Thursday, June 19, 2025
Vol. 5, No. 44
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
A QUEEN IS CROWNED By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Nine girls from across the county took the stage in hopes of being crowned the 2025 Jasper County Fair Queen. The fair, which is celebrating its 170th year, will have a familiar face wearing the queen sash as 2024 Fair Princess and 2025 PCM graduate Meredith Chipps was selected during the ceremony held June 14 at the Newton Community Theatre. “It means so much to me,” Chipps said. “I didn’t want to exJamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer pect anything at all. I just knew PCM graduate Meredith Chipps is crowned 2025 Jasper that I was going to go out there County Fair Queen during a ceremony June 14 in Newton. and try my best. I knew a goal of
REV ‘EM UP
Cars once again lined the Monroe Square for the Monroe Classic Madness Car Show June 14
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Cars, and some trucks, in all different colors filled the streets around the Monroe Square for the Second Annual Monroe Classic Madness Car Show June 14.
Meredith Chipps, who served as princess in 2024, is named the 2025 Jasper County Fair Queen
mine was to become the princess and I knew I wanted to become the queen. I think it is just so special.” Before Chipps was crowned queen, she had the honor of crowning the next fair princess. 2025 Newton graduate Ella Machin was selected for the role just after she was chosen by her fellow candidates as Miss Congeniality. “This is huge. I remember when (Logan Chandler) was fair princess and we hung out all the time and I looked up to her. I am so excited to be a kind face for people at the fair,” Machin said. “(Being named Miss Congeniality) is such an accomplishment
for me. All of these girls are amazing.” The contest saw all nine girls show off their personalities by explaining what the theme of the fair “Cakes, Critters and Candles — Let’s Celebrate” means to them. From homemade cakes with each layer having a specific memory and meaning from the fair to slide presentations of pictures from fairs past and how it impacted them, the girls shared why that week is one they look forward to each year. The ceremony continued with the girls in their formal wear answering randomly selected QUEEN | 3
A beautiful day for a farmers’ market Stands fill Garden Square Park as Prairie City Farmers’ Market returns from 5 to 7 p.m. each Thursday
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Each Thursday evening community members are invited to check out the Prairie City Farmers’ Market for fresh food and goods along with a variety of food trucks
Do you smell what the golf tournament is cooking? Uri Sellers Memorial Golf Tournament back June 21 with a WWE theme By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Come on, brother, it’s time to celebrate the 2025 Uri Sellers Memorial Golf Tournament. With a WWE/WrestleMania theme the tournament, set for June 21 at Gateway Recreation, is sure to be a one-of-a-kind event. “We try to keep things fun
and memorable by introducing a new theme each year,” tournament organizer and Uri’s brother Caleb Sellers said. “We’re encouraging golfers to dress up as their favorite wrestlers or, at the very least, wear a wrestling-themed T-shirt. We’ve already heard about some legendary throwback wrestlers making an appearance on the course. Expect a little flair, a little spandex, and a whole lot of fun.” The golf tournament, which took over for the slow-pitch softball tournament a few years ago, features best ball play along with several on-course
games and contests, a silent auction, raffle, lunch and starting at 7 p.m. live music from a two-man band featuring Keith Davis and Chris DeJoode. “They put on a great show and always bring the energy — it’s more than music, it’s an experience,” Sellers said. “We’re mixing up a few of the on-course games and rotating hole assignments to keep things fresh and fun for everyone. We’re also inviting the broader community to come out in the afternoon — bring your lawn chairs, grab Submitted Photo a memorial T-shirt, purchase Five seniors from the PCM Class of 2025 were awarded Uri Sellers TOURNAMENT | 3
Memorial Scholarhips. To date 61, graduates have received scholarships from the organization.
Making memories with the Monroe Public Library
Summer events including a magician and foam cannon are favorites for kids in the community
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
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