can’t beat that.”

Koonce’s other state event was the 4x800 relay. She teamed up with sophomore Abi Teeter and freshmen Bailey Wheeler and Lila Milani to place to 19th with a season-best time of 10:10.87.

Van Meter also won this event in 9:30.22. The Bulldogs were the 2A team champions with 63 points. That was three better than runner-up Pella Christian (60) and six clear of Tipton (57).

The Mustangs competed at the state meet during two of the hottest days of the year so far.

“It was hard and hot but it was fun,” Milani said. “You can’t do anything about it. Just have to run your best. It was a good experience. There are a lot of people here.”

All four Mustangs had a strip of purple in the hair as they cel-

ebrated Cystic Fibrosis month. That’s something Abi Teeter has and competes with every day.

“We always painted a fingernail purple for Abi,” Koonce said. “She brought this on to us, but we think it’s a great idea because it’s great she’s able to do this because most people with CF can’t.”

Abi Teeter had a second event, too. She competed in the 1,500 on May 18 and finished 24th with a time of 5:21.78. Tipton’s Noelle Steines, who won the 1A state title last season, secured another state championship in 4:38.46. Steines also won the 800 and 3,000 earlier in the weekend.

“I didn’t run well. It was hot. I was trying to run with the girl who had a 5:08 coming in because I was at 5:11,” Abi Teeter said. “I stayed with her after the first lap but faded on the second lap.

Sprint relays, hurdles headline Mustang on blue oval

DES MOINES — Senior Griffin Olson and the PCM boys track and field team came to Drake Stadium to win medals.

Winning another state championship would have been icing on Olson’s career, but the Mustang standout brought home four more state medals this past weekend at the Iowa High School State Track and Field Championships.

“Finishing fifth is awesome. I just love taking home medals and I’m grateful we made the finals again,” Olson said after the Mustangs’ shuttle hurdle relay team earned another medal on May 18.

Olson and junior Gavin Van Gorp were the only two members back from last year’s state championship shuttle hurdle relay team but newcomers Jaden Houser and Jake Winters held their own enough to push the Mustangs back into the finals.

Olson also was part of medal-winning relays in the 4x100 and 4x200 and posted a career-best time in the 400-meter hurdles to finish in the top five of Class 2A.

“I’ll take fourth. I’ll take any medal and it gives us team points,” Olson said.

The Mustangs scored 22 points total for the weekend and finished 11th in the final 2A team standings. Mediapolis won the state team title with 47 points, while Spirit Lake (43) edged South Hamilton (42) for second.

The Mustangs’ top finish came in the 4x200 relay. The foursome of sophomore Evan Jones, Olson and seniors Jacob Wendt and Gabe Hobbs finished third in a season-best time

of 1 minute, 28.02 seconds.

South Hamilton moved its winning 4x400 relay team to the 4x200 and claimed another state title in 1:28.02.

“It felt pretty good this year. We came into state with a group that over the year had problems with handoffs,” Jones said. “We never really ran what we knew we could run until we got it set up right. We changed the order right before conference and everything clicked. Once we got that down, we’ve been running our best.”

The 4x200 team set a season-best time by 1.3 seconds.

“I was proud of us. We worked hard and we PR’ed by over a second, which is insane,”

Hobbs said. “That’s all you can hope for.

“I think the hardest part

about the 4x100 was trying to qualify. I was proud of us for getting the baton around the track.”

PCM’s same foursome of Olson, Hobbs, Wendt and Jones also medaled in the 4x100 relay. They qualified for the finals in sixth with a time of 43.31 seconds and then finished sixth in the finals in 43.42.

The 43.31 was the team’s second-best time of the season. Shenandoah won the state title in 42.75.

“This is crazy. This is my first time at state, and I didn’t really know what to expect,” Wendt said. “But we ran really well obviously and it feels really good.”

The shuttle hurdle relay team qualified for the finals with a seventh-place finish in the prelims. The foursome of

Van Gorp, Houser, Winters and Olson posted a time of 1:01.24 in the prelims and then lowered their time to 1:01.14 in the finals and moved up to fifth. Those times for PCM were its two best times this season.

Iowa Falls-Alden won the state title in 58.7 seconds.

“I’ve been an alternate the past two years so I watched this team do well,” Winters said. “It’s hard to replace (Gavin Fenton) and then we needed to replace Adrien, too, so things haven’t been easy. We managed to finish in the top five so that feels awesome. I think this was unexpected, and the future looks good, too.”

Olson’s final state medal came in the 400 hurdles. His career-best time of 54.95 placed him fourth. Defending state

champion Jaden Damiano repeated with a time of 52.03. Damiano was the favorite in the event again, but Olson had hopes after Damiano was DQ’ed in the 110 high hurdle prelims.

“I had a little hope that he may be human like us after he got a DQ in the highs,” Olson said. “I trained like an athlete this offseason and not like a powerlifter. I tried to have a mindset of knowing I was pretty good in other events, why can’t I be good in this one, too?”

Van Gorp grabbed the team’s first state medal of the weekend when he finished seventh in the long jump with a leap of 20 feet, 7 1/4 inches. He took advantage of a new rule that allowed the top nine distances to qualify for the finals and then moved up into medal contention with his best mark in the finals.

He registered jumps of 19-9 3/4, 20-6 3/4, 20-5 and 20-6 and had just one foul. Jesup’s Jack Miller won the state title with a leap of 22-2 1/4.

Van Gorp missed half the season with an ankle injury. His best jump of 21-1 came early in the season, but he returned in time to grab a state medal.

“I missed six or seven weeks, but it healed well,” Van Gorp said. “I lost my confidence some. I just tried to stay consistent. I needed to get more height, but I only fouled once. Getting five jumps in was big. That’s the consistency part.”

Van Gorp’s other individual event was the 110 high hurdles. He finished 14th in 15.59 seconds. It took a 15.33 to advance to the finals. Ethan Stecker of Spirit Lake (14.291) edged Treynor’s Brady Wallace (14.292) to win the title.

Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer

PCM sophomore Morgan Karr smiles as she goes over the final hurdle in the lead during the 100-meter hurdles at the state track and field meet on May 18. Karr won the Class 2A state title in a career-best time of 15.01 seconds.

By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer

By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer

Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer

PCM senior Griffin Olson walked out of Drake Stadium on May 18 with four more state medals. He was fourth in the 400-meter hurdles on May 17.

Mustangs finalize season at districts

IOWA CITY — The Class 2A district tournament at Pleasant Valley Golf Course featured three of the top seven teams in the class, according to 18-hole average.

But Grundy Center has made it clear in the past few tournaments that when at full strength, the Spartans are one of the best teams in 2A.

PCM finished the season with the seventh-best team average, but shot its third worse score of

Boys Track

the season on May 13.

Their 321 was a season-ending score as the Mustangs tied for third with Cascade. Grundy Center and Beckman Catholic turned in 315s to advance to the state tournament.

Easton Van Veen, the team’s No. 1 golfer, finished fifth overall with a 3-over-par 75. That’s two shots better than his season average but not good enough to advance as an individual.

East Marshall’s Cody Weaver was the meet medalist with a 68 and West Marshall’s Hunter

PCM’s sprint medley team grabbed another state medal on Saturday morning. The team of Jones, Wendt, Hobbs and Graber finished seventh in a season-best 1:35.22. Shenandoah won the state title in 1:32.08.

“It’s a really good feeling. I knew we had a shot going in,” Graber said.

“I think we always feel like we’ll run our best here. I just tried to run with whoever was out front. One team got way out front, but I knew Grundy Center’s anchor was

Polley finished third with a 70. Those two golfers grabbed the two individual state bids.

The top two teams and the top two individuals not on qualifying teams advanced to this week’s state tournament at Coldwater Golf Course in Ames.

PCM needed a few more golfers in the 70s to advance as a team. Jeffrey McDanel ended up 12th with an 81 and Pete Kiernan finished 14th with an 82. The final counting score came from Tate Tangeman, who turned in an 83.

about my speed so I tried to stay with him and then it’s just about finishing strong.”

Graber started his weekend with a 12thplace finish in the 400. He turned in a career-best time of 51.09, but it took a 49.98 to earn a state medal.

South Hamilton’s Ty Koehnk won the state title in 48.39. The next-best finish for PCM came in the 4x400 relay. The group of Coby DeRaad,

“I wanted to get out fast and then find a rhythm, but I just never got into that rhythm.”

Ayla Barrett joined Koonce as the only PCM seniors who participated in a state event this weekend. Barrett qualified for state in the high jump and finished tied for 19th with a leap of 4 feet, 10 inches. She cleared that height on her second attempt.

Emmetsburg’s Rachel Schany won the state title with a leap of 5-4 and the final state medalist had to clear 5-2.

Karr missed last year’s state meet due to an injury. She was a Drake Relays qualifier in the 100 hurdles the past two seasons and it all came together for her this spring at the state meet.

After anchoring the Mustangs to sixth in the shuttle hurdle relay, she returned to the blue oval for the 100 hurdles final. Six runners finished the race in under 16 seconds, but Karr’s career-best 15.01 would have won the state title in 1A and 3A, too.

Karr also competed in the 100 dash on May 16 and placed 10th in the

prelims with a time of 12.9 seconds. She needed a 12.82 to advance to the final and ninth place went 12.85. Pella Christian’s Rachel Kacmarynski won the state title in 12.61. The shuttle hurdle relay team left the blue oval on May 16 in ninth. Or at least they thought they were ninth.

However, the Mustangs got a second chance after it was determined that Iowa City Regina was disqualified. It was the first state medals for all four sophomore runners, too.

“We were seeded 11th

so just making the finals felt like a big deal,” Jorja Teeter said. “We didn’t think we made finals and it’s been a roller coaster kind of season, but it feels good. It was amazing. I can’t believe we made finals after being ninth in the prelims time-wise, but you just never know.”

Karr said she was told about the team advancing after a phone call from Lindsay. Humpal thought the team moved up in the standings in the finals because the second chance may have given them all a jolt.

“It feels really good. We

All four scoring golfers were under their season averages. Nick Farver (85) and Charlie Ford (88) turned in non-counting scores.

Grundy Center’s top golfer, Judd Jirovsky, was the runner-up medalist with a 69. Beckman’s Luke Harwick shot a 70.

That gave those two teams an advantage from the No. 1 spot, and the rest of the Mustangs couldn’t make up the difference.

After the top four teams, West Liberty (328) finished fifth and West Branch (333) placed sixth.

Wendt, Hobbs and Graber finished 16th in the prelims with a season-best time of 3:31.61.

South Hamilton’s state-record time of 3:16.35 won the title in the finals.

Jones’ fourth event was the 200. He finished 22nd in the prelims in 22.97, but it took a 22.64 to advance to the finals.

Dike-New Hartford’s Cameron Decker was the state champion with a time of 22.38.

Mark Bussan also competed in the shot put.

He finished 22nd with a throw of 42-5 1/4. He also had a throw of 42-2 1/4.

Pella Christian’s Trevor Veenstra won the state title with a toss of 58-10 3/4.

were bummed out yesterday with the ninth-place finish,” Humpal said. “Getting another chance to run was awesome and we took advantage of it. We’re here so we might as well try our best and see what happens. We love each other and we’re a good team so may as well try to move up.”

Lindsay and Jorja Teeter both said standing around and waiting for other times to come across the board in the prelims was tough. There are six preliminary heats and the Mustangs were in one of the first few.

“We wanted this really bad,” Lindsay said. “We were all pretty upset about getting ninth and being so close. But once we heard it turned to tears of joy. Everyone was hugging each other. It was an amazing feeling.”

Koonce said she had been trying to convince her coaches to let her run the 400 hurdles for a few years. But it just never came to fruition until the end of this season.

She had one shot to prove she could post a time worthy of qualifying for the state meet and took advantage of it. Then continued to drop time on the blue oval and the end result was her only state medal.

PCM ends season with loss to WCV

URBANDALE — Adrian Wahlert scored twice and the West Central Valley boys soccer team broke open a scoreless first half with three second-half goals during a 3-0 over PCM on May 13.

The Wildcats scored their third straight victory during the Class 1A Substate 8 matchup.

The two goals by Wahlert were his first two goals of the season and Nate Gerling had six saves for the fourth-seeded Wildcats, who have won five of their past six matches.

It was West Central Valley’s fifth straight win over the Mustangs and the Wildcats’ fourth straight shutout in the series.

West Central Valley (12-3) advanced to play sixth-ranked Treynor (143) in the 1A Substate 8 semifinals. PCM retires at 4-10.

Gabe Hobbs

PCM senior Gabe Hobbs was part of three top-eight relay finishes at the state track and field meet this past weekend. He helped the Mustangs finish third in the 4x200, sixth in the 4x100 and seventh in the sprint medley on the blue oval inside Drake Stadium.

PCM Explorer

Jones

Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer

PCM’s shuttle hurdle relay team celebrates their sixth-place finish on May 18 at the state track and field meet in Des Moines. The shuttle hurdle relay team features (from left) sophomores Jorja Teeter, Lillian Humpal, Morgan Karr and Tori Lindsay.

County Sheriff John Halferty, it was done. Jeremy knew how much his father, who has since passed, would have loved it.

“I only wish my dad could have been here to see it,” Jeremy said.

Pierce, who is the middle child with two older brothers and two younger twin brothers, is the only daughter to Holdefer. She remembers how fun he was and how protective he was of his family. He was very friendly, too, she said, and he didn’t judge others. Pierce said he believed people always had chances to be better.

Memories are not all the Holdefer family has left of their departed patriarch. The Jasper County Reserve Deputy Captain Howard W. Holdefer Memorial Bridge will now forever commemorate him and his service. If people who knew him drive by it, Pierce hopes they remember the good things about him.

“If they don’t know him, I hope they think about some

of the other officers,” she told Newton News after the dedication ceremony, which saw a high turnout of family members, friends and officers. “Every time I see an officer I always tell them ‘Good luck’ and ‘Stay safe.’ That’s ingrained in me from my dad.”

During the bridge dedication ceremony, Halferty thanked Steve Hodnett for being the “sign guy” and coordinating the sign placements near the bridge that goes over the South Skunk River on F-62, just west of Reasnor. Halferty also thanked the su-

pervisors and his current and retired deputies, peace officers and reserves.

“We hope and pray this never happens to you,” he said.

“Please, Holdefer family, know that all of these (officers) present are working in honor of Howard.”

Supervisor Denny Stevenson, who has long since retired from the sheriff’s office, served nearly 40 years as a volunteer firefighter and medic for Kellogg Fire Department. As a fellow volunteer first responder, Stevenson praised Holdefer’s volunteer work as a reserve deputy, especially with volunteerism dwindling.

“In this day and age all law enforcement departments throughout the country have trouble getting people to step up and take a position,” Stevenson said. “I think this will be a good reminder to people that back then there was probably three or four deputies, and people like Howard were critical.”

If the sheriff and deputies needed help, reserve deputies like Holdefer were the people they relied on the most.

“I think the big thing is we never forget,” Stevenson said. “When the sheriff brought to the board the naming of the bridge, that was a great idea. Maybe it should have been done sooner, but at least it’s done now. Hopefully that will speak to people in the future, too.”

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer

Family members of Howard Holdefer pose for a photo next to a wreath bearing his image and the replica of a sign that appears near a bridge named after the reserve deputy who died more than 50 years ago. The bridge over the South Skunk River on F-62, just west of Reasnor, has been renamed to Jasper County Reserve Deputy Captain Howard W. Holdefer Memorial Bridge.

Awards

• Chapter BH, P.E.O Monroe $500: Faith Defenbaugh

• Chapter AV, P.E.O Prairie City

$500: Tiffani Koonce

• Monroe Kiwanis Club $500: Nate Richards, Ella Schendel, Avery Houser

• Leighton State Bank $500: Allias Nolin, Nate Richards

• Two Rivers Cooperative $500 Allias Nolin, Jake Wendt

• First Interstate Bank $500: Elle Davis

• Monroe Women’s Club $150: Avery Houser, Ayla Barrett

• Prairie City Business Association

$500: Eliana Buswell

• Lawrence Woody & Duane Woody Memorial Scholarship $1,000: Jack Jungling

• Don & Nora DeReus Scholarship

$500: Jacob Elrod

• Peteris & Olga Kalnins Scholarship $1,000: Miranda Bellinghausen, Lark Drake Prairie City Lions Club $750: Kade Wahlert, Tiffani Koonce, Eliana Buswell

• PCM Foundation Endowment

$500: Jordan VanderWerf, Zach Roorda, Gabe Hobbs, Avery Houser, Justin Johnston, Ryan Bennett, Olivia Kinnamon, Mark Bussan, Reese Palm

• Chuck & Norma Skinner Memorial Scholarship $1,500: Eliana Buswell, Jack Jungling, Nate Richards, Ella Schendel, Allias Nolin, $1,250: Jacob Wendt, Jacob Elrod, Elle Davis, Tiffani Koonce, Faith Defenbaugh, Jordan VanderWerf, Zach Roorda, Gabe Hobbs, Miranda Bellinghausen, Lark Drake, $1,000: Justin Johnston, Avery Houser, Reese Kristine Palm, Ryan Bennett, Olivia Kinnamon, Samantha McDonald, Rylie Muck, Kade Wahlert, Easton Webb, Mark Bussan, $500

Griffin Olson, Wyatt Schutte, Austin VanMaanen, Ayla Barrett, Carter Burns, Nick Farver, Jacob Burns, Josh Wing, Delilah Miranda, Abbigail Belvin

• Nelle Schalk

$400: Justin Johnston

• MetroWaste Ag

$1,000: Jacob Elrod

• MetroWaste Science

$1,000: Allias Nolin

• Kayla Boner

$250: Lark Drake

• Korver Hazelton

$500: Avery Houser, Delilah Miranda

• Uri Sellers

$1,000: Allias Nolin, Griffin Olson, Avery Houser, Faith Defenbaugh, Carter Burns

• Ruby Schrader Trust Scholarship

$2,531: Carter Burns, Faith Defenbaugh

• Senior Academic Letters: Emily Astudillo, Ayla Barrett, Miranda Bellinghausen, Ryan Bennett, Hewitt Brinegar, Hope Buckley-Bonham, Carter Burns, Jacob Burns, Mark Bussan, Eliana Buswell, Elle Davis, Faith Defenbaugh, Lark Drake, Alexander Egland, Jacob Elrod, Jaret Eslinger, Trevor Fagg, Nicklaus Farver, Remington Fry, Addyson Hegwood, Gabriel Hobbs, Martin Hosbond, Avery Houser, Alissa Ives, Justin Johnston, Jack Jungling, Olivia Kinnamon, Tiffani Koonce, Lucas Ludwick, Jayden McClelland, Samantha McDonald, Delilah Miranda, Rylie Muck, Allias Nolin, Griffin Olson, Blake Owens,cReese Palm, Tiernan Pearson, Nate Richards, Zach Roorda, Ella Schendel, Wyatt Schutte, Emilie Sparks, Brianna Sutphin, Wyatt Uitermarkt, Jordan VanderWerf, Austin VanMaanen, Lea Van Wyk, Lilly Van Wyk, Kaden Wahlert, Easton Webb, Jacob Wendt, Josh Wing

• Top Female Senior Athlete: Lark Drake

• Top Male Senior Athlete: Jake Wendt

• E. Wayne Cooley Award: Ella Schendel

• State of Iowa Governor’s Scholar Award: Olivia Kinnamon

• Bernie Saggau Award: Carter Burns

• Silver Cord: Ella Schendel, Blake Owens, Jordan VanderWerf

• Heart of Iowa Conference Academic/Activity Awards: Olivia Kinnamon, Miranda Bellinghausen, Gabe Hobbs, Jack Jungling, Allias Nolin, Lark Drake, Ella Schendel, Reese Palm, Jacob Elrod, Elle Davis, Eliana Buswell, Tiffani Koonce, Jake Wendt

• Senior Star Award: Jordan VanderWerf, Carson Clark

• Theatre Dedication Award: Samantha McDonald, Carson Clark

• Most Dedicated Artist: Elle Davis

• English Award of Excellence: Faith Defenbaugh

• Yearbook Award of Excellence: Delilah Miranda

• Pella Rolscreen Foundation Sons & Daughters Scholarship: $10,000 Avery Houser

• Karon Brown Award

$2,500: Eliana Buswell

• American Citizenship Award

$500: Carter Burns

• Mustang Mat Club Scholarship

$500: Nate Richards

• Iowa Air National Guard: Carter Burns

• Garden Prairie United Church of Christ Scholarship $1,000: Jacob Elrod

• Loren D. Wing Scholarship $400: Josh Wing

• William F. Vernon Scholarship

$4,000: Reese Palm

leaders were doing. They taught him the most important thing is being available to your people, always answering the call and responding when needed. These are principles Cross follows.

“I’ve been in law enforcement a little shorter than these guys. I can’t control that,” Cross said. “But I learned a lot in a profession I did before this, working with a lot harder individuals in building trades and understanding character and understanding how individuals are in real life. I brought that experience into this.”

Burdess has served in law enforcement for 14 years in a number of different capacities. In most of his roles, he has been a leader. As the chief of police in Colfax, he is familiar with budgets and managing people. He believes it is important to listen to others and be open to new ideas.

“It’s not about me, it’s about them,” Burdess said of sheriff’s office staff. “It’s about helping them to develop themselves so they can be what they want to be.” DOES IT MATTER IF CANDIDATE IS DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN?

“Absolutely not,” Shutts said. The lieutenant said there has been legislative ideas floating around about taking away parties from locally elected offices. Day-to-day operations in the sheriff’s office, or law enforcement in general, are not — or should not — be impacted by political decisions. Shutts said no decisions are made by political agendas.

“We don’t ask D or R before starting CPR,” Shutts said. “It’s about citizens. It’s about the communities we serve in. It’s about having good common sense when making decisions. It’s not about world Democratic views or world Republican views when you’re handling someone’s life or the worst day in their life.”

Enforcement of laws is not based upon political parties, Shutts added. Cross said he is running as a Republican but it

does not change how he does his job.

“But I am here running as a Republican,” Cross said.

Burdess said it doesn’t matter whether a candidate for sheriff is a Democrat or a Republican. They choose parties based on their backgrounds and their feelings about different issues in society. Burdess said he considers himself a conservative Christian.

HAVE YOU DECIDED YOUR CHIEF DEPUTY?

Shutts said the sheriff is a huge position, and the chief deputy essentially serves as the “right arm” of the sheriff. That individual takes a lot of responsibility. The current chief deputy is Duane Rozendaal, who Shutts said has devoted his whole life to law enforcement and had a successful career in Iowa State Patrol.

“He was brought in by Sheriff Halferty when he was elected sheriff. He’s been a great asset to us. He goes beyond expectations of anybody,” Shutts said. “He’s very personable and well-liked by the staff and he gets the job done every day …

When Duane decides it’s time for Duane to leave, that’s when he’ll leave.”

Cross said at this time he will decide on a chief deputy after the primary. Burdess punctuated what Shutts said about Rozendaal, saying he has always had great respect for him. If he chose to stay, Burdess said there would be a lot that he could learn from him and would be very welcomed to be his chief deputy.

WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT DRUG PROBLEMS?

Cross said the sheriff’s office has a school resource officer program, and to him that is the first step to addressing drug issues. Educating the youth is important. He also wants to see more educational classes through the sheriff’s office to help educate parents and kids regarding drug trends in the community and addiction.

“Another thing is working with our local resources like Discover Hope and Capstone in getting people through treatment, and also working with individuals … so they can better realize and become better citizens,” Cross said of people who may be struggling with drug addictions.

Burdess would like to first start by bringing a K9 unit back to the sheriff’s office. To

him, they are tremendous help. He would also like to see more focus on the Mid-Iowa Narcotics Enforcement (MINE) task force working in Jasper County; sometimes Jasper County is often called to other counties.

“I would like to see us put a little more attention in Jasper County and help out the small communities that aren’t able to dedicate officers to specific drug problems,” Burdess said. “And definitely working with the resources in Jasper County for drug addiction.”

Shutts said as the only candidate who has worked narcotics, there are a lot of challenges. It is getting tougher and tougher. Shutts said trying to stop drugs is like trying to fill the Grand Canyon with a garden hose. You’re never going to get it done, but you have to try. Shutts said community involvement is key. “Let them know what we’re seeing. When I was in the task force, we were going from anhydrous methamphetamine cook to a shake-and-bake,” Shutts said of the changing drug world. “…It’s easier to involve the public and let them know they can contact us and let them know they’re apart of

this success program.” WHY SHOULD VOTERS SELECT YOU OVER OTHER TWO?

Burdess believes the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office needs a fresh set of eyes, and he feels like he would not be at the forum or running for office if there weren’t employees in the sheriff’s office who have confidence in him. He feels like if the current leaders would be doing their job, he would not be here.

“Those individuals wouldn’t have came to me and sought me out and thought the sheriff’s office wasn’t doing its job in protecting its people,” Burdess said. “That’s my goal is to make sure that I have the employees’ backs and I’m looking out for their best interests and providing for their hopes and dreams.”

Shutts said the biggest qualifier for him running for sheriff is experience. He has worked 22 years at the county sheriff’s office, and he claimed 90 percent of the employees have his back and would support him in the role of sheriff. And it’s because they see what he does day-to-day.

“We’ve been in their shoes and we give them the tools we need. I’ve been hit with a lot of projects and challenges during my time, especially in administration. I’ve developed one of the biggest communications projects this county has ever seen, getting all communities on board to change … to new technology,” he said.

Cross said throughout his career he has focused on being someone who wanted to be present with everyone that serves the office and other first responders in the communities. He has also spearheaded a banquet for first responders in Jasper County and the establishment of a training facility.

“Currently that facility has been under construction and we’re working on getting money to finish it, but it’s something that will benefit all the generations that come in the future,” Cross said. “…I’m also somebody who is truthful and faithful to our community.

for our citizens is the most important thing.”

Working

Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer

Three Republican candidates running for Jasper County sheriff – from left: Lt. Brad Shutts and Sgt. Tracy Cross of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and Colfax Police Chief Jeremy Burdess –take turns speaking during a party-organized forum May 14 at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Newton.

Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer

Dana Boner presents Lark Drake with the Kayla Boner Memorial Scholarship during awards night May 15.

Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer

Barb Aalbers presents Ella Schendel, Nate Richards and Avery Houser with scholarships from the Monroe Kiwanis Club.

Explorer PCM

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was made to

Grundmeyer Services Motion made by: Mr Steve Nearmyer Motion seconded by: Greg Ingle Voting: Unanimously Approved i. Approval of hiring search firm to fill open Superintendent position A motion was made to post an interim position as well as look at Grundmeyer candidates. Motion made by: Greg Ingle Motion seconded by: Jeremy St Peter Voting: Unanimously Approved VI ADJOURN A motion was made to adjourn at 4:50 pm Motion made by: Greg Ingle Motion seconded by: Mr Rod DeHaai Voting: Unanimously Approved May 23 PCM Community School District Special Board Meeting 05/08/2024 - 05:30 PM Monroe Elementary Monroe Elementary Library Monroe, IA MEETING MINUTES

Attendees

Voting Members Greg Ingle, Board Member District 2: Term 2023-2025 Mr Steve Nearmyer Vice President District 7: Term 20232027 Mr Ryan VanDerKamp President District 6: Term 20212025 Mr Rod DeHaai Board Member District 4: Term 2023-2027 Lori Jungling, Board Member District 1 Term 2021-2025 Kelsey Fiorentin Board Member District 3: Term 2023-2027 Jeremy St Peter, Board Member, District 5: Term 2023-2027 Non-Voting Members Becki Vasseau, Board Secretary I. CALL TO ORDER Meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm II APPROVE AGENDA