Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025
Vol. 6, No. 5
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
Beggar’s Night Set for 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 in Monroe and Prairie City
WE GOT THE BEAT, THE MIGHTY MUSTANG BEAT Mini Mustangs Cheer Clinic put a show on for the crowd at the varsity football game Sept. 12
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Young cheeleaders help lead cheers for the crowd as a part of the Mini Mustangs Cheer Clinic sponsored by the PCM Cheerleaders during halftime at the varsity football game Sept. 12.
Jasper County Sheriff’s Office launches community outreach program By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Jasper County Sheriff ’s Office has launched a new program that leaders say will strengthen partnerships and trust between law enforcement and the community, and all the while enhancing support services all across the county. Sheriff Brad Shutts said connections with businesses, schools and residents are vital.
In a news release from the sheriff ’s office on Sept. 10, it was announced the Community Outreach and Field Support Services Program was being developed. The program reflects the sheriff ’s office’s commitment to proactive engagement, trust-building and responsive service. The program is made possible through generous donations from community members and local partners in Jasper County. The sheriff ’s of-
Building relationships is vital in order to provide the best services to citizens
fice said these actions are a reflection of the shared commitment of Jasper County residents and law enforcement o building a safer and more connected community. According the program’s mission statement, outreach and field support services will help public safety through engagement. The sheriff ’s office strives to provide compassionate support, responsive resources and collaborative partnerships that address the needs of
residents. It does this by fostering open communication. Three key areas will be focused on by the program: community outreach, field support services and partnership development. Community reach consists of relationship building through events, education and ongoing engagement with residents of all ages. Sheriff Brad OUTREACH | 3
Jasper County intends to donate $320K to ER project Knowing $5M renovation is progressing, supervisors sign statement of gift intent By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Jasper County has officially signed its statement of gift intent for the emergency room project at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. Jamey Robinson, director of Jasper County Emergency Management Agency, told the board of supervisors that he spoke with the chief operating officer at the hospital to make sure the project was progressing and ensure the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
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funds would not go to waste. “Things are progressing,” Robinson said at the Aug. 26 board of supervisors meeting. “One of the things (MercyOne Newton COO Chad Kelley) asked about was a statement of gift intent to be completed and submitted just so they have some official records saying, yes, we do plan on giving you $320,000.” Robinson noted the hospital wants to recognize the county and the board of supervisors for their donation of ARPA funds towards the
project, such as a plaque in the new emergency room. Robinson also noted that by approving the statement of gift intent, the county is not writing a manual check at the moment. Jasper County EMA will continue working alongside MercyOne Newton to make sure the project is making progress and that county funds are going to be used the way the county wants. Supervisor Brandon Talsma said DONATION | 3
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer MercyOne Newton Medical Center is progressing in its emergency room renovation project.
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