Times-Register

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
07
Aug

Zoning classifications set for newly-annexed properties

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times

Acting on a recommendation by the city’s planning and zoning commission, the Monona City Council, at its Aug. 6 meeting, approved an ordinance establishing zoning districts for the newly-annexed properties in the southeast part of Monona.

The area includes 13 parcels, which have split into four different zoning classifications.

Per the ordinance, farmland owned by Douglas Baade, Mitchell Wagner (two parcels) and William Wagner will be classified A-1 Agricultural. 

Birdnow Chevrolet will be zoned C-1 Highway Commercial, as will properties owned by Frederick Heins and Ronald Berns. 

Tue
07
Aug

Climate change 101: Boylen talks causes, impacts, solutions at presentation


Scott Boylen led a presentation on climate change at the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre on July 31. Much of the information Boylen shared was collected during the 13th annual Summer Institute for Climate Change Education. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times

Earlier this summer, Scott Boylen joined over 50 educators from around the country at the 13th annual Summer Institute for Climate Change Education at St. John’s University, in Minnesota. The institute was held by the non-profit Climate Generation: A Will Steger Legacy, which empowers individuals and their communities to engage in solutions to climate change. Steger is an educator and polar region explorer.

“This program is for emerging leaders, educators and the public,” said Boylen, and focuses on the science behind climate change. 

Tue
07
Aug

Yacht Club donation supports Friends of Pikes Peak State Park

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times

The McGregor Upper Mississippi Boat and Yacht Club held its annual summer party and fundraiser July 28, at Backwoods Bar and Grill, in McGregor. Nearly 50 members attended this year’s event, which raised over $2,000 for the Friends of Pikes Peak State Park.

The past year’s commodore, Jerome Full, was tasked with selecting a beneficiary. An avid biker, Full is familiar with the Pikes Peak area and knew the damage last year’s tornado had done to the park.

“It’s such a vital part of our area,” he said, “so I thought this would be a good time to give it an oomph.”

Thu
02
Aug

Stephen Warner Towle

Stephen Warner Towle, 81, of Paw Paw, passed away July 13, at his home. 

He was born in McGregor, Iowa, on Feb. 9, 1937, to the late William Irving and LaVonne (Prouty) Towle. On Nov. 7, 1959, he was united in marriage to Virgene (Berns) Towle.

Tue
31
Jul

The basics of Alzheimer's

Expert shares details on nation’s sixth leading cause of death

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times

Every 68 seconds. That’s how frequently someone develops Alzheimer’s disease, the progressive brain disorder that destroys a person’s memory and basic functions like speaking, eating and walking before compromising the body’s ability to breathe and swallow. More than five million Americans currently live with the disease, which has no known cure. And as the Baby Boomer generation—one of the largest portions of the U.S. population—continues to age, that number is only expected to grow. 

Tue
31
Jul

Unearthing history: Pot could date back 150 years


Jasmine and Justice Olmstead helped unearth this cast iron pot on Diane Benson’s property along Ash Street, in McGregor, in early July. Marty Kahler, owner of the Past 100 Years antique shop, said it’s a pig scalding pot, and could date back to the 1860s.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times

From its historic downtown to the tales of former residents that continue to fascinate, the past remains very much a part of McGregor’s present. No matter where you look, there’s always something unique to discover. 

Sometimes, you don’t have to look farther than your own backyard. 

“There used to be more houses along here, all the way up to the [McGregor] Heights,” remarked Diane Benson from the deck of her home along Ash Street. “And people used to just throw things out in the back of their houses.” It makes sense, she said, that some things would be left behind. 

Tue
31
Jul

McGregor Historical Museum working to digitize North Iowa Times

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times

The McGregor Historical Museum is working to digitize the North Iowa Times, making archives of the state’s third oldest weekly newspaper available online. 

The goal, said museum director Diane Malcom, is to preserve a digital record of the North Iowa Times for the community, library, museum and all members of the historical society. 

“People will have the ability to trace their ancestors, not only in McGregor, but as families migrated from town to town in Clayton County,” Malcom said. 

Tue
31
Jul

NE Iowa Behavioral Health works toward putting mental health on same level as physical

By Rachel Mergen, North Iowa Times

Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health is one of the few options for those in the area to receive the mental health and substance abuse therapy support they require to live a happy, healthy life. The agency has its main clinics in Decorah and Oelwein, but is proud to offer satellite branches in  Waukon, Elkader, West Union and Cresco, featuring 12 experienced therapists. 

Clinical director and therapist Becky Loven, who has worked in the agency for over 12 years, is proud to be able to hold a busy schedule, with many patients from around the area working with her each day.

Tue
24
Jul

EPC won’t refer Walz Energy to state attorney general


Denying a request from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, the state’s Environmental Protection Commission has chosen not to refer Walz Energy LLC to the state attorney general’s office for ongoing violations. Since October, the DNR said Walz Energy has not complied with instructions to implement adequate stabilization or erosion control measures at the site, which has contributed to the violations.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times

Denying a request from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the state’s Environmental Protection Commission (EPC) has chosen not to refer Walz Energy LLC to the state attorney general’s office for ongoing violations at the 10,000-head cattle feedlot and biogas operation under construction outside Monona. 

The DNR declared its intent to seek judicial enforcement in late May, citing three separate infractions at the Walz Energy site, including multiple illegal discharges to a water of the state (Bloody Run Creek) and violations of Walz’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and wastewater construction permits. 

Tue
24
Jul

Troester appointed new mayor of McGregor


McGregor’s new mayor, Lyle Troester, recites the oath of office at the July 18 council meeting. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times

McGregor’s new mayor is Lyle Troester. The city council appointed Troester at its July 18 meeting, selecting him from a pool of three candidates that also included Deb Scott and Joey Collins.

The decision was not unanimous, with Jason Echard casting the lone dissenting vote among “yes” votes from Rogeta Halvorson, Charlie Carroll, Janet Hallberg and Joe Muehlbauer.

Troester replaces Harold Brooks, who resigned from the position in June. 

Pages