The Rippey school building had a reprieve from demolition crews and was still standing for a 93rd first day of school. The building, which has not housed students in recent years, was scheduled to be demolished during the summer. The reprieve was only a matter of scheduling. The building will be razed most likely in September.
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West central Iowa farmers getting more help from Mother Nature than some
Below average precipitation across much of Iowa caused a drop in soil moisture, particularly in the northeastern part of the state during the week ending Aug. 17, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Statewide, topsoil moisture levels rated 8 percent very short, 23 percent short, 67 percent adequate and 2 percent surplus. West central Iowa is faring better,…
Read MoreJeff council nixes P&Z’s recommendation re: livestock
There will be no pet chickens in Jefferson after the city council failed to accept the recommendation of the planning and zoning commission to amend the zoning code to allow the board of adjustment to allow exceptions to the ban on livestock. At the council’s Aug. 12 meeting, council member Lisa Jaskey made a motion to amend Section 165.83 of…
Read MoreSupervisors OK county funding for JPD in-car computer
The Greene County board of supervisors on Monday agreed to fund $5,000 toward an in-car laptop computer for the Jefferson police department. The funds will come from the county’s Louis Dreyfus funds. JPD chief Dave Morlan made his request for funding a week earlier. The in-car computer puts all information available on the World Wide Web, including all state vehicle…
Read MoreHazardous waste collection Saturday
The annual hazardous waste collection for Jefferson residents is this Saturday, Aug. 16, from 9 to 11 am at the Greene County Fairgrounds. Metro Waste Authority of Des Moines will host the event. Jefferson residents can drop off hazardous waste including compact fluorescent light bulbs, gasoline/kerosene, oil and lead-based paint, lead acids/batteries, pesticides, metal polishes/rust removers, solvents, motor oil filters,…
Read MoreTown hall meeting Monday to address challenges of growth
All county residents are encouraged to attend a town hall meeting next Monday, Aug. 18, to hear first hand of the growth and its accompanying challenges anticipated in Greene County in the next few years. The meeting will start at 6 pm at the Greene County Community Center in Jefferson. Greene County Development Corp (GCDC) executive director Ken Paxton hopes…
Read MoreNew school year starts Wednesday, Aug. 20
Summer vacation comes to an end next Wednesday for students all over Greene County. Greene County elementary students will see more changes than the older students. All students in grades K-3 will attend school at the elementary on E. Russell St in Jefferson, a change in location and routine for students in the former East Greene district. Students in grades…
Read MorePaton-Churdan prepares to launch new school year
Paton-Churdan students will greet new teachers and support staff when the school year begins next Wednesday. Joining the Rocket staff are special education teacher Michelle Paulson, high school music director Kendra Wilke, and third grade teacher and cross-country coach Lauren King. Lindsey Klocke joins the staff as curriculum director. The school also has new support staff: Mitch Lewis, business manager and board secretary; James…
Read MoreCounty funds $15,000 for GJ Community Center
The Greene County board of supervisors at its Aug. 11 meeting approved $15,000 in funding for the new Greene County Community Center, paid at $5,000 a year for three years. The fundraising committee had submitted a request for $25,000 over five years. The money will come from the county’s Dreyfus fund. Diane Wise spoke on behalf of the application, saying…
Read MoreJeff council seeks broader use of LOSST revenues
The Jefferson city council at its Aug. 12 meeting approved ballot language for a renewal of the current 1-cent local option sales and service tax (LOSST) that would give the council more flexibility in using revenues from the tax. The city currently collects a 1-cent LOSST, with a sunset date of Dec. 31, 2016. The funds can be used only for…
Read MoreNominations open for non-partisan positions
The Greene County auditor’s office is accepting nomination papers for non-partisian offices on the Nov. 4 ballot. Papers are available now and must be submitted by Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 5 pm. Terms are expiring for: Ag Extension Council: David Higgins, Pam Olerich, Wendy Mount, Loel Larson, Marilyn Parker Soil and Water Conservation District: Andy Krieger, Bill Frederick Greene County…
Read MoreGreene County 4-H picnic slated for Aug. 30
RSVP by Aug. 27 Greene County 4-H members, families, and volunteers are invited to a countywide Greene County 4-H picnic at Spring Lake Saturday, Aug. 30, beginning with a free meal served at 5 pm. Also invited are youth and families interested in joining or learning more about 4-H. The event is organized and sponsored by the Greene County 4-H…
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