Scranton Manufacturing headlined the news last week with a groundbreaking ceremony for its 56,000-square-foot expansion. The new work space on the north side of the current building and will house 75 new jobs in assembly, painting and wiring. Anyone who thinks they know what color garbage trucks are supposed to be should think again.
Read MoreCategory: Good News
Out of drought… but still abnormally dry
Generous rainfall in the past several weeks has moved most of Iowa, including Greene County, out of drought conditions as of June 24. According to the USDA’s drought monitor, northern Greene County (parts of Cedar, Highland, Dawson and Paton Townships) is still “abnormally dry,” but that’s better than it has been. Volunteer weather observer John Beltz reports that from June 1…
Read MoreClass of 1964 has reunion during Bell Tower Festival
Members of the Jefferson High School class of 1964 were all smiles at their 50-year reunion during the Bell Tower Festival. Forty-one of the class’s 104 graduates attended. At the reunion, each of the military veterans in the class was given a Quilt of Valor. Quilts of Valor are made by volunteers through a nationwide program that encourages quilters to…
Read More500 mile bike ride across northern Minnesota will raise funds for Habitat
Erich Kretzinger, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Boone and Greene Counties, calls himself “one of those peculiar people who wears colorful jerseys, a funny hat (helmet, whatever) and those ridiculous Spandex biking shorts.” He says it’s an “affliction” that has caused him to complete three RAGBRAI tours and to teach indoor cycling classes. If all the miles he’s…
Read MoreHeads up – special Traffic Enforcement Project coming
Iowa law enforcement is again asking the motoring public to buckle up, slow down and drive sober over the Fourth of July four-day weekend. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, there were six traffic fatalities during the four-day Fourth of July weekend last year, three of which were alcohol related.
Read MoreLearning still going on at the Rippey school
Classes haven’t been held in the Rippey school since 2010, and the classroom portion of the building will be razed before a new school year starts, but there’s still learning going on in the 1921 building. The building was the site for training for the Greene County sheriff’s office and the state fire marshals last Tuesday, June 17.
Read MoreGlow Fun Run/Walk slated for Lincoln Highway Day
Runners and walkers are invited for evening glow in the dark fun at a 5K Glow Fun Run/Walk Saturday, July 26, as part of Lincoln Highway Day. Early bird registrations at $20 are now being accepted. The fee goes up July 12. The Fun Run/Walk will begin at 8:30 pm and will go from Main Street to the Lincoln Highway…
Read MoreAdding shade without raking leaves
The children and staff at the Greene County Early Learning Center have a shady playground with the addition of a large canopy this past week. The canopy provides plenty of space for plenty of busy play outdoors in the fresh air, but not under the bright sun. Total cost of the canopy was $12,865. The Greene County Community Foundation funded…
Read MoreA VIP tour for one of the Bell Tower draftsmen
The top of the Mahanay Bell Tower was a popular destination last weekend during the Bell Tower Festival, with 2,500 (or so) riding up the elevator Saturday. A special visitor Friday, while the Festival was still in set-up mode, was Fred Brooks, 84, of Rockwell City. He and his wife Joan met relatives from Des Moines in Jefferson Friday. Greene…
Read MorePPEL projects in the works
The first large project using funds from the physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) approved by Greene County school district voters last September is underway. Brockway Mechanical and Roofing of Des Moines is in Jefferson replacing the roof on the west portion of Greene County High School, including the auditorium. Brockway had the low bid of $181,388, about $20,000 lower…
Read MoreCooper school reunion next Saturday
Alumni of the Franklin Township Consolidated School in Cooper will have a “Hats Off!” salute to the school at a reunion Saturday, June 28, at the St Joseph Parish Center in Jefferson. Graduates are reminded of saddle shoes, letter sweaters, class rings and hats. Alumnae are asked to bring a hat from their era of attendance at the school.
Read MorePAWS seeking a few good men… or women… or families
People for Animal Welfare Society, PAWS, is looking for big-hearted folks willing to share a small part of their weekend with the dogs and cats at the local animal shelter. Weekend volunteers are on a monthly rotation, and they do just the basics– caring for the animals and keeping the shelter clean and looking good. Chores are done morning and…
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