Author Archives: Jeff

May 20

Iowa radio and TV in the 20th century

Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Jeff Stein came to Toledo last month to give a presentation based on his book about Iowa news on the airwaves. It’s about the early years of radio and television. This story been printed in the two Tama County papers, … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous, Tama County | Comments Off

May 18

IA 21 to close south of Belle Plaine in 2028

Posted on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

For the summer of 2026, US 30 between US 63 and IA 21 is serving as a detour route for US 63. Two summers from now, it will flip to being a detour route for IA 21. A meeting in … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off

May 14

Perry roundabout plan reveals messed-up street map

Posted on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The DOT at its May meeting approved a batch of RISE grants. These “Revitalize Iowa’s Sound Economy” awards are for construction that isn’t necessarily on roads on Iowa’s highway system, but will contribute to economic development. One of the grants … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off

May 08

US 34 construction creates long official detour

Posted on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Officially, US 34 between Chariton and Albia has been closed to thru traffic since April 27 for a concrete overlay. The construction is from Albia west to near the Melrose corner. The detour runs up IA 14 to Knoxville, then … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off

May 06

Centennial Bridge meeting at Rock Island this month

Posted on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The Illinois Department of Transportation is the lead agency on replacement of the Centennial Bridge, US 67 across the Mississippi River. There will be an open house on May 20 from 3 to 6 PM at the Holiday Inn in … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off

May 01

Ramp at US 218/IA 58 to close for two months

Posted on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

A press release from the Iowa DOT says that starting next week, the ramp from northbound (westbound) US 218 to southbound IA 58 will close until late July. The detour involves going north on 218 to the Lone Tree Road … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off

Apr 29

History sites to see

Posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

I spent “spring break” going museum-ing in two cities and doing heavy research in Des Moines. This is the last weekend for the Green Book exhibit in Omaha, but the rest of the Durham Museum is a must-see any time. … Continue reading →

Posted in Trip Reports | Comments Off

Apr 28

Black Hawk and the Army at Fort Madison

Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

When the U.S. Army built Fort Madison, the first fort on the west side of the Mississippi River, the Native American tribes in the area took notice. Chief Black Hawk was the leader of one of those tribes. Through his … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off

Apr 24

Iowa’s 1920 highway system: IA 99, a road like a river

Posted on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

How hard could it be to trace a highway that, for the most part, is effectively barred from moving eastward because of the Mississippi River? Turns out, very. The flow of IA 99 between Davenport and Clinton changes channels much … Continue reading →

Posted in 1920 Highway Sytem | Comments Off

Apr 21

License Plate Letters — QQP

Posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

I’ve seen a lot of QQ plates out there and I got SO close when I spotted a QQP, but I have yet to see a true QQQ out in the field. I assume there are a thousand of them … Continue reading →

Posted in License Plates | Comments Off