To the editor, On Monday, October 4, an important public informational meeting related to climate change and agriculture will take place in Jefferson. The proposal that will be on the table, however, is a misguided, and even dangerous, solution to the urgent crisis of our climate. The proposal is for a carbon dioxide pipeline in northeast Greene County for what…
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Admission of crabby genes
~a column by Colleen O’Brien I found a photo of my paternal grandparents as a young couple lounging on the grass with friends at a Fourth of July picnic, as it said on the back, no date. One of the young men wears a WWI uniform, the women wear snug, white, long-sleeved shirtwaists and calf-length black skirts. I figure the…
Read MoreChurdan resident L. Towers will vote YES on gaming referendum
Dear Greene County Residents, In the summer of 2013 with a vote to approve gambling, we created an amazing opportunity for our county. Two years later, Wild Rose opened their doors, creating an event center, hotel and place of entertainment. However, more importantly to me was the increased opportunity for funds to improve our schools, cities, libraries, fire and safety…
Read MoreFriends of Rippey pres M. Weaver encourages YES vote on casino license
To the editor, I am writing to encourage a vote of “YES” to maintain the Wild Rose Casino in Greene County. As the leader for the Friends of Rippey, I am so positive and grateful for the funds that our community has received from Grow Greene County, as well as the Greene County Community Foundation over the years. The Friends…
Read MoreNo proof Covid-19 is ‘as bad as they say’
Commentary by Clay Ross, Jefferson A while back I wrote a think piece in the style of “change my mind”. It generated knee jerk reactions from some of my detractors. I think it is time to revisit the questions that I posed. I started my piece talking about how the fear mongers that call themselves the Media have people so…
Read MoreWhat’s in a generation?
~a column by Colleen O’Brien It dawned on me when reading an article about Gen Xers that I did not know what a Gen Xer was. I knew the term Baby Boomer – those born between 1946 to 1964 – because there was always a lot written about them as I was growing up. Because I was born in 1943,…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – D. Launter, Road trip to save money on groceries
To the editor, With grocery prices soaring and container and can sixers shrinking, it makes it hard on some families to buy food. I have a suggestion to help alleviate some of these high costs and stretch your food dollar. My recommendation is to head to southeast Iowa to Davis and Van Buren counties, where Mennonite stores are located. At…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – GCMC CNO says vote ‘Yes’ on gaming question
To the editor, I wanted to send a letter to the community of Greene County in support of the Grow Greene County. Since moving to Jefferson last year, I have been struck by the support that this organization has provided to fund projects that have enhanced the lives in this community. One specific example of this philanthropy and how it…
Read MorePaid by the hour
~a column by Colleen O’Brien In the tradition of young girls going to work in America, I arranged for my first grown-up job by talking to a neighbor. Babysitting seemed the logical next step up from selling Kool Aid on the corner. I babysat three times and had to give it up because I learned that children were horrible and…
Read MoreTime to row on, with the current
~a column by Colleen O’Brien The way I remember the Roe vs. Wade decision of 1973 that legalized a woman’s right to choose is that it had a lot to do with equality of access to abortion in ALL states, not just a state here and there. When it came to their own wombs, that hopscotch kind of healthcare for…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – D. Lautner on the gaming referendum
To the editor, With the football season starting, I believe our school system needs to tweak its curriculum. After all, we are trying to give our students the best education that money can buy. I believe each graduate needs to have one credit in casino playing and one credit in sports betting to earn a degree from high school. After…
Read MoreWidow words
~a column by Colleen O’Brien Writing, for me, is an inquiry into what I think. When I write, my thinking clarifies. I learn things I didn’t know I knew. I can even get well, writing. I therefore think that writing is magic. I think writing not only can get the story out of me but reveal to me why I’m…
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