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Tue
07
Jul

Tapping our roots at family reunions

Submitted by admin on Tue, 07/07/2015 - 11:21

The grandchildren of George Whitaker and Fanny Mae Cunningham Hazlett held a reunion at the Farmersburg Community Center on Saturday, June 27. George and Mae were the parents of Irwin Hazlett, Wilma Schlitter, Merlie Henkes, Frances Fuelling, Jane Coffman, Dolly Wirkler and Bill Hazlett. Of the 21 grandchildren, seven are deceased: Edgar Hazlett, Jim Hazlett, Norma Grahn, Pat Towers, Dan Coffman, Marilyn Gullickson and Margie Hazlett. Unable to attend: Shirley Jackson of Wilmington, Del., and Dean Hazlett of Clarksville, Tenn. Grandchildren attending the reunion: Carole and Jim Gerdes, Monona; Rollie Henkes, Monona; Polly Morrison, White Bear Lake, Minn.; Jannes DeCamp, Lombard, Ill.; Orrin Fuelling, Meridian, Miss.; Gene Fuelling, Oelwein; Quentin and Kathy Coffman, Eldridge; Toni Clow, Cedar Rapids; Bill and Kate Hazlett, Shellsburg; Mary and Larry Elgin, Cedar Rapids; Martha and Greg Fletcher, Independence; and Michele Van Wey, Farmersburg. Great-grandchildren attending: Lisa and Jeff Woodman, Monona; Jill Nathe, Brooklyn Park, Minn.; Teresa Coffman, Madison, Wis.; Tanya Clow, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.; Nathan, Melissa and Sage Clow, Cedar Rapids; Amanda and Joe Coates, Madison; Mackenzie and Graydon, Pleasant Hill; and Victoria and AJ Van Wey, Farmersburg. Also attending were the current owners of the Hazlett Family Farm, Lawrence and Janice Lotza. (Submitted photo)

An original plat map of township 95

By Rollie Henkes

Even if you weren’t “family,” I think you could have taken away something from the Hazlett family reunion last month, especially with respect to your roots and family tree.

Typical of such reunions, we enjoyed renewing connections over coffee and a sumptuous potluck as we gathered at the Farmersburg Community Center. But as things went along, we learned even more about who we are. 

Tue
30
Jun

On an unusually nice winter Sunday

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/30/2015 - 12:22

The McGregor Lions Club is seeking help from the community to identify all of the 11 men who joined the military after hearing about the attack on Pearl Harbor while playing a game of football at McGregor’s Cannon Park. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

Group hopes to identify, honor local men who joined military after hearing about Pearl Harbor while playing football together

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

For 75 years, McGregorites have heard a story telling of a unique show of friendship and patriotism following the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Tue
30
Jun

Geocaching offers chance to explore area’s hidden treasures

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/30/2015 - 12:21

The icons on this map from geocaching.com represent the geocaches located around the Mar-Mac area. Pikes Peak State Park (bottom right) and Bloody Run County Park (top left) are both popular locations.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The natural features, historic sites and cultural centers of the area offer an abundance of treasures for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, whether it’s a hike to the top of a bluff, a stay at a cozy B&B or a display of 100-plus-year-old items at a museum. But, sometimes, there’s more than meets the eye, as spots like these, as well as dozens of other local points of interest, are home to hidden treasures called geocaches (pronounced geo-cash).

Geocaching is an outdoor treasure hunting game. The term was coined from the words geography and cache, which refers to a hiding place for concealing and preserving items. 

Tue
23
Jun

Veterans receive Quilts of Valor

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/23/2015 - 14:56

Local veterans Ivan Melcher, Don Havelick, Julius Dettmann, George Balekos, Fred Heins, Sheryl Zittergruen, Jerry Kruse, Ed Parker, Bruce Lenth and Steve Russett received Quilts of Valor at Monona Hay Days June 20. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

Steve Russett helped plan the event and was surprised to learn he was also a quilt recipient. Here, he hugs organizer and quilter Diana Parker.

Veteran Jerry Kruse, who was honored with a Quilt of Valor June 20, shakes hands with a little girl and her father following the presentation during Hay Days.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Ten area veterans were honored with Quilts of Valor at Monona’s Hay Days celebration June 20. Since its inception in 2003, when quilter and blue star mother Catherine Roberts came up with the idea of using quilts to comfort veterans while her son was deployed in Iraq, the Quilts of Valor Foundation has awarded over 119,000 quilts to service members and veterans touched by war. 

Tue
23
Jun

Maiden Voyage, Wetlands Centre partner for Tom Sawyer Adventures

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/23/2015 - 14:52

Maiden Voyage boat tours and the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre in Marquette will partner in July to offer adventure days on the Mississippi River. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Maiden Voyage boat tours and the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre in Marquette will partner in July to offer adventure days on the Mississippi River, aptly named Tom Sawyer Adventures for Mark Twain’s notable literary character, who enjoyed exploring the Mississippi.

The day-long adventures are offered July 6-9, 13-15 and 20-23.

“The goal is to get kids connected with the river, to see it like it was years ago,” explained Maiden Voyage captain Robert Vavra. 

Tue
23
Jun

Lazy River Beer and Wine Festival is June 27

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/23/2015 - 14:46

Seven wineries and five breweries will offer samples at the sixth annual Lazy River Beer and Wine Festival, held along the Marquette riverfront, from noon to 4 p.m., on Saturday, June 27. (NIT file photo)

More beer and wine options offered than ever before

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The sixth annual Lazy River Beer and Wine Festival, held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, will offer plenty of local wine and beer choices for attendees, as an additional winery and two new breweries join this year’s line-up.

“There’s even more for people to sample,” said McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Carolyn Gallagher, “so you can sample things you might not normally try.”

Tue
23
Jun

McGregor sewer project to be substantially completed by July 17

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/23/2015 - 14:43

McGregor’s sewer rehab project is nearing completion, with the substantial completion date set for July 17. Paving work began June 18. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

McGregor’s sewer rehab work is expected to be substantially completed by July 17, said city administrator Lynette Sander at the city’s June 17 regular meeting. Paving began June 18, she added. Work on the retaining walls will be completed after Mediacom and Alpine finish up some work and utility poles are moved, then curbs will be backfilled.

Evacuation route

Tue
23
Jun

Maiden Voyage will not load in Marquette in 2015

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/23/2015 - 14:41

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Maiden Voyage tours will not pick passengers up in Marquette this year, as originally anticipated by captain Robert Vavra. He planned to pick people up there for his July Mississippi River Adventure Days and another special tour in the fall for a group staying at the Cobblestone Hotel, but notified the city he was contacted by Marquette citizens who were opposed to his usage of the fishing dock, so he will now load in McGregor only.

“It’s a disappointment,” said mayor Norma Mason, speaking at Marquette’s June 16 council meeting. “We thought it was going to be a go for the adventure tours. I wish people would have gotten their info first.”

Tue
16
Jun

Weller honored with Quilt of Valor

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/16/2015 - 13:20

Meda Weller, 92, of McGregor, was honored with a Quilt of Valor last week, recognizing her service to the U.S., through the Army Nurse Corps, at the end of World War II. The quilt was made by her niece, Bev Kozelka (left). (Photo by Audrey Posten)

When asked how it felt to receive a Quilt of Valor, Meda was speechless and touched to be honored with a quilt. Here, she examines the star-studded, red, white and blue quilt with Quilt of Valor volunteer Vicki Sasso. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Since its inception in 2003, when quilter and blue star mother Catherine Roberts came up with the idea of using quilts to comfort veterans while her son was deployed in Iraq, the Quilts of Valor Foundation has awarded over 118,000 quilts to service members and veterans touched by war.

Last week, 92-year-old McGregor resident Meda Weller became one of the latest to receive a Quilt of Valor, recognizing her service to the United States, through the Army Nurse Corps, at the end of World War II.

Tue
16
Jun

Father and son experience once-in-a-lifetime horse ride

Submitted by admin on Tue, 06/16/2015 - 13:14

Father and son Josh (left) and Gavyn Wade received belt buckles upon completion of the Great American Horse Drive in Colorado. They are pictured here with their group leader, Johnny Garcia. (Photo provided)

Each spring, for over 40 years, the Sombrero Ranches in northwest Colorado have led the Great American Horse Drive, where those associated with Sombrero, as well as visiting participants, help guide hundreds of horses over many miles back to the ranches from their winter pasture. (Photo provided)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Each spring, for over 40 years, the Sombrero Ranches in northwest Colorado have led the Great American Horse Drive, where those associated with the ranch, as well as a number of visiting participants, help guide hundreds of horses over many miles back to the ranches from their winter pasture.

This year, father and son Josh and Gavyn Wade, who live in Giard, took part in the annual tradition, living the lives of authentic cowboys for several days.

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