Local cyclist and author Janice Harbaugh is donating the proceeds of the sale of two of her books to fund repair of the north spur of the Raccoon River Valley Trail. The two books, fiction stories written for readers of middle school age through adult, take place on the north spur and are about cycling, writing, community, rural life and…
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North spur of bike trail needs work – Local author donating proceeds of book sales to the project
~Janice Harbaugh/Raspberry Ridge Publishing The North Spur of the Raccoon River Valley Trail has some of the most beautiful scenery to be found on the entire trail. From Herndon to Jefferson, you travel through farmland, grasslands, rolling countryside, woodlands, the iron bridge with wind chimes over the Raccoon River, and a panoramic, gentle climb to Jefferson. Sadly, the North Spur…
Read MoreTree walk Thursday at Squirrel Hollow Park
As “falling leaves drift by the window,” it’s time to think of trees. Local expert Brad Riphagen of Trees Forever will lead a tree walk Thursday, Oct. 29, at 2 pm at Squirrel Hollow Park southeast of Jefferson. The walk’s a chance to stop and notice the trees. Riphagen will talk about species, habitat, and care of trees and answer any…
Read MoreBike trail users quiz supervisors about needed repair to the north spur
Discussion of the north spur of the Raccoon River Valley Trail – the bike trail – was at the top of the Greene County supervisors Oct. 19 meeting. Trail users Sheila Madsen and Vicki Copeland, both of Jefferson, spoke during the open forum. Their particular concern was the trail from Vest St in Jefferson to Winkleman Switch, 4.4 miles south.…
Read MoreCommunity Foundation grant applications available Nov. 1
Applications for the 2027 grant cycle of the Greene County Community Foundation will be available on its website Nov. 1, 2026. On March 22, 2026, the Greene County Community Foundation (GCCF) distributed grants to 24 projects totaling $256,229. This amount was a combined total of monies received from Grow Greene County ($175,000) and accessed funds from the GCCF endowment ($81,229).…
Read MoreArea sewists invited to Midwest Mission sewing retreat
People who love to sew are invited to put their skills to work for a greater purpose during the Midwest Mission sewing retreat Nov. 12-14 at Midwest Mission’s Jefferson location. The three-day retreat will bring together mission-minded sewists from the area for a time of sewing, fellowship and service. Participants will create hand-sewn items that become part of Midwest Mission…
Read MoreWalk through Jefferson history Oct. 27
Three buildings in Jefferson possess historical significance that many residents, let alone visitors, never notice. A walking tour of the three buildings will conducted Tuesday, Oct. 27, starting at 10 am. Organized by the Greene County Historical Society, the trek begins at Jefferson Telecom, 105 W. Harrison St. Local residents pay their phone bills at Jefferson Telecom, many not knowing…
Read MoreSchoolboy Soldier monuments to be dedicated Friday
A pair of monuments to the Schoolboy Soldiers of Rippey will be dedicated Friday, Oct. 23. The first dedication is slated for noon on the south lawn of the Greene County courthouse in Jefferson. Greene County High School students in Civil War dress will gather at the historical museum at 11:30 am and march to the noon dedication ceremony. The…
Read MoreView from my window – Reflections of Sarah Turpin, mother of a schoolboy soldier of Rippey
The two, over 9 feet tall, the two obelisk monuments made from India black granite were released and shipped through the Strait of Hormuz to South Dakota. The names of the soldiers and teachers were inscribed there, and they have been shipped to Jefferson Monument Works for installation. They will be placed and dedicated this coming week at the Greene…
Read MorePest control operators CIC slated for Dec. 9
Preregister before Dec. 2 for fall commercial pesticide applicator course Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Greene County office will host a Pest Control Operators Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) for commercial pesticide applicators on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2026. The program, provided by the ISU Extension and Outreach Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), is available at office locations across Iowa. The…
Read MoreKiwanis awards grants, plans pancake breakfast
The Kiwanis Club of Jefferson has had a busy fall supporting local organizations, investing in children’s literacy programs and preparing for its 53rd annual pancake breakfast. The club recently contributed $3,600 to three community programs and welcomed new leadership for the coming year. On Sept. 16, Kiwanis presented a $2,100 donation to Caring Hearts of West Central Iowa to support…
Read MoreHarvest continues behind average year
There were 4.6 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending Oct. 18, according to the US Department of Agricultural National Agricultural Statistics Service. Topsoil moisture condition rated 3 percent short, 73 percent adequate, and 24 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture condition rated 5 percent short, 74 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus. Ninety-eight percent of corn has reached maturity, which…
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