Cache Is Not At The Posted Coordinates
Mr. Toot is the mascot not only of the North Iowa Band Festival, but also for Mason City as a whole. His image has appeared on everything from T-Shirts to business cards to city light poles. Now his image also appears on the geocaching map just south of Mason City Iowa. Each of these puzzles will include a fact or story in theme with the art series. Some may also include a question or two for you to answer correctly to find the coordinates.
Mason City
Music Man Square board member Barb Hovland thinks the massive $10 million building and the cost of its upkeep does not match the public’s interest in Meredith Willson, or at least not enough to make ends meet. “I see this as a city center,” she said, “a place that can be used for business retreats and functions that don’t necessarily have anything to do with Meredith Willson.”
The financial losses have forced the board to downsize. Chief Executive Officer David Vikturek is gone. Office Manager Karry Taylor left to take another job and has not been replaced. A longtime volunteer coordinator also resigned, but hers was not a paid position. The only paid employees remaining are four part-timers. “The place is being run pretty much by volunteers,” said Sherrie Weiland, another board member.
Inside Music Man Square
Scott Shipman, longtime president of the board, said, “We’re in no danger of closing. We have too many people who love this place and know what it means to the community.” But he agrees with Barron and Hovland that changes in direction have to be made. “We want to be more event-oriented,” said Shipman “and we want to try to get sponsorships for the events.” Also, he said, the board has talked about hiring a part-time fundraiser to help bring in more events.
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