Features

The GJCF has something for everyone

Published by admin on Wed, 07/14/2021 - 9:43am

     The Great Jones County Fair in Monticello offers activities, events, and fun for the whole family. Whether you prefer to take in a 4-H/FFA livestock/animal-judging show, take your turn on the rides, taste the best fair food around, or enjoy an evening of nationally-known musicians… the GJCF is the place to be in 2021!

Sunday, July 18

     What is known as the “Five Best Days of Summer” is quickly becoming more with the Open Horse Show taking place on Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Equestrian Center.

Candidates show personality and poise at GJCF Queen Contest

Published by admin on Wed, 07/14/2021 - 9:41am

     Laughter and applause filled the Monticello Eagles Club on Sunday evening, July 11, as 11 young ladies participated in the 2021 Great Jones County Fair Queen Contest.

     This year’s slate of candidates includes: Kelsey Adams, Bronwyn Hodge, DeLainy Fellinger, Grace Lubben, Adele Hogan, Callie Lynch, Karli Recker, Elizabeth Riniker, Reagan Schnieter, Brooklyn Stark, and Lillian Strait.

     The event was co-directed by 2015 GJCF Queen and 2015 Iowa State Fair Queen Ellen Schlarmann and 2015 GJCF Princess Calli McQuillen.

Luensman recounts 10 years as stage manager of GJCF

Published by admin on Wed, 07/14/2021 - 8:51am

     “I just jumped right in and figured out what I need to do.”

     Ryan Luensman of Monticello started working as the stage crew manager at the Great Jones County Fair 10 years ago. He remembers his first year well, as his daughter, Larkyn, was just a few weeks old at the time.

     Luensman came on board during the second day of the fair in 2011. GJCF Production Manager, Dr. Richard Wolken, contacted him because they were in need of someone to lead the stage crew.

     Luensman’s wife, Meleah, works for Wolken Dental, so the families already formed a connection.

Jones Co. welcomes new ISU Extension regional director

Published by admin on Wed, 07/14/2021 - 8:50am

     There will be a new face at the Jones County Fairgrounds next week as 4-H and FFA youth exhibit their livestock and FAST/Static projects.

     In mid-April, RaeAnn Gordon of Center Point joined the staff as the Region 11 Iowa State University Extension Director. Region 11 covers Jones, Benton, Cedar, and Linn counties.

     In July 2020, ISU Extension and Outreach implemented “Structured for Success,” an initiative, Gordon explained, “to most effectively educate and serve Iowans with resources from ISU.” This is when newly-appointed regional directors were assigned.

Monticello Lion elected president of Iowa Lions Foundation

Published by admin on Wed, 07/14/2021 - 8:49am

     Phillip Larabee, a 30-year member of Lions Club International, was recently elected as the 2021-22 President of the Iowa Lions Foundation.

     Larabee assumed his new duties, effective July 1, and his term will expire on June 30, 2022.

Hogan takes leadership role with GJCF Open Exhibits

Published by admin on Wed, 07/14/2021 - 8:48am

     The Great Jones County Fair Open Exhibits has a new superintendent running the show this year.

     Hilary Hogan took over following Nancy Felton’s leadership since 2005. Felton roped Hogan into assisting a few years ago, with the intention of stepping down to spend more time with her family at the fair rather than working during the week.

     Hogan grew up active in 4-H and FFA, so she is no stranger to the county fair scene.

Former family friends come together to publish children’s book

Published by admin on Thu, 07/08/2021 - 10:47am

     A Monticello native and an Anamosa business owner have come together to publish a children’s book.

     “Goodnight Farm Friends” was written by Nathan Hein and illustrated by KC Kiner Wortman. Hein grew up in rural Monticello and now resides with his family in Marion. Wortman’s family was a neighbor to the Heins on Richland Road. She owns Thou Art Gallery in downtown Anamosa.

     About a year and a half ago, Hein started writing this book for his son, Rowan, who turned 5 in February.

Inclusive playground sees increase in donations, interest

Published by admin on Thu, 07/08/2021 - 10:45am

     In October 2020, it was announced that the Austin Strong Foundation was taking the lead concerning the inclusive playground project in Monticello. The project was initially proposed by the Parks and Recreation Department. The Foundation wanted to bring an inclusive playground to the area for quite some time now, and after hearing about the proposed project, it was the perfect fit.

     From there it became the “Austin Smith Inclusive Playground,” to be built between the Aquatic Center and Dean Nelson Field.

Eleven candidates vie for 2021 GJCF Queen

Published by admin on Thu, 07/08/2021 - 8:08am

     Eleven young ladies from throughout Jones County are vying for the title of 2021 Great Jones County Fair Queen. The candidates were announced on June 9 during the annual fair kick-off event.

     The Fair Queen Pageant is just around the corner, planned for Sunday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Monticello Eagles Club. The public is welcome to attend.

     Meet this year’s candidates:

Brooklyn Stark

Community leaders tour upcoming Creative Adventure Lab

Published by admin on Wed, 06/30/2021 - 2:47pm

     Last week, members of Monticello’s Hometown Pride committee and city officials got a behind-the-scenes tour of the progress inside the much-anticipated Creative Adventure Lab.

     The facility is located inside the former Dollar General on E. First Street.

     Jordan DeGree, executive director of the Creative Adventure Lab in Dubuque, led the tour, highlighting many of the unique features just for Monticello.

     “This is the first time ever that we’ve replicated the Creative Adventure Lab program,” he said.

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