06/01/2026
Is this actual post so I had to copy it manually
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There will be an ad in the Marquette County Tribune explaining how to submit your request for the name of the new downtown park area located next to the river, where the former building was recently torn down.
This park was part of Jim Houdek’s vision for downtown Montello, and he was instrumental in initiating the idea of creating a public green space in this location for the community to enjoy.
To submit your vote, please send a written request to Marie at City Hall by email ([email protected]) or drop it off in person. Along with the name you would like considered, please include a brief explanation of why you feel that name is appropriate.
All submissions must be received by June 30. We encourage everyone to participate and help shape the future of this special community space.
Why I’m Voting to Name the Park After Jim Houdek
Some people leave a mark on a community through words. Others leave it through actions. Jim Houdek did both.
For more than three decades, Jim dedicated his life to making Montello a better place for everyone. He helped organize and lead Operation Santa for over 35 years, ensuring countless children and families experienced the joy of Christmas. He was instrumental in creating and growing Fish N Fun, helping turn it into a cherished community tradition. He also served two terms as Mayor of Montello and spent many years serving the Chamber of Commerce as both a director and past president. Throughout his life, Jim was at the center of community events that brought people together, from Christmas celebrations and tree lightings to parades and countless other local activities. Jim was known as a true "community first" person who dedicated countless hours to serving Montello and its residents.
Jim also recognized the importance of preserving Montello's history and strengthening community connections. He created the Montello Memories page, giving residents a place to share stories, photographs, memories, and experiences from both the past and present. Through that page, Jim helped bring generations together, reminding people of what makes Montello special and fostering a sense of pride and belonging that continues today.
What made Jim truly special, however, wasn't just the positions he held. It was the countless acts of kindness that happened behind the scenes. Many people in our community can tell stories of how Jim quietly stepped in when someone was struggling, offering help, encouragement, or support without ever asking for recognition. He cared deeply about people and believed in lifting others up.
Even in his final years, Jim continued serving the community as Activities Director at the Montello Care Center. He didn't simply do his job—he transformed it. He created meaningful experiences for residents, connected them with the community, brought in live music, involved local students, and made sure community events, including parades, were accessible to those who could no longer attend in person. He understood that everyone deserves to feel included, valued, and connected.
Jim was a "community first" person in every sense of the phrase. His dedication, compassion, and leadership touched generations of Montello residents. Naming the park after Jim Houdek would not simply honor one man—it would honor a lifetime of service, generosity, and love for this community.
A park is a place where families gather, children play, friendships are formed, and memories are made. There is no better tribute to someone who spent his life bringing people together than to have his name associated with a place that will continue doing exactly that for generations to come.
Vote to name the park after Jim Houdek—a man who gave so much to Montello, touched countless lives, and helped build the strong sense of community we enjoy today. His legacy deserves to be remembered for generations to come.
