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Wednesday, May 22
Marlowe to be recognized Friday night
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
The Maquoketa Community School Board this week will hold a dedication ceremony to name the outdoor athletic complex on the high school campus after longtime Maquoketa Sentinel-Press sportswriter
Jack Marlowe.
The event will be held at home plate at the high school baseball field on Friday, May 24, starting at approximately 7:15 p.m.
It will be held between games of a baseball doubleheader between the Cardinals and Decorah.
The Cardinal softball team also will be playing a doubleheader against Davenport West that night.
The facilities, which include the baseball and softball fields, track, tennis courts and practice field, will be named the Jack Marlowe Athletic Complex.
A special eight-page section inside this issue provides more information.
The ceremony will feature the unveiling of a bronze plaque that will be placed in the south plaza at the entryway to the baseball, softball and tennis area of the complex.
Cardinal fans, residents, Maquoketa alumni and others are invited to attend.
The ceremony follows the announcement on Feb. 1 that the school board would act on a resolution to name the complex in Marlowe’s honor. The school board approved the resolution on Feb. 11 and
announced that a ceremony making it official would be held in May.
MCHS Class of 2013 receives diplomas
Wednesday, May 15
By KELLY GERLACH
A dismal gray clouds unleashed rain, hail, and high winds as people began arriving at Maquoketa Community High School Sunday, May 19, for the district’s 135th annual commencement exercises.
The weather mirrored the turbulent emotions of seniors enthusiastic about starting their new lives and parents not yet ready for their children to take the leap into adulthood.
As they dried out from the sudden downpour, MCHS students, staff, family and friends celebrated the class of 2013 during commencement exercises in the school gymnasium.
Rotarians honor top local scholars
The Maquoketa Rotary Club honored these Maquoketa Community High School seniors for their scholastic achievements and school and community activities at the club’s annual scholarship dinner, held Wednesday, May 8, at the First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa. In the front row, from left, are Tyler Regan, Laura Davison, Devon O’Connell, Sarah Kinrade, Megan Manderscheid, Thomas Allen, Morgann Crossland, Kristin Current and Alex Becker. In back, from left, are Joshua Kirk, Blaise Waller, Ty Thede, Jacob Hopson, Colton Fey, Mackinsey Rickels, Joshua Daniels, Jordan Rockwell, Madison Rolling and Ryan Herring. Honorees not attending the dinner were Scott Jenkins and Madison Owen.
Artist receptions scheduled for Saturday
By KELLY GERLACH
Two new artists display their photographs and paintings at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center for the next couple of months.
The works of Shawn (Lindsay) Kilburg and Allen Holloway are on display now through July 31 in the Drew Art Gallery inside the Ohnward Fine Arts Center in Maquoketa. The gallery is open from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and during any event at Ohnward.
The public is invited to meet the artists during two separate receptions Saturday, May 18. Meet Kilburg from 1 to 2 p.m. and meet Holloway from 6 to 7 p.m. that evening.
Shawn (Lindsay) Kilburg’s love of photography is a relatively recent development.
“I just basically got started in photography by taking pictures of my daughters,” she explained while hanging her photographs at Ohnward on Monday, May 13. It’s been about 10 years, she
said.
Using a manual Pentex K1000, Kilburg expanded her photography skills to the outside world, booking photo shoots for high school seniors and weddings.
Saturday, May 11
Water bills increase to pay off bonds
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
Maquoketa residents’ water bills will increase slightly this summer.
The City Council this week took the first step to enact a 12 percent increase on one portion of residents’ water bills.
The affected portion of the bill is the monthly charge for what’s called the “water bond” portion of the bill. That portion appears on customers’ bills as “WB.”
Renovations on property discussed by city council
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
Unable to decide whether to resume renovating the Maquoketa Community Center, a divided Maquoketa City Council this week referred the question to its Finance Committee.
The council on Monday night, May 6, discussed the pros and cons of continuing to spend money renovating the facility.
The discussion was the council’s first since the Maquoketa Community School Board last month ended talks with the city about the possibility of acquiring the center after an architect’s study
showed that needed improvements would cost the district upwards of $533,000.
“We know the cost is going to be substantial. Not as substantial as what the school was going to spend on it, but it will be substantial,” said council member Amy Moore.
City Manager Brian Wagner said Mayor Don Schwenker, who did not attend the meeting, asked Wagner to relay his view that he favors improving the community center in stages.
Fixing the ceiling and lighting would be one stage; the flooring, another stage, and outside ramps and other modifications to make the building handicapped-accessible another stage, the mayor
said.
Once some of the improvements are made and an odor problem is solved, perhaps the Maquoketa Area Family YMCA would resume using the facility for cycling classes and other activities, he
said.
“It’s a solid building. It’s concrete and steel. It’s not going anywhere,” Moore said. “The question is, is it going to be used if we get it fixed up?”
Wednesday, May 8
Steps taken to send message to truck drivers
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD The Maquoketa City Council renewed its search this week for a solution to a longstanding and nasty problem—that of containers of human waste and trash being deposited along Family Dollar Parkway. The council has been wrestling with the problem of truck drivers whose rigs are parked at the Family Dollar distribution center throwing the containers onto the ground along the south side of the street. After discussing the situation the council agreed on a three-pronged approach it hopes will send a message to the truck drivers. The council directed that: n Two strongly-worded signs be posted along the street warning truck drivers that parking along the street will be banned if the problem continues.
--City Manager Brian Wagner, Police Chief Brad Koranda and Public Works Director Frank Ellenz again discuss the problem with management of the distribution center in an effort to get their cooperation.
--Letters informing drivers of the problem be distributed to all trucks entering the facility, a practice that was done last year.
Farmer charged with harassment
A rural LaMotte dairy farmer has been charged with harassment after he allegedly threatened to kill a state dairy inspector who was visiting his farm in March.
Alfred Victor Thoma, 37, was charged this week in Jackson County Magistrate Court with harassment in the second degree.
According to court documents filed by Jackson County sheriff’s deputy Steve Schroeder, Thoma threatened to kill a dairy inspector for the State of Iowa during a routine inspection at Thoma’s
dairy farm at 24003 40th St., LaMotte.
The incident occurred at about 2 p.m. March 28, Schroeder wrote. The charge was filed Monday, May 6.
Saturday, May 4
Celebrate fifth anniversary of pharmacy’s move
By KELLY GERLACH
Their location changed five years ago but their dedication to their patients and patient health has not wavered.
Osterhaus Pharmacy this year marks its fifth anniversary at the current location, 918 W. Platt St. The pharmacy opened in its portion of the former Jack & Jill supermarket on April 28,
2008.
To commemorate the occasion, the pharmacy welcomes the public to stop by and take advantage of various specials. For instance, each Monday customers will receive a complimentary eco-friendly
reusable shopping bag with purchase.
Take advantage of special prices for products in the Health Mart brand line. Customers who purchase five greeting cards will receive five free stamps to mail them. Need photo reprints? Use
the pharmacy’s Kodak photo processing machine to purchase five 4 by 6 inch prints for $1.
There will also be specials in the Pink Wardrobe, which Osterhaus Pharmacy introduced in 2006 to provide local and convenient service for women fighting breast cancer.
There will also be free blood pressure checks. “We’re asking people to take five minutes [five is the theme this year, after all]...
Rotarians clean up roadside
The roadside along the stretch of U.S. 61 between 63rd Street and Hurstville Road at the north edge of Maquoketa is more litter-free after this contingent of Maquoketa Rotary Club members collected several bags of trash during a two-hour canvass of the area on Saturday morning, April 27. The project was done as part of the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Adopt-a-Highway program. Participants, from left, were Bob Osterhaus, Florian Steffen, Ted Maze, Ken Wright and John Gilroy.
Wednesday, May 1
Constitution showcased in county courthouses
Representatives of Jackson County veterans’ organizations attended the presentation of a framed lithograph of the U.S. Constitution to the Jackson County Board of Supervisors recently. Shown in the back row, from left, are Bob Laughlin, Maquoketa Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3633; John Pitlo, Bellevue American Legion Post 273; Ed McDermott, Sabula American Legion Post 246; Tom Watters, Maquoketa VFW Post 3633, and Eric Berner, Andrew AMVETS. In front, from left, are Barb McCray, Geni Laughlin, Rose Mary Bickford, Angle Watters, Barb Schroeder and Lowell Schroeder of Maquoketa VFW Post 3633.
Investigation continues in shooting incident
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
Maquoketa police were hoping this week to interview a Maquoketa man who said he was shot when an intruder was in his home.
Gerald Edwards, 63, remained a patient Monday, April 29, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, where he is being treated for a bullet wound in his abdomen.
Police were called to Edwards’ home at 208 S. Niagara St. at 11:14 p.m. Thursday, April 25, for a report of a disturbance.
When they arrived, they discovered that Edwards had been shot. Police said Edwards told them that an intruder was in the house when he was shot and the intruder ran off before officers
arrived.
Police chief Brad Koranda said on Monday, April 29, that Edwards was shot with his own firearm, a 7.62 caliber pistol. The gun was recovered at the scene.
Koranda said the bullet entered Edwards’ abdomen and exited through his back toward the side.
Saturday, April 20
Students package more than 17,000 meals
By KELLY GERLACH
Excitement buzzed through Maquoketa Middle School. Students weren’t awaiting awards or some famous person to sing. Their enthusiasm stemmed from helping feed thousands of people both in their
community and on other continents.
The middle school hosted World Hunger Service Day April 5, creating awareness of and packaging meals for starving people overseas and at home.
By the time the school day ended, the sixth, seventh, and eighth graders sorted, packed, weighed and sealed more than 17,000 bags of nourishing meals.
Members of eighth grade M.A.D. (Make a Difference) devoted the last few months to bringing this project to fruition, serving as positive role models to carry out their mission of “displaying
positive leadership and organizing activities for the betterment of our school and community.”
Wednesday, April 17
Art students chosen for WaMaC competition
MCHS students were selected and placed in the 2013 WaMaC Art Competition. Shown are, front from left, Miss Bresnan, Mrs. Bowman, Jewel Manders, Ali Lane, and Madison Owen. In the middle are Amy Wirth, Sarah Skladzien, Kara Mueller, Abby Skladzien, Nicole Snyder, Nolan Smith, Brittany Goetzinger, and Mikayla Andersen. In the third row are Jessica Kloft, Isaac Biehl, Sarah Tung, Jake Koll, Korey Schepers, Catherine Bettag, Shelby Yearwood, and Melissa Reuter.
City sidewalk inspection plan proposed
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
The Maquoekta City Council this week proposed a revised ordinance designed to improve sidewalk maintenance.
City Manager Brian Wagner reviewed the draft ordinance during a public hearing at a City Council meeting Monday night, April 15.
Wagner said the council will hold another public hearing on the ordinance and won’t vote on a first reading of the ordinance until its second meeting in May.
The proposed ordinance would call for an inspection of the public sidewalk for any given property whenever that property would be sold.
If the inspector determines that repairs must be made, the buyer or seller would have to enter into an agreement with the city stating who would be responsible for the repairs and when they would
be made.
A property sale also would trigger inspections of adjoining sidewalks, if any, on either side of the parcel.
Saturday, April 13
Zismer honored as outstanding volunteer
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
A Maquoketa woman who has been making quilts, lap robes, hand-knit caps and many other items to provide warmth or ease discomfort for hundreds of others is the newest recipient of the Grace Tubbs
Memorial Summit Award.
Yevon Zismer received the honor at the Jackson County Historical Society’s annual 100 Club volunteer luncheon held Thursday, April 11, at the historical society’s Clinton Engines Museum.
Approximately 50 invited guests attended.
The award recognizes a Jackson County resident who volunteers his or her time “and serves beyond the call of duty.” Thursday’s presentation marked the award’s 15th annual presentation.
Zismer received a clock engraved with her name. The award also carries a $500 donation that will be given to the charity of the honoree’s choice.
Wednesday, April 10
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
A Maquoketa woman was charged with arson this week when she allegedly tried to set fire to her home.
Kayleigh Lynn Heath, 27, was charged with arson in the first degree after she allegedly started a small fire outside the rear of the residence at 907 Kathey Drive in the early-morning hours of
Monday, April 8.
She is being held in the Jones County Jail in Anamosa in lieu of $50,000 cash bond.
According to court documents filed by Maquoketa police Sgt. Brendan Zeimet, Heath admitted that she started the fire by gathering dry leaves that were in the yard. She piled the leaves next to
the house and used a lighter to ignite them, court records say.
Zeimet said Heath said she wanted to burn down the house to kill her grandparents, Donald and Jeannette Heath, whom she said were asleep inside. The Kathey Drive address also is listed as
Kayleigh Heath’s home.
Maquoketa Law Center records show Heath notified the Law Center of the fire at 1:08 a.m.
The Maquoketa Volunteer Fire Department was summoned. Fire Chief Mark Beck said the fire was out by the time firefighters arrived. Firefighters didn’t use any equipment or pump any water, Beck
said.
MCHS seniors display artwork at Ohnward
By KELLY GERLACH
With four years of art to their credit, 16 Maquoketa Community High School seniors now showcase their art for a public exhibit.
Now through the first week of May, the public can view the MCHS Senior Art Showcase at the Ohnward Fine Art Center in Maquoketa. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and
during any event at the center. All artwork is displayed in the Drew Art Gallery.
Saturday, April 6
Outdoor pool to be considered
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
The Maquoketa Area Family YMCA has formed a committee to study the possible expansion the facility, including construction of an outdoor swimming pool.
Scott Warren, executive director of the YMCA, confirmed this week that a committee to study the feasibility of expansion has scheduled its first meeting for next week.
The topic was raised by Maquoketa City Manager Brian Wagner at a council meeting Monday night, April 1.
Wagner said some council members may have received calls about the idea of trying to develop an outdoor pool after a recent caller to a KMAQ radio program brought up the subject.
Wagner recalled that after the council had decided to close the city’s outdoor swimming pool after the end of the 2007 season, a group of residents raised $25,000 in the spring of 2008 to cover
the cost of re-opening the pool for that upcoming season.
The council agreed and the outdoor pool was open on a limited basis that summer. The council closed the outdoor pool for good after that summer, saying that repairs to operate it any longer would
be too costly.
Wagner said studying the feasibility of building a new outdoor pool was brought up at council goal-setting sessions in January of 2009 and in December of that year. He said the idea may have
gotten a few votes from council members, but it didn’t rank among the council’s top priorities for either upcoming year.
“The outdoor pool idea never was ranked highly,” the city manager said.
‘Seussical!’ brings famous children’s characters to life
By KELLY GERLACH
Many of Dr. Seuss’ beloved characters come to live next week thanks to some hard work – and a lot of fun – by Maquoketa Community High School students and area adults.
The high school presents the musical comedy “Seussical!” Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13. Both performances begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center in
Maquoketa.
“Seussical!” wraps many zany-but-loved Dr. Seuss characters up into one red-and-white top hat of fun. The show features characters such as Cat in the Hat, Horton, Mayzie La Bird, Gertrude
McFuzz, the Whos, Jojo, Yertle the Turtle and a guest cameo from the Grinch.
The Cat in the Hat, played by Neil Lichter, emcees the musical, adding his own witticisms and mischief to the show, which combines Dr. Seuss’ “Horton Hears a Who” and “Horton Hatches the Egg.”
Wednesday, April 3
Veterans grave markers policy reviewed
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
A Jackson County supervisor issued a challenge last week to Jackson County residents to donate money to help the county’s Veterans Affairs Department buy grave markers for veterans.
Supervisor Larry “Buck” Koos issued the challenge after he announced during the Board of Supervisors’ March 26 meeting that he would donate $30 to the department.
Koos’ challenge came as the supervisors were discussing a change in the county’s policy regarding veterans’ grave markers that has been proposed by the Veterans Affairs Commission.
The current policy, which the supervisors reviewed last June and at that time agreed to retain, allows the county Veterans Department to provide a grave marker free of charge for any deceased
military veteran from Jackson County.
The policy, however, prohibits the department from giving away more than one marker per grave and states that any additional markers must be sold “at cost no matter the reason.”
Marion “Junior” Miller, the outgoing veterans affairs director, and Commissioners John Pitlo of Bellevue and Ed McDermott of Sabula told the supervisors that the policy lacks flexibility.
They noted that under the policy, they could not provide a replacement grave marker to a veteran’s family if, for example, the original were stolen or defaced.
Fifth graders explore art after school
By KELLY GERLACH
When the final school bell rings, most kids can’t wait to leave, heading home for a snack and maybe watching television or hanging out with their friends.
Instead, a group of about 15 fifth graders fairly flew to the art room to meet teacher Sara Shearer and see what imaginative projects they’d create that day.
Shearer started the fifth grade after school art club six years ago. “Over the years I’ve come across a lot of fun art projects that are too expensive to do with a whole grade or too
complicated. With the art club, I usually have a smaller number of students to work with which makes it possible to do these projects,” the elementary art teacher explained.
The group met after school five times in February and March in the art room at Briggs Elementary School. Busy student schedules prevent her from planning much more than six afterschool
sessions at time, Shearer said.
Open house planned for Sunday afternoon
Help the Delmar Fire Department celebrate its expanded fire station this weekend. The department hosts an open house Sunday, April 7, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the station, which is located at 613 Main Street in Delmar. The department added on to the building, purchasing additional property adjacent to the station to add two truck bays and a meeting room. There is new kitchen equipment, tables and chairs, office furniture, training video equipment and more. The public is invited to tour the facility and meet some of the volunteer firefighters who protect and serve the community.
Saturday, March 30
Gun ownership rights discussed at Friday forum
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
The nation doesn’t need any more laws restricting ownership of guns.
That was the clear message that upwards of 100 people attending a discussion on the Second Amendment last week in Maquoketa agreed on.
The opinions were expressed at a forum on the Second Amendment, held Friday night, March 22, at Pearson Memorial Center and sponsored by the Jackson County Republican Central Committee.
The discussion responded to calls for stricter gun control laws in the wake of recent mass shootings.
If there was anyone in the crowded social room in Pearson Center who favored further restriction on ownership of firearms...
Vosatka dies in crash near Preston
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
A Sabula man who allegedly was involved in a domestic altercation at a Sabula residence and left the scene was killed less than a half-hour later in a single-vehicle accident near Preston.
A woman who was riding with him and jumped from the car was injured.
Timothy Michael Vosatka, 46, was pronounced dead at the scene of the Tuesday morning, March 26, accident on Iowa 64 one mile east of Preston.
According to information from the Maquoketa Law Center, the Law Center received a call at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday from Marilyn Vosatka of Sabula, who said her son Tim Vosatka “is going crazy,” had
struck her and another family member was trying to calm him down.
As sheriff’s deputies were en route to the scene, about 15 minutes later, the Law Center was notified that Vosatka had driven off and a woman had gotten in the car with him.
Meanwhile, Iowa State Patrol trooper Joseph Donahue saw Vosatka’s 1992 Plymouth Acclaim traveling west on 64 as the trooper was eastbound.
As Donahue turned around to follow the car, a woman jumped from the moving vehicle.
Donahue said the Vosatka auto passed a dump truck on the right shoulder and the driver lost control of the vehicle, which crossed both lanes of traffic.
The car ran off the left side of the highway into the south ditch, where it struck a tree stump, rolled multiple times and came to rest on its top in a creek, Donahue said.
Vosatka was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers said he was not wearing a seat belt.
The woman who jumped from the car was not identified and no further information was given as to injuries.
Troopers said the accident occurred at 9:34 a.m., 19 minutes after the initial call of the domestic altercation.
The Law Center report said Vosatka earlier had gone to the residence of another Sabula resident, woke him up and started an an altercation. The man received minor scratches from the
incident.
Investigation by the Iowa State Patrol is continuing.
Donahue was assisted at the scene by three other Iowa State Patrol troopers, Jackson County sheriff’s deputies, the Sabula and Preston ambulances, the Preston Volunteer Fire Department and the
Jackson County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Wednesday, March 27
Costello, Banowetz crowned dairy royalty
By KELLY GERLACH
More than 425 people watched and participated – voluntarily or involuntarily thanks to comedian Uncle Bruster – in the 25th annual Jackson/Clinton County Dairy Association Banquet. The
event was held Saturday, March 31, inside Pearson Memorial Center in Maquoketa.
Association members crowned Samantha Costello as the 2013 Dairy Princess. Costello, daughter of Francis and Jackie Costello of DeWitt, is a junior at Central DeWitt High School.
Retiring 2012 princess Caitlin Geise crowned Costello and gave the invocation during the banquet.
First Alternate Dairy Princess title went to Clare Cook, daughter of Troy Cook and Ann Denlinger of Bellevue. She is a senior at Bellevue Community High School. Marissa Till, daughter of
Allan and Karen Till of rural Maquoketa, was named Second Alternate Dairy Princess. She is a junior at Maquoketa Community High School.
Outgoing Dairy Ambassador Hunter Wagener passed the torch to Levi Banowetz, son of Darryl and Donna Banowetz of Charlotte and a sophomore at Northeast Community High School.
Little Miss Dairy Maids for 2013 will be Grace Hingtgen, daughter of Scott and Jessica Hingtgen of rural Bellevue; and Josie Kintzle and Kory Kintzle, daughters of Kelly and Jason Kintzle of
LaMotte.
Budget approved for upcoming year
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
The Jackson County Board of Supervisors has approved a budget for the 2013-14 fiscal year that calls for 2 1/2 percent pay increases for elected officials, a slight property tax rate increase for
rural residents and a decrease for city residents.
The supervisors unanimously approved the proposed budget calling for $13.3 million in spending at its March 12 meeting. The budget will take effect July 1.
No comments were received at a public hearing preceding the board’s action. Supervisor Larry “Buck” Koos said he received one comment from a constituent who asked that the supervisors keep pay
increases “to a minimum.”
The budget calls for a property tax rate for rural landowners of $8.30 per $1,000 taxable valuation, up about 3 cents over the rural rate of $8.27 for the current 2012-13 fiscal year.
The property tax rate for owners of property in the county’s 12 municipalities will be $5.31 per $1,000 taxable valuation next year, down 8 cents from the $5.39 rate for the current year.
The board also trimmed the recommended pay increases for the county’s eight elected officials to 2 1/2 percent starting July 1. The county Compensation Board in February had recommended increases
of 4 percent across the board.
Saturday, March 23
DeVries named one of 100 Great Iowa Nurses
By KELLY GERLACH
Thirty-one years later, Josie DeVries still feels the shape of the elderly man’s hand as he slipped from this life into the next.
The registered nurse from Bellevue can clearly see his face, feel his hand, sees the faces of his family by his bedside. He was the first patient who died on her shift.
“I have a lot of great memories over the years but that’s something you never forget, the first time you hold the hand of a dying patient,” DeVries said, sitting in the waiting room area at
Jackson County Regional Health Center in Maquoketa. “It’s an intense moment and it’s a personal moment.”
It’s her compassion, her dedication to the patients and their families, that makes DeVries one of 100 Great Iowa Nurses for 2013.
DeVries knew hospital co-worker Ronda Johnson, RN, nominated her for the honor. In her sincere humbleness, she just didn’t feel the honor was necessary.
“I’m very honored and honestly, it made me feel a little awkward,” she admitted. “I couldn’t believe it. But I wouldn’t be who I am without the people I worked with over my 31-year
career. There are a lot of people who helped me and guided me along the way.”
Swans to be released into the wild
Swan cygnets will be the highlight of informative sessions throughout the county April 2. The public is invited to two programs about swans in Maquoketa and Bellevue, followed by the release of three swan cygnets into the wild at Green Island Wildlife Refuge at 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 20
Easton Valley chooses student placement
By KELLY GERLACH
Facing a July 1 start date for the newly forming district, Easton Valley Community School Board members began tackling some of the most difficult merger decisions last week. About 100 concerned residents attended the meeting to witness those decisions being made. Dave Miller, Preston Community High School principal, announced that district residents, both students and adults, would have the chance to vote for school colors and mascot for Easton Valley. Students are scheduled to vote during school Wednesday, March 20, and adults will vote from 5 to 6:30 p.m. that day at the three city and town halls in Miles, Preston and Sabula. They’ll select one color combination (blue and orange, purple and silver, black and gold, orange and gray, or green and black) and one mascot (wildcats, vipers, panthers, tigers or river hawks). The votes - advisory only, according to interim superintendent Robert Lagerblade - will be tabulated and brought to the school board March 28 for final consideration. But the placement of students was probably the most important decision coming out of the Thursday, March 14 Easton Valley meeting. Pre-K through fifth grade students will attend classes in East Central, with grades six through eight in what is now Preston Elementary School and grades nine through 12 in the current Preston High School building.
Assessor’s office to contract for photos
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
The Jackson County Assessor’s Office has been given the green light to contract with a company to provide three-dimension-like aerial photographs of the county.
The county Conference Board on March 12 approved a proposal by Assessor Deb Lane to contract with a company called Pictometry International Corp. of Rochester, N.Y. to provide the high-resolution
aerial images.
The project involves two sets of photos that will be taken six years apart. The first set of photos will be taken next month and will cost $88,204.
The second flight will be done in 2019 at a cost of $105,614.
Lane told board members that a “bail-out clause” in the contract would permit her office to cancel the project before the second set of photos is taken, if desired.
The images taken by Pictometry show each side of every structure as well as conventional “top down” images. The images also can be used to take accurate measurements of buildings, according to
the company.
About 70 of the state’s 99 counties have used Pictometry’s services, Lane said.
Lane and the Board of Supervisors viewed a presentation on the Pictometry program last month by a company representative. All three supervisors expressed support for getting the service.
Saturday, March 16
Tax increase planned to offset funding cuts
By KELLY GERLACH
They’re planning for the worst-case scenario and hoping for the best.
That’s the approach Maquoketa Community School Board members took Monday, March 11, as they examined their budget options for the upcoming year and took the first step toward potentially raising
taxes for district residents.
The board approved publishing its fiscal year 2014 tax rate at $14.99 per $1,000 of taxable valuation. That represents a $1.02 increase from the current year and includes a cash reserve set
at $350,000 and management fund at $550,000.
Dr. Kim Huckstadt, district superintendent, provided several possible budget options to the board, outlining the impact of allowable growth, budget guarantee, and varying management fund and cash
reserve levels on the district’s budget for the upcoming school year.
“I think we should go with the worst case scenario. It gives us the most mobility,” advised board member Deb Lane, who as county assessor is well versed in budget matters.
“It’s the board’s perogative but to give the board the most options, I concur with Lane,” the superintendent said.
Huckstadt noted the various unknowns that factor into any school district’s financial planning. Chief among them are an unknown allowable growth rate and declining enrollment figures.
Hear about safari at the library
Go on safari at Maquoketa Public Library next week. Mike Nickeson will guide safari-goers through southern Africa to Victoria Falls, Robben Island and various nature preserves. Enjoy spectacular scenery and hear of the adventures he and his wife, Teresa, recently experienced. Join the fun Tuesday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. beside the fireplace on the upper level of the Maquoketa Public Library. Light refreshments will be served by Friends of the Library. The public is invited to attend.
Wednesday, March 13
Rainwater floods low-lying land
Floodwaters gush into a culvert Monday afternoon, March 11, after a combination of rain and melting snow created flooding conditions in the eastern Iowa area, including Jackson County. The swollen south fork of the Maquoketa River had overflowed its banks by early Monday, turning low-lying fields north of the river into lakes. The culvert above carried floodwaters under Hurstville Road just north of the Maquoketa City limits, draining the water as it inundated hay bales and crept close to farm buildings and facilities at right.
Economic development director sought
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
The Jackson County Economic Alliance is getting ready to hire its first staff member.
The alliance’s Board of Directors announced last week that it is accepting applications for the position of economic development director.
The board is working with Patrick Callahan, a consultant with Snyder & Associates of Cedar Rapids, to assist it through the process of setting qualifications for the job and recruiting and
screening applicants.
Callahan, a former Maquoketa city manager and Anamosa city administrator, assisted the Maquoketa City Council through a similar process when the city hired a new public works director 1 1/2 years
ago.
A timetable for the selection process calls for the director to be hired by May 6 and for him or her to begin duties by May 31.
The deadline to apply for the job is March 27.
An annual salary range of $50,000 to $70,000 is listed.
A 13-page “community and position profile” for the job lists a “qualified and personable individual” as criteria.
Qualifications were developed after Callahan interviewed each of the alliance’s seven board members individually.
Wednesday, March 13
Fischer dies in head-on crash
A Lost Nation woman was killed and two people were injured in a two-vehicle head-on collision this week at the west edge of Maquoketa.
Jacqueline Ann Fischer, 83, of Lost Nation died in the accident, which occurred at 6:50 p.m. Thursday, March 7, on 64 at the junction with 24th Street one mile west of Maquoketa.
Iowa State Patrol trooper Milan James said Fischer was driving a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville east on 64 when the car crossed the center line and collided head-on with a westbound car driven by
Zachary John Schmidt, 30, of Maquoketa.
The two vehicles collided in the westbound traveled portion of the highway, James said.
Fischer’s 1998 Pontiac Bonneville came to rest on the highway and the 2004 Hyundai Sonata driven by Schmidt came to rest in the north ditch.
Fischer was transported by the Jackson County Regional Health Center ambulance to the Maquoketa hospital, where she died.
Two projects added to five-year road plan
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
The Jackson County Board of Supervisors this week added a bridge replacement and a paving rehabilitation project to its five-year road improvement plan.
The two projects are scheduled to be done in 2018.
The board on Tuesday, March 5, unanimously designated a bridge on county road E-17, or 150th Street, approximately two miles east of Andrew for replacement.
That project is estimated to cost $800,000.
The board also chose a 1.57-mile length of county road Y-46, or 142nd Avenue, for pavement rehabilitation.
The project would extend between the junction of Y-46 and Iowa 64 about three miles west of Maquoketa to the Clinton County line. Estimated cost of that project is $400,000.
Y-46 continues into Clinton County and intersects with Iowa 136 at the east edge of Elwood.
The board made no changes to projects already on the five-year plan, covering 2013 to 2017.
The board chose the two projects from among several others that have been requested by residents in recent years.
Wednesday, March 6
First steps in rezoning hurdle passed by store
By KELLY GERLACH
Kwik Star this week moved a few steps forward with plans to build a convenience store in Maquoketa.
The Maquoketa Planning & Zoning Commission Wednesday, Feb. 27, unanimously approved a recommendation to rezone a parcel of land so Kwik Star has additional space to build on the property at
the corner of Western Avenue and West Platt Street in Maquoketa.
The recommendation next moves to the Maquoketa City Council at its meeting Wednesday, March 6. At that meeting, the council will set a public hearing date (likely March 18 or April 1) on
the rezoning issue, which then requires three readings to pass.
Tom Timmerman submitted the application to rezone from residential to business the Western Avenue property that abuts the property purchased by Kwik Star.
Scott Teigen, chief financial officer for the Wisconsin-based Kwik Trip/Kwik Star, provided background information about the convenience store chain. He explained that the store is named
Kwik Trip in Wisconsin and Minnesota but named Kwik Star in Iowa. There are 440 total stores, with 67 in Iowa.
Teigen said Kwik Star is a Christian-based organization, so the store will not sell things such as condoms or “Playboy” magazines.
He said Kwik Star owns its own dairy plant and bakery, meaning stores get fresh milk within 24 to 36 hours of processing and have fresh baked goods every day.
Series continues at Hurstville
Come out to the Hurstville Interpretive Center on Sunday, March 17, for an exciting armchair adventure.
Megan Andresen of Maquoketa will present “Estuaries of Southwest Florida” at 2 p.m. During the program about estuaries, Andresen will share insights about why estuaries are important
wildlife habitats and are critical to the water supply and water quality for coastal communities.
Andresen researched estuaries in college and will share how human changes in the estuary had an impact on the health and abundance of the phytoplankton population, and in turn, the health of the
entire estuary.
Saturday, March 1
Oxford Junction bank robbed at gunpoint
Surveillance photos from Citizens State Bank in Oxford Junction show a bearded man in a stocking cap and sweatshirt brandishing a pistol as he robbed the bank Wednesday morning, Feb. 27. The FBI and Jones County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the robbery.
MHS friends cheer on Kilburg at pageant
By KELLY GERLACH
Imagine beauty pageants – you know, the glamour, the pomp and circumstance, the evening gowns, the glitz, the interview, the escort, the hairspray, the makeup.
Then imagine a young girl with special needs watching from home, dreaming that she could receive that crown…or just participate in the pageant at all.
Jade Kilburg, daughter of Joe and Charleen Kilburg of LaMotte, immerses herself in her fourth pageant Saturday evening, March 2. And thanks to her new friends in club hOpe, Jade will have a large
group of friends at the pageant to cheer her on.
About six months pregnant with Jade, Charleen came into contact with a harmful virus that worked its way into her system. Unbeknownst to first-time parents Charleen and Joe, the virus
traveled to Jade, causing her to have a stroke while still in the womb.
The results of that stroke weren’t discovered until after Jade was born. Joe said the right side of Jade’s brain does not function.
Now a sophomore at Maquoketa Community High School, Jade is confined to a wheelchair. She doesn’t speak and lacks many of the other abilities of other youths her age.
V.F.W. Auxiliary celebrates anniversary this weekend
By KELLY GERLACH
Seventy-five years ago, a group of women set out to assist their husbands, fathers and other veterans and their families.
Their legacy of good deeds continues to this day.
The Ladies Auxiliary of O’Connor-Regenwether Post 3633 Veterans of Foreign Wars hosts a special celebration this weekend to commemorate its 75th anniversary. The reception and program will
be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 3 at the Eagle’s Club, located at 1102 E. Platt St. in Maquoketa.
The O’Connor-Regenwether V.F.W. post was about eight months old when a group of eight women officially established the Ladies Auxiliary on Feb. 27, 1938. The objective then is the same as it is
now: to assist the V.F.W. post and its members, to maintain true allegiance to the government of the United States and to preserve and defend the nation from her enemies.
At that time, Nellie Miller was elected president, with Lura Hoffman as senior vice president, Edna McDonald as junior vice president; Florence Moeller...
Wednesday, February 27
Final call for Hall of Fame nominations
By KELLY GERLACH
The final day to submit nominations for the Jackson County Hall of Fame is Friday, March 1. The public is encouraged to nominate people they believe are qualified and deserve to be
recognized.
The historical society is searching for nominees who have made a great difference in lives here or who have received recognition elsewhere for their deeds. The candidates must have been
born in Jackson County or must have lived in the county at one time but did not have to complete their greatest work in the county.
Nominees must have died at least 10 years ago.
Nominations must include a biography of the nominee, copies of awards, medals or photos if available, as well as a 4x6 photo for the inclusion in the Hall of Fame. The nomination should
also include the name of a person to contact for more information.
The selection committee is comprised of individuals from across the county. The committee endeavors to induct individuals from across the county as well.
More information and an application form can be picked up at the Jackson County Historical Society main museum at the Jackson County Fairgrounds or at the Clinton Engines Museum.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place before the annual Heritage Dinner on the first Sunday in November.
Superintendents: ‘Education is not one size fits all’
Saturday, February 23
By KELLY GERLACH
Education is not one-size-fits-all, and districts need more local control to ensure the best educational opportunities for their students.
Thirteen area school district superintendents shared that message with state legislators during a special superintendents’ meeting hosted by the Maquoketa Community School District.
Legislators in attendance were Rep. Brian Moore, Sen. Rita Hart, Sen. Tod Bowman, and Rep. Steve Olson
Superintendents came from Monticello, Delwood, Dubuque, Western Dubuque, East Central, Clinton, Bellevue, Midland, Preston, Andrew, Northeast and Calamus-Wheatland to speak with local
legislators. Topics included allowable growth, mental health, the governor’s reform package, base teacher’s salary, teacher evaluations, standardized tests, and diploma seals among other
issues.
High on the superintendents’ priority list was allowable growth.
“Our budget for next year is being held hostage by an education reform bill that I think we can all agree doesn’t reform education,” said Western Dubuque superintendent Jeff Corkery.
Moore said the governor plans to pass an education reform bill before passing any type of allowable growth, “so the sooner we can get reform voted on, the sooner we can get to...
Chamber honors many at winter gala
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
The Maquoketa Area Chamber of Commerce recently installed its leadership for the year, announced winners of its two highest awards and those of three other new awards.
The activities took place at the chamber’s inaugural winter gala, held Jan. 25 at True’s Restaurant at the Maquoketa Country Club.
The annual meeting event returned to an evening social format after having been a weekday breakfast event in recent years.
Approximately 135 chamber members and guests attended, which was the largest turnout in recent years. Chamber Executive Director Tom Devine served as master of ceremonies.
David Updegraff, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Ohnward Bancshares, will continue as chamber president for 2013. Updegraff became president when former President Tom
Devine resigned last March to assume the position of executive director.
Maquoketa artist Rose Frantzen was named recipient of the chamber’s President’s Award.
Drs. Joseph Lechtenberg and Bradley Young and the staff at the Lechtenberg Dental Clinic were named recipients of the Executive Director’s Award.
Three employees of chamber member organizations were announced as new chamber board members. They are Trisha Manthei of Sedona Staffing Services; Mike Nickeson, general manager of Maquoketa
Municipal Electric Utility, and Josh Smith of HUSCO International.
Rev. Osterhaus delivers ‘Thirteen Hours’ devotion
Thirteen Hours will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Maquoketa on Sunday and Monday, March 3 and 4.
Maquoketa native the Rev. Mark Osterhaus will be speaking at 7 each evening about “Lent, the Vatican, and Vatican II – What does that Mean for us in this Time of Renewal?”
The announcement of Pope Benedict’s resignation came as a surprise to many so there will also be a response to the upcoming Papal election.
Thirteen Hours is a shortened form of the Forty Hours Devotion often held during Lent in the 1940s and 1950s. This exercise came about to keep union with the prayer of the Lord in the
Garden of Olives on Holy Thursday night when he was abandoned by the apostles.
Wednesday, February 20
Robin sightings do not equal spring
By KELLY GERLACH
Depending on whether you are an optimist or a pessimist, either the robins are back and spring is on the way…or the robins never left.
Some Maquoketa neighborhoods noticed trees almost overflowing with robins in the last month or so. Some residents say the red-breasted birds, which typically fly south for the winter, never even
left the area.
Surprised? Maybe we shouldn’t be.
“Yes, we usually associate robins and bluebirds with going south for the winter,” according to Ann Burns, Jackson County Conservation environmental education coordinator, “but it is not unheard
of to have them stay in the area if they can find open water to drink and areas where they can find either berries (think crabapples, etc.) or insects (under leaves that are not covered by snow
or frozen to the ground).
“Both of these situations are present this year since it has been a mostly mild winter both in the temperature and snow cover categories,” Burns explained.
Robins are always a favorite first sign of spring in North America’s northern states. They are a migratory species but do not always act in predetermined ways, such as automatically flying
south for the winter.
Out in the Country Club Drive area on the west side of Maquoketa, Marie Kunau said flocks of more than 200 robins have been flying in and out of the neighborhood most of the winter. They operate
like clockwork.
Food pantry gains despite Soup-er Bowl’s missed goal
By KELLY GERLACH
The Soup-er Bowl of Caring challenge failed to meet its goal, so Gary Eggers continues walking around town conducting Maquoketa Community Cupboard business with his usual head of gray hair.
However, the special challenge will be repeated next year and still collected an assortment of foodstuffs to stock the pantry shelves.
Eggers, the volunteer manager of the local community cupboard, agreed to shave his head if the community collected 12,400 food items for the Maquoketa Community Cupboard by Super Bowl Sunday
(Feb. 3). The 12,400 goal was based on the average amount of food the pantry distributes to people in need during an average month.
The Soup-er Bowl of Caring collected 5,635 food items, about 45 percent of the goal. It fell short but that’s 5,635 more items on the pantry shelves that likely would not have been there.
Saturday, February 16
Harmon displays artwork at Ohnward
By KELLY GERLACH
Travel, planetary science, self-portraits, a beautiful struggle against poverty – all is on display through the abstract works of Taera Harman.
Harman’s artwork is on display now at the Ohnward Fine Arts Center in Maquoketa. Her art exhibit runs now through the end of March, with gallery hours from 9 a .m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday
and during any event at the center.
Harman also offered one of her paintings for a special silent auction, with proceeds to benefit Sacred Heart School in Maquoketa. She has a nephew who attends the school, “so I wanted to
give something back to such a wonderful place.”
The painting is titled “Journey of the Mollusks.” Ohnward visitors may place their bid (beginning at $100) on a pad of notebook paper located below the painting. Bids will be accepted
through the end of March.
Harman was born in Cedar Rapids and raised in the Mt. Vernon-Iowa City area. Early on she expressed her creativity as most young children do, doodling decorative hearts and other objects on any
available surface.
She credits her maternal grandfather with her artistic skills. “My maternal grandfather was a medical illustrator and physiologist at the University of Iowa.
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
Jackson County Assessor Deb Lane and her staff would receive 2 percent pay increases this year under a proposal by the Jackson County Conference Board.
The board proposed the salaries, reviewed the assessor’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, heard about new technology and scheduled a public hearing on the budget on Tuesday night,
Feb. 12.
The new budget and any pay increases will take effect July 1.
Lane proposed 4 percent across-the-board salary increases for herself and her four-member staff.
She noted that that amount is the same percentage amount recommended last week by the Jackson County Compensation Board for the county’s eight elected officials.
County Supervisor Jack Willey noted, however, that the board of supervisors has not yet acted on the compensation board’s recommendations.
The supervisors will discuss the recommendations and set the salaries by mid-March as part of the board’s budget making process.
Wednesday, February 13
Firefighters receive service awards
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
Four Maquoketa volunteer firefighters were honored and a year that saw an upswing in the number of fire calls was reviewed at the recent annual Maquoketa Volunteer Fire Department’s annual
appreciation dinner.
The event was held Jan. 19 at the Comfort Inn in Maquoketa.
James Connolly was presented with the 2012 Maquoketa Firefighters Memorial Award.
The award is given to an outstanding member of the department. The honoree is chosen by the department’s members.
Three firefighters received service awards. They were Bob Lane Jr., who was recognized for completing 25 years of service to the department, and David Neumann and Matt Tranel, who completed 10
years of service.
Each received commemorative plaques.
In a review of 2012 activity, Fire Chief Mark Beck noted that the department responded to 78 fire calls last year, an increase from the 53 calls in 2011 and a similar number in 2010.
Farm tire celebration is Thursday and Friday
By KELLY GERLACH
Get a jumpstart on spring by taking care of farm tire and maintenance needs now.
Tandem Tire & Auto Service in Maquoketa hosts its 34th annual Farm Tire Celebration Thursday and Friday, Feb. 14 and 15, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
Take advantage of special prices on all farm tire brands, including Goodyear, Firestone, and Michelin and be sure to register for door prizes.
The Farm Tire Celebration is an...
Saturday, February 9
Local family represents March of Dimes
By KELLY GERLACH
A family formerly of Maquoketa was named 2013 Mission Family for the March of Dimes and will lobby for that organization next week in Des Moines.
As Elly and Drew Winegar watch their twin sons, Cale and Cole, walk and play and interact with each other, they can’t help but be grateful for the work the March of Dimes accomplished in the past
75 years, developing checklists and advocating for medications and treatments that have saved the lives of millions of babies.
Winegars, Maquoketa natives who recently moved to Bettendorf, will share the moving story of their sons’ premature birth March 10, 2011, when they meet with legislators in Des Moines Tuesday,
Feb. 12. Winegars were selected to represent the Quad Cities area.
Officials seek 4 percent pay increase
By DOUGLAS MELVOLD
Jackson County’s elected officials would receive 4 percent salary increases this year if the Board of Supervisors approves the recommendations of the county Compensation Board.
The Compensation Board held its once-a-year meeting Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 6, to propose salaries for the county’s eight elected officials for the 2013-14 fiscal year.
The vote for the 4 percent increases was 5-1, with one member favoring a larger increase and member absent.
Here are the present salaries and the recommended increases for the 2013-14 year:
n Supervisors Chairman Jack Willey, $33,770 proposed, up 3.85 percent, of $1,252, over the chairman’s current salary of $32,518.
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