Explorer PCM
Emergency management pushes for Jasper County to be on federal declaration
Addendum may be added to president’s disaster order to allow further assistance
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Jasper County has sustained an estimated $10 million in damages following the floods and severe storms back in May, and yet it was excluded from President Joe Biden’s disaster declaration for the state. Emergency management officials on June 21 turned to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley to push through the red tape.
Jamey Robinson, director of Jas-
per County Emergency Management Agency, said there are citizens still trying to recover from the damages to their homes and the loss of essential utilities, like heating and cooling systems and hot water. Others have lost everything. He still gets phone calls from citizens needing help.
“I have a gentleman still living in his home that’s cracked in half,” Robinson said. “He has nothing. Everything has been sent to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management
Agency). It was my understanding it was done a week-and-a-half ago; the governor was here and John Benson of Iowa Homeland Security.”
Robinson referred to a June 12 meeting in which elected officials, city leaders and first responders met with the governor, state EMA and FEMA representatives to discuss the issues Jasper County has faced. Robinson, too, emphasized
New activities passes approved for PCM
Family activity pass option back for the district
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Several options for activity passes were approved by the PCM School Board for the upcoming year. Family passes have made their return to include all of those living under the same roof.
“After our last board meeting we sat down and came up with some options just to see what we could come up with for families that have multiple kids and different things,” activities
director Jeremy Swink said.
The first option includes a yearly individual pass. For students school aged kindergarten through 12th grade, it is $45, while adults pay $100. Swink said there was a slight increase in price attached to the individual passes from last year.
The second option is a family pass. It is $250 and includes all members of an immediate family living in the same
Jasper County bridges damaged by May floods added to engineer’s 5-year plan
Floodwaters compromised
the structural integrity, fast-tracking replacement
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Four bridges damaged beyond repair by the May floods in Jasper County have been added to the engineer’s five-year plan
for 2025. Since the plan was already approved at a past meeting, the board of supervisors on June 18 voted 3-0 to amend the plan to include all four structures, which will need to be replaced.
Newton News previously reported about the damages to Bridge M03 in late May. The bridge, which goes over Cherry Creek along South 24th Avenue East, had entirely collapsed in on itself after floodwaters pulled the walls in. Jasper County Engineer Michael Fri-
etsch said it has now been included on the five-year plan. Also included in the five-year plan are Bridge H08, located northwest of Newton on North 35th Avenue West; Bridge L01, located east of Newton on South 12th Avenue East; and Bridge A08, located north of F-17 on North 99th Avenue East. Fortunately, Frietsch said, all four of the bridges are on gravel roads.
“We didn’t have any
bridge on one of our paved routes that was damaged beyond repair, so that was a fortunate thing in this whole deal,” he said. “So we moved (Bridge) L01 up into ’25 (after previously being scheduled in ’27), we’ve added (Bridge) H08, Bridge M03 and Bridge A08 now.” From what Friestch can estimate, Bridge M03 will likely be the most expensive structure to replace. He anticipates it
BRIDGES | 2
Commissioner uses call logs as ammunition against VA administrator
assistance.
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
The administrator of Jasper County Veterans Affairs was driven to tears and had to excuse herself from a meeting last week after a commissioner accosted her for not returning the calls of an undetermined number of veterans, even though she and several local veterans have said she is overworked and needs
Ed Spangenburg, a member of the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission, looked at the unspecific phone data included in the department’s monthly activity report for May 2024 and determined that administrator Alyssa Wilson and shared benefits coordinator Josh Price had not returned the calls of 86 veterans.
Wilson berated for not returning enough calls to veterans, blamed if they die by suicide as result VA | 3
“You guys work for the Jas-
per County veterans,” Spangenburg said. “…I don’t care what it takes, you call your 86 people back. It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to hear an excuse. Not a one. If you can’t call back 86 people in 30 days, we night need to look at something else. I’m upset about that.” From the data shared, it is impossible to know if it is 86
Submitted by Jasper County Bridge M03 over Cherry Creek along South 24th Avenue East caved in as a result of floodwaters in May. The bridge has been added to the county engineer’s five-year plan.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Downed trees took out powerlines across the county during storms that hit Jasper County at the end of May.
Several communities in Jasper County were affected also by the floods at that time after a full night of heavy rainfall and even more sporadic downpours the next day.
DISASTER | 3
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer
Ed Spangenburg, right, of Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission, accosted the department administrator for not answering enough veteran phone calls, telling her to remember the veteran suicide rate the next time she doesn’t answer or give a call back.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer Three options for activities passes will be available for the upcoming school year at PCM. They include an individual pass, a family pass and a punch card.
Events at The Gathering Place
Thursday, June 27
•5pm Acoustic JAMM session, bring finger food Friday, June 28
2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson
Monday, July 1
• 8am Coffee & Prayer with Pastor Ann
• 10am Video Exercise Class
• 12:15pm Stay Independent Series - Power up with Protein Wednesday, July 3
• 1pm “Get Fit, Move More” with Amy S.
Remove flowers at cemetery
Memorial Day flowers at Silent City Cemetery in Monroe need removed by July 1 or risk being mowed.
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.
Bridges
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will be a $520,000 project to complete. The bridge will likely have to expand to 120 feet and be made with steel back walls. Bridge H08 will be the next expensive project and expand to 80 feet.
Bridges L01 and A08 will be minor replacements and only be about 50 feet long.
“We’re talking $520,000 for M03; $300,000 for H08; and about $200,000 for L01 and $200,000 for A08,” Frietsch said.
In total, that is about $1.22 million, but there may be federal reimbursement.
“I’m going to have to clear all four of these with FEMA eventually,” Frietsch said. “Hopefully their engineers are going to be getting back with me because I think we’re going to have to get these designed or make sure the structures designed to what’s called an HL-99 loading. Which is kind of a federal requirement thing.”
Robert Francis Brodersen
May 11, 2024
household, under the same roof, specifically up to two parent/guardian adults and all school-aged children.
Several examples were given for who qualifies for the family pass:
Robert “Bob” Francis Brodersen was born on November 14, 1938, to Lola & Byron Brodersen in Newton, IA. He and his brother, Carroll, were accustomed to farm work, and time spent with grandparents, Elta & Arie DePenning, Mamie Dale & Elmer Brodersen, and his Uncle Wilbur Brodersen. Bob graduated from Monroe High School in 1957. He participated in football, track and multiple plays. He attended college in Pella, IA at Central College majoring in Art. His mentor, Dr. Larry Mills, was influential in his career as a potter. He completed his Master of Arts at the University of Iowa, His students were
drawn to his personality and character. He served as a mentor to many artists throughout his lifetime. In 1968, after moving to Chanhassen MN, his daughter Susan was born. He taught at the University of Minnesota, worked with private students and served as “chief grunt” at Brodersen pottery. In 1974 he relocated to Wisconsin, where he was a resident for 50 years.
Bob’s creativity was evident in every aspect of his life, as was the functionality of his art. He made his pottery to be used. He also did beautiful masonry work, building fireplaces and kilns. He traveled and taught in Mexico. He was passionate about politics and was a supporter of the Democratic Party. In later years he traveled to China to help build schools. His home was his own unique design and was filled with art created by his many friends. He believed in hard work, and he lived his life as independently as possible. He planted a grove of apple trees and
was known for his homemade bread and pesto made from garden grown garlic and basil. Spring was his favorite season and every year he practiced monarch conservation. He provided a loving home for many pups and rescued kittens. His wit & humor was evident in his poetry which he delivered with his big, soft, round voice. He was named poet laureate of Dunn County by “Arts People” in western Wisconsin in the early 80′s. He loved Bob Dylan, Miles Davis and Leonard Cohen. He had a natural ability to connect with others and people were drawn to him. He always welcomed friends and family, happy to share a glass of “Old Crow” and sit out under the stars and point out the constellations. He had many close friendships throughout the years. His laugh was hearty and full, and sure to make one smile. If you were fortunate to visit him in his home, you could be sure that he would walk
you to your car at the end of the evening. Bob died in his home May 11, 2024, surrounded by his partner Jeanne, dear friends Heidi, Patti, Lynn, Fizz, and his daughter Susan. He is survived by his partner Jeanne Friedell; daughter Susan Garro, four grandchildren Ben & Zaiah Garro, Brody & Ana Garro, Bert & Katelinn Garro, and Beth & Dillon Mendoza and ten great grandchildren: Lucas, Jeremiah, Noah, Carter, Cooper, Mavrick, Madilinn, August, Amora & Amias; his brother Carroll & Julie, niece Jill & Kent Brown, nephew Joel & Leanne Brodersen, great nieces & nephews and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 1 –5pm at Kyote’s Den Bar & Grill, E2339 WI-29, Menomonie, WI 54751. Please consider a donation to support one of Bob’s beloved hobbies, Monarch Butterfly Conservation: https:// monarchjointventure.org/ donate.
PCM Food Pantry receives donation
Example 1: Mom, dad, 7th grader and 12th grader — Included in pass
Example 2: Mom, dad, 8th grader and freshman in college — Mom, dad and 8th grader are included on the pass; freshman in college must buy their own or individual tickets to events
Example 3: Mom, dad, stepmother, 3rd grader, 4th grader and 8th grader — Mom, dad, 3rd, 4th and 8th grader are all includ-
ed on the family pass, stepmother is not, she must buy her own or individual tickets to events.
“We did a little bit of math, and the average family of four, if you did two adult and two student passes, the family pass would save $40,” Swink said. “If you have another kid, it would be even more savings.”
Jamee A. PIerson/ PCM Explorer
HyVee donates an overflowing table of food to the PCM Food Pantry in Monroe. The pantry is open from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays and 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays at the Monroe Presbyterian Church.
The third option is a 10-event punch pass. It is $50 and includes one event middle school or high school per punch. Also, multiple punches can be used per event to bring a guest.
“Tickets are $6 on average for high school events, so that will save a dollar per ticket,” Swink said. He also spoke with Varsity Bound, who does the school’s ticketing, and the passes can be integrated into its system for the upcoming year.
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the need for Jasper County to be included in the presidential declarations. According to the May 24 presidential disaster declara-
VA
Continuedfrompage1
veterans. According to the latest administrator’s activity report, veterans affairs answered 62 incoming calls and made 109 outgoing calls in May. But there are also 195 missed calls. Spangenburg subtracted 109 outgoing calls from 195 missed calls to get to 86. Veterans affairs commissioners Fred Chabot and Marta Ford argued it may not be 86 individual veterans and that a single person could have called multiple times. Price later recalled an experience in which a spouse of a veteran called up to 35 times in one day, but staff was preoccupied with walk-in customers.
Some of the calls may not even be for veterans affairs either. On occasion, the veterans affairs department will receive phone calls originally meant for general assistance. Price’s role as the shared benefits coordinator means he splits his time evenly with veterans affairs and general assistance, so he gets both calls.
Still, Spangenburg was unrelenting in his critiques against the administrator, suggesting that even if it was just 10 veterans who didn’t get a call back it would still be unacceptable. He then placed responsibility on Wilson if veterans decide to kill themselves after having no one at veterans affairs answer the phone.
“So 10 out of 22 a day. Remember that. Twenty-two a day,” Spangen-
tion, federal funding was made available to Adair, Montgomery, Polk and Story Counties.
“We have residents in this community that need help desperately,” Robinson said to Grassley during a town hall meeting at the courthouse.
Explorer PCM
“I know it’s not the town destroyed by a tornado or the larger communities impacted, but you know we had 208 impacted from flooding. Substantial flooding. And they need help.”
burg said to Wilson, referencing the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s estimate that 22 veterans may die by suicide each day. “You might be that phone call that they need to talk to. Twenty-two a day.”
Later on, the subject of phone calls was brought up again.
Spangenburg said, “I’m just worried we’re missing a lot of people getting a phone call back.”
Wilson responded, “I’m missing a lot of things right now and I’m aware of your frustrations. I fell them, too.”
Afterwards Wilson excused herself from the meeting briefly. She could be seen crying as she exited the conference room.
None of the commissioners acknowledged her leave.
CALL LOGS SHOW VA GETS 11th MOST TOTAL CALLS IN COUNTY
Newton News obtained the call logs from every county department from April 1 until May 31 in an open records request to Jasper County. The two months of data show Wilson’s office phone has the 11th most total calls (incoming and outgoing) out of 113 phone extensions included in the user activity summary.
Department calls are usually answered by a group of one to eight users.
Of those 10 phone lines before Wilson, four are for the jail, three are for dispatch, two are for the treasurer’s office and one is for the attorney’s office, all of which are departments that have more than one-and-a-half em-
Jennifer Heins, the U.S. senator’s chief of staff, confirmed Grassley’s office had been in touch with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Manage -
ployees. On average, Wilson is also on the phone much longer than all of these lines.
Here is the two-month phone data for the departments with the top 10 total calls:
• Dispatch Channel 1 — 3,407 total calls (3,407 inbound, 0 outbound) averaging 1:28 minutes.
• Dispatch Channel 4 — 1,407 total calls (24 inbound, 1,383 outbound) averaging 1:23 minutes.
• Jail Control — 1,023 total calls (785 inbound, 238 outbound) averaging 1:22 minutes.
• Kelley Meyer of the attorney’s office — 629 total calls (532 inbound, 97 outbound) averaging 1:41 minutes.
• Maria Penton of the treasurer’s office — 608 total calls (486 inbound, 122 outbound) averaging 2:17 minutes.
• East Booking — 569 total calls (80 inbound, 489 outbound) averaging 2:43 minutes.
• West Booking — 521 total calls (52 inbound, 469 outbound) averaging 2:30 minutes.
• Finger Print Desk — 434 total calls (178 inbound, 256 outbound) averaging 1:35 minutes.
• Lisa Richardson of the treasurer’s office — 371 total calls (314 inbound, 57 outbound) averaging 1:57 minutes.
• Dispatch Channel 2 — 335 total calls (335 inbound, 0 outbound) averaging 1:40 minutes. Here is the two-month call log volume for veterans affairs staff:
• Alyssa Wilson — 329 total (133 inbound, 196 outbound) averaging 4:09 minutes.
• Josh Price — 230 to -
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ment and has also been waiting on a response from FEMA. She said Grassley’s office would be glad to contact FEMA directly to force a decision.
“We support it being added on, of course,” Heins said. “… We’d be glad to check in (with FEMA) again and push for a decision.”
tal (95 inbound, 135 outbound) averaging 2:47 minutes.
It is also important to note that the number of missed calls are not included in the report Newton News received in the open records request from Jasper County; nor do the total number of calls align with the calls included in the veteran affairs administrator’s activities report, which are higher.
In April, the administrator’s activities report says there was a total of 437 calls (incoming, outgoing and missed). In May, there were a total of 366 calls. Added together, that is 803 calls. Call records show if all of Price’s calls were directed to veterans affairs work, that would equate to a total of 559 calls.
ARGUMENTS OVER TRAININGS LEADS TO THREATS OF FIRING Commissioners have been pressuring Wilson to compile data in the form of a work log or a work study to track her hours doing specific dayto-day tasks. With this data, they argue they can take it to the board of supervisors and have a better chance of convincing them of adding another position in veterans affairs.
Chabot has doubts about administering a work log for Wilson. At the veterans affairs commission meeting in May, he noted the department had collected Wilson’s overtime hours but he was not sure that data ever got to the county supervisors when they made the decision to make a split-department employee.
coming up in—Albia?”
Robinson said it is his understanding that since the president has already made a declaration for Iowa, all that would need to happen now is FEMA’s confirmation of an addendum including Jasper County to the disaster order. He thanked the senator and his staff for listening and helping his efforts.
“That’s June 25,” Wilson said.
Spangenburg pointed to Price. “You will be there. You will enroll yourself. Is that understood? I’d make a motion that Josh will enroll himself into that class.”
The commission voted in favor of requiring Price to enroll in the class, but after the matter was voted on it was revealed that Wilson had already planned for him to take the course. He was already enrolled. Spangenburg said another class is to be held in September and he was about to make a motion to sign him up
While it is not often I speak out of order at public meetings, I voiced my concerns that because it is not on the agenda the commission could not take action on Spangenburg’s motion. The meeting was already taking a questionable turn for often the commissioners were getting off topic and skipping agenda items.
Later, I sought the guidance from the Iowa Freedom of Information Council who upheld that government boards are venturing onto thin ice by taking up a matter that is not on the agenda. Although veterans affairs commissioner Jerry Nelson would acknowledge my concern, Spangenburg hinted at a future motion.
“In one year, I will make a motion to fire you for not being on trainings,” he said.
DISAGREEMENTS OVER STAFF USE, STATE CODE, ACCREDITATION
then he helps veterans with financial assistance. But Wilson said he is oftentimes pulled away by general assistance. They also argued over duties.
“A lot of demand on the office is either pertaining to claims and permission about claims statuses,” Wilson said. “Without the training accreditation from OGC (Office of General Counsel) … the accreditation is what is crucial to get your PIV card, which is how you access inside of the system and that runs through OGC.”
Spangenburg said, “So could we not make up some packets and paperwork that a new guy comes in, or gal, that we can hand over to them and say, ‘Look, we need to fill out these paperwork,’ because you’re busy. Fill this out, that’s one step down ahead of you. You can’t hand them the paperwork?”
Wilson claimed Price cannot hand the 21-22 form to veterans. Spangenburg was skeptical whether that was true, and he later told Wilson that she is not properly using Price and that she is doing all the work. He said the supervisors will see that, too, which will work against the department getting another full-time worker.
But Wilson suggested there are countless times Price has been busy with general assistance and was unable to help her.
Nelson eventually intervened, telling them to settle down.
“Enough discussion on that,” Nelson said before turning to Wilson. “Keep in mind, your office works for us.”
At the June meeting, shortly it was suggested Wilson think about veteran suicide rates the next time she decides to not answer the phone or call someone back, the conversation pivoted to Price’s spit-department position. Wilson said she wants to have him trained and to be involved in talks regarding that position.
Spangenburg said, “Well that’s perfect. I am glad you brought that up. Because there is training
It’s a free, confidential, 24/7 resource that can help you and your loved one find an experienced treatment professional.
Call 1-800-BETS OFF today to get help for them — and you.
Spangenburg and Wilson went on to disagree over the legislative changes made by House File 259, which affect veterans affairs laws in state code. Wilson argued the guidance received from other veterans affairs agencies contradicts with what Spangenburg says. But he insisted he is right about state code.
Specifically, they argued over how Price needs certain certifications to truly assist Wilson in the office. Price said he primarily goes through and scans paperwork, and
VETERAN ACCUSES COMMISSIONER OF THREATENING PRICE’S JOB
Paul Padilla, a veteran who had previously shown up in support of Wilson in the May veterans affairs commission meeting, spoke out against Spangenburg’s comments against Wilson. He accused Spangenburg of raising his voice and then threatening to fire Price in one year.
Spangenburg said, “Iowa Code states that he has to be terminated if he is not certified within 12 months of employment. So that’s not threatening.” Padilla added, “That’s not threatening? Your tone of voice? You don’t think that was threatening? As a commissioner?”
“Maybe. He might have taken it that way.”
Nelson defended Spangenburg, saying he and every commissioner is very passionate about veterans affairs.
“But all he did today was find fault with Alyssa,” Padilla said.
Spangenburg said, “No, I didn’t find fault. I’m pointing out the problems in the office that we have.”
TGP Picture Frame 9:30am Jasper County Board of Supervisors, Jasper County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm PC Planning and Zoning 6pm Bingo at TGP
15 8am Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann at TGP 10am Video exercise class at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 12:15am ISU’s Stay Independent at TGP 6pm School Board at ME 7pm PC Ambulance, City Hall
16 9am Kids Craft Day at TGP Dream Catcher 9:30am Supervisors, County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6:30pm Mon Legion Auxiliary 3pm Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group at the PC FRC
17 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
18 9am Kids Craft Day at TGPBouncy Ball 10am Focus Group at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 12:15pm Matter of Balance 5pm PC Community Bingo Night
19 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson at TGP 7pm Patty Richards Country Show at TGP
27
20 7:15am Blood Drive at First Reformed Church in PC
8 8am Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann at TGP 9:30am Video exercise class at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 12:15am ISU’s Stay Independent at TGP 7pm PC Fire Dept, PC City Hall Monroe City Council 5:30pm JV, SB vs Newton at PCM 7:30pm V, SB vs Newton at PCM 9 9am Kids Craft Day at TGPOrnament 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 5:30pm JV, SB vs Gibert at PCM 7:30pm V, SB vs Gibert at PCM
10 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 Bingo at TGP 6pm PC City Council, City Hall
11 9am Kids Craft Day at TGP Spin Art 10am Patty Richards Music Show at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP TBD V, SB away
12 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson at TGP
City Community Sweet Corn Feed
served weekdays at 11:30 a.m. at The Gathering Place in Monroe. Sign up the day before or by 9 a.m. the day of the meal is required by calling 641-792-7102.
SOFTBALL
PCM uses extra-base hits to down Hawks
By
SULLY — Lark Drake has been one of the Mustangs’ best hitters in each of the past two seasons she’s been healthy enough to play in.
What she’s not considered though is a home run hitter.
But, with the wind blowing out on June 18, Drake became the seventh Mustang with a blast this season and her three hits led the PCM softball team to a 12-1 non-conference road win over Lynnville-Sully on June 18.
“I’ve always been known as the hitter who gets singles and doubles,” Drake said. “I can sometimes hit for power, but the wind definitely helped. It was the sweet spot on the bat, too.
“Even before the game, I noticed it was windy. I thought maybe I would have a good shot of getting one today. I’ve been waiting for that one forever.”
Drake’s first career varsity homer was the final run of the night for the Class 3A No. 10 Mustangs. She led off the fifth inning with a solo homer on a 1-0 pitch.
Her night also included three hits, a double, two runs and two RBIs. She’s currently ranked second on the team with a .383 batting average.
“Really happy for her. She’s been one of our best hitters the last five years,” PCM head softball coach Shaun Hudnut said. “She’s a line drive, gap hitter, but she did tell us before the season that she wanted to get one out before she graduated. It was good to see that.”
Libby Winters made her second varsity start in the circle and was spotted seven runs in the first inning.
PCM (17-3) sent 11 batters to the plate in its first at-bat. Drake led off the game with a single and Addison Steenhoek followed with a double.
Tori Lindsay’s two-run single made it 2-0. Scarlett Mosher also had a two-run single later in the frame and Drake got an RBI ground out before the inning ended. L-S also was plagued by a couple of errors.
Winters helped herself in the second when she clubbed a line drive home run to right field after Lindsay opened the frame with a single.
“There wasn’t much pressure after we scored seven runs in the first inning,” Winters said about
the run support. “It helped me relax a little bit.”
Winters improved to 2-0. She’s the third Mustang pitcher to secure multiple wins this season. The staff has allowed just 22 earned runs in 20 games.
Winters allowed no earned runs against the Hawks. She surrendered four hits and struck out seven in four innings. Camden Webb tossed the fifth and struck out one.
Both Winters and Webb are eighth-graders who throw with their left hand. Sophomore Rylee Parsons is currently 11-1 with an earned run average of .87.
“We are really happy with our pitchers. We have a plethora of pitchers who can get the job done,” Hudnut said. “All three varsity girls are around 60 miles per hour.”
The PCM bats accounted for two homers and four doubles in the win. The two-run fourth inning featured RBI doubles by Lillian Humpal and Hadley Millang. Humpal has a teambest seven doubles this season.
Lynnville-Sully (8-14) scored its run in the fourth. Alexy Conover and Ava Brummel had back-to-back singles to lead off the frame. A fielder’s choice off the bat of Kate Harthoorn retired courtesy runner Brilynn Tice at third.
Consecutive errors on ground balls in the infield allowed Brummel to score and made it 10-1. Winters stranded the bases loaded though when she ended the inning with backto-back strikeouts.
“We knew going into the season she would be part of the mix at some point,” Hudnut said about Winters. “She had some forearm tendinitis that slowed her down. We shut her down for two weeks and just let her play outfield. Once her forearm started to feel better we ramped her back up.
“The last three JV games she pitched in, she faced 26 batters and struck out 22 or 23. At that point, it was time to go.”
Lindsay finished with two hits, two runs and two RBIs, Humpal had two hits, one double, two runs and one RBI and Winters homered, scored two runs, had two RBIs and walked once.
Lindsay leads the Mustangs with 23 runs and 38 total bases, while Winters has a team-best 24 RBIs.
Millang doubled, scored one run and had two RBIs, Mosher
collected two RBIs on her one hit, Webb tallied one hit and one run, Steenhoek doubled and Ryan DeVore and Addi Hudnut both scored one run. Addi Hudnut also drove in one run.
Coach Hudnut said the focus lately with the offense has been on trying to hit their pitches.
“We feel like we have good hitters on the team. We sometimes don’t hit the pitches we need to hit,” Coach Hudnut said. “We just want to hit good pitches. We are super aggressive hitters and sometimes we chase pitches we shouldn’t. We are trying to recognize that and work counts to get pitches we can drive.”
PCM 2, Perry 0
MONROE — Parsons registered her 10th pitching win, Webb got her eighth save and Winters’ three hits and two RBIs powered PCM to a 2-0 home win over Perry on June 17.
PCM scored its only two runs in the first and completed the season sweep of the Lady Jays. The Mustangs outscored their Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference rivals 9-0 this season.
“It looks low scoring, but we had girls on second and third with less than two outs in multiple innings and just couldn’t get that executed bunt or hit to score runs,” Coach Hudnut said.
Parsons pitched the first five innings and allowed no runs, no hits and three walks. She struck out five and now has 78 strikeouts in 64 1/3 innings.
Webb got her school-record eighth save after allowing no runs and two hits with three strikeouts in two innings.
Parsons was needed for 93 percent of the innings last season, but has only thrown a little more than 50 percent so far this summer.
“I have ended my last two seasons with an injury so hopefully we can end this year on a positive note,” Parsons said. “The fact that I haven’t needed to pitch every inning should help with that.
“We have some great options, and the younger girls have stepped up.”
PCM’s bats were limited to six hits. Winters had half of those, stole two bases and drove in both runs.
Drake doubled, walked once and scored one run, Lindsay had one hit and one run and Humpal registered one hit, one walk and one steal.
Karagyn Whelchel led Perry (6-15, 5-7 in the conference) with one hit and one walk.
PCM 10, Roland-Story 0 ROLAND — Three crooked numbers led the Mustangs to a 10-0 win over Roland-Story on June 19.
PCM remained in the hunt for a share of the HOIAC championship after scoring three runs in the second and third and ended the game early after a four-run fifth.
Parsons spun a three-hitter in the circle and Drake, Winters and Steenhoek all had two hits at the dish.
“So far everyone has bought in. That third time in the order, at all levels, the batting average and on-base percentages go up,” Coach Hudnut said about the pitching depth. “So the more we can limit the times they can see a pitcher, it will benefit us.
“We have different looks, different kinds of pitches and lefty-righty combinations, too. We’ve tried to get them to all buy in that we don’t need just one pitcher.”
Drake added two runs, two RBIs and one steal and she’s now leading the Mustangs with an on-base percentage of .471.
Steenhoek walked twice and had one RBI. She leads the squad with 11 walks.
Winters doubled, walked once and had five RBIs to add to
her team lead. Lindsay, Humpal and Addi Hudnut all had one hit, DeVore scored three runs and Millang walked once and scored one run.
Lindsay doubled, walked once and scored one run, Addi Hudnut doubled, scored two runs and was hit by one pitch and Humpal was hit by a pitch. Webb collected one RBI and Holly Wood scored one run. Parsons’ 11th win of the season included five strikeouts and one walk in five innings. She surrendered only three hits.
Roland-Story (7-17, 3-9) finished with three hits and one error in the loss.
PCM 8, Pella Christian 2 PELLA — Winters added to her team-high RBI total, Humpal slugged her team-leading seventh double and Millang drove in three runs during the Mustangs’ 8-2 non-conference road win over Pella Christian on June 20.
PCM jumped on the Eagles with a four-run first and then finished off its hosts with a three-run seventh. Pella Christian scored its lone two runs in the sixth.
The Eagles (1-20) had a 10-5 disadvantage in hits and PCM won the game despite committing two errors.
Winters, Humpal, Millang and Addi Hudnut all had two hits, Drake walked twice and six different players stole one base. Winters finished with two hits, two runs, two RBIs and one steal and she now leads the Mustangs with 24 RBIs. Humpal and Millang both doubled and scored one run and Humpal added one RBI and one steal and Addi Hudnut chipped in one RBI.
Steenhoek and Wood collected the other hits, Steenhoek drove in one run and Drake and Lindsay scored one run and stole one base.
Lindsay and Webb both walked once, Peyton Lathrum and Jorja Teeter each scored one run and Teeter and DeVore both stole one base. Webb (4-1) earned the win in the circle.
She tossed five innings and allowed no earned runs, three hits and one walk and struck out nine.
Troy Hyde PCM Explorer
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM sophomore Jorja Teeter snags a pop fly at second base during the Mustangs’ 12-1 win over Lynnville-Sully on June 18.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM eighth-grader Libby Winters scored her second pitching win of the season during the Mustangs’ 12-1 victory over Lynnville-Sully on June 18.
BASEBALL
Farver leads PCM to sweep of Roland-Story
STORY CITY — The PCM baseball team scored eight runs in each of its two wins against Roland-Story this summer.
The second meeting between the two teams took place on June 21 and it was more challenging than the 8-1 victory the Mustangs got back in late May.
But a four-run sixth inning gave PCM the cushion it needed during an 8-6 road win. The Mustangs swept the Norse for the first time since 2019.
Nick Farver registered four hits at the plate and got the pitching win, Jack Jungling and Trigg Steenhoek both laced two doubles and the Mustangs clubbed seven doubles in all during the HOIAC win.
PCM scored twice in the top of the first and never trailed after that. It was 2-2 after two, but the Mustangs went back in front with single runs in the third and fourth. Leading 4-3 after five, the four-run sixth was enough to edge the Norse.
Roland-Story scored twice in the sixth and once in the seventh, but it wasn’t enough.
The Norse lost twice to the Mustangs this season but have won seven of the past 10 in the series overall. PCM was 2-0 vs. Roland-Story and 0-2 against Perry, while the Norse went 2-0 against the Bluejays.
Farver added two runs and one steal to his four hits, Jungling tallied two doubles, two runs and three RBIs and Steenhoek chipped in two doubles and two walks. Steenhoek’s six doubles leads the team this summer.
Kaleb DeVries and Gabe Hobbs also doubled. Hobbs added one run and three RBIs and he was hit by two pitches and DeVries tallied two runs and one walk.
Hobbs leads the Mustangs (8-11, 6-5 in the HOIAC) with a .442 batting average and a .579 on-base percentage and DeVries has a team-best 21 runs and 30 total bases.
PCM junior Kaleb DeVries (2) jumps back to first base during a home game earlier this season. DeVries leads the Mustangs with 21 runs and 36 total bases this season. He’s also tied for the team lead with nine stolen bases.
pitch. Webb leads PCM with 16 walks.
Farver (1-4) earned the pitching win after allowing five runs — four earned — on four hits, four walks and one hit batter. He struck out 11 in 5 2/3 innings and was pulled at 112 pitches.
Webb picked up his second career save and the first since his sophomore season after surrendering one unearned run on two hits and one walk. He struck out one in 1 1/3 innings.
Easton Webb walked once, scored one run and was hit by a pitch, Trenner Van Dyke drew one walk and Jacob Wendt and Alex Wendt both were hit by a
Gavin Jeter led Roland-Story (13-10, 6-6) with two hits, while Aiden Fry walked three times and stole two bases. William Zamzow had one hit and two walks.
Perry 4, PCM 3 PRAIRIE CITY — For the second time this season, Perry
downed PCM 4-3 in a baseball game. And the season sweep for the Bluejays was their first against the Mustangs since the team’s starting playing a few years back.
The Mustangs led 3-0 after four in the first meeting and led 2-0 after three in the latest contest on June 17 but lost 4-3 both times.
The Bluejays scored their final run in the top of the seventh and won the game despite committing three errors. PCM also out-hit Perry 7-5.
Webb and Jacob Wendt finished with two hits and one run each, Farver had one hit, one walk and one run and DeVries tallied one hit, one RBI and one steal. He leads PCM with nine steals this summer.
Steenhoek added one hit and one RBI, Hobbs walked once and Jensson Hood was hit by a pitch. Steenhoek leads PCM with 18 RBIs.
Parsons tossed 1 1/3 innings and surrendered no hits and no runs and fanned one and Winters got two outs but not before allowing two earned runs on two hits, three walks and one strikeout.
Cardinal 7, PCM 1
ELDON — Class 2A No. 9 Cardinal snapped PCM’s eight-game win streak on June 21 during a 7-1 non-conference road win.
The Mustangs were limited to one run and five hits and they committed
Van Dyke (3-2) took the pitching loss after surrendering four earned runs on five hits, four walks and two hit batters in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out five.
Carson Hansen got the final two outs and struck out one.
Drake Levan led Perry (8-13, 5-9) with two hits and two runs and he got the pitching win.
Pella Christian 18, PCM 3 PELLA — PCM scored first, but the Mustangs couldn’t slow down Pella Christian on June 18 during an 18-3 non-conference road loss.
The Mustangs trailed 4-2 after one, but the Eagles used a 14-run second frame to end the game after three innings.
Farver had two hits and one run to lead the offense, while Hobbs, Steenhoek and DeVries had the other hits.
Steenhoek added one walk and one RBI, DeVries doubled
three errors.
Lindsay doubled, Winters had one hit and one run, Webb tallied one hit and one RBI and Drake and Millang both tallied one hit in the loss.
Parsons lost for the first time this season but only one of the three runs she allowed was earned. She surrendered five hits and one walk and struck out five in four innings.
Webb tossed two innings and allowed four runs — three earned — on four hits and fanned one.
Cardinal (20-7) led 2-0 after three, 3-0 after four and scored four in the fifth to put the Mustangs away.
PCM scored its lone run in the top of the fifth.
July 11
Softball
PCM
and scored one run and Hobbs stole one base. Jungling walked once and scored one run and Alex Wendt drew one walk. Hobbs is tied with DeVries for the team lead with nine steals.
Shay Burns (1-1) started on the mound and took the pitching loss after allowing nine runs — eight earned — on seven hits and two hit batters in 1 1/3 innings.
Hansen got one out but not before allowing seven earned runs on two hits, four hit batters and one walk. Hood pitched 1 1/3 innings and surrendered two earned runs on three hits and two walks. He struck out one.
Pella Christian, which is 7-1 against PCM since 2012, got three hits, two runs and two RBIs from Tysen DeVries. Eliot Menninga led the Eagles (12-16) with a homer and four RBIs and Brecken Ritzert doubled twice.
PCM senior Lark Drake hit her first career varsity home run in the Mustangs’ win over
Lynnville-Sully last week. She leads the team with an on-base percentage of .471 and ranks second with a .383 batting average and 19 runs, 23 hits, nine walks and four doubles.
Lark Drake
PCM Explorer
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer PCM eighth-grader Hadley Millang puts the ball in play against Lynnville-Sully on
Mustangs won
Farver
Explorer PCM
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New Track Chair at Big Creek State Park opens doors to the outdoors
Big Creek State Park has a new way to explore the outdoors through the addition of an Action Trackchair.
Designed to handle tougher terrain than a typical wheelchair, the Action Trackchair can go off road and onto beaches, grassy areas, stone paths and even fishing jetties, making those areas more accessible for people with mobility impairments. According to Chad Kelchen, a supervisor in the Parks Forests and Preserves Bureau, the Iowa DNR is working to expand opportunities for people to enjoy nature and have fun at state parks.
“We want everyone to feel welcome, and this provides a unique option to go places that previously were not as accessible, especially the beautiful beach here at the park,” said Kelchen.
The Action Trackchair is able to handle slopes of up to thirty
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Pella Regional is proud to be the first hospital in southeast Iowa to offer Mako SmartRobotics™ total and partial knee and total hip replacement surgery. Mako allows surgeons to provide each patient with a personalized surgical experience based on their specific diagnosis and anatomy.
Learn more about Mako by attending a seminar with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nathan Nicholson.
Pella Regional Health Center Conference Center
Tuesday, July 9 • 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Free to attend. Refreshments provided by Stryker. Scan the code to register or call 641.621.2367.
degrees and features a cushioned seat, an adjustable reclining backrest and a headrest. Its battery charge will last 5-7 hours, depending on the terrain. The only park areas off limits for operating the chair are on the docks, boats and into the lake.
The Iowa DNR is one of 18
state agencies across the country to receive a chair through a grant from the Ford Bronco Wild Fund and administered by the America’s State Parks Foundation. The goal is to increase access to parks and outdoor recreation opportunities for those with mobility challenges.
2024 Summer Certified Nursing Assistant Class (CNA) July 11 through July 26
Weekdays July 11 - July 19 - 8:00 am to 3:30 pm July 22 - July 26 - 7:00 am to 1:30 pm
Call Pella Regional Education at 641-621-2361 for cost and additional details. Must pass background check. Class size limited to 10. Must register by July 8, 2024
Presented by Pella Regional Health Center in collaboration with Hearthstone a ministry of Wesley Life.
