Local News

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Fri
22
Sep

Alpine’s Fusion fiber optic network will launch in McGregor in October

Customers need to schedule activation appointment

Alpine Communications is pleased to announce the launch of its all new fiber optic Fusion Network to all homes and businesses within the city limits of McGregor beginning on Monday, Oct. 2. Once activated on the new Fusion Network, current internet customers can look forward to receiving increased internet speeds at no extra charge. Plus, Alpine will begin offering FusionTV, a new and enhanced television viewing experience with over 230 channels, over 90 high-definition networks and whole-home DVR. Introductory specials will be available for a limited time.

Tue
19
Sep

MFL Ambulance Service celebrates 40th anniversary


Members of the MFL Ambulance Service include (left to right) Rachael Fritz, Becky Harnack, Eric Van Horn, Cynthia Torkelson, Melanie Cahoon, Karla Schrader, Scott Torkelson, Nick Torkelson, Mary Bissell, Brian Berger, Josh Kluth, Jenny Torkelson, Billie Jones, Jim Schellhorn and Clare Benzing. Not pictured are Preston Landt, Jill Miller, Carla Pester, Wendy Gress-Yearous, Scott Henkes, Jamie Schlee, Andrew Willie, Todd Balekos, John Elledge, Andy Meyer, Jamie Welsh, Jeremy Schellhorn, Chris Hoffert, Arlen Quandahl, Jane Quandahl and Garrett Palas. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

MFL Ambulance Service’s first new ambulance, a van, as well as its first modular-type vehicle, are shown here. (Photo from Monona centennial history book)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

A lot has changed in the 40 years since the MFL Ambulance Service began aiding the Monona-, Farmersburg- and Luana-area communities: Equipment has become more automated, ambulances more technologically advanced. EMT certification is more extensive.

However, one thing has always remained the same: The service is still comprised of hard-working, dedicated volunteers who are happy to help their fellow citizens. 

“Forty years is a big milestone,” remarked Mary Bissell, an EMT and the service’s current crew chief. “The fact that we’re still staffed by all volunteers is even cooler yet. It’s something bigger than yourself.”

Tue
19
Sep

Mississippi River Parkway Commission annual meeting is in Marquette this week


Pikes Peak State Park will be one of the tour stops for attendees of the national Mississippi River Parkway Commission’s annual meeting, held in Marquette this week. (NIT file photo)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Representatives from each of the 10 states included in the national Mississippi River Parkway Commission, which works to promote the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, will meet in Allamakee and Clayton counties this week for the group’s annual meeting.

The Iowa Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC), which includes representatives from the counties that border the Mississippi, was slated to host this year’s event, and selected Marquette as the base of operations.

Tue
19
Sep

Fall-der-All to celebrate 125th anniversary of Froelich’s tractor invention


Youth will have the opportunity to grind corn by hand at the annual Froelich Fall-der-All, held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24. (NIT file photo)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Let history come alive through fun demonstrations, tours and more at the annual Froelich Fall-der-All, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24.

For over 20 years, Fall-der-All has been a local fall tradition for Froelich, which is known as the birthplace of the first gas-powered tractor to propel itself forward and backward, created by John Froelich in 1892.

In fact, this year marks the 125th anniversary of Froelich’s invention.

“[The tractor] is what makes the museum and village special,” said Froelich coordinator Denise Schutte.

Tue
19
Sep

Marquette approves bench evacuation route plans


This image shows the location of the bench evacuation route, which will stretch from Walnut Street, on the Marquette bench, to Eagle Drive, in McGregor.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The Marquette Council approved the final plans and specifications for the bench evacuation route project at its Sept. 12 meeting.

The route will be 3,800 feet long, stretching from Walnut Street, on the Marquette bench, to Eagle Drive, in McGregor, explained Mark Doyle, from Delta 3 Engineering.

The total width of the route, Doyle added, will be 22 feet, 14 feet of which will be graveled.

The council selected that option at a previous meeting, noting that it was most cost effective, while also allowing for future development. 

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.” 

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