Years Gone By


Showing off the new female dress code at MHS in 1970 are, from left, Nancy Dietiker, Sandy Janssen, Maria Peterson, Pam Cooper, and Kay Glanz. (Express file photo)

5 years ago: 

• Jones County Extension Director Joe Yedlik is retiring after 20 years with Iowa State Extension and Outreach. Prior to that, for 24 years, Yedlik was an FFA advisor at North Linn. In retirement, he still plans to stay involved with the Great Jones County Fair. In his time as Extension director, Yedlik is proud to help start the all-around best youth exhibitor award at the fair. (2/4/2015) 

• Dalton Husmann and Zach Timm emerged as conference champions in their weight classes at the River Valley Conference Wrestling Tournament. The Panthers collected 75 points to finish eighth, ahead of four teams. With five wrestlers competing, Coach Ryan Luensman said they did well with two champions. (2/4/2015) 

10 years ago: 

• Well-known Monticello business owner and community supporter Albert McNeill, Jr. passed away on Jan. 26 at the age of 84. McNeill was born and raised in Monticello and destined for a future in retail. McNeill Hardware opened in its current location in 1899 by Albert McNeill, Sr. Albert Jr. worked alongside his father for many years. McNeill Hardware is now owned and operated by David McNeill, Albert Jr.’s son. He served in the U.S. Army from 1944-46, enlisting when he was 19 years old. He earned the rank of sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star. Albert was also involved with the Great Jones County Fair for more than 40 years. 

“The community thought a lot of him,” remarked David. (2/3/2010) 

• Kevin Smith with Goettsch Funeral Home received the Monticello Chamber’s Lifetime Membership Award at the annual chamber banquet on Jan. 28. Community Pride Awards went to Kirkwood Jones Regional Center and Art and Sharon Kromminga. (2/3/2010) 

25 years ago: 

• Four teenagers from Dubuque, ages 17 and 18, suffered minor injuries in a one-vehicle accident near Langworthy on Highway 151 on Jan. 28. The driver was northbound on 151 when she lost control. Her vehicle rolled and came to rest on the highway facing south. The females were all transported to Finley Hospital in Dubuque and treated for their injuries. (2/1/1995) 

• On Jan. 30, the Monticello Chamber Ambassadors visited The Gift Gallery and its new owner, Karen Zirkelbach. Ambassador Judy Tuetken presented Zirkelbach with a welcome plant. (2/1/1995) 

50 years ago: 

• James Shimanek, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Shimanek of Monticello, received his Eagle Scout Award during a special ceremony at Poplar Heights. The award, scouting’s highest honor, was presented by his parents. Shimanek, a senior in high school, has been in Scouts since 1964. His brother, Robert, received his Eagle Scout Award 12 years ago. (2/5/1970) 

• The student council at Monticello High School voted on Jan. 27 to change the school’s dress code. The new rule allows girls to wear slacks. The code states: “Personal appearances at school should be reasonable and proper, present no health or safety hazards to the individual or fellow students, and create no undue class disturbances.” Showing off their new wardrobe at school were Nancy Dietiker, Sandy Janssen, Maria Peterson, Pam Cooper, and Kay Glanz. (2/5/1970) 

100 years ago: 

• The box social, which was to have been at the school house at Lovell No. 9, has been postponed indefinitely on account of the flu. (2/5/1920) 

• According to reports, the flu is much worse in the country than it is in town. Last Thursday there were only three quarantined families in Monticello. The city marshal has many requests for quarantined cards from the country. The disease is said to be much lighter than it was a year ago. That should not justify a relaxation of care and precaution. It easily develops into pneumonia. (2/5/1920) 

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