Opinion

Monticello food pantry needs will only increase

Published by admin on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 2:33pm

To the Editor,

     My son and I had the privilege of being able to work the food pantry in Monticello twice this month. On our first two-hour shift, we assisted 13 families in need. The second time there were nine families. The need is there and it isn’t even winter. I look for the numbers to increase with the time we are in.

     We have run out of cooking oil, sugar, flour, and laundry soap. Personal care products are also in high demand.

State funds Endow Iowa tax credit program for 2021

Published by admin on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 2:33pm

     On June 30, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed off on the 2021 state budget, which includes $6 million for the 2021 Endow Iowa tax credits. As of July 13, $3 million of those tax credits had already been spoken for by generous Iowa donors.

     “This means not only is it important to make your gift, but also to fill out and return your Endow Iowa application as quickly as possible,” said Sherri Hunt, Jones County Community Foundation (JCCF) Coordinator.

Words on Wellness

Published by admin on Wed, 09/09/2020 - 2:32pm

Back to School? Back to Work? Pack Lunch to Go!

     Lunch provides the midday boost that you and your child need for afternoon brainpower. Packing lunch with your child is also a great way to stay connected. What if your child is a choosy eater? This can be a sign your child is searching for more independence. Your child might benefit from packing their own lunch, while you have the opportunity to serve as a model for good nutrition behaviors. Use the five main food groups for you and your child to pack your lunch.

I feel old…

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 8:46am

     For everything that goes wrong or for everything that doesn’t go our way this year, we’re either inclined to blame COVID or just 2020 in general.

     Get ready for some more bad news, depending on if you like cold weather or not…

     The Farmers Almanac is predicting a cold winter for 2020-21, with colder than normal temperatures.

     And while we saw little-to-no snow during the previous winter (2019-20), the Almanac says things are about to change. “The Great Lakes region will get its fair share of snow,” the Almanac said.

City promised maintenance to Sixth Street Ditch years ago

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 8:45am

To the Editor,

     The city is talking about assessing property owners along the Sixth Street Ditch for improvements.

     I have lived in my house since 1963. There were never problems until the Seventh Street storm sewer and other developments were piped into it. Plus, people have thrown cement and other debris into it.

     Shouldn’t all property owners who use it pay for improvements?

Lions Club plans September blood drive

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 8:44am

To the Editor and Monticello community,

     On Tuesday, Sept. 15, the Monticello Lions will be assisting the American Red Cross with the Monticello Blood Drive. The blood drive will be held at the Monticello Berndes Center from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

     The Red Cross collects and distributes about 40 percent of the nation’s blood supply. On any given day, 44,000 pints of blood may be required to meet the needs of patients across the United States.

Manternach attests to husband’s hard work, character as county supervisor

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 8:43am

To the Editor,

     My purpose for writing this letter to the editor is not to invoke surprise that I am supporting my husband for his re-election bid for county supervisor, but to provide a perspective that some people may not get to see.

     Wayne Manternach has been elected to the Jones County Board of Supervisors for the past 12 years. I have seen a leader who responds when called, a dedicated member of committees, a strong advocate for mental health, and an active participant in county meetings.

Senate urged to support PPP program

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 8:43am

     As if things weren’t bad enough for Iowa’s small businesses, news comes that the Trump administration plans to claw back a chunk of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds legitimate businesses have used as a lifeline to keep their employees on the payroll.

Protecting the USPS safeguards your access to information

Published by admin on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 8:43am

     Facing a fierce public outcry, the U.S, Postal Service is “suspending” its sudden cost-cutting moves – tossing out high-speed sorting machines, uprooting collection boxes, reducing Post Office hours and eliminating carrier overtime – that have slowed mail delivery and threatened the on-time delivery of mail-in ballots for the presidential election.

COVID strikes again; noting my 11-year milestone

Published by admin on Wed, 08/26/2020 - 10:54am

     Thanks COVID!

     How many times can we blame COVID-19 for things going wrong, things not going our way, or disruptions in our lives recently?

     Due to the public health measures put in place by the state, visitors will be restricted inside the schools this school year. That includes the media/press.

     Thanks COVID!

     Do you know how many times in a single school year the Express staff step foot inside the Monticello Community Schools and Sacred Heart? Too many times to count…

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