Features

Monticello area churches to celebrate Christmas

Published by admin on Wed, 12/18/2024 - 12:39pm

St. Matthew Lutheran Church (226 N. Cedar St.): Christmas Eve Sacred Candlelight Worship Service at 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. WOW Christmas Program, Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church (210 E. Third St.): Christmas Eve Mass at St. Luke Catholic Church (Hopkinton) at 4 p.m. with Fr. Paul Baldwin. Christmas Eve Mass at 4 p.m. with Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch. Christmas Eve Mass at 6:30 p.m. Christmas Day Midnight Mass. Christmas Day Mass at St. Luke at 8:30 a.m. Christmas Day Mass at 10:30 a.m.

The Honeybee Boutique caters to all sizes, all occasions

Published by admin on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 1:19pm

     The Honeybee Boutique in downtown Monticello opened its doors in August with the intention of offering customers a wider range of clothing sizes and options.

   Owner Sarah Lagunes-Kraus had the idea of selling clothes online, but ultimately felt a downtown storefront would better serve her customers.

   Her store sells regular sizes for women, small (S) to extra-large (XL), as well as plus sizes, 1X to 3X. She also sells men’s clothing from L to 4X.

Holiday on 1st takes over downtown Monticello, Dec. 14

Published by admin on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 1:17pm

   The Fourth Annual “Holiday on 1st” event is set to take place this weekend, Saturday, Dec. 14, from 4 to 7 p.m.

   E. First Street is where you and your family will want to be for the fun and festivities.

   “There is a lot more entertainment this year," offered Jacob Oswald, Monticello Parks and Recreation director. "This is always an exciting time of the year. People wanted more family activities, so we came up with plenty for everyone.

Jones Co. non-profits awarded over $109,000

Published by admin on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 1:16pm

     On Dec. 3, the Jones County Community Foundation (JCCF) celebrated 17 local non-profits and charitable organizations, awarding them $109,636.50 from its annual grant cycle during an event at Jones County Youth Development Center in Monticello.

   The annual event celebrated donors, fundholders, and partners whose support has helped ignite generosity across the community. The grants awarded will help tackle critical issues, including youth needs, technology upgrades and emergency response.

JCCF stresses ‘five forever’ in support of non-profits

Published by admin on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 1:14pm

     The Jones County Community Foundation (JCCF) honored many of its own during their annual Grant Awards Ceremony on Dec. 3 in Monticello.

   “Our board has been very stable for a number of years,” said Doug Edel, outgoing JCCF executive director. “This year we have three board members who will be retiring from the board. They've served the maximum of nine years that our bylaws allow. It's an opportunity for new members to come on.”

   Three out-going board members were recognized, with their successors named:

Folken plans retirement after 20 years with Kirkwood

Published by admin on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 1:11pm

     “It's very surreal. I've been coming to this building every single day since 2009. It's become a very important part of my life. It's very hard to walk away from something that you love. I love this team.”

   After 20 years with Kirkwood Community College’s Jones County Regional Center, Regional Director Lisa Folken of Monticello has decided to retire, effective Dec. 20.

   Replacing Folken as director as Craig Stadtmueller, also of Monticello.

   Folken climbed the ladder throughout her career with Kirkwood.

Stadtmueller named new Kirkwood center director

Published by admin on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 1:10pm

     After working at Kirkwood’s Jones County Regional Center for the past 12 years, Craig Stadtmueller of Monticello was recently named the new regional director, effective Dec. 9.

   Stadtmueller takes on the role following Lisa Folken’s retirement after 20 years with the Monticello Kirkwood center.

   “They were looking for someone to fill this position. They invited me to apply for it,” he said.

Student of the month: Meredith Parker

Published by admin on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 1:06pm

     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.

   "I'm honored they thought of me in a positive light. I always try my best in school and life."

Community invited to ‘Christmas Songs and Stories,’ Dec. 14

Published by admin on Thu, 12/12/2024 - 1:05pm

     Enjoy “Christmas Songs and Stories,” a musical celebration with local musicians and readers, on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the United Church of Monticello, located at 123 N. Chestnut St.

   In the lower level at the church, a coup lunch including chili, oyster stew, chicken noodle, and broccoli cheese soup, crackers, bread, cookies, and drinks will be served from noon to 1 p.m. The concert will follow at 1:30 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Community members can attend either or both; free-will offering. Invite your friends and neighbors.

Roller receives international DAISY Award

Published by admin on Wed, 12/04/2024 - 11:25am

     Kelsey Roller RN, BSN, of Monticello, a 2010 graduate of Midland High School, was a recent recipient of the coveted DAISY Award on Nov. 13 while working at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids.

   Roller has worked in the Mercy Birthplace department since 2019.

   “My one and only nursing job,” she said proudly of having found her ideal career.

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