~a column by Colleen O’Brien Most of my life I’ve not been a name-caller, either by nature or nurture. But about eight years ago, I realized my Irish was rising steadily as I fell under the malice of a spiteful fellow and have been aping him ever since: if he’s getting away with it and making my blood boil, I’m…
Read MoreMonth: June 2024
Iowa Utilities Board approves permit for controversial Summit pipeline
Eminent domain can used in Iowa, but project still needs approval in the Dakotas ~by Clark Kaufman, Iowa Capital Dispatch The Iowa Utilities Board gave its approval Tuesday for the controversial Summit Carbon Solutions pipeline and for the company to use eminent domain to acquire landowners’ property. The company hopes to begin construction next year with the goal of making…
Read MoreWeather larger part of NASS update
Northwest Iowa farmers received substantial rainfall with flood conditions while some Southeast Iowa farmers had minimal precipitation. Statewide there were 3.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 23, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Spraying and other field activities were limited in some areas due to wet field conditions. Topsoil moisture condition statewide rated…
Read MorePorch Fest 24 coming July 7 in Jefferson
Porch Fest returns to Jefferson Saturday, July 7, offering live music with four different musicians on four different front porches. Each musician will play a 45 minute set, with the audiences moving to the next locale. The Art of Music celebration will begin at 1:30 pm at 206 E. Park St and the guitar and vocals of Des Moines musician…
Read MoreScranton hires new city attorney
At a special meeting of the Scranton city council on June 19, Ethan Laughery was named as the new city attorney. Laughery works for the Hoyt, Morain and Hommer Law Firm in Jefferson. At a special meeting earlier in the month, the council voted unanimously to replace Jonathan Law as city attorney. The council reviewed the city’s insurance policies and…
Read MoreFree sports physicals available in July at Family Medicine Clinic
Even though it seems as if school just let out for the summer, now is the time for families to plan back-to-school physicals and immunizations. “All of us at the Family Medicine Clinic and Greene County Medical Center understand how important the summer break is for our students and families,” said primary care provider Mary Pedersen, ARNP. “We work diligently…
Read MoreDonna Gathercoal, 1970 – 2024
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 29, at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson for Donna Jean Branham Gathercoal, 54, of Grand Junction. Pastor Wendy Pittman will offer words of comfort. Donna was born July 3, 1970, in Chicago, IL. She attended Immanuel Lutheran Elementary in Glenview and later participated in track and field at Springman Jr. High…
Read MoreBeta Tau Delta honors McDermott for 50 years of membership
Jan McDermott of Jefferson was recently honored by the Beta Tau Delta sorority for 50 years of membership. McDermott has held every office in the organization and was a chair of the very popular Charity Ball, which annually kicked off the Christmas holiday social season in Jefferson and was a major fundraising event for the sorority for 60+ years. She…
Read More4-H news
Greenbrier 4-H club The Greenbrier 4-H club met on June 10 at 7 pm in the Clover Hall. The Young Leaders reported that they helped paint roadblocks and cleaned the livestock buildings in preparation for the Greene County Fair, scheduled for July 9-14. Old business was livestock ID past due as of May 15. New business was Iowa State Fair entries…
Read MorePublic Health educating about use of sunscreen
Greene County Public Health team members have been busy in recent weeks delivering sunscreen and working to educate about sun safety. This annual project is made possible with a partnership between Public Health, the Iowa Cancer Consortium, the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. “We have many community partners throughout…
Read MoreCounty Recorders Assn donates to Pink Tractor Foundation
Each summer the Iowa County Recorders Association meets for continuing education in one of the states’ six districts, and last week Okoboji was the meeting destination. Greene County recorder Deb McDonald attended. As elected officials, the recorders have a formal certification program which offers learning sessions that broadly impact their professional role in the county. Courses are focused on Leadership…
Read MoreNew Trackchair at Big Creek opens doors to the outdoors
POLK CITY – Big Creek State Park has a new way to explore the outdoors through the addition of an Action Trackchair®. Designed to handle tougher terrain than a typical wheelchair, the Action Trackchair® can go off road and onto beaches, grassy areas, stone paths and even fishing jetties, making those areas more accessible for people with mobility impairments. According…
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