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

Nov

Bigger Faster Stronger program is yielding results in first year

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/14/2017 - 13:09

Lakota Morrissey spots for Riley Moreland during a Bigger Faster Stronger session at the middle school. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Created by Dr. Greg Shepard several decades ago, Bigger Faster Stronger (BFS) has become one of the most widely followed strength and conditioning programs in the country. Staff at MFL MarMac came across it last year, as they researched potential program offerings to help make students healthier while also better utilizing the district’s weightlifting facilities.

“We knew it was an area that needed to be strengthened,” said middle school teacher and coach Brent Pape, who is one of seven school staff members who has since been trained in BFS. “We wanted to change the culture of the kids going into the weight room and going into sports.”

Tue

Nov

Exhibit to feature McGregor era Ringling family artifacts

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 16:08

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

See artifacts from the family that brought everyone “The Greatest Show on Earth” at The Left Bank Shop and Gallery’s latest special exhibit, “The Greatest Show in Town.”

The exhibit will feature several items that are believed to have been part of the Ringling family’s household while they lived in McGregor from 1860 to 1872. Four of the brothers—Alfred, Charles, John and Henry—were born in McGregor during that time.

“The coolest item is the little ticket box their dad made for them,” said Joe Colossa, proprietor of the Al Ringling Mansion, in Baraboo, Wis.

Tue

Nov

Friends enjoy Honor Flight experience

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 15:54

Two local Vietnam veterans and good friends, Bill Werges (left) and Bob Siegele, went on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., on Oct. 17. (Submitted photo)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Since it began in 2009, the non-profit Eastern Iowa Honor Flight has sent over 2,300 Iowa veterans to the nation’s capital to visit a variety of war memorials and historic sites.

On Oct. 17, two local veterans and good friends, Bob Siegele and Bill Werges, joined the list, as they traveled from Cedar Rapids to Washington, D.C.

The two were among 87 veterans—along with guardians and other volunteers—who made the day-long trip.

Tue

Nov

MFL MarMac to present ‘Cinderella’

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 15:51

MFL MarMac High School will present the beloved fairy tale “Cinderella” for its fall musical production on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11. Chelbe Feuerhelm will play the lead role of Cinderella, while Micah Decker will portray Prince Topher. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

MFL MarMac High School will present the beloved fairy tale “Cinderella” for its fall musical production on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10 and 11.

Three performances will be held in the high school auditorium in Monona, with the first on Friday, at 7:30 p.m., and the others on Saturday, at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

This production will differ from the well-known Disney version of “Cinderella,” said director Diane Fisk.

“This is even different than the Rodgers and Hammerstein [version],” she noted.

Tue

Nov

Option proposed for filling in opera house basement

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 15:49

On Oct. 23, structural engineer Todd Birkel presented a plan that would use controlled low strength material (CLSM) to safely and efficiently fill in the basement of the Sullivan Opera House building. The building’s partially-collapsed first floor could then be removed, allowing for continued rehabilitation. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Over the last few years, work has continued—slowly but surely—to ready the Sullivan Opera House building at 252-254 Main St., in McGregor, for potential re-use.

However, the state of the partially-collapsed first floor has posed an obstacle to further rehabilitation.

“Before the building’s rehabbed, the first thing that needs to be done is to repair that floor,” said Duane Boelman, McGregor’s deputy clerk and economic development lead, who also aids the city’s historic preservation commission.

Tue

Nov

McGregor-Marquette Chamber holds annual awards banquet

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 15:48

The McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner and awards banquet Nov. 6, in The Sevens Show Room and Banquet Room at Casino Queen Marquette. Those honored included Alpine Communications (award accepted by customer service manager Lori Keppler), Lynette Sander, Juanita Lang and Crystal Scarff. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce held its annual dinner and awards banquet Nov. 6, in The Sevens Show Room and Banquet Room at Casino Queen Marquette.

The chamber’s executive director, Kristie Austin, who took over the position this summer, led off the night by introducing herself and sharing some of the chamber’s plans for the coming year.

Chief among the plans is bringing back the Great River Road Race (GRRR). As in the past, it will be held the second week of October, Austin said.

Tue

Nov

Benches replaced thanks to McGregor Achievement Club

Submitted by admin on Tue, 11/07/2017 - 15:44

Two decorative benches that were either damaged or destroyed as a result of the July 19 tornado have now been replaced in Triangle Park, thanks to the McGregor Achievement Club. Pictured are McGregor Mayor Harold Brooks, Achievement Club President Darci Jones and McGregor Park Board President Maria Brummel. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Two decorative benches that were either damaged or destroyed as a result of the July 19 tornado have now been replaced in Triangle Park, thanks to the McGregor Achievement Club.

The benches, which also include the plaques recognizing the original donors, cost a total of $700. Funds came from the Achievement Club’s “McGregor Strong” T-shirt sale, organized following the tornado.

“One of our main focuses has always been parks,” said Darci Jones, McGregor Achievement Club President, as to why the group took on this project.

Mon

Nov

Sandra Marie (Parker) Thomas

Submitted by admin on Mon, 11/06/2017 - 16:15

After a long battle with ovarian cancer, Sandra Marie (Parker) Thomas, of Madison Wis., beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 2, at the age of 73.

Thu

Nov

Lorna Friedlein

Submitted by admin on Thu, 11/02/2017 - 15:16

Lorna Friedlein, 84, of McGregor, Iowa died Saturday, Oct. 28, at Great River Care Center, McGregor, Iowa.

Tue

Oct

Museum offers much to explore as Monona Historical Society marks 50th anniversary

Submitted by admin on Tue, 10/31/2017 - 11:26

The Monona Historical Society will host a 50th anniversary celebration at the Monona Historical Museum on Monday through Saturday, Nov. 6-11, from 1 to 4 p.m. each day. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

Each Tuesday afternoon, from 1 to 4 p.m., a group of wood carvers gathers in the museum’s Marting Carving Room to hone their skills and socialize with one another. Elmer Marting is shown working there, surrounded by some of the museum’s collection of over 400 different types, sizes and styles of hand carved chains. It’s the world’s largest known display of hand carved chains.

A portion of the old city jail is one of the many highlights at the museum.

The Monona Historical Museum is rich in historical artifacts, like Bob Drahn’s butterfly collection and school-related items (shown here). It also offers a plethora of publications and research materials for Monona and the surrounding area in the Willa Helwig History Center.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The Monona Historical Society was organized in November 1967, after a group of community members felt the need to preserve the area’s history and artifacts for future generations. Now, 50 years later, the group’s goal remains the same.

The collection at the Monona Historical Museum, which opened on South Egbert Street in 1971, has doubled in the past 30 years, increasing from 3,300 items in 1981 to over 7,000 today.

“We’ve got some good history of the town,” shared Carol Marting, the Monona Historical Society’s first secretary-treasurer, who, along with her husband Elmer, still remains active with the group.

You are here

Times-Register

Error message

Pages