MASON CITY – Delicious craft beer quenched the thirst of past and present government officials and other business representatives Thursday night in the Cultural Crescent, but the scene wasn’t as welcoming as it might seem, after police arrived.
The Chamber-of-Commerce-sponsored “ribbon cutting” for 1st Insurance was held beginning at 3:30 Thursday in Commercial Alley in the heart of the Cultural Crescent. 1st Insurance moved its operation about a block east from an office inside Bank of America (25 West State Street) to a new office at 20 East State Street.
To mark this monumental business achievement and the prospect of selling even more insurance policies, pony kegs were wheeled over from Mason City Brewing to the corner of Commercial Alley and State Street, and the taps began to gush forth the frothy, golden nectar needed to fuel the party that was set to begin.
As the event opened up, NIT is told that Mayor Eric Bookmeyer attended, as did councilwoman Jean Marinos and City Administrator Brent Trout. Also in attendance was Cerro Gordo County Supervisor Casey Callanan, former mayor Roger Bang and Human Rights Commissioner Ann Harty – all three of whom are insurance agents working for 1st Insurance.
According to the Chamber of Commerce’s website, the event was scheduled for just one hour.
However, the celebration continued until at least 6:30, and beer was still being consumed outside near a tent that was set up in the parking lot. A few people milled around outside – including Harty and Bang – and some were still filling plastic cups with booze. Dr. Jay Lala was there, chatting and giggling with two young ladies, among others.
NIT Publisher Matt Marquardt arrived on the scene at this time, and slowed down to take a few pictures of the event. A man told Marquardt “you can’t take pictures” … and a few words were traded. According to a source who spoke to NIT via phone Friday, Dr. Jay Lala became furious that Marquardt was on the street and sidewalk taking photos. Immediately after the photos were taken and Marquardt left the party, Lala was spotted walking away from the event, speaking in an animated fashion into a cell phone. The source who called NIT said Lala spoke at the party in a very derogatory fashion of NIT and Marquardt, and others overheard most everything he said.
Only about 5-7 minutes later, as the pony kegs were being wheeled back to Mason City Brewing, a police SUV pulled up to the party scene and stopped in the alley. Supervisor Casey Callanan was outside talking to the police officer for several minutes.
Marquardt again went by the party location, coming within a few feet of the officer and Callanan, but neither man looked his way nor said a word.
NIT attempted to reach the Mason City Police Department for more details as to why a police officer arrived at the party, and Friday afternoon, a police spokesman denied that a call to police was made.
Most celebrate an opening indoors. Move outside and you get what resulted.
Good call Al.
@Al-The problem is, these people never even think about doing something that makes sense. They just do what they want.
People have viewed it 3000 times because it is a train wreck. It must be very difficult to be you Matt. Hilarious how you accuse people of being angry when it is you who is angry. It’s called class envy. You are mad as hell that someone has something you don’t. You weren’t able to make it in life so you hate everyone who has. So you lurk around hoping to catch someone prominent doing something wrong. When it doesn’t happen, you make it up. Not to hard to figure out your story.
Actually way more than 3000 times now.
Anyway, your entire comment is just another attack, you’re one of the 4 IP addresses that simply won’t quit due to your obsession with NIT. Like I said before, if you want to debate this or discuss anything, make a comment on the NorthIowaToday.com Facebook page.
@Matt-he will never debate with you on facebook because he is a coward who is nothing but a trouble making troll. If he went on facebook his name would be known and he would have to defend his comments in person. Won’t happen.
Almost every comment on the NIT FB about this was was how stupid the article/publisher was.
self-righteous pot stirrer
making a complete ass of yourself
Who is the idiot posting a story like this
Why is this NIT in business
This report is stupid
Nothing but bad reporting
What a joke..someone needs a life
just a keyboard warrior
you’re almost worse at getting your story straight than you are at reporting them
Let’s address your points:
1) “Almost every comment on the NIT FB about this was was how stupid the article/publisher was.”
My answer: you’re referring to 2-3 dozen people who made nasty Facebook posts. Some of these people are criminals who NIT reported on. Others are simply lackeys of the Chamber or of someone in the story. Take into account, the post reached over 11,000 people. You are lending the most credibility to these few individuals, when the masses saw the post and thousands clicked through and read the story and made no comment. I’ll take my 11,000 people plus the 150 new likes on my FB page over your 30 (idiots?) any day. There has been several IP addresses here on NIT (yourself included) who continue to rail against this fun, creative, awesome story. You seem deranged and fuming. Does your family miss you? You’re here all the time, haha. Your anger seeps through every time you post here. I mean, seriously, you keep coming back. I got ya, my friend. Welcome back, day after day, to NIT. Now, if you like this story, just wait, because there are LOTS more like it on the way.
2) You list the mean, nasty comments made on FB.
My answer: Just jealous haters, taking a shot at the guy on top. It happens all across the internet with people who are rising above the others and doing something different or out of the norm. They hate me due to extreme, raging jealousy. Trust me, just stay tuned. You think they are mad now? Just hold on. I’m a motivated person, but I know how to take things up a notch or two. Now that you have your daily routine of coming to NIT all set, I’m sure you won’t miss the stories that are coming.
If subscribers haven’t voted yet to get philo off this site for good. Make sure you do. It’s right under the Taco Bell banner.
Why? The whole “get rid of Philo” thing sounds like a 7th grade flame war.
What kind of adult would participate in that.
So far, looks like quite a few people. Paid subscribers that don’t want to hear his toilet stories and pro drug rants. That’s who. I paid for my subscription, he did not. And there’s quite a few subscribers that will not be renewing because of him.
“Paid subscribers that don’t want to hear his toilet stories and pro drug rants.”
Don’t read them then. Not sure what a “pro drug rant” is, but legalization of drugs is certainly a legitimate political and social issue, agree or disagree.
Perhaps you want an echo chamber.
The reality is, I don’t particularly care for drug use, but there are times and places when certain substances are appropriate in controlled doses and purity. But the idea of people locking other people up for decades in prison oftentimes resulting in their deaths in prison is more abhorrent to me than seeing the occasional addict overdosing or misusing substances. And that if behaviors of some drug users becomes intolerable that short term incarceration and rehabilitation are sufficient.
@rahmbo-Exactly. That is what I think as well. As much as I dislike Philly and his B.S. I did not support banning him just because other people want it. I think Matt did the right thing by banning him to the think tank. That is and should be a business decision by Matt.
*The Taco Johns banner. Sorry.
Nothing but a bunch of whinning pukes
If these people had nothing to hide why would NIT’s present upset them. A person has every right in the world to stand on private property and drink a beer. But at the same time a person has the right to stand on public property and take a picture. If the police was called by one of these people at the party they should be charged with wasting the police departments time with there whinning.
There used to be a time when “news” was fairly unbiased and told with integrity. Like a racist who is blind to their ignorance about the color of one’s skin, Matt, you are evidently ignorant to how your own agenda impacts your ‘news’ articles, as well as negatively impacts the reputation of journalism as a profession. Money is certainly no measure of a person’s value to their community, and from reading this article and your unprofessional commentary, I believe the community would be…
Thats exactly what I was thinking when I read this article. WTF are you thinkin (or smokin)?
A what time in history was news “fairly unbiased”? You need a history lesson. Why don’t you watch the major news networks. The major papers. Read the Globe (if you can stomach it). You’re telling me those media are NOT biased? You truly need to come out of your shell and get caught up. Every single media is biased. It’s impossible not to be. That being said, what bias is shown in this story? A bias to creative writing? A bias to entertaining content? A bias to covering an event the other media ignored?
Unbiased, have you ever watched Fox news?
Congrats Casey on the new location, and thanks to Dr. Lala as well for his work refurbishing the Parker Opera House building. Great to have local merchants working to make our great city better than ever! Cheers! and a big thank you!
Yes, a huge thank you goes out to him. I’m glad he was able to procure thousands upon thousands in tax dollars to set up his rental units. And Im also really glad my tax dollars went to helping put sculptures outside his office, too. I wonder if there’s anything else he needs help with?
The girl with the bandana and scrubs looks good. 🙂
Mr marquardt, do you realize that your responses to comments only reinforce my initial comment. You are a very poor journalist. This is Irregardless of how much money you claim to make, how many readers you have and where you went to school.
You are entitled to your opinion, and apparently, your anonymity, too. What was it in the story that struck such a sour chord with you? Your comment really leads one to wonder, why the anger? Why so defensive?
That’s funny sh*t. Had it been different “citizens” the police action wd have been soooo different. Thanks for reporting & sharing pics!
I saw plenty of people walking around Central Park last week, without a permit or in a fenced in area drinking not being bothered by police.
@Savage-I would bet they were told to back off by the Mayor who is nothing but a parrot for the Chamber of Commerce. When there is money involved the break all the rules.
Worst story ever
I would have called the cops too on anyone trespassing a PRIVATE event.
Trespassing? Do you have a clue what that is? A public sidewalk/street/alley are not private property. I never soot foot on their property – and probably never would, as I do my insurance business elsewhere.
“I never soot foot ” -Marquardt
And you just criticized & belittled someone else for a spelling/grammatical error.
Practice what you preach or lighten up.
Yes, it’s right up there with “Irregardless”.
Well Mike, it is also right up there with the fact that anyone that posts a comment & doesn’t fill in the “name” block is seen as “Anonymous”.
To simplify that for you without having to use pictures, there are numerous posters on here as “Anonymous”.
Let me know if I should just use one syllable words with you.
It’s the same 3-4 IP addresses.
Attempting to evade the comment on your spelling error there, eh Marquardt?
Ya, the one about you criticizing someone else for their spelling.
How convenient & typical of you.
You must have anger issues, at least that is what you tell everyone else that critiques your comments.
You’re motivated. You’re cloaked. You’re ashamed of yourself; you can’t even reveal who you are. I’m here in person, just putting out great stories that YOU read, that YOU spend half your day commenting on. Who’s winning and who’s got the problem? Think about it.
Again you evade, Marquardt. Not willing to face the truth of your hypocrisy.
You know, if you would just once admit when you make a mistake, there might be a modicum of respect for you.
But your narcissistic tendencies won’t allow that, will they?
You’re just a sad little man, in your sad little world, with grandiose delusions of self-importance.
Really, you lost me. No idea what you’re talking about anymore. All these anonymous comments from the same 3-4 IP addresses are now just a blur of weak attacks. Go over to Facebook and post to the NorthIowaToday.com timeline and let’s debate man to (man?) anything you have the guts to put your name and face to. Up for that? Otherwise, find a rock and crawl underneath.
I prefer the little logo picture to the shadow profile seen on many comments. Anenome’s preference for single-syllable words is probably more within his comfort zone.
WhO gives a darn.!?! Since when can’t a private company host a private party!?! It does not matter who attends as its a private event being held outdoors. Key word is PRIVATE.
The event might have been “private”, but it was held in the public eye. Outside, in a parking lot. Think a little harder before you make asinine comments.
Since YOU were not invited, you should have simply moved along, like a normal, decent, educated and good intentioned person would have.
I didn’t attend. Did I have a beer in my hand? No, I was busy working, collecting content to create a news story. I stood on a public sidewalk/alley/street and didn’t speak until I was spoken to. Is that fact confusing to you?
The key word here is “create”. This again, is not news. This is Matt Marquardt attempting to generate clicks for his gossip blog.
Of course all stories are created. Someone has to make them. Someone has to put the words into the keyboard, just like you keep creating comments and insults here. Calling NIT a “gossip blog” makes no difference to me. It is simply a place to read content, look at pictures, watch videos, just like thousands of other sites.
News is reported by… Reporters. Stories are written by writers. One is truth and the other might be truth and/or opinion. NIT has yet to employ its first reporter. But that’s just my opinion, I’m not a reporter.
Right, I’m not exactly sure what you are, to be honest, other than a troll, and an angry one at that. But, you seem to be a troll that is also an authority somehow on what a reporter is and what a writer is, as if you have worked in a newsroom or have experience? My guess is, you are just rambling and trying to expunge the anger out of your system. You know, they do offer counseling for people with your affliction?
Just be honest with yourself, you are not a journalist; you are a blogger with a grandiosity complex who thinks you are too good for what you do and reap nothing but hate to those who succeed
Weird statement, kind of humorous. Maybe I “reap hate” from you, for some unknown reason, but the only time I ever hear anything like this (your statement) is when I poke a little fun at the rich welfare takers here in town. If they hate me, so what? It’s hilarious and educational to me how this story blew up. It was like a volcano from these spoiled people that exploded. No sense of humor, the thinnest of skins. They just want to take, take, take and get away with it and be called heroes. Must be something to hide, something to be ashamed of, from these folks. We’ll get to the bottom of that.
I still say that’s quite a bit of beer for such a small crowd. Even with the.ambassadors there for the ribbon cutting, it’s still a small crowd for two pony kegs. You can’t tell me there weren’t a few buzzed drivers after this little get together. But, the police looked the other way as usual.
Why did the headline change from “guzzle” to “gulp”? Did the truth change?
Is there a difference? Splitting hairs to provoke an argument?
If there is no difference, why bother changing it?
Yeah!
Sorry to ruffle your feathers…I would still get your money back and quit trying to invent news.
Not ruffled at all, Anonie. Why would I attempt such a refund when I have a very successful, profitable business, due to that education? Your cheap shot is weaker than your own constitution, really. Seek anger management if the story bothers you this much.
I’d like to know how you define success? Is it simply generating clicks? Many people often comment on how you could actually do some good for MC by providing a real news altnerative. Yet you seem to get off on this “white knight” expose’ tabloid style garbage. Which really just makes you and your blog seem childish and self centered.
You certainly have taken a sudden interest in me. In the media business, we are all scrapping for attention, trying to be different, to stand out. You are here, asking about me. Then, your anger pours forth and you hurl insults. Is it because NIT is so widely read, and talked about, and this story made people think? How many times will comment anonymously on this story, anyway?
Awe, thank you Anonie. Actually, I’m a graduate of the University of Iowa. But Fox News… that’s the BIG TIME right there. Millions of viewers. NIT only gets tens of thousands of viewers. You might be right, time for a promotion to the national stage.
I’m kind of mad that I wasn’t invited.
Well, I think you have to be a Chamber of Commerce “member” (I usually call them suckers) first and pay their yearly fees, etc etc so that you can get pretty much exactly nothing in return.
What is the point of this article?
Really? Who cares that they were drinking? I am sure they were of age, and last I checked drinking was legal. Trying to make a story out of nothing? I would think that the county supervisor probably knows the police officer and it was friendly chit chat. And for the remark of the two ladies talking with Dr. Lala …….they work or him you moron. Why am I even commenting on this non story? I must be as stupid as this article.
“I must be as stupid as this article.”
You might be on to something. Keep thinking real hard, just don’t hurt yourself when you do it.
This is disgusting. If it were me or you we would be handcuffed and thrown in jail for public intox . The ones defending this behavior on here are probably the ones who attended this swing ding.
You’ve just made the most relevant point yet. I too was wondering what the big deal was, until I what you said….and you’re probably right: If lower class people were out in their yards trying to enjoy a get together with alcohol, the cops would probably move in to intimidate, harass and shut them down…and bust as many as possible in the process. It’s the double standard hypocrisy that makes this “non story” indeed a story.
Thats pure bs. Are you anti cop, anti “lower class” or both? Show us the police records to back up your generalization. Is that what takes place in Vegas?
Well, you see. He is lower class. Need I say more? @Spock did you notice there is a vote to ban him from the site.
Thanks….. I will cast my vote to beam him up, over and out
So if a group of poorly dressed, unshaven, tussled hair, bad teeth Jerry Springer looking people were gathered on a front lawn in plain view on the North End pouring drinks from a keg, with music playing in broad daylight…you telling me the police wouldn’t show up with multiple squad cars to get out, check Id’s, interrogate, and shut down? Yeah right…we know they would.
I thought you weren’t coming back to Iowa ever again? Of course it would make sense, if it’s free or a hand-out, you’d know where its at.
And to answer your questions: No, I’m not anti cop…I’m anti unfairness, and yes, I am anti lower class when it comes to the types of drug, nicotine and alcohol addicted people I describe. They empower this broken society by their base and vile behaviors, and thievery. You can be poor monetarily and rich in dignity and appearance, and these trashy classless folks have neither.
You aren’t rich in dignity or appearance. Someone with dignity would be a man of their word. Someone with dignity wouldn’t crap their pants and go onto a NEWS site to brag about it. As far as appearance, well you don’t have anything good in that area either. When I saw you at the court house during your so called campaign, you shout creepy!
Dude………For someone as yourself, who is so self absorbed, and claims to be so enlightened your comments are shallow. Lower class does NOT describe the residents of the entire North End of Mason City. Shame on you and your empty ramblings.
Spock I make no apologies for my comments. I know the type of people I speak about, and they are equally a part of the problem as are the police who babysit them. When they renounce their Gas Station Cigarette Booze Crack Pipe lifestyle then maybe I’ll take a second look.
If they are public, elected officials they should expect to be photographed if they are in public. If they are keeping company with elected officials they should expect the same. I really don’t have a problem with them having a little get together but I do have a problem with drinking in public and driving after 3 hours of drinking beer. The laws are for everybody and that includes elected officials.
If they were on private property I have no problem with this. If it was on City property they should all be charged.
Beer is perfectly legal in East Park, a *public* place.
Is NIT going to start trolling local bars too trying to catch people breaking the law? Some “in depth” reporting, not this drive by reporting.
Why do people advertise ion this site? I would never buy from someone that does.
That’s a wonderful question, kind of hard to understand what “ion this site” means, but the intelligent folks get what you’re saying. It’s a simple answer. NIT has a huge, loyal audience. Most folks are just plain addicted to NIT; they visit multiple times a day. What business would not want thousands of folks, everyday, to get a peek at their custom-made ad?
Buyer, you’re joking, I hope? Have you ever heard of the National Enquirer? Check out what it costs to advertise in that publication. Just a very small ad in the back costs a ton of money. It’s because of the readership. A certain percentage of readers will buy from the advertisers. It adds up to a LOT of money for the advertisers.
This story was posted 7 hours ago. It has been viewed over 3,000 times. Maybe “buyer” gets the point now?
When you have a party at NIT to celebrate who knows what we’ll be sure to send over a “reporter” to snoop around and take pictures of you and your guests like a Hollywood paparazzi. To think that this type of behavior wouldn’t elicit a couple of stares and turned backs is ignorant.
Well, you assume a whole lot with that odd statement. One, you assume we throw parties here like the one in this story, a party that would bore most people to sleep. Not really interested in wasting time that way. Two, you claim you’ll “send over a reporter”. Please, do that. Send one anytime. You can come too. I’ll bring my cameras, and we’ll have ourselves a wing-ding. Just let me know when you plan on coming by. And your third statement, about “turned backs”, so what? I don’t care what people do, but when they are in public, they are subject to possible news coverage. When our elected and appointed officials are in public they just might end up in the news. You seem to be not OK with that. Care to explain why?
Especially when they are in public consuming alcohol and then getting in their car and driving.
That’s a whole different story, and a story that perhaps should be told. It’s really a shame that the police officer didn’t bother to pay any attention as folks got into their cars and drove away, and minutes before, were drinking frothy, fermented grain dew.
Hey Matt-when you have your party just invite me. I will be your designated watcher and tell you when Skipper is coming.
Brown noser.
If your going to drink beer at least drink good beer like Keystone or Busch!
You need a new definition of “good beer”.
Thank you.
Really?! Someone called the cops on adults socializing, legally enjoying brews, and celebrating business in Mason City? What a waste of police time and resources. Petty
I hypothesized that the officer was called there due to my presence on a public area taking pictures. Our source confirmed that, but the police deny it.
Pretty small crowd to consume that much beer. I’m sure none of them should have been driving.
The event started at 3:30 … these pic’s were taken at 6:30. Yes, some of them DID drive away from the scene at that time.
Adults legally consuming beer? WTH!?!?! Oh wait, that is just gossip. I checked with the higher up’s. We don’t need you hear but ni-tmz.com is available if you want to splinter off and change the name of your website.
You seem angry… so angry, you can barely type a coherent sentence. NIT strike a chord with ya? But thanks for the giggle, nonetheless.
Actually, not gossip, the proof is above. It’s really no big deal that our elected officials were guzzling booze in public. You’re making it a big deal, though, and I thank you for that. Welcome to NIT.
If it was not public officials would you care? I saw no pictures of the people wondering around central park drinking last week.
Last weekend there were too many of us common folk people enjoying Band Fest activities. Did any of our council or their elite voters show up for any of it?
I saw Congressman… er, make that Councilman Kuhn one of the evenings down there, I think he went in the mall with his kids, then he left. Never saw a single one of the others at Central Park.