Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025
Vol. 6, No. 8
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
CHEERS TO THE GRIERS
Joel and Jacki Grier named inaugural PCM Homecoming Parade Grand Marshals
Thank you, Coach Madsen
Women who competed in 6-on-6 basketball for Norm Madsen celebrate the coach and his achievements
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Joel and Jacki Grier wave to the homecoming parade crowd Oct. 2 in Monroe. The couple served as the inaugural parade marshals after being a part of the PCM community for more than 40 years.
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer For the first time, PCM has named grand marshals for the homecoming parade. Taking the honor in its inaugural year are former teachers and coaches for Monroe and PCM, Joel and Jacki Grier. “The Griers have a long-standing tradition of supporting our district, whether in the classroom, as coaches and sponsors, as volunteers or simply as the ultimate Mustang fans,” the district said in the grand marshal announcement. The couple, who have been
in the area for more than four decades, made their mark in the classroom and on the fields. Joel taught hundreds of elementary students throughout his career while Jacki was well known at the high school leading English classes and the journalism class, including producing the award winning, student-produced “Outlook” weekly newspaper. The Griers also coached many activities with Jacki leading the cheerleaders and Joel making his name on the courts and fields. Joel was well known as the high school boys basketball assistant coach, and he was
a part of many trips to the state tournament, including the state championship run in 2004. He also was the long-time track coach for both the boys and girls team and was recognized by the school when the PCM Co-Ed Invitational Track and Field Meet was renamed the PCM Joel Grier Classic. The couple also have two sons who graduated from PCM. Two of their four grandkids are Mustangs with their granddaughter Kenna Grier as the 2025 junior homecoming attendant. “It is definitely, there is nothing better,” Jacki said. “It puts you clear up here, sky high.”
Submitted Photos
A homecoming week to remember PCM students celebrate long-held traditions and make new ones during homecoming week By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer Addi Hudnut and Zach Richards were named homecoming queen and king at Spirit Night Oct. 2 at the football stadium.
Kids danced under the disco ball to celebrate the final event of PCM Homecoming 2025. From dress-up days to a running route to Albia in the football game, the week was filled with fun school spirit. The week started out with pajama day for everyone except the middle schoolers, who dressed in class colors. Other dress-up days included Adam Sandler taking over the high school Tuesday, cops and robbers at the middle school Wednes-
day and hat day at Prairie City Elementary and neon day at Monroe Elementary on Thursday. Everyone put on their best crimson and gold to celebrate spirit day Friday. New this year, the PCM Cross Country team took to the roads to bring the game football from Albia to PCM. The team ran the 45 miles on Sept. 30 in relay form and ended the route together at the school delivering the ball to head football coach Greg Bonnett. Floats took to the streets Oct. 2 for the homecoming parade. Candy rained and big smiles were seen throughout the parade as kids from preschool through the high school homecoming court waved to community members who joined in on the celebration. Following the parade, spirit night kicked off in the football sta-
dium with the marching band taking the field to perform its show for 2025. The cheerleaders got the crowd excited, and coaches from football, volleyball, cross country and cheerleading said a few words. The three football captains thanked the mustang crowd for their support all year and invited them back the next day for the homecoming game. After the dance team performed part of their state hip-hop routine, the time had come to crown the homecoming king and queen. With the 2024 king and queen unable to attend the event, the high school principal started off coronation by placing the crown on Zach Richards, naming him homecoming king. HOMECOMING | 3
Fall Festival returns to Newton Arboretum with changes to street access Scarecrow entry deadline is Oct. 10, with this year’s theme being origins and milestones By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Fall Festival is making its return to the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens next weekend in Newton, but visitors will not be able to access the gardens via North Fourth Avenue East due to safety concerns. Instead, drivers must now access Agnes Patterson Park and the arboretum through East 31st Street North. Shuttle services will be provid-
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ed to individuals parked near the ballfields. The festival will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 11 at the arboretum. The theme for this year’s scarecrow walk is origin stories and milestones, aligning with the 30-year anniversary Newton Arboretum. Participants are asked to remember their roots and celebrate their growth so they may bloom in the future. Local organizations and businesses are asked to include a sunflower somewhere in their
creation to honor the Newton Arboretum’s 30 years in the community. Prizes will also be awarded to the best scarecrows in the following categories: Festival Bestof-All, Best Display of Theme, People’s Choice, Best Family Entry, Best Business Entry and Best Organization Entry. Winners of the contest will be announced on Oct. 13. People’s choice is determined by attendee ballots. FESTIVAL | 3
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer The third annual Fall Festival returns 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in Newton.
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