~by Sen Jesse Green (R-District 24) April 5, 2024 We have just wrapped up the part of the session where we confirm the Governor’s appointments, which means the finish line to this session isn’t far away. The nominee that caught the most attention this year was McKenzie Snow for the Director of the Iowa Department of Education. The Democrats had…
Read MoreCategory: Opinion
Acquiring and unacquiring
~a column by Colleen O’Brien My daughter says to me, “Mom, you have too much stuff!” I am insulted because I’ve been (I think) almost religious in getting rid of my “stuff.” Points of view are always coming up with my daughter and me. I am of course 25 years older than she, so I not only have more wisdom,…
Read MoreView from my window: Cancer Awareness Month was February (and always)
~by Mary Weaver According to a February statement from the University of Iowa, Iowa Cancer Registry, “There is no one cause for cancer; rather it is the complex interplay of different genetic, behavioral, environmental, and structural factors that alter the way cells function and produce cancer.” In an alarming trend, Iowa continues to have the second highest and fastest growing…
Read MoreBullying the bully
~ a column by Colleen O’Brien “Please rise for the horribly and unfairly treated January 6 hostages,” an announcer said at the rally. Trump then saluted the jailbirds and the crowd stood, as “Justice for All,” a rendition of the National Anthem, played. The song sung by the J6 Prison Choir featured Trump reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Sanctimonious he…
Read MoreCapitol Roundup: Civility within education funding
~by State Sen Jesse Green (IA-24) March 22, 2024 Greetings from the Golden Dome. Education funding conversations are always central to overall budget conversations, and rightly so. Education represents over 50 percent of our state budget, and if you look at your property tax bill, education is also half of it. What complicates these conversations even more is that the…
Read MoreIowa can and must learn from Perry
To the editor: Iowa can and must learn from Perry. Strength of Perry. Current legislative proposals to arm school staff need to add specific proposals to prevent another school shooting. The Republican-led legislative proposals are falling short but there is still time to enact policies to prevent another school shooting like the January 6 tragedy in Perry. We do not doubt…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Passions reflected in discussions of KCG project
To the editor, As a newcomer to Jefferson, I watched and listened with fascination during the City Council meetings over the past six months as the citizens of Jefferson vigorously debated the separately proposed Kading Housing Project (which is on hold) and the KCG Housing Project (which will move forward). I felt honored to witness the difficult, sometimes messy, and…
Read MoreBiden is not the one raising the price of Cheerios
~by Colleen O’Brien Why do you think the cost of groceries is so high – 23 percent percent higher than in 2020, in fact? Must be Biden, huh. He’s the president. He’s in charge. Must be his fault also for the once-again-and-forever rising price of gasoline as well. That’s what people who can’t afford rising prices of anything, let alone…
Read MoreBeta Tau Delta members thank donors
In late November, the women of Beta Tau Delta again made their appeal to the citizens of Greene County to join with us in our efforts to help provide for the needs of the children of Greene County. The response was outstanding, and we wish to sincerely thank all those who contributed to this effort. With your support, over $13,000…
Read MoreAbbotts supports HF2612, the bill to overhaul Area Education Agencies
School superintendents who supported House File 2612, a Republican-backed bill to that reorganizes funding and oversight of Area Education Agencies – AEAs – were in a minority of their peers. Greene County Schools superintendent Brett Abbotts, though, spoke in support of the bill at a public hearing at the capitol. The bill was changed from the time it was introduced…
Read MoreThe American Legion – Why you should belong
The American Legion is celebrating 105 years of service. Founded on March 15, 1919, the American Legion is the nation’s largest veterans service organization, committed to mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs in our communities, promoting a strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. If you’re a veteran, consider the below reasons of why…
Read MoreThe View from My Window – My antidotes to anger
~a column by Mary Weaver ANTIDOTE: a medicine taken or given to counteract a particular poison. It appears that Jefferson and Greene County (and the nation) are experiencing an agonizing emotional polarizing poison over immigration and numerous other hot button issues. Both camps believe they are correct and are passionately pursuing their agendas. At the State of Iowa level, we have recent legislation…
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