Thursday, May 29, 2025
Vol. 5, No. 41
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
Graber’s title headlines historic state meet for PCM boys track team By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer
DES MOINES — Riley Graber put himself into the conversation of winning a state title in the 400-meter dash when he broke 50 seconds and placed fourth at the Drake Relays back in April. The PCM senior made the state championship a reality on May 22 when he went under 49 seconds for the first time. But it was just the beginning of an historic weekend for the PCM boys track and field team. “I couldn’t be prouder of what the
boys accomplished this weekend and the whole season,” PCM head boys track and field coach Logan Bieghler said. “We entered the weekend qualifying in 13 events, we medaled in nine of them and we set six school records.” Qualifying in 13 events and placing in nine of them are both the most in school history. The Mustangs also finished sixth in the final Class 2A standings and scored 34 points, which is the second-best finish and the second-most points scored at the state meet in school history. HISTORIC | 5
Troy Hyde/PCM Explorer PCM senior Riley Graber, center, started the Mustangs’ state track and field weekend with a win in the 400-meter dash on May 22. The Mustangs ended up sixth in the final Class 2A standings after placing in nine events.
IF YOU BUILD IT...
EMS providers recognized at same time countywide affiliation is established
New PCM Sports and Rec building proposal would add much-needed gym space for the communities
Supervisors sign proclamation for National Emergency Medical Services Week By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Is there no better time to establish a countywide EMS affiliation than during National Emergency Medical Services Week? Supervisors officially recognized EMS providers in a proclamation the same day local agencies agreed to a countywide EMS affiliation. Jamey Robinson, director of Jasper County Emergency Management Agency, told Newton News how important the affiliation is for agencies and the people they serve. “Getting the EMS affiliation established is a big step forward for the county,” he said. “It brings consistency, improved coordination and better access to resources for all agencies involved. Most importantly, it strengthens the emergency care we’re able to provide our residents.” Establishing a county-
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Renderings show the east and south elevation of the proposed PCM Sports and Rec building. The building would be placed next to the bus barn on the school district’s property.
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer A PCM alumnus is looking to bring a new amenity to be used by both communities. Local business owner and Monroe resident Kyle Edwards has proposed a PCM Sports and Rec Fieldhouse to be located on property at the PCM High School. “Knowing that I connected to so many different parts of the community, not just one group here or there, I felt like I was one of the best people in the community to do it,” Edwards said. “My
personal passion for this started with how can we unite our communities and also take care of the youth sports part of it.” The vision for the fieldhouse is to acquire land from the school district through a 99-year lease or purchase for appraised value with the goal to build a 30,000-square-foot facility. The project would be east facing and located near the current bus barn. “This is an ideal spot so it does not impede on any future expansion of school facilities,” Edwards said. “As part of this phase, we
would like to unite the school district as well as both cities in order to help fund the project.” To begin, a 28E agreement between both cities and the school district would be created for a shared use plan. A board would be created potentially consisting of a member from each contributing entity and four additional elected members. Edwards’ plan includes using PCM Sports & Rec to be a parent company in order to help provide insurance coverage, relieving the REC CENTER | 3
wide EMS affiliation has been a goal of Robinson’s ever since he was hired on to lead Jasper County EMA. In February, he received the greenlight from supervisors, who invested the necessary startup funds to pay for a medical director position to handle administrative duties and the like. Dr. Matthew Ferguson has since been recruited to serve as medical director. National EMS Week is observed May 18-24. According to the proclamation, Jasper County recognized EMS professionals for providing critical, life-saving care to residents and for responding to emergencies with skill, compassion and unwavering commitment. Robinson noted the proclamation means a lot. “This isn’t just a document you guys are signing to recognize EMS | 3
Meet the 2025 Jasper County Fair Queen candidates The nine candidates will take the stage June 14 in opes of being crowned queen Meredith Chipps Meredith Chipps is the daughter of Mitchell and Melissa Chipps. She recently graduated from PCM High School. This fall she plans to attend Iowa State University. Some activities she’s involved in are golf, FFA, 4-H and National Honor Society. Chipps would like to represent the Jasper County Fair as queen because she would like to meet more people from our county, make more memories and continue to express her love for our county fair to others.
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Chipps
Lindy Bokhoven Lindy Bokhoven is the daughter of Cassie Elscott and sister of Dakotah Bokhoven. She attends Lynnville-Sully High School and is a part of the Lynnville-Sully FFA Chapter, Lynnville-Sully Dance Team and the Kilduff Hotshots 4-H club. She would love to represent our county as fair queen because she is passionate about different animals and keeping agriculture an important aspect of my county, state, country and community.
Bokhoven
Avery Meyer Avery Meyer is a recent graduate at Newton Senior High School. Her parents are Cory and Kristina Meyer. She has been very involved throughout high school, participating in numerous activities such as the swim team, soccer, trap shooting, 4-H, FFA, county council, Quilts of Valor, student council, silver cord (100+ community service hours), red cord (donating blood 3+ times), the youth
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Meyer
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