Category Archives: Tama County

May 20

Iowa radio and TV in the 20th century

Posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Jeff Stein came to Toledo last month to give a presentation based on his book about Iowa news on the airwaves. It’s about the early years of radio and television. This story been printed in the two Tama County papers, … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous, Tama County | Comments Off

Apr 07

Toledo roundabout construction starts this week

Posted on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

We knew it was coming, and now it’s here. Construction on the first roundabout in Tama County starts this week. It’s at the intersection of US 63 and Business 30 in Toledo. Stage 1A, according to the DOT’s press release, … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction, Tama County | Comments Off

Mar 31

Traer pharmacy to close

Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

NuCara Pharmacy in Traer, which for a long time was Wright Pharmacy, is closing forever today. The NuCara pharmacies in Conrad, Ackley, and Zearing are also closing. This is not, or at least not directly, related to Traer’s loss of … Continue reading →

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off

Mar 16

Dysart grocery store closing

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Despite having its financial situation profiled in the media, Bobby’s Grocery and BBQ in Dysart couldn’t find a way forward. The North Tama Telegraph reported earlier this month that the store is closing. In addition to problems with equipment that … Continue reading →

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off

Mar 13

‘PIEOWA’ came to Gladbrook

Posted on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Beth Howard’s documentary “PIEOWA,” about the history and social connections of pie in Iowa, was shown at the Gladbrook Theater last month. It was berry, berry good. It was in Gladbrook because Laura Bru, “The Pie Lady,” is one of … Continue reading →

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off

Jan 06

Toledo getting a McDonald’s

Posted on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The Tama-Toledo News-Chronicle says the Toledo City Council approved a plat of land “contingent on Fareway’s signature” that “is planned to be used for a new McDonald’s.” That’s big news! The Toledo city website has a bad link to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off

Dec 10

Veterans Day at North Tama

Posted on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Obviously, this happened a month ago, but I’ve been busy.

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off

Dec 01

Traer losing its doctor’s office

Posted on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

November 11, 2025: MercyOne Traer Family Medicine opened as the North Tama Medical Clinic in 1976. A decade after losing the town’s longtime dentist, and a few years removed from losing the town’s once-a-week optometrist, the town of Traer is … Continue reading →

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off

Nov 06

Gladbrook-Reinbeck bond issue succeeds — barely

Posted on Thursday, November 6, 2025, at 11:00 AM by Jeff

Well, how about that. It took Grundy County voting more than 90% in favor, but it happened. I cover the G-R bond vote and many more, with a map of every district in the state that had a bond referendum, … Continue reading →

Posted in Schools, Tama County | Comments Off

Oct 29

1A volleyball regional finals: public vs. private

Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Tonight 16 teams complete for eight places in the Class 1A state volleyball tournament. Like is so often the case as we reach this level, we have a bunch of public-private matchups. Most important for this blog is North Tama … Continue reading →

Posted in Schools, Tama County | Comments Off