~a column by Colleen O’Brien “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” This is the final line in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel The Great Gatsby. The older I get, the backwarder I go, and these words, in their elegant way, come to mind with ease more and more often. A dear friend…
Read MoreMonth: December 2025
Zoning for data center, ag drainage discussed at supervisors meeting
The Greene County supervisors at their Dec. 8 meeting held a second “first” reading of the proposed amendment to the zoning ordinance dealing with data centers and crypto mining facilities. Auditor Billie Jo Hoskins said the supervisors at the Dec. 1 meeting had not formally approved the first reading after approving a proposed amendment to the draft ordinance. The supervisors…
Read MoreCommittee working toward veterans memorial
A new veterans memorial is in the works in Greene County. A committee of veterans, Greene County veterans service officer Billie Johnson-Daves and former veterans service officer Mike Bierl, has organized to plan, design, fundraise and ultimately create a “worthy” memorial honoring past, present and future Greene County veterans. Seven proposed sites in the county have been identified and the…
Read MoreBeta Tau Delta donates to Toys for Greene County Kids
Beta Tau Delta sorority women delivered a trunkload of toys for the local Toys for Greene County Kids drive headed by Sherri Graven. The 100+year old sorority’s mission is to serve the county’s youth betterment with programs and services. Beta member and treasurer Anita Van Horn (pictured) was the Christmas elf to get the toys to Graven at the Greene…
Read MoreNordman received ISSDA Gold Star Award
State Representative Carter Nordman (R-Dallas Center) has been awarded the Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association (ISSDA) 2025 Gold Star Award in recognition of his public service and commitment to protecting the safety of all Iowans. This honor highlights Rep. Nordman’s tireless efforts to support Iowa law enforcement and advance public safety initiatives across the state, a press release from…
Read MoreTreasurer’s office closed
The Greene County treasurer’s office will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 10, so that staff can attend a training event. The office will reopen Thursday at 8 am.
Read MoreNWS says winds stronger but less blowing snow
Greene County is in a high wind warning through Wednesday morning at 9 am. Northwest wind gusts of up to 60 mph will create strong crosswinds on most roads, making travel dangerous. Gusts could also cause downed tree limbs and local power outages. However, warm temperatures Tuesday decreased the National Weather Service’s confidence in blowing snow impacts. The winter weather…
Read MoreGreenewood Center, solar installations on Jeff city council agenda
The Jefferson city council at its Dec. 9 meeting will hear a presentation of the study completed by Bolton & Menk of the feasibility of a project renovating the Greenewood Center to accommodate the municipal golf course clubhouse in the lower level of the building. The current clubhouse would be razed. Per the council agenda, no action is anticipated except…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Dec. 5
In Greene County district court Robert Alan Fry, 62, of Jefferson was fined $250 with a $37.50 surcharge after he pleaded guilty to a charge of operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, amended from driving while license revoked. He must also pay $250 restitution for his court appointed attorney’s fees and $140 court costs. (Sentencing: Honorable Joseph B.…
Read MoreGreene County magistrate court, week ending Dec. 5
In Greene County magistrate court a judgment was entered Dec. 3 against Tanner Dean Bush on a charge of disorderly conduct- fighting/violent behavior. Bush was fined $105 with a $15.75 surcharge. Court costs were $60. Information is available since the return of an arrest warrant that David Don Janssen of Churdan is charged with animal neglect- no injury/serious injury or…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Reasons for no SNAP benefits
In November 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brook Rollins claimed that about 186,000 deceased individuals and 500,000 people were double enrolled in the program. This raises claims about the integrity of the SNAP program. There are three types of fraud: recipient fraud, retailer fraud, and electronic theft. There are various reasons why some people don’t deserve Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program…
Read MorePossible blizzard conditions Tuesday night into Wednesday
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for much of northwest and central Iowa. Strong winds with gusts of more than 50 mph are predicted to cause significant blowing and drifting of snow Tuesday night into Wednesday. Significant impacts to the Wednesday morning commute are likely. Near white-out and blizzard conditions may occur. Snow showers are also…
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