PCM-10-23-2025

Explorer PCM

Students

and

Monroe looking to update city hall, police department with bond in November election

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

Large photos of renderings showing what a new Monroe City Hall could look like were on display during an open house for the city hall/police department project October 13. Information about what the project entails and why it is needed, along with city staff and design professionals, were on hand for any members of the public wanting to know more about the proposal.

“Our city buildings are outdated, overcrowded and no longer meet the needs of our growing community,” the city said. “A new combined city hall and police department will improve safety, provide necessary

space and privacy, ensure accessibility and support better public service. It’s not just a smart investment, it’s a critical step forward for Monroe’s future.”

Two options are available to the city: a new building or remodeling the current building. A new building, which would be located at the same place as the current building, would be 5,620 square feet and cost an estimated $1.45 million. Renovating the current building would cost an estimated $1.3 million and give the city 5,100 square feet. City staff hope to move forward with the project as soon as possible in order to avoid ever-rising construction costs.

Veterans group authorized to add plaque to memorial south of the courthouse ‘Building for the future’ PCM’S BIG BAND

Board of supervisors approve the addition, which comes at no cost to taxpayers

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Jasper County Vietnam Veterans, a local group of military service members, was given permission by the board of supervisors last week to add a plaque by the veterans memorial sculpture located on the south side of the county courthouse. Veterans Bud Pickett and Dick Couch made the

request to supervisors.

“We’re wanting to put a plaque of the memorial out here on the south side of the courthouse,” Pickett said to supervisors. “The plaque would be approximately 24 inches by 10 inches and would fit probably right underneath the ribbon we put up there … We’d just like your approval to do this.”

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am a 2008 PCM Graduate and have lived in the district my entire life. I currently live outside Prairie City with my wife Ashley and our 4 kids. I work at DCI Group as a Project Executive. I have been involved in coaching youth sports ever since my kids have been interested in playing. I currently help run our PCM Youth Football and PCM Youth Basketball programs. We are active members at First Reformed Church in Prairie

Tell us a little bit about yourself: We moved to Prairie City from the Southest Polk school district in 2015 but me and my husband are originally from Wellsburg. My husband, Jay, is an Engineer at Pella Corporation. I have a 2020 PCM graduate daugher, Klaire, who is now a kindergarten teacher at the Dallas Center Grimes school district. My son, Jack, is a 2024 PCM graduate who is a Mechanical Engineering major at ISU. My youngest is my daughter, Jodi, who is a freshman at the high school.

City, and I was the Treasurer while serving on the board as a Deacon. Why are you running for school board?

I am running for school board because I have four kids who attend PCM, and I want to help make an impact on the school district. Next year, I will have a son or daughter in every school building, so it is important to me that we are looking at all levels.

I currently am a substitute teacher in the school district along with being a school board member since 2021. Why are you running for school board?

I chose to run for the school board in 2021 due to Covid and the impact it had on our schools and our kids.I am seeking reelection because I believe it is important to give my time to make sure PCM is the best it can be.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am Dr. Greg Ingle and am known to most. I am a life-time resident of the PCM area, was a physician in Prairie City over 40 years, and have served on the school board over 20 years. My children and most of my grandchildren live in the PCM district. This community has been good to me and my family and I would like to continue to use my experience to help the district both survive and thrive.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am a PCM graduate. I have two daughters currently at PCM schools.

I am a self-employed electrician

Why are you running for school board?

This is my way to get back to the community. Why do you think public service is important?

I think it’s important for everybody to have a voice and to know what’s going on What issues in the district are

Why are you running for school board?

The district is facing multiple complex issues that will need to be addressed. With declining enrollment we anticipate a dramatic drop in funds that can be used for actual education such as courses, teachers, etc. At the same time, we need to keep our facilities as up to date as possible. As a board we find ourselves

most important to you?

Education is the most important thing at our school right now we need to prepare our students for the world. They are entering.

Where is the district succeeding?

PCM has a lot of pride. We need to keep that going strong. Where does it need improvements?

You need to continue to grow, provide the best education we can and be mindful of our budget at the same time.

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.

Pancake Breakfast Oct. 25

The Prairie City Lions will host tits monthly pancake breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Prairie City Community Building. The menu includes pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and drink. A freewill donation is accepted.

Upcoming events at The Gathering Place in Monroe

Thursday, Oct. 23

• 1pm Movement with Sean Friday, Oct. 24

• 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson

Monday, Oct. 27

• 10am Video Exercise Class

Tuesday, Oct. 28

• 8am Coffee and Prayer

• 1pm Foot Care Health

Wednesday, Oct. 29

• 4pm “Get Fit, Don’t Fall” with Amy Stephensen

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.

Explorer PCM

Gwyneth Marilyn Lewis

Oct. 12, 2025

Gwyneth Marilyn Lewis, age 94, of Monroe, Iowa passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at Park Centre in Newton, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Monroe United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends prior to the service at the church on Saturday beginning at 10:00 am. Lunch will be served at

Obituaries

the church following the committal at Silent City Cemetery, Monroe. Memorials may be directed to the Monroe United Methodist Church and the Monroe Public Library. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

The daughter of Leo L. and Alma (Ellefson) Bump, Gwyneth was born on August 31, 1931, on her grandmother Ellefson’s farm near Alden, Iowa, where she joined her older two brothers, Wallace Denton and William Carlton. Before brother, James Richard, was born, all the family had moved to Hubbard, Iowa where they lived, worked and went to school until 1940 when they moved to Monroe, when Gwyneth was in the fourth grade.

She graduated from Monroe High School in 1949. She attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and taught one year at Country Valley School in Summitt Township in Marion County, Iowa. On June 7, 1951, she married Rodger N. Lewis of Monroe. They lived and worked on the Lewis family century farm their entire married life until Rodger died on July 18, 2010. To this union, five children were born: Elaine Claire, Jeffrey Alan, Amy Ruth, Ned Lowell and Marty Lynn. Gwyneth devoted her life to her family and friends. For many years, she was involved in church activities, including teaching Sunday School, UMW, and singing in the choir. She was on the first board

of directors of Monroe Senior Housing. She was a member of their neighborhood club. She enjoyed playing bridge, and loved reading, music and flowers.

Those left to honor her memory include her children, Elaine (Don) Keuning, Jeff (Lana) Lewis, Amy Barton, Ned (Connie) Lewis and Marty (Joyce) Lewis; ten grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, her brothers and sisters-in-law, Wallace (Mary) Bump, Carlton (Mickey) Bump and Jim (Judy, Ann) Bump, Rodger’s parent, Bill and Thelma, and son-in-law Ed Barton.

Fall colors starting to pop!

River valleys are showing more fall color in northeast Iowa. Sugar maple trees are starting to turn orange and red. Still spotty coloring for maple trees in north central and northwest Iowa. Sumac, dogwood, and Virginia creeper are turning red. Fall color is still spotty in central Iowa with only 15-20 percent of the foliage showing color. Scattered maple and black cherry trees are turning orange and red. Sumac, dogwood, and Virginia creeper are dark red. Walnut, cottonwood, basswood, elm, and hackberry are turning yellow. Most oak trees are still

green. Mostly bottomland species are starting to change colors and lose their leaves in southeast Iowa. Cottonwood, walnut, hickory and elm are showing a little yellow and brown. Some dogwoods and roadside shrubs are beginning to show fall colors. Urban maple trees are showing some reds and yellows. It is still early in the season, but some trees are starting to show hints of color in south central Iowa. Many hickories are turning brown. Oak trees are still very green. Many shrubs and vines are showing reds and purples. Fall colors are just beginning

to emerge across Lucas County, with much of the landscape still predominantly green. Sumacs and ivies are displaying vibrant wine-red hues. Hickories are starting to show hints of yellow and brown. The Kentucky coffee tree is turning a bright yellow. A few maples are also showing some orange tones. Fall color will be subdued this season in west central Iowa, but the Loess Hills are always a beautiful drive. Sumac is changing color in some areas. Ash, cottonwood and elm trees are starting to show more yellow. No hint of oak trees changing colors. Tinges of red are start-

ing to show in oaks and hickories in southwest Iowa, especially in Ringgold and Decatur counties. Understory shrubs like fragrant sumac will likely be turning next week. Uplands in extreme southwest are still muted (either dingy greens). All bottomland species (cottonwood, walnut, ash) throughout the district are further along in color change. Find reports online, or sign up for a report in your email box each week through the last week of October. Find out more regarding Iowa DNR’s weekly fall color reports.

Iowa DOT is ready for winter weather. Are you?

Weather in Iowa can change fast. During the fall season, one day can be warm and sunny, the next can be wet with heavy snow that impacts roadways and tests early winter driving skills. But one thing is certain - winter is coming and it’s time to prepare.

Today marks the Iowa Department of Transportation’s first official day of winter. That means our equipment, supplies, and plans are in place for future weather shifts and winter precipitation. Our goal is to keep the DOT’s 24,613 (FY 2025) lane miles as clear and safe as possible and give drivers the information needed to make smarter, safer travel decisions. Here’s what Iowans can do to get ready.

How drivers can prepare for winter

Winterize your vehicle - To minimize the possibility of a breakdown and getting stranded, tune up your vehicle. Check your vehicle’s wipers, hoses, battery, alternator, belts, tires, brakes, exhaust system, lights, and fluid levels. Make sure your vehicle’s heater and defroster are in good working order and you travel with plenty of gas in your tank. A breakdown is frustrating on a good day but can be dangerous during wintery weather.

Stock a winter survival kit in your vehicle - This kit should contain items to help sustain your life and the lives of your passengers should your vehicle become stranded during inclement weather. These items may include booster cables; a flashlight with fresh batteries; extra blankets and warm clothes; nonperishable, high-calorie food items; candles, matches, and a can for melting snow for drinking water; and a snow shovel. Sufficient supplies should be in the kit for all persons traveling in the vehicle. Carrying a mobile

phone and charger in your vehicle is also advised for use during an emergency.

Use 511 technology to see current conditions - The winter road conditions legend has been updated to include pavement that is “Partially Covered with Ice” and “Completely Covered with Ice” and is visible on www.511ia.org. Along with layers that show images directly from the windshields of our snowplows and stationary cameras along the roadside, motorists can determine whether it is safe to travel now or if you should postpone your trip.

Slow down for the cloud –

When you see a “snow cloud” that is impacting visibility on the roadway, it’s typically a snowplow, and it’s often traveling much slower than you. Consider it a warning to slow down and get a good read on the cloud’s speed, then create a very safe distance from it. A total of 36 snowplows were struck last winter – including 15 in a single day in February. The majority of these crashes were rear-end/sideswipes. When these occur, it takes important snow-fighting equipment off the road, forcing other plows in the area to extend their routes. It’s very important that drivers give crews plenty of room to work.

Kick your winter driving skills into gear – Before the first snowfall and slick roads, take time to refresh and adjust your driving behaviors.

How the Iowa DOT has prepared

Our people and equipment

– The department’s 100 maintenance garages employ 1,072 full-time equipment operators, mechanics, and supervisors, and are in the process of hiring up to 633 temporary employees this winter season, to keep the agency’s 910 trucks, 40 motor graders, 33 tow plows, and

Iowa Department of Transportation

As the temps drop at night you may see Iowa DOT trucks out spraying brine on sunny days. Frost is a major safety factor this time of year. The Iowa DOT’s proactive approach of spraying brine on areas prone to frost prevents the formation of an icy layer, which typically occurs on cold, clear nights.

10 heavy-duty, self-propelled snowblowers on the road during winter weather.

District garage mechanics are busy doing 150-point checks from the plow blades to the salt spinner of each snow truck in their fleet. These checks are done now so that any repairs can be trucks hit the road. Garages are also conducting snow and ice removal training for new operators and refresher training for veteran drivers.

Interested in helping clear your community as a part-time snowfighter? There are positions across the state and pay is $22/hr. for new hires and $23.50 for returning drivers. Learn more about these positions and apply today.

The materials we use – The Iowa DOT has spent the warmer months stocking salt in our storage facilities for use during the winter. Buying during the spring and summer allows us to obtain better pricing because demand is low. On average, the Iowa DOT uses more than 101,000 tons of salt and nearly 25 million gallons of brine each year to help maintain safe travel on the prima-

ry highway system, consisting of interstate, U.S., and Iowa routes.

The Iowa DOT primarily uses salt brine, a simple solution of standard rock salt and water, to help with winter roadway maintenance. It can be used to pretreat roadways before a storm, thus preventing snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. Brine is also used to prewet salt before it leaves the truck, increasing its ability to melt snow and ice and helping keep it on the roadway surface. As the temps drop at night you may see Iowa DOT trucks out spraying brine on sunny days. Frost is a major safety factor this time of year. The Iowa DOT’s proactive approach of spraying brine on areas prone to frost prevents the formation of an icy layer, which typically occurs on cold, clear nights. Frost is hard to see on the road’s surface and most people don’t expect it. These unexpected encounters with a frost-covered bridge or roadway can be particularly treacherous when traveling at higher rates of speed, making it more difficult to maintain

control of your vehicle. DOT winter driving resources

Motorists are urged to monitor weather and road conditions before traveling – stay informed and plan ahead – road condition information is available from the resources listed below.

Web: Visit the Iowa 511 website at www.511ia.org. 511 app: Download the Iowa 511 mobile app for Apple and Android devices. Search for “Iowa 511” in your device’s app store. Mobile devices should only be used when parked and off the traveled portion of the roadway.

E-mail/Text Message/Push

Notifications: Receive winter road closure and other travel advisories directly in your inbox or mobile phone. Visit www.511ia.org to subscribe to “My Reports,” customizable to the route(s) you plan to travel or the highway you use for your daily commute.

Phone: When in Iowa call 511, or 800-288-1047 from outside of Iowa.

Dynamic message boards: National Weather Service warnings are posted on the dynamic message boards displayed above or along interstates at key locations throughout the state. When necessary, interstate closure information is also made available on these signs.

X (Twitter):  See statewide tweets when you follow 511 Twitter https://x.com/statewideia511

Facebook:  To see information we post to Facebook, “like” and “follow” the statewide 511 page or one of five regional pages https://iowadot.gov /511/511-social-media-sites For more information about winter preparedness and the Iowa DOT’s snow and ice control program, check the Iowa DOT’s winter safety website.

City Hall

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“The estimated impact (for citizens is) $61.58 per year for a $100,000 home,” the city said. “It could be even lower with Local Option Sales Tax or TIF support.”

According to the city, the new building will provide many basic needs for not only city hall staff but Monroe’s Police Department, who currently reside at the fire station. The police department currently operates out of one room with shared storage and other facilities with the fire department. The proposed space for the MPD would allow it dedicated spaces including interview rooms, an evidence storage room, privacy for officers and a meeting space. “This new facility ensures they have the tools and space needed to protect and serve our community,” the city said. “A new police department is crucial to ensure public safety, provide adequate space for law enforcement operation and incorporate updated technology and resources necessary to combat crime and serve the community more effectively.”

Safety issues the city faces in the current facilities include: basic security features for a safe building for staff

Jungling

Continued from page 1

and the community, a leaking roof, damaged ceiling and need for a new roof and gutter replacement, ADA accessibility does not meet current building standards, uneven and damaged surfaces within current parking lot in addition to lack of parking spaces and building insulation, ventilation, heating and cooling are all inadequate for existing spaces.

“The current facilities are undersized, in need of extensive upkeep and repairs and prevent city staff from operating efficiently and effectively,” the city said. “Investing in a new city hall and police station would not only improve operational capacity but also demonstrate Monroe’s commitment to safety and efficient governance.”

The proposed new building will include a generator to ensure the city is always operational in emergency situations. It will provide one central location with city hall and the police department together to become more visible and efficient for citizens. The building will include adequate and private storage for city records and provide privacy for citizens as they interact with city staff. It will also meet all current building codes and ADA standards to serve community members with the proper accessibility and safety.

“The proposed police department

Why do you think public service is important?

I think public service is important because volunteering time for this cause is the best way to make a difference.

What issues in the district are most important to you?

The issues in the district most important to me are retaining our students and staff. Where is the district succeeding?

I believe the PCM school district is succeeding in keeping our community and schools family-like with a positive culture.

Where does it need improvements?

PCM faces challenges just like every other rural public school in the state. Iowa is a school choice state and making sure PCM is competitive is always an ongoing goal.

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and city hall project is essential for Monroe to continue to thrive as a safe, organized and forward-thinking com-

Veterans

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Supervisors were overwhelmingly in support of the request and commended the veterans for taking care of the memorial. Supervisor Brandon Talsma the board appreciates the group and everything they have done. According to the county’s website, the sculpture was created in the 1990s.

Van Ryswyk

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This will help me bring a different perspective to the board. Why do you think public service is important? I think public service is important because it gives people an opportunity to help others and make an impact on your community. Serving on the board gives you a chance to represent families, teachers, and taxpayers, making sure their voices are heard in school decisions.

Ingle

Continued from page 1

The original memorial was built in 1928 and was dedicated to veterans of World War I. However, local veterans and residents grew tired of the deteriorating condition of the memorial and pledged to have it replaced with a more fitting tribute. The new sculpture was created by Newton artist Nick Klepinger. Depicting two soldiers in the middle of a battle scene, the sculpture is casted out of bronze. Klepinger worked on the project for

What issues in the district are most important to you?

Some of the issues in the district that are important to me include: working to find ways to attract families to the district, making sure our current students are getting the best opportunities to be successful in their future, and focusing on being budget conscious yet also spending money in areas that are in need of improvement. Where is the district succeeding?

We have a great group of faculty and staff that have our students’ best interests in mind. We also give students a lot of opportuni-

reasonable as possible. What issues in the district are most important to you?

more than two years. A plaque from the original sculpture has been incorporated into the new memorial. The project was kickstarted by a small group of Jasper County veterans. With $15,000 of seed money gifted from the county board of supervisors, a committee raised more than $96,000 in private contributions and sale of bricks inscribed with names of veterans located around the granite base of the memorial.

ties with extracurricular activities, so they can be involved in competitions, learning to be part of a team, and a chance to learn how to be a leader. Where does it need improvements?

I think we need to continue looking at ways to improve the district and attract new families to the area. With enrollment down from previous years, we need to look at ways to make PCM a place for families to want to send their kids because they know they will be given the same opportunities as surrounding districts to be successful.

children. Where is the district succeeding?

having to operate within the confines of law which in large part determines what money can be spent where. We are always aware of the tax burdens we are responsible for in these uncertain times trying to keep taxes as

The district needs to continue to address the needs of the student body as a whole while never losing sight of the importance of each and every individual student. Underlying it all is the parental support and authority in raising their

Our school culture has improved dramatically and the team of board, administrators, teachers and support staff is working well together. Where does it need improvements?

Our biggest current issues involve fiscal responsibilities in making

sure students get what they need while continuing to reevaluate the processes and facilities to accomplish that. Our biggest asset is our ability to discuss situations in a thoughtful cooperative way.

PCM is a great school district and we need to continue to grow and improve while appreciating what we got.

Volleyball Seniors Last Home Game: Where Will They Be Next Season?

Senior Jorja Teeter plays volleyball; she has a bittersweet feeling about it being her last regular season home game. She is sad that it is near the end of the season, but she is also happy because there is a new season coming up and on to other fun and exciting things. ”I will miss the bonds I created and the time I got to spend doing something I love,” said senior Tori Lindsay. She feels very surreal that it has already been 4 years and now it is slowly coming to an end. Senior Seriah Nolin would give the younger volleyball players this advice. “I would tell them to stick with it no matter what and find your role on the team. Be someone who is encouraging and kind no matter how much practice is going for you that day.” Her favorite memory is watching Sarah try not to laugh after Libby smoked a girl from Baxter in the face. “My parents have been my biggest supporters throughout my entire high school career,” said senior Addison Hudnut. What she will miss the most about volleyball is My teammates, they’re what has driven me these past four years to not only be a better athlete but a teammate as well.

Friday Night Lights Recap: Four Senior Nights, Middle School Band Prefromance, and a Football Win

Friday night was a huge night for the PCM Mustangs, starting the night off with senior night before kickoff of the varsity football game. Athletics such as football, cheer (competition & sideline), cross country, and marching band were honored, giving dedication to over 30 class of 2026 athletes for their hard work on and off the field. The football team then took the field with their annual run-out song, followed by a national anthem tag-teamed by PCM’s Marching Mustangs as well as our Marching Mustangs in training, our middle school. The middle schoolers performed the fight song and national anthem, as well as a “show” during halftime. This is an awesome opportunity to show these students what band is like in high school by practicing with them in the mornings that week as well as getting to actually perform! Now this game wasn’t your usual night of football, not because of senior night and middle school joining band, but also because of the competition. The boys started their game at the normal time, 7:30 p.m. kickoff, but due to weather didn’t finish their game until just shy of midnight. Our boys battled all night long, not just with weather, but with themselves. They started the night down 14-0 and competed to win the game and make themselves district champions yet again by defeating #5 Centerville

again tomorrow night with a 7 p.m. kickoff at the high school V. West Liberty

PCM Adopts a New Backpack Policy

Starting the 2025-2026 school year, PCM High School has implemented a new backpack policy, which prohibits students from bringing backpacks into class with them for the entire day. Administration says that this rule is for safety, but some students disagree.

Student Kali Bagby said she understands the new policy, but wishes she could carry her backpack around with her at school. “I think the reason behind this policy is safety reasons,” Bagby said. “But personally, I just don’t like this policy.” When asked how this policy affected her, Bagby said this policy didn’t overall affect her too much; she just has to make a couple extra stops at her locker every day. “I have one notebook for each half of the day, so after lunch, I grab my second notebook for the second half of the day, then switch them out,” Bagby said. Bagby was then asked a final question about whether she had heard any feedback, and she said, “I’ve heard some people saying that it’s a good idea to keep backpacks out of the classroom, but personally, I like carrying my backpack around. It’s just easier.”

However, student Erica Thomas had some different

Be sure to support your high school musical in this year’s performance of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” This year there will be two casts, which you can view on the PCM Community School District Facebook Page! Cast B will perform 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16, while Cast A performs 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, and 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 26. Buy your tickets at: gobound.com/ia/schools/pcmmonroe/tickets

viewpoints on this topic. When asked how she felt about the new backpack policy, Thomas said it didn’t really affect her as much as it did other students. “It doesn’t affect me, I know lots of people are very opinionated about it,” Thomas said. “But I think it’s smart to try and reduce stealing,” Thomas was asked about what she thought the reasoning was behind this policy, and she said they were mainly doing it for safety reasons. “I know last year there was a lot of stealing from backpacks and a bunch of other stuff,” Thomas said. “But I think this is them trying to reduce that as much as they can.” Thomas was then asked how she thought students could be better supported under this policy, and she said, “I don’t really think there needs to be a change because everybody seems to be getting around just fine with not being able to carry their stuff.”

This new backpack policy has been a big change for all high school students, with positive and negative feedback given. Time will only tell if this policy is supported in the future, but one thing is clear- this discussion isn’t ending anytime soon.

A new year has started, which means the story-writing factory is officially open for business. This is my first column of my second year in journalism, and what better way to kick things off than by telling you about my hopes and dreams for this year? To start things off this year, I wasted no time in getting back to where I left off last year. With the interview with Kyle Larson came a lot of things: mostly praise and a peek at what the PCM Journalism class could be, but maybe also an expectation that maybe my time in journalism could be different from those in the past. So in the first two weeks of school, I set up an exclusive interview with the president pro tempore of the senate, Iowan Senator Grassley. Many of you have seen it by now, and if you haven’t, you can on our website, PCM Outlook. This 15-minute interview did a lot of things for not just our school and our class, but it also made me give myself a standard of what I would like to accomplish. So for this year, one of my main goals is to conduct at least one more exclusive interview with a celebrity. Another is to write more articles like this and more in-depth sports stories. One of the cool things about high school journalism is that we can win awards ranging from columnist of the year to even coolest photo. This year, even if it’s not a big award, I would like to earn one. And if we make it to the Dome again, a major goal would be to go and cover it for TTV and to write articles. This year I have the privilege to write not just normal stories with normal interviews, but emotional stories and indepth exclusive interviews into people’s lives that we don’t normally see. Journalism isn’t about something cool that is happening; it’s about giving the voiceless a voice, and I really want to capitalize on that for this year and for my career in journalism. That’s it for this column; hopefully you enjoyed my little story. Have a great day!

7, B WR at Oskaloosa 15 7:15am PCM Blood Drive at PC First Reformed

at MS

7pm

Meals served weekdays at 11:30 a.m. at The Gathering Place in Monroe. Sign up the day before or by 9 a.m. the day of the meal is required by calling 641-792-7102.

8am Prayer and Coffee at TGP 9:30am Supervisors, Jasper County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 1pm Seniors and Kids at TGP 6pm Bingo at TGP 6pm PC Planning and Zoning 6pm Elementary Academic Night at PCE 6:30pm FCA at HS Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

No School 10am Video Exercise Class 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 5:30pm PC Park Board Monroe City Council 4:30pm 8, GBB vs Nevada at PCM 4:30pm 7, GBB at Nevada 11 VETERANS DAY Monroe & Prairie City City Halls closed 8am Prayer and Coffee at TGP 9:30am Supervisors, County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6:30pm Mon Legion Auxiliary 6:30pm Kiwanis, Mon City Hall 4:30pm 7, G BB vs Knoxville at PCM 4:30pm 8, G BB at Knoxville 4:30pm JH, B WR at North Polk 12 Monroe Trash 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm PC City Council 4pm “Get Fit, Don’t Fall” with Amy Stephensen at TGP 13 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 10am Patty Richards Show at TGP 1pm Movement with Sean at TGP 4:30pm 7, G BB vs Saydel at PCM 4:30pm 8, G BB at Saydel

20 11:30am

19 Monroe Trash & Recycling Day 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 4pm “Get Fit, Don’t Fall” with Amy Stephensen at TGP 5:30pm CPR Training at TGP 5pm Community Meal at Monroe United Methodist Church 6pm PC Celebration Commission

Mustangs run past Big Reds, win third consecutive district title

MONROE — The clock didn’t quite strike midnight on the Centerville football team on Oct. 17.

But the Cinderella story of Class 2A did not end with a district championship for the Big Reds as the PCM football team rallied from a huge hole early to win its regular-season finale at home.

The Class 2A No. 5 Mustangs trailed by three scores in the first half but rushed for 421 yards and overcame a pair of lightning delays and another injury during a 58-30 victory in 2A District 7 play.

“We made it through despite all the injuries and adversity,” PCM head football coach Greg Bon-

nett said. “It feels awesome. We get to host some playoff games now so it was a good night.”

It was the sixth straight win for the Mustangs, and they claimed their third consecutive district championship.

The regular-season finale against No. 4 Centerville was a battle for the District 7 title as both teams entered the game 4-0 in district play.

While PCM had been there before, the Big Reds were arguably playing in their biggest game since starting 11-0 in 2009.

Centerville has won at least seven games just twice in the past 16 seasons, too.

But the visitors landed the first punch in a game that ended at 11:59 p.m.

After the first two plays

from scrimmage resulted in negative yardage, Mack Murdock connected with Klayton Lawson for an 83-yard touchdown on third and 13.

Lawson got enough for the first down on the initial catch but spun two different times to break tackles and sprinted to paydirt to give Centerville an early lead.

On the first play of the Big Reds’ next drive, Lawson got past the defense again and Murdock hit him in stride down the visiting sideline for an 85yard TD pass play.

The missed extra point made it 13-0. That’s about when the first delay for lightning took place.

PCM turned the ball over on its next two pos-

sessions. Just before the second lightning delay, Centerville’s Conner Petoyan snagged the first of two Chase Wagaman interceptions in the game.

When play resumed for good after another long delay, the Big Reds (7-1, 4-1 in the district) capped a 5-play, 32-yard drive with a 2-yard TD run by Makoa Kaleponi.

“We just tried to stay calm and keep our mind in the game,” PCM senior two-way linemen Braedyn Lester said about the delays.

“They showed different fronts so we had to switch up some of our blocking schemes. It worked out for us.”

PCM boys edge Nevada, win conference title

MONROE — PCM senior

Coby DeRaad was pretty fired up after the Mustangs were announced as Heart of Iowa Activities Conference champions on Oct. 13.

And knowing that the program hasn’t really come close to accomplishing that in a long time, no one can blame him.

PCM finished seventh and eighth in his first high school seasons before ascending to second last year.

But Nevada won the meet by 41 points a year ago and claimed the conference title by at least 25 points every fall since at least 2020.

That’s just another reason for the Mustangs to celebrate their first HOIAC championship since 2008 as PCM dethroned the Cubs by a single point at Gateway Recreation Golf Course.

“It’s pretty surreal,” DeRaad said. “To go from the only runner to go under 19 minutes my freshman year to finishing fourth on my own team at this meet my senior year is something I give them all the credit for. I’m just thankful to be part of it.”

While DeRaad wasn’t the first Mustang to cross the finish line, he was one of four PCM runners to earn top-12 all-conference recognition after the boys’ 5K race.

Led by newly-ranked Mustang Kash Fischer in sixth, Class 2A No. 11 PCM scored 58 points at the top of the standings. That was one point better than 3A No. 19 Nevada, which scored 59 in second.

The rest of the nine-team field included Saydel (97), Greene County (123), Perry (148), Grand View Christian (150), West Marshall (164), Roland-Story (166) and South Hamilton (202).

“We learned last week that every point matters,” PCM head cross country coach Eric Osterhaus said. “We lost to Red Oak by one point. We got out a little spicy today and paid for that in the second half of the race but still finished well.”

Nevada had a better individual top finisher than PCM and the Cubs’ first five were in before the Mustangs, but their No.

2, 3 and 4 runners were separated by only 16 seconds and five places in the top 12.

Fischer, a junior who just joined the 2A rankings at No. 26, posted a time of 17 minutes, 58.2 seconds in sixth. He was 40 seconds faster than the first time he ran on the team’s home course a few weeks ago.

“I don’t really care. It’s about our team and our team is doing great,” Fischer said about being ranked. “It gives me a little more confidence, but it doesn’t matter to me. If the season were to end today, I’d be happy with it. But we have more to do. We have to move on to the next race.”

The Mustangs’ next race is the state qualifying meet in Pella on Oct. 23.

They’ll try to qualify for the state meet as a team for the first time since advancing in four straight seasons from 2005 to 2008.

Before that, they’ll celebrate their first conference title in almost two decades.

“It feels good especially since we worked so hard in the summer to get to where we are to -

day,” PCM junior Brenden Lahart said.

Lahart was the second Mustang to finish the boys’ race on Oct. 13. He was on Fischer’s tail most of the way and ended up eighth in 18:05.85.

“I know (Fisher) is the runner on our team who pushes everyone else so me closing in on him today will help make him a better runner, too,” Lahart said. “Us working together just makes the team better.”

Sophomore Owen Osterhaus finished 11th in 18:14.99 and DeRaad was 12th in 18:21.57. All four Mustangs were announced as all-conference runners after the race.

Sophomore Rylan Edgington (19:05.35) was the final scoring runner in 21st. Henry Omondi (19:19.39) and sophomore Camden Lahart (19:21.75) led the non-scoring runners in 23rd and 24th, respectively.

Sophomore Cademon Burkett (19:30.03), junior Kolby Clark (20:17.04), senior Charlie Ford (20:35.2) and junior Parker DeHaai (20:35.41) also were non-scoring runners in 29th,

38th, 48th and 49th, respectively.

“This is the best I’ve felt all season, but I know I can still get better,” Owen Osterhaus said. “I need to prepare myself through that second mile. I need to dig and continue to put the hard work in.”

Owen Osterhaus said the fact that he gets to share the conference championship winning experience with his head coach father makes it even more special.

The Mustangs entered the 2A rankings in 17th a few weeks ago. They climbed to 11th in the most recent rankings that were used to determine assignments for the state qualifying meet.

That’s the only week Coach Osterhaus cares about the rankings at all.

“Rankings aren’t results. It’s cool to see the name there though,” Coach Osterhaus said. “So I’m happy that the boys were as good as they were last week because that will help us for where they put us.”

To close the gap and maybe get into the top 10 before the season ends, Fischer wants the gap between the top four runners to close, and the No. 5 runner needs to be closer to the top four, too.

“We can do it. We have the guys,” Fischer said. “We just need to find that breakthrough race where all of us are on on the same day.”

Coach Osterhaus already thinks his Mustangs are a top10 team. Becoming more confident through miles two and three and continuing to hone their speed are two things his team will work on before the state qualifying meet next week.

“We don’t need to get out in 5:10 to run well,” Coach Osterhaus said.

“We’re working on honing our competitiveness. We had some breakthrough performances with that last week.”

Class 2A No. 11 Corben Lucchesi of Roland-Story won the boys’ race in 17:09.6.

Saydel finished third in the team standings mostly because Gage Moreno (17:26.81) and Jacob McPherren (17:32.34) were second and third individually.

PCM won the conference

championship after going 6-8-11-12-21.

Nevada was the runner-up with a run of 5-7-10-18-19.

“It’s an honor to be able to lead these dudes around me,” said DeRaad, who is a two-time individual state qualifier. “The work that they’ve put in is a testament to them.

“For myself, it’s the mindset. I have to have the willingness to hurt. I saw myself as a 400/800 guy in track, but it’s not track season. And I have to overcome the barrier and know that I can do this and I can be there again. The guys are trying to help me get over that mental hurdle.”

Notes: The Mustangs finished second in the HOIAC meet last year but trailed Nevada by 41 points. They finished seventh in 2023, eighth in 2022, seventh in 2020 and did not have a team score in 2021. Nevada won the HOIAC title in each of those seasons and won the meet by an average of 38.5 points. … PCM’s last trip to the state meet as a team was in 2008 when the Mustangs placed second and finished 10 points back of a state title. They also were third in 2007, fourth in 2006 and ninth in 2005. Chris Musgrove finished third individually in 2006 and Ray Chubbock was fourth in both 2006 and 2007.

PCM goes to Central College for state qualifying meet

The Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union and Iowa High School Athletic Association released the assignments for next week’s state qualifying meets on Oct. 15.

PCM was forced to go more than two hours away last year but will stay much closer to home this time around.

It will compete at a meet hosted by Pella Christian at Central College, and the other teams in attendance will be the No. 6 Eagles, 2A No. 7 Red Oak, No. 19 Shenandoah, Cardinal, Centerville, Chariton, Davis County, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, Grand View Christian, Interstate 35, Underwood and West Central

The top three teams and top 15 individuals advance to the 2A

Mustang girls finish second at HOIAC meet

By Troy Hyde PCM Explorer

MONROE — With its No. 4 ranking in Class 2A, the PCM girls cross country team will be hunted by almost everyone it faces in the final part of the season.

But with the top-ranked team coming to the Mustangs’ home course for the Heart of Iowa Activities Conference meet on Oct. 13, PCM had a chance to be the hunters.

That’s exactly how senior Abi Teeter likes it.

“I want to be the underdog. Everyone loves a good underdog story,” Teeter said. “We wanted to come in today and be the hunter. Last week Pella Christian hunted us. We were the hunters last year when we weren’t ranked as high.”

With the roster the Mustangs will have for the state qualifying meet next week, they fell a little short of 2A No. 1 West Marshall but finished second by only eight points at Gateway Recreation Golf Course.

PCM’s first five runners hit the finish line before West Marshall’s five, but the Trojans were just a little better at the top of the lineup.

Top-ranked West Marshall scored 37 points as HOIAC champions. Fourth-ranked PCM scored 45 points in second, and the next closest team was 2A No. 18 Grand View Christian (82) in third and 2A No. 19 Roland-Story (109) was fourth.

The rest of the eight-team field included Nevada (114), Greene County (160) and South Hamilton (178). Perry and Saydel had incomplete rosters.

“To have two of the top four ranked teams competing for a conference title is great,” PCM head cross country coach Eric Osterhaus said. “You never know what will happen at state so we’ll compete the best we can every day.

“We’ll use our good race strategies, use the training we know works and race the way we race, and I think we’ll be just fine come districts and state.”

this season due to an injury. She was a top-three runner for PCM last year, and her absence could limit the Mustangs’ ceiling.

“We are probably the team to beat with (DeRaad),” Osterhaus said. “But I think we’re still a topthree team. We need our No. 4 runner, whoever that is, to come up. (Ford), (Wheeler) and (Jungling) all ran really well today though.”

Class 2A No. 9 Addie Thompson of West Marshall won the girls’ race in 20:34.62. The Trojans grabbed the conference title after placing three in the top six and four in the top 12.

and second again in 2020.

PCM goes to Central College for state qualifying meet

The Iowa High School Girls Athletic Union and Iowa High School Athletic Association released the assignments for next week’s state qualifying meets on Oct. 15.

The Mustangs were forced to go more than two hours away last year but will stay much closer to home this time around.

PCM closes out HOIAC season with wins over Rams, Thunder

MONROE — The PCM volleyball team lost a 2-0 lead against Grand View Christian on Oct. 14. But the Mustangs recovered in time to win the match in five sets.

PCM hammered the Thunder in the opening set, edged its visitors in the second set and then bounced back from two straight losses to win the fifth set during a 25-16, 26-24, 17-25, 2025, 15-10 victory during Heart of Iowa Activities Conference action.

The Mustangs served up 24 aces, including three by Tori Lindsay, who set a new school record for career aces in the win.

Lindsay led PCM with 35 assists, four kills, 12 digs and three aces.

She was 17-of-17 in serves and had zero hitting errors in 17 attempts.

The senior setter’s 176 career aces bested the previous mark of 163 set in 2009 by Brianna Zerley.

Libby Winters posted 12 kills, 15 digs and three assists, Jorja Teeter chipped in nine kills and 19 digs and Addyson Pederson contributed six kills, six digs, seven aces and two blocks.

Peyton Lathrum finished with six kills, two digs, eight aces and three blocks, Addi Hudnut registered two kills, 20 digs and four aces and Claire Van Wyk put down four kills.

The Mustangs (23-5, 6-2 in the HOIAC) were 94-of-102 in serves with 24 aces. They put down 43 kills and had a kill efficiency of .106.

Winters finished 15-of-16 in serves, and Teeter was 12-of-13 with three hitting errors in 32 attempts.

Lathrum made three hitting errors in 26 attempts and was 20-of-21 in serves.

PCM’s top three finishers were in the first 10 spots on Oct. 13.

Teeter, who is ranked 17th in 2A, was the girls’ 5K race runner-up with a time of 20 minutes, 54.34 seconds.

That was about 40 seconds faster than the first time she ran at Gateway earlier this season.

Junior Ali Hilsabeck was seventh in 21:27.56 and junior Lila Milani finished ninth in 21:42.9.

The top 12 finishers in each varsity race earned all-conference recognition at the end of the meet.

“Our team was prepared. We knew (West Marshall) was a threat, and we went in knowing we had to run our best to catch any Trojan in front of us,” Milani said.

“We had a good plan. We ran our race for the first mile and then about halfway in we decided to attack for a bit. It didn’t work out exactly how we wanted, but I’m proud of my team. We tried our hardest.”

Sophomore Annie Ford (22:55.75) and junior Bailey Wheeler (22:57.85) were the other scoring runners in 16th and 17th, respectively.

Freshman Jodi Jungling (23:23.51) and seniors Paiten Rumbaugh (23:35.62), Raegan Vannoy (24:32.96) and Alexis Fagg (25:17.33) were non-scoring runners in 20th, 23rd, 32nd and 39th, respectively.

“It feels like a good accomplishment,” Ford said. “We couldn’t catch (West Marshall) but just being that close to them right now is really awesome.”

Rumbaugh has been consistently in the team’s top five this season but is still working her way back from an illness from last week.

The Mustangs also won’t get sophomore Darbey DeRaad back

Teeter said a big part of her improved time from the first time around was a slower first mile.

“I got out in a 5:50 mile the last time I ran here, and I can’t do that,” Teeter said. “I know I can’t do that so opening up in a 6:15 today is exactly where I need to be. I need to be patient. It’s a marathon not a sprint.

“I think we did a good job today, but we can still get better. I love this team. And we have one more guaranteed race to show who we are.”

If someone would have told Hilsabeck that her team would have came within eight points of the No. 1 team in the class at any point this season, she probably would not have believed them.

“Being only eight points back is eye opening,” Hilsabeck said. “We need to run more competitively next time and be ready to beat them and be ready to hurt.”

It’s the mental side of things that can help PCM close the gap on teams like West Marshall at state.

It’s what could help the Mustangs when they race against 2A No. 3 Pella Christian at the state qualifying meet on Oct. 23.

Milani wants her team to focus more during the race when everyone starts to hurt.

“We’re focused before, but then we lose that focus during the race because we start to hurt mentally,” Milani said. “We need to strive for what we want and get rid of the mental barriers because it hurts.

“My mindset was pretty bad at the beginning of the season. I was almost not in the mood to run, but you start to realize you don’t have much time left to do this. I don’t want to take that time for granted.”

Notes: PCM won the HOIAC title in 2024 but finished second in 2023, third in 2022, fifth in 2021

They will compete at a meet hosted by Pella Christian at Central College, and the other teams in attendance will be the No. 3 Eagles, No. 13 Albia, No. 18 Grand View Christian, Cardinal, Centerville, Chariton, Davis County, Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont, Interstate 35, Red Oak, Shenandoah, Underwood and West Central Valley.

The top three teams and top 15 individuals advance to the 2A state cross country meet on Oct. 31.

“Rankings are hit and miss. It’s a jumbled mess,” Osterhaus said. “I don’t want to be No. 1 going into the state meet. Because if you don’t win it, it’s a disappointing season by coming in second. I want good expectations. They know what they can do, they know what their realistic outlook is and they just have to believe in themselves.”

The top 15 finishers at the state meet earn all-state honors and a spot on the deck at the Lakeside Municipal Golf Course in Fort Dodge.

Teeter is currently ranked two spots off the top 15. She’s currently one of five girls in the rankings who will race at Central College next week.

“Rankings can bring confidence, but you can’t let not being ranked in the top 15 get to you because it doesn’t matter,” Teeter said. “Rankings are for the audience. That stuff is not for us.”

The last time PCM and Pella Christian squared off against each other, the Eagles edged the Mustangs by three points in Chariton on Oct. 7.

Hilsabeck was ran down at the tail end of the race by all-state sprinter Bailey Vos. She won’t be the last person to not beat Vos in a foot race, but she did learn from that experience.

“I had more in the tank then and could have made it harder for her,” Hilsabeck said.

“So today I saw the girl in front of me and tried to chase her down instead of being the one who was being chased.”

Grand View Christian (16-19, 3-5) was led by Addie Hackett, who had 17 kills, 12 digs and three aces. Maiah Murphy posted seven kills and 16 digs and Chloe Cox chipped in 36 assists and 16 digs.

The Thunder were 85-of-100 in serves with 12 aces. They had a kill efficiency of .183.

PCM’s 23-5 record is the best for the program since it registered a school-record 25 wins in 2005.

The Mustangs were 20-7 back in 2007, and this is their third straight winning season.

PCM 3, Greene County 0 MONROE — Winters led five Mustangs with at least five kills and PCM defeated Greene County for the first time since 2020 on Oct. 16.

PCM swept the Rams in a best-of-five match for the first time since 2008 and won the HOIAC matchup 2514, 25-21, 25-23 on Senior Night.

Lindsay, Teeter, Hudnut, Van Wyk, Seriah Nolin and Lillian Humpal, who has missed the entire season with an injury, were the six seniors recognized before the match.

Winters led the Mustangs with 13 kills, eight digs, two blocks and three aces. Lindsay posted 24 assists and nine digs, Teeter had six kills, three blocks and five digs and Hudnut registered 11 digs, four assists and two aces.

Lathrum totaled five kills, four digs and three aces, Pederson added five kills, two digs and two aces and Van Wyk chipped in five kills and two digs.

Ryan DeVore contributed seven digs, PCM was 61of-73 in serves with 12 aces and the Mustangs had a kill efficiency of .160.

Winters made six hitting errors in 30 attempts and a had a kill efficiency of .233. She also was 14-of-15 in serves. Van Wyk’s kill efficiency was .231 and Lindsay served 15-of-15.

Greene County (14-16, 5-3) lost the match but is 20-5 against PCM since 2008.

Mustangs win consolation bracket at BCLUW tournament

CONRAD — The Mustangs bounced back from a pair of losses to win the consolation bracket of the BCLUW tournament on Oct. 11.

PCM swept East Marshall twice and downed Baxter in two sets but lost a three-set match to North Mahaska and then fell to Class 1A No. 8 BCLUW in two competitive sets. In the consolation championship match, PCM defeated East Marshall 25-16, 25-20. Teeter led the way with seven kills, two blocks and three digs. Lindsay added 22 assists and six digs, Winters posted four kills, eight digs and two aces and Van Wyk totaled five kills and two digs.

Lathrum finished with four kills and three aces, Pederson contributed two kills and four digs, Hudnut had eight digs and DeVore registered three digs.

The Mustangs started their comeback on their next possession. The drive started on PCM’s own 47-yard line, and the home team needed only four plays to go 53 yards. The drive was capped by a 27-yard TD from Wagaman to Alex Wendt.

It was the only pass completion of the day for the Mustangs as Wagaman finished 1-of-5 for 27 yards, one TD and two interceptions.

“I do that quick out. They didn’t really expect it,” Wendt said of the TD pass play. “Those lightning delays really helped. We talked formations, made sure we knew the game wasn’t over and not quitting because of the deficit. We knew it wasn’t over.”

After a three-and-out by Centerville, PCM continued to carve into its deficit. This time, the Mustangs marched 66 yards in six plays.

All six plays were runs by Lewis Daye Jr. He got three straight first downs on runs of 16, 21 and 19 yards before scoring from 1-yard out with 7:29 to go until halftime.

The Big Reds answered right back though. They drove 80 yards in 11 plays, overcame two short runs by Kaleponi and a sack from Wendt and converted a fourth and five with a 25-yard pass from Murdock to Abram Decena.

Decena hauled in an 11-yard TD pass from Murdock on the next play to swell the visitor’s lead to 27-15.

Centerville took momentum into halftime, too. The Big Reds came up with a stop on fourth down to halt PCM’s final drive of the first half. The eight-play drive by the Mustangs ended at the Centerville 23-yard line.

“We didn’t have school today because of parent-teacher conferences,” Bonnett said. “Those days are always tough because the guys just sit around most of the day.

“We brought them in to lift weights, but it’s not the same. We were out of rhythm because of Senior Night, too, and had dirty eyes. They were just off in the clouds so to speak, and that’s a recipe for disaster. The rain delays were probably a blessing in disguise even though we’re doing this interview after midnight.”

Explorer PCM

The Mustangs (7-1, 5-0) went 60 yards on their first possession of the second half, and all seven plays were on the ground.

A pass interference call against Centerville moved the chains initially and then Wagaman got loose for 15 yards on fourth and nine.

Daye Jr., who carried the ball 26 times in the first half, scored on an impressive 24-yard TD run to cap the drive. After being stopped initially up the middle, the Mustang sophomore bounced outside and made one final cut near the goal line to bring the hosts to within 27-22 after the Dominic Witt PAT.

The game completely shifted on Centerville’s next possession. After picking up 16 yards on first down, Murdock’s next pass was picked off by Gavin Steenhoek and the senior two-way starter took it back 43 yards for the touchdown. It all started with a big hit on the quarterback by Keegan Fenton.

Playing from behind for the first time in the game, the Big Reds continued to move the ball through the air. On third and 10, Murdock hit Kayden Rice for 28 yards and then connected with Lawson for 12 more and another first down.

But the drive stalled four plays later as Fenton’s sack on fourth down turned the ball over on downs.

Fenton finished with 5.5 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks in the win, and Wendt registered 9.5 tackles, three tackles for loss and three sacks.

“This is the best game to play if you’re in my position,” Wendt

Volleyball

CONTINUED FROM 7

said. “We can basically just run up field and chase after him. They ran a lot of empty sets so we knew they were throwing it.”

Murdock got the ball back to his team though. After a holding penalty pushed the Mustangs back, the sophomore twoway starter picked off Wagaman on the third play of the drive and returned it to the PCM 15yard line.

Three straight incompletions though forced the Big Reds into a 32-yard field goal attempt and Jason Morrow booted it through to push the visitors back in front 30-29.

That was the last time Centerville scored though. And Easton Morris took over on the ground for the Mustangs.

Already down a few backs due to injury, Morris came in for Daye Jr. after he left the game early.

His first run of the second half went for 8 yards and he ended the five-play, 55-yard drive with back-to-back runs of 10 and 20 yards, and the 20-yard TD run shifted the lead back to the Mustangs for good.

“I just tried to stay in the game, think about how I can help the team when my name gets called and do the best I could,” Morris said.

Morris’ big night included a career-best three rushing TDs. PCM’s next drive covered six plays and five of them were runs by Morris.

He capped the possession with a 5-yard TD run that was set up by Wagaman’s 14-yard scamper.

Centerville got a 34-yard completion from Murdock to Kale-

The Mustangs were 39-of-49 in serves with five aces, and they had a kill efficiency of .268.

Ashtyn Wheater lead East Marshall (12-26) with three kills and five digs.

PCM defeated East Marshall 21-18, 21-12 in their other matchup. Teeter finished with nine kills and five digs and Winters had five kills and seven digs in that one.

Lindsay posted 17 assists and two digs, Hudnut had six digs, Lathrum put down three kills and DeVore contributed two digs.

poni on its next possession, but another sack ended the drive in the red zone. This time, a stable of Mustangs, including Wendt and Fenton, turned the ball back over to the offense, and Morris went back to work.

PCM needed only six plays to go 82 yards. Helped out by a few Centerville penalties, Morris got a first down on a 15-yard run and then sprinted past the defense for a 69-yard TD on the next play. It was the longest run of Morris’ varsity career. He finished with a career-high 184 yards on 18 carries.

“It felt amazing,” Morris said about the long TD run. “My blockers did what they were supposed to, I did my assignment and we got it done.”

Murdock connected with Lawson for 21 yards on Centerville’s first play from scrimmage on its next possession.

But another pick 6 by PCM capped off its come-from-behind win. This time, Jax Strait snagged a Murdock pass and returned it 43 yards for a TD.

Murdock threw for 417 yards in the loss. Lawson grabbed six passes for 227 yards and two scores.

“We couldn’t defend it a regular way,” Bonnett said. “We had to resort to blitzing and playing cover 0. We tried to get him to throw quick passes that were hopefully off the mark.”

PCM outscored Centerville 58-10 after falling behind 200. The Mustangs won the third quarter 22-3 and outscored the Big Reds 21-0 in the fourth.

Daye Jr. led the PCM rushing attack before leaving the game with an injury. He ran for 201 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries.

The Mustangs averaged 7.5 yards per carry in the win. Wagaman ran for 36 yards on four carries.

“It’s pretty to cool to be a part of,” Lester said. “I think it tires out the defense, and once we get going it’s hard to stop.”

Bonnett and the Mustangs never panicked and stuck to the run despite the early deficit. He also admitted to not really wanting to challenge Petoyan in the passing game.

“That’s our game. We want to grind on our opponents,” Bonnett said. “But their No. 8 (Petoyan) is a dude. He was locking us down. I really like him.”

Centerville also was one-di-

It was the first meeting between the two schools since 2016 when Baxter (719) was part CMB.

PCM won the first set against North Mahaska, but the Warhawks rallied for a 19-21, 21-17, 15-12 win.

Lindsay finished with 21 assists and five digs, Winters put down 12 kills and had three digs and Lathrum totaled three kills, three blocks and two digs.

The Mustangs were 39of-41 in serves with six aces. Pederson served up three aces, and PCM had a kill efficiency of .277.

Lindsay and Hudnut both were 8-of8 in serves and Teeter and Winters finished 7-of-7. Teeter made only one hitting error in 12 attempts.

Alivia Neuroth led the other Mustangs with four kills and six digs.

In the 25-19, 25-12 win over Baxter, Winters put down 12 kills, Hudnut had 11 digs and Lindsay dished out 14 assists.

Winters totaled two blocks, Hudnut delivered three assists, Lindsay added three digs and three aces and Lathrum contributed two blocks and two digs.

Teeter had three kills and DeVore and Nolin each had three digs. The Mustangs were 43-of-49 in serves with five aces. Lathrum served 15-of-15 and Lindsay was 11-of-12.

Pederson chipped in five kills and two digs, Teeter had three kills and six digs, Hudnut posted seven digs and DeVore tallied two digs. Pederson made zero hitting errors in 14 attempts. PCM was 40-of-41 in serves with two aces. Pederson was 12-of-12 and Lindsay and Teeter both served 7-of-7. North Mahaska (15-9) claimed its fourth straight win over PCM. State-ranked and host BCLUW downed the Mustangs 21-18, 21-17 in their matchup. The Comets are 16-0 against PCM since 2016.

Lindsay delivered 15 assists, Winters put down eight kills and Hudnut had 10 digs. Teeter posted three kills and four digs, Winters tallied two blocks and six digs, Pederson put down three kills and Lindsay and DeVore each contributed two digs.

The Mustangs were 32-of-36 in serves with three aces. Lathrum served 9-of-10 and Teeter had zero errors in her 12 attempts at the net. Winters made two errors in 21 tries and Lindsay had one miscue in 11 chances.

Grace Farnsworth led BCLUW (328) with nine kills and nine digs and Olivia Peters posted nine kills and seven digs. The Comets were 40-of-41 with six aces.

mensional on offense. The Big Reds managed only 43 rushing yards on 24 carries.

A big part of that success for PCM’s defense was Mason Hjortshoj at linebacker. He’s another Mustang whose name was called due to injuries to other guys, but he’s made the most of his opportunity.

Hjortshoj finished with a career-high 13.5 tackles, three tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks.

“He’s a physical kid. He loves football,” Bonnett said about Hjortshoj. “He’s a young buck running around out there and having a good time.”

Hjortshoj ranks third on the team with 36 tackles, and he got his hands on a few Murdock passes, too.

“After the first half, we switched things up,” Hjortshoj said. “The inside backers blitzed a lot and that changed everything. That pressure forced him to throw earlier than he wanted to. It’s a tough offense to play against, but I just try to be physical and make contact with someone. I just wait for my chance to make a play.”

Steenhoek added 5.5 tackles and the pick 6, Strait had 4.5 tackles and the pick 6, Wagaman made five tackles and Harrison Brinegar totaled five tackles.

Trent Nickelson added five tackles and 1.5 sacks, Lester chipped in three tackles and Evan Jones had 2.5 tackles.

The PCM defense accounted for 11 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in the win.

Fenton leads the Mustangs with 47 tackles and 14 tackles for loss and his seven sacks rank tied for fourth in 2A.

Another factor in the game was field position. Centerville attempted an onside kick every time it kicked off, while PCM’s Witt booted all nine of his kickoffs into the end zone.

Witt leads the second best kicker in 2A by 23 touchbacks. He has a 2A-best 52 touchbacks in 58 attempts.

“We can go on and on about (Witt),” Bonnett said. “He helps our team and our defense with those touchbacks.”

PCM opens the playoffs against West Liberty (3-5) at 7 p.m. on Oct. 24 in Monroe. Notes: PCM has won at least seven games for the third straight season. The Mustangs have reached seven wins or more in nine of the past 11 seasons, too.

Keegan Fenton

PCM senior Keegan Fenton had 5.5 tackles, four tackles for loss and three sacks for the football team on Oct. 17. That effort helped the Mustangs clinch the district title for the third straight season. Fenton’s 16 tackles for loss this fall ranks tied for eighth in Class 2A and his eight sacks are second.

Classifieds Explorer PCM

The next steps after a breast cancer diagnosis

Certain steps may not take away the initial shock, but can help people prepare for what’s ahead

A breast cancer diagnosis can be jarring, and millions of women receive such news across the globe each year. BreastCancer.org estimates 316,950 women in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2025, as well as 59,080 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ, a non-invasive form of the disease. The Canadian Cancer Society reports approximately 30,500 women are projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025.

After learning they have breast cancer, individuals may not know what to do next. Certain steps may not take away the initial shock, but can help people prepare for what’s ahead.

Gather information

The first step is to learn more about your diagnosis. This should include details about the type, stage and hormone receptor status of the breast cancer from your doctor. Now is the time to ask the doctor to clarify anything you do not understand. He or she also may begin to spell out a treatment plan.

Unless the cancer is very aggressive, you likely have time to seek a second opinion. Another specialist can confirm the diagnosis and offer a second opinion about a potential treatment plan. After all expert opinions are gathered, you also may want

to learn more through reputable sources like the Mayo Clinic or the American Cancer Society before making any treatment decisions.

Share the news

Some people want to keep their cancer diagnosis a secret, but it can be helpful to let loved ones know early on. This will help you build a strong support system that can offer emotional support and additional assistance when needed. Treatment may leave you feeling weakened and ill, and you might need some helpers to lighten your

load. A counselor or therapist also can help you navigate the emotions of a breast cancer diagnosis.

Accept help

It can be difficult for those who are independent to admit they need assistance. You can take the reins by making a list of tasks or responsibilities that you may need help with. This way when people ask what they can do, you’ll have answers at the ready. Ideas include help with meal preparation, childcare, errands, transportation, or keeping you company during

Breast cancer terms to know

A recent analysis from the Agency for Research on Cancer and collaborators estimated that 3.2 million new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed annually across the globe by 2050. That would mark a significant increase in annual cases since 2022, when the World Health Organization reported 2.3 million individuals were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Though breast cancer affects millions of women and their support networks each year, it’s not always so easy to understand all of the terminology surrounding the disease. With that in mind, people recently diagnosed with the disease or those who know someone in such a position can learn these common terms to make their journey to recovery a little easier to navigate.

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Many terms related to breast cancer can be scary, but DCIS is among the more welcoming words a doctor may utter. DCIS is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that doctors may characterize as “stage 0.” Breast cancers identified as DCIS are very early stage and highly treatable.

• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Susan G. Komen®, an organization dedicated to raising breast cancer awareness, notes that IDC is a form of the disease that begins in the milk ducts but has spread into surrounding breast tissue and possibly into the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

• Lumpectomy: According to Susan G. Komen®, a lumpectomy is a surgical procedure that removes only the tumor and a small amount of tissue around it. Most of the breast skin and tissue is left in place during a lumpectomy.

• Mastectomy: A mastectomy is a surgical removal of the breast. Susan G. Komen® notes there are different types of mastectomy. A modified radical mastectomy removes the breast, the lining of the chest muscles and some of the lymph nodes in the underarm area. This procedure is used to treat early and local advanced breast cancer. A total mastectomy involves surgical removal of the breast but no other tissue or nodes.

• Hormone receptor status: Hormone receptor status indicates whether or not a breast cancer requires hormones to grow. Susan G. Komen® notes a significant number of hormone receptors on a breast cancer cell indicate it needs the hormone to grow.

• Family history: Family history refers to current and past health conditions of a given individual’s biological family members. Family history of breast cancer is considered a risk factor for the disease.

• Ki-67 Rate: Susan G. Komen® notes this is a common way to measure proliferation rate. The more cells the Ki-67 antibody attaches to in a given tissue sample, the more likely the tumor cells will grow and divide rapidly.

• Local treatment: This refers to treatment that focuses on removing cancer from areas local to the breast, including the breast itself as well as the chest wall and lymph nodes in the underarm area.

These are just a handful of terms that women diagnosed with breast cancer and their family members can learn to better understand the disease and the various ways it’s treated. Additional terminology can be found at komen.org. — Metro Creative

treatments. Prioritize self-care

Breast cancer can take a lot out of a person. Trying to maintain some sense of normalcy can help. Consider gentle exercise, relaxation techniques and activities that bring a smile to your face. Remember to choose healthy foods and find ways to manage stress as much as possible. Be patient with yourself, as it can take time to adapt to a diagnosis and treatment.

Speak with your employer

Breast cancer can affect your ability to work. There likely will

be appointments with doctors and consultations with your care team. Looping your employer in is a smart idea. Many supervisors will be supportive of your needs. You also may want to speak with human resources about any services that could be available to you, or how you can allocate personal time off for your treatment and care. A breast cancer diagnosis can catch anyone off guard. Taking each step slowly and learning more can make the weeks ahead a little less apprehensive.