Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025
Vol. 5, No. 51
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
New, fresh look
City of Monroe debuts new user friendly website
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Hive & Petal owner Catherine Schut holds a bouquet of flowers grown on her farm in rural Jasper County.
Sweet as honey, flowers so fresh The City of Monroe debut a new website with user-friendly features and a fresh look.
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Need to pay a city bill, view a meeting agenda or get a hold of a city official? Head on over to the new City of Monroe website. Completely redesigned, the website is made to be user-friendly and full of information for citizens and those
looking to visit the community. “I think it looks great,” City Administrator Kim Thomas said. “It’s easy to use.” The homepage features the latest news in the city from what is happening with the city council to community events and roadwork that is proposed or underway. The agenda center shows agendas for
City of Monroe
all city meetings and is updated with minutes from those meetings as they occur. Those looking to visit Monroe can learn the history of the town, from being founded in 1843 by Adam Tool and William Highland to some of the first settlers in the WEBSITE | 3
Hive & Petal owner Catherine Schut brings her passion for connection and sustainability to her growing flower farm By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer About a decade ago, Catherine Schut started down a path that would bloom into a successful business and ongoing process of learning and
growing along with her land. Hive & Petal, a boutique flower farm dedicated to growing florals, is the product of a lot of hard work and passion for building a sustainable FARM | 3
Jasper County recruits BBS for architectural services for training center Facility will allow for growth opportunities for sheriff’s office By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Supervisors have recruited architectural firm BBS Architects Engineers to help with the Jasper County Law Enforcement Training Center project. Specifically, the board of supervisors approved a ser-
vice order with BBS for the design and construction documentation, bidding assistance, construction administration and structural engineering for the training center, which is being renovated from the old Jasper County Animal Rescue League building. Adam Sparks, mainte-
nance director of Jasper County, presented the service order to supervisors during the July 15 board meeting. For the aforementioned scope of services, it will cost the county $79,900. BBS will essentially handle the schematic designs, bidding FACILITY | 3
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Supervisors approved a service order with an architectural firm for the training center project for the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.
SPECTACULARLY SPOOKY
Ghosts and ghouls of all ages had a great time at the 2025 Monroe Old Settlers
Christopher Braunschweig and Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
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