Author Archives: Jeff

Aug 02

IKM-Manning trying again on bond issue

For the third time in four years, the IKM-Manning school district is trying to close the building in Irwin by building an addition in Manning. At a meeting in July, the board approved a vote for November, the Carroll Times … Continue reading

Posted in Schools | Comments Off on IKM-Manning trying again on bond issue
Jul 31

100th anniversary of Reed-Niland corner in Colo

July 5, 2013: The Colo Motel at the Reed-Niland corner. In 1923, a Colo farmer began a gas station at the east junction of the Lincoln and Jefferson highways. The station, which expanded to include a restaurant and lodging, thrived … Continue reading

Posted in Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on 100th anniversary of Reed-Niland corner in Colo
Jul 28

Pottawattamie County supervisor plan goes up for vote

On August 1, Pottawattamie County is going to find out if its current county supervisors plan is going to change. The county currently has five supervisors elected on an at-large basis. The groups that led the petition drive to change … Continue reading

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Pottawattamie County supervisor plan goes up for vote
Jul 27

MMMFW

I have explored the most infamous headline in Iowa history: “Manly Man Marries Fertile Woman.” Read, like, subscribe, etc. over at my Substack.

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on MMMFW
Jul 25

Tama-Toledo RAGBRAI maps available

July 23, 2008: Riders enter Tama on RAGBRAI XXXVI. Tama-Toledo is again a host community this year. RAGBRAI will be going from Des Moines to Tama-Toledo on Thursday, and highs are expected to be in the upper 90s. By the … Continue reading

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off on Tama-Toledo RAGBRAI maps available
Jul 24

Sandblasting, new paint for Winding Stairs

July 9, 2023: Crop of a picture of the Winding Stairs, before cleaning. On July 16, Traer’s iconic Winding Stairs had a refreshment. It wasn’t a drink, but a full-on sandblast followed by a new coat of paint. The North … Continue reading

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off on Sandblasting, new paint for Winding Stairs
Jul 21

Here comes the I-35 flyover ramp

The “Stage 3A” plan for the northeast mixmaster includes this sign on eastbound I-80. The present gantry has the BGS for the left exit on I-35 with a 45 mph limit. What has been perhaps Iowa’s most notorious left-hand interstate … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Here comes the I-35 flyover ramp
Jul 19

Boone portion of US 30 has freeway potential

The DOT had a public meeting June 23 about long-term plans to convert US 30 between Boone and the Lincoln Way exits into a full freeway. This is in keeping with plans to do the same on 30 between Ames … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Boone portion of US 30 has freeway potential
Jul 17

A new place to publish

The Iowa Writers’ Collaborative has expanded again, this time picking up someone you might be familiar with: Me. My Substack is named Between Two Rivers. This blog isn’t going anywhere. Posts will continue to appear, though I’m not sure on what … Continue reading

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on A new place to publish
Jul 14

Notes on 2024-28 DOT five-year plan: Polk County

Final segment of the 2024-28 construction plan, approved last month: A segment of I-80 east of the northeast mixmaster to US 65, with construction in 2025-27, is mistakenly labeled as I-35 again this year. There is a separate line for … Continue reading

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Notes on 2024-28 DOT five-year plan: Polk County