PCM-05-30-2024

Explorer PCM

Wild winds wallop western Jasper County Future track stars

Severe weather hits Prairie City, western Jasper County in early morning storm May 24

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

In what is starting to feel like an endless cycle, Jasper County residents were once again cleaning up from a severe weather event that rolled through in the

early hours of May 24. The storm, which uprooted trees, inverted power lines and left a layer of debris to be picked up, came just days after torrential rains caused flooding in the streets and pushed rivers out of their banks. “The recent severe weather has

significantly impacted the west side of Jasper County,” Jasper County Emergency Management Director Jamey Robinson said. “We understand the inconvenience and difficulties posed by this

WEATHER | 3

PCM Elementary students compete at Track and Field Day May 23

Honoring those who gave it all

Monroe, Prairie City hold Memorial Day Ceremories to honor the fallen

Age 51

Hometown: Colfax

1. Introduce yourself to Jasper County voters and tell us why you’re running.

Age: 40

Hometown: Baxter

1. Introduce yourself to Jasper County voters and tell us why you’re running.

Age: 47

Hometown: Grinnell

My name is Jeremy Burdess and I am a lifelong resident of Jasper County, having grown up and lived most of my life in Colfax. I have been in law enforcement for the past 14 years. I spent 10 years with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office serving in a number of different roles there. The last two years I have been the chief of police for the City of Colfax. I am running for Jasper County sheriff because I believe the sheriff’s office and the communities of Jasper County need a fresh perspective, new ideas and a sheriff that will prioritize proactive policing to provide its citizens with a safe place to live and work.

The ALS program has grown into a program that is extremely beneficial to the communities in our county. Due to the growth of the program it is my

My name is Tracy Cross, I am a fifth generation Jasper County resident. The Cross family homesteaded outside of what is Baxter today in 1857. I am married to Jennifer Cross and have three daughters who will be the fourth generation to graduate from Baxter. My faith, family, and Jasper County are the three most important things me. We are very involved in our church and our community. After spending my adult career as a tradesman, I was called into law enforcement in 2015 to serve a bigger purpose and calling. I started as a police officer in Baxter in 2015, and in 2017 I became a Deputy at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Through hard work, consistency, and dedication, I was promoted to Sergeant in 2020. I am currently the team leader for the Central Iowa Regional Tactical

1. Introduce yourself to Jasper County voters and tell us why you’re running. I am Brad Shutts, a lieutenant with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. I am a 28-year veteran of law enforcement with 22 of those years with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office where I have been involved in numerous roles and responsibilities. I am running for Jasper County sheriff with a strong passion for law enforcement that began as a young child who grew up in a law enforcement family, with my father serving as a deputy sheriff for 29 years. I strive to serve the Jasper County community every day and will continue to support and stand for the freedom and liberties of all Jasper County citizens.

2. What do you feel the role of the county sheriff’s office should be, especially when considering the addition of the ALS program?

Burdess

Cross Shutts

Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer

Uprooted trees, power line poles inverted and hanging in the sky and destroyed structures are just some of the damages a severe storm caused in Prairie City in the early morning of May 24. According to the National Weather Service, winds gusts up to 75 miles per hour swept through the area causing widespread power outages and significant damage across the community.

Worth 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.

Events at The Gathering Place

Thursday, May 30

5pm Acoustic JAMM session, bring finger food

Monday, June 3

• 8am Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann

• 10am Video Exercise Class

Tuesday, June 4

• 9am Crafts with Jamee ($4 for craft)

Wednesday, Jun 5

• 1pm “Get Fit, Move More!” with Amy S.

• 6pm Bingo

Thursday, June 6

• 9am Crafts with Jamee ($4 for craft)

Saturday, June 8

• 8am Monroe Classic Madness in the city park, Car Show, Live Music, Family Fun, Food, Bingo

TOPS

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

Men’s Recovery meeting

Lighthouse Recovery Ministries hosts a Men’s Recovery meeting at 6:30 p.m. each Monday at Grace Alive Church, 703 W. Second St. in Prairie City. Contact Barb at b.miller@lighthouserecoveryia.com with questions.

PCM Clothing Closet

The PCM Clothing Closet, on the second floor of the Family Life Center at 105 S. Sherman St. in Prairie City, will be open from 3:30 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday and 2 to 4 p.m. Sundays.

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.

MUMC 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.

Explorer PCM

Burdess

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opinion that the program needs to be operated as its own entity and not run through the sheriff’s office. I believe that a focus group comprised of county officials and EMS leaders throughout the county should review this program and see how it can best serve our communities.

The Sheriff’s Office can improve communication literally by meeting with residents, county departments and other agencies and having con-

Shutts

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The sheriff by Iowa law is the 2nd highest law enforcement official in the county following the county attorney. The sheriff is a representative of the courts and is responsible for the execution of the orders of the court. The sheriff is responsible for the operations of the Jasper County Jail Division, the Jasper County Communications Division, the Jasper County Civil Division, and the Jasper County Law Enforcement Division provide primary law enforcement to all unincorporated areas of the county, incorporated cities holding law enforcement contracts and to be an assisting agency to all other law enforcement in the county. The ALS assistance program is something that I was assigned by Sheriff Halferty to assist in developing. The ALS assistance program provides paramedic level first responders during the peak hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. to

Saturday, June 8 • 8:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. City square in Monroe

8 am Kids Corner: Bounce House, Games and Prizes

8 am Pitch Tournament at the Fishn’ Hole

10am-12pm: Live on stage Patty Richard’s Music Country Show. KNIA/KRLS Radio DJ on stage playing through out the day!! (Please bring lawn chairs)

Food Vendors: Kiwanis, Jersey Freeze, Frankies BBQ and Marcia’s Sweet Treat

Hosted by the Gathering Place

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

versations about expectations and not making assumptions.

I do not feel the sheriff’s office is meeting the needs of employees or citizens. There is a lack of communication with everyone. With the inception of the ALS program a lot of focus has been put into this and as a result the law enforcement side of the sheriff’s office, their primary function, has suffered and is not meeting the needs of the communities.

The county budget will be a concern to make sure that the necessary programs, equipment, etc are able to be funded. Staffing is an ongoing issue with constant turnover. The new

assist our smaller volunteer fire and EMS departments with staffing while those volunteers are typically out of town working. Some of our paramedics are reserve deputies that provide additional law enforcement support to our full-time deputies. Having the ALS assistance program under the sheriff’s office gives us those additional support roles to our deputies who sometimes work shorthanded. Our primary duties at the sheriff’s office are law enforcement, but we must help out our first responder partners in the county with medical assistance.

3. What sorts of ways do you think the sheriff’s office can improve communication with residents, county departments, other agencies and media?

I plan on working to develop a phone app that is specific to Jasper County where information can be released and requested by the Jasper County community. Open communication and transparency are a key component with citizens, other county departments and agencies in the county. I would like to see the Jasper County Attorney’s

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

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Practice safer sex.

Use condoms and choose sexual activities with a lower likelihood of passing on an infection.

Get in care. Stay in care.

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sheriff needs to think outside the box to hire, develop and retain qualified, quality employees.

The sheriff’s office needs a leader that will prioritize his employees, the citizens and the communities in Jasper County over himself and his position. They need a leader that will move Jasper County forward and not settle for “ I think we are doing a good job” there is always room for improvement. They need a leader who will listen to others and not think that their way is the only way. Jasper County needs a leader who will be proactive to prevention as well as enforcement.

Office begin holding rural chief’s meetings monthly or quarterly, similar to what was done pre covid.

Supplying our local media with information to inform the local communities is and always has been a priority for me. Our local media has the local public interest in mind and delivers necessary information quickly, which is a huge asset to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

4. Do you feel like the sheriff’s office is meeting the needs of its employees and the county residents?

The employees of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office are my top priority. We would not have a successful office without the diligent work of the employees and their physical and mental health should never be overlooked. Supplying the employees with the necessary equipment to do their jobs is key to giving the county residents the quality service they expect.

5. What are some of the biggest challenges the sheriff’s office is facing currently or is going to face and how would to approach those issues? Right now, the stabili-

ty of the sheriff’s 7.8-million-dollar budget is going to be a challenge in the 25-26 budget with levy cap legislation. Maintaining staffing levels without losing quality levels of services is going to be a struggle, but working with the board of supervisors and other departments is a must as we navigate through those challenges.

6. What sort of leader does the sheriff’s office need?

The sheriff’s office needs the continued leadership that has led me through the past 22 years at the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Having mentors in retired Sheriff Mike Balmer and current Sheriff John Halferty has been instrumental in the accomplishments of my career. The sheriff’s office needs a leader with a long history of dedication and experience in law enforcement, not someone who decided midlife that they wanted to give a career in law enforcement a shot. Experience, dedication, and a strong passion for law enforcement will lead the office to success in the future for the Jasper County community it serves.

situation and appreciate your patience and cooperation. Please be assured that updates will be provided as we receive more information.”

According to the National Weather Service, a large low pressure system moving from the eastern Dakotas into west-

Cross

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team, Jasper County Emergency Services Honor Guard Member and Treasurer, oversee the Sheriff’s Office field training program, and was a handler of retired K9 Deputy Nuke. Our County’s Sheriff is the only elected law enforcement position; I do not take that for granted. I am running for the Republican Party nominee because I am a leader who will work side by side with all employees of the Sheriff’s Office, other first responders, and all Jasper County Departments and elected officials. I understand the importance of teamwork and having a vision for the Office through open communication. I will continue to train and meet the standards required to be a patrol deputy while maintaining the administrative and civil side aspects of the Office. I took an oath to serve and protect Jasper Coun-

ern Minnesota spawned thunderstorms in Nebraska late May 23. That storm swept across Iowa in the early morning of May 24. Initially, a few thunderstorms produced large hail. Then as the main squall line moved through, the threat transitioned to damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes.

In Prairie City, 1.5-inch hail was recorded at approximately 5:22 a.m. Not long after at 5:44

ty, and I will never ask anyone to do something I would not do myself. The Constitution protects all citizens of Jasper County. I will defend our God-given freedoms while being proactive against those who commit crimes against our citizens and communities. This profession carries a lot of weight to make tough decisions to protect citizens, employees, and Jasper County. I lean on my faith and conservative values to guide my leadership decisions and personal life.

2. What do you feel the role of the county sheriff’s Office should be, especially when considering the addition of the ALS program?

The Sheriff’s Office’s primary role will always be serving Jasper County with law enforcement needs through patrol, dispatch, and the jail. These departments will always be my first focus for budgeting, hiring, and retention.

Most first responders will tell you that the rapid decline of volunteers and individuals wanting to

Explorer PCM

a.m. 75 mph wind gusts blew through causing substantial damage to structures such as barns and sheds.

“In light of the new damages from the recent storm, we urge all citizens to report any damages they encounter,” Robinson said. “This will assist us in addressing the situation more effectively.”

To report damages, visit the county EMA website at www. jasperema-hls.org

work in these professions has caused us to adjust to the emergency medical needs of rural Jasper County. The preference will always be that local EMS services will be able to respond to their calls and continue to serve their communities with pride. Short staffing or call volume can sometimes prevent rural EMS departments from responding to medical emergencies. The Sheriff’s Office, Board of Supervisors, and county EMS representatives worked together on the ALS program. I was honored to work with our leaders to implement this program. The ALS program supports Jasper County EMS departments with paramedics or Reserve Deputy Paramedics who respond in marked units with medical supplies and equipment that an ambulance would carry. I have witnessed the benefits and quality of care the ALS program provides our citizens while on calls and working with them. I will always support the ALS program in Jasper County. Suppose the program continues to grow and becomes a full-time department; in that case, Emergency Management would be a better department to oversee the program.

3. What sorts of ways do you think the Sheriff’s Office can improve com-

Colfax, Mingo and Newton also saw wind gusts topping out at 84 mph at approximately 5:30 a.m., causing similar damage. Central Jasper County already had its fill of weather with flash flooding on May 21 that caused homes and properties, especially in Kellogg, to take on water.

AccuWeather reported in March that spring could provide more severe weather, in part because of El Niño. While El Niño

munication with residents, county departments, other agencies, and media?

Communication and transparency are crucial to having strong relationships with citizens, county departments, and the media.

The citizens are our County’s stakeholders. Before COVID, I set up opportunities throughout Jasper County for citizens to meet the Sheriff, supervisors, deputies, and other department leaders. These events allowed citizens to express concerns, share support, and build relationships. I will continue to be present in our communities and transparent with them regarding any changes or concerns happening in their community. I will continue to use and develop our social media platform to provide important information on events happening and seek assistance from citizens when needed. Our citizens are the eyes and ears of Jasper County, and they also want a safe community to live in. They know their communities best!

I have always worked and communicated well with the other law enforcement, fire, ambulance, and county departments. We are all in this to serve Jasper County as a team. Meeting with leaders regularly to share ideas and collaborate on future needs, training, and resources is

typically leads to below-average tornado and hail reports in the Plains, it was expected to weaken throughout the early spring. The weakened El Niño could allow for an uptick in activity from April into May. Also, according to AccuWeather, the water in the Gulf of Mexico might heat up quickly during the middle and latter parts of the spring, which is one of the reasons why May was highlighted as a critical month for tornadoes.

crucial to build relationships and better serve our citizens.

Having an open relationship with the media and accessibility is essential to providing citizens with answers and information from all sides.

4. Do you feel like the Sheriff’s Office is meeting the needs of its employees and the county residents?

The Sheriff’s Office has prioritized keeping equipment and facilities updated regularly with the support of the Board of Supervisors and the citizens. Throughout my career, I have built strong relations with employees at the Sheriff’s Office. I have worked with them to bring ideas and concerns forward to solve problems and provide a safe work environment.

5. What are some of the biggest challenges the Sheriff’s Office is facing currently or is going to face and how would to approach those issues?

One of the biggest challenges is staffing. Law enforcement is a difficult and demanding profession, and the number of applicants is at an all-time low nationwide. I will continue to hire only the best applicants who fit the Office’s standards. I owe it to the current employees to hold that standard. Hiring new employees will always be part of the job, but retention of current employees is a must. I make it a prior-

ity to support each employee in their professional and personal goals.

6. What sort of leader does the Sheriff’s office need?

The Sheriff is one of the most important positions in our local government and takes someone who is an active community member. This person must protect our God-given freedoms while being proactive against those who conduct criminal activity in our County. We need a present and available sheriff, a leader who doesn’t place themselves above reproach, and who is willing to ask for help from and work with all departments in the County. A sheriff who encourages and celebrates all the good things at the Office but is unafraid to hold the line on policy and standards to protect both the individual and Jasper County. Both of these matter because we are held to high standards in our morals and integrity, expected to perform in the toughest of situations, and provide the best service to our citizens. We need a leader who listens to the needs of their employees, citizens, and other leaders and works with them to find the best solution. These are all qualities that I have and practice daily. Please vote for Tracy Cross on June 4th for the Republican Party nominee for Jasper County Sheriff.

God bless nurses — and please hurry!

Every religion prioritizes care for the needy. Christianity’s Benedictine Rule, for example, puts care of the sick atop the moral order — “above and before every other duty.” Really? Even above the holy Wall Street mandate that medical and insurance conglomerates must

Another

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Jim Hightower

squeeze every last penny of profits out of America’s corporate-care system? Well, there’s morality — and then there’s business.

Consider how today’s monopolized and financialized hospital networks treat nurses — the high-touch frontline people who do the most to put “care” in “health care.”

Often paid a pittance, thousands of nurses across America are now or-

Just for the kicks

By Thomas L. Knapp

It’s graduation time in America! By which I which mean: it’s “problematic” commencement speech time in America!

For a couple of days, the big story (if commencement speeches can really be said to constitute news) was the Duke University student walkout on comedian Jerry Seinfeld’s talk, less because of anything he had to say than because they regarded him as too “pro-Israel.”

But, as we’ve seen over the last five years, the Kansas City Chiefs almost always find a way to win.

Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker’s speech at Benedictine College took place the day before Seinfeld’s outing, then methodically marched down the news cycle field to score.

While I’ve browsed an account or two of Butker’s speech -- in summary, he seems to think women belong in the kitchen, LGBTQ people belong in the closet, and Joe Biden belongs somewhere other than in the White House -- this is one of those rare opinion pieces where studying the material misses the point.

I don’t care what Harrison Butker thinks about politics. I don’t care what Harrison Butker thinks about religion. I don’t care what Harrison Butker thinks about women or gender and sexual minorities. I’d rather not even know what he thinks about those people and things.

Harrison Butker’s job involves kicking a football through a goalpost to score points in a game. He’s good at that. VERY good. He saved the Chiefs’ bacon in several games last season and kicked the winning field goal in Super Bowl LVIII, after a Super Bowl record kick (57 yards) earlier in the game. He boasts the second best career field goal percentage of any kicker in NFL history.

That’s all I want from the guy. If he runs around babbling nonsense at college graduates in the off-season, that’s his business, so long as he avoids injury and comes back this fall to kick more footballs through more goalposts.

I watch movies featuring actors whose politics and/ or personalities I might find odious (Sean Penn, James Woods, and Kevin Spacey come immediately to mind). Why? Because I love good movies and great acting. In the mid-1990s, I saw REM live in concert at Sandstone Amphitheater (now Azura) outside Kansas City. The band’s singer, Michael Stipe, vocally supported gun control, which I oppose. I bought the ticket and enjoyed the show anyway. Why? Because they were hands-down the greatest American band of the time, that’s why. If I engaged with Harrison Butker on political or social issues, I’d care about Harrison Butker’s deep thoughts on political and social issues. But I engage with Harrison Butker as a Chiefs fan watching a Chiefs player kick footballs (and opponents’ rear ends). And he delivers the goods. Thus endeth the lesson.

ThomasL.Knappisdirectorandseniornewsanalyst at the William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian AdvocacyJournalism

SPEAK OUT

How to contact your elected officials Jasper County Supervisors

Brandon Talsma, chair 4309 W Fourth St. S. Newton, IA 50208 641-526-3142 btalsma@co.jasper.ia.us

Doug Cupples, vice chair 1205 S. 20th Ave. W. Newton, IA 50208 641-521-8725 dcupples@co.jasper.ia.us

Denny Stevenson 110 Railroad Street Kellogg, IA 50135 641-521-8553 dstevenson@co.jasper.ia.us

SHARE YOUR VIEW

ganizing and unionizing against the inequities of this system. The nurses’ core grievance, however, is not their pay, but the gross understaffing imposed on them and their patients by profiteering hospital chains.

In a national survey, more than half of nurses feel “used up” and “emotionally drained.” Why? Primarily because executives keep goosing up profits by eliminating care providers, making it impossible for the remaining, stretched-out staff to meet their own high moral standard of care.

That’s demoralizing for nurses — and deadly for patients.

Yet corporate care lobbyists loudly squawk that hospital chains can’t

afford to pay fair wages and fully staff up. Ironically, one of the loudest squawkers is the hospital mega-chain Ascension, a Catholic Church offshoot proclaiming to be “rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer.”

Some healer. In a devilish partnership with a Wall Street huckster, Ascension has been slashing nursing staffs while paying its CEO $13 million a year, hoarding $18 billion in cash, and allotting a pitiful 2 percent of its budget for charitable care of the poor. To help battle health care greed, go to NationalNursesUnited.org.

Jim Hightower is a radio commentator,writer,andpublicspeaker.

YOUR VIEW

Security and integrity of our election system is fundamental

It should go without saying that the security and integrity of our election system is fundamental to our republic. That’s why it has been so concerning to see the federal government’s lack of attention on the security, funding, and integrity of our elections as we enter one of the most pivotal election years in recent history. Election security funds continue to decline, despite the need we are seeing in the states – and the clear and present threat from overseas and outside adversaries, who are increasingly turning their attention toward cyberattacks on our election systems.

Cross elevates the Constitution as a guiding leadership principle

Recently, I attended a forum held for voters to meet and assess three candidates seeking the Republican nomination for Jasper County sheriff. Following almost two hours of candidate Q&A, the frontrunner was Tracy Cross. Of

Every local election matters more than ever

Over the last few years, Jasper County and the State of Iowa have made great strides electing conservative, constitutionally-based officials. Voters are clearly showing that they want sound conservative leadership that demonstrates complete understanding of the enumerated powers of the federal government in regard to state

While the management and oversight of elections must remain in the hands of state and local election officials, federal funding is needed. During the Trump administration, election security funding levels were around $400 million annually. However, last year, that figure was cut down to just $75 million, dealing a significant blow to election integrity and security efforts across the country. And this year, Congress passed a last-minute spending package that includes a paltry $55 million for election security.

As a conservative, I’m no fan of federal spending, but the integrity

them all, he was the only one to elevate the U.S. Constitution as a guiding leadership principle. As the federal government continues its relentless overreach against states and citizens, it is critical that an elected sheriff stand in the gap with our governor and attorney general who have shown they will fight to protect Iowa sovereignty and the rights of Iowa citizens. Cross is publicly endorsed by a strong conservative Jasper County leader, Brandon Talsma.

After reviewing public records of campaign donor disclosures and who is endorsing particular candidates, I continue to believe Tracy

sovereignty and individual rights. These days, every local election matters more than ever, but perhaps none more so than that of our county sheriff. This is the only law enforcement agency head that is elected by the citizens and must be filled by a person who champions and understands the rights of citizens as intended by our founding fathers. Having attended the candidate’s Q&A forum on the 14th, only one candidate spoke clearly about his priority of protecting the citizens’ constitutional rights, therefore, for liberty, I am voting for Tracy Cross. Through my research, I have found the endorsements of many constitutionally

and security of our elections is paramount, especially in this crucial election year. The Biden administration has not done enough to promote election security as President Trump’s administration did, and that comes at a major risk. We must make sure all polling locations are properly staffed, trained, and have the proper technology and security measures to ensure we keep the integrity of our elections.

As we get closer to November, Congress and the Biden administration must do more to commit to election security for the sake of our current and future elections, just as the Trump administration and Iowa’s leaders including Gov. Reynolds and Secretary of State Paul Pate have.

Thad Nearmyer Monroe

Cross is the most likely to honor his oath to the Constitution and serve his constituents accordingly. Being a good administrator for decades says nothing about fealty to the U.S. Constitution and bold leadership. Coming from a law enforcement family is about the past, not the future. Jasper County cannot afford to remain mired in the past as the rest of the state moves forward toward a conservative, freedom-focused future. In uncertain times, leaders must stand fast with our liberties. I believe Tracy Cross is the best candidate for the job. Theresa Dunnington Grinnell

based leaders and citizens including our county supervisor Brandon Talsma who has never wavered at protecting our Constitution. We cannot afford to equivocate about our rights at a time when the federal government is growing ever more intrusive and lawless. Please join me in voting for the man most likely to uphold his sacred oath to our Constitution and protect the citizens of Jasper County, Tracy Cross. Please vote at this primary election as the outcome will likely result in choosing our next sheriff as the Democrats have not officially put a candidate forward. Brian Meeker Grinnell

PCM SPORTS Mustangs

PCM’s Remington Fry to wrestle for Central College

PCM senior Remington Fry, seated right, will wrestle for Central College at the next level. He was joined at his signing (from left) by PCM head wrestling coach Jeff Nicholson, assistant wrestling coach Jake Wheeler and assistant wrestling coach Rusty Vos. Fry said he chose Central College over interest from Simpson College. “Central had a good home feeling and I like how close it is to home,” Fry said. “But the most important part was the coaches and I love how I’ll get to have another year wrestling with Colby Tool.” Weighing around 150 pounds now, Fry expects to compete at 149 or 157 during his first year in college. He plans to major in kinesiology.

SOFTBALL

Lindsay homers power PCM past Rams, Trojans

MONROE — Tori Lindsay belted her third career home run, Lillian Humpal reached base four times and the PCM softball team used a fast start to down Greene County on May 20 during Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference action.

The Mustangs won their season opener, 10-0, in six innings after scoring four runs in the first and adding five in the final two frames.

PCM scored 10 runs on just five hits because it drew eight walks and was hit by three pitches.

Humpal led the offense with two hits, one double, one run, one RBI and one steal and she was hit by two pitches.

Lindsay cranked out a solo homer, walked once, was hit by a pitch and scored three runs. Lark Drake also walked twice, scored one run and had one RBI and Addison Steenhoek walked once and scored one run.

Libby Winters, Courtney Cole, Camden Webb, Holly Wood and Ryan DeVore all made their varsity debuts.

Webb tripled, had two RBIs and walked once, Winters tallied one hit and two RBIs, Cole walked once and DeVore and Wood each scored one run. Lilly Knapp and Ila Keuning each walked once and Lexi Fagg scored one run.

Rylee Parsons (2-0) earned the win in the circle after allowing no runs on two hits in four innings. She struck out six. Webb pitched two innings in relief and struck out two.

Kaycee Pittman, Sara Morgan and Bella Johnson all had one hit to lead the Rams.

PCM (2-1, 2-0 in the conference) is 17-12 against Greene County (01, 0-1) since 2009. The win Monday was the Mustangs’ seventh straight in the series and they have won nine of the past 10 matchups.

PCM 1, West Marshall 0 Lindsay clubbed another homer and Parsons did the rest in the circle during PCM’s 1-0 win over West Marshall in a HOIAC contest on May 22.

Mustangs get into win column against Rams

PRAIRIE CITY — Carson Hansen

got his first career varsity pitching win and the PCM baseball team used a fast start to down Greene County during Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference play on May 23.

The Mustangs scored three runs in the first inning, went up 5-0 in the fourth and cruised from there during a 7-2 home victory.

Trigg Steenhoek and Easton Webb both had two hits to lead the offense, while Hansen tossed five innings on the mound.

Hansen (1-0) came into the game with three career pitching innings. He allowed two earned runs on four hits with four strikeouts, four walks and three hit batters.

Shay Burns threw the final two innings and surrendered no runs and no hits with two strikeouts and one walk.

Steenhoek doubled, scored two runs and had one RBI, Webb doubled and registered one RBI and Kaleb DeVries tallied one hit, two runs, one RBI, one walk and two steals.

Alex Wendt finished with one hit, one run, two RBIs and one walk and he was hit by one pitch, Gabe Hobbs registered one hit and two RBIs and Jensson Hood collected one hit and one run. Jack Jungling was hit by a pitch and scored one run and Jacob Wendt drew one walk.

Greene County (0-3, 0-2 in the HOIAC) scored its two runs in the sixth.

PCM (1-3, 1-1) added single runs in the fifth and sixth frames.

Lane Fields led the Rams with two hits, while Camden Jacobs tallied one hit, one walk and one hit by pitch. Adam Bills finished with one hit and one run.

Noah Hinote took the pitching loss after allowing six earned runs and striking out four.

West Marshall 8, PCM 4

STATE CENTER — PCM was limited to two hits and the Mustangs struck out 15 times at the plate during their HOIAC opener on May 22.

PCM faced Class 2A No. 2 West Marshall and scored four runs, but the Mustangs couldn’t slow down the Trojans on the road.

DeVries led the Mustangs with a double, one run, one walk and one RBI, while Webb had one hit and two RBIs.

Jacob Wendt walked three times, scored two runs and stole one base and

Steenhoek, Jungling, Hood and Hobbs all walked once. Hobbs also scored one run. Nick Farver started on the mound and took the loss after allowing six runs — five earned — on five hits, six walks and one hit batter in 3 2/3 innings. Jacob Wendt pitched 2 1/3 innings and surrendered two earned runs on four hits and three walks. He struck out four.

Dawson Bear led the West Marshall offense with two hits and two RBIs, while AJ Dee had two doubles and two walks.

The Mustangs struck out 15 times and drew eight walks, while the Trojans had nine strikeouts and 10 walks.

West Marshall (8-1, 2-0) used five pitchers.

Owen Siegert got the win after allowing no runs on one hit with eight strikeouts and one walk in 3 2/3 innings.

The Trojans first five wins of the season were 12-2, 8-0, 12-2, 16-0 and 15-0.

Pella 11, PCM 1

PRAIRIE CITY — The Mustangs had more errors than hits during a non-conference contest against Pella on May 20.

The Mustangs scored their lone run in the first, but the Dutch put up crooked numbers in the first three frames and cruised past PCM 11-1 in five innings.

Farver, Webb and Hood had one hit apiece for the Mustangs. Farver doubled, scored one run and walked once to lead the offense.

DeVries, Jungling, Alex Wendt, Hobbs and Carson Hansen all walked once.

DeVries took the loss on the mound after allowing eight runs — five earned — on three hits and five walks. He struck out two in two innings.

Hood tossed three innings and surrendered three runs — two earned — on two hits and three walks. He struck out three.

PCM finished with three hits and six errors. Pella had six hits and one error. Isaiah Kettler led the Dutch (4-1) with two hits, three runs, one RBI, one walk and two steals and Lake Cowman homered and tallied two RBIs and scored two runs.

Landyn Bethards earned the pitching win after allowing zero earned runs on two hits with six walks. He struck out three in three innings.

Submitted Photo

PCM Explorer

DeVries

Lindsay Humpal

Steenhoek

PCM MUSTANGS CALENDAR

May

Softball

Both teams had four hits, but the Mustangs scored the game’s only run on Lindsay’s solo shot in the fourth. Parsons struck out nine and walked three in the circle. She got the win after allowing four hits in seven innings.

Lindsay finished with two hits, the solo homer and a stolen base and Humpal and Drake each had one hit.

Lillian Fischer had two hits and Amelia Ranson walked twice to lead West Marshall, which is now 3-1 overall and 2-1 in the conference.

Aubree Greenwood earned the tough-luck pitching loss after allowing one earned run on four hits in six innings. She struck out nine.

Pella 9, PCM 5

The Mustangs scored first and last, but Pella used a six-run third frame and

June 6

Baseball

PCM at Saydel, 7:30 p.m.

June 7

Softball

PCM at Greene County,

7:30 p.m.

Baseball

PCM at Greene County, 7:30 p.m.

June 10

Softball

PCM at West Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Baseball

PCM at West Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

June 11

Softball

East Marshall at PCM, 7:30 p.m.

Baseball

Lynnville-Sully at PCM, 7:30 p.m.

took advantage of six Mustang errors during its 9-5 road win on May 23.

PCM led 1-0 after the first inning but couldn’t overcome a big Dutch number later in the game.

Drake finished with three hits, one double, one run, three RBIs and two steals to lead PCM, while Steenhoek, Lindsay and Addi Hudnut each had two hits.

Hudnut doubled and scored one run, Lindsay scored one run and Humpal walked once and scored one run. Winters walked twice, Webb had one hit and one walk and Wood scored one run and swiped one base.

The Mustangs were out-hit 11-10 and committed six errors.

Ila Keuning took the loss in the circle after allowing seven runs — three earned — on six hits, two strikeouts and one hit batter in three innings.

Webb tossed four innings and surrendered two unearned runs on two hits and struck out eight.

Kamryn Long led Pella (1-0) with three hits and three runs, while Elah Hiemstra finished with two hits and Riley Parks collected two RBIs.

Emma Eekhoff earned the pitching win after allowing five runs — three earned — on 10 hits in seven innings. She struck out seven and walked four. CONTINUED FROM 7

Baseball

CONTINUED FROM 6

Newton 6, PCM 1

NEWTON — A four-run second inning was all Newton needed to down PCM on May 16.

The Cardinals defeated the Mustangs with only two hits but walked eight times and took advantage of the only error of the game from the Mustangs during a 6-1 non-conference home victory.

John Frietsch recorded his first career varsity pitching win and Mason Mendez had one hit, two walks, two runs and one steal to lead Newton. The game was tied at 1-all after one,

but Newton plated four in the second to go ahead for good. The Cardinals (33) added one run in the fifth.

Webb tallied one hit, one run and one RBI to lead the Mustangs in their season debut, while Hansen walked twice and DeVries tripled and scored one run.

Trenner Van Dyke doubled, Alex Wendt had one hit and Steenhoek walked once.

Farver took the loss on the mound after allowing five runs — four earned — on one hit in three innings. He struck out four and walked seven.

Van Dyke tossed the final three innings and surrendered one run on one hit and struck out six while walking one.

Tori Lindsay

PCM sophomore Tori Lindsay has belted two home runs in the Mustangs’ first three softball games of the summer and leads PCM with five hits, five runs, 11 total bases and a batting average of .556. She also has a team-best on-base percentage of .636.

Hudnut