Category Archives: Tama County

Sep 12

Advice for the Class of 2025

Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

I made the Iowa Capital Dispatch last week with my Substack piece from the previous week about being old obsolete washed-up 25 years removed from my senior year of high school.

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Aug 13

New signing for Vining

Posted on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Tama County’s smallest incorporated place has new welcome signs. A recent transplant to the town offered to paint custom signs for all three entrances. The North Tama Telegraph has the story and photos. Yes, there are TWO tiny Tama County … Continue reading →

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Aug 09

Winding Stairs Festival 2024 this weekend

Posted on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Traer’s annual festival is back, and bigger than last year. The “Shine and Show” car show is part of Winding Stairs Festival this year, instead of being on a separate date in July. The cars might be part of the parade … Continue reading →

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Jul 16

NT graduate bringing music to Traer

Posted on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

July 9, 2024: A poster promoting the appearance of Robert Yeltman at the Ripley United Church of Christ parsonage was near the entrance to North Tama Veterinary Clinic. I was back home last week for the district semifinal baseball game … Continue reading →

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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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