Features

Behrends opens chiropractor office in his hometown

Published by admin on Wed, 02/17/2021 - 9:19am

     For some, 2020 was a year they’d like to forget. For Quinn Behrends, it was a busy and eventful year.

     Behrends, a 2013 graduate of Monticello High School, graduated in October from Palmer College of Chiropractic with his Doctorate of Chiropractor degree. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in health and human physiology.

     Just prior to finishing up his education, Behrends got married in September.

     And prior to that, the couple moved from Wisconsin back home in July after Behrends’ wife got a job in Cedar Rapids.

MHS Student Council helps regrow trees in Linn County

Published by admin on Wed, 02/17/2021 - 9:16am

     The Monticello High School Student Council has found a way to help others in Linn County.

     The Aug. 10, 2020 derecho storm caused severe damage and loss of trees in the Marion and Cedar Rapids areas. An estimated 140 mph winds caused the loss of an estimated 80,000 trees, nearly two-thirds of Cedar Rapids’ original tree population.

     “Those are scary facts,” commented Senior Class Vice President Megan Mahoney.

Garden Club comes to an end after 80 years

Published by admin on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 10:23am

     In 1938, the Federated Garden Club got its start in Monticello, Iowa.

     Eighty-three years later, the club has been forced to disband for various reasons, namely the health and age of its long-time dedicated members.

     The Express recently sat down with several of the Garden Club’s members to reminisce about various projects and activities through the years. These ladies also shared why they joined the Garden Club and their hopes for Monticello going into the future as Monticello Parks and Recreation prepares to take over.

MPD goes gold for Childhood Cancer

Published by admin on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 10:20am

     The Monticello Police Department is now selling a commemorative patch honoring both DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) Awareness Month in May and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.

     The patch resembles the traditional MPD unform patch, but with added gold. Gold is the color honoring childhood cancer.

     MPD officers will wear the patch during the months of May and September to bring about awareness of childhood cancer.

     “It’s about bringing awareness to these two campaigns,” noted Police Chief Britt Smith.

Fundraising begins for Austin Smith Inclusive Playground

Published by admin on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 10:18am

     In October, it was announced that Monticello Parks and Recreation was partnering with the Austin Strong Foundation to raise money to build an inclusive playground in the community.

     For over a year, Parks and Rec worked on the project.

     Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald said the Foundation, as a 501(c)3 is eligible for more grant opportunities than a government entity like Parks and Rec.

     “We’re coming together as a team,” said Mikinzie Smith with the Foundation. “We wanted to do something permanent in the community to honor Austin.”

Roller retires after 45 years of nursing care

Published by admin on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 10:11am

     After 45 years, Sharon Roller of Monticello is retiring from her long-time, dedicated nursing career.

     “I always wanted to be a nurse,” Roller said. “Growing up on the farm, I always loved to help injured or sick animals.”

     When her father, Richard Antons, started having health issues, her focus changed to helping people.

Monticello PEO Chapter FP celebrates 100 years of history

Published by admin on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 9:59am

     Feb. 16, 1921, shortly after the influenza pandemic, an organization of women helping women was founded in Monticello.

     Chapter FP of PEO was founded in Monticello with several ladies joining. Members on that day in February included names such as Doxsee, Ricklefs, Koob, Matthiesen, and Stimson. Familiar names to the community of Monticello with a long history of community pride.

     The purpose of the organization was to help women in their educational pursuits and assist others in need.

Panther speech shines at State

Published by admin on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 9:46am

     The Monticello Speech Department took 13 events to the State Large Group Speech Contest, and received 11 Division I ratings.

     The contest was held virtually this year, with Monticello entries submitting videos of their performances to be judged.

     Receiving a “I” rating:

     Varsity Readers Theater – Hannah Ahlrichs, Amelia Anderson, Kadence Barnhart, Ella Glawatz, Kaitlin Guyer, Angel Larsen, Megan Mahoney, Delaney Peitz, Mya Postel, Zach Reuter, Jackie Stadtmueller, Brooklyn Stark, Maci Welter, and Natalia Williams.

Airport board thanks retiring members for years of service

Published by admin on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 9:44am

     The Monticello Airport Board met on Feb. 2 and honored three retiring board members for their years of service. They also welcomed newcomers to the board.

Those stepping down were:

     • Larry Behrends who served for six years

     • Ron Ackermann who served for 14 years

     • Duff Coleman who served for 12 years

New board members are:

     • Travis McNally

     • Angie McDonough

     • Jim Rohlf

Moving forward

Published by admin on Wed, 02/10/2021 - 9:40am

     “Moving forward” is a phrase you will hear often if you talk with Joan Young about the Monticello Community School District for any length of time.

     Young is about to move forward in a different way; she is retiring as principal at Monticello High School, after 19 years.

     “My health is good, and the school district is in a good spot,” Young said. “So I think it’s just the right time to make that decision.”

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