~ a column by Colleen O’Brien Into my new bank I go. A couple of people are standing, talking to computer screens. A smiling person on the screen talks to them. There are no tellers, and it’s not lunchtime. I wander over to a screen and look at it. What am I supposed to do? A 30-something guy walks…
Read MoreYear: 2026
View from my window – Burning the socks
May 10, 2026 We recently attended a family wedding in Rock Point, MD. Rock Point is located about 60 miles north of Washington D.C. on Chesapeake Bay and near Annapolis. The groom’s family hosted the pre-wedding evening gathering at a marina in Rock Point. An announcement on the bulletin board indicated a BURNING OF THE SOCKS to be held the…
Read MoreJefferson receives statewide recognition at Main Street Iowa Development Awards
Jefferson was recognized for its continued downtown revitalization and community efforts at the 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards Thursday, May 7. Jefferson received two competitive project awards along with a leadership recognition, highlighting the partnerships and initiatives that continue to shape the downtown experience and support local businesses. The Centennial Building was awarded the prestigious “Building Rehabilitation” honor, recognizing…
Read MoreLong-time Iowa State marketing leader to retire in May
Carole Custer of Jefferson, who has served Iowa State University for nearly 40 years as a pioneering leader in marketing and communications, is retiring. Custer’s final day at Iowa State is May 15. Custer, director of marketing in University Marketing and Communications, was hired in 1987 by Iowa State President Gordon Eaton for a newly created position as assistant for marketing. At…
Read MoreLocal chiropractors team up to pay youth admission to Mahanay Bell Tower for 2026 season
The Bell Tower Community Foundation is happy to announce that for the 2026 season, all youth ages 18 and under will receive free admission to the top of the tower, thanks to the generous support of a dedicated group of local chiropractic professionals. This year’s youth sponsors are committed to ensuring that every child and teenager in the community and…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending May 8
In Greene County district court Derrick Charles Beckner, 41, of Crystal, MN, was granted a deferred judgment May 6 after he changed his plea to guilty to a charge of possession of marijuana. He was placed on probation to Boone/Greene County Probation for one year, and he must undergo a substance abuse evaluation and complete any recommended treatment. A judgment…
Read MoreGreene County magistrate court, week ending May 8
Cases were initiated in Greene County magistrate court during the week ending May 8 as follows: Braden Gersema of Jefferson, possession of drug paraphernalia; Yvonne Marie Locke of Jefferson, gathering where marijuana is used, possession of drug paraphernalia; and Ryan James Brown of Jefferson, interference with official acts.
Read MoreSupervisors hear about new unified behavioral healthcare system
The Greene County supervisors received a tutorial on the state’s new unified Behavioral Health System at their May 4 meeting. The new system, which launched July 1, 2025, seeks to combine mental health and substance use services to streamline access and ensure consistent care across the state. Iowa Primary Care Association was selected to administer the program. Iowa PCA was…
Read MoreGCLA ‘Around the World in Greene County’ multicultural program debuts May 12 in Rippey
The Greene County Librarians Association is rolling out “Around the World in Greene County” this month. The county-wide multicultural program, featuring all six Greene County libraries, will debut with a Culture Café on Tuesday, May 12, from 5 to 8 pm at the Rippey public library. The event will showcase the new materials purchased for the Rippey library with funds…
Read MoreJefferson Telecom helps local fourth graders ride into summer safely
Jefferson Telecom once again partnered with Greene County Elementary School to provide bicycles to local 4th graders, helping students head into summer with both excitement and an important reminder about bike safety. This year, 30 students received bikes through the annual initiative led by Jamie Daubendiek, general manager of Jefferson Telecom, and his wife Cindi, GCCSD board president. The program…
Read MoreJeff council approves FY27 budget
Levy rates are decreasing slightly The Jefferson city council at its April 28 meeting held a public hearing on the 2026-27 city budget and, after hearing no public comment, approved the budget. City finance officer Henry Pohlmeyer presented the budget, his first presentation since assuming the role of finance officer in October. He has been assistant park & recreation director…
Read More“Here Comes the Sun”
~a column by Colleen O’Brien Here Comes the Sun is long-time environmentalist Bill McKibben’s latest book on what’s happening to our planet weatherwise. This man is up to date with global warming and the folks who don’t believe it and those who do; the idea that we can save the world from frying is what this book is about. It is…
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