Features

Heritage Center seeks fun, historical displays

Published by admin on Wed, 04/16/2025 - 9:28am

     The Monticello Heritage and Cultural Center is seeking community involvement.

   They have multiple display cases that are sitting empty and ready to be put to use by families, individuals, groups, and organizations wanting to show off a collection of some kind or to tell a story related to Monticello.

   Following some renovations, the Heritage Center is hoping to reopen with a new look and many new Monticello stories to tell and share with their visitors.

Cast announced for ‘A Gentleman’s Guide’ at Starlighters

Published by admin on Wed, 04/16/2025 - 9:20am

     The cast for Starlighters II Theatre’s next production has been announced.

   “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” will take to the stage June 20-22 and 27-29. The box office opens for tickets on June 9.

Starlighters dedicates ‘Furino Tech Booth’ in memory of founding family

Published by admin on Wed, 04/16/2025 - 9:19am

     On Saturday evening, March 28, Starlighters II Theatre here in Jones County formally dedicated their lighting, sound, and tech booth as the “Furino Tech Booth.”

   Long-time Starlighters volunteers and supporters Mary Sue Vernon, Board of Directors, and Charlotte Scheckel, head of the Tech Department and Artistic Committee, honored the Furino family just before the start of “August: Osage County” took to the stage.

Olin’s Little Lion Learning Center celebrates 25 years of quality childcare

Published by admin on Wed, 04/16/2025 - 7:50am

     “Little Lion Learning Center is the only independent childcare center with an IQ4K (Iowa Quality for Kids) rating in Jones County,” noted the center. “A program that participates in IQ4K uses enhanced best practices in health, safety and nutrition, implements individualized development screening, lesson planning and the Iowa Early Learning Standards, including higher standards for program administrators and all teaching staff to support and increase quality programming.”

Celebrating Monticello’s libraries

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 7:58am

     This week is National Library Week across America.

   National Library Week “is a celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities,” according to the American Library Association (ALA).

   The first National Library Week was observed in 1958.

   The theme for National Library Week this year is “Drawn to the library.” Whatever draws you in, the library has something for everyone!

Haugsted’s passion to help veterans, military service lead to state VFW position

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 7:56am

     Becky Haugsted of Anamosa is just the second person from Anamosa and the second woman in the State of Iowa to be elected Senior Vice Commander of the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Department of Iowa.

   Haugsted takes office takes office on June 29, and serves until June 30, 2026.

   She had previously been elected Junior Vice Commander. Those who serve in these positions are all nominated and then elected.

Nominees sought for Fourth of July Parade grand marshal

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 7:55am

     It's never too early to start thinking of summer…

   The Monticello Fourth of July Parade Committee is excited to announce the theme of the 2025 parade: "Colors of the Flag."

   The annual parade will take place this year on Friday, July 4.

   Once again this year, the committee is seeking the public's help in nominating the grand marshal(s) of the parade.

Monticello Easter activities planned for April 12

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 7:54am

     The Monticello community Easter Egg hunt will be held on Sunday, April 12, on the grounds of the Monticello Nursing and Rehabilitation Campus (MNRC) (500 Pinehaven Dr.).

   The morning will start off at 9 a.m. with kids’ activities and pictures with the Easter Bunny. This will include free books being given away by Cedar/Jones Early Childhood Iowa (ECI), petting the baby goats, and face painting. Tough Entertainment will have bounce houses set up as well on the grounds.

   The Easter Egg Hunt will then take place at 10 a.m.

DuTrac donates to Monticello food pantry

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 7:51am

     DuTrac Community Credit Union and its employees “Shared the Love” by ordering over 1,700 Valentine treats for co-workers with over $2,600 from the event going to local food banks in the communities DuTrac serves.

   DuTrac’s Monticello office donated $350 to the Monticello Food Pantry to help with their mission of serving thousands of clients who need food and other essentials. The Monticello Food Pantry is entirely volunteer-driven and is supported by individuals, service groups, churches and others.

How accessible and welcoming are our communities?

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 7:51am

     How can rural communities grow in population if resources and the community are not easily accessible and welcoming?

   As a non-Iowa native, but one who has lived in Jones County for almost 12 years this July, I feel I have some insight on this matter.

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