PCM-07-17-2025 by Shaw Media

A GIFT FOR GOOD

By Jamee A. Pierson

With food insecurity being an ever-present topic in communities across the state the PCM Food Pantry was more than excited to receive a surprise donation of $25,000 from First Interstate Bank’s Believe in Local program. The program, which awards $25,000 to 40 nonprofits across the bank’s footprint, was nominated by Melissa Masterson, retail manager at the Prairie City bank location.

“Our Believe in Local grant campaign embodies the Bank’s core values,” Masterson said. “Celebrating nonprofit organizations like PCM Food Pantry that make a significant, positive impact in our community. I am excited for them to receive this special grant, helping make Prairie City a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

When selecting the PCM Food Pantry, the bank found the organization shines in moments of anxiety, uncertainty and hardship for those who aren’t sure where the next meal will come from. The compassion and care the pantry provides for vulnerable community members and the unwavering dedication it has to bring comfort, stability and a sense of dignity to those in need are reasons why the small-town organization was an ideal candidate for the program

“We are incredibly thankful for this generous donation,” PCM Food Pantry Board Treasurer Dianne Taylor said. “It allows us to continue putting healthy food on the tables of families who are struggling, reminding them that they are not alone.”

Since 2022, First Interstate Bank’s Believe in Local campaign has selected 40 nonprofit organizations across

First Interstate Bank donates $25,000 to the PCM Food Pantry through the Believe in Local program

Mutton but love for ewes

Meet Jasper County Sheep Queen Hailey Dodge

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

Tell us a little about yourself: My name is Hailey Dodge and I spend my summers in Newton since my dad is stationed in the military in Fort Hood, Texas. I am 14 years old and will be a sophomore in high school. I am also in the Sherman Sunbeams 4H group. I started showing sheep when I was four. This will be my tenth year. I work my animals every day from May to the fair. In the spring for spring break I come up and help with lambing. W hat is your favorite part of caring for them? My favorite part of caring for my sheep in my opinion is in the spring when I have to feed the bottle lambs. They seem all excited to get a bottle it makes me very happy. How do you prepare them to show? To prepare my sheep to show I first start off with halter breaking them to lead so they can lead around the show ring with ease. The

in the spring.

second step would be to wash the sheep close to the show date. I normally wash them about a week out so it give me time to fit the sheep out.

Submitted Photo

The third step would be to fit them out so they can look there in the ring. All while feeding

A SPLASH OF ART

Five PCM high school students create a new mural at Gateway Recreation

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

As a part of a community service project, five high school students got creative and gave a splash of color to the pool area at Gateway Recreation.

Emma Leedom, Addison Beener, Rylan Edgington, Grace Derry and Kiley Clark spent part of their summer volunteering by creating a fun, active mural featuring the sun, water and golf course at Gateway.

“They were very well organized,” Gateway Board Member Kendra

Kane said. “Other than approve the design and purchase the paint, which they picked out themselves, they did the whole project start to finish, themselves.”

The team spent more than 20 hours working on the mural. It is a welcome greeting to those getting ready to cool off with a swim in the pool.

“Their families and high school art teacher should be so proud of all their excellent work on this,” Kane said. “I was very impressed with their ability to work as a team on this.”

Golf is GREAT

More than 60 kids hit the links for the annual Gateway Youth Golf Clinic in June

2025 Jasper County Sheep Queen Hailey Dodge’s favorite part of caring for her animals is bottle feeding the lambs

Submitted Photo

The PCM Food Pantry was recently surprised with a $25,000 donation from First Interstate Bank’s Believe in Local program. The organization was nominated by Melissa Masterson, retail manager at the Prairie City bank location.

PCM Explorer

Submitted Photo

golfers competed in a series of challenges to finish off

annual Gateway Youth Golf Clinic.

Submitted Photo

PCM high schoolers Emma Leedom, Addison Beener, Rylan Edgington, Grace Derry and Kiley Clark worked to create a new mural at Gateway Recreation in Monroe.

Worth Mentioning

Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com

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.

PCM Clothing Closet

The PCM Clothing Closet, 100 W. Jefferson St. in Prairie City, is open from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. every Thursday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.

Upcoming events at The Gathering Place in Monroe

Thursday, July 17

• 8-11am Playgroup

• 9am Focus Group

• 9am Kids Crafts

• 1pm Movement with Sean

Friday, July 18

•9am Needle Art Sit & Stitch

• 7pm Patty Richards Country Show

Monday, July 21

• 10am Video Exercise Class

Tuesday, July 22

• 8-11am Playgroup

• 8am Coffee and Prayer

• 9am Kids Crafts

Thursday, July 24

• 8-11am Playgroup

• 9am Kids Crafts

• 1pm Movement with Sean

Blood drive July 19 in Prairie City

The Prairie City Lions Club is sponsoring the Prairie City and Monroe Communities Blood Drive from 7:15 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 19 at the First Reformed Church, 300 E. Fifth St. in Prairie City. To schedule an appointment call 800-287-2904 or visit lifeservebloodcenter.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

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.

Bluegrass Express at Bar None Cowboy Church in Newton

Bar None Cowboy Church, 1690 W. 19th St. S., Newton, will welcome the Illinois and Oklahoma based band, Bluegrass Express, at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, for a wonderful evening of bluegrass gospel music. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.

Mosquito spraying July 24 in Monroe

The City of Monroe reminds residents mosquito spraying dates are scheduled for July 24 and Aug. 28.

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them the proper diet of course.

Do you have any funny stories with your animal? My first year of 4H I was showing in a junior showmanship. I was walking my yearling ewe around when she

spooked and ran away dragging me around the ring. The funny thing about it is that the best first showman got a special award and there I was bawling my eyes out after getting drug around and I still somehow won the award. What did it mean to you to be selected as queen? To me being sheep queen would be to

Explorer PCM

Carl Steenhoek

July 10, 2025

Obituaries

Carl Steenhoek, 98, of Monroe passed away into the arms of Jesus on July 10, 2025, at the Cottages in Pella, surrounded by his children and many of his family. Carl was born on January 11, 1927, to James and Gertie (Marks) Steenhoek in Marion County at the home of his grandparents where they resided. Carl was the youngest of five children.

Carl married Marie L. (Brown) on July 22, 1950, in the Reasnor Methodist Church. To this union were born Sandra (late Larry) Hartman of

Princeville, IL, Marvin (Kathy) Steenhoek of Pella, Joyce (Francis) Van Der Hart of Monroe, and Donald (LuAnne) Steenhoek of Reasnor. Carl farmed in Jasper County near Reasnor for many years. He also was a school bus driver for the Monroe Community School District for 30 years. Carl was a 65+ year member of the Monroe United Methodist Church, participated in Methodist Men, served as President of the church Trustees and belonged to the Forever Young group. Carl enjoyed attending events for his grandchildren, playing cards, watching sports and coffee time. In his younger years, he spent time hunting and fishing. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Matthew Steenhoek, son-in-law,

Larry Hartman, brother, Harvey (Florence) Steenhoek, his sisters, Gladys (Neil) Woody and Helen (Robert) Marshall, a brother-in-law, Logan Ver Ploeg and a dear friend Beverly Rickabaugh. He is survived by his sister Wilma Ver Ploeg, his 4 children, grandchildren, Marie (Nate) Lindahl, David (Dawn) Hartman, Erin (Jason) Church, Kendra (Ian) Beckjorden, Lisa (Jessica) Hilton, Melissa Van Der Hart, Garrett (Paula) Van Der Hart, Kristina Van Der Hart, Kurt Steenhoek and Joel (Alicia) Steenhoek.

Also surviving are his great-grandchildren, Rachel, Rebekah, Mikayla, Magdelina, William, Wesley, Russell, Brynlee, Addison, Hayden, Bailee, Bella, Breyten, Emma, Paul, Eli, Kynlee, Tucker, Kelsey, Abbi, Taryn,

Kenny and Vincent. And his great-great-grandsons Broderick, Alexander, Braxton, Briar and another on the way. Carl also had many nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his very special neighbors Joe and Rose Briggs who have provided him with so much care and support over the years.

The family appreciates the staff at the Cottages for their care during the last 3 months of his life.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 21, 2025 at 10:30 am at the Monroe United Methodist Church with burial following at Silent City Cemetery. The family will greet friends on Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at the church. Memorials may be directed to the Monroe United Methodist Church.

Free Prairie Wildflower Photography Walk

Join Mike Cox, a photographer and refuge volunteer, for a guided prairie walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 19 at the Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. While you explore the stun-

ning prairie wildflowers, Cox will share photography tips. Any type of camera is fine for this program, including cell phone cameras. Meet at the entrance to the visitor center.

It is recommended to wear pants and sturdy closed shoes, bring insect repellent and drinking water. Contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-994-3400 to register and for information.

Iowa caregiving provider network grows

By Mark Moran Iowa News Service

Iowa has joined a growing network that provides comprehensive and social service resources tothe state’s unpaid family caregivers.

Nationwide, 48 million people provide caregiving assistance to loved ones who need help due to illness, injury, or other challenges.

Thanks to a recent expansion, Iowa is now one of twenty-five states served bythe 211 Caregiver Support Program- which AARP Iowa State Director Michael Wagler said connects caregivers with a wide variety of help, even

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the Bank’s 14-state footprint receive a $25,000 gift in support of their mission. The bank’s longstanding commitment to the com-

fulfill in a family tradition because my mother and both my aunts where Jasper County Sheep Queens when they where about my age. It also means doing what I love, promoting the animal and the breed of sheep. I love to get more youth interested in showing sheep at the county fair. What are you looking

if the caller doesn’t know exactly what they’re looking for.

“It’s really a no wrong door mentality,” said Wagler. “And so they can get access and resources to on the ground care providers like area agencies on aging or hospital resources that they may not be aware of. Sometimes, it’s a point of reference for online resources.”

AARP and United Way Worldwide created the Caregiver Support Program to address the number one need for family caregivers - navigating the system to find relevant caregiving resources and local support.

munities it serves has resulted in a total of $1 million given to nonprofits in the bank’s communities each year. PCM Food Pantry was selected from a pool of more than 615 nominations thanks to its alignment with the bank’s philanthropic goals. Through the Believe in Local

forward to at the Jasper County Fair? What I am looking forward to at the county fair most is to see all my friends and to make more memories with some of my favorite people and animals. What would you tell other kids looking to get involved with animals or 4H/FFA? I would tell other people interested in getting involved

Wagler added that the 211 program, which is a free 24/7 helpline, connects callers with local resources and nearby services for caregivers.

“Whether that be through AARP or other care providers,” said Wagler. “On connecting to resources, to local support groups to a gateway into other resources throughout their communities. And that’s the nice thing about the 211 program - it is both comprehensive and catered to where the caller is calling from.” Originally launched in 2021, the program now covers 25 states with plans for more growth.

campaign and other community involvement, First Interstate Bank donates and grants approximately 2 percent of pre-tax earnings to its local communities. The funds aid in the improvement of workforce development, boost early childhood education and help mitigate poverty.

that showing sheep and showing in 4H in general builds some necessary leadership skills and qualities that most people need and look for in jobs. I would also say that no matter what or how your animal plac -

es in a show it’s the fact that you took leadership and cared for that animal enough to train it feed it get it ready to show that counts. It shows the kind of person you are and the one you want to be in the future.

announcements

election. Any resident over 18 can vote, if they are registered and live in Monroe.

The City Council acts as the official policy making body of the City, adopting all ordinances, resolutions and approving contracts required by the City. The Council analyzes proposals to meet community needs, initiates action for new programs and determines the ability of the City to provide financing for City operations. The Council also reviews, modifies, and approves the annual budget. Additionally, the Council performs other miscellaneous duties, including appointments to various boards and commissions and responds to community groups and individual constituents. Each Council member is assigned to a city department.

Council meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Council work sessions may be held as needed. Work sessions are informational only; no final decisions are made at these sessions. Special meetings may be called by the Mayor, Council member or City Administrator as needed. In addition to the meetings, you should allow time for other duties; such as out of town meetings, phone calls and conversing with citizens at local events. Over the winter months the Mayor and Council will spend several hours in meetings during the budget planning process. Iowa law now requires training for all newly elected and appointed officials as of July 1, 2025. Compensation for council members is $50.00 per meeting. The mayor receives a salary of $2,500.00 per year. Payroll for the Mayor and Council is done on a quarterly basis.

The nomination papers require at least 10 signatures of Monroe residents. The following seats are up for election: Mayor Duinink, Council members for a four year term are – Andrea Steenhoek, Jennifer St. Peter and Jeff Shannon (by appointment).

The filing period for candidates begins August 25, 2025, and ends September 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. For questions and nomination papers you can stop by the Monroe City Hall or go to the Secretary of State website at http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/ pdf/candidateselectioninfo/cityelections.html

Are you interested in a Mayor or Council Position in Monroe? SM-NE2318758-0821

Where

have all the flowers gone?

Where have all the flowers gone? I’ll take and tell you where a good chunk of the flowers have gone: two places, at the intersection of Highway 34 and the Henry-Des Moines County Line Road on the east end of New London, better known as Heald Trucking; and all along Main Street in Mediapolis (Mepo). They say men are more finicky about their weight than women, and more gossipy. Men can also be more eccentric about flowers. Take Brad Heald of Heald Trucking in New London, and Herschel Smuck, owner of Main Street Tire in Mediapolis, for example. They both love flowers. They both go out of their way to tend and show off their

flowers, in a dump-truck way. For a number of years, off-and-on, Brad has bequeathed his Dad’s old dump truck with marigolds or chrysanthemums (mums) flowing out of the back end of the dump truck. He calls it his Mump Truck. It sits along the south side of Highway 34. Many motorists stop to take pictures and get the back story. This year, marigolds are flowing out of the back end of the Mump Truck, onto the ground, like a bride’s wedding train.

In fact, that’s how all this got started in 2018, when his daughter, Coral, got married. Brad wanted to celebrate her betrothal, so he hired the planting of all these mums into the Mump Truck and spilling out onto the ground in honor of

Fail your way to success

By Bryan Golden

Fear of failure is one of the biggest fears people have. Ironically, failure is an integral component of the success process. There are two distinctly different types of failure. Absolute failure is when you give up. Successful failure is when you get back up.

Of course, not everything you attempt works out as planned. When striving for a goal, you will likely discover many ways which don’t work as anticipated. Successful people throughout history have experienced this phenomenon.

It took Thomas Edison 10,000 tries before he finally discovered a workable formula for a commercially viable lightbulb. When asked how it felt to fail so many times, Edison explained that he hadn’t failed at all. Instead, he had discovered 9,999 ways a light bulb wouldn’t work.

Henry Ford went bankrupt twice before his third attempt at a successful automobile manufacturing company finally took hold. R. H. Macy went bankrupt three times before he came up with a successful business model. Dr. Seuss was rejected by 23 publishers before the 24th publisher sold millions of his books.

Most job seekers go through this process before landing a position they want. They fail their way to success by sending out hundreds of resumes. Their goal is to get one or more interviews which ultimately lead to at least one job offer. Then, if the job doesn’t meet their expectations, they have to start the process over again.

You learned to walk by failing your way to success. Each time you fell down, you struggled to get back up. Each iteration of this process taught you muscle control and balance. You ultimately learned to walk because you refused to give up. There are countless other examples of people who have failed their way to success. Yet, there are also even more people who have failed and then given up. It’s up to you whether you will experience successful failure, or absolute failure.

Here are some strategies to use in order to fail your way to success. First, accept failure as a necessary ingredient for success. Each failure gets you one step closer to your objective. Failure is a learning opportunity which shows what requires adjustment.

After each failure, determine what went wrong and look for ways to make improvements. Success requires continuous learning. Seek to constantly add to your skills and knowledge. Study successful people to determine what they have done right. Learn from unsuccessful people what not to do. Taking action is crucial for producing results. Always be in motion working towards your objective. Keep trying new approaches until you find a working formula. Get up right away each time you stumble or fall.

Leave your comfort zone. You’ve got to try things you have not done before. When what you are doing is not working, you must make positive changes. This requires venturing into the unknown.

Failure is likely if you take steps which are too big. Big steps are difficult to manage and complete. Big steps should be broken down into a number of smaller, more manageable steps. For example, opening a large restaurant from scratch is fraught with challenges. If you have little or no experience, your chances of failure increase. Instead, start with a small sandwich shop. As you gain success and experience, you could expand your business. By taking smaller, more manageable steps, failures are more readily recoverable. Don’t fear failure. Embrace successful failure as essential for goal attainment. Use each failure as the invaluable learning tool it is. The way you fail yourself to success is by getting right up whenever you fall down.

Contact Bryan Golden at Bryan@columnist. com

her. So unique and creative. Then there’s Herschel Smuck in Mediapolis. He has a business on Main Street, Main Street Tire, so he has a particular interest in the beauty of downtown Mepo. He’s a member of the Lion’s Club, and every morning, before work, he sets out with his ATV pulling a water tank, and waters all the baskets of flowers hanging from light poles. It takes about an hour and two tanks of water, but it’s something he enjoys while he watches the sun rise. He also potted these flowers, with the help of the Lions.

But Herschel isn’t satisfied with just hanging baskets. No. Across the street from his tire shop sits an old farm elevator, a dump truck, and a flower pole. The dump truck (Smuck Truck) is dumping flowers into the elevator, and the elevator is dumping the flowers into a “flower pole.” It’s a poignant sight, like a Granddad Barber Pole. People come from all over just to see the flowers in

downtown Mediapolis.

BTW: Brad and Herschel know each other. Brad has bought truck tires from Herschel. They have lots of things to talk about, mainly flowers.

While I was in Mediapolis, waiting to talk to Herschel, I observed him move a semi-tractor and trailer, then a huge combine. (He’s a man of many talents, with hands gentle enough to caress a flower petal, but strong enough to wrestle a combine tire.) When he nearly knocked over a light pole with one of his flower pots hanging from it, he was more concerned about the flowers, than the light pole. There are certain priorities in life.

So, where have all the flowers gone? Brad and Herschel have picked them everyone. (Song, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” written by Pete Seeger and sung by Peter, Paul and Mary, still popular today.)

ContactCurtSwarmatcurtswarm@ yahoo.com.

OPINION

Did Veterans Affairs fail our veterans, again? OPINION

ids Film Festival and Cream of the Crop Award in the Iowa-made Category. From all who attended we thank Prairie Meadows for a wonderful event, from the Event Center to providing us with refreshments. It was a very special evening.

they would ask the Veterans Commission and would get back to us with an answer. That answer, whether it was yes or no, never came so we were forced to tell the veterans who wanted to attend they would have to find their own transportation.

On Tuesday, July 8, Prairie Meadows Events Center in Altoona presented a Jeremy Glazier Film “From Iowa & Back - The Vietnam Era.” This film has won awards in the Professional Documentary Category at Cedar Rap -

We wish more could have attended this event, but we had asked the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Office if they could supply transportation for the Vietnam group for ones interested in attending. We were promised that

Thank you again Prairie Meadows for a wonderful event. Jasper County Vietnam Veterans Committee Patricia Hollenbeck, Donna Stravers, Pam Schnathorst Newton

The people who build pipelines take it seriously. I know firsthand how much training and care go into building and maintaining them.

That attention to detail makes

SHARE YOUR VIEW

pipelines one of the safest and most efficient ways to move energy. It’s also the way a lot of Local 177 laborers earn a living and provide for their families.

That’s why I support Gov. Reynolds’ veto of HF 639. The bill was based on fears about pipelines, not facts, and it would’ve made it harder to build the infrastructure Iowa depends on.

Pipelines quietly deliver the oil, natural gas and other liquid fuels

that keep our economy running. If we want to keep energy affordable and reliable, we have no choice but to keep investing in the systems that deliver it — namely, pipelines. HF 639 would’ve taken us in the wrong direction. I’m glad the governor recognized how important this issue is and made the right decision.

Ruben Jimenez Marshalltown

Letters to the Newton Daily News will be edited for libel, grammar and length and should not exceed 400 words. We reserve the right to shorten letters and reject those deemed libelous, in poor taste or of a personal nature. Include your full name, address and a daytime phone number for verification. Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion of the writer or artist. Submit letters to newsroom@newtondailynews.com or Newton Daily News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208

SPEAK OUT

Brandon Talsma, chair 4309 W Fourth St. S. Newton, IA 50208 641-526-3142 btalsma@jasperia.org

How to contact your elected officials Jasper County Supervisors

Doug Cupples, vice chair 1205 S. 20th Ave. W. Newton, IA 50208 641-521-8725 dcupples@jasperia.org

Thad Nearmyer 4360 S. 96th Ave. W. Monroe, IA 50170 641-891-8863

tnearmyer@jasperia.org

PCM softball slides into another regional final

Mustangs open postseason with pair of convincing wins

By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer

MONROE — The Mustangs’ march back to the state softball tournament began with an 8-0 win over Southeast Valley on July 10.

The Class 3A No. 6 PCM softball team scored eight runs on only seven hits, but Rylee Parsons and Camden Webb combined for a two hitter in the circle during the 3A Region 4 quarterfinals.

The Mustangs scored three times in the first, plated four runs in the second and added one final run in the third during the five-inning victory.

Libby Winters led the offense with two hits, one triple, two runs and three RBIs. She leads the Mustangs with a batting average of .511 and an on-base percentage of .537 and has totaled a team-best 36 runs, 45 hits, 26 RBIs, 66 total bases and four triples this summer.

Hadley Millang added two hits and three RBIs, Addison Steenhoek collected two hits, one double and one run and Addi Hudnut belted a solo homer, scored two runs and stole one base.

Steenhoek is tied for the team lead with 13 doubles. It was Hudnut’s first homer of the season and her 11th steal.

Tori Lindsay was hit by a pitch and scored one run, Lillian Humpal walked, scored one run and stole one base and Peyton Lathrum scored one run and stole one base.

Lindsay has been hit by a team-most 14 pitches, which ranks tied for second in 3A.

Parsons spun the first 2 1/3 innings and got the no decision after allowing no earned runs on three hits with one strikeout.

Webb (9-2) allowed no runs and no hits, walked one and fanned six in 2 2/3 innings. She has 97 strikeouts in 78 innings.

Webb got the win and now

has an earned run average of 1.71 this summer. That ranks seventh in 3A.

Lauren Eslick led Southeast Valley (13-13) with one hit and one walk.

PCM 9, Greene County 0

MONROE — The Mustangs laced four doubles and were given seven free bases during a 9-0 win over Greene County on July 12.

PCM won the 3A Region 4 semifinal matchup after scoring three in the second, two in the third and four in the fourth.

It was the Mustangs’ third win over the Rams this season. They outscored their conference rivals 24-2 in those three meetings. Greene County (16-12) was plagued by two errors.

PCM has won five straight games overall and the shutout was its 12th of the season.

Winters led the Mustangs (24-4) with two doubles, two runs and one walk. She is tied with Steenhoek and they both rank tied for sixth in 3A with 13 doubles and Winters’ .511 batting average ranks 14th in the class.

Humpal doubled, scored one run and had one RBI, Hudnut singled, scored two runs and walked once, Holly Wood doubled and drove in three runs and Lindsay finished with one hit and one run and she was hit by one pitch.

Lindsay also has zero errors in 84 chances this summer. She’s one of 15 players with at least 42 chances to have a per-

fect fielding percentage. Steenhoek was hit by one pitch, scored one run and had one RBI. Her fielding percentage is .990 as she has only two errors in 203 chances.

Webb totaled one hit, one run and one RBI, Kyra Naeve walked once and scored one run and Lathrum stole one base.

Parsons started in the circle but took the no decision after allowing no runs and four hits with one strikeout in 2 1/3 innings.

Webb earned the win after surrendering no runs and no hits and striking out two in 1 2/3 innings.

Winters struck out three and allowed only one hit in her one inning.

PCM’s pitchers walked zero

PCM baseball eliminated by No. 2 Pleasantville

By Gabe Graber PCM Explorer

PLEASANTVILLE —

The PCM baseball team’s season skidded to a halt on July 8 against Pleasantville as the Class 2A No. 2 Trojans pulled away late for an 11-1 win during District 11 semifinal action.

It was one day after beating East Marshall, 3-0, in the first first round of the playoffs. The second round game was held at Pleasantville, and fans surrounded the entire field.

It started out well for the Mustangs, who took a lead after an RBI single from Trigg Steenhoek, and Coby DeRaad scored from third.

“It was exciting to have a lead early,” Trenner Van Dyke said. “I knew we would have to make plays defensively, but the lead gave us a lot of confidence. It served us well through those first four innings.”

The Trojans responded with three runs in the bottom of the first. They then shut out PCM out the rest of the game. They added two runs in the third and fourth, one in the fifth and three in the sixth to end

the game early. Van Dyke started the game on the mound for PCM. He pitched four innings and surrendered seven earned runs on seven hits. He walked three batters and struck out two. He took the loss, and the Mustangs committed four errors.

Shay Burns closed the game. He gave up four earned runs on four hits in 1 1/3 innings. He also hit a batter, surrendered a walk and struck out two.

“Against a team like Pleasantville, you have to play very clean,” PCM head baseball coach Brent Fridley said. “You can’t afford to give them many opportunities. Top to bottom, they were the best team we’ve played so far this year, and we couldn’t execute.”

PCM could only manage five hits — four singles and one double. Steenhoek and Burns hit singles. DeRaad hit two singles and scored one run and Kaleb DeVries hit a double. Steenhoek also was walked once and tallied one RBI, and the Mustangs struck out 11 times. Pleasantville had 12

hits and committed two errors. Brayden Kennedy led the Trojans with three hits, four runs and three RBIs and Braylon Bingham struck out 10 and allowed no earned runs in five innings on the mound.

“What I’ll miss about this senior class is that they just embraced change well,” Fridley said. “They bought in well to what we were trying to do.”

PCM ended its season at 9-14. The Trojans (291) downed Grand View Christian, 9-3, in the district championship and play Anamosa (16-10) in the substate championship game on July 15. PCM 3, East Marshall 0 DES MOINES — DeVries started the game on the mound for PCM, and his career-high 14 strikeouts led PCM to a shutout win over East Marshall on July 7.

DeVries gave up four walks and just one hit but did not allow a run in the 3-0 win during a 2A District 11 first-round game at James W. Cownie Baseball Park.

“After the first four innings, I just thought, man, I haven’t put a ball in play yet,” DeVries said.

“At one point, I had 12 strikeouts in a row. I was pounding the strike zone, and it made it easy when they were swinging and missing.”

In the bottom of the first, Jaden Houser was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, making the score 1-0.

In the bottom of the third, DeRaad scored on a balk to extend the lead to 2-0. DeRaad finished with two hits in the win.

Then in the bottom of the fifth, PCM capped the scoring when DeVries scored on a wild pitch.

The Mustangs held on to advance to the second round. PCM finished with six hits and four walks.

DeVries had to leave the mound because he reached his pitch count limit. Burns got the final East Marshall batter to fly out to end the game.

PCM did not commit an error, and East Marshall (11-13) had only one hit.

DeVries led the PCM offense with one hit, two runs and two walks. Izaac Bagby also walked twice and Steenhoek, Alex Wendt and Konnor Bell all had one hit.

and did not hit a batter. The Mustangs drew three walks, were hit by two pitches and had more doubles (4) than singles (3) at the plate and the defense committed zero errors. PCM has 19 errors in 28 games this season. The Mustangs’ .973 fielding percentage leads 3A. Their 61 doubles are tied for eighth in the class. The Mustangs are one win away from their second straight state tournament berth. PCM hosted No. 11 Missouri Valley (29-6) in the regional championship on July 15.

Missouri Valley’s 29 wins are the third-most in 3A. The Lady Reds defeated Unity Christian, 11-5, in their regional semifinal matchup.

Photo by Jamie Steenhoek

PCM junior Lillian Humpal, left, slides in safely at home plate during the Mustangs’ opening-round win over Southeast Valley on July 10.

Class 3A No. 6 PCM is back in the regional final after downing Greene County on July 12.

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