There were 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 26, 2026, which is 2.0 days more than last year. Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 14 percent surplus. Corn planting in Iowa reached 22 percent complete, which is 10 percent behind last year when 32 percent of the…
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Mahanay Bell Tower tells 2026 season opening
The Bell Tower Community Foundation is pleased to announce the official 2026 season opening of the iconic Mahanay Bell Tower. Starting May 2, the Tower will welcome visitors on weekends, transitioning to daily operations for the summer season beginning Memorial Day weekend. For special tours, call Jefferson Matters at 515-386-2155. Standing as a beacon of local pride, the Tower features…
Read MoreFriends of the Library spring used book sale is May 7-9
Get ready to turn a new page this spring at the Jefferson Public Library’s much-anticipated annual Friends’ Spring Book Sale. This beloved community event will take place Thursday, May 7 through Saturday, May 9, in the library basement. With free admission and unbeatable prices, there’s no better time to stock up on your favorite reads. Sale hours are Thursday, May…
Read MoreBuild-a-Bouquet in Jefferson May 9
This new community-wide Build-a-Bouquet event invites participants to explore Jefferson in a hands-on, interactive way by building a bouquet store-by-store. Participants will begin their day at The Centennial Cafe, where they will receive a bag, a vase, and their first flower. From there, they will visit participating businesses throughout town, collecting one flower at each stop and building a bouquet…
Read MoreNew award categories told for Bell Tower Festival parade entries
The Bell Tower Festival parade will feature a refreshed set of award categories this year, designed to spark creativity, boost community participation, and celebrate Jefferson during the nation’s 250th anniversary. The parade is organized by the Rotary Club of Jefferson, marking its 30th year as sponsor. Rotary leaders announced the updated categories following several weeks of planning discussions and input from…
Read More150 years of Iowa food topic of museum program
Like almost everything else, Iowa food has history, from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s “Little House on the Prairie” family recipes for gingerbread and homemade cheese to church dinner covered dishes to Younkers Tea Room’s rarebit burgers and, of course, to breaded pork tenderloins. Lake City author Darcy Maulsby will relate the history of the Hawkeye State’s foods Sunday, May 3, at 2…
Read MoreLast week not a good one for fieldwork
There were 2.7 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 19, 2.8 days less than last year. Topsoil moisture condition rated 2 percent very short, 8 percent short, 72 percent adequate and 18 percent surplus. Corn planting in Iowa reached 2 percent complete, which is 14 percentage points behind last year when 16 percent had been planted. Soybean…
Read MoreTake a guess at Historical Society meeting
It will be “Show and Tell” time at the Greene County Historical Society’s May 1 mid-day program at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Churdan. Museum volunteers will bring out some of the History Society’s oddest possessions, like the one pictured, and challenge the audience to identify them. “We’ll show a wide range of items,” said museum program director Margaret Hamilton.…
Read MoreVictim, suspect named in GJ homicide
Greene County sheriff Jack Wiliams provided the following information regarding a homicide that occurred in Grand Junction Sunday afternoon. “On or about April 19, 2026, at or about 2:13 pm the Greene County sheriff’s office received a 911 call for an assault that occurred at 505 Main Street East, Grand Junction. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office along with Greene County…
Read MoreJeff council ups pay for firefighters, awards forgivable loans for two E. Lincoln Way projects
Jeff council member abstains on vote on a loan for his business but didn’t abstain from vote to establish the loan program The Jefferson city council at its April 14 meeting increased the compensation paid to Jefferson volunteer firefighters. Effective July 1, pay for calls and training sessions will increase from $20 to $25 for new members and $30 for…
Read MorePlans, renderings shared of Jefferson library expansion
More than 80 persons heard plans and saw conceptual drawings of plans for a proposed $5 million expansion of the Jefferson public library at a joint meeting of the Jefferson public library board of trustees and the Jefferson city council. Studio Melee of West Des Moines was hired to design the project. Architects Curtis Ehler and Chris Wernimont, and industrial…
Read MoreForces Under 40, ABC Award to be presented at Sunday afternoon event
The 2026 Forces Under 40 recipient is Shelby Wiggins, recognized for her ongoing involvement and leadership across a wide range of community initiatives. A Jefferson native, Shelby grew up in the community and attended Greene County schools, and now works in the loan department at Home State Bank as the loan accounting specialist. She also serves on the Jefferson Matters Events Team, helping plan and support community events throughout the year. Shelby…
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