Grand Junction Community Center to Host Open House Today
Everyone is invited to an open house for the new Grand Junction Community Center today.
Organizer Diane Wise says the open house is from 4 to 7pm. A special program will be at 5pm. The $1.2 million facility features two meeting rooms that can hold 50 and 250 people respectively, a fully furnished kitchen and public restrooms.
The contractor, Jensen Builders of Fort Dodge, started working on the project this past July.
The open house is free and open to the public with free refreshments available.
Fire Destroys Jefferson Pizza Ranch
An overnight fire on Wednesday destroyed a business in downtown Jefferson.
The Jefferson, Grand Junction, Churdan and Carroll fire departments, the Jefferson Police Department, Greene County Emergency Medical Services and the Greene County Sheriff’s office responded to the fire just after midnight. Jefferson Fire Chief Randy Love says they broke a window to gain access to the building and were able to put out two fires in the kitchen area and in the ceiling.
The fire was contained to the restaurant and Emergency Management Coordinator Dennis Morlan says Love served as incident commander and his leadership prevented neighboring businesses from suffering only smoke damage. No one was inside the building at the time of the incident and no one else was hurt.
Co-owner Rob Schultz says he is working with his insurance company to determine whether or not he can rebuild the restaurant. He appreciates all emergency personnel and positive comments from the public following the loss of the business.
The State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the cause of the fire.
Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.
Ted Cruz to Stop in Jefferson on Caucus Day
With the countdown to caucus day upon us, one final stop is planned for one of the Republican presidential candidates on Monday in Jefferson.
Ted Cruz is scheduled to be at the Greene County Community Center at 1pm. The campaign stop is part of the Cruzin’ to Caucus Bus Tour.
The event is free and open to the public. This will be the final county to complete Cruz’s 99-county tour.
Jefferson Woman Charged with Felony Domestic Abuse
A Jefferson woman faces a felony charge for an alleged domestic abuse incident.
Police Sergeant Heath Enns says officers responded to a call about a possible domestic abuse situation in the 300 block of Chestnut Street on November 11, 2015. Twenty-seven year-old Brittany Smith was arguing with her boyfriend when she allegedly pushed him up against a vehicle and grabbed him by the throat. Enns adds that the victim had marks on his neck.
Smith was charged was a Class D Felony for third or subsequent offense for domestic abuse assault. Enns points out that it took officers a while to reach Smith during their investigation before they could issue an arrest warrant earlier this month.
She was arrested and released from the Greene County Jail on her own recognizance.
Actress Susan Sarandon Brings Star Power to Sanders Campaign
A movie star drew over 75 people to Homestead Coffee and Bakery in Jefferson on Wednesday.
Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon was campaigning for Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders. She said no one is attacking Sanders because there’s nothing on his record that people can use against him or reason to be against the man. She also addressed concerns such as gun control and making it more difficult to purchase firearms, to education and stopping the “factory” mindset and make kids think again.
Sarandon also made trips to Iowa Falls, Des Moines and Mason City on Wednesday.