News

Monticello library changes hours of operation

Published by admin on Wed, 04/18/2018 - 4:02pm

     After budget discussions between the Monticello Public Library Board of Directors and the Monticello City Council, the decision was made to scale back the library’s hours of operation, beginning Monday, April 30.

     The new hours will be:

     • Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

     • Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

     • Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

     • Closed Sunday

Facilities Committee narrows it down

Published by admin on Wed, 04/11/2018 - 10:54am

     The future of the Monticello Community School District was in the hands, and minds, of the School Facilities Committee last week as they came to a consensus on the concept of a central campus for grades preK-12, all on the current high school site.

     During their April 4 meeting at the district office, the committee was in approval of a two-phase master plan, with two opportunities to bond.

Stephen pleads not guilty, seeks detention release

Published by admin on Wed, 04/11/2018 - 10:41am

     On Friday, April 6, Greg Stephen of Monticello appeared in district court in Cedar Rapids and pleaded not guilty to the felony indictment of transportation of child pornography.

     Stephen, 42, was arrested on March 13 after a search warrant by law enforcement turned up electronic recording devices containing footage of minors.

Stephen arrested on child porn charges

Published by admin on Wed, 03/21/2018 - 9:07am

     A month after search warrants were served on properties owned by Greg Stephen in both Monticello and Lake Delhi, Stephen has now been arrested on felony charges for knowingly transporting child pornography across state lines.

     Stephen was arrested by the FBI on March 13. A preliminary hearing was set for that date at 3 p.m. Stephen waived that hearing.

Camp Courageous staff illnesses prompt weeklong closure

Published by admin on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 10:13am

     Camp Courageous of Iowa, based near Monticello, was forced to close this week after more than a dozen staff members came down with what was described as “flu-like symptoms.”

     Camp Courageous, which has been around since 1972, is a year-round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with special needs. This year, they will serve over 8,000 campers with special needs. The camp is run on donations, directly benefitting the campers year round.

     The weeklong closure will allow staff to provide a thorough cleaning of the facilities.

New JCED director ready to serve Jones Co.

Published by admin on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 10:10am

     In late September 2017, Jones County Economic Development lost its executive director of six and a half years, Dusty Embree.

     Now, the JCED Board of Directors is proud to welcome Derek Lumsden to the role.

     After only a couple of weeks on the job, Lumsden is ready to meet business owners and find out how he can serve Jones County.

Council debates unpermitted sign before approval

Published by admin on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 10:04am

     The Monticello City Council voted twice before they came to an agreement concerning a sign issue near the city right-of-way on County Road D-62/W. First St.

Mental health services offered meet state standards

Published by admin on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 10:03am

     When it comes to state required mental health services for each region in Iowa, the East Central Region, of which Jones County is a member of, is ahead of the game.

     During the June 12 Jones County Board of Supervisors meeting, Mechelle Dhondt, regional director, gave the board an update on the happenings concerning the mental health region.

     Dhondt said there have been some complaints at the regional board meetings across the state that the regions should be spending their funds on more services.

Improved flood maps may mean changes in insurance requirements

Published by admin on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 10:02am

     Updated topographical information will mean changes in how flood hazard areas are designated throughout Iowa, including in Jones County.

     Representatives from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, FEMA, and the engineering consultant firm Atkins Global were in Monticello for a meeting to present the preliminary Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) June 14 in the Mary Lovell Le Van Renaissance Center.

Schneiter takes ownership of Weers Insurance

Published by admin on Wed, 06/20/2018 - 9:56am

     There’s a new name and new faces with a well-known insurance company in Anamosa.

     Weers Insurance Agency is now Schneiter Weers Insurance, with Jackie Schneiter taking over ownership in March. Joining the insurance sales group is Jon Kyte, having jumped on board just a couple weeks ago.

     Schneiter serves as president of the business, and also sells insurance alongside her cohorts. Schneiter Weers Insurance employs three sales representatives and two customer service reps.

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