Successes and challenges walked side by side in Greene County in 2016. The top story of the year is a big success – 168 feet tall, to be exact. Bell tower expansion: The Bell Tower Community Foundation accomplished the most difficult portion of a decades-long dream of having a complete 4-octave carillon at the top of the Mahanay Memorial Carillon…
Read MoreMonth: December 2016
Betty DeWitt, 1925 – 2016
A service of remembrance was held Dec. 30 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson for Elizabeth “Betty” DeWitt, 91, of Panora, formerly of Jefferson. The Rev Julie Poulsen, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Jefferson, offered words of comfort. Casket bearers were Marshall Charlesworth, Eric Campbell, Grant Campbell, Gaven Campbell, Gage Campbell and Travis Lowe. Interment was at the…
Read MoreElks continue Christmas dinner tradition
Christmas dinner was festive at the Jefferson Elks lodge Sunday afternoon. Elks and their families, with help from Does, served about 115 dinners at the lodge, delivered 64 meals to homes around the community, and packed another 13 meals for carry-out. There was no charge for the meal. The Jefferson Hy-Vee donated 12 turkeys and the Jefferson Fareway donated three…
Read MoreCalling blood donors to Jefferson on Jan. 10
When Christmas ends, don’t let your generosity end, too! Blood donors are needed year-round, not just during the holiday season. Ninety percent of the American population experience the need for blood at some point in their lifetime. Because only 10 percent of the population is eligible to donate blood, regular donors are needed constantly. A regular blood donor can give…
Read MoreFarm succession topic of informal ‘Coffee and Conversation’
Farm succession and estate planning is the topic at an informal “Coffee and Conversation” event Friday, Jan. 13, from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Greene County ISU Extension & Outreach office in Jefferson. Donuts and coffee will be served at this free event.
Read MoreGreene Co school moving forward on elementary addition
Approves policy for administrative staff reduction Greene County school administrators and the board of education are moving deliberately but at full speed toward being a three school district by next August.
Read More“Hope,” she said
~a column by Colleen O’Brien A new year is in the offing. The preparation for the significant day is usually full of hope, often goodwill, for both others and ourselves. Then the big day comes, the first of all the 365 days ahead, and by dusk it’s just another day. Soon it’s in a pile forgotten along with most of…
Read MoreCAFO gets DNR permit despite worries about Jeff city water supply
A hog CAFO proposed by Justin Ostrander to be built in Section 21 in Hardin Township has been granted a draft construction permit by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources despite concerns of contamination to the aquifer from which Jefferson city water is drawn.
Read MoreLetter to the county supervisors – Greene Co. Farm Bureau
December 27, 2016 To the Greene County supervisors, The Ostrander family has called Greene county home for generations, and the family has been farming in our community for more than a century, doing things the right way. The Ostranders have gone above and beyond requirements to protect soil health and water quality for their neighbors and other communities in the…
Read MoreQ: & A: The people’s business
Dec 23, 2016 ~with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley Q: What are some highlights from the 114th Congress? A: When visiting with Iowans during my 99-county meetings, I hear a common refrain from people across the state. Households are working harder than ever to get ahead and stay ahead. Putting gas in the car, buying groceries and medicine, shouldering student debt,…
Read MoreNominations due Friday for ABC Award
Nominations are due by the close of business this Friday, Dec. 30, for the Greene County Chamber’s 2016 ABC Award. The award will be presented at the Chamber’s annual meeting Jan. 29. The ABC Award (Above and Beyond the Call) is presented annually to an individual or couple who through personal involvement, leadership qualities and unselfish giving of time and talent…
Read MoreErnst highlights 2016 initiatives and victories led on behalf of Iowans
After traveling the state and hearing from Iowans firsthand on her second 99 county tour as Iowa’s U.S. Senator, Joni Ernst (R-IA) has worked to turn that feedback into results, wrapping up the year with a series of legislative initiatives and victories on behalf of Iowans, including five of her bills signed into law in 2016. “Throughout the year, I…
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