Airline Security

Once again, we are all being made startlingly aware of severe lapses in our airline security. This in spite of billions of dollars earmarked for its improvement. What should be done? Is profiling necessary?

Guns

Let's talk about something near and dear to us all. Guns. Do you own any? What are your favorites? What do you think about the future of gun ownership in America?

2009 Jeffersonian of the Year

You've read all the news and seen all the photos. It's time already for our annual Jeffersonian of the Year thread. Who would you nominate to receive this honor for the year 2009?

Open Forum

At last, time for a fresh thread with no boundaries. Anything going on that our editors may have overlooked?

Somebody Has To Say It

In these days of political correctness, how many times has it seemed like somebody just needs to come out and say what they're really thinking? Here's your forum to say what really needs to be said.

Iowa Weather

Another snowstorm has crippled most of Iowa temporarily. Many of us can't even get to work. Why do we stay here? What keeps us in Jefferson, or Iowa even?

Twentieth Century Inventions

No one has invented a time machine yet that would enable Jefferson to go back and correct a few of their poor decisions. In lieu of that, however, what would you consider to be the most important invention of the previous century?

Refurbishing Downtown Jefferson

With the city trying to decide what to do with the Horsecollar Saloon, it becomes apparent that it may have to be razed. Will other buildings in the area meet with the same fate?

Jefferson Area Restaurants

In the 1920's there was the Dairy Lunch; in the 40's there was Louie's; in the 60's we had Schoppe's Cafe; in the 80's there was the Redwood. How about today? What has been your favorite Jefferson restaurant now, or in the past?

Cell Phones

Am I the only one who finds the excessive cell phone useage going on extremely annoying? I know that Orville Bass is on my side - anyone else?

Farm Subsidies

Since 2005, the federal government has paid out nearly $100 billion in farm subsidies - much of it for people NOT to grow crops. What do you think of this system?

Open Discussion

It's time to start a new "open" thread. Bring up anything that's bugging you, or maybe we've overlooked something.

Gold

Everywhere you turn, you are being bombarded by people telling you to buy gold rather than investing in riskier commodities such as stocks. Are you convinced?

Conspiracy Theories

So - man never walked on the moon, the CIA assassinated JFK, a Jewish cabal controls international banking - do any of these or similar theories have merit, or are they merely beliefs of the uninformed?

Small Town vs. City

In your opinion, what are the major differences between people and lives in small towns as compared to those in larger cities?

Greene County Parks

While touring all of Greene County's wonderful parks last weekend, we here at JIN couldn't help but notice that all were completely deserted. Does anybody at all use these parks anymore? What gives?

Gone But Not Forgotten

Take a minute and come up with the name(s) of a building or business in Jefferson that has closed or been removed that you wish was still there. Maybe a restaurant, bar, school, church, or something else.

Past and Present Teachers

For everybody who attended school in Jefferson (or still is), how about giving us the name of your favorite teacher, or passing on some related anecdotes?

Stop Signs In Jefferson

I have noticed an overabundance of stop signs around Jefferson. Apparently, locals feel that all of their intersections are extremely dangerous. Any thoughts?

The Dreaded Telephone

Does anyone else out there get as annoyed with the phone as I do? It rings at inconvenient times, and inevitably features some one on the other end wanting or needing something. What's your opinion?

Open Forum

There are plenty of things going on and I'm sure we've missed a few. Post your comments here, without having to deal with any on-going thread.

Overweight People

Has anyone else noticed the propensity for Iowa women to weigh in the 220 - 320 pound range? Try going into a Wal-Mart and look for skinny people. What gives?

Defunct Grocery Stores

The response to the "Defunct Gas Stations" post was so completely informative that I would like to ask the same question about Jefferson area grocery stores. Any memories?

Country Club Closing

Did the closing of the Greene County Golf and Country Club have any noticeable effect on the community or you in particular?

The Right to Bear Arms

Since Orville K. Bass' last remarks on this subject, we have been inundated with replies on this issue. Would any of you care to comment?

Defunct Gas Stations

Do you remember when Deep Rock and Gulf had service stations in Jefferson? How many more gas stations can you name that once existed in town but are now closed?

Closing Committee

A former resident of Jefferson, now retired, has enlightened me as to a chamber committee that existed in the mid-seventies whose sole function was to pressure all Jefferson retail establishments into closing at five p.m. No wonder most of them are now defunct.

Doughnuts

As a devoted consumer of doughnuts, I really have to comment on the questionable quality of the products served at Bunker's Dunkers. Apparently they are suffering from a severe frosting shortage, and use it only sparingly. They also seem to glaze only the top half of the doughnuts. This is supposed to be Saba's old recipe, although I am sure that he would be spinning in his grave if he saw them now.

Railroad Overpass

Can anybody out there update us on the progress of Jefferson's railroad overpass project? What were the reactions to it at the recent informational meeting held in town? Why won't the Bee & Herald report on this?

No Midway

It has come to our attention that there was no midway this year at the Greene County Fair. That's right - no rides, games, or other similar entertainment. Just a lot of extra parking. What gives?

Open Discussion

It's been a while since we have opened several new threads at once. Did we miss anything? Bring up whatever topic you like.

Global Warming

This summer has been one of the most moderate and pleasant that I can remember. Temperatures consistently are topping out in the 70's. Can we blame global warming for this latest trend?

Jefferson Traffic Police

Why is it that every time I pick up an issue of the Jefferson paper, it is filled with out-of-towners who were stopped and ticketed for traffic violations - many times for speeding 1-5 mph over the posted limit? It seems rather obvious that local police merely pull cars over on a regular basis when they have out-of-area plates. This is why many of us no longer return to the area.

Greene County Fair

Does anyone have any memories or good stories from past Greene County fairs? Is there anything missing or would you like to make any changes to the current fair itinerary?

Ram Football

Another season of JSPC Ram football is just around the corner. We will publish the schedule soon. What are this year's expectations? Any plans for homecoming?

2009 Bell Tower Festival

With the annual Bell Tower Festival just days away, we want to know if you plan on attending. Are there any class reunions taking place we should know about?

Opening Day

This is opening day of the 2009 Major League Baseball season. Any thoughts about how your team will do? Are there any Cub fans out there?

Scenic Roads

Recently Fleur Drive was voted the most scenic street in Des Moines. If you were to choose a similar Jefferson-area street or nearby road, what would you select and why?

Open Discussion

Start your own thread, using whatever topic you are interested in. Are there any subjects that you feel we are missing?

The Jefferson Herald

Recently, there have been several articles of importance to Jefferson residents that were reported in the Carroll daily paper, but not in the Jefferson Herald. Why do you think that is?

The Dead Pool

Everybody knows times are tough. Here's your chance to win a prize from JIN. A t-shirt and a box of golf balls to the person who correctly identifies the next business to close in Jefferson. You must make your selection from the list which can be found on the front page of the Jefferson Iowa News web site. All comments are encouraged. Good luck!

Where to Build?

If you were forced to build a nice upper-end home within the city limits of Jefferson, where would you choose? Remember it has to be within the city limits.

Native Sons

Let's everyone try to name somebody at least somewhat famous who came from Jefferson, or at least Greene County.

Restaurant Closings

Earlier this month, the Pizza Ranch and the Lincolway Grill closed in Jefferson. To what do you attribute these closings? Perhaps the poor economy?

Relocating to Jefferson

If you were to accept a job offer in west-central Iowa, what community features might attract you to select Jefferson as your new home?

Railroad Overpass

As you know, the big news in Jefferson currently is the railroad overpass proposal for North Elm Street. It may be scheduled to begin sometime next year. What is your take on this 10.5 million dollar construction project?

Open Forum

What topic is important to you? We want to hear your opinion, regardless of whether or not we brought it up previously.

Last Draw For Sale

So, tell me, what amount of cash do you think it would take to purchase the Last Draw? Land, building, and business?

Tax Refunds

What kind of tax refund are you getting this year? How are you going to spend it? Would you rather use your money throughout the year or get it all back in a large sum in the form of a refund?

Recent Notable Achievements

Here's a chance for everyone in Jefferson as well as other interested parties to blow their own horn. Tell us what you consider to be Jefferson's most notable and/or impressive achievements during the past calendar year.

Greene County Parks

It's been a while since we brought up this topic. What is your favorite park or recreational area in the Greene County area? Any interesting memories?

2009 Bell Tower

It isn't too early too start planning. How many of you are likely to attend this year's Bell Tower Festival? What would you like to see this year that has been missing?

Expectations or ?

OK. There is finally another  Democrat president. Will this affect Jefferson? Do you think new policies will bring in needed dollars and help small communities pick themselves up by their bootstraps? What do you expect? What would you ask for?

Highway 30

Community leaders in Carroll are currently considering expanding US highway 30 to four lanes through all of Carroll county. This would leave the secton of 30 in Greene county as one of the few stretches not expanded. Carroll feels that this improvement is necessary. How do residents of Greene county feel? Why are we behind on this?

Who's Out There

I haven't run this by Rick yet, but what the hell, he forgot I was on vacation. How about all Bistro visitors respond as anon. or other if they want and include the city they are posting from? This way we can see if we are indeed, in the great words of ZZTOP, nationwide! I'll start it out- Marty Bryant- Orlando, Fla.

Jeffersonian of the Year

Later this month, our editors will be naming a current or past Jefferson resident as "Jeffersonian of the Year" for 2008. Do any of you have any input or suggestions? Use any criteria you like.

More Consolidation?

Would you be in favor of adding the East Greene schools to the current JSPC school system?