Jefferson
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Jefferson’s Russell Park: From a swamp to a peaceful oasis in the middle of town
Once upon a time, Jefferson’s Russell Park was a wetland, home to muskrats and bullrushes. More than a century ago, that swath of swamp in the middle of Jefferson was transformed into a peaceful park named after the judge who donated the land. Mikki Schwarzkopf of Jefferson will relate...
A.D. Wright talks Ash tree removal
Emerald Ash Borers have killed a lot of the trees that have stood for decades at Linduska Field and adjacent Allensworth Field in Jefferson. Greene County Activities Director Dave Wright talked with Raccoon Valley Radio about the removal project. “There’s not going to be nearly the shade and beauty those trees provided at Linduska and Allensworth Fields. Our maintenance crews have been cutting down the trees, so that project continues, along with stump removal.”
Greene Co Historical Society to Explore Unique History of Russell Park in Jefferson
Following the Greene County Fair earlier this month, the Greene County Historical Society is picking up its normal monthly programs again. August’s program takes place Friday, August 2nd at Central Christian Church in Jefferson about the history of Russell Park in Jefferson. The presenter will be Mikki Schwartzkopf and she will talk about how the 20-lot land was a swamp before the landowner, Judge JJ Russell gave the property to the city in 1901. The swamp was drained in 1903 and an Omaha landscape architect did the design and planting of the then new park.
Deadline is Today to Register for Cruisin’ to the Square in Jefferson For a Free T-shirt
An annual August event in Jefferson hits its first deadline today. Cruisin’ to the Square is August 8th from 4:30-7pm and features classic and modern cars, trucks, tractors, and motorcycles. Jefferson Matters Executive Director Matt Wetrich says the downtown square is filled with lots of vehicles and there are several awards that are announced, including Best Car, Truck, Tractor, and Motorcycle; Best Paint, Engine, Interior, Original/Unrestored, and Most Likely To Get A Ticket.
Routine business for Scranton city council
The Scranton city council handled routine business during their 40-minute meeting on July 9. Fund transfers and the allocation of ARPA money resolutions were unamiously approved. A change was made to the insurance, raising the deductibles for building and auto insurance. Ashley Squibb reported the Scranton Fishing Day was the...
Mannel hired as ISU Extension regional director
Lori Mannel of Jefferson has accepted the position of regional director for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach serving Carroll, Greene, Boone and Guthrie counties in central Iowa. As regional director, Mannel will provide administrative leadership to county extension office staff and guidance to county extension councils. Mannel was most recently the county director for ISU Extension and Outreach Greene County. Mannel earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from Buena Vista University, Storm Lake.
10 Squared Women Of Guthrie County Donates Over $14,000 To Stuart PD Community Programs
Pictured (L-R): Katie Gordon, Sgt. Katie Guisinger, Lisa Sherman, Katelyn Bovinett, Karen Varley, and Kristen Crouthamel. The 10 Squared Women of Guthrie County recently presented their second-quarter donation to the Stuart Police Department Community Programs (SPDCP). The decision to support the group was made during the group’s May 28 meeting in Panora. Following presentations from three local organizations, the group announced their $14,400 total. SPDCP is a 501(c)(3) non-profit incorporated in 2022 that focuses on improving relationships between law enforcement and the community through outreach, education, and youth activities. Their programs include Books & Badges, Bicycle Rodeo, National Donut Day, Summer Youth Programs, National Night Out, Shop with A Cop, and many others. Sgt. Katie Guisinger says, “Funding for community programming and youth activities can sometimes be hard to come by, and this donation will allow SPDCP to not only enhance our current programming but also to expand with new programming.” Since its creation in 2017, the 10 Squared Women of Guthrie County has donated $343,050 to various local projects. The group continues to seek new members dedicated to supporting their community. For more information, visit their Facebook page or email 10squaredgc@gmail.com.
Women’s suffrage movement topic of library program
The Churdan public library will host historian Kathy Willson, on Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 9:30 a.m. August 26, 2020, marked the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote. In this program, Wilson investigates why women had to fight for decades to get the right to vote, why Black and minority women were excluded from the national suffrage movement, and why we still struggle with women’s rights today.
City of Perry Inviting Students to Focus Group Tomorrow
The City of Perry is asking for students’ feedback with a focus group happening tomorrow at the Perry Public Library. According to Perry City Administrator Sven Peterson, the goal of the focus group is to talk about their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs pertaining to life in the community. Peterson says that Drake University’s Jay N. Darling Institute is partnering with the city to help coordinate the groups.
Therapy Pets Making an Appearance at Perry Library on Friday
The Perry Public Library is welcoming some furry friends coming in on Friday. The library announces that the Animal Rescue League of Des Moines is planning to stop by with therapy cats and dogs to visit with teens. According to the library, teens are able to come in to decompress prior to the start of school in August. The library is providing journals for teens to express themselves by writing or drawing in them.
Jefferson Parks and Rec Director Touts Several Amenities During Parks and Rec Month
July is known as Parks and Recreation Month and there are several amenities that the city of Jefferson provides. Parks and Rec Director Denny Hammen says there are six parks, each with its own playground equipment, and some have additional activities such as Daubendiek Park with a disc golf course, a paved walking path and adult exercise equipment along the path. Hammen highlights Russell Park also has tennis and basketball courts, and will soon have a pickleball court. He points out that each park has a shelter house that can be rented for the day for $10.
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