~a column by Colleen O’Brien Mysterious place names across this country – Missouri Breaks, Natchez Trace, Toledo Blade – all coloring my life with a romantic tinge when I was first read the words. I had an idea what “breaks” were (which turned out to be wrong); a “trace” I figured was a “trail, “which turned out to be almost…
Read MoreCategory: Opinion
Letter to the editor – Marilynn Hoskinson
To the editor: Several years ago the issue of building an overpass came up in Jefferson. After discussion, the city fathers decided we didn’t need it. As the years passed it was evident that fire protection was challenged north of the Union Pacific double tracks due to long trains going east and west, slowing traffic. Also, emergency ambulance service to…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Kathy Morain
To the voters of the Greene County School district: I am writing to urge support of the school bond issue election on April 3. I feel we have an obligation to “pay it forward” the way previous generations have done for students and families. The voters approved the current high school building which opened in 1967, and then voted for…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Keith Van Beek
Dear Greene County Residents, I’ve heard the sentiment, “Why do we need a new school? We are a retirement community, and no young families will want to move here” in light of the upcoming bond issue. My wife Kelsie and I made the decision to move to Greene County a little over two years ago. We had zero connection to…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Dianne Blackmer
Dear editor, Nearly 100 years ago, a new high school was built, proudly carrying the hopes and dreams of our people for their children. Almost a half century later, recognizing the changing educational needs of new generations, a beautiful new high school was built and the proud old building came to serve middle school students.
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Patrick and Brooke Raney
To the editor, My wife Brooke and I often talk about raising our (future) children in a small school district. Living in the Des Moines metro nearly 10 years is a blast with many entertainment options, restaurants, bike trails, and friends. When I mention someday moving “home” to my clients, friends, and family I generally get the question, “Why do…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Sherwood Hoyle
To the editor, I’m proud to say I graduated from Jefferson Community High School 50 years ago. The previous generation thought it was worth investing their money into a new high school. I was the second class to graduate from the new Jefferson Community High School in 1968. I remember the excitement and pride I felt moving into a new…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Danille Curtis
Dear editor, I am writing in support of the April 3 bond election. I have many reasons to support the bond, but one that hasn’t received much attention is the performing arts center that will be part of the new school.
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Jim Ober
To the editor, We are very fortunate in Greene County to have multiple industrial companies that provide jobs which contribute many times over the initial payroll back to the community. Several of these companies reside in the outlying municipalities and support the rural communities. Scranton Manufacturing, as one of those businesses, has been fortunate to experience significant growth with over…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Dick Finch
To the editor, If the proposed bond election for a community college regional academy does not pass, here’s my prediction for Jefferson and Greene County: I believe we will see our population continue to decrease to levels that will reflect on poorer education, decreased property values, loss of more businesses, the possibility of losing our courthouse offices, and the loss…
Read MoreThe Behn Report
March 16, 2018 Friday is our second major legislative deadline as we make our way towards adjournment. These deadlines help us focus on our priorities during the session and spend time on the issues that have enough support to pass through both chambers of the Iowa Legislature. Since our first day, our focus has been on a pro-growth agenda for…
Read MoreLetter to the editor – Jan Rosdail-Aegerter
Dear Voters, I can think of over 1000 reasons to vote YES on the upcoming bond issue –OUR KIDS! For those of you who are considering voting NO in favor of building a new high school on the current site, I would like to address an issue which has been a growing concern- Ram Drive. In 1975, I started my…
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