Opinion

Support the future of Monticello by voting 'yes' on Sept. 11

Published by admin on Thu, 09/06/2018 - 12:43pm

     For a number of weeks now our readers have read Letters to the Editor from those of all walks of life in support of a new middle school in Monticello. The Monticello Express joins those in lending our support behind the Sept. 11 Monticello School District bond issue.

     When you drive into any community, think what stands out as a newcomer: housing options, family activities/events, recreation, a safe and secure community, churches, an active business district, and schools.

'Mom-Guilt' is my reason why

Published by admin on Thu, 09/06/2018 - 12:39pm

To the Editor,

     My husband and I moved to Monticello in 2014 when I accepted a job, fresh out of school, at the Monticello Vet Clinic. We were excited and a little nervous as we moved to a community where we didn't know a single person. It was just the two of us then, and if it didn’t work out we could just pack up and move. It didn’t take long and we completely fell in love with the community and the people. We knew this is where we wanted to raise a family.

The need for a new middle school is now

Published by admin on Thu, 09/06/2018 - 12:38pm

To the Editor,

     As a former Monticello School District resident, I recall the repeated bond issues that did not pass for the district’s new high school. 

     Don’t let that happen again. The need is now, the old junior high building makes people physically ill, and there are many other reasons to replace it! The most important reason is that children need to be educated today by different and modern methods. Cooperation and collaboration are things that must be facilitated, because they are the skills needed now and in the future in everything we do! 

New school facilities attract the best of the best

Published by admin on Thu, 09/06/2018 - 12:37pm

To the Editor,

     In 1976 I had the privilege to student teach in Monticello, Iowa. I fell in love with the school system and the community. To me, it was the perfect Norman Rockwell, small town picture. Bikes leaning against the fence at the pool, homes open, keys in the car…

Good schools are vital for any community

Published by admin on Thu, 09/06/2018 - 12:36pm

To the Editor,

     In 1995, my then-fiancé landed his first teaching job – in Monticello. The year after, we were married and I joined him as a teacher in Monticello. Since then, we have chosen to make our home here, raise our two boys here, and continue our careers in education in the Monticello Community School District. Although neither of us are Monticello natives, we chose to stay in Monticello because we appreciated the opportunities it afforded our family both educationally and as a community.

We need to expand access for renewable fuels

Published by admin on Thu, 09/06/2018 - 12:35pm

To the Editor,

     As chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, advocating for policies that expand market access for Iowa commodities is important to me. The growth of our renewable fuels sector has been critically important to Iowa grain farmers and rural communities, but we’ve seen some restrictive actions at the federal level. With Iowa farm income at the lowest level in years, policymakers at all levels should be working to expand, not limit ethanol production in the Midwest.

Monticello Farmers Market

Published by admin on Wed, 08/29/2018 - 9:53am

If you have the Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks (Senior and WIC) be sure to use them. Please do not wait until October. Right now there is a nice variety of produce. In October the selection is not as diverse. These checks are only redeemable at authorized markets and approved vendors. A listing of authorized markets is available on the Iowa Department of Ag website.

Did you know that in Iowa every dollar spent at farmers markets brougth 58 cents to $1.36 in sales to other local businesses? (from Successful Farming Magazine)

Vote based on the facts

Published by admin on Wed, 08/29/2018 - 9:50am

To the Editor,

     Hello all.

     I am writing one last Letter to the Editor because I want to remind you of the facts related to the upcoming school facility election on Sept. 11, 2018. I know as we get closer to Election Day there may be some last minute criticism of the plan, the cost, and the people who made the plan. Please remember to not get caught up in the last minute antics or emotions.

     The facts are still the same as they have always been.

Could you live with yourself if you vote ‘no’ and something tragic happened at our schools?

Published by admin on Wed, 08/29/2018 - 9:49am

To the Editor,

We need cost-effective school facilities

Published by admin on Wed, 08/29/2018 - 9:49am

To the Editor,

     We have been involved with the Great Jones County Fair for over 30 years and believe that it is the best five days of summer! As the fair has grown, so has the number of people who visit Monticello every summer.

     We, as a community, do an incredible job of hosting guests and our guests like it here. However, we all live in this community the other 360 days and want it to be the best that it can be.

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