A McDonald’s restaurant will open Dec. 7 in Jefferson if construction goes as planned. Ground was broken Aug. 10 in the 400 block of N. Elm St, at the former site of Hastings Funeral Home. Franchise owner is John Jo (pictured, right), doing business as Jo Industries. The Jefferson location is Jo’s 11th in Iowa, with other McDonald’s located in…
Read MoreYear: 2026
Donald M. Badger, 1942 – 2026
Donald M. Badger, 83, of Bagley, Iowa, passed away August 12, 2026. Don was born September 28, 1942, to Clair Marvin and Launa B. (Miller) Badger. He grew up in the Bayard area and graduated from Bayard High School. He continued his education at Northwest Missouri State in Maryville, Missouri, where he earned his college degree. On May 3, 1963,…
Read MoreSummerfest 50107 receives Community Grant from Alliant Energy
In its second Community Grant cycle of the year, Alliant Energy and the Alliant Energy Foundation awarded $708,599 to various causes and nonprofits across Iowa and Wisconsin. All Community Grant recipients seek to make an impact in Alliant Energy’s four focus areas: Community safety and engagement, environmental stewardship, workforce readiness and hunger and housing. Community safety and engagement: Improvements for emergency services and over $130,000 in grants covered 40 communities in first responder organizations including police, fire and EMS departments. This support assisted with the purchase or upgrades of vital equipment. Grants will also support projects and events that foster community connections, including fairs, playground enhancements and other…
Read MoreAll aboard for Greene County’s railroad history
In days gone by, Greene County residents could take a train almost any where. And they could ship their cattle and crops to markets throughout the Midwest. Today, to paraphrase Elton John’s 2001 song, “The Train Don’t Stop Here Anymore” for passengers. Row crops still get a ride. Retired Jefferson city administrator Mike Palmer will present a program about Greene County’s…
Read MoreSecond volume of Veterans’ Stories underway
“Veterans’ Stories: Greene County, Iowa” is a compilation of oral histories of 59 veterans with ties to Greene County. The book features men and women across a wide age span. The oldest veterans served in the 1950s, while two are still serving today. Work on Volume 2 is underway, with 25 veterans interviewed so far by Hamilton. Veterans may answer…
Read MoreEnticing marginalia
~a column by Colleen O’Brien I receive many texts and emails that have to do with ageing. Sometimes I read them. It is apparent the advertising world has my number; they know more about me than I do. The volume of cajoling hints on daily exercise, ordering wonder drugs, practicing gratitude and seeking help from Dr. Oz-like ageing men is…
Read MoreView from my window: Avoiding the broad brush
Augst 9, 2026 Last week Congressional House Representative Zach Nunn visited Greene County. While here he toured a manufacturing site and viewed the renovated school that will soon house residents at the Jeffersonian. All good things. That evening, he was hosted along with other Republican public servants at the Courtyard. Constituents should interact with their government representatives. Again, all good.…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Aug. 7
In Greene County district court Christopher Robert Ciesla, 61, of Jefferson was sentenced Aug. 4 to five years in prison on each of two counts of sex exploitation of a minor, amended from purchase/possess depiction of minor in sex act. The prison terms were suspended and he was placed on probation to the Iowa Department of Correctional Services for three…
Read MoreGreene County magistrate court, week ending Aug 7
Cases were initiated in Greene County magistrate court during the week ending Aug. 7 against Karl Maurice Krieger of Jefferson, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia; and against Julie Ann Simms of Carroll, also charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.
Read MoreConservation, secondary roads will maintain historic markers
The upkeep of historical markers around the county has been a discussion topic for the county supervisors this summer, as supervisor Dan Benitz noticed several markers had become overgrown and nearly impossible to see. Benitz told the supervisors he had worked at several sites, clearing overgrowth. After several discussions about who should or who would be responsible for upkeep, county…
Read MoreSocial-ism
~by Colleen O’Brien Fear of socialism in the U.S. is widespread; most of that fear generates from capitalism-only individuals. They fire up fear of Democrats and other liberal folks for leaning toward socialism because they’re afraid the dreaded S is going to eat them up and spit out their million-billion-trillion-dollar gains. That sounds more like what capitalism does to the rest of…
Read MoreGreene County Athletic Hall of Fame honorees named
The Greene County High School activities department has announced the seventh class to enter the Greene County Athletic Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony and recognition has been moved to the fall, a change from previous years. Honorees will be recognized Friday, Oct. 16, at the Greene County versus Creston football game. The introductions will take place at halftime. On…
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