Features

Don’t travel in this world alone

Published by admin on Wed, 08/02/2023 - 10:26am

   “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” (African Proverb)

Starlighters to present ‘Old Time Radio Theatre’

Published by admin on Wed, 08/02/2023 - 10:19am

     Starlighters II Theatre is bringing Old Time Radio Theatre to their stage on Sunday, Aug. 6, at 2 p.m. The presentation is the culmination of the first of many Radio Theatre classes.

   Stephanie Hutchinson is the instructor who comes to Starlighters with many years of participation in the Lenox College Readers Theatre group based in Hopkinton.

Monticello Ministerial Association collaborates on VBS

Published by admin on Wed, 08/02/2023 - 10:00am

     The Monticello Ministerial Association (MMA) is in the midst of hosting its first-ever Vacation Bible School (VBS) this week.

   “Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light” is the theme of the five-day event. It’s being held at the Jones County Youth Development Center.

   “That’s Frank’s brainchild,” credited Pastor Holly Knouse of SS. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church. “He did a lot of the research.”

Meyer named ’23 GJCF Queen

Published by admin on Tue, 08/01/2023 - 10:59am

     On Tuesday, July 18, the 2023 Great Jones County Fair Queen was crowned: Emily Meyer of Anamosa.

   Meyer is the daughter of Sally and Jamie Meyer.

   Meyer graduated in May from Anamosa High School. This fall, she’ll be attending Iowa State University, majoring in agriculture policy.

   “This has been the coolest thing in my entire life. Everyone has been so welcoming,” expressed Meyer of being named Fair Queen.

   Growing up, Meyer said her family spent so much time attending the GJCF.

Gassman named ’23 GJCF Princess

Published by admin on Tue, 08/01/2023 - 10:57am

     Taylor Gassman, a senior at Monticello High School, was crowned the 2023 Great Jones County Fair Princess.

   Gassman is the daughter of Chanda and Kevin Gassman.

   “I was so numb. I didn’t know if I heard them right,” she said of being named Princess. “I felt like I was going to fall over.”

   Gassman admitted this was not something she ever imagined doing before.

GJCF sees high numbers for three nights of concerts

Published by admin on Tue, 08/01/2023 - 10:57am

     The weather, for the most part, helped in the success of the 171st Great Jones County Fair.

   While temperatures were nothing to complain about during the “Five Best Days of Summer” last week, one evening of thunderstorms postponed the appearance of country music artist Jon Pardi on stage.

   Fair Manager Lucas Gobeli said after opener Russell Dickerson completed his time on stage, lighting was detected within 10 miles of the fair.

Library, Main Street come together for ‘Summer Reading Bash’

Published by admin on Tue, 08/01/2023 - 10:39am

     The Monticello Public Library and Main Street Monticello are partnering together to bring the community the "End of Summer Reading Bash."

   The new event celebrates the library's ever-popular Summer Reading Program, which saw another successful summer of participants of all ages, from preschoolers to adults.

   “Yes, the event is to celebrate our Summer Reading Program, but all of our library events are free and open to the public,” offered Services Librarian Penny Schmit. “We all bring the desire to celebrate the community.”

Annual Camp Courageous Pineapple Gala, Aug. 18

Published by admin on Tue, 08/01/2023 - 10:29am

     Camp Courageous will be hosting the 44th Annual Pineapple Gala on Friday, Aug. 18, at the downtown DoubleTree Convention Center in Cedar Rapids. The event is scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m., and includes an evening filled with a luau dinner, a wide array of silent and live auction items, a program showcasing Camp Courageous, and more. All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to supporting Camp Courageous and its programs, which cater to thousands of individuals with disabilities.

Welter takes in life in Ghana

Published by admin on Thu, 07/20/2023 - 8:39am

     “I definitely think I’ll go back. There is so much more to see. Everyone is so nice and genuine and friendly.”

   Maci Welter of Monticello just completed her sophomore year of college at the University of Iowa. She’s majoring in elementary education.

   Recalling her childhood, Welter said, “I always played school when I was little. My dad (Ron) got me a white board and I got a lot of use out of it.”

   Her mom, Lori, taught at Sacred Heart School for a number of years.

Starlighters offers one-time only readers theatre production

Published by admin on Thu, 07/20/2023 - 8:34am

     Buy tickets now for the one and only Starlighters II Theatre's readers theatre production of "Belles: The Reunion."

   The comedy/drama will be read and performed in two acts on Sunday, July 30, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and will only be available until Sunday, July 23. There will be limited seating.

   If you need a good laugh and some great desserts, then Starlighters is the place to be on July 30.

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