Features

Help ID Eby’s Mill artifacts, April 4

Published by admin on Wed, 03/15/2017 - 9:01am

     In 2013, the Jones County Conservation Board and the University of Iowa Office of the State Archeologist conducted a restorative excavation of a cave site at the Eby’s Mill Wildlife Area. This was done with help from a team of AmeriCorps, volunteers, dozens of local students, and an archeologist.

School Foundation raises over $34,000 for students

Published by admin on Wed, 03/08/2017 - 4:14pm

     Many people in and around this community were on hand Saturday, March 4 to help support the Monticello School District Foundation.

     The annual dinner and auction event was held at the Berndes Center. Roughly 240 people were in attendance, helping to raise over $34,000 this year.

     One hundred percent of the proceeds from the event go to benefit the students of the Monticello Community School District.

Hoag comes home to serve Monticello chamber

Published by admin on Wed, 03/08/2017 - 4:08pm

     The Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors hired a new chamber director.

     A familiar face to many in the area, Jan Hoag started her new job on Feb. 27.

     Hoag is a 1972 graduate of Monticello High School. From there, she jumped right into the travel industry.

     “My aunts always traveled,” said Hoag of the interest. “I’ve just always enjoyed it myself from an early age. It’s amazing what you can see and do out there!”

     As a certified travel agent, Hoag worked with several agencies in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area.

Rolling Hill Stable offers horse boarding, training and more

Published by admin on Wed, 03/08/2017 - 4:04pm

     A love of horses and proper care for horses brought Debbie Heims and Amber Padgett together to open Rolling Hill Stable in Monticello.

     The horse stable and attached in-door riding arena were originally built by Marv Wink. Heims and Padgett are renting the facility together from now-owner Mike McDonough.

     “It sat empty for five years,” said Heims. “We were looking for a place to start our own business, and Mike was willing to let us lease it.”

Winners of model car contest announced

Published by admin on Wed, 03/08/2017 - 3:57pm

     The 32nd Annual Model Car Contest (featured at the KCRG-TV9 48th O’Reilly Auto Parts Rod and Custom Car Show) took place Feb. 25 and 26 at the Monticello Berndes Center.

     Contest winners received trophy and model kit awards. Results are as follows:

Junior Category, ages 12 and under (cars) – first place, Zach Yates, Monticello, Iowa; second place, RJ Backes, Muscatine, Iowa; third place, Jesse Backes, Muscatine, Iowa; fourth place, Isaac Pilcher, Norwalk, Iowa.

Façade collapses on Stone Bridge

Published by admin on Wed, 03/01/2017 - 9:50am

     Last week, the Jones County Engineer’s Office posted a weight limit of 10 tons on the historic Ely’s Stone Bridge outside of Monticello. The action was necessary following the collapse of part of the northwest wall of the bridge.

     Stone Bridge was built in 1893.

     “The load limit was posted to prevent heavy trucks from causing damage to the concrete slab above the bridge,” explained County Engineer Derek Snead.

Input sought in community garden project

Published by admin on Wed, 03/01/2017 - 9:40am

     Kyle Gassman, an employee of the Monticello Public Library, has been hitting the ground running with a project that could benefit many people in the Monticello community.

     Gassman, an avid gardener, came up with the idea to raise money and build raised garden beds. These would measure 4-by-8 feet and stand 36 inches off the ground. The proposed location, with approval already sought, would be on the lot north of the Monticello Heritage Center (owned by the Center). Gassman said there is potentially room for 30 raised beds in the plot, with 4-foot walkways in between.

Becker to speak at Monticello library, March 7

Published by admin on Wed, 03/01/2017 - 9:38am

     The Friends of the Monticello Library, Monticello Public Library, and the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition are collaborating to bring in Joan Becker on Tuesday, March 7, at the Monticello Community Building (200 E. Grand St.) at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

     Becker will have books available to purchase and autograph.

     A snow date has been set Thursday, March 9.

Student of the month: Autry Fasnacht

Published by admin on Wed, 03/01/2017 - 9:33am

     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.

     Sophomore Autry Fasnacht was just doing what all students should do, helping others. This act of kindness got him nominated for Student of the Month for February.

     According to MHS English Teacher Rebecca DeWitte, Fasnacht has been nominated several times in the past.

MHS drama to present ‘Father of the Bride’

Published by admin on Wed, 03/01/2017 - 9:29am

     The Monticello High School Drama Department will present its spring play, “Father of the Bride,” on Thursday and Friday, March 2 and 3, 7 p.m. in the MHS Auditorium.

     In the play, Mr. Banks is shocked when his daughter Kay announces her engagement. But when Buckley and Kay’s “simple wedding” with a few friends turns into a large affair, the trouble begins.

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