Event Briefs for Wednesday, Jan. 18

School choice discussions Thursday in Greenfield

A community conversation on the statewide school choice discussion will be held Thursday, Jan. 19 at three different times at Greenfield City Hall’s meeting room. Times are at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. and all are welcome.

This event is sponsored by the group Citizens Supporting Education.

Governor Reynolds unveiled her voucher program in the Condition of the State address on Tuesday evening, January 10. She said her bill will create education savings accounts for families who choose to send their child to a private school. This program is a big investment for the state of Iowa and having a conversation about the pros and cons seems like a good idea, organizers of the event said.

These three separate events (all three the same but at different times to have a better chance of accommodating your schedule) are intended to be a chance to learn about the provisions of the bill and discuss with friends and neighbors what you think of it. Republicans and Democrats alike have indicated they are interested and will attend one of the meetings.

“That’s great – communities should not be divided along party lines before there’s any discussion, but rather issues should be thoroughly understood and then decisions about support made,” organizers said.

Here are some of the considerations to be discussed:

· What does school choice mean?

· Do we have school choice in Iowa now?

· Do we invest in private education currently?

· What will be the consequences for rural school districts like Nodaway Valley if changes to school funding are made?

· Can Iowa afford to fund two different educational systems—private and public?

· Could this effort raise taxes?

· Will the private schools have the same accountability measures public schools have?

· Do vouchers support increased student learning?

· Other issues you have questions about

“If your coffee group meets on Thursday morning, join the event at 10 and there will be coffee and something good to eat with your coffee. If you don’t have a coffee group, but 10 a.m. works for you or either of the other times work for you, join us!,” the release said. “If you can come at lunchtime, there will be a session at noon (complete with chips and sandwiches). If you can come after work, we will have a session at 5 with some cheese and crackers. If you want something besides coffee to drink, bring your own. Join the fun. It’s an interesting topic and we look forward to good conversation.”

Midwest Partnership dinner Jan. 19

Midwest Partnership Economic Development, which serves Adair and Guthrie counties, has scheduled its 2023 annual dinner for Thursday, Jan. 19 in Casey.

The social reception begins at 5:45 p.m. with the dinner starting at 6:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Casey Community Building, 104 W Sherman, Casey. The business meeting will follow the dinner.

Guest speakers will be Titan and Lauren Immel of AgHub Midwest, rural Menlo.

Ticket price is $30 or $160 for a table of six.

The dinner will be catered by Pioneers Pub and Grub of Casey, with a cash bar available.

RSVPs are requested by January 17 to info@midwestpartnership.com.

Cattlemen annual banquet Jan. 21 at fairgrounds

The Adair County Cattlemen will hold their annual banquet Saturday, Jan. 21 at the Adair County 4-H/FFA Building on the fairgrounds in Greenfield.

The social begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and the program at 6:30 p.m. The steak dinner costs $25 for adults and a hamburger dinner for kids 5 and under costs $10.

There will be a business meeting, awards and an auction.

Greenfield Chamber annual meeting Jan. 30

Greenfield Chamber/Main Street and Development will hold its annual meeting 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30 at Hotel Greenfield.

Community Impact awards will be given at the meeting and reports given from the Chamber/Main Street and Greenfield Development Corporation leadership.

Both organizations will update board membership at the meeting.

Refreshments will be served prior to the meeting with the program beginning after.

Youth basketball tournaments Feb. 4 and 5

The Greenfield Lions Club will have a boys basketball tournament for fifth and sixth-graders Saturday, Feb. 4 and a girls basketball tournament for fifth and sixth and seventh and eighth-graders Sunday, Feb. 5.

Entry fee is $110 for both tournaments. Deadline for registrations is January 29. To register, email greenfieldlionsclub@gmail.com or mail to 306 NW 4th Street, Greenfield.

There will be medals for first and second place teams and eight teams will be accepted per bracket. Only 10 players are allowed on each team. Teams will either play at the high school or elementary gym. There will be four 8-minute quarters with a running clock.

A concession stand will be available and no coolers are welcome.

Doors open at 7 a.m. and games start at 8 a.m. Admission fee is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Lions Club wrestling tournament Feb. 12

The Greenfield Lions Club will host a youth wrestling tournament Sunday, Feb. 12 at Nodaway Valley High School. Walk-ins are welcome, or registrations can be made online at trackwrestling.com. Entry fee is $20.

There will be five divisions covering age groups from pre-K to eighth grade.

Team competition will also be held with a maximum of eight wrestlers per team. Clubs may have more than one team enter. Teams should have rosters turned in by 9 a.m. at the tournament. Team points sheets will be posted. There will be a trophy for the top three teams and a $25 entry fee for teams.

Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. for the event. Iowa High School Athletic Association rules will apply. A concession stand will be open. No coolers are welcome. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students.

Lions Club to host archery tournament

The Greenfield Lions Club will host its Robin Hood Archery Tournament Saturday, Feb. 25 at Nodaway Valley High School. Registrations are now open for the event.

First flight starts at 8 a.m. and last flight begins at 1 p.m. There are divisions for elementary (fourth and fifth grade), middle school (sixth through eighth grade), high school (ninth through 12th grade) and adults. Entry fee is $10 for those 18 and under and $13 for 19 and over.

Tournament competition will include eight flights (40 arrows). Only Genesis bows will be used and tournament host will have bows on hand.

Trophies will be given to the top three winners per division.