~by GreeneCountyNewsOnline publisher Victoria Riley Common sense is important for city council members and school members to have and exhibit. Common sense tells city council members that if there’s a giant pothole at the busiest intersection in town, it should be fixed. But, in the three decades I’ve been paying attention to what city councils do, common sense isn’t enough.…
Read MoreCategory: Opinion
A sad loss
~a column by Colleen O’Brien I traveled the Midwest this past summer by “Planes, Trains and Automobiles.”* I also took a bus called Jefferson Lines, although with the once well-known Greyhound emblazoned on its flanks. They all got me where I needed to go, only one of them 12 hours later for an hour and a half trip (airline), and…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – D. Lautner re: Iowa Central bond issue
To the editor, We as voters in the 9-county region will be voting “yes” or “no” on the upcoming $35 million bond issue on Nov. 4, 2025. I have questions about three statements that have recently been stated. !. Doug McDermott’s Letter to the Editor that can be found on GreeneCountyNewsOnline states “that ICCC is a cornerstone of our community,…
Read MoreGCCF 2026 grant apps available Nov. 1
Applications for the 2026 grant cycle of the Greene County Community Foundation will be available on its website Nov. 1, 2025. On April 6, 2025, the Greene County Community Foundation (GCCF) distributed grants to 21 projects totaling $251,409. This amount was a combined total of monies received from Grow Greene County ($175,000) and accessed funds from the GCCF endowment ($76,407). There were…
Read MoreLetter to the editor: D. Lautner on Iowa high school football playoffs
To the editor, On the 18th of October the Iowa High School Athletic Association announced the pairings for Class 2A, 1A, A and 8-player games. Class 5A, 4A, and 3A still had another regular season game to play. Well, each of the four bottom classes have 32 teams each that advance to the playoffs set up by the IHSAA. Looking…
Read MoreLetter to the editor: D. McGinn, public art and the council election
Dear Editor, Public art is more than just decoration downtown — it’s a vital part of our town’s identity, culture, and economy. From murals to sculptures these works of art enrich our daily lives, spark conversations, and foster a sense of community pride. In renovating our alleyways, this significantly improves safety and accessibility in these once overlooked spaces. By creating…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – D. Lautner, re: No Kings March
To the editor, People celebrated “No Kings” rallies as very successful and largest of all time. At least it was relatively peaceful and no buildings were burnt to the ground. We have 343 million citizens in the U.S. with only 7 million protesting. That equates to 2 percent in the rally. That doesn’t even equate to a small pimple on…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – D. McDermott re: Iowa Central bond renewal
Our region faces a growing demand for skilled workers in health care, trades, and agriculture. Iowa Central Community College is stepping up to meet those needs, but it requires updated facilities and resources to continue leading in workforce training. The proposed bond renewal funds programs in welding, plumbing, HVAC, nursing, dental hygiene, and agriculture science. All these fields are critical…
Read MoreD. Lautner – A trifecta for the old gymnasium
Has anyone ever considered what a blessing the community has that the gym at the corner of Vine and Monroe is still standing? Build around 1952, it was considered the best and most modern in southwest Iowa in the 1950s and early 1960s. It was prized for sectional tournament play, and on several occasions three sectional games would be played…
Read MoreA walk in the park
~a column by Colleen O’Brien I, along with 6,999,999 other Americans, took a walk this last Saturday. We were on streets, along rivers in big cities and in front of county courthouses in small burgs. We were venting, in a genial way. Our dissatisfaction with the current administration. We were friendly to one another and to the local cops, who…
Read MoreView from my window – Women, public safety, and broken glass ceilings
October 19, 2025 Recently Sac County, one of Greene County’s neighboring rural counties, swore in a woman as sheriff. She is currently the only female sheriff in the State of Iowa. I was pleased to read about 32-year-old Katie Stange being identified first as interim and then appointed by the board of supervisors as the Sac County sheriff. This followed …
Read MoreDarren Jackson re: his candidacy for Jefferson city council
Hello, my name is Darren Jackson. I was asked by some why I am running for reelection to the Jefferson City Council. This letter is in response to that inquiry. I have proudly served on the council for several years and have been happy to have been a part of Jefferson’s success.I want to continue to be a part of…
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