~by Colleen O’Brien I went into a bookstore that is not a chain, planning to buy books for the family for Christmas . . . doing something ahead of time for once . . . and found a couple of books for the grands, a couple of books for my daughter . . . and 11 for me. I bought…
Read MoreYear: 2025
Supervisors encouraged to control growth of digital mining, data centers
The Greene County supervisors will hold a public hearing Dec. 1 on an amendment to the county zoning ordinance regarding data centers and digital mining. County attorney Thomas Laehn said at the Nov. 24 supervisors’ meeting that the amendment isn’t necessary, that without it companies could go through the steps to obtain a conditional use from the board of adjustment.…
Read MoreHarvest finished, end of USDA crop reporting season
Mostly dry conditions and above normal temperatures allowed for 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Nov. 23, 2025, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities were fertilizer and manure applications as well as fall tillage. Topsoil moisture condition statewide rated 4 percent very short, 27 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus.…
Read MoreGrow Greene County ‘Gives Back’ to area service agencies
A tradition was started in 2016 by the Grow Greene County board of directors to surprise deserving agencies in Greene County with a Give Back Award during the holiday season. This year on the heels of another successful year at Wild Rose Jefferson, the Grow Greene County Board gave out six Give Back Awards on Nov. 19. Rather than surprise…
Read MoreGrCo school board swears in new members, OKs purchase of CNC equipment
The Greene County Schools board held its organizational meeting Nov. 19. Bonnie Silbaugh and Michelle Fields retired from the board. Returning board member Cindi Daubendiek and newly-elected board members Megan Holz and Katie Nelson were sworn in. Daubendiek, who served as board president during the past year was re-elected as president; Tim Riphagen was elected as vice president. The board…
Read MoreA turning point? The state of American citizenship
~by Sen Jesse Green, Iowa Senate District 24 November 20, 2025 How dire is the current situation facing Americans? Is this the most divisive era in generations? Are we experiencing something unprecedented that other cultures and societies have never encountered? Can we rebuild a sense of unity once again? These are questions many are pondering. I do not believe what…
Read MoreMedical center’s ‘Tree of Life’ honors deceased loved ones
While the world outside prepares for holiday celebrations, the season can bring with it powerful feelings for those missing a loved one. The Greene County Medical Center Foundation understands and offers a compassionate way to honor and remember those individuals who have shaped the lives of others through the annual Tree of Life campaign. “The Tree of Life is more than just a…
Read MoreJoanne Rowles, 1934 – 2025
Funeral services for Joanne Rowles, 90, of Grand Junction, will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, at First United Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction. Commissioned Pastor Wendy Pittman will officiate. Joanne’s grandchildren will serve as pall bearers. Interment will be in the Junction Township Cemetery. Joanne Rowles was born on Dec. 11, 1934. Her parents were Carl and Iva Ogren. She grew up…
Read MoreCourt of appeals upholds dismissal of lawsuit against city re: rezoning for housing
The Iowa Court of Appeals has upheld a decision in district court in June 2024 to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the city of Jefferson, the city council and the mayor after rezoning a parcel of property on W. Head St west of N. Elm St from light industrial to residential- multi-family. The rezoning would have allowed KCG to build…
Read MoreGrCo Athletic Hall of Fame inductees announced
Greene County High School is pleased to announce the sixth class to enter the Greene County Athletic Hall of Fame. The honorees will be recognized Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the Greene County vs Grand View Christian basketball game. The introductions will take place at approximately 6:30 pm during halftime of the girls game. There will be a community reception…
Read MoreHoliday cheer and gambling
Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. The winter holidays are right around the corner. We often think of warm, cozy gatherings with family and friends, sharing our favorite foods, beverages, and seasonal treats. But did you know that another holiday tradition some people enjoy is gambling? It’s no longer limited to casinos—gambling takes on many forms, and research shows that…
Read MoreOne more news cycle that unhinged me
~by Colleen O’Brien I just wish when Trump says to a reporter, “You’re the worst. You’re from Bloomberg/ABC/CNN/the Times, right? I don’t know why they even have you….” that the reporter would reply, “You’re the president who ‘won’ with the lowest number of votes ever, right? I don’t know why we even have you….” And walk away. I wish all…
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