Years Gone By

5 years ago:

• Former Monticello High School graduate Megan McLaughlin got the chance of a lifetime. While in New York City visiting her former college roommate, McLaughlin attended a taping of Good Morning America and got to meet and get a photo with host Robin Roberts. Actor Hugh Jackman was scheduled to be on the morning show, and McLaughlin also got her picture taken with him and his autograph. There was a blizzard in NYC the morning of the taping of GMA, so very few people were lined up outside the studio early that morning. Only 10 people, including McLaughlin were selected to go inside the studio. McLaughlin also got to see the taping of The View. (3/11/2015)

10 years ago:

• Roger Brighton was chosen by the Monticello Ambulance Service as Emergency Medical Provider of the Year for 2009. Each year the service honors one of their own for their selfless giving of time and energy toward the department. Brighton joined the service in April 2000 after completing EMT-Basic training. A few weeks later, his first call was a two-vehicle accident on Highway 151. Since then, he’s responded to over 800 calls. He volunteers 42 hours every two weeks. (3/10/2010)

• The Monticello Panthers had successful fall and winter sports seasons with a championship in the Tri-River Conference Wrestling Tournament, a runner-up finish in conference volleyball, and top half finishes in both boys and girls basketball. Now they have another accolade: conference champions in sportsmanship. The award evaluates the sportsmanship of players, coaches, student fans and adults. Monticello beat out Ed-Co, Cascade, and Maquoketa Valley. Activities Director Bennett Eastburn gives credit to the coaches, saying sportsmanship trickles down from the top. (3/10/2010)

25 years ago:

• Ownership of Walnut Acres Campground changed hands on March 3. Fran and Fred Iben sold the camp to Joe and Barb Denemark of Montgomery, Ill. The Denemarks will be moving to Monticello to run the campground. They’ve been looking for a campground to own and operate and Walnut Acres really impressed them from the cleanliness to the friendly community. The Denemarks camped at Walnut Acres four times in 1994. (3/8/1995)

• Entertainment for the 1995 Great Jones County Fair has been announced. This summer’s fair will be 143 years old, the oldest in Iowa. The fair will run a week earlier than previous years, July 19- 23. Thursday’s entertainment will be Ken Mellons. The band Airwave will open the show. Friday marks the 155th time harness racing has been at the GJCF. It’s the longest continual running event in Iowa. That night, The Kentucky Headhunters will perform country rock. Ronnie McDowell will take to the stage on Saturday. Sunday will be the most memorable day with Lee Greenwood and his Farewell Tour. (3/8/1995)

50 years ago:

• Iowa’s Governor Robert Ray and his wife, Billie, will attend the ninth annual Monticello Athletic Banquet on March 24. They will be guests of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Yeoman. The event will honor the University of Iowa men’s basketball team. The Big Ten champions finished the conference season with a 14-0 record. The Monticello High School cagers (basketball), wrestlers, and gridders (football) will also be recognized. (3/12/1970)

• Don Minnis of Monticello has been appointed official chairman for Jones County to coordinate planning for “Coffee Day,” Friday and Saturday, March 20-21. Participating restaurants will serve coffee on the house. Patrons will be invited to “drink a cup and help fill up.” Funds will be collected to raise money for Iowa’s disabled children. (3/12/1970)

75 years ago:

• The installation ceremony of Rev. Eugene Lorenz as pastor of Sacred Heart Church was held on Sunday, March 4. The service was largely attended by members of the parish and friends, as well as a large group of visiting clergy. Rev. M.J. Farrelly of St. Martin’s in Cascade acted as the installing priest. (3/8/1945)

• Earl H. Williams of Des Moines, agent for the FBI, spoke at a meeting of the Jones County Rural Young People on March 1. Williams is a graduate of the University of Iowa and practiced law prior to becoming a federal agent. He spoke on “crime in the post-war era,” especially the problems the FBI is anticipating and trying to be prepared for. He also gave some history of law enforcement in America. (3/8/1945)

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