Local People. Local Stories.
Explorer PCM
CHEERS TO THE GRIERS
Joel and Jacki Grier named inaugural PCM Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
For the first time, PCM has named grand marshals for the homecoming parade. Taking the honor in its inaugural year are former teachers and coaches for Monroe and PCM, Joel and Jacki Grier.
“The Griers have a long-standing tradition of supporting our district, whether in the classroom, as coaches and sponsors, as volunteers or simply as the ultimate Mustang fans,” the district said in the grand marshal announcement. The couple, who have been
in the area for more than four decades, made their mark in the classroom and on the fields. Joel taught hundreds of elementary students throughout his career while Jacki was well known at the high school leading English classes and the journalism class, including producing the award winning, student-produced “Outlook” weekly newspaper.
The Griers also coached many activities with Jacki leading the cheerleaders and Joel making his name on the courts and fields. Joel was well known as the high school boys basketball assistant coach, and he was
a part of many trips to the state tournament, including the state championship run in 2004. He also was the long-time track coach for both the boys and girls team and was recognized by the school when the PCM Co-Ed Invitational Track and Field Meet was renamed the PCM Joel Grier Classic.
The couple also have two sons who graduated from PCM. Two of their four grandkids are Mustangs with their granddaughter Kenna Grier as the 2025 junior homecoming attendant.
“It is definitely, there is nothing better,” Jacki said. “It puts you clear up here, sky high.”
Thank you, Coach Madsen
Women who competed in 6-on-6 basketball for Norm Madsen celebrate the coach and his achievements
A homecoming week to remember
PCM students celebrate long-held traditions and make new ones during homecoming week
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Kids danced under the disco ball to celebrate the final event of PCM Homecoming 2025. From dress-up days to a running route to Albia in the football game, the week was filled with fun school spirit.
The week started out with pajama day for everyone except the middle schoolers, who dressed in class colors. Other dress-up days included Adam Sandler taking over the high school Tuesday, cops and robbers at the middle school Wednes-
day and hat day at Prairie City Elementary and neon day at Monroe Elementary on Thursday. Everyone put on their best crimson and gold to celebrate spirit day Friday.
New this year, the PCM Cross Country team took to the roads to bring the game football from Albia to PCM. The team ran the 45 miles on Sept. 30 in relay form and ended the route together at the school delivering the ball to head football coach Greg Bonnett.
Floats took to the streets Oct. 2 for the homecoming parade. Candy rained and big smiles were seen throughout the parade as kids from preschool through the high school homecoming court waved to community members who joined in on the celebration. Following the parade, spirit night kicked off in the football sta-
dium with the marching band taking the field to perform its show for 2025. The cheerleaders got the crowd excited, and coaches from football, volleyball, cross country and cheerleading said a few words. The three football captains thanked the mustang crowd for their support all year and invited them back the next day for the homecoming game. After the dance team performed part of their state hip-hop routine, the time had come to crown the homecoming king and queen. With the 2024 king and queen unable to attend the event, the high school principal started off coronation by placing the crown on Zach Richards, naming him homecoming king.
Fall Festival returns to Newton Arboretum with changes to street access
Scarecrow entry deadline is Oct. 10, with this year’s theme being origins and milestones
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Fall Festival is making its return to the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens next weekend in Newton, but visitors will not be able to access the gardens via North Fourth Avenue East due to safety concerns. Instead, drivers must now access Agnes Patterson Park and the arboretum through East 31st Street North.
Shuttle services will be provid-
ed to individuals parked near the ballfields.
The festival will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11 at the arboretum. The theme for this year’s scarecrow walk is origin stories and milestones, aligning with the 30-year anniversary Newton Arboretum. Participants are asked to remember their roots and celebrate their growth so they may bloom in the future.
Local organizations and businesses are asked to include a sunflower somewhere in their
creation to honor the Newton Arboretum’s 30 years in the community. Prizes will also be awarded to the best scarecrows in the following categories: Festival Bestof-All, Best Display of Theme, People’s Choice, Best Family Entry, Best Business Entry and Best Organization Entry. Winners of the contest will be announced on Oct. 13. People’s choice is determined by attendee ballots.
Braunschweig/PCM
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Joel and Jacki Grier wave to the homecoming parade crowd Oct. 2 in Monroe. The couple served as the inaugural parade marshals after being a part of the PCM community for more than 40 years.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Addi Hudnut and Zach Richards were named homecoming queen and king at Spirit Night Oct. 2 at the football stadium.
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, Oct. 9
• 1pm Movement with Sean
• 5:30pm CPR Training
Friday, Oct. 10
• 10am Patty Richards Show
• 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson
Monday, Oct. 13
• 10am Video Exercise Class
Tuesday, Oct. 14
• 8am Coffee and Prayer
• 6pm Bingo
Wednesday, Oct. 15
• 4pm “Get Fit, Don’t Fall” with Amy Stephensen
Thursday, Oct. 16
• 9am Focus Group
• 1pm Movement with Sean
Fall bazaar in Monroe
Monroe United Methodist Church will host the UMW Fall Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Coffee time will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Holy Smoke Off Saturday
Holy Smoke Off will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. This event is open to the public — at no charge— to sample smoked meat and vote on the best. All proceeds go to the Prairie City Ministerial Committee. All smokers welcome. Contact Wayne
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.
Church of the Brethren to dedicate new fellowship hall
After years of prayerful planning and months of construction, the Prairie City Church of the Brethren at 12015 Hwy. S6G south of Prairie City, will dedicate its new fellowship hall. The dedication service will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 and all are invited to attend. Following the service, guests are invited to tour the new addition and enjoy an old-fashioned ice cream social, featuring homemade ice cream, cookies, bars and pies.
Pancake Breakfast Oct. 25
The Prairie City Lions will host tits monthly pancake breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Prairie City Community Building. The menu includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and drink. A freewill donation is accepted.
Learn about Parkinson’s Disease and Support for Families: Virtual Classes Begin in November
Learn about effects and treatments in ‘A Journey through Parkinson’s Disease’ educational series
Growing older is the greatest risk factor for acquiring Parkinson’s disease and many people live with symptoms for several years before being diagnosed. Frequently the spouse or other relatives first notice slight problems with a loved one’s movements, said Carol Ehlers, a health and human sciences educator with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“Often people in early stages of Parkinson’s disease assume their symptoms are part of normal aging or are due to other health conditions they may have, such as arthritis. Early symptoms may not be very apparent and may even come and go,” Ehlers said.
Participants engage in activity in A Journey through Parkinson’s Disease session. To help Iowans learn about Parkinson’s disease, its effects and possible treatments, ISU Extension and Outreach offers “A Journey through Parkinson’s Disease.” This threepart educational series will be offered virtually beginning Nov. 3 at 1 p.m. The series is offered at no cost to participants and online registration is required by Oct. 31.
“During this series you will learn about the signs of Parkinson’s disease and how to seek medical care, as well as the cause of the disease and how specific treatments work. You will also
learn about alternative therapies and in-home activities that can delay the progression of the disease, which is very important for continuing to live a full and happy life,” said Ehlers.
The educational series consists of three one-hour sessions held once a week. Health and human sciences educators with ISU Extension and Outreach teach the classes, which include interactive lessons and discussions.
In-person sessions of “A Journey through Parkinson’s Disease” are scheduled through ISU Extension and Outreach county offices. A list of upcoming, in-person ses -
sions is available on the Health and Human Sciences Extension and Outreach website.
“If you’re struggling with Parkinson’s disease or know someone who is, it’s helpful to know where to find support on the journey,” Ehlers said.
This program is supported by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, with funding provided by the State of Iowa, Iowa State University and through appropriations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture under the Smith-Lever Act.
Kids’ bedtime guidelines through the years
Sleep is pivotal for a child’s development. The American Academy of Pediatrics says insufficient sleep is a growing health problem, with some estimates indicating 25 to 50 percent of children and 40 percent of adults have sleep problems. This can lead to issues with attention, behavior, learning, and even physical health, including an increased risk for obesity and depression.
The right routine can make a world of difference in relation to children and sleep. Despite the importance of sleep, bedtime is one of the most challenging times of day in many households. Learning the amount of sleep a child needs and sticking to a routine, particularly as kids grow, can help foster healthy sleep habits that last a lifetime.
Infants
Infancy is a time of rapid development when children go through many sleep stages. While newborns tend to sleep in short, irregular bursts
that don’t always follow the day/night schedule, sleep patterns begin to consolidate by the time kids are four months old. A consistent bedtime routine is essential, which can include a simple sequence of three to four calming activities to signal to baby that it’s time to wind down. Experts call this the “3Bs”: bath, book, bed. Additional calming activities like a massage or final feeding also can help infants get the 12 to 16 hours of sleep they need each day, including naps.
The AAP recommends placing a baby in the crib while drowsy to help the child learn to fall asleep
on their own.
Toddlers
Parents of toddlers know they are bustling with energy as they learn to walk, talk and explore.
Recommended sleep for ages one to two is 11 to 14 hours per day, including naps.
Consistency is paramount for this age group, which means keeping bedtimes the same from day to day. Make sure the routine is predictable to help regulate toddlers’ internal clocks. Chances are toddlers will begin to protest bedtime at some point, at which point parents must be gentle but firm about keeping kids in bed.
Preschool-aged
By ages three to five, some children begin to drop the afternoon nap and get all of their 10 to 13 hours of sleep overnight. They also are becoming more imaginative, which means that nightmares might crop up more regularly within this age group. A calm, screen-free bedtime routine can help clear the mind so youngsters can get the rest they need.
School-aged
This is a time when prioritizing sleep is really put to the test. Friends, school and extracurricular activities begin to place greater demands on scheduling, and can interfere with children getting enough sleep. The general recommendation is 9 to 12 hours of sleep for children ages six to 12.
To facilitate getting rest, parents can make the bedroom a sanctuary that is free from tablets, phones or other devices that may distract children from sleeping. — Metro Creative
Iowa State University
Participants engage in activity during an in-person session.
Metro Creative
Homecoming
Continued from page 1
“It was a big shock. We had four other guys and they were great options,” Richards said. “I did not fully believe the crown was on my head. I am grateful.”
Explorer PCM
Richards then had the privilege to crown Addi Hudnut homecoming queen for 2025.
“It is a really big honor to have this moment,” Hudnut said. “I could have seen it going all five ways. Our class has a really good group of girls and guys and I’m just really grateful.”
from page 1
The football game on Friday wasn’t nearly as competitive. The boys in
Before the girls headed out to TP the towns, they took part in the annual powder puff football games. After the seniors took out the freshman and the sophomores defeated the juniors, the championship game was set. In a very competitive outing, the game made it to overtime where the sophomores came out victorious over the previously undefeated senior class.
crimson and gold took care of the Albia Blue Demons 54-0. Saturday night kids glowed in the homecoming victory at the Disco Glow Homecoming Dance. Decked out in glow paint, glowing jewelry and glow (temporary) tattoos, they danced to their favorite songs and took home a few goodies to wrap up the memorable homecoming week.
birth announcements to:
Addi
part of Homecoming is Powderpuff
Restorative
and
and tp-ing with her friends. Her favorite quote is “Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place. You have power.” Addi’s future plans are to attend the University of Iowa and major in Communications.
Coby is the son of Carmen and Dustin DeRaad. His activities consist of cross country, baseball, track, FCA, band, and Big-Little. His favorite part of Homecoming is waking up to his yard being destroyed with hot dogs and toilet paper. His favorite quote is “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” - Acts 20:24. Coby’s future plans are to attend an undecided university, studying Psychology and running track.
Carolyn is the daughter of Steph and Jeff Burkett. Her activities consist of volleyball, basketball, Key Club, FCA, and NHS. Her favorite part of Homecoming is staying up all night to tp with her friends. Her favorite quote is “Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” - Omar Khayyam. Carolyn’s future plans are to attend Mercy College for sonography.
Zach is the son of Jayme and Steve Richards. His activities consist of Student Government (Student Body President), football, wrestling, soccer, FCA, cross country, Big-Little, group speech, Restorative Justice, DECA, Key Club, and he was a foreign exchange student in Australia during his sophomore year. His favorite part of Homecoming is the Homecoming activities, especially Powderpuff. His favorite quote is “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” - Dr. Suess. Zach’s future plans are to attend an undecided college and travel as much as possible.
Paiten is the daughter of Kayla and Josh Ekiss. Her activities include cross country, track, competition, and wrestling cheer. Her favorite part of Homecoming is Powderpuff and staying up late with her friends to tp the guys’ houses. Her favorite quote is “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” - Dr. Suess. Paiten’s future plans are to go to cosmetology school and eventually have her own salon.
Shay is the son of Jenny and Jason Burns. His activities include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, track, FCA, Grace Alive Youth Group, FRC-SHY Youth Group, and he was Carly Steenhoek’s CO-ED dance partner for 3 years. His favorite part of Homecoming is the Homecoming class games throughout the week and winning Powderpuff every year. His favorite quote is “If you’re not getting better, you’re getting worse.”Greg Bonnett. Shay’s future plans are to attend an undecided university with an undecided major.
Annie is the daughter of Tami and Tony Ford. Her school activities include Key Club, DECA, Student Government, Restorative Justice, FCA, speech, cross country, basketball, track and field, and golf. Her favorite part of Homecoming is tp-ing with the girls after Powderpuff. Annie’s favorite quote is “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” - 2 Chronicles 15:7.
Luke is the son of Meghan and Dan Ferneding. His activities include Key Club, Student Government, band, choir, jazz choir, and the fall play. His favorite part of Homecoming is Spirit Night. His favorite quote is “You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.” - Serena Williams.
Lillian is the daughter of Christy and Justin Humpal. Her activities include volleyball, track, softball, Student Government, Key Club, FCA, and Big-Little. Her favorite part of Homecoming is Powderpuff and tp-ing. Her favorite quote is “All it takes is just a little change of perspective and you begin to see a new world.” - Bob Ross. Lillian’s future plans are undecided.
Alex is the son of Kyle and Alison Wendt. His activities include football, basketball, track, golf, baseball, FFA, FCA, NHS, and Recharge. His favorite part of Homecoming is the activities and Powderpuff. His favorite quote is “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:5. Alex’s future plans are to attend an undecided college and major somewhere in Ag.
Tori is the daughter of Jeff and Christy Lindsay. Her activities include volleyball, basketball, track, softball, FCA, FRC-SHY youth group, Key Club, NHS, and Big-Little. Her favorite part of Homecoming is playing Powderpuff and tp-ing with all her friends. Her favorite quote is “It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you get hit and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.” - Rocky Balboa. Tori’s future plans are to play softball or basketball and major in nursing at an undecided college.
Keegan is the son of Heather and Paul Fenton. His activities consist of football, soccer, track, and NHS. His favorite part of Homecoming is Powderpuff. His favorite quote is “Do or do not. There is no try.” - Yoda. Keegan’s future plans are to attend an undecided university to study in the medical field.
Kenna is the daughter of Alyssa and Bret Grier. Her school activities consist of basketball, volleyball, FCA, Key Club, Student Government, and ELP. Her favorite part of Homecoming is Powderpuff and tp-ing. Kenna’s favorite quote
Rylan Fridley, 9 Madelyn VanZee, 10 Kenna Grier, 11 Lila Milani, 11
Senior Addison Hudnut was crowned this years homecoming queen by this years king, Zach Richards. She stands next to other queen candidates Lillian Humpal, Carolyn Burkett, Tori Lindsay, and Paiten Rumbaugh.
Senior Zach Richards was crowned homecoming king during Spirit Night by PCM High School Principal, Kristen Souza. Alongside other king candidates Coby DeRaad, Alex Wendt, Keegan Fenton, and Shay Burns.
Ella Greaves
photos by K. Kain
Jorja Teeter, 12
photos by R. Parsons
photos by R. Parsons
Adam Sandler Black Out
No. 5 Mustangs rout Albia on Homecoming
Photo by Jamie Steenhoek
MONROE — A big first quarter and a dominant night on the ground powered the PCM football team to a 54-0 win over Albia on Homecoming.
The Class 2A No. 5 Mustangs led 28-0 after the first quarter and cruised from there in the 2A District 7 contest on Oct. 3.
It was the team’s first shutout of the season.
PCM clinched a playoff berth following the victory. The hosts ran for 259 yards on 26 carries and eight different players have now scored a rushing touchdown this season.
Lewis Daye Jr. started the scoring with a 20-yard touchdown run early in the first. A 37-yard TD pass from Chase Wagaman to Gavin Steenhoek made it 14-0.
The same three guys scored later in the quarter. Daye Jr. went in from 7 yards out with 5:12 to go in the period and then Wagaman found Steenhoek again, this time for a 22-yard TD.
Easton Morris scored on a 14-yard TD run 7 seconds into the second, and Wagaman contributed a 45-yard pick 6 to cap the first half scoring 1 minute, 23 seconds later.
It was Wagaman’s first career defensive touchdown and his sixth career interception.
Ryker Clark made it 48-0 with a 48-yard TD run in the third and then Chase Masterson’s 3-yard TD run in the fourth capped the scoring. It was the first career varsity touchdowns for both players.
PCM (5-1, 3-0) is 8-4 against Albia since 2008.
The Mustangs have won six in a row in the series and scored at least 50 points in five of those wins.
Wagaman finished 2-of-6 through the air for 59 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for 13 yards on his only carry and had the pick 6 on defense.
Both completions went to Steenhoek for touchdowns. Steenhoek grabbed two passes for 59 yards and two scores and returned a punt 22 yards.
Wagaman’s 19 touchdowns are tied for fifth in 2A and his 13 passing TDs are tied for seventh. His five picks are tied for the 2A lead.
Steenhoek ranks fourth in 2A with 533 receiving yards but is only tied for 14th with 25 catches. His 21.3 yards per catch leads the class, and his eight receiving TDs are tied for second.
Daye Jr. rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries. Clark gained a career-best 102 yards on seven carries, Morris ran for a career-high 64 yards on four carries and Clark, Morris and Masterson all had one rushing TD.
Gavin Gibbs led the defense with a career-best seven tackles. Dylan Beyer and Clark each contributed a career-high five tackles and Kyler Cushman, Gracen Lust, Mason Hjortshoj and Dominic Lester all had three tackles.
Colby Vriezelaar chipped in a career-high four tackles, Keegan Fenton collected 3.5 tackles and Braedyn Lester and Alex Wendt each totaled 2.5 tackles.
Wendt also finished with a sack, and Cushman, Lust and Lester all produced a varsity career high for tackles in a game.
Dominic Witt booted all eight of his kickoffs for touchbacks and leads 2A with 37 touchbacks this season. He also was 6-of-6 in PATs and Lust returned a punt 15 yards.
Albia (3-3, 1-2) rushed for 139 yards but needed 35 carries to get there.
Parker Hemann rushed for 71 yards on 13 carries and Isaac Helm threw for 51 yards and one interception. Fletcher Mick led the Blue Demons with six tackles.
PCM football players celebrate Chase Masterson’s first career varsity touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Mustangs’ 54-0 win over Albia on Oct. 3.
PCM Explorer
Photo by Jamie Steenhoek
PCM senior Gavin Steenhoek, left, grabs one of his two touchdowns against Albia on Oct. 3. Steenhoek scored twice in the first quarter of the Mustangs’ 54-0 win on Homecoming.
Photo by Jamie Steenhoek PCM senior Chase Wagaman, left, returned his fifth interception of the season for a touchdown against Albia on Oct. 3. Wagaman has six career picks.
Explorer PCM
PCM volleyball claims team title at Pleasantville
PLEASANTVILLE — A pair of double-doubles by Tori Lindsay, 27 kills from Libby Winters and 24 digs by Addi Hudnut propelled the PCM volleyball team a tournament championship on Oct. 4.
The Mustangs won all four of their matches at the Pleasantville tournament, including a pair of three-set victories over Southeast Warren and the host Trojans.
PCM also swept Colfax-Mingo and Chariton and matched last year’s win total after a 4-0 day.
Southeast Warren took the opening set against the Mustangs, but PCM rallied for an 11-21, 21-7, 15-12 win. It was PCM’s third straight win over the Warhawks.
Lindsay finished with 10 assists, 10 digs, four kills and four aces to lead the Mustangs. Winters chipped in seven kills, seven digs and three assists, Jorja
Teeter posted four kills, three digs and two aces and Hudnut totaled four digs. Peyton Lathrum and Ryan DeVore each had two digs. The Mustangs (16-2) were 42-of-47 with 10 aces. Winters served 14-of-14, Lindsay was 10-of-10 and Addyson Pederson tallied two aces.
Southeast Warren dropped to 31-5 for the season. The Warhawks’ 31 wins are currently the most in Class 1A.
PCM also had to rally against Pleasantville. The Trojans won the first set, but the Mustangs rallied for a 20-22, 21-10, 15-12 triumph.
Lindsay had 14 assists, 10 digs and two aces and Winters totaled nine kills, three blocks and four digs to lead the Mustangs.
Hudnut chipped in 10 digs and four assists, Teeter added six kills and seven digs, Pederson posted four digs and two aces and Lathrum registered four kills and two blocks.
Tori Lindsay
PCM senior Tori Lindsay leads the Mustang volleyball team with 292 assists. She also has 28 kills, 106 digs and 21 aces and Lindsay is 160-of-165 in serves this fall. Lindsay headlined PCM’s title and 4-0 day at the Pleasantville tournament with 44 assists, 29 digs, 10 aces and eight kills.
Kinetic Edge has the Therapy experts to help people of all ages with any movement or performance issue. Call us anytime to get back in the game!
DeVore finished with three digs and Claire Van Wyk put down two kills.
The Mustangs were 47-of-56 with eight aces. Lindsay was 20-of-20 in serves.
Teeter’s six kills came on zero errors. She had a kill efficiency of .429, and PCM’s kill efficiency was .149.
Lillian Mason led 2A Pleasantville (13-13) with six kills and 10 digs.
The Mustangs swept Chariton 21-18, 21-17 and downed Colfax-Mingo 21-18, 21-8.
In the win over the 3A Chargers (1010), Lindsay finished with eight assists, two kills, two blocks, three digs and three aces and Winters chipped in five kills and four digs.
Lathrum put down five kills, chipped in two blocks and served up two aces, Pederson had four aces and two blocks, Hudnut and DeVore each tallied four digs and Seriah Nolin collected two digs.
The Mustangs were 38-of-41 in serves with 10 aces.
Lindsay had 12 assists, two kills and six digs in the win over Colfax-Mingo. Pederson posted two kills, two assists, two aces and two digs, Winters chipped in six kills and five digs, Teeter registered six kills and two digs and Hudnut had six digs and two aces.
DeVore contributed six digs, Lathrum collected three kills and two aces, Carly Wilkerson put down two kills and Camden Webb secured two digs.
PCM, which scored its fourth straight win over Colfax-Mingo, was 32-of-41 in serves with nine aces.
The 2A Tigerhawks (8-10) were led by Mickey Bucklin, who finished with two blocks and four digs.
Nevada 3, PCM 0 NEVADA — PCM snapped its 12-match win streak on Sept. 30 after a three-set loss to 4A Nevada.
The Mustangs fell to 0-20 against the Cubs since 2007 after a 25-16, 25-16, 2515 road loss in Heart of Iowa Activities Conference action.
It was PCM’s first loss since falling to 4A Newton in the team’s first match of the season on Aug. 26.
Lindsay led the Mustangs (16-2, 4-1 in the HOIAC) with 20 assists, four kills and six digs. Winters had eight kills and 11 digs, Lathrum tallied five kills, two blocks and three digs, Pederson contributed three kills and two blocks and Teeter totaled five kills and two digs.
Hudnut added 11 digs and DeVore registered six digs. The Mustangs were 41-of-49 in serves with two aces. Lindsay and Teeter both were 8-of-8 in serves.
Rachel Borwick led Nevada (22-13, 5-1) with 10 kills and 12 digs, and Chloe Koch added eight kills and four aces. The Cubs were 68-of-73 in serves with nine aces.
They had a kill efficiency of .268, and PCM’s kill efficiency was .070.
PCM Explorer
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM sophomore Ryan DeVore keeps the ball in play for a teammate during a home match this season. The Mustangs won the Pleasantville tournament after going 4-0 on Oct. 4.
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Jorja Teeter keeps the ball in play during a home match this season. Teeter finished with four kills, three digs and two aces in the Mustangs’ three-set win over Southeast Warren, which has a Class 1A-best 31 wins this season.
Winters Hudnut
Lathrum Pederson
Explorer PCM
Classifieds
DOES YOUR basement or crawl space need some attention? Call Thrasher Foundation Repair! A permanent solution for waterproofing, failing foundations sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate $250 off ANY project with code GET250. Call 1-866-554-1730 HELP WANTED-GOVERNMENT POLICE OFFICER: The Indianola Police Department is now accepting applications for Police Officer. Apply online at this link: https://indianolaiowa.applicantpro.com/jobs , choose Police Officer Deadline 10/24/2025 EOE JACUZZI BATH Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer (Offer ends 12/31/25.) Call 1-866-456-3917
PREPARE FOR power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move
The City of Colfax is seeking a qualified individual for full-time position for the Public Works Department. Primary responsibilities will be wastewater operations. Other job duties include operating and maintaining all vehicles and equipment used by the Public Works Department; Water operations; street, park and cemetery maintenance. Will have direct contact with the public. The ideal candidate will have an excellent work ethic and interpersonal skills.
Previous construction experience preferred. Must have or be able to obtain Class B with air brake endorsement CDL within 3 months. Must have or be able to obtain Wastewater Grade II licenses and Water Treatment/Distribution Grade II as dictated by DNR timelines. Position will start approximately January 13, 2026 or shortly thereafter.
Possible early warning signs for breast cancer
Though the disease does not always produce symptoms in its early stages, women can keep an eye out for these signs each day, including when conducting self-exams
Women are often their own strongest allies in the fight against breast cancer. While a strong support network can be vital when receiving treatment for breast cancer, women who have not been diagnosed with the disease still have an important role to play in combatting it and potentially reducing its impact on their lives.
The World Cancer Research Fund reports that breast cancer is the second most common cancer worldwide and the number one cancer in women across the globe. But women are not helpless against breast cancer. In fact, various organizations encourage women to take a proactive approach in relation to the disease and begin conducting routine self-examinations in young adulthood. Self-exams can uncover signs of the disease and propel treatment when it’s in its earliest stages, a point in time when breast cancer is most treatable. Though the disease does not always produce symptoms
in its early stages, women can keep an eye out for these signs each day, including when conducting self-exams.
• New lump or mass: This is perhaps the most widely known symptom of breast cancer, but it’s important that women avoid jumping to conclusions should they uncover a new lump or mass during a self-exam. That’s
because most breast lumps are not cancer according to the American Cancer Society.
The ACS notes a painless, hard mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancer but also acknowledges cancer-related lumps or masses can be soft, round, tender, or painful.
• Swelling of all or part of a breast: Swelling may be a
sign of breast cancer even if no lump is felt.
• Skin dimpling: The dimpling that may be symptomatic of breast cancer can look like the exterior of an orange peel.
• Pain: Some women experience pain in the breast or nipple before a breast cancer diagnosis.
• Nipple retraction: This
symptom is marked by the nipple turning inward.
• Skin issues on the nipple or breast: Skin on the nipple or breast may redden, dry, flake, or thicken when a woman has breast cancer.
• Nipple discharge: The discharge will be something other than breast milk.
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone: This swelling may indicate the breast cancer has spread even before the original tumor in the breast reached a size large enough to be felt.
The ACS urges women who discover any of these symptoms to report them to a health care professional immediately. Though each symptom is not necessarily indicative of the presence of breast cancer, it’s still important to seek treatment. — Metro Creative
How to support a loved one with breast cancer
Someone is diagnosed with breast cancer every day. The World Health Organization says breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women around the world, as well as a leading cause of cancer death. Unfortunately, roughly half of all breast cancers occur in women with no specific identifiable risk factors beyond age and sex, so there may be no warning signs that a cancer diagnosis is coming.
Chances are a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient will need some measure of help and support but may not feel comfortable asking for assistance. Getting help also can be overwhelming for certain individuals. But supportive friends or loved ones can step up to the plate and offer support in various ways.
• Provide meals. Take turns with other friends and family members to prepare and deliver meals. If you don’t cook, arrange to have takeout delivered.
• Go grocery shopping. Help stock the refrigerator with plenty of healthy and convenient foods. While the person battling cancer may experience various degrees of hunger, keeping food available helps other members of the household.
• Straighten up. Take care of cleaning around the house. You may wash some loads of laundry, vacuum and iron clothes. If budget allows, you can hire a cleaning service to come in once or twice a month for a deep cleaning.
• Care for the dog. If fatigue makes it challenging for the person battling
cancer to take the dog on walks, you can step up and handle dog walking or trips to a dog park.
• Provide caregivers a break. The primary caregiver will be working overtime to offer support, and you can give that person a much-needed break. Step in to go to doctors’ appointments or watch a young child so the caregiver gets a day or two off.
• Take on chauffeur duty. Take on the task of driving the patient to and from checkups or scans. A friendly face can make a big difference in taming anxiety.
• Pay bills. Household tasks may seem overwhelming, so you can help manage the finances by paying bills or sorting through mail. If medical paperwork has begun to stack up, you also can organize and sort items of importance.
• Make home more comfortable. Transform any living spaces, whether they are home or temporary apartments or hotels, with creature comforts. This can include high thread count sheets, newly framed family photos, comfortable pillows and blankets, and more.
• Sit and listen. Sometimes the greatest comfort can be sitting with and listening to the person who is fighting cancer. Don’t offer advice or recommendations unless prompted, but listen to any concerns and offer time and support.
Support for friends and loved ones after a cancer diagnosis can come in many forms and make a significant difference in people’s lives.
—Metro Creative
