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Tue
23
May

Orphan train history shared at McGregor Public Library

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/23/2017 - 13:46

Elaine Eadie shares a family memento during her presentation on the orphan train at the McGregor Public Library on May 18. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

“I can’t imagine sending a 10-year-old on a train, not knowing where they’re going to end up.”

But that was, in fact, the reality for thousands of orphaned, homeless  and abandoned children who were transported to new lives via the orphan train, explained Elaine Eadie, in a presentation at the McGregor Public Library May 18.

Eadie, who’s from Waukon, is an orphan train historian. Much of her knowledge was gleaned first-hand, through her father, Gilbert, who, along with his brother, arrived in Waukon on the orphan train over 100 years ago.

Tue
23
May

Marquette reviews bench evacuation route options

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/23/2017 - 13:42

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Mark Doyle, with Delta 3 Engineering, went before the Marquette Council at its May 16 regular meeting, providing several preliminary design options for an emergency evacuation route off the bench.

The route, which Doyle said will provide access to McGregor should bench residents need to evacuate due to a train derailment or other emergency, will be 3,800 feet in length, with bends and curves.

Tue
16
May

Completing the family

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/16/2017 - 13:31

In February, Geri Prew (front, center) was finally able to meet her son, Eric Baumgarten (front, right), who was given up for adoption over 40 years ago. Also joining in the reunion were Geri’s other children and Eric’s siblings, Dayton Jones, Sophie Landt (back, left) and Tonya Meyer. (Submitted photo)

“It was better than I ever hoped for,” said Marlon “Scrooge” Jones (left) of reuniting with his son, Eric Baumgarten. (Submitted photo)

Family reconnects with son, brother adopted over 40 years ago

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Growing up in the McGregor-Marquette area, Sophie Jones (now Landt) and her siblings, Tonya (now Meyer) and Dayton, always recognized their brother, Eric’s, birthday. There was just one thing: they’d never met him. They didn’t even know his name was Eric or even where he lived. 

When May 11 rolled around this year, however, that had all changed. Just months before, the siblings finally reconnected with the brother who was adopted before they were born.

— — —

Tue
16
May

MFL MarMac valedictorian and salutatorian named

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/16/2017 - 13:22

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Carl Davis has been named the valedictorian and Kelsi Davis the salutatorian of the MFL MarMac High School Class of 2017.

Carl, who is the son of Robert and Mary Davis, said receiving the honor was a nice surprise.

“I wasn’t expecting it,” he shared.

Kelsi is the daughter of Chad and Annette Davis and Steve and Jamie Schlee. Being named salutatorian means a lot after four years of hard work, she said.

Tue
16
May

Koenig leaving Monona Council

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/16/2017 - 13:19

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Monona City Councilwoman Randee Koenig announced at the May 15 regular meeting that it would be her last as a member of the council.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time and I’ve learned a lot,” said Koenig, who’s served on the council for six years. “Maybe I’ll do it again down the road, but, right now, I’m needed at home.”

Speed sign update

During the police report, chief Jo Amsden and officer David Heins updated the council on the speed sign that was first put up last fall. It’s since been placed at several entrances into town, and is currently on South Main Street.

Tue
09
May

Playing a role in a big effort

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/09/2017 - 13:01

Draven Stuckman was one of the volunteers who helped roll a total of 873 milkweed seedballs at the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre in Marquette on Saturday. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

The Wetlands Centre is partnering with the organization Milkweed Matters to make 3,000 seedballs. Those, and others made across the state, will be distributed to RAGBRAI riders, to be thrown into roadside ditches to establish milkweed plants.

The seedballs are grape-sized, and made with a mixture of clay and soil. Four milkweed seeds are placed inside.

“Four seeds per ball is what they’ve found is most effective,” explained Wetlands Centre Director Alicia Mullarkey. “We’re using common milkweed, which is one of the easiest [milkweed plants] to get seeds from.”

In northeast Iowa alone, organizations are hoping to contribute 7,000 seedballs. The Wetlands Centre is shooting to make 3,000 of those. “We’re already well on our way,” said director Alicia Mullarkey, referencing seedballs rolled by local students, Boy Scouts and other volunteers.

Milkweed is important, especially for monarchs, because it’s the only plant on which caterpillars can feed.

Wetlands Centre hopes to contribute 3,000 milkweed seedballs to statewide initiative

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

As thousands of riders trek their way across Iowa this July 23-29, for the 45th annual RAGBRAI bicycle ride, they’ll be littering the state’s roadsides—not with trash, but milkweed seedballs.

The goal is for riders to receive balls of soil containing milkweed plant seeds at stations along the RAGBRAI route. As they bike, riders are encouraged to throw the seedballs out along roadsides, in the hopes of establishing milkweed plants. Riders will also learn more about milkweed and its importance to monarchs.

Tue
09
May

Author shares about the CCC in northeast Iowa

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/09/2017 - 12:42

Author Linda McCann spoke about her latest book, “The Civilian Conservation Corps in Northeast Iowa,” at the McGregor Public Library on May 2. Featured in the discussion was McGregor’s connection to the CCC. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Author Linda McCann, best known for her “Lost Towns” book series that details communities that disappeared along the Cedar River, spoke at the McGregor Public Library on May 2, sharing details from her latest book, “The Civilian Conservation Corps in Northeast Iowa.”

“I started focusing on the counties along the Cedar River, but sometimes other things catch my attention,” said the author, who began writing after taking an interest in genealogy. “Every one of my off-topics came about because I realized young people didn’t know about these things.”

Tue
09
May

MFL MarMac retiring staff recognized

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/09/2017 - 12:39

At its regular meeting May 8, the MFL MarMac School Board recognized four staff members who will retire at the end of the school year. Pictured (left to right) are superintendent Dale Crozier; retiring teachers Roberta Hass (second grade), Doug Martin (agriculture), Jonelle Kann (middle school special education and Title 1 reading) and Deb Reicks (kindergarten); and school board president Gina Roys. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

Members of the MFL MarMac School Board were also recognized. Pictured (front, left to right) are Jonathon Moser, Tonya Meyer, Collin Stubbs, Gina Roys (president), Sharon Greener (vice president); (back) Joshua Grau and superintendent Dale Crozier. Not pictured is Brian Meyer.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times

At its regular meeting May 8, the MFL MarMac School Board recognized four staff members who will retire at the end of the school year. Those retiring include second grade teacher Roberta Hass, agriculture teacher Doug Martin, kindergarten teacher Deb Reicks and Jonelle Kann, who teaches special education and Title 1 reading at the middle school. Between the four, they have over 120 years of teaching experience, said superintendent Dale Crozier.

Also recognized at the meeting was the MFL MarMac School Board, which includes Gina Roys (president), Sharon Greener (vice president), Jonathon Moser, Joshua Grau, Tonya Meyer, Brian Meyer and Collin Stubbs.

Tue
02
May

Family Dentistry Associates of Monona relishing new office’s space, technology

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/02/2017 - 11:41

Dr. Mark Fohey and the staff at Family Dentistry Associates of Monona began welcoming patients at their new office, located at 602 Tower St., in early April. At 5,000 square feet, the office is two and a half times the size of the previous location on Franklin Street. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

With the additional square footage, the number of treatment rooms increased from three to eight, five of which are currently equipped. Other additions include basement space for storage and an employee lounge. Both the front desk area and the waiting room offer more space.

Family Dentistry Associates of Monona will celebrate the opening of the new office with an open house on Saturday, June 3, from 1-4 p.m.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Family Dentistry Associates of Monona has been a fixture in the community for over 30 years. Dr. Steven Kurth opened the office at 101 Franklin St. in 1985, and was joined by Dr. Mark Fohey, who later purchased the business. Over the years, Fohey has been joined by Dr. Christi Larson and his own daughter, Dr. Jessica Wilke, as well as an experienced, attentive staff. Together, they’ve provided patients with a range of general and cosmetic dentistry services. There was just one problem: they were running out of space.

“There were only three treatment rooms and there was no basement for storage,” explained Fohey of the 1,800-square-foot building. “We’d been there a long time.”

Tue
02
May

May Breakfast marks its 100th anniversary

Submitted by admin on Tue, 05/02/2017 - 11:33

The Monona Methodist Church’s 100th annual May Breakfast will be held Saturday, May 6, from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. (Submitted photos)

The May Breakfast was originally held the first day of May, but in 1985 was moved to the first Saturday. The menu includes scrambled and poached eggs; Kermit sausages; homemade sweet rolls, muffins and bread; applesauce; juice; milk and coffee.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The weather’s growing warmer, flowers are blooming, farmers are working in the fields—all tell tale signs that May has finally arrived in Monona. The surest sign of all, however, is the Methodist Church’s annual May Breakfast. Originally held the first day of May, it’s now served the first Saturday of May. This year’s breakfast will take place at Living Faith UMC, in Monona, on Saturday, May 6, from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., marking the event’s 100th anniversary.

“The May Breakfast started 100 years ago as a fundraiser for the Congregational Church,” shared organizer Ila Benzing. “The first breakfast was held in the parsonage. For the next five years, it was in the houses of the members. They could serve whatever they wanted.”

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