Thursday, Oct. 30 , 2025
Vol. 6, No. 11
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
A frightfully fun time
The PCM Elementary PTO Trunk or Treat was filled with fun themes and excited kids
A great experience for all
Monroe Elementary starts series of visits with adults at The Gathering Place to be more involved in the community By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer From spooky scenes to ghost busting heroes, the PCM Elementary PTO Trunk or Treat on Oct. 25 in downtown Monroe was a fun way for community members and families to celebrate Halloween.
An idea during a leadership meeting blossomed into an event that was meaningful for all involved. Kids from Monroe Elementary recently visited The Gathering Place of Monroe to interact with adults through games and informational presentations, the first time in a series of visits by the students. “The idea came from our Leader in Me Activities Team,” Monroe Elementary Principal Mandy Shannon said. “One of our goals this year was to be more involved with the community so we thought The Gathering Place would be VISIT | 3A
ELECTION EDUCATION
County auditor reminds voters they can — and should — participate in upcoming school elections even if they live outside city limits By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Historically, the city and school elections in Jasper County have considerably lower turnouts than state or federal elections, but the folks at the county auditor’s office hope their educational presentations with high schoolers and some of the older populations will result in a positive change in the coming years. County Auditor Jenna Jennings agreed some of the lower turnout is attributed to voters not knowing they can actually participate in these local elections, which happen every two years. For instance, some rural voters
may dismiss an election because they live outside city limits. However, city limits are not school limits. School district boundaries extend far beyond that of their respective city’s limits; Newton alone extends into portions of twelve townships. Every single household in Jasper County is part of a school district, and those votes are extremely important in determining who gets to serve on those school boards. In 2024, the Jasper County Auditor’s Office reported a 75 percent voter turnout. It was a highstakes presidential election that drew more than 20,000 people to the polls
or submit absentee ballots in Jasper County. Jennings and her staff would probably fall out of their seats if a local election garnered that much attention. So far, Jennings said more than 100 people have participated in early voting for the 2025 election. If that is any indication, the local turnout will be low again. In 2023, the last city and school election, the turnout was roughly 22 percent. It is relatively low, but it is a common figure for local elections. Jennings said 600 people submitted absentee ballots that year, and 5,333 people showed up on Election ELECTION | 3A
Jasper County The school district map of Jasper County shows how far district boundaries extend past city limits, indicating that many voters can participate in school elections.
ELECTION 2025 Uncontested candidates running for the first time for a city position Phil Holland — Prairie City Mayor Tell us a little bit about yourself: My name is Phil Holland, and I am currently serving on our city council, a role I’ve held since October 2022. I’ve called Prairie City home since 2013, but I’ve been part of the PCM community since moving here from Michigan in 1991. My wife, Amber, and I are raising our two boys, Jevan and Reid, right here in town. I work as a Master Plumber for Royal Plumbing, where I serve as a service technician. What are you running for?
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I’m proud to be running for mayor of Prairie City. Why are you running for city government? Why do you think public service is important? I believe that if you care about your community, you should do your part to make it better. Prairie City is full of people who look out for one another and take pride in where they live, and that’s what makes it such a special place to call home. HOLLAND | 3A
Hayden Johnston — Monroe City Council Tell us a little bit about yourself: Hello! My name is Hayden Johnston, I’m a 24-year-old residing in Monroe with my girlfriend (Holly) and our two dogs (Bandit and Goldie). I graduated from PCM High School in 2019. Originally from Prairie City, and last July I purchased my home in Monroe. I work for a small company called Basic Machinery Control where I am a machinist; I have been with this company for the past four years. What are you running for?
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I am running for a position on the Monroe City Council. Why are you running for city government? I am running for city council because I want to see the community I live within thrive. I feel as though city government is a way to get the voices of our community members to be heard alongside my own voice. Considering I am relatively young, I believe it’s important to see the JOHNSTON | 3A
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