Local News

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Tue
25
Oct

Marquette attorney: City’s riverfront parking area for just residents could violate the law


A parking area on Marquette’s riverfront that’s restricted to resident use only, with a permit, could be in violation of federal and state law, according to the city’s attorney, Dan Key.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

A parking area on Marquette’s riverfront that’s restricted to resident use only, with a permit, could be in violation of federal and state law, according to the city’s attorney, Dan Key.

Key, speaking at the city council’s regular meeting Oct. 18, cited two clauses the ordinance may violate: the privilege and immunity clause, which prevents a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory matter; and the equal protection clause, which provides that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of laws.

Tue
25
Oct

Increasing deer population has McGregor residents concerned

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

McGregor residents are losing their yards to an ever-growing deer population.

“We’re getting overrun,” said Bob Pruett, who spoke at the McGregor City Council meeting Oct. 19. “It’s an increasing problem. Something has to be done.”

The city is sympathetic to Pruett’s and other residents’ claims. In August and September, the council discussed possible options for managing McGregor’s deer population, including creating an ordinance that would allow for a special archery hunt for hunters with permits. 

Tue
18
Oct

Lady Luck Marquette sold


Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., announced Oct. 13 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Lady Luck Marquette casino to CQ Holdings Company, Inc., for $40 million. (NIT file photo)

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., announced Oct. 13 that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Lady Luck Marquette casino to CQ Holdings Company, Inc., for $40 million.

The sale to CQ Holdings Company, which is based in Swansea, Ill., will close in early fiscal year 2018, per the approval of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, the Illinois Gaming Control Board and customary closing conditions.

CQ Holdings is the parent company of the Casino Queen casino in East St. Louis, Ill. Lady Luck Marquette is expected to be rebranded Casino Queen Marquette once the deal is complete.

Tue
18
Oct

Monona Council rejects rezoning request for a Dollar General store

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The Monona City Council, at its Oct. 17 regular meeting, unanimously rejected a request by the Overland Group to rezone lot 19 of the Gordon Residential Subdivision from R-2 residential to C-1A highway commercial for construction of a Dollar General store.

The decision went against the recommendation of the Monona Planning and Zoning Commission, which voted 4-3 for a zoning change at an Oct. 4 meeting, despite objections from subdivision residents who were concerned about the potential for lowered property values and excess noise and light if the store was built. They favored the store coming to town, just not in the proposed location.

Tue
18
Oct

Backwoods brings BBQ to McGregor


Kari Waterman took over management of McGregor’s Landing several weeks ago, opening Backwoods Bar and Grill. The space is also available for events, like parties and wedding receptions. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

McGregor’s Landing is now under new management. Kari Waterman took over several weeks ago, opening Backwoods Bar and Grill at 111 First St., in downtown McGregor.

The building most recently housed Uncle Sam’s Saloon and McGregor’s Whistle Stop Cafe, operated by Linda Boeke.

Waterman, who’s from Farmersburg, worked at Commercial Vehicle Group in Monona for over 20 years. With her kids now out of school, she thought it was time for a change. This venture felt like a good fit.

Tue
18
Oct

A production of firsts

High school musical to have flying, a Saturday matinee and online ticket sales

By Audrey Posten

This fall’s MFL MarMac high school musical—”Peter Pan”—will feature several firsts: flying, a Saturday matinee show and online ticket sales.

The production will be performed Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12, in the high school auditorium in Monona.

Based on the play and novel written by J.M. Barrie, the musical will tell the story of flying boy Peter Pan as he takes Wendy Darling and her brothers to Neverland.

Tue
18
Oct

Tours help students learn about careers in the manufacturing industry


MFL MarMac high school students learned about careers in the manufacturing industry last week through tours of M’s Machine and Manufacturing Co., Inc., and Art’s Way Scientific. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

In conjunction with Manufacturing Month, MFL MarMac high school students learned about careers in the manufacturing industry last week through tours of M’s Machine and Manufacturing Co., Inc., and Art’s Way Scientific, both in Monona.

The manufacturing industry plays a large role in Iowa’s workforce, employing 1 in 6 workers, or 13.5 percent of the state’s total employment.

Economically, advanced manufacturing is Iowa’s largest industry sector, adding $31.9 billion to the state economy each year. In the last 10 years, manufacturing exports have grown 78 percent, and currently account for 80 percent of Iowa’s total exports.

That growth is expected to continue, with 3.4 million manufacturing jobs likely to be needed over the next decade. However, only 1.4 million of those jobs are expected to be filled.

Tue
11
Oct

Despite objections from residents, Monona P&Z recommends zoning change for a Dollar General store

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The Monona Planning and Zoning Commission, on a 4-3 vote at a meeting Oct. 4, recommended that the city council approve a request by the Overland Group to rezone lot 19 of the Gordon Residential Subdivision from R-2 residential to C-1A commercial for construction of a Dollar General store. The decision was made despite objections from residents who live near the proposed site.

Tue
11
Oct

Teachers pursuing grant to create after school program

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

MFL MarMac Elementary teachers Niki Guese, Crystal Thurn and Emily Welper are pursuing a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant to create a free after school program that would aid K-3 student academics through homework help and fun, educational clubs.

The grant would fully fund the program, including a full-time coordinator, snacks and materials, Thurn told the school board at its Oct. 10 meeting.

Having a place for students to go after school will also help overstretched staff.

Tue
04
Oct

North Iowa Times celebrates 160 years of news coverage


North Iowa Times Editor Audrey Posten and Publisher Gary Howe

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

1856: James Buchanan was elected 15th president of the United States, the Republican Party held its first national meeting, the Crimean War ended in Europe and the tin-type camera and accordion were both patented. On Friday, Oct. 10, the North Iowa Times was established in McGregor.

The newspaper was founded by Col. A.P. Richardson and F.W.D. Merrill, the brother of Iowa Governor Samuel Merrill, although Merrill’s name appeared on the masthead for just two weeks. 

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