Author Archives: Jeff

Jun 03

One week ago: Final bell in Clearfield, and a school list update

KMA Radio was there for tiny Clearfield’s last day of school (and still using my picture for the story). In addition to that, some other research has led to additions from western Iowa in my school district and building timeline. … Continue reading

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Jun 02

A cross-country trip on Historic US 20

October 11, 2002: Mileage sign on old US 20 (now County Road D20) leaving Webster City. Bryan Farr of Massachusetts wants US 20, the longest US route in the country, to be celebrated as a famous, historic road. He’s created … Continue reading

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Jun 01

Boy Scout license plates available in Iowa

If you thought we didn’t have enough specialty plates in Iowa, here’s another one: The Boy Scouts of America. This is the announcement of its availability, BUT the state needs 500 applications before the series is created. (The short piece … Continue reading

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May 31

Court ruling on San Marnan Drive

The Iowa Supreme Court has put Waterloo in an interesting pickle. The Waterloo Courier (long article) and KWWL (short) both have stories. (Yes, that is former Rep. Dave Nagle as the plaintiffs’ lawyer.) The court ruled that the city was wrong … Continue reading

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Court ruling on San Marnan Drive
May 29

IA 330/117: Interchange or J-turn

After years now of talk and work, the Iowa DOT is down to two options for the IA 117/330/US 65 intersection area in Jasper County. The interchange and J-turn plans now are substantially what they were last time, with the … Continue reading

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May 28

‘Official’ start to IA 100 construction

Construction on the IA 100 extension has been going on for a while, but that can’t get in the way of a shovel-turning photo op.

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on ‘Official’ start to IA 100 construction
May 28

Allamakee County paved A26 in 2013

Not many county roads are newly paved in Iowa nowadays, as counties try to save money any way they can. However, one segment in Allamakee County received just that treatment last year. County Road A26, about six miles from the … Continue reading

Posted in Construction, Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Allamakee County paved A26 in 2013
May 27

Diverging diamond interchange in Urbandale?

KCCI has a story about a DOT study on turning the I-35/80 interchange with Hickman Road (US 6) from a diamond to a diverging diamond. On a diverging diamond, traffic temporarily switches sides of the road; there’s an explainer graphic … Continue reading

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May 27

Going postal (abbreviations)

May 28, 2006 (eight[!] years ago tomorrow): North side of Northwood on US 65 Jason Hancock took a long trip in northern and northwestern Iowa on Memorial Day weekend to finish clinching every highway in the state. He mentioned that … Continue reading

Posted in Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Going postal (abbreviations)
May 25

Inseparable

Charlie Bartos, a WWII veteran and longtime member of Traer United Methodist church, died May 7, less than 10 weeks before his 100th birthday. His wife, Gladys, 95, died May 21. They were married for 73 years.

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