Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025
Vol. 6, No. 26
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
Letting her roots shine
Lack of affordable childcare looms large in Jasper County
Wild Roots Boutique and Suites now open in former Prairie Escape Wellness Center location in Prairie City
The Jasper County Community Health Needs Assessment found childcare and early childhood education a top concern for residents
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Sparkle and shine, bright colors and funky decorations — Wild Roots Boutique and Suites, now in Prairie City, is open and excited to welcome in the community. Located in the former Prairie Escape Wellness Center at 301 W. Jefferson St., Wild Roots features women-led businesses from a hair salon to nail technician, a tattoo artist, message therapist and esthetician. “I like color, I like funky, I like happy. I think disco balls make you happy,” owner Kayci Bloethe said. “Wild Roots is WILD ROOTS | 3
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of articles exploring the results of the Jasper County Community Health Needs Assessment. Lack of childcare is a top concern in the community Health Needs Assessment, and it is an issue that has been present in the county for an extended period of time. With a workforce shortage perception of
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Kayci Bloethe, owner of Wild Roots Boutique and Suites, shows off her fun and funky design aesthetic in the business’s new location in Prairie City.
League of Women Voters hosts legislative gathering Feb. 15 at DMACC
more than 56 percent for childcare providers in the county, finding quality childcare close to home is more difficult than ever for local families. More than 16 percent of respondents also eported they were unable to get childcare when it was needed in the past year. For those who attended the community town hall meeting, lack of childcare was a top CHILDCARE | 3
100 days ‘older’ and wiser PCM Elementary kids celebrate 100 days of school Feb. 5
Rep. Dunwell confirmed to appear to give updates and answer questions By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer The League of Women Voters of Jasper County will be hosting its first legislative gathering of the year at 10 a.m. Feb. 15 at DMACC Newton Campus. Scheduled to attend the public event is House Rep. Jon Dunwell, who will be providing updates and answering questions about the goings on at the Iowa Legislature. Sen. Ken Rozenboom has also been invited to attend. House Rep. Barb Kniff McCulla, whose district covers most of the Prairie City and
Monroe communities, cannot attend the first event but is scheduled to participate alongside Dunwell in a forthcoming event at 10 a.m. March 11 at the Newton Public Library. Legislative gatherings have garnered energetic discussions about some of the most talked about topics that have come before the legislature. Education has proven to be a major talking point in past events, particularly when the governor proposed the reform of the AEAs and introduced education savings accounts, or vouchers, for private schools.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Newton News and PCM Explorer take home 4 first-place plaques at INA awards By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Newton News and the PCM Explorer took home four first-place plaques last week at the Iowa Newspaper Association Convention and Awards Ceremony in downtown Des Moines. Both newspapers, along with the Jasper County Tribune, received top-three placements in 14 categories for their reporting, photography and graphics. “I am always impressed Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorers with the work our staff puts Four first-place plaques highlighted the 14 placements for the Newton in keeping the public inNews and PCM Explorer in Des Moines at the Iowa Newspaper Association formed week in and week Convention and Awards Ceremony Feb. 6.
A publication of est. 1851
Shaw Media papers received placements in 14 categories at annual convention
out,” editor Jamee A. Pierson said. “To be recognized for our efforts by our peers is exciting, and I am very proud of everyone who contributes to making our papers great.” The ceremony was held Feb. 6 at the Marriott Hotel. Presentations were made to the winners of the 2025 Iowa Better Newspaper Contests, which was judged this year by the Kansas Press Association. Approximately 3,200 entries in dozens of categories were judged by class, which is based on circulation size. Newton News competed in Class IV, which is for
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newspapers published more than once a week with a circulation under 3,750. PCM Explorer and Jasper County Tribune, which cover the smaller communities of Jasper County, competed in Class I for newspapers published once a week with 755 circulation and under. SIX PLACEMENTS FOR NEWTON NEWS Sports Editor Troy Hyde won Best Sports Section for the Newton News. Judges praised the quality writing and page layout. Hyde also earned third place for Best AWARDS | 3
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