History made and shared in Monticello

   In my 14 years of working for the Express, I've had many unique and wonderful opportunities that I wouldn't get to experience if I were not in this profession, this community. March 25 was definitely one of those moments…

   After having gotten to know a bit about the life of Navy Seaman 1st Class Donald Stott through numerous conversations with his family, Tom and Jill Brokaw, over the past several months, it was an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to capture Donald's funeral and full-military burial in Monticello this weekend.

   You didn't need to know him or to be related to him to know that this moment was historical for the Brokaw family and our community.

   Eighty-two years following the attack on Pearl Harbor, how many can say they were at the burial for a sailor who was able to be identified? The Brokaw family did extend the invite to the community, and there was quite the showing at Oakwood Cemetery as Donald Stott was properly laid to rest. There were veterans from all over Eastern Iowa, not to mention Monticello's own Legion members who escorted his flag-draped casket into St. Matthew Church. There were members of the Monticello community. Those there saw a moment in history…

   As the proud children of two Army veterans, I take pride in every opportunity I am given to highlight, honor, and thank our service men and women. This was one of those moments where it wasn't just my job, but the right thing to do.

   In the beginning of this column, I mentioned having lived now in the Monticello community for 14 years. A heated conversation at a recent city council meeting made me want to speak out…

   Communities our size are lucky if we grow in population. The 2021 U.S. Census notes our population was 4,045. In 2010, it was 3,785; in 2015, 3,796. Our town has grown!

   But that growth doesn't just happen without services, amenities, something to attract people to want to live here.

   Was it our new middle school and updated high school facilities? Our great public library and the many free services it offers to people of all ages? (I might be a little biased.) Was it our great Aquatic Center? Our downtown? Our proximity between two major cities? Our local job market? Our senior citizen services? Was it our Parks and Recreation opportunities? The fact that we have readily available emergency services that protect us and make our community safe?

   It could be all, some, or one of those reasons I listed; but the point is, if we don't offer amenities to those already living here, much less to attract new people, this town will die off. Our population will age and we will have no new, younger residents to keep this community going.

   Right now, we have so many positives going for Monticello: A vibrant, strong chamber of commerce; an active Main Street organization; people wanting to open new stores downtown to contribute to the economy; and city services. Taking amenities such as a library, a pool, Parks and Rec, etc. away will only hurt Monticello.

   It's been said we have a housing shortage; true. But why set your focus on building new homes and residential properties if you're not going to offer people a reason to live here?