The City of Monroe is currently looking to fill a recently vacated city council seat. Following the resignation of council member Jean Goemaat, one of the five positions is available to a Monroe resident.
Under Iowa Code, the city council can either appoint a person to fill the vacancy until the next election, which for this seat would be November 2025 or there can be a special election held with costs for the one-time event incurred by the city.
Any resident interested in serving on the council can drop off a letter of interest to Monroe City Hall, 206 Sherman St., or send to Monroe City Hall attn: Mayor Douglas Duinink at P.O. Box 370, Monroe, IA 50170. Letters need to be received before 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5 to be considered. Those interested must be 18 years old to hold office.
All interested parties will be considered by the city council. An appointment will be made by Dec. 9 at the regular monthly city council meeting.
Following the appointment,
Monroe residents will have 14 days to file a petition to call for a special election for the position.
For more information or any questions, contact Monroe City Hall at 641-259-2319.
Winter operations for Jasper County clearly state the level, sequence of services
Snow removal to occur in 12-hour blocks and end by 4:30 p.m. in most cases
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Winter operations policies for Jasper County’s secondary roads department have been revised and approved by the board of supervisors. The county engineer noted that in addition to some language revisions, the major changes include the time in which snowplow trucks and spreaders will be operating on roads. Prior to the revisions, crews were working 13 hours from 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on paved routes. County Engineer Michael Frietsch said now crews will work in 12-hour blocks from 4:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If
a winter event prompts crews to start at noon or after noon, operations will continue until 5:30 p.m.
“That is in there now and that wasn’t in there before,” Frietsch said of the new paved route policies. “…In Section 2, I was very clear on private roads versus county roads. I made sure that was a lot clearer than what was in there before. Because it wasn’t very clear. It was very ambiguous before.”
According to the winter operations policy, services are limited only to roads accepted by the county board of supervisors by resolution and/or
Nearmyer sworn in as Jasper County supervisor
Former Republican Party chair gets a head start on board duties
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Thad Nearmyer has spent the past few months sitting in the spectator sections to watch the Jasper County Board of Supervisors meetings, but this past week after a successful election and subsequent canvass he took his seat at the board table, next to the chairman, as the latest county supervisor.
Nearmyer was officially sworn in at the start of the Nov. 19 board of supervisors meeting, taking over the seat previously appointed to Denny Stevenson after supervisor Denny Carpenter’s death a month after he was re-elected in 2022. Stevenson would serve until the next countywide election in 2024. Previously serving as chair of the Jasper County Republican Party, Nearmyer officially announced his campaign in February 2024. He ran against independent candidate Randy Ray. Results from the county auditor’s office show Nearmyer earned 12,125 votes, or 66.81 percent of the vote. Ray earned 5,864 votes.
Upon his swearing in, Nearmyer was given a chance to say a few words. He thanked everyone who supported him, and he was ready to get to work.
“I’m honored to be here,” Nearmyer said.
Since Nearmyer was elected to fulfill the remaining two years of Carpenter’s term, he will have to run again in 2026 if he wants to retain the seat.
Newton News previously interviewed Nearmyer followed his presumed win against Ray. He told the newspaper he was feeling good about the results, but it was not a huge shock to him to see that he had won. He has seen how organized Republicans can be in Jasper County elections.
Still, it was 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.”
Throughout his campaign Nearmyer praised the board of supervisors for working closely with the county engineer to address gravel roads main-
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
tenance. He also vowed to keep property taxes in check and to improve the county’s working relationship with city governments throughout the county to ensure future growth.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Papers to be considered for the open Monroe City Council seat can be dropped off at Monroe City Hall, 206 Sherman St., or sent to Monroe City Hall attn: Mayor Douglas Duinink at P.O. Box 370, Monroe, IA 50170.
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer
Thad Nearmyer, right, gets sworn in to the Jasper County Board of Supervisors before its meeting on Nov. 19 in the Jasper County Courthouse.
Explorer PCM
Events at The Gathering Place
Monday, Dec. 2
• 8am Coffee & Prayer with Pastor Ann
• 10am Video Exercise Class
Tuesday, Dec. 3
• 1pm Game Time
Wednesday, Dec. 4
• 1pm “Get Fit, Move More!” with Amy S.
• 6pm BINGO
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.
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.
As temperatures go down during fall and winter, furnaces and heaters work harder and use more energy to help keep us warm and comfortable.
MidAmerican Energy reminds customers who struggle with wintertime heating bills that there may be financial help available.
State agencies that administer home heating assistance through the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, now accept applications for energy assistance.
“Some of our customers trying hard to make ends meet don’t know about the LIHEAP program, so we want to make sure people know that this home heating help might be available to them,” Mike Gehringer, vice president of customer operations for MidAmerican Energy, said. “LIHEAP funds can really make a differ-
Cindy Nearmyer
Nov. 21, 2024
Cindy Nearmyer, 66, of Monroe, passed away at home on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The daughter of John and Beverly (Aalbers) Nearmyer, Cynthia Sue Nearmyer was born on May 17, 1958, in Des Moines, Iowa. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1976. She then went on to AIB in Des Moines and graduated in the fall of
ence for those who qualify, but first, you have to apply through your local state agency.”
MidAmerican customers who have received a disconnection notice are encouraged to call the company at 888427-5632 to discuss possible payment options.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides LIHEAP funding to states, which administer their own programs. Iowa LIHEAP Community action agencies in Iowa review applications and administer energy assistance funds. Household income and size, type of primary heating fuel, housing type and other factors are considered.
To be eligible for LIHEAP in Iowa, the total household income for an applicant must be at or below 200 percent of 2023 federal poverty guidelines. For example, a single-person household is eligible with an
1977. On June 10, 1977, she married Charles Burns in Monroe. To this union two children were adopted, Caleb and Kristina. Charles and Cindy later divorced. Since she was ten years old, Cindy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Monroe. Cindy was an administrative assistant for many
years and worked part time in the food industry. Those left to honor her memory include her mother, Beverly Nearmyer; her children Caleb Burns and Kristina (James) Oesch; siblings Lana (Jeff) Lewis and Steve (Jenny) Nearmyer; nieces Nola (Cody) Morris, Kaylee (Eric) Siebrecht, Kelsey (Brian) Adams; nephew Dereck (Jenny) Lewis; great nieces Marlo, Gwen and Ruby Lewis, Eden and Sayla Siebrecht and Re -
gan Adams and great nephews Jace Siebrecht, Garrett Adams and Hap Morris. Per Cindy’s request, there will be a private family graveside service at Silent City Cemetery in Monroe. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you make a donation in Cindy’s name to First Baptist Church in Monroe or to Monroe Fire and Rescue. These can be left at Pence-Reese Funeral Home in Newton.
‘Christmas Combinations: Double the Joy’ concert
annual gross income at or below $30,120.
A family of four is eligible with an annual gross income at or below $62,400.
The program began taking applications Oct. 1. for those 60 or older, disabled or in crisis, and will accept all other applications through April 30, 2025.
Eligible customers who need help with energy bills should apply for LIHEAP at a local community action out-
reach office.
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has additional information about the program. Eligibility requirements information is also available by dialing 211.
Budget Billing provides predictable monthly bill
Customers who want to avoid month-tomonth bill fluctuations can opt for MidAmerican’s Budget Billing program, which allows cus -
tomers to pay the same amount each month for a set period. The free program does not lower rates or costs but does offer a more predictable bill.
How you can help low-income customers this winter
To help those in need, customers can donate to MidAmerican’s I CARE program. I CARE provides funding to local community action agencies to assist low-income residents with heating
bills and home weatherization.
Customer donations fund I CARE, together with a 25 percent match from MidAmerican. Tax-deductible donations to the I CARE program stay within the local community and go directly to help those in need. MidAmerican customers can donate to the I CARE program by noting the donation amount on their monthly bill or pledging online.
Submitted Photo
Heartland Singers Community Chorus will present
day, Dec. 8 at Oakwood United Methodist Church, 400 NE 56th St. , Pleasant Hill. The program features both sacred and secular seasonal music, old and new, and a Christmas Carol sing-along. Members from Prairie City include Julie DeVries, Mary Nikkel, Connie Budding, Scott DeVries and Barbara Hoover. There is no charge for the concert. A freewill offering will be accepted. Refreshments are served following the concert.
ordinance. Private subdivision roads and field entrances and driveways to properties within the county do not meet this definition and are excluded from services.
Other than plowing roads, winter operations in Jasper County can include snow and ice removal and sanding and salting roads. The county makes no assurances that the full width of the roadway will be cleared of snow, ice, compacted snow and ice or frost.
Since snow removal in shoulders and ditches can pile up, the county urges drivers to be cautious of their speed and traffic in one-lane conditions.
When it comes to mailboxes, the county will not replace or repair any mailbox destroyed or damaged during snow removal operations unless it can be shown that a plow blade directly struck the mailbox. The county will also not replace or repair mailboxes damaged or knocked down from the force of snow removal.
Here are the snow and ice
maintenance policies for paved routes:
• Truck-mounted snowplows and spreaders operation is between the hours of 4:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Unless the winter event prompting the response starts on or after noon, in which case operations will continue until 5:30 pm.
• Operations may be suspended if snow and blowing reduces visibility to hazardous working conditions, in the professional judgment of the County Engineer or his delegated representative.
• Initial effort will be to open routes to one lane traffic in accordance with Item l above.
• Subsequent snow removal will resume during normal working hours, unless forecasted future events warrant continued winter operation hours.
• Motor graders may be used in conjunction with the truck-mounted snowplows to open, or keep open, the paved routes, delaying the opening of granular surfaced roads.
• County may place salt, sand, or other abrasives (treatment) on intersections, hills, and curves once they are plowed. Retreatment may not occur between snowstorms. Treatment
secondary roads maintenance building.
Supervisor Brandon Talsma said during a recent work session that the county was short 1.25 percent, which the auditor’s office found that effectively amounts to 32 affirmative votes. Voting data also showed voters in a majority of precincts were generally in favor of the bond issue, which was positive news for Talsma.
“One of the things that stuck out to me from the numbers was the rate of approval within city limits and the fact it was pretty consistent outside city limits by individual townships of approval-disapproval, with the exception of two, which were considerably lower than most of the other townships,” Talsma said.
If the bond issue turnout had been closer to 50 percent, Talsma said he would
Name Address City, State, Zip
Explorer PCM
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer
Traffic drives along Highway 14 between Newton and Monroe while surrounded by snow. Crews working to plow and haul snow prioritized major highways following recent snowstorms before addressing secondary roads, which enraged a number of residents who were trapped by high snowdrifts for several days.
operations shall be limited to the hours set forth in Item I above.
• Jasper County is not obligated to provide a “dry” pavement condition.
Here are the snow and ice maintenance policies for unpaved routes:
• Motor grader snow removal operation is between the hours of 4:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M.
• Operations may be suspended if snow and blowing
consider dropping the idea. But because the turnout was so close he felt like the county could try to make another run at it.
However, he was adamantly against having it on a school board and city council election ballot.
“If you look at the voter turnout, it is abysmal in that election,” he said. “Last election we didn’t even hit 7,000 people. It was less than 40 percent voter participation. Now, I do think if we were to have this ballot measure on there (in 2025) it may boost it a little bit, but you’re still looking at an abysmal turnout.”
Other supervisors agreed that having the bond issue on a ballot during a historically lower voter turnout election cycle might give the wrong message. Talsma said it might give residents the impression the county wants to forcibly or underhandedly push the project through.
“And, as a rural resident myself, most rural residents don’t even vote in the city or school election,” Talsma said, also not-
deductible donations may be
to Jasper Community Foundation in care of St. Nicks Christmas Club.
Send check or money order to: St. Nick’s Christmas Club P.O. Box 162 Newton, IA 50208
reduces visibility to hazardous working conditions, in the professional judgment of the County Engineer or his delegated representative.
• Motor grader snow removal operations will NOT be undertaken on holidays, Saturdays or Sundays when the expected snowfall total is 3 inches or less, unless drifting snow and blockages of roads occurs.
• Initial effort will be to pro-
ing schools or cities may have their own public measures. “…I do also feel like it’s backdooring by taking an election that has a lower voter turnout to try and pass a multi-million-dollar bond issuance.”
Supervisor Doug Cupples suggested if it hadn’t rained prior to Election Day that the turnout would have been better for the county. Talsma argued against that claim, suggesting the early voting data shows weather had no impact on the turnout. Talsma also initially thought the weather affecting roads swayed the vote.
“It had nothing to do with environmental conditions. I was banking on it, too. I was like, ‘Oh yeah our early votes are going to be 62 or 63 percent, and the day off election is going to be like 47 or 48.’ It was not,” Talsma said. “Early votes were right around 58 percent and the day off votes were right around 58 percent.”
Feedback that supervisors received also indicated that people were not well educated on the bond issue and its ensuing projects, despite the county holding several in-person and digital town halls about the project. Jasper County Engineer Mi-
vide at least one path of ingress and egress for each inhabited residence. The roads or portions or roads involved may vary for each event.
• After providing inhabited residences with at least one ingress and egress pathway, these same routes will be widened to two lane travel in preparation for the next event during normal working hours, unless forecasted future events warrant continued winter operation hours.
• Upon completion of Items 3 and 4 above, the remaining unopened routes (those without occupied residences) will be opened to one lane travel, then, as time and resources allow, to two lane travel during normal working hours.
• Snow will not be removed from roads designated as Level 8 roads.
• Excess snow or ice will be placed along the sides of roadways and the determination of the side (east, west, north, or south) will be based upon prevailing winds. forecasted winds, road alignment, and space availability. Objective is to reduce the amount of drifting both during the current event and for future events.
chael Frietsch said he plans to start hosting events to help.
In the near future, Frietsch will host public “Ask the Engineer” events where citizens are encouraged to meet with him and secondary roads crews to share grievances and concerns about gravel roads. Frietsch said the events could help share more information about the project well in advance of a ballot measure.
Supervisors were in consensus that it was worth it to make another run at it.
“We’re talking 32 votes. We’re talking 1.25 percent. It’s not like the thing was overwhelmingly shut down,” Talsma said. “We were close. We were really close.” Originally, the bond issue would have helped kickstart a number of other county projects for both 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, outfitted classrooms for nature center and two maintenance replacement sheds in county parks.
My story…I started helping Bill & Jeanne Hammen in 1994, in closing his first store, Hammen Jewelry.
Then in 2002, Bill asked me to come and help him manage the store for him. I did, and the rest is history. Keep in mind Bill bought the store from Kenny Kramer in 1986. So it has been Kramer Jewelry, then Hammen Jewelry, then Bill reopened as Bill’s Jewelry Shop. When I bought the store 9 years ago I never changed the name.
I am now at a new chapter in my life, and boy did it come quick!! Sometimes you get signs as to how life is gonna go, and sometimes it’s all just a surprise! I’ve had several signs, and I do see now, how it’s my turn to say Good-bye, and hand the reins over to the new owner. The store will go through another name change, as it has 3 times before. We will still have the same jeweler that we have had for 25 years, Vince Wallerich. Amy Shepard will be the new owner as of January 1, 2025. She has been with the store for over 15 years and has her GIA Graduate Diamond degree.
Now, how do I say how much fun I have had over the last 23 years, being in this store as manager and now owner for the last 9 years. This has been such a fun, exciting, emotional, fascinating ride I have had! I love all of our customers! You have turned into an extended family to me. Each and every one of you have made this a VERY memorable experience! Thank you for allowing me to be the one that you chose, the one you trust, the one that has helped you make your life moments even more memorable!
So it’s with my pleasure to say…
Thank you for the memories!
Deb and Lonie Shearer November, 2024
B BB vs N. Mahaska at PCM 4:30pm JV, B WR at Lynnville-Sully 4:30pm 7, G BB at Newton 4:30pm 8, G BB vs Newton at PCM
16
17 9:30am Supervisors, County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 1pm Game Time at TGP 6pm Bingo at TGP 6:30pm Mon Legion Auxiliary 3pm Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group at the PC FRC 4:30pm JV, G/B BB at Grand View Christian 5:45pm JV2, B BB at Grand View Christian 6pm V, G BB at Grand View Christian 7:30pm V, B BB at Grand View Christian 7pm Middle School Winter Concert
1pm
Monroe Trash & Recycling Day 9am Preschool Winter Concert at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals
TGP 5pm
10am
Congregate Meals
21 9:30am V, B WR at Fort Madison
10 9:30am Supervisors, Jasper County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm Mon American Legion 6:30pm Kiwanis, Mon City Hall 4:30pm JV, B BB at Perry 4:30pm JV, G BB at Perry 6pm JV2, B
11 Monroe Trash 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 1pm Get Fit, Move More at TGP 6pm PC City Council, City Hall
12 10am Focus Group at TGP 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 12:30pm Pre-Planning Services JV, B Bowling TBD V, G Bowling TBD JV, G Bowling TBD 3:45pm V, B Bowling at Pleasant Hill 4:30pm 8, G BB vs W. Marshall at PCM 4:30pm 7, G BB at West Marshall 6pm JV/V WR at Perry
13 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson at TGP 4:30pm JV, B BB at Greene County 6pm V, G BB at Greene County 7:30pm V, B BB at Greene County 4:15pm JV, B WR at Saydel 4:30pm JH, B WR at PCM Jersey Freeze open
14
Kid’s Crafts at TGP 5pm Bingo Night Class of 2026 Fundraiser at HS 5pm Prairie City Holiday Shindig at Sacred Willow Farms Jersey Freeze open Santa Claus at Jersey Freeze 9 8am Coffee & Devotions at TGP 10am Video Exercise Class 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 5:30pm PC Park Board Monroe City Council 7pm PC Fire Dept, PC City Hall 2pm Closed Session School Board at ME 4pm V, G WR at Williamsburg 4:15pm 7, G BB at Carlisle 4:30pm JH, B WR at Pella 4:30pm 8, G BB vs Carlisle at PCM 4:45pm JV2, B BB at Pella Christian 6pm JV, B BB at Pella Christian 7:30pm V, B BB at Pella Christian
The PCM
Temporary Bathroom Shut-Down
Here in the PCM High School, one of the bathrooms has been closed due to vandalism; the person who committed these acts of vandalism hasn’t been caught yet. PCM High School principal Kristen Souza was asked first to explain what was happening in the bathrooms, stating, “The bathrooms are being closed in response to lots of vandalism.” Souza continued, “When something happens in a bathroom, and if it happens more than once, I typically close it until I feel like it is able to be opened again.” Next, we asked Souza if there were any extra precautions she had to take to close the bathrooms. She responded, “Just making sure people have access to a bathroom if they need it.” She continued, “We are just kind of curving the amount of people we can have in the restrooms to help monitor them.” Dylan Heacock, an English teacher at PCM High School, said that his reaction to the bathrooms being closed was thinking that it was the right decision, and he understood why it was being closed due to the vandalism going on in the school. He followed up with “Yes, we have people vandalizing bathrooms. No, you shouldn’t get access to the bathrooms if you’re vandalizing them, but also it’s a student-body problem if you allow other people to vandalize the bathrooms or not report it right after you see it. That is also an equal problem, and that has been a problem for a while.” Brandy Tate, a teacher at PCM High School, states her first reaction was disappointment. “It just really makes me sad. PCM is like my second home.” Tate agrees with the closing and understands. She adds, “Students need to realize that their choices will affect people.” Tate’s overall feeling is sadness. Junior Ryan Braun, a student at PCM High School, says his first reaction to the closing was not caring. He states he knew legally they had to have other bathrooms open. He doesn’t quite agree with the closing. He says that there are always other bathrooms to be closed. To continue reading about the vandalism in the bathrooms, go to PCMOUTLOOK.COM.
White Pie -Kenna Grier
French Silk -Addy Pederson
Meet a Mustang
James Nolin
Role: History Teacher
College Attended: Simpson Col lege & Drake University
Sports Coached: Football Years at PCM: “Taught here for the last 13 years and coached 15 years at PCM.”
A piece of advice you’d give to High School students: humble and kind.”
If you weren’t a teacher what other job would you be: College Football Coach
3 Words to Describe her: Caring, Driven, & Passionate.
Favorite Quote: “There is only one way to succeed at anything, and that is to give it everything!” - Vince Lombardi
Favortie Class: Math
Best High School Memory: “TeePeeing & Homecoming Week”
Favorite Book: Divergent Series
Favorite Movie: Pure Country Pure Heart
Favorite Artist: Anne Wilson
Dream Job: Pediatrician
Hi, my name is Peyton Lathrum, and I am a freshman at PCM High School. This is my first year of journalism. I am going to be talking with you guys about how I love planning things such as birthday parties, weddings, surprise parties, family events, and more. I have read some books on how to plan an event stepby-step. I’ve also watched a few movies that give me ideas on how to plan, for example, Fuller House. Kimmy is a planner, and she inspired me to watch more shows and read books about planning, mostly parties. Kimmy’s party planning business is called Gibbler Style, and she plans weddings, parties, and more. Right now I am planning my sweet 16, yes, I know it is in 7 months, but it is just so fun to plan early so I have an idea of decorations and friends I want to invite. I have a whole Pinterest board for my sweet 16, and it is orange and pink themed (so so so pretty). My friends are coming up with very good ideas for activities to do at the party; an example is a photo booth with my camera and then printing it out and writing your name on the bottom with the date and putting it in the box named “Peyton’s Sweet 16 Memories.” A few friends and I are planning a Secret Santa as of right now and doing a jelly cat exchange and a burr basket with all the Christmas necessities and cute PJ pants that we will all wear and watch Christmas movies with hot cocoa. Another idea I am thinking of doing for my sweet 16 is sharing my Pinterest board with my friends so they can decorate my shed for my birthday party, and it will kind of be like a surprise party but for myself. I have always planned my birthday parties and my friend’s parties. All of this planning has led me to think my future job should be something with planning. I am so excited to plan my wedding when I get older and get engaged. I love planning music and doing playlists, especially dance floor songs for weddings. Also, I have thought about my first dance song and my dance with my dad. The song I have planned for me and my dad’s dance for my wedding is the song we used to listen to when I was around 5 years old when my dad put me to sleep. I have some songs in my notes for the best dance floor music. Just the little things to plan make my day. For example, planning where to go for lunch or another little thing is what to wear that day; it just makes me happy.
Annie Ford & Abby Bradbury Staff Writers
Peyton Lathrum Staff Wrtier
Rylee Parsons Print Editor
Cherry - Annie Ford
Hates Pie - Abby Bradbury
French Silk - Peyton Lathrum
French Silk - Rylee Parsons
Hates Pie - Kayla VanderLinden -Pumpkin VanMaKenna Hafften
Pumpkin - Skyler Jennings
Cherry - Levi Edgett
Smell of Apple - Piper Clark
State-ranked Mustangs cruise past third-ranked Montezuma at Lynnville-Sully Jamboree
PCM girls open season with
CHARITON — Class 3A No. 11 PCM got its season off on the right foot on Nov. 22. The Mustangs dominated all four quarters, used a fast start to grab an early lead and cruised past Chariton, 51-16, in the season opener for both girls basketball teams.
PCM led 21-7 after the first quarter and outscored the host Chargers 11-2, 10-3 and 9-4 in the final three frames of the non-conference contest.
Libby Winters made her varsity debut and led the Mustangs with 13 points, three rebounds and six steals. Five Mustangs played in their first varsity game in the win.
Tori Lindsay added nine points, three rebounds and two assists, Kyra Naeve chipped in five points and five boards and Addison Steenhoek tallied four points, four assists and three steals.
Holly Wood posted four points, four rebounds and three steals in her varsity debut, Lila Milani collected five points and two boards and Rebecca De Vries registered four points and three rebounds.
Katelynn Fagg’s varsity debut featured three points and two rebounds, Camden Webb had four points in her debut, Bailey Wheeler swiped two steals and Kenna Grier grabbed two boards. Darbey DeRaad also made her varsity debut.
The Mustangs (1-0) shot 37.5 percent from the floor, connected on 3-of-17 from 3-point range and buried 6-of-7 from the free-throw line. They turned the ball over 13 times.
Ellie Lane led Chariton with six points and seven boards and Bailey McGee finished with six points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.
PCM limited the Chargers (0-1) to 24 percent shooting from the floor. Chariton was 2-of-14 from 3 and missed all seven of its attempts from the charity stripe.
Libby Winters
PCM freshman Libby Winters made her varsity basketball debut against Chariton on Nov. 22 and led the Mustangs with 13 points. She also pulled down three rebounds and swiped six steals. The Mustangs won the game by 35 points and start the season ranked 11th in Class 3A.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
The PCM girls basketball team starts the season ranked 11th in Class 3A. The Mustangs faced 1A No. 3 Montezuma at the Lynnville-Sully jamboree on Nov. 18 and downed the Bravettes 35-17. The two teams played one half of basketball and PCM led 18-5 after one quarter. Clockwise from top: Junior Kyra Naeve (33) boxes out Montezuma’s Sydnee Burgess; Sophomore Kenna Grier gets fouled near halfcourt by Montezuma’s Ellen Cook; Sophomore Lila Milani (10) gets fouled on her way to the basket in the second quarter; Junior Tori Lindsay gets her hand on a pass by Montezuma’s Claire Erselius; Senior Addison Steenhoek (14) puts up a 3-pointer in the second quarter.
PCM Explorer
OFFICE MANAGER/ ACCOUNTING
Prairie Ag Supply, Prairie City, IA, is actively hiring a full-time person to perform all areas of accounting and office management.
Position Summary:
• Process accounts payable, receivable,accounts invoicing and deposits.
• Reconcile accounts for monthly statements.
Benefits:
Qualifications:
• Knowledge of accounting system and procedures in a small office environment.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.
• Health insurance
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 401K with company match
Email resume to: Kevin@prairieagsupply.com.
Mechanic, Small engine mechanic needed for growing outdoor power equipment business.
Work is mostly on mowing equipment ranging from commercial zero-turns, lawn tractors, push mowers, and handheld equipment.
Position is full-time year round. Experience with hydraulic drive systems and electrical is a plus. We stock a large inventory of parts and order daily so you can get the job done.
We have the best lifts and service tools in the industry to help you do your job safely and efficiently.
We offer training for the engines and equipment that we sell. Training is offered onsite via computer resources as well as hands on work.
We also pay our technicians to attend local factory training when and where available to keep up on the latest technology and certifications.
We are a family owned business that has always had a family first culture. Located just 12 miles east of Des Moines on University Ave. Top pay based on experience and qualifications. Benefits including 80% of employee health insurance paid, vacation, sick time and 401k with company match also available. Fax resume to 515-994-3272 attn. Kevin. Or email kevin@prairieagsupply.com. Prairie
PCM EXPLORER
Talk with your partner before having sex.
Talk about when you were last tested and suggest getting tested together.
Talk to your healthcare provider about your sex life. Ask them about HIV and STI testing: including what tests you need and how often.
test, treat.
Get tested! It’s the only way to know for sure if you have an HIV or another STI.
Many STIs don’t cause any symptoms, so you could have one and not know
If you’re not comfortable asking your regular provider for an HIV or STI test, find a clinic that provides confidential testing that is free or low cost.
All STIs, including HIV, are treatable. If you test positive for an STI, work with your healthcare provider to get the right treatment. If you test positive for HIV, your provider or testing location will help connect you to treatment & resources!
Ask about partner services to get your partner tested and treated. Avoid having sex until you and your sex partner both complete treatment.
