State Fair picks
Jasper County 4-Hers have their projects on display at the 4-H Building throughout the Iowa State Fair
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Having a 4-H project selected for the Iowa State Fair is an honor. It means hundreds of thousands of people have a chance to see what the 4-H’er made while it on display in the 4-H Building throughout the 11-day fair.
“When this project was selected for the State Fair, I was super excited, and it made the hard work even more rewarding,” Sherman Sunbeam member Karly Spear said.
For her project, Spear restored an old wooden rocking chair. She got the idea when at an antique store and after checking that it was structurally sound, purchased it for the project.
“The first step of this project was to learn more about the chair’s past — what era it was from and what its purpose was. I soon found that this chair was likely a sewing or nursing rocker from the
Victorian era,” Spear said. “Upon completing my research, I began sanding the chair. Next I stained the chair, then reupholstered the seat cushion.”
At the Jasper County Fair, Spear received the Quester Preservation and Restoration Award for her work. At the state fair she received a red ribbon.
Along with her static exhibit, Spear is looking forward to showing off her animals at the state fair, too.
“I am excited to exhibit my livestock at the fair,” Spear said. “I will be showing poultry, goats and cattle.”
Also on display is a sculpture from Jasper County Farmhand member Kolby Clark. The intricate work put into his wire tree made it a shoe-in to move on to the next level.
“I got the idea from a picture my mom sent me after I made a smaller one of a different type I saw on TikTok,” Clark said. “My steps to making it were cut-
ting all the wires then wrapping them together for the trunk and branches and then putting the beads on for the leaves.
I didn’t really follow a pattern, I just branched
them off randomly and I did it myself. I felt pretty good about it when it was done because it looked really nice after
PROJECTS
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Road not open
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
After more than five months of work, those looking to travel on the portion of Highway 14 under construction will have to wait a little longer. While primary work is set to be complete Aug. 19, the roadway will not open to full traffic until the north portion of the project catches up to the first phase.
“They are looking to be done, not everything but the surface asphalt on the south section, by Aug. 19. Then they will start on the north section,” Iowa Department of Transportation Engineer Jacob Imming said. “We’ll get the north section to the same point the south section is in about mid-September.”
After both sections are equal, the IDOT plans to pave the final asphalt using a single lane closure. The road will have a pilot car and flagger set up throughout the work, making it the first time the stretch of highway will be offi-
cially open to traffic.
“Now, it is all going to be traversable, but it won’t be open,” Imming said. “Through traffic trying to get to Newton will still have to go around. We’ll still have the normal type three barriers up. Local traffic, those that live on Highway 14, will be able to use it.”
The section of Highway 14 between Highway F62 West known as Diamond Trail Road, and Highway F62 West that goes from Highway 14 to Reasnor will also be open for through traffic.
The project has Highway 14 resurfaced in two sections, first from the northern Monroe city limits to South 60th Avenue West, then extended to the southern Newton city limits.
“We’re behind on the schedule, mostly because of how wet it has been,” Imming said. “We lost a lot of time in the spring because of rain.”
For updated information on this road construction project and all roadwork underway, visit 511ia.org or call 511. In-
Committee awards $284K among 4 groups in Jasper County
Opioid settlement funds to go towards substance abuse treatment and prevention programs
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Four local entities were awarded a combined total of $284,000 from the Jasper County Opioid Settlement Committee and the board of supervisors, and it will go towards substance treatment services, prevention programs in an area school district and an expansion for an already existing treatment facility.
Becky Pryor, administrator of Jasper County Health Department and a member of the committee, told supervisors at their Aug. 6 meeting that applications had been accepted until June 30. The committee then in-
terviewed the applicants that it felt were qualified to move on and four recommendations were settled upon.
Capstone Behavioral Healthcare received $70,000 for justice-involved substance treatment programs with the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Julie Smith, executive director of Capstone Behavioral Healthcare, said the organization provides transitional services to county jail inmates.
For instance, the staff member assigned to the program can help individuals with Medicaid applications, housing and other services so that
Highway 14 between Monroe and Newton to remain closed through second phase of project
is also available on Facebook and Twitter or on the free IDOT app. Email and text alerts are available at new.511ia.org/#login to sign up. For
A community asset
or dustin.skogerboe@iowadot.us.
Monroe Community Garden provides fresh produce and a gathering place for green thumbs
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
A trip overseas gave Monroe resident Suzanna Johnson an idea. She wanted to bring the idea of a shared garden to the community after seeing the concept work so well across the pond.
“I had seen something in England with their community gardens,” Johnson said. “Then, I started watching different programs on types of community gardens and I thought a sharing garden would be awesome.”
An idea she thought might happen in the future took root right away.
“It happened immediately, peo -
ple started working on it,” Johnson said.
Located south of Monroe City Hall, the community garden is in its second year but is already growing. In its first season, on garden plot was used to grow tomatoes, cucumbers, beans and more. This year, the garden has expanded to a second plot adding more fruits and vegetable options.
The picturesque garden has vines growing to form a tunnel, a scarecrow to keep it safe and a fairy garden for a little extra magical help. It has become a location people seek out, even if they aren’t gardeners.
“I’ve had people call me and say it is their destination when we get out on our walks, it is so pretty,”
Johnson said.
The produce harvested from the garden makes its way to the Monroe square where a stand displays what is available for the taking. A freewill donation box is set up and it is for anyone in the community.
“That has been working out really well,” Johnson said. “I’d like to have another one located by the garden, too.”
Along with providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the community, the garden serves another purpose for Johnson. She hopes it helps teach those interested in gardening along with giving kids an opportunity to be exposed to what a garden
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Highway 14 is set to remain closed while the second portion of the resurfacing project is complete from South 60th Avenue West to the Newton city limits.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Produce from the garden is available at a stand on the Monroe square. A freewill donation box is set up and it is for anyone in the community.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Jasper County Farmhand member Kolby Clark earned a blue ribbon for his wire tree at the Iowa State Fair.
Worth Mentioning
Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com
Events at The Gathering Place
Thursday, Aug. 15
•10am Focus Group Meeting
Monday, Aug. 19
• 8am Coffee & Prayer with Pastor Ann
• 10am Video Exercise Class
• 12:15pm A Journey through Parkinson’s Disease
Tuesday, Aug. 20
• 6pm Bingo
Wednesday, Aug. 21
• 1pm “Get Fit, Move More” with Amy S.
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.
Alzheimers and Dementia Support Group
The Prairie City First Reformed Church hosts an Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group that meets at 3 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at the Prairie City First Reformed Church. This support group is for family members and caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
American Legion Posts
The Monroe American Legion meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at the Legion.
Community Meal Wednesday
A Community Meal will be served beginning at 5 p.m. the third Wednesday of the month at the Monroe United Methodist Church. All are invited to share our free meal and fellowship.
Lion’s pancake breakfasts to begin in September
The Prairie City Lions Club will host a pancake breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Prairie City Community Building. Menu includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and drink. The proceeds from the freewill donation are used for many projects within the community.
Explorer PCM
Sunbonnet Quester’s
The Sunbonnet Quester’s awarded its sixth annual 4-H Preservation & Restoration Awards at the Jasper County Fair July 23.
Quester’s is an international organization whose members promote the preservation and restoration of antique items for future generations.
Judy Swenson, Charlotte Townsend and Verla VanScoy of the Sunbonnet Chapter awarded certificate; medals and cash awards to three 4-H members for their projects in restoration & preservation.
The first place winner was Caleb Leonard, a member of Sherman Sunbeams Club. Caleb restored an antique dresser that was a family piece. The project involved the tedious job of stripping black paint off the dresser. He then refinished it and replaced the mirror, marble top and drawer pulls.
Club News
Caleb received a $25 cash award
Second place winner was Coen Whipple from the Sherman Sunbeam Club. Coen restored an Ertl John Deere pedal tractor and wagon. His report described the detailed steps involved in cleaning, powder coating, painting and detailing the piece. Coen received an award of $10. Third place winner was Carter Dudley a member of P. C. Champs Club. He researched the long gone coal mining town of Seevers which was south of Colfax. He displayed his research of this early 1900s town of 500 including maps, photos and
PCM Athletic Booster membership drive Aug. 21
The PCM Athletic Boosters is gearing up to get members during its annual membership drive. The organization, which helps to fund athletic programs in the school district, is looking to grow and serve for the upcoming year.
The boosters are kicking
off the 2023-2024 year with the Mustang Membership Stampede from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 21. At the stampede, student athletes will enjoy pizza after their practice and then team of athletes will visit the PCM communities to collect membership forms and payments.
information on a 12-pane window with holder. It was a very informative and attractive display. Carter received a $10 award. If anyone is interested in joining Sunbonnet Questers contact Charlotte Townsend at 641840-5654 or Susan Grigsby at 641-781-1337.
Annual Percy Fair Aug. 25
The 94th Percy Fair is set for Aug. 25 at the Percy School House. Fun is planned for the whole day from live music to fun activities.
Starting at 9:30 a.m. coffee and cinnamon rolls will be available followed by a 10 a.m. church service and 11 a.m. lunch. Kids activities will also kick off at 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by the afternoon program. Kid and adult sports finish off the day at 1 p.m. For more information follow the Friends of Percy Fair Facebook page.
Hospice new volunteer training starts Aug. 29
Hospice of Pella has scheduled the next sixweek training class from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings, Aug. 29 – Oct. 3 at the Comfort House meeting room. To sign up, or for more information, call Hospice of Pella at 641-620-5050.
Hospice of Pella volunteers are members of the community who
donate their time in service of those Hospice of Pella serves. Many times the role of the Comfort House and home hospice volunteers is behind the scenes, but the full scope of all that the volunteers do is admirable. Whether it’s reading to a patient, weeding the garden or running much-needed errands to a hospice patient in their home, the volunteers are an important part of the team. All new hospice volunteers are required to com-
plete the hospice volunteer training class. Each class will give partici-
pants a chance to learn more about the hospice program and philosophy as well as explore their own feelings about life and death. The class is taught by experienced hospice staff members and experts in other disciplines.
Submitted Photo
From left to right are Judy Swensen, Carter Dudley, Charlotte Townsend, Coen Whipple,Verla Van Scoy and Caleb Leonard.
Explorer PCM
Projects
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putting it in the pot.”
At judging, Clark felt he had a pretty good chance to move on to the state fair by the comments each judge were giving. All positive feedback was given, making Clark more confident in his chances.
“It felt pretty nice when it was selected but I kind of expected it because most of the time if a judge gets something they don’t see every year it goes to state,” Clark said.
This isn’t his first project to make it to the state fair. Last year he constructed a chain mail head piece that went on to Des Moines, as well.
This year for his efforts he earned a blue ribbon. But what he’s looking forward to is a favorite of many fairgoers.
“The thing I’m most excited for about state fair is the food and that bucket of cookies that we get every year,” Clark said.
Clear Creek Wrangler member Sydney Beavers was so excited about her project being selected for the fair. It was at the top of her list when she walked through the gate.
“First thing I did was go check to see what ribbon I got on my project,” Beavers said.
She was rewarded for her efforts with a blue ribbon on her horseshoe coasters project. A unique idea, she started out by wanting to make something with western decor for her living room. The
work was in the details for Beavers as she started the process of making her project.
“I had to make a template of the horseshoe to make sure they were all identical. I also tested different types of glue to see what would stick best to the hair on hide and the metal horseshoe. Using the template, I cut out all of the hair on hide leather making sure the hair was going the same direction on all of the coasters,” Beavers said. “I then used a contrasting leather lace to weave in the nail holes of the horseshoe. Once the glue on the laces was set I glued the horseshoe to the leather. With the extra lacing I wrapped it around the stack of coasters and secured it with a Concho to make a nice presentation for display.”
She did get a little help when assembling the project to make sure nothing shifted as she set the glue. Once complete, she was pleased with how well they turned out.
“I was glad the coasters looked as nice as I had expected them to and was happy with how they turned out,” Beavers said.
She wasn’t nervous going into judging at the county fair; this wasn’t her first year making projects. She also said the judges were very nice and interested in her work.
“I was happy that the judge liked my project as much as I did,” Beavers said.
Now that it is State Fair time, she is looking forward to a week with those important to her.
“I am excited to spend the week at the State Fair with my friends and family,” Beavers said.
they can transition back into the community as seamlessly as possible. The service was previously funded by Central Iowa Community Services.
“But the issue with the region funding it is because they fund only mental health and it doesn’t allow us to broaden in if someone has just a substance abuse diagnosis,” Smith said. “So this will assist us with helping more people that are incarcerated and transition back into the community.”
Funds from the opioid settlement committee will also go towards a substance abuse counselor to provide evaluations at the jail. Smith noted Capstone does not have a funding source for this and had been providing this service pro bono with no reimbursement to the county jail.
Supervisor Denny Stevenson commended the program, saying that Capstone is catching people while they are sober to make positive changes to their life.
“You have the best chance of getting something done,” said Stevenson, who had worked for the sheriff’s office many years ago. “I talked with people over the years and a lot of times that is what got them started. Somebody got to them while they were sober. I think it’s critical.”
Clearview Recovery, Inc. received $82,000 to go towards
Jasper County residents with no insurance coverage for substance treatment for women in Prairie City. Pryor said Clearview has received funds from the committee before but she described the organization as a “success story.”
Scott Pritchard, executive director of Clearview Recovery, Inc., said the programs are going really well. It has been nice, he added, to be able to bring clients in even if they do not have insurance or the proper insurance. They are still able to receive their treatment regardless of that potential barrier.
Colfax-Mingo Community School District received $32,000 to pay for a part-time position to help with the sub -
stance prevention program called “Building a Better Community.” It would also go towards the D.A.R.E. program, the TeamMates mentoring program and materials for drug awareness.
Superintendent Tim Salmon said one of the things the district feels is critical is catching kids before a problem starts. Salmon looks at the funding as prevention measures. The position specifically was introduced last year and the district was unable to fund it this year, but the award from the committee changes things.
“We will continue some of our programs this year,” Salmon said. “We’re going to expand our community resources that
we have available to connect our families to that. So there are some things we put in last year that we want to continue to expand so we can really catch our kids really and put families in contact.”
Sheepgate, a division of Adult & Teen Challenge of the Midlands, received $100,000 to go towards the proposed expansion of its facility in Colfax. Pryor said Sheepgate wants to construct a new building for substance treatment services. Sustainability was a main factor the committee was concerned with.
Prior to being awarded funds from the committee, Sheepgate raised about $70,000 for the expansion project. Nikki Hook,
is and can do.
“We also want it to be a teaching garden. I’d like to be able to teach people how to use different vegetables, how to can and how to preserve, as well as grow them,” Johnson said. “Rather than having people come in and do their own area, we have them come in and help out and work together.”
With her gardening partner Karen Bollhoefer, the space is continuing to grow with new and different ideas constantly popping up. The duo will always welcome any help.
“We designed it the way we did so we can expand and change as we learn, and I’m glad we did,” Johnson said. “Karen came in when I needed her most, and this year I just let her go and she goes. We think alike and end up on the same page every time we have an idea.”
As the season winds down, the last of the harvest will be picked and planning will begin for the next year. An idea from a trip has turned into a community asset and one the founders hope to continue long into the future.
For more information and updates on the Monroe Community Garden, follow it on Facebook.
who works regional operations for Sheepgate, said the residential program is currently for men only, but the organization knows there is a need for more services for men and women.
“We are out of space at our currently location,” Hook said to supervisors. “And so we would like to build a multi-purpose building that we’ll use for non-residential meetings and also to explore and 90-day model for people who have never set foot into a 12-month program.”
Jasper County Attorney Scott Nicholson said out of the four organizations recommended for funding, three were entirely applicants: Capstone, Colfax-Mingo schools and Sheepgate. Pryor said the committee would like to wait about one year before giving out another round of funding.
“It’s a lot of work to go through this process, and it would let the funds build up a bit — that way we can fund the projects that are coming forth to us,” Pryor said. “One project that we had come to us was MercyOne about the ER for substance treatment. They’re not going to start their project until 2026.”
While supervisors did have questions about sustainability and reoccurring expenses from a few of the organizations — who assured them they would find room in their budgets to keep programs and positions going — they all agreed to approve the allotment of funds in a 3-0 vote.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Sherman Sunbeam member Karly Spear restored an antique rocker which won the Quester Preservation and Restoration Award at the Jasper County Fair and was selected for the Iowa State Fair.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Clear Creek Wrangler member Sydney Beavers earned a blue ribbon for her horseshoe coasters at the Iowa State Fair. The projects are on display in the 4-H building throughout the fair.
Roadrunner, a real live hobo
Roadrunner is 27 years old, has two dogs, and is a real live hobo. He’s on his way to Britt, Iowa for the National Hobo Convention on August 8th through the 10th. He will be competing for Hobo King.
His real name is Lars Olin, but he prefers to go by Roadrunner. He humorously calls his dogs, “Dumb and Dumber” but their real names are Marmaduke and Luna. Does he find it hard hitchhiking with two dogs? No. He actually feels like he gets more rides because of the dogs. The two dogs are tethered together for ease of control while he’s hitching on the side of the road. Roadrunner prefers lesser traveled roads and small towns.
Roadrunner is from Lufkin in East Texas. He graduated from high school when he was 16 and left home at 17. Except for a short stint when he tried to settle down to a “normal life” he’s been pretty much on the road and riding the rails ever since. He does not consider himself homeless. His bedroll and tent are his home, his dogs his companions. So, do people, or hobos, still ride the rails? Yes. But not in boxcars. The image of escaped convict, George Clooney, in “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” running alongside a slow moving train, hopping into an open boxcar, is just that — an image. For one thing, boxcars nowadays are not open, and they are
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much taller than they used to be. Roadrunner is not a tall person. The opening to a boxcar comes up to his sternum. And hobos don’t run alongside a moving train, trying to hop on. That would be suicide. The trains are stationary when they board. Roadrunner prefers “grainers” or grain cars (gondolas) that typically have a platform or “porch” at the rear or front of the car. His second and third choices for riding the rails are flat cars or shipping containers. Is riding the rails illegal? Absolutely. Roadrunner was arrested once in 2018 in Santa Fe. With the exception of the Northeast, he’s been all over the United States with his dogs, riding the rails and hitching. He likes the freedom. His only bill is $25 a month for a cellphone. Is “hobo” an acronym? It may be. The term originated after the Civil War when so many soldiers were returning home riding the rails: “Homeward Bound.” Or it was a term used to describe farm workers who carried their hoe from one farm to the next (hoe boy), with a sack or pillow case tied to the end of the hoe. Or, there’s the pos -
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.
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sibility “hobo” is named after the crossroads of Houston Boulevard and Boston Street in Chicago where “bos” hang out.
Is it a myth that hobos marked houses known for giving handouts? No. In fact, hobos still practice the marking system today, although Roadrunner wouldn’t divulge what the marks look like. The marking system has kept up with the times. Markings now indicate not only where a meal and overnight accommodations might be available, but also internet, device recharging, and air conditioning.
Is there romance on the road or riding the rails? Absolutely not! Roadrunner does not use alcohol or drugs, and doesn’t associate with people who do. He’s the picture of health and happiness. He takes good care of himself and considers his body a clean, well-oiled machine.
Roadrunner likes Iowa’s bottle-andcan deposit law, and wishes more states had such a deposit, rather than the few that do. It’s an easy way for him to pick up a little money, and it helps keep the roadsides, dumpsters and trash cans free of excess litter.
While passing through a town, he often works, and technology helps out. He jumps on the internet, looks for a local chat group, and posts that he’s passing through, looking for work. It’s easy to find odd jobs.
Roadrunner is trying to clean up the image of the hobo. People might think of hobos as low-life people: thugs, thieves and murderers. Nothing could be further from the truth, as far as
Roadrunner is concerned. The hobos he knows are some of the most honest, friendly people you will ever meet. They will do anything for one another, or anyone else. Roadrunner’s family has a hard time understanding his attraction to the hobo life. His mother has come to accept it, and he calls her every couple of days to see how she’s doing and to let her know where he is at. He became interested in trains as a boy when his mother took him to the Railway Museum in San Angelo, Texas. He was in awe of the building and the trains. A hobo, Gringo Bandino, taught him how to ride the South Orient Railway around Lufkin. Roadrunner was hooked.
One of the requirements to be named Hobo King, is that you have to prove you rode 5,000 miles on the rails. Roadrunner doesn’t know how you can possibly prove that. If you’ve had someone riding with you, that person can vouch for you. Or the judges can ask questions like, “What train line runs through Baton Rouge, Louisiana?”
“What is the main train line in Northern Mississippi?” to test rail knowledge.
(Author’s note: I find it strange that an illegal activity, riding the rails, is used as criteria for a convention award.)
Come Aug. 8–10, Roadrunner will be doing his best to win the prestigious title of Hobo King. Look for his green tent beside the boxcar in the hobo “jungle.”
Will he ever settle down and quit hoboing? If he can find a good Christian lady for a wife, he might.
ContactCurtSwarmatcurtswarm@ yahoo.com
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
The Iowa Department of Education, Bureau of Nutrition and Health Services, has finalized its policy for free and reduced price meals for students unable to pay the full price of meals served under the National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Special Milk Program and the Afterschool Care Snack Program. State and Local school officials have adopted the following family size and income criteria for determining eligibility:
Households may be eligible for free or reduced-price meal benefits one of four ways
1. Households whose income is at or below the levels shown are eligible for reduced price meals or free meals, if they complete an application for free and reduced price school meals/milk. Households may complete one application listing all children and return it to your student’s school. When completing an application, only the last four digits of the social security number of the household’s primary wage earner or another adult household member is needed.
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households, students receiving benefits under the Family Investment Program (FIP) and students in a few specific Medicaid programs are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Most students from SNAP and FIP households will be qualified for free meals automatically. These households will receive a letter from their student’s schools notifying them of their benefits. Households that receive a letter from the school need to do nothing more for their student(s) to receive free or reduced price meals. No further application is necessary. If any students were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free or reduced price meal benefits extended to them. If you feel you would qualify for free meal benefits and received notification qualifying for reduced price benefits, complete an application for free and reduced price meals. Households must contact the school if they choose to decline meal benefits.
3. Some SNAP and FIP households will receive a letter from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) which will qualify the children listed on the letter for free meals. Parents must take this letter to the student’s school to receive free meals.
4. SNAP or FIP households receiving benefits that do not receive a letter from Iowa HHS must complete an application with the abbreviated information as indicated on the application and instructions, for their students to receive free meals. When the application lists an assistance program’s case number for any household member, eligibility for free benefits is extended to all students in a household. Eligibility from the previous year will continue within the same school for up to 30 operating days into the new school year. When the carryover period ends, unless the household is notified that their students are directly certified or the household submits an application that is approved, the students must pay full price for school meals and the school will not send a reminder or a notice of expired eligibility. An application cannot be approved unless complete eligibility information is submitted. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. If a family member becomes unemployed the family should contact the school to complete an applica-
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
tion. Households notified of their student’s eligibility must contact the school if the household chooses to decline the free meal benefits. Foster children are eligible for free meal benefits. Some foster students will be qualified for free meals automatically through the state direct certification process. Their host family will receive notification of these benefits. Families that receive this notification from the school need to do nothing more for their foster students to receive free meals. If a family has foster students living with them and does not receive notification and wishes to apply for such meals, instructions for making application for such students are contained on the application form. A foster student may be included as a member of the foster family if the foster family chooses to also apply for benefits for other students. Including students in foster care as household members may help other students in the household qualify for benefits. If the foster family is not eligible for free or reduced price meal benefits, it does not prevent a foster student from receiving benefits. Special Supplement Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants may be eligible for free or reduced price meals based on a completed application.
When known by the school, households will be notified of any child eligible for free meals if the children are enrolled in the Head Start/Even Start program or are considered homeless, migrant or runaway. If any children are not listed on the notice of eligibility, contact the school for assistance in receiving benefits. If households are dissatisfied with the application approval done by the officials, they may make a formal appeal either orally or in writing to the school’s designated hearing official. The policy statement on file at the school contains an outline of the hearing procedure. School officials may verify the information in the application, and that deliberate misrepresentation of information may subject the applicant to prosecution under applicable state and federal criminal statutes. Households should contact their local school for additional information.
There will be no discrimination against individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) in the school meal programs.
Nondiscrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 7202600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 1. mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 2. fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or 3. email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Declaración de no Discriminación del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos Iowa Nondiscrimination Notice. “It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 400 E. 14th St. Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-4574416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.”
PCM trio adds postseason softball honors
Rylee Parsons shared time in the circle with a few teammates this season. That helped her stay fresh and healthy for the entire season and the end result was an all-state honor from the Iowa Girls Coaches Association.
Parsons was named to the third team in Class 3A and led a trio of Mustangs on the 3A Central District squad that was announced recently.
She was joined on that team by a pair of teammates — senior Lark Drake and eighth-grader Libby Winters.
Drake also was named to the academic all-state team by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association and PCM head softball coach Shaun Hudnut was the district coach of the year after leading the Mus-
tangs to a conference title and the first state berth in program history.
Parsons was the top pitcher on a state qualifying team. She made 23 starts, finished 16-2 and ranked fifth in 3A with an earned run average of 1.21.
The 16 wins ranked tied for ninth in 3A and the two saves were tied for sixth.
She also ranked 11th with an opponents batting average against of .201. In her 98 2/3 innings, Parsons struck out 101 batters and walked 27. Her fielding percent was .870.
Drake batted .356 and led the Mustangs with an on-base percentage of .467.
She led PCM with 13 walks, ranked second on the squad with 27 runs and tied for second with 31 hits and five hit by pitches.
Her 44 total bases ranked third on the squad and she added three homers, four
doubles, seven steals and 12 RBIs. Drake made one error defensively and her .996 fielding percentage ranked 11th in 3A.
Winters led PCM with a .370 batting average and her 34 hits and 34 RBIs also were team highs. She finished with an OBP of .414 and added 22 runs, five doubles, two homers and seven walks.
Winters’ 47 total bases ranked second on the team and her 13 steals tied for the team lead. Her fielding percentage was .949. West Marshall freshmen Aubree Greenwood and Jenna Randall and junior Jillian Karsjens also made the 3A Central District team. Greenwood was later named a first team all-stater and Karsjens made the second team.
Farver, Hobbs lead six Mustangs on all-HOIC baseball squad
The top two baseball teams in the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference spent a good chunk of the season in the state rankings in their respective classes.
Five of the other six schools were pretty even and the results on the field showed that as PCM split with South Hamilton, swept Roland-Story and got swept by Perry.
Roland-Story turned in a sweep over Perry but split with South Hamilton and Nevada and Perry split its season series against the Cubs.
The end result for the Mustangs was a .500 record but a third place conference finish. And six players earned all-conference recognition.
Seniors Nick Farver and Gabe Hobbs were first-team selections, senior Easton Webb and junior Kaleb DeVries grabbed second-team honors and senior Jack Jungling and junior Trigg Steenhoek were the honorable mention choices.
All-conference honors are based on statistics inside conference play only. The Mustangs were 7-7 in HOIAC games.
Farver earned his first-team nod as an infielder. He ranked second on the team and 10th in the league with a .396 batting average.
He had an on-base percentage of .448, tied for first in the HOIAC with 21 hits, ranked sixth with 15 runs and tied for sixth with 25 total bases.
Farver struck out just four times, which tied for the sixth fewest in the conference. He added five RBIs, five walks, two doubles and five steals and had just one error in the field.
His .985 fielding percentage ranked
tied for fourth in the league.
Hobbs was a first-team utility player. He ranked third in the league in both batting and OBP at .444 and .574, respectively. His 13 runs and three hit by pitches tied for ninth and his 12 RBIs
ranked ninth.
He added 16 hits, two doubles, eight walks, 21 total bases and four steals.
Hobbs committed zero errors.
Webb earned second-team honors as an infielder. He batted .357 and ranked seventh in the conference with a .500 OBP. His 14 runs ranked seventh, his four doubles tied for eighth and his two home runs ranked third.
Webb led the Mustangs and ranked second in the league with 17 RBIs, tied for third in the conference with 11 walks and tied for sixth with 25 total bases. He chipped in 15 hits and three hit by pitches and his fielding percentage was .964.
DeVries batted .386 and ranked eighth in the conference with an OBP of .491. His 18 runs ranked third in the HOIAC, while his nine steals were seventh and his four doubles tied for eighth.
DeVries tied for second on the team and ranked tied for ninth with 17 hits and totaled seven RBIs, eight walks and 21 total bases.
His four strikeouts ranked tied for sixth and he had just one error for a .929 fielding percentage.
Jungling batted .349 and had an OBP of .462. His six doubles and 16 RBIs both ranked tied for third in the conference and his three hit by pitches tied for ninth.
He collected 15 hits, five runs, six walks, 21 total bases and two steals and his fielding percentage was .963.
Steenhoek batted .347 and tallied an OBP of .396. His six doubles tied for third in the league, his 23 total bases ranked 10th and his 17 hits tied for ninth.
He also ranked tied for fifth with 15 RBIs and totaled four walks, eight runs and two steals and had a fielding per-
sr., Saydel. Infielders — Nick Farver, sr., PCM; Evan Siegert, so., West Marshall; Owen Myers, jr., Perry; Brett Schmitz, sr., Roland-Story. Outfielders — Owen Siegert, sr., West Marshall; Boyd Jones, sr., Saydel; Jackson Burlage, jr., Nevada. Utility — Gabe Hobbs, sr., PCM; Beckham DeSotel, fr., West Marshall; Noah DeSotel, jr., West Marshall.
Second Team Pitchers — Adam Mein, jr., Saydel; Drake Hinson, so., Nevada. Catchers — AJ Dee, jr., West Marshall; William Zamzow, jr., Roland-Story. Infielders — Easton Webb, sr., PCM; Braden Boston, fr., Saydel; Drake LeVan, sr., Perry; Preston Van De Pol, sr., South Hamilton. Outfielders — Kaleb DeVries, jr., PCM; DJ Ridout, jr., West Marshall; Aiden Frey, fr., Roland-Story. Utility — Andrew Nielsen, sr., Saydel; Anthony Eaton, jr., Nevada; Gavyn Winters, jr., Greene County. Honorable Mention Jack Jungling, sr., PCM; Trigg Steenhoek, jr., PCM; Easton Gray, jr., Nevada; Kole Beving, so., Nevada; Cael Faber, so., Roland-Story; Sam Knoll, jr., Roland-Story; Crew Conner, jr., Greene County; Jaron Jacobs, fr., Greene County; Owen Duns, sr., South Hamilton; Tjerdan Johnson, sr., South Hamilton; Payton Rummans, sr., Saydel; Ryan Van Houten, jr., Saydel; Kain Killmer, sr., Perry; Geren Kenney, jr., Perry; Caden Pfantz, jr., West Marshall; Dawson Bear, jr., West Marshall.
Parsons
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