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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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;…

Read More

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,…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Supervisors hear about juvenile facility, Bell Tower Festival plans

~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline During the April 29 Greene County board of supervisors meeting, Supervisor Dan Benitz revealed conditions at the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention facility located at Eldora. Both male and female youthful offenders are sent to that program through court order for rehabilitation. CIJD is described on their website as a social services agency that contracts with…

Read More

Community Foundation distributes grants

The Greene County Community Foundation distributed more than $245,000 at a grant awards program April 14 at First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson.  Community Foundation board president Karen Shannon served as emcee. She explained that Grow Greene County, the nonprofit organization that holds the gaming license for Wild Rose Casino, allocated $175,000 to the Community Foundation for its grantmaking. Another $70,327…

Read More

Trio of local projects receive Main Street awards

Main Street Iowa hosted the annual Main Street Iowa Development Awards celebration April 19 in Des Moines. The program honors the efforts of local leaders who work to revitalize Iowa’s downtowns and Main Street districts. Jefferson received the following state awards and special recognitions: Main Street Housing Project Award for The Pub Lofts, and Main Street Façade Improvement Award for…

Read More