As the 2025-26 school year begins, there are some traffic changes within the city of Jefferson.

Police Chief Mark Clouse reminds families that at the Greene County Elementary School, drivers need to enter the circle pick-up and drop-off loop from Cedar Street only, as vehicles are not allowed to enter from Russell Street. Clouse requests families waiting on Cedar Street to enter the loop to be behind the marked yellow curb area in front of the posted stop sign.

“Because somebody could not be interested in the school stop, and they’re coming on Cedar Street ,and they get there and they’re in the wrong lane, they can’t get over to stop at the stop sign. Just causes a lot of issues. So, if they could stay behind that yellow curb, that works out great.” 

Clouse asks motorists to also be courteous to the neighbors on Cedar Street and to not block driveways in case those individuals want to pull out of their driveways. He advises motorists to also be aware of the temporary stop signs that are placed at the intersection of Ram Drive and Iowa Highway 4, near the Greene County Middle School.  

“There are our temporary stop signs that are out there, beginning of school and then the last hour of the school day. And that’s, obviously, to get children across that four-lane traffic to the other side of the street to have use of the sidewalks.”

Additionally, Elementary School Principal Aubrey Hinote requests for parents or guardians picking up their children during dismissal times to wait for their child’s name to be called so that it is a safer environment for everyone involved. Middle School Principal Cara Pedersen reminds parents to drop-off and pick-up their kids near the east parking lot, as the front entrance is for school buses only and the west parking lot is only for staff.