~by State Senator Jesse Green This offseason, my goal has been to write a newsletter whenever I see a statewide topic mischaracterized on the campaign trail. My last newsletter, published a few months ago, focused on health care in Iowa and the dangers of certain misinformed beliefs regarding how our system is managed. Recently, affordability has become a dominant topic…
Read MoreYear: 2026
Tree planting planned for Oct. 12
The Jefferson tree committee will again plant trees in Jefferson with Greene County Schools students on Monday, Oct. 12, beginning at 8:30 am. These plantings are always popular with both students and tree committee members. Brad Riphagen (pictured, right, GCNO file photo) has ordered 90 trees from Papio Valley Nursery in Papillion, NE, at a cost of around $10,000. They…
Read MoreTis the season…
~by Pastor David Cunningham To the delight of many drivers, the State of Iowa increased the speed limit on most rural roadways to 60 mph. To no one’s surprise this became permission for some drivers to think they can go 70 mph using the “They won’t stop me for going 10 mph over” mentality. Even before the change, I witnessed…
Read MoreSupervisors hear updates on courthouse matters, final tweaks on zoning ordinance changes
Set special meeting to discuss Greene County Ambulance The Greene County treasurer’s office is closed this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Oct. 7-9, as the entire staff is attending training to be able to issue drivers’ licenses. County treasurer Katlynn Mechaelsen assured the county supervisors at their Oct. 5 meeting that this is the only time the full staff will do…
Read MoreLeave it alone
Leave it alone ~a column by Colleen O’Brien I remember a moment in Jefferson’s Carnegie library when, as a freshman in high school, I see my dad in the reading room and ask him to pick out a book for me. He says, “Glad you asked!” — which I think is kind of amusing — and takes me to the…
Read MoreFlu, Covid shots available at Greene County Public Health
Fall is here, and Greene County Public Health is making it easier than ever to protect yourself and your family from the flu and COVID-19. With convenient weekday hours, after-hours clinics and a drive-through vaccination event, getting your seasonal vaccines can fit into even the busiest schedule. “We all have enough on our plates without adding an avoidable illness to…
Read MoreHarvest behind typical year due to atypical rainfall
“After a historically wet September, we finally got a stretch of dry weather. The warmer temperatures and sunshine are helping fields dry down, though some of the wetter areas are going to need several more days before equipment can roll,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “The good news is the forecast looks favorable, with warmer and drier conditions…
Read MoreHawk watch at High Trestle Trail overlook Oct. 10
Part of World Migratory Bird Day Join birders from around central Iowa at the High Trestle Trail Overlook, near Madrid, Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 am to 4 pm, to witness raptors heading south on their migration route. Iowa wildlife experts will be on hand to help identify and count migrating hawks, falcons, vultures and osprey flying along the Des…
Read MoreKeith Ronald Hoskinson, 1939 – 2026
Keith Ronald Hoskinson, age 87, of Grand Junction, passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2026, surrounded by loving family. Keith was born May 2, 1939, the last of seven children born to Archie and Vera (Blanchan) Hoskinson. Keith attended Grand Junction Schools and helped on the family farm. After graduation, Keith married Janet Adamson and three children were born to…
Read MoreAuthor, artist-activist to present Open Book program at GJ library Oct. 11
First of three Open Book progams; series funded by Greene County Community Foundation and Humanities Iowa Grand Junction Public Library will present an Open Book program on Sunday, Oct. 11, at 2 pm featuring author Darcy Maulsby and artist and community activist Seso Marentes. Open Book takes the approach “that books are our neighbors who share their personal experiences and…
Read More21st Century Rehab offering free exams Oct. 19-23
October is National Physical Therapy Month, making it an ideal time to take a closer look at your health and mobility. This October, 21st Century Rehab at Greene County Medical Center is inviting area residents to take the first step toward addressing pain, improving movement and getting back to doing what they love with a free 30-minute exam during Free…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending Oct. 2
In Greene County district court Monica Lynn Volquartsen, 29, of Fort Dodge Sept. 25 to 15 years in prison after she changed her plea to guilty to a charge of possession of methamphetamine- third offense. The prison term was suspended. She was sentenced to two years in prison on a charge of possession of burglar’s tools. That prison term was…
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