Thursday, June 26, 2025
Vol. 5, No. 45
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
Nothing compares to the delight of a bike ride
Corn Spokes Bike Co., now open in Monroe, features bicycle rentals, sales and service By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Are you wanting to hop on a bicycle and take a ride down the Red Rock Prairie Trail, but need a little help? Look no further than Corn Spokes Bike Co. in Monroe. Located on the corner of Taylor and Commerce Streets, the bike shop features rentals, sales and service for all things cycling. “We have new and used kids bikes, traditional bikes and electric bikes,” owner Jenny Van Gelder said. “We have a couple of e-bikes for rentals and we also service bikes and have accessories.” Jenny Van Gelder, along with her husband Matt and son Elliot, have owned
the building that formerly housed the Munson Sinclair service station for a little while. After the previous tenant left, they brainstormed what they could do with the commercial space on the square. Matt had a friend that got him into riding a few years ago and it sparked an idea for the available building. “I became more passionate about it,” Matt said. “I tried to share it with my family, do family rides on all of the paved trails around and find some place fun to eat, which helps motivate.” Since setting up shop, the family has been busier than they anticipated with the community coming out in force to BIKE SHOP | 2
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Members of the Monroe City Council stand with Corn Spokes Bike Co. owners Jenny, Elliot and Matt Van Gelder, center, during a ribbon cutting ceremony June 16.
Jasper and Marion counties to share costs of bridge replacement Engineer estimates counties will pay $100K each for bridge on County Line Road By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Jasper County formed an agreement with Marion County for the replacement of a bridge along the County Line Road, or South 128th Avenue, over a branch of the South Skunk River. A memorandum of understanding was approved this past week by the supervisors, which splits the costs of the bridge 50-50. County Engineer Michael Frietsch said the bridge — classified as Bridge S33 — is located south of Galesburg and east of East 84th Street South. The single-span steel beam bridge will span 50 feet and 24.5 feet wide. The bridge will also have a reinforced poured concrete deck set over steel backwall abutments. “A 50-footer should be adequate for that particular location,” Frietsch said. “So we’re looking at about $100,000 our share and Marion County $100,000 their share. So it’s going to be about a $200,000 total project. We have
Bohannan makes third run for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District Democratic candidate announces her campaign for the 2026 election cycle By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
investigations and soil samplings for the bridge, which is a practice nearly every bridge project has
History shows that just because a candidate makes multiple attempts to win an election doesn’t mean they can’t eventually pull through. U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks lost a number of times to Dave Loebsack before winning Iowa’s 1st Congressional District seat in a close 2020 election. Now her past Democratic challenger, Christina Bohannan, is attempting Bohannan the same thing for the 2026 election cycle, provided she is the favorite in the primary.
SHARE | 3
BOHANNAN | 3
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Jasper County Engineer Michael Frietsch speaks with the board of supervisors at a past meeting. Jasper County and Marion County are going to share costs for a bridge replacement project.
that currently scheduled to try to get up this fall. I’ll probably put out the steel package in July.” Marion County already paid for and authorized the geotechnical
Signed, sealed and delivered, finally Gov. Kim Reynolds signs pharmacy benefit manager reform to the delight of local pharmacies across the state and closer to home at Spring City Pharmacy By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer After weeks of waiting, community pharmacists across the state rejoiced as Gov. Kim Reynolds finally signed legislation reforming practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Senate File 383 introduces comprehensive oversight of PBMs, ensuring greater transparency, accountability and fairness in a system that has operated without adequate regulation and to the detriment of those trying to serve the community: pharmacists. “The passage of SF 383 is truly a lifeline for Spring City Pharmacy and for the patients we serve,” Spring City Pharmacy owner Brad Magg said. “As
A publication of est. 1851
the only pharmacy in Colfax — and the only locally owned pharmacy left in Jasper County — this new law helps level the playing field with the monopoly of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) who have made it nearly impossible for pharmacies to survive.” With the passage of this legislation, the pharmacy will no longer be reimbursed less than the cost of the drug. They will also be paid a $10.68 dispensing fee for each prescription, which is the state average of what the overhead costs to fill a prescription. “In simple terms, it gives us a fighting chance to keep our doors open, continue caring for our neighbors and PHARMACY | 3
Submitted Photo Community members from Colfax rally at the State Capitol in Des Moines in favor of Senate File 383, legislation reforming pharmacy benefits management for local pharmacies. Gov. Kim Reynolds recently signed the bill putting the legislation into action.
CONTACT US Newsroom: 641-792-3121, ext. 7 • Advertising: 641-792-3121, ext. 2 Subscriptions/Delivery: 866-979-1053 • Billing: 641-792-3121, ext. 6
Single Copy $1