Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
Vol. 6, No. 19
E xplorer PCM YEAR IN REVIEW Local People. Local Stories.
PCM welcoming new superintendent Aaron Becker
Administrator is looking forward to the upcoming school year and listening and learning to help make the district its best By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
The City of Monroe debuted a new website with user-friendly features and a fresh look.
New PCM superintendent Aaron Becker has been hard at work since starting in July. He is meeting with staff, ge tting to know the communities and Becker learning about what being at PCM looks like going into the next school year. With all of that on his desk, the most exciting part for Becker is yet to come.
City of Monroe
New, fresh look City of Monroe debuts new user friendly website By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Need to pay a city bill, view a meeting agenda or get a hold of a city official? Head on over to the
new City of Monroe website. Completely redesigned, the website is made to be user-friendly and full of information for citizens and those looking to visit the community. “I think it looks great,” City Administrator Kim Thomas said. “It’s easy to use.” The homepage features the latest news in the city from what is happening with the city council to community events and roadwork
that is proposed or underway. The agenda center shows agendas for all city meetings and is updated with minutes from those meetings as they occur. Those looking to visit Monroe can learn the history of the town, from being founded in 1843 by Adam Tool and William Highland to some of the first settlers in the WEBSITE | 2
BACK TO BACK By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer The PCM softball team clinched its first-ever state tournament berth last summer. The Class 3A No. 6 Mustangs proved that run was no fluke on July 15 after downing 11th-ranked Missouri Valley, 13-5, in six innings. “You have a top-10 team the whole year and come back and do it two years in a row,” PCM head softball coach Shaun Hudnut said. “It means a lot for this program and these girls.” PCM trailed the 3A Region 4 championship game
2-0 after one inning and fell behind 5-1 in the top of the third but rallied with three in the third, four in the fourth and five in the sixth to end the game early and clinch a second straight state berth. “I’m excited. I had a lot of emotions at the end just because it kind of hit yesterday, our last game on the home field,” PCM senior Addison Steenhoek said. “But I’m just excited. Glad we get another opportunity to go to Fort Dodge and hopefully do some damage there. We’re wanting to bring back some better hardware this time around.”
Steenhoek is the Mustangs’ lone senior. She finished the night with three hits, two RBIs and one walk. It was her solo home run in the first inning that got PCM on the board. “We weren’t really happy with how the inning went so I knew with one out, I wanted to hopefully do some damage and get on base,” Steenhoek said. “I didn’t expect to do that. But the opportunity presented itself, so I’m glad I could get it, give that to my team and just show up for them.” Missouri Valley (29-7) scored two unearned runs against Camden Webb in
Prairie City’s water ‘best taste on tap’
Prairie City’s water was named best in the state for 2025 by the Iowa Rural Water Association By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Grab a glass, turn on the tap, fill it up and take a drink. If you’re in Prairie City you’ll be drinking the best tasting water in the state. In February, the City of Prairie City was named the winner of Iowa’s 2025 Best Tasting Water competition by the Iowa Rural Water Association. The statewide contest is
a part of the Quality On Tap! campaign to emphasize the high quality, standards and taste of water in rural America. “All the praise and recognition goes to our public works staff,” Prairie City Mayor Chad Alleger said. “Their knowledge and expertise are what made this possible.” According to the association, Prairie City is unique in that its wells are located
in neighboring Colfax. From the wells, the water then has to travel about eight miles of pipe before entering the plant near the square in Prairie City. With the water already high in quality before it makes it to the plant, operators including Prairie City Public Works Superintendent Harry Brannen and employees Tyler Curry WATER | 3
“It is a reality the excitement is the kids. That is why we are here,” Becker said. “You will hear me a lot saying ‘student focused, student driven decisions.’ Those students that do come through the front door, that is the most important commodity we have in the whole district. When we have students come there the door, there is tons of hope that comes through the door. They are hoping for a great school year. They are hoping that our dedicated staff and help kids find their passion area.” In his 26th year in education, Becker didn’t SUPERINTENDENT | 2
PCM softball proves last year was no fluke, advances to state tournament
the first inning. It was 2-1 after the Steenhoek homer, but the Lady Reds added three in the third to push their advantage to 5-1. Audrie Kohl hit her 10th homer of the season and her two-run shot highlighted the three-run third. That triggered a pitching change for PCM. Rylee Parsons came on in relief for only the second time this season and slowed Missouri Valley’s momentum from the circle. “Having the pitchers we do gives us a lot of flexibility,” Hudnut said. “(Parsons) did a great job for us in SOFTBALL | 3
Photo by Jamie Steenhoek The PCM softball team celebrates its 13-5 win over No. 11 Missouri Valley after the regional championship game on July 15. The Class 3A No. 6 Mustangs clinched a spot in the 3A state tournament for the second straight season.
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.” For 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 students per year. “This is figured by the current year’s graduates in comparison to the next year’s kindergarten class,” Becker
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said. “For example, this year’s graduating class is 88 and the incoming kindergarten class is project at 65 students for a student loss of 23 students.” The decline in enrollment directly effects funding for the school. The district receives approximately $8,000 per student in state aid for 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 ENROLLMENT | 3
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Records 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.
The Gathering Place of Monroe Thursday, Dec. 25-Thursday, Jan. 1 • CLOSED for holiday thru Jan. 1 Monday, Dec. 29-Wednesday, Dec. 31 • Serving Congregate Meals
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.
Pet licenses available in Monroe Pet licenses for 2026 can now be purchased at Monroe City Hall. The cost is $10 for altered animals and $20 for unaltered animals. Proof of rabies shot required. Deadline is April 1.
UTV, golf cart registrations 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.
Lions Pancake Breakfast Jan. 31 The Prairie City Lions will host a Pancake Breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at the PC Community Building. They will be serving pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs and a drink. A freewill donation will be accepted and will support the PCM Backpack Program.
PCMExplorer Website Continued from Page 1
community. Digging further, visitors can view documents including building permits, ordinances and housing openings. City staff in-
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start out thinking he would be an educator. After taking business classes in college, he realized that was the path he was meant to go down. “I was sitting in a macroeconomics class and decided this wasn’t quite what I thought it was going to be,” Becker said. “My older brother was in elementary education. I was close with him, we were at the same college and he’s three years apart from me and I thought ‘that’s what I want to do, I want to be with kids.’ I had to make that decision in college and made a major shift to elementary education.” Following graduation, Becker taught third, fifth and sixth grades before beginning his next chapter as an administrator. While he thoroughly enjoyed working with a smaller group of kids, he felt like he had a chance to make a bigger impact on a larger group of students “I started the process of applying for positions and landed a Pre-K through 8 principal position,” Becker said. “That just furthered the interest in trying to impact students in a larger way. I enjoyed teaching those 20-25 kids I had in a classroom but I felt like I had an opportunity to impact students and communities in a larger way.” He served in several school districts as a principal and eventually superintendent before looking for a chance that focused on family. With a daughter in the Des Moines area and son in Ames, he knew a district in central Iowa was ideal for his family. “To be real honest, family was a big part of it,” Becker said. “I was really selective in where I looked. We felt like this was a spot that was somewhat in between. Not so close but close enough to family.” PCM wasn’t an unknown to Becker. He had heard about the district during his time at school in southeast Iowa. “I know there is high academic standards. They really well with activities whether it is athletics or the fine arts,” Becker said. “Also, the small community. I am from a community that was maybe 1,000 people when I grew up. Small town communities are what I know, it’s what I am comfortable with. I know how important schools are to small communities and I like the challenge of bringing the two communities together as one to be PCM.” Coming to the district, he has a few focuses that reach across the entire state. One big challenge is enrollment into the school. “Enrollment is one challenge that many districts across the state are feeling at this time, especially with the funding formula is student driv-
“I’ve had numerous surgeries and injuries over the years. I always return here because I always get better. They treat my condition with great expertise and compassion. It’s a great place!” - Paul P.
641-791-9675 Colfax and Newton KineticEdgePT.com
formation, including photos, is also available, along with community programs and services. People can also get to know the Monroe elected officials such as the mayor and city council members. To get quick answers to frequently asked questions, there is an FAQ section that has informa-
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Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
tion on community resources, licenses, permits and registration, public works, voting and parks and recreation. “It has been a long, long process. There is all kinds of information,” Thomas said. “I would encourage everybody to review it, make some changes and give suggestions. I would appreciate it.”
en,” Becker said. “There has been a slight decline of enrollment the last few years here. That is something we have to think about, how do we retain the families that are here, but also how do we attract families from other families and bring them here as our students.” Looking at what sets PCM apart from area districts, analyzing the districts programs and seeing what PCM can offer in the future to compete with area schools are a few ways looks to tackle the issue. Being in his first few months, he knows he can’t just jump in head first with a list of priorities, but instead listen and learn about PCM to find the best way to make PCM a thriving school. “I am really trying to listen and observe over the next few months,” Becker said. “See what those common themes are of what we are doing really well but also what are the challenges and to dig deeper into those things. If we do have challenges, I am also looking for idea from people that maybe I’m not thinking about just yet. How can I implement that on a small scale, on a big scale and what is the time frame?” He is also focused on looking forward while respecting the traditions that have been formed at PCM. “I believe heavily in the relationships that we create.,” Becker said. “Also, I want to make sure we are looking forward. We are OK with thinking innovatively. We are OK thinking about change. At the same time really respecting the traditions at PCM. I know there have been great things that have happened at PCM. At the same time, how do we get people in our organization think about different things that can set us apart from other schools. “Also, that we are meeting the needs of every student here. Every student has different passions, desires, needs, career paths, and we’re not a factory. We’re here to really try to meet those individual needs in the best way we possibly can. I think we can do great things together.” With school starting in less than two weeks, the excitement is building for the start of a new year. Becker is already on the job but can’t wait for the official beginning. By listening and learning, he hopes to lead PCM for years to come and make it a destination location for families. “I hope people can build trust in my leadership skills and ability to lead this district for many years to come,” Becker said. “I am really excited to do that.”
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relief. She knew to be ready at a moment’s notice. I really think the subtle change in speed and movement of pitches threw Missouri Valley off just enough. The contact was much weaker or right at us.” Parsons allowed one earned run in the third, but got the win after surrendering four hits. She’s 13-1 this season. The no-decision shifted to a win for Parsons after PCM’s offense took off in the final four innings. “In that situation, it’s really just trying to rally the girls, keep their spirits up and let them know we still have six innings of ball left, and we just have to fight our way back into it any way we can,” Hudnut said. Addi Hudnut led off the third with a walk. She stole second and third before Tori Lindsay was hit by a pitch. Steenhoek and Libby Winters delivered back-to-back RBI singles before Hadley Millang’s two-out RBI single trimmed the
Mustangs’ deficit to 5-4. “You know, it would have been really easy to fold when we dropped down 5-1,” Coach Hudnut said. “Missouri Valley’s a great team, and this is kind of what their MO is. They jump out on teams early, but we didn’t get down. We just fought and scratched and clawed and battled our way back and then grabbed that lead and never looked back. We couldn’t be more proud of how our girls responded.” Addi Hudnut walked with two outs in the fourth. PCM loaded the bases after Lindsay was hit by another pitch and Steenhoek drew a walk. That brought Winters to the plate, and the freshmen put the Mustangs (25-4) in front for good with a three-run double. Winters leads PCM with a batting average of .516, which ranks 13th in 3A. She also has a teambest 38 runs, 14 doubles, 30 RBIs and 69 total bases. The 14 doubles rank tied for fourth in 3A. Lillian Humpal was hit by a pitch after Winters’ double. Winters scored on Millang’s two-out RBI single.
Water
a month. The competition was judged by Tom AtkinContinued from Page 1 son with ISG, Vern Steel the National Ruand Dylan Cornelison ral Water Association only have to do iron and Deputy CEO and Iowa manganese removal, State Senator Dan ion softening, nitrate Zumbach. It included removal, fluorida- water samples straight tion and chlorination. from the tap submitted About 150,000 gallons by utilities across the of water flow through state. to citizens each day or One quart samples about 4 million gallons were submitted in a
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glass canning jar for judging the weekend of the contest. Judging criteria included taste, bouquet and clarity. After winning the state title, Prairie City will compete in the “Great American Water Taste Test” national contest. Held in February 2026 in Washington DC, the event is part of the Rural Water Rally, an annual legislative event for the state affiliates of the National Rural Water Association.
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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
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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 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 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.
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ley with three hits, two runs and two steals. Kaitlyn Evans added two hits and one run and Kohl took the pitching loss. The Mustangs take a six-game win streak into the state tournament. They played seventh-ranked West Liberty in a 3A quarterfinal game on July 21. The other state qualifying teams are No. 1 Dubuque Wahlert, No. 2 and defending champion Williamsburg, No. 5 Albia, No. 9 Estherville Lincoln Central, No. 10 Washington and No. 13 Center Point-Urbana. The PCM-West Liberty winner played the Wahlert-CPU winner in a state semifinal on July 23. The losers play each other in a consolation game on July 22. “We felt like we had a little bit of pressure this year coming in, but just knowing that, we just have another opportunity, too,” Steenhoek said. “Like I said, it was a good team. We were a little nervous coming in, but we always come in with confidence, and just hope we can do the great thing and going back just shows great confidence. Even when we are down 5-1.”
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body gave up. Everybody was fighting until the end. And that’s what we’re gonna need at Fort Dodge, too.” Winters contributed two hits, one double, one run, one walk and four RBIs, while Humpal doubled, scored one run and had two RBIs and was hit by one pitch. Webb totaled one hit, one run, two RBIs and two walks. She leads the Mustangs with 11 walks. She also allowed four runs — two earned — on five hits and two strikeouts in the circle. Lindsay was hit by two pitches and scored two runs, Naeve had one hit and one RBI, Addi Hudnut walked twice, scored two runs and stole two bases and Ryan DeVore scored three runs as Steenhoek’s courtesy runner. Lindsay has been hit by a teammost 16 pitches, which ranks second in 3A. It also sets a new school record. PCM’s offense is now averaging 8.17 runs per game. The Mustangs walked six times, were hit by three pitches, laced three doubles and clubbed one homer. Dilynn Meade led Missouri Val-
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Millang finished with three hits, one double, one run and two RBIs in the win. “We talked about just letting the game come to us, not chasing her pitches, hitting our pitches, being selective and when she comes in the zone, hit the ball hard,” Coach Hudnut said. “And the girls did that up and down the lineup. Got big hit after big hit. “(Winters) had the huge double that put us up 7-5, and that was a turning point in the game.” Steenhoek, who threw out her 11th base runner trying to steal a base to end the fourth, opened the sixth with a single. Winters followed with a walk and then Humpal’s two-run double pushed the margin to 10-5. Two more runs scored off an error that came after Webb laid down a bunt. Kyra Naeve’s only hit of the game was a walk-off RBI single on a 3-2 count. The Mustangs out-hit the Lady Reds 11-9, and Missouri Valley had the game’s only error. “Nobody ever held their heads low, even when we got down early in the game,” Steenhoek said. “No-
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Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
PCM girls down Clarke, Oskaloosa in home debut want the fire. Tonight we came out with fire. I’m super proud of them. I’m proud of the losses, too.”
By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer MONROE — The first-ever home dual for the PCM girls wrestling team was electric. The stands were full for both the boys and girls on Dec. 18, and the Mustangs scored a pair of wins on the girls’ side in front a loud and energetic crowd. “Our goal was to introduce this team to the community,” PCM head girls wrestling coach Ervan DeVore said. “It was packed, and it was loud. The crowd was excellent.” PCM opened its night with a 54-15 win over Clarke and then downed Oskaloosa 36-25 later. The Mustangs were aided by 11 forfeits total in the two duals. They were 4-2 against Clarke in contested matches. Hadley Millang (135), Carly Wilkerson (155), Emma Beyer (170) and Emilyn Davis (235) all won by fall to power PCM against the Indians. It was the first-ever contested win for Davis, who went 2-0 for the night after taking a forfeit against Oskaloosa. “The girls are learning and coming around,” DeVore said. “They are wrestling tough competition. We got a late start into the season and couldn’t really get to choose the meets and duals that were good for us. We’re
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer PCM senior Emilyn Davis, top, won a contested match for the first time in her varsity career during the Mustangs’ home triangular on Dec. 18. PCM scored two wins in its only home event of the season, too.
taking on everyone and holding our own.” There were two double forfeits in the dual and PCM was 5-1 in forfeits against Clarke. Ryan DeVore (105), Addison Fry (110), Allie Minteer (115), Courtney Cole (120) and Holly Wood (140) all took forfeits for the Mustangs. PCM had a 6-0 surplus in forfeits against Oskaloosa, but those Indians won all five con-
tested matches. DeVore, Minteer, Wood, Wilkerson, Beyer and Davis accepted the forfeits. DeVore, Minteer and Wood were 2-0 with two forfeits, while Wilkerson, Beyer and Davis also finished 2-0 for the night. The Mustangs were the aggressor in both duals but struggled to finish their shots for points. Clarke and Oskaloosa often times scored their points by
countering the Mustangs. “We want to be the aggressor,” DeVore said. “We just haven’t figured out how to pull that in and finish those off. We’ll get there. “All but three of our girls are brand new to this sport. They’ve been wrestling for six weeks. They have a lot to learn still. What we’ve been pushing the last two weeks is we’ve seen a lot of smoke and sparks but we
Mustangs go 1-2 in road quadrangular NEVADA — Beyer got her hand raised three times and Millang and Lily Birkenholtz both won twice, but the Mustangs found the win column just once as a team during a road quadrangular on Dec. 16. PCM defeated Columbus Catholic 48-12 but suffered a 51-18 loss to host Nevada and struggled in a 72-6 defeat against Ottumwa. The Mustangs won three contested matches against Columbus Catholic. Millang (135), Kain (145) and Birkenholtz (190) all won by fall, while Fry (110), Cole (115), Wilkerson (155), Beyer (170) and Davis (235) all accepted forfeits. Millang scored a win by fall against Nevada, but that was the team’s only contested victory. Beyer (12-2) and Birkenholtz took forfeits at their weights. The only points against Ottumwa came on a forfeit win from Beyer. She was 3-0 with three forfeits. Millang (10-7) finished 2-1 with two pins and Birkenholtz won once by fall and once by forfeit.
PCM boys split two duals at home triangular By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer MONROE — PCM head boys wrestling coach Rusty Vos did not like the way his Mustangs wrestled during a road quadrangular at Lynnville-Sully on Dec. 16. But the squad bounced back with a much better effort during the team’s only home conference triangular of the season on Dec. 18. Five Mustangs won both of their matches and PCM won more contested matches than it lost but split a pair of duals in Heart of Iowa Activities Conference action. “They didn’t perform (on Dec. 16), but this is our only home dual so that probably factored into it,” Vos said. “They wrestled really hard. I’m proud of them.” PCM opened its night with a 45-29 loss to Roland-Story but finished it with a 44-31 victory over Nevada. The Mustangs and Norse split their 12 contested matches, but RoTroy Hyde/ PCM Explorer PCM junior Eli McGriff celebrates his overtime win against Roland-Story during the Mustangs’ home triangular on Dec. 18. PCM split its two duals against the Norse and Nevada.
land-Story produced one more pin and took both forfeits in the victory. PCM was 7-4 in contested matches against the Cubs. Nevada made things interesting with a 2-1 advantage in forfeits. The dual between PCM and Nevada was back and forth most of the way. PCM led 6-0, trailed 10-6, led 23-10, 23-19 and 41-19 before Nevada rallied to close to within 41-31. Brenden Lahart (106), Kaliber Fry (132), Mason Hjortshoj (157), Tucker Wheeler (165) and Harrison Brinegar (175) all won by fall and Eli McGriff completed the dual win with an 8-2 victory at heavyweight. Leighton Overton (126) took PCM’s forfeit and Gracen Lust (138) won 21-5 at his weight. McGriff won a pair of decisions on the night. Both matches were close most of the way, but he created separation late in the dual against the Cubs. “He stayed in good position today,” Vos said about McGriff. “He’s starting to wrestle smarter. He
needs to know that a lot of heavyweight matches are 1-0 and 2-1. That’s the way you have to wrestle them sometimes. You take what you can get when you need it and then go from there.” Lahart opened the dual against Roland-Story with a 15-0 technical fall win at 106. Fry, Hjortshoj (13-7) and Wheeler all won by fall, Jared Sutton scored an 11-7 victory at 144 and McGriff ’s win was 4-3 in the ultimate tiebreaker. “We did what we needed to do in most areas against Roland-Story but fell short,” Vos said. “But they came out against Nevada and wrestled well. I knew it would be close. They moved some people around, but it worked out for us more than it did for them.” PCM has quite a few new faces to the varsity this season. Wheeler (17-1) is currently ranked second in Class 2A at 165 and Fry and Brinegar have plenty of varsity experience. But six of the 14 weights in the lineeup on Dec. 18 were occupied by
either freshmen or sophomores. McGriff (11-8) is a first time varsity starter as a junior and Lahart (108) is new to the team after competing for Albia the past two seasons. “That’s the growing pains of some of these close losses,” Vos said. “The young guys don’t quite understand how important it is to not give up certain points because those factor into major decisions or bonus points. “They learned a few things on (Dec. 16). We gave those two duals away. We saw them fight a little harder and avoided pins tonight.” Fry, Hjortshoj and Wheeler all were 2-0 with two pins to lead the Mustangs. Lahart was 2-0 with one pin and one technical fall and McGriff was 2-0 with two decisions. While Fry (17-3) was 2-0, he also put himself in a bad spot and got taken to his back in one of his matches. “He still does some things the Kaliber way,” Vos said. “That’s why he’s only a blood round wrestler and not a medalist. He knows it. Everyone knows it. He has to be able to wrestle a full match against good opponents and not have those dumb mistakes. He tried to go into a Saturday night ride tonight and got rolled through and put on his back. You don’t do that with decent guys. We’re getting there. Hopefully he can be a medalist when the season ends.” PCM suffers two close losses at L-S quadrangular SULLY — The Mustangs were a late addition to the lineup at Lynnville-Sully on Dec. 16, and PCM suffered a pair of close losses during the quadrangular hosted by the Hawks. The Mustangs took six forfeits in their 48-19 win over Lynnville-Sully but dropped a 42-41 dual to Iowa Valley and lost 38-
36 to Albia. PCM was 2-4 in contested matches against L-S but won the dual because of its advantage in forfeits. Chase Masterson (120) and Hjortshoj (157) won by fall in their matches and Lahart (106), Overton (126), Lust (132), Easton Morris (150), Wheeler (165) and Landon Siedlecki (190) all took forfeits. The Mustangs had a 6-5 edge in contested matches against Iowa Valley, but the Tigers won the dual by one point because they took two of the three forfeits.
Lahart took the only forfeit, and Hjortshoj, Wheeler, Fry, Sutton and McGriff all won by fall. Lust also scored a 17-2 technical fall at 132. Both teams registered five pins. Albia edged PCM in part because the Blue Demons took the only forfeit in the dual. They split their 12 contested matches. PCM had a 6-4 advantage in pins and Albia’s other two contested wins were by technical fall and decision. Wheeler was 3-0 with two pins, Lahart was 3-0 with two forfeits and Lust, Morris and Hjortshoj all finished 2-1.
Tucker Wheeler PCM sophomore Tucker Wheeler is currently ranked No. 2 in Class 2A at 165 pounds. He’ll take a 17-1 record into the winter break. Wheeler was 3-0 with two pins during a road quadrangular at Lynnville-Sully on Dec. 16 and was 2-0 with two pins at a home triangular on Dec. 18.
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Newton & Colfax
10am Video Exercise Class 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 7pm PC Fire Dept, PC City Hall
Monday
1pm HS BB/SB Winter Workouts at MS
11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 8am HS Wartburg Meistersinger Honor Choir 4:30pm 8, B BB at West Marshall 4:30pm 7, B BB vs West Marshall at PCM 5pm JV, B WR at Indianola 6pm JV2, B BB vs Roland-Story at PCM 7:15pm JV, B BB vs Roland-Story at PCM
26 25 8am HS Wartburg Meistersinger Honor Choir 10am Video Exercise Class
10am Video Exercise Class 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm School Board at ME 7pm PC Ambulance, City Hall 4:15pm JV2, G BB at Des Moines Christian 5:15pm JV2, G BB at Des Moines Christian 4:30pm 8, B BB at Nevada 4:30pm 7, B BB vs Nevada at PCM 6pm JV2, B BB vs Perry at PCM 7:15pm JV, B BB vs Perry at PCM
19 MLK Jr. Day 18 Monroe City Hall closed 1pm HS BB/SB Winter Workouts at MS
11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 5:30pm PC Park Board Monroe City Council 5pm V, GWR at Ballard 5pm JV, BWR at BCLUW 6pm JV2, BBB vs Grand View Christian at PCM 7:15pm JV, BBB vs Grand View Christian at PCM
11 12 1pm HS BB/SB Winter Workouts at MS 10am Video Exercise Class
5 4 SCHOOL RESUMES 1pm HS BB/SB Winter Workouts at MS
Abbreviations Mon=Monroe PC=Prairie City ME=Monroe Elementary HS=High School MS=Middle School PCE=Prairie City Elementary V=Varsity JV=Junior Varsity BB=Basketball WR=Wrestling TGP=The Gathering Place in Monroe
Sunday
Sign up the day before or by 9 a.m. the day of the meal is required by calling 641-792-7102.
Congregate Meals served weekdays at 11:30 a.m. at The Gathering Place in Monroe.
6:30am Kiwanis, Mon City Hall 8am Prayer and Coffee at TGP 9:30am Supervisors, Jasper County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 3:30pm V, G Bowling at Great Escape 4:30pm JV, G/B BB at Grand View Christian 5:45pm JV2, B BB at Grand View Christian 6pm V, G BB at Grand View Christian 7:30pm V, B BB at Grand View Christian
27
9:30am Supervisors, Jasper County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm Bingo at TGP 6pm PC Planning and Zoning 4:30pm JV, G BB vs Perry at PCM 6pm V, G BB vs Perry at PCM 7:30pm V, B BB vs Perry at PCM
20 8am Prayer and Coffee at TGP
9:30am Supervisors, County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6:30pm Mon Legion Auxiliary 6:30pm Kiwanis, Mon City Hall 4:30pm JV, G/B BB at West Marshall 5:45pm JV2, BBB at West Marshall 6pm V, GBB at West Marshall 7:30pm V, BBB at West Marshall
13 8am Prayer and Coffee at TGP
9:30am Supervisors, Jasper County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm Mon American Legion 4:30pm JV, GBB vs Roland-Story at PCM 6:pm V, GBB vs Roland-Story at PCM 7:30pm V, BBB vs Roland-Story at PCM
6 8am Prayer and Coffee at TGP
Tuesday
11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 4pm “Get Fit, Don’t Fall” with Amy Stephensen at TGP 5pm Economic Development Commission
3:30pm V, B Bowling at Great Escape 4:30pm 7, B BB vs Newton at PCM 4:30pm 8, B BB at Newton 4:30pm JV2, G BB vs Nevada at PCM 5:45pm JV2, B BB vs Nevada at PCM 7pm JV, B BB vs Nevada at PCM 6pm V, B WR at Albia
29 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP
28 Monroe Trash & Recycling Day
4:30pm MS, G WR at North Polk 4:30pm JV, G BB vs Nevada at PCM 6pm V, G BB vs Nevada at PCM 7:30pm V, B BB vs Nevada at PCM
30 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP
2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson 4:15pm MS, G WR at Colfax-Mingo 5pm JV, G BB vs Greene County at PCM 6pm V, G BB vs Greene County at PCM 7:30pm V, B BB vs Greene County at PCM 5pm V, B/G WR at Saydel
23 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP
22 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP
3:30pm V, B/G Bowling at Great Escape 4:15pm 8, B BB at Lynnville-Sully 5:45pm 7, B BB at Lynnville-Sully 6pm JV2, B BB vs Greene County at PCM 7:15pm JV, B BB vs Greene County at PCM
6pm V, G BB vs Saydel at PCM 7:30pm V, B BB vs Saydel at PCMj 5pm JV, B WR at Centerville 5pm V, G WR at Perry
16 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP
2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson
9 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP
11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson 4pm JV, G BB at South Hamilton 5:15pm JV, B BB at South Hamilton 6:45pm V, G BB at South Hamilton 8pm V, B BB at South Hamilton
2 NO SCHOOL
Friday
Community Building 9am PCM Dance Team Clinic at HS 10am V/JV, B WR at Nevada 2pm PCM Dance Team Show at HS
31 7am PC Lions Pancake Breakfast at
9am V, B WR at Urbandale
24 8am HS, District Large Group Speech TBD
1pm V, B/G Bowling at Ottumwa
17 9:30pm V, B WR at Perry
10am V, G WR at TBD
10 9am V, B WR at PCM
3 10am V, B WR at Osage Invitational
Saturday
Email news@pcmexplorer.com with your calendar item
11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 3:30pm V, B/G WR at Waukee 4:15pm MS, G WR at Woodward-Granger 4:30pm 8, B BB at Roland-Story 4:30pm 7, B BB vs Roland-Story at PCM 6pm V/JV, B WR at Green County 6pm JV2, B BB vs Saydel at PCM 7:15pm JV, B BB vs Saydel at PCM
15 9am Focus Group at TGP
10am Senior Living Series at TGP 3pm V, B/G Bowling at Adel 5:30pm V, G WR at Pleasantville 5:30pm V, B WR at West Marshall 6pm V, G BB vs Montezuma at PCM 7:30pm V, B BB vs Montezuma at PCM
8 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP
Monroe City Hall closed 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 10am Senior Living Series at TGP 11pm Movement with Sean at TGP
1 New Years Day NO SCHOOL
Thursday
11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 4pm “Get Fit, Don’t Fall” with Amy Stephensen at TGP 5pm Community Meal at Monroe United Methodist Church 6pm PC Celebration Commission 10am V, B/G Bowling at Bowlerama
21 Monroe Trash
11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm PC City Council 6pm Fine Arts Boosters Meeting at HS
14 Monroe Trash & Recycling Day
11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6:30pm Monroe Fire Dept. Meeting 4pm “Get Fit, Don’t Fall” with Amy Stephensen at TGP 6pm Bingo at TGP
7 Monroe Trash
Wednesday
January 2026
Pickup and delivery available
SNOWBLOWER TUNEUP Get Ready & REPAIR for Winter
For All your Propane Needs
NOTES:
Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
PCMExplorer Page 5
PCMExplorer
Page 6
Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025
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FOR SALE: 2008 Mercury Milan. Body in good shape. Has new tires, new battery, sunroof, heated seats. High mileage and needs new engine. $600 OBO. Please call 641275-0300. 2001 MITSUBISHI Gallant LS. 110,540 miles. V6, new tires, new battery, leather, loaded. Clean car. Clean title. Asking $4,375. Please call 641-521-5977.
We’re looking for a driven, self-motivated Part-Time Sales Representative to help grow and strengthen our business. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building relationships, meeting new people, and turning opportunities into results. WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR: • A self-starter with strong motivation and a desire to help our business thrive • Enjoys meeting and connecting with new people • Goal-oriented and comfortable working toward sales targets • Sales experience is a plus, but not required HOURS & EXPECTATIONS: • Part-time position • Hours will vary and depend on what it takes to achieve your sales goals • Flexible schedule with performance-based expectations If you’re energetic, confident, and ready to take ownership of your success, we’d love to hear from you. Send cover letter and resume to hr@newtondailynews.com. PLEASE RECYCYLE YOUR OLD NEWSPAPERS
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Overhead Doors and Openers
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Sam Berman & Sons Three Generations of Service Scrap Iron & Metals Roll-off Container Services
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10x24 Min 10x48 Max Concrete Floors 259-2523 1-800-549-0556 Inside/Outside Storage
• Concrete Floors
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• Overhead Doors
• Security Lighting
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Monroe Public Library 416 S. Buchanan St 641-259-3065 Hours: Mon., Wed & Fri: 12pm to 5pm, Tues. 10am-5pm Thurs: 10am-6pm Saturday: 9am-12pm
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