PCM welcoming new superintendent Aaron Becker
Administrator is looking forward to the upcoming school year and listening and learning to help make the district its best
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
New PCM superintendent Aaron Becker has been hard at work since starting in July. He is meeting with staff, getting to know the communities and learning about what being at PCM looks like going into the next school year.
With all of that on his desk, the most exciting part for Becker is yet to come.
“It is a reality the excitement of the kids. That is why we are here,” Becker said. “You will hear me a lot saying ‘student focused, student driven decisions.’ Those students who do come through
the front door, that is the most important commodity we have in the whole district. When we have students come through the door, there is tons of hope that comes through the door. They are hoping for a great school year. They are hoping that our dedicated staff helps kids find their passion area.”
In his 26th year in education, Becker didn’t start out thinking he would be an educator. After taking business classes in college, he realized that was the path he was meant to go down.
“I was sitting in a macroeconomics class and decided this wasn’t quite what I thought it was going to be,” Becker said.
“My older brother was in elementary education. I was close with him, we were at the same college and he’s three years apart from me and I thought ‘that’s what I want to do, I want to be with kids.’ I had to make that decision in college and made a major shift to elementary education.”
Following graduation, Becker taught third, fifth and sixth grades before beginning his next chapter as an administrator. While he thoroughly enjoyed working with a smaller group of kids, he felt like he had a chance to make a bigger impact on a larger group of students
SUPERINTENDENT | 3
IT’S A GREAT STATE FAIR
Jasper County 4-H members take home top prizes for projects selected for the state fair
‘Growers and farmers want to do more…we’re not giving them the resources’
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Rob Sand thought he had answered an Iowa woman’s question about holding industrial
agriculture accountable for nitrate pollution throughout the state and if he could make hard decisions that could impact his family, whose businesses could be adversely affected. But about
three questions later he realized he didn’t.
So, before he called on anyone else, the Democratic candidate for
Rob Sand rejects the ‘moderate’ label, embraces being ‘independent-minded’
Iowa gubernatorial candidate wants to end the ‘lesser-of-twoevils’ system
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Rob Sand has been described by both friend and foe as a “moderate.”
It is a term used by some of his supporters to describe his stances on issues, and it has even been used by opponents as a derogatory. In an interview with Newton News, he firmly rejected the label, describing himself as “independent-minded.”
Admittedly, it was a term I placed upon him, too, when I asked, in a sort of movie trailer-esque way: In a world ruled by political extremes, how can a moderate hope to survive? Despite the
tongue-in-cheek manner in which I inquired, Sand answered sincerely. He swiftly dismissed the label I and others placed upon him.
“I reject pretty much all labels, including the word moderate,” he said. “I’m pretty issue-based and I’m independent-minded. I think what we need to do is actually end the system of ‘the lesser of two evils.’ It’s not necessarily so all the answers belong to any one place, it’s just to actually free people up in both parties.” He suggested doing so would allow Democrats
Rob Sand confronts industrial ag and water quality issues at Newton town hall
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer
Rob Sand, the state auditor of Iowa running for governor, speaks with guests at a recent town hall on Aug. 6 at the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
An eye spy table, handmade bench and beautiful wreath are just a few of the projects created by Jasper County 4-H members on display in the 4-H building at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines. The projects will be available to view throughout the 11-day fair.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
PCM Superintendent Aaron Becker is excited to get kids into the schools to start the new school year.
Explorer PCM
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, Aug. 14
• 10am Patty Richards Show
• 8-11am Playgroup
• 1pm Movement with Sean
Friday, Aug. 15
• 9am Needle Art Sit and Stitch
Monday, Aug. 18
• 10am Video Exercise Class
Tuesday, Aug. 19
• 8-11am Playgroup
• 8am Coffee and Prayer
• 1pm Game Time
Thursday, Aug. 21
• 9am Focus Group
• 1pm Movement with Sean
Free Summer Prairie Photography Walk Saturday
Join photographer and refuge volunteer Mike Cox for a guided walk at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Explore summer prairie and its wildlife through your lens. The program is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16.
No matter your skill level, Cox will share useful photography tips. These will help you capture the beauty of nature and prairie wildlife. All types of cameras are welcome — including cell phones. It is recommended participants wear pants and sturdy closed shoes. Also, bring insect repellent and drinking water.
Contact nancy_corona@fws.gov or call 515-9943400 to register and for information.
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 Aug. 28
The City of Monroe reminds residents mosquito spraying dates are scheduled for Aug. 28.
Monroe Honor Guild recognizes 14 veterans
The Monroe Honor Guild presented 14 Quilts of Valor to veterans on Saturday, Aug. 2 at the Monroe Town Square Park during Old Settler’s Day Celebration 2025.
Also, present that day were members of the American Legion Honor Guard, the American Legion Riders, Sons of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the local Boy Scout
The following runners were medal winners in the 39th running of the MAMM 5K at Monroe’s Old Settler’s on Aug. 2.
Overall Male & Female winners were:
Owen Osterhaus, Monroe, age 14, 18:30.11
Lauren Foster, Altoona, age 15, 21:52.16
Male 9 & Under
1st - McCoy Martin, Monroe, 25:20.81, Age: 9
2nd - Ryker Kingery, Monroe, 27:10.14, Age: 9
3rd - Zeke Boelter, Prairie City, 44:31.42, Age: 8
Girls 9 & Under
1st - Jordyn Kahn, Newton, 25:39.37, Age: 9
2nd - Iris Osterhaus, Monroe, 28:48.84, Age: 8
3rd - Josie Edwards, Monroe, 49:55.55, Age: 7
Boys Ages 10-14
1st - Eli Osterhaus, Monroe, 23:43.81, Age: 13
2nd - Clayton Wood, Monroe, 25:54.24, Age: 13
troop. The Monroe Honor Guild was formed in January 2020. As of today the guild has awarded 185 quilts to service men from the Monroe and Reasnor area. If you are a veteran whether active or retired and are from the Monroe and Reasnor area, contact one of the guild members or Ada Beth Hume at 641-259-2555. The Monroe Honor Guild is made up of ap -
proximately 15 women who make the quilts for veterans.
The Quilt of Valor Foundation was established in 2003 and has awarded more than 416,000 quilts nationwide. The quilts have a three-part message: Honoring veterans for their willingness to lay down their lives for their countryv for their service and sacrifice. They hope the quilt provides healing, peace and comfort.
MAMM 5K results
3rd - Owen Kingery, Des Moines, 27:19.18, Age: 13
Girls ages 10-14
1st - Jodi Jungling, Prairie City, 23:48.06, Age: 14
2nd - McCartney Edwards, Monroe, 25:22.36, Age: 10
3rd - Mazie Martin, Monroe, 26:09.58, Age: 11
Boys ages 15-19
1st - Carter Corona, Des Moines, 22:46.74, Age: 15
2nd - Isaac Schubert, Monroe, 23:19.83, Age: 15
3rd - Joshua Wing, Prairie City, 23:35.55, Age: 19
Women ages 15-19
1st - Emma Parkinson, Sully, 22:15.34, Age: 16 2nd - Ali Hilsabeck, Monroe, 23:46.73, Age: 16
3rd - Brenna McAlister, Rockwell City, 36:59.40, Age: 18
Men ages 20-29
1st - Andy Algreen, Monroe, 21:03.38
2nd - Will Vanderpool, Mitchellville, 25:18.91
3rd - Reed Worth, Monroe, 25:34.03
Women ages 20-29
1st - Emma Van Roekel, Monroe, 25:51.71
2nd - Margo Chipps, Monroe, 33:36.13
3rd - Sydney Algreen, Monroe, 47:48.22
Men ages 30-39
1st - Rhett Gainey, Ankeny, 18:55.91
2nd - Zach Lang, Ankeny, 22:15.23
3rd - Jordan Van Roekel, Monroe, 24:59.94
Women ages 30-39
1st - Kendra Rempe, Otley, 25:16.01
2nd - Robin Miller, Newton, 27:57.56
3rd - Joni Hannon, Pella, 30:23.97
Men ages 40-49
1 - Jeremy Masterson, Prairie City, 25:15.33
2nd - Tyler Vanderlinden, Monroe, 29:34.97
Free fun for kids at the Iowa State Fair
In between corn dogs and giant slide rides, there are lots of ways kids can learn about agriculture at the Iowa State Fair.
1. Little Hands on the Farm - Located near the Animal Learning Center, the interactive Andringa Family Foundation Little Hands on the Farm ag adventure lets kids “work” their way through a swine barn, garden, grain bin, apple orchard, chicken coop, tractor shed, cattle barn, sheep barn and dary barn. Their reward? A visit to the Little Hands’ grocery store to pick out a fruit, granola bar or ice cream treat!
2. Baby Animals - Just south of Little Hands on the Farm, the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center is bursting with baby animals and unforgettable moments. See chicks hatch, baby goats bounce, ducklings splash or even catch a live birth. Meet real Iowa farmers in the Farmers Bull Pen, where you can ask questions and hear what life is like on the farm.
3. Cowboy Experience – Giddy up to Cowboy Boot Camp just north of Little Hands on the Farm and discover what it takes to be a real cowboy. Kids can try gold panning, steer roping, horse grooming and more at this hands-on educational zone. It’s a rootin’-tootin’ good time full of Wild West fun!
4. Kids in the Kitchen – Grab your apron and head to the Kids Can Cook kitchen in the east room of the Maytag Family Theaters. Open to ages 5 to 17, these fun cooking demos teach kids how to prepare simple, tasty, farm-
fresh recipes while learning kitchen safety, food prep and cleanliness-all with a side of fun!
5. Free Entertainment for Kids – Bring the whole crew to the Fun Forest Stage, sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union, for a lineup of free entertainment! Catch live shows by Brad Weston and magician The Chipper Experience – Where COMEDY & MAGIC Collide! Plus, keep an eye out for strolling acts like Bandaloni the oneman band, Hillbilly Bob and The Ice Cream Show near the triangle and the Pepsi Clock on Grand Ave.
6. Hands On Barn Experiences -Explore Cattle Corner, Horse Haven, Pig Place and Sheep Stop-interactive exhibits where kids learn about Iowa’s livestock up close. Then, stroll through the Avenue of Breeds (next to the Bruce L. Rastetter 4-H Exhibits Building), where more than 70 unique animals show off Iowa’s incredible agricultural diversity. Sponsored by Iowa Bankers Association and WHO The Big Show.
7. Pick A Vegetable - The Garden, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience and located north of Little Hands on the Farm, is blooming with hands-on learning. Kids can explore garden beds, learn how veggies grow in Iowa soil and even pick produce that helps feed local families through the Iowa Food Bank. Don’t miss the composting exhibit to learn about sustainability in action.
8. Fun for the Whole Family - Watch thrilling events at Elwell Family Park, where high-energy entertainment like truck and tractor pulls, charros performances, figure
3 - Nathan Kubli, Prairie City, 32:18.30
Womens 40-49
1st - Kelly Brown, Ackworth, 24:23.31
2nd - Kristin Kahn, Newton, 25:39.39
3rd - Bridgette Martin, Monroe, 26:09.78
Womens 50-59
1st - Lori Junging, Prairie City, 30:32.40
2nd - JoEllen Van Gorp, Monroe, 50:25.51
Men 60-69
1st - Mike Mathewson, Pella, 26:41.32
2nd - Todd Haugen, Des Moines, 33:48.64
Women 60-69
1st - Cindy De Prenger, Monroe, 26:14.87
2nd - Jean Dingeman, Monroe, 45:48.19
Men 70 plus 1st - Stephen Taylor, Pleasant Hill, 31:01.34
2nd - Dave Swenson, Ames, 31:09.67
Women 70 plus 1st - Kay VanderWerf, Monroe, 52:13.69
8 races and the demolition derby take center stage. NEW IN 2025: check out the FREE Iowa Utilities Lineman Rodeo on Friday, August 15, at 8 a.m. Some events are free, and tickets for others are available at iowastatefair. org. Kids can also join the Blue Ribbon Kids’ Club, with weekday activities at 10 a.m. on the Fun Forest Stage and special Saturday meet-and-greets at the same location. It’s the perfect way to add a little extra fun to your Fair day! Check out the list of events at iowastatefair.org. From barnyard fun to cooking classes, baby animals to gardens, the Iowa State Fair has something for every young explorer. There’s plenty to do Aug. 7-17 for kid-friendly events, family contests and memory-making moments you won’t forget. Visit iowastatefair.org for the full lineup.
Submitted Photo
Front row, from left: Dee Clark, Michael Doty, Captain Andrew Parsons; back row, from left: Erika Nolin
Baumgardner, Adam Nolin, Mary Jane Kuiken, Andrew Nolin, Ray Vander Velden, Val Thompson, Brian Nolin, John Huetter, Mark Huetter, Matt Huetter, Eric Burns
Superintendent
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“I started the process of applying for positions and landed a Pre-K through 8 principal position,” Becker said. “That just furthered the interest in trying to impact students in a larger way. I enjoyed teaching those 20-25 kids I had in a classroom but I felt like I had an opportunity to impact students and communities in a larger way.”
He served in several school districts as a principal and eventually superintendent before looking for a chance that focused on family. With a daughter in the Des Moines area and son in Ames, he knew a district in central Iowa was ideal for his family.
“To be real honest, family was a big part of it,” Becker said. “I was really selective in where I looked. We felt like this was a spot that was somewhat in between. Not so close but close enough to family.”
PCM wasn’t an unknown to Becker. He had heard about the district during his
Town Hall
Continued from page 1
time at school in southeast Iowa.
“I know there is high academic standards. They do really well with activities whether it is athletics or the fine arts,” Becker said. “Also, the small community. I am from a community that was maybe 1,000 people when I grew up. Small town communities are what I know, it’s what I am comfortable with. I know how important schools are to small communities and I like the challenge of bringing the two communities together as one to be PCM.”
Coming to the district, he has a few focuses that reach across the entire state. One big challenge is enrollment into the school.
“Enrollment is one challenge that many districts across the state are feeling at this time, especially with the funding formula being student driven,” Becker said. “There has been a slight decline of enrollment the last few years here. That is something we have to think about, how do we retain the families who are here, but also how do we attract families from other areas and bring them here as our students.”
Looking at what sets PCM apart from
for governor took a moment to go back and give her and everyone else at the Newton town hall a full answer. Sand acknowledged that while he did address the family part, he did not respond to parts about water quality and agriculture.
“I don’t know whether you’re going to like my answer. Here’s my answer: It’s not an area today that I feel really comfortable with the facts on that I can have a strong opinion on,” Sand said. “But I want to hear from people like you and I’m going to listen to people from all walks of life in Iowa.”
Sand added people listened to they can live with solutions where nobody gets everything they want but everybody gets something they want.
“We have a political system where people don’t listen,” Sand said. “And as I was sitting here, because I listened to your question, I realized I don’t want you to walk away from here being like, ‘He kind of dodged my question. He sort of answered the last part but he didn’t answer the first part.’
“I don’t want you to think that’s my approach.”
Sand
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and Republicans to do things the people actually want and put the people in charge of elections.
Sand condemned parties seemingly pulling the strings of elections.
“You have to join a private club in order to participate in elections that your tax dollars pay for,” Sand said. “And we
area districts, analyzing the district programs and seeing what PCM can offer in the future to compete with area schools are a few ways Becker looks to tackle the issue. Being in his first few months, he knows he can’t just jump in head first with a list of priorities, but instead listen and learn about PCM to find the best way to make PCM a thriving school.
“I am really trying to listen and observe over the next few months,” Becker said. “See what those common themes are of what we are doing really well but also what are the challenges and to dig deeper into those things. If we do have challenges, I am also looking for ideas from people that maybe I’m not thinking about just yet. How can I implement that on a small scale, on a big scale and what is the time frame?”
He is also focused on looking forward while respecting the traditions that have been formed at PCM.
“I believe heavily in the relationships that we create,” Becker said. “Also, I want to make sure we are looking forward. We
As a born-and-raised Iowan who grew up trout fishing in northeast Iowa, Sand wants others to enjoy those same kinds of activities he did. It is the birthright of every Iowan, he said. More farmers want to participate in conservation programs, Sand said, but there is not enough money dedicated to fulfilling those requests.
Many at the town hall agreed, including an audience member who identified himself as a commissioner of the Jasper County Soil and Water Conservation District. He noted there are also not enough people to implement, engineer and facilitate these conservation programs.
“I do think that growers and farmers want to do more. But oftentimes we aren’t allocating resources to it,” Sand said. “If you have not enough people to do it but people are ready to say, ‘Yup, come on my land and do this’ and we’re not giving them the resources to get it done, that’s a problem and it’s also frustrating.”
Sand told participants in the Newton town hall on Aug. 6 that he is listening. Subsequent town halls that same day saw Iowans ask similar questions. And he provided a similar answer: He is listening to and creating a plan to address water quality issues in the state.
wonder why everything is so partisan.”
Even so, Sand later acknowledged that he is also part of one of those private clubs. He reasoned that until the current political system is changed so that voters do not have to feel like they are picking the lesser of two evils, he has to pick a party to have any chance on the ballot.
“Anyone who has been in the ballot booth as a voter and has looked at a third-party candidate and thought, ‘Well, gee, I’d like to do that but I’d be throwing my vote away,’ could appreciate
are OK with thinking innovatively. We are OK thinking about change. At the same time really respecting the traditions at PCM. I know there have been great things that have happened at PCM. At the same time, how do we get people in our organization thinking about different things that can set us apart from other schools.
“Also, that we are meeting the needs of every student here. Every student has different passions, desires, needs, career paths, and we’re not a factory. We’re here to really try to meet those individual needs in the best way we possibly can. I think we can do great things together.”
With school starting in less than two weeks, the excitement is building for the start of a new year. Becker is already on the job but can’t wait for the official beginning. By listening and learning, he hopes to lead PCM for years to come and make it a destination location for families.
“I hope people can build trust in my leadership skills and ability to lead this district for many years to come,” Becker said. “I am really excited to do that.”
“The heart of your question is: Do you have the guts to stand up to people? Well, I’ve certainly pissed off a lot really popular people in Des Moines over the years,” Sand said, adding that he refused to even provide the Democratic National Convention with “all the records of wrongdoing by Gov. Kim Reynolds.”
Regarding his family’s ties to the agriculture industry, Sand prefaced that a lot of misinformation has been shared about The Laurisden Group. His wife serves as CEO. The Laurisden family has also donated millions of dollars to his campaigns. Some have donated to Republicans like Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Sand agreed that The Laurisden Group’s companies do have ties to agriculture. A few often companies make soup stock and soup product. Others make pet food or immune system supplements that get fed to baby pigs. Sand said that bottom line is he is going to do what is right.
He also acknowledged that his in-laws have given him a lot of support in all of his campaigns, but he also wanted to note the grassroots support as well. His in-laws, he added, are decent people who are “very frustrated with the direction of the State of Iowa in a way that haven’t been for a long time.”
why a candidate would look at that and say, ‘Well, gee, I’d be throwing my candidacy away,’” Sand said.
Although he is registered as a Democrat, his campaign is already attracting the attention of Republicans and Independents. He welcomed them all at a recent town hall in Newton, and he condemned the political practice of demonizing the other party in order to earn support. People are fed up with it, he said.
“I’m fed up, too,” Sand told Newton News. “And I’ve been fed up.”
Whether someone was a Democrat or a Republican did not mean much to him when he was prosecuting individuals as assistant attorney general, and it hasn’t mattered to him when investigating fraud and government waste as state auditor these past five years either.
“We’ve both criticized Democrats and Republicans in the auditor’s office,” Sand said. “I think a lot of people are sick of politics. And they want someone who is
not focused on redder or bluer, but focused on better and truer. And that’s the idea of the campaign.”
When it comes to making Iowa better, Sand suggested Iowa isn’t winning the race in economic growth or personal income growth, but it is winning the race in cancer growth. It is issues like these that are driving his campaign for governor, and that can be supported by anyone “from any part of the political spectrum.” Sand said voters agree with him that both the Democratic Party and Republican Party “do not solve enough problems to deserve their share of the monopoly.” Ideally, he would like Iowa’s state government to be as good as Iowans are.
“You walk around the state, no matter where you go, the vast majority of people want to get along, they want to have a good time, they want to do the right thing, they want to be productive members of society, they want to be kind,” Sand said. “Our politics represents those things less and less often.”
the pretty balloons!
All the pretty balloons reminds me of the title of Cormac McCarthy’s book, “All the Pretty Horses.” Going to the Hot Air Balloon Festival in Indianola was never a bucket list item, but when Ginnie and I were trying to decide what to do on my birthday, going to the balloon festival seemed like a fun thing to do. It was!
Ginnie researched and had it all figured out. She bought our inexpensive gate tickets online and knew that flying times were either early morning or evening when winds die down. We went for the evening show and it’s a good thing we did. It had rained that morning and there was no flying. In fact, it had rained every morning so far, and there had been no morning flying.
Ginnie just about passed out from the heat and humidity, but we found a shady spot between two food ven-
Curt Swarm Empty Nest
dors, where there was a breeze, so she got cooled off. One of the food vendors gave her a cloth full of ice to put on her neck, and that helped. People were so friendly at the Balloon Festival.
Speaking of which, one friendly volunteer was real interested in where we were from and that it was our first time there. She also found out it was my birthday. You might know it, over the PA system, in the middle of all the goings on, came, “Curt Swarm from Mt. Pleasant is 77 today and it’s his first time here! Let’s have a round of applause!” Geesh!
also learned that wind speeds and directions are different the higher up you go.
Balloon pilots are called “aeronauts” and the balloon itself is called an “envelope.” Envelopes range in cost from $30,000 to $40,000. The youngest aeronaut there was 16, the minimum age to be licensed to pilot a hot air balloon. His parents had given him the balloon for Christmas, and he came close to winning the event we watched. The basket for the balloons competing in the event hold from one to three people. There were three large balloons reserved to give people rides. The baskets for these balloons can hold up to 15 people. Cost, $250 each. Rides are reserved way in advance. In case you’re wondering, it’s legal for a hot air balloons to land on anyone’s property.
was for the balloonists to fly as close to the pole as they could, and grab the ring. The first balloonist to grab the ring would receive a $500 prize. Other points were awarded for the pilot tossing a bean bag as close to the pole as he or she could. Points were totaled at the end of the nine-day event to determine the overall winner, as well as second, third and so-on place. Balloonists who place at the state meets are eligible to go to the National Balloon Classic in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The hundred-or-so pretty balloons floating up over the rise behind us, to descend on the skinny pole with a ring on top, was a sight to behold, like an eighth wonder of the world. Brad Craig, from Carlisle, in his balloon, “Cheetah” was the first to grab the ring, and that was after about three-fourths of the balloonists had tried and failed.
We learned all kinds of things. Before the event gets underway, the balloon crews release little black balloons, called “pibals,” filled with helium to check the directions and speeds. We
What do you say when you talk to yourself?
By Bryan Golden
You have just completed a major work project before the deadline. Having worked diligently and spending your own time, you’re proud of the results and can’t wait to impress your boss. You show him the project and he immediately begins to criticize it and you. The criticism is completely unwarranted. What do you say to yourself?
“I’ve failed again” or “He must be having a bad day, I know I did an excellent job”?
You’ve thought of an innovative idea for a business that you really believe in. Excitedly, you tell your spouse who finds only faults with your idea. He tells you it’ll never work. Seeking another opinion, you confide in one of your closest friends. She has nothing positive to say either. What do you say to yourself? “Why can’t I ever come up with good ideas” or “I know my concept is good, I’m going to go with it”?
You’re a volunteer at a civic organization. You make a suggestion for a fundraiser and the president of the organization tells you it’s a bad idea that won’t work. What do you say to yourself?
“It’s no problem if they don’t like my ideas, I’ll still help anyway I can” or “If they don’t like my suggestion, they can do it themselves”?
You help your neighbor move some furniture. Several months later, you ask them for help carrying some heavy items to the dumpster. He tells you he’s too busy and doesn’t have time. What do you say to yourself? “Fine, last time I help him or anyone else” or “No big deal, I’ll ask one of my other friends to help”?
There’s a job opening where you work. The position is something that you always wanted to do. It’s a great opportunity and would be a promotion. You’re not sure if you have enough experience. What do you say to yourself? “I’ll apply, I’ve got nothing to lose” or “Why bother applying, I’ve got no chance”? You can probably relate to one or more of these illustrations or have experiences that are similar in nature. Comments of all sorts are volunteered by everyone; friends, family, coworkers, bosses, acquaintances, and even strangers. People are constantly giving you their unsolicited opinions. There’s nothing you can do, it’s human nature. What’s important is what you say to yourself, not what others say to you. Without discrimination, your brain believes whatever you tell it and immediately goes to work figuring a way to make the statements happen. Your mind processes your self-talk 24 hours a day. Don’t say to yourself phrases you don’t want to come true.
Tell yourself things that help rather than hurt you. You want to be saying things such as I can do this, I am capable, I’m a good person, I can learn what I need to know, I can make it work, and good things will be happening. Whatever it is that you say to yourself, you are right. Occasionally, I have a student tell me that he or she can’t do something. I tell them if that’s the way they feel, they are right. But if someone says, “I can do it,” they are also right. Remarking “I can’t do this” is different than saying “I need help” or “I don’t understand.” Asserting, “I can’t” is a final conclusion rather than making an effort to seek a solution.
Be aware of and monitor what you say to yourself. Don’t tell yourself anything that’s not going to help and assist you in achieving a positive outcome. Always engage in positive self-talk. Contact Bryan Golden at Bryan@columnist. com or visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits. com
OPINION
At 6:00 pm the green flag came out, meaning that conditions were good to fly, and the event was on. This event involved a tall white pole in the middle of a field. The pole had a ring on top of it. The object of the competition
We will go again next year. Ginnie says we are going to go for a balloon ride.
Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com All
America’s `Do Nothing Congress’ investigation failures under Trump 2.0
By Steve Corbin
The month of August is widely recognized as the ideal time for relaxation and rejuvenation. America’s 435 House of Representatives started their summer recess on July 25 while our 100 Senators’ recess began on Aug. 4; everyone will return to D.C. on Sept. 2.
This four to five-week respite should give our elected delegates time to reflect on their achievements since President Donald Trump’s 2.0 administration started on Jan. 20. And hopefully the break with give our legislators time to consider how they’ve come up short in representing their 340 million constituents by honoring the principles of the U.S. Constitution, which they took an oath to uphold and defend.
Congress’s job description
The 535 members of Congress’s job are to make laws, represent the people (versus their party), oversee the executive branch and conduct investigations. Every legislator takes a pledge to bear allegiance to the Constitution as the supreme law and act without personal or political evasion.
Salary, fringe benefit and employment sidebar
Let’s reflect on a couple work-related matters that have occurred in the past 29 weeks since Trump 2.0’s administration started. During this time period, the average adult has labored for 145 days with an average annual salary of $66,622 and a 31 percent fringe benefit package. Meanwhile, our 100 Senators and 435 Representatives have shown up to the Capitol 109 and 97 days, respectively, with an annual salary of $174,000 plus 61.9 percent fringe benefits (Congress.gov).
Quite the disparity exists between our aristocrat legislators and America’s proletariat working class.
119th Congress accomplishments
Multiple research-oriented searches revealed the most prominent accomplishments by our lawmakers since Jan. 20 are GOP
dominated and defined in two areas: 1) the Republican Party has secured power of the Senate and Hous deliberations, which permits them to make laws, oversee the executive branch and control the nation’s purse strings and 2) passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” will have a significant effect on federal taxes, credit and deductions but is projected to increase federal deficits by $3.4 trillion over the next 10 years.
119th Congress shortcomings
Several legal experts and non-partisan public interest groups have raised serious concerns regarding potential overreach, violation of the law and abuses of power by President Trump that suggest congressional investigations. They include:
1. Trump signed multiple Executive Orders (EO) directing agencies to pause or redirect funds that were explicitly appropriated by Congress. Such actions violate the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act, which prohibits the president from unilaterally withholding congressionally allocated funds. Congressional response: nothing.
2. Mr. Trump fired 17 Inspector Generals in the first week of 2.0 without providing the required 30day notice and case-specific reasons to Congress, as mandated by law. Congressional response: silence.
3. President Trump issued a series of EO’s asserting powers that contradict or bypass federal statutes, such as border enforcement, birthright citizenship and instructing the Department of Justice not to enforce TikTok’s ownership. Congressional response: sound of crickets.
4. Trump signed EO’s to place independent agencies – such as the Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Communications Commission and Federal Trade Commission – under his control and shutting down USAID, bypassing congressional intent and defunding programs authorized by law. Congressional response: nada, nil and naught.
5. In March, President Trump issued an EO that many think undermines the independence of the electoral process, intervening where only Congress and the 50 states have constitutional authority. Congressional response: diddly-squat.
6. Trump’s personal business entanglements and refusal to place assets in a blind trust violate the Emoluments Clauses of the Constitution, which our Congressional delegates have taken an oath to uphold. Congressional response: zip. Congress’s failure to act is alarming
To date, a multitude of recommendations have been made by constitutional experts, independent think tanks and freelance guest columnists urging Congress to take legislative, oversight and accountability reforms during the Trump 2.0 administration.
Back in Feb., Gallup noted only 29 percent of Americans approved of Congress. Not surprisingly, today only 23 percent of Americans approve of the way Congress is handling its job (news.gallup.com).
If any employee ignored worksite legal issues, abused the authority of their job and received a 23 percent approval rating, they wouldn’t remain on the payroll very long.
But, Congress’s do nothing behavior – since Jan. 20 -- is more alarming as their inaction risks normalizing executive overreach, enables unchecked presidential power, ignores laws, weakens democracy and most assuredly reveals an autocratic dictatorship is not coming to America, it is here!
Research is replete: The members of Congress have failed their oath of office to uphold the nation’s legal foundation, oversee the executive branch and conduct investigations.
Congress: when you go back to work on Sept. 1, re-read your oath of office, uphold the constitution and do your job without personal or political evasion!
Contact Steve Corbin at Steven.B.Corbin@gmail.com
From the back yard to the back forty: ‘4 Things for Wildlife’ offers expert insights for wildlife conservation
A new resource from ISU Extension and Outreach shares simple steps for helping wildlife
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has published its “4 Things for Wildlife” series, offering readers practical ideas for supporting wildlife through land management actions.
Adam Janke, publication author and natural resource ecology and management wildlife extension specialist, shared the importance of helping Iowans adopt wildlife-friendly practices.
Red-headed woodpecker“Every action we take on land can have some sort of impact on wildlife. In many cases, minor tweaks
to our plans can have major positive benefits that help wildlife thrive in Iowa and provide opportunities for Iowans to enjoy them,” he said.
According to the publication, creating habitat, ensuring biodiversity, maintaining connectivity and collaborating with local experts are critical factors needed for wildlife.
In addition to the primary “4 Things for Wildlife” resource, the series features tips for benefiting wildlife across various landscapes:
4 Things for Wildlife on Every Farm
4 Things for Every Yard
4 Things for Every Forest
4 Things for Every Pasture
4 Things for Everywhere
“This series is adapted to the major types of land use we have around Iowa — yards, forests, farms and pastures — and provides clear ideas on how individuals managing those areas can best support wildlife,” said Janke.
Each resource is available for download on the Iowa State Extension Store.
For more information, contact Adam Janke at ajanke@iastate.edu.
Water Summary Update: Iowa is drought free due to above-average rainfall in July
Drought conditions improved statewide due to above-normal precipitation totals in July, according to the latest Water Summary Update. With more than double the expected precipitation, last month ranks as the second wettest July in 153 years of records, behind July 1993. Drought and abnormally dry conditions eased across the state, and Iowa is cur -
rently drought-free.
For the month of July, statewide precipitation totaled 9.20 inches, or 4.83 inches above normal. Statewide temperatures averaged 75.4 degrees, 2.0 degrees above-normal, with the warmest conditions in eastern Iowa. According to Iowa’s Drought Plan, overall drought conditions improved for the entire state. The drought watch designations
Immunizations are designed to keep people healthy. Many diseases have been pushed into relative obscurity thanks to the widespread use of vaccines. Smallpox and rinderpest were eradicated worldwide due to vaccination. Polio, tetanus, Hib, and rubella are some additional diseases that most people have forgotten thanks to the vaccinations they received in childhood. But one disease that had been largely controlled has experienced a resurgence, leaving many wondering if their immunizations are still potent enough to provide protection.
Measles is back
By the end of May 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had already documented 1,088 measles cases across 33 jurisdictions from New York City to Alaska. Ninety-six percent of the infected were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown. Three people died from measles as of May 2025, which were the first measles deaths in the United States since 2015. Measles is highly contagious, even more so than the flu or COVID-19.
Am I protected?
Although the CDC says the risk for widespread measles in North America remains low, people are wondering if they should revisit measles vaccination as a topic of discussion with their doctors. According to Dr. Scott Roberts, M.D., a Yale Medicine infectious disease specialist, most people will
for portions of western and southern Iowa have been lifted, and all drought regions now carry a normal drought designation. According to the current U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), less than one percent of Iowa continues to experience abnormally dry conditions. The National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center’s August outlook indicates an
equal chance for above, below, or near-average precipitation and temperatures across the entire state. Warmer air holds more moisture and could increase concerns for drought returning if the state experiences below-normal rainfall during August.
“Due to above-normal precipitation in July and into early August, drought and abnormally dry conditions significantly
improved across Iowa. Drought watch designations for Western and Southern Iowa have been removed. The latest seasonal outlooks indicate potential for no drought for most of the state, except a small pocket along the Missouri River in southwestern will likely see dry conditions continue,” said Jessica Reese McIntyre, DNR Environmental Specialist. For a thorough re -
not need a measles booster, but vaccination status should be checked.
The measles vaccine first became available in the U.S. in 1963. The vaccine contains a live but significantly weakened strain of the measles virus. This modified strain is too weak to cause measles, but it is similar enough to the full-blown illness for the body’s immune system to recognize it. Previously, measles was so contagious that everyone contracted it before age 15, according to PBS, and people born before 1957 are presumed to have lifelong immunity as a result. Most people born after 1957 would have
received the shot as children. People who previously had measles (those born before 1957) as well as those who received two MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) shots as children are considered to have full immunization for life.
Who may need a measles vaccine now?
Older children, adolescents and adults born after 1957 who never had the measles and were not vaccinated or are unsure of vaccination should get at least one MMR shot. Certain groups, like students at post-secondary institutions, health care workers, international travelers, and women
view of Iowa’s water resource trends, visit www.iowadnr.gov/watersummaryupdate.
The report is prepared by technical staff from Iowa DNR, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, IIHR— Hydroscience and Engineering, and the U.S. Geological Survey, in collaboration with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department.
of childbearing age, should get two MMR shots at least 28 days apart if they’ve never been previously vaccinated for measles, advises Yale Medicine.
Before 1989, only one dose of MMR was standard. Therefore, most people born before 1989 likely received only one dose, which is still highly effective (93 percent effective at preventing illness). But the same special group of individuals noted above should consider getting a second shot to receive the modern recommendation for a full series of measles vaccinations, says Harvard Health. People vaccinated between 1963 and 1967 also didn’t receive the “live” virus, and it is recommended that they get one dose of the live vaccine at some point as well. Anyone who has questions about their vaccination status can speak with their doctors to determine if a measles booster is warranted. Some wonder if they should have a titer test done. A titer test checks the level of antibodies in the blood, but it is only one part of the immune system’s infection-fighting capabilities, and doesn’t necessarily reflect one’s level of immunity. So it really only will indicate if there are antibodies present, which is a good indicator if a shot was administered at any point or if the person had measles. Working with a medical professional is the best way to navigate the recent rise in measles cases.
— Metro Creative
Carter Oliver, Harrison County director
Prairie City 515-9943200
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PCM EXPLORER
