Features

Winners announced in annual chamber drawing

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2016 - 10:01am

     Eight winners were awarded Chamber Bucks and two one-night hotel stays during the Monticello Chamber’s annual “Magical Christmas of Caring & Sharing.”

     The drawing was held on Saturday, Dec. 17 at the Berndes Center.

     The grand prize winner, taking home $1,000 in Chamber Bucks, was Harold White of Monticello. His ticket came from DuTrac Community Credit Union.

     Other winners of Chamber Bucks were: (Had to be present to win.)

     • Ed Stecklein, Monticello. His ticket came from Fidelity Bank & Trust.

Student of the Month: Kenzie Peterson

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2016 - 9:50am

     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.

     After helping a new student make friends, Monticello High School sophomore Kenzie Peterson will soon know what it means to be a new student herself.

     Before the start of the new semester in January, Peterson’s family will be moving.

Monticello Public Library news

Published by admin on Wed, 12/21/2016 - 9:45am

     Join the Monticello library for Winter Break Fun, Dec. 27-29.

     There will be a special Stuffed Animal Story Time on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Come for a pajama-themed story time and your stuffed animal friend can spend the night at the library. Who knows what mischief they might get into! You will be able to pick your stuffed animal up anytime on Wednesday, Dec. 28, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. This Family Story Time will take place at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Come to whichever time is convenient for your family.

MMS students raise money for fellow classmate

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 1:19pm

     A group of about 20 eighth graders in Monticello are showing kindness this holiday season for a fellow classmate.

     Karly Dirks, daughter of Lisa and Allen Dirks, was diagnosed with Diffused Midline Glioma, of brain cancer. At 13 years old, Dirks is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. She explained that she takes a chemo pill at home and heads to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City for radiation treatment.

     “I’ve had to leave school early because I’m not feeling well,” said Dirks.

Monticello Jellystone Park wins national awards

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 10:13am

     Walnut Acres Campground owners Chip and Kim Smith were the new kids on the block when they joined the Jellystone Park network earlier this year.

     But the Smiths have been so successful this year that they won the Rookie Park Operator of the Year Award from Leisure Systems, Inc., the Milford, Ohio-based company that franchises 82 Jellystone Parks across North America. The Smiths also won a Pinnacle Award for achieving scores above 95 percent during assessments of their facilities.

     “We were pleasantly surprised to receive these wards,” Chip Smith said.

JCCF awards $85,000 in grants to non-profits

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 10:12am

     The Jones County Community Foundation (JCCF) celebrated a successful year of community impact with donors, non-profit leaders and community partners at its annual event on Dec. 6 at Fawn Creek Country Club in Anamosa.

     “We come together for the greater good that happens in Jones County,” said Sherri Hunt, JCCF coordinator. “We want to share what we’re doing to make our county a better place.”

Kramer honored for philanthropic efforts

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 10:10am

     Keith Kramer, executive vice president of F&M Bank, was recently honored by The Greater Tri-State Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) for his ongoing dedication to philanthropy in his community. Each year, the Association honors donors and volunteers whose gifts of time, expertise, and resources make a significant contribution to the success of the non-profit agencies and institutions they serve.

Williams honored for 30 years with Friendship Force

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 10:08am

     Steve Williams of Monticello was recently honored with the International Wayne Smith Award. This award was presented by the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Friendship Force chapter.

     Steve and his wife, Nancy, have been active with Friendship Force for over 30 years now. They’ve been members of the Marshalltown (Central Iowa) and Cedar Rapids-Iowa City chapters during that timeframe. Steve said Nancy is just as deserving of this award as he is because of her time and effort in hosting other Friendship Force groups from around the globe.

Starlighters II Theatre prepares for 2017 season

Published by admin on Wed, 12/14/2016 - 9:59am

     Whatever you’re tapping into your mindset as to what you’re searching for, as to what may suit your fancy during the Starlighters II season for 2017, there’s one or more that will intrigue you. Or one that will make a laugh light up your face, because you think again, or even wish that you’re on stage!

Live nativity helps bring people together

Published by admin on Wed, 12/07/2016 - 9:51am

     The streets of Bethlehem are crowded with merchants and patrons, each selling and buying wares. You have someone taking a census count, and two tax collectors. (They will throw you in jail for not paying your taxes.) Then, as you make your way through the arena, you have various merchants selling herbs and spices, unleavened breads, oils, textiles, clay vessels, incense and myrrh, and carpentry tools.

     After visiting the booths, someone rushes in to announce something of a “must see” over in the stable.

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