The June 23 farmers market in Jefferson will feature not only locally grown produce, baked goods and crafts, but live music shared by DEVELOPMENT ROCKS with the Old Guy, also known as Greene County Development Corp executive director Ken Paxton. Paxton was an occasional guest at last summer’s markets, setting up in the shade on the southeast corner of the…
Read MoreMonth: June 2015
Robbins steer places third in ICA competition
A steer raised by Justin and Lacie Robbins of Scranton and sponsored by Collison Embryo and Vet, Lytton Farm Equipment and Mike Sorensen won third place in the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association Carcass Challenge contest. ICA president Phil Reemtsma of DeWitt awarded Robbins a jacket, hat and $250 cash prize for his placing in the Retail Value per Days on Feed…
Read MoreISU Extension provides resources on human impact of avian influenza
Multi-state approach offers education and outreach for families by Debra Sellers, Laura Sternweis AMES — In response to the recent avian influenza outbreak, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has launched a multi-state approach to providing research-based information and resources to families. “By leveraging our resources and strategically sharing information with families throughout Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota, we are…
Read MoreVolunteer sewers wanted: No experience necessary
DES MOINES — The Iowa State Fair Fabric and Threads Department is seeking fabric donations and volunteers for the seventh annual Iowa State Fair Sew-In. The free program offers fairgoers a chance to try their hand at simple sewing and quilting while providing warm blankets to local children in need.
Read MoreSchool moving ahead with request for $20 million bond issue
Voters in the Greene County Community School District will have a proposition on their ballots in the Sept. 8 school election asking for approval of a $20 million bond issue. The school board at a special meeting June 24 approved a resolution accepting the petitions required to call for the election.
Read MoreSupervisors discuss prohibiting jake brakes in the county
The county board of supervisors wants more information before pursuing an ordinance against the engine brakes commonly called “jake brakes.” Shane Olson, who lives just north of the stop sign for southbound traffic on County Road P-29 at Highway 4 one mile south of the “old brick school” in Dawson Township, proposed such an ordinance at the supervisors’ June 22…
Read MoreGreene County students back in the building business
Greene County High School will again offer a class that allows students to build nearly an entire house after the Greene County school board approved at its June 17 meeting moving forward with a plan to utilize students to build a house for staff member Kyle Kinne.
Read MoreWatchful eye on cleanup at former Alliant Energy site
Jefferson city clerk Diane Kennedy briefed the city council June 23 on a clean-up project under way in the 200 block of S. Vine St south of Jefferson Telecom. Alliant Energy undertook demolition of a century-old brick building located there and found contaminated soil. The site is just north of the city’s former water plant, with a 10-inch main running adjacent to the clean-up site.…
Read MoreChamber recaps Bell Tower Festival
Successful festival draws thousands to enjoy Jefferson and Greene County The 2015 Bell Tower Festival, Bell Tower Big Top, drew thousands to Jefferson to enjoy events and activities that packed downtown Jefferson June 12-13. Highlights of the 36th annual festival included the return of carnival rides that filled an entire city block, streets packed with vendors, and a high energy…
Read MoreCity holds off on concrete project downtown
Also approves additional pay for MHF Engineering Jefferson’s new building and zoning official wasted no time in his new position. Nick Sorenson, formerly a Jefferson police officer, was approved as building and zoning official at the city council’s June 9 meeting. He assumed those duties June 15. At the city council’s June 23 meeting, it was Sorenson who cautioned the…
Read MoreEmerald ash borer discussed locally, but none found yet
The identification of emerald ash borers in Grinnell in Poweshiek County last week brought the number of Iowa counties with the invasive pest to 25. Emerald ash borer has not been identified in Greene County, but the destructive Asian beetles were discussed at two different meetings in the past week.
Read MoreCrop and weather report, week ending June 21
Wet conditions continued to slow field activities throughout much of Iowa during the week ending June 21, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide there were 3.5 days suitable for fieldwork; west central farmers had 4.3 days. Activities for the week included cutting hay, chemical application, and nitrogen side dressing. Excessive moisture is preventing some farmers from controlling…
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