Motorists who pass through Monticello lately might have seen a noticeable absence. Millie the whale is missing from Lake Montesian.
Was it a caper of epic proportions?
No, she is taken out the water every year around November to prevent damage from ice that will soon form on the water, said Joel Dutenhoefer, village clerk.
They store her in a warm safe, dry place, he said.
Millie is kept in a space in the village garage, Dutenhoefer said.
The whale was donated by the Hopkins family of Monticello around 2000, and has become an attention getting feature in the village.
You dont normally see whales this far inland, Dutenhoefer said. She is somewhat of an icon.
Millie will return in the spring when warmer weather will keep the lake from freezing. The whale, which is purely a cosmetic fountain, is held in place with anchors, he said.
So keep your eyes peeled for whale sightings in about six months in Monticello; Millie might be making an appearance.
Green County Farmhouse Project>
Keep sending your farmhouse photos. If I collect just a few more, the project can get off the ground. Remember, I only need a straight-on shot of your farmhouse to help document how farm families have lived over the years. No barns or people in the frame, please. Send the photos to newseditor@themonroetimes.com.
Take care and watch out for bicycles.
Was it a caper of epic proportions?
No, she is taken out the water every year around November to prevent damage from ice that will soon form on the water, said Joel Dutenhoefer, village clerk.
They store her in a warm safe, dry place, he said.
Millie is kept in a space in the village garage, Dutenhoefer said.
The whale was donated by the Hopkins family of Monticello around 2000, and has become an attention getting feature in the village.
You dont normally see whales this far inland, Dutenhoefer said. She is somewhat of an icon.
Millie will return in the spring when warmer weather will keep the lake from freezing. The whale, which is purely a cosmetic fountain, is held in place with anchors, he said.
So keep your eyes peeled for whale sightings in about six months in Monticello; Millie might be making an appearance.
Green County Farmhouse Project>
Keep sending your farmhouse photos. If I collect just a few more, the project can get off the ground. Remember, I only need a straight-on shot of your farmhouse to help document how farm families have lived over the years. No barns or people in the frame, please. Send the photos to newseditor@themonroetimes.com.
Take care and watch out for bicycles.
