Opinion

A different way of life

Published by admin on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 10:58am

     It’s always interesting, entertaining and fun to have family around from out of state, especially from a different part of the country.

     Over the Fourth of July holiday, into the weekend, and early last week we had extended family here in Iowa from Arizona for my sister’s wedding. My mom, my sister and her new husband, and I took turns showcasing the best of what Iowa has to offer.

Great Jones County Fair, here I come

Published by admin on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 10:58am

     This week is the 2018 Great Jones County Fair, also known as the Five Best Days of Summer. I’ve been going to the fair since I was a little girl and I don’t plan to stop attending anytime soon.

     Each year I go to the fair, I always find a way to make it a unique experience. From showing my animals to attending the concerts, the fair never fails to give me a week of memories I’ll never forget.

Be proactive and vote yes

Published by admin on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 10:57am

To the Editor,

     Monticello, we are at a crossroads with our middle school; we have two choices.

Regarding Oakwood Cemetery care

Published by admin on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 10:57am

To the Editor,

     I am one of five members on the Cemetery Board. All board members agree the cemetery looked kind of shabby at times this spring. We did have an abnormal amount of rain showers during the normal spring growth period that hampered the time mowing could be done and grass needed cutting every three days to look good.

     We have only one full-time employee to care for the estimated 10 or 12 acres, with hundreds of grave markers to trim around.

Trump, a poor example for young people

Published by admin on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 10:56am

To the Editor,

     I’ve been watching Donald Trump be America’s president since January 20, 2017. I’m not very impressed with what he is teaching America’s kids. I’ve tried to imagine what his curriculum is in regard to educating our kids – what follows is what I think it might be.

     LESSON 1: IT IS OKAY TO LIE. It is okay to lie. I lie every day. I’ve lied all my life and it sure hasn’t hurt me – look at me – I’m president of the U.S. And another thing about lies is if you repeat them over and over people will start to believe they are true.

Politics is not for the faint of heart

Published by admin on Tue, 08/07/2018 - 10:55am

     Last week we celebrated National Civility Day, and I’d like to take this opportunity to share with you what brought the current political divide into a more profound perspective for me.

Live in the moment

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 11:14am

     This weekend I not only stood up as the “old” Maid of Honor for my younger sister’s wedding, but I gained one heck of a brother-in-law and extended family!

     My sister and I attended the Maquoketa Valley School District all through our school years, as did the groom. We all grew up in Earlville. The groom is a year older than I am, a year ahead of me in school, so with more than half of the wedding guests living in the MV district or having attended school with us, it felt like a mini MV school reunion. It was great!

Monticello cemetery deserves better care

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 11:14am

To the Editor,

     It’s always a special treat to return to Monticello to see friends and family. The July Fourth parade was, as always, a delight.

     MY HUGE disappointment came upon my visit to the cemetery to visit the gravesites of my family. Obviously, someone is NOT taking care of this otherwise beautiful location. Careless mowing, no trimming, no flags inside the grounds to honor veterans; what’s the problem?? Our loved ones deserve better.

Education is a critical issue

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 11:13am

To the Editor,

     I write this letter to urge you to vote yes on the Monticello School bond issue on Sept. 11.

     Our family moved to Monticello 50 years ago, and I was privileged to serve under Supt. Boyd Shannon for two years. I have been so lucky to serve in Iowa schools for 40 years plus 10 more in part-time jobs. We started in a 50-student high school in Missouri. We returned to Monticello in 2006, due to family and because we know this as a great place to live.

Preserve history; don’t attempt to change it

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 9:39am

     This week’s column is all about history. History needs to be preserved. History rarely changes. We should never try to change history; it is what it is.

     First, bravo to the all-volunteer board of the Monticello Heritage and Cultural Center!

     If you didn’t read all about their “soft” grand re-opening that took place on the Fourth of July in last week’s Express, it detailed the hard work that went into making this event possible.

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