PCM-09-18-2025

Explorer PCM

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

Clinic put a show on for the crowd 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

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

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.

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)

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

Explorer PCM

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.

Drive-Thru Fundraiser

The Gathering Place in Monroe is hosting a Drive-Thru Fundraiser of chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, pasta salad and roll, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18. Tickets must be purchased in advance at Monroe Foods or The Gathering Place.

Upcoming events at The Gathering Place in Monroe

Thursday, Sept. 18

• 9am Focus Group meeting

• 1pm Movement with Sean Friday, Sept. 19

• 9am Needle Art Sit & Stitch

• 7pm Patty Richards Country Show

Monday, Sept. 22

• 10am Video Exercise Class

Tuesday, Sept. 23

• 8am Coffee and Prayer

Wednesday, Sept. 24

• 4pm “Get Fit, Don’t Fall” with Amy Stephensen Thursday, Sept. 25

• 1pm Movement with Sean Friday, Sept. 26

• 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson

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.

Monroe City Hall changes hours

Monroe City Hall is observing new hours it is open to the public — 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m.

The Prairie City Lions will host tits monthly pancake breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Prairie City Community Building. The menu includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and drink. A freewill donation is accepted. Monies raised will support the PC Lions Project Account.

Jasper Community Foundation awards grants

Dan Skokan, president of the Jasper Community Foundation announced that $115,000 in grant awards were distributed recently to area non—profit organizations. The community foundation receives funds for grant making and endowment building each year from the state sponsored County Endowment Fund Program and from other public sources. Grant proposals were received from educational, municipal and non—profit organizations throughout Jasper County.

“I am pleased to announce that the Foundation awarded grant funding to 22 non—profits throughout Jasper County. These grant funds will provide much needed financial support for a variety of important programs and services in our communities,” Skokan said. “Each year we make an effort to fund a wide variety of programs that touch residents all over the county. This year we were able to make grants to organizations supporting programs and services in human services, education, recreation, arts and culture, community vitality and many others.”

The Foundation awarded grants that ranged from $900 to $10,000

to new or enhanced, innovative programs that address needs or issues within Jasper County.

All submitted grant proposals were reviewed by the Jasper Community Foundation Board. The 22 organizations receiving funding through this program are: Baxter Federated Garden Club — $964; Baxter Recreation — $3,500; Capstone Behavioral Healthcare — $10,000; City of Colfax — $5,000; City of Monroe — $5,000; Colfax Economic Development Corporation — $10,000; Colfax Park & Recreation Auxiliary Board, Inc. — $3,924; Colfax Public Library — $1,000; Jasper County Agriculture Society — $10,000; Jasper County Conservation — $2,500; Jasper County Habitat for Humanity — $5,000; Kellogg Fire Department Volunteer Association — $3,800; Lynnville Historical Society — $2,500; Mingo Hometown Pride — $10,000; Monroe Public Library $5,000; Newbotics—Newton Community School — $3,000; Newton Community Theatre — $5,400; Newton High School Esports — $5,000; Newton Public Library — $4,710; Prairie City Public Library — $3,200;

Sully Rural Fire and Ambulance — $10,000; Wesley Retirement Services, Inc. (Park Centre) — $5,000

The County Endowment Fund Program helped make the funds for these grants possible. This Fund was established by the state legislature in 2004 to help promote charitable giving and endowment building throughout the state. These funds are distributed annually to participating community foundations and affiliate community foundations associated with counties without a state—issued gaming license. The Jasper Community Foundation was established in 1997 for the purpose of receiving tax deductible bequests and gifts in the form of cash or property from individuals, corporations and other organizations that have an interest in improving the quality of life for people residing in Jasper County. The Foundation assists arts and culture, economic development, education, environment and recreation, health and human services organizations, and other high— impact projects and programs throughout the county.

Get ready for a furnace checkup

Turning on the heat may be the furthest thing from homeowners’ minds come the end of summer or early fall. After all, there are plenty more days of comfortable temperatures to expect over the weeks to come. However, failing to inspect a furnace prior to when it is needed could lay a foundation for cold evenings.

Many HVAC experts recommend that homeowners get their furnaces tuned up before the first cold spell arrives. When the heat is needed for the first time, it will be guaranteed to work if it’s been examined and any underlying issues have been addressed.

HVAC technicians are busy at the start of summer and winter. If a furnace is not working correctly, it could take some time before a professional can make a service call. Having the furnace and related equipment checked prior to when it’s time to turn on the furnace means homeowners will not be left in the lurch or potentially spending premium prices for repairs. It is important to get a furnace

checkup for a variety of reasons. Doing so can make the HVAC system run more efficiently, which could result in savings over the winter. Regular maintenance also can help the furnace last longer, delaying the need for a costly replacement. No one wants the furnace to break down in the middle of a frigid night. Annual checkups can help reduce the risk of that happening. In addition, many furnace

manufacturers offer warranties on their systems that require annual maintenance from a professional. Failure to have the system inspected could void the warranty.

Even if homeowners are floating in the pool and cranking up the air conditioning, they should give consideration to having their furnaces inspected and serviced soon to prepare for the colder months ahead.

Explorer PCM

Iowa advocates march for Alzheimer’s research funding

By Mark Moran Iowa News Service

Iowa advocates for research into Alzheimer’s disease are trying to raise nearly a half-million dollars at an upcoming walk in Des Moines.

The event is part of an ongoing series of efforts aimed at eventually finding a cure. More than 60,000 Iowans live with Alzheimer’s disease, and tens of thousands more work as their unpaid caregivers.

Chantelle Cadek, volunteer for the Iowa chapter of the Alz-

Donation

heimer’s Association, said the numbers in Iowa are growing, and affects a significant percentage of the state’s population.

“That equates to about 11 percent of adults over 65 with Alzheimer’s,” Cadek pointed out. “So, over one in 10 is affected by this disease.”

The event is set for Sept. 27 in downtown Des Moines. At this point, Cadek noted the group is only about a quarter of the way to reaching its goal and added despite the importance of Alzheimer’s research, fundraising has been difficult

county can cut the check for the hospital as soon as it breaks ground on the project.

“It’s going to be a great addition to our community,” Robinson said. The supervisors approved the state -

in recent years.

“It’s been challenging since COVID to get people to engage,” Cadek acknowledged. “This year, our goal for the walk is to raise $460,000 and we have quite a bit of ways to go. So far, we are just less than $175,000 right now.”

Cadek added the money raised in the walk is invested in helping educate others about the disease, education programs for people to talk about the disease in the workplace, and helping find a cure for a disease that, so far, does not have one.

ment of gift intent in a 3-0 vote.

Jasper County earmarked the ARPA funds toward the project back in 2023. The city recently pledged $50,000 towards the $5 million emergency room renovation. The emergency department at the Newton hospital was built in 1971 and was last renovated in 1994. Efforts to expand the ER started in 2019. Infrastructure and design limitations are impacting staff efficiency and, most

important, patient care. The hospital cited insufficient treatment space and triage areas, lack of negative pressure rooms for infection control and inadequate exam room sizes as major hurdles.

Coupled with the growing behavioral health demands and the concerns about noise and privacy due to the cramped layouts, officials emphasized the need for an expansion of the existing facilities. The ER receives more than 10,000

Outreach

Shutts explained in a follow-up with Newton News that these events can be anything from the annual Nation Night Out festivities to hosting

Halloween events at the sheriff’s office. Field support services consists of offering compassionate, responsive assistance during emergencies, crises and community needs. Shutts said a big example of field support services is the partnerships with

Crisis Canines of the Midlands and the therapeutic qualities the dogs can have on residents and first responders.

Partnership development involves collaborating with schools, local organizations and service providers to connect residents with vital resourc -

es. The sheriff’s office has devoted two school resource officers to area schools, and it regularly works with organizations like Capstone Behavioral Healthcare for help in a crisis.

The sheriff’s office is committed to ensuring public safety includes

be paid on or before the end of business Tuesday, September 30th. Tax Payments can be made at the office from 8:00 until 4:30 daily M-F. Credit card and E-check payments can also be made online at www. iowatreasurers.org.

Payments mailed and postmarked before September 30th will be accepted without penalty. There is also a convenient drop box for payments located on the East side of the new administration building. If you have any questions, please call the Treasurer’s office at 641-792-7731

patient visits every year and is the sole emergency care provider in Jasper County.

The renovation of the ER has been identified as a top community health need, and the city supports that need and has called it an “essential investment” in the health and safety of the community. The City of Newton proposed a contribution of $50,000 to the local hospital’s capital campaign back in July.

both law enforcement and community support.

By working through this program, the sheriff’s office said its deputies can continue working alongside citizens to create a safer, healthier and more connected Jasper County.

Developing community outreach events or programs is something the sheriff’s office has always strived for. Shutts said previous sheriffs have made community outreach a focus and have built strong relationships with the residents of Jasper County.

Shutts pointed to school resource officers and Crisis Canines.

“Recently, we joined a human trafficking task force,” Shutts said. “Those are just some of the things and the programs we’ve built partnerships with that are really community outreach based. We just wanted to put it under one hat, so to speak. And really add onto our field support services.”

Shutts added that some community outreach tools or related resources or items require funding, which is where donations come into play. The sheriff said many of these resources are not — and, to him, should not — be paid with tax dollars. For instance, the sheriff’s office is looking at buying a cooling trailer for events.

Why is community outreach so important?

Shutts said a law enforcement agency cannot be successful if it doesn’t

have the support of its community.

“Building those relationships and being comfortable speaking to law enforcement is vital,” he said. “We want to have transparency and we want to let them know we’re not going to be there on their darkest day like what most likely happens when they encounter us. We’re people. We’re human. We have families.

“We have hearts, too. We can be a resource for them and they can be a resource for us, too, if needed.”

To learn more about the Community Outreach and Field Support Services Program or to learn about making a donation, contact Shutts at 641-792-5912.

The program’s full mission statement reads:

“The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach and Field Support Services Program is dedicated to building trust, strengthening relationships and enhancing public safety through proactive engagement with our communities. We strive to provide compassionate support, responsive resources, and collaborative partnerships that address the needs of our residents. By fostering open communication, offering critical field support and promoting education and awareness, we are committed to creating a safer, healthier, and more connected Jasper County for all.”

OPINION

A call to action during Suicide Prevention Month

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day. It’s a time to not just raise awareness, but to renew our commitment to action.

As a veteran and a physician, I know firsthand the toll that stress, trauma, and invisible wounds can take. Too

OPINION

Explorer PCM

Our District

U.S. Rep. Mariannette

Miller-Meeks

many of our servicemembers come home from war only to face a different battle, one of mental health, isolation, and despair. Veterans are at significantly higher risk for suicide than the general population. Every loss is a tragedy, and every life we save is a victory worth fighting for.

But this challenge is not confined to veterans. Corrections officers, who work in one of the most demanding and high-stress environments imaginable,

Iowa State v Iowa

Ginnie and I were lucky enough to score a couple of tickets for the number 16 Iowa State/ Iowa football game in Ames. The seats were on the 20 yard line, upper level. There’s not a bad seat in Jack Trice Stadium. Thanks to the handicap tag I now possess (for a limited time), we had choice parking. And it’s a good thing, for I am now walking with a cane, and taking frequent catch-my-breath breaks as I trudge along, especially going up stadium ramps and steps. They had an elevator for the handicapped. Groovy. Many people were saying that Iowa State would have its way with Iowa this year. Iowa State was favored, not heavily, by 3.5 points. With an intrastate rivalry like this, you never know what’s going to happen. Being an Iowa State Alumnus, you know whom I favor. Iowa has dominated the rivalry over the years, with Iowa State sprinkling in a few wins here and there. Iowa is more of a ground-and-pound team, where Iowa State likes to put the ball in the air and follow with runs. With Iowa State’s 3-man defensive line, many arm-chair quarterbacks were saying Iowa would run all over Iowa State. Others were saying Iowa couldn’t defend against Rocco Becht’s precision passing. The 3.5 point line was probably accurate, which was really saying the game was a tossup.

It was great getting back to my old stomping grounds. I showed Ginnie where my car caught on fire on Lincoln Way when a cigarette I tossed out got sucked into the back window. The campus fire department asked if I’d been drinking. I said, “Well, shoot no,” and they let me off. Things were different back then. I showed Ginnie the cockroach infested apartments I lived in above a pizza joint (Pizza Pi Alpha), once again on Lincoln Way, across the street from campus. I also showed her the Campanile, and the swans, Lancelot and Elaine, on Lake LaVerne (we called it Lake Latrine).

The game didn’t have the razzle-dazzle I, and most of the Iowa Sate fans were hoping for, although Iowa State never trailed Iowa. Both teams scored a touchdown and two field goals to tie the game at 13. Then late in the fourth quarter, Iowa State’s Kyle Konrardy kicked a 54-yard field goal to win the game 16 to 13. He did the same thing last year to defeat the Hawkeyes in Iowa City. Konrardy also holds the Iowa State record for the longest field goal at 63 yards. He did that last week against South Dakota. Iowa State is now 3-0.

No one wants to say it out loud, for fear of jinxing, but there’s quiet talk of Iowa State winning the Big 12 Championship. Kansas State was the preseason pick to win the Big 12, but Iowa State has already beaten them in Ireland, by a Konrardy field goal. Matt Campbell may be the best football coach Iowa State has ever had, and there’s been some good ones: Johnny Majors, Dan McCarney and Earl-the-Pearl Bruce.

The Cy-Hawk trophy stays in Ames for the second year in a row. Their next game is at Arizona State, who beat Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship last year. Grrr. Ginnie and I went to that game in Arlington, Texas, at the AT&T stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Strange as it may seem, last year, which was Arizona State’s first year in the Big 12 (so many changes in all conferences), they were a preseason pick to finish last, and they finished first. The first shall be last and the last shall be first.

It’s a great day in Iowa whenever any of the four major universities play each other in any sport: Drake, UNI, ISU and Iowa. I must say, I have never been in such a mob of friendly people as were at the ISU/Iowa game. Where we sat in the stadium there were many Iowa fans, and we all treated each other with respect, as we should. No tush-push.

Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com

face suicide rates nearly 40 percent higher than the general population. These are men and women who put on the uniform every day, step behind the walls of our prisons, and keep our communities safe, yet they carry burdens few ever see.

That’s why I introduced the Corrections Officer Blake Schwarz Suicide Prevention Act, named in honor of an officer we lost too soon. This legislation creates a program for confidential mental health screenings, early intervention, and outreach tailored to the needs of corrections officers. It is built on a simple belief: those who protect us deserve every resource and tool we can give them.

In Congress, I’ll continue working

to strengthen suicide prevention programs for veterans, corrections officers, first responders, and all those at higher risk. We must reduce stigma, increase access to care, and make sure that help is available when and where it’s needed.

This month, I ask every Iowan to join me in remembering those we’ve lost, supporting those who are struggling, and reaffirming that suicide is not inevitable. With the right support and compassion, lives can be saved. America is strongest when we stand together. That means investing in prevention, breaking down barriers to treatment, and ensuring no veteran, no corrections officer, and no family ever feels they have to fight this battle alone.

OPINION

Political violence

Well, here we go again. Another sick individual has decided that the best way to silence a person whose views they disagree with is to kill them. And we are now hearing the usual pleas from the media and our elected officials to “tone down the hateful political rhetoric”, and “learn how to work through our disagreements with respect and understanding of those with whom we disagree.”, and “we need to find common ground.” Good advice, yet I remember these exact same conversations and pleas for civility happening immediately after the 2011 shooting of Gabby Giffords, which lasted all of about a week before we were right back to hating and blaming and personally

OPINION

Don’t take the ER for granted

I am at a point in my life where healthcare is important to me. Although I can no longer have babies, the fact that someone who lives in Newton must travel for maternity care bothers me.

But I want to discuss the emergency room update at MercyOne Newton Medical Center. I recently

SHARE YOUR VIEW

attacking each other in the media and in the halls of government and on social media.

Within the past 50 years we’ve had several acts of political violence, all across the political spectrum, yet after listening to some of those in the media and even some of our elected officials, you’d think these acts of political violence were all being committed by one side.

Do the names, JFK, Malcom X, Martin Luther King, Jr, Robert Kennedy, ring a bell?

Attempts on the lives of Ronald Reagan, Gabby Giffords, Steve Scalise, Nancy Pelosi and her husband, Mike Pence on Jan 6, Josh Shapiro, Donald Trump twice.

And earlier this year two Minnesota Democratic lawmakers were killed.

had to make a trip to the Emergency Room because of elevated blood pressure. It was not inconvenient because I could drive myself. But I don’t want to HAVE to go out of town for emergency care. I don’t believe any of us do!

Funds are being donated by different organizations to help fund the emergency room update at the hospital. I believe we citizens should help contribute so that this vital function is there when we need it. I know times are tough

If we are going to point fingers at the rise in harsh political rhetoric and hate speech and threatening statements, whether or not “in jest” as some would try to have us believe, and use that as the cause for the rise of political violence in this country, it seems there is plenty of blame to go around.

If our media and our political leaders can be quick to condemn political violence, yet not even mention the violent acts committed against those on the other side, then is there any real hope that anything will ever change? Or, are we just fooling ourselves into thinking things will ever get better in this toxic political climate?

John Moore Newton

right now and I know that groceries as well as everything else is expensive. But I am asking you to give what you can to help fund this upgrade.

Send a check to MercyOne Newton Medical Center and be sure to indicate in the memo line that this check is for Emergency Room Funds. You just never know when you might need to use the facility!

Janice Carpenter Newton

Letters to the Newton News will be edited for libel, grammar and length and should not exceed 400 words. We reserve the right to shorten letters and reject those deemed libelous, in poor taste or of a personal nature. Include your full name, address and a daytime phone number for verification. Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion of the writer or artist. Submit letters to newsroom@newtondailynews.com or Newton News, P.O. Box 967, Newton, Iowa 50208

SPEAK OUT

Brandon Talsma, chair 4309 W Fourth St. S. Newton, IA 50208 641-526-3142

btalsma@jasperia.org

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

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Witt’s 37-yard field goal sends PCM football to win over Williamsburg

MONROE — Dominic Witt was prepared to kick a field goal from 50 yards and beyond. The Mustang senior booted one from 65 the day before in practice.

So when his name was called to attempt a game-winning kick, there was a lot of confidence on the home sidelines that he would come through in the clutch.

Witt delivered his third field goal of the day as time expired on Sept. 12, and the 37-yarder sent the PCM football team to a 23-21 non-district home win over Class 3A Williamsburg.

“I was comfortable from about 50,” Witt said. “This feels awesome. We bounced back. That’s all that matters.”

It was the first last-second walk-off field by Witt in his career, and Evan Jones had no doubt about what the end result would be.

“I call that kid automatic. He’s PCM’s automatic,” Jones said. “I gave him that nickname his sophomore year. He’s made kicks from much further than that in practice. I had 100 percent confidence in Dom.”

The walk-off win came one week after the Mustangs lost in walk-off fashion against 3A Nevada on the road.

The Mustangs out-gained Williamsburg 451-339 and both teams turned the ball over twice.

“We needed this after last week,” PCM senior Keegan Fenton said. “We just did the same thing to Williamsburg that Nevada did to us. This should get us back into the groove.”

Fenton was a menace on the Mustangs’ defensive line. He finished the game with a team-most eight tackles and added two sacks and three tackles for loss.

Fenton, who also starts at fullback on offense, leads PCM with 26 tackles and ranks fourth in 2A in both sacks (5) and tackles for loss (8) through three games.

The Mustangs’ defense played well mostly. They limited the Raiders to 87 rushing yards on 20 carries.

Williamsburg’s first and last touchdowns came on big plays in the passing game.

The Raiders got one of their best players in space and took advantage of a PCM reserve just entering the game because of an injury late in the first quarter.

Both teams punted on their first two possessions, but the Raiders needed one play on their third drive to take their first lead.

Cash Brown hooked up with Grady Wetjen for a 62-yard touchdown. It was a well-designed play from the Raiders, according to PCM head football coach Greg Bonnett.

“They wheeled him out of the backfield out of a two-back set,” Bonnett said. “We had it scouted well out of one back. They did it with the fullback on the opposite side so it left our outside linebacker one-on-one with

Wetjen, and it’s hard to stop him in that situation. Brinegar played it pretty well actually.”

It came against backup linebacker Harrison Brinegar, who entered the game for Danson Drake after Drake went down with a lower-body injury on Williamsburg’s first possession.

PCM (2-1) answered the Raiders’ touchdown with a long scoring drive.

The Mustangs marched 87 yards in eight plays to tie the game. Chase Wagaman connected with Alex Wendt on completions of 12 yards and 58 yards to get the ball into the red zone, and then he found Gavin Steenhoek for a 7-yard touchdown on third and goal.

The game remained tied at halftime. The next four Williamsburg possessions ended in punts.

Then the Raiders turned it over when Steenhoek intercepted Brown on a deep pass down the field. Fenton was held on that play, too.

“I’ve been watching film for a while,” Fenton said. “I saw their tackles weren’t quick so I knew if I speed rushed it and not let them grab me, I’d be able to get by them.”

Offensively, the Mustangs didn’t do much better than the Raiders.

The Mustangs should have scored on their final possession of the first half. They drove 69 yards in five plays but fumbled the ball on the goal line.

The drive included a 29-yard run by Wagaman and was aided by back-to-back 15-yard penalties by the Raiders. Williamsburg was flagged 17 times for 165 yards.

Dominic Witt

PCM senior Dominic Witt hit a game-winning 37-yard field goal as time expired to send the Mustangs to a 23-21 win over Williamsburg on Sept. 12. Witt booted three field goals in the game and leads Class 2A with three this season. He also leads 2A with 15 touchbacks and is 11-of-12 in PATs.

Kinetic Edge has the Therapy experts to help people of all ages with any movement or performance issue. Call us anytime to get back in the game!

PCM opened the third quarter with a scoring drive. Two more big pass completions from Wagaman to Wendt (18 and 19 yards) and runs of 10 and 11 yards by Jax Strait set up Witt’s first field goal.

Witt connected from 22 yards out to give the Mustangs a 10-7 lead with 8:46 to go in the quarter.

After PCM forced Williamsburg (1-2) into another punt, the offense drove 56 yards in five plays to go up 17-7.

The possession began with 30 more yards in penalties from the Raiders. Strait also had runs of 7, 10 and 8 yards before Wagaman scored from 1-yard out.

Williamsburg turned the ball over on its next possession. After picking up a pair of first downs, the Raiders lost a fumble that was forced by Brock Barnett and recovered by Jones.

The Mustangs added to their lead with another Witt field on their next series. The drive opened with 8- and 9-yard runs from Strait and then Wagaman hooked up with Steenhoek for 29 yards.

Witt’s 27-yard field goal put PCM in front 20-7 with 11:52 to go in the game.

The Raiders marched down the field on their next possession. They went 80 yards in nine plays.

Brown was 7-of-8 through the air on the drive before scoring on an 11-yard TD run with 7:13 to play.

After holding PCM to a threeand-out, Williamsburg took its second lead when Brown connected with Kale Bailey for a 61-yard TD with 5:27 left.

Steenhoek returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown, but the play was called back due to a pen-

alty. PCM was flagged 10 times for 76 yards in the win.

That forced the Mustangs to start their final drive from their own 5-yard line.

After a 15-yard facemask penalty by the Raiders, Strait picked up another first down on runs of 6 and 7 yards.

Back-to-back completions from Wagaman to Steenhoek (11 yards) and Wendt (7 yards) kept the chains moving and a 15-yard pass interference call on the Raiders moved PCM closer to field goal range.

Down to their third- and fourth-string running backs after Shay Burns went down in the first half and Strait left the game with an injury on the final drive, PCM was forced into a fourth-down decision.

Instead of trying the field goal from there, Bonnett elected to go for it on fourth and one and Wagaman moved the chains with 1:13 to play.

“We were thinking 40 and in,” Bonnett said. “But we also didn’t want to give them the ball back. I don’t think we were close enough to kick it on fourth down there. I trust what Coach (Logan) Bieghler says.”

Jones was called upon to carry the ball on the final drive and he gained 2 yards on the next two plays. Then Wagaman ran to the middle of the field and gained 4 yards to set up Witt’s game-winning kick.

Wagaman finished 15-of-32 through the air for 257 yards and one TD. He also gained 26 yards and scored one touchdown on eight carries.

Strait had a career-high 115 yards on 21 carries and hauled in two passes for 18 yards.

Burns ran for 30 yards on seven carries before going down with an injury in the first half.

The Mustangs ran for 194 yards on 47 carries.

Twelve of Wagaman’s 15 completions went to Steenhoek and Wendt. Steenhoek finished with seven catches for 116 yards and one TD, while Wendt added five catches for 114 yards.

Wagaman’s 679 passing yards through three games rank sixth in 2A. Steenhoek’s 280 receiving yards rank fifth and Wendt’s 252 receiving yards is ninth in the class.

Steenhoek has four TDs through the air, which ranks tied for third in 2A.

“Our Offensive Coordinator Zach Woods is giving (Wagaman) an opportunity to work with his receivers and know what plays to call,” Bonnett said.

“It’s so much easier than signaling in the plays to run. He’s on the same page with his guys.”

Speaking of Woods, Bonnett said the players had a little more motivation knowing their offensive coordinator’s most recent coaching stop before PCM was at Williamsburg. Woods still lives in the area, too.

“I really think we were playing for him,” Bonnett said about Woods. “Everyone loves him, and it was very special to get this win for him.”

Fenton led the defense, but Strait added 5.5 tackles, Brinegar got five tackles, Jaden Houser contributed 4.5 tackles and Mason Hjortshoj totaled four tackles.

Wagaman and Barnett chipped in three tackles and Trent Nickelson registered two tackles for loss.

Notes: Witt has been one of the best kickers in 2A after three weeks. His 15 touchbacks is first in the class and his three field goals made on Sept. 12 are two more than any kicker has booted this season. Only three players in the entire state have connected on more field goals. … PCM had a 23-11 advantage in first downs.

Mustangs sweep pair of HOIAC rivals

MONROE — Five Mustangs totaled at least four kills, four served up at least two aces and the PCM volleyball team continued its dominance against Saydel on Sept. 11.

The Mustangs claimed their ninth straight win over the Eagles after a 2514, 25-16, 25-12 home win in Heart of Iowa Activities Conference action.

“It was a very balanced attack as far as our team goes,” PCM head volleyball coach Sarah De Vries said. “I really felt like everyone did their job well in both the front row and back row, and we stayed in control of the match.”

PCM claimed its 10th straight win and is now 2-0 in the conference.

Libby Winters highlighted the victory with seven kills, seven digs and three aces.

Jorja Teeter posted four kills, four digs and four aces, Addyson Pederson added four kills, two digs and four aces and Addi Hudnut tallied three assists, 12 digs and two aces. Claire Van Wyk put down seven kills, Peyton Lathrum totaled four kills and two blocks and Tori Lindsay contributed 23 assists and eight digs. Seriah Nolin had three digs and Ryan DeVore chipped in two digs.

The Mustangs (101, 2-0) were 59-of-73 in serves with 15 aces. They now lead Class 3A with 104 aces this fall. PCM’s kill efficiency in the win was .158.

PCM is 27-1 against Saydel (1-6, 0-3 in the HOIAC) since 2012.

PCM 3, West Marshall 0 MONROE — A strong night behind the service line powered PCM to its ninth straight win on Sept. 8.

The Mustangs opened HOIAC play with a 259, 25-10, 25-10 sweep against West Marshall, and 21 aces were a big reason why.

West Marshall led 10-7 in the second set before Teeter served 18 straight points to close out the game. The run included seven aces.

Teeter finished 20-of20 in serves with eight aces, and she added two kills and three digs.

Winters posted seven kills and five digs, Lindsay contributed 15 assists, two digs and two aces and Lathrum totaled four kills and five aces.

Pederson put down five kills and Hudnut served up four aces.

The Mustangs finished 63-of-73 in serves and Lathrum was 14-of-15. PCM had a kill efficiency of .208. West Marshall (2-10, 0-1) put down only two kills in the match and had a kill efficiency of negative .524. The Trojans were 22-of-27 in serves with six aces.

route. Motion carried 4-0. Steenhoek moved and was seconded by St Peter to set Thursday October 30, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. as Beggars' Night Motion passed 4-0. St Peter moved and was seconded by Umble to adopt a new City of Monroe logo. Motion carried 4-0.

Steenhoek moved and St Peter seconded to approve pay request no. 2 to Grimes Asphalt for the Westview Street Improvement Project. The amount of this payment is $113,696.06. Upon roll call vote motion

Explorer PCM

failing foundations sinking concrete and nasty crawl spaces FREE Inspection & Same Day Estimate $250 off ANY project with code GET250. Call 1-866-554-1730

PR EPARE FOR power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase Call 1-855-954-5087 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move

SA FE STEP. North America's #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-844-376-4154

SMALL EN GINE REPAIR, SALES, AND SERVICE Sell Toro Scag, and Exmark Servic e many other brands as well Prairie Ag Supply. 12372 Hwy 163 W., Prairie City 515-9943200 FOR SALE: 6" Red Wing Vase-"MAGNOLIA " Pattern- $ 15.00. Oblong Blue Carnival Bowl, 12" X 8 1/2"- 4 legged - $15.00. 2 Pillow Cases With Embroidery design - $5.00. 2 Small Indian dolls Chief, Mama With Papoose -