Author Archives: Jeff

Dec 29

Gladbrook-Reinbeck enrollment report

Posted on Monday, December 29, 2014, at 10:35 AM by Jeff

Like all rural school districts in Iowa, Gladbrook-Reinbeck is experiencing a long-term decline in enrollment. To get a better grasp of what’s going on overall, and the trends, the district hired a consultant. The resulting report (PDF), on the macro … Continue reading →

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Dec 24

Updates to IA 149 North, IA 163 East

Posted on Wednesday, December 24, 2014, at 9:56 AM by Jeff

Oct. 7, 2013: The genericization of exit signage is complete on all rural Iowa interstates. Only “End 149” survived at Williamsburg and got its own pole. It has been embarrassingly long since I’ve made updates to the highway end pages … Continue reading →

Posted in Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Updates to IA 149 North, IA 163 East
Dec 23

Tom Harkin notes of assorted significance

Posted on Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at 10:17 AM by Jeff

Let the record show: Tom Harkin, the most senior junior senator of the 113th Congress, cast his last vote Dec. 16 to confirm a judge for the Western District of Missouri. He voted aye. Harkin’s last non-confirmation vote was on retroactive extension … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Tom Harkin notes of assorted significance
Dec 22

Oskaloosa bypass plans narrowed

Posted on Monday, December 22, 2014, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Last week the DOT showed off its proposals for a western bypass of Oskaloosa for US 63. There are four permutations, based on the locations of the start and end points of the bypass. The south end would be either … Continue reading →

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Dec 19

Elma Elementary closed; is Lime Springs next?

Posted on Friday, December 19, 2014, at 12:17 PM by Jeff

“On roll call, all answered aye, although Duane Bodermann of Elma hesitated before voting to close his alma mater.” After years of debate and declining enrollment, the Howard-Winneshiek school district closed Elma Elementary at the end of last school year, … Continue reading →

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Dec 17

Creation, analysis of retroactive football brackets

Posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2014, at 10:17 AM by Jeff

When the IHSAA said it would no longer pre-set a full bracket for the football postseason, instead setting up an “as-you-go” for each round, I wondered if there would be final brackets made after the finals. That did not happen. … Continue reading →

Posted in Schools, Sports | Comments Off on Creation, analysis of retroactive football brackets
Dec 16

Seymour school replacement vote narrowly fails

Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2014, at 10:11 AM by Jeff

September 13, 2011: Top center of the original Seymour school building. Sadly, medieval-themed school flourishes just aren’t in vogue anymore. In today’s climate, steady to slightly-higher student enrollment is a victory for small districts. The Seymour school district in Wayne … Continue reading →

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Dec 15

$1B estimate to six-lane major rural interstates

Posted on Monday, December 15, 2014, at 10:43 AM by Jeff

Currently, the Iowa DOT is pouring tens of millions of dollars into upgrading urban interstate systems in Council Bluffs and Sioux City. I-80 in Iowa City has been upgraded to six lanes, and the complete rebuild of I-235 in Des … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on $1B estimate to six-lane major rural interstates
Dec 12

No automatic waivers to start school in August

Posted on Friday, December 12, 2014, at 5:58 PM by Jeff

“Effective immediately, the department will no longer automatically grant waivers of the school start date requested under Iowa (law) for the 2015-2016 school year.” Big move. Stories: Gazette, Register (AP), KCCI. It was one thing to get waivers starting school the … Continue reading →

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Dec 12

Courier features North Tama’s “Plus 1” Mondays

Posted on Friday, December 12, 2014, at 10:40 AM by Jeff

This year, the North Tama school district is not following a standard school calendar. Every other Monday is a “Plus 1” “enrichment session.” Regular classes aren’t held, and students spend more time than a regular class period on various activities. … Continue reading →

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