Med center adds visitor restrictions

Greene County Medical Center first put visitor restriction in place for the long term care unit March 6, and placed restrictions on visitors throughout the building March 13.

Effective Tuesday, March 24, further restrictions are in place. Visitors are not allowed unless he or she is a designated caregiver AND the patient falls into one of four of the following categories: Continue reading Med center adds visitor restrictions →

Reynolds says stay the course, at least for now

Gov Kim Reynolds continues to encourage Iowans to wash their hands, avoid gathering in groups of more than 10, and stay home when they’re feeling ill. Doing that will work to avoid a “shelter in place” order in Iowa.

At her daily press conference, Reynolds listed the metrics she is watching daily: the percentage of population 65 years and older; the percentage of identified cases requiring hospitalization; the rate of infection per 100,000 Iowans in the past 14 days; and the number of outbreaks in settings like long term care facilities where our older populations and Iowans with underlying health conditions live. Continue reading Reynolds says stay the course, at least for now →

Jeff council moves forward with trails project

Congratulates longtime city clerk Diane Kennedy on her retirement

The Jefferson city council conducted “business as usual”, sort of, at its regular meeting March 24. The meeting was held via mayor Matt Gordon’s Zoom account. He, council member Harry Ahrenholtz, and city staff Mike Palmer, Diane Kennedy, Roxanne Gorsuch and Nick Sorensen were present in the council chambers. Council members Dave Sloan, Matt Wetrich, Darren Jackson and Pat Zmolek, city engineer Jim Leiding, and city attorney Bob Schwarzkopf attended via Zoom.

Three members of the media and three other members of the public attended the meeting electronically. Continue reading Jeff council moves forward with trails project →

Supervisors handle business in person, public present via Zoom

~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline

In response to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, the Greene County board of supervisors held its regular meeting Mar 23 in the closed courthouse with only the supervisors, auditor Jane Heun, and a few others present. The public and media had audio access to the meeting through telephone or computer connection available through zoom.us.

This first historic use of electronic access to the supervisors’ meetings was audio only, though Zoom also provides videoconferencing. “It’s a new experience for all of us,” said chair John Muir. Continue reading Supervisors handle business in person, public present via Zoom →

Plans told for electronic access to public meetings next week

Gov Kim Reynolds on Friday issued an additional public health emergency declaration that relaxes several restrictions and regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Included in the March 20 additions to the March 17 health emergency declaration is allowing public meetings or hearings to be held by electronic means “to improve the functions of government while maintaining social distancing practices.

The Greene County board of supervisors and the Jefferson city council will both hold regular meetings next week, with public attendance via electronic technology. Continue reading Plans told for electronic access to public meetings next week →

Ban on public gatherings will be enforced, county officials say

Gov Reynolds’ declaration of a public health disaster Tuesday significantly changed daily life for most Iowans. Iowans are accustomed to school closures, cancellations of events, and even occasional closures of businesses and public offices due to blizzards, but a closure of the magnitude imposed by the governor is new.

In declaring a public health disaster, Reynolds went beyond encouraging Iowans to stay home. She made it illegal to attend a movie, dine out, and even to gather in a group of more than 10 people. Those ordinary activities as of Tuesday at noon are now misdemeanor. Continue reading Ban on public gatherings will be enforced, county officials say →

JPD loses another officer to Greene County sheriff’s office

Last month Jefferson residents and the Jefferson city council had a spirited discussion about the wages paid to Jefferson police officers. According to mayor Matt Gordon, the Jefferson PD has seen a 180 percent turnover rate, with the Greene County sheriff’s office as being one reason for the turnover.

Officer Ashley Wilson has become the newest law officer to leave the black uniform of the JPD for the dark olive green uniform of the sheriff’s office. Continue reading JPD loses another officer to Greene County sheriff’s office →

Public offices closing to the public

The Greene County courthouse will be closed to the public effective Thursday at 8 am. County elected officials and office staff will be available by phone or email. Counter service for drivers license and vehicle registration renewals will not be available.  Watch for information about the regular board of supervisors meeting March 24.

Jefferson city hall is closed to the public due to the state public health emergency. City services payments can be dropped in the night drop slot on the east side of the building next to the front door, or in the box in the alley. Bills can also be paid by debit or credit card over the telephone at 515-386-3111. Continue reading Public offices closing to the public →