Edited March 20, change in district Mike Holden of rural Scranton announced his candidacy for county supervisor from District 3, the position now held by Tom Contner. Holden, a Democrat, made the announcement at the Democratic off-year caucus Thursday evening in Jefferson. His announcement was met by applause from the 15 persons at the caucus. Contner has previously said he…
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Changes in collective bargaining discussed at school board Q & A
Greene County school superintendent Tim Christensen and board president David Ohrt do not see big changes in the board’s relationship with teachers following changes to Iowa’s collective bargaining legislation. They were asked to comment on the legislation at the board’s informal Q & A last week.
Read MoreJeff council wants input on closing RR crossing on Wilson
The Jefferson city council set its next meeting, March 28, as a time to hear comments from the public about closing the Union Pacific railroad crossing at N. Wilson. The meeting will start at 5:30 pm on the second floor of the municipal building at 220 N. Chestnut St. The city council is working toward establishing a railroad quiet zone…
Read MoreWind park presents 250,000 ton challenge to roads
MidAmerican Energy’s proposed Beaver Creek Windpark with its significant positive impact on the county’s tax base is being cheered by many, but county engineer Wade Weiss has a 500,000 pound concern about the construction.
Read MoreInput gathered on E. Lincoln Way appearance
Ideas for improving the appearance of the entrance to Jefferson on E. Lincoln Way were shared at stakeholder meetings last Thursday at the Milwaukee depot. About 35 persons representing community organizations, elected officials and government agencies, and property owners in the area under consideration attended. The meetings were hosted by Bolton & Menk as part of a corridor enhancement study.…
Read MoreEmerald ash borer found in Greene County
(Edited March 12 with budget information) Emerald ash borer has been discussed at meetings of the Greene County supervisors and at least two city councils in the last two years, but aside from treating two large ash trees on the courthouse grounds, little has been done. The problem may be taken more seriously this spring, as emerald ash borer has…
Read MoreLevy rate to decrease in Jefferson by 7 cents
The residential levy rate will decrease by 7 cents to $15.15 for Jefferson taxpayers in the budget proposed for Fiscal Year 2017-18. The budget calls for a levy of $12.83 (per thousand dollars of taxable valuation) for the general fund, an increase of 25 cents, offset by a decrease of 32 cents to $2.32 for debt service.
Read MoreWetrich, Fisher respond to questions at open forum
Greene County school board candidates Matt Wetrich and Steve Fisher shared their ideas at a public forum hosted by the Rotary Club of Jefferson Thursday evening. The forum was moderated by Rotarian Rick Morain.
Read More100 years ago at the courthouse
The Courthouse 100 committee is gearing up again, planning a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the Greene County courthouse in October. Don Van Gilder, Courthouse 100 chair and unofficial courthouse historian, found the following article, which notes work done on the tile floors, particularly the Horn of Plenty in the center of the rotunda. The article…
Read MoreCounty budget for FY18 decreases county-wide levy, increases rural levy
After countless hours of discussion over three months’ time, the Greene County supervisors and county auditor Jane Heun are proposing a budget for fiscal year 2018 (July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018) that is similar to the current year budget. Revenue from increasing valuations allowed the supervisors to decrease the county-wide levy 3 cents (per $1,000 in taxable valuation). At…
Read MoreSchool board candidate forum March 9
Greene County school board candidates Steve Fisher and Matt Wetrich will both be at a public forum Thursday, March 9, at 7 pm in the Greene County Elementary school cafeteria.
Read MoreRelay for Life 2017 logo to be revealed Thursday
The logo for the 2017 Relay for Life of Greene County will be unveiled at a short but motivating program Thursday, March 9, at noon in the courthouse rotunda in Jefferson. The logo depicts this year’s theme, “Relay for Life – A Game Changer”. It will be the centerpiece of the Relay T-shirts and will be featured on promotional materials.…
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