Author Archives: Jeff

Sep 05

‘Big Boy’ train coming through eastern Iowa

Posted on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The Union Pacific’s No. 4014, the “Big Boy” steam locomotive, is passing through Iowa on a “Heartland of America” tour. There are two remaining stops for public view, at Belle Plaine at noon today and Grand Mound at 11 AM … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on ‘Big Boy’ train coming through eastern Iowa
Sep 02

Walz not interested in Iowa’s vote

Posted on Monday, September 2, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

I guess we’re really not a swing state any more if a major vice-presidential candidate is saying things like this: “For those not from Minnesota, just to be clear, there’s a lot of great state fairs in the country, this is the … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Walz not interested in Iowa’s vote
Aug 29

Stop hitting bridges!

Posted on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The Iowa Department of Transportation is having a special September letting. Contracts are accelerated rather than waiting until the normal date later in the month. Four of the lettings are in Bremer, Polk, Scott, and Story counties. All of them … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Stop hitting bridges!
Aug 27

My Iowa State Fair column for 2024

Posted on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

I had an idea fall into my lap, and I didn’t take it. Also, it rained that Monday, the first time it’s rained on me at the fair since 2015. However, I had a good second idea, and that’s what … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on My Iowa State Fair column for 2024
Aug 23

Hills school to be demolished

Posted on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

July 2, 2024: Hills Elementary is just off US 218 … but not for long. Hills Elementary School, which was closed at the end of the 2023-24 school year, will be demolished after just short of 60 years in existence. … Continue reading →

Posted in Schools | Comments Off on Hills school to be demolished
Aug 21

Hess Road-La Porte Road under construction

Posted on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

A construction project on Hess Road and La Porte Road on the south side of Waterloo started last week. The plan dates back to 2020 (large slideshow PDF here). It starts with a new roundabout at Hess and Shaulis roads and … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Hess Road-La Porte Road under construction
Aug 19

What’s the frequency, Jim and Beth?

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

In what appears to be a long-delayed follow-up from a request entered in 2021, KCRG is changing its antenna signal. However, the station is remaining branded as Channel 9 and this only affects antenna users. According to the station’s website, … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on What’s the frequency, Jim and Beth?
Aug 15

Lighthouse Inn supper club burns down

Posted on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The Lighthouse Inn supper club on Mount Vernon Road east of Cedar Rapids, a Lincoln Highway landmark, burned to the ground on Wednesday. Stories: Gazette, KCRG.

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Lighthouse Inn supper club burns down
Aug 13

New signing for Vining

Posted on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Tama County’s smallest incorporated place has new welcome signs. A recent transplant to the town offered to paint custom signs for all three entrances. The North Tama Telegraph has the story and photos. Yes, there are TWO tiny Tama County … Continue reading →

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off on New signing for Vining
Aug 09

Winding Stairs Festival 2024 this weekend

Posted on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Traer’s annual festival is back, and bigger than last year. The “Shine and Show” car show is part of Winding Stairs Festival this year, instead of being on a separate date in July. The cars might be part of the parade … Continue reading →

Posted in Tama County | Comments Off on Winding Stairs Festival 2024 this weekend