BATTER UP!
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
In an effort to get adults using the Prairie City Recreation Complex, besides watching the kids play, parks and recreation director Scott Steenhoek is looking to add a co-ed softball league to the city. Set to run five weeks through July, the league would need at least four teams to give it a go.
“I saw information online about a softball league that used a 16 inch ball and rules that we could use to play in a co-ed format,” Steenhoek said. “We’ve also been wanting to try and get some adult sports at our rec complex since we have been having great success over the past few years with youth sports there.”
Teams of 10 to 14 players with at least four women are invited to join. The teams can be from anywhere as long as they can make the games each week.
The proposed schedule has games at 5:30 p.m. on Sundays June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20 and 9 a.m. Saturday, July 29, which coincides with the Prairie
Prairie City looking to start co-ed softball league for summer 2025
Days community celebration. It is also possible the league may play on Wednesdays evenings. It is $275 per team to participate and teams must provide their own jerseys, bats and other equipment. Each jersey should have a visible number on the back
and sponsorship logos are allowed. The city will provide the 16 inch softballs.
A strike mat will be used to determine balls and strikes. If the softball touches any part of the
CAMP ONE, CAMP ALL
RV at Quarry Springs Park in Colfax now open for campers
Summer is here and there is no better time to load up the RV and try out a new camping site. RV@QSP, the new RV campground at Quarry Springs Park in Colfax, is open for business, and everyone involved with the project can’t wait to see people pull in, hook up and enjoy everything the park has to give.
“We are very excited,” Quarry Springs Park Board President Kimberly Seebeck said.
The RV campground, which has been in the works for several years, got a big boost when the Iowa Economic Development Authority announced in 2022 the recreation area was awarded $400,000 for improvements to the park. The funds helped make RV@QSP a reality along with a modern shower house and bathrooms and an ADA-accessible dock.
The RV campground includes 40 sites and a restroom/shower facility at the park. Each site has 30
CAMPING | 3
Honoring the fallen on Memorial Day
The Monroe American Legion holds its annual Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery remembering those who served that gave it all
Proposed road reclassification of N. 75th Ave. W. falls through for now
Apprehensions from residents heard, supervisors to discuss future plans
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
No action was taken to reclassify a mile of gravel road in Jasper County, which would have reduced the level of maintenance it received from secondary roads crews. Residents who own property on North 75th Avenue West argued against the proposal, prompting supervisors to rethink their strategy going forward.
Especially considering the county engineer has identified 300 miles of roads that could — or should — be reclassified from Level A to Level B. Jasper County has more than 1,000 miles of roads. If they are all reclassified to Level B roads, county pol-
icy dictates they receive no rock to reinforce the surface.
Operators will blade the roads once a year, but county policy restricts many other kinds of routine maintenance. Level B roads also are not eligible for county snow removal during the winter months. Farmers who own or rent the land or use the road as a route to enter their fields were strongly against reduced maintenance.
The section of North 75th Avenue West between West 116th Street North and West 108th Street North was identified as a Level B candidate mostly due to it not having any homes on the road, low traffic and
Democrat Bob Krause announces run for Iowa’s 1st Congressional
District
Candidate previously ran for U.S. Senate, worked as state lawmaker in 1970s
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
the slogan: “Flip The House With Krause.”
Bob Krause, a former state legislator, announced this week he will be running for Congress as a Democrat to oust the 1st Congressional District’s Republican incumbent, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. In a May 26 press release, he launched
To him and his campaign, that rallying cry serves as a reminder to voters that control of the entire U.S. House of Representatives hinges on just a few key races. It also reinforces just how competitive and volatile Iowa’s first congressional district has been ever since Miller-Meeks was first elected in 2020.
It was that same year that widespread recounts determined Miller-Meeks won against Democrat Rita Hart by only six votes. In 2024, Miller-Meeks narrowly retained her seat once again, albeit not as
close as her race against Hart; Miller-Meeks won against Democrat Christina Bohannan by less than 800 votes. Republicans in the district were forced to choose between Miller-Meeks and challenger David Pautsch in the primary. Even though Miller-Meeks won with a 12-point lead, Pautsch felt he had a strong showing getting 44 percent of the vote with only six months of work. Pautsch announced in February he’s running again. Which makes Krause the third person to announce a campaign for the seat.
KRAUSE | 3
Krause
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Prairie City Parks and Recreation Director Scott Steenhoek is looking to start a new co-ed softball league to be played on either Sundays or Wednesdays through July at the rec complex.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
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 Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays.
Upcoming events at The Gathering Place in Monroe
Thursday, June 5
• 10am Senior Living Series, Host: Andy Algreen/ Don’t Get Tricked! 101 Scam Prevention sign up. Call/Text/Email: 515-868-3860 or IowaSeniorLiving@gmail.com
• 12:30pm TAI CHI for Arthritis and Fall Prevention Friday, June 6
• 9am Needle Art Sit and Stitch
Monday, June 9
• 9 am Kids Crafts — Sand Art
• 10am Video Exercise Class
Tuesday, June 10
• 8-11am Playgroup
• 8am Coffee and Prayer
Wednesday, June 11
• 9am Kids Crafts — Decorate Pot and Plant Flowers
• 4pm Get Fit, Don’t Fall with Amy S. Thursday, June 12
• 10am Patty Richards Show
• 12:30pm TAI CHI for Arthritis and Fall Prevention
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.
Mosquito spraying June 26 in Monroe
The City of Monroe reminds residents mosquito spraying dates are scheduled for June 26, July 24 and Aug. 28.
Free Bird Watching & Bagels Program at NSNWR
June is a great time to see the birds that nest at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Enjoy a guided tour at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 7.
Join staff at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge for a fun bird-watching program at 8 a.m. Saturday, June 7. June is a great time to see the birds that nest at the refuge. Enjoy a guided walk along the Oak Savanna Trail loop. Free binoculars will be available for checkout.
After the walk, participants can enjoy free bagels and coffee at the visitor center. This event is for birdwatchers of all skill levels, ages 8 and older. Meet at the Oak Savanna Trailhead.
The Oak Savanna Trail is a ½-mile loop with a gravel surface and gentle inclines. A restroom is at the parking lot. We recommend wearing pants and sturdy walking shoes. Bringing a refillable water bottle and insect repellent is also a good idea. For more information and to register, contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-9943400.
Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15
Let’s shift the narrative around aging in honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, observed annually on June 15. This day is an essential opportunity for our community to come together to ensure the safety and well-being of older adults.
If you have concerns about an older individual’s welfare, get in
touch with your local Area Agency on Aging at 866468-7887, and create a safer environment for everyone in your community. For more information contact Aging Resources of Central Iowa, 5835 Grand Ave., Suite 106, Des Moines or call 515-255-1310.
Iowa Cubs announce sensory-friendly game at the ballpark
The Iowa Cubs are proud to partner with presenting sponsors Autism Society of Iowa and ChildServe to host the second annual sensory-friendly game at the Ballpark at 1:08 p.m. Sunday, June 29.
“The Iowa Cubs are proud to bring this special event and partnership back this season. We welcome all groups and people to the ballpark, and we strive to create more inclusive opportunities for our fans and community,” Sam Bernabe, Iowa Cubs President and General Manager, said. “We’re excited to partner again with Autism Society of Iowa and ChildServe, using their team members and expertise to create a welcoming environment for all.”
The 2025 sensory-friendly game will provide an environment designed for children, teens and adults with autism or sensory processing disorders in mind, so families who have a member with special healthcare needs can visit, play and enjoy the game. Special programming and activities are planned with modifications, including the mitigation of sounds and motions as much as possible, designated educational areas, directional signage and trained volunteers throughout the stadium.
Calming rooms will
special healthcare needs can visit, play and
be available and staffed by ChildServe therapists to provide a safe space for those who may need a break from stimulus at the ballpark. New, engaging activities will also be available for those who need to release energy to regulate their bodies, including the opportunity to run the bases after the game. This opportunity is wheelchair accessible.
Also new this year, sensory-friendly game attendees will have the opportunity to take photos with Cubbie Bear and special guest Alma from PBS Kids at noon in Suite 314.
“We are proud to continue our partnership with the Iowa Cubs and ChildServe to provide
this sensory-friendly opportunity for those with autism in Iowa,” Erin Enyart, Autism Society of Iowa Executive Director, said. “Autism Society of Iowa creates connections for those in the autism community, and we hope the accommodations provided create a special, inclusive event for all those visiting the ballpark.”
“ChildServe is grateful for our partnership with the Iowa Cubs and Autism Society of Iowa. Last year, the event brought children and families from across the country together for this incredible occasion. In fact, we heard from parents they felt comfortable enough to attend a game for the first time knowing they
would encounter understanding and support from the community,” said Teri Wahlig, M.D., ChildServe CEO. “By partnering with the Iowa Cubs to ensure this game and other iconic Iowa events are accessible, we’re proud to not only provide opportunities for children and families to engage in recreational and cultural activities but also to raise awareness about the importance of accessibility and inclusion.”
Tickets are available for purchase at https:// www.gofevo.com/event/ Sensoryfriendlygame2025. Gates open at noon on Sunday, June 29. Tickets for the event must be purchased by Friday, June 27.
Aging Resources to present scam prevention info for seniors
5k Beer Run — Iowa Brewery Running Series
The Iowa Brewery Running Series will hosts a 5kish fun run starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14 at Gezellig Brewing Co., 403 W. Fourth St. N., Newton. Participants will complete a 5K course that starts and ends at Gezellig Brewing Company, followed by a post-run
gathering featuring craft beer, food trucks, local vendors and more. Be active, have fun, give back a portion of the proceeds from this run will go back to the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. This $35 registration includes entry to the 5K, one beer (21+), and access to all post-run activities. Register at www.brew-
The 2025 Sensory-Friendly Game will provide an environment designed for children, teens and adults with autism or sensory processing disorders in mind, so families who have a member with
enjoy the game.
File Photo
Explorer PCM
Softball
Continuedfrompage1
mat on a legal pitch, it will be considered a strike. Pitches touching any part of the plate will be considered a strike, as well. Because of the small size of the strike mat and the difficulty of pitching, the league has increased the strike zone to include the plate to promote teams to swing more and give pitchers a larger target.
The strike mat is only used for calling balls and strikes and is not home plate. When a runner is trying to score, he or she must touch home plate to score.
All games are seven innings or one hour with warm up time included. The last inning will start 10 to 15 minutes to the hour with the ump enforcing the rule and making the call at the top of the final inning.
If a game is tied at the end of seven innings, extra innings will be played only if there is time. If there is not time, at least 10 minutes left in the hour, the game will end in a tie during the regular season.
“We are looking to provide a fun experience and competitive atmosphere for those who are involved in the league,” Steenhoek said.
For more information about the league or any questions on rules and regulations, visit the city services tab under the parks and rec page on the city website at www.prairiecityiowa.us or contact Steenhoek at Scott.Steenhoek@prairiecityiowa.us or Prairie City City Hall at 515-994-2649. Registration deadline is June 20.
Krause
Continuedfrompage1
Krause believes he can beat the incumbent congresswoman and block President Donald Trump’s “destructive agenda to implement a reverse-Robin Hood on our nation” that he alleged will impoverish many Iowans and enrich the very few. “It is no secret that incumbent Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks votes like Trump’s rubber stamp,” Krause said in his press re -
Camping
and 50 amp electric hook-ups, a fire ring and picnic table. Potable water spigots for filling tanks are available on site and the camp host can help with use. A dump station is available for use by paying campers. It is $10 per dump for non-campers.
RV camping is $40/night unless otherwise posted. The camping season will run from May 15 through Oct. 31.
Primitive camping is also available and will continue to be $15 per night for all standard campsites except site 7 which is for large group camping and $30 per night. Self-registration for those campsites is available near the entrance of the primitive campground.
Primitive campsites are restricted to tent camping or pull behind campers under 15 feet in length that do not require hook up.
“There are many folks that have helped us get in here, including the city staff, mayor and council and our own Colfax Parks and Rec Board,” Seebeck said. “This park has so much potential. This project will provide steady revenue that will allow us to continue to make other improvements.”
For more information about booking an RV campsite or on Quarry Springs Park, visit www. quarryspringspark.com.
lease. “Extremists who appear set on destroying our democracy are given a huge institutional advantage simply because she is part of the House GOP.
“That House GOP has surrendered the constitutionally authorized power of Congress and the courts to appropriate, tax and provide for due process of law and public participation through our elected officials. This ceding of power has become simply a slower version of the attempted coup of Jan. 6, 2021.”
Krause said he will not remain silent as Trump “bypass -
Camping Rules
• Large organized groups can contact the park for special arrangements at 515478-6272.
• All visitors must leave and quiet hours must be observed from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., including generators. Excessive noise of any kind will not be allowed. The Colfax Police Department patrols the park 24 hours.
• Camper checkout is 1 p.m.
• All animals must be on a leash at all times.
• Limit of occupancy is 14 consecutive days. Campers are then required to leave the park for 72 hours.
• Fires are permitted only in fire rings. Do not move the rings.
• All garbage must be placed in refuse containers. Do not put garbage in the fire rings.
• There is no swimming or ice fishing allowed anywhere within the park.
• Firewood is available for $7 per tub. Contact Campground Host for assistance, call park phone at 515-478-6272 or request with your reservation.
• Park staff are given authority to refuse camping privileges and to rescind any and all camping permits for cause with no refunds.
• This is not a complete list of park rules. Please contact park staff with questions.
• Park staff is given the authority to refuse camping privileges and to rescind any and all camping permits for cause with no refunds.
es Congress” and dismantles critical programs to Iowa’s 1st Congressional District without the consent of elected representatives and due process. The candidate stressed this election is vital “to the future of Iowa and the nation.”
If elected, Krause said he would uphold the Constitution and fight for policies that benefit workers, farmers and families. He is in favor of the reversing inequitable tax cuts and the preserving Social Security benefits. He also wants to provide essential services for a safe, clean and prosperous environment.
No Action
the presence of a weight restricted bridge, which supervisors said would not get replaced any time soon.
County Engineer Michael Frietsch said this particular road was one of nine he looked to reclassify to a Level B this year. Earlier this year, the county reclassified a portion of Indian Street to a Level B road, despite pushback from property owners. The matter was similarly settled in three separate public hearings.
“What we’re trying to do here is we’re trying to make sure that whatever dollars that we receive — whether from property tax or Road Use Tax funds — are getting spent to the maximum benefit,” Frietsch said. “Spending a lot of money on North 75th Avenue West does not have a large, countywide-type benefit.”
By doing this, the county argued it can better focus its efforts on roads that need resources to improve their surfaces. Especially those that lead to paved routes.
Since other road reclassifications are in the works, supervisors ultimately decided on May 27 to hold back with making any further decisions until a more plan could be made. Questions and concerns from a board room full of residents these past three weeks signified a need to review this plan or make changes to policies.
When it came time for the board to discuss the road reclassification, Supervisor Brandon Talsma
Krause pledged to defend Iowa’s education systems, libraries and social safety nets from further erosion.
In the 1970s, Krause served in the Iowa House for six years. He then ran an unsuccessful campaign for state treasurer. In 2010, he ran a campaign in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat race against Chuck Grassley, but he lost to fellow party member Roxanne Conlin, who would lose to the incumbent. It wasn’t the last time Krause tried to run against Grassley. In 2022, he attempted another race but in -
suggested no action be taken until the larger conversation about this topic has concluded. He appreciated residents for coming to the public hearings and sharing their apprehensions with officials.
“I think we need to have a larger conversation about what constitutes a Level B or the level of maintenance we’re putting on a Level B,” Talsma said.
To him, it seemed liked the main point of concern was the bridge. Talsma was very clear the bridge would not replaced in the next 10 years. At a previous public hearing, the county noted that if the road was reclassified to a Level C, the bridge would be gated on both ends, and its standards for replacement would be lower.
For instance, Frietsch estimated a new bridge at its current standards would likely cost $750,000. But if the road was a Level C, a 50-foot bridge could be built for around $200,000 or so. However, installing a culvert would be out of the question. Still, the low traffic volume means the bridge is a much lower priority.
Talsma added, “Beyond the bridge it seems like the additional concern is the deterioration of the road being reclassified to a Level A to a Level B, and I understand that because there is no difference in maintenance between Level B and a Level C, it’s just that a Level C has gates on it. I 100 percent get that.”
If the secondary roads department is looking to reclassify 300 miles of roads in Jasper County, Talsma said supervisors need to more clearly define maintenance procedures for Level B and Level
evitably withdrew after not receiving enough signatures. He needed 3,500 signature but only acquired around 1,4000. He blamed it partly on the precinct caucuses being held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to his experience as a lawmaker, Krause is a retired colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and Iowa Army National Guard. He previously served as a school board member in Waterloo and is president of the Veterans National Recovery Center. He is married to Vicky Krause and has a large, blended family.
C roads before proceeding forward with any other reclassification requests.
Supervisor Thad Nearmyer appreciated the arguments brought forward over the past three weeks. He hoped residents can then appreciate the position officials are in to now figure out how to maintain these gravel roads and the high costs associated with repairing them.
“I appreciate Mike coming to us with some ideas to help alleviate those problems, but you folks have really done a good job of explaining your situations,” Nearmyer said. “…To have this many people come out three weeks in a row to support a mile of gravel road is kind of a big deal.”
Supervisor Doug Cupples was hopeful future conversations would find a better solution and plan that would treat people fairly. Frietsch said there are roads in the county that will naturally get less and less rock as secondary roads continues to triage and figure out where to invest resources.
Unfortunately, Talsma said Jasper County is “behind the eight ball” and claimed other counties have been reclassifying roads since the 1950s. But Jasper County never did. Increased costs and high inflation have forced the county to look critically at its road maintenance and develop priorities.
“Maybe we look at our Level B classification and maybe even change the Level B to where it gets rock every other year and bladed two or three times a year, that way it’s still not turning into a mud road and farmers can still get their crops in and out,” Talsma said.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
RV@QSP, the RV campground at Quarry Springs Park in Colfax, is now open and ready for the first camping season. To make reservations or learn more about the park, visit their website at www.quarryspringspark.com.
Making hay the old-fashioned way
I often wondered what those old rusty farm contraptions were sitting in the far corners of hay fields. Obviously, they had something to do with hay. Well, duh! They looked sorta like a horse-drawn hay baler, but not quite. I even asked a farmer or two what they were, and they, scratching their head, didn’t know for sure either.
Well, now I know. I was invited by Jane Nelson and Jon Stukerjurgen, of rural St. Paul, to witness hay being made the old-fashioned way, with horses. I jumped at the chance. I took Ginnie with me. When we arrived, a hay rack full of loose hay was being pulled by two horses. c It
YOUR VIEW
Let’s talk policy
A favorite word of politicians — “policy.” Lately we have been informed that Biden’s policies were disastrous and the current policies are beneficial and worth having. If one were to look up and attempt to analyze the term “policy,” one would come away with a jumble of explanations of what a policy is, who has policies, who should have policies, what are the characteristics of policies, what do policies do, etc.
A dislike is not a policy, nor is an approval. Now if a person doesn’t like something or doesn’t approve of some behavior, a policy may indeed follow. For instance, you don’t like the fact that Haitians are coming to Iowa to work in our meat packing plants, therefore, you want the government to find ways to discourage them from coming. Unfortunately, there are laws in existence that encourage these Haitians to come and work in meat packing plants. What do we do about that? We create a policy that makes it difficult for them to comply with whatever requirements are necessary for their entry. The laws are still there, but not implemented in the manner intended.
What we do is, we direct the people who are to implement current statutes to cease implementing them in a timely manner or in a manner that creates more difficulty for the people applying. In other words, make it difficult to comply with the requirements that must be met by the people who need to meet them. This would be a policy. A necessary element of a policy is organization. Without an organization to either implement a policy or eliminate a policy, policies are simply unfulfilled wish-fulfillment.
A policy then, can be
rakes up hay from the wind row and shuttles the hay over the back end of the hay rack, where a man, Jon Stukerjurgen’s nephew, spread the hay around with a pitch fork. Hot work. It was to hit 91 degrees that day, the wind was ferocious, and an ugly storm was brewing in the west. But they hurried. Make hay while the sun shines.
When loaded, the hay rack was pulled by the horses, Red and Sugar, to the barn. Jon told me that he had also raked the hay, and mowed it with a three-horse hitch.
Sugar is a third-generation, part Morgan, that he has owned. Sugar is very gentle. Red has a mind of her own. At the barn there was trouble. The
the effort made to either fulfill a legal requirement or to keep it from being implemented. The current administration’s policies appear to be the latter. The proclamations coming from Washington appear unanimously to be of the type that are meant to inhibit the implementation of the laws as they currently exist. For instance, when you have a policy of detaining an immigrant without a hearing or due process, because they have not met some minor requirement necessary to remain here legally, it is the implementation of a policy. The executive branch of the United States government, and I will not stop to explain what that is, has immense power with or without particular policies. And when the executive branch of the government has as a policy of delaying, obfuscating, or otherwise disabling the implementation of duly passed legislation as is occurring at present, you have an administration that feels free to do what it wants through policy. So if one were to determine, for instance, that Biden encouraged immigration and Trump discourages immigration, one would get from that a difference in policy. When you consider policy in this way, you have an executive branch of government which considers the actions of the legislative branch of government as simple suggestions, not legal requirements. The legislature can pass a law requiring certain actions from the executive branch but if the leadership of the executive branch is not thrilled with a particular law, it will be very difficult to implement it — because of policy contrary to its effective implementation.
So there you have it — policy. Sometimes official, sometimes unofficial, sometimes open, sometimes secret, but always influential.
Richard E. H. Phelps II Mingo
Mental health can’t wait. Break the silence ... ignite change
In America today, approximately one out of every five Americans is suffering with a mental health issue; and approximately one in 25 adults is experiencing a serious mental illness that substantially interferes with one or more major life activities. In every story, there is strength and there is hope.
Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. As CEO of Clive Behavioral Health, my staff and I have the privilege of serving members of our community with
horses were unhitched and attached to the rope that would pull the hay forks full of loose hay, up into the barn on a trolley, where it would be dumped in the barn. Jon said it took three “bites” to empty the wagon. But up in the barn, the hay forks did not want to “trip” and release the hay. One of the nephews (there were three nephews helping out and learning the old farm way) had to climb up a ladder with WD40 and fix the trolley and forks so that they would “trip.” There was a lot of cussing. I held my breath and kept my phone handy in case I needed to dial 911.
But the nephews got’er done, by golly. The hay was dropped in the barn where it will be hand-fed to livestock and the horses this winter. So the horses, reminiscent of the oldtime, self-sufficient farm, partook in preparing their winter feed. What goes around comes around. Neat.
Ginnie, her allergies bothering her, and being a city girl, was appalled by a pile of horse manure (“Money,”
I told her.). Holding her nose and rubbing her eyes, she headed for the air-conditioned comfort of the car. A group of homeschool children arrived to see the farm animals and learn about making hay with horses. On the farm there are goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits, kittens, and ducks, in addition to the horses. What a learning experience for the kids. And adults. As for myself, I baled a lot of hay when I was growing up, but never with horses. One time, when the farmer didn’t have an elevator, forks were used to trolley the bales into the barn. But the load was pulled up with a Ford tractor, not horses. In the barn, we had to make sure we were NOT under the load of bales when they were “tripped.” Yikes! Jon told me that he also has a horse-powered buzz saw for cutting fire wood. Their behemoth farmhouse is heated with wood. Of course. Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com
The answer to the Trump/Harvard $3B question is ‘markets’
By Thomas L. Knapp
In early May, Reuters reports, the US government revoked “virtually all” of Harvard University’s federal research grants — nearly $3 billion worth — because they “no longer effectuate agency priorities.”
Now, president Donald Trump says (in a post to his “Truth Social” platform) he’s “considering taking Three Billion Dollars of Grant Money away from a very antisemitic Harvard, and giving it to TRADE SCHOOLS all across our land.”
Mainstream media coverage of the whole matter seems focused mainly on the reality TV style melodrama — Trump’s specialty — and on the question of whether he can legally take money appropriated by Congress for Party A to do Thing B and re-appropriate it for Party B to do Thing C.
The melodrama sees to itself, and the legal horse seemingly escaped the barn years ago when Trump unconstitutionally misappropriated Defense Department funds to build his silly “border wall” — after Congress
mental illnesses that are often invisible to others. Since its inception in 1949, May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. This observance provides an opportunity for action to address the stigma preventing individuals from getting the care they need. Today, positive outcomes are not only possible ... they are experienced every day. What can we do to assist those in need of mental health care and treatment?
• Listen and show understanding: If you suspect a loved one is struggling, listen to their story and encourage them to seek help.
• Share the Crisis Response Line: 988 is the 24/7, free and confidential text, chat, talk support line. Military veterans may press ‘1’ for dedicated support. Suicide is often preventable when people at risk re-
refused him the money multiple times — and got away with it instead of facing impeachment and removal for his lawless mishandling of government funds.
What I’m not seeing much discussion of is whether it’s a good idea for the federal government to stop writing checks to a well-heeled private university (Harvard has more than $50 billion in the bank) for various things, and instead spend that money on teaching young Americans to weld, build houses, repair cars, etc.
At first blush, the concept does look like sound. America is full of college graduates working behind the counters of convenience stores, in the kitchens of fast food restaurants, wrangling carts at Walmart, etc., all while trying to pay off the crippling debt they incurred studying social work, creative writing, and so forth. Why not equip the NEXT generation with the skills they need to earn better livings, and hopefully make that training affordable?
Here’s why:
The government does not and cannot know how many welders, carpenters, and auto mechanics
ceive the support that they need and their story is heard.
• In case of acute medical emergency, dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Encourage students to pursue careers in mental health fields, whether through nursing, medical, clinical or vocational programs. We must inspire the next generation of talented, caring and compassionate professionals. Working together, we can improve the lives of Americans suffering with mental health concerns. By speaking up, we help to shatter stigma, foster understanding and help others find their own path to healing. We invite you to speak up, share your story and show your strength. #MHAM Kevin Pettit, Chief Executive Officer Clive Behavioral Health
the economy “needs,” let alone how many it will “need” a year from now or in 2035 ... just as it has no way of knowing whether Little Bobby should rack up tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt while hoping to become an elementary school math teacher or university physics researcher.
That’s what markets are for. Markets aren’t perfect, but they’re much better at figuring out what people need, and delivering it less expensively, than governments.
Ending all federal funding of “higher education” institutions would negatively impact my household’s finances, at least temporarily (a close family member works in university research), but it would be the right thing to do. It would result in better, cheaper, and more relevant education all around.
Let Harvard be Harvard, and let trade schools be trade schools. Give tax funding to neither.
Thomas L. Knapp is director and senior news analyst at the William Lloyd Garrison Center for Libertarian Advocacy Journalism
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PCM boys finish fourth at state golf tournament
McDanel leads Mustangs with top-10 placing
By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer
WATERLOO — PCM head
boys golf coach Collin Harrison and his four graduating seniors learned and grew together on the golf course the past four seasons.
It wasn’t perfect. The Mustangs had their ups and downs. But the end result for Harrison and the senior class of Easton Van Veen, Jeffery McDanel, Tate Tangeman and Pete Kiernan was a state tournament appearance.
And the foursome, along with junior Charlie Ford and sophomore Parker DeHaai, played well enough at Gates Park Golf Course to bring home some hardware.
“We would have liked to have finished in the top three and brought home a trophy, but getting some hardware was the general goal,” Harrison said. “We weren’t expected or seeded to do that, but our boys played consistent golf over the last two days.”
The Mustangs’ placing in the Class 2A state golf tournament was fourth out of 12 teams.
PCM shot a consistent 319 and 320 for the two rounds. The Mustangs were tied with East Marshall after the first round, but PCM played in the final grouping thanks to a better fifth score.
PCM was two strokes better than East Marshall in the final standings, but Aplington-Parkersburg grabbed the final trophy as the Falcons placed third.
“Every player can think of one or two shots they could have made that would have put us in the top three, but that’s the game with anything,” Harrison said. “I’m just proud of the boys. They showed some grit. It wasn’t easy going to Bos Landen for districts. Getting through a district tournament with five of the top 15 averages in 2A was a grind.”
To no one’s surprise, Columbus Catholic shot 302 and 298 on its home course and won the 2A title with a two-day score of 600.
That was 14 strokes better than Grundy Center, which finished second with a 614. The Spartans shot 309 and 305 for their two rounds.
Aplington-Parkersburg (636) led PCM by one shot after the first day but extended its lead to three in the final standings.
“It’s always frustrating to be that close and not get it,” Harrison said. “Golf is such a game of inches. You can second guess a lot of things on the golf course but so can other teams.”
PCM shot 639 in fourth, East Marshall carded a 641 in fifth and the rest of the 12-team field included Ridge View (648), Panorama (651), Central Lee (654), Carroll Kuemper Catholic (658), Pella Christian (658), Earlham (660) and MMCRU (690).
No. 5 PCM opens softball season with win over No. 14 Trojans
STATE CENTER — Lillian Humpal homered and had three hits and the PCM softball team scored first and never trailed during a 6-3 road win over Class 3A No. 14 West Marshall on May 27.
The 3A No. 5 Mustangs led the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference matchup 2-1 after one inning and went in front 5-1 after a three-run third.
West Marshall closed the gap to 5-3 in the fourth, but PCM plated one final run in the sixth to close out the win in its season opener.
Humpal finished with three hits, one homer, one double and four RBIs to lead the Mustangs and Rylee Parsons and Camden Webb split the seven innings in the circle and combined to fan 12.
Libby Winters tallied one hit, one walk, two runs and one steal, Tori Lindsay chipped in one hit and one run and she was hit by one pitch and Hadley Millang collected the other hit.
Webb, Ila Keuning and Holly Wood all walked once, Kyra Naeve scored one run and stole one base, Addison Steenhoek was hit by a pitch and scored one run and Addi Hudnut collected one RBI.
Parsons (3-0) earned the win in the circle after allowing three runs — one earned — on four hits and one walk in 3 2/3 innings. She struck out four.
Webb registered the save after allowing no runs, one hit and one walk in 3 1/3 innings. She also fanned eight and hit one batter.
Jillian Karsjen had two hits and one run and Amelia Ranson added two hits and one RBI to lead West Marshall’s offense.
Aubree Greenwood tossed five innings of relief in the circle and allowed one earned run and struck out four.
PCM (4-0, 3-0 in the conference) and West Marshall (3-3, 1-1) have rotated wins the past five meetings.
PCM 11, Grand View Christian 4
DES MOINES — A nine-run seventh inning rallied the Mustangs past Grand View Christian on May 30. PCM and the rival Thunder each scored once in the second, but Grand View Christian led 4-1 after six until the big crooked number helped the Mustangs score the come-from-behind win.
Both teams had nine hits in the HOIAC contest, and PCM committed two errors.
Winters led PCM with two hits, one triple, two runs, one RBI and one steal. She leads the Mustangs with eight runs in four games this season.
Steenhoek doubled and finished with one run, one RBI and two walks and she was hit by a pitch. Lindsay doubled, had two RBIs and scored one run, Humpal doubled, scored one run, tallied two RBIs and was hit by two pitches.
Millang registered one hit, one run, one RBI and one walk, Naeve tallied two hits, two RBIs and one steal and Hudnut posted one hit, one run and one RBI.
Peyton Lathrum scored two runs and stole one base, Wood walked twice, Ryan DeVore and Carly Wilkerson scored one run and Parsons and Keuning each drew one walk.
Parsons got the win in the circle after allowing four runs — three earned — on nine hits and two walks in seven innings. She struck out four.
Grand View Christian (3-1, 2-1) scored once in the second, twice in the fifth and once in the sixth.
PCM 7, Greene County 0
JEFFERSON — Webb spun seven scoreless innings and struck out seven and Winters collected three hits and scored three runs during the Mustangs’ 7-0 road win over Greene County on May 28.
PCM soccer falls to No. 8 West Central Valley in substate semifinals
STUART — Class 1A No. 8 West Central Valley scored twice in each half and remained undefeated following a 4-1 win over PCM in the 1A Substate 7 semifinals on May 27.
It was West Central Valley’s sixth straight win over PCM, but the Mustangs (5-10-1) scored their first goal against the Wildcats since 2019. It was put in by Tristian Fry.
Trajan Rummel, Alan Diaz and Garret Wolfe all had one goal and one assist to lead West Central Valley. Rummel now has 15 goals and a team-best 13 assists this season, while Diaz has totaled 12 goals and 11 assists. The Wildcats (16-0-1) advanced to the state tournament following a 2-1 win in double overtime against Pella Christian on May 29.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
The PCM boys golf team finished fourth in the Class 2A state tournament on May 28. The Mustangs posted a twoday score of 639. The team features (from left) assistant
coach Brad Hill, senior Jeffery McDanel, junior Charlie Ford, seniors Easton Van Veen, Pete Kiernan and Tate Tangeman, sophomore Parker DeHaai and head coach Collin Harrison.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Tate Tangeman chips from just off the green during the opening round of the Class 2A boys state golf tournament at Gates Park Golf Course in Waterloo on May 27.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Easton Van Veen putts during the final round of the Class 2A boys state golf tournament at Gates Park Golf Course on May 28.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Pete Kiernan attempts a long putt from the edge of the green during the opening round of the Class 2A boys state golf tournament at Gates Park Golf Course in Waterloo on May 27.
Humpal
Explorer PCM
Van Dyke’s gem leads PCM baseball to win over Rams
JEFFERSON — Trenner
Van Dyke struck out 11 batters in a complete-game shutout and the PCM baseball team scored four runs in its final atbat and downed Greene County, 4-0, on May 28.
The Mustangs claimed their sixth straight win over the Rams and the latest victory was their first in Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference play.
Van Dyke doubled and walked at the plate and fanned 11 Rams over seven innings in his first start of the season.
He allowed no runs, three hits and one walk and hit one batter over 101 pitches.
Coby DeRaad led the Mustangs at the plate with one hit, two walks, one run and one steal. He leads PCM with six walks through four games this summer.
Kaleb DeVries collected one hit, one run, one RBI and one steal, Trigg Steenhoek tallied one hit, one walk and one steal and Jensson Hood finished with one hit, one walk and one run.
Izaac Bagby walked once, was hit by one pitch, scored one run and stole one base, Alex Wendt walked once and was hit by one pitch and Jaden Houser drew one walk.
The Mustangs (1-3, 1-1 in the conference) out-hit Greene County 5-3 and PCM committed two errors.
Camden Jacobs led the Rams (1-2, 1-2) with two hits, and Lane Fields tallied one hit and one steal.
Grand View Christian 11, PCM 1
DES MOINES — A slow start plagued the Mustangs during a HOIAC contest against Grand View Christian on May 30.
PCM fell behind 5-0 after two innings and never recovered during an 11-1 road loss. The game ended with one out in the bottom of the fifth due to the mercy rule.
The Mustangs were limited to one hit. DeRaad drew two walks, Wendt tripled and Hood had one RBI.
DeVries (0-1) took the loss on the mound after allowing five earned runs on six hits and four walks. He struck out five in three innings.
Shay Burns tossed 1 1/3 innings and surrendered six runs — four earned — on three hits and two walks. He fanned one.
Hood also pitched. His only recorded out came on a strikeout but not after allowing two walks.
The Thunder (2-1, 2-1) outhit the Mustangs 11-1. Tate Moulton finished with three hits, two runs and three steals and Titus Jordan chipped in two hits, two runs and two steals.
Austin Jordan allowed one earned run and one hit over five innings. He got the pitching win and struck out three.
Williamsburg sweeps Mustangs in non-conference doubleheader
PRAIRIE CITY — PCM
struggled in two games against Williamsburg on May 27. The Mustangs were limited to five hits in the two games and lost 15-3 and 11-1 at home.
Both games went just five innings due to the mercy rule.
PCM fell behind 1-0 in the first inning of the opener but
scored twice in the second to take an early lead. Williamsburg countered with four in the top of the third and never trailed again.
The Raiders ended the game early with a 10-run fifth. They finished with 11 hits and PCM committed two errors.
Trigg Steenhoek led the Mustangs with one hit, one run, two RBIs and one walk.
Van Dyke walked three times, scored one run and had one RBI, DeRaad tallied one hit, one run and one walk and Houser had the other hit.
Konnor Bell and DeVries both walked once and Bell swiped one base. Bagby was hit by a pitch.
Carson Hansen (0-1) pitched four innings and took the loss after allowing five runs — four earned — on four hits and three walks. He struck out six.
Hood’s only out on the mound came by way of strikeout but Bell surrendered 10 runs — two earned — on six hits and five walks. He only got two outs in the fifth and one of them was by strikeout.
Micah Lang led the Raiders with a homer, three RBIs and two walks and Nile Sinn
Softball
CONTINUED FROM 5
PCM led 3-0 after one and added two runs in the third and fifth frames of the HOIAC contest.
It was the Mustangs’ fourth straight win over the Rams.
Winters totaled three hits, three runs, three steals and one RBI and leads PCM with five steals this summer.
Humpal finished with one hit, two runs, one RBI, two walks and one steal, Lindsay collected one hit, one run and one steal and was hit by one pitch and Steenhoek doubled, scored one run and had one RBI.
Webb and DeVore each walked once and had one RBI, Parsons collected one hit, Millang totaled one RBI and Naeve and Keuning both were hit by one pitch.
Webb (1-0) earned the pitching win after allowing no runs and one hit and fanning seven in seven innings.
Bellah Johnson had the lone Greene County hit. The Rams dropped to 2-3 and 2-1 in the conference.
PCM 6, Pella 4
PELLA — Six Mustangs had at least two hits and PCM out-hit 4A No. 13 Pella and took advantage of six Lady Dutch errors during a 6-4 non-conference road
chipped in two hits, three runs and two hit by pitches.
PCM scored first in the nightcap, but Williamsburg took the lead with a two-run second and then scored six in the third and three in the fifth to once again end the game early.
Houser tripled and DeRaad had the other hit. Houser collected one RBI, DeRaad walked once and Bagby drew three walks and scored one run.
Steenhoek, DeVries and Wendt all walked once and Hood was hit by a pitch.
Houser, Steenhoek and Bagby combined to walk 14 batters from the mound.
Houser (0-1) took the pitching loss after allowing six earned runs on three hits and seven walks in 2 1/3 innings. He struck out one.
Steenhoek tossed two innings and surrendered four runs — two earned — on three hits and five walks. He struck out three.
Bagby allowed one earned run on one hit and two walks in 2/3 of an inning.
Bowen Stratton led the Raiders (3-3) with one hit, one run, two RBIs and two walks and Cael Moore chipped in two hits.
win on May 29.
PCM led 6-0 in the fourth before holding on.
The two teams have rotated wins the past four seasons.
Humpal finished with two hits, one home run, two RBIs and one steal. She leads PCM with two homers and nine RBIs this summer.
Steenhoek totaled three hits and two RBIs, Lindsay and Winters each had two hits, one run and one RBI and Hudnut collected two hits, two runs, one walk and one steal.
Millang also had two hits and Wood walked once and scored one run. Parsons started in the circle, got the win and allowed three runs — two earned — on four hits in 3 1/3 innings. She struck out three.
Webb collected her second save of the season after surrendering an unearned run on five hits in 3 2/3 innings. She also struck out three.
PCM committed one error in the field and Parsons and Webb did not give up a single free base.
Emma Eekhoff had three hits at the plate and struck out seven in seven innings inside the circle. Only two of the six runs she surrendered were earned.
Katie Scheckel and Lucy Carlson each tallied two hits for the Lady Dutch, who dropped to 1-3.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Trenner Van Dyke struck out 11 batters against Greene County last week. He went the distance on the mound in the victory over the Rams.
Photo by Jamie Steenhoek
PCM senior Addison Steenhoek catches a pitch during a home game this season. The
Mustangs went 4-0 last week, including victories over state-ranked West Marshall and Pella.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM junior Shay Burns fields a ball at second base during a game this season. The Mustangs have started the season 1-3 following a win over Greene County and losses to Grand View Christian and Williamsburg.
Explorer PCM
June 5
Softball
PCM at Carlisle, 7:30 p.m.
June 6
Softball
PCM
Baseball Roland-Story at PCM, 7:30 p.m.
June 9
Softball
Pleasantville at PCM, 7:30 p.m.
June 10
Softball
Perry at PCM, 7 p.m.
Baseball Perry at PCM, 7:30 p.m.
June 11
Softball West Marshall at PCM, 7:30 p.m.
Baseball West Marshall at PCM,
7:30 p.m.
June 13
Softball
PCM at Saydel, 7:30 p.m.
Baseball
PCM at Saydel, 7:30 p.m.
June 16
Softball
PCM at Perry, 7 p.m.
June 17
Softball
PCM at East Marshall,
7:30 p.m.
Baseball PCM at Perry, 7:30 p.m.
June 18 Softball Greene County at PCM, 7:30 p.m. Baseball
County at PCM,
19
PCM at Gilbert, 7:15 p.m.
Baseball
PCM at EBF, 7 p.m.
June 20
Softball
Grand View Christian at PCM,
7:30 p.m.
Baseball
Grand View Christian at PCM,
7:30 p.m.
June 23
Softball
PCM at Nevada, 7:30 p.m.
Baseball
PCM at Nevada, 7:30 p.m.
June 24
Softball
Lynnville-Sully at PCM,
7:30 p.m.
Baseball
PCM at West Marshall, 7 p.m.
June 25
Softball
PCM at South Hamilton,
7:30 p.m.
Baseball
PCM at South Hamilton, 7:30 p.m.
June 26
Softball
Pella Christian at PCM, 7:30 p.m.
Baseball
Pella Christian at PCM, 7:30 p.m.
June 27
Softball
PCM at Roland-Story tournament, 10 a.m.
Baseball
PCM at Roland-Story, 7:30 p.m.
June 30
Softball
Van Meter at PCM, 7:30 p.m.
Baseball
PCM at Lynnville-Sully, 7:30 p.m.
Panorama dropped one spot from day one to day two, while Central Lee went from tied for seventh after the first round to eighth in the final standings.
“I’m pretty happy with fourth. The guys battled,” McDanel said. “Some of the ones who were struggling continued to battle to get the score we needed. I appreciate them all. I think we all did a great job.”
McDanel led the Mustangs with a pair of 75s. His two-day score of 150 tied for eighth, but he ended up 10th on a card back.
The top eight individuals received medals and recognition after the tournament.
McDanel’s second round included an eagle on the par 5 No. 10 and a birdie on the par 3 No. 4.
He had four birdies on Day 1.
He birdied the par 4 No. 1, the par 5 No. 6, the par 5 No. 10 and the par 4 No. 18.
“I played well. Obviously there’s shots I left out there, but there were also some I got that I shouldn’t have,” McDanel said. “I came up short of what I wanted, but it is what it is.”
Ford and Van Veen both turned in two-day scores of 163 and tied for 34th overall.
Van Veen was in a tie for 17th after his first-round score of 78, but he shot 85 on Day 2.
Van Veen birdied the par 5 No. 2 on both days and birdied the par 3 No. 17 on Day 1.
“It was pretty rough out there. I needed to lock in on a couple of holes, and that helped the team in the end,” Van Veen said. “I’m disappointed with how I played individually. I was not good off the tee. There are a lot of trees here, and if you’re not good off the tee, it creates a lot of punch outs and a lot of bogeys.”
Ford was about as consistent over the two days as McDanel was. He turned in a Day 1 score of 82 and had an 81 on Day 2.
Ford was tied for 35th after
the first day and placed 36th overall after the card backs. He birdied the par 4 No. 11 on Day 2.
Kiernan’s 86 in the opening round put him tied for 58th after Day 1. But he moved up to 41st overall after shooting a 79 on May 28.
“I played a pretty boring round of golf with 11 pars and seven bogeys,” Kiernan said about his final round. “But it felt good to actually hit some greens today.
“We thought we could have done better as a team, but fourth place is not too bad at all.”
Tangeman carded an 84 on Day 1 and then turned in an 86 on Day 2. He went from being tied for 47th after the first round to 55th in the final standings and birdied the par 4 No. 3 on the second day.
DeHaai had non-counting
scores both days. He shot 91 and 87 for a two-day score of 178. He birdied the par 3 No. 12 on Day 2. Kiernan’s 86 on Day 1 and Tangeman’s 86 on Day 2 were the other non-counting scores.
“It went well for the team, but I don’t think I played that well,” Tangeman said. “I’m just glad we medaled as a team. I didn’t perform well under pressure, but playing here at the end of our careers was fun. It was good to end things on a high note.”
West Marshall’s Hunter Polley was the state tournament medalist after posting a two-day score of 140. His single-round scores were 69 and 71.
Grundy Center’s Judd Jirovsky was the runner-up with a 144. He had single-round scores of 75 and 69 and was tied for fifth after Day 1.
Columbus Catholic’s Drew Lindsay tied Jirovsky with a 144 but was third on a card back.
Notes: Van Veen said he plans to play golf at DMACC next season. That’s also where his older brothers Hunter and Grant Van Veen played collegiately. … Tangeman said he plans to play golf at Indian Hills Community College. … East Marshall’s Cody Weaver placed sixth with a two-day score of 147. His second-round score of 72 featured 18 pars. … Nevada’s Parker Rodgers gave the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference two individual champions after he won the 3A title with a two-day score of 137. He shot 67 on Day 1. … Harrison was grateful the four seniors let them all grow together over the past four seasons. “They were freshmen my first year,” Harrison said. “I’ve had these kids in the suburbans for four years so they’ve kind of become my dudes. It’s going to be sad to lose them. We’ve learned together with me being a first-time golf coach.”
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Jeffery McDanel chips onto a green during the first round of the Class 2A boys state golf tournament at Gates Park Golf Course on May 27. The Mustangs finished fourth as a team and McDanel was tied for eighth in the individual standings.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM sophomore Parker DeHaai, right, hits into the fairway from near one of many trees around Gates Park Golf Course in Waterloo during the Class 2A boys state tournament on May 27. PCM head boys golf coach Collin Harrison, left, discussed how to approach the shot before the swing.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM junior Charlie Ford chips onto a green during the second day of the Class 2A boys state golf tournament at Gates Park Golf Course on May 28. Ford helped the Mustangs place fourth in the final team standings.
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