Author Archives: Jeff

Dec 26

Old Rockford school burns down

Posted on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The school building in Rockford that was built in 1899-1900 to replace one destroyed in a fire burned down itself on Dec. 22. This building in the center of town had been abandoned for some time. The “new addition” next … Continue reading →

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Dec 21

Circumnavigation report Day 3

Posted on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Going across the top of the state was pretty easy on my 2015 trip. Here’s a recap of Day 3.

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Dec 19

Correcting the AP on the ‘Titanic’ script

Posted on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

An Associated Press article relating to the phrase “women and children first” that uses current events in the Middle East as a hook references the Titanic disaster. Of course I’m going to have to weigh in — and today happens to … Continue reading →

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Dec 15

Fort Madison railroad bridge toll going up — twice

Posted on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

December 18, 2006: The approach to the BNSF Fort Madison bridge as seen from the Illinois side. Iowa’s second-oldest existing bridge across the Mississippi River is going to cost more to cross. The bridge at Fort Madison, the only toll … Continue reading →

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Dec 13

Des Moines’ smallest annexation?

Posted on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The City Development Board approves actions related to municipal boundaries in Iowa, which makes it an important source for annexations and discontinuations. The board’s website is pretty good at posting agendas and minutes, but no additional information is included. This … Continue reading →

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Dec 11

The last link in the Transcontinental Railroad

Posted on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Did you know that when the (first) Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869, there was no connection between Omaha and Council Bluffs? A bridge wouldn’t be built for three years. The story of that bridge, and how it took a … Continue reading →

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Dec 08

Cedar Rapids annexes one house

Posted on Friday, December 8, 2023, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

In September, the state’s City Development Board approved Cedar Rapids’ annexation of 3241 Blairs Ferry Rd. NE. One property, singular. Screencap via Linn County GIS website The long driveway in the middle goes to First Assembly of God Church, which … Continue reading →

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Dec 06

Cedar Rapids, Fairfax finally touch

Posted on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

(Delayed until I needed fillers. — Ed.) Despite annexations in the southwest quadrant of Cedar Rapids over the past half-decade, the city limits have never touched Fairfax. The right-of-way for Williams Boulevard (US 151) around the intersection with Stoney Point … 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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Dec 01

Big 12 traitors as Taylor Swift songs

Posted on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 10:05 AM by Jeff

I admit you’ll need to know a little (OK a lot) about college football and a little (OK a lot) about Taylor Swift to fully appreciate my latest Substack post, but those who do get it, I hope you like … Continue reading →

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