Author Archives: Jeff

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 →

Posted in Schools | Comments Off on I dig in to school enrollment for 2023-24
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 →

Posted in Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on State Center still has concerns about US 30
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 →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Nevada bridge opens today
Jan 29

Who wants to read about county supervisors?

Posted on Monday, January 29, 2024, at 12:00 PM by Jeff

You do, right? With a full breakdown of what county has what type of board, by number and how they’re elected? You’re in luck!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Who wants to read about county supervisors?
Jan 26

That’s the story

Posted on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

What’s the tipoff that this item on the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier’s website wasn’t written by a reporter? I mean, besides the byline being “Lede AI Sports Desk.” A reporter or even “person at the sports desk taking phone calls” would … Continue reading →

Posted in Sports | Comments Off on That’s the story
Jan 24

Southeast Connector completion ahead

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

A quarter-century after a southern bypass of downtown Des Moines began, it’s going to reach US 65 by the end of the 2020s. The Des Moines Register reports on the city’s announcement that $34 million will go to the project. … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Southeast Connector completion ahead
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 →

Posted in Maps, Tama County | Comments Off on Tama County map meetings on three mornings