News

SHIIP helps Iowans with Medicare Open Enrollment

Published by admin on Wed, 11/29/2017 - 8:54am

     The Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is reminding Iowans of the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which is currently underway and ends Dec. 7.

     “It’s important for Iowans eligible for Medicare to carefully review their options each year,” Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said. “There is still time during this open enrollment to have trained members of our SHIIP team help Iowans sort through the many different options to make sure they are getting the right coverage for them and best bang for their buck.”

Kraus reopens Office Lounge in Monticello

Published by admin on Wed, 11/22/2017 - 10:10am

     A piece of local history is seeing customers again.

     The Office Lounge bar recently opened again for business thanks to the efforts of Joan Kraus of Monticello.

     On Nov. 1, Kraus opened for business, giving the community a glimpse into its past.

     The building that houses the Office Lounge was actually built as a Princess Theater. In fact, Kraus located still-preserved movie posters in the basement of the facility when cleaning it out. They are now framed and proudly displayed on the wall.

Jones County starts search for new assessor

Published by admin on Wed, 11/22/2017 - 10:03am

     Jones County is on the hunt for another county assessor.

     On Nov. 1, current county assessor Arnie Andreesen submitted his letter of resignation to the Conference Board. He stated he plans to retire as of Dec. 29, 2017.

     Andreesen is only the second county assessor in Jones County’s history. He took over the position in 1980.

     With this vacancy, the Jones County Conference Board is called into session. The Conference Board oversees the Assessor’s Office, and sets the annual budget for this department.

Help support Jones County’s ‘Shop with a Cop’

Published by admin on Wed, 11/22/2017 - 10:02am

     The national program “Shop with a Cop” is coming to Jones County.

     Thanks to the efforts of the Jones County Family Council and Sherri Hunt, member of the non-profit, middle school children in Jones County will have the opportunity to shop for their loved ones for Christmas with the guidance of a friendly law enforcement officer.

     On Monday, Dec. 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m., fifth through eighth-graders will meet with various law enforcement agents at Wal-Mart in Anamosa. The goal, said Hunt, is to allow 25 kids to spend $100 each.

JETS project moves along

Published by admin on Wed, 11/22/2017 - 10:02am

     In a special Jones County Supervisors meeting on Nov. 17, the board met with County Attorney Phil Parsons to discuss the next steps in the proposed JETS facility in Monticello.

     The board secured a contract with Superior Steel and Concrete Construction (Sean Janssen) of Monticello in the amount of $219,150. Monticello Planning and Zoning previously approved the plat of survey, with the Monticello City Council set to approve during their Nov. 20 meeting.

Council approves various TIF/Urban Renewal items

Published by admin on Wed, 11/22/2017 - 10:01am

     Economic development and TIF/Urban Renewal Districts encompassed much of the Monticello City Council’s agenda for their Nov. 20 meeting.

     A public hearing was held, with no public comment, regarding an amendment to the development agreement with Boulders Inn Monticello, LLC. The amendment to the agreement will allow Boulders Inn & Suites to receive bi-annual grant payments (every six months), based upon the hotel/motel tax receipts, by the city. The previous agreement included annual grant payments.

County discusses volunteer waivers, liability

Published by admin on Wed, 11/22/2017 - 9:59am

     Volunteers are needed and appreciated in many community aspects. Throughout Jones County, volunteers offer their time and services year-round.

     Wanting to make sure the county isn’t liable should something happen when volunteers are working, the Jones County Supervisors sought the expertise of County Attorney Phil Parsons.

     A recent situation involving volunteers place sandbags near Stone Bridge to protect it from run-off water brought the issue to light.

Board interviews architect firms during work session

Published by admin on Wed, 11/15/2017 - 10:45am

     Two potential engineer and architect firms emerged as front-runners from a pool of four during a work session of the Monticello School Board Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the Administrative Board Room.

     The session was devoted entirely to interviews with the firms, as the board prepares to renew the process of seeking solutions to its school building issues.

     Each of the four firms was allowed 45 minutes, divided between presenting and taking questions. At the conclusion, the board spent about an hour discussing the firms.

Stone Bridge to sit over winter

Published by admin on Wed, 11/15/2017 - 10:44am

     Rose Rohr with the Jones County Historic Preservation Commission was present at the Nov. 7 Jones County Supervisors meeting to discuss the Ely’s Stone Bridge restoration project.

     Rohr shared a letter written by Steve Intlekofer, a member of the Stone Bridge Foundation, with the supervisors, as well as a letter from VJ Engineering out of Coralville, in regards to revering ties with the project.

Council hears of new potential ISP

Published by admin on Wed, 11/15/2017 - 10:44am

     Perhaps by the Spring of 2018, Monticello city residents will have an additional option when it comes to high-speed Internet service.

     During the Nov. 6 city council meeting, Jerry Pasker visited with the council and City Administrator Doug Herman in regards to fiber lines Pasker is having buried.

     Currently, Pasker said lines are being trenched in conjunction with an Alliant Energy project in the Vanournys Addition, on Timberline Road and associated neighborhoods.

     “I’ve been researching this for several years,” said Pasker.

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