Author Archives: Jeff

Jun 09

Article about upcoming school mergers

In the Register. All of these districts have been in whole-grade sharing for a while now (Clarion-Goldfield and Dows for a decade, which frankly stuns me). Once these go through, and Clearfield dissolves, the state’s list of sharing agreements will … Continue reading

Posted in Schools | Comments Off on Article about upcoming school mergers
Jun 06

Orlando columnist continues crusade against Iowa State

Mike Bianchi will not rest until either Central Florida is in a power conference or Iowa State isn’t. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: Why should Mississippi State, Wake Forest, Purdue and Iowa State get to be … Continue reading

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on Orlando columnist continues crusade against Iowa State
Jun 04

Tom Latham’s final map

Now that the Republican primary for the U.S. House Third District has been held, it’s time for a look back at a well-traveled representative. Tom Latham moved from Alexander to Ames to Clive while representing 57 of Iowa’s counties at … Continue reading

Posted in Maps | Comments Off on Tom Latham’s final map
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

Posted in Schools | Comments Off on One week ago: Final bell in Clearfield, and a school list update
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

Posted in Trip Reports | Comments Off on A cross-country trip on Historic US 20
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

Posted in License Plates | Comments Off on Boy Scout license plates available in Iowa
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

Posted in Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on IA 330/117: Interchange or J-turn
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