The Monticello Times

12/28/2025

One person was injured in a single-vehicle crash this morning on westbound Interstate 94 in Monticello Township as a snowstorm moved through the area.

Drivers are urged to slow down and allow extra stopping distance during winter weather. ❄️🚗

MONTICELLO TOWNSHIP — One person was injured in a single-vehicle crash reported at 10:53 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, as a snowstorm moved through the area on westbound Interstate 94.

12/26/2025

🕶️ Shady business in Monticello 🕶️

What started as the alleged theft of a $37 pair of sunglasses at a Monticello Kwik Trip didn’t stay small for long.

According to charges, the case expanded into a series of retail thefts at Ace Hardware locations in Little Falls, with investigators totaling more than $1,000 in stolen merchandise across Wright and Morrison counties. Tools, equipment — and multiple vehicles — all figure into the investigation.

A 41-year-old woman now faces a felony theft charge, which carries potential prison time and fines if convicted.

MONTICELLO — What began with the theft of a pair of sunglasses at a Monticello convenience store later expanded into a series of retail thefts totaling more than $1,000, according

12/26/2025

🔥 Movie review alert!

James Cameron’s latest return to Pandora looks spectacular — but feels awfully familiar. "Avatar: Fire and Ash" piles on the dazzling visuals and 3D wizardry, yet offers little new beneath the surface.

C.B. Jacobson calls it “the world’s longest, most expensive screensaver — waves of computer pixels flowing over an empty core.”

Read the full review:

Our press screening of “Avatar: Fire and Ash” had a technical hiccup. About 30 minutes into the film, during a sweeping shot of ships gliding over Pandora’s skies, one lens

12/25/2025

Even on one of the coldest days of the season, the Monticello Senior Center’s annual Christmas lunch was full of warmth. 🎄

The sold-out tradition brought seniors, volunteers and young professionals together for a meal, conversation — and a few unexpected moments — at the Monticello Community Center on Friday.

MONTICELLO — Outside, the cold was biting and unforgiving. Inside the Mississippi Room of the MCC Friday, the tables were dressed for the season — and the atmosphere was warm

12/25/2025

Apparently, Santa grabbed a copy of the paper during his delivery run through Monticello last night. Mrs. Claus reports he was delighted with our coverage, and submitted this photo from Up North. 🎄

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a bright New Year. Thank you for reading The Monticello Times — and supporting local journalism.

12/24/2025

🥶 Dozens of residents braved frigid temperatures Saturday afternoon to protest proposed data center developments along Highway 25 in Monticello.

📍 The peaceful demonstration took place outside Hi-Way Liquors, drawing 🚗📣 honks of support from passing motorists. Organizers said about 50 people attended overall as participants came and went during the two-hour protest.

🗓️ The Monticello Planning Commission is scheduled to next consider data center regulations at its Jan. 6 meeting.

STOP Monticello, MN Data Centers
Stop the Monticello Data Centers

MONTICELLO — Despite frigid temperatures and stinging wind, dozens of residents gathered Saturday afternoon along Highway 25 in Monticello to protest proposed data center developments, drawing frequent honks of support

12/23/2025

✨ LOCAL STORY FEATURED IN CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL! ✨

❄️ A Monticello woman’s unforgettable New Year’s Eve — a snowy night that led to a second chance at love — is now reaching readers across the country.

📚 Rita Kaye Vetsch’s true story, “Divine Intervention,” is featured in the new “Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Spirit of Christmas” anthology. The piece recounts the blizzard, a chance encounter and what Vetsch calls “God Winks” that brought her back to the man she would later marry.

MONTICELLO — On a bitter New Year’s Eve in 1993, as a blizzard blanketed St. Cloud and cabs vanished from the snow-swept streets, Rita Kaye Vetsch and a friend found

12/22/2025

🚨 Three people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday evening near Highway 25 and School Boulevard in Monticello.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred when a vehicle attempting a U-turn collided with another vehicle. Injuries were reported as non-life-threatening.

MONTICELLO — Two vehicles were involved in a crash Sunday evening, Dec. 21, near the intersection of Highway 25 and School Boulevard, according to the Minnesota State Patrol.

12/19/2025

🚗 Two injured in Highway 25 crash near Monticello Walmart

Two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Highway 25 and School Boulevard near the Monticello Walmart.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, the crash occurred under snowy and icy road conditions.

Read more 👇

MONTICELLO — Two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon at the high-traffic intersection of Highway 25 and School Boulevard near the Monticello Walmart.

12/19/2025

🚭 Sherburne County tightens to***co rules

Flavored v**e sales will soon be banned in convenience stores located in Sherburne County’s townships, and teens will no longer be allowed to sell to***co products at the register.

The new ordinance takes effect July 1, 2026.

Read more ⬇️

Flavored v**e sales will soon disappear from convenience stores in Sherburne County’s townships, and teens will no longer be allowed to ring up to***co purchases, under an ordinance overhaul recently

12/18/2025

Big Lake Police Chief John Kaczmarek has announced his resignation, effective Jan. 11.

In a letter to the community, Kaczmarek said he plans to transition to another role within a law enforcement agency and expressed confidence in the department’s continued leadership.

📰 Read more:

BIG LAKE — Big Lake Police Chief John Kaczmarek has announced his resignation, effective Jan. 11, 2026.

12/18/2025

🎉 50 Years of “We Serve” 🦁

Monticello’s Lions Club turned 50 this year — and their origin story is one for the books. (Hint: it involves a circus, a few shovels, and a very memorable first “service project.”)

Founding members Mike Benedetto and Dave Lofte, along with early member Harvey Kendell, sat down with the Times to share how a group of newcomers built one of Monticello’s most enduring forces for good. From Riverfest to Brewfest, holiday baskets to scholarships, their impact spans generations.

💛 “Our main thing is supporting the community.”

Read the full story — and enjoy the memories, laughs and local history — in this week’s Monticello Times.
👇

MONTICELLO — This past year, the Monticello Lions celebrated 50 years of service — a run that spans festivals, playgrounds, scholarships, food programs and decades of acts both small and