Strong domestic demand, reliable exports, and predictable policies are essential to strengthening Iowa’s agriculture economy going forward Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented Jan. 12 on the 2025 Crop Production Annual Summary released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The national summary and state summaries are released in January each year. “The…
Read MoreMonth: January 2026
Condition of the State Address
Governor Kim Reynolds , January 13, 2026 – As prepared for delivery Madam President, Mister Speaker, Lieutenant Governor, First Gentleman, legislative leaders and members, justices and judges, my fellow Iowans: This is the ninth time I’ve addressed you from this chamber to report on the condition of the state. It’s a place that has witnessed nearly two centuries of Iowa history—moments of crisis and moments of courage, times…
Read MoreGreene County Reads 2026 via Zoom Jan. 22
Features Iowa author Heather Gudenkauf Iowa author Heather Gudenkauf will headline Greene County Reads 2026 with Zoom Watch Parties Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6 to 7:30 pm in all six Greene County libraries—Jefferson, Grand Junction, Rippey, Paton, Churdan and Scranton. Greene County Reads, an annual county-wide book discussion, is a cooperative project sponsored by the Greene County Librarians Association (GCLA) and Greene…
Read MoreSupervisors increase county elected officials’ salaries by 3.5 percent
The Greene County supervisors at their Jan. 8 meeting approved salary increases for county elected officials for the next fiscal year, but it took three motions to get to that point. In the end, the officials got all or more than they asked for, excluding the sheriff and the supervisors. Sheriff Jack Williams in December asked for an increase of…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Jan. 9
In Greene County district court David John Lehman, 48, of Des Moines was sentenced Jan. 6 to five years in prison after he pleaded guilty to a charge of theft- second degree aiding and abetting, amended from burglary- third degree. The prison term was suspended. He was fined $1,025 with a $153.75 surcharge. He was sentenced to five years in…
Read MoreGreene County magistrate court, week ending Jan. 9
Cases were initiated in Greene County magistrate court during the week ending Jan. 9 as follows: Audrie Leiann Lawrence of Jefferson, provide false identification information to law enforcement; Christopher Herbert Lawrence of Ames, assault; Shelby Hose of Jefferson, possession of drug paraphernalia; and Damon David Zimpel of Scranton, public intoxication.
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Jan. 2
Cases were initiated in district court during the week ending Jan. 2, 2026, as follows: Rocky Hughes, 46, of Boone, burglary- third degree, criminal mischief- second degree (two counts), theft- third degree, theft- fourth degree, and ongoing criminal conduct influence enterprise; and Karl Maurice Krieger, 32, of Jefferson, driving while license barred.
Read MoreMahanay Tower back to a full carillon after nearly $20K repair job
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 MoreNature 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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