Local News

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Tue
12
Sep

Lamborn earns prestigious honor for 4-H quilt project


Blake Lamborn’s Civil War quilt not only earned top honors at this year’s Iowa State Fair, but also received the “Excellence in Iowa History” award from the State Historical Society. In addition, it was selected to be displayed for two months at the state 4-H office, in Ames. (Submitted photo)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

A love of history and a passion for quilting culminated in a prestigious honor for local 4-Her Blake Lamborn at this year’s Iowa State Fair. 

Blake’s Civil War quilt project not only took home a blue ribbon, but was honored for “Excellence in Iowa History,” an award bestowed by the State Historical Society. It was also selected to be displayed for two months at the state 4-H office, in Ames.

“I was surprised,” he admitted of earning the historical recognition and the opportunity to have his project displayed. “I didn’t know that could be done.”

Tue
12
Sep

Rocks to provide important message, creative welcome at middle school


MFL MarMac sixth graders Elias Hatt and Nolan Lerch decorate their rocks. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

The rocks, which are unique to each student, will soon welcome visitors to the McGregor Center in a creative way.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Visitors to the MFL MarMac McGregor Center will soon be welcomed by a creative and inspirational rock display.

Each student in grades four through eight recently decorated their own rock, painting it in bright colors and inscribing it with initials, words, scenes or symbols that held a personal meaning. Designs included everything from polka dots and peace signs to sports teams and the student’s own initials. 

“They’re all unique,” said teacher Stephanie Jones, who decided to promote the idea at MFL MarMac after seeing a Facebook post from a teacher in Indiana. The middle school’s student council—Stu Crew—for which Jones is the adviser, is sponsoring the project.

Tue
12
Sep

Monona testing annexation waters

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


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


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


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


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

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


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


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.

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