News

County officials eye end of courthouse projects

Published by admin on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 3:16pm

Ongoing projects in the Jones County Courthouse have, at times, been headache-inducing for both the board of supervisors and Jones County Auditor Whitney Hein, but Hein reported one project in particular is almost to the finish line. 

‘Bringing something back to life’

Published by admin on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 3:15pm

As the sounds of air compressors, a large freezer and music bounce off the walls of his shop, Hunter Crandall is hyper focused.

He takes a bit of molding clay and adheres a glass eyeball into the socket of a life-size Styrofoam deer head. The work of a taxidermist, he says, is both artistry and anatomy, with some creativity sprinkled in. 

The clay is molded to mimic a real deer’s eyelid and its facial muscles, a job that becomes obvious if not done correctly. 

‘A piece of Monticello’

Published by admin on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 3:11pm

The Rigby Bell has been immortalized. 

That was the goal of Charlie Rigby, when he recently donated the bell -- which has been in his family since 1944 -- to the Monticello Heritage and Cultural Center. 

“(My brother) Donny (Rigby) and I …were talking about doing something with it, and then they opened the Heritage Center and I thought that would be a good place to take it.” 

Rigby made a wooden stand on which to hang and display the bell. 

HAUNTED STORYWALK

Published by admin on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 3:05pm

Community Calendar

Published by admin on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 11:49am

All listings in the Monticello Express Community Calendar are subject to change and print as space allows. If you know of changes to any listing or would like to add one, please contact us at treuter@monticelloexpress.net. 

Oct. 8  

Iowa Attorney General warns of job-seeker scam

Published by admin on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 11:48am

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird is cautioning Iowans to be wary of scammers posing as potential employers. According to a press release, one scam includes residents receiving a job offer via text or email describing a job that allows them to work from home with little effort.

HACAP mobile food pantry slated Oct. 27

Published by admin on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 11:48am

A drive-thru mobile food pantry will take place from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27 at the Jones County Fairgrounds. 

     The panty is hosted by Hawkeye Area Community Action Program. 

     Those who attend to receive donations should pull to the right upon arrival, according to an event announcement, and remain inside the vehicle and volunteers will place items in the backseat or trunk. 

Eligibility guidelines apply. 

Running Horse Antiques cuts ribbon

Published by admin on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 8:46am

Minute pirate bugs out in full force

Published by admin on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 8:42am

It’s hard to miss the biting no-see-ums.  The main culprits this fall? Minute pirate bugs.

These little critters seem to be everywhere — backyards, gardens, golf courses, parking lots, farm fields and even fishing holes. They go unnoticed until, suddenly, you wince in pain, feeling the sharp stab of their tiny bite on your exposed skin.

Monticello Parks & Rec. plans first memorial bench order

Published by admin on Wed, 10/01/2025 - 1:26pm

The Monticello Parks and Recreation Department is officially rolling out a memorial bench program and plans its first bench order later this month. 

     The program gives families, friends and organizations a way to honor a loved one while helping add a fixed amenity in a Monticello park or green space. 

     Each bench includes a personalized plaque and will be installed in a city park chosen by the donor and parks staff. Benches will be maintained by parks staff for at least 10 years, a press release states. 

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