Ledges State Park near Boone fully re-opened Sept. 1 after a month-long road project at the park. Major improvements include parking lot and roadway surfacing, roadside drainage improvements, and parking lot striping. “We’re excited to be open in time for Labor Day weekend and to welcome park visitors for the fall season,” said park manager Andy Bartlett. Autumn is one…
Read MoreYear: 2026
‘Changing the narrative’ is theme for Suicide Prevention Month
At 9:13 a.m. on Nov. 4, 2019, Heidi Bills got a phone call she will never forget. Her husband Mike was screaming her name. A few days earlier, life had looked ordinary. The night before, however, her brother Kyler Kiner had texted to tell her she and her husband were great parents. It was a message she would later recognize…
Read MoreAG releases report on officer-involved fatal shooting
Shooting was legally justified In a report issued Aug. 31, the Iowa Attorney General’s office has concluded that the July 26, 2026, fatal shooting of Keegan Dean Kennedy by Jefferson police officer Shaydon Thurman was legally justified. The attorney general’s conclusion was based on a review and investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The investigation found that at approximately 1:25 am on…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Aug. 28
In Greene County district court Hannah Marie Ladehoff, 23, of Jamaica was sentenced Aug. 22 to two years in prison after she changed her plea to guilty to a charge of theft- third degree. The prison term was suspended and she was placed on probation to the Iowa Department of Correctional Services for two years. She was fined $855 with…
Read MoreMedical Center Family Practice Clinic welcomes new physician
He grew up in Lagos (Nigeria’s largest city), studied medicine in the Caribbean, trained across several U.S. hospitals and completed his residency in Arkansas. Now, Dr. Columba Chukwuka (CHUCK-woo-kah) is ready to put down roots in Iowa and is looking forward to meeting the people who live here. Known to many as Dr. Chiby, Chukwuka has joined the medical staff…
Read MoreAG Bird reminds Iowans of school safety tips
As students head back to school, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird reminds Iowans about laws and tips to keep school kids safe. “Passing a stopped school bus is not only illegal, but also dangerous,” said Bird. “There’s lots of construction on our Iowa roads right now. It’s easy to get distracted, even near school bus stops and schools. Please, remember to stop for…
Read MoreSheriff’s report – August 2026
Following are excerpts of activities reported by the Greene County sheriff’s office: Monday, Aug. 31: At 7:24 pm Jared Bielenberg, 36, of Coon Rapids was booked into the jail for a violation of probation*. At 8:55 pm a deputy investigated a complaint of animal neglect in Grand Junction. Sunday, Aug. 30: At 12:09 am a deputy investigated a report…
Read MoreGenealogical Society to meet Saturday
The Greene County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday, Sept. 5, at 10 am in the Jefferson public library basement meeting room. Deb Kucerak will present a program on “Settlement of Australia.” The Society’s reference library is staffed every Saturday from 9 to 11 an and Wednesdays from 1 to 3 pm. It is open during library hours for members and…
Read MoreAuditor tells candidates, LOSST revenue statements for Nov. 3 election
There are no contested elections on the Nov. 3 Greene County ballot. Auditor Billie Jo Hoskins released candidate lists Aug. 27. Any other candidates will be write-in only. County offices – Board of supervisors, all are voted at large to four-year terms. Candidates are Dawn Rudolph, R, District 2; and James Hedges, R, District 3. County treasurer, four-year term, Candidate…
Read MorePickleball tournament will raise funds for scholarships
Pickleball enthusiasts are encouraged to prepare their paddles. The second “Pickleball for a Purpose” tournament is set for Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9 am at the pickleball courts and tennis courts at Russell Park. The tournament is open to men and women and proceeds from the entry fee of $20 per team go to help support local scholarships offered by…
Read MoreNew Greene County jail open to the public for tours Friday, Saturday
According to Greene County sheriff Jack Williams, state jail inspectors called the new Greene County jail as one of the best designed jails they’ve seen. Williams and ISG architects didn’t copy another jail, but instead visited five different jails and took ideas from each one. The new jail, tucked behind the Law Enforcement Center in the 1000 block of E.…
Read MoreJeff council sees fire nozzle demo, hears good news on shared use path funding, plans for Westwood sidewalk project
Water seemed to be the theme of the first portion of the Jefferson city council’s Aug. 25 meeting. While waiting in the fire station for a demonstration of the fire department’s new SAM Smart Nozzle, city administrator Scott Peterson told council members the heavy rains earlier this month showed the new fire station roof is leaking under the solar panels…
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