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.

Jones Co. loses DECAT, CPPC directors

Published by admin on Wed, 04/25/2018 - 1:58pm

     Jones County is losing its DECAT (Decategorization) and CPPC (Community Partnerships for Protecting Children) advocates.

     Sarah Wickham and Rachel Williams, who serve as respective directors of the organizations, are resigning due to budget cuts to their programs.

     DECAT and CPPC work in collaboration with Cedar/Jones ECI (Early Childhood Iowa), which is directed by Sherri Hunt.

     Both Hunt and Wickham met with the Jones County Supervisors during their April 17 meeting to provide updates on the three programs that serve Jones County.

Congressman Blum hits on state of union

Published by admin on Wed, 04/25/2018 - 1:56pm

     The Jones County Republicans held their annual dinner April 19 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Anamosa. Guests of honor were Rep. Rod Blum, First District, and Taylor Collins from Iowa State University.

     Collins is also head of the Iowa Federation of College Republicans, and provided insight into the atmosphere conservatives such as himself are dealing with on college campuses throughout the country.

     Kicking off the event were several area and local candidates:

     • Chad Ingels, Fayette County, candidate for Secretary of Agriculture

Board approves placing GO plan on petition

Published by admin on Wed, 04/25/2018 - 1:53pm

     Next step: the petition.

     The Monticello School Board on Monday approved a General Obligation (GO) bond amount of $15 million for a grade 5-8 addition to the high school site.

     Monday’s approval means that total will now be placed on a petition that needs at least 102 signatures. Once those are obtained, the proposal can be brought back to the board, which can then approve a GO bond election that would take place Sept. 11.

     The total was agreed upon by the board after some discussion of options presented by Superintendent Brian Jaeger.

County sells property in Morley

Published by admin on Wed, 04/25/2018 - 1:42pm

     The county was able to sell county-owned property in Morley thanks to public interest.

     Luke Oberbreckling was the highest bidder, taking three separate parcels at $3,000, $105 and $105 each.

     The county accepted sealed bids and gave the three highest bidders the opportunity raise their bids. None of the bidders chose to do so.

     Aside from Oberbreckling, the other highest bidders were Michael Rundle (at$800 for all three properties) and Patrick Kistler (at $2,800, $100 and $100).

F&M Bank helps prepare students for ACTs

Published by admin on Wed, 04/25/2018 - 1:34pm

     On April 4 and April 7, 44 Anamosa, Monticello, and Midland high school students spent time learning unique study tips on how to better their ACT score.

     “F&M’s generosity in supporting this ACT preparation session shows its commitment to helping Jones County residents reach their goals,” stated Diane Temple, Maquoketa Valley High School teacher and ACT instructor.

Board weighs middle-school-at-high-school-site plan

Published by admin on Wed, 04/18/2018 - 4:05pm

     Getting its first chance to discuss it as a group, the Monticello School Board kicked around the Facilities Committee’s proposal to have a grade 5-8 middle school built on the high school site, during the board’s April 11 work session.

     The Facilities Committee, after months of meetings, tours and discussion, along with a look at projected costs, had narrowed down the numerous options for new school buildings at its April 4 meeting, landing on the middle school plan, potentially part of a two-phase, long-term “central campus” plan.

Subscriber Login