Category Archives: Tama County

Jun 19

Dysart grocery store in danger of closing

Posted on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Bobby’s Grocery and BBQ in Dysart, formerly Terry’s Food Center, could close soon without a rapid infusion of cash. Stories: North Tama Telegraph, KWWL, KCRG. KCRG is wrong on one detail: The nearest grocery store is in Traer (9 miles), not … Continue reading →

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Jun 17

Lincoln Highway double feature

Posted on Monday, June 17, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

A Model T Ford crossing the country for the anniversary of the “10 millionth” car doing the same in 1924 was delayed in coming to Iowa. That meant that not only could I check it out last Wednesday, but I … Continue reading →

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May 17

Iowa Valley Scenic Byway episode now online

Posted on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 12:00 PM by Jeff

Iowa PBS’ “Road Trip Iowa” series rolls on with an episode that visits Tama County, the Lincoln Cafe in Belle Plaine, and the Amana Colonies. It’s the Iowa Valley Scenic Byway and more. There’s even a segment in Vining, where … Continue reading →

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Apr 24

Ellen Young, 1944-2024

Posted on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Ellen Young, former editor of the Traer Star-Clipper and longtime booster of the town of Traer, died April 11. Her obituary was printed last week in the North Tama Telegraph, which replaced the TSC in 2020. Here is an excerpt: … Continue reading →

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Apr 22

From Vicksburg to Savannah

Posted on Monday, April 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Here’s my recap of a presentation/story earlier this month of Company C, 10th Iowa Infantry, also known as the “Tama County Rifles.” Their battle record and travels were both stellar.

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Apr 05

North Tama, South Tama to share superintendents

Posted on Friday, April 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Due to their wide disparity in enrollment, the North Tama and South Tama school districts don’t interact much. That’s going to change a bit. The North Tama Telegraph reports that the two districts will be sharing a superintendent. South Tama’s … Continue reading →

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Mar 27

You’ve got to come back with me!

Posted on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

In which I, a “Back to the Future” trilogy superfan, get to geek out in Gladbrook over the newest addition to Matchstick Marvels.

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Jan 22

Tama County map meetings on three mornings

Posted on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 9:00 AM by Jeff

Notice for three public meetings regarding the proposed five-district map for the Tama County Supervisors will be this Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday — all at 9:45 AM (UGH!). So this blog post is live at 9 and if you hurry … Continue reading →

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Dec 04

Traer Theatre needs ten grand

Posted on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 10:04 AM by Jeff

The Traer Theatre is in financial trouble again. The North Tama Telegraph reports that last month, the sound system went out and has added to the strain. The theater is looking to raise $10,000 to pay for the repairs and … Continue reading →

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Nov 13

Election Day and ballot silliness

Posted on Monday, November 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

My Substack post with a Tama County Election Day hook, that also took a look at the ballot structures for combined city/school elections, made Saturday’s display at the Iowa Capital Dispatch. If you like, please subscribe! (Better yet, chip in … Continue reading →

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