Greene County School Board Election Results
Following the canvass of votes from the Greene County Board of Supervisors on Friday, there was no change from Tuesday’s school board or bond referendum election.
Ashley Johnston and John McConnell ran unopposed for the two available seats on the Greene County School Board and were elected with 1,039 and 975 votes respectively. As for Paton-Churdan School Board, two write-in candidates, Dave Palmer and Steve Burrell, beat John McCormick, who was on the ballot, with 97 and 89 to 29 votes respectively. There was a third seat to fill a vacancy, which Jennifer Maach was elected to with 121 votes.
The $20 million bond referendum failed to get 60 percent approval in the Greene County School District. 975 No votes to 649 Yes votes for a 60 percent vote against the measure. Superintendent Tim Christensen says they will assess why people voted against the referendum before bringing back to voters next February or April.
Greene County had a 28 percent voter turnout and Paton-Churdan had a 17 percent voter turnout.
Two Opportunities Left to See A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Greene County
Today and tomorrow are the final days for the Community Players of Greene County’s fall production of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Director Josh Tuel says the play is about a couple of young lovers who runaway into the woods where they encounter all kinds of chaos and funny moments. It will be done in a reader’s theater format, where cast members are allowed to read from a script. However, he points out that the show is completely blocked and there are limited costumes for the 20-member cast.
The performances are tonight at 7pm at the Greene County High School auditorium. Tickets are $5 and available at the door. Tomorrow’s show will be at the east side shelter house at Spring Lake Park for a free-will donation. In case of inclement weather, the performance will be moved to the auditorium.
Greene County 4-H Deadlines Approaching
Greene County 4-H’ers are reminded of a few approaching deadlines.
Greene County Iowa State University Extension Office Coordinator Laura Ballard says preparations are underway for their annual 4-H awards ceremony in November. Any 4-H’er that wants to be considered for awards, must submit their record books by September 15th to the Extension office. While 4-H’ers are not required to keep record books, Ballard points out that it can be a helpful tool for the future.
“It’s a wonderful way to learn some skills that you are going to take with you into the future as well. Into your work life, as far as keeping good records of what you’re doing and how you are able to build on (those) skills.”
4-H re-enrollments have also started. Ballard notes that returning 4-H’ers must complete their online re-enrollments by November 15th to avoid paying a $25 per family late fee. New members are not subject to a late fee and can register anytime. The fee for re-enrollment or new enrollment is $15, thanks to sponsorships from Rueter’s Red Power in Grand Junction, Greene County Environmental Habitat Corporation, Heartland Cooperative of Rippey and Hawn Family Farms.
Anyone with questions can call the Extension office at 386-2138.
Greene County Sheriff Supports Decision by DNR Officer Issuing Cyclists Citations
Recently, four cyclists had their citations for running stop signs on the Raccoon River Valley Trail dismissed in Guthrie County.
Greene County Sheriff Steve Haupert says he supports Iowa Department of Natural Resources Officer Jeremy King for issuing the citations.
“I felt that he was very justified in giving those citations. I think it was probably an awareness for bicyclists to be cautious at those crossings.”
He notes that there are cyclists on the trail in Greene County that don’t adhere to the posted stop signs, but that older cyclists do take the time to obey them.
“Most of the time you’ll see, like when Pedaler’s Jamboree was here, if it’s an uncontrolled or if there are not officers there to direct traffic, most of your older generation bike riders will stop. You can even be standing there directing traffic and they’re going to slow way down and still look both ways and make sure (there’s no traffic). It’s kind of what they’ve always done.”
Jefferson Police Chief Dave Morlan also serves on the Greene County Conservation Board and says any regulations on the trail that isn’t in their rules and regulations, they fall back on the Iowa Code.
Red Barn Home and Craft Show this Weekend in Jefferson
The annual Red Barn Home and Craft Show is this weekend on the Greene County Fairgrounds in Jefferson.
Committee member Cheri Delay says the event will be from 9am to 4pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday. There are over 50 crafters and direct sale vendors in three buildings, which includes the commercial and quonset buildings and Clover Hall. There will also be food vendors both days.
Changes to this year’s event includes free admission and extending it to two-days. Plus, the Greene County Fair Association will be providing food and attendees can listen to the pre-game show for the Iowa vs Iowa State football game on Saturday.