Dale Craig Betts was born October 30, 1953, in Richland, WA, at the U.S. military hospital at Camp Hanford to Richard and Lois Betts. Dale was raised on a farm south of Jefferson. He attended Jefferson Community School until graduation in 1972. During his school years he participated in wrestling, baseball, FFA and 4-H. He earned money doing chores for neighbors and…
Read MoreMonth: December 2025
Have we ever known such a liar?
~a column by Colleen O’Brien I do not know why the press prints about him. I guess they think it their duty to print whatever a president says, does, lies about, uses foul language for. They must know we are conditioned to look for what his lies are today so we can moan and groan and pity ourselves for how…
Read MoreSupervisors hear budget requests, approve plans for road projects
The first temporary relocation of county offices to accommodate work on the courthouse HVAC system is in place. Last week the county attorney’s office moved from the third floor to the first floor. Signage will direct those needing service to the correct location. Also this week, Verdin Company is working on the Mahanay Bell Tower and the carillon. Work specifically…
Read MorePublic advisory from the office of Gov Kim Reynolds
Gov Kim Reynolds will hold a public budget hearing Friday, Dec. 19, at 9 am. This meeting will serve as the annual open forum on the state budget and Iowans will have the opportunity to participate virtually. Members of the public who wish to participate should RSVP to Molly Severn and Laura Book Wednesday by 5 pm to receive information…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Dec. 12
In Greene County district court Donald Shannon Fishburn, 53, of Jefferson was sentenced Dec. 8 to six days in jail with credit for time served after he pleaded guilty to a charge of eluding or attempting to elude. He was fined $430 with a $64.50 surcharge. The court found him unable to pay court costs or restitution for his court…
Read MoreGreene County magistrate court, week ending Dec. 12
In Greene County magistrate court a judgment was entered Dec. 10 against Dennis Frederick Blum, 75, of Jefferson on a charge of harassment- third degree. He was fined $105 with a $15.75 surcharge. Court costs were $91.50. A charge of disorderly conduct was dismissed. Cases were initiated in magistrate court as follows: Travis Michael Heinz of Jefferson, violation of no…
Read MoreJeff council hears proposal for solar panels on city property
The city of Jefferson could save approximately $27,000 annually in utility bills by allowing 11 small solar installations at various city locations. There would be not out-of-pocket cost to the city. Travis Dvorak of Red Lion Renewables, based in Norwalk, told the Jefferson city council at its Dec. 9 meeting the company has installations in 50 cities and school districts…
Read MoreGrCo school board hears info on girls wrestling
Also learns funding is in place for greenhouse equipment Christmas came early to Greene County students with an announcement at the Dec. 10 school board meeting. At the November meeting high school agriculture Steve Kehoe gave a presentation on the status of the greenhouse, which has not been used since the new school building opened. The greenhouse lacks a ventilation…
Read MoreElks lodge continues Christmas dinner tradition
The Jefferson Elks lodge will hold its 60th annual Christmas Day dinner Dec. 25 at 4 pm. A tradition that began in 1965, the Elks prepare and serve a traditional meal to anyone in the community. If you are alone, needing some community, or hungry, please join us for this event. Meals will be served in the Elks lodge. Take-out…
Read MoreGreenewood Center project not viable, study shows
Several Jefferson residents have expressed concern in recent months about the possibility of remodeling the Greenewood Center to serve the dual purposes of a dining site for congregate meals and a clubhouse for the Jefferson municipal golf course. The plan would have allowed the current clubhouse to be razed and that property to be used for affordable housing, with senior…
Read MoreBlue Christmas service Dec. 18 at Christ Lutheran
An ecumenical Blue Christmas service, a service of hope and remembrance, will be held Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7 pm at Christ Lutheran Church. Pastor Jay Alexander of Central Christian Church will bring the message. The quiet, contemplative service is intended for those for whom this time of year brings back memories of past pain and sorry. “For many, this…
Read MoreP.E.O. offers scholarships
.P.E.O. Chapter CZ offers scholarships to local women or those with local connections who are continuing their education. This scholarship is for women who have had their post-secondary studies interrupted or who are pursuing additional education or degrees. The chapter has been doing this since 1990 utilizing funds raised through a new pickleball tournament, previous salad luncheons and “dinners with…
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