News

COVID-19 cases, positivity rates on the decline

Published by admin on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 1:39pm

     COVI19 cases and the 14-day positivity rate continue to decline in Jones County and statewide.

     As of Feb. 27, the Jones County positivity rate was at 3.9 percent (4.1 percent for the state). One Jones County resident was hospitalized due to COVID.

     In the last three days, seven new cases have been reported; 14 cases in the last week.

     “It’s staying pretty steady,” Jones County Public Health Coordinator Jenna Lovaas said.

Latest in-person scams target senior citizens

Published by admin on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 1:26pm

     Sitting on the desk of Jones County Chief Deputy Brian Eckhardt were numerous pieces of paper outlining the various scams that have taken place and were reported in Jones County over a 14-month period. A total of 122 scams were reported. Some examples…

      • Suspect contacts you to gather information and gain access to your computer, and therefore your personal information.

     • Suspect locks up your computer, telling you to “click here” to gain access, thereby stealing your personal information. Sometimes the suspect will pose as the FBI or DEA.

Hy-Vee’s Dollar Fresh makes project plans for Monticello

Published by admin on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 1:25pm

     It’s official! Dollar Fresh, a Hy-Vee band grocery store, is coming to Monticello!

     The news was announced during the Monday, March 1, Monticello City Council meeting.

     It was also an exciting meeting for another reason. This was Russ Farnum’s first council meeting as the new Monticello City Administrator.

MPD highlights ‘notable’ incidents from 2020

Published by admin on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 1:24pm

     Within his 2020 annual report, Police Chief Britt Smith outlined several “notable activities” that the Monticello Police Department (MPD) responded to last year.

     On Jan. 8, Smith began a fraud investigation that was initiated at Regions Bank in Monticello. An unknown individual made a fraudulent withdrawal from a account, committing identity theft and forgery. It appears that this case involved several banks across Minnesota, Missouri, and Florida. Through the efforts of a joint investigation, a subject was apprehended and charged in federal court.

Legislators address questions concerning ‘Election Bill’

Published by admin on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 1:21pm

     Jones County Economic Development held another legislative forum on Feb. 26 at the Anamosa Public Library. This event was sponsored by Jones Regional Medical Center.

     The public was invited to attend in-person, though limited. Several took part via Zoom.

     Reps. Lee Hein and Steven Bradley and Sens. Dan Zumbach and Carrie Koelker were all present to field questions.

     The biggest topic that drew several questions concerned the Election Bill that passed both the House and Senate last week.

More MCSD staff becomes vaccinated

Published by admin on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 1:19pm

     In just a few days, on March 6, those Monticello School District staff who received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine will see their second dose.

     “By the time we get to the end of March, 78 percent of our staff will be fully vaccinated,” shared Superintendent Brian Jaeger.

     While staff is able to get vaccinated, Jaeger said there is no word yet on when children, those under 16 years of age, can receive the vaccine.

     “By all reports, it is looking like it will be in the fall,” offered Jaeger.

County offers financial support to EIRUSS

Published by admin on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 1:15pm

     A $15,000 Fiscal Year 2022 request from EIRUSS was approved by the Jones County Supervisors at their Feb. 23 board meeting.

     The caveat, though, is that the money must be spent on past and future equipment purchases concerning the Fairview wastewater system.

     EIRUSS manages both the Fairview waste water system and the Central Junction water and sewer systems.

Childcare survey assistance needed

Published by admin on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 1:12pm

     Childcare has been one of the most hot-button issues in Iowa for the last several years. There is a concern that there is a lack of quality and affordable childcare across the state, causing it to be referenced as a “childcare desert.” With increasing regulations, higher costs, workforce turnover, etc., childcare is a unique business model that can be hard to operate successfully, which means that many people fear there is not enough to serve all the children that need it.

Coalition makes FY 2022 budget request from the county

Published by admin on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 12:57pm

     Jennifer Husmann, project coordinator with the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition, addressed the Jones County Supervisors during their Feb. 23 board meeting.

     The Coalition requested $10,000 from the county for Fiscal Year 2022.

     Husmann said she spends about 25 percent of her time working for the Coalition, and 75 percent of her time goes toward ASAC (Area Substance Abuse Council). She also puts in time working for the statewide coalition organization.

Limestone Bluffs offers free webinar on community resiliency

Published by admin on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 12:53pm

     With all we’ve been through lately, you’ll want to join us for this free webinar on making your community more resilient. 

     Limestone Bluffs Resource, Conservation & Development, Inc. (RC&D) is sponsoring “Developing Resilient Communities: The Idea Friendly Method” online on Tuesday, March 9, at 6 p.m.

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