Thursday, June 12, 2025
Vol. 5, No. 43
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
Embrace the madness Main road into
Monroe closed for resurfacing
Second annual Monroe Classic Madness Car Show back on the town square June 14
Jasper County is aiming to have it reopened by beginning of July By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Hundreds of people checked out the vehicles gathered around the Monroe square during the inaugural Monroe Classic Madness Car Show. The event is back starting at 8 a.m. June 14.
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Classic cars will once again line the streets of Monroe for the second annual Monroe Classic Madness Car Show. Registration opens at 8 a.m. with awards to be presented at 2 p.m. June 14 for the event on the Monroe town square sponsored by Chasing Cars. “Provided we have good weather, we are expecting more than 100 cars in attendance,” Chasing Cars Founder Chase Spencer said.
The inaugural show had so many cars it had to expand down neighboring streets. People strolled around the town square taking in the wide variety cars and trucks along with good food and fun games for the kids. This year, goodie bags will be available to the first 50 vehicles registered, there will be door prizes and a 50/50 drawing. All proceeds from the event will once again go to The Gathering Place of Monroe. “Also something of note is that
UP IN By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
For several years, the State of Iowa has often been blanketed by smoke from Canadian wildfires increasing health risks for residents. Jasper County has not been left out, with hazy skies becoming the norm from dawn until dusk. In recent days, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources issued a statewide Air Quality Alert. It was found that the Air Quality Index could reach the red or unhealthy category. During that time, the DNR recommended people avoid long or intense outdoor activities and take frequent breaks until the air quality improves.
we will be using a new registration system through Chasing Cars where we use QR Code window stickers that can be left on the car to continue sharing that particular car’s story no matter what car show they attend or even if they take that car to the grocery store,” Spencer. All vehicles are welcome and awards will be given for the top 10 and best of show along with four specialty trophies. Any questions can be directed to Spencer at chasingcars1970@gmail.com.
Work is underway to resurface Quicksilver Avenue in Monroe. Locally known as Old Highway 163, the road was filled with large potholes and patched cracks when the Jasper County Board of Supervisors gave approval to fix the rough roadway. The road, which has been closed for about two weeks, has a new base
and interlayer already complete. Before laying the surface layer, the crews will move to Prairie City and finish Poplar Avenue, which has also been closed for resurfacing. As long as the weather holds up, the county plans to have the surface layer complete and markings, shouldering and driveway rock work done for the roadway ready to reopen by the end of June or beginning of July.
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Quicksilver Avenue in Monroe is currently closed for a resurfacing project.
Jasper County once again dealing with potential health risks from Canadian wildfires smoke Sensitive groups including people with respiratory illness or heart disease, children, teenagers, the elderly and outdoor workers were advised to take extra precautions. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), Canada and the United States have experienced an increase in the frequency and intensity of wildfires, along with a greater risk for health effects from smoke. Even though the fires are thousands of miles away, the smoke can travel and remain potent, causing health issues for youth through senior citizens. “Catastrophic wildfires are impacting the lung health of people in all parts of the U.S. and Canada,” President and CEO of the American Lung
Association Harold Wimmer said. “We are not only seeing an increase in the frequency and devastating impact of fires, but they are also dispersing dangerous smoke and particle pollution across a larger area.” In 2023, Canada faced its worst wildfire year ever with large fires affecting all 13 provinces and territories. Although there were fewer fires in 2024, it still ranked among the top six wildfire seasons in the past 50 years. The U.S. also experienced a rise in wildfires, with 64,897 in 2024, up from 56,580 the previous year. Of note, wildfires have increased in Hawaii and areas of the Midwest and East Coast where they are not typically found. In 2025, Canada began its wildfire
season with fewer fires; however, the U.S. has already experienced devastating fires in Southern California, including the state’s second and third most destructive fires, as well as significant blazes in Texas, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Florida and South Carolina, the ALA said. While certain populations have a harder time with the smoke, it poses serious health hazards for anyone who breathes it. Smoke contains tiny particles — some so tiny that they can travel deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream — that can worsen chronic lung disease symptoms and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks SMOKE | 3
Jasper County secures bond sales for rail park and other projects $4.33M for economic development, $800K for conservation and sheriff’s office By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Jasper County recently secured a 4.86 percent interest rate for a $4.33 million bond sale, which will help finance the rail park located just northeast of Newton.
A publication of est. 1851
While it certainly wasn’t as flashy or energetic as a livestock auction, the county’s live bond sales for the rail park and other miscellaneous projects did break up the monotony of the Tuesday morning board of supervisors meeting, even more so when both sets of bids for the true interest costs came in under estimate.
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Two bond sales were up for bid: $4.33 million for the rail park, and $800,000 for conservation and sheriff ’s office projects. Jon Burmeister of PFM Financial Advisors walked county officials through the bidding process and the actual bond transaction, which was voted on later in the meeting when bids were verified. Robert W. Baird & Co. Inc. was the winning bidder in both bond
sales. Jasper County was able to secure a 4.86 percent interest rate for the $4.33 million bond, of which five financial institutions submitted bids. For the $800,000 bond, the county acquired a 3.91 percent interest rate from a pool of four bidders. Burmeister said Jasper County was shooting for an interest rate below 5 percent for both bonds. BOND SALES | 3
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