Features

Monticello Chamber offers 50/50 Holiday Raffle

Published by admin on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 2:34pm

     After a several-year absence, the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce Inc. is bringing back some holiday fun.

     Taking place right now through Nov. 18 is the 2021 MACC Chamber Bucks 50/50 Holiday Raffle. Participants could win up to $5,500!

     In years’ past, one of the most popular events MACC sponsored was the annual holiday Chamber Bucks giveaway. The MACC Board of Directors had to make the difficult decision to discontinue the giveaway a few years ago.

Hoag reflects on five years as MACC director

Published by admin on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 2:29pm

     In late September, the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) Board of Directors announced that they were beginning a search for a new chamber director. They also thanked Jan Hoag, outgoing director, for her years of service and dedication to the MACC.

     Hoag was hired in early 2017, and has served as the chamber director for the past five years, having relocated here from Rochester, Minn.

Student of the month: Karle Kramer

Published by admin on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 2:21pm

     Each month, Monticello High School nominates a student who exhibits positive behavior, as part of an initiative called PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports). The students support the school’s characteristics of Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Safety, and Integrity.

Subway undergoes significant renovations

Published by admin on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 2:03pm

     If you’ve stepped foot in the Monticello Subway location lately, you’ll notice a big change, from floor to ceiling.

     Franchise owner John Harms, who’s owned the location for 31 years, commented that this is the most significant renovation the restaurant has seen to-date.

     “There have been a number of renovations (over the years),” he offered. “But this is the most significant short of moving locations.”

     Harms opened Subway in 1991. The first location in town was where EchoVision is currently housed. In 2004, Subway was moved to the Armin Plaza.

Winners announced in scarecrow contest

Published by admin on Wed, 10/13/2021 - 12:43pm

     Schneiter Agency Group sponsored the scarecrow contest this year in both Monticello and Anamosa, with the theme “9/11 We Remember.”

     Individuals, businesses, and groups were encouraged to show their patriotic spirit and give thanks to those who keep us safe by putting up a scarecrow in their community. Voting took place on Sept. 27 by the Hometown Pride Committees in both towns.

     Winners in Monticello were:

     • First Place, Peace United Church of Christ Youth Group

     • Runner-up, Whiffle Tree Mercantile

Inclusive ‘Rotary Music Park’ unveiled at Camp Courageous

Published by admin on Fri, 10/08/2021 - 8:11am

     In honor of its 100th anniversary in service to the community, the Monticello Rotary Club unveiled the Rotary Music Park to the public during a special ceremony on Sunday, Oct. 3.

     The Music Park was built at Camp Courageous.

     Rotary members, Camp staff and board members, and Monticello Chamber Ambassadors were all on hand for the ribbon-cutting.

     This project started in March 2020 when the Rotary Club began thinking of a grand service project idea to commemorate it’s 100 years in the community.

Monticello library proud to debut permanent storywalk

Published by admin on Fri, 10/08/2021 - 8:09am

     In the fall of 2020, the Monticello Public Library installed a storywalk along Willow Trail from E. Oak Street to the E. First Street Bridge. During the time the temporary storywalk was in place, library staff displayed eight different interactive children’s books, complete with fun prompts for kids and families to take part in as they walked the trail near Kitty Creek.

     Last week, the much-anticipated permanent storywalk was installed, thanks to efforts from the Monticello Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments.

Monticello Rotary Club celebrates 100 years of service

Published by admin on Fri, 10/08/2021 - 8:03am

     The Monticello Rotary Club held a special luncheon and program on Sunday, Oct. 3, for its 100th anniversary.

     The event was held at the Durgin Pavilion at Camp Courageous, with current and former Monticello Rotarians were in attendance, as were Rotarians from area clubs.

     The celebration was led by current Monticello Rotary President, Brian Jaeger, who is also superintendent of the Monticello School District.

Oxford Junction family honors son’s legacy with local dog park

Published by admin on Thu, 09/30/2021 - 8:42am

     The Animal Welfare Friends (AWF) Shelter in Monticello officially opened its Duane Ockenfels Memorial Dog Park on Saturday, Sept. 25.

     In October, the shelter will celebrate its fifth anniversary of operation in Monticello. AWF Board President Cindy Bagge said a dog park is something they have been planning for a while.

     Plans soon became a reality when Roger and Donna Ockenfels of Oxford Junction donated money in their son’s, Duane, memory to establish a dog park.

So much to see at 10th annual Hot Rods & Harleys

Published by admin on Thu, 09/30/2021 - 8:40am

     “I wanted to bring new life into our Main Street,” said Steve Davis of Hopkinton.

     Sunday, Oct. 3, marks the 10th anniversary of Davis’ annual Hot Rod & Harleys Car Show, which takes place in downtown Hopkinton.

     Davis is passionate about his hometown outside of Monticello. As a former Hopkinton City Council member, and married to Julie Davis, a current council member, the couple feels it’s important to help keep Hopkinton on the map.

     Their motto: “Small town; big fun!”

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