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T T A A K U S H H N O E E R Y C
Making the biggest impact
Seniors share who their favorite teacher was during their time at PCM
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
As the school year winds down and seniors begin counting down to their final day at PCM, they look back on the teachers that made the biggest difference to them while in the classroom. Teachers can make an impact for a lot of reasons, from exciting teaching methods to being there for students during trying times, forging unforgettable memories for the kids they teach.
“My favorite teacher is Mr. Nolin because you can tell he is passionate about history and
he always finds ways to make it fun to learn about it.” — Brevin DeRaad
“Mrs. Jacobson because she has been with me all four years and has expanded my learning into a new language. She makes learning fun and I am always looking forward to her class.” — Harlan Shannon
“Mr. Bieghler because he’s always supported me and pushed me to be better than I ever thought I could be.” — Riley Graber
“I would say Mr. Micheal because we have the strongest bond and because he helped me through so much of my high
It’s all because of the kids
PCM first grade teacher Tiffany Mueller put kids ‘first’
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Long-time first grade teacher Tiffany Mueller loves teaching for a lot of reasons, but there is one that soars high above the other: the kids. Having taught at PCM since 2007, she has met many little ones at the start of their journey and watched them grow and eventually walk across the graduation stage to their next adventure.
school career!” — Brooke Briles
“I have a ton of favorites but Biegs (Bieghler) probably sticks out the most to me as he always gives me the best advice. If I ever need a good laugh I know to go to Bonnett … So one of them.” — Adrien Robbins
“Mr. Hemann is my favorite teacher because he is a teacher that pushes us beyond our limits or what we think they are anyway. He does this while also making personal connections with each student. You can tell he truly cares about each of us individually. I will miss him very, very much.” — Addi Steenhoek
3 times 3 to x minus z
PCM math teacher Brandy Tate has filled many roles during her time as a Mustang
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
PCM High School algebra teacher Brandy Tate has been on the move during her five years in the district. From starting in third grade to a stint in fifth grade and now at the high school, she has seen a variety of students in different phases of their education.
“The transition has been an amazing experience,” Tate said. “The staff, students and families have been so welcoming.” Teaching math can sometimes
Making learning fun
PCM Middle School science teacher Ashley Van Wyngarden takes a hand-on, active approach to teaching kids
“My favorite part of teaching is building positive relationships with students,” Mueller said. “I am very invested in them not just as learners, but in all aspects of who they are as a person, including their social emotional needs. I also love to see their engagement in learning each day, helping them build positive relationships
“I got a position at PCM as a first grade teacher, and I have loved it so much I have continued with first grade the whole time I have been at PCM,” Mueller said. Relationship building is an important part of teaching at every level. When kids are little, it is also building a foundation of a positive learning environment and showing them they have an adult on their side in the classroom.
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
This isn’t the first time PCM Middle School science teacher Ashley Van Wyngarden has taught in the district. Van Wyngarden dipped her toes in teaching at PCM as an associate while it college before taking a fulltime position five years into her career.
“I worked here as an associate and also subbed in most of the buildings, so PCM has felt familiar for
quite some time,” Van Wyngarden said. “I’ve been at PCM for one year as a middle school science teacher.” Van Wyngarden started in large schools, including high schools at Southeast Polk and Ankeny right out of college. Five years later she decided to switch to PCM.
“Coming back to PCM as a full-time teacher after working here initially as an associate was a pretty special moment,” Van Wyngarden
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Being with her full first grade team at Monroe Elementary has been a bonus for teacher Tiffany Mueller.
VAN WYNGARDEN | 3
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
PCM High School math teacher Brandy Tate has enjoyed her move to the high school this year.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Explorer PCM
Worth Mentioning
Upcoming events at The Gathering Place in Monroe
Thursday, May 8
• 8-11am Playgroup
• 10am Patty Richards Show
• 12:30pm TAI CHI for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
Friday, May 9
• 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson
Monday, May 12
• 10am Video Exercise Class
Tuesday, May 13
• 8-11am Playgroup
• 8am Coffee and Prayer
Wednesday, May 14
• 4pm Get Fit, Don’t Fall with Amy S.
Thursday, May 15
• 9am Focus Group
• 12:30pm TAI CHI for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
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.
Lighthouse Recovery meetings
Lighthouse Recovery Ministries host a Men’s and Ladies 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.
PC Library offerings Wednesday
The Prairie City Public Library hosts regular “bring your own craft” times and Storytimes at 2 p.m. Wednesday afternoons. At 4 p.m. Wednesdays, you can read with therapy dogs. There are also book clubs for adults and middle school students.
PCM student recognized for academic excellence
Harlan Shannon, a student at PCM Community School District, was recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer for outstanding academic achievement at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony April 27 at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
The statewide program, sponsored by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) and its title sponsor the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF), honored 424 high school seniors from across Iowa.
“Iowa Farm Bureau has a long history of supporting students in their educational journey knowing they represent the leaders of tomorrow,” IFBF President Brent Johnson said. “From providing more than a half-million dollars in college scholarships annually to our long-time title sponsorship of the Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony, we’re honored to support and celebrate Iowa’s outstanding students.”
Each high school was invited to select a senior student with the highest academic ranking for their first seven semesters. Students selected for the award also had the opportunity to recognize their favorite/most influential teacher and will receive a photo plaque of their meeting with Governor Reynolds.
“The principles learned through academic success, like those learned from participation in education-based activities, help develop outstanding leaders and citizens,” IHSAA Executive Director Tom Keating, said. “The partnership between the IHSAA and the Iowa Farm Bureau, along with the great cooperation of the Governor’s Office has made this event possible for many years.”
Ninety-eight percent of those recognized participate in extra-curricular school activities, with more than 82 percent participating in at least one interscholastic sport. More than 63 percent of the group plan to continue their education in Iowa.
NSNWR offers bird watching program Saturday
Free Bird Watching and Bagels Program
Join in on a fun introduction to bird watching at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge at 8 a.m. May 10. May is a great time to get outside to see the spring bird migration. Take a guided walk along the Oak Savanna Trail loop. Free loaner binoculars will be available for checkout. Participants can enjoy free bagels and coffee at the visitor center after the walk. This event targets birdwatchers of all skill levels, ages 8 and older. Meet at
Poppies available May 23 in Monroe
The Monroe Legion Auxiliary has dedicated Friday, May 23 as its Annual Poppy Day, a symbol of sacrifice. Auxiliary members will have poppies available to pick up around the community.
the Oak Savanna Trailhead.
The Oak Savanna Trail is a ½-mile loop with a gravel surface and gradual inclines. A restroom is available at the parking lot. We recommend wearing pants and sturdy walking shoes. Bringing a refillable water bottle and insect repellent is also advised. Contact Nancy Corona to register or get more information on any activities at the refuge at nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400.
Tackle thistles before they bolt
Time’s running out to treat biennial thistles with herbicide this spring. Meaghan Anderson, extension field agronomist with Iowa State University, said if you want to effectively use herbicide, you need to do so before the plants bolt.
“While these plants might be easier to see once bolting begins later this spring, they become much more tolerant to herbicide application at that point,” she said.
While goldfinches and butterflies enjoy those purple flowers, invasive biennial
species allowed to produce seed can quickly create monocultures of plants that are unpalatable to livestock.
Musk and bull thistles are common invasive weeds in Iowa pastures. An online resource from Iowa State’s Integrated Crop Management program, has descriptions, comparisons, and control options for musk and bull thistles.
For more information, contact your ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist.
Submitted Photo Harlan Shannon, student at PCM Community School District, was recognized by Gov. Kim Reynolds for outstanding academic achievement at the 23rd Annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony April 27.
Jasper County considers reclassifying portion of N. 75th Ave. W. to Level B road
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Another small portion of a granular road in Jasper County may get reclassified from a Level A road to a Level B road, which will ultimately limit how often the street is maintained by engineer’s office crews and prohibit new rock from being added to the surface. But first the county has to get through its public hearings.
Supervisors scheduled the public hearings for the reclassification of North 75th Avenue West between West 116th Street
Rock Creek road maintenance agreement sees no changes
Jasper County and IDOT have yearly contract divvying out upkeep duties
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
No significant changes were made to the annual contract between Iowa Department of Transportation and Jasper County regarding road maintenance at Rock Creek State Park. The board of supervisors last month voted 3-0 to approve the fiscal year 2026 maintenance agreement with IDOT.
According to the agreement, the maintenance covered by Jasper County snow and ice control, mowing and herbicide application and maintaining clear channels through and adjoining drainage structures. Granular roads at Rock Creek must be shaped, and guardrail and safety grate maintenance is also required.
IDOT will cover pavement maintenance like patching, joint/ crack filling, spot HMA overlays, transverse joint leveling, strip sealing and edge scaling. No special maintenance is required by either party. Payment for maintenance will be $2,100 per lane mile per year. At 2.14 total lane miles, that amounts to $4,494.
North and West 108th Street
North at 9:30 a.m. on May 13, 20 and 27 at the courthouse. If there is no dissent, is it likely subsequent hearings will get waived by the county supervisors.
County Engineer Michael Frietsch said in the middle of this stretch of road is a bridge over Clear Creek rated for five tons that needs to be removed. The first step, he added, is reclassifying the road to a Level B, and then the next step would be to vacate a section around the bridge to officially remove it.
“It’ll be a multi-million-dol-
lar bridge to replace that bridge,” Frietsch said.
Supervisor Brandon Talsma asked if there was any way to reclassify the street to a Level C and then install gates. Frietsch said that could certainly be possible if the road is reclassified to a Level B. He agreed with the idea, but he noted it would take signatures and consent from landowners to reclassify to a Level C. Frietsch noted at the April 15 meeting that property owners would be notified prior to the public hearings. The county will send certified letters to the four affected property
Secondary roads continues its pursuits to recategorize specific county roadways
owners identified as: Janice Gregerson, Trustees Methodist Church, Phyllis Steenhoek Revocable Trust and Rodney Altes Revocable Trust.
Acknowledgement slips will be added to the letters and the dates in which the public hearings will be held. In the letters addressed to the property owners, the engineer makes it clear the maintenance on the reclassified road will be of a lower standard; a copy of the county ordinance was included to further explain.
Supervisor Doug Cupples asked if the county considered vacating the road, but Frietsch
said there is no way to vacate it with how the parcels are laid out. The aforementioned road is the only way some of these parcels can be accessed. Frietsch said the county might have been able to vacate the road if not for that.
Frietsch said this road reclassification is part of a list the county will be working on over the next year. One such reclassification was already approved back in February. The board of supervisors reclassified Indian Street to Level B road, much to the chagrin of some of the nearby property owners.
Seal coating project plans approved for select roads in Jasper County
Highways S-74 and T-38 to see maintenance, along with portion of Image Ave.
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Three seal coating projects — of which two are on major highways — had their final plans approved by the Jasper County Board of Supervisors last month.
County Engineer Michael Frietsch said the seal coatings will be applied to Highway S-74 from Newton city limits to North Street in Reasnor, Image Avenue from North 27th Avenue East south 0.7 miles to Kellogg city limits and Highway T-38 North from U.S. Highway 6 East to the the Marshall County Line.
“These would be similar in scope to what we’re doing on F-70 this year between Monroe and (Highway) S6G and what we’re doing up in Valeria there (F34),” Frietsch said. “We’ve filled in the
Subsurface
cracks already, and come middle of May they’re going to use slurry to level things out and improve drivability on the road.”
Lastly, the affected roads will be scrub sealed, sanded and re-striped. Frietsch said the county is going to get into a process of doing it about every seven years.
Supervisor Brandon Talsma asked what the life expectancy is for a project like this. Frietsch said about five to 10 years. The county engineer said it’s not a fix. Rather, it is a band-aid to get by. It buys time until the county can afford a better solution for these roads. Frietsch said a lot of counties are resorting to this type of treatment on a regular basis, and the main reason is because it is affordable; it’s either pay $75,000 a mile for a seal coat or an overlay for $750,000 per mile.
“We can’t afford the three quarters of $1 million option, so but that’s what we got here,” Frietsch said, noting the seal coating extends 7.6 miles on S-74, 0.7 miles on Image Avenue and 8.8 miles on T-38. “…All three of these use the farm-to-market moneys, and they’ll be let through the DOT in the July letting.”
Another road maintenance option the county is looking at in the future is a method used by a contractor in Chicago. Fritetsch said crews heat the surface, relay it and apply a think layer of asphalt. He suggested the cost is low, and he stressed again that pricing is a big factor when deciding more effective solutions.
“We’re just trying to extend the life or at least try to buy us some time or whatever until maybe funding gets better in the future,” Frietsch said.
exploration authorized for third phase of F-48 West project
Soil borings to be conducted near bridge, which is to be replaced with culverts
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Before construction crews even begin working on the third phase of F-48 West — which won’t be until fiscal year 2027 at the very least — the Jasper County Board of Supervisors ordered soil borings be conducted for the twin box culverts that will be installed along the heavily traveled county highway.
County Engineer Michael Frietsch said the twin box cul-
Few likely forget scenes that emerged during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when nurses working in hospitals overwhelmed with sick and dying patients were applauded by local residents. Such public expressions of appreciation were a testament to the sacrifices and risks nurses accepted as COVID claimed more and more lives. In those early days of the pandemic, nurses worked especially long hours, and even though the pandemic is over, nurses continue to work considerably longer
verts would be located near the first curve east of Polk County. Currently, the plan is to replace Bridge O10 with culverts. To determine what the underlying substructure is like, soil borings must be collected. TEAM Services of Des Moines will carry out the work.
Altogether, the soil borings will cost the county $4,980.
According to the contract included in the supervisors agenda, the two soil borings will be drilled to a depth of
about 25 feet below the existing grades. The borings cannot be drilled within the stream area with a geotechnical drilling rig. Instead, they will be drilled alongside the nearby stream. The third and final phase of the F-48 West resurfacing project extends from Colfax to Mitchellville. In addition to the road work and the bridge being replaced, a curve will also be relocated. The curve will be moved northwest, making the final product even
workdays than the average profession. The American Nurses Association notes that 12-hour shifts are the standard for many nurses working in hospital settings. The lengthy, often exhausting shifts worked by nurses are another example of their devotion to their patients, as the ANA notes one of the reasons nursing shifts are so long is to ensure better continuity of care for patients. With just two shift changes per day, hospitals reduce patient handoffs,
wider. Design services have already been approved. The county will have to acquire 6.3 acres of right-of-way easement and vacate about 9.2 acres to relocate the curve. When the county vacates the old curve, Frietsch said the road surface will be taken out during the construction phase and then crews will restore the ground back to agriculture land. The concrete will likely be hauled off by the contractor to a landfill or reuse it as riprap provided there isn’t any rebar.
and the ANA notes that decreases the risk for miscommunication or misunderstandings that could compromise patient care and health.
Though 12-hour shifts are the norm for nurses working in hospitals, the ANA notes that such schedules can have drawbacks, and those can adversely affect nurses. Fatigue from 12-hour shifts, which can and often do last longer than 12 hours thanks to paperwork and additional tasks nurses may not be able to get to during ordinary working hours, can lead to burnout. In addition, nurses typically have limited downtime on workdays, which means they have few hours to spend with family and friends on days when they work. And nurses working 12-hour shifts may find they spend a significant portion of their time off recuperating from their long shifts, which can adversely affect their overall quality of life.
Twelve-hour shifts are another example of the selfless commitment exhibited by nurses working in hospital settings.
The PCM
The boys 400 meter school was broken before Riley Graber shattered it in the Pella Christian Invitational on April 15 with a 49.33. Then, he broke it again at the Drake Relays on Thursday, April 24, with a 49.17. I had questions for Riley about breaking the PCM High School 400m dash record.
Q: How is breaking the school records?
A: “It’s cool to leave a mark in PCM history, and looking at the school record inspired me to work harder.”
Q: What goals do you have?
A: “Go to the State meet and win or get a place on the podium.”
Libby Winters Staff Writer
The PCM track and field Senior Night was held on April 31 this past week. This year’s Senior Night recognized girls Addison Steenhoek, Addison Shannon, Stella Stravers, and Isabelle Masterson, and boys Gavin DeRaad, Jake Winters, Harlon Shannon, Adrien Robbins, Tad Wilson, Brevin DeRaad, Carson Taylor, Kaden Clark, Riley Graber, Carson Hansen, Gavin VanGorp, Trigg Steenhoek, Finn Wilson, Tate Birkenholtz, and Wyatt Vannoy. Also occurring on Senior Night, PCM hosted a track meet. Overall, PCM boys placed second with 143 points, and girls placed first with 138 points. This past April 29, the girls’ and boys’ track teams traveled to Eddyville, Blakesburg, Fremont, and Chariton due to their Monday track meet being canceled. Girls who went to Chariton placed third overall, and the boys placed sixth. The PCM Co-ed Soccer team had soccer on May 2 at Sigourney. The final score of the varsity game was 7-2, with the Mustangs coming out on top. The PCM co-ed soccer team plays their next match at Greene County on May 5 at their middle school, starting at 5:30. The track team, boys and girls, has their next meet also on Monday, May 5, at North Polk beginning at 4:30.
The Tulip Time Experience
Abby Bradbury Staff Writer
Tulip Time is an event that occurs in Pella, usually the first week of May. Every year it is on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. All the flowers are blooming all around the square, but there are more activities to do than just look at the flowers. Overall, there are interesting food stands and stands with small businesses of all sorts of products. Adding to all the shops and food, they normally have activities up on the square like shows, bounce houses, music, and parades. Tulip Time has different features every year. This year many of the activities include going to the small shops, marketplace, shows, live music, parades, and trying fun foods. At the marketplace, there are small businesses that showcase their products in a tent-like setup. The tents are set up along paths in a circle. Near the tents, they have a playground and some food places along the way. A food place that stuck out was Grace Fellowship Church. They were an example of a stand selling cultural treats. They were selling a treat that originates from the Netherlands called a stroopwafel. A stroopwafel is a cookie-like waffle with a thick syrup-like sauce. While up on the town square, they had a
Seniors Take on The “Windy City”
Kayla VanderLinden Staff Writer
The seniors went on the annual senior trip last week. They left on April 29 and returned in the afternoon on May 1. They took a charter bus to the windy city, otherwise known as Chicago. The chaperones on this trip were Dylan Heacock, John Schaeffer, Sam Pohl, and Kristen Souza. Schaeffer helped plan the itinerary and activities for the trip. “The senior trip is three days, two nights. We leave very early Tuesday morning, 5 a.m. from the Prairie City middle school, and we will make our way to Chicago.” Schaeffer then went on to describe what they will be doing. “We will be starting off Tuesday with the Navy Pier; if you have not been there before, it is a mall and food court, but you can also go outside on rides. Next we will go to a museum, the Science and Industry Museum. Then we will go to the Lincoln Park Zoo. After that we will finally go to our hotel, which is right next to a mall.” The Navy Pier is a 3,300-foot-long pier on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868 and is the second oldest zoo in the United States. The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is one of the largest science museums in the world. However, the seniors are not done yet. That is only day one; the second day they went to Top Golf in the morning. Then Portillo’s restaurant, which is an American fast-casual restaurant chain known for serving Chicago-style street food. They also went to Wrigley Field, the home of the Chicago Cubs, for a tour. Then they went to the Bean on Michigan Avenue. Michigan Avenue is a street known for being a tourist attraction. This street has shopping, dining, and other attractions. Then they went to the sky deck on Willis Tower. According to Schaeffer, “Willis Tower is where you can go up like 130 floors and look down at Chicago while standing on glass. Then after that we will go to a place called Main Event, which has bowling, laser tag, an obstacle course, and fun things.” The final day was spent driving back home. The seniors in track needed to be back in time for the home meet, which was their senior night. Schaeffer also is a track coach who needed to be there. They got back around 2 p.m. from their three-day-long senior trip. The seniors only have seven more school days left until they walk the stage in their caps and gowns, and then they will be off on their new adventures.
lot of food stands with different types of food. Also on the square were the businesses and bakeries to go in. While there were so many people, the businesses provided an at-home feel and a soft environment. Each store had a different aesthetic. Adding to the environment, on the main street they had their traditional show of cleaning the streets with water buckets. Street scrubbing is celebrating their heritage and welcoming you to Tulip Time. The other shows they put on consist of dancing, singing, and nominating the Tulip Queen. At tulip time they have two parades a day, a day parade and a night parade. There are a vast array of floats, Thomas the Train, a steamboat, and some that are just passing out flowers. At night the parade is lit and an even more fun sight to see. With every float that comes by, announce who and what they are. Tulip Time is a good experience for all ages.
With the school year coming to a close, I’ve been reflecting on my junior year. At the start of the year, I joined several new clubs and classes, including Key Club, Student Government, and Journalism. To my surprise, I became editor of the journalism website, The Outlook. As the year progressed, I couldn’t help but wonder where my previous years of high school went. Even now it still feels bizarre that I am almost a senior. I am slowly getting older and have started the overwhelming process of figuring out what I want to do with the rest of my life. Teachers and adults tell me I don’t need to have everything figured out right now, but I can’t help comparing myself to the other juniors in my class who know exactly what they want to do. Even with this struggle, the year continued on. After winter break was when my year started to become stressful. I had signed up to take two online advanced placement classes while having never taken one before. I was very overwhelmed and felt there was no one there to help me figure out what to do. I didn’t know how to study for any of my tests, and I felt very behind compared to everyone else taking the same course as me. I decided to drop one of the classes and only focus on passing one advanced class my first year. Around this time is also when I became very busy with all eight of the clubs I was involved in. I finally started to realize how stressful everyone said my junior year would be but still felt like I was behind all of my peers. I haven’t taken a DMACC class, which several people have told me is so easy, and I would be missing out if I didn’t take any of these classes. I felt no matter what I did, I was constantly overwhelmed and very stressed out. Now, I am done with my AP course and am counting down the days until our final, and with the last day of my junior year coming up, I’ve started thinking about my future. I don’t have any clue what school I want to go to or what I want to do with my life. I can’t help comparing myself to other people in my grade who practically have their futures figured out. I can only hope my senior year won’t be as stressful and I will have more time for fun.
Scan here to learn more about website editor Piper Clark!
Mustangs take home victory lap
MONROE — Lila Milani was the only individual winner for the Mustangs during the PCM Coed Invitational on May 1.
But the PCM girls track and field team won three relays, doubled up in eight individual events and posted 15 top-three finishes during its home victory.
The Mustangs did a victory lap at the end of the night after scoring 138 points. Ottumwa (113) edged Des Moines Christian (112) for second and the rest of the seven-team field included North Mahaska (81), Nevada (56), Chariton (47) and the PCM JV (10).
Milani was part of three of the Mustangs’ four wins. She won the 800-meter run in 2 minutes, 30.46 seconds and Ali Hilsabeck finished third in 2:48.73.
PCM boys take second at home invitational
MONROE — Four wins and 17 top-three finishes were not enough for the PCM boys track and field team to win its home meet on May 1.
The Mustangs scored 143 points in second but trailed Class 3A Knoxville in the final standings.
The Panthers scored 180 points to win the meet championship. The rest of the eightteam field included Pleasantville (94), Chariton (73), Wayne (46), the PCM JV (23), North Mahaska (22) and Melcher-Dallas (2).
Riley Graber and Gavin Van Gorp were the only individual winners for PCM, but the Mustangs won the sprint medley and 4x400-meter relays while also placing second in the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x800 relays.
The Mustangs were second seven times and placed third six times.
Graber won the 200 dash in 23.34 seconds and Wyatt Heater (25.16) finished sixth.
It was one of nine events the Mustangs scored double points in. They also doubled up in the 100, 400, 400 hurdles, 800, discus, shot put, high jump and long jump.
Van Gorp won the long jump with a leap of 21 feet, 1 inch. Finn Wilson (18-8 1/4) placed third and Heater (17-11) was sixth. Only the top two finishers can score points for the varsity team.
Lewis Daye (11.92) and Wil-
son (12.31) finished 2-6 in the 100, Coby DeRaad and Kash Fischer were 2-3 in the 400, Gavin Steenhoek (1:00.18) and Carson Hansen (1:02.51) placed 2-4 in the 400 hurdles and Hayden Shannon (46-5) and Alex Wendt (42-10) were 2-5 in
the shot put.
DeRaad (53.21) edged Fischer (53.78) in the 400 but both Mustangs posted career-best times.
Shannon’s runner-up throw in the shot put was a career best, and he also went a career-best 122-2 in the discus and placed fourth. Wendt was fifth with a throw of 122-0.
Jake Winters (17.21) finished third in the 110 high hurdles, Owen Osterhaus (11:17.46) took fourth in the 3,200 and Chase Wagaman (5-10) and Kolby Clark (career-best 5-4) placed 3-6 in the high jump.
Joey Ferneding (career-best 2:15.1) edged Joe Shaver (2:15.24) for sixth in the 800.
The winning sprint medley relay team featured Adrien Robbins, Tad Wilson, Graber and Ferneding and they finished the race in 1:39.58. The quartet of Jaden Houser, Landon Ridgeway, Ivan Shannon and Heater took third in 1:42.36.
DeRaad, Fischer, Robbins and Graber won the 4x400 relay in 3:30.93.
Daye, Tad Wilson, Finn Wilson and Evan Jones teamed up in the 4x100 and 4x200 relays and placed second in both events. The 4x100 team finished in 45.0 seconds and
PCM girls finish fourth against tough field at home invitational
MONROE — The PCM Mustang Classic featured three Class 3A programs which currently rank in the top 11 in 18-hole average and five 3A programs in all.
The Mustangs girls golf team still finished in the upper half of the tournament at Gateway Recreation Golf Course on May 1.
the 4x200 quartet went a season-best 1:34.18. The 4x800 relay team of Shaver, Hansen, DeRaad and Fischer placed second in 8:38.32 and the distance medley relay team of Trigg Steenhoek, Gavin Steenhoek, Gavin DeRaad and Clark finished third in 4:04.2.
Fischer leads PCM to third at Rocket Relays EDDYVILLE — Fischer won the 800 after anchoring the Mustangs’ 4x800 relay to a win during the Rocket Relays on April 29.
PCM scored 105 points and took third in the Class A standings. Davis County won the meet championship with 160 points, while Chariton (117) was second. The rest of the six-team field featured East Marshall (91), Pella Christian (76) and host Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (36).
Fischer won the 800 in 2:03.8 and Rylan Edgington was sixth in a career-best 2:15.8. Coby DeRaad, Shaver, Clark and Fischer won the 4x800 relay in 8:38.96 and the same foursome in a different order took second in the 4x400 relay in 3:40.18.
Class 2A PCM shot a 416 in fourth.
Class 3A Gilbert won the tournament with a 342, 3A Des Moines Christian was second with a 351 and 3A Williamsburg carded a 369 in third.
The Tigers and Lions are top five in 18-hole average, while the Raiders currently sit 11th in 3A.
The rest of the eight-team field included 3A Winterset (423), 2A Albia (441), 3A Bondurant-Farrar (468) and 2A Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (477).
PCM played the tournament without its two seniors — Brelee Berger and Meredith Chipps. They were absent due to the senior class trip.
Gretchen Uitermarkt finished 17th overall with a 99 and Annie Ford was 20th with a 104. Emilyn Davis had a 106 and Seriah Nolin posted a career-best 107 as the final counting scorers.
Gilbert’s Ava Lohrbach was the meet medalist with a 76 and Gilbert’s Ella Lohrbach carded a 78 as the runner-up medalist.
Mustangs take second at Chariton Charger Invitational CHARITON — Uitermarkt finished sixth individually and led the Mustangs to a runner-up finish at the Chariton Charger Invitational on April 28.
PCM turned in a 422 at Lake View Golf & Country Club, but trailed Centerville at the top of the standings. The Big Reds shot 375 to win the tournament, and Centerville had the top two individual scores, too.
Albia (446), Chariton (446), and Knoxville (474) finalized the five-team field and Clarke did not have enough golfers for a team score.
Albia finished third over Chariton due to a better fifth score.
Straight’s five goals lead PCM soccer to win over Savages
SIGOURNEY — Jaxson Straight scored a career-high five goals to lead the PCM soccer team to a 7-2 win over Sigourney/Keota during non-conference action on May 2.
The Mustangs also got goals from Dominic Witt and Dylan Beyer. Keegan Fenton, Tristian Fry and Isaac Miller collected one assist each, too.
PCM (2-6-1) improved to 6-0 against Sigourney/Keota since 2022. Both wins this season have come against the Savages.
It was the most goals scored in a game for PCM since it downed Sigourney/Keota, 7-2, back on April 14, 2023. It was PCM’s first match since April 21. The Mustangs’ conference contest against Central Iowa United was postponed on April 24 and will be made up on May 6 in Monroe. PCM’s non-conference contest against host Centerville scheduled for April 28 also was canceled. The win over Sigourney/Keota snapped a four-game losing streak.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM junior Abi Teeter, left, gets encouragement from sophomore teammates Lila Milani, center, and Bailey Wheeler during the 4x800-meter relay at the team’s home meet on May 1. The Mustangs placed first in the event in both of their meets last week.
PCM Explorer
PCM Explorer
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM junior Evan Jones takes the baton from senior Finn Wilson, right, during the 4x200-meter relay at the PCM Invitational on May 1. The Mustangs finished second in the event and placed second in the final standings.
DEVELOPING AN IDEA IS A TRIAL BY FIRE
Newton man creates and patents an outdoor ‘fireplace grill’ on a whim and ends up on nominating list for Coolest Thing Made in Iowa
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Mark Allen not only had a good idea, he followed through with it and made it a reality. As a result, his invention — The Moose Fireplace Grill, which is touted as a new way to enjoy grilling, tailgating and camping — is nominated alongside more than 60 other products for Coolest Thing Made in Iowa.
To see his product alongside big name man-
ufacturers and businesses like John Deere and Maytag Dairy Farms is overwhelming.
“It’s incredible that we’re even being mentioned on the same website as these companies that truly have such a wonderful history in the state of Iowa and have employed thousands of Iowans,” Allen said. “How cool would that be to have this thing grow and grow and maybe start employing more people and take off?”
Weighing a little over 70 pounds and standing about two feet tall, The Moose was designed from a real life experience Allen had of bouncing between cooking food on a grill and conversing with friends and family around a backyard campfire. Back and forth. Back and forth. Back and forth. Allen let his mind wander.
“I thought there has got to be something out there that can at least encapsulate this experience where
you’ve got the grill, you’ve got your circle of family and friends and you’re not running back and forth,” Allen said. “So literally the first drawing was on a napkin. Then it went to scratch paper.”
In four months, a prototype was built and tested. Allen spent considerable time cooking hearty, woodfired meals on The Moose in different types of climates. The material held up, which led to more fireplace grills being produced
by Red Oak Fabrication and put up for sale at select stores in Newton and West Des Moines.
“We’ve got some storefronts that have been just awesome stepping up and helping us out,” Allen said of Ace Hardware in Newton and BW Outdoors in Valley Junction. “It’s all encompassing. There are no moving pieces at all. You light a fire, let the flames get going and you can cook anything you want on this.”
Food can be cooked directly on the grill or in any kind of durable, heat-resistant cookware like cast iron. Allen said his family has enjoyed making chili, grilling pork chops and frying bacon and eggs on The Moose. The unit is compact enough for camping, but Allen noted he is working on a larger model.
Its name comes from Allen’s own nickname, which was given to him when he a kid growing up in Iowa City. One of his uncles started called him Moose at the age of 2, and it just stuck with him for 54 years. To this day, he is convinced there are still people around that area who don’t know his real name.
By trade, Allen is a financial advisor for Edward Jones in Newton. He isn’t a metal fabricator, and he admits he knew nothing about patent law or welding before starting this journey. For some people that would be enough to dissuade them from pursuing or even developing an idea like this any further.
“I’ve never done anything like this in my life,” Allen said, noting it was a project that took over many evenings and weekends. “This was a complete leap of faith.”
Support from fellow community members, his family and the Small Business Development Center at Iowa State University, have helped fuel his fire. Kim Didier, executive director of DMACC Business Resources, took it a step further and nominated him for the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest.
“I was laying on the couch giggling like a 12-year-old when I saw that,” Allen said. “I still cannot believe what I’m seeing.”
Whether the idea crashes and burns (though Allen is sure it won’t) or flourishes into something bigger, he hopes his leap of faith inspires those to do the same.
“I just hope 10 or 15 years down the road and one of my kids comes up with a crazy idea and is wondering if they do it or do they not do it, I just hope they sit back and think, ‘Well, the old man did it. Why don’t we go ahead and give it a try as well?’ If that is what it develops into, then I’m incredibly happy,” Allen said.
To participate in the popular round of the Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest, visit www.coolestthingia.com and cast up to four votes through May 7. To learn more about The Moose Fireplace Grill at www.themoosefireplacegrill.com.
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Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer
Mark Allen, of Newton, stands next to The Moose Fireplace Grill, a product he developed that has found a new way to enjoy grilling, tailgating and camping. The grill is nominated for Coolest Thing Made in Iowa.