Times-Register

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce opted not to hold an in-person annual dinner and celebration this year. However, the board still wanted to recognize this year's award winners for their contributions.

Jakob Regal was the recipient of the James King Award for volunteerism and devotion to supporting community efforts. The chamber honors his leadership with McGregor’s Pocket City American Legion Post #267 and Clayton County’s Veterans Affairs Commission, as well as service in the Army National Guard. Jakob is tirelessly supportive of area veterans and has worked to engage fellow service members and the community with the Legion’s fundraisers and activities. 

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

This year’s MFL MarMac boys basketball team is admittedly inexperienced, but head coach Eric Dettbarn hopes the Bulldogs can make up for that with athleticism and good attitude.

Although the team is senior-heavy again, with seven, due to a strong 12th-grade class last season that helped propelled the Bulldogs to the top spot in the conference, only Cayden Ball has seen considerable varsity playing time. The guard was honorable mention all-conference a year ago, and will be relied upon to do much of the scoring with junior Cullen McShane, who also brings valuable experience to the group.

JoAnn R. Whittle, 87, of Elkader, died Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at the Elkader Care Center. She was born Dec. 25, 1932, in rural Geddes, S.D., to Andrew and Adela (Bartekoske) Shea. The family moved to Iowa when JoAnn was very young.

She was united in marriage with Malcolm Whittle on Nov. 8, 1952, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader. The couple was blessed with five children. Throughout the years, JoAnn worked as a telephone operator, did babysitting in her own home, worked at the Elkader Wire Factory and, lastly, was a cook at Scenic Acres. She was a very hard worker, always putting family first. She enjoyed family gatherings, especially getting to see her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered by all as someone with a quick smile. JoAnn was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Margaret Ann “Peggy” Duart, 91, of Strawberry Point, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, at her home. Margaret, who was affectionately called Peggy, was born on July 10, 1929, in Chicago, Ill., to George and Clarice Penning. She was an only child to this union. Her mother died at the age of 29 when Peggy was 2 years old. After her mother’s death, she went to stay with relatives until the age of 18. Peggy graduated from Lamont High School in 1947. She went on to teacher-training college in Lamont to become a school teacher. After her graduation, she taught school for one year in a one-room school house outside of Masonville.