Author Archives: Jeff

Aug 10

Derecho day

August 18, 2020: Derecho-damaged trees in Keystone. Sign says “Thanks firemen, Dave M and all volunteers. We appreciate you!!” See this blog post for more pictures. “You have 20 minutes!” I said to the front desk as I left the fitness … Continue reading

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Aug 09

Betty Lou Varnum, 1931-2021

If you were a child between 1954 and 1994 within range of WOI-TV Channel 5, you knew Betty Lou and “The House with the Magic Window.” Betty Lou Varnum died last week. The Magic Window was shuttered the instant ownership … Continue reading

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Aug 05

Newcastle NE losing its school

It’s not Iowa, but it’s covered by an Iowa TV station, and it shows that the issue of school closures is widespread. Newcastle is 36 miles northwest of Sioux City on NE 12. The school Newcastle’s students will be going … Continue reading

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Aug 04

Subchannel shakeup part of Gray TV deal

Months ago, Quincy Media, formerly Quincy Newspapers, announced it was selling to Gray TV for $925 million. However, it’s not until now that those effects are showing, and it affects TV stations serving Iowa. The tip-off was an ad during … Continue reading

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Aug 03

Second person has visited every town in Iowa

In my search for media coverage of the two Nebraska college students visiting every town in Iowa, I discovered someone else who has matched me in travel. The Fort Dodge Messenger just last week reported that Dave Miglin of Des … Continue reading

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Aug 02

Nebraska pair hitting northeast Iowa hard

July 16, 2020: New Vienna is one of 22 incorporated communities in Dubuque County. It took me 14 years to visit every town in Iowa, the last two after I made it a specific goal. Two college students are attempting … Continue reading

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Jul 30

Old Doon school to be demolished

September 30, 2015: The Doon school building has been a community center for about 35 years. This photo was taken during my first and so far only visit to Doon. (I recommend the pizza burger at the Corner Cafe.) The … Continue reading

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Jul 28

And now, a word from your parents

Mom: Kids, we know you have noticed your father and I have been pretty quiet the past few days. Dad: The company’s two most profitable divisions are being relocated to the southeast. Mom: It caught the CEO by surprise. Dad: … Continue reading

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Jul 27

How it’s going

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Jul 26

How it started

Ames Times, January 23, 1908: Will play in the Big Nine Will join Missouri Valley Conference. Student body delighted. Bigger games with bigger teams next season. Ames accepts the invitation to join the Missouri Valley Athletic Association. Such is the … Continue reading

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