PCM-11-27-2025

Local People. Local Stories.

Explorer PCM

TREE-MENDOUSLY ENTERTAINING

Jasper County Historical Museum to have more than 200 trees on display for fifth annual holiday event

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

For the past two years, the Tree-mendous Christmas Experience has attracted more than 1,000 people to the Jasper County Historical Museum in Newton, and the dedicated volunteers — who spend countless hours decorating the museum with holiday decorations and hundreds of trees — want to continue that trend.

Every Saturday and Sunday from Dec. 6 until Dec. 28, the museum at 1700 S. 15th Ave. W. will open its doors to visitors to see the more than 200 decorated trees on display. Even the exhibits don Christmas decorations! Every nook and cranny is covered in festive trimmings and ornaments.

Visitors can visit the museum 1-8 p.m. Saturdays

and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. The museum will also be open 1-4 p.m. Christmas Day, allowing families a chance to get out of the house for some fresh air and a relaxing outing to a one-ofa-kind spectacle founded right here in Jasper County.

Admission to the Tree-mendous Christmas Experience is free, but free will donations are very much accepted. The funds go directly to the museum.

Group options are available by calling ahead at 641-792-9118. In 2023, the Tree-mendous Christmas Experience recorded 1,300 guests. The following year it brought in 1,400 visitors, which organizers were pretty happy with considering there were a number of bad weather days. Visitors in 2024 came from 50 different towns in Iowa and 23 different states.

Opioid settlement committee awards $144K to

agencies

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Four organizations in Jasper County that help individuals with substance use disorders were collectively awarded more than $144,000 by the county’s opioid settlement committee. The board of supervisors approved the appropriations in a 3-0 vote during their Nov. 18 meeting at the courthouse.

Becky Pryor, administrator of the Jasper County Health Department, gave a brief presentation about the organizations and the money they would be receiving.

Capstone Behavioral Healthcare was awarded $70,000 for justice-involved substance treatment and $150,000 for a new Intensive outpatient substance treatment program. Pryor noted this would be the last time the committee would fund Capstone’s justice-involved substance treatment going forward.

in Jasper County

PC man sentenced to federal prison for child pornography possession

Law enforcement found him with hundreds of videos of sexual abuse materials

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

A Prairie City man was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison — and two years for revocation of his supervised released — for possessing more than 75 photographs and 250 videos of child pornography, the United States Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Iowa announced Tuesday in a press release.

PRISON | 3

Getting creative with giving

The Jasper County 4-H Festival of Trees is a fun, unique way for kids to give back

By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer

Clearview Recovery received $45,987 for a sewer-related infrastructure project at women’s treatment facility in Prairie City. Sheepgate was awarded $25,000 for a building project. Newton Church of The Way was given $3,478 for the books needed for a new celebrate recovery program.

In total, the opioid settlement committee received nine applications before the Oct. 31 deadline.

The committee interviewed each applicant on Nov. 7 and then met last week to decide which projects would receive funds. Pryor said it was a hard decision because there was a lot of really good programs that applied.

Supervisor Brandon Talsma disclosed that he is a board member of Capstone and would be abstaining from the conversations related to the

For almost two decades, the Jasper County 4-H Festival of Trees has called the Jasper County Courthouse home. But the festival’s origins are a little further west at the Jasper County Fairgrounds. Originally hosted by the Jasper County Fair Board in Colfax, the event coincided with Colfax Country Christmas, the yearly holiday celebration in the community. As the years passed, 4-H clubs took over the organization of the festival and in 2006 it moved to the county seat.

“It is a good fit, the building is so pretty,” Iowa State University

Extension and Outreach County Youth Coordinator Stacey Wilson said. “We do get a lot of compliments and positive comments on the festival. We like to bring to light that 4-H is not just for farm and rural kids. There is community service involved, life skills involved, record keeping and all kinds of communication skills. This lets the public see all of the citizenship that 4-H clubs and kids do.” While decorating trees to circle the first and second floors of the courthouse might not seem like a community service activity, the 4-H groups have turned it into a community-centered giving opportunity.

GIVING | 3

Supervisors OK hiring of conservation admin assistant/naturalist

Talsma voted no, saying the board needs to consider budget constraints

By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer

Jasper County Conservation received majority support from the county board of supervisors on the hiring of a new administrative assistant/naturalist position, which was a point of contention earlier this fall. Supervisor Brandon Talsma voted against the hiring last week, saying he will likely vote against similar resolutions.

Including those from the sheriff’s office and secondary roads, two departments that Talsma said are some of the most important in the county.

In a phone interview with Newton News, Talsma explained his decision to vote no was motivated by upcoming budget constraints and the uncertainties from possible property tax reform laws coming out of the Iowa Legislature. It is a decision upheld by his past statements regarding new hires and new positions.

“This upcoming budget year is going to be extremely tight,” he said.

“We need to try to find cuts and savings where we can … Over 50 percent of our budget is property taxes and the vast majority of property taxes is going to pay for — not equipment, not pro -

grams, not special projects — but wages and benefits.”

For the past year or so, Talsma said he has been trying to force conversations with department heads to find ways to save costs, either through attrition — a process in which positions are not refilled after employees leave, thus saving money — or other creative means like shared positions.

Talsma suggested conservation and secondary roads discuss the possibility of a shared position, similar to the one shared by other general assistance and veterans affairs. However, this proposal was contested by conservation board

members and caused community wide backlash online for some time.

A delayed appointment to the conservation board only exacerbated the backlash. Robyn Friedman had been awaiting her reappointment to the board for some time, but was ultimately rejected. Instead, supervisors appointed one of their own to the conservation board: Thad Nearmyer. Again, the community lashed out. Supervisors and conservation board members were originally at odds with over an empty position. If left unfilled,

Explorer PCM

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.

The Gathering Place of Monroe

Monday, Dec. 1

• 10am Video Exercise Class

Tuesday, Dec. 2

• 8am Coffee and Prayer

• 6pm Bingo

Wednesday, Dec. 3

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

Thursday, Dec. 4

• 10am Senior Living Series - Should You Sell AsIs? What Longtime Homeowners Need to Know. Free event. Pre-Register at andyalgreen.com

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.

Local academic news

Dane Owens, of Prairie City, was one of 457 Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences students from five programs to receive their white coat during the university’s annual White Coat Ceremony held Sept. 19.

Giving thanks for traffic safety

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is teaming up with law enforcement agencies across Iowa to promote road safety during the Thanksgiving holiday season. Drivers can expect to see increased police presence on Iowa roads through November 30, 2025.

As families travel near and far to celebrate, GTSB urges everyone to remember that seat belts are not only the law, they are also your best defense against serious injury or death in a crash. Last year, during Thanksgiving week (November 24-30, 2024), there were 17 fatal or serious injury crashes, including 5 that involved unrestrained occupants. This heartbreak may have been prevented with the simple click of a seat belt. Additionally, GTSB

reminds everyone that Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving and to plan for a sober driver before heading out. Impaired driving is more than just drunk driving- it’s drugs as well, and If You Feel

Different, You Drive Different. GTSB collaborates with city, county, state, and local organizations to create and implement strategies aimed at reducing fatalities and injuries on Iowa roads through federally funded grants. For more tips on safe travel this Thanksgiving, visit Drive Smart Iowa. Be safe and enjoy your holiday!

Pella’s Tunnel of Lights

This holiday season, Pella’s downtown square will once again shine brightly. Pella Fiber is teaming up with Spirit of Pella to offer residents and visitors free holiday photos beneath the Tunnel of Lights. Director of Telecommunications Doy Ousley and Local Programming Coordinator Monte Goodyk from Pella Fiber have been involved in downtown lighting efforts for several years.

Advanced Beef Cow

Calving Clinics to prepare producers for calving season

The Iowa Beef Center is offering four Advanced Calving Clinics to help Iowa cattlemen and women prepare for a successful calving season and subsequent breeding period. Clinics will be offered at four locations across Iowa: on Jan. 6 in Fayette and Clinton counties and on Jan. 7 in Greene and Montgomery counties.

Session topics will cover essentials from conception to calving, including strategies for managing dystocia with practice using a life-size calving model, beef cow nutrition basics, neonatal calf health and care and calving distribution management. Attendees of previous Advanced Calving Clinics have reported substantial satisfaction with the program, estimating an average benefit of $1,480 per operation.

“Whether you’ve calved 10 cows or 10,000 cows, there’s always a new tip or technique to learn to help you get one more calf born alive,” said Denise Schwab, beef specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “These clinics will feature a variety of hands-on and classroom sessions and opportunities to share questions and experiences.”

Local veterinarians

Dr. Cody Sacquitne of South Winn Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Michelle Hohrman of DeWitt Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Amy Klauer and Dr. Charles Martin of Fairview Veterinary Clinic and Dr. Aimee Anderson of Anderson Veterinary Services will be present at their respective locations to provide insights on neonatal calf health and common reproductive challenges in the local area.

“A popular feature of the calving clinics is the life-size calving model,” said Erika Woolfolk, beef specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Dr. Caitlin Wiley from the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine will help participants with tips and tricks for handling difficult delivery situations.” Additionally, Randie Culbertson, assistant professor and cow-calf specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach, will present a session on improving rebreeding success. Schwab and Woolfolk will also lead a presentation on preand post-calving nutrition.

Because the sessions are designed for individual hands-on learning, attendance is limited to 50 participants per clinic location, and preregistration is required. The cost is $25

per person, which includes a meal.

Those who want to attend should register at least two days in advance of their desired location date by contacting the respective county extension office:

• Fayette County: Jan. 6, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 504 S. Vine St., West Union. To register, call 563-425-3331.

• Clinton County: Jan. 6, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., 512 10th St., DeWitt. To register, call 563-659-5125.

• Greene County: Jan. 7, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Clover Hall at the Greene County Fairgrounds,601 E. Lincoln Way, Jefferson. To register, call 515-386-2138.

• Montgomery County: Jan. 7, 4:30 to 9:30 p.m., White Fair Building at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 1809 N. Fourth St., Red Oak. To register, call 712-623-2529.

This statewide program is supported through sponsorship of the calving model from Boehringer Ingelheim. Additionally, local sponsors include the Greene and Clinton County Cattlemen’s Association.

For more information, contact Erika Lundy-Woolfolk at ellundy@iastate.edu or Denise Schwab at dschwab@iastate.edu.

“We delight in knowing that hundreds of individuals, families, and friends have been able to capture special holiday memories to share because of this event,” Doy Ousley said. Community members and visitors are invited to experience the Tunnel of Lights in Pella’s Central Park from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28, and Saturday, Nov. 29, where Goodyk will take

professional digital photos on a first-come, first-served basis each night. Images will be available for download from a website the following week. Participants can also enjoy a hearty cup of soup along with a warm slice of crusty bread from the Bread Board or indulge in a warm holiday hot chocolate or other specialty beverage from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee.

Pella Regional Health Center is pleased to welcome Rachel Grenier, DNP to the Family Practice team at Pella Medical Clinic in Prairie City. Grenier is boardcertified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and is an Iowalicensed Family Nurse Practitioner.

“I am excited to continue to provide primary care in this new clinical setting,” said Grenier. “I provide care for all ages, infants to seniors, and also provide psychiatric patient care, specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and depression.”

Grenier completed her Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner and Master of Science Family Nurse Practitioner at Purdue University Global, West Lafayette, Indiana.

To schedule an appointment with Rachel Grenier, DNP, call 5145-994-2617 or go to

Explorer PCM

Giving

Continued from Page 1

Each club decorates the trees to reflect a charity or nonprofit it has selected to give back to for the season.

“Clubs pick a charity or nonprofit to support then pick items to either put on the tree to decorate with,” Wilson said. Instead of a candy cane or Christmas

Prison

Continued from Page 1

Anthony VanMeter, 55, was on federal supervised release for a past conviction of child pornography in 2016. In October 2024, law enforcement officials visited another individual under federal supervision and located VanMeter, who admitted two cellphones at the residence belonged to him.

ornament on the tree, guests are likely to see a dog toy, dish towel or t-shirt used as decorations. The themes can get quite inventive and each year the kids are challenged with how to make it unique and still beautiful

“When we had the Animal Rescue League they would use dog or cat toys,” Wilson said. “They are all so unique. There is one club that makes their tree out of packages of toilet paper that they then donate to the PCM Food Pantry.

However, one of the cellphones contained child sexual abuse material.

At sentencing, the court found VanMeter violated the terms of his federal supervised release. VanMeter had been given a seven-year sentence for the 2016 charge. He was released in 2022, and his supervised releases were revoked in October 2022, November 2023 and September 2024.

Following his completed prison term, VanMeter was

Conservation

Continued from Page 1

conservation argued it could mean fewer educational programs for students in Jasper County. Conservation also argued it had the authority and money in the budget to hire someone. Supervisors agreed.

Still, what supervisors have described as a miscommunication resulted in some residents speaking out at meetings, or airing frustrations online.

But those discussions about a shared position never took place, and Talsma was against the idea of hiring someone if it meant having to fire the person shortly after to make room in the budget. Talsma told Newton News when an opportunity presents itself, the county needs to ask: Does this position really need refilled?

Then, they wrap garland around it.”

Many organizations benefit from the tree’s themes, including Quilts of Valor, the PCM Food Pantry, local animal organizations and a variety of nonprofits throughout the county. The festival not only brings eye candy to the courthouse, it also works to help those in need where they live.

While the trees will be up until after Christmas, those wanting to see all of the decorations will need to stop by be -

required to serve 10 years of supervised release since there is no parole in the federal system. VanMeter was also ordered to pay $24,000 in restitution. The most recent case against VanMeter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The press release stated the case was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and

Talsma said, “Can this position be split across other jobs that already exist? Can it be combined with other needs and requirements from other departments in the county to where we’re achieving multiple departments’ goals? As budget constraints continue to tighten … this is the conversation that has to take place.”

Since those conversations never took place, Talsma voted no against the hiring resolution for the administrative assistant/naturalist. Talsma said other departments are going to be requesting additional full-time positions, including the sheriff’s office and secondary roads.

“My answer is probably going to be ‘no’ to those as well,” he said. “In secondary roads, we eliminated a fulltime position in that department a year ago. We took a full-time position and cut it back down to part-time … My priority has always been roads and law enforcement. Now, not saying

abuse lunched in May 2006 by the U.S Department of Justice. To learn more about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. Project Safe Childhood is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and uses federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

they’ve got a blank check.”

Talsma stressed his decision to vote no was not personal, saying he is an avid outdoorsman and supports Jasper County Conservation.

The board of supervisors chairman said he advocated for conservation to receive ARPA funding and for the department to be compensated for an easement over a bike trail with MidAmerican Energy. Talsma said he also fought for the updated campgrounds at Mariposa Park.

To him, the board of supervisors — comprised of all Republicans — have to start saying “no” at some of these future hirings. Talsma said if the county continues to fill positions and continues to add new employees, then Jasper County cannot also try to keep its property tax levies low for residents.

Talsma said there used to be a lot of “fat” and overtaxation in Jasper County’s budget. After seven years in office,

fore Dec. 25. As the holiday approaches, some of the items used to decorate the trees will make their way to the people and organizations the trees are based around to celebrate the giving theme.

“It is a really fun night,” Wilson said. “No matter what kind of day you are having, you see all of the kids, some who haven’t seen each other since the fair. It is exciting and warms your heart.”

Settlement

Continued from Page 1

organization. He also abstained from voting on the two projects related to Capstone. Supervisor Thad Nearmyer, a committee member, said there was a lot of interest for funds.

“We weren’t able to fully fund every project … But there is definitely a lot of interest,” he said. “It’s a good thing to get this money out into the community.”

Talsma said the “easy stuff” that can be cut from the budget that shouldn’t impact citizens or departments too much has already been cut. Property tax reform from the state adds another challenge.

“I feel like Jasper County has done a very good job of keeping our property tax asking down way below what the other taxing entities are, and I want to maintain that going forward into next fiscal year,” Talsma said. “But because we’re kind of running out of those places to cut, it’s going to prop these harder conversations.”

Prior to the board approving the hiring resolution, Nearmyer acknowledged the past issues between supervisors and conservation.

“It’s my goal to help smooth out any problems that there might be,” he said. “So I wanted to take the opportunity today to say that, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds there.”

Place of prayer and meditation causes concern

My place of prayer and meditation is the bathroom, precisely, sitting on the stool, and has been for the 36 years I have been clean and sober. It is a place that is private and can be found for the most part wherever I am, be it at home, a motel, or someone else’s home. Even while traveling, a bathroom stall in the Men’s Room works so-so.

My time of prayer and meditation is early in the morning when I arise, and I arise early. This also benefits my privacy as no one else is up yet, tapping on the door, wanting to use the bathroom.

The time spent during prayer and meditation is upwards of an hour as I have quite a list, both on paper and mental, of people whom I pray for. Following prayers for specific people, I study my book of daily meditation, and then may read for awhile and/or “surf the Net.” I spend so much time on the toilet stool that my legs fall asleep and I have to stand up to restore circulation. Herein lies the problem. Ginnie

Scholarships are free money for college

By Juan Garcia Iowa Student Loan Liquidity Corporation board member

If your family has a current or future college student, this is a great time to look for scholarships that will help offset the cost of an education. Scholarships are considered “gift aid,” meaning that they do not need to be repaid later. Some are one-time awards that can be used while a family’s college savings continues to grow; others are renewable as long as the student remains eligible.

While we hear a lot about athletic scholarships or awards for high academic achievement, no student should overlook the possibility of earning some scholarships. Many different types of organizations offer scholarships, so casting a wide net will help students locate the opportunities they are most eligible for.

Here are some tips for finding and applying for scholarships:

Use free scholarship aggregator sites online. There is no need to pay for a service with so many free tools available. Step 1 Scholarship Search is a new site that offers free searches based on a wide assortment of criteria. Students, parents and educators may create a profile to customize, save and share searches.

Use school and community resources. The school counselor’s office generally has a list of local scholarships. Parents’ employers, civic organizations, area businesses, and religious and community groups are all potential scholarship sources. Colleges themselves often provide scholarship awards, so it’s well worth the time to explore the admission, financial aid and departmental pages of college websites.

Complete the first application. Once one application is in, it may be easier for students to complete others. It may help to set aside time each week to search for and apply for awards. One to start with is the ISL Education Lending Scholarship at www.IowaStudentLoan.org/Savings. In just a few minutes, Iowa residents who are current Iowa high school students, undergraduate college students, or their parents or guardians can enter for chances to win $1,000 for college.

Don’t give up. It’s important to keep looking for scholarships because sponsors make their opportunities available at various times. The search should continue during the college years too, as students may become eligible for departmental or industry-related awards later on.

See the big picture. While smaller awards may seem insignificant compared to the total cost of college, remember that every scholarship earned allows savings to go further and reduces the need to take out student loans that have to be repaid with interest. Multiple small awards can add up quickly as well.

SPEAK OUT

Brandon Talsma, chair

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

btalsma@jasperia.org

showed me an article in the Des Moines Sunday Register that equated spending too much time on the toilet stool with causing hemorrhoids. The article indicated that people who take their smart phone to the bathroom and spend five minutes on the toilet have a likelier chance of sprouting hemorrhoids.

FIVE MINUTES!? I’m spending an hour a day on the toilet seat and, yes, I do have hemorrhoids and, yes, they do bother me and, yes, they do bleed. The bleeding is a major source of concern as I take a blood thinner, Eliquis. I have visions of having to rush to the emergency room, or call an ambulance, due to uncontrollable bleeding. It hasn’t happened yet. “Yet” is the operative word.

Normally I would think this subject too gross or in poor taste for newspaper publication. However, the Des Moines Sunday Register devoted a full page, IN COLOR, to this subject, so I guess it’s met the smell test. (Sorry.) To add to the difficulties, the cancer treatment I just went through was effective in arresting the cancer, but it gave me colitis. Thank you very much. If you don’t know what colitis is, don’t feel like the lone stranger. I didn’t either until it was gifted me. Colitis is an inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. Without going into detail, and grossing you out further, I’ll just say that colitis has necessitated me spending more time on the toilet seat. End of conversation.

For you old school people out there, like me, yes, hemorrhoids are also known as “piles.” Don’t ask me why, it’s kind of strange. In high school, we had a kid whose nickname was Piles. Funny. I never knew why until I am one. “Piles” comes from the Latin term “pila” meaning “ball.” Okay, hemorrhoids are sort of like a ball. Once again, end of subject.

My dilemma is: after 36 years of spending upwards of an hour a day in

prayer and meditation every morning on the toilet, I’m so addicted to the custom that I don’t think I can change even though it may be doing me harm. What am I to do?

I know. I can install a sitz bath in the bathroom and spend the hour in the warm comfort of the sitz, while praying and meditating. When I was 13, and first came down with hemorrhoids (from junior high football) the doctor recommended a sitz bath. I tried one in the hospital after my first surgery for hemorrhoids, and it was warm and comforting, sorta like a bidet, I’m told.

I’m caught between a rock and a hard place, no pun intended. It’s important that I pray and meditate every morning, for both me and the people I pray for, but it’s also important that I take care of my health. Every time I get in a hurry and think about skipping my morning hour of prayer and meditation, which is almost every morning, I hear the voice of God. “You know, Curtis, I can stop time.” The life of a monk, prostrate in prayer 24/7, is becoming more appealing every day.

Contact Curt Swarm at curtswarm@yahoo.com

By Bryan Golden

Thanksgiving is much more than a big meal with family and friends. It’s a time to reflect on, and be thankful for, all of the good things you have. It’s important to be grateful, not just on Thanksgiving, but each and every day. Rather than lamenting what you feel is lacking in your life, begin each new day by developing an attitude of gratitude. Take inventory of your blessings and you will be surprised at just how much you have to be thankful for.

If you have enough to eat, a place to live, a way to get around, people who care about you, or people you care about, then you are wealthy. If you lack any of these elements, you must still be grateful for what you do have, while striving to obtain whatever is absent.

Focus on all positive aspects of your life. Take nothing for granted. Every morning, recharge your appreciation. Be happy for everything there is, not upset over what you feel is missing. Dreams of the future shouldn’t diminish appreciation for the present. If all you do is concentrate on what you want, you won’t enjoy today. Don’t be jealous of others; what they do or have has no bearing on you.

You can feel bitter or resentful for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you feel something is missing from your life, things aren’t going your way, or you have been treated unfairly. You may wonder, “why do these things always happen to me?”

Life’s problems tend to dominate your thoughts, turning your focus to what you feel is wrong. You may start to resent those who appear to be better off. You’re apt to dwell on things you think would make your life better if you had them. If only you had more money, more time, a bigger house, a different car, a different job, a different boss, had picked a different career, etc.

Once your attitude becomes one of deficiency instead of abundance and appreciation, you can become overwhelmed by feelings of frustration and feel like a victim. As this happens, a consuming vicious cycle starts.

Being bitter or resentful blows situations out of proportion. People who are bitter frequently find that their situations deteriorate and their mental and physical health decays.

It’s difficult, if not impossible, to achieve your goals while you are bitter or resentful. Regardless of what challenges might befall you,

bitterness makes finding solutions much more elusive.

There is no point to feeling bitter since it accomplishes nothing, harms you and makes things worse. Filling yourself with gratitude on a daily basis makes you feel good, while driving out negative feelings.

Begin your practice of gratitude each morning as soon as you wake. Every day is a great day. If you have any doubts, try missing one. Take inventory of everything, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, that is good in your life.

If it helps, make a written list of all things you are grateful for. Read your list every day. As you do this, you will build and reinforce your attitude of gratitude. Don’t waste any time with what you feel you don’t have.

Keep things in perspective. Consider all the people who have overcome difficulties far worse than yours. Don’t be consumed by your problems, there is always a solution. Maintaining an attitude of gratitude allows your mind to devise a resolution for your circumstances.

Make everyday a day of Thanksgiving and you will be amazed how much better your life will become. ContactBryanGoldenatBryan@ columnist.com or visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com

Signed columns as well as letters to the editor and editorial cartoons represent the personal opinion of the writer or artist. Submit letters to news@pcmexplorer.com

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

The PCM

FCA leaders foster faith, fellowship, and community at PCM

FCA, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is a program here at PCM that is run by students. At FCA, there are student leaders who create lessons in order to challenge members to get closer to Christ. These challenges and lessons are normally about how to be a better Christian in and out of sports and other activities. Kash Fischer expressed what type of place FCA is to him. “For me it’s a group I can rely on, and I can come to if I need anything,” said Fischer. FCA is a place where athletes who share a love for sports also get to share love and drive for Christ. Fischer continues, “All are welcome; it’s not necessarily just for athletes.” Fischer continued, “It’s open to anybody who wants to know more about God, and if you’re going through a hard time, just come to a meeting and experience for yourself,” said Fischer. Fischer reflects on why he wanted to be a part of FCA and take a leadership role. The big reason he wanted to be a leader was to follow in his brother’s (Kyler Fischer) footsteps, since he was leader at Southeast Polk. Coby DeRaad has been a Christian most of his life and now is a leader for FCA and wants to help spread the glory of God. He started attending FCA meetings as a freshman. “Coming into high school it was just something that Christians did,” said DeRaad. After going to a few meetings as a freshman, he said he started to realize how much it was helping him with his relationship with God, and he was actually enjoying the meetings. DeRaad shared similar thoughts to Fischer. “I want other people to know to just come as you are,” said DeRaad. “There are no preconceived notions, there’s no judgment, and that it’s a place where we all are humbly there wanting to know more about Christ.” DeRaad continued with “Just know that everyone’s welcome and we all want you there.”

DeRaad wants people that are all there trying to reach a common goal to worship Christ and welcome everyone. Jaden Houser is also a leader for FCA. “I’ve always liked spreading the word of God as best as I can.” Houser enjoys FCA because it’s a place for him, his friends, and athletes to go to share a love for God. “It’s affected me in a positive way and has gotten me closer to God and built relationships with others that I didn’t really have before,” said Houser. He expressed very similar thoughts to both Fischer and DeRaad. “Everybody is welcome, and nobody should feel that they are not able to come. It’s a space where we all just get along and get to worship God and get to know other people, and we would like as many people to go as possible,” said Houser. Fischer, DeRaad and Houser have all shared that they just hope that FCA can grow. And that everyone feels welcomed and knows that it’s a place for anyone. The next FCA meeting will take place Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 6:30-8:30 in the PCM High School Learning Center.

Strong season ends early for PCM Chess after playoffs cancelled

The PCM Chess team has made the playoffs every year since the introduction of chess to Esports. This year, the chess players continued the tradition, with all three players making the top 20. Unfortunately, the playoffs have been canceled this year due to people who have been caught cheating, none of which were from PCM.

The first eight weeks looked great for junior Brayden Breckenridge. He played extremely well at the beginning of the season, starting 5-0, but had a struggle at the end of the season, losing the rest of the games he played. Looking back at his season, Breckenridge played opponents #’s 26, 62, 45, 28, 2, 7, and 6. He ended the regular season with a 5-3 record.

Junior, Brycen Gilje, played hard but lost two of his first

five games. The end of the season was better than Breckenridge’s since Gilje won two of his last three games. Looking back at his season, Gilje played #’s 76, 14, 5, 13, 30, 19, and 10 with him ended the regular season with a 5-3 record.

Junior Briar Plum, he had about the same start as Gilje, starting 3-2, and ultimately ended the season with similar standings as Gilje as well, winning two of the last three, but ending the season on a two-game winning streak. Looking back on his season, Plum played #’s 32, 5, 82, 3, 14, 30, and 29. Plum ended the regular season with a 5-3 record.

Overall, the PCM Chess team performed similarly, not starting the first five games with the same record, but finishing with the same record, with all players ranked within the top 20.

PCM Girls Make Program History in First Ever Away Wrestling Meet

Zach Richards Staff Writer

ALLEMAN, Iowa — The PCM girls wrestling team kicked off their first-ever season on Nov. 17, 2025, getting a team win over North Polk before losing their second dual to Woodward-Granger. For most of the girls, it was their first time ever wrestling in a real meet, so the night was honest- ly a huge learning experience. Wrestler Allison Minteer, 10, said she was actually really proud of how the new wrestlers handled being thrown right into competition. “For the non-experienced wrestlers, I thought they did well and were very aggressive.” Minteer continued, “I think once we get used to being on the mat, we will get more wins.” A lot of the girls ended up getting tired fast, which Mint- eer said is one of the biggest things they need to work on. “Definitely conditioning; we all got gassed super fast,” she continued.. “Just the basics, really perfecting them so we can focus more on controlling ourselves and our offense in matches rather than being scared and not knowing what to do.” Despite the nerves, PCM wrestled strong in the dual against North Polk and ended up getting the win. The sec- ond duel against Woodward-Granger didn’t go as well, but the girls kept fighting the whole time. For freshman Chloye Witte, the meet was a nice return, as she hasn’t wrestled since last year. Witte explained how she spends a lot of time managing her weight in the right way. “Throughout the week I eat healthy and keep track of my weight and where I need to be,” she said. “On Monday, I didn’t pig out at school and checked my weight after I ate lunch.”

Witte said stepping back onto the mat made everything worth it. “Being back on the mat Monday for the first time since last year felt amazing.” Not only stepping out on the mat is what made it all worth it for her, but also “Doing it as a PCM athlete felt better because I’m wrestling for where I go to school and wearing a PCM singlet.” The whole night was a big deal for PCM since it’s the first year they have a girls wrestling team at all. Both wrestlers said the main goal right now is just improving every meet,

getting used to being on the mat, and not being scared to try stuff even if they mess up. Even though they went 1-1 on the night, the Mustangs walked away feeling pretty good. It was the first program win, the first matches for almost the whole team, and the first chance to show what they can build on going forward.

For as long as I can remember, my falls have been spent at the ballparks, traveling state to state each weekend, making the most of it with my best friends. Softball felt as if it were not just something I do, but something I eat, sleep and breathe. My entire life and personality, in ways, reflect how each weekend would go. After 12 incredible years on the field, the “goodbye” to the travel ball college recruiting part has come to an end. The first of the lasts for my senior year. From countless road trips, catching flights, missing school, and early morning games, travel softball has taught me more than just how to field a ball or hit a home run. It’s taught me never to give up on something you’re passionate about. How to be dedicated to something that you’ll give it everything you’ve got and some. As well as how to overcome the obstacles in front of you, because there is no such thing as an “easy path.” It’s brought me friendships, my best friends, that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. As well as so many amazing memories with all my teammates throughout all the years. The sport has also brought me plenty of challenges to make it not so sunshine and rainbows. As an example, a lot of these recruiting showcases are out of state, which is so much fun, but it also causes me to miss a lot of school and feel behind. It was really important to have that time management skill, which took me some time to learn as a natural procrastinator. It was also important to communicate ahead of time to my teachers, because as time went on I knew they were there to help me and wanted the best for me, not wanting to see me struggle as a student athlete. It’s bittersweet knowing that this chapter is coming to a close, but I am also excited for what the future holds. I’m grateful for every opportunity this sport has given me and will continue to give me. I’ll cherish these final moments on the field as a high schooler. Here’s to one last ride with these girls this winter/spring. Making the most of every game, every practice, and every moment before we all break off this summer and go play the sport we love at the collegiate level all across the United States yet again.

15 10am Video Exercise Class 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm School Board at ME 7pm PC Ambulance, City Hall 3:30pm V, B/G Bowling at Johnston 4:30pm 7, G BB at Newton 4:30pm 8, G BB vs Newton at PCM 7pm HS Winter Concert at HS

16 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 4:30pm JH, B WR at Baxter 4:30pm JV, G BB vs Grand View Christian `at PCM 6pm V, G BB vs Grand View Christian at PCM 7:30pm V, B BB vs Grand View Christian at PCM 5:30pm V, G WR at Nevada

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

18 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 9am

10 Monroe Trash 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 6pm PC City Council Christmas in the Air at TGP 6pm Fine Arts Boosters Meeting at MS 6:30pm FCA at HS

11 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 10am Patty Richards Show at TGP 1pm Movement with Sean at TGP 3:30pm V, B/G Bowling at Urbandale 4:30pm 7, G BB at West Marshall 4:30pm 8, G BB vs W. Marshall at PCM 4:30pm V, G WR at Saydel 5:30pm V/JV, B WR at Saydel 6pm JV2, B BB vs W. Marshall at PCM 7:15pm JV, B BB W. Marshall at PCM 6pm JV, G BB at Pella Christian

12 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson Jersey Freeze open 10am V, G WR at Saydel 4:15pm JV, B WR at Saydel 4:30pm JH, B WR at PCM 5pm JV, G BB at Greene County 6pm V, G BB at Greene County 7:30pm V, B BB at Greene County

20 9:30am V, B WR at Fort Madison 10am V, G WR at ADM

at TGP 3:30pm V, B/G Bowling at Pleasant Hill 6pm 3-5th Grade Holiday Concert at MS 5 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 2pm Piano with Jacque Robinson 8am HS Girls State Drill Team Championships at Iowa Events Center 2pm V, B WR at Independence 4pm JV, B BB at Saydel 5:1w5pm JV2, B BB at Saydel 6:30pm V, G BB at Saydel 8pm V, B BB at Saydel 5pm JV, B WR at BGM 13 Jersey Freeze open 1-3pm Santa Claus visits MFD Annual Christmas Cookie Walk & Toy Swap at TGP 10am V, B WR at Saydel 8pm Winter Formal 8 10am Video Exercise Class 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 5:30pm PC Park Board Monroe City Council 4:14pm JH, B WR at Colfax-Mingo 4:15pm 7, G BB at Carlisle 4:30pm 8, G BB vs Carlisle at PCM 6pm JV, B BB at North Mahaska 6pm V, G BB at North Mahaska 7:30pm V, B BB at North Mahaska 7:30pm JV, G BB at North Mahaska 9 8am Prayer and Coffee at TGP 9:30am Supervisors, County Courthouse 11:30am Congregate Meals at TGP 1pm PCM HS Choir at TGP 6:30pm Mon Legion Auxiliary 6:30pm Kiwanis, Mon City Hall 4:30pm JV, B/G BB at Perry 5:45pm JV2, B BB at Perry 6pm V, G BB at Perry 7:30pm V, B BB at Perry 6:30pm MS Winter Band & Choir Concert at MS

PCM girls dominate second half in win over Eagles

MONROE — A double-double from Libby Winters, 16 steals and a big second half powered the PCM girls basketball team to a 48-34 home win over Pella Christian on Nov. 21.

The Class 3A No. 6 Mustangs trailed by one at halftime but dominated the second half. PCM outscored the Eagles 16-8 in the third quarter and 9-2 in the fourth during the season opener for both teams.

It was PCM’s fourth straight win over Pella Christian, which led 24-23 at halftime.

Winters finished with 20 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, four steals and four blocks to lead the Mustangs, while Tori Lindsay contributed four points, seven

rebounds, six assists and seven steals.

Jorja Teeter posted 11 points and two rebounds, Kyra Naeve tallied seven points, six boards and three steals and

PCM’s Wendt receives Student Athlete Achievement Award

right, with his parents Kyle and Alison Wendt during the Class 2A state championship football game inside the UNI-Dome on Nov. 20. Applicants must be a graduating senior. Each high school in Iowa gets one nomination, and he must be nominated by his high school administration. Applicants must be a member of a quarterfinal round qualifying football team and one or two letters of recommendation may be submitted by a teacher, school counselor, coach, principal or community member but are not required.

Libby Winters

PCM sophomore Libby Winters opened the season with a double-double in the Mustangs’ non-conference home win over Pella Christian on Nov. 21. Winters totaled 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals and 4 blocks to lead the Class 3A No. 6 Mustangs to a victory over the Eagles. She was 9-of-21 from the floor.

Lila Milani totaled three points, five boards and two assists. Kenna Grier scored three points off the bench.

The Mustangs (1-0) shot 31.6 percent from the floor, made 5-of-24 from 3-point range and connected on 7-of-17 from the free-throw line. PCM turned it over 12 times.

The Eagles (0-1) committed 21 turnovers, shot 2-of-9 from 3 and made 6-of12 from the foul line. Pella Christian shot 35 percent from the floor. Rachel Kacmarynski led Pella Christian with 17 points and eight rebounds and Addie Van Arendonk chipped in nine points and eight boards.

PCM girls win first-ever wrestling dual at North Polk triangular

ALLEMAN — Powered by six forfeit victories, the PCM girls wrestling team won its first-ever dual on Nov. 17.

The Mustangs faced host North Polk and Woodward-Granger in a road triangular and split their two matches.

PCM defeated the Comets 42-30 before losing 54-18 to Woodward-Granger. The Mustangs accepted nine forfeits on the night.

Allie Minteer won a contested match by fall at 120 pounds against North Polk.

It was the team’s lone contested victory for the night, but Hadley Millang (140), Macie Kain (145), Carly Wilkerson (155), Chloye Witte (170), Emma Beyer (190) and Lily Birkenholtz (235) accepted forfeits at their weights.

Addison Fry (115), Adalynn Breckenridge (190) and Emilyn Davis (235) each took forfeits in the loss to Woodward-Granger.

There were double forfeits at 100 and 105 in both duals. PCM was 1-14 in contested matches.

Witte leads Mustangs at Central Iowa Kickoff NEVADA — PCM participated in its first weekend tournament on Nov. 22, and the Mustangs finished 33rd against a tough field at the Central Iowa Kickoff. PCM was led by Witte, who picked up the team’s only varsity win. The Mustangs scored nine points in the 35team field.

Class 2A No. 1 Raccoon River Northwest won the tournament with 279 points. South Tama County (259) was second followed by 2A No. 2 Ankeny (223.5), Algona (188) and 2A No. 9 Carlisle (133.5) in a tournament hosted by Nevada.

Witte was 1-3 at 170 pounds. She finished eighth in the bracket after winning her first match by fall. Her first loss came against 2A No. 1 Autumn Elsbury of South Tama.

Ryan DeVore (110), Fry (115), Holly Wood (135), Millang (140) and Wilkerson (155) also competed but went 0-2 with two losses by fall.

One of Millang’s losses came against 2A No. 7 Jammie Krah of Ankeny and Wood’s first loss was to 2A No. 6 Izzy Duncan (130) of RRNW.

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