Opinion

Quality of schools draws families to Monticello

Published by admin on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 10:48am

To the Editor,

     I graduated from Monticello High School and attended the middle school 20 years ago. The building was in dire need of repair and improvements back then and there have been no significant upgrades since. In fact, I specifically recall loud boiler pipes, how it was very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer, the classrooms were small and the locker rooms were simply disgusting, next to the “new” gym.

Here’s to new beginnings

Published by admin on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 10:48am

     It’s funny how every time your birthday comes around there’s always that one person who asks, “Do you feel a year older?” even though I still feel as old as I did when I was 11, except with more responsibilities and a slightly better taste in clothes.

     Growing up means getting used to change, from going off to college to watching those you went to school with getting married and have kids. Sometimes those changes are hard but part of getting older means learning how to smile with tears in your eyes.

Words on Wellness

Published by admin on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 10:46am

Reduce Food Waste

     “Waste not, want not” is a saying used in tight times—a reminder that what we save today we will have tomorrow. That holds true for food as well as money. Food waste is a big problem in the United States. According to Feeding America, nearly half of the food grown, processed, and transported in the United States goes to waste. Much of this food waste (43 percent) comes from our homes. We can fix that!

Reduce food waste in planning, shopping, and cooking.

Express fair coverage is a team effort

Published by admin on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 8:26am

     Just because the “Five Best Days of Summer” in Jones County have come to an end doesn’t mean our work here at the Express covering the Great Jones County Fair is over. Stay tuned next week for our special fair souvenir issue!

Another successful GJCF

Published by admin on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 8:26am

     Where do I start with my column this week?

     First, fair week here in Monticello has kept us all busier than ever.

     On Thursday night, the fair made its first announcement for 2019: Chris Stapleton. Many were eagerly anticipating more announcements to come, but the fair is working on securing contracts.

     The Express took the opportunity to ask our readers just who they would like to see perform at the Great Jones County Fair.

     Many asked for popular musicians to return: Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and Toby Keith.

Representatives must take action

Published by admin on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 8:25am

To the Editor,

     Senator Grassley, where are you? Senator Ernst, where are you? Congressman Blum, where are you?

     In Brussels, the President betrayed our allies. In Helsinki, the President betrayed our country.

     Weak words are not enough. Representatives of the people must take action. Where are the checks and balances so critical to our system of government?

Arlie and Jay Willems

Mount Vernon, Iowa

 

We need to do something for our children

Published by admin on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 8:25am

To the Editor,

     We have two daughters in middle school. Recently we asked them about why we need a new middle school; the reply was, “There are holes in the walls and the ceilings and there are mice.”

     While we may laugh initially at this response, quite honestly after a few minutes of really thinking about it, it is quite pathetic.

MCSD bond referendum FAQ

Published by admin on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 8:24am

     In an effort to help promote the Tuesday, Sept. 11 bond vote for a new middle school in Monticello, the Express will share some FAQ concerning the proposed project. The Monticello Community School District released the following information in an effort to help educate voters, and answer any questions that might arise.

     Visit www.voteyesmonticello.com for further information.

Why are we voting on Sept. 11?

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.

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