Local News

Error message

  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 133 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to get property 'settings' of non-object in _simpleads_adgroup_settings() (line 343 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Warning: array_merge(): Expected parameter 1 to be an array, bool given in _simpleads_render_ajax_template() (line 157 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/includes/simpleads.helper.inc).
  • Notice: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in include() (line 24 of /home/pdccourier/www/www/sites/all/modules/simpleads/templates/simpleads_ajax_call.tpl.php).
Tue
25
Aug

CAMPAIGNING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: Michael Bergan (R), House District 55

In the midst of an election year, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted how political candidates typically connect with voters. Over the next few weeks, the Times-Register will share how some local candidates have adapted—how they’re “meeting” constituents and continuing to share their ideas.


By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

It started with a commitment to serve, community service and the value of working together, and it has led to Michael Bergan seeking a third term as a member of the Iowa House, serving District 55. 

Tue
25
Aug

Airport board, council discuss need to increase Monona Airport funding

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

Members of the Monona Airport Board went before the Monona Council Aug. 17, concerned about an Oct. 1 deadline that challenged them to develop options to increase funding at the airport before the council determines if the property should be put up for sale. 

A potential buyer approached the city about purchasing the airport property, which is located three miles southeast of Monona, earlier this summer. Declining revenue and a drop in use has forced the council to seriously consider the idea.

Tue
25
Aug

Luana Daze planned for Aug. 29-30, with safety measures in place


The parade will be one of the highlights of the annual Luana Daze celebration held this Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29 and 30. (File photo)

The Luana Community Club will hold its annual Luana Daze celebration this Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29 and 30. 

“Our goal is to have as much fun as possible, while being as safe as possible,” the group said in a Facebook post. 

Numerous hand sanitizer stations will be provided at the event, and there are plans in place for social distancing. All food servers will wear gloves and masks, according to the post.

“We believe, with the cooperation of those who attend, Luana Daze will be a safe, welcome time of almost-normalcy,” the planning committee stated.

Tue
25
Aug

MFL MarMac coaches discuss pandemic’s impact on fall sports

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

When Iowa high school fall sports seasons kick off this week, opposing teams won’t be the only challenge athletes face this year. They’re also dealing with new health and safety measures implemented to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

“Preparing for the season was difficult because we didn’t even know if the season would be delayed or cancelled,” said MFL MarMac’s head volleyball coach, Angela Adney. “The girls were given about a week’s notice that the season would be officially beginning, and practice times were adjusted to work around many commitments the girls already had scheduled.”

Tue
25
Aug

Versatile offense will be key for MFL MarMac volleyball team


Members of the MFL MarMac volleyball team include (front, left to right) Abby Schellhorn, Lexy Johnson; (middle) Lakota Morrissey, Mackenzy Ruff, Aleyna Rodriguez, Miranda Lang; (back) head coach Angela Adney, Carlie Jones, Anna Stoddard, Karli Tilson, Riley Moreland, Kayden Gillitzer, Brooke Gillitzer and assistant coach Stephanie Michel. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

The MFL MarMac volleyball team is under new leadership this season, with Monona native and MFL MarMac alumna Angela Adney taking over as head coach.

Adney has led volleyball programs at neighboring school districts for the past three years. She said much of her skill set and knowledge stems from playing on a variety of coed volleyball leagues around the area and learning from elite players and coaches from other communities.

“Now I’m excited to be back and to make an impact in my hometown,” she shared.

Tue
25
Aug

Strong skill positions, defensive nucleus have Bulldogs ready to defend title


Members of the MFL MarMac football team include (front, left to right) Uriah Duffield, Mason Overton, Elias Hatt, Holden Mathis, Wyatt Powell, Colin Henkels, Bryce Radloff, Bryce Diehl, Dylan Jones, Carver Blietz-Bentien, Tristen Koehn, Nolan Lerch, Dalton Krause; (second row) manager Jaxton Schroeder, Kade McElwaine, Cole Allert, Cayl Anderson, Gabe McGeough, Kaden Stocker, Karter Decker, Corbin McElwaine, Cyrus Johnson, Taylor Herzmann, Blake Lamborn, Jacob Berns, manager Marlene Franzen; (third row) Danta Wood, camera and statistician Cayden Pester, Jonah Wille, Tyler Zuercher, Hunter Meyer, Levi Walz, Austin Schlee, Chauncy Drahn, Josh Reichard, Cullen McShane, Jack Vorwald, Alek Roys, Brandon Christofferson, Hunter Goltz, assistant coach Nelson Converse; (back) assistant coaches Jake Wilke, Brandon Burke and Luke Arenz, Gavin Meana, Kale Miene, Tyler Wille, Braden Landt, Colin Moses, Cayden Ball, Max Havlicek, Logan Brown, assistant coaches Kyle Kirkestue and Ryan Pomerening and head coach Dan Anderson. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

The MFL MarMac football team is coming off an historic season—one that saw them go 10-1 and claim the first district title in school history. Last year’s squad was senior-dominated, including five all-state players.

“All of them graduated, and we lost some excellent football players, so there are going to be a lot of new faces,” admitted head coach Dan Anderson, but that doesn’t mean anyone should sleep on the Bulldogs. 

Tue
25
Aug

With freshman surge, Bulldog cross country will field full girls and boys teams


Members of the MFL MarMac cross country team are (front, left to right) manager Haylee Guyer, Cadence Weber, Alexis Ross, Kaylee Nuehring, Clare Grau, Rose Grau, Ruby Koeller, Sydney Moser, Amara Buchheit, Ayla Gerndt, Kaylee Walch; (back) assistant coach Michelle Hontz, Hunter Kugel, Reilly Franzen, Koal Klenk, JJ Lynd, Caleb Nordheim, Dusty Berns, Cody Moses, Izayah Streicher, Kole Pape and head coach Eric Koenig. (Photo by Audrey Posten)

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

The MFL MarMac cross country team boasts 23 kids on its roster this season, with plenty of both boys and girls to field full varsity teams. It’s a prospect sixth-year head coach Eric Koenig is excited about.

“Just being able to field a full boys and girls team in itself is an accomplishment for schools our size,” he noted. “The kids are not only running for individual placement, but also a team score—something more than just themselves. These kids are really supportive of each other and define what a team is, and for us coaches, that’s as exciting to see as their improving performance.”

Ten of those team members are freshmen.

Tue
25
Aug

Central cross country team includes seven returners


Members of the Central cross country team include (front, left to right) Corey Weber, Haley Mueller, Jaydin Dettman, Madylen Gregerson, Hannah Asche, Delaney Scherf, Brayden Finley; (back) Taylor Moser, Allie Mussman, Eva Embretson, Maci Kluesner, Parker Vaughan, McKenna Jaster, Carly Kluesner, Maria Medberry, Hailey Mahoney and coach Mark Bauder. (Photo courtesy of Blaker Photography)

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

In 38 years as a coach at Central, 30 for cross country, Mark Bauder has seen a lot, done a lot and experienced decades of change, but this year will be different—perhaps unlike any other he has ever faced. 

It’s not just COVID-19 running alongside the team, invading the tranquility of the run, but also because, for the first time in nearly three decades, the cross country team doesn’t have enough runners for a team score. According to Bauder, that “makes achieving personal best times even harder.” 

Tue
25
Aug

Central football coach Joe Koehn brings new approach to game


Members of the Central football team include (front, left to right) Sabastian Florek, Lane Orr, Noah Diersen, Nick Deitchler, Evan Pensel, Evan Schroeder; (second row) Jasmine Grau, Mark Hertrampf, Joel Thiese, Riley Keene, James Eberhardt, Brandon Whittle, William Moser; (third row) Sam Fettkether, Spencer Heer, Ryan Schroeder, Tate Berns, C.J. Polkinghorn, Elliot Kelly; (fourth row) Ashton Burroughs, Hazen Loan, Nate Shirbroun, Sean Wilwert; (back) coaches Blake Rodenberg, Joe Koehn, Colten Ledbeter and Isaiah Hopp. (Photo courtesy of Blaker Photography)

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

It was a trip back to Central to attend a football practice while a attending college that ignited the coaching passion in Joe Koehn. Now, six years later, he has emerged as the head coach, injecting new life, as well as more fun, into the program. 

Koehn was inspired by a bevy of former coaches from high school to college, all role models who imprinted elements of trust and respect for those who have come before and how they have helped by way of accomplishments. But above all, they left a “very positive impact” on Koehn, which translates into his coaching philosophy. 

Thu
20
Aug

Harlan Backhaus

Harlan Lester Harvey Backhaus was born April 19, 1930, on the family farm in Clayton County, near Garnavillo, to Ernie and Georgene (Mohning) Backhaus. His mother died when he was only three years old, and his father married Evangeline (Mohning), his stepmother. Harlan passed away on Aug. 18, 2020, at the Good Neighbor Home, in Manchester, at the age of 90.

He received his education (grades 1-8) in country school, then later graduated from Garnavillo High School in the class of 1947. He would brag to his children and grandchildren that he was the top of his class through the eighth grade (because he was the only one in the class).

Pages