Janel Burgess, varsity girls basketball coach and middle school teacher at Montezuma, gives the Bravettes instructions during a timeout in an earlier home game. Janel has led the Bravettes for seven years, taking them to state five times. She said her goal in life is to teach and mentor students to give their best every day in the classroom, in sports competitions and in life. Her husband, Tim, the Montezuma athletic director and volunteer coach with the Bravettes, is in the background. By J.O. Parker Teaching, building relationships and mentoring Montezuma students to give their best in the classroom, in athletic competitions and in life are things that Tim and Janel Burgess take to heart. The couple, who are in their seventh year teaching and coaching young people at Montezuma, work hard to make every day count for the students. Janel teaches middle school math and coaches high school girls’ basketball. Tim, who is known as TB, is the Montezuma activities director, school facilitator and volunteer coach for the Bravettes basketball team with Janel. When asked what they love and enjoy the most about their jobs, Janel said the opportunity to impact the lives of young people daily. “We get to watch them mature and learn from the classroom and within the sports world,” she said. Tim agreed, saying seeing students succeed in any area of their life, regardless of whether it’s in a classroom, an activity or athletic competition, is important to him and Janel. “I think it’s a privilege to be a part of mentoring kids as they grow throughout their years at Montezuma,” he said. When asked what they like about being in Montezuma and working with youth in the school, Janel said all she has ever wanted to do was lead young people to be their best. “That is what I get to do each day,” she said. “I wake up and know my goal is to impact people. We see students in all walks of life and I just hope each one of my students know we love being part of their life.” “Personally, I think what I like most about being in Montezuma and working with our students is our parent and community support,” added Tim. “It was something I noticed right away and appreciated beyond words. I tell people all of the time, Montezuma is a truly special place.” Janel, a native of Millersburg and former Deep River-Millersburg (DR-M) student, is a 1994 graduate of Montezuma where she played basketball for the Bravettes her junior and senior years. She went on to enjoy a stellar career playing basketball for the Iowa State Cyclones, graduating with a teaching degree in 1998. She spent a brief stint at the University of Northern Illinois before landing at the University of Maine and serving alongside then head coach Joanne McCallie. Janel followed McCallie to Michigan State before accepting an assistant coaching position at Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State) in Springfield. She then returned to Michigan in 2007 and took over the women’s coaching position at Grand Valley State University in Allendale. During her eight year tenure at GVSU, Janel took the Lakers to the NCAA Division II Tournament twice. It was at Michigan State where Janel and Tim first met in 2001. Janel was running a JV girls summer camp that year at Michigan State and Tim, a local high school coach, was working the camp as a volunteer coach. “He will tell you, he did not want to work the camp, but we are both glad he did,” Janel said with a chuckle. “He was a coach at the time and I was in need of employees.” “I knew of her only because she was running the camp,” added Tim. “I actually remember being on a date early on and using salt and pepper baggies to ‘draw up plays.’ Coaching was always part of our relationship, even from the beginning.” Tim is a native of Mason, Mich., a town about the size of Williamsburg and a graduate of Mason High School. He spent two years at Adrian College before transferring to Michigan State University where he earned an elementary teaching degree. He went on to earn a special education degree from Grand Valley State University. The couple has two children, Eddie, a sophomore at Upper Iowa University where he plays football and is following in his parent’s footsteps and earning a teaching degree. And Sydnee, a freshman at Montezuma. Janel said it was Tim who lead the charge to return to her home state of Iowa. At the time, Tim had been a stay at home dad for five years while Janel was coaching collegiately and was gone a lot. Eddie was going to be a sixth grader and Sydnee was going to be a first grader. “He was looking ahead and saw our children were growing up fast,” recalled Janel. “He knew we wanted to be involved in our kids’ lives therefore a move was needed. It was a very hard decision but we are both glad we abruptly changed our professional goals to come to Iowa.” They couple returned to Iowa in 2015 and moved into Janel’s grandparent’s home. They spent a brief time at Williamsburg before making the move to Montezuma in 2017. When asked how they inspire young people to be their best, Janel said building relationships with the students and student athletes they interact with on a daily basis. “Our goal is to make sure young people know they can trust us and they know we have their best interest in mind,” said Janel. “I believe our “kids” know we care about them first so when we have high expectations for them, they are able to rise within the classroom and in all their activities.” “I agree,” said Tim. “It always starts with relationships. When you are dealing with students or even people in general, it starts there. If you listen to interviews about successful teams, programs, businesses, etc., you will find strong and positive relationships somewhere along the way.” When asked about the importance of coaching youth at a young age, Janel said she and Tim have a much different view of youth sports than most. “I believe youth sports are great but there is no need to force children to be involved if they do not want to,” said Janel. For example, Janel said Eddie’s first organized youth sport was soccer in the third grade and Sydnee didn’t start youth sports until the third grade as well. “We wanted our kids to enjoy what they did and not do too much,” added Janel. “We had seen youth sports be over done through our other walks of life.” Janel, who is coaching a youth basketball program alongside coach Greg Long, said the main focus is on building skills with three or four tournaments each winter. “Our goal through youth sports is to enjoy everything because in a small school, we need all kids to do all activities in order for us all to be successful.” Tim added that when their children showed interest in something, they worked to make it happen for them but the moment they wanted to be done, it was over. “Janel and I were both very blessed with supportive and hard working parents who were good role models,” noted Tim. “We were both able to compete and have great experiences as we grew up. We want our kids to live their lives and do the things that make them happy. I don’t think there is a right or wrong philosophy to coaching youth or youth sports, but this was just how we chose to go about it with our kids.” When asked in what ways does the community impact the school and sports, Janel said she and Tim are truly blessed to have all different age groups at Montezuma supported in all the activities from sports to musicals, FFA, speech and drama and most importantly, the classroom. “Personally, I think a community has a direct impact on the values, behaviors and success of students in every way,” added Tim. “Take a look at the success our students have academically, or from our extra-curriculars, it’s very clear what a truly special place Montezuma is. Teachers, coaches, students, parents and our Montezuma community are all intertwined in the success our school has. I am thankful every day to be a part of it.” Tim Burgess, the Montezuma athletic director, school facilitator and volunteer coach for the Bravettes basketball team with Janel, yells directions from the sidelines in a Braves football game last fall. The couple met at Michigan State at a basketball camp that Janel was running in 2001. Tim has since stepped down from coaching football to focus his attention on the couple’s daughter, Sydnee, a freshman at Montezuma. Their son, Eddie, plays football at Upper Iowa University where he is studying elementary education.
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Monte Journal is proud to announce the first Montezuma Area Business Fair on Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m in the Auditorium at the Montezuma Community School, 504 N. 4th St., Montezuma. There is no charge to attend. There will be raffle door prizes and all proceeds from the raffle will go to the Montezuma Food Pantry.
We still have a few vendor spots available and all vendors are welcome including businesses, crafters, artists, authors and others. We encourage vendors, even outside of the Montezuma area, to attend. If you are interested in being a vendor, click on the Montezuma Area Business Fair tab to get a vendor application. Spaces are 10x8 and the cost is $25 per space. If you have any questions, please contact J.O. at 641-990-8026, Gavin at 641-990-7857 or email debwrite@zumatel.net. We hope to see you at the Montezuma Area Business Fair! Members of the Montezuma FFA Conduct of Meetings team earned a gold rating and a trip to state at the Southeast Iowa District Convention held on Saturday, March 9 at Louisa-Muscatine High School. They are pictured, from left: Letisia Wilson, Gracie Wilson, Analeece Kercheval, Rett Pargeon, Easton Hudnut, Vivian Cook, Sydnee Burgess, Rylee Thompson and Leah Urfer. Members of the Montezuma FFA Chapter traveled to Louisa-Muscatine to compete at the Southeast Iowa District Convention on Saturday, March 9, with two teams earning gold ratings and advancing to state. Results are as follows: Conduct of Meetings - Gold, advanced to State ETA - Gold, advanced to State Ag Impact - Silver Ag CSI - Silver Ag CSI - Silver "Members spent many hours preparing for their competitions and we are proud of their efforts today," noted Montezuma FFA staff. Members of the Montezuma FFA Experience the Action team earned a gold rating and a trip to state at the Southeast Iowa District Convention held on Saturday, March 9 at Louisa-Muscatine High School. Pictured are, from left: Isaiah Wilson, Ethan Desrochers, Emma Snook, Hayden Sutherland, Kelsie Mostek and Alexa Rose. Members of the Montezuma FFA Ag Impact team earned a silver rating at the Southeast Iowa District Convention on Saturday, March 9 at Louisa-Musctine High School. Pictured are, from left: Olivia Latcham, Mallory Stowell, Sophia Semprini, Addilyn Ver Meer, Abbi Henkle and Lauryn Larmore Members of the Montezuma FFA Chapter Ag CSI team one received a silver rating at the Southeast Iowa District Convention held a Louisa-Muscatine High School on Saturday, March 9. Pictured are, from left: Mallory Warden, Gertie, Lally, Lily Moyer, Brylee Latcham and Keegan Gunderson. Members of the Montezuma FFA Chapter Ag CSI team two received a silver rating at the Southeast Iowa District Convention on Saturday, March 9 at Louisa-Muscatine High School. Pictured are, from left: Brooks Wilson, Nolan Hudnut, Jacob Meyer, Tinsley Stowell and Brielle Haughey.
Mike Phillips with the Montezuma Sons of American Legion (SAL) Chapter prepares to pour pancake mix on the hot griddle during the group's pancake breakfast on Sunday, March 3 at the Montezuma Memorial Hall. SAL members served hot pancakes, sausage, made-to-order eggs and a variety of drinks to about 250 guests. Funds raised at the event support SAL projects.
The Montezuma Speech enjoyed a stellar day hosting individual districts at Montezuma on Saturday, Feb. 24.
Montezuma had 14 students in eight classes that earned "I" ratings, advancing to state. Some students where in more than one class. “Thank you to our amazing custodians and everyone who volunteered or allowed us to use your room for competition, said Kelly Kaup, a Montezuma speech coach. “We are proud of all the hard work each of our students put into their individual events.” Congratulations to the following students for moving on to state! Acting - Lily Shoemaker, Kaya Latcham, Lydia Singleton and Gracie Wilson Poetry - Carrie Ann Maxwell and Emily Jo James Prose - Izzy Roorda and Taylor Wilcox Spontaneous Speaking - Bryn Fantazia Literary Program - Bryn Fantazia Storytelling - Taylor Wilcox, Kaya Latcham, Camryn Brennan and Letisia Wilson Improvisation - Tayler Wickham and Emily Jo James Musical Theater - Faith Ferry, Lydia Singleton, Addyson Probasco and Gracie Wilson The students performed at Cedar Rapids, Xavier High School on Saturday, March 9. Look for results soon. Shay Moore recently purchased the service department at Fun Valley Motorsports & More in Montezuma, changing the name to RaceCraft Performance. The business specializes in repairing and servicing all brands of motorcycles, ATVs, UTVS, PWCs (Jet Skis), snowmobiles and on all makes, models and brands of offroad vehicles. He is also a certified technical and service warranty advisor for ODES Powersports UTVs and equipment By J.O. Parker
A locally owned Montezuma business has recently made a change. The service department at Fun Valley Motorsports & More at 1066 500th St., is now RaceCraft Performance. Shay Moore, who has been the service manager and mechanic at Fun Valley Motorsports & More since February 2020, has purchased the service end of the business and changed the name. The change took place in late February. Kelly Bryan will remain as owner of Fun Valley Motorsports & More, the local dealer for ODES Powersports UTV vehicles. The business specializes in repairing and servicing all brands of motorcycles, ATVs, UTVS, PWCs (Jet Skis), snowmobiles and on all makes, models and brands of offroad vehicles. Moore is also a nationally certificated technical and warranty service center advisor and mechanic of ODES Powersports UTV vehicles. “We do every type of service and regular maintenance,” said Moore. “We also offer performance options for engines and suspensions on ATVs, UTVs and more.” In addition, the business sells offroad equipment, oil, batteries, tires and all service related parts. Moore is a native of Montezuma where he grew up racing motorcross. He attended Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix for two years, graduating in 2009. He has held various jobs from working on motorcycles and offroad equipment as a sideline job, spending time as a welder and for two years, he worked for a company in Urbandale that makes engine parts. “I love this area out here,” he said of his business. “I grew up snowboard and racing motorcross at Fun Valley.” When the chance came up to take over the service business, Moore said it was something he’d always wanted to do. “The opportunity came up and I was finally able to have my own business,” said Moore. He said a big thanks goes out to the local community for supporting Fun Valley Motorsports & More and helping him get to this point and making this happen. “I’m stoked to get to do what I love, at the base of the hill of a legendary spot like Fun Valley where I made so many memories growing up.” For information on the business or to set up a service appointment, call Moore at 641-660-9599. City of Montezuma selected as first rural Iowa community to receive a small-scale ‘microgrid’3/9/2024 The City of Montezuma Municipal Light & Power (MMLP) in connection with Iowa State University researchers has been selected as the first rural Iowa community to receive nearly $10 million to install a microgrid, a small-scale electricity network that can operate as an independent system or can be connected to the larger grid, along with two electric vehicle charging stations. Construction on the project, which includes a solar field east of town, is slated to being in mid-2025. The system would produce 3 megawatts of renewable energy, reduce energy purchases by 3.5 gigawatt hours and reduce transmission costs by 34 percent. By J.O. Parker
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm announced last week that a project led by Iowa State University researchers in connection with the City of Montezuma Municipal Light & Power (MMLP) has been selected for award negotiations with the goal of building the first “microgrid” in a rural Iowa community. The proposal submitted by Iowa State researchers and MMPL called for a federal investment of roughly $9.5 million and a local cost-share of $2.4 million from university and Montezuma sources. That $11.9 million investment would provide Montezuma with a microgrid, a small-scale electricity network that can operate as an independent system or can be connected to the larger grid. Secretary of Energy Granholm also announced other regional projects in the East, Midwest, West and Alaska. All 17 projects are part of the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program managed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. The project The proposal would transform the generation and distribution of electricity in Montezuma, a town of about 1,400 residents, 70 miles east of Des Moines. The project will create a utility-scale microgrid to provide reliable, resilient and affordable electricity. The new system would feature power generation from solar panels and a battery storage system. The project would also replace aging substations, load monitoring and control systems and provide the town with its first two electric vehicle chargers. It is expected to drop energy costs in Montezuma by an estimated 18 percent. It would also reduce costs for MMLP by an estimated hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. Project leaders say the new microgrid would provide electricity to local communities, Poweshiek County offices, small businesses and manufacturers. The system would produce 3 megawatts of renewable energy, reduce energy purchases by 3.5 gigawatt hours and reduce transmission costs by 34 percent. According Kevin Kudart, the superintendent of MMLP, the solar field will be installed on 10-acres of MMPL owned land east of Montezuma. He added that plans at this time are to install the two electric vehicle chargers at the Montezuma Public Library. Kudart added that the 2.4 million in funds will come from MMLP reserves. It will be at least another year before construction gets started. “Even though the project is underway and that work is ongoing, the earliest construction will begin is mid-2025,” said Kudart. The project will include the installation of a new substation behind city hall and that no changes in the city’s current diesel powered generation station will take place as part of the project. Zhaoyu Wang, a Northrop Grumman associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Iowa State who’s affiliated with the university’s Electric Power Research Center and is the project leader noted that this project will make the entire town of Montezuma the very first utility-scale microgrid in Iowa with the best reliability and resilience. “The Montezuma microgrid will revolutionize and modernize the Montezuma Municipal Light and Power system by integrating smart grid technologies,” said Wang. “It will be a model for other rural utilities. “The microgrid will improve Montezuma by ensuring energy supplies for critical loads, controlling power quality and reliability at the local level, and promoting customer participation through demand-side management and involvement in electricity supply,” he added. “This is so much more than an R&D project because it will directly benefit more than 1,400 Montezuma residents and generate significant impacts on surrounding counties. It shows Iowa State University is working to bring real benefits to Iowans and boost local economies.” Anne Kimber, the director of the Electric Power Research Center and a co-leader of the project, said Montezuma residents depend on electricity for city and county services, schools, health care, shopping and employment and that this project will benefit the rural farming and manufacturing community. “During the August 2020 derecho, Montezuma was able to keep the lights on by running its existing diesel generation fleet, which kept essential services available to the surrounding area,” noted Kimber. “This new microgrid will have immediate benefits for the community because it will provide a resilient power system with new technology that integrates renewable generation, and the project design can be replicated in other rural communities. The digital twin of the Montezuma microgrid and the training curricula that we’ll develop and test with various partners – ranging from K-12 schools, the Meskwaki Nation, unions and community colleges – will build an energy workforce.” “This is a huge benefit for our customers and for local economic development because it provides long-term rate stability from the solar and the battery energy storage systems,” said Kudart. “Our reliability will increase with the new, more modern switchgear, and our outage time will be reduced by having new controls. And we’ll promote good customer relations by providing vehicle charging stations.” Project partners also include Dennis Haselhoff from DGR Engineering based in Rock Rapids, and Warren McKenna, an independent consultant based in Kalona. |