Welcome to Mustang Country
By
Name: Liliana McGohan
Position at PCM: Middle School (58) Band Director
Education: Luther College 2024
Work History: This is my first fulltime job!
What attracted you to PCM to teach?
I appreciate the strong sense of community that comes from a smaller district. I actually enjoyed the interview process because of the people I met and the support they were already giving me.
What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids?
My favorite way to interact with students is through individual/small group lessons where I can model, play with students and guide them to reach personal goals outside of band rehearsals.
What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching?
Establishing trust and open commu-
nication is vital for a student’s education. They are more engaged and motivated when they feel understood and respected.
What are you most excited for this school year?
Getting to know my first students and discovering more about myself as a teacher.
Name: Ashley Van Wyngarden
Position at PCM: Middle School Science Teacher
Education: Bachelors in Health Sciences from Mercy College and Certification in teaching at Buena Vista University
Work History: I spent three years at Ankeny High School teaching Biology and Anatomy & Physiology and two years at Southeast Polk High School teaching Chemistry.
What attracted you to PCM to teach?
The small town community is what attracted me to PCM. Being in a smaller district allows me to truly get to know both my students and their families. PCM also has the benefit of smaller class sizes which will allow me to
have better opportunities to work with students and help them learn essential life skills while also having fun learning about science!
What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids?
My favorite part about teaching is the relationships I get to build with my students. I find that when I can build their trust they are more likely to be interested in the content and enjoy being at school. As far as my favorite teaching method, it’s having students learn through experimenting! Those are the things kids remember years down the road!
What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching?
It isn’t always the content that students will remember and that’s okay. If they can learn how to work well with others, problem-solve, and become leaders, they are going to do great things regardless!
What are you most excited for this school year? Meeting my students and creating a comfortable and safe space
Federal funding used for road stabilization around NSNWR
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Jasper County applied for a Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) grant two years ago to stabilize roads next to the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, and this past week the board of supervisors formally approved the funding agreement awarding more than $1.87 million to go towards the project.
The county was also awarded $400,000 in additional funding from the Federal Lands Transportation Program; altogether, more than $2.27 million would be devoted to the first phase of this multi-phase project. Jasper County Engineer Michael Frietsch said the project is to improve accessibility to Neal Smith.
Specifically, the first phase of the project would pave West 129th Street South from Iowa Highway 163 to South 96th Avenue West, and then South 96th Avenue West from West 129th Street South and all the way through. Frietsch said the roads would be stabilized with cement and two layers of otta seal.
“So that’s the first phase is that ‘L’ and making that loop from (Highway) 163 over to
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM
Pacific (Street),” Frietsch said of the road that leads directly to the refuge from South 96th Avenue West. “…We’ll also be going in there because we have several box culverts that have end sections that are broken in there, erosion issues.”
Embankment slopes are too steep in some areas as well. The county engineer said crews will flatten those out along that corridor. The second phase of the project — from South 102nd Avenue West to the maintenance road, and West 129th Street South to South 102nd
Avenue West — will come later.
“Then we got a bridge over Walnut Creek on South 88th Avenue West that we’re going to replace,” Frietsch said. “At this point right now I think the funding is going to cover phase one. And I’ve already told them once we get done with phase one we’re going to have to have a discussion.”
Subsequent phases are anticipated to be more expensive. Frietsch noted when the county received the grant a few years ago
in my classroom for them!
Name: Rachel Davis
Position at PCM: High School English Teacher
Education: Wartburg College, Indiana University
Work history: Clarksville Community School District - Junior High English Teacher (2 years), South Tama County High School - HIgh School English Teacher (11 years)
What attracted you to PCM to teach?
I was drawn to the supportive small town environment, the high standards set for students, and the various opportunities students receive to explore educational interests, possibilities for their futures, and a variety of extracurriculars.
What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids?
I use a lot of project-based learning in my classroom. I’ve discovered that giving students opportunities to use creativity, work with peers
TEACHERS | 3
Supervisors appoint Katherine Thompson to VA commission
Officials move forward with commissioners’ recommendation to fill vacant seat
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Following through with the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Commission’s top recommendation for its new member, the board of supervisors on Sept. 3 voted 3-0 to appoint Katherine Thompson to the vacant seat. The decision comes one week after supervisors wanted extra time to vet the candidates themselves.
Supervisor Brandon Talsma said he reached out to the top three applicants: Thompson, William Cobbs and James Pfleger. After speaking with them all individually, Talsma said he would be OK with appointing Thompson to the veterans affairs commission. Thompson was every member’s top choice. Newton News previously reported the veterans affairs commission had been searching for months to find someone to fill a seat left vacant after the death of
commissioner Sue Springer in June. Commissioners received a total of seven applications, and from those forms narrowed down their search.
When commissioners Jerry Nelson and Marta Ford presented the applications to the board of supervisors, they included all seven for their review. However, the veterans affairs commissioners were in agreement that Thompson in particular was the best candidate for the job, and they recommended she be appointed. Applications were posted on the Jasper County website. In addition to providing their contact information, they must indicate if they are a veteran and explain why they are interested in serving the commission, what contributions they can make to the commission and how much time they can devote to the position. The veterans affairs commissioners are now as follows: Fred Chabot, Marta Ford, Jerry Nelson, Ed Spangenburg and Katherine Thompson. The commission oversees the veterans affairs administrator and the shared benefits coordinator positions. The commission meets every second Wednesday of the month.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Several new teachers have started across the PCM School District for the 2024-2025 school year. Teaching a variety of subjects, the new staff are excited to get started with the students.
Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Explorer
Jasper County will be using more than $2.27 million in federal funds to stabilize roads leading to the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge.
Jasper County secures more than $2.27M for first phase of accessibility project
Worth Mentioning
Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com
Events at The Gathering Place
Thursday, Sept. 12
• 10am Patty Richards Music Show
Monday, Sept. 16
• 8am Coffee & Prayer with Pastor Ann
• 10am Video Exercise Class
Tuesday, Sept. 17
• 6 p.m. Bingo
Wednesday, Sept. 18
• 1pm “Get Fit, Move More”
• 2:15 p.m. Information on Jasper County Ride
Share “Need a ride for a medical appointment?”
• 6 p.m. Twice Blessed, make a sweater pumpkin $25
(Look on TGP Facebook and use the Twice Blessed Venmo QR code or call 515-480-6121 to register
Thursday, Sept. 19
• 10am Focus Group Meeting
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.
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.
GriefShare at FRC
First Reformed Church in Prairie City will host GriefShare each Wednesday for those who have experienced the death of a loved one and are looking for support, healing and hope. The 13-week program consists of discussion; informative videos presented by Christian counselors, authors, pastors and others who share their stories and found hope through faith. In addition each participant will receive a workbook containing five daily exercises each week as well as other resources. There is a $20 registration fee (scholarships available). For more information contact Mary Lemmert, 515-205-0835 or at hope2you@aol. com.
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.
Blood Drive Sept. 21
Prairie City and Monroe Community Blood Drive will be from 7:15 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21 at 407 N. Monroe St. in Monroe. Schedule a blood donation appointment online at lifeservebloodcenter. org or call 800-287-4903.
Lion’s pancake breakfast Sept.
28
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.
Monroe Citywide Garage Sales
Monroe Citywide Garage Sales are Saturday, Sept. 28. Registration forms can be found at the post office, Monroe Foods, city hall or online at www.monroeia. com. Cost is $5 to be on the map and forms are due by Friday, Sept. 20.
Larry Arthur Romick
Aug. 11, 2024
Obituaries
later married on June 26, 1959, in Newton. They settled in Monroe where they raised their family and enjoyed 64 years of marriage.
Larry Arthur Romick, 85, of Monroe Iowa, passed away on August 11, 2024, at Pella Regional Health Center, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
Larry was born on September 29, 1938, in Keokuk, Iowa, the son of Charles Arthur “Art” and Marie (Fisher) Romick. During his lifetime Larry lived in many towns including St. Louis, Fairfield, Oskaloosa, Knoxville, Red Rock, Ivy, Clive, and Leon, before finally settling in Monroe where he graduated high school in 1956. He would go on to attend five quarters at Iowa State where he studied Agriculture. Larry’s 1957 Chevy Belaire 2 door hardtop caught the eye of his future wife Marcy Dammeier of Metz while cruising the square in Monroe. The couple were
Larry worked as a welder and maintenance operator at Vermeer Manufacturing, Parsons, and Armstrong/Pirelli until his retirement in 1994. After his retirement Larry did not stop working. He sold cars and worked as a school custodian for several years. Larry’s final job was as custodian at the Monroe Methodist church, where he was a long-time member and took great pride in ensuring the church was always ready for the next event. Larry loved going to car auctions and could always be spotted wearing his N.A.D.A. car value bible in his back pocket. He and Marcy square danced for many years and were heavily involved in supporting their church. His other passion was to find old items at garage and estate sales that needed to be refurbished; he had many hammers and garden tools in his garage that he restored. Larry especially enjoyed traveling with his wife, Marcy. They took many trips to -
gether and during their marriage visited Branson, MO, Washington D.C., Texas, Hawaii, and Europe. Larry and Marcy loved living life. Larry loved cars. He routinely watched NASCAR and was a big fan of Dale Earnhardt. His most treasured possession was his 1969 Camaro Indy Pace Car Convertible that he restored with his brother Rod in Storm Lake, IA. He loved to go out and cruise with the top down and take family members out with him. As much as he loved his Camaro, he loved being a dad, a grandpa, and a great grandpa more. Larry could always be counted on to support his grandkids in any activity they participated in, to include support via practicing with his grandkids. Larry possessed a legendary work ethic and always thought of other people before considering himself, there is nothing he wouldn’t do for his family. The loss of his daughter Tammy strengthened his devotion and commitment to his family. Larry and Marcy dedicated the remainder of their lives to supporting their son Bar-
ry, their grandkids, and their great grandkids. He was a devoted and loving husband to Marcy and deeply missed her. Larry was a great man.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his son Barry (Kelly) Romick; eight grandchildren, Nathan (Jennifer) Van Wyk, Andrew (Celia) Romick, Alisa (Melanie) Romick, Emily (Nick) Bates, Austin Van Wyk, Katlyn (Brad) Millison, Jenna Petersen, and Bryce (Amber) Romick; 19 great grandchildren; siblings Jim (Terri) Romick, Gloria (Paul) Kane, Rodney (Barb) Romick, Barb (Russ) Hagen, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Larry was preceded in death by his wife Marcy, his parents, his brother Garry Romick, a daughter and son-in-law Tammy and Marvin Van Wyk; two grandchildren, Zachary Van Wyk and Nathan LeGrand.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:30 am at the Monroe United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends on Saturday from 9:30 am until service time. Burial will take place at Silent City Cemetery.
Blood donations in critical need after Labor Day holiday
The community blood supply has been strained this summer and into the Labor Day holiday and is now critically low after the long weekend. LifeServe Blood Center is in critical need of all blood types, especially O- and B-. Hospital patients in more than 170 hospitals primarily in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Illinois are relying on LifeServe’s loyal donors to give the generous gift of life. Your blood donation is vitally important and is needed now to ensure that the blood supply is strong,
not only for local patients, but for individuals across the United States experiencing a critical shortage of lifesaving blood products.
To schedule an appointment at one of LifeServe Blood Center’s Donor Centers or mobile blood drives near you, call 800-287-4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org. Your one donation can impact up to three lives.
As one of the 15 largest blood centers in the country, LifeServe provides blood products to 175 hospitals primarily in Iowa, Nebraska,
South Dakota, and Illinois. LifeServe is committed to saving lives by providing premier service to volunteer blood donors and access to a safe, quality blood supply for hospitals and patients. Your donation with LifeServe will help save your neighbor, a friend or family member or a stranger on the street. You make a difference in your community. For more information about blood donation or to schedule an appointment to donate blood, call 800-287-4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a dedicated time to increase awareness about the prevalence of suicide, share information on how to prevent it, and provide support to those affected, says Morgan Newell, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“This month serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility we all share in tackling this critical issue,” said Newell, who specializes in family wellbeing.
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a call to action for individuals, communities and organizations to come together and address the profound issue of suicide. In 2022, Iowa was ranked 16th for suicide mortality in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“With 590 suicide deaths in Iowa in 2022, we are higher than the national rate of suicides in every age bracket,” Newell said.
“Each year, suicide rates in Iowa continue to increase, leading to the question: What can we do to help save a life from suicide?”
Suicide is a preventable kind of death, and one person has the ability to step up and help save a life.
“Evidence shows that providing support services,
reducing access to means of self-harm, talking with the individual about suicidal thoughts, feelings or plans, and following up with the individual we are concerned about can help save a life,” Newell said.
Iowans can improve their ability to support family, friends or colleagues who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts. ISU Extension and Outreach delivers Mental Health First Aid training as well as Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) suicide prevention training. To enroll in either training, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach county office.
These trainings can help you learn some of the warning signs that someone may be thinking about suicide, such as expressions of wanting to die, feeling like a burden, giving away belongings, withdrawing from social interactions, increasing substance use, referring to oneself in the past tense
and experiencing severe mood swings.
Several national and state hotlines and messaging services are focused on preventing suicide and can be a resource if you or someone you know is in crisis:
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text 988 for 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress.
• Your Life Iowa. Call 855-581-8111 or text 855895-8398 for trained counselors who are available to provide free, confidential support and connect individuals to resources.
• Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans and their loved ones can text 838255 or dial 988, then press 1 to get 24/7 confidential crisis support. Many of the responders are veterans themselves.
• The Trevor Project.
Text “Start” to 678-678, call 866-488-7386 or
chat on the Trevor Project website. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to support people under 25 who are in crisis, feeling suicidal or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk. The Trevor Project specializes in supporting the LGBTQ+ community.
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline. Call 800-6624357 (HELP) or text your zip code to 435748 (HELP4U) for free, confidential treatment referrals and information for individuals and families in need. The helpline is available 24/7, 365 days a year and has English and Spanish language options.
• Iowa Concern. Call 800-447-1985 to reach the ISU Extension and Outreach hotline. Resource services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week at no charge. Iowa Concern has access to an attorney for legal education, stress counselors, and information and referral services for a wide variety of topics.
collaboratively, and participate in hands-on activities that allow them to apply learning in new ways can be so powerful. Project-based learning also allows me time and space to work with students individually or in small groups.
What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching?
I’ve learned that focusing on the end goal is vital – but this end goal is not just what we want our students to accomplish, but who we want to help them become. On graduation day, when I reflect back over who those students were as freshmen, who they are when they graduate, and the many possibilities they have in front of them, knowing I had a small part to play in those students’ journeys as learners and as humans is a fulfilling part of this job.
What are you most excited for this school year?
I am so excited to meet the students and begin, and I am also looking forward to watching how much students grow this year!
Name: Missy Phifer
Position at PCM: Life Science teacher
Education: B.A from St. John’s College, Peace Corps Haiti, M.A. from
Temple University
Work history: Taught Biology for 10 years, Outdoor Environmental Educator
What attracted you to PCM to teach?
Monroe is my father’s hometown and we moved here to be near family. The small-town, strong community attracted me to PCM.
What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids?
My favorite teaching method is hands-on exploration in nature. I like to guide students to explore and interact with phenomena with explicit knowledge from class lectures.
What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching?
Planning is so important, but to also be flexible throughout the day.
What are you most excited for this school year?
I am excited to see my students participating in sports and other activities where I can cheer them on!
Name: Abagale Lingle
Position at PCM: Elementary Physical Education
Education: Northwest Missouri State University
Work history: This is my first year as a teacher. I completed my student teaching in the Ankeny School District. During my college years, I served as a teacher assistant in the physical education department at Horace Mann
Elementary and Lab School.
What attracted you to PCM to teach?
I decided to join PCM because I respect the school’s dedication to supporting students in reaching their full potential. I look forward to building relationships with all the students and their families!
What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids?
My favorite teaching approach is cooperative learning! I love watching students ask questions and support one another in their learning. In PE, some students learn more effectively by observing their classmates.
What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching?
Connections are crucial! Building relationships with every student helps them feel engaged with the material they are studying.
What are you most excited for this school year?
I am most excited to share my knowledge of what quality physical education is to anyone who walks in the door!
Name: Katelyn Whelchel
Position at PCM: 5th Grade Literacy
Education: I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Buena Vista University in 2016 and recently completed my Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northwestern College.
Work history: Before coming to PCM, I spent five years working for the Perry Community School District as a kindergarten teacher for two years, third grade teacher for one year and most recently the district’s activities director for two years.
What attracted you to PCM to teach?
I love the small town feel of the PCM School District. There are so many amazing educators in this district, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to work and learn alongside them.
What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids?
In my classroom, I work to provide students with opportunities to work in partners and small groups. I love watching students interact and learn with one another. This teaching method isn’t just engaging, but ensure that students are being active participants in their learning.
What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching?
As an educator, I have learned that building relationships and maintaining consistent expectations for students is crucial to having a successful school year.
What are you most excited for this school year?
I am most excited to develop positive relationships with students, parents, community members and PCM staff this year.
was before prices skyrocketed.
“What we thought we could do with $2 million to $3 million, now you need almost $6 million,” Frietsch said. “So we’re going to have to have a conversation with them after the first phase. But this funding agreement will at least allow us to go ahead and proceed on that first phase and get that first phase done.”
Frietsch said the first phase is scheduled for letting around November or December. The problem the county is encountering right now is the temporary easements needed to start construction. Supervisors voted on one temporary easement during the Aug. 27 board meeting.
“So that’s probably the biggest holdup I see now is probably our temporary construction easements that we need for
the embankment slopes and the repairs to the culvert pipes,” Frietsch said. “And I think there was still some issues with environmental check offs and other things that are holding us up a little bit.”
So far, the plan is to start construction by 2025.
Jasper County Attorney Scott Nicholson reviewed the funding agreement and made some suggestions. Frietsch said some of the language of the agreement was changed. For instance, early plans mentioned “paving,” but that has since been removed to give the county more flexibility.
“Originally, we were looking at doing asphalt paving, but then because of costs we had to switch and go down a step or two on what we’re actually doing there,” Frietsch said. “What we’re technically doing is considered ‘surface improvements’ … It’s better than gravel but not as good as pavement.”
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer
Jasper County will be using more than $2.27 million in federal funds to stabilize roads leading to the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge.
Get the lead out
Don’t drink the water!
That’s my advice if you’re visiting a government building any time soon.
Despite the Biden-Harris administration’s promise that “every American should be able to turn on the tap and drink clean, safe water,” this government “cannot ensure water in its buildings is safe.” Those are the shocking findings of a series of reviews the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General conducted over the past several years.
In fact, today it’s safer to drink water out of a tap in Flint, Michigan than from the faucet in many government buildings. Why?
Mass teleworking by federal bureaucrats has left government buildings at just 12-25 percent occupancy which is causing the water to be unused, become stagnant, and allow contaminants to fester. Toxic levels of Legionella, lead, and copper were all found in the water in government buildings across the country.
This summer, the headquarters of at least two federal agencies — the Federal Trade Commission and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services — were evacuated due to unsafe water. If that wasn’t bad enough, multiple buildings housing offices for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which
Loss of OB-GYN in Newton
As many of you are aware, Newton lost their only OB-GYN. Certainly tough news for our community and a continuing part of the medical challenges facing our country and specifically rural America. Back in 2018, articles began to surface predicting our current shortage of OB-GYNs. Reasons cited were…
• An aging physician workforce
• Overall healthcare worker shortage
• Older physicians are retiring earlier than in the past
• Increase in administration and regulatory work
• Medical malpractice costs
• Lack of residency programs
• Lower fertility rates
The Iowa House over the last number of sessions has continued to address the healthcare shortages we face in Iowa and across the country. We have enacted legislation that…
• Provides loan forgiveness to doctors (including OB-GYNs) who make a 5-year commitment to practice in Iowa.
• Protects doctors & hospitals from excessive lawsuits (Tort Reform).
• Creates 1 year Fellowship Programs for Family Doctors who desire training in OB-GYN healthcare.
• Provides funding for
YOUR VIEW
Centers of Excellence for birthing centers. As more and more rural communities become maternity deserts, this issue will continue to be a priority for the Iowa House. I already have had discussions with staff and other members about what else needs to be considered. Regrettably, some have tried to blame supporting Life as a cause. Shameful and absolutely untrue. Distracting from the real issues is never helpful in trying to solve problems. My response is simple and straight forward.
1. I am unabashedly about Life and providing care, support, and resources to moms and dads.
2. I never understand arguments that…
• Fail to understand the issue. Important issues require something more than political jabs. They demand research and study. And ultimately, they need solutions that will make a difference.
• Make every discussion regarding healthcare about abortion without limits.
• Paint all medical professionals as abortionists.
I look forward to my continued discussion with our local healthcare leaders as together we work to address this crucial issue. Let’s keep the discussion going!
Another school shooting in the U.S.
It wasn’t one week after kids went back to school and already in Georgia there has been a school shooting with multiple casualties and fatalities. And just like with every other school shooting, the shooter had broadcast his intentions to others, everyone around him knew he was disturbed and had access to guns, authorities were notified
is tasked with ensuring all Americans have safe drinking water, were found to have unsafe water.
But perhaps worst of all, children in the government’s child care centers are being allowed to drink contaminated water. In one case, a child care center where alarmingly high levels of lead was detected remained operational for more than two years after the center was re-opened, and then for another two months after samples were collected.
Completely unacceptable.
How did the EPA fail so spectacularly at its most important task of keeping drinking water safe? Because under Joe Biden and Kamala Harris the agency has instead been focused on pushing a radical climate agenda and big government takeovers, such as a legal fight to gain regulatory control over 97 percent of the land in Iowa in order to regulate water in ditches.
I wish I was making it up.
This week, I demanded answers from EPA Administrator Michael Regan on how and why the agency was completely unaware that buildings housing its own offices have had toxic water for years and what steps are being taken to protect children at these buildings. If the agency cannot keep the water safe in its own buildings, it has no business forcing the Green New Deal on the rest of us.
The same day I sent a letter to the EPA demanding answers, Legionella and lead were found in another EPA office, this time in Chicago.
We cannot allow another Flint water crisis to occur inside government buildings. The Biden-Harris administration needs to get bureaucrats back into the office and get the lead out.
Joni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and acombatveteran,representsIowainthe United States Senate.
Reflecting on three years since the Afghanistan withdrawal
On Aug. 26, 2021, 13 American service members were killed in a bombing at Kabul airport that sent shockwaves around the world.
As we reflect on this date and, more broadly, on the entire withdrawal from Afghanistan, it’s crucial to clarify this: withdrawing from Afghanistan was absolutely the right decision. Republicans and Democrats agree on that. President Trump was right to negotiate the withdrawal. The issue is not the decision to withdraw but when, if conditions were met and most significantly, how disastrous it was executed by President Biden and Vice President Harris.
The Biden-Harris administration, through a lack of strategy and communication, botched it. As a result, 13 American heroes were killed, we lost Bagram Airbase (which we built and now occupied by the Russians) and counterterrorism surveillance capabilities, billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment was abandoned, and the Taliban was acquired a formidable weapons arsenal—all while embarrassing our country on the world stage.
Vice President Harris prides herself on being “the last person in the
and no one took the threat seriously, it was shrugged off. So much for “See something, say something”. We are told to not bring politics into these tragedies, which is each side’s way of saying they have no answers and therefore don’t want to think about it. So how about those politics? Why is our gun culture so ingrained that we are loath to take any steps that might be perceived as anti-Seccond Amendment, like these officials in Georgia seemed to have been? It seems no one wants to take any action until after the shooting starts. Democrats blame easy access to
room” with President Biden when the decision was made to withdraw. Well, Madam Vice President, there is nothing to be proud of. Instead of a strategic exit, the administration’s approach was rushed and marked by disarray, leaving American personnel in peril and abandoning our Afghan interpreters and other allies. There was an utter lack of communication with our NATO allies, who also had troops in Afghanistan or the Afghan military or government.
Furthermore, the Administration’s failure to plan for the post-withdrawal security situation exacerbated the chaos. The hasty departure left a power vacuum that the Taliban quickly filled, leading to a rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the resurgence of extremist groups. This lack of foresight not only jeopardized the safety of those on the ground but also undermined the stability of the region.
guns, failure to hold gun sellers and owners responsible, and the inactions of the government to pass common sense gun responsibility legislation.
Republicans blame mental health issues, violent games, music, and movies. As well as the breakdown of family and taking God out of schools. But they refuse to bend on the Second Amendment, as if that one amendment in particular is more important than all the others, others like the First Amendment that do come with certain restrictions.
Truth is, all the above are valid reasons this country has more gun violence
The toll of this mismanagement is not only felt in the immediate loss of life and strategic setbacks, but also in the undermining of American credibility on the global stage. The 2,459 U.S. military personnel and 20,769 wounded in action in Afghanistan did not endure these hardships only for the result we saw three years ago — a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, now a well-equipped state with a history of supporting terrorist acts.
The Biden-Harris Administration’s foreign policy blunders have left an indelible mark on the U.S.’s strategic standing, and the costs of their misguided decisions are apparent for all to see. This administration’s approach to national security has been characterized by naivety, weakness and recklessness, resulting in avoidable tragedies and a dangerous resurgence of global terrorism.
It has been three years since this disaster, and not a single person has been fired or held accountable. Biden and Harris still tout their withdrawal as if it was a victory of some sort.
The American people deserve better. Most importantly, 13 Gold Star families deserve better.
and school shootings than any other industrialized nation. In spite of the fact that every other country has their share of mental health issues, plays the same games, music and movies as here, has family issues and does not include God in their schools and businesses.
Once our political parties stop playing the blame game with each other and work together to figure out how to prevent these tragedies, these shootings will become just a normal part of our kids’ school experience. Only in America.
John Moore Newton
PCM volleyball opens home slate with rout of North
MONROE — Lillian Humpal’s career night and 21 aces from the Mustangs led the PCM volleyball team to a three-set win over Des Moines North on Sept. 5.
The Mustangs won their home opener 25-10, 25-6, 25-8 over the Polar Bears thanks in part to Humpal’s career-best seven kills and seven aces.
PCM improved to 8-0 against North since 2017. The Mustangs (52) finished 60-of-72 in serves and had a kill efficiency of .434.
Humpal added four digs and she was 12-of-13 in serves and had a kill efficiency of .600.
Tori Lindsay finished with 24 assists and five digs, Rebecca De Vries tallied seven kills, two blocks and three aces and Libby Winters contributed five kills, five digs and three aces.
Addyson Pederson chipped in five kills, two blocks, two digs and two aces, Addison Steenhoek added two assists, five digs and five aces and Claire Van Wyk put down three kills. Stella Stravers and Addi Hudnut each had two digs and Winters’ kill efficiency was .714.
Statistics were not available for North at press time. The Polar Bears fell to 0-2.
Ground game powers PCM football past Pella Christian
MONROE — The PCM football team scored 41 points in the first quarter, rushed for eight touchdowns in the game and dominated Pella Christian, 59-7, on Sept. 6 during its home opener.
The Mustangs led the non-district contest 41-0 after one quarter and outscored the Eagles 18-7 the rest of the way.
It was PCM’s first win over Pella Christian since 2020. The 52-point spread was the largest margin in a Mustang victory in the series since at least 2008.
Adrien Robbins rushed nine times for 143 yards and three scores to lead the varsity offense, which ran only 25 plays in the game.
Robbins also snagged one catch for eight yards. He got loose for a 50-yard TD run in the first and added a 3-yard TD run later in the quarter. His third touchdown came on a 15-yard run in the second.
Gavin Van Gorp completed 8-of10 through the air for 100 yards and rushed for 15 yards and three scores. All three short TD runs came in the first.
Chase Wagaman was 2-of-3 through the air for 49 yards and one touchdown and he rushed for 21 yards on four carries.
It was Wagaman’s first career prep TD pass.
Evan Jones gained 24 yards and scored one touchdown on five carries, Shay Burns rushed for 25 yards and one score on 10 carries and Keegan Fenton totaled 16 yards on his lone carry.
The Mustangs rushed for 244 yards and averaged seven yards per carry. Jones’ rushing TD run was the first of his prep career and it covered 4 yards in the first and Burns added
a 2-yard TD run in the fourth.
Riley Graber led the receivers with 53 yards on four catches, while Danson Drake snagged two catches for 59 yards. Cutler VandeLune hauled in a 12-yard touchdown catch and Harlan Shannon collected one catch for 12 yards.
It was the first career prep TD for VandeLune and the first career prep catches for both Drake and Shannon.
Trenner Van Dyke led the PCM defense with seven tackles, one sack and four tackles for loss.
Van Dyke’s four sacks lead 2A and his eight tackles for loss and 19 tackles rank second and fourth, respectively.
Alex Wendt collected five tack-
les and recovered two fumbles and Finn Wilson contributed 3.5 tackles.
Dominic Witt booted seven touchbacks on his 10 kickoffs. His 14 touchbacks lead 2A.
Van Gorp’s eight total touchdowns rank third in 2A, while Robbins’ six touchdowns are currently tied for sixth.
Both Van Gorp and Robbins have five rushing TDs this fall, which rank tied for second.
PCM (2-0) is averaging 56.5 points per contest through two games.
Pella Christian has been outscored 115-7 in its first two games. The Eagles are 0-2 for the first time since 2020.
State-ranked PCM places third at Williamsburg
WILLIAMSBURG — The PCM girls cross country team came into the season with high expectations. And after the first meet of the season, those expectations may have actually gotten higher.
The Class 2A No. 13 Mustangs put all seven varsity runners in the top 27 positions and took third at the Williamsburg Raider Invitational on Sept. 3.
PCM scored 71 points in the third.
Class 2A No. 9 Mid-Prairie won the meet title with 32 points and 3A No. 16 Williamsburg scored 54 points in second at the Williamsburg Recreation Center.
There were no seniors in the PCM lineup as Abi Teeter and Lila Milani were seventh and eighth, respectively.
Mid-Prairie’s Brooklyn Stutzman won the girls’ varsity 5K race in 19 minutes, 52.9 seconds.
Teeter’s seventh-place time was clocked in 21:24.3. Milani was not far behind in eighth as she crossed the finish line in 21:25.7.
Darby DeRaad placed 14th in her prep debut. She finished the race in 22:36.5. Bailey Wheeler (23:03.2) and Annie Ford (23:43.8) completed the scoring runners in 20th and 22nd, respectively. It also was Ford’s prep debut.
The two non-scoring runners were Ali Hilsabeck (23:43.8) and Raegan Vannoy (23:44.7) in 26th and 27th, respectively.
PCM boys finish fourth in season opener
The Newton boys cross country team did not produce times it was hoping for during the season opener on Sept. 3.
The good news though is that the Cardinals don’t have to be at their best yet.
Newton placed fourth out of 13 teams during the Williamsburg Raider Invitational. The Cardinals scored 120 points at the Williamsburg Recreation Center.
Class 2A No. 3 Mid-Prairie won the meet championship with 38 points. Class 3A No. 12 Grinnell was the runner-up with 65 points and Williamsburg (99) completed the top three.
After Newton was 2A No. 15 Mediapolis (139) in fifth. PCM was sixth with 144 points.
Mid-Prairie’s Emmitt Swartzentruber won the boys’ varsity 5K race in 16:56.2.
PCM was led by newcomer Kash Fischer, who placed 16th in 18:11.2. Coby DeRaad was 20th in 18:34.9.
The rest of the scoring runners were Owen Osterhaus (18:51.1), Joe Shaver (20:11.4) and Rylan Edgington (20:21.8) in 23rd, 49th and 50th, respectively. it was the varsity debuts for Osterhaus and Edgington.
PCM’s non-scoring runners were Gabe Nessa (20:25.7) and Kolby Clark (20:30) in 51st and 55th, respectively. There were no seniors in the Mustangs’ varsity lineup.
Lillian Humpal
PCM Explorer
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM junior Lillian Humpal posted a career-best seven kills and seven aces and added four digs during the Mustangs’ sweep of Des Moines North on Sept. 5.
Photo by Jamie Steenhoek
PCM junior Gavin Steenhoek, right, looks for a block from freshman Danson Drake (87) on a kickoff return during the Mustangs’ 59-7 win over Pella Christian on Sept. 6. Steenhoek averaged 15 yards on his four returns.
Photo by Jamie Steenhoek
PCM senior Riley Graber, right, had four catches for 53 yards to lead PCM against Pella Christian on Sept. 6. Graber has six catches for 141 yards and two scores in two games this fall.
