Hazardous Waste Drop Off Is Today In Jefferson
Jefferson residents are reminded that today is the free one-day hazardous waste drop-off event at the Greene County fairgrounds.
Some of the accepted items are batteries, oil-based paints, aerosol cleaners, fertilizers, gasoline and kerosene, fluorescent light bulbs, weed killers, motor oil and several other items.
Items that won’t be accepted includes appliances, asbestos, computers, electronics, fire extinguishers, latex paints, medications, propane tanks, radioactive materials, ammunition, joint compounds, explosives and dry cement mix.
A full list of items can be found by clicking HERE.
It is for Jefferson residents only and it is sponsored by Metro Waste Authority in Des Moines.
The event takes place from 9-11am this morning.
Wild Rose Jefferson Makes Strides During Construction
Wild Rose Jefferson started construction of the $40-million, 40-acre facility on July 10th at the northwest corner of US Highway 30 and Iowa Highway 4.
Weather conditions have been manageable for McAninch Corporation of Des Moines who has been busy leveling the site to begin the next phase of the project. Wild Rose’s chief operating officer and president Tom Timmons says the next step for construction is to pour concrete and get the footings ready. He anticipates having steel beams up by the first part of September.
Plans are to have the structure enclosed this fall so crews can work on the interior over the winter months. Timmons points out that they will be using Mid-States Steel Corporation of Boone for the structural steel of the facility.
He notes that the facility should be opened by sometime next August.
Two People From Jefferson Life Flighted To A Des Moines Hospital
Greene County Sheriff Steve Haupert says at 9:01pm on Sunday, August 10th, a 2005 Harley Davidson that was driven by 37 year-old Jeffery David Sprague was traveling east on 305th Street near Q Avenue when he swerved to miss hitting a deer.
Haupert states that both Sprague and his passenger, 34 year-old Amanda Eileen Clark was thrown to the pavement and that Clark slid another 40-feet along the road. Both were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident.
Both victims suffered head injuries and were taken to the Greene County Medical Center by Greene County Emergency Medical Services. They were both later transported by Life Flight to Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines where hospital officials said they were in serious condition.
The motorcycle was reported to be a total loss.
Two Jefferson Men Were Arrested Following Foot Chase By Police
Jefferson Police Chief Dave Morlan says on Sunday, August 10th, his department was notified by a Greene County Deputy about a vehicle that had driven into and out of a ditch at Spring Lake Park and were asked to keep an eye out for it.
Captain Mark Clouse and officer Heath Enns spotted the alleged Dodge Durango at a Casey’s General Store on North Elm Street at 2:44pm.
As officers approached the vehicle, the two men that were in the vehicle were seen inside the convenience store and fled from police out of an emergency exit.
Morlan states that officers pursued the accused and Enns used his taser to subdue 23 year-old Aaron Joseph Skalla of Jefferson in the 500 of North Oak Street. He notes that anytime a taser is used is after an officer makes repeated verbal commands to stop and tries to use a hands-on approach. The other suspect, 25 year-old Jared Dean Dennhardt of Jefferson was apprehended without incident in the 300 block of West Reed Street.
Greene County Emergency Medical Services was called to the scene to remove the taser darts from Skalla and he was later taken to the Greene County Medical Center for a possible concussion but was later released without any injuries.
Both suspects were booked into the Greene County Jail and charged with simple misdemeanors for interference with official acts and Skalla was additionally charged with two probation revocations.
A Special Town Hall Meeting To Be Held In Jefferson
The public is invited to a special town hall meeting at the Greene County Community Center on Monday, August 18th.
Economic Development Director Ken Paxton says the meeting is titled, “They’re Here, Are We Ready” and the goal is to inform everyone of the plans the County has for the expected 1,000 jobs coming to the area in the next few years.
Topics to be covered include new job opportunities, housing needs, day care options and business opportunities around the downtown square. There will also be updates on the various construction projects like Wild Rose Jefferson, Hy-Vee Incorporated and the Greene County Medical Center’s building expansion.
It will be at 6pm and anyone with questions may contact Paxton at the Greene County Chamber at 386-2155.