~by Dustin Teays for The Scranton Journal Being an educator includes being involved and engaged in the lives of your students. A local administrator was just recognized for their outstanding impact on their students. Paton-Churdan K-12 principal Annie Smith was announced as a Golden Apple Award winner March 6. The award is presented by WHO-TV through a nomination process and…
Read MoreAuthor: Tori Riley
GrCo school board sets 2025-26 calendar
The 2025-26 school year will begin for Greene County students Monday, Aug. 25, with the last attendance day Friday, May 29, 2026. Teachers will return to their classrooms Tuesday, Aug. 19. Families will have two full weeks of vacation over the winter holidays. Dec. 19 will be the last attendance day before Christmas, and students and teachers do not return…
Read MorePre-kindergarten registration for 2025-26 is April 7
Parents of children who are eligible for pre-kindergarten for the 2025-26 school year are asked to attend PK registration Monday, April 7, between 2 and 6 pm at Greene County elementary school, 401 E. Russell St, Jefferson. Parents should bring their child’s birth certificate; proof of residency (mail received at your address); and parent documentation (driver’s license and legal custody…
Read MoreA Saturday afternoon of poetry at the museum
Calling all Greene County poets and poetry lovers April is National Poetry Month, and local poets are invited to read their verses at the Greene County Historical Museum on Saturday, April 5. The word “poet” derives from a Greek word meaning “maker” or “creator.” The public is invited to the free program, which begins at 2 pm, to listen to…
Read MoreCelebrate ISU Extension & Outreach Week in Greene County
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Week is April 7-12. Iowa’s 100 county Extension offices will host “I Spy Cy” activities and educational events throughout the week to thank Iowans for their support of ISU Extension and Outreach throughout the state. “This celebration is one way we show our appreciation for the people who participate in our educational programs, as…
Read MoreFrom then to now – change of manners
~a column by Colleen O’Brien Jefferson, Iowa, formed me. Growing up, I knew it was the center of the universe—we all know this, wherever we’re growing up. As I grew older and roamed a little more, I – and my sister Dee Dee – called it the Center of the Universe and never quit talking about it, wherever we went.…
Read MoreJanelle Wilson, 69, of Jefferson
Janelle Lynn Wilson, a beacon of laughter and courage, passed away March 16, 2025, after a valiant battle with breast cancer. Born on October 3, 1955, in Hampton, Janelle’s vibrant spirit and loving nature left an indelible mark on the hearts of those she encountered throughout her 69 years of life. She departed from this world in Des Moines, surrounded…
Read MoreGreene County district court, week ending March 14
In Greene County district court Danyell Marie Freeman, 48, of Fort Dodge was sentenced March 11 to two years in prison after changing her plea to guilty to a charge of driving while license barred. The prison term was suspended and she was placed on probation to the Iowa Department of Corrections for two years. She was fined $855 with…
Read MoreGreene County magistrate court, week ending March 14
In Greene County magistrate court a judgment was entered March 12 against Melissa Sue Dopheide of Breda after she pleaded guilty to a charge of theft- fifth degree. She was fined $105 with a $15.75 surcharge. Court costs were $110.90. A judgment for a $105 fine with a $15.75 surcharge was entered against Debra Ann Coughlon of Gowrie on a…
Read MoreHarrie Buswell, 1938 – 2026
Harrie Ray Buswell, 86, of Owensboro, KY, formerly of Churdan, passed away peacefully in his home on March 5, 2025. Harrie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to all who met him. He never met a stranger. He loved music, often playing the autoharp while singing. He made a ministry of going to nursing homes and playing…
Read MoreMarch Madness and online sports wagering
March Madness is here, along with property taxes! What does one have to do with the other? Well, if you have been following, Wild Rose Casino felt like they were paying too much in property taxes – At a valuation of $20.7 million in FY 2023, rising to $23.4 million in FY 2024, who could blame them? So, our Greene…
Read MoreWadsworth to compete FBLA state conference
Greene County senior Payton Wadsworth completed objective tests for the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) club in December. She was awarded a first in Spreadsheet Applications, first in Entrepreneurship, and a third in Personal Finance. She will compete in Accounting I at the State Leadership Conference held March 30-April 1 in Cedar Rapids. She is pictured here with her…
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