‘THE ONE PERCENTERS’
Prosecutors note rise in adults using social media to try to groom, sexually exploit kids
By Christopher Braunschweig
When local law enforcement and prosecutors from the county attorney’s office met in late March for a training course to catch child predators, they didn’t expect to use their newfound skills so quickly. By the second day of training, officers found a man trying to solicit sex from what he believed to be a minor.
Ever since then it seems like these types of crimes continue trending upwards. Jasper County Attorney Scott Nicholson said every individual charged has been using the internet to target children. He is
urging families to take notice and monitor their kids’ use of online platforms, particularly social media.
“Adults have figured out they can get into these games and have contact with these children inside the games that leads to outside meetings,” Nicholson said before speaking
to parents and predators directly. “Parents, you need to be hyper aware of your children’s online access. Predators, we’re going to catch you.”
Assistant County Attorney Nicholas Pietrack said adults are attempting to groom and/or sexually exploit children through social media and even online games
like Roblox, which is currently embroiled in lawsuits from families saying sex offenders and sexual predators used its platform to communicate with their kids.
“Kids have cellphones nowadays at younger and younger ages,” Pietrack said in an interview with Newton News. “So they have more access to be -
ing plugged into the whole world, and there are dangers out there that we are just now fully understanding. And it’s always changing.”
Nicholson said the county attorney’s office and local law enforcement are both very confident in their technical capabilities to investigate these types of crimes. From what he has gathered, many parents are not aware of these types of dangers. But he said it is very important to be mindful of online activity.
Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess agrees. He told Newton News that keeping children safe is one of the police department’s top priorities.
Officers are committed to tracking down and stopping those who try to target children online, he said, but police cannot do it alone. Parents play a huge role, too.
“Know who your kids are talking to, set limits on screen time and, most importantly, keep those conversations open about what they’re doing online,” Burdess said. “The more involved you are, the safer your kids will be. Together, we can stop predators before they have a chance to hurt anyone.”
Offenders of these types of sex crimes are getting heavy sentences in some cases. In
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Performers took to the stage for four shows of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” Nov. 14 to 16. The PCM High School drama department had two casts who each performed in two shows along with the ensemble and crew for the fall musical.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Left: Monroe Elementary students wave flags as veterans drive by for a reverse parade on Nov. 11. Right: Local veterans tell about their time in the service and sixth grade students perform during the middle school program on Veterans Day.
Finke Hammen Nell Powell Roberts
Explorer PCM
TGP offering trip to Des Moines
The Gathering Place in Monroe is offering a day trip to Des Moines to take in Christkindlmarkel and Botanical Gardens Friday, Dec. 5. They trip will leave from the TGP at 9 a.m. The cost includes the motor coach ride, a ticket for the Botanical Gardens and gratuity. Lunch is your choice at the Market or the Botanical Gardens. Sign up at the Gathering Place or contact Deb at 641-919-5228 by Nov. 19 for more information. There must be at least 25 confirmed participants for the trip.
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, Nov. 20
• 9am Focus Group
• 1pm Movement with Sean Friday, Nov. 21
• 7pm Patty Richards Country Show
Monday, Nov. 24
• 10am Video Exercise Class
• 1pm Free Foot Care Health
Tuesday, Nov. 25
• 8am Coffee and Prayer
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.
Diamond Trail FFA enjoys trip to national convention
By Tristen Valcore
On Monday, October 27th, Diamond Trail FFA started their trip to the National FFA Convention early in the morning. They made their first stop at the world’s largest truck stop for breakfast before visiting a Rhea Farm in Jacksonville, Illinois, where they got to feed the rheas cabbage and learned about their lifestyle. After arriving in Indianapolis, they went to SkyZone.
On Tuesday, the students toured Driving Wind Farm, a unique urban farm in the middle of Indianapolis, and learned about their strawberries, pumpkins, flowers, and firewood production.
After that, they toured Lincoln Tech College to learn more about handson trade programs. Later, they visited Beasley’s Orchard and played games, jumped on the jumping
pillow, and shot apple cannons. That night, they had dinner at Vicino’s in downtown Indy, thanks to our FFA alumni.
Wednesday was their first official day at the convention. The students spent time at the career fair talking to colleges and businesses. Then they attended the first general
session where they heard from keynote speaker A’ric Jackson and listened to the national band and chorus perform. That evening, they went carting at K1 speed.
On Thursday they spent the morning at the convention attending a workshop and watching students from all over the
nation compete in contests. In the workshop, the students learned about how to solve problems when being an entrepreneur and how to effectively work with others. Later that day they went to Top Golf for dinner and fun before taking off the next morning and heading for home.
Jasper County receives funding for leadership training
The Iowa Rural Development Council (IRDC) announced the selection of 10 local leadership initiatives to receive funding for trainings that focus on skills and professional development. Jasper County was one of the 10 communities selected to receive a SPARK grant of up to $2,500.
The SPARK Leadership Grant Program is targeted toward rural communities who want to host soft skills-based leadership trainings. Funded by Alliant Energy, the program aims to strengthen
leadership capacity and collaboration across rural Iowa.
“Alliant is proud to partner with the Iowa Rural Development Council to support leadership training around our state as we continue to live out our purpose of serving our customers and building stronger communities,” Dennis Jordan, Alliant Energy Director of Customer, Community and Economic Development, said.
“We were thrilled with the number of outstanding applications we received for this first
round of SPARK Grants,” IRDC Board Chair Mark Reinig said. “The grant recipients will be holding trainings that, among other things, support that community’s vision for expanding local leadership and their ability to address existing gaps.”
The IRDC is a statewide public-private non-profit organization focused on rural vitality and local capacity that will sustain and grow Iowa’s small towns.
For more information contact director@iowardc.org.
Jasper County Master Gardeners host beekeeping basics class
The Jasper County Master Gardeners invite community members to attend a free beekeeping basics class from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Jasper County Extension Office classroom, 550 N. Second Ave. W. in Newton. Led by local beekeeper Catherine Schut, this introductory session is designed for new and aspiring beekeepers. Participants will explore essential topics including hive structure, bee behavior, seasonal care, equipment needs and pollinator health. The class will also highlight how beekeeping supports home gardens and strengthens local ecosystems. Thanks to sponsorship by the Jasper County Master Gardeners, there is no cost to attend. However, pre-registration is required.
To register, call 641-7926433 or email campc@ iastate.edu.
Practitioner and Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner at Purdue University Global, West Lafayette, Indiana.
PellaHealth.org/requestanappointment.
Submitted Photo
Diamond Trail FFA enjoy trip to the National FFA Convention.
Explorer PCM
‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’
online access. Predators, we’re going to catch you.”
Assistant County Attorney Nicholas Pietrack said adults are attempting to groom and/or sexually exploit children through social media and even online games like Roblox, which is currently embroiled in lawsuits from families saying sex offenders and sexual predators used its platform to communicate with their kids.
“Kids have cellphones nowadays at younger and younger ages,” Pietrack said in an interview with Newton News. “So they have more access to being plugged into the whole world, and there are dangers out there that we are just now fully understanding. And it’s always changing.”
Nicholson said the county attorney’s office and local law enforcement are both very confident in their
technical capabilities to investigate these types of crimes. From what he has gathered, many parents are not aware of these types of dangers. But he said it is very important to be mindful of online activity.
Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess agrees. He told Newton News that keeping children safe is one of the police department’s top priorities. Officers are committed to tracking down and stopping those who try to target children online, he said, but police cannot do it alone. Parents play a huge role, too.
“Know who your kids are talking to, set limits on screen time and, most importantly, keep those conversations open about what they’re doing online,” Burdess said.
“The more involved you are, the safer your kids will be. Together, we can stop predators before they have a chance to hurt anyone.”
Offenders of these types of sex crimes are getting heavy sentenc -
es in some cases. In March, Francis Heim, 58, of Newton, was sentenced to 30 years. He pled guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor, sex offender registration violation and telephone dissemination of obscene material to a minor.
At the sentencing hearing, the judge believed probation would not adequately protect the public. The court factored in Heim’s previous offenses, which were also of a predatory nature and included a past conviction in which he exposed himself to a 15-year-old girl and had indecent contact with a child.
Depending on the types of charges, the number of charges and many other factors, Nicholson said offenders found guilty of these types of crimes can be sent to prison for two to 25 years. The Iowa Legislature, he added, continues to make penalties stronger and creating more laws for prosecutors to use.
“It’s clear from top to bottom that this is a problem that everybody wants to stop,” Nicholson said.
Pietrack noted many of the communications with the alleged online predators waste no time in accelerating the conversations to a sexual and inappropriate nature. Even when individuals are made aware they are talking to a child, the messages continue.
“It can happen so quickly,” Pietrack said. ADVICE FROM THE COUNTY ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
Pietrack recommends parents limit online time. The less time children spend in risky online spaces, the fewer opportunities predators have to contact them. Parents should also set clear limits on device use and keep devices in common areas when possible. He also said parents should model safe behavior.
Building self-esteem may also help. Pietrack said a confident child is far less likely to fall for online manipulation or peer pressure; encourage their talents, celebrate their achievements and remind them daily of their worth. He also recommended parents talk with their kids about online safety.
Iowa has strength-
ened its laws to protect children from online exploitation, but Pietrack said adults should never attempt to initiate or maintain inappropriate online contact with minors. In 2024, Iowa added “grooming” to its sexual abuse law. It is a Class D felony and can lead to a five-year prison sentence.
“This law and others exist to protect children and give law enforcement the tools they need to respond swiftly,” Pietrack said. “Adults who violate these laws will face serious criminal consequences. The Jasper County Attorney’s Office does not tolerate crimes against children.”
ALLEGED SEX CRIME CASES INVOLVING ONLINE
COMMUNICATIONS
his genitals and suggested they participate in sex acts. He also wanted to meet in person.
Aug. 13, 2025: Ryan Hammen, 21, was arrested and charged with grooming and enticing a minor under age 16 for a sexual purpose. Hammen used Snapchat to contact what he believed to be a 15-year-old girl but was actually an undercover police officer. He said he lived in Newton and he wanted to have sex with the child. He then wanted to meet in person at a park and said he would be arriving in a blue mini-van. He admitted to police to sending the messages.
Oct. 15, 2025: Eric Roberts, 41, was arrested and charged with grooming, sexual exploitation of a minor and enticing a minor under age 16 for a sexual purpose. Roberts used Facebook to contact what he believed to be a 14-year-old child but was actually an undercover police officer. Roberts requested they send “sexy pictures” and asked to see their genitals. He then described the several sex acts he wanted to commit with the child. Eventually, he asked to meet in person.
Deadline
In observance of Thanksgiving, the ad deadline for the following papers have changed.
Nov. 28th Newton News:
Ad deadline is Mon., Nov. 24 at 5pm.
Dec. 2nd Newton News & Dec. 4 Jasper County Tribune and PCM Explorer:
Ad deadline is Tues., Nov. 25 at 4:30pm. Dec. 3rd Jasper County Advertiser:
Ad deadline is Tues., Nov. 25 at 4:30pm.
Please have your information submitted by that date.
March 28, 2025: Bryce Nell, 39, was arrested and charged with grooming, enticing a minor under age 16 for a sexual purpose and telephone dissemination of obscene material to a minor. Nell used Facebook and TextNow to contact what he believed to be a 14-yearold female but was actually an undercover police officer. Despite being told he was talking to a minor, Nell continued to talk about and send photos of his penis. He described committing sex acts with the minor and said he wanted to meet.
July 30, 2025: Matthew Powell, 44, was arrested and charged with grooming, sexual exploitation of a minor, enticing a minor under age 16 for a sexual purpose and several counts of telephone dissemination of obscene material to a minor. Powell engaged in sexually explicit conduct through email with what he believed to be a 14- or 15-year-old male but was actually an undercover police officer. Powell repeatedly requested the minor to share photos of
Nov. 3, 2025: Christopher Finke, 44, was arrested and charged with grooming, sexual exploitation of a minor, enticing a minor under age 16 for a sexual purpose and 18 counts of dissemination of obscene material to a minor. Finke used email and phone messaging applications to make contact with what he believed to be a 14- or 15-year-old male. Finke attempted to solicit nude photos and suggested the child engage in sex acts live and on camera. He also asked to meet in person to engage in these illegal sexual acts.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Big personalities made “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” come to life during the PCM High School weekend run. Crowds were wow’d by the music, acting and even dancing during all four shows.
Opinion
How
I’m doing
Last week I wrote about it being my 36-year anniversary for being clean and sober. And on that day, which was Monday, Nov. 3, I was also having a brain MRI and full-body CT scan at Iowa City. As you know, I’m recovering from cancer. Well, the response I received from well wishers, both known and unknown, was just overwhelming. I’m humbled, and so impressed by the number of people who are willing to reach out with prayers and well wishes. There’s nothing wrong with this world when we are willing to help, encourage and pray for each other. Here’s the results of that MRI and CT scan—I’M CANCER FREE! YIPPEE! Just hearing the good news made me feel better. It was such good news to receive on my 36-year sobriety anniversary! Everything is going to be just fine. This was on Monday. On Tuesday, I went to work as usual. I’m an insurance
agent and this is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). At a client’s house I was bitten on my left hand by the client’s dog. I didn’t think too much of it, and the client was awfully sorry and embarrassed about her dog’s behavior.
The next day my hand swelled up like a cow’s udder, so I was forced to go to Quick Care. Of course the dog bite had to be reported to make sure the dog’s vaccinations were up to date. I felt worse for the client than I did about my hand. I was given an antibiotic and ointment that seems to be taking the swelling down.
But the fireworks weren’t over. I’ve talked about our dog, Buddy’s Cone of Shame before. He licks his paws to the point where they bleed so we have to
keep the Cone of Shame on him. Poor Buddy. He can’t even scratch his ears. Well, anyway, I turned Buddy loose in his pen the other night to do his duty before bedtime. There happened to be a rabbit in his pen, and Buddy, with cone on, took after it like a rocket. It looked so funny that cone bouncing across the yard. But, he caught the rabbit! I couldn’t believe it. With cone on!
I let Buddy have his reward for awhile, before I took the rabbit away. Buddy was so excited and proud of himself. He now sits at the kitchen door begging to be let out. Imagine that.
To combat the disruption to my digestive system caused by the cancer immunotherapy (it gave me colitis), I’ve taken to drinking mint tea for breakfast along with dry toast. For lunch, I discovered Arby’s Steak Nuggets. They’re great— cubes of lean meat that are so satisfying. I don’t use any of the sauces offered, and just enjoy the smoked meat flavor. For supper I’m free to enjoy Ginnie’s home cook’n. This change to my diet—mint
tea with plain toast for breakfast, and Steak Nuggets for lunch, has mellowed out my digestive system and given me increased energy. It’s also freed Ginnie up in the morning. Since she doesn’t have to fix me breakfast, she can get her steps in on the treadmill. I said all that to say this: I’m cancer free, was bit by a dog, Buddy caught a rabbit with his Cone of Shame on, and I’ve changed my diet. If you can make any sense out of all that, you’re doing better than me. It’s a crazy, mixed up world, like confetti falling from skyscrapers on a New Year’s Day Parade. We have to go with the flow and put everything in God’s hands. Good things are all around us. We need to look at the bright side. As the title of a book by Richard Carlson says, “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff... and it’s all small stuff.”
The best days are ahead for Ginnie and me.
Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com
Our covetous would-be-king desires to live in a 16th-century palace, which explains why his unnecessary dance hall/ballroom so resembles the St. Petersburg Palace’s Throne Room. His adoration of gaudy kitsch, of ‘gold’ bric-a-brac, ‘gold’-sprayed frames, ostentatious ormolu, have made the Oval Office and Reception room pretentious and tastelessly ornate. Only he would pave over the Rose Garden, thinking a cement lot with tables & “gold” umbrellas is an improvement. Unfortunately, the would-beking is delusional and oblivious to how his lack of taste is seen by a world of cultured people.
We cannot forget the cost of demolishing the classic East Wing and its venerable trees. Is that included in the rapidly-increasingly $300 million price tag of the grandiose, baroque, ostentatious palace dance-hall -built for the occasional wealthy donors’ dinner? Its 90000 sq ft. is more than 5 times larger than the ballroom at Mar-aLago. We-The-People definitely do not want or need it, and we won’t be invited there! We also know the would-be-king is a pathological liar, so don’t believe him when he tells us that we taxpayers won’t eventually foot-the-bill for this.
The would-be-king rails about waste, fraud and abuse, yet the would-be-king promises $40 billion to bail-out Argentina. And he extends tax breaks to America’s ultra-wealthy totaling $4 trillion. Neither should we forget that we taxpayers are also forking over nearly $1 billion to refurbish his Flying Bordello plane from Qatar. Have we come to this? “Il Duce ha sempre ragione:” “The Leader is always right.” (Mussolini, fascist)
Susie Petra Ames
SHARE YOUR VIEW
Letters to the PCM Explorer 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 news@pcmexplorer.com or Newton News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208
As a follow-up on our household debt discussion, it would be worthwhile to take a look at SNAP officially known as “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.”
The article to which I refer indicates that 42,000,000 Americans use SNAP to provide food for themselves and their families and is now unfunded due to the government shutdown.
The same article refers to the United States as the richest of nations. There seems to be a disconnect here somewhere.
If household debt is 18,400,000,000,000 and 42,000,000 Americans are relying on government assistance for food, how does it translate into being rich? Just saying!
We are told we are rich; we are the greatest, wealthiest, most prosperous nation ever seen. We all believe this because the statements confirming this are continuous and have been given us our entire lives. At
the same time we spend almost a trillion borrowed dollars in the defense budget — you know, building another aircraft carrier that can get blown out of the water by any sort of missile at any time. We have to be rich, don’t we, if we are the greatest and have the most aircraft carriers? But what about food?
Now don’t call me unduly pessimistic or of simply trying to ruin your day, but once in a while we ought to look around and make an effort to comprehend our world and what it means for us and our descendents. It just might be that things are not what others say they are and the people in charge are not who we think they are.
Maybe we should pay attention once in a while! Maybe we should ask a question once in a while! I do pose one possibility, and it does often seem more than a possibility, that our elected representatives really don’t represent the people who elect them, they represent the people who give them money. This seems to be the case here in
we have to.
Iowa: our national representatives appear to represent Trump, not us, and our state representatives appear to represent Reynolds, not us. When our elected representatives come back home for the purpose of justifying what they have done rather than asking us what they can do to make our lives a little better, it should be clear who they are actually representing — not us.
I’m not saying that this matter of representation is the reason that we have $18,400,000,000,000 in household debt and 42,000,000 receiving food stamps, but it is certainly something that should be considered and be given some thought to. It wouldn’t seem to me that we, as a nation, are particularly rich. There are certainly many people here that are rich and there are many who have an income that qualifies them in the minds of many as being rich, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we are a rich nation. The facts seem to be contrary. Richard E. H. Phelps II Mingo
Did you vote?
Well, another local city and school board election has come and gone and the results are in. Congratulations to all those who were elected, but since they all ran unopposed, it would have been really something had any of them actually not “won” their race.
A fun fact for me is that turnout for this election was a measly 13.4 percent, or just 3376 ballots cast out of 25,193 registered voters. Now, I know that the folks who run these things will tell you that these types of elections generally have low turnout, but is that something we should just accept with a yawn and shrug of the shoulders? I guess
OPINION Congress
I suppose the good news is that such a low voter turnout must mean Newton is pretty much as darn near close to perfect as a city can possibly get. It must mean that Newton parents for the most part have no issues with our schools and are completely satisfied with the curriculum, the teachers, the staff, and their kids’ school experiences in general. Why bother to vote if you have no issues with our schools?
13.4 percent turnout also assumes most folks here have no real issues with our city leaders and that they are doing their jobs exactly as we expect. It assumes our taxes are just right and most folks here don’t mind at all the taxes they are paying and what they are used for. It assumes folks here are content with our infrastructure
like roads and sewers. It assumes that business here is booming, that folks are getting by just fine, we are very safe here with no crime to speak of, that folks here are as content as they can be with the way things are run. That’s great news! I mean, that’s the goal, isn’t it?
Bottom line is, 86.6 percent of those who live here and are registered to vote just didn’t have many real worries or complaints about anything to do with our city government or our schools, and have no real problems going on in their lives that need to be addressed, so they decided they might as well sit this one out. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Right?
John Moore Newton
Seniors take the stage for final performance
For seniors, this year performing “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” brings more than just opening night nerves, but it also marks the end of a journey from their first rehearsal to their final bow.
Senior Emilyn Davis said that this week has been pretty emotional. “It’s kind of bittersweet to be in the same cast as some of my fellow seniors, and just crazy to think this is our last show.” After four years in drama, she says the program has become more than just an elective. “It’s definitely created a family for me,” said Davis. “I’ve found my closest friends through it. It’s something I look forward to every day.”
Senior Carter Dudley shares similar thoughts as he reflects on his final upcoming show. “It’s almost like our last hurrah,” he said. Looking back on his years in drama, Dudley says he is proudest of his growth. “Each year I’ve gotten a bigger part, and I think that’s because of gaining more experience and paying my dues,” said Dudley.
For senior Piper Clark, the end of her senior year in theater brings its own sadness. “This is the last show I’m ever going to do with all my friends and with this cast,” she said. One moment that really stood out for Clark in her time in drama was playing Wednesday Addams last year in The Addams Family musical. “I wasn’t expecting to get that role at all,” she said. “And that role was just so fun, and it was my favorite musical performance I’ve ever done.”
November students of the month
Name: Addison Beener
Nickname: Addie
Parents: Kathy and Jeff Beener
Employer: Fareway
Future Plans: Go to a university to study fine arts education
Extracurricular activities: cheer, dance, choir, jazz choir, NHS, fall musical, extended learning program, speech
A word that describes me: hardworking Favorite classes: Spanish and Art Advice for underclassmen: Drive defensively in the parking lot. Best high-school memory: After prom of junior year
Dream job: Musician
Favorite book: All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
Favorite movie: Pride and Prejudice Favorite musician/band: Fleetwood Mac
ADDISON BEENER
Seniorsfromlefttoright:PiperClark,KeiraStone,AddisonBeener,EmilynDavis, CarterDudley,andKeelySpencerstandtogetheronFriday,Nov.14,theiropening nightfortheperformance,“You’reAGoodMan,CharlieBrown”.PhotobyE.Greaves.
Senior Keira Stone also explained how emotional this year has been. “This final performance kind of feels surreal. I don’t really feel the same knowing that my high school theater career is over.” Whereas senior Addison Beener believes that this year has shown her how to work with others. “I’d say that this final performance has shown me what it means to work as a team,” she said. “Truly, the production would not have been possible if it weren’t for the collaboration of every member of the cast, crew, and our directors. I will definitely take this experience with me throughout my post-secondary life.”
As they take their final bow, the seniors performing remind us that theater isn’t just a show, but a family crafted along the way.
Name: Shay Burns
Nickname: Shaymus
Parents: Jason and Jenny Burns
Employer: Central Iowa Sports
Future Plans: Attend an undecided college with an undecided major
Extracurriculars: football, basketball, baseball, soccer, track, FCA, PRC youth group, Grace Alive youth group
3 words that describe me: calming, easy-going, and detail-oriented Favorite classes: Woodworking and Spanish Advice for underclassmen: Live in the moments and take it all in, high-school goes by fast. Be where your feet are.
Best high-school memory: spending time with friends
Dream job: undecided
Favorite book: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
Favorite Movie: The Greatest Showman Favorite musician/band: Rod Wave and Drake
SHAY BURNS
PCM Mustang Girls Basketball bounces into the season
The PCM Mustang Girls Basketball Team has officially started their 2025-2026 season. Their first practice was last Monday with energy, enthusiasm, and high expectations. The girls are excited to finally step back on the court and display their hard work and team dynamics.
The girls have been working hard by enhancing their skills conditioning, dribbling, shooting, and fundamentals. The gym is filled with the sound of bouncing basketballs and words of encouragement as players push each other to get better and reach their goals for the season. The energy in the gym lifts the girls to be more determined and makes them enjoy playing together and representing PCM with pride.
With a mix of returning upperclassmen and talented underclassmen, PCM’s roster is shaping up to be competitive and exciting to watch. The returning upperclassmen are excited to start their season of basketball. They’re going to show great leadership to the underclassmen. While the underclassmen are also very excited to play and will look up on the upperclassmen.
The players are also working to build chemistry and confidence as a team, knowing that strong relationships off the court translate to better results on it. Leadership from the returning players has been the key with helping the newcomers adjust to the pace and intensity of varsity basketball. The younger players have stepped in ready to learn, eager to prove themselves, and full of energy that lifts the entire gym. Their first game is November 17 and
the excitement is starting to build. As they prepare for their first game, this season holds a lot of potential. As seniors Jorja Teeter, Tori Lindsay, Lexi Fagg, and Kyra Naeve come back on the court, they’ll make sure to make this basketball season great and exciting to watch.
holiday movies. The Santa Clause is a 1994 directed by John Pasquin film full of comedy and Christmas spirit. This movie is about a man named Scott Calvin and his six year old son Charlie Calvin. Scott finds out when his Ex wife drops off Charlie that she and her new husband tried to tell Charlie that Santa isn’t real. Scott then tries to tell Charlie that Santa is real and reads him the book “The Night Before Christmas.” But what Scott didn’t expect was that he would become the Santa Clause which brought back Charlie’s Christmas spirit but at what cost? Really suggest you watch this movie. It really gets you in the Christmas spirit.
#2 - Home Alone I can’t remember a Christmas when my family hasn’t watched Home Alone. Home Alone is directed by Chris Columbus. Home Alone is a 1990 Christmas comedy film that really reminds you to be grateful for your family and to be careful what you wish for. This movie is about an eight year old boy named Kevin McCallister. The McCallister family was getting ready to go to Paris for Christmas but as the family was leaving they forgot one little boy Kevin. The funny thing was the night before Kevin and his mother had gotten into an argument and Kevin had said “ I don’t want to see you again for the rest of my whole life.” So that next morning when he wakes up and sees that his family is gone he thinks he’s the one that made them disappear. So he starts to learn how to live by himself, with some interesting and funny obstacles along the way. While his mother does her best to get back to him. This movie definitely makes you appreciate your family but also gives you a great laugh, definitely a movie you want to watch this season.
#3 - Christmas with the Kranks Now Christmas with the Kranks is definitely my favorite Christmas Movie. Christmas with the Kranks is a 2004 Christmas comedy film directed by John Roth. This movie really shows how a small community can come together. This movie is based on Luther and Nora Krank. After Nora and Luther’s daughter Balir leaves they have to look forward to their first Christmas without her. Luther decides to add up all the money they’ve spent on Christmas and finds out they’ve spent 6,132 on previous years they decide to not do Christmas this year. And let’s just say that their neighborhood was less than happy with them. But when Blair calls and tells her mom that she is coming back for Christmas, Nora and Luther are scrambling trying to get everything put together for Blair before she gets home. And lucky for them their neighbors may be upset with them, but they all love Blair and decide to come together to help the Kranks get ready for Blair. Another movie you definitely want to watch if you want to get a good laugh in but also see how a small community comes together to help each other out.
Ella Greaves
Top 3 Christmas movies that are a must watch this Christmas season. #1 - The Santa Clause. Santa Clause is one of my family’s favorite
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KICKIN’ BACK WITH KADENCE
PCM girls open hoops season at L-S jamboree
PCM senior Coby DeRaad was a three-time state cross country qualifier and helped the Mustangs qualify for the state meet for the first time in nearly 20 seasons. The Mustangs finished 11th in Class 2A and DeRaad helped PCM win the HOIAC title for the first time since 2008 on its home course at Gateway Recreation.
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PCM sophomore Libby Winters (24) makes the basket inside the lane and gets fouled during the first quarter against Pleasantville at the Lynnville-Sully Jamboree on Nov. 17. Winters led the team in scoring and pushed the Mustangs past the Trojans, 31-17.
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PCM junior Lila Milani (10) puts up a 3-pointer in the closing minutes of the Mustangs’ battle with Pleasantville at the Lynnville-Sully Jamboree on Nov. 17.
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PCM senior Kyra Naeve, right, puts a shot up in the lane against Pleasantville on Nov. 17.
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PCM senior Jorja Teeter scores two points on a layup during the second quarter of the Mustangs’ win over Pleasantville on Nov. 17.
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Jamboree on Nov. 17.
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PCM senior Tori Lindsay (11) steps in front of a pass and steals the ball from a Pleasantville player during the Mustangs’ 31-17 win at the Lynnville-Sully Jamboree on Nov. 17.
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