~Special to GreeneCountyNewsOnline Weary Ramblers, based in Jefferson, won the solo/duo category of the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, on Jan. 17, 2026. In addition, Weary Ramblers member Chad Elliott of Jefferson won Best Guitarist in the solo/duo category. “It was a surreal moment for the two of us. We both were honored and so proud to represent the…
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Adults encouraged to attend program on bullying, cyberbullying
Parents and community members are encouraged to attend “From the Playground to the Screen,” a program addressing conflict, bullying and cyberbullying. The program is slated for Thursday, Jan. 29, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the Greene County High School auditorium. Speaker will be Robert Hackenson Jr. His presentation will include tips on coaching your child through conflict; teaching conversation…
Read MoreDeadline approaches for Bell Tower of Fame Award nominations
Carole Custer, chair of the Bell Tower of Fame Award selection committee, has announced a Friday, Feb. 13 deadline for submission of nominations for consideration for this year’s award. The selection committee is comprised of past Bell Tower Festival chairs and the award is presented at opening ceremonies of the annual Bell Tower Festival in Jefferson in June. The award…
Read MoreRegistration open for dementia prevention program
What if small, realistic changes you make today could significantly lower your risk of dementia tomorrow? Research highlighted by Brain Help & Hope shows that up to 70 percent of dementia risk is linked to lifestyle factors we can influence. That means there is real, evidence-based hope, and Greene County Public Health is bringing it straight to you. Beginning Tuesday, March…
Read MoreGrCo school board okays girls wresting, ag ed purchase
The Greene County Schools activity calendar for 2026-27 will include girls wrestling for middle and high school students. Eight middle school girls are wrestling this season with four meets scheduled. However, the program must be officially approved by the board before a full season can be scheduled. That approval came at the Jan. 14 board meeting. Activities director Dave Wright…
Read MoreJeff council okays west side sidewalk
The Jefferson city council at its Jan. 13 meeting approved a $1.14 million sidewalk project on the west side of the city. The project, and its cost, grew by 1,100 feet and $94,000 from the time it was first proposed. The initial project called for the construction of new sidewalks on the north side of W. Lincoln Way west of…
Read MoreJeff council sets priorities, makes appointments, approves water treatment consulting agreement
The Jefferson city council did various organizational tasks at its Jan. 13 meeting, the first of 2026. Included was setting mayor and council goals for 2026-2027, based on a report by consultant Pat Callahan. Callahan conducted a goal setting work session with the council and department heads last November. The top initiatives and programs as identified are: an employee recruitment…
Read MoreSupervisors hold off on selling bonds, seeking professional guidance
The Greene County supervisors at their Jan. 12 meeting agreed to enter into an agreement with The Baker Group LP for municipal advisor services. The group will help develop a 5-year capital project plan, provide advice on future bonding, and work with county treasurer Katlynn Mechaelsen on county investments. Mechaelsen in recent months has questioned the supervisors about the amount…
Read MoreCounty ends recycling agreement with city of Jefferson
The Greene County supervisors at their Jan. 12 meeting approved a notice of termination of the 28E agreement with the city of Jefferson to provide recycling services for rural residents. For many years the county towns had 28E agreements with the city of Jefferson, via the Greene County Recycling Agency, to provide recycling services for those residents. That service has…
Read MoreNaig comments on USDA’s annual crop production summary
Strong domestic demand, reliable exports, and predictable policies are essential to strengthening Iowa’s agriculture economy going forward Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig commented Jan. 12 on the 2025 Crop Production Annual Summary released by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). The national summary and state summaries are released in January each year. “The…
Read MoreCondition of the State Address
Governor Kim Reynolds , January 13, 2026 – As prepared for delivery Madam President, Mister Speaker, Lieutenant Governor, First Gentleman, legislative leaders and members, justices and judges, my fellow Iowans: This is the ninth time I’ve addressed you from this chamber to report on the condition of the state. It’s a place that has witnessed nearly two centuries of Iowa history—moments of crisis and moments of courage, times…
Read MoreGreene County Reads 2026 via Zoom Jan. 22
Features Iowa author Heather Gudenkauf Iowa author Heather Gudenkauf will headline Greene County Reads 2026 with Zoom Watch Parties Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6 to 7:30 pm in all six Greene County libraries—Jefferson, Grand Junction, Rippey, Paton, Churdan and Scranton. Greene County Reads, an annual county-wide book discussion, is a cooperative project sponsored by the Greene County Librarians Association (GCLA) and Greene…
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