Author Archives: Jeff

Jun 19

1980s census estimates: A bloodbath in chart form

Second in a series. On a national level, the 1980s had plenty of positives after a bumpy early start. In Iowa, though, like the rest of the Farm Belt, those bumpy years were part of a precipitous fall that, arguably, … Continue reading

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Jun 18

The longer effects of Iowa’s rural population decline

First in a series. The Census Bureau released its 2017 county-level population estimates in April. It’s not a full decade, but it is seven data points, and the trend for rural counties may be even worse than it was. The … Continue reading

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Jun 15

Tama County Farm Bureau 100th anniversary

Tonight, the Tama County Farm Bureau celebrates its centennial with a dinner at the Traer Memorial Building. The Iowa Farm Bureau also turns 100 years old this year. Iowa Farm Bureau president Craig Hill will speak tonight. The Farm Bureau … Continue reading

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Jun 14

A Wisconsin town loses its school, and the New York Times is on it

Sound familiar? But the reality of rural life in the Midwest, school officials say, is that younger people are fleeing. They want Starbucks and Thai restaurants, plentiful jobs and high-speed internet, and when they start families, they want schools with … Continue reading

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Jun 13

Is Fazoli’s sizzling or fizzling?

If you believe articles from an industry publication, the fast-casual Italian food franchise Fazoli’s is in good shape and plans to release “a completely clean food menu” this summer. (Because chemicals are bad, you see, and unpopular with the youths.) … Continue reading

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Jun 12

Sabula ferry service offered

Starting today, the Iowa DOT is offering “complimentary vehicular/passenger ferry service” across the Mississippi River from Sabula to Savanna. This would last at least through the summer because of the delays in construction of the overflow bridge. There’s also a … Continue reading

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Jun 11

Still lost in Younkers

April 23, 2018: If you want to assemble a clothing collection, now’s the time; Lindale Mall in Cedar Rapids is having dueling down-to-the-walls sell-offs at Younkers and Sears. The upbeat tone of the “closing forever” radio ads is a little … Continue reading

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Jun 07

What’s Russian for ‘nuance’?

I don’t/didn’t watch FX’s “The Americans” — or any “prestige TV” for that matter — but I happened to find the contrast in these points funny. (If, that is, the phrasing wasn’t supposed to be a tell.) From the New … Continue reading

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Jun 06

Current bypass philosophy, 61 corridor interests at odds

As late guests to the state’s bypass party, Mediapolis and Wapello are the beneficiaries of about 25 years of such work — or, depending on your point of view, the victims. The “preferred alternative” for a four-lane US 61 from … Continue reading

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Jun 05

Kim Reynolds’ first ascension

The public notice page of the July 15, 1993, Osceola Sentinel Tribune started off with the minutes of the Clarke County Board of Supervisors’ June 30 meeting. Between a seasonal-employee hire and rejecting bids on care of the courthouse lawn … Continue reading

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