Bell Tower Festival chair Philip Heisterkamp reflects on final year of leadership

~contributed by Jefferson Matters Main Street As Jefferson prepares for the annual Bell Tower Festival, this year’s celebration marks the final festival under the leadership of chair Philip Heisterkamp.   For the past five years, Heisterkamp has helped guide the festival through a period of growth,  bringing new ideas, expanded entertainment, larger attractions, and a renewed focus on  creating memorable experiences…

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More military veterans receive Quilt of Valor

Six Greene County area veterans were recognized at the ceremonial quilt wrapping provided by the Perry Piecemakers Quilts of Valor group. Those recognized on Saturday, June 6, at the Jefferson Elks Lodge were Charles Derry, US Army; Robert Cairns, US Air Force; Dennis Lamoureux, US Air Force; Mark Thompson, US Army; Alexis Steven, US Army NG; and David Schrunk, US…

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Local FFA officers attend training

Each year the Southwest District and Iowa FFA officers plan and facilitate Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) conferences for FFA members. The Atlantic FFA chapter welcomed FFA chapters from all over the Southwest district on Monday, June 1. The Greene County FFA chapter had four members attend – Eli Glawe, Jaelynn Hedges, Rylan Hostetler and Makenzie Wahl. While at Atlantic,…

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American Legion honors membership milestones

American Legion Post #11 members whose continuous membership year ended in 0 or 5 were recognized and presented with certificates at the April 13 meeting. The members then shared accounts of their military service. Pictured from left to right are Vice-Commander Elvin Thompson, Gerald Tannehill, Gary Turner, Jack Tuhn, and Commander Fred Long. Seated from left to right are Louis Swanson…

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Quilts of Valor awarded to 10 Greene County veterans

Family and friends gathered at the Grand Junction Community Center on Sunday, May 17, as the Perry Piecemakers Quilts of Valor group awarded quilts to 10 area veterans. In a rare circumstance, three members of two families – the Dearborn and Kellogg families – were among those honored. The Perry Piecemakers Quilts of Valor recognizes veterans in Greene County through a…

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Vander Wilt golf tourney slated for June 6

The Greene County golf teams are hosting the 4th annual Keith Vander Wilt Golf Tournament Saturday, June 6, The Hill west of Grand Junction. The tournament will be a 4-person best shot starting at 10 am. The cost is $200 per team. Teams can be registered by calling The Hill at 515-391-0480. The tournament is held to honor the memory of Keith Vander Wilt. Vanderwilt was a long-time teacher and coach…

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Paton-Churdan all-school reunion June 6

All Paton-Churdan alumni are invited to an all-school reunion Saturday, June 6, at the Paton-Churdan High School. The reunion is from 5-7 pm, with a short program at 5:30.  There will be memorabilia and displays to jog your memories. There is no banquet this year, but food trucks will be available uptown and transportation to the school will be provided…

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Garden Club establishes seed library

With the arrival of spring,  it’s time to choose and plant flowers and vegetables to grow in gardens.  The Jefferson Garden Club is encouraging more planting in another way.  The club has established a “seed library” where users can “borrow” seeds and enjoy the fun of growing their own flowers and vegetables. Located in an enclosed cabinet on the south…

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Local 4-H youth complete in livestock judging triathlon

Greene County youth showcased their livestock knowledge, communication skills, and teamwork during the Livestock Triathlon held the first weekend in May. Participants competed in three challenging areas including Skillathon, Quiz Bowl, and Livestock Judging. The Greene County livestock judging team is coached by CJ Muir and Samantha Hardaway. Team members practice year-round to prepare for competitions and have had the…

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Robotic companion cats join residents at Regency Park

Funded by grant to First Presbyterian Church mission team A new initiative is underway to bring comfort and companionship to local seniors, thanks to a grant and some innovative technology. The First Presbyterian Church mission team recently announced it has received a grant from the Presbytery of North Central Iowa to purchase and deliver six robotic comfort companion cats to…

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Medical center foundation, auxiliary present scholarships to pursue healthcare careers

From future nurses and lab professionals to students pursuing human services and biology  degrees, 10 local students are taking the next step toward careers in healthcare with the help of the Greene County  Medical Center Foundation and Auxiliary scholarship programs.   “We are proud to support students who are choosing careers dedicated to caring for others,” said Foundation director,  Nancy Houska.…

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Long-time Iowa State marketing leader to retire in May

Carole Custer of Jefferson, who has served Iowa State University for nearly 40 years as a pioneering leader in marketing and communications, is retiring. Custer’s final day at Iowa State is May 15. Custer, director of marketing in University Marketing and Communications, was hired in 1987 by Iowa State President Gordon Eaton for a newly created position as assistant for marketing. At…

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