PCM High School debuting ‘The Addams Family’ musical Nov. 15, 16 and 17 at the middle school auditorium
Jasper County’s $6.4M bond issue falls short
Public measure for secondary roads project will require supervisors to review their options
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Despite supervisors saying the $6.4 million bond issue would not raise taxes, the citizens of Jasper County voted down the public measure on Election Night. In order to pass, the bond issue needed at least 60 percent of the votes in favor. Unofficial results show the bond issue only received 58.75 percent of the votes.
According to the Liberty Avenue Campus Bond Project page on the county’s website, the bond specifically authorized Jasper County to borrow $6.4 million for the purpose of designing, constructing, equipping, furnishing and making land site improvements for a secondary roads maintenance building. However, the passing of the bond issue would have also kickstarted a number of other county projects for the sheriff’s office and county conservation. So in addition to the new and upgraded facility for the engineer’s office staff, the county will gain a new training center for law enforcement, a base for the advanced life support program,
Student section takes fandom to the next level
Weekly themes for the PCM student section make games even more fun and help bring the students together
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
“It takes a village” is an often used trope when describing how to care for children and family. The same can be said about the “village” behind the PCM football team, and more specifically the student section that gives their all every game.
“I think it’s important not only for the players to see all of their supporters but also for the students to have the opportunity to support their peers in something they aren’t involved in,” senior Addi Steenhoek said.
The students not only stand together cheering in the bleachers, they come dressed in a theme each week. Depending on the game, fans might have seen monkeys, tigers and safari guides for the jungle theme, minions and bananas for “Despicable Me” or a throwback to when they were little for pajama party. The students go all out both with their themes and showing their school spirit during the games.
“The senior girls have a general idea of what we want the themes to be but if we can’t decide we post on StangzStandz which
Thad Nearmyer gets 2-year seat on board of supervisors
Unofficial results show former Republican Party chair received 66% of the vote
By Christopher Braunschweig
is where everything PCM student section is posted,” Steenhoek said. “We have different chants we do, depending on the things that happen during the game. We also sing the school song when the band is gone and cheer with our cheerleaders!”
Football games aren’t the only athletic event students dress up for. Home volleyball games also saw a variety of outfits from bright neon glowing on the sidelines to stands full of superheroes in their capes and masks.
The tradition not only brings the students together but gives everyone
a chance to participate, even if they aren’t in the event.
“My favorite part of
this
is being with my friends and supporting our boys. We love it and we hope they do
Doug Cupples keeps his seat on board of supervisors by huge margin
Unofficial results show Republican incumbent received 72% of the vote
By Christopher Braunschweig
Thad Nearmyer spent years getting Republicans elected into office, but now the shoe is on the other foot. Unofficial results released on Election
Night by the auditor’s office show Nearmyer, a Republican, has been elected to the Jasper County Board of Supervisors with 12,125 votes, or 66.81 percent. Which means candidate Randy Ray, who did not run under a specific party, received 5,864 votes, or 32.31 percent. The seat was previously won by Denny Carpenter in 2022, but the late supervisor died a month after the election. The board appointed Den-
ny Stevenson until the next countywide election. Nearmyer, 56, of Monroe, is a farmer and the former chairperson of the Jasper County Republican Party. For the past eight years, he has led the party to what he describes as “unprecedented success” in election of Republican candidates. By 2018, for instance, the entire board of supervisors had turned red. His presumed win alongside incumbent Doug Cupples maintains that Republican stronghold at the courthouse. During his tenure as GOP chair, Nearmyer also helped get Republicans elected to Senate and House seats in the Iowa Legislature. He officially stepped down as chair this year. Ray, 67, of Newton, is a farmer and entrepreneur. As a lifelong resident of Newton, Ray said in his Q&A for Newton News that
Doug Cupples has secured yet another term on the Jasper County Board of Supervisors, according to preliminary results released on Election Night by the auditor’s office. The Republican received 13,471 votes, or 72.14 percent, while opponent Jerry Chandler, Jr. received 5,018
votes, or 26.87 percent. Cupples, 53, of Newton, works auto sales at Lauterbach Buick GMC and has served two terms as a county supervisor. In his Q&A with Newton News, he said he is deeply concerned about issues like taxes, roads and law enforcement, and he wants to help find solutions that benefit the community.
CUPPLES | 3
Honoring those who served PCM Middle School holds annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 8
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Gomez Addams raises his hands to welcome the communities to see the PCM High School’s production of “The Addams Family.” The musical will take the stage at 7 p.m. Nov. 15 and 16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at the PCM Middle School Auditorium.
tradition
too,” Steenhoek said. “It’s also great for the whole student body to support something together!”
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
The PCM student section cheers on the football game during the Pink Out week supporting Breast Cancer Awareness.
Jamee A. Pierson/ PCM Explorer
Veterans Chad Alleger, Stacie Alleger, Justin Hoffman, Janet Townley and Lewis Daye talk about their experiences in the military during the Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 8 at PCM Middle School.
Explorer
Nearmyer
Cupples
Worth Mentioning
Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com
Events at The Gathering Place
Thursday, Nov. 14
• 10am Patty Richards Music Show
Monday, Nov. 11
• 8am Coffee & Prayer with Pastor Ann
• 10am Video Exercise Class
Tuesday, Nov. 19
• 1pm Game Time
• 6pm BINGO
Wednesday, Nov. 20
• 1pm “Get Fit, Move More!” with Amy S. Thursday, Nov. 21
• 2pm Independence and Engagement: Discovering WesleyLife Adult Day Service, hosted by Andy Algree and presented by Leisa Zylstra
Blood drive Nov. 16
The Prairie City and Monroe Communities Blood Drive will be from 7:15 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Prairie City Methodist Church, 706 W. McMurray St. Appointments are encouraged by calling 800-287-4903 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org.
Good News Club Monday
Good News Club for K-5th grade meets after school Monday at the Monroe Elementary Art Room and Prairie City Elementary Gym. Activities include games, songs, bible lessons and snacks. For more information contact Sheryl Plate at 641-5213120 or Jane McConeghey at 641-891-2733.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Explorer PCM
Mary Ann Moomaw Nov. 2, 2024
Obituaries
W Howard St, Colfax, Iowa 50054.”
Mary Ann (Dunlap) Moomaw, age 93, of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away on November 2, 2024, at Brookdale Shawnee Memory Care. Mary Ann’s family will greet friends for a visitation on Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Lawrence Johnson
Nov. 8, 2024
at the United Methodist Church in Colfax, Iowa. A memorial service will follow starting at 11:00 AM. Directly after the memorial service, a lunch will be provided at the Methodist Church, and all are welcome to attend. A committal service will be held after lunch at Waveland Cemetery in Prairie City, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Monarch Hospice and Palliative Care. If you are unable to attend and wish to send a card, please direct it to, “Attn: Mary Ann Moomaw, Coburn Funeral Home, 24
The daughter of Listen Kenneth Dunlap and Evah Maude (Wolfe) Dunlap, Mary Ann was born on June 16, 1931, in Sullivan County, Missouri. She graduated from Milan (MO) High School in 1949. On December 28, 1971, she married Loren Moomaw. They both retired from Maytag on August 8, 1988. Together, they enjoyed spending winters in southern Texas. She was a member of the Staves Methodist Church in Des Moines.
Those left to honor
her memory include her daughter; Sue Van Gorp of Merriam, KS, stepchildren; Bryan (Karen) Moomaw of Newton, IA, Debra (Mike) Williams of Runnells, IA, and Michael (Billie) Moomaw of Newton, IA, she is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, and a sister Judy Dunlap of Raytown, MO. Preceding Mary Ann in death were her parents, a son; George (Bud) Harrelson, Jr., and two brothers; William “Bill” Dunlap and Kenneth “Dude” Dunlap.
Lawrence “Larry” Johnson, age 75, of Newton, Iowa (formerly Monroe), passed away on Friday, November 8, 2024. Larry’s family will greet friends for a visitation on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Monroe, Iowa. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church. Burial at Silent City Cemetery in Monroe will follow the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Sully Community Church or
made out to Larry’s family (Eric or Kevin Johnson) for a scholarship to be created in Larry’s name. If you are unable to attend and wish to send a card, please make it out to, “Attn: Larry Johnson, Coburn Funeral Home, 24 W Howard St, Colfax, IA 50054.”
The son of Robert and Barbara (Short) Johnson, Larry was born on March 25, 1949, in Des Moines, Iowa. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1968. While in high school, he was a dedicated wrestler. In 1972 he was united in marriage to Eileen Nolin, they were married for 49 years. Larry spent his life working several jobs; however, dedicated 25 years as a custodian to the PCM School District. He was proud of his time working for the schools. Many of the students at the school,
co-workers, customers at Wal-Mart, and nurses/ aids at the nursing home, simply knew Larry by his smile. He would flash a grin at anyone he saw.
Larry enjoyed the quiet and simple life. He was never known as a talker, he let Eileen do the that; however, when it came to sports Larry would talk about the Iowa Hawkeyes, Caitlin Clark, the Chicago Bears or Cubs, and later in life the Chiefs. Saturday mornings were spent watching cartoons with his children/grandchildren or sharing a McDonalds breakfast with family. Larry treasured time with his grandchildren, whether it was fishing (although he rarely caught anything) or watching their sporting events. He and Eileen frequently traveled to see friends, and always took the backroads to avoid
the rush of the interstate. Larry passed along his passion for music to his sons and grandchildren. He was proud of his cassette and vinyl collection of 50′s, 60′s, and 70′s rock music and played it often. Larry can best be described as a man who worked hard, loved his family, and took joy in the simple life.
Those left to carry on his memory include his sons; Eric (Amie) Johnson and Kevin (Sara) Johnson, grandchildren; Kyndra Johnson, Cassie Johnson, Madison Johnson, Isaac Johnson, and Noah Johnson, as well as a few nieces and nephews.
Preceding Larry in death include his parents; Robert and Barbara, his beloved wife; Eileen, sisters; Delores Johnson and Terry Gomez, and an infant daughter; Laurie.
FLC now open for indoor walking
The Family Life Center (old elementary gym) in Prairie City is now open for walking from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.
With a donation of $5.00 or more YOU could be the one to “Turn on the Lights”! Fill out this coupon and send with your donation to: “Turn on the Lights”, P.O. Box 944, Newton, IA 50208 PLEASE PRINT
Children will be present from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. playing while their mothers/caretakers are walking. If you wish to walk when children are not present, take note
of the time schedule. FLC will be closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Call First Reformed Church at 515-994-2250 with questions.
www.thevenueandpublichouse.com
NSNWR Visitor Center expected to be closed for an extended time
Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge keeps the safety of visitors and staff as a top priority at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. As a result of severe storm damage in late July 2024, the NSNWR Visitor Center, also known as the Prairie Learning Center, will continue to be closed to the public out of concern for safety. This closure is in place until further notice while our staff develop a mitigation plan.
Staff is relieved to report that no injuries were caused by the storm. However, the visitor center was greatly damaged by hail,
which compromised the roof and caused extensive flooding throughout the building. As a result, the center will remain closed until further notice while our staff develops a mitigation plan.
Public trails and the five-mile Prairie Wildlife Drive that enters the bison enclosure, remain open from sunrise to sunset. Restrooms are located at the visitor center and Oak Savanna Trail parking lots.
While staff is saddened by the closure of the visitor center, they are focusing on the positive and will continue to engage with
the community. They will adapt programming and volunteer opportunities to reflect this change. Together, refuge staff, volunteers, partners and community members have nurtured a thriving prairie and vital habitat for native wildlife. The commitment to this work will continue, allowing visitors to connect with, enjoy, and learn about the endangered tallgrass prairie.
The community will be updated as more information is available. You can refer to the refuge website for the latest information.
Affordable health screenings coming to Newton
Bond
outfitted classrooms for nature center and two maintenance replacement sheds in county parks.
Supervisor Brandon Talsma was disappointed with the results of the election, and he said the board of supervisors is now going to have to discuss options moving forward. They need to decide whether they want to try again for the November 2025 election or find another way to finance the secondary roads project. Following the failure of the bond issue, the supervisors may also have to reevaluate how the county will pay for the other projects that would have come online if the bond had passed. Talsma said it may have to require supervisors to shift capital projects around, use property tax dollars or bond for them.
Residents living in and around the Newton area can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by life Line Screening. Immanuel Baptist Church will host this community event Dec. 3 at 1300 N. Fourth Ave. E. in Newton.
“But bonding for anything less than $1 million when you’re an entity of Jasper County’s size doesn’t really make fiscal sense,” he said. “It’s going to cost us more money to do the bonding than what we’d be bonding for. So it doesn’t necessary take the projects off the table. But it changes the conversation.”
Prior to Election Day, and perhaps even up to it, Talsma had received comments from citizens saying they had no idea the $6.4 bond issue was on the ballot.
For the past few months, Jasper County has held numerous in-person and virtual town hall meetings to help spread the word and answer any questions. Attendance at these town hall meetings was “abysmal,” Talsma said. The highest turnout he could recall was one of the first meetings at Prairie City in which five or six people showed up.
The Jasper County website had a bright red banner across the
Screenings can check for:
• The level of plaque buildup in your arteries, related to risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke and overall vascular health.
• HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels
• Diabetes risk
• Kidney and thyroid function and more
Screenings are affordable and convenient.
Special package pricing starts at $159, but consultants will work with you to create a package that is right for you, based on your age and risk factors. Call 1-877-2371287 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com.
Pre-registration is required.
don’t know what we could have done different. I’m all ears if anyone has any ideas.”
Talsma said the county did not want to put the bond issue on a ballot that would have a low turnout election, such as a school/city election cycle. The county wanted to have a higher turnout election cycle. Jasper County saw a more than 75 percent turnout this year.
masthead for many months. Pages of details were published. Still, it seems it was not enough. Talsma said the county decided against sending out any mailers this time due to the issues that occurred from the bond issue for the administration building. Many residents complained they received the flyers late, causing Talsma to publicly apologize for
Nearmyer
Continuedfrompage1
the mistake. Jasper County even held an open house of the Liberty Avenue Yard.
“We weren’t trying to be secretive about it,” Talsma said. “We believed in these projects. I believed in these projects. As a mater of fact, I felt like the more we could get our message out there the better it would be for us … I
he ran for supervisor because he believed every resident’s voice matters. He said it was crucial for the county to prioritize essential services and minimize wasteful spending.
Following Nearmyer’s win, the presumed supervisor-elect said he was feeling good but it was not a huge shock to him. He has seen how organized Republicans can be in Jasper County elections. But it was still a different dynamic to be waiting for the results to see if he had won.
“Throughout the campaign it’s been different because I felt like I was having a hard time adjusting to being a candidate and balance campaigning versus working,” Nearmyer said. “That was a challenge for me … But I’m ready for the challenge of being a county supervisor. I look forward to working for the people.”
“So I think the next phase of the conversation is, with less than two percent is this something we want to make a run at again next year? Or mid-term elections two years from now? Or are the needs of the current facility that dire that we just say, ‘OK it didn’t pass. Let’s use reserve account funds,’” Talsma said.
The chair of the board of supervisors felt Jasper County went above and beyond to try and get its message across.
“We felt like we had a good message,” Talsma said. “Voters didn’t agree. It is what it is.”
Cupples
Continuedfrompage1
As a county supervisor, Cupples said it is his goal to serve and improve the quality of life for everyone in Jasper County.
Chandler, 60, of Newton, owns Jerry Lee Plumbing and Heating and Chandler Construction. The lifelong Newton resident has run for elected offices in the past. In
2018, he unsuccessfully ran for county supervisor, only earning 1,080 votes among the four other candidates who received between 8,241 and 5,213 votes.
Just this past year Chandler ran for the at-large seat on the Newton City Council. He received 517 votes, about 200 or so votes behind the winner Joel Mills. He is also a repeat visitor at city council meetings and frequently voices his opinions on city matters.
Provided by Jasper County
The $6.4 million bond issue failed to meet the 60 percent threshold it needed to pass, leaving the Jasper County Board of Supervisors to decide what to do next.
PCM football back in familiar place
The PCM football team is doing it again. The Class 2A No. 2 Mustangs have made it back to the state semifinals and will put their undefeated record on the line inside the UNI-Dome on Nov. 16.
But just how good has PCM been this year?
The Mustangs are 11-0 for only the third time since 2007 and are in the state semifinals for the third time since 2018, the season they went 13-0 and won the 2A championship.
“It feels great. You always dream about doing this as a kid and we finally get to do it,” said junior Shay Burns, who rushed for a career-high 209 yards in the team’s quarterfinal win.
Burns will play in the state semifinals. Just like his older brother Sage did back in 2018 and 2020.
There also was a Van Dyke on the 2018 and 2020 squads. Senior Trenner Van Dyke enters the state semifinals with a 2A-best 24 tackles for loss. He also ranks second in the class with 13 sacks.
Van Dyke collected four sacks in the quarterfinal shutout against Mid-Prairie and was part of an offensive line unit which helped the Mustangs rush for 361 yards.
“It feels really good. There was a lot of motivation from last year,” Van Dyke said. “We were so close. It feels good to win this one.”
PCM was eliminated by Van Meter
Aid restrictions hold Americans back
By Brazil Jefferson
I loved my childhood. My dad worked hard and had two jobs while my mom stayed home with my sister and me. We had a nice house and a middle-class lifestyle. I never even thought about poverty and struggle.
But when my parents divorced, I suddenly had a very intimate relationship with poverty. My mom hadn’t been to college and couldn’t replace my dad’s wages. Meanwhile, I began to struggle in high school and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. We got by because we had Medicaid, housing vouchers, and food stamps. And with my diagnosis, I’ve been able to receive Social Security Disability Insurance. But now that I’m an adult, I want to live independently, and SSDI isn’t anywhere near enough. Eventually, I was able to earn my bachelor’s degree. But due to the serious nature of my disability, my employment options are limited. And complicating matters, if I start to earn “too much” — even if it’s not actually enough to make ends meet — I’ll lose my benefits and end up poorer than I was before.
No matter what I do, it seems I’m stuck — since my parents’ divorce when I was a child, I’ve been in “the system.” As much of a blessing as the aid is, it can depend a lot on the whims of whoever’s in power to make decisions about funding and eligibility for life-saving assistance.
Right now, for example, Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA) — chair of the House Agriculture Committee, which has jurisdiction over food programs — has a plan to cut $30 billion from SNAP.
When I hear plans like this to defund assistance programs even more, I feel hopeless. I wish these lawmakers understood how hard people like me work to do the right thing, to get ahead, to give back — and how many obstacles their decisions put in our way.
The social safety net needs to be more, not less, responsive to our situations. The more our leaders restrict and defund programs, the more we are stigmatized, stymied, and made hungry, homeless, and sick. More restrictions keep us in precarious situations and keep us from thriving.
I’ve had more obstacles to overcome than many. Now I want to be able to help others, to be married and have children, to give back as a social worker. But that path seems unreachable as long as my financial situation — and the threat of losing the other support I need if I earn just a little money — makes my independence impossible.
So, I volunteer. I tell my story so lawmakers and community members can hear and understand.
Here’s what I want our leaders to know: We live and die by the mistakes they make. Please prioritize the health and well-being of our nation’s families who just want to have the same opportunities to thrive as those who’ve been fortunate enough to escape many of the challenges that life has hurled at us.
Don’t require us to be destitute without hope before we can access the assistance we need. Help us to get to the point where we can be truly independent — then we can help others get there too.
At some time or another, most of us in life need some help. When lawmakers realize that, the nation will be stronger.
BrazilJeffersonis a dedicated, passionate anti-poverty advocate and volunteer with RESULTS from Victorville, Calif.
in last year’s quarterfinal. The Bulldogs defeated the Mustangs, 31-21, before going on to win the 2A title.
“The game against Van Meter showed me last year with everyone we had coming back that we could be this good,” PCM head football coach Greg Bonnett said.
The other three teams in the 2A state semifinals are top-ranked West Lyon, third-ranked Spirit Lake and fourthranked Van Meter.
The Mustangs open with Spirit Lake at 10 a.m. on Nov. 16 inside the UNIDome in Cedar Falls. The Indians’ only loss came against 3A quarterfinalist Algona by two points.
West Lyon (11-0) is the other undefeated team in 2A and it gets Van Meter, whose only loss came against 3A state semifinalist Humboldt by seven points.
PCM also played against a tough 3A team in the non-district season. Nevada spent most of the season ranked in the top 10. The Mustangs won that game by 23 points.
“I don’t think last year was on our minds that much,” said Van Gorp about losing in last year’s quarterfinals. “We kept our one-game mentality. We knew we had a strong chance to make it, but we had to stay positive.
“The Nevada game kind of showed us and everyone else who we were.”
Van Gorp leads 2A with 42 total touchdowns this season. He ranks second in the class with 27 passing touchdowns and has thrown only two picks.
The Mustangs lead 2A with 77 touchdowns and they have compiled 4,664 offensive yards and 5,596 all-purpose yards.
The defense ranks ninth in 2A with 68 tackles for loss, 11th with 21 sacks and tied for fourth with 13 picks.
Senior Finn Wilson leads PCM with 57 tackles this fall. He could see this run coming over the summer.
“I loved what we were doing in the offseason and the summer workouts went great,” Wilson said. “The Nevada win though set the mood on everything.”
YOUR
VIEW
Consider registering as an organ donor
November is Eye Donation Month, and I encourage all Iowans to register as organ donors. You can do this when you get your driver’s license, your hunting, fishing, or trapping license, or by clicking register now at iowalionseyebank.org/
Anyone can be an eye donor: your blood type does not have to match. It does not matter how old you are, and all major religions encourage donation. The cornea
Voters need educated to make their decisions
The election is over and whether you agree with the results or not, we live in a democracy and voters did what they were supposed to do. They made their voices heard. So how about we all stop fighting each other and actually start listening to each other and get some things done.
I was not surprised the Jasper County bond issue failed, however. I voted in favor of this bond since I’m of the belief if we need to make improvements to our infrastructure, then that’s what needs to be
is the only part of the eye that can be transplanted, so many eye conditions such as near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and previous cataract or Lasik surgery do not prevent an individual from becoming a donor.
Donated eye tissue, whether healthy or impaired, also is needed to continue research of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, numerous inherited eye diseases, and retinal disorders.
Cornea blindness affects nearly 12 million people worldwide. Transplants are 95 percent effective, and there is no waiting list for a transplant in the United States, thanks to a robust eye banking net-
done.
There are a couple reasons I think this measure failed.
One, voter apathy. Talsma said the turnout for the public meetings about this bond was “abysmal.” Which seems to be par for the course around here.
Residents just don’t care enough about city and county leadership to take part in public meetings, to ask questions and voice their opinions. And no, ranting on social media does not count as civic engagement. Voters were voting on something they really didn’t know much about.
So when you add voters’ apathy to the board deciding to not even make the effort through flyers to educate residents about this bill, this is what you get. And it doesn’t even matter that taxes would not be raised with this bond. Most vot-
work that includes Iowa Lions Eye Bank.
Iowa Lions Eye Bank recovers, evaluates, processes, and distributes ocular tissue from all 99 counties in the state to researchers, surgeons, and other professionals across the United States. In 2025, Iowa Lions Eye Bank will mark 70 years of preserving and restoring sight.
This Eye Donation Month, please sign up as a donor, and tell your loved ones of your wishes. For more information, visit iowalionseyebank.org
Esther Baker, Executive Director Iowa Lions Eye Bank Coralville
ers believed their taxes would go up and no serious effort was made to make them believe otherwise.
Two, haven’t Republicans for the past few years been harping on the fact that prices are too high, that people are struggling to make ends meet, having to choose between gas for their cars and food for their kids?
So our Republican board of supervisors shouldn’t be too surprised that voters saw a bond issue they believed, rightly or wrongly, would raise their taxes and said, “No thanks.” You reap what you sow. Maybe next time our elected officials could do a better job of educating voters and stop making them angry and afraid of every hiccup in the economy.
John Moore Newton
Troy Hyde This & That
The PCM
The First Concert of the Year
The Concert Band had just two weeks to work on Majestia’s Piece for their fall concert, which they performed on Monday, November 4 at the high school. Since State Marching Band was on October 19, and this is the fourth year in a row they have returned with a Division I rating, they wanted to play the show for the last time. The Brave New World was the piece. The band was joined by the concert choir, but the jazz choir did the piece called “When October Goes,” but Sophomore Kambery Rochon played her flute as a soloist. Rochon shares her thoughts on the evening and the tasks required to deliver an exceptional concert. I asked her what was the most challenging thing of the whole night. Rochon says, “Transitioning from band to jazz choir and choir, I had to do like 70 different things.” I wonder, “How did you think you did on your flute solo?” Rochon said, “I think I did pretty well and could have done better, but it was my first time in jazz choir playing the flute. I was worried if my fingers were in the right place, but it went pretty well, and the Jazz Choir might do “When October Goes” again.” Now that was a recap of the fall concert that the Jazz Choir, Concert Choir, and the Band.
Friday Night Lights: Welcome to the Jungle Editon Junior Sophomore Freshman
Meet a Mustang
Addison Beener 11
Nickname: Addie
Parents: Kathy Beener & Jeff Been
er
Employer: Fareway
Extracurricular Activites: Competition & Football Cheer, Jazz Choir (Duly Noted), Dance Team & Studio Dance, Fall Musical
3 Words to Describe her: Hardworking, Busy, Artistic
Favorite Quote: “An eye for an eye and the world goes blind” - Ghandi
Favortie Class: Any Art Class Best High School Memory: “Attending HOIAC for art my sophomore year”
Extracurricular Activites: Softball (HS & Club), FCA, Student Government, Journalism Print Editor, Yearbook, Key Club, & Big Student Little Student
3 Words to Describe her: Outgoing, Positive, & Funny Favorite Quote: “Not everyday is a good day. But it will get better in the long run.” -Mr. Bieghler Favortie Classes: Journalism, Yearbook, & Spanish Best High School Memory: “Being apart of PCM Softball’s first ever state qualifying team” Dream Job: Stay at home mom with a rich husband
My name is Kenna Grier, and I am a sophomore at PCM High School and this is my first year in Journalism. I am going to be discussing a very serious, concerning, and controversial topic. When is the right time to put your Christ- mas tree up? Many families disagree about the timing, some argue that your tree should stay in the box until mid-December. Other families put up their tree as soon as Halloween ends. But what option is the right option? I believe that the best time to put your tree up is November for countless reasons. All of Halloween week should be centered around the night, but as soon as the week finishes it is time to focus on the upcoming holidays. Your house should already be decorated for Christmas by the time Thanksgiving comes around so that you are in a cheerful, excited mood while eating more pie after a large feast surrounded by family. Whenever we go to relatives houses for Thanksgiving, the Christmas decorations always add to the holiday spirit. The large tree at my grandparents house adds anticipation. My cousins, brother, and I stare at the tree longingly, imagining all of the presents that will sit under the branches by this time next month. My family always puts our tree up at some point during mid-November. We decorate the tree and put up other decorations around the house. Around that time we begin listening to Christmas music and preparing for Christmas in other ways. The countdown to Christmas begins right when November starts, so waiting until after Thanksgiving to decorate is not the way to go. If you wait until December to put your Christmas tree up you are limiting yourself to less than a month of holiday festivities. Christmas is a hopeful, joy- ful, and happy holiday that deserves to be celebrated long in advance. People cel- ebrate in many different ways like hanging up Christmas lights, watching Hallmark movies, or listening to Mariah Carey, but the first and most important step should always be putting up your tree. So, you should begin your Christmas decorating as soon as you possibly can, do not be afraid to put that tree up as soon as November beings. Although Christmas is my favorite holiday, putting your tree up early does not mean you are skipping over Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a very important holiday that is deeply connected to Christmas when it comes to emotions and feelings. Thanksgiving feels very cozy, warm, loving, and joy as you are surrounded by family, which is very much like the feelings Christmas gives you. I love Thanksgiving because it reminds me that Christmas is coming soon. I hope this story has convinced you to begin your Christmas decorating a bit earlier than you normally do, I know writing it has put me in the Christmas mood! It’s never too early to put your tree up, so do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
Rylee Parsons Print Editor
Skyler Jennings Staff Writer
The PCM Band preforms their first concert music of the year
Photo by: J. Davis
Senior
photos by P. Lathrum
Rebecca DeVries
Coby DeRadd
Bailey Wheeler Marcus Brant
MaKenna VanHaaften Staff Writer
Mustangs gallop back to state semifinals after rout of Mid-Prairie
PCM secures spot in Dome after shutout win over Golden Hawks
By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer
MONROE — The PCM football team came into its quarterfinal matchup with Mid-Prairie leading Class 2A in touchdowns, offensive yards and all-purpose yards.
The 2A No. 2 Mustangs are averaging 48 points per game through 11 games and only allowing 7.45 per contest.
But head coach Greg Bonnett still doesn’t think he’s gotten the most out of his squad quite yet. That could be a scary thought for the other remaining three teams in 2A.
PCM stayed alive and advanced to the state semifinals for the third time since 2018 and improved to 11-0 for only the third time since 2007 following a 41-0 quarterfinal win over the Golden Hawks on Nov. 8.
“It never gets old, and I don’t think it ever will,” Bonnett said about returning to the UNIDome. “We still have some work to do. I don’t think we’ve quite gotten the most out of this team yet. Now everything gets ramped up and gets more exciting.”
The Mustangs (11-0) overcame a relatively slow start to blow out their visitors. PCM led 14-0 at halftime and outscored the Golden Hawks 24-0 in the fourth quarter.
The offense rushed for 361 yards and the defense pitched its second shutout of the season and got four sacks and five tackles for loss from Trenner Van Dyke and a pick 6 from Adrien Robbins.
Robbins missed a little bit of time in the first half due to an upper body injury and was limited to only playing defense in the second half, but Shay Burns took advantage of his opportunity and rushed for a career-high 209 yards on 24 carries.
Burns gained 100 yards in the third alone and capped the victory with a 46-yard touchdown run with 3:14 to play.
“You always have to be ready, and it was one of those nights when Adrien goes down and I was needed,” Burns said. “The touchdown run was great. The hole was huge, I saw it was wide open on the outside and then I made one last cut to get into the end zone.”
PCM (11-0) faces thirdranked Spirit Lake (10-1) in the state semifinals at the UNIDome at 10 a.m. on Nov. 16 in Cedar Falls.
Spirit Lake defeated North Fayette Valley, 41-13, in their quarterfinal. Top-ranked West Lyon (11-0) and fourth-ranked Van Meter (10-1) will play in the other state semifinal game.
The Mustang defense turned away Mid-Prairie on its first drive after the Golden Hawks picked up three first downs and ran 12 plays.
Keegan Fenton forced a punt when he registered a tackle for loss on third down.
The Mustangs got on the board with a 12-play, 75-yard drive. Robbins gained 15 yards and picked up a first down on his second carry.
He added runs of nine and 14 yards later before Gavin Van Gorp capped the drive with a 13-yard run and a 1-yard TD plunge with 2:09 to go in the first.
The PCM defense forced a
three and out on Mid-Prairie’s second possession and the drive stalled after Van Dyke picked up his first of four sacks in the contest.
Van Dyke was back to playing both ways after going exclusively one way the week before because of an injury.
“I feel all right now. I only played on one side of the ball last week, but it’s good. I just had to play through it,” Van Dyke said. “It was great to come back and play both sides this week. They tried switching guys out for fresh bodies, but we were able to handle things pretty well up front.”
PCM extended its lead to 14-0 after an 11-play, 47-yard scoring drive that featured 11 runs.
The Mustangs picked up three third-down conversions on the possession. Van Gorp went 11 yards on third and two and gained 3 yards twice on third and one.
Robbins lost seven yards on first and goal but scored from 10 yards out one play later.
Van Gorp finished with 64 yards and three TDs on 16 carries and completed 2-of-7 through the air for 22 yards. He now leads 2A with 42 total touchdowns.
“It’s just surreal,” Van Gorp said. “This whole season has been crazy and quite an experience. The job is not finished though.”
PCM did not score again until the fourth.
The Mustangs denied Mid-Prairie in the red zone later in the half.
The Golden Hawks (7-4) got a 20-yard run from quarterback Brady Weber and then Weber connected with Kaden Kos for a 28-yard gain that brought the ball inside the 10-yard line.
The next four plays resulted in only two yards and the drive ended after Weber threw an in-
complete pass out of the back of the end zone on fourth down.
“The main focus for us is reading our keys, doing our job and working together,” said Tad Wilson, who finished with 4.5 tackles in the win. “We came into the season with a lot of confidence, and it grew as the season progressed.”
Burns gained 11, 9 and 27 yards on the Mustangs’ first possession of the second half, but PCM turned it over on downs. An illegal man downfield penalty negated Riley Graber’s 20-
yard catch on third down. Burns continued to be a workhorse on the next drive. He picked up a first down on an 11-yard run and then Van Gorp converted a third down and one with a 4-yard run. Mid-Prairie stopped the Mustangs short on fourth down though to end the possession.
A 10-play, 73-yard drive that ended with a touchdown early in the fourth put PCM in front 21-0. The drive featured a pair of 9-yard runs and an 8-yard ad-
“It’s next man up. He’s been waiting on his moment,” Van Gorp said about Burns. “We knew he could run the
but man, he had a breakout performance. The offensive line played really well tonight, too.”
vance by Burns. A face mask penalty by the Golden Hawks moved the ball forward 15 more yards before a Burns 10-yard run set up Van Gorp’s 5-yard quarterback sneak into the end zone.
ball,
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
Members of the PCM football team celebrates their quarterfinal win over Mid-Prairie on Nov. 8.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM junior Shay Burns, left, rushed for a career-high 209 yards against Mid-Prairie on Nov. 8. The Class 2A No. 2 Mustangs cruised past the Golden Hawks, 41-0, to clinch their third trip to the state semifinals since 2018.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Trenner Van Dyke had four sacks and five tackles for loss in the Mustangs’ 41-0 win over Mid-Prairie on Nov. 8.
De Vries leads four Mustangs on all-HOIAC team
The PCM volleyball team led the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference with 94 aces this past season.
The Mustangs also ranked third in digs (402), fourth in both kills (244) and blocks (53) and finished tied for seventh with a serve percentage of 87.4 percent inside conference play.
It all added up to a fifth-place conference finish and .500 conference record.
Four players also were recognized for their efforts as senior Rebecca De Vries earned first-team recognition, senior Addison Steenhoek was a second-team pick and junior Tori Lindsay and freshman Libby Winters were the honorable mention selections.
All-conference recognition is based on statistics inside conference play only. The Mustangs split their eight HOIAC matches.
De Vries led the Mustangs and ranked fifth in the conference with 79 kills. She also ranked 10th in the league with a kill efficiency of .204 and finished with 52 digs, 14 aces, 11 blocks and nine assists. Her serve percentage was 86.6.
Steenhoek’s second-team honor included 113 digs, which ranked fifth in the league. She also was tied for third in the conference with 21 aces and ranked fifth with a 92.6 serve percentage.
Steenhoek dished out 25 assists.
Dome Bound
Another Van Dyke sack helped PCM turn the Golden Hawks over on downs on their next possession.
PCM needed only four plays to go 44 yards and Van Gorp capped the scoring drive with a 24-yard TD run.
The Mustangs averaged 6.33 yards per carry in the victory. They now have 3,011 rushing yards for the season, which ranks second in 2A.
“The offensive line came out with a chip on their shoulder in the second half and they should have,” Bonnett said. “We challenged them at halftime. It was time to push people around and be dominant.”
The Golden Hawks gained 12 yards on their first play of the next possession, but Van Dyke made a tackle for loss, Alex Wendt registered an 8-yard sack and Robbins snagged an interception on third and 20 and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown.
The final points of the game came on a 46-yard touchdown run by Burns. It capped a three-play, 50yard drive. Burns averaged 8.7 yards per carry in the win.
“He is a Burns. And PCM and Burns go hand in hand,” Bonnett said. “He’s a really good football player. He’s a really smart football player. And he’s got great balance
Her 100 successful serves ranked ninth in the conference and the 108 attempts was 10th.
Lindsday’s 190 assists ranked second in the HOIAC and her 36 aces led the league. She also ranked eighth in the conference with 81 digs and finished with seven kills and four blocks.
Lindsay’s serve percentage of 91.6 ranked sixth. She attempted the most serves (155) and had the most successful serves (142) in the HOIAC.
Winters ranked second on the team and eighth in the league with 61 kills. Her 18 blocks ranked third and her .268 kill efficiency was seventh in the conference.
and physicality. He’s having a great year at linebacker and got his opportunity to carry the football tonight. What else can I say, he’s a stud.”
The offensive line’s cohesion and dominance up front in the second half helped open up large holes for Burns to run through.
“It speaks to how close we are,” Van Dyke said. “We know exactly what we’re doing up front and it was our job to pick up the young guy and keep going.”
Robbins gained 95 yards and scored one TD on his 16 carries in the first half.
Gavin Steenhoek was the only other player to gain positive yards as he hauled in two catches for 22 yards. Steenhoek also gained 50 yards on five punt returns.
Van Dyke led the defense with 8.5 tackles, four sacks and five tackles for loss. Finn Wilson added 11 tackles, while Brevin DeRaad had 8.5 tackles and Burns finished with 7.5 tackles.
Robbins chipped in 3.5 tackles and the pick 6, Tad Wilson posted 4.5 tackles and Wendt and Fenton each contributed 2.5 tackles. Wendt also registered one sack.
The PCM defense snagged its 13th pick of the season, which ranks tied for fourth in 2A.
The Mustangs also limited the Golden Hawks to 62 rushing yards on 31 carries.
“It’s the greatest feeling ever to
The Mustang freshman added six aces, 60 digs and four assists. Her serve percentage was 79.7.
PCM also was successful in the classroom. The Mustangs earned the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union Academic Achievement Award after compiling a team grade point average of 3.2 or better. Three seniors — De Vries, Steenhoek and Stella Stravers — earned academic all-state honors after tallying at least a 3.85 GPA and ranking in the top 10 percent of their senior class.
De Vries, Steenhoek and Straver also highlighted the academic all-conference team, which includes seniors or juniors with at least a 3.2 GPA.
The others on this team were Lindsay and juniors Addie Hudnut, Lillian Humpal, Claire Van Wyk and Jorja Teeter and senior managers Jake Winters and Madeline Burkett.
play with my brother and make plays together,” Finn Wilson said about his twin Tad. “I couldn’t ask for anything more. We knew this day would come, but I didn’t expect it to be like this.”
Hudson Ehrenfelt gained 50 yards on 18 carries and had three catches for 19 yards to lead Mid-Prairie. Weber was 22-of-31 through the air for 141 yards and one pick. Cobi Hershberger hauled in six passes for 31 yards and Ace Peck grabbed four passes for 32 yards.
Kos led the Mid-Prairie defense with 15 tackles and Hershberger chipped in 11 tackles. Kos leads 2A in tackles with 108.5
“We mixed it up a little bit, threw in some blitzes and mixed some coverages up,” Bonnett said. “We didn’t want them to have any clean reads. But the main thing was playing really disciplined gap control football. We weren’t in our gaps when things weren’t going as well.”
Notes: There were only four penalties in the game. PCM was flagged for three of them for 20 yards. The Mustangs did have a 2114 advantage in first downs. … The Mustangs’ closest game this fall was the 22-point win over Des Moines Christian in the opening round of the playoffs. PCM is outscoring its opponents 530-82. … Mid-Prairie lost its first three games of the season. The Golden Hawks’ seven-game win streak was snapped on Nov. 8.
jr., Grand View Christian; Emma Ewalt, sr., Greene County; Payton Kokenge, sr., Greene County; Isla Martin, so., Nevada; Jadyn Melohn, jr., Nevada; Madison Stika, sr., Perry; Gabriella Orellana, sr., Perry; Alli Janes, jr., Roland-Story; Josie Ramus, sr., Roland-Story; Paige Rummans, sr., Saydel; Ryleigh Sevedge, jr., Saydel; Sara Scheller, jr., South Hamilton; Emma Lammers, fr., South Hamilton; Reese Jensen, sr., West Marshall; Kylee Schuler, sr., West Marshall.
Distinguished All-Conference
Mya Spykerman, sr., Nevada
PCM Explorer
De Vries Steenhoek Lindsay
Winters Stravers
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Tad Wilson had 4.5 tackles against Mid-Prairie on Nov. 8. The Class 2A No. 2 Mustangs advanced to the state semifinals and will play third-ranked Spirit Lake at 10 a.m. on Nov. 16.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Finn Wilson and junior Shay Burns (41) celebrate a fourth down stop by the Mustang defense late in
Explorer PCM
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