Local News

The historic Kennedy home at 127 Center St., in McGregor, has a new lease on life thanks to a nearly decade-long restoration effort by Duane Boelman and Ellis Seavey. The two are pictured on the home’s staircase, one of their favorite features. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

At the time Duane Boelman and Ellis Seavey began restoring it nearly a decade ago, the home was sparsely lived in and kept up, but it had better bones than they initially thought. (Submitted photo)

Mabel Kennedy Bliss, who lived from 1868 to 1951, penned this poem entitled “Within This House” when she left McGregor for California. It was a tribute to the home built in the 1870s and later added onto by her father, McGregor druggist Marshall T. Kennedy. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

Ellis Seavey shows off one of the quirks of the Kennedy house. He and Duane Boelman said it’s the home’s original craftsmanship and historic details that have made the restoration process interesting and rewarding. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

The tower room at the Kennedy house, which overlooks Center Street. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

Pictured is the Central art department’s display in the 2024 Elkader Holiday Light Display. The art department and 40 businesses or groups will showcase displays this year. The event kicks off this Friday, Nov. 21, with the lighting at 6 p.m. The annual Jingle Mingle will take place the same day, from 4 to 6 p.m., with participating business offering holiday deals, treats and activities for shoppers. The Main Street Elkader Board will have hot cocoa, an ornament making station and live music at the event. (Photo by Jillian Webb Art)