Author Archives: Jeff

Mar 18

A look at statewide enrollment tables

Posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Enrollment at public schools in Iowa dropped by the most in four decades, both numerically and percentage wise, and the Iowa Department of Education seriously underplayed it. There was so much to write about from that angle, in fact, that … Continue reading →

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Mar 16

Dysart grocery store closing

Posted on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Despite having its financial situation profiled in the media, Bobby’s Grocery and BBQ in Dysart couldn’t find a way forward. The North Tama Telegraph reported earlier this month that the store is closing. In addition to problems with equipment that … Continue reading →

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Mar 13

‘PIEOWA’ came to Gladbrook

Posted on Friday, March 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Beth Howard’s documentary “PIEOWA,” about the history and social  connections of pie in Iowa, was shown at the Gladbrook Theater last month. It was berry, berry good. It was in Gladbrook because Laura Bru, “The Pie Lady,” is one of … Continue reading →

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Mar 11

Two construction projects to start in Black Hawk County

Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Back-to-back press releases from the Iowa DOT indicate two construction projects in Black Hawk County will start March 23. The US 218 bridge in La Porte City, between the four-way stop and the north side of town, is going to … Continue reading →

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Mar 05

Victor I-80 rest area reopens

Posted on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The westbound I-80 rest area south of Victor opened at the end of February, the Iowa DOT said in a press release. It closed in October for full reconstruction. “The rest area’s theme, ‘Modernization of America,’ displays murals that celebrate … Continue reading →

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Mar 03

Mandated March spring break a possibility

Posted on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

My Substack “sports grab bag” a month ago started with the re-emergence of the “Iowa High School Sports History” website and also mentioned a good bill in the Legislature (mandating acceptance of cash for event admissions) and a very bad … Continue reading →

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Feb 25

Orient school demolished

Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The main building of Orient-Macksburg Community School District has been demolished before the district technically ceases to exist. WOI has a story with video of the demolition. The stone “Orient Consolidated School” plinth above the main entrance was removed beforehand. … Continue reading →

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Feb 20

Shenandoah, Red Oak Burger Kings to close

Posted on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 10:05 AM by Jeff

If you want food along the IA 48 corridor, your options are more limited. KMA Radio reports that Shenandoah and Red Oak are going to lose their Burger King restaurants on Monday. They’re the only locations in Iowa south of … Continue reading →

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Feb 17

Conway moves to disincorporate

Posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

September 17, 2014: There are no paved streets in Conway, although from 1935-61 it was the east end of IA 319. Iowa’s third-smallest town is going to be no more. The City Development Board agenda for last week’s meeting has … Continue reading →

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Feb 12

The Mormon Trail in Van Buren County

Posted on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

My visit to Van Buren County on Jan. 18 was a two-fer for stories. The Historic Hills Scenic Byway coordinator made the Iowaville presentation the cornerstone of a two-day, multiple-location tour of sites along the byway. This second presentation, in … Continue reading →

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