Category Archives: Iowa Miscellaneous

May 18

GPSs: Threat or menace?

Posted on Friday, May 18, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

You’d think there would be some code in GPSs and online direction programs like Apple/Google Maps to override a “shortest possible” path to stay on a highway, or at least a gravel road. All roads aren’t equal, even when they … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on GPSs: Threat or menace?
May 10

But I don’t have anywhere to put one

Posted on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Sioux City Journal: Woman makes tables shaped like states So far, Sturgis has made maps in the shape of the United States, Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Which states she makes depends on which states customers order. Iowa’s state shape … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on But I don’t have anywhere to put one
Apr 25

Lost (in) Younkers

Posted on Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

April 2, 2018: The Younkers at Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids remained after all the interior of the mall was demolished. That’s when the “Open During Construction” banner was put up. Off camera, across Williams Boulevard, is a Toys “R” … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Lost (in) Younkers
Apr 20

Kyle Munson’s last day at Register

Posted on Friday, April 20, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The number of my former co-workers who remain at The Des Moines Register has taken a hit this year. No fewer than four (that I know of) have checked out in six weeks. That includes columnist Kyle Munson, whose last … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Kyle Munson’s last day at Register
Apr 08

All April in a week

Posted on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at 11:00 AM by Jeff

When Mother Nature gets off the sauce, or as tired of winter as we are, but not without 3 to 4 inches of snow first. Exactly five years ago, it was the other way around.

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on All April in a week
Apr 05

Last ride on the first escalator

Posted on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at 10:10 AM by Jeff

April 1, 2018: Through the window on the first floor of Sears at Waterloo’s Crossroads Mall. The new Sears Roebuck Department Store, twice as big as the old and sparkling with the innovations of a “more modern and fashionable” head … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Last ride on the first escalator
Mar 28

Benton County closing front door to courthouse, installing metal detector

Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

July 23, 2015: When RAGBRAI had a noon stop in Vinton, the south-side front door of the courthouse was open. A procedure once reserved for only the biggest county courthouses in Iowa is trickling down to at least one more. … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Benton County closing front door to courthouse, installing metal detector
Mar 27

Analysis of 2018 RAGBRAI map

Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

July 23, 2008: RAGBRAI passed through the center of Iowa (well, close enough) in 2008 and will again this year. The Register’s preview appears to be trying to tell me something. If you can locate Ute, Aspinwall, Dana, Peoria and … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous, Maps | Comments Off on Analysis of 2018 RAGBRAI map
Mar 13

When the Navy landed in Ottumwa

Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

In the middle of World War II, 75 years ago today, the U.S. Naval Air Station opened north of Ottumwa. It served as a training site for cadets. The most famous Navy personnel to pass through were future president Richard … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on When the Navy landed in Ottumwa
Mar 07

The Tater Tot Trot

Posted on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

October 15, 2013: A tater tot casserole. Jewell held its first (of many?) Tater Tot Trots last weekend. Participants run a mile, eat a mini tater tot casserole, then run back. I am 1000% in favor of making this the … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on The Tater Tot Trot