Local News

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Tue
19
May

Etchings tell a story within a story


Author and illustrator Arthur Geisert points out the witch who makes five appearances throughout the course of his book “River Town” during the opening reception of the McGregor-Marquette Center for the Arts’ (MMCA) first special exhibit of the season May 15. Etchings from the book, donated by Geisert to the MMCA, are featured in the exhibit, which will run through June 29. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The McGregor-Marquette Center for the Arts (MMCA) opened for the season May 15 and unveiled its first special exhibit of the year, “Arthur’s Gift,” which features the 22 hand-colored etchings donated to the MMCA by children’s book author and illustrator Arthur Geisert, who created the etchings for his book “River Town.” One in a series of “Town” books created by Geisert that reflect the activities in small towns, “River Town” shows the day-to-day life, over one year, of a community situated along a major river. 

Geisert was on-hand at the opening, signing copies of his books. He also took time to discuss the book and the etchings with those in attendance. 

Tue
19
May

Valedictorian Alison Thurn honored


MFL MarMac valedictorian Alison Thurn was recognized for several honors over the past two months, including Gov. Terry Branstad at the 30th annual Governor’s Scholar Recognition Ceremony. (Submitted photo)

Thurn was also honored by KWWL Television and Wartburg College in KWWL’s 31st annual “Best of Class” celebration and got to take a photo with KWWL chief meteorologist Mark Schnackenberg, news anchors Ron Steele and Amanda Goodman and sports director Rick Coleman. (Submitted photo)

MFL MarMac valedictorian Alison Thurn was recognized for several honors over the past two months.

On April 18, Thurn was honored by KWWL Television and Wartburg College in KWWL’s 31st annual “Best of Class” celebration. Best of Class students were videotaped on the Wartburg campus for a series of public service announcements, which can be found on KWWL.com. They also had the opportunity to be photographed with KWWL news anchors Ron Steele and Amanda Goodman, chief meteorologist Mark Schnackenberg and sports director Rick Coleman.

Tue
19
May

Monona Council approves sale of lot for Dollar General store

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The Monona Council approved the sale of a commercial park lot northwest of the Davis Street Auto Wash to the Overland Group, for the construction of a Dollar General store, at its May 18 meeting. 

Tue
12
May

Tri-City Golf Course celebrates 75 years


Tri-City Golf Club, nestled in the hills outside Luana, celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

Tri-City is a 2,821-yard, nine-hole public golf course with a par of 34.

“It’s one of the top 10 courses for greenness in the whole state,” member Dwain Wolter boasted of Tri-City.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

“It’s sometimes referred to as the course nobody knows about because it’s out in the middle of nowhere,” recounted clubhouse manager Jackie Radloff Schneider of Tri-City Golf Course, which is nestled in the hills outside Luana.

While “one of the best kept secrets in Northeast Iowa” (according to long-time member Donna Thompson) might be off the radar of some, it’s been filled with history for many. This year, Tri-City celebrates 75 years.

Tue
12
May

School board begins selection process for new high school principal

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The MFL MarMac School Board accepted the resignation of high school principal Josh Mallicoat Monday night and prepared to meet for an extended period in closed session to discuss the selection process for a new principal.

Tue
12
May

Potential uses for opera house building outlined


Potential uses for the former Sullivan Opera House (hardware store) building in McGregor include expansion of the McGregor Historical Museum, creation of retail spaces and formation of second-level apartments or a community space. (Photos by Audrey Posten)

One feature that is noticeable from the building’s rear, but hardly seen from the front, is a triangular structure on the roof. It runs above the once-open area of the second floor and was likely used as a large girder, Steinmetz said. It lends to the suspicion that the opera house portion of the building was not original to the structure.

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

“Aside from the first floor, the building’s in sound condition. It’s not beyond repair,” explained architect Doug Steinmetz of the former Sullivan Opera House (hardware store) building in McGregor. “There’s no reason it couldn’t be repaired with time and money.”

Steinmetz has advised the city and historic preservation committee throughout the past year—since the city received a $12,500 grant in Jan. 2014 from the Iowa Dept. of Cultural Affairs’ Certified Local Government (CLG) program—regarding the possible rehabilitation of the building through the exploration of potential uses. On May 6, Steinmetz provided an overview of what he’s learned and the plans created to-date.

Tue
12
May

Art center opens for season May 15 with exhibit showcasing ‘Arthur’s Gift’


Geisert’s detailed depictions of rolling bluffs; historic, brick buildings and passing water vessels will be relatable for McGregor and Marquette residents.

The exhibit “Arthur’s Gift” will showcase the 22 hand-colored etchings donated to the MMCA by children’s book author and illustrator Arthur Geisert, who created the etchings for his book “River Town.” Geisert will also be on-hand at the opening May 15 to sign copies of the book. (Submitted photo)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

The McGregor-Marquette Center for the Arts (MMCA) will welcome a new season Friday, May 15, with the opening of its first special exhibit, “Arthur’s Gift.”

The exhibit will showcase the 22 hand-colored etchings donated to the MMCA by children’s book author and illustrator Arthur Geisert, who created the etchings for his book “River Town.” One in a series of “Town” books created by Geisert that reflect the activities in small towns, “River Town” shows the day-to-day life, over one year, of a community situated along a major river. For McGregor and Marquette residents, these detailed and colorful depictions of rolling bluffs; historic, brick buildings and water vessels will be quite relatable.

Tue
05
May

MFL MarMac seniors share thoughts on future as graduation nears


MFL MarMac seniors Kelliea Walz (left), Katrina Ruff, Nathan McGlaughlin and Stephanie Bries recently shared their thoughts on graduation and moving on to college. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

With graduation a week and a half away, MFL MarMac seniors, along with high school seniors everywhere, are preparing for one of the biggest milestones in their lives.

Some of their major focuses now are combating senioritis, finishing up homework and preparing for finals.

“It’s hard,” shared Kellie Walz of getting through the final days of high school, “but you keep reminding yourself you’re working for something.”

Tue
05
May

Marquette residents offer ideas at community visioning session


Around 15 people shared their ideas for a dream Marquette at a visioning session held Monday night at the community center. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Around 15 people shared their ideas for a dream Marquette at a visioning session held Monday night at the community center.

Marquette Business and Tourism Director Katrina Moyna led the session, which focused on concepts that can be enacted to improve tourism and business and economic development in the community, especially downtown.

One common theme that popped up during the discussion was the desire for more festivals and community events.

Dave Schneider suggested revitalizing Marquette’s Fourth of July celebration by holding a street dance and utilizing the ball diamond for tournaments.

Tue
05
May

Program helps Great River Care Center bring in CNAs

By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times Editor

Thanks to a program developed at the end of last year through a partnership between Great River Care Center (GRCC) in McGregor, Elkader Care Center and the Edgewood Convalescent Home, the facilities were able to select, train and hire individuals to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs).

“We were seeing a shortage of CNAs in the area, so we all worked together to see what we could do to increase interest in the field,” said Great River Care Center Administrator Deanna Kahler.

Kahler described CNAs as the frontline workers at GRCC, providing important daily cares for residents.

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