News

Fairview residents question sewer rate increases

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 10:26am

     Several residents in Fairview attended the June 26 Jones County Supervisor meeting to express their concern with EIRUSS and rate increases associated with the Fairview Sanitary Sewer System.

     Karen Bixler spoke on behalf of the residents, with Mark Schneider of EIRUSS also present to answer questions. EIRUSS oversees the sanitary sewer and water systems in both Fairview and Center Junction.

     Bixler said they had a $4.50 rate increase in one year, followed by a $15 rate increase the next year.

Several new laws took effect July 1

Published by admin on Thu, 07/12/2018 - 10:24am

     Rep. Lee Hein (R-Monticello) released information on a few notable bills that passed during the 2018 legislative session, which went into effect on July 1, 2018.

Changes finalized in garbage/recycling services

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:59pm

     With the City of Monticello contracting with Republic Service of Dubuque (based in Peosta) for residential garbage and recycling services, the city council took action on June 18 to amend the fees related to the service.

     The city will be billed $10.50 per sanitation collection site per month for garbage, and $4 per collection site per month for recycling, for a total of $14.50.

     The city will apply an administrative fee of $3 per month, bringing the total of $17.50.

Monticello plans for Fourth of July

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:58pm

     The City of Monticello is busy preparing for the annual Fourth of July festivities this year!

     As always, the events will be held on Wednesday, July 4, beginning with the Monticello Firemen’s Breakfast at the Berndes Center at the fairgrounds. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m.

     Then, find a prime spot along the parade route for the much-anticipated Fourth of July Parade. This year’s theme is “Marching Toward Success.” The parade kicks off at 11 a.m., beginning and ending at the fairgrounds.

School board ponders relocation of softball diamonds

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:57pm

     Does the Monticello Community School District lose a practice football field or one of two practice soccer fields?

     That was the question proposed to the School Board during their June 25 meeting concerning relocation of the two varsity/JV softball fields.

     Superintendent Brian Jaeger explained that where the softball fields sit today, the site is too close to the proposed middle school addition. And should there be future development of a K-4 addition, the fields would definitely have to go.

New state law brings ‘transient merchants’ selling fireworks

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:57pm

     Residents of Monticello and those traveling through, driving past Karde’s 151 might notice a couple of large temporary tents selling fireworks in town. Per a new state law in Iowa, this is legal.

     Both vendors have secured the proper paperwork from the state to legally sell fireworks anywhere in Iowa. During the recent Monticello City Council meeting on June 18, City Administrator Doug Herman informed the council that city code does not supersede state law.

     “This is a new issue for us,” warned Herman.

Sheriff’s Office takes part in S.T.E.P.

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:54pm

     The Jones County Sheriff’s Office participated in the Special Traffic Enforcement Program (S.T.E.P.). This program ran from May 21 through June 3.

     During the S.T.E.P. wave, the Jones County Sheriff’s Office issued:

     • 21 citations

     • 73 warnings

     • Two felony arrests

     • Six narcotic arrests

     • 24 motorist assists

     • Eight K-9 interdictions

     • Seven arrest warrants were served

     The Sheriff’s Office also investigated

     • Seven property damage accidents

Jones Co. Coalition receives $50,000 grant

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:53pm

     The Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition, with ASAC as the grantee, was one of 55 recipients across the nation (the only one in the State of Iowa) to receive the 2018 CARA (Comprehensive Additional and Recovery Act) Local Drug Crisis grant. The Coalition was awarded $50,000.

ALICE Report reveals increased county poverty

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:52pm

     In Iowa, 457,044 households – 37 percent of the state’s total – are unable to afford the state’s cost of living, according to the updated United Way ALICE Report for Iowa (to be released on June 26). In Jones County, 30 percent of households live below the ALICE threshold. This is an update to the initial report released in 2016 that found 31 percent of Iowa households are unable to meet basic needs.

Old county shop to temporarily remain in Monticello

Published by admin on Wed, 06/27/2018 - 1:44pm

     The future of the old Secondary Road Shop in Monticello will remain intact for the time being.

     The Jones County Supervisors and County Engineer Derek Snead discussed the facility during the June 19 board meeting. A new Secondary Road Shop was built a couple of years ago outside of Monticello on River Road. A couple of the supervisors were curious as to how long the old shop would be left standing.

     Supervisor Jon Zirkelbach said they previously discussed the sale of the building and property around the same time they were planning for the new shop.

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