Gov Kim Reynolds and Lt Gov Adam Gregg, Congressman David Young, Sen Chuck Grassley, Iowa Economic Development Authority director Debi Durham, and more than 30 Jefferson leaders, community volunteers and elected officials were among those gathered Wednesday at The Forge, the Des Moines “office” of Pillar Technology, to celebrate the launch of Pillar’s first rural forge, opening in Jefferson some…
Read MoreDay: May 2, 2018
Mahanay Tower opens 2018 season this weekend
The Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower in Jefferson will open officially for the 2018 season on Saturday, May 5. Hours will be 10 am to 4 pm Saturdays and Sundays in May and then daily beginning Memorial Day weekend. With the increased visitors in 2017 during the month of September, the Bell Tower Community Foundation board decided to remain open daily…
Read MoreIowa’s ‘Monument Man’ topic of library program May 8
An Iowan, George Stout of Winterset, was one of the World War Two ‘Monuments Men,’ made famous by the 2009 book by Robert M. Edsel, “The Monuments Men,” and the 2014 movie of the same title. “George Stout: Iowa’s Own Monuments Man” is the title of a program about Stout Tuesday, May 8, at 2 pm at the First United…
Read MoreJefferson Matters awards mini grants, has more funds available
Jefferson Matters: Main Street is wasting no time utilizing a $2,000 grant from the Jefferson Rotary Club to assist downtown building owners with exterior improvements. Jefferson Matters is offering two different mini-grant programs and had budgeted $2,000 for them. A $2,000 Rotary grant has doubled the total available. The mini-grants are for $500 each.
Read MorePlanting has started; soybeans are on schedule
Iowa farmers made the most of the 4.7 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending April 29, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Corn and soybeans were planted in addition to soil preparation and fertilizer application. Topsoil moisture levels statewide rated 4 percent very short, 15 percent short, 73 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Levels in…
Read MoreMore hogs, actually, and a new bridge
There are no new songs about hog CAFOs – just slightly different words to the verses each time a new one is proposed. The Greene County supervisors held a public hearing Monday on a confined animal feeding operation proposed by John and Libby Towers for Highland Township, Section 30. The opposition choir was smaller than those who sang out in…
Read MoreAnnual 4th grade farm tour held at new location
Greene County Farm Bureau postponed its annual farm tour for all county fourth graders due to cold, wet weather, but it was a beautiful morning on Tuesday, April 24, when 109 students and their teachers and chaperones arrived at the Highland Township farm of Cale and Connor Juergensen. It was a new location for the long-standing event, as Tim and…
Read MoreSign up now for youth football
Registrations are now being accepted for Greene County Youth Ram Football for students in grades 3, 4, 5, or 6 for the 2018-19 school year. All registration must be done online by May 20. Third and fourth graders will work on fundamentals and play flag football. Fifth and sixth graders will play modified tackle football with games on Sunday in…
Read MoreGenealogy Society meets Saturday
The Greene County Genealogy Society will meet Saturday, May 5, at 10 am in the meeting room of the Jefferson public library. It is handicapped accessible. The program will consist of members bringing past county fair exhibits or possible exhibits that will be taken to the fair this summer.
Read MoreBlood drive in Churdan Friday, Jeff on Tuesday
LifeServe Blood Center reminds area residents to “turn up to save lives” at upcoming community blood drives. The Paton-Churdan chapter of National Honor Society will host a blood drive Friday, May 4, from 1 to 6 pm at the school in Churdan. Community members are welcome to participate.
Read MoreNaig encourages Iowans to help celebrate Soil & Water Conservation Week
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig on Monday highlighted Soil and Water Conservation Week, which runs from April 29 to May 6, and encouraged Iowans to consider things they can do to help protect our state’s soil and improve water quality. Naig planned to participate in events across Iowa to highlight the important conservation practices placed on Iowa’s landscape and…
Read MoreUtopia isn’t just imaginary
~a column by Colleen O’Brien We’ve been told a few whoppers in our time: There is not enough money for teachers. That bridge will last another year. The oil pipe beneath the river will not break. Hiring adequate personnel in prisons, police departments, fire departments, libraries…cannot be factored into this year’s budget. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The lack of…
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