Local News

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The Monona Council approved the plans and specifications, form of contract and cost estimate for the Murphy Helwig Library expansion project Monday evening.

The latest total cost estimate, said architect Christina Monk, with FEH Associates, Inc., is $899,514, up $14,500 from the previous estimate.

Some of the new cost, she said, relates to the need for a temporary bathroom during phase I of contraction. In that time, work will be done on the front portion of the library, including the addition of the children’s and young adult sections, as well as the meeting room. As part of the roof and a wall will be removed, a temporary bathroom will be installed in the staff room.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The McGregor Council agreed to take additional time to consider awarding a bid for the city’s sanitary sewer rehabilitation project at a special meeting March 4, after learning bids came in higher than the estimated cost.

The lowest bidder for the project was A-1 Excavating, of Bloomer, Wis., at $994,882.08. At that price, the project cost would be pushed from the originally-anticipated $1,250,000 to closer to $1.3 million or $1.4 million. 

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The McGregor District office of the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife and Fish Refuge is moving from its current location along Highway 18, between Marquette and McGregor, to Prairie du Chien, effective March 30.

“The office we have now, there are safety concerns from mud and rocks,” said McGregor District Manager Rich King, noting that some falling rocks have damaged vehicles. “There are also mold and moisture concerns.”

King said the Refuge has sought a new home for the district office for some time.

“We’ve been looking for land next to the flood plain, but not in the flood plain,” he said.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Several Monona streets will be chip sealed when the weather warms up, including stretches of Main Street from Kregel Street to Iowa Street and from the railroad tracks to the edge of town. Hill Street, starting at Iowa Street and going north, will also be done, as will Anderson Street from Center Street to North Street and both North and Center Streets from Hill Street to West Street.

Chip sealing involves applying a thin film of heated asphalt liquid to the street surface, then placing “chips,” which are compacted and adhere to the asphalt.