Years Gone By

5 years ago: 

• Gas prices at Karde’s C-Store and Casey’s General Store in Monticello fell below $2. This price decrease was in line with many others across Iowa selling gas at or below $2. According to AAA, the national average for regular gasoline was $2.19. The Iowa average was $2.02. (1/7/2015) 

10 years ago: 

• Lotus Garden Chinese Restaurant opened in downtown Monticello on Dec. 29. After four months of renovations and remodeling, owner Minh Tran was ready to invite the public in. Tran serves up authentic Chinese cuisine. They offer daily lunch specials and a full menu. (1/6/2010) 

• The H1N1 flu shot was administered by Teri Keleher with Public Health at the Monticello Berndes Center. The shot was made available to all ages. (1/6/2010) 

• The Eastern Iowa Sports Facility is having an open house to showcase the off-season baseball and softball facility in Monticello. Owners Bud and Georgia Johnson want to offer local players an opportunity without having to travel to Dubuque or Cedar Rapids. Aside from touring the 20,000 square-foot facility, visitors will get the chance to meet legendary baseball coach Jim Van Sloyoc of Norway, Iowa. (1/6/2010) 

25 years ago:

• Steve Strang retired after 18 years serving on the Jones County Board of Supervisors. The rural Cascade resident said he would miss the job, but not the responsibility. He wants to spend more time on his farm. Strang started serving in 1976. He never expected to be serving this long. (1/4/1995)

• A New Year’s Eve fire destroyed a mobile home owned by John Shover, located in the Shover Trailer Court. The fire started at about 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 31, and was the result of a malfunction in the gas water heater. The trailer was a total loss. The fire department returned on scene at around 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day when the fire rekindled in the roof. (1/4/1995)

50 years ago:

• A host of prizes awaits the first baby of 1970 born at John McDonald Hospital. This is the 32nd year the Monticello Express has sponsored the “First Baby of the New Year” contest. There are 21 participating merchants. Prizes will be awarded to the family with the first baby born after midnight and reported to the Express by noon on Jan. 3. Last year’s winner was Darla Eden, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Eden of Anamosa. The first baby contest was first held in 1939. (1/1/1970)

• Pvt. Charles Kelchen spent the Christmas holiday with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Al Kelchen of Monticello. This was the first time Charles had been home since he was seriously injured in Vietnam on Aug. 19. Over 90 people visited him during his stay at home. (1/1/1970)

75 years ago:

• The National Selective Service officials in Washington, D.C. ordered an immediate review by local draft boards of all farm deferments in the 18 to 25 age bracket. The War Mobilization Director demanded that more farm youths be inducted into the armed services. (1/4/1945)

• Temperatures in Jones County hovered near 10 degrees below zero during the first days of 1945. Biting cold wind accompanied the low temperatures. On New Year’s Day, there was light snow that resulted in icy roads in the northern part of the state. The road conditions hampered travel. (1/4/1945)