News

Old Dubuque Road intersection closes Aug. 3

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 1:09pm

     It’s official. The intersection of Highway 151 and Old Dubuque Road will close to all traffic on Aug. 3.

     The Jones County Supervisors made the closure date official during their June 23 board meeting, after hearing from County Engineer Derek Snead, Assistant Engineer Todd Postel, and Sheriff Greg Graver.

     Snead said a safety committee meeting was held the week prior with county and Anamosa city officials. The decision was made to coordinate the closing of the intersection with the DOT, who will be providing a steel gate and barricades for the occasion.

July 4 includes Firemen’s Breakfast, fireworks

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 1:06pm

     Despite the postponement of the Monticello Fourth of July Parade this year, the Monticello Fire Department is prepared to serve a huge crowd again at their annual Firemen’s Breakfast on Saturday, July 4.

     The breakfast will be held inside the Monticello Berndes Center, serving from 6:30-10:30 a.m. There will be two serving lines for those who choose to dine-in to keep people moving. Seating will be spread out to respect social distancing guidelines. Households are asked to sit together.

County courthouse opens further for the public

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 1:05pm

     Effective Monday, June 29, the Jones County Board of Supervisors authorized the further re-opening of offices within the courthouse.

     The board made the decision during their June 23 meeting.

     The following guidelines will take effect:

     • Door security at the west entrance will continue

     • Temporal screening will continue (temperature checks)

     • Individual health screenings will be eliminated

     • A document with three health questions, determined by Public Health, will be at the entrance/sign-in area

Postel sentenced to four months in prison

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 1:05pm

     Kelly Postel of Monticello was sentenced to four months in prison on two counts of acquiring a controlled substance (fentanyl and morphine) by misrepresentation, fraud, deception, and subterfuge. A third count was dismissed.

     The sentence will be split, with Postel serving the first two months in a designated facility and the remaining two months on home confinement.

     In addition, Postel was fined a total of $5,700, and placed on one year of supervised release.

Public Health details county’s positive COVID-19 cases

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 1:04pm

     Jones County Public Health Coordinator Jenna Lovaas reported that Jones County gained seven COVID-19 cases over the weekend, June 19-21.

     Lovaas shared the news during the June 23 Jones County Supervisor meeting.

     The seven new cases brought the county’s active case count to nine. Since the start of COVID, Jones County has seen 47 confirmed total positive cases. Lovaas said Public Health has been following up with the confirmed cases in terms of contract tracing.

Law enforcement increase presence over July 4

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 1:02pm

     The last few months have brought incredible challenges for our communities. As our nation begins to re-open, many Americans will be eager to celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) want to remind drives to not let the celebration turn dangerous by driving impaired.

Ambulance department seeks bids for new ambulance

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 12:58pm

     Monticello Ambulance Administrator Britt Smith released the service activity for the Monticello Ambulance Service for the month of May.

     Total EMS calls for service: 48 (25 to City of Monticello addresses, four to Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, nine to Jones County addresses within the Monticello service area, nine to Jones Regional Medical Center for transfers, and one to an Anamosa city address.)

     Smith was authorized by the USDA to request bids from three different ambulance vendors. He received four quotes from four different manufacturers:

MPD releases May report

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 12:58pm

     Monticello Police Chief Britt Smith released the Monticello Police Department report for the month of May.

     Total calls for service: 196

     Traffic stops: 23

     Citations: 10

     Parking citations: 1

     Arrests: 8 (three domestic assault, one possession of firearm as a felon, two OWIs, one warrant, one possession of a controlled substance, one no-contact order violation)

     Accidents investigated: 3

     EMS assists: 25

     Nuisance warnings: 16

     Use of force: 0

     Public complaints: 0

Sheriff’s Office utilizes deputy’s flying experience

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 12:51pm

     After Jones County Deputy Sheriff Travis McNally privately secured his pilot’s license, his training and expertise is being sought by the Sheriff’s Department.

     “We have a great need for involving private aircraft in search and rescue,” said Sheriff Greg Graver as he spoke to the board of supervisors at their June 23 meeting.

     Graver wanted to give the board a heads up regarding future invoices from the Monticello airport, in which McNally’s training and flights are based.

     “We want to be able to utilize Travis’ skills if needed,” added Graver.

Lead Mine Rd. residents speak their peace

Published by admin on Wed, 07/01/2020 - 12:48pm

     In re-starting the condemnation proceedings concerning the purchase of right of way along Lead Mine Road, the Jones County Supervisors held a public hearing on June 23, allowing affected landowners to say their peace.

     Due to the time constraints Secondary Roads was under, they could not complete the condemnation process, having been held up because of COVID-19. Therefore, the process was dismissed.

     “We’re still going to continue with the project,” noted County Engineer Derek Snead.

Subscriber Login