Features

AWF receives $4,000 from Petco Love

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 7:24am

     Animal Welfare Friends (AWF) is set for receive a $4,000 grant investment from national non-profit Petco Love in support of their lifesaving work for pets in Northeastern Iowa.

Monticello area churches to celebrate Easter

Published by admin on Wed, 04/09/2025 - 7:23am

St. Matthew Lutheran Church (226 N. Cedar St.): Palm Sunday, April 13, at 9 a.m. Maundy Thursday, April 17, at 6 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 20, at 9 a.m.

Plans revealed for Monticello P&R bike park project

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 7:36am

     On Friday evening, March 28, plans were revealed during the Friends of Monticello Park and Rec celebration for the community’s future bike park!

   Back in September 2024, P&R Director Jacob Oswald and then-P&R supporter Kara Burrack of Monticello came before the Monticello City Council to share the idea of bringing (building) a bike park in Monticello. Since then, Burrack has been hired as the P&R Adult Recreation and Special Events Coordinator.

Jones County Tourism had a busy 2024

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 7:31am

     The Jones County Tourism Association (JCTA), a non-profit organization, held its annual meeting on March 25 at Lubben Vineyards & Winery outside of Anamosa.

   The officers for 2025 are:

   • President, Becky Haugsted

   • Vice President, County Supervisor Darrick Hall

   • Treasurer, Kathy Luensman

   • Secretary, Monticello Council member Mary Phelan

Celebrate National Library Week at the Monticello library

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 7:24am

     What draws people to the library? Everything!

   From the books, DVDs, the digital resources, to creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.

   National Library Week is April 6-12. It is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning.

   The Monticello Public Library invites the community to join the celebration. Whether you are a longtime patron or haven't visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer.

Where did that giant moose come from?

Published by admin on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 7:20am

     Where did that giant metal moose statue come from along the northbound lane of County Road D-62, outside of Monticello?

   That’s a good question… And the Monticello Express found the answer!

   Rural Monticello resident Louie Bodenhofer is showing off his part-time hobby of metal fabrication.

   “I’ve been messing around with this stuff for a half dozen years or so,” he said, those his expert-level skills prove otherwise.

JRMC Auxiliary highlights ’24 accomplishments, ’25 goals

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 8:42am

     The Jones Regional Medical Center (JRMC) Auxiliary held their annual meeting at Lubben Vineyard & Wines on March 19, celebrating all they contributed to in 2024, and sharing what’s ahead for 2025.

   Speaking throughout the afternoon event were Community Development Director Amy Keltner, JRMC Foundation Chairperson Jay Willems, JRMC Director of Nursing April Golwitzer, and Co-owner of Lubben Wines, Judy Lubben.

   The 2025 Auxiliary Board members include:

   • President Deanna Butterworth

‘The Play that Goes Wrong’ to be presented at MHS

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 8:28am

   The Monticello High School drama department will present its spring play, “The Play that Goes Wrong, on Thursday and Friday, March 27 and 28, at 7 p.m. in the MHS Auditorium.

   The play brings the audience to opening night of the Cornley Drama Society’s newest production, “The Murder at Haversham Manor,” where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous.

Two speech students make All-State; MHS earns 14 ‘ones’

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 8:16am

   Two Monticello High School students were nominated for the All-State Speech Festival, and MHS students pulled down 14 Division I ratings at the State Individual Speech Contest March 15 at North Scott High School in Eldridge.

   Senior Kendall Siebels made All-State for her Radio News presentation, “BAND.” Junior Carlos Lagunes Torres made All-State in Review, with “Five Nights at Freddy’s.”

   The All-State festival will be March 31 at the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls.

Starlighters’ production offers ASL-interpreted performance

Published by admin on Wed, 03/26/2025 - 8:15am

     Trevor Baty of Mt. Vernon was part of the dynamic duo cast of “Red” at Starlighters II Community Theatre in June 2023.

   Now he’s testing his directing chops with “August: Osage County,” which debuts this weekend at Starlighters, March 28-30 and April 4-6.

   “‘Red’ was my dream show,” expressed Baty.

   He attended Bradley University in Illinois, majoring in acting. During one of his theatre classes, the professor showed a clip from a production of “Red.” Baty was hooked!

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