The Mahanay Bell Tower was not the tallest item in downtown Jefferson Wednesday. A crane was in place on N. Wilson Ave, to the west of the tower, to allow workers to remove and then re-install bells needing repair on the tower. The maintenance project has been under consideration for several months. County engineer Wade Weiss told the county supervisors…
Read MoreDay: January 7, 2026
Nature in feathers and celestial light
Nature in feathers and celestial light ~a column by Colleen O’Brien Seven small birds perch on two wires beyond my window . . . like this: w w w w w w w They are a choir in matching robes with a chubby little choirmaster, baton at the ready. I’m spying on sparrows, called spatzi around this heavily German-settled town I live…
Read MoreView from my window – Deportation made personal
This is the most heart rendering column I have written and shared with you. It will be shocking to read, as it was for me to research and document. Deportation is occurring with frequency, but this became a personal look. Walter W. Babb, Bill, is the son of my late high school classmate Sam Babb, who many from Greene County…
Read MoreMore budget requests for county funds
Drainage project in Highland Township expands The Greene County supervisors continued hearing requests for funding from various groups at their Jan. 5 meeting. The first request came from New Opportunities for the Family Development Center. New Opportunities chief executive officer Chad Jensen and Greene County Family Development Center coordinator Teresa Lansman made the presentation, requesting $17,989. That amount has not…
Read MoreLetter, D. Lautner responds to B. Banister
Dear Bruce Banister, Thank you for responding to my opinion dated Dec. 28, 2025. You just blasted me for being a “racist,” but no, I am an independent and realist. I, too, have lived overseas, but my time was courtesy of the military. I’m all for immigration if they are legal and come to this country the right way and…
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