Local News

Error message

Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 133 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
Notice: Trying to get property 'settings' of non-object in _simpleads_adgroup_settings() (line 343 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 157 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in include() (line 24 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/templates/simpleads_ajax_call.tpl.php).

Tue

Oct

Current, former residents saddened by loss of McGregor pedestrian bridge

Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 14:30

The McGregor pedestrian bridge that spanned across B Street, connecting Second Street with Point Ann Lane, was torn down Sept. 19, leaving many current and former residents saddened. (Submitted photo)

This image shows the pedestrian bridge in August, not long before it was torn down. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The McGregor pedestrian bridge that spanned across B Street, connecting Second Street with Point Ann Lane, was torn down Sept. 19. Already in need of repair prior to the July 19 tornado, the bridge was no longer salvageable.

City administrator Lynette Sander, speaking at McGregor’s regular council meeting Aug. 16, said the city was awarded FEMA funding following last September’s heavy rains, to repair the footing of the bridge at the south end, where the soil eroded. Those funds are still being held in a city account.

Following the tornado, a structural engineer inspected the bridge, determining if the frame could be re-used if the decking was replaced. It was deemed unsafe.

Tue

Oct

Hawk Watch will spotlight fall raptor migration

Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/03/2017 - 14:27

Marquette’s Driftless Area Wetlands Centre, in conjunction with the Upper Iowa Audubon Society, will host Hawk Watch on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. One of the event highlights will be live bird presentations with a red-tailed hawk and peregrine falcon. (NIT file photo)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Celebrate the fall migration of hundreds of thousands of raptors and other birds along the Mississippi River Flyway at Hawk Watch on Saturday, Oct. 7. Marquette’s Driftless Area Wetlands Centre, in conjunction with the Upper Iowa Audubon Society, will host the 33rd annual event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The day will include live bird presentations, bird spotting and identification, a nature storytelling performance, face painting and other kid’s activities. The free event will appeal to families as well as both amateur and more experienced birders, said Wetlands Centre Director Alicia Mullarkey.

Tue

Sep

Swimming with Decorah, MFL MarMac sophomores discover fun and competition

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/26/2017 - 14:01

Destiny Berns (left) and Maya Butikofer are competing with the Decorah girls swim team for the second year.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

While other MFL MarMac athletes have taken to solid ground—the court, field or race course—for their fall sports, sophomores Maya Butikofer and Destiny Berns are showcasing their athletic prowess in the pool, as members of the Decorah girls swim team.

Both girls began swimming with the Monona/Postville swim team during the summers of their early middle school years.

“My friends did it, and they said it was fun,” said Maya of how she got involved in the sport.

“At first, we did it for fun,” Destiny added. “We really started to like it.”

Tue

Sep

Director of Iowa Department of Education visits MFL MarMac

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/26/2017 - 13:48

Iowa Department of Education Director Ryan Wise (right) speaks with MFL MarMac high school Spanish teacher Jim Tripp during a visit to the district Sept. 19. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

Wise listens as MFL MarMac staff share their thoughts on the TLC program.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Dr. Ryan Wise, director of the Iowa Department of Education, visited MFL MarMac Sept. 19, speaking with staff and students about the educational issues that are important to them.

“This is the best part of my job,” said Wise, who noted that MFL MarMac is the 107th Iowa school district he’s visited since taking over his position in 2015. “This is where learning happens, so I make it a priority.”

“I think it’s important,” he continued, “that folks like me, on the policy end, see how those policies play out in practice. I want to know, ‘How can I work better and smarter to support your learning?’ I want to be able to see what you do and how policy connects to what you do.”

Tue

Sep

McGregor Council ponders speed control options for portion of Ann Street

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/26/2017 - 13:42

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

At its Sept. 20 meeting, the McGregor Council discussed whether installing speed bumps would help control speeding on a portion of Ann Street.

The portion, which encompasses the 400 to 700 blocks, from the fire station to the former Fiddler’s Bait Shop, has seen more traffic lately. Construction has barred people from using Fourth Street, which runs perpendicular to Ann Street, to access Main Street. Traffic was also re-routed through McGregor for a week and a half while repairs were made to the railroad crossing by the Casino Queen, in Marquette.

Tue

Sep

Fallen pieces don’t affect bridge’s structural integrity

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/26/2017 - 13:40

This photo shows an area where the concrete has broken off, next to an area that is still intact. (Photo courtesy of Todd Myers)

Concrete pieces from the bridge fell near the boat landing on the Marquette riverfront. The area was closed for several days while the issue was rectified. (Photo courtesy of Meaghan Schneider)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The Marquette boat landing opened again Thursday, Sept. 21, after being closed for several days when pieces from the Marquette-Joliet Bridge fell in that area. No injuries or damage were reported.

According to Crawford County Highway Department Superintendent Todd Myers, when the bridge deck was poured, an extra four-inch strip of concrete was left between the steel girders and the underside of the bridge.

“Over time, it separates from the girders,” he explained. “With the traffic and vibrations, it cracks and comes off.”

Those concrete pieces are what fell last week.

Fri

Sep

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

Submitted by admin on Fri, 09/22/2017 - 10:49

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

Sep

MFL Ambulance Service celebrates 40th anniversary

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/19/2017 - 13:22

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

Sep

Mississippi River Parkway Commission annual meeting is in Marquette this week

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/19/2017 - 13:20

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

Sep

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

Submitted by admin on Tue, 09/19/2017 - 13:17

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.

You are here

Local News

Error message

Pages