PCM assessing building needs with enrollment in decline
With PCM on pace to lose more than 100 students, Monroe Elementary is eyed for closure
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Due to declining enrollment in the PCM School District and the reduction in funding because of fewer students, the district has started a discussion on closing Monroe Elementary. PCM Superintendent Aaron Becker presented the topic during the school board meeting Nov. 24.
“We all love Prairie City, we all love Monroe. We love the small towns, we love the communities,” Becker said.
“But sometimes we have to think with our mind and not just our heart that we love this building, that we love the physical space where they go to get their education.”
Over the past four years, PCM enrollment has declined by 106.6 students served. In 2025 for kindergarten through 12th grade, PCM reported 966.3 served students, a decline of 51.71 students. Enrollment projections show for the next four to five years, the district will see 20 or more fewer stu-
dents per year.
“This is figured by the current year’s graduates in comparison to the next year’s kindergarten class,” Becker said. “For example, this year’s graduating class is 88 and the incoming kindergarten class is projected at 65 students for a student loss of 23 students.”
The decline in enrollment directly affects funding for the school. The district receives approximately $8,000 per student in state aid for
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Start shopping at the PCM Fine Arts Boosters Holiday Vendor Fair
In its second year, the vendor fair is set for Dec. 6 at Monroe Elementary
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
For the second year, the PCM Fine Arts Boosters are hosting a Holiday Vendor Fair. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at Monroe Elementary, stop in to shop for unique pieces and maybe one will jump out as the perfect present for a friend or loved one. “It’s going to be a great day and a great way to support the fine arts at PCM,” the fine arts boosters said. Whether handmade crocheted pieces, homemade goodies from the kitchen or staple items shoppers have
Leave it all out on the floor
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
It’s time to shine for the PCM Dance Team. The Iowa State Dance Championship, which is celebrating 50 years of high school dance, kicks off Dec. 5 with PCM hitting the floor through the day at the Casey’s Center and EMC Expo Center in Des Moines.
The team first takes the floor with their pom routine at 11:13 a.m. in the Casey’s Center facing west. A metal music theme, the high-paced dance is sure to wow not only the crowd but the judges, as well.
PCM next competes with its hip hop routine at 8:02 p.m. in the EMC Expo Center. After every team has taken the floor, awards will take place letting the teams know how
they stacked up.
The squad is made up of 10 members for the 2025-2026 season. They include seniors Addison Beener, Carly Steenhoek, Seriah Nolin and Jessalyn DeVries, junior Victoria Landwehr, sophomores Johanna Thomas and Katelynn Fagg and freshmen Lucy DeHaai, Brittyn Pettyjohn and Haylie Phillips. Coaches are Lainy Curry and Kim Pettyjohn.
The Iowa State Dance Team Association, which was founded by Monroe native Kathy Enyart, is celebrating 50 years in 2026. From big poms and bigger hair to now more than 300 schools and more than 5,000 dancers, the organization has seen unprecedented growth and recognition as one of the preeminent competitions in the nation.
HOLIDAY WEEKEND SNOWSTORM
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer
Kolten Slycord and Devin St. John sled down a hill at Sunset Park on Sunday, Nov. 30 in Newton.
Jasper County and the rest of Iowa gets snowed in after an all-day winter storm
By Christopher Braunschweig
All of Iowa was affected by heavy snowstorms last weekend, including Newton and Jasper County. The snow started light on Friday evening, providing holiday events with a festive backdrop. But Saturday and Sunday snowfalls cloaked the region with its first real bout of winter weather, critically impacting travel. National Weather Service forecasted heavy snowfall, with some areas of the state accumulating more than a foot. Travel would be difficult to impossible, they said, throughout the day and into the night. Wind gusts increased around the evening, which would only exacerbate and prolong travel impacts into Sunday.
Supervisors approve $1.6M replacement of bridge on F-62 over Elk Creek
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
The Jasper County Board of Supervisors awarded a $1.6 million contract last week to replace a bridge located along Highway F-62 West over Elk Creek, the construction of which could last up to six months and will re-
quire a paved route detour. Officials suspect drivers will instead use gravel roads to get around.
County Engineer Michael Frietsch said bridge replacement was let through the Iowa Department of Transportation. He estimated the project will cost about $1.7 million. Four contractors submitted bids between $1.6 million and $1.8 million. The low bid of $1,648,842 came from United Contractors, Inc. and subsidiaries.
By around 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jasper County Emergency Management Agency warned that road conditions were continuing to deteriorate and would only get worse as the day went on. Towing was not recommended at that time. Travel was not advised. Jasper County EMA said it was best to stay home and stay safe. Jasper County Sheriff’s Office initiated a tow ban later that evening, reminding people to pack an emergency travel kit if
Officials want to prepare gravel roads, suspecting drivers will bypass detour
Supervisors approved the bid for the bridge — classified as Bridge S07— in a 3-0 vote. The other contractors and bids included: Herberger Construction Co., Incl. for $1,670,676; Iowa Civil Contracting, Inc. for $1,773,939; and Godbersen-Smith Construction Co. and subsidiaries for $1,849,551.
coming up here,” Frietsch said. “This will be a late start date of April 27 of next year … And it has 115 working days assigned to it.”
“Between HBP (Highway Bridge Program) funds and then SWAP funds that go matching with the HBP there’s about $2 million of funding, so we’re well situated to handle this project
Frietsch anticipated the work could be completed around October 2026.
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PCM Explorer
The PCM Dance Team heads to state competition Dec. 5 in Des Moines
Scott Fairbairn
The PCM Dance Team will take the floor for state competition Dec. 5 at the Casey’s Center and EMC Expo Center in Des Moines.
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.
Live nativity Dec. 10
Live nativity at Grace Alive Church from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. Cookies and cocoa served. Drive through or walk up. Visit this live preentatioh and watch the kids serve the Lord through this dramatization.
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.
Pet licenses available in Monroe
Pet licenses for 2026 can now be purchased at Monroe City Hall. The cost is $100 for altered animals and $20 for unaltered animals. Proof of rabies shot required. Deadline is April 1.
UTV, golf cart registrations available
ATV/UTV/Golf Cart registrations are due by March 1 at Monroe City Hall. A valid driver’s license and proof of insurance showing a special rider on your auto policy must be provided.
Heartland Singers present holiday music
Iowa’s pheasant hunting Thanksgiving tradition
Pheasant hunting has been as much a part of the Thanksgiving holiday for generations of Iowans, as cranberries and stuffing. And with a seasonable weather forecast that will likely put birds in cover, this would be a good year to continue that tradition and get back to the fields.
“It’s a good opportunity for hunters to get out with less competition,” Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), said. “Would also be a good time to invite someone new along and pass along that tradition.”
The Iowa DNR offers an appren-
tice license that allows someone to give hunting a try under the supervision of an adult mentor without completing hunter education. This license may be purchased twice in a lifetime before the individual is required to complete a hunter education course.
Iowa’s pheasant population is at a 20-year high, with state wildlife experts forecasting hunters to potentially harvest the highest number of roosters since 2007.
“The harvest is following what the roadside counts showed – better hunting in northern Iowa with lots of young birds out there,” Bogenschutz said.
Submitted Photo Heartland Singers Community Chorus presents “Angelic Bells” at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at Oakwood United Methodist Church, 400 NE 56th St. in Pleasant Hill. The concert includes both sacred and secular music. It is directed by Dawn Hutchison and accompanied by
and
Connie
and
kel. Refreshments will be served after the concert. There is no charge for the concert. A free will donation is appreciated.
Last year, more than 77,400 hunters harvested over 460,000 roosters, providing an estimated economic impact of nearly $170 million in Iowa.
The Iowa DNR and Pheasants Forever are celebrating 100 years of pheasant hunting in the Hawkeye State. The first season was held Oct. 20-22, 1925, when 13 counties in north central Iowa were opened to pheasant hunting. Hunters were allowed a three-rooster limit, for a half-day of hunting. An estimated 75,000 hunters participated.
Information on places to hunt, the August roadside survey results and more is available online by clicking the 100 Years of Pheasant Hunting graphic at www.iowadnr. gov/pheasantsurvey.
Iowa Dept. of Insurance and Financial Services reminds Iowans of tips to prepare for and stay safe this winter
The holidays are upon us, and winter is right around the corner. With the cold weather comes slick roads, frozen pipes, and other dangers that we often forget about after months of warm weather and mild temperatures. Whether you plan to be on the road or in the home this holiday season, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services encourages every Iowan to follow these tips to stay safe this winter.
Preparing the house:
Prepare your house: The lead up to winter is a great time to take an assessment of your house and make any updates necessary to prepare for the cold months ahead. First, check the insulation of your home, particularly around windows and doors. If there is a draft, or if you are having a hard time keeping the cold air out, you may want to look into installing new insulation, caulking, or weather stripping. Clean your gutters to prevent ice dams and heavy snow build up. Additionally, if your house has a furnace, it is smart to change the filter and schedule a tune up before the weather gets too cold.
Prepare your plumbing: Freezing temperatures mean your plumbing is at risk. The water freezing in your pipes can lead to burst pipes and unnecessary flooding. By keeping your house at a steady temperature, putting a “drip” on the faucets you don’t use often, and shutting down/disconnecting exterior hoses and water lines, you minimize your chances of this happening. In areas of the home that might be colder, such as the basement, garage, or attic, you may want to also insulate any exposed piping. Insurance policies often cover the resulting water damage from burst pipes, but
only if the homeowner has taken reasonable steps to maintain the pipes and keep them from freezing.
Prepare your kitchen: As the holiday season picks up and we spend more time in the kitchen, make sure you are implementing safe practices – more than half of all house fires start from mishaps in the kitchen. As general tips, you should never leave your grill, stove, or oven unattended, and you should keep all combustible items (like cleaning supplies) away from these heat sources. Additionally, make sure your smoke detectors are installed and regularly tested and that you are utilizing surge protectors to protect your outlets and circuits.
Build an emergency kit: Build a kit with the necessary materials in case a storm impacts your access to electricity. Keep nonperishable food and water handy throughout the winter in case your home gets snowed in. Additionally, have candles, matches, a flashlight, spare batteries, a snow shovel, extra blankets, firewood, a fire extinguisher, and a generator in the kit in the event you lose power.
What to do if disaster strikes:
Check your health, then check your assets: Frostbite and hypothermia are dangerous and can lead to serious health issues. By monitoring yourself and your loved ones for numbness, discolored skin, and shivering, you can remain alert and treat the symptoms before issues begin. Stay warm, focus on heating up your core and head, and then you can check your assets.
Familiarize yourself with your insurance: It’s important to be up to date on your insurance policy and aware of your coverage and deductible options. Contact your state-registered insur-
ance agent immediately fol lowing a disaster to discuss your options for filing an insurance claim. They will inspect and provide you with an estimate of the repairs that are covered by your policy.
Beware of scam mers: After a disaster, scammers work to take advantage of hard-work ing Iowans. Be sure any contractors you consult or hire are legitimate. Search them online, cross check their filing with the Iowa Insurance Division, and determine if they fall within your insurance network. By getting a written estimate from at least three different contractors, you can rest assured that you will get the best price for your needs. Know the warning signs of non-reputable businesses, be cautious about signing an assignment of benefits, and never pay in full upfront.
When the roads get icy, our friends at the Iowa Department of Transportation are here to help. Whether it’s winterizing your vehicle, packing a winter survival kit, driving in snowy and icy conditions, or staying up to date on weather developments, be prepared this winter with the following tips from the Iowa DOT.
Additional holiday tips and reminders:
How to protect big holiday gifts with extra insurance coverage: Not all homeowners policies fully cover every loss. If you have a big-ticket item in your home, you may want to consider adding a rider or endorsement to your policy. Online shopping for gifts this holiday season? As you place your orders, make sure to be aware of package protection scams. Unlicensed entities are not legally allowed to sell insurance products and may claim warranties, guarantees, or protection plans. If you plan to travel home this holiday season, consider travel insurance: Travel plans can be expensive, and unexpected circumstances could cut a trip short or stick you with unforeseen costs – but there are ways to insure
Mary Nikkel
Claudia Holcomb.
Budding, Nancy Wright
Mary Nik-
Explorer PCM
Snowstorm
individuals need to travel. If a person were to end up in a ditch, the sheriff’s office recommended people keep their tailpipe clear of snow and remain patient until help can arrive.
The secondary roads department for Jasper County announced that snowplows were on the roads by 4:30 a.m. Saturday, continuing operations for the next 12 hours. The City of Newton announced its snow ordinance was in effect just before noon Saturday, meaning no street parking would be allowed.
Newton Fire Department issued warnings of the upcoming snowstorm as early as Tuesday, Nov. 25, saying that forecasters were confident snow would most definitely develop. However, the exact amounts and locations were not entirely certain at that time. Shortly after, forecasters expected up to eight or nine inches.
Of course, those anticipated totals would grow with each day. Newton would go on to accumulate around 8.5 inches. Fort Dodge recorded a whopping 15 inches.
The fire department also warned of much colder air arriving Sunday and lasting into the week. They said wind chills would drop below zero at times, and that limiting time outside, dressing in thick layers and making sure pets had warm shelter was advised.
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the general fund. Just in the past year, with a decline of 51.71 students, the district saw $414,680 fewer dollars in state aid. For next year, the projection of 23 fewer students would be a loss of $184,000 for the district in the general fund.
“I would say I am being optimistic with the 65 students,”
Becker said. “When you look at third grade, second grade and first grade, we are at 59, 60 and 59 students. We also have 56 in preschool.”
In order to combat the funding changes, the district is looking to rightsize the physical building needs for educating the amount of students
it has enrolled. Talks started on reorganizing the district to pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in the Prairie City buildings.
“What do we need to physically educate our students,” Becker said. “We also have to look at how do we make with the dollars we have to spend.”
Also looking at the district based on future enrollment projections, a plan to reorganize seventh and eighth grade to the high school was also discussed. That would not take place until the building is determined to be able to support grades 7 through 12.
“Our current high school numbers are 343, four years from now it will be 318 students in the high school. You take the first grade through fourth grade chunk and its 245
Shop
students,” Becker said. “That is roughly 100 students less than right now.”
Administration is currently looking for opportunities to discuss the topic in an open forum in December. The forum would give the district a chance to bring more information to the communities and address any questions by community members.
In other business:
• The board set goal statements for the upcoming school year. The goals will help serve as a roadmap for administration and staff as they make decisions through the year. They include:
Facilities — The board will provide all PCM students with infrastructure for activities and learning in all buildings that is safe, meets industry
come to know and love at vendor fairs, everyone is encouraged to stop by and see what great items are ready to find a home. Last year, the entire school was filled crafters and this year looks to be just as great. Making a special appearance from 10 to 11:30 a.m., Santa Claus will be ready to take photos, accept letters and
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The detour, Frietsch added, is going to be fun. Secondary roads will detour traffic up T-22 to Interstate 80 toward Newton, then down Iowa Highway 14 to the “prison farm road” or South 60th Avenue West and then to the “Reasnor Road” or County Highway S-74 South. Supervisors doubted that detour would be followed.
“Ain’t nobody going to take that detour,” Supervisor Brandon Talsma said.
standards, supports instructional delivery, and maximizes student learning opportunities.
Finances — The PCM Board will manage district financial resources while providing the best possible education and opportunities for all students.
Academics — The PCM Board will strive to provide high-quality, innovative, academic, and vocational programs for students of all abilities.
• The board approved a $1,000 stipend for any certified staff who elect to submit their resignation prior to Jan. 9, 2026. The early deadline serves to help the district administration start planning for future staffing needs and get a jump on the hiring process.
hear all of the Christmas wishes from kids young and old. While at the fair, save yourself some work and grab a bite to eat. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and feature baked goods and homemade favorites.
The PCM Fine Arts Boosters are a fundraising group advocating for a strong fine arts programs for all students at all PCM schools. They provide funding for new uniforms, instruments, art supplies, drama equipment and more.
Frietsch realizes that but said the county has to establish a detour on pavement. Talsma asked if Frietsch plans on preparing the gravel roads that will likely be used instead as the unofficial detour. Frietsch said he will have to, but he added there are a number of ways people could go around.
“We’ll get contract rock down early and then we’ll be prepared to do spot rock out there (and) dust control,” Frietsch said.
Talsma added, “I was gonna say probably better plan on doing dust control in front of all the houses on that street, too.”
Frietsch admitted the detour is not great, but secondary roads tries its best to keep detours on pavement instead of gravel roads, and the aforementioned route was the best he and his staff could do. There really isn’t a good route, he said.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Due to declining enrollment and reduced funding, the PCM administration and school board are looking to save costs, possibly by closing Monroe Elementary.
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer
The bridge along F-62 over Elk Creek is going to be replaced next year. The Jasper County Board of Supervisors approved the contract for replacing the bridge for $1.6 million.
Fenton leads 19 Mustangs on all-district football team
Outscoring its opponents 253-72, the PCM football team won its third straight district championship this past fall.
The Mustangs finished off a third consecutive undefeated run through the district, too, and 19 players were recognized on the all-district squad.
Senior Keegan Fenton was the Class 2A District 7 Defensive MVP, while PCM head football coach Greg Bonnett shared Coach of the Year honors with Centerville’s Matt Kovacevich. PCM’s Zack Woods was the district’s assistant coach of the year, too.
All-district recognition is based on statistics inside district play only. Fourteen Mustangs earned first team all-district honors, led by Fenton.
The rest of the first-teamers were seniors Chase Wagaman, Gavin Steenhoek, Braedyn Lester, Dominic Witt, Alex Wendt, Brock Barnett and Evan Jones, junior Ivan Shannon and sophomores Hayden Shannon, Jake Thomas, Lewis Daye Jr. and Mason Hjortshoj.
The second-team selections were seniors Trent Nickelson, Austen Brundage and Harrison Brinegar and juniors Jax Strait and Jaden Houser.
Senior Shay Burns also earned one of the district’s two Golden Awards, which goes to players who would have been all-district had it not been for an injury.
Fenton was the district’s defensive MVP after finishing with 21.5 tackles, ranking first with eight tackles for loss and second with three sacks.
Centerville quarterback Mack Murdock was the district’s offensive MVP, but Wagaman was the first team quarterback after ranking third in the district with 579 passing yards. He also ranked second with nine passing touchdowns. He was 26-of54 through the air and ran for 114 yards and one score.
Daye Jr. was one of the first team running backs. He led the district with 878 rushing yards and ranked second with nine rushing TDs. He also grabbed two passes for 26 yards.
Steenhoek was a first team wide receiver after ranking fourth in the district with 14 catches. He also was second with 377 receiving yards and tied for second with six receiving TDs. He averaged 26.9 yards per catch, too.
Ivan Shannon was the first team tight end. He grabbed two passes for 32 yards and one TD.
Four Mustang offensive linemen were recognized. Hayden Shannon, Lester and Thomas were first-teamers, while Brundage was a second-team selection.
That unit helped the Mustangs lead the district with 32 offensive TDs, 1,530 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns. PCM also was second to Centerville with 2,151 total yards.
Witt was the first team kicker. He led the district with 37 touchbacks in 40 kickoffs and he was 27-of-27 in PATs. That was tops in the league.
Wendt and Barnett were first team on the defensive line and Hjortshoj and Jones were first-team linebackers.
Wendt posted 18.5 tackles and led the district with five sacks. His six tackles for loss ranked second behind Fenton.
Hjortshoj tied for seventh in the
district with 27.5 tackles. His 5.5 tackles for loss ranked third and his 1.5 sacks were sixth. Jones totaled 17.5 tackles and Barnett had three tackles.
Joining Brundage on the second team were Nickelson, Brinegar, Strait and Houser.
Nickelson earned his all-district honor as a defensive lineman. He finished with 18.5 tackles, two tack-
les for loss and tied for seventh in the district with one sack.
Strait posted 17 tackles, tied for seventh with one sack and one was one five players to return an interception for a touchdown as a linebacker. His pick 6 covered 43 yards.
Brinegar registered 11 tackles and two tackles for loss as a linebacker and Houser chipped in 10 tackles as a defensive back.
Mack Murdock, so., Centerville (first team)
Coaches of the Year
Greg Bonnett, PCM
Matt Kovacevich, Centerville Assistant Coach of the Year
Zack Woods, PCM Golden Award
Shay Burns, sr., PCM; Gage Chance, jr., Albia.
All-District First Team Offense
Quarterback: Chase Wagaman, sr., PCM. Running backs: Lewis Daye, so., PCM; Makoa Kaleponi, jr., Centerville; Eric Medina, jr., South Tama.
Wide Receivers: Gavin Steenhoek, sr., PCM; Caleb Volk, sr., PCM; Klayton Lawson, sr., Centerville; Abram Decena, so., Centerville. Tight End: Ivan Shannon, jr., PCM, Offensive Line: Hayden Shannon, so, PCM; Jake Thomas, so., PCM; Braedyn Lester, sr., PCM; Braxton Bragg, jr., Davis County; Logan Carracio, sr., Centerville; Daiden Howard, jr., Centerville. Utility: Isaac Helm, jr., Albia; Ty Pickerell, jr., Albia. Kicker: Dominic Witt, sr., PCM. Returner: Adam Kacmarynski, sr., Pella Christian.
First Team Defense Defensive Line: Alex Wendt, sr., PCM; Brock Barnett, sr., PCM; Toby Belzer, sr., Pella Christian; Ander Rosol, sr., Centerville; Marcus Bear, sr., South Tama. Linebackers: Mason Hjortshoj, so., PCM; Evan Jones, sr., PCM; Fletcher Mick, jr., Albia; Brian Snyder, sr., Centerville; Kyle Youngbear, jr., South Tama. Defensive backs: Brecken Ritzert, sr., Pella Christian; Conner Petoyan, sr., Centerville; Eli Cruikshank, jr., South Tama; Cason Young, sr., Davis County. Utility: Mike Henry, jr., South Tama; Garrett Willard, sr., Pella Christian. Punter: Hayden Bankson, sr., Davis County.
Second Team Offense
Quarterback: Ryan Brant, so., South Tama. Running back: Parker Hemann, sr., Albia; Landon Nunnikhoven, sr., Pella Christian. Wide Receivers: Eli Hilton, sr., Albia; Nick Upah, sr., South Tama; Mason Simmons, sr., Davis County. Tight End: Jag Lathrop, jr., Albia. Offensive Line: Austen Brundage, sr., PCM; Lewis Menninga, so., Pella Christian; Hunter Vander Linden, sr., Pella Christian; Blake Six, sr., Pella Christian; Jason Morrow, sr., Centerville; Lakyr Peska, so., South Tama; Drew Mellies, sr., South Tama. Utility: Izak Schroeder, so., South Tama.
Second Team Defense Defensive Line: Trent Nickelson, sr., PCM; Aiden Keegel, so., Albia; Cory Kratofil, jr., Centerville; Darrian Stocker, sr., Albia. Linebackers: Harrison Brinegar, sr., PCM; Jax Strait, jr., PCM; Curtis Mathes, jr., Centerville.
Defensive Backs: Jaden Houser, jr., PCM; Ben Van Wyngarden, sr., Pella Christian; Jager White, sr., Centerville; Tanner Large, sr., South Tama. Utility: Garrett Surman, sr., South Tama. Punter: Bryson Reed, so., Albia. Honorable Mention Triton Thomas, sr., Centerville; Evan Barber, jr., Centerville; Sloan Phillips, so., Centerville; Max Taylor, so., Davis County; Svend Skaggs, fr., Davis County; Victor Milder, fr., Davis County; Manuel Cervantes, jr., South Tama; Ayden Vest, sr., South Tama; Josh Strong, sr., South Tama.
CARLISLE — A slow start hindered the PCM girls basketball team against Class 4A No. 8 Carlisle on Nov. 25.
The 3A No. 6 Mustangs fell behind 30-3 and never recovered during a 65-29 non-conference road loss.
Carlisle led 23-3 after one quarter. It was much closer than that the rest of the way, but the early deficit was too much for the Mustangs, who dropped to 1-1 on the season.
Tori Lindsay led PCM with 12 points, two assists and three steals. She was 4-of-12 from 3-point range.
Libby Winters totaled five points and seven boards, Lila Milani had five points and Kyra Naeve contributed three rebounds and three steals.
Kenna Grier scored three points, Jorja Teeter grabbed three boards and Holly Wood corralled two rebounds.
The Mustangs shot 27 percent from the floor, made 6-of-22 from 3 and connected on half of their six free throw attempts. They also turned the ball over 21 times.
Carlisle (2-0) got 32 points from Macie Comito and Mallie Stoner finished with 14 points and four rebounds. The Wildcats shot 57 percent from the floor, made 9-of-18 from 3 and connected on 8-of-10 from the foul line.
PCM Explorer
PCM Explorer
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer
PCM senior Tori Lindsay, left, led the Mustangs with 12 points, two assists and three steals against Class 4A No. 8 Carlisle on Nov. 25. She made four 3-pointers in the road loss.
Fenton Wagaman
Daye Jr. Steenhoek
I. Shannon H. Shannon
Thomas Lester
Hjortshoj
Houser
Brundage Brinegar
Bonnett
Classifieds Explorer PCM
EDUCATION
11/24/2025 - 06:10 PM Monroe Elementary Library Monroe Elementary Monroe IA MEETING MINUTES Scan the above QR code with your phone to view this meeting agenda on your phone. Topic: School Board Meeting Time: Nov 24, 2025 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81176 903254?pwd=Nl9zUjfbhYQWmp HBtzK3AraUjUv3I8.1 Meet ing ID: 811 7690 3254 Passcode: gopcm25
Attendance
Voting Members Lori Jungling, Board Member District 1 Term 2025-2029 Cole VanRysWyk, Board Member, District 2: Term: 20252029 Kelsey Fiorentin Board Member District 3: Term 2 023-2027 Rod DeHaai Board Member District 4: Term 2 023-2027 Jeremy St Peter, Vice President, District 5: Term 2 023-2027 Ryan VanDerKamp President District 6: Term 2 025-2029 Steve Nearmyer Board Member,District 7: Term 20232027 Non-Voting Members Becki Vasseau Board Secretary Tanya Swan, Business Manager Aaron Becker Superintendent I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:28 pm by Mr Becker Lori Jungling Ryan VanDerKamp and Cole VanRyswyk were sworn in as board members prior to the start of the meeting at 6:26 pm II APPROVE AGENDA A motion was made to approve the agenda Motion made by: Kelsey Fiorentin Motion se conded by: Ryan VanDerKamp Voting: Unanimously Approved III. ORGANIZATION ITEMS
Voting:
Unanimously Approved E. Appointment of Legal Council A motion was made to continuation with Ahlers & Cooney as the PCM CSD legal council. Motion ma de by: Steve Nearmyer
Motion seconded by: Kelsey Fiorentin
Voting:
Unanimously Approved F. Appointment of the Board
Secretar y A motion was made to approve Becki Vasseau as the PCM Board Secretary. Motion made by: Jeremy St Peter Motion se conded by: Kelsey Fiorentin
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
1. Administ ration of the Oath of Offi ce Becki Vasseau was sworn in as Board Secretary G. Appointment of the Board
Treasure r A motion was made to approve Tanya Swan as the PCM Board Treasurer Motion made by: Steve Nearmyer Motion se conded by: Jeremy St
Peter
Voting:
Unanimously Approved
1. Administ ration of the Oath of Offi ce Tayna Swan was sworn in as Board Treasurer H. Standing Committee Appointment Appoint Board member representatives to the following standing committees: Current Committee members: CTE Advisory Committee Representative Jeremy St Peter SIAC Committee Representative-- Lori Jungling Jasper Co Assessor Committee Representative Ryan VanderKamp Marion Co Assessor Committee Representative --Steve Nearmyer Facility Committee-- Rod De Haai Jeremy St Peter, Cole VanRyswyk Executive Committee President and Vice President Finance Committee--Rod Dehaai Kelsey Fiorentin Cole VanRyswyk Policy Review Committee--Steve Nearmyer Lori Jungling, Kelsey Fiorentin Work Sessions will be conducted as determined by the full Board. These will be scheduled for the 2nd Monday of the month. The agenda and minutes for these meet ings will be publicly posted. The public is always welcome to attend Board Work Sessions IV. CONSTITUENTS CORRE SPONDENCE No one signed up to speak V. BUSINE SS ITEMS A. District 1. Diamond Trail FFA Presentation Thank You to the Diamond Trail FFA for their presentation about the National Convention.
2. Elementary Writing Update Thank You to Shaun Hudnut for your presentation about Elementary Writing. 3. SIAC Committee Notes Thank You to Collin Harrison for the notes from the SIAC meeting. 4. District Goal A motion was made to approve the below Board Goal Statements: PCM Board Goal St at ements Facilities The Board will provide all
Farmers, ag professionals invited to beginner and intermediate grain marketing workshop Jan. 6-7
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Farm Business Management Team invites farmers and agriculture professionals to a Grain Marketing Workshop in Ottumwa Jan. 6–7, 2026.
The two-day workshop is designed for participants with various experience levels, including those with limited and intermediate skills, as well as seasoned, successful grain marketers.
Paul Martin, farm management specialist with ISU Extension andcorn and soybeans Outreach, said the event is a valuable opportunity for farmers.
The primary goal of the workshop is that any farmer, farm family member or employee will learn more about how to create successful grain marketing plans to improve selling price. There is also value in getting away from day-today work and hearing from marketing experts.
Before attending the workshop, participants will complete several pre-workshop activities, including calculating their 2026 cost of production and cash flow budget, completing self-assessment exercises, answering questions about risk aversion and watch-
ing a short video series from Chad Hart. Another pre-workshop activity is the “Business IQ” survey, which identifies strengths and weaknesses of agricultural producers in managing uncertainty and achieving business success. These activities will be provided upon registration and should be completed before the workshop.
Workshop speakers Gary Schnitkey, professor in agricultural and consumer economics and extension farm management specialist at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will discuss cost of production and marketing goals.
Chad Hart, professor in economics and extension grain markets specialist at Iowa State University, will share a market outlook and teach lessons on options and how to utilize crop insurance in a marketing program.
Logan Torrance, facility manager at Consolidated Grain and Barge Co., will speak about alternative grain contracts.
Tim Christensen, Eric Weuve and Martin, farm management specialists with ISU Extension and Outreach, will discuss var-
ious marketing tools and activities.
Additionally, a panel of industry sponsors will respond to audience concerns and answer questions.
Registration and accommodations
Those who wish to attend the workshop must register online by Dec. 31. The registration cost is $100, and the workshop is limited to 60 participants.
This workshop will take place at the Bridgeview Center in Ottumwa, located at 102 Church Street, Ottumwa, and will begin at 9 a.m. Participants who require hotel accommodations can arrange lodging at the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in Ottumwa, which is conveniently located adjacent to the Bridgeview Center. A group rate for the conference is available for guests who can contact the hotel directly at 641-244-3644 and book a room under the “ISU Grain Group.”
For more information, including a complete agenda, visit the Ag Decision Maker website or watch the workshop introductory video. For answers to additional questions, contact Paul Martin at pmartin1@ iastate.edu.
Let’s Paint Iowa Beautiful - 2026 Paint Iowa Beautiful grants open
Diamond Vogel and Keep Iowa Beautiful continue their longstanding partnership of brightening communities across the state through the Paint Iowa Beautiful grant program.
The Paint Iowa Beautiful program provides grant recipients free paint to support a wide range of public service and community betterment projects, from restoring park shelters and historic landmarks to brightening main street facades and public murals.
“Keep Iowa Beautiful is honored to continue our partnership with Diamond Vogel to award paint to these
community betterment projects,” Andy Frantz, Executive Director of Keep Iowa Beautiful, said. “We’re proud to support Iowans who are taking action to make their towns more beautiful places to live, work, and play.”
In 2025, 87 grants were given out, the average grant award was 8 gallons and most awards ranged between 5-10 gallons.
Applications for the grant are due Feb. 12, 2026. For complete programs guidelines, visit keepiowabeautiful.org/ grants-scholarships/grants/paint-iowa-beautiful.
Rachel Grenier, DNP
Pella Regional Health Center is pleased to welcome Rachel Grenier, DNP to the Family Practice team at Pella Medical Clinic in Prairie City. Grenier is boardcertified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and is an Iowalicensed Family Nurse Practitioner.
“I am excited to continue to provide primary care in this new clinical setting,” said Grenier. “I provide care for all ages, infants to seniors, and also provide psychiatric patient care, specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and depression.”
Grenier completed her Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner and Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner at Purdue University Global, West Lafayette, Indiana.
To schedule an appointment with Rachel Grenier, DNP, call 5145-994-2617 or go to
PellaHealth.org/requestanappointment.
Iowa State University
The workshop is a valuable opportunity for farmers, farm family members or employees to learn more about how to create successful grain marketing plans to improve selling price.