Dennis' Daily Report

Nice Fall Day..high in 60's

Maquoketa Boys did well at the State Cross Country meet yesterday at
Fort Dodge. The placed 14th in Class 2-A. Coach Curt Nelson was pleased that all 7 runners turned in personal best times for the year. Cory Goodall had best time of l6:42. Other Maquoketa runners were:
Fred Hare, Brett Lansing, Jason Gilmore, Brad Bowling, Pete Cueno and
Travis Gerardy.

The Iowa Hawkeye LOST badly again yesterday to Ohio State. The Iowa State Cyclones lost their game to #12 Texas in the last seconds when the Buckeyes kicked a FG to win. Maquoketa Quarterback Sage Rosenfels had his BEST passing day, with over 200 yards...he played a GREAT
game.

Eva Wilcox Stevens, age 89, died Friday night at the Bethany Home in Dubuque. She lived most of her years in Maquoketa and is survived by a daughter, Ann Edleman of Dubuque and son Boyd of Oregon. Also a sister, Maxine Goodenow of Maquoketa and sister-in-law, Regina Sagers of Maquoketa.

Swede Carlson, age 76, of Maquoketa, died last night at Crestridge Nursing Home in Maquoketa. Survived by his wife, Evelyn.

Lois Hanson, age 64, of Monmouth,died yesterday morning.

Election Day is Tuesday. I plan to vote for Jack Rosenberg, our present Mayor. He has done a good job.....lots of things have happened for the good of Maquoketa the last couple years and Jack has been part of our progress. He even started a new retail business in downtown Maquoketa, which is in need of more. Neil Morehead is a friend and would make a good Mayor....but maybe somewhere down the road. For now, I think Jack deserves another 2 years. Rich Stimmell is a good guy, a friend, but too busy for the day-to-day work of the Mayor. And, I will vote NO for the Motel-Hotel tax. That TAX, started mostly in large cities years ago, was ment to promote tourism
for the city, and thereby help motels and hotels fill up rooms.
There is a natural connection. Here in town, they want to use the money for recreation. I am for a Motel-Hotel tax ONLY when the funds are used to bring people to Maquoketa, and keep them here for a couple of days. We have one of the BEST attractions in the State, THE MAQUOKETA CAVES STATE PARK, plus other attractions, including a very good Museum, TWO fine art galleries, a very large and attractive Antique Mall, one of the best, if not the best, Bed & Breakfast Inns in the State, the beautiful, completely restored DECKER HOTEL and
one of the best Super 8 Motels in the Country...and all of this on a new 4-lane highway. We could use Motel-Hotel tax revenue to promote staying in Maquoketa! But...I will not win...the Motel-Hotel tax WILL CARRY Tuesday. People will vote for it, because it is a tax they won't have to pay THEMSELVES.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE.

DENNIS VOY  

Still another beautiful fall day ..high 63.

Maquoketa LOST to DeWitt last night by 10 points.

DeWitt now plays Marion in a PLAYOFF GAME at Marion Wednesday night.
DeWitt has not been in the playoffs for 12 years. They lost to Marion during the regular season...a week ago yesterday, 21 to 0. KMAQ will broadcast the game from Marion Wedneday night.

NO CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS IN YET...I'll have those for you tomorrow.
There is a WELCOME HOME FROM STATE ceremony set for 9:30 tonight at the High School, followed by refreshments.

TRICK OR TREAT ..... CANDY...OR I'LL PAINT YOUR SHANDY(computer).

George, I got a strange ??? e-mail from you..what's up?

CHECK BACK TOMORROW YOU ALL.

DENNIS VOY

 

Summer-like day today...high 77.

Maquoketa football teams play at DeWitt tonight.

Maquoketa Boy's Cross Country Team in State Meet at Fort Dodge tomorrow.

Iowa plays at Ohio State tomorrow.

Leighton Hepker did a "poll" on his VIEWS & INTERVIEWS show this afternoon, asking who they will vote for in the Mayor race in Tuesday's election. 50 phone calls in 15 minute time period.
Also asked how they will vote regarding a city Motel-Hotel Tax, which will also be on the ballot. 47 said they would vote YES for the tax, which is expected to bring in around $25,000 a year and it will be used for recreation. So, according to our POLL, that issue will pass in a big way. For Mayor.......current Mayor Jack Rosenberg got 26 votes, present Councilman, Neil Morehead got 18 and businesman
Richard Stimmell got 5 votes.

Raymond Marcus, age 87, of Otter Creek, former Maquoketa businessman
(years ago co-owner for a time, of Maquoketa Livestock Sales) died today at Dubuque Hospital. Well known farmer and also former fair board member. Surivived by wife and 5 children.

Ruth Kleis DeGrau, age 82,formerly of Maquoketa, died this morning at a Monticello Nursing Center. Taaught English and French for 32 years, mostly in Baldwin and Maquoketa.

On our GUEST BOOK, you'll see an entry from a Maquoketa resident touring Australia. Hope you are having a good time Cathy.

DST TIME ENDS TOMORROW. Set your clocks back an hour before retiring tomorrow night.

Have a nice weekend!

DENNIS VOY  

Still another perfect fall day..high in 60's

Town still buzzing about the new Industry. A couple more things about it. In addition to the Waukesha plant started in 60's,
it also has two plants opened within the last 5 years...in Eagle and Whitewater, Wisconsin. And...I said yesterday they would start-up in the Spring. Construction will begin then and they will start taking applications then, but plant isn't expected to become operational until August or September.

The grain spill accident yesterday was nothing serious...two trucks involved on 4-lane 61 South of town....highway remained opened and no injuries. Just vehicle damage and mess on highway.

I heard this morning that the Dubuque man who lost his leg yesterday in the accident in the Industrial Park, and is in University Hospitals, also lost the other foot and ankle.

Short report today!

DENNIS VOY  

Nice weather continued today..with high of 65.

IT WAS A BANNER DAY FOR MAQUOKETA. In fact, a huge banner with the word GENERAC on it, was on stage this afternoon at the Pearson Center at the fairgrounds. Shortly after 2 today, St. Rep. Bob Osterhaus, longtime Maquoketa pharmacist, as Emcee, opened the Press Conference to officially announce Maquoketa's new large industry, GENERAC POWER SYSTEMS. Tonight, that banner and story is the lead to every evening newscast in the area. Six TV stations were here to cover it, one broadcasting "live" from the site South of Maquoketa, across from Burnett-Thiel Ford. The owner of the huge company was here. He is a big fella, about 6-6 and around 70. Four of his staff, including the President, were here. They were excited. They had never had a welcome like this before and have never before received so many incentives to locate. The owner started his company in 1959. In the mid 60's, he purchased around 50,000 Clinton Engines to use with his small portable generators. Now, he will make his biggest generators here in Maquoketa, starting next Spring. His name is Robert Kern. The 5 left Maquoketa to go back to Wisconsin, near Milwaukee, shortly after refreshments were served. Osterhaus said Maquoketa has received an early Christmas Present. You can learn more about the company at their WEB site...www.generac.com

Here is what it took to get the company: Overall the total project for land and public improvements totals 2.84 million dollars. That includes 767-thousand for land and 744-thousand for street imporovements. The money is coming from several agencies: The city is giving $355,000, the State of Iowa, $500,000, the Iowa DOT, $578,000 and the Maquoketa Municipal Electric Utility, $500,000.

A tragic note today in the news. A Dubuque man, Thomas Hinz, age unknown, was driving a crane up the side of a hill in the Maquoketa Industrial Park, where a new huge warehouse is being buildt, and it tipped on him. It took crews nearly an hour to get it off of him and he was taken from the site, by helicopter, to University Hospitals in Iowa City. Fire Chief Mark Beck said one leg had to be amputated and the other is very serious also.

And, there was a Grain Spill accident just South of town that also required rescue squad members. I have no details yet, but apparently no serious injuries.

This summer, a person drove around on a newly paved wet cement road near Monmouth...and a big section had to be replaced at a cost of around $10,000. No arrests were made then, after the August incident. But, because of a Crimestoppers call, the person has been arrested. He is Cole Edward Hute, age 24, of Maquoketa. He has been charged with Criminal Mischief in the 2nd Degree.

Joan Moyes, age 96, of rural Durham, Illinois, died today after a brief illness. She was the mother of Karen Tilton of Maquoketa.
She is survived by 2 daughters, and four grandchldren and one great-grandchild. Services will be Saturday.

Its been a busy day....great day for Maquoketa...and time to lock up the office for another day.

Hope you all are doing well whereever you are.

DENNIS VOY  

Another great fall day, in the 60's.

KMAQ and MAQUOKETA SENTINEL PRESS got an early release on the new Industry. We released the story at 12:l5 Mid-Day News and it will be in the paper tonight when it hits the newsstands. The PRESS CONFERENCE, with more details, is still on for 2 tomorrow afternoon.

The Wisconsin Company that plans to build a new plant in Maquoketa is Generac Power Systems of Waukesha, Wisconsin. It manufactures various types of electric generators, switch gears, and generator parts. In Maquoketa, the company will manufacture a new line of 2-megawatt generators. Its the same type of generator recently purchased by the Maquoketa Municipal Electric Utility. Its big. Maybe the size of a semi trailer. The company plans to employ up to 200 people in Maquoketa by the end of the first year and up to 400 by the end of the second year, and eventually, up to 600 people. Fifty percent of employees will be engineers and the remaineder will be manufacturing personnel. The average wage for the manufacturing employees will be about $11.00 per hour. Work is expected to begin in the next few weeks on the 22-acre sit just South of Maquoketa, right next to the new 4-lane highway 61. The plans call for a l44,500 square foot building at the start and over the next 3 years, it will expland to a 250,000 square foot building. The company's total capital investment is expected to be up to $13 Million. They expect to open the facility sometime in the Spring. An official groundbreaking ceremony hasn't been finalized, but December has been set as a target date with Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack participating. The company's owner, Robert Kern, first came to Maquoketa in l959 to purchase an engine from the Clinton Engines Corporation. Kern, an Osage, Iowa native, apparently never forgot Maquoketa and had hopes of someday building a plant here.The company also looked at Anamosa and Manchester for their new plant, before deciding on Maquoketa. After a couple years, the new plant will be the biggest in Maquoketa by far. Right now, we have a couple plants that employee between l00 and 200.

That's it for now. I'll give you more information after tomorrow's press conference, which will be broadcast on KMAQ.

A boy born yesterday, to Jason and Ilen Roethler of Streamwood, Illinois. Grandparents are Bill and Deb Roethler of Eldridge and formerly of Maquoketa. Great-grandmother is Luella Schlaplia of Maquoketa.

Korey and Ken Harmon of Cape Coral, Florida, are parents of a girl born Oct 24 in Florida. Grandparents are Judy Tonderum and Chuck Kruse, both of Maquoketa.

Helen Zismer died Monday at Mercy Health Center in Dubuque. Age 78.
Survived by husband Francis of Maquoketa and a daughter, Linda and two sons, Carl and Earl.

Opal Carr, age 90, died this monring at the Maquoketa Care Center. Services pending at the Carson & Son Funeral Home in Maquoketa.

Thanks for your visit...more tomorrow.

DENNIS VOY

 

NICE AGAIN TODAY, HIGH IN 60'S.

JUST GOT A FAX! THE MEDIA ALERT READS: The City of Maquoketa, Maquoketa Area Chamber of Commerce, Maquoketa Municipal Electric Utility, Jackson County Board of Supervisors, and Maquoketa Industrial Development Assistance Service in conjunction with the Iowa Department of Economic Development, The Iowa Department of Transportation, and Economic Development Administration wish to announce the successful recruitment of a major manufacturing employer to our community. On October 27, at 2 P.M., a joint news conference will be held in Maquoketa at the Janssen Hall, Jackson County Fairgrounds, 1212 E. Quarry Street, to provide information about this new manufacturer and its plans for Maquoketa. Opportunities for individual interviews will also be made available. Doors to Janssen Hall will be open at noon for you to set up TV equipment. The Press Conference will begin at 2:00 P.M. sharp! This FAX received from City Hall.. from City Manager
Brian Wagner and Economic Development Director, Linda Sturtz.

KMAQ and the MAQUOKETA NEWSPAPER, are supposed to get the basic News Release sometime tomorrow, so I should be able to tell you the name of the company and other facts, on tomorrow's report, and then more details after the Eastern Iowa Press Conference Wednesday afternoon.

Not much else to report today.

But, do check back tomorrow.

DENNIS VOY  

Beautiful Sunday, sunny and in 50's. Yesterday, about the same, except with a little more wind.

I did not open the drive-in theatre this weekend....have closed for the season....and it was a good one. Will have more weekend time now. Will re-open the drive-in next April.

Did remote broadcasts yesterday from A-l Appliance (pushing a fall sale) and from Brock Flowers (celebrating a business anniversary and the new North Main Street in front of business). People are really using the new Maquoketa River Bridge.

The Maquoketa Cardinal football team lost their 5th game in a row Friday night, at Manchester. One game left, this Friday night at DeWitt. The Fresh-Soph team also lost....they have just one win this season.

Good news in sports though...the Cardinal boys and girls Cross Country Teams, coached by Curt Nelson, will be in the State Meet later this week.

Didn't I tell you sometime back that Coach Flemming was engaged to a local lady? The latest! Now dating a woman in Des Moines.

A 34-year-old Baldwin, Wisconsin man (yes Wisconsin) was killed in a freak accident Friday north of Bellevue, where the train derailment cleanup is going on. Crushed by a piece of equipment.

Vera Burmahl broke both of her ankels and is in a nursing home until they are healed. One of Maquoketa's top lady golfers over the years...I'm sure she will be back on the fairways next Spring. Pat Maze also broke an ankel. No church organ playing for awhile.
Speaking of golf...there is talk of a new golf course for Maquoketa.

A Maquoketa doctor is getting divorced! I'm not sure I should include divorces, dating, etc. on this report......but sometimes when the news is slow.....I need fillers. If you really want to know who the doctor is, e-mail me. Remember, for questions.... or news for this report (if you don't want to go to the Guest Book)...e-mail me at kmaq@kmaq.com

Curb and Gutter for the North Extension of Arcade Street (including a cul-de-sac...didn't check spelling on) will be poured this week.
At the end WAS the Beautiful Saviour Lutheran Church that folded, AND now is a beautiful 4-condo building. Condos are priced at 125-150 thousand dollars. I've been told the back, upper one, overlooks the Maquoketa River and is the highest priced. This development, with several nice lots also, is located just North of the hospital.

Have a good week!

DENNIS VOY

 

Windy, very windy, and mostly cloudy and cold today.

Earlier this month, the new 4-lane Highway 61 through Maquoketa opened....yesterday, the new North Main Street and new Maquoketa River Bridge opened...and today, highway 61's new 4-lanes betweeen Maquoketa and Zwingle opened. The 100-million-dollar plus project is finished. WHAT A GREAT WEEK FOR MAQUOKETA1 The idea of a 4-lane highway between Dubuque and Davenport started back in 1981.
The highway improvement was pushed by Dubuque, which was the largest city in the U.S. without an Interstate Connection. Today, 18 years later, the finalization occurred......we now have a 4-lane highway between the two cities, and passing right through Maquoketa. The first segment, between Davenport and around DeWitt opened in the 80's.
The 2nd segment, between DeWitt and South of Maquoketa opened a couple years ago. The 3rd segment between Zwingle and Dubuque opened last year. The 4th segment through Maquoketa opened last week and the final segment opened today. The 1st and 4th segments are full- freeway. The other 3 segments are not full-freeway, because they have access to the highway every half-mile, not as safe as full- freeway. The speed limit is 65 from Davenport to Maquoketa and will also be 65 later this fall to Dubuque. A four-lane highway connection has been a big plus for cities all over the Country. It has helped DeWitt and we already are starting to see things developing here in Maquoketa. Maquoketa is very LUCKY to have this new 4-Lane Highway. My guess is, it will be the biggest single thing to ever happen to this community. Everyone is excited. And next week,the new large Industry is going to be announced....another big plus for the Timber City.

Maquoketa plays at Manchester tonight.....they COULD win but it won't be easy. Both teams have a 1 and 4 DISTRICT record, but West Delaware will have the "home field" advantage.

Unemployement rates were announced this week...for month of September.
In Jackson County, the rate for September was 2.6 percent, down from 3.2 in August and down from 3.5 percent a year ago. Lowest rates since they began keeping them in 1978. The US rate for September was 4.2 and the Iowa State Rate was 2.4.

Jessica and Jeff King of Dubuque are parents of a girl, born Oct 10th at Dubuque. Grandparents are Jill and Jim Streets of Maquoketa.

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND!

DENNIS VOY  

Sunny and nice today, high 69, but cold weather is coming soon.

It is OPEN...the new l.2-million-dollar bridge north of town across the Maquoketa River. Ribbon cutting ceremony was this morning and KMAQ broadcast it "live". It is nice and will be used by about 3,000 cars a day. The old bridge is gone, was 70 years old.

DeWitt is getting another new industry, that will emply 90. It makes aluminum no-frost evaporators for companies such as Amana and Maytag.
Brazeway,Inc. is headquartered in Adrian, Michigan.

The city Council of Maquoketa learned at their meeting Monday night that it will cost lover $l50,000 for site improvements at their new 100 acres industrial site south of town. That is where the Wisconsin firm will build a l80,000 square-foot building.

The Jackson County Historical Society last year did a series of programs on Robert Millikin's 75th Anniversary of receiving the Nobel Prize. He was born in Maquoketa. For their efforts, the society this week received a State/Federal Humanities Award and $l,000.
A big honor for the society.

Two Jackson County Tavern owners were charged this week with having improper gambling licenses. Orva's Tavern in Preston (a baseball pool) and the Frontier Tavern in Bellevue (a dice game). Other County tavern operators may also be charged later.

Services pending at CARSON & SON FUNERAL home here in town for 101 year old Lottie Alden of Holyoke,Colorado and formerly of Maquoketa.
She died today in Colorado at a care center.

6 o'clock...I've been here since 6:30 this morning and I'm bushed...so long for another day.

DENNIS VOY

 

Sunny, bright and still a little cool today.

Jake and Judy Bickford are grandparents again. Al and Beth (Bickford)
Mueller of Pappillion, Nebraska, are parents of a girl, born yesterday in Nebraska. This is their 2nd child...the first, a boy.

Jamie Burlege and Brian Houston of Maquoketa are parents of a boy born October 15th at the J.C.P.H. here in Maquoketa.

Heard today that Walsh Ace Hardware in Maquoketa has been sold and it will be converted to a True Value Hardware. Located on West Platt Street...it is a busy store.

Slow, slow news day...sorry.

DENNIS VOY  

Cool today...in upper 40's

The 11 custodians and mail carrier for Maquoketa Community Schools have asked for a 50-cent an hour raise for next year. I'll keep you posted.

A press conference is in the works before the end of month to announce the new industry for Maquoketa. The City Council was told this at their meeting last night. State, Local and County officials will be invited along with media from Eastern Iowa. A groundbreaking ceremony is coming in December and Gov. Vilsack will be here for it.
This plant, by a Wisconsin firm, will eventually hire 600.

Had lunch today with Larry Hager...longtime sign painter and friend.
In his 70's and busy as always. Was out to see his younger sister in the LA area this summer. Wife Alice still kindergarden teacher at Cardinal. Tells me his son, Bruce, has two jobs in DeWitt.

Was to Bellevue last night at a joint Maquoketa-Bellevue Rotary meeting at the Lodge in the State Pork. The County Cattlemen fixed steaks on their big grill.....hard to beat. Found out that Potter's Mill has closed again. Was bought last year by a Texan. Doesn't sound like it will re-open.

And that will do for today.

DENNIS VOY

 

Not a bad day, mostly sunny and high in 50's.

City Council meeting tonight.

Lois DeLarm age 68, died Saturday and services will be Wednesday at Carson's.

Larry Techau, age 59, of Clinton died today. He was a MHS graduate and his mother was the late Ethel Shields.

Train derailment at Bellevue over the weekend, 11 cars involved and 2 went into the Mississppi River.

Have to run...sorry for the short report.

Got time? Go to www.maquoketa.com and click to Mark Willey's
Maquoketa On-the-Web newspaper....think it is called Maquoketa Sesspool...I'm not sure.

DENNIS VOY  

WEATHER: Last night, just as the football game was ending, a thunder and lightning storm came through with rain. Then light rain all night. Today, nice day, better than expected, with a 65 high and mostly sunny skies.

Maquoketa lost here in town last night, to Marion, 29 to 0. Our Quarterback, Nick Schauf, got injured in the first half and didn't play rest of the night. Maquoketa is now 1 and 4 in District play and 3 and 4 overall, with two tough games left....at Manchester next week and at DeWitt week after. They will be lucky to win either of thoses two games. Maquoketa fresh-soph team lost 48 to 8 last night. I believe they have won just 1 game this year.

The fire yesterday afternoon was at Spragueville, at Zeimets Garage.
A storage building to the rear burned down. Maquoketa assisted at the scene. Firemen from 4 departments were there, for total of around 2 hours.

Ruth A.Shouse, age 85, formerly of Maquoketa, died this morning at a Davenport Senior home. If I remember right, her late husband was Craig and he was a printer and I believe they had 2 sons, Kent, who lives in North Carolina. Also a son Joel, who lives in Montana.
Services pending at Carson and Son.

Did I tell you the Casey's Convenience Store on East Platt is now a Mobil Station? Yup, same owner, and it is now known as Knox Store...and will continue to have home made donuts and pizza. A crew was here all week converting it over.

Will we get another Caseys (very big chain in Iowa) in Maquoketa?
Lots of people wondering that now.

Have a nice Sunday and a good week too.

DENNIS VOY  

Nice day...high 81.

Maquoketa will HOST Marion tonight...its SENIOR NIGHT..final home game of season. Two games left then...at DeWitt and at Manchester.

Curt Nelson has quit the position of Head Baseball Coach for Maquoketa High. He finished his l9th season this summer as the head coach. He has a daughter that is a Senior and plays on the Girl's Softball team and he would like to watch all her games this coming summer. Plus, he believes a new coach would be good for Maquoketa. His best year was in 1983 when the Cardinals won the State Title. His Assistant Pat Bollman,is expected to get the job. Curt is currently the Cross Country Coach and is expected to keep that position.

Fire this afternoon at Springbrook, at Ziemet's Garage. Maquoketa firemen called to assist. I don't think it was very bad..and will have details tomorrow.

Amy Hinke reports her dad, Norm, is doing well after his heart attack, but recovering at Dubuque hospital, not Davenport...and I think he will be coming home very soon. Good news!

Thanks Shirley Miller down at Mesa for your e-mail. Good hearing from you. She tells me it was 98 yesterday, but low 80's expected this weekend....a cold spell moving in. Says the snowbirds form the North are starting to move in to area. When I'm 75 or 80, I'm going to start doing that in the winter. Oh, one thing more, Shirley says the John Heims in Maquoketa, parents of Joannie Head, are celebrating their 60th Anniversary this weekend. They have a small apartment East of Maquoketa right next to Bob and Joan.

Have a good weekend.

DENNIS VOY  

Nice...today...sunny, high 64 and South wind.

The new Maquoketa River Bridge over the Maquoketa River just North of the city, on the way to Hurstville, will open next Thursday.
It takes old highway 61 traffic over the river. There will be a dedication ceremony next Thursday morning at 10 with refreshments served after at City Hall. This bridge is expected to take a lot of traffic off of East Platt Street and will be a welcome addition to Maquoketa. The old bridge and approaches to it are gone, cleared out earlier this year. Also opening next week will be the new segment of North Main Street, leading up to the new Bridge. There will no longer be a weird 5-way intersection in front of the Maquoketa Lumber Company...a NEW regular 4-way intersection has replaced the 5 way.

Two men from the Quad Cities, are a step closer to building l8 new Senior Citizens Apartments in downtown Maquoketa, across from City Hall. Earlier, in anticipation of this, the city purchased several buildings to be demolished. The two developers plan to buy those buildings from the city now, plus a couple other parcels, and tear them all down to make way for their apartment complex. Last night, the city agreed to finance the buildings, at no interest, with the stipulation they, the Quad City developers, demolish the buildings.
They might clear out the buildings yet this year. Then start building the new apartment buildings next Spring. Buildings to be torn down: The former Kirk & Otting Motors building, later Bob Head Auto. The former Hayes Dairy Building to the West. The former Harrington Refrigeration building to the South. A house still being used.
A vacant corner lot in the Southeast Corner of that Block. And a house that was is now vacant that was owned by the late Nurse Eloise Evans Put another way, the entire HALF BLOCK behind the Voy Theatre and the Hurst Hotel will be used for this project. It will really change the appearance in that part of downtown Maquoketa.
The apartments will be for low-income Seniors. State or Federal rent assistance funds will be paid to the developers. One of the investors, by the way, is the son of Happy Joe, owner of the Happy Joe Pizza chain.

They are talking about some snow for Maquoketa, early next week.. You poor folks down South....you miss out.

Til next time.

DENNIS VOY
 

Mostly cloudy and cool today...high 55...sunshine arrived late this afternoon.

Iva Smith, age 85, of Maquoketa, died last night at the local hospital. Services will be Saturday morning at 11 at the First Lutheran Church. She and her husband Tudi were well known because they were managers of the Maquoketa Country Club when the golf course was at the old location on East Platt Street. She was a good waitress too. Tudi died maybe 10 years ago. She is survived by 1 daughter, Mrs. Ron "Sue" Hovey of Maquoketa.

Heard yesterday that Norm Hinke had a heart-attack early this week and is in a Davenport hospital.

Nothing else...another slow news days.

DENNIS VOY  

Windy and hot today...high around 80. But, cooler weather is coming.

For 25 years, Maquoketa has had 2 elementary schools...each with grades KG-5. Two years ago, there was a study to determine if they should be restructured to make one school K-2 and the other 3-5.
Some believe the kids from poorer families are attending the Cardinal School at the Northeast corner of the town. The issue recently surfaced again. More discussion. A petition drive. And last night, the Board voted 2 to 2 on the issue, so things stay as is. Board Prez Cindy Fier "passed" on the vote, believing if a change is made, it should be unanamous by the Board. She has always favored the idea of the restructuring, as has the administration. So, at her suggestion, more study will be done and a community committee will also be involved. So, the issue isn't "dead", but the current system will probably go on through the 2000-200l school year.

Curt Gruver, Maquoketa policeman for over 20 years, has a new job with the Department. He's going to be the new School Resource Officer, working at all 4 school buildings during the school year. Another officer will be hired to take his current job with the Department. In the sumnmer months, he will Patrol until school starts again. This is a 3-year program that has received state grant money, with some local matching funds. Nothing REALLY NEW as other school districts around the country have in-school officers and apparently they make a difference.

Gary D. Stoll, age 4l, of Maquoketa, died today at his home.
Arrangements pending at Carson & Son Funeral Home. I believe he has a twin-brother named Larry.

Check the KMAQ Guest Book....a MCHS Grad in the 50's...left Maquoketa..had a successful career and retired back to Maquoketa and is happy here.

That's all folks.

DENNIS VOY  

THE WEATHER has again been the main topic of conversation. Great fall day yesterday...and today again...in the 70's.

Several High School students were charged with fighting last week and one with having Marijuana in school. Unofficial reports from Maquoketa High School indicate there were l6 students suspended from school last week, for various offenses. Maquoketa Police were at the High School neary every day and three times on one day. And..officers were at the school again today.

Maquoketa isn't always your "quiet little peaceful town".

The Jackson County Pork Producers held their annual banquet last night at the fairgrounds. And I was there, enjoying a dinner of "the other white meat". Kelly Watters, age 17, a Senior at Maquoketa High, was crowned the 2000 Pork Queen. She is daugther of Brian and Kelly Watters. Scott Gent is Prez of the organization and conducted the meeting.

Pauline Feldner, age 88, of Maquoketa, formerly of Wisconsin, died Sunday at a care center in Dubuque. She is survived by 2 daughters, including Sherry Sokol of Maquoketa.

Maquoketa will HOST Marion this Friday night...last home game of season.

Dairy Queen closed last week...and the Jack & Jill weekend BRAT stand is closed for the season...signs that tell us....cold weather is around the corner.

The LEAVES are beautiful.

You're all beautiful.

See you tomorrow.

DENNIS VOY  

Another perfect day...high 74.

This afternoon, my Wisconsin Badgers won...my Iowa Hawks lost.

and last night, Maquoketa lost to Vinton, 30 to 12. The Cardinals jumped off to a 12 to 0 lead, and then it was Vinton the rest of the way.

Jerry Bowen is a write-in candidate for Maquoketa City Council,
3rd Ward. Jim Bollman is Councilman now for that Ward, but is not seeking re-election. And, no candidate filed for the position.
He works in shipping and receiving at Maquoketa WEB Printing in Maquoketa, owned by the Melvolds. He is a volunteer fireman, and also is reserve volunteer officer with the Maquoketa Police Department.

Keith and Lori Weimerschirch of Maquoketa, are parents of a boy born yesterday at Finley Hospital in Dubuque. Grandparents are Lorna and Clem Specht of Maquoketa and Russ and Viola Weimerschirch of Maquoketa.

Have a GOOD SUNDAY.

DENNIS VOY

 

Nice day again...high 73.

Had a good trip to Horicon, Wisconsin yesterday, visiting my folks,who are getting along nicely. Mother had minor eye surgery earlier this week. Nancy and I treated them to a KFC dinner. When they used to come down here a couple times a year, they always enjoyed visiting my KFC chicken place. Yesterday, was the first time I had to PAY for the meal though. Beaver Dam, next to Horicon, has a good KFC store.

Harris Penrose was 97 this week. He fell in his yard earlier this year and hasn't been the same since, so I'm told. He is up in the extended care section of the hospital.

Thanks Ed Burroughs, former Maquoketa resident, for joining the group here daily...glad to get your e-mail.

Maquoketa plays at Vinton tonight.

Maquoketa police have been busy, investigating....

the theft of a $250 extension ladder from 201 S.Main. Who threw a rock through Judy Michel's front bay window on Eddy Place. Have not seen Judy in a long time. 41 years ago, when I came to Maquoketa, I first met Judy who was a l5-year-old waitress at the Green Mill.
In later years,she owned the place.

Back to the police blotter. BZ Trailers on East Platt, a winch worth $600 was taken. And a l7-year-old threw a chair through the front window of the new Hillcrest Office on East Platt.

Tommy Dague, age 52, of Maquoketa, died yesterday morning at his home. Survived by his wife, Judy, 2 sons and his parents.

The Pork Producers big annual meeting is this Sunday night at the fairgronds.

Camp Shalom, owned for many years by a Davenport church, and located off the Caves Road next to the Maquoketa River, is having an Open House and Porkfest this Sunday. Its a nice...and busy camp.

Dorothy Sanger, after 21 years, has retired at Osterhaus Pharmacy..today her last day. Great lady.

Paul Peterson left Maquoketa State Bank this week after 16 years and will head the loan Department at Belleveu State Bank.

The new DUTRAC credit union (like a bank) building is coming along nicely, on land that years ago was the Rose Garden, and before that, the Hi-Ho Restaurant.

Retired DOT employees from this area held a reunion in Maquoketa.
Those attending: Bill Upmeyer, Wayne Buck,Clif Lamborn, Jim Merrick,
Don Miller, John Eastman, Carlos Boysen, Dick Condon, Frank DeMarais,
Dwight Hopson, Willis Wood, Stan Johannsen, Rita Jorgensen, Darwin Lyons, Harold Lubben, Paul Waite, Warren Ihns, James Blacke, George Owen, and Bob Fay. There was once a DOT office in Maquoketa, but it closed in l969. Now, we have a new million dollar maintenace complex at East edge of town, on highway 62.

Neal and Carolyn Morehead will celebrate thier 25th Wedding Anniversary this Sunday. He's running for Mayor you know.

A former Maquoketan, Don Lyons, tomorrow, will be one of five inducted into the Upper Iowa University Athletics Hall of Fame. The son of the former Sheriff is a 75 Grad of MCHS and 82 Grad at Upper Iowa.
Lettered at the college in football and baseball and has been a successful coach at Denison, Iowa. He is married and the father of son Robert.

Nancy just called...get on home...we are going out to KFC for one of those new KFC sandwiches you've been seeing on TV. They're good.
Then, out to the drive-in.....which is still open Friday and Saturday nights. Good comedy tonight and weather is great, so should be another good weekend. Not summer business by no means, but not bad for this time of the year.

Tomorrow is also supposed to be nice..so Bob Wagener will have a good night for his final night of Stock Car Racing in Maquoketa. Yup, he's son of John and John is still in the can redemption business here in town. Has a business called CAN CITY, that includes a gas station.

Have a nice weekend friends.

DENNIS VOY

 

Bright, shiny and 64 today.

Rotary Program TODAY was visit to the Sunshine School Pre-School and Day Care....behind Jack & Jill Supermarket....and recently enlarged. The addition is just about done and looks great. Nancy Moore, who has headed Sunshine since it began in the 60's or 70's (she is Rotarian) gave the tour. It is the largest in the State...with 55 mostly fulltime employees. It is open daily, Monday thru Friday from 5:45 A.M. until 6 P.M. No one owns Sunshine....it is run by a Board.
Sue Hutton has also been with it since the beginning and was in one of the classrooms. Sue also works at Wal Mart. Anyway, it is a clean,first-class facility and Maquoketa is lucky to have it, especially these days when both parents work. Nancy says "working parents are the best parents". My 4 kids all went there and I can even sing the Sunshine Song.

Maquoketa is loosing a young attorney. Presley Henningsen is leaving Schoenthaler, Roberg, Bartelt and Kahler Firm here in Maquoketa to go with a large firm in Muscatine. He has been in Maquoketa 3 years.
The Maquoketa firm just recently hired an attorney, Brian Farrell of Goose Lake, to replace LaVern Roberg who has retired. Farrell has been a Judge's Clerk in the Courthouse in Davenport.

Dr. Steve Craig has closed his TOTAL FOOT CARE clinic in Maquoketa on West Platt, in the building that for many years was used by Doctors Broman and Brown. Rumor has it that Dr. Mark Intelkofer plans to return to practice in Maquoketa. Craig will continue his Clintonn office and will set up a clinic at the Jackson County Public Hospital with the next month or so. In other words, like many doctors, he will come to Maquoketa at certain times each week. Intelkofer had some problems with Medicare funds and I believe had to pay a fine and serve some time. He apparently didn't loose his license and will be able to practice again, as a foot doctor.

Heard today that Paul Peterson, after l6 years with the Maquoketa State Bank, has resigned and will join the Bellevue State Bank.

Sue's Hallmark Store is getting a new lighted front sign.

The SHOPPER has done some painting and new carpet is down...looks nice. Judy said she will not sell her building to Deery Motors to be town down. Her plans are to run the SHOPPER another 10 years or so and then sell it to another shopper.

Emily Siegel, age 90, of Maquoketa and formerly of Andrew, died yesterday afternoon at the local hospital. No local survivors.

Bob Driscoll, age 88, owner of Driscoll Hardware in Preston since 1941 died yesterday. He also was part-owned of a livestock sale barn in Maquoketa for about 10 years. He was a member of the Preston Fire Department for 66 years. Survived by his wife Hazil and 3 sons. Two sons live in Preston and I believe both are associated with the store.

Bob and Francis Melvold were on KMAQ's JUST TALK SHOW this morning to talk about the newspaper business, as this is National Newspaper Week. They came to Maquoketa in 1946, purchasing one of the 2 newspapers in town and then not long after, buying other. Over the years, they also became affiliated with the newspapers in Galena, Bellevue, DeWitt and Eldridge. Also have a couple printing shops and a big commercial printing plant. Several of their children are involved with the business establishments. Francis is still very active in the businesses and Bob still writes a weekly collumn and covers a meeting or two when someone is on vacation.

Heading up to Wisconsin tomorrow to visit my folks, so probably no report tomorrow.

This report had 66 "hits" the other day in a 24 hour period...growing.
Everytime I think about quitting this, I find out about new readers who like it.

I do hurry this everyday, to please excuse mistakes. In radio, we never have to worry about spelling, etc......no body see radio copy.
I also never take time to proof-read this. Should, but don't have time.

Its 4-H Week...and Fire Prevention Week....if you could hear KMAQ, you'd hear a lot about both.

So long for awhile.

DENNIS VOY  

Bright and shiny day..high 64.

Who is George E. Brown?

Big news today.. 4-lane 61 through Maquoketa was opened to traffic just before noon today.....cars and trucks are cruising the new over-pass, over highway 64. Some stop and go lights at the end of the "off-ramps" still not working.....and still work to be done North of Maquoketa,to Zwingle. So, about a mile North of town, the four lanes narrow down to 2 lanes...the finished East lanes...but hopefully, before the first big snowfall, we will have 4-lanes all the way to Dubuque.

Did I tell you??? We had snow flurries in Maquoketa early Saturday morning.

Welcome new readers of this, whatever! George E. Marilyn Brown
was here over the weekend for the 50th MHS re-union. Vern Weirup was also at the weekend parties. I'll ask him about the Browns.
Or I could ask Dick Davis. He was in that class. So was Ron Reif. Sorry I missed you Ron. Jake at Bill Moler's said you were in.
The Class of 49 met Friday night...Saturday night..and Sunday morning.
They are all coming back in 3 years..yes 3, not 5 years. See you then.

Ran into Michelle Flagel at Pioneer Day Sunday...she has new computer, is on the Internet...and has checked out this report. Believe she said her daughter, in Minneapolis I think, told her about this.
Welcome to the "daily" and I urge both of you to make an entry in our KMAQ Website Guest Book. Marilyn...I'll be looking for yours too.
I have found that most people read this first....then immediately check out the Guest Book too.

Thelma Pat Gruenwald was in a bad head-on accident at Quarry and Olive Streets yesterday, but is in good condition today at a Dubuque hospital. The other driver, age 23, from Springbrook, was treated and released from our hospital. Both cars demolished. You all know Thelma. Her son Sam runs the local Radio Shack store and she and her late husband Gene, used to run an appliance store in Maquoketa.

Another 2-car accident yesterday, involved Nick Meyer of Maquoketa,age 34, and Ross Davis of Maquoketa, age 80. No injuries. It happened South of town near Hurstville.

Haven't heard from the Millers lately in Arizona? All okay?

Quite a few of you regulars ..I haven't heard from....are you still there??

And J. in Alaska...too bad about Sammi taking 2nd to Big Mac.

Nothing big to report from Council meeting last night. Mayor Jack has worn a suit the last two meetings. Suppose that's because his opponent, Councilman Neal almost always wears one. Their signs are plastered all over town.

Who's gonna win? Don't know..but I believe it will be close.

Leaf pickup starts in 3 weeks...and this year they are going to use the new street sweeper. That should be interesting.

Red Henton was in today....busy as a bee...getting ready for the Fulton Church l25th Anniversary on Sunday, October 31st. Nancy and I will try and make it and you are all welcome.

The Iron Hill Church is having their final-of-the year MONTHLY home-made noon dinner tomorrow at the church. Those are popular. You sit up in the church and wait for your number to go down and eat.
They have really re-done the church...and cemetery behind...nice...
hard workers like Bob Cavens, and Harold Penroses, and others.
Been to their dinner once and one other time to a funeral.

Nobody died since yesterday.

I'll die if I don't go home for supper....and then pretend that Nancy's homemade Lazagna is the greatest. Long as there is dessert.

Till tomorrow.

DENNIS VOY

 

Mostly sunny and cool today in Maquoketa..a high around 55.

Had 6/l0ths of an inch of rain and cold weather yesterday.

Recapping the weeekend a little. Maquoketa lost their homecoming game Friday night, but a good time was had by all Saturday night at the dance, held at the Delmar gym.

The Octoberfest of Bands Day Saturday started with an 80-minute parade and ended with a 90-minute Field Show. Though not as many bands as in other years, it was still a success. Thanks to Judy Neiss for doing a great job again as Chairman of the event.

Yesterday, Pioneer Day at the Fairgroundsd went on despite the weather. The outdoor events had to be cancelled, including the popular draft horse demonstrations and parade.....but a lot of indoor events went on as scheduled. Pearson Center is a BIG BUILDING. I was there for a good 90 minutes until my 9-year-old grandson thought it was time to leave. They inducted four into the Jackson County Hall Of Fame.
They are...all deceased: Oran Brandt...was a dairyperson and artist.
Edna Hoffman of Preston, a leader in garden and flower show.
William Hancock, a builder of business places and homes in Maquoketa, who was active in his profession until he was 94. And Gallilee Harding, of Baldwin, artist and wife of banker.

Brad and Lisa Barnes of Maquoketa are parents of a girl, their first child.

The building across from KMAQ is down...looks different...they are hauling away the trash now. Only problem...we have to put up with the glaring setting sun every late afternoon...shining into the FM Control Room. We'll get used to it.

Nobody locally died over the weekend...

and so much for the Monday report.

City Council meeting tonight so will have something on it tomorrow.

DENNIS VOY  

Cold and windy this monring....partly sunny this afternoon and a high only in the mid 50's.

It was an OK morning for the parade.

The Octoberfest of Bands Parade went well.....starting at 9:30 and ending at l0:50. A nice crowd to watch it also. Last night's Moonlight Madness event was a little slow in attendance. And, the Maquoketa Cardinals lost their homecoming game 21 to l4....loosing in the final 3 minutes. I thought it might go into overtime.

We had 24 bands here today.....but, we have had more than 30 in the past.

Sorry, but nothing more today.

DENNIS VOY  

Did you miss me?

I'm back (got back at 6 last night) and today has been catch-up day.

Yup, had a good time.....stayed the two nights ($169 a night) at the Geneva Center (buildt for a Playboy Club in the 70's) and it is a nice place at rural Lake Geneva,Wisconsin. Owned by Marcus Hotels of Milwaukee. Went to movie convention and met a few old theatre buddies and was brought up on the latest in the movie business. Big, big chance coming soon...digital movies....no-film movies.

Today, start of busy weekend in Maquoketa. Homecoming tonight. Parade down Main Street this afternoon. Going on now..a Moonlight Madness event until 8 P.M., sponsored by the Chamber. Live music. Food. Beer (its Octoberfest) and BARGAINS FOR SHOPPERS. I just looked down the street, and it looks like there is a good turnout.
Tomorrow, the Octoberfest Of Bands Parade (at 9:30 A.M.) with 24 bands
and at noon, the field competition at Goodenow Field, with about half the bands in it. Then, Sunday, Pioneer Day at the fairgrounds, sponsored by the Historical Society and Harness Horse Association.

Well known Jackson County farmer, Jack Tabor, age 75,died this week. He farmed all his life at Baldwin. Survived by his wife Shirley, 2 sons, Paul of Dubuque and Eric of Des Moines, 2 daughters, Ann of Iowa City and Mary of Des Moines. Services tomorrow at Carson & Son Funeral Home in Maquoketa.

Maquoketa plays Benton Community in their Homecoming game tonight.

Iowa plays at Michigan State tomorrow.

I'll have the Homecoming score tomorrow on this report and a few other news items from the week just ending.

The Class of '49 of MHS is having their 50th Anniversary Class Reunion in Maquoketa this weekend. Dick Davis, who just retired this year as MCHS part-time girl's softball coach is a member of that class and told us today that they have a full weekend planned.

And, I hear the Class of '50 is already making plans for next year's 50th.

Have a good weekend.

DENNIS VOY