News

Council tables non-hourly staff raise resolution

Published by admin on Wed, 06/11/2025 - 1:17pm

   A resolution on non-hourly staff raises was tabled by the Monticello City Council during its regular June 2 meeting.

   In general, council members determined they wished to discuss the proposed raises in a work session prior to approving the resolution.

   The resolution was presented by City Adminstrator Russ Farnum, who recommended increases of 5.7 percent to account for cost of living plus merit system increases. Farnum said most of the communities he has reached out to have used this system.

Wall of fame: Moestchen's Eagle Scout project adds to attractiveness of city

Published by admin on Wed, 06/04/2025 - 12:36pm

   Two major achievements were the results of a nearly 400-hour project, the new “MONTICELLO” mural on the white building across from Freese Motors on North Cedar Street:

   • Lily Moestchen, with the help of many others, created an attractive mural for the side of the building that will add to the charm of Monticello for years to come.

   • In so doing, she became the first Monticello female to become an Eagle Scout.

Memorial Day parade, ceremonies are held

Published by admin on Wed, 06/04/2025 - 12:34pm

Overlay, bridge projects pass

Published by admin on Wed, 06/04/2025 - 12:33pm

   Bids were opened for three projects, and weight embargos were lowered on three bridges, as the Jones County Board of Supervisors took action on several engineering projects within the county during its regular meeting May 27.

   One set of bids recorded an HMA overlay project on Riverview Road. The board received two bids, and accepted the lower of the two, from River City Paving, at $173,165.

   The other two were for HMA overlays for part of Shaw Road outside of Anamosa, and part of River Road outside of Monticello.

Summer Reading Program gets under way

Published by admin on Wed, 06/04/2025 - 12:31pm

   “Level Up at Your Library” is the theme of this year’s Summer Reading Program, which kicked off Monday, June 2 at the Monticello Public Library.

   The program runs through July 31. It is designed for all ages.

   There are four age divisions:

   • 0-6, early literacy.

   • 6-11, grade school.

   • 11-18, tweens and teens.

   • 18-and-over, adults.

Small business owners meet, network at The Thrive Table

Published by admin on Wed, 06/04/2025 - 12:30pm

   Small-town business owners often have similar experiences, challenges, and ideas that work.

   Why not get together and talk about them?

   That’s the thinking behind The Thrive Table, billed as “a monthly gathering for Eastern Iowa business owners, entrepreneurs, start-ups and dreamers,” according to its Facebook page.

   The initiative made a stop at the Innovation Lab in Monticello May 22, as business owners and others from inside and outside of Monticello gathered for a roundtable discussion.

Heritage Center reopens, plans antique event

Published by admin on Wed, 06/04/2025 - 12:28pm

   An Antique Show and Tell will be held at the newly-reopened Monticello Heritage and Cultural Center Sunday, June 8.

   The event begins at 1 p.m., followed by expert discussion at 2 p.m., featuring longtime antique collectors Cindy Hall and Ginger Eilers.

   Attendees are welcome to submit a favorite antique, collectible or treasure, preferably by 1 p.m. that day, for others to appreciate.

Uptown Summer Series to kick off with June 12 trivia

Published by admin on Wed, 06/04/2025 - 12:28pm

   The Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) is pleased to announce the eighth annual Uptown Summer Series, a three-event schedule designed to bring community and entertainment to downtown Monticello.

   This year’s series, which will take place on Thursdays instead of the traditional Fridays, promises an enhanced experience, featuring popular food and beverage vendors alongside new entertainment options. All events will run from 5 to 8 p.m.

Mural is tribute to flag, soldiers

Published by admin on Wed, 05/28/2025 - 1:45pm

   Donna Zimmerman of Monticello said she has always loved art.

   Visitors to the Veterans Hall, Council Chambers or anywhere else in the Monticello Renaissance Center now can enjoy a prominent piece of her work.

   Zimmerman has painted a large mural, depicting a giant American Flag blowing in the wind. To the right is a soldier reading a letter of thanks.

   The mural is located at the end of the hallway just past the restrooms, at the bottom of the staircase that leads up to the Monticello Public Library.  

GJCF tabs ATV Big Air Tour to replace races

Published by admin on Wed, 05/28/2025 - 1:43pm

   It bills itself as a “high energy, action-packed motorsports show.”

   It’s the ATV Big Air Tour, which is coming to the Great Jones County Fair this summer.

   It will be held the Saturday of the fair, July 19, replacing the traditional auto racing program that was discontinued.

   The event will begin at noon, and admission is free.

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