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Tue
12
Sep

Monona testing annexation waters

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/12/2017 - 13:35

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

For several years, the city of Monona has pondered annexing property adjacent to the city’s southeast boundary, hoping to pave the way for future development.

The boundary currently stops west of Main Street and north of East Spruce Street, leaving homes and businesses (like Birdnow Chevrolet) that many consider part of Monona outside city limits.

“It’s silly. The properties closest to the grocery store are outside city limits,” remarked councilman John Elledge.

Properties also already benefit from city services.

Tue
12
Sep

Celebrate Marquette’s railroad history Sept. 16

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/12/2017 - 13:34

Little barrel rides are a fun experience for all at Marquette’s annual Railroad Days celebration, held Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Depot Museum and Information Center. (NIT file photo)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Learn more about Marquette’s vast railroad history at the 15th annual Railroad Days celebration on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Depot Museum and Information Center.

The day, as described by Depot employee and Marquette resident Deidre Vick-Froehlich, tells “the history of us.”

Little barrel rides for the kids, as well as caricature drawings by local artist John Mundt, will kick off the day at 10 a.m., and continue into the afternoon.

Tue
05
Sep

After nearly 50 years, ag shop receives well-deserved facelift

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/05/2017 - 13:28

School board member Brian Meyer spearheaded a volunteer effort over the summer to clean, re-organize and update the MFL MarMac ag shop. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

School board member Brian Meyer and board president Gina Roys stand with new ag teacher Sarah Wille and students Eric Walz, Mackenzy Ruff, Brock Lamborn, Colin Moses and Charles Friedlein in the ag classroom. The space now has a white board, new tables and chairs, a fresh coat of paint and a unique “agriculture” sign.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Brian Meyer remembers, nearly 50 years ago, when the ag shop at MFL MarMac High School was brand new. Since then, it’s been well-utilized, serving as a space for learning and fun for generations of local students. The only problem: that use was starting to show.

“It had 48 years of rugged use—welding, painting and torching,” Meyer described. “That all makes dirt and crud. It goes to the ceiling and sticks to the walls. It was just black.” 

Tue
05
Sep

Reynolds, Gregg visit Pikes Peak State Park

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/05/2017 - 13:26

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg visited Pikes Peak State Park, outside McGregor, on Aug. 31, where Reynolds signed a proclamation declaring September “Drive the Great River Road Month” in Iowa. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

Northeast Iowa District Parks Supervisor Scot Michelson (far left) and Pikes Peak State Park Manager Matt Tschirgi (far right) speak with Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Gov. Kim Reynolds and State Senator Michael Breitbach during a tour of the park on Aug. 31.

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg visited Pikes Peak State Park, outside McGregor, on Aug. 31, where Reynolds signed a proclamation declaring September “Drive the Great River Road Month” in Iowa.

Tue
05
Sep

Veterans Memorial Hospital Monona Clinic set to open in mid-September

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/05/2017 - 13:24

The new Veterans Memorial Hospital Monona Clinic, located at 101 Franklin St., will open later this month. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

The new Veterans Memorial Hospital Monona Clinic is set to open in the middle of September. The clinic will be located in the former Family Dentistry Associates of Monona building at 101 Franklin St., in downtown Monona, which Veterans Memorial Hospital purchased last spring.

“We have been overwhelmed by the friendly welcome we have received from the entire Monona area since we announced our plans to open a medical clinic in town,” stated Mike Myers, Veterans Memorial Hospital Administrator. “Everyone who has assisted in the remodeling of the facility has bent over backwards to work us into their busy schedules, to be sure everything was done in time for our September opening, and we are so grateful.”

Tue
05
Sep

Restore McGregor 2017 Tornado Fund applications now being accepted

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/05/2017 - 13:21

Applications are now being accepted for the Restore McGregor 2017 Tornado Fund.

The fund was established shortly after the July 19 tornado, to help restore, rebuild and aid in the recovery of the destruction caused by the storm. It is intended to be as far-reaching as possible.

Private individuals, families, property owners, non-profits and business owners in McGregor may be eligible for assistance up to $1,000 for storm-related losses. 

Tue
29
Aug

MFL MarMac welcomes six new teachers

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/29/2017 - 12:58

MFL MarMac welcomes six new teachers this school year: Shelly Stubbs (left), Sarah Wille, Dacia Jacobsen, Katie Kregel, Samantha Corsbie and Karen Suddendorf. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

MFL MarMac welcomes six new teachers this year: Sarah Wille, Karen Suddendorf, Samantha Corsbie, Shelly Stubbs, Dacia Jacobsen and Katie Kregel.

Sarah Wille — High School Agriculture and FFA Advisor

Wille takes over as the district’s high school agriculture teacher and FFA adviser. The oldest of four siblings, she grew up on a farm near Williamsburg, Iowa, and attended Iowa State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education.

“I wanted to teach agriculture because it is one of the most important industries there is,” she said. “I enjoy working with young people and watching them accomplish their goals.”

Tue
29
Aug

Kindness rocks bring heartwarming message to McGregor, Marquette

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/29/2017 - 12:56

Two weeks ago, the “kindness rocks” movement made its debut in McGregor and Marquette. Residents are encouraged to decorate and hide their own rocks, and/or find those hidden by others, all in the hopes of spreading kind messages around the communities. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

Kindness rocks can be placed anywhere—in parks, along trails or walking paths and at local businesses or offices. One was recently spotted on one of the street pianos in McGregor’s Triangle Park.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

It all started 2.5 years ago, when writer, business mentor and empowerment coach Megan Murphy began collecting rocks during her walks along the beaches of Cape Cod, in Massachusetts. Reflecting on her own life and the idea that people often search for “signs in the sand,” she began decorating the rocks in bright hues  and with inspiring messages. She then placed them on the beach, for others to find. The goal: to connect people through a small act of kindness.

Tue
29
Aug

McGregor’s annual Labor Day parade is Sept. 2

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/29/2017 - 12:53

Community is 'open for business'

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

McGregor will host its annual Labor Day parade Saturday, Sept. 2, marking the community’s first big event since a  tornado ripped through the town July 19, leaving a path of destruction in fallen trees and damaged or destroyed buildings and homes.

The storm was not far from the minds of the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce board members who selected this year’s theme: McGregor Strong.

Tue
29
Aug

Viewing eclipse with loved ones a special experience for McGregor resident

Submitted by admin on Tue, 08/29/2017 - 12:49

McGregor resident Diane Benson, with dog Tootie, enjoyed witnessing the Aug. 21 solar eclipse with her “adopted niece and nephew,” Justice and Jasmine Olmstead. The group shared a pair of eclipse glasses, which can be seen on Justice. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Millions of Americans turned their eyes toward the sky Aug. 21 to witness the historic total solar eclipse, the first since 1918 to stretch from the west coast to the east coast. While many traveled to a portion of the country in the “path of totality,” meaning the moon entirely blocked the sun, others chose to watch from northeast Iowa, where around 85 percent of the sun was blocked by the moon.

Among them was McGregor resident Diane Benson, who experienced the site with who she calls her “adopted niece and nephew,” Justice and Jasmine Olmstead.

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