Author Archives: Jeff

Jun 16

100th Corn Carnival is this weekend

July 16, 2004: This corn float (?) appeared multiple years in the Corn Carnival parade, including Gladbrook’s 125th anniversary in 2005. Gladbrook’s Corn Carnival is being held for the 100th time this weekend. Director O’Connor has received word that the … Continue reading

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off on 100th Corn Carnival is this weekend
Jun 13

Cascade business route rerouted

At the fall 2021 meeting of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Iowa submitted an application to change the route of Business US 151 in Cascade. The application starts on page 4 in this large PDF. The … Continue reading

Posted in Highway Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Cascade business route rerouted
Jun 10

Ankeny’s growth makes Alleman nervous

Currently, NE 126th Avenue in Polk County between Elkhart and just north of Polk City is a paved but rural drive, and the I-35 interchange is undeveloped. That could change soon if Ankeny has its way. Ankeny, which just passed … Continue reading

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Ankeny’s growth makes Alleman nervous
Jun 08

Luana school converted to rec center

The Luana school, part of MFL-MarMac, closed in 2001. According to the March 21, 2001, North Iowa Times, closing the building would save the district $100,000. Opposition to the plan was less about closing Luana and more about busing young … Continue reading

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Jun 06

Rebuilding Cylinder (sort of)

It’s not matchsticks, but still very impressive. From KCAU: Since completing the depot in 2018, Joyce has replicated 19 of the town of Cylinder’s original business buildings. He uses the town’s centennial book as a guide. “Here’s the livery and … Continue reading

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Rebuilding Cylinder (sort of)
Jun 03

City of Chopped Liver

May 29, 2017: Hint enough for you? “The Midwest,” for $1000, on Monday’s “Jeopardy!”: The name of this second-largest city in Iowa mentions a tree and alludes to a river. There are multiple cities in Iowa that mention a tree … Continue reading

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on City of Chopped Liver
Jun 01

License Plate Letters — LUX

“Fiat Lux” — “Let there be light,” the motto of the University of California system “Fiat Slug” — “Let there be slug,” the non-motto of the University of California-Santa Cruz, home of the squishiest mascot in college sports. No focus … Continue reading

Posted in License Plates | Comments Off on License Plate Letters — LUX
Jun 01

Business 30 in Mount Vernon-Lisbon: Yes or no?

When the Mount Vernon-Lisbon US 30 bypass opened without any signs indicating a Business 30, I figured the DOT had simply decided against one. Either I was wrong or someone’s mind changed. The spring 2020 meeting of the American Association … Continue reading

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May 30

Urbana roundabout construction begins Tuesday

May 16, 2017: This curve at the west end of old IA 363 is going away. On Tuesday, following the Memorial Day weekend, part of IA 150 will be closed to build a roundabout at the Urbana corner, according to … Continue reading

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May 25

Notes on 2023-27 highway plan

(I almost typed 1923-27. Shows how much I’m looking into that era right now.) The Iowa Transportation Commission’s five-year plan is out, with a font change, mixed-case type, comma separators, no mileages listed (again!) and occasionally a more informal style … Continue reading

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