Mustang Muscle:
8 Mustangs make history after four-inning win over No. 9 Cardinals
By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer
MONROE — Having never qualified for the state tournament before, the PCM softball team didn’t need any extra motivation in its Class 3A Region 2 championship game on July 16. But a few comments
and opinions from Clarinda’s side certainly served as that and the Mustangs used it to their advantage during a 13-1 triumph over the Cardi-
nals.
PCM scored early and often and ended the game after four innings to clinch its first-ever state softball tournament
berth. “We had a lot of motivation. They didn’t want us to host this game,” Addison Steenhoek said. “You don’t come into our
house and not expect us to give a good fight.”
The Mustangs came into the game ranked eighth in 3A and Clarinda was ninth. The higher ranked team gets to host the regional finals, and the Cardinals simply felt like they should have been ranked higher.
It was PCM though that showed its worth, scoring three runs in the first, two in the second and eight in the fourth.
“Clarinda is an excellent team. They had an argument to be eighth,” PCM head softball coach Shaun Hudnut said. “We heard the things that were said. It was probably more of a joke, but at this point, you use anything as motivation. They definitely had an argument to host, but we were ranked a little higher. I’m glad we got to host and prove that we deserved that ranking.”
PCM opened its first state tournament with a quarterfinal matchup against No. 2 Williamsburg (30-12) on July 22 in Fort Dodge. The Mustangs out-hit
RIP-ROARING COUNTY FAIR RODEO
The stands were packed for the Jasper County Fair Rodeo, which featured cowboys and cowgirls on bucking broncos, barrel racing and trying to finish 8 seconds on fired up bulls
Stars, Stripes and County Fair Nights
4-H and FFA kids, along with their variety of animals, take over the Jasper County Fairgrounds
The PCM Marching Band show friends and family how to stay in step during its final day of camp
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Explorer PCM
Worth Mentioning
Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com
Events at The Gathering Place
Thursday, July 25
• 9am Crafts with Jamee ($4 for craft)
• 12:15pm Matter of Balance
• 5pm Acoustic JAMM session, bring finger food
Friday, July 26
• 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson
Monday, July 29
• 8am Coffee & Prayer with Pastor Ann
• 10am Video Exercise Class
Tuesday, July 30
• 9am Crafts with Jamee ($4 for craft)
Wednesday, July 31
• 1pm “Get Fit, Move More” with Amy S. Thursday, Aug. 1
• 9am Crafts with Jamee ($4 for craft)
• 12:15pm Matter of Balance
Friday, Aug. 2
• Closed for Old Settlers (Open for Congregate Meals)
Vacation Bible School at Grace Alive
“The Great Jungle Journey” is the theme of this years’s vacation bible school hosted by Grace Alive Church from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 28 through Thursday Aug. 1. Kids aged 3 through the fifth grade are welcome. Register at Gracealivepc. 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.
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. Message volunteers through the PCM Clothing Closet Facebook page to schedule a time for donations.
Emergency siren protocols change in Jasper County
System aligns with NWS alerts to enhance timeliness and accuracy
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Jasper County Emergency Management Agency announced last week that emergency siren protocols have changed and will go into effect starting July 21. The changes are designed to align the county’s current local alert system with the Wireless Emergency Alerts sent out by the National Weather Service.
It is believed these changes will enhance the timeliness and accu-
racy of severe weather notifications in Jasper County.
Jamey Robinson, director of Jasper County EMA, said the alignment with WEA alerts issued by the National Weather Services ensures our warning systems are consistent and that residents receive critical alerts simultaneously. Robinson stressed that sirens are for outdoor notification only.
“When they sound, they indicate that you should immediately seek shelter and tune into local
media sources for detailed information and instructions,” he said.
“Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new protocol and stay vigilant during severe weather conditions.”
Sirens are activated during these instances: Tornadoes, hail measuring 2.75 inches or larger, winds recorded at more than 80 mph and responder/spotter request. For more information about the changes and how to remain prepared, visit www.jasperema-hls.org or call 641-792-7555.
Prairie Meadows donates $25,000 to City of Prairie City
Prairie Meadows recently awarded the City of Prairie City a Community Betterment Grant totaling $25,000. The grant will help fund their new fire and EMS building. Prairie Meadows is a nonprofit organization dedicated to lessening the burden of government by promoting economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in the
NSNWR
state of Iowa.
“The City of Prairie City is thankful to receive a Community Betterment Grant from Prairie Meadows for our new fire and EMS building project. This project has been in the planning stages for a long time, and it is great to see it come to realization,” Christie Busby, City of Prairie City City Clerk/ Finance Officer said.
The Community Betterment Grant will improve the lives of people in central Iowa by enabling Prairie City to complete the new fire and EMS building project, expected to be completed in May of 2025.
“At Prairie Meadows, we are dedicated to transforming the lives of central Iowans. We are proud to support the City
of Prairie City’s Fire and EMS building project and many other projects in our community,” Julie Stewart, Prairie Meadows vice president of community relations said. Visit prairiemeadows. com/community and www.prairiecityiowa.us to learn more about these organizations and the causes they support.
to host learning events
Prairie Wildflower Photography Walk
Join photographer Mike Cox for a guided walk along the 1/2-mile Overlook Trail loop Trail to learn photography tips while viewing the spectacular prairie wildflower bloom beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge.
The trail has a concrete surface and is wheelchair accessible. All camera types can be used during this program. Those attending should meet at the refuge visitor center. Contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400 to register and for information.
Nature Tots program Saturday
Give us a call at 641-792-3121 ext. 560.
Children ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult are welcome to attend a free, fun and educational program about insects from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Activities will include storytime, a nature
craft and exploring the tallgrass prairie in search of insects (weather permitting). Lessons focus on engaging children’s senses and using hands-on and interactive activities. Registration is requested. To register or to get additional information, call 515-994-3400 or email nancy_corona@fws.gov.
Free Bison Day Family Event
Mark your calendar for this free, fun, family-friendly event, Bison
Day, at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, scheduled on Saturday, August 3 from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. Bring your friends and family and join us to celebrate and learn about bison and the tallgrass prairie. Many bison and prairie themed activities will be available, including a variety of crafts such as making a wildlife charm necklace; face painting; viewing a live hawk and owl display; playing a ring toss game; taking group photos at our bison photo booth area; making and taking prairie seeds in a peat pot; and going on a bison trivia themed self-guided walk on the 1/2-mile Overlook Loop Trail. Drive the Prairie Wildlife Drive five-mile loop to look for bison and elk, including 13 bison calves.
Free loaner binoculars will be available. Pack a lunch and or snack to eat in the indoor/outdoor eating areas. No food will be for sale. For additional information, contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400.
Supervisors to take formal vote splitting shared benefits coordinator position
utes and prove the position is split evenly between two offices.
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
In an effort to expand the work of and properly certify Jasper County’s shared benefits coordinator, who splits his time between veterans affairs and general assistance, the leader of the Iowa Association of County Commission Veteran Service Officers recommended further assistance from the board of supervisors.
Patty Hamann, president of IACCVSO, told the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission during its July 10 meeting that it might be best if supervisors take formal action to adjust the shared benefits coordinator position’s salary so that half comes from veterans affairs and half comes from general assistance.
When human resources director Dennis Simon presented Hamann’s idea to the board during a July 16 work session, there
was some initial skepticism from chairman Brandon Talsma, and he suggested whether it was even necessary to take action since the auditor’s office has since handled the budget adjustment.
“Is Patty wanting something in resolution form?” Talsma asked. Simon said, “Not so much resolution but official action on the agenda with a vote yay, nay. That way we have the minutes or something that when feds are going to ask we can say, ‘Yes, the board took official action and this individual is 50-50, and it is out of their (the veterans affairs department) budget.’”
Still, Talsma said he spoke with Sen. Joni Ernst’s team, who told him it was not necessary. Simon suggested taking action would pacify any federal officials and protect Jasper County from government scrutiny. From then on the county could point to the min-
By proving that Josh Price, the shared benefits coordinator, is an employee of veterans affairs who is compensated from that department’s budget, it would allow him access to trainings to expand upon what he would be allowed to do. He would also report directly to the veterans affairs commission.
Which is similar to how veterans affairs administrator Alyssa Wilson operates in the office, which is located in the county administration building. Price also would not report to Wilson as a supervisor. Simon said most of Price’s work currently and moving forward is dedicated to the veterans affairs office.
Talsma asked Simon to contact Hermann and ask if a one-time-a-year allocation from the board of supervisors to the veterans affairs commission for 50 percent of Price’s pay and benefits would suffice. Simon explained that the commission still wanted official action on the agenda.
Simon said, “He was hired in as the shared benefits and Connie (McQuiston of general assistance) was his supervisor, and we need something with board approval—”
Talsma interjected, “That says he also answers to the VA commission. OK. Which that’s—“
“Fifty percent VA.”
“I don’t think that’s an issue.”
Originally, Talsma suggested a memorandum of understanding could be drafted that states the position also answers to the veterans affairs commission and spends a minimum of 50 percent or more of his time working with veterans affairs. Simon was not sure Jasper County needed to go that far.
“We’re going to have the minutes and it’s going to be documented that 50 percent of his salary and benefits will come out of the VA budget,” Simon said. “Because she talked about being able to send those minutes to the feds. So I don’t think we need to make it too complicated. Just an item on there.”
Talsma was on board with the idea but to him
it still seemed overly complicated, claiming there are many counties in Iowa with a split position.
For the past few veterans affairs commission meetings, discussions have gotten heated between Wilson, the commissioners and local veterans. One of the recent issues that caused tension was the lack of flexibility with Price’s position and the technicalities that have prevented him from truly taking on extra work.
Veterans have come to Wilson’s defense and said she is overworked, needs more assistance from county supervisors and is limited by what Price can do because his supervisor was the head of general assistance. Hamann’s request helps the latter, but her visit with the commission helped ease other tensions.
While discussion was lengthy and at times a little chaotic, Hamann offered valuable insight into requirements and accreditations needed for Price and even Wilson to do their jobs properly.
Employees of veterans affairs have to maintain
a minimum of 20 hours a week, for instance.
“Only county veteran service officers and veterans affairs workers are allowed to get accredited under our national organization,” Hamann said. “…I did a dual role. I, myself, used to be VA and then I did general assistance. I reported to the commissioners on the VA side and I reported to the board of supervisors on GA.”
Commissioner Ed Spangenburg said Iowa Code requires Price to be certified within 12 months of employment. Since Price was hired in February, he asked Hamann if he would have enough time to get his accreditation. Hamann confirmed he still has time so long as he passes the accreditation.
But in order to do that, the supervisors would have to make a formal motion acknowledging that he is a 50-50 employee of veterans affairs and general assistance, and that the budget properly reflects that split. As of July 19, the supervisors agenda has included the action for board approval.
American Pickers to film in Iowa
The American Pickers are excited to return to Iowa. They plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout your area in September 2024.
American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques.
They are always excited to find historically significant or rare items, in addition to unforgettable characters
and their collections. As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, the Pickers are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, they want to meet characters with amazing stories and fun items. They hope to give historically significant objects a new lease on life while learning a thing or two about America’s past along the way. The Pickers have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.
The American Pickers TV Show is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone you know has a unique item, story to tell, and is ready to sell … they would love to hear from you. Note, the Pickers DO NOT pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums, or anything open to the public. If interested, send your name, phone number, location, and description of the collection with photos to americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 646-493-2184 or on Facebook @GotAPick.
Why are Biden-Harris bureaucrats bullying Iowa small businesses?
In May 2023, after hearing from small businesses and families across Iowa, the state legislature enacted a new labor law permitting teenagers to work an additional two hours per day — per their choice — during the school year. In addition to allowing reasonable later working hours, the legislation also allows these young Iowans to serve alcohol in restaurants only if they have express, written permission from their parents or guardians and other safeguards.
In addition to empowering young Iowans to learn new skills and save for their future, it affords teenagers of legal working age flexibility during the school year to earn additional money. This commonsense law also helps Iowa small businesses gain relief from worker shortages.
Our District
U.S. Rep.
Mariannette Miller-Meeks
And then, unfortunately, the long arm of D.C. bureaucrats in the Biden-Harris Administration proverbially raided and punished Main Street businesses across Iowa. Without notice, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) launched investigations and slapped exorbitant fines on Iowa small businesses for simply abiding by state law.
I am gravely concerned about these bullying acts of enforcement by the DOL. My office has heard from numerous small business owners who
The State and homework vs. kids
By Thomas L. Knapp
“There is one and only one reason to ever require students to spend time at home mastering what is introduced in class,” libertarian columnist Paul Jacob writes at Common Sense, in criticism of a California bill which might result in reduced homework loads for public school students. “Only to prepare them for earning a living and living life by helping them obtain knowledge and skills and realize their potential.”
I disagree. Unless things have changed since the early 2000s — when my wife and I pulled our own kids out of government schools and switched to homeschooling — the “homework situation” in America is beyond crazy.
As an elementary school student in the 1970s, I could reasonably expect 30-60 minutes of homework per night. That seemed like a lot, but I was a preteen. The workload increased in junior high and high school, but probably still averaged not much more than an hour per day.
By the early 2000s, it wasn’t unusual for my kids’ teachers to send home three hours’ worth of homework per weeknight, or more, and several hours’ worth for weekends.
No, I’m not exaggerating. We were involved parents who helped our kids get through that insane workload.
A workload, I should remind you, that came ON TOP of six to eight hours per day, five days per week, nine months per year, either in school or commuting between school and home.
SPEAK OUT
Almost any adult worker who spent eight hours a day on a factory floor or at an office desk, then was told to work another three hours from home each weeknight and six to eight hours on the weekend, “off the clock,” would seek a salary re-negotiation or quit. The kids don’t get paid, and they’re not allowed to quit.
Also, they’re kids, not adult workers.
Kids need more, not less, sleep than adults. Kids need more, not less, time to play and socialize than adults. And at least some studies show that more than an hour of homework per day correlates with decreased, not enhanced, academic performance.
I’m not normally a “there oughtta be a law” type. In fact, I oppose the government’s “public” education system in its entirety and prefer to see kids homeschooled or privately schooled.
But IF there’s going to be a “public” education system, I favor legally capping that system’s “homework” loads at (for the student of average intelligence) an hour per day in elementary/middle/junior high school, and two hours per day in high school, perhaps with exceptions for “honors” courses, etc.
There’s a term for more homework than that: “Child abuse.” Yes, education is important. So is kids’ quality of life outside school hours. Leave them some time for their kid stuff. Thomas L. Knapp is director and senior news analyst at the William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism.
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
have been subjected to these investigations and fines.
One small business targeted by the DOL is Sugapeach Chicken and Fish Fry in North Liberty. The restaurant — which gave opportunities to teenagers desiring additional hours of employment — faces a fine of $65,000, threatening its very existence. Some Iowa businesses are threatened by DOL fines up to $180,000.
For 14- and 15-year-olds, federal law states school-year work hours end before 7 and 9 p.m. during the school year and summer, respectively. Iowa’s 2023 law allows for 9 and 11 p.m. respectively, which is a mere two extra hours.
More than 25 states provide greater flexibility than the federal government with night or maximum work hours. This includes states currently led by Republicans and Democrats. Furthermore, Iowa’s work hours have been above the federal maximum for more than half a century.
Why is the Biden-Harris Administration singling out Iowa? Why now?
As Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds
said, we can all agree that the safety, health, well-being and education of our youth is our highest priority.
The DOL’s draconian penalties are a fatal blow to Main Street job creators across Iowa for simply abiding by state law. The Labor Department continues to cling to outdated regulations and listen to those fear-mongering that this new law is akin to putting children in a 19th-century sweatshop.
In the Hawkeye State, we are proud to instill the value of dignified work in our younger generations. Regrettably, out-of-touch, paper-pushing bureaucrats 900 miles away in D.C. view this as a negative.
While the entire Iowa Delegation is united in this effort, concerned Iowans should call and email the Department of Labor and the White House to bring attention to this issue.
As your representative in Congress, I will not waver in demanding answers from the Biden-Harris Administration to deliver relief for Iowa families and small businesses whose livelihoods are being threatened by Uncle Sam.
YOUR VIEW
Trump is the fighter we need
Ingrained in the American spirit is to fight. Fighting for our country, fighting for our values, fighting to leave our home better than we found it.
Last Saturday was another typical weekend during an election year. I went straight from speaking at an event in Burlington and sped over to Mount Pleasant to address another gathering of local Republicans. When I arrived, I was quickly met with someone showing me their phone, live streaming the news about the assassination attempt against President Trump. There were emotional reactions from folks in the room, and murmurs from groups just trying to figure out if he was alive or dead. When I got home, like many Americans, I turned on the news and watched the replay over, and over, and over again of the few
Bring back boring politics
In light of recent horrific events, I have one wish. That wish is for politics to become boring again. In the last decade and a half, our politics have gone from being mostly boring debates about policy issues to becoming more like violent sporting events where everyone has a team and the opponent is to be defeated at all costs. Heck, we even buy more and more political team gear now to wear and display at our homes and on our vehicles like never be-
SHARE YOUR VIEW
minutes that could have changed the trajectory of American history. The most striking moment was not seeing the assassin’s bullet pierce President Trump’s ear, but his instinct - fight.
You have to think that most people who are shot, or who are in the crosshairs of multiple rounds of gunfire would crawl their way off the stage in whatever fashion they could. Not Trump. Defiantly telling his secret service detail to stop, squeezing his way out of the agent’s body shield, and visibly shaking his fist to the whole world the words that have stuck with many - fight.
Since the age of Trump, myself, along with other Republicans, have at times questioned his unorthodox style of leadership. At times enjoying every bit of it as he dresses down members of the legacy media, and on occasion wishing he could show some discretion on social media. However, I have come to see something in President Trump I never have before;
fore. Whatever happened to just slapping a bumper sticker on your car and that was it?
Now, everyone has access to cable news and social media, of which, in my opinion, about 99 percent is pure garbage. Turn on any cable channel, open up X or Facebook, or the other internet sites, and you are bombarded with the nastiest, most ridiculous mess of misinformation, lies and conspiracies imaginable. Most people recognize it as the nonsense it is, but too many believe it, share it and live their lives around it.
How about we just stop the madness and go back to arguing about boring tax policies and how
the fighter we need at this moment in American history.
As we look across the world, we see utter chaos on Joe Biden’s watch. A war that should have never started in Europe, Hamas terrorists brazenly killing innocent Israeli citizens and a Chinese Communist Party that has openly advertised their intent to invade Taiwan. Our adversaries who once stood down to President Trump are now empowered under President Biden.
Weakness emboldens our enemies, but strength keeps them at bay. This November we have a choice between a weak and feeble leader, who not only fails to display strength abroad but can’t even carry himself up the steps of Air Force One. On the other hand, we have a leader who stood to his feet with blood dripping down his face, to tell America’s enemies that we will not fall, and reminded Americans of the strength we still have. Rep. Taylor Collins Iowa House District 95
to go about improving roads and schools and workplace safety and having better access to healthcare?
How about we stop making cable news and social media the focal points of our days and go back to talking about the weather, or anything besides politics?
I’m tired of feeling compelled to pick a side and cheer for one team over another and demonizing the other team and its fans. Aren’t we all fed up and exhausted with talking politics all the time with everyone we know?
Yes, boring sure would be nice for a change, wouldn’t it?
John Moore 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. Submit letters to news@pcmexplorer.com or Newton News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208.
Explorer PCM
Jamee
Jamee
Prairie Days Kick-Off
5 to 8 p.m. — Wristband Sales
50/50 Raffle Ticket Sales
Donkey DROP Ticket for Sale
5K and PC Days Shirt Pick-Up
6 p.m. — Community Kickball Registration at 5:30 p.m.
Food and Drinks Available
5 p.m. — Food Stands Open — Lions Club, Marsha’s Sweet Treat Stand, May’s Snow & Glow, The Eggroll Ladies, Lucky Wife Wine Slushies and Church Pie Stand
5 to 10 p.m. — Inflatables, Rides and Vendors Open
5 to 8 p.m. — Dunk Take & Game Zone
6 to 10 p.m. — Bingo
5 to 7 p.m. — Cass Lester DJ/Karaoke
6 to 7 p.m. — Foam Party 105 E. Fifth St.
7 to 8 p.m. — Water Fights by the Post Office
8 to 11 p.m. — Jordan Beem
Saturday • July • 27
8 a.m. — Run 4 Life 5K • Registration
7 to 7:45 a.m. by the Post Office 7:30 to 10 a.m. — Friends of the Library Breakfast Fundraiser at the Lions Club Stand
8 a.m. — Antique Tractor Show Southwest of Bandstand
9:15 a.m. — BSF Free Kickboxing
9 to 11 a.m. — Pictures with Baby Goats
10 a.m. — Grandma Marilyn’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Contest • Register 9:30 a.m.
10 a.m. — Tractor/Equipment Demonstration
10 a.m. — Vendors open
11 a.m. — Food Stand Open
11 a.m. to Noon — Bags Tournament Registration and Practice on the North Side of the Square; Starts at Noon
11 a.m. — Kid Races, Crab Walk, Potato Sack Races, Egg Toss and Frog Jumping Contest
Noon — Pickleball Tournament 11:30 a.m. Registration Next to PC Foods
Sunday • July • 28
Noon — Flag Raising Ceremony, National Anthem, Business of the Year
12:15 p.m. — PCM Cheerleaders Perform
12:30 p.m. — PCM Dance Team
12:45 p.m. — Wilson Dance Company
1 p.m. — 3x3 Basketball Registration at the Tennis Courts; 1:30 p.m. Start
2 to 3 p.m. — Pie Eating Contest - ages 6-11, 12-17 and 18 & over
2 p.m. — Tractor Games and Demonstration
2 p.m. — Donkey DROP
3 p.m. — Steppin Out Dance Studio
4 p.m. — Quilt of Valor Ceremony
4p.m. — Kids Tractor Pedal Pull
5 p.m. — TikTok/Line Dancing Lessons
6 p.m. — Colfax Dance Academy
6:30 p.m. — Fun Facts of Prairie City
7 p.m. — Parade
8 to 11 p.m. — Blake Jack + South 35
9 a.m. — Donuts and Coffee
10 a.m. — Community Church Service at Garden Square
8am Coffee & Devotions
8am Coffee & Devotions with Pastor Ann at TGP 10am Video exercise class at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 12:15pm A Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease at TGP 5:30pm PC Park Board 7pm PC Fire Dept, PC City Hall Monroe City Council 13 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
Monroe Trash & Recycling Day 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 15 10am Focus Group at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 12:15pm Matter of Balance 5pm PC
Congregate Meals served weekdays at 11:30 a.m.
Next Stop: Fort Dodge
Explorer PCM
Winters
one triple, two homers and seven walks.
the Cardinals 11-5 and the visitors were hindered by four errors.
Steenhoek had a big night at the plate. She was asked to lay down a sacrifice bunt in the first, had a sacrifice fly in the second and belted her fourth homer of the season to start the eight-run fourth.
Steenhoek, singled, doubled and homered and finished with three RBIs and one run. Her four homers are tied for the team lead.
“It’s absolutely invaluable from the two hole to move a runner like she did,” Hudnut said. “We were just fighting to get an early lead there. Then she battled back from 0-2 to a 3-2 count to jack a homer. She’s so versatile. She embodies what we want all of our hitters to be. We want them all to be able to hit the ball hard but also bunt when needed.”
Steenhoek’s homer in the fourth came with one out. Tori Lindsay was then hit by a pitch in front of Libby Winters’ RBI double.
Lillian Humpal also was hit by a pitch before Camden Webb reached on a single.
Humpal and courtesy runner
Peyton Lathrum scored on Hadley Millang’s two-run single and Addi Hudnut followed with a two-run single of her own.
After Hudnut stole third, she scored on an error. Holly Wood then stole second before scoring the game-ending run on Steenhoek’s RBI single.
The 13 runs scored by the Mustangs came one game after PCM was limited to one in a 1-0 win over Clarke in the regional semifinals.
“We got a great scout from (former head coach) Cathy Hayden,” Coach Hudnut said. “She gave us great information about how to at-
tack (Clarinda starting pitcher Mallory Woods) as a hitter. We’ve had a lot of confidence in our hitters all year. We’re young so we’re going to be streaky at times. It’s a matter of keeping your head up and churning and we just moved the line along all night long.”
Rylee Parsons (15-2) earned the win in the circle after allowing one earned run on five hits and three walks. She struck out two in three innings, lowered her earned run average to 1.25 and now has 99 strikeouts in 89 1/3 innings this season.
Webb tossed a perfect fourth to lower her ERA to 1.11.
“It’s unbelievable. It doesn’t feel real at the moment,” Parsons said. “I’ve shown up here since youth nights as a little girl dreaming of this to happen. To make history at PCM is amazing.”
Millang tallied two hits, one double, two RBIs and one run, Winters doubled and tallied two runs, three RBIs and two steals and Drake chipped in one hit, one walk and two runs.
Drake leads the Mustangs (24-4) with 13 walks, while Winters has a team-best 33 hits, 32 RBIs and 13 steals.
“This is amazing. I have been waiting for this since eighth grade,” Drake said. “The fact that it’s my senior year makes it that much more special. And it’s even better after not being able to play last year.”
Wood tallied one hit, one run, one RBI and one steal, Ila Keuning chipped in one hit, Humpal was hit by a pitch and scored one run, Lindsay was hit by two pitches and scored one run and Lathrum, Carly Wilkerson and Ryan DeVore all scored one run.
Lindsay leads PCM with a .474 on-base percentage. She’s also scored a team-high 31 runs and has been hit by a team-most 10 pitches.
Coach Hudnut guided the PCM
baseball team to a state tournament berth in 2010. This time, he’ll take the softball program to Fort Dodge for the first time with his daughter Addi in the starting lineup.
Addi Hudnut finished with one hit, one run, two RBIs and one steal and she was hit by one pitch in the win.
“I was fortunate enough to experience this as a baseball coach,” Coach Hudnut said. “It’s awesome to be able to do this now in softball. It’s really cool to share this with Addi, too. It’s a memory we will always have.”
Drake is the team’s lone senior. She missed basically all of last season due to injuries suffered in a car accident.
Her final season has included 26 hits, 25 runs and an on-base percentage of .454. Her fielding percentage is a team-best .995.
“I couldn’t be happier for Lark. She’s been with us for five years and lost her junior year to a car accident,” Coach Hudnut said. “She never took anything for granted. She ended up being our only senior. She’s been the ultimate leader for us all season and an emotional big sister for the girls.”
Clarinda (33-8) scored its lone run in the third on an RBI single by Presley Jobe. Ryplee Sunderman led the Cardinals with two hits, one double and one run.
Parsons pitched around plenty of traffic in her three innings in the circle. Clarinda, which was seeking its first state berth since 2001, started the game with back-to-back singles, but the runners were stranded at second and third.
In the second, the Cardinals had runners on first and second with one out but did not score. They also stranded two runners in the third.
The Cardinals came into the game averaging nine runs per game and batting .345 as a team.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM eighth-grader Scarlett Mosher, left, and freshman Ila Keuning celebrate the Mustangs’ 13-1 win over Clarinda in the regional finals on July 16. The victory sent the Mustangs to the state tournament for the first time in program history.
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3 questions to ask before starting a new fitness regimen
Exercise is widely recognized as a vital component of a healthy lifestyle. Despite that, a recent analysis of data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey found that more than two-thirds of individuals are not getting enough exercise. Though the survey was conducted amid the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which suggests the overall figures might be somewhat lower than they might have been had the data been collected in a more typical year, just 28 percent of respondents were meeting the physical activity guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Routine exercise is beneficial for people of all ages, and seniors are no exception. Aging adults who want to be more physically active but think they are among the 72 percent of individuals who aren’t meeting CDC exercise guidelines can speak with their physicians and ask
these three questions to ensure the transition to a less sedentary lifestyle goes smoothly.
1. Should I get a heart checkup?
Doctors may already be monitoring aging individuals’ hearts even if they have not exhibited symptoms of heart problems in the past. However, it’s best to discuss heart health in greater detail prior to beginning a new fitness regimen. In an interview with Penn Medicine, Neel Chokshi, MD, MBA, medical director of Penn Sports Cardiology and Fitness Program, noted the risk of heart attack or cardiac complications slightly increases when individuals begin to participate in a moderate or intense activity. So a physician might want to conduct a heart checkup in order to determine if a patient has an underlying heart condition.
2. Which types of activities should I
look to?
A physician also can recommend certain activities depending on a person’s age and medical background. Though exercise is beneficial for everyone, certain activities may not be. For example, AdventHealth notes that high-impact activities like jogging and jump rope may not be suited for individuals with arthritis. In addition, aging individuals with physical limitations that require them to use a wheelchair should not write off their ability to exercise, as physicians can recommend exercises for patients with mobility issues as well.
3. Should I take extra caution while on medication?
Prescription medication use is another variable that must be taken into consideration before beginning a new exercise regimen. The CDC notes that roughly 84 percent of adults between the
ages of 60 and 79 use one or more prescription medications. Each medication produces different effects, and a 2016 study published in the Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal noted that certain medications evoke an acute drop in blood pressure, which can disturb balance and increase fall risk, while others actually facilitate greater improvements in health outcomes. That means the dynamic between medications and exercise is unique to each medication, which underscores the importance of speaking with a physician whenever a fitness regimen is started or tweaked and/or a new medication is prescribed.
These are just three of the questions seniors can ask when discussing exercise with their physicians. Seniors are urged to ask any additional questions they might have during such discussions. — Metro Creative
Tips to prevent pickleball injuries
Pickleball has inspired millions of devotees. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, roughly 36.5 million individuals played pickleball in 2022, and 45 percent of players who participated in a YouGov study conducted between August 2021 and August 2022 indicated they planned to play more pickleball in the coming six months than they had in the previous six months.
Pickleball is thriving, and that’s great news for those who love the game. Unfortunately, pickleball also has proven beneficial to orthopedic practices. A 2023 analysis from UBS estimated pickleball injuries could cost Americans nearly $400 million in 2023. Seniors are especially vulnerable to pickleball injuries, as a 2021 study published in the journal Injury Epidemiology found that 86 percent of emergency room visits related to pickleball injuries affected individuals 60 and older.
Injuries are a part of any sport, and pickleball is no different. Though there’s no foolproof method to guarantee pickleball players don’t get
hurt playing the game they love, the following are some tips that can reduce injury risk. • Gear up. Pickleball is a competitive sport, but there’s a tendency among some players, particularly novices, to take a casual approach to the game.
Veteran players may know better, but anyone new to the game should be sure to wear the appropriate gear when playing. Athletic shoes with ample traction can reduce the
likelihood that players will slip or fall. The right racket also can reduce risk for elbow injuries. The sporting goods experts at Dick’s Sporting Goods note that paddles should feature a light to medium weight, comfortable grip and a large sweet spot. The right paddle will be different for everyone, so novices are urged to speak to veteran players for advice on which paddle might be best for them.
• Embrace physical activity.
Pickleball can be a great workout, and players can reduce their injury risk by embracing physical activity even when they are not playing. Leg exercises can help build lower body strength, but strength exercises that focus on the upper body also can reduce injury risk.
• Loosen up before playing.
Taking the court right after getting out of the car is a recipe for injury. Arrive five to 10 min-
utes before a game and use that time to loosen up. A short walk and some subsequent stretches can help players make sure their bodies are not too tight to play. Some brief warm-up exercises and stretching can reduce muscle tension and make the body less vulnerable to injury.
• Hydrate before, during and after a game. The experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine note that water cushions the joints, which helps athletes maintain their flexibility. Flexibility can reduce injury risk, particularly in a sport like pickleball. The 2021 study published in Injury Epidemiology noted that 60 percent of pickleball injuries are sprains, strains or fractures. Remaining flexible can reduce athletes’ risk for sprains and strains. Johns Hopkins recommends adults consume between six and 12 ounces of water for every 20 minutes of sports play and to drink between 16 and 24 ounces afterward.
Pickleball is wildly popular, even though pickleball injuries are common. Players can embrace various strategies to reduce their injury risk.
— Metro Creative
Tips for daily living with arthritis
Arthritis isn’t a single disease, but a term that refers to more than 100 conditions characterized by joint pain or joint disease, says the Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, and affects women at a proportionally higher rate than men.
Arthritis looks and feels different to the various people who experience it, and symptoms can vary from day to day depending on variables such as the weather and individuals’ level of physical activity. When arthritis flares up, it can make performance of daily activities challenging. Therefore, people experiencing arthritis can take steps to make living with the condition somewhat easier.
Work with an occupational therapist
An occupational therapist can assess work and home situations and make recommendations on potential modifications to these spaces that might be right for your situation. The bathroom and kitchen typically are two spaces where people spend a lot of time and can be areas of focus. Having items at counter height; purchasing smaller sizes of products that are easier to hold; avoiding bending down by using a grabber tool; and having a chair or stool nearby so that you can sit while doing an activity can help.
Use smart devices
The bevy of smart devices now available can work to your advantage. With the push of a button on a phone app or through voice control, you can turn on lights, switch the thermostat or perform any other tasks programmed around the house. This can help when mobility is compromised.
Focus on kitchen tasks
Meal preparation can be a chore when arthritis makes it painful. Rather than eating out all of the time, some tips can help. Utilize frozen fruit or vegetables that already are chopped and prepared to cut down on these tasks. Invest in lightweight cookware and dishes to simplify moving items around. Electric jar openers, kitchen scissors and even vegetable steamers that require less water are additional kitchen tools that can make life with arthritis a little easier.
Move your bedroom
If climbing stairs repeatedly is problematic, move clothing or even your bedroom downstairs to reduce trips up and down. Additional relocation techniques can include putting a mini fridge in your bedroom or relocating the washer and dryer upstairs to make laundry easier.
Get a rollator
A rollator is a wheeled walker that doubles as a seat. It provides support when walking, but also can be a comfortable place to stop and take a seated break.
Get the right pain relief
Pain relief can make it easier to cope. Strategies include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and massages, stretching and exercising, and even prescription therapies that target the immune system in people with autoimmune arthritis. Work with health professionals to get the right combination of what is needed to alleviate pain and stiffness. Arthritis affects millions of individuals around the world. By making some changes, people living with the condition can find life a little bit easier.
— Metro Creative
Home is where the heart is. That sentiment may be especially true for seniors who have spent decades living in their homes. A lot of hard work goes into home ownership, and seniors who have lived in the same space for a while undoubtedly have countless memories within the walls of their homes.
A lifetime of experiences in a home can make it hard to leave, but many seniors experience diminished mobility as they age. Mobility issues can make it hard for seniors to traverse their homes, but aging homeowners can make various renovations to make a home more accessible.
• Revamp entryways and staircases. A 2020 study of 1,000 adults in the United Kingdom found that 28 percent of individuals age 65 and older who don’t exercise regularly struggle with activities like walking up stairs. The study, commissioned by Total Fitness, also found that 14 percent of men and women over 65 who regularly engage in moderate exercise still find it challenging to climb up and down a flight of stairs. Seniors facing similar challenges can install a ramp at their home’s entryway so they can comfortably go in and out. Inside, a chair lift can ensure seniors are not struggling to move from one floor to another.
• Raise the outlets throughout the home. They’re easily overlooked, but outlets, particularly those outside the kitchen, tend to be close to the floor. AARP notes that’s no accident, as outlets are generally placed at a height equal to the length of a hammer to save time with measuring when buildings are being constructed. Outlets close to the floor can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues to reach. Relocating the outlets a little higher off the
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floor is not an expensive renovation, but it can make a home more accessible for seniors who have difficulty bending down or getting down on one knee.
• Install door knob extensions. Verywell Health notes that nearly half of all people age 65 and older have arthritis or another rheumatic condition. Arthritis can make it difficult for seniors to grip and turn door knobs. Door knob extensions can make it easier for seniors with arthritis to open the doors in their homes. Such extensions are roughly five-inch levers that can be installed over an existing door knob, making it easier to grab and pull down. Extensions save seniors the hassle of turning the knob, which some may find painful and almost impossible.
• Renovate the bathroom. Bathroom renovation projects can be costly, but seniors with mobility issues should know that bathrooms can pose a particularly dangerous threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that roughly three million older adults are treated for fall injuries in emergency departments each year. A 2019 analysis published in The Journals of Gerontology noted that 22 percent of in-home falls resulted in a change in the person’s walking ability. Replacing a step-over shower with a zero-step alternative can make it easier for seniors with mobility issues to get in and out of the shower, thus reducing their risk for falls. Grab bars along shower walls and a chair inside the shower can make it easier to bathe and towel off safely.
Seniors with mobility issues can make their homes more accommodating through an assortment of simple, yet effective renovations.
Metro Creative
The role of a home health aide
Caregivers come from all walks of life. Doctors and nurses may be the frontline medical providers people encounter most frequently, but there are plenty of others who do their part to maintain the well-being of individuals, including home health aides.
Home health aides, sometimes called personal care aides, are brought in to assist a person with activities of daily life. An HHA typically helps a person who may need some assistance with tasks they cannot perform due to illness or disability. HHAs may work in a person’s home, in a group home or in another care facility.
AARP says home health aides are considered health care paraprofessionals and must meet established training requirements, which vary by location. HHAs may perform various duties, including:
• assistance with personal care, such as dressing, toileting, feeding, and moving from bed to chair, etc.
• checking vital signs
• monitoring a client
• light housekeeping
• meal planning and cooking
• picking up prescriptions
• companionship
HHAs typically will not provide skilled nursing care and may not be able to offer recommendations on treatment or medications.
Individuals can find the services of HHAs who may work independently or are placed through agencies. Sometimes a doctor or hospital will have connections to HHA services and can make referrals. It can be useful to interview several potential HHAs to find one who will fit with the needs and personality of the person requiring assistance. A good HHA will be compassionate, patient and flexible. As illness or injury also can affect a person’s mood, HHAs must be able to adjust if a client is reluctant to receive help or is depressed or anxious from his or her limitations.
Home health aides serve vital roles in the health care community by providing care and companionship to those who can no longer live independently.
— Metro Creative
Tips to find a home health aide
A desire to live independently seems to be part of human nature. Though that desire may continue to burn as individuals approach retirement age, unforeseen circumstances like medical issues or the death of a partner may result in a need to work with a professional caregiver.
Home health aides (HHAs) can help aging individuals or those with certain physical or cognitive limitations live full lives without requiring them to move into assisted living facilities or seek alternative housing arrangements. HHAs provide a host of services, and individuals living in well-populated areas may have no shortage of options as they seek to hire a professional to help themselves or a loved one with the tasks of daily life. Individuals or families beginning their search for a home health aide can keep these tips in mind.
• Identify the services required. The Family Caregiver Alliance® notes there are several main areas to assess when identifying which services individuals may need help with. Personal care consists of bathing, eating, dressing, toileting, and grooming. Household care involves cooking, cleaning, laundry, and shopping. HHAs who provide medical care may help clients manage medications, provide physical therapy and help clients get to their doctor’s appointments. Companionship is a component of emotional care, which also may entail engaging clients in meaningful activities and conversation. Identifying the services required can help individuals and their families zero in on the professionals who can help them.
• Seek recommendations from trusted doctors and confidantes. An individual who needs daily assistance at home can ask his or her physician for recommendations (family members can ask as well).
Physicians undoubtedly have had previous patients who have benefited from the services of HHAs, so they can likely recommend local professionals. Trusted confidantes, such as neighbors, relatives and friends, who have been in similar situations, or have family members who have required HHAs, also can be an invaluable resource.
• Contact a local agency. The FCA notes that contacting a local Home Care Agency is a formal way to find an HHA for yourself or a loved one. Various agencies are likely in operation within a reasonable distance of a person’s home, though the FCA notes far fewer agencies serve rural areas. Contacting a local Home Care Agency can put individuals and their families in contact with professionals who can help match people with particular needs with HHAs who specialize in such care or have extensive experience providing a range of home care services.
• Look into a direct-hire group. AARP® notes that direct-hire agencies maintain networks of independent caregivers and facilitate connections between those professionals and individuals and families seeking help. When working with a direct-hire group, inquire about their fees and ask if they can share any information regarding how to pay independent contractors who can be found through their agencies. It’s also important to ask if direct-hire groups formally vet professionals that can be found through them or if individuals and families must conduct their own background checks.
Individuals who need some assistance with daily living can employ various strategies to find home health aides who can provide such services.
The healing power of nature
Being in good health and avoiding various diseases often comes down to a combination of factors. Individuals may be aware that nutrition and exercise play important roles in personal well-being, but it appears that nature may provide its own medicinal benefits as well.
A number of studies have examined the potential healing components of being in nature. The World Health Organization released a report in 2023 titled “Green and Blue Spaces and Mental Health,” which indicated that time in nature improves mood, mindsets and mental health. This occurs regardless of whether that nature was “country” regions or urban areas. The following are some of the ways nature can have a healing effect.
• Immunity protection: Trees and plants emit aromatic compounds called phytoncides. When inhaled, these compounds can ignite healthy biological changes similar to the concepts of aromatherapy. When people walk in forests or other green areas, they often experience changes in the blood that are as-
sociated with protection against cancer, improved immunity and lower blood pressure, says Dr. Qing Li, a professor at the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo.
• Get a brain break: When spending time in nature, attention is focused on the scenery,
the animals and the rest of the environment. This may help quiet the rush of thoughts in the head that clutters the ability to think freely.
• Reduce stress: Stress is a catalyst for a number of adverse health conditions. The Mayo
Clinic says stress can cause headache, muscle tension, fatigue, changes in sex drive, and a weaker immune system, among other things. Being outside in nature and away from work and home responsibilities can help reduce stress levels. Dr. Mathew Mc-
Glothlin, senior medical director with WellMed Medical Group, says being in nature provides stress relief.
• Get vitamin D: The body naturally produces vitamin D from sun exposure. The National Institutes of Health says it is optimal to have sun exposure for five to 30 minutes a day, most days a week, to absorb UVB rays and effectively make vitamin D. Vitamin D is a nutrient the body needs to build and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also regulates many other cellular functions in the body, and may be able to prevent cognitive decline.
• Inspires exercise: People may be more inclined to be physically active while outdoors. Hiking, cycling, swimming, and even strolls in the park all make the outdoors more fun. Exercise promotes heart health and helps people maintain a healthy weight.
Nature can have a healing effect, and more time outdoors can promote mental and physical well-being. — Metro Creative
How nutritional needs change with age
Healthy eating is important at any age and can set the course for a life of vitality and wellness. Sufficient nutrition can help prevent chronic illnesses and make sure that growing bodies develop properly. As one ages, various changes take place in the body, making healthy eating even more essential.
According to Healthline, nutritional deficiencies can effect aging individuals, which can decrease quality of life and lead to poor health outcomes. Individuals should pay attention to their vitamin and mineral intake at various ages so they do not miss out on important nutrients. As a person ages, here are some approaches to consider.
• Consume fewer calories: According to Connie Bales, PhD, RD, associate director of the Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center at Durham VA Medical Center, people need fewer calories every decade.
That’s because individuals are moving around less and have less muscle. This causes a decline in metabolic rate.
• Include more nutrient-dense foods: Even though caloric needs go down with age, it’s important to pack as much nutrition into the calories a person does consume. That means finding nutrient-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, nuts, beans, vegetables, fish, and lean cuts of meat.
• Consume more lean protein: Muscle loss and loss of strength can develop as a person ages. Healthline says the average adult loses 3 to 8 percent of their muscle mass each decade after age 30. Eating more protein could help aging bodies maintain muscle.
• Eat fortified cereals and grains: The ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease as one gets older and with the use of certain medicines. Many health professionals recommend patients get
more vitamin B12 by consuming foods enriched with this vitamin. Vitamin supplements may be needed in addition to food.
• Drink more fluids: Health.com says sensation of thirst declines with age. Drinking water and other fluids becomes a priority to stay hydrated. It also helps with digestion.
• Prioritize bone health: Osteoporosis is a concern for older adults, particularly women who have reached menopause. Osteoporosis occurs when
bones become brittle and can break from only the slightest bump or fall, says the Mayo Clinic. Vitamin D and calcium help strengthen bones, and older adults may need more of these nutrients.
Individuals should speak with their health care providers and nutritionists for further insight into their changing nutritional needs. Such professionals can help customize diets to address specific health concerns.
