Public Spaces

Historic Courthouse Renovation Fails In Mitchell County

Submitted by Doug Merbach on Tuesday, April 3rd, 2:06 pm

The MItchell County Board of Supervisors decided this morning that they will not save their historic courthouse.

The decision was made before a packed house of people who wanted to see the old courthouse saved and renovated.

Supervisor Stan Walk tells ABC 6 News that no more studies will be done on the old building but instead the county will seek plans and bids from architectural firms for a new courthouse.

"The old courthouse is just not functional for the 21st century" according to Walk and that "it served the needs of the county for over 150 years."

Initail estimates for the cost of a new courthouse have ranged from $4.2 million to $5 million dollars.

Renovation costs to the old courthouse would have cost the county over $5 million dollars according to recent studies.

The Mitchell County courthouse has been on the National Registry of Historic places since 1977.

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Mason City’s Blue Zones Video Debuts on Youtube

Submitted by Phenda Varnie on Thursday, February 23rd, 12:25 pm

MASON CITY—The video produced for submission with Mason City’s Blue Zones application has been posted on YouTube. Entitled, “Mason City on the March for Blue Zones”, it was filmed at The Music Man Square, local schools, and downtown, and features enthusiastic citizens of all ages.

Youth Leadership (YIELD) students from Mason City High School, Newman High School, and the Mason City Alternative School worked on the project as part of their community impact project. They organized pep assemblies at the high schools and arranged for the MCHS Drum Line to lead the Start Somewhere Community Walk. The AHS students segment highlights Mason City’s Walking School Bus project.

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M.C. Alternate Side Parking Suspended

Submitted by Phenda Varnie on Monday, January 30th, 11:24 am

The Alternate Side Parking ordinance and Emergency Snow Route are suspended until further notice, effictive 4:00 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2012.

Citizens should stay tuned to local media outlets to receive notification if the ordinance will be reinstated. The information is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the City’s website at www.masoncity.net or via the alternate side parking telephone line (641) 424-7188.

When possible, it is the intent of the City to provide a 48 hour advance notice in the event a significant snow event is forecast. In any event, the City will try to provide as much advance notice as possible.

For additional information, contact City Administrator Brent Trout at (641) 421-2701.

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Celebrate the Holidays at the Museum

Submitted by Chris Kuball, Storm Tracker 6 Meteorologist

Wednesday, December 7th, 2011, 9:19am

MASON CITY, Iowa - Celebrate the holidays at the Charles H. MacNider Museum with two delightful events.

Enjoy MacNider Off the Clock: Holiday Edition with free wine and appetizers on Friday, December 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Guests are welcome to explore the galleries and mingle with friends as live music by Sam Crosser fills the Museum. Visitors can view the newest exhibition, Iowa Crafts: 40, which contains over forty works of art, by twenty-six artists, ranging from established artists to students just beginning their careers. A great diversity of entries including small-scale sculpture, basketry, jewelry, handmade quilts, and pottery were chosen.

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Streetscape Dedication

Submitted by Andrew Lovelette, Reporter/Photographer

Friday, September 16th, 2011, 5:55pm

The final touches have been made on the Mason City "Streetscape" and today held its grand opening.

Mason City residents had been waiting patiently for construction from Federal Avenue to State Street to be completed.

The streets are now lined with new things like sidewalks, curbs, trees and lights.

The streetscape opening coincided with the Great River City Festival kicking off with an ethnic lunch.

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Voters May Decide What's Next For Mitchell County Courthouse

Submitted by Doug Merbach on Wednesday, August 31st, 2:55 pm

The issue on whether to save a historic north Iowa Courthouse may go before voters.

Mitchell County Supervisors say their 153 year old courthouse either needs to be repaired and brought up to code, or be torn down to build a new one.

Architects say that if more than 25 percent of the building needs to be repaired, it would make more economical sense to build a new courthouse.

Now County Supervisors are exploring the possibility of putting the issue on the ballot in November to let Mitchell County residents determine the best course of action.

County Supervisor Stan Walk tells ABC 6 News that in either case, rebuild or build new, either tax increment financing or general obligation bonds would be used to remedy the courthouse issue.

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