Jasper County purchases hardware to print absentee ballots in-house
County auditor says new equipment can cut costs in half every election cycle
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
The Jasper County Auditor’s Office will be obtaining new hardware to print off absentee ballots in-house during elections rather than ordering them out of state.
Supervisors approved the new piece of hardware called “Ballot on Demand” for a total of $8,825, which includes a warranty license, maintenance and support fees. Jasper County Auditor Jenna Jennings said the hardware would only print absentee ballots, which is what many other offices do around the state.
Typically, the County Auditor’s Office has ballots printed and shipped directly from Omaha. Election Day ballots will still be printed and shipped this way. At the last general election, Jennings said about 27,500 ballots were ordered at a cost of 27 cents each. Coupled with other fees, that totals to about $9,400.
“We think we can cut the costs in about half with every election that we are printing our own,” Jennings said. “We think it also
would be nice to have that as a safeguard if we get low on our stock. And we’re always trying to hit that fine line of getting as close to zero left in the office at the end of the day.”
But the Jasper County Auditor’s Office also wants to make sure it has enough in case more citizens show up to vote. Jennings argued the more than $8,000 price tag of the hardware will pay for itself over time. She said the auditor’s office went through 8,237 absentee ballots during the 2024 election.
“We’re seeing an uptick in absentee voters as we continue to go through the years,” Jennings said.
Election Systems & Software’s Ballot on Demand system includes a printer, laptop and BOD software. According to the company’s website, the system automates and streamlines ballot production and distribution, offering flexible options for on-demand ballot printing needs.
Security features include a physical and system access controls, audit logs, encryption, validation and digital signature and system application controls.
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
Ed Machin receives his award at the Jasper County 2025 4-H Hall of Fame selection during the ceremony Aug. 17 at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines.
HALL OF FAME
Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Poll data is sealed in blue bags on Election Day. The Jasper County Auditor’s Office recently purchased new hardware to print absentee ballots in-house,
Submitted Photo
Prairie City Co-Ed Softball League champions Team GVO. Front row: Maci Dejong, Bo
Clymer, Zach Findlow, Mikey Thul and Bryce Wignall. Back row: Lisa Findlow, McKen-
zie Waddell, TJ Findlow, Camryn Wignall, Zach Waddell and Wyatt Green.
Worth Mentioning
Send your event to news@pcmexplorer.com
PCM Food Pantry
The PCM Food Pantry at the Monroe Presbyterian Church, 113 S. Main St. in Monroe, is open 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon and 6 to 7 p.m. Mondays.
PCM Clothing Closet
The PCM Clothing Closet, 100 W. Jefferson St. in Prairie City, is open from 9 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. every Thursday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Upcoming events at The Gathering Place in Monroe
Thursday, Aug. 21
• 9am Focus Group
• 1pm Movement with Sean
Friday, Aug. 22
• 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson
• 7pm Patty Richards Country Show
Monday, Aug. 25
• 10am Video Exercise Class
Tuesday, Aug. 26
• 8am Coffee and Prayer
• Thursday, Aug. 28
• 1pm Movement with Sean
• 5pm Acoustic Jamm
TOPS
TOPS 1025 meets at 5:30 p.m. every Monday at the First Reformed Church in Prairie City for weigh-in, with meeting to follow. Go to the north side parking lot at the church and enter in the north door. Call 515-994-2200 for information.
Lighthouse Recovery meetings
Lighthouse Recovery Ministries host a Men’s and Ladies Recovery meeting at 6:30 p.m. each Monday at Grace Alive Church, 703 W. Second St. in Prairie City. Contact Barb at b.miller@lighthouserecoveryia.com with questions.
GriefShare to begin fall session
First Reformed Church in Prairie City will begin a fall session of GriefShare from 6:30 to 8 p.m. beginning Wednesday, Aug. 27 in the junior high room at FRC; participants can park in the north parking lot and use the back doors. Each week, for 11 weeks, we will watch an informative video and have a time of discussion and sharing. The $20 registration fee covers cost of the workbook participants will use throughout each week. (Scholarships are available). GriefShare is a Christ-centered support group for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. For more information contact Mary Lemmert at 515-205-0835 or go to GriefShare.org.
Mosquito spraying Aug. 28
The City of Monroe reminds residents mosquito spraying dates are scheduled for Aug. 28.
Iowa State University extension and outreach launches monthly ‘Garden Q and A Live’ program
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach invites all seasoned horticulturists and budding gardeners to get their questions answered with its new interactive program, Garden Q&A Live.
Held monthly via Zoom, Garden Q&A Live offers Iowans the chance to connect directly with horticulture experts and receive personalized advice on all things gardening. Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist at Iowa State, said the new program is a great way for gardeners of all skill levels to learn from horticulture experts.
“All of us have questions from time to time in the garden, lawn and landscape,” said Steil. “Whether you’re
troubleshooting a stubborn weed or wondering what to plant next season, Garden Q&A Live is designed to provide reliable, research-based answers tailored to Iowa and similar upper Midwest climates. No question is too big or too small.”
Topics for each session range widely, including trees, shrubs, fruits, vegetables, indoor plants, container gardening, lawns, weeds, pests, diseases and general plant care.
To join, participants must preregister for each virtual session, which takes place on the second Monday of each month from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. The first session will be held Sept. 8.
National School Lunch and Breakfast Program
2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households, students receiving benefits under the Family Investment Program (FIP) and students in a few specific Medicaid programs are eligible for free or reduced price meals. Most students from SNAP and FIP households will be qualified for free meals automatically. These households will receive a letter from their student’s schools notifying them of their benefits. Households that receive a letter from the school need to do nothing more for their student(s) to receive free or reduced price meals. No further application is necessary. If any students were not listed on the notice of eligibility, the household should contact the school to have free or reduced price meal benefits extended to them. If you feel you would qualify for free meal benefits and received notification qualifying for reduced price benefits, complete an application for free and reduced price meals. Households must contact the school if they choose to decline meal benefits.
3. Some SNAP and FIP households will receive a letter from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) which will qualify the children listed on the letter for free meals. Parents must take this letter to the student’s school to receive free meals.
4. SNAP or FIP households receiving benefits that do not receive a letter from Iowa HHS must complete an application with the abbreviated information as indicated on the application and instructions, for their students to receive free meals. When the application lists an assistance program’s case number for any household member, eligibility for free benefits is extended to all students in a household. Eligibility from the previous year will continue within the same school for up to 30 operating days into the new school year. When the carryover period ends, unless the household is notified that their students are directly certified or the household submits an application that is approved, the students must pay full price for school meals and the school will not send a reminder or a notice of expired eligibility. An application cannot be approved unless complete eligibility information is submitted. Applications may be submitted at any time during the year. If a family member becomes unemployed the family should contact the
Primary Health Care offers:
•
• Free hepatitis C testing (if qualified)
• PrEP (HIV prevention medication)
• PEP (emergency medication for preventing
• Help connecting to care & treatment for people
•
Attendees can submit questions in advance when they register or ask them live during the session. They’re also encouraged to share photos to help experts better understand specific issues. The program is available at no cost and is open to the public.
While the sessions are not recorded, each live event is a unique opportunity to learn from professionals and fellow gardeners across Iowa.
“Even if you don’t have a question, you’re welcome to join and grow your gardening knowledge,” Steil added.
To register for upcoming sessions and learn more, visit the Garden Q&A Livepage.
if you believe you have been treated unfairly. In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ad3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410; or fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or email: Program.Intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Iowa Non-Discrimination Statement: (revised 7-1-25) It is the policy of this CNP
as
by the
in its
and
or
If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 6200 Park Ave, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50321; phone number 515-281-4121 or 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.
Des Moines
Ames
2nd Wednesday of the month 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
PHC
Marshalltown
The City of Monroe will host city-wide garage sales Saturday, Sept. 27.
Monroe City-wide Garage Sales
and wanted to come back and play again each week.”
Hall of Fame
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were old enough to participate. The biggest step he took to ensure the future of the fair was becoming a Jasper County Fair board member.
As a board member, Machin, who lives in Newton, has used his knowledge of construction — his full-time job — to upgrade many building and systems throughout the grounds. From
Park
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“My goal is always continual improvement,” Steenhoek said.
One area that will remain the same is using the 16-inch softball.
Steenhoek plans to review the reason, take the feedback from the teams and plan for the next year. He is already looking at a few minor changes including league games ending in ties, removing the two-week roster lock rule and deciding on strict rule enforcement. He also hopes to improve how the umpires are found for each game. He said ideally they would like volunteers not associated with either team that is playing.
“The reason for using this size of ball originally was to neutralize the playing field, limit home run balls,” Steenhoek said. “We did have a few over the fence home runs during the season still, which was impressive!” He hopes to add a few teams and sign up is already available for 2026.
replacing concrete, installing a new public address system, upgrading the bath house, fixing waterlines and addressing electrical issues, Machin’s expertise is felt everywhere.
His biggest project to date is the new Geisler-Penquite Youth Learning Center. He had dreamed of building a new multi-use building on the fairgrounds and even when the funding didn’t come through as he had hoped, Machin was undeterred. Along with a few friends, Machin went door-to-
support the department. The dream is coming true as the nature center is nearly finished.
It took years of fundraising to get to this point, and there is still plenty left to do. Kramer was pivotal in helping lead the charge for the nature center, now known as the Dana King Ceretti Environmental Education Center. In honor of her dedication to conservation, the facility will now reside in Kramer Park.
Friends, loved ones and community members gathered for the official unveiling on Aug. 15. The park sign was hidden behind a thick tarp, which Kramer pulled off with the help of daughters Anne Yakle and Katy Kramer Lee. Kramer was touched to see so many people attend the event.
“My goodness,” Kramer said with a smile. “I want to thank you all for coming. This place means the world to me.
door collecting donations and came back with 75 percent of the funds needed. The building didn’t quite make its debut at the 2025 fair, but requests to reserve the building are already coming in for when it is complete.
When the Geisler-Penquite Youth Learning Center opens, it will mark more than $600,000 worth of improvements Machin has been a part of at the Jasper County Fair.
“It’s what I do for a living,” Machin said. “It was a matter of
I’m only sorry that Fritz isn’t here — but he’s here in spirit — because we have dreamed about this ever since I started teaching. And that was a long time ago.”
She recalled speaking with then-Conservation Board Director Dennis Black about finding a new home for the department that kids would enjoy. He agreed and told her it was certainly possible, but it would cost a lot of money. Kramer told him she wasn’t rich, but she could definitely raise some money.
“We did that and now we’re here,” Kramer said. “…We’re ready to go to serve the kids in Jasper County, and I’m so proud of that. At the age of 88, I am ready.”
Jasper County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante said the nature center project has been in the works for more than three decades, and Kramer has been along for the ride ever since. Naming the park after her seemed fitting, considering all that she has done not only for conservation but the community.
“It was a Conservation Board decision to honor Carol and Fritz for all of their
Also, there are general components of leadership such as communication or representation that are part of nearly all situations or roles. Monroe’s government is made up of a Mayor and 5 Council Members. The Mayor is elected for a 2 year term and Council persons serve 4 year terms. There are no wards in Monroe, just a general election. Any resident over 18 can vote, if they are registered and live in Monroe.
The City Council acts as the official policy making body of the City, adopting all ordinances, resolutions and approving contracts required by the City. The Council analyzes proposals to meet community needs, initiates action for new programs and determines the ability of the City to provide financing for City operations. The Council also reviews, modifies, and approves the annual budget. Additionally, the Council performs other miscellaneous duties, including appointments to various boards and commissions and responds to community groups and individual constituents. Each Council member is assigned to a city department.
Council meetings are held the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Council work sessions may be held as needed. Work sessions are informational only; no final decisions are made at these sessions. Special meetings may be called by the Mayor, Council member or City Administrator as needed. In addition to the meetings, you should allow time for other duties; such as out of town meetings, phone calls and conversing with citizens at local events. Over the winter months the Mayor and Council will spend several hours in meetings during the budget planning process. Iowa law now requires training for all newly elected and appointed officials as of July 1, 2025.
Compensation for council members is $50.00 per meeting. The mayor receives a salary of $2,500.00 per year. Payroll for the Mayor and Council is done on a quarterly basis.
The nomination papers require at least 10 signatures of Monroe residents. The following seats are up for election: Mayor Duinink, Council members for a four year term are – Andrea Steenhoek, Jennifer St. Peter and Jeff Shannon (by appointment).
The filing period for candidates begins August 25, 2025, and ends September 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. For questions and nomination papers you can stop by the Monroe City Hall or go to the Secretary of State website at http://sos.iowa.gov/elections/ pdf/candidateselectioninfo/cityelections.html
Early-bird sign up will give teams a discount through May 15, 2026 and the season is planned for June 28, 2026 through the Aug. 2, 2026 tournament. “I’m so grateful the City of Prairie City was able to offer this new recreational activity in our community,” Steenhoek said. “Having it come from a simple idea, planning and organizing it for almost a year prior, then having it come to a successful event was very rewarding for me. I encourage anyone to sign a team up next year or attend some of the games to see what it’s all about.”
coordinating all of the contractors.” It isn’t just the big projects that Machin takes part in. Despite his busy work and life schedules, weeks before kids and animals descend upon the Colfax grounds, Machin can be found prepping the fair to make it the best it can be for the upcoming year. Likewise, once the fair is over, Machin makes sure it is ready for the upcoming winter season. His passion has been passed on to his family who can often
be seen helping on projects at the fair or helping anyone who needs assistance while at the fair or on a project. His daughter Ella was even selected as Jasper County Fair Princess for the 2025 fair.
“His unwavering support by sharing his time and talents and his countless hours spent have been vital to those who use and enjoy our fairgrounds,” the nominating committee said. “We are proud to induct Ed into the 4-H Hall of Fame.”
gifts they have given to Jasper County,” Van Zante said in an interview with Newton News. “I don’t think conservation would be what it is without Carol. She knows everybody. She’s a pillar in our community … Her impact is all encompassing.”
In October 2024, Jasper County Conservation held a groundbreaking ceremony for the nature center, which is named after
has provided generous donations to the project and held a donation challenge. Van Zante said conservation is still raising funds for the nature center. Currently, staff are hoping to have a grand opening as early as November 2025.
Dana King Ceretti, the daughter of Jeff and Jodi King. Dana King Ceretti died in late 2009 at age 30. The King family
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer
Carol Kramer has served on the Jasper County Conservation Board for more than 30 years.
It’s time
Politicians are betraying Gen Z on climate
By Olabisi Omoniyi-Alake
Like many other Gen-Zers, I have an interest in sustainability initiatives. Our rapidly changing climate — and our constant exposure to it on social media — encourages us to be more active in seeking out ways to reduce our environmental impacts.
As more Gen-Zers enter the workforce, 74 percent of us have reported wanting to find a sustainable employer. We also place a strong emphasis on supporting sustainability with our dollars, with Gen-Zers on average willing to spend 10 percent more on sustainable items and brands.
One surprising trend that’s taken off as a result of these concerns? Crafting.
Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the socalled fiber arts — like knitting, embroidery, quilting, crocheting, and so on — have helped Gen-Zers channel their environmental concerns into their wardrobes while also expressing their creativity. Once labeled a “grandma activity,” a stunning 73 percent of crocheters are now between the ages of 18 and 34, according to one website dedicated to the craft.
The explosion of fiber arts on TikTok and Instagram inspired me to take up knitting, thrifting, and crocheting as a way to expand my wardrobe consciously while limiting the amount of waste I produce.
Last year, I knit a sweater for my mother for her birthday and crocheted a scarf for my father for Christmas. I love taking weekend thrifting trips with my friends, exploring new areas as we purchase second-hand clothing. Engaging in fiber arts and eco-conscious shopping helps me feel closer to my community while reducing my environmental impact.
But while young people are knitting sweaters and thrifting new clothes, our representatives in Congress are passing huge giveaways to the fossil fuel industry and attacks on sustainability.
President Trump’s recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill” will significantly reduce funding for sustainable programs. It will drastically scale back the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits, which have accelerated the clean energy sector. This will hinder the transition to clean energy, raise energy prices, and substantially increase carbon emissions.
The bill also introduces “pay to play” provisions that will allow large companies to pay fees for expedited environmental reviews, effectively repealing the National Environmental Policy Act. By bypassing these reviews, these companies can avoid regulatory requirements to streamline gas or oil drilling projects.
The bill also included a measure that would have forced the unprecedented sale of 250 million acres of public lands. These lands, which include hiking trails, drinking water, and critical wildlife migration corridors, would be made available for companies to purchase for oil drilling.
This provision was stripped after a massive public outcry, but the danger remains that it could be reintroduced in one form or another.
These changes are accompanied by a historic increase in the military budget, throwing an extra $150 billion into the Pentagon, which has a carbon footprint larger than most entire countries. This will raise the total Pentagon budget to over $1 trillion annually. Unless it’s repealed, Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill will be a disaster for the planet — and my generation. It’s incredibly frustrating as an individual trying to lessen my impact on the environment — spending hours knitting, crocheting, and thrifting — while watching politicians on Capitol Hill greenlight massive polluters. My actions, and the collective actions of my generation, deserve to be acknowledged. We deserve to have our sustainability concerns reflected in our federal budget. We’re doing our part — don’t erase our progress.
Olabisi Omoniyi-Alake is a Henry A. Wallace Fellow at the Institute for Policy Studies.
lins. This multi-agency effort will ban the purchase of American farmland by Chinese nationals, terminate existing contracts with foreign adversaries, and claw back land already bought through deceptive practices.
It will also remove hundreds of foreign nationals from sensitive USDA research projects and halt dangerous partnerships, like those exposed at the University of Michigan and even here in Iowa, where USDA was collaborating on bird flu experiments with researchers linked to the Wuhan Institute of Virology. That has now been shut down.
The CCP’s strategy is clear: infiltrate our supply chains, buy up our land, steal intellectual property, manipulate our research, and exploit our free markets, all without firing a shot. We cannot let them succeed.
President Trump’s plan tackles this head-on. It includes tougher penalties for hiding foreign ownership, closer monitoring of foreign supply chain vulnerabilities, and new guardrails to protect our agricultural technology from theft.
This isn’t about isolationism. It’s about survival. It’s about making sure Iowa farmers can compete on a level playing field. It’s about protecting the land that feeds America and defending the bases that protect her.
Iowans deserve to know who owns the land next door. And they deserve leaders who will fight to keep it in American hands.
I’m proud to stand with President Trump to stop the CCP’s land grab, secure our food supply, and defend the homeland. It’s not just smart policy, it’s national security.
OPINION
The Dark Side
We see it now; we see it again. It has arisen from the depths as it always does and will do — the dark side of America. It has always been here, sometimes apparent, sometimes not. It was submerged for many years, but always waiting and pondering the time it was to rise again. The reaction to George Floyd, the new demonstrations, the anger of the black public once again rose from dormancy and told white America it was not finished, there is more to do.
And once again white America reacted: it took a while but it slowly gathered momentum — the attack on what is now called DEI — diversity, equity, inclusion. We no longer call it racism; but it is racism at its finest and most inclusive. One simply can’t hide the obvious. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are, or at least have been, words of importance, words denoting common values and goals. Not now.
We now have the vocabulary to stigmatize anyone who is not white or properly white-like and with that stigmatization gather again the forces of repression and exclusion. They have always been with us; sometimes muted and sometimes not. Now they have again risen to dominate the landscape. Trump is not the source of this; he is the result and rides its momentum.
SPEAK OUT
Brandon Talsma, chair 4309 W Fourth St. S. Newton, IA 50208 641-526-3142 btalsma@jasperia.org
This too will fade, but not before it does damage to all of us. It is the acceptance of brutality towards thousands if not millions. It is the effort to destroy our educational institutions which produce those who question. It is a quest of power unprecedented in American history. It is the empowerment of those who most vehemently want a white society with what they believe is the power to obtain it. What makes the movement more dangerous than it would be otherwise is the realization that it is not to be. The battle for whiteness will not achieve its goal. We, the United States, have become what it was always envisioned by some to be: a haven for those who need a haven, a new beginning, an escape from an intolerable life. And most of these new people are not white and many are not Christian both of which are anathema to what is suppose to be here — whites and Christians.
Our Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, quoting a bible verse as the culmination of the passage of Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” encapsulates perfectly the prevailing attitude. The United States does not have enough births to replace its population. Japan and China with their aging populations have the same issue and may soon have a crisis of aging. How do they support all their old people and have enough workers for their factories and farms? We,
here in the United States, don’t have this problem - yet. We have immigrants who do the work and their children will be Americans just like us; a fact that is intolerable to many. If nothing else we are talking simple economics. We live in a capitalist world; a capitalist world depends on an expanding population with increasing wealth — what is produced has to be consumed. Consumption is the necessary element in a modern economy. Without consumption there will be no production; without production there will be no jobs; without jobs there will be no Social Security for those who require it. Immigration fuels our economy and supports our aged. Those who support this new racism in the name of DEI have no understanding of the consequences if their wishes were to be realized when thousands if not millions of people here in the United States are picked up and forcibly deported to places unknown to them. Treating people poorly not only reflects on us as a people but affects us in many ways obviously hidden to many. There are more reasons not to be a racist than to be one but to understand this would take some reflection and maybe some kindness. As I began, the dark side of America has arisen again. It does so periodically but regularly. I wish it were not so. Richard E H Phelps II Mingo
How to contact your elected officials Jasper County Supervisors
Doug Cupples, vice chair 1205 S. 20th Ave. W. Newton, IA 50208 641-521-8725 dcupples@jasperia.org
Thad Nearmyer
4360 S. 96th Ave. W. Monroe, IA 50170
641-891-8863
tnearmyer@jasperia.org
