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"A 50-year-old carillon hasn't worked for more than a year, and the Jefferson community has resorted to using a digital recording instead.But community leaders are hoping the bells will soon strike again.Jefferson resident Angie Pedersen said the Mahanay Bell Tower represents the pride and joy of the town.\"The bell tower is quite literally the soundtrack of your life when you live in Jefferson,\" Pedersen said.The 10-story tower boasts a breathtaking view, from which visitors can see five different counties in the distance.\"It's the staple of downtown, so it's something that people love,\" said Jean McAtee-Feldmann, of the Bell Tower Community Foundation. \"As soon as they find out they can ride the elevator, it's pretty exciting, actually.\"Some of the bells are broken and need repair, though. Recent grants from Vision Iowa, Greene County and other organizations will help the tower receive some long-awaited upgrades.Vision Iowa awarded Jefferson $87,000, which will be used to buy 16 bells and 40 strikers to complete the tower's four-octave, 47-bell carillon.\"It makes us feel terrific,\" said Guy Richardson, of the Greene County Board of Supervisors. \"This has been a long time coming. Obviously, the tower this year is having its 50th anniversary, which is a real milestone for us.\"\"This couldn't have been a better time,\" said Dean McAtee, of Jefferson. \"It's worked out beautiful. It's going to be nice. Once you get to the top, you can see for miles.\"\"I don't think people realize how special it is,\" McAtee-Feldmann said. \"It's very unique. It's an experience.\"The annual Jefferson Bell Tower Festival takes places this weekend."
<https://www.kcci.com/article/bell-tower-in-need-of-repairs-approaches-50th-anniversary-1/6920773>