Opinion

Monticello Writes opens some doors

Published by admin on Wed, 10/09/2019 - 9:12am

For several years the Monticello Public Library has hosted the “Monticello Reads” book club group. Those wanting to participate can have the designated monthly book put on reserve through the library. The group meets following the completion of the book to discuss the material. 

Monticello Reads has grown to become quite popular. 

Wind turbines impact our environment

Published by admin on Wed, 10/09/2019 - 9:07am

To my fellow landowners, 

Our founders wanted the press to shine its spotlight

Published by admin on Wed, 10/09/2019 - 9:07am

Fifty-three years ago, I was a high school kid in southern Iowa who knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life: I wanted to be a journalist. 

The first stop on that journey occurred when I walked into the offices of the Bloomfield Democrat and introduced myself to Gary Spurgeon. 

Survey seeks public opinion on downtown Monticello

Published by admin on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 11:43am

What do you envision for downtown Monticello? What is our downtown’s greatest strength? What would you change about Monticello? What could improve the climate of our downtown? What new businesses would you want to see here? What public amenities do you feel are needed in Monticello? 

You can answer all of these questions and more by contributing to a survey to help formulate the future of downtown Monticello. 

How toys are inducted into the HOF

Published by admin on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 11:42am

It’s been a couple of years, but I’ve written my column before about the National Toy Hall of Fame. This year, the “new” toys will be inducted into the HOF in November. 

Twelve finalists have been announced: Care Bears, coloring books, Fisher-Price Corn Popper, Jenga, Magic the Gathering, Masters of the Universe, Matchbox Cars, My Little Pony, Nerf Blaster, Risk, the smartphone, and the top. Only three will be inducted… 

Main Street Iowa is not the answer

Published by admin on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 11:39am

To the Editor, 

What is the answer to get retail stores in Monticello back on their feet? 

Retail in small-town Iowa is dying and taking lots of potential income-producing property with it, especially when vacant a majority of the time. One only has to look at the old Dollar General to see it isn’t generating a whole lot for the community or for the owner sitting vacant as long as it has. So what is the answer? 

Celebrate all things 4-H

Published by admin on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 11:37am

To the Editor, 

4-H grows confidence, creativity, curiosity, courage, character and so much more by allowing youth to use the skills they learn to go out and make a positive difference in their communities. Help Jones County 4-H celebrate the outstanding impact youth have made throughout the state during National 4-H Week, Oct. 6-12. 

An honor showcasing local Eagle Scouts

Published by admin on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 10:06am

After interviewing 16-year-old Keegan Freese last week about his Eagle Scout project, I wanted to find out just how many Boy Scouts we’ve featured in my 10 years here at the Monticello Express. 

Keegan is our 12th Eagle Scout that we’ve interviewed since I started in August 2009. (You can read Keegan’s story inside this week’s Express.) 

Know the whole story

Published by admin on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 10:05am

To the Editor, 

The Express Editorial of Sept. 11, 2019 was very one-sided. 

The land behind our houses and along Diamond Drive has become a real issue. We want to preserve the park behind us, as it is. J.T. wants to build a new house. 

As Paul Harvey used to say,” Now the rest of the story.” 

TILT helps guide families with kids who face challenges

Published by admin on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 10:04am

To the Editor, 

Have you ever heard of an organization called TILT? I hadn’t until a young lady in our neighborhood made me aware of it. Lindsay Ryan has a special place in her heart for kids that face challenges in their lives due to being, as she puts it, “wired” differently. 

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