Author Archives: Jeff

Nov 26

The end of a country lane

Posted on Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Shenandoah Valley News Today columnist Evelyn Birkby is hanging up her keyboard after more than 3600 columns. My Up a Country Lane column has been published in this newspaper every week without fail since 1949. Now I’ve reached a point in … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on The end of a country lane
Nov 25

MVL bypass opened this weekend

Posted on Monday, November 25, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

US 30 is now four lanes around Mount Vernon and Lisbon, completing a bypass that goes just to the south of those towns. The official opening was Friday — a classic right-before-Thanksgiving completion. The bypass extends the continuous four-lane from … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on MVL bypass opened this weekend
Nov 22

Iowa high school football championship preview

Posted on Friday, November 22, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING VALLEY DOWLING (etc.) I believe that the move to reseed brackets in the semifinals is beneficial overall, even if it takes out “east vs. west” championships. … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on Iowa high school football championship preview
Nov 21

Decade milestone of the week (2) (continued)

Posted on Thursday, November 21, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

November 21, 2009, 5:07 PM: The second-to-last time the words “IowaSt.” would appear on a scoreboard at Faurot Field in Columbia, Missouri. Iowa State at Missouri 2009 was, at the time we left the stadium (and went to see the … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on Decade milestone of the week (2) (continued)
Nov 20

Decade milestone of the week (2)

Posted on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Columbia, Missouri, November 21, 2009 — It was entirely a whim. It turned out to be more meaningful than that. I happened to have the Friday and Saturday the week before Thanksgiving off. Iowa State (6-5, 3-4), under new coach … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on Decade milestone of the week (2)
Nov 19

Decade milestone of the week (1)

Posted on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

November 18, 2009: Ten years ago, this baby came home. It is, by far, my longest-lived main Mac. In fact, it’s outpaced both the G4 tower and iBook combined. (I am very very hoping this blog post does not jinx … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Decade milestone of the week (1)
Nov 18

Toledo gets second grocery store

Posted on Monday, November 18, 2019, at 10:10 AM by Jeff

The former Pamida/Shopko store in Toledo has become a “Hy-Vee Dollar Fresh” grocery store — right across the street from Fareway. The KCRG story says this is the fourth Dollar Fresh store. A quick Google check shows the other three … Continue reading →

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off on Toledo gets second grocery store
Nov 15

Iowa-Minnesota game preview

Posted on Friday, November 15, 2019, at 10:16 AM by Jeff

(I am glad ISU did not hire P.J. Fleck. At least, I think I think so.)

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on Iowa-Minnesota game preview
Nov 14

Yes, we have no information

Posted on Thursday, November 14, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The visitor information booth that was visible coming into the Iowa State University campus from the south on Elwood Drive University Boulevard has been demolished, according to this short blurb on the ISU website. But the growth of mobile-friendly websites … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Yes, we have no information
Nov 13

North Tama volleyball’s turn in 2019 state tournament

Posted on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

For the second time in three years — and by extension, the second time ever — North Tama volleyball is in the state tournament. The Redhawks will be playing a late quarterfinal tonight against Le Mars Gehlen, one of three … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on North Tama volleyball’s turn in 2019 state tournament