News

Court rules in Bartram’s favor

Published by admin on Wed, 12/05/2018 - 2:33pm

     The Iowa Court of Appeals upheld a decision from the Iowa District Court, granting unemployment benefits to former Monticello Parks and Recreation employee Tami Bartram.

     In February of 2017, Bartram’s employment with the City of Monticello ended, causing her to file for unemployment. The city resisted the filing, and Bartram was then denied.

      Bartram then appealed the decision through the Division of Labor, and then through an administrative law judge, who stated she should have been eligible for unemployment benefits.

Info sought in Keleher’s robbery

Published by admin on Wed, 12/05/2018 - 2:19pm

     Overnight between Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, Keleher’s Jewelry in Monticello was broken into.

     Owner Tom Keleher shared on social media that the culprits broke into the front door, smashed the glass jewelry cases, and stole many pieces of jewelry.

     The robbery took place almost six years following a devastating downtown fire on Nov. 28, prior to Keleher’s move from E. First Street to S. Main Street.

Monticello plans for Fourth of July

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:58pm

     The City of Monticello is busy preparing for the annual Fourth of July festivities this year!

     As always, the events will be held on Wednesday, July 4, beginning with the Monticello Firemen’s Breakfast at the Berndes Center at the fairgrounds. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

     Then, find a prime spot along the parade route for the much-anticipated Fourth of July Parade. This year’s theme is “Marching Toward Success.” The parade kicks off at 11 a.m., beginning and ending at the fairgrounds.

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. legislators share insight into new session

Published by admin on Wed, 01/30/2019 - 9:21am

     Jones County Farm Bureau hosted the first area legislative forum on Jan. 25. Despite the blowing snow, all four area legislators graced the small group with their presence: Sen. Dan Zumbach, Sen. Carrie Koelker, Rep. Lee Hein and Rep. Andy McKean.

     The forum was held at Kirkwood’s Jones Regional Education Center, a place that sparked praise by attendee Guy Petersen. He said JREC has become a model for the rest of the community colleges in the State of Iowa.

Monticello looks to amend city’s ATV/UTV ordinance

Published by admin on Wed, 01/30/2019 - 9:20am

     Monticello will soon have an amended ATV/UTV ordinance that aligns with Jones County’s new ordinance.

     The city council passed the first reading of the ordinance during the Jan. 21 council meeting. (It takes three ordinances and publication of the amended ordinance before it takes effect.)

     Police Chief Britt Smith met with Bobby Krum of Amber, the champion on a universal ATV/UTV ordinance throughout Jones County.

Tepid response to entrance idea

Published by admin on Wed, 01/30/2019 - 9:13am

     A preliminary look at changes to the high school entrance – part of the project that will include building a new middle school to attach to the high school – was met with tepid response from members of the Monticello School board during its regular meeting Jan. 28.

     Slides from OPN Architects showing several renderings of the high school entrance project had some things board members seemed to like, including a large Panther sign on the northeast corner of the gym that could be illuminated from behind, and light posts in various spots around the entrance.

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