Dennis' Daily Worldwide Report

Beautiful weather yesterday and last night, and so far, today looking good, but it is only noon and thunderstorms are in forecast for later in day......Maquoketata Boys highschool baseball team defeated Clinton 11 to 10. They are being coached again this year by Curt Nelson. Girls softball team again be coached by Dick Davis.....144 Seniors get their diploma tomorrow at Commencement Ceremonies on the high school lawn. Validictorian is Scott Nelson,of Delmar, son of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Nelson. He works parttime at the Maquoketa State Bank.....The City Council is not all in favor of the Maquoketa Airport. The State DOT has offered to pay the major cost of a "study" on the airport, but the council, voting 3 to 3 declined. It will be brought up again soon. An airport is important to a community, but its "good" for the city is not always easy to measure. I'll keep you posted......Charlotte Benton of Maquoketa, age 81, died this week. She is survived by a son, Jack Benton.......Florence Boehmer, age 103, of Maquoketa alos died this week at the Maquoketa Care Center. Survived by a few nieces and nephews......The BBC, British Broadcasting Corp. will film a documentary in Jackson and Clinon County later in June......A new 2-million dollar Medical Office for Maquoketa and a new 5-million dollar hospital...both discussed this past week at the Hospital Board meeting. Both projects in a "just thinking" stage......Sunshine Pre-School in Maquoketa is in process of raising over $75,000 locally to build on to its center. The money needed is required if they are to receive a $350,000 state grant. Want to contribute? Your check will be gladly accepted. If you want, send the check to me at Box 940 in Maquoketa and I'll see to it that it gets to the right people conducting the drive.....Have a nice weekend and a good week ahead as we start off the great month of June. JUNE IS DAIRY MONTH....ENJOY LOTS OF ICE CREAM IN JUNE. Check back again soon.
Dennis Voy
- Saturday, May 30, 1998 at 12:56:05 (EDT)

It was clean-up, pick-up day in Maquoketa today. A strong windstorm came roared through the town around 8:15 last night. Quite a few trees were victims of the storm, and mamy branches. About a half-inch of rain with the winds....Today, nice day and hopefully no more storms for awhile....I have been extremely busy and have been unable to keep this daily report....a DAILY report, as most of you know. Sorry about that. I'll try to do better, with hopefully 3 or 4 reports minimum each week....Harold Owen died this week, at age 89. Was a longtime businessman. Mainly in the radio and TV sales and service business, but he also ran a laundromat for quite awhile. He wife died in the mid 80's......Busy week ahead in Maquoketa, as Graduation Day is Sunday. Commencement Ceremonies are scheduled for 2 P.M. on the lawn of the High School...for now, that's it...but I WILL HAVE ANOTHER REPORT TOMORROW!!!!
Dennis Voy
- Friday, May 29, 1998 at 18:37:11 (EDT)

Not a bad day....last few days on the cool side. Some rain in the forecast. Because of the rain threat, the entire Avenue Of Flags at Mount Hope Cemetery was not put up this morning. There are 30l flags, but just a token amount put up today, because if it rains, it is a job to get them down fast......Just briefs today..For our election June primary, just l contest. Shirley Ritenour is running for re-election as County recorder. She is a Democrat and lives in Preston and will be opposed by Phylis Gerlach, who worked for Ritenou and was fired by Ritenour. Lots of yard signs up, newspaper advertising and some radio spots coming next week.....Has a KMAQ travel go to Rock Island Casino Thursday. Big winner was Fern Clark, with $380 in winnings. Not bad. Some people DO WIN. I won $15 at video poker... St. Rep. Bob Osterhaus will give the Memorial Day address Monday at the program at Mount Hope Cemetery.....The city in middle of a "build sidewalks" issue here in town...with plenty of people opposed. A "citizens" committee will be announced soon to study matter....Rumor has it, the bakery will re-open in town again, under new owner.....Rumor has it, Dollar General Store in downtown Maquoketa will move to larger quarters on West Platt Street, formerly occupied by A-l TV and Waka Restaurant. That would be a big loss for downtown and another empty store......Helen Moore, age 76, died Wednesday......Maquoketa newspapers new Sports Editor is Andy Ernst of Bellevue, who just graduated from Loras College. He replaces Jack Marlowe.....Richard and Elizabeth Streff celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary May 30th. ....School is out May 28th. Graduation Day in Maquoketa is a week from tomorrow. Maquoketa has blood drive yesterday and l02 given...very good for Maquoketa. Maquoketa Firemen annual breakfast is June 7th. They generally serve around l,000......that's it for now...have a nice Holiday Weekend!
Dennis Voy
- Saturday, May 23, 1998 at 13:08:17 (EDT)

Stormy weather again last night in Iowa. Washington, Iowa hit by tornado with 30 taken to hospital and tornados spotted in our area, resulting in Jackson County being under a Tornado Warning for an hour or so. No damage in the County, thank goodness and it started quieting down arund 8 last night, with very little rain also. Today, a GREAT day in Maquoketa...clear skies, less humid and looking for a high around 80. It will be a nice night for stock car racing at the fairgrounds and for viewing a couple movies at the 6l Drive-In Theatre. The drive-in got some statewide publicity this week in the Iowa Radio Network, which is heard on over 50 stations....and tonight Channel 7 will be at the drive-in to do a feature on it......being one of 4 drive-ins left in the Hawkeye State......Delwood School District for about 10 years has been busing middle school and highschool students to Maquoketa under a "sharing" agreement. Now, Maquoketa wants more money and Delwood doesnn't want to pay more...do Delwood is looking elsewhere. Could be an interesting story...and I'll keep you posted.....Horeshoe Pond, within Horseshoe Park and Campgrounds at the south edge of Maquoketa, was dredged last year and now has been stocked just recently with 2,500 bluegill and 250 catfish. Should be "good fishing"there in the future. Park has new playground equipment too and two picnic shelters and also hiking trails.......State Representative Bob Osterhaus will give the Memorial Day Address on Monday, May 25th at Mount Hope Cemetery. He did the Veteran's Day Speach last November......Governor Branstad, ending his reign of l6 years this year, is visiting every county to say farewell and thank-you and will be in Maquoketa on May 27th and will appear at the Senior Center from 12:15 til 1:l5 that day.....Mark Reasoner, who was a pharmacist at Osterhaus Pharmacy from l989 to 1993 will be ordained as a Catholic Priest on May 23rd in Dubuque...and will offer his first Mass in Maquoketa at Sacred Heart on Sunday, May 24th, at 1 P.M........Allison Rosenberg, daughter of Mayor Jack and Pam Rosenberg, graduated from Duke University Law School in North Carolina on May l5th. She next will take a semester studying law in Tokyo,Japan. She speaks Japanese and has joined a Stanford Law Firm that has offices all over the world. Sounds like she has a great Law Career ahead of her......Maquoketa has about 8 kids going to the State Track meet next weekend at Drake University...8 are going: Nicole Cueno, Samantha Gruenwald, Maggie Hudrlik, Monica Niess, Jessica Kilburg,Abby Rorah,and Amy Rorah and Tara Hainstock. Their coach is Vickie Meincke, who coaches parttime while running also the Insurance office downtown along with her husband Chris......And that will do it for today...Have a NICE WEEKEND.
Dennis Voy
- Saturday, May 16, 1998 at 12:53:12 (EDT)

Beautiful day in Maquoketa. At about 5:30 last night, we had strong winds, hail and 6-tenths of an inch of rain....did some damage at farms northeast of town.....Not much is new. Two obits....Oscar Merrick, age 89, died Tuesday at local hospital. Services Friday at Carson and Son. He is survived by l son, Charles of Davenport, 3 daughters, Joy Rollinger of Anamosa, Jean Heister of Maquoketa and Sue Crist of Maquoketa....Helen Moore, age 76, of Maquoketa died today at the local hospital. She is survived by 2 daughters, Theresa Edwards of Maquoketa and Juanita Hall of Vista California. She worked at Clinton Engines for 23 years and for the Rcck Island Arsenal for 12 years, retiring in 1986. Services Saturday morning at Haylock, O'Hara and Lahey Funeral Home.....The Maquoketa State Bank will celebrate its 40th Anniversary late this summer. It is also expanding the West Side Building with work to begin later this month....We all had cherry pie today ...our monring coffee group...at the Decker Hotel, to celebrate Doc McAreavy's 74th birthday. Doc brought the pie....So long for awhile.
Dennis Voy
- Wednesday, May 13, 1998 at 22:16:46 (EDT)

Beautiful day for Mother's Day......Been on-the-road. Tuesday thru Friday, was on KMAQ Travel trip to Branson...good trip..saw lots of great shows, ate too much and everything went well. I believe all had a good time. Branson is hopping, but could handle more business. The place over-buildt and now too many theatres, restaurants and hotels. They are going to need lots of merchandising to keep everyone happy.....Today, went up to Horicon, Wisconsin to visit mom and dad. Good trip. My dad is doing well and hopefully will be coming back home pretty soon.....Jack Marlowe Day in Maquokta today, honoring the long-time sports writer with Maquokta Newspapers for 32 years and recently retired at age 62. Veteran basketball coach Bill Flemming spearheaded a drive to raise money to present him with gifts, etc. Close to 500 attended a 3-hour recognition program at the high school this afternoon, covered byh 2 area TV stations and then quite a few attended a dinner in his honor at the new Depot Restaurant tonight. He was given a new car, recliner, computer, TV and more. Jack had only friends, no enimies and former athletes flew in from all over the country. He has been featured in may newspaper articles too and it was announced this past week that he will be the Grand Marshal of this year's Fair Parade......The Golden Sun Feed Plant in Maquoketa will close in June. It employees around 18. The plant, owned by the current owners since the 70's is getting outdated and it would cost too much to bring it up to full potential again. An Economic blow to the city. The facility was built by Ross River in the early 60's and for several years was known as Ross River Feeds. Located at the northeast edge of Maquoketa on Pershing Road. Hopefully, there will be a new use for the facitly in the future.....The Maquoketa Country Club has a new manager, finially. He starts this Tuesday. Sorry, I don't have his name handy, but he worked for the Iowa University Athletic Club and also was with the famous Highlander Supper Club in Iowa City. He has lots of experience in the food business. There were about 25 applicants and the Board interviewed about a dozen candidates. Gayln Gohlman, son of Durwood Gohlman, was the manager for several years or more and took the job of Country Club manager at Grinnell earlier this year. This is also the year the Club will add a watering system to the fairways....And so much for today. Have a good week.
Dennis Voy
- Sunday, May 10, 1998 at 22:48:08 (EDT)

GREAT DAY in Maquoketa...sunny, high in mid 70's...... Interesting story from Bellevue. Bellevue, for those not familiar, is second largest city in Jackson County, l8 miles northeast of Maquoketa along the beautiful Mississippi River. About 2,500 people, with a Public School system and a Catholic K-12 System too. Beautiful River-front park...a great town to visit when out this way. Watching a Barge go thru the Lock and Dam is fun....and the Railroad goes right thru the heart of the town....so...this story.....a Bellevue teen, l8 year-old Chad Michels of Bellevue was injured by the train around 2 A.M. Saturday in the 400 block of N. 2nd Street. He was reportedly arguing with another male in the street and allegedly tried to have a fight with the other male, who refused. Witnesses said that Michels then walked over to the northbound train passing thru town and struck it with his fist. In the process, his left leg got caught under the train, below the calf, and was run-over by the train, partially amputing the leg. He was taken to a Dubuque Hospital and later transferred to University Hospitals in Iowa City where he was admitted and is listed in serious condition this afternoon. It was not know at this time if Michel's foot could be saved.....and that's it for now....nothing much to report here in town. I and Nancy are off at 4 A.M. tomorrow to Branson with 39 others for a 4-day trip. Will be nice again to get away from the phone and the computer. No report until this weekend. Thank you, we will have a good time. We will see 7 shows in Branson and enjoy some good food. Check back for another Daily Report on Saturday or Sunday for sure. Should have a little news for you all then.
Dennis Voy
- Monday, May 04, 1998 at 18:57:46 (EDT)

Cloudy and cool in the old Timber City.....Went to church last night with Nancy. Lots of people you know where there. Ron Evans and Jean Franzen were ushers. Ron was Policeman and Chief for many years, now is, part-time, the maintenance man for the Fairgrounds. He and Galen Bartels, now retired also, keep the grounds looking sharp. No Stock Car races out there last night, incidentally. Too cold. Doris Evans celebrated her big 6-0 yesterday and did a reading last night during the service. She is also busy part-time with her"stamp" card business. Saw Doc and Onnalee Broman at church, both looking good. Mentioned Jean Frandsen. When I came to town in 1958, she and husband Buster, operated a small cafe on the corner of Main and Platt, called "Bus & Jeans". After Bus died, she worked for many years in the Court house and is now retired. After church, we went to the VFW Chicken Bar-B-Que. They had a big turnout. A half a chicken dinner for 6-bucks, with cake. I had two pieces. My chicken served by by Wes Keil, former filling station operator in town, now retired, wit two brand-new knees. He also was "bussing"the tables. Guess I should have helped, but needed to eat and run as I had to pay visit tothe drive-in theatre. Sat at VFW table with Virtus and Donna Busch. Virtus, 74, retired, but still helps out with some carpenter work when needed. Donna busy with hospital auxiliary and now playing golf at Bellevue Golf Course. They will celebrate tjeor 50th June 6th. Actually, will save the celebration til mid July when they and kids from around the country get together for the 50th party in State of Wyoming. Found out about the place over the Internet.....Drive-in, despite cold weather, had a good turnout last night of over 80 cars. Had an fire out there yesterday afternoon, in an electric transformer on the gounds. Good thing they had enough time to replace it by showtime.....Going down to my son's at Bettendorf this afternoon....He, Rick, Sherri and little Cassie are enjoying the home they just bought and are ready to have this family cookout today, to celebrate my birthday. Birthday is tomorrow actually. Hard to believe that 11 years from tomorrow I'll be 70....Jack Gavin of Maquoketa is 70 tomorrow. Nancy's folks, Arnold and Helen Meyer, are going with us today. They will be seeing Rick's place for first time. Arnold was 77 this past Monday. Save day Rev. Kumpf was 82. Arnold has had MS for a long time and has hard time getting around anymore, but had hand controls for his station wagon and got his license renewed for another 2 years. Nancyhas a brother and family in Clinton, Oklahoma. A brother, Gary and wife Cheryl in Al-ba-kirk-ee, New Mexico. In radio, we spell names the way we pronounce them. Newspapers don't have that privilege. Nancy's other brother Fred and his wife Irma live here in town. Donnie in Oklahoma is in Insurance and Gary in New Mexico runs a couple "Duds & Suds" laundry-dry-cleaning places. Wants us to come and visit them sometime....they live up on the side of the mountain overlooking the city. But, I don't have time to travel, other than to Branson, Wisconsin and maybe a St. Louis Cardinals game once in awhile. Cardinals have lsot 3 in a row to the Cubs...pret ty sad. Fred Meyer here in town, by the way, is a truck driver.....Have a good Sunday.
Dennis Voy
- Sunday, May 03, 1998 at 13:12:59 (EDT)

Not a very nice day..raining now at 3:40 P.M....but might get better later. A circus had two performances out at fairgrounds this afternoon and I'm sure got hurt by the weather, and it looks bad for stock car racing tonight. May also be very slow night at the drive-in theatre tonight if weather doesn't change. VFW annual Chicken Bar-B-Q is tonight at the clubhouse north of town. Planning to attend and weather could hurt it too. Rainy Saturdays cause lot of disappointments....Nothing else to report....so far a quiet weekend. Thanks again for your visit.
Dennis Voy
- Saturday, May 02, 1998 at 16:46:04 (EDT)

Partly cloudy and warm in Maquoketa today.....Not much new. Doc McAreavy was at coffee today, feeling better, with a change in medication. They really aren't sure what his problem was the other day.....It is PROM weekend in Maquoketa. The Prom will be held at the high school tomorrow night until l and then from 1:30 to 3:30, an AFTER-PROM movie at my theatre, then to the Maquoketa Community Center for Vegas games, lots of door prizes and a breakfast. Kids should be on their way home around 5. Sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club. Last year, about 150 attended the after-prom event and they are hoping for a few more this year.......There are 5 PROMS in the area tomorrow night and Tuxedos were starting to find hard to get. Jake Bickford at Bill Moler's Clothing Store has a record number of them rented this week, over 100. Cost somewhere around $60 for a young man to rent an outfit. Going to the PROM isn't cheap....but, it is a big event in onces life. Remember your PROM??? That's it for today. Will be busy this weekend getting last minute things done in preparation for the KMAQ 4-day trip to Branson next Tuesday thru Friday, sponsored by KMAQ TRAVEL and hosted by Nancy and I. Always look forward to another trip to Branson. Sure would be nice sometime if Buddy Olson took Myrna. See you tomorrow.
Dennis Voy
- Friday, May 01, 1998 at 19:05:38 (EDT)