News

Supervisors vote to support Conservation in dam project

Published by admin on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 11:29am

     Showing support for the appointed members of the Conservation Board, the Jones County Supervisors voted 4-1 to back Conservation in their endeavors as they move forward with their Mon Maq Dam project, which at this point entails partial removal. Supervisor Lloyd Eaken was opposed.

     Supervisor Jon Zirkelbach prefaced the discussion by informing the 20-some people in attendance that the board did not wish to rehash what has already been brought up concerning the dam. There have been numerous public meetings regarding the project before now.

Shaw Rd. added to Wapsi Trail Project

Published by admin on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 11:28am

     With changes needing to be made regarding the Wapsipinicon Trail Project through Jones County and Anamosa, the Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the engineering contract, as well as a $280,000 grant application.

     The grant is a joint application with the DOT for a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) Project.

     The county currently has a contract with Anderson-Bogert for the trail project. With the addition of the Shaw Road project, Committee Chair Dusty Embree, felt the contract needed to be amended.

Many projects taking place in Monticello

Published by admin on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 11:23am

     There are several projects currently taking place within the City of Monticello. During the Aug. 7 City Council meeting, City Engineer Patrick Schwickerath provided a timeline and updates on each project.

Main Street Reconstruction

     • The first lift of HMA (hot mix asphalt) pavement was placed on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of last week on the northbound lane. The center and southbound lanes will follow respectively.

     • ADA sidewalk ramps are planned to be constructed Aug. 14-22.

Deutmeyer presents option for joint law enforcement facility

Published by admin on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 11:19am

     Mike Deutmeyer with Weber Stone Co. in Stone City spoke at the Aug. 8 Jones County Supervisors meeting regarding an idea that would bring the Sheriff’s Department/Dispatch and Anamosa Police Department together under one roof.

     Deutmeyer said he wanted to merely start a conversation about building a new law enforcement center in Anamosa.

     “It’s been talked about in the past,” he said. “But facilities (Sheriff and APD) could definitely benefit from one building.”

Strategic Operating Plan about to enter Year 2

Published by admin on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 11:12am

     Continued efforts to improve the Monticello Community School District through its three-year Strategic Operating Plan were among the key items in a work session of the Monticello School Board Wednesday, Aug. 16 in the Administrative Board Room.

     Superintendent Brian Jaeger offered an update at the work session, and announced the schedule of further updates. Those will take place during the regular board meetings in October, January, April and July.

Many candidates vying for school board seats

Published by admin on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 11:10am

     The names of candidates for Jones County school board openings have been released. School board elections will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

 

Monticello

     There are three candidates running to fill three seats, four-year terms:

     • Incumbent Bud Johnson, Monticello

     • Mandy Norton, Monticello

     • Craig Stadtmueller, Monticello

 

Anamosa

     There are five candidates running to fill three seats, four-year terms:

     • Carl Chalstrom, Anamosa

     • Brian L. Hurt, Anamosa

P&Z sign ordinance gets scrutinized

Published by admin on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 11:07am

     The Jones County Planning and Zoning Commission is once again reviewing its Sign Requirements Ordinance to determine whether it needs to be revised.

Visit with SHIIP to help pay Medicare costs

Published by admin on Wed, 08/16/2017 - 11:05am

     Many Iowans, especially those living on a fixed income, may be in need of help paying for their Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-insurance and drug costs. The Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help programs can offer assistance to Iowans in need.

     “SHIIP is available to help Iowans participate in these programs, which could offer a lot of savings for Iowans,” said Kris Gross from the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP).

City seeking RFPs on N. Chestnut Street lot

Published by admin on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 11:09am

     The City of Monticello is now seeking Request for Proposals (RFPs) from anyone interested in building on the now vacant lot located at 224 N. Chestnut St., formerly the Al Hughes property.

     Earlier this year, after a fire totaled the house, the city purchased the property for $10,000. The house has since been demolished, with the garage to remain until after Sept. 1, giving Hughes time to salvage anything inside.

     “I’ve had a number of people express interest,” said City Administrator Doug Herman, “but I’m not sure how serious it is.”

Olin expresses issues with cost of E-45 project

Published by admin on Wed, 08/09/2017 - 11:08am

     Becky McAtee, City of Olin mayor, addressed the Jones County Supervisors during their Aug. 1 meeting concerning the cost for the County Road E-45 resurfacing project. Also present were County Engineer Derek Snead and Assistant Engineer Todd Postel.

     McAtee said Snead quoted the City of Olin $250,000 for the roughly quarter-mile stretch of E-45 that enters the city limits of Olin.

     “The city council says no,” McAtee shared with the supervisors in terms of what the Olin council is not willing to pay. “We can’t afford it.”

Subscriber Login