GrCo school board okays bond counsel for solar project, also ups pay for non-teaching staff

The Greene County Community School District is moving forward with a solar energy project to curb electricity costs at the district’s three school building. Superintendent Brett Abbotts reported at the board’s May 8 meeting he has spoken with staff from Modus Engineering and OPN about the proposed solar energy project. He said the board will discuss hiring a project manager…

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Local poet and author to speak at Jeff library Thursday

Poet Abby Jacobson and author Tom Ganoe will speak at the Jefferson public library Thursday, May 16, at 7 pm. Jacobson has published two books of poetry, “Swallowed by Smoke” and “Petals of Unspoken Verses.” Jacobson is a Paton-Churdan graduate and has been writing since elementary school. She will read from both her books. Tom Ganoe is an East Greene…

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144 CHS awards grants for exterior improvements to homes

The 144 Corridor Housing Initiative board recently met to review the requests for exterior housing improvements for Paton, Grand Junction, and Rippey. Dana residents were eligible to apply, but no one submitted an application. Twenty-six  awards were given totaling $25,000. The awards ranged from $500 to $1,000, but sparked total improvements to the 144 Corridor of $231,671. Funds were made…

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Soil moisture conditions improved by recent rains

Fieldwork activities were limited as rain across the state held Iowa farmers to just 1.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending May 5, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rains the past two weeks have resulted in reports of some counties moving out of the extreme to severe drought stages. Topsoil moisture condition statewide rated…

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Less than half of Iowa in drought

by Jared Strong, Iowa Capital DispatchMay 2, 2024 Drought conditions in the state continue to retreat amid abundant rainfall, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. A Thursday report shows the biggest moisture gains in western and southern Iowa. Less than half of the state now has drought for the first time since June 2023. That’s down from about 96% of…

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Fine Arts Hall of Fame to add members Monday

New members will be inducted into the Greene County Fine Arts Hall of Fame Monday, May 6, at 6:30 pm, in the high school auditorium. A community reception in the commons area will precede the program from 6 to 6:30. New inductees include Penny (Johnson) Hogan, class of 1976 (Scranton), vocal music; Ryan Van Gilder, class of 2001, instrumental music;…

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GrCo speech students to reprise best performances of the year

Greene County High School speech competitors will showcase their talents at a Fine Arts Festival Sunday, May 5, at 2 pm in the high school auditorium. Performers will include: Bill Wright– After Dinner Speaking “Too Many Tigers” Esther Van Horn– Lit Program “It Should Be Her & Barbie Monologue” Brooklyn Roberts–Storytelling “Sticks” Lucy VanderLinden, Leah McCormick, Savannah Lansman, Ella Ostrander,…

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Iowa sees severe weather, improving soil moisture

Although the week began with dry weather, by Friday severe storm systems brought cooler temperatures and rain which allowed Iowa farmers 4.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending April 28, 2024, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. The storms also brought tornadoes and hail to areas of the state. corn, soybean, and oat planting advanced early…

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Rippey council to fill vacancy by appointment

The Rippey city council is seeking a new member following the resignation of Garry Higgins. Residents interested in serving on the council are asked to give notice in writing to city hall by Friday, May 3, at noon. The council plans to appoint a successor at the monthly meeting on Monday, May 6. The successor shall fill the vacancy until…

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