~by Denise Van for the Greene County Historical Society Driving on Highway 144 from Grand Junction to Perry, local oldtimers probably note the town of Angus on the Greene and Dallas County line, a place anchored by an aging grain elevator before the eastward turn to Perry. Nancy Hanaman of Rippey will tell the story of that ill-fated mining town…
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Much of Iowa receives welcome rainfall
A large swath of Iowa received rainfall this week reducing the days suitable for fieldwork to 5.3 during the week ending Sept. 24, 2023, according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Field activities for the week were mainly harvesting corn and soybeans. Topsoil moisture condition across Iowa rated 27 percent very short, 46 percent short, 26 percent adequate and…
Read MoreGreene County one of many to receive records request from a ‘vexatious’ requester
Greene County is one of several governmental agencies who were asked for documents by Michael J. Merritt of Newton under Iowa’s Freedom of Information Act. Merritt’s requests have been so expansive, and followed so many times by complaints to the Iowa Public Information Board (IPIB), that the IPIB is now considering proposing legislation that would enable state agencies, as well…
Read MoreHow one man’s actions led to proposed new limits on public records access
by Clark Kauffman, Iowa Capital DispatchSeptember 22, 2023 A Navy veteran who says he has PTSD is the man responsible for triggering proposed new restrictions on Iowans’ access to government documents. The individual, Michael J. Merritt of Newton, calls himself “Cipher Hunter” and describes himself as a “creative writer/musician and information warfare specialist.” In the lengthy, stream-of-consciousness missives he has…
Read MoreRippey pickleball court opening Oct. 1
The Rippey pickleball court will be officially opened Sunday, Oct. 1, at 4 pm. Roger and Coleen Thompson Norgren will be recognized and thanked for the two benches adjacent to the court. The benches were donated to honor their parents, Hugo and Lucille Norgren, and Darwin and Helen Thompson. Karen Shannon, president of the Greene County Community Foundation, will be…
Read MoreGrCo names homecoming queen, king
Hallie Monthei and Cody Allen were selected as Greene County homecoming queen and king. They were crowned Friday afternoon in the school auditorium. Hallie is the daughter of Larry and Tasha Monthei. In high school she has participated in choir, National Honor Society, Interact, soccer, golf, football cheerleading, and as boys’ basketball manager. She volunteers at Greene County Elementary, is…
Read MoreSchool board candidates told
A trio of candidates are vying for two seats on the Greene County Schools board of education. Candidates are Connie Boyd, Tim Riphagen and Dylan McConnell. Incumbents Steve Fisher and John McConnell are not seeking re-election. In the Paton-Churdan district, incumbents David Palmer and Kelly Minnihan are unopposed for re-election. School board positions are on the Nov. 7 ballot, as…
Read MoreCandidates told for city elections
School board candidates will be announced Friday Incumbent Jefferson mayor Matt Gordon is not running for re-election. Former mayor Craig Berry is the only candidate who filed nominating papers for the position. The filing deadline was Sept. 21. Gordon had been on the Jefferson city council for two years when he successfully ran against incumbent mayor Berry in 2020. Berry…
Read MoreGrCo Schools unspent balance decreased from last year, but still “okay”
The Greene County Community Schools board of education at its Sept. 20 meeting reviewed the 2022-23 certified annual report, special education supplement and annual transportation report. Total general fund spending for the year was $17,107,197, while the maximum authorized spending was $18,004,512. That left an unspent balance of $897,314. The unspent balance is comparable to carrying a balance in a…
Read MoreGrand opening of animal shelter, dog park this Sunday
A grand opening and ribbon cutting at the Greene County Animal Shelter and Rotary Centennial Dog Park will be held this Sunday, Sept. 24, at 2 pm at the shelter, 1700 Doreen Wilber Drive, Jefferson. Light refreshments will be served. The animal shelter has been in use for several months, while the dog park is very recently completed. The ribbon…
Read MoreReminder: Cashless gate at Ram athletic events
Tickets can be purchased online or use credit/debit card at gate Greene County Schools activities director Dave Wright reminds Ram fans that Greene County and the Heart of Iowa Conference have gone to a cashless ticket system for all athletic events. He encourages Ram fans to purchase their tickets ahead of time at this link: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/greenecounty/tickets or use the attached QR…
Read MoreCounty, Bell Tower Foundation working on agreement for operation of bell tower
~by Janice Harbaugh for GreeneCountyNewsOnline The Greene County board of supervisors reported progress toward a 28E agreement with the Bell Tower Community Foundation at their regular meeting Sept. 18. County attorney Thomas Laehn previously has said the agreement is necessary before the Foundation can receive funds from the county. Laehn said a draft agreement has been sent to Foundation board…
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