Author Archives: Jeff

Feb 28

Lansing bridge closed for at least two months

Posted on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The replacement of the Black Hawk Bridge at Lansing just got underway in November, but it does not appear it will be in time for a seamless transition. The current bridge was shut down Sunday after “unexpected movement” and it … Continue reading →

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Feb 26

Circumnavigation report Day 4

Posted on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Ups and downs to hit unvisited towns, plus the northwest corner tri-state marker, are covered in the continuation of my 2015 circumnavigation of Iowa.

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Feb 22

Who has the right to choose school sales?

Posted on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

A column by Iowa Writers’ Collaborative member Cheryl Tevis has some photos of schools in her area: Boxholm, Pilot Mound, and Paton (the last just some bricks forming a monument to itself). The column covers many school-related bills still active in … Continue reading →

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Feb 19

Last part* of I-74 bridge demolished

Posted on Monday, February 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

On Sunday, the Moline anchorage to one of the bridge piers of the old I-74 bridge was blown up in an explosion. Stories and video: KWQC, WQAD. The subject of the fourth and final demolition can be seen in this … Continue reading →

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Feb 16

You want fat? Let’s get fat

Posted on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

I wrote about food! Specifically, I wrote about the tradition of churches inviting people to come eat a certain type of food at a variable date in February.

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on You want fat? Let’s get fat
Feb 14

One legislative step toward I-435?

Posted on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

In 2016, I mentioned that Arkansas wrangled an exception into a federal highway bill that enabled a newly built four-lane road from Jonesboro to I-55 to be designated an interstate. The provision was to allow farm traffic to use a … Continue reading →

Posted in Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on One legislative step toward I-435?
Feb 12

Oh well

Posted on Monday, February 12, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The Iowa Newspaper Association awards ceremony Thursday night recognized newspapers for their work between October 2022 and August 2023. The winning entries can be found here. The Cedar Rapids Gazette won 40 awards. Three I had a minor hand in … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Oh well
Feb 08

I dig in to school enrollment for 2023-24

Posted on Thursday, February 8, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

My Substack piece this week is about the 2023-24 Iowa school enrollment numbers, with a map and two graphics. One of those graphics looks at Waterloo’s stagnant enrollment vs. Waukee’s astronomical growth. The Des Moines Register, in its evaluation of … Continue reading →

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Feb 05

State Center still has concerns about US 30

Posted on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Left turns are a big problem on the south side of State Center. Last week, residents and the Iowa DOT had a meeting about the increase in accidents over the past 18 months. This is the second such meeting in … Continue reading →

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Jan 31

Nevada bridge opens today

Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The bridge for County Road S14 at Nevada should open today. That’s according to a press release from the Iowa DOT. The release notes that the 6th Street intersection will remain open. However, that is likely short term. This bridge … Continue reading →

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