~by Mary Weaver Sunday afternoon December 8, I completed one of my Christmas traditions by attending a concert by the Town and Country Band at Central Christian Church in Jefferson. Nestled into the sanctuary, amidst the beautifully decorated trees and the fireplace glowing warmth on the large computer monitor, I enjoyed listening to familiar and traditional Christmas melodies. The band…
Read MoreYear: 2024
Congress members’ job is to help us; let them know what you’d like them to do
~a column by Colleen O’Brien I’m starting either a long haul or a rapid burn-out – contacting my federal representatives every day…. and if I do it three times a week I’ll feel okay about it. Writing to or calling my two Senators and my one House member about something I want them to do is all of our jobs…
Read MoreGregory Wolf, 1956 – 2024
Gregory Ronald Wolf, 68, of Urbandale, passed away December 16, 2024, with his wife and daughters by his side, following a brief battle with cancer. A funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson. Interment will take place at the Paton Cemetery in Paton. Greg, son of Ronald and Phyllis (Patterson) Wolf, was born…
Read MoreReva Owen, 1935 – 2024
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 18, for Reva Owen, 89, of Jefferson. Reva Mae Owen was born January 21, 1935, in Guthrie County. She was the sixth child of 13 born to Carl and Zetta Ford Middleton. Reva passed away December 12, 2024, at the Rock Creek Senior Living Center in Ankeny. Reva attended Jefferson Community…
Read MoreJefferson library launches new creative writing group
The Jefferson public library is launching a new creative writing club called “The Ink Society”, a supportive environment for anyone who is interested in developing or improving their writing skills and literary talents. There will be separate adult and youth sections of the program and both will meet once month at the library. The first meeting for the adults will…
Read MoreErnst names Elliott Art Studio Small Business of the Week
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Senate Small Business Committee, announced Dec. 16 her Small Business of the Week: Elliott Art Studio of Greene County. Throughout this Congress, Sen Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties. “Chad and Alyssa Elliott have crafted a creative hub that fosters the next generation of…
Read MoreSupervisors okay bridge project, hear budget requests
Work on the new bridge on Grimmell Rd over the Raccoon River west of Jefferson has stopped for the year. Greene County engineer Wade Weiss told the county supervisors at their Dec. 16 meeting that work will begin again in late February or early March, weather permitting. Completion is expected during the fall of 2025. The bridge is a joint…
Read MoreSierra Community Theatre marks 140th anniversary of opening the Head Opera House
The Head Opera House, located at 212 E. State St in Jefferson, opened Dec. 17, 1884, with a Christmas party. The Sierra Community Theatre board and staff are reimagining that evening with “Christmas Tales,: an evening of music, storytelling and historic guests, Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the theatre. Doors will open at 6:30 pm, with the event beginning at 7…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Dec. 13
In Greene County district court Abby Nichole Farrell, 21, of Carroll was sentenced Dec. 9 to 180 days in jail after she changed her plea to guilty to a charge of operating while intoxicated. All but two days of the jail time was suspended and she was placed on probation to Boone/Greene County Probation for one year. She may complete…
Read MoreGreene County magistrate court, week ending Dec. 13
In Greene County magistrate court a judgment for a $105 fine with a $15.75 surcharge was entered Dec. 4 against Gideon Norman Van Wyk of Coon Rapids on a charge of public intoxication. Court costs were $60. Cases were initiated in magistrate court as follows: Jill Catherine Gaines of Council Bluffs, theft- fifth degree; Camden Strennen of Jefferson, theft- fifth…
Read MoreTracy Hoodjer, 1962 – 2024
Tracy Joel Hoodjer, a beloved family man, passionate sports enthusiast, and a well-respected figure in the sports community throughout the state of Iowa, passed away December 15, 2024, in Ames after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on Jan. 18, 1962, in Waterloo, Tracy’s infectious enthusiasm for life and unwavering spirit left an indelible mark on all who knew…
Read MoreGrCo school board hires construction manager for solar project, approves updated emergency alert system for elementary school
The Greene County Schools board of education at its regular meeting Dec. 11 approved hiring Story Construction as construction manager at risk (CMAR) for the solar project. Story Construction will oversee all construction phases of the $5 million project. Board member Michelle Fields, who serves on the board’s facilities committee, said she was very impressed with the people she and…
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