Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025
Vol. 6 No. 3
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
Jasper County Ponder tapped as interim funeral assistance city administrator in now only covers Prairie City cremations
City administrator and city clerk roles looking to be filled in Prairie City
Supervisors change policy to be more in line with current trends, other counties
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Current Prairie City Library Director Sue Ponder is taking on a new role. At a special city council meeting Aug. 25, Ponder was named interim city administrator while the city begins the search for a new person to fill the role. “Sue is an invaluable member of the city team and her interim appointment reflects the trust and confidence place in her abilities,” Prairie City Mayor Chad Alleger said. Ponder, who recently celebrated 20 years with the city as library director, is taking over for former city administrator Jerry Moore who recently left the position. The role makes recommendations and guides future PC ADMIN | 2
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Sue Ponder, Prairie City’s current library director, will serve as interim city administrator for the city following the departure of former admin Jerry Moore.
Jasper County is now only allowing cremation services for indigent burials. The board of supervisors approved the policy changes for Jasper County General Assistance in a 3-0 vote this past week after discussing the matter briefly during a work session the week before. Connie McQuiston, director of general assistance, said indigent burial services had previously funded traditional burials or cre-
mations. However, the new policy now only allows cremations to be covered by the county. McQuiston said the vast majority of the requests have been for cremation services. “I see that trend continuing,” she said. “Along with that I would ask that we raise the maximum allowed for that service. Currently, it’s at $800, and I would like to raise that to $1,200. The guidelines pertaining to that category have not been updated for six BURIALS | 2
Local elections take the spotlight in 2025 Seats for local city councils and the school board available in the Nov. 4 election By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Several seats are up for grabs in the Nov. 4 election for Monroe City Council, Prairie City City Council and the PCM School Board. The filing period recently opened for interested parties to turn in nomination papers by the
Sept. 18 deadline. City of Monroe In Monroe, the mayoral seat and three city council positions will be on the ballot. While many citizens may only know about the votes taken at the monthly meetings, the city describes it as a much more interested undertaking. “The reality of policy lead-
ership is more complex, challenging and interesting. In fact, the roles of mayor or council are multi-faceted, fluid and at times can be situational,” the City of Monroe said. “The many roles that policy leaders assume all require various skills and may rely on a variety of strategies and methods. Also, there are
general components of leadership such as communication or representation that are part of nearly all situations or roles.” Elected officials work also includes acting as the official policy making body of the City, adopting all ordinances, resolutions and approving contracts required by the
WELCOME TO PCM By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Name: Caroline Vecchio Position at PCM: Special Education Teacher Education: Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, working on Master’s in Special Education Work history: I have worked as a paraeducator for the past two years while working on my special education license! I have also worked at Christian Opportunity Center this summer. What attracted you to PCM to teach? I have always loved small towns and the small town feel. I love the sense of community that it provides and Monroe seems to provide just that! I have always known that I wanted to teach at a smaller school district because I like to be able to genuinely know all staff and students. What is your favorite teaching method, how do you like to interact with the kids? I love doing handson learning and learning that is applicable to the real world! I love for ev-
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erything to be purposeful and to build meaningful relationships. What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching? One lesson that I have learned in the two years working as a paraeducator is to really celebrate the small wins. I think celebrating students for the smallest of wins gives them confidence and also just deserves to be celebrated! What are you most excited for this school year? I am so excited to meet the amazing staff and students at PCM! I love to teach and I am so excited to get my career started! Name: Elijah Strong Position at PCM: English Educator Education: High School Diploma — Indianola High School, Bachelor’s Degree — Iowa State University Work history: I have worked a large array of part-time jobs including childcare, waiting tables, sign-making, veterinary care, communications writing and more! This is my first year as a ful-
community knows and cares for their fellow Mustang in a way that truly resembles a family. It is incredibly endearing, and I cannot wait to be a part of it. What is your favorite teaching method, how do
ELECTIONS | 3
New teachers in the district ready for their first year
Six new teachers have started at PCM for the 2025-2026 school year.
ly-fledged educator. What attracted you to PCM to teach? Without a doubt, the familial rapport of every student, teacher, and faculty member at PCM attracted me to the district. Every individual involved in this
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 and performs
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer
you like to interact with the kids? Discussions will always be my favorite method of teaching. No matter the context, text, or lesson, students will never shy away from a chance to argue their perspective. To me, it brings
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out the most passion in every student and the brightest ideas from all involved. What is a valuable lesson you have learned about teaching? The TEACHERS | 3
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