Features

Camp Courageous introduces Multipurpose Field

Published by admin on Wed, 09/28/2022 - 1:22pm

     The dedication of the Macek-Papke Multipurpose Field at Camp Courageous was held on Sept. 25, following the annual Pancake Breakfast.

   The weather was perfect as campers and visitors tried their hand at softball, soccer, and pickleball.

   The new complex, a few years in the making, is modeled after Miracle League, which caters to those with disabilities. Miracle League fields are all-inclusive.

   The Macek-Papke Multipurpose Field offers:

   • Baseball

   • Kickball

   • Soccer

   • Basketball

   • Pickleball

Once a Panther, always a Panther

Published by admin on Wed, 09/28/2022 - 1:20pm

     This is a five-week series, highlighting Monticello High School graduates who have returned to teach within the Monticello Community School District.

   The 2022-23 school year saw five former Monticello students come back to serve their alma mater. The Express wanted to share their stories…

   Rileigh Newhard was a member of the MHS Class of 2018. She is K-4 Talented and Gifted (TAG) teacher. Before coming to the MCSD, Newhard taught fifth grade in Central City.

Wolken hired as Main Street director

Published by admin on Wed, 09/21/2022 - 9:19am

     A director and the board of directors has been established for Monticello Main Street Iowa program.

   Brian Wolken was hired on Sept. 16 to take on the role of director. Wolken has been involved with the initiative since its inception at the beginning for the year. Wolken was also a part of the Main Street Iowa efforts in 2019.

   “We had a nice applicant pool,” commented MSI board member Lisa Folken. “It was a competitive process.”

MCSD plans Homecoming festivities

Published by admin on Wed, 09/21/2022 - 9:18am

   The Monticello Community School District has announced its schedule of events for Homecoming Week, Sept. 26 through Oct. 1.

   The Homecoming Parade and Coronation will also be held on Monday, Sept. 26.

   Parade line-up will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Aquatic Center on S. Cedar Street. The parade will start at 6 p.m., following the same route as past years.

Animal shelter feels burden of strays, relinquished pets

Published by admin on Wed, 09/21/2022 - 9:16am

     The amount of stray and owner-relinquished cats and dogs lately has certainly impacted the Animal Welfare Friends (AWF) Shelter.

   "Every shelter is feeling it," said AWF Manager Kate Williams. "Our funds are down and in-takes are up."

   For these reasons, AWF is at capacity with both dogs and cats.

   "The amount of people trying to get rid of their pets is up," continued Williams.

   She might receive five calls a day from owners looking for a shelter or from people reporting strays.

Public offers input on Main Street Iowa projects

Published by admin on Wed, 09/21/2022 - 9:14am

     A little over 50 people attended the Sept. 14 public work session on Main Street Iowa.

   The event was held at the Monticello Heritage and Cultural Center.

   Leading the meeting were three individuals with the Iowa Economic Development Authority: Robin Bostrom, Carol Lilly, and Michael Wagler.

Singsaas, a military spouse, selected for advocacy program

Published by admin on Wed, 09/21/2022 - 9:07am

     Former Prairieburg resident Andrea (McNamara) Singsaas has been selected as one of just 50 military spouses to be a part of the Military Spouse Advocacy Network (MSAN). This is a global leadership development program.

   Singsaas learned about through her LinkedIn network. (She initially applied in 2021, but was not selected.)

Vote for your favorite Parks and Rec project

Published by admin on Wed, 09/21/2022 - 9:05am

     The Monticello Park Board met on Monday, Sept. 12, and discussed the Parks and Recreation master plan survey that was released to the public earlier this summer.

   In all, Parks and Rec Director Jacob Oswald reported that over 400 people completed the survey.

   “I want to thank everyone who took the time to complete it,” he said via a video on the Parks and Rec Facebook page.

   The Park Board went over some of the ideas shared in those surveys.

USDA Director visits JRMC, talks struggles in rural healthcare

Published by admin on Wed, 09/21/2022 - 9:03am

     USDA Rural Development State Director Theresa Greenfield visited UnityPoint – Jones Regional Medical Center (JRMC) on Sept. 15 to highlight the funds the agency has invested for improvements to healthcare.

   In April, JRMC received a $236,500 grant from the Emergency Rural Health Care program to help fund equipment needed to support the COVID-19 pandemic and higher-acuity patients. That equipment will help prepare for a future pandemic event, increase medical surge capacity, increase access to quality healthcare services, and increase capacity for vaccine distribution.

Public invited to Camp Courageous Multipurpose Field dedication

Published by admin on Wed, 09/21/2022 - 8:56am

     Camp Courageous will be holding a ribbon cutting for the dedication of the new Macek-Papke Multipurpose Field on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 12:30 p.m., following its Pancake Breakfast and Open House being held from 8 a.m. to noon.

   This new field complex, located in Camp’s Pictured Rocks Addition, adds several new activity areas for campers with disabilities, including: Baseball, kickball, soccer, basketball, pickleball, shuffleboard, four-square, and more.

   The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.

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