Author Archives: Jeff

Feb 10

The story of Iowaville

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

A visit to Lacey-Keosauqua State Park kicked off the first of what I hope will be multiple stories of Iowa history related to Iowa Scenic Byways and America 250. The presentation focused on an Ioway village rediscovered a few decades … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on The story of Iowaville
Feb 07

Here, kitty, kitty, kitty

Posted on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources does NOT want you to say that when you see a bobcat, but LOOKIT. When I saw “Meet Comet” in the alert, I thought it had to be a sports-related name, and yes, this … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Here, kitty, kitty, kitty
Feb 03

2025 by the numbers

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

Rather than look ahead as I did in previous year-opening Substack pieces, I looked back. This is a compilation of dollar figures, percentages, and other numbers that caught my eye over the course of 2025.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on 2025 by the numbers
Jan 29

Curve change planned for F48

Posted on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

A county road project this year ties into Iowa highway history in Jasper County. The Newton News reports that the “third phase” of a project on County Road F48 west of Colfax includes widening the curve at 124th Street. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Curve change planned for F48
Jan 27

Centennial Bridge meeting Wednesday

Posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

September 27, 2015: The top plaque on a pillar at the Illinois approach to the Centennial Bridge notes that the bridge, initially planned to be named in honor of Rock Island Mayor Robert Galbraith, was renamed for the centennial of … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Centennial Bridge meeting Wednesday
Jan 22

Crawford County uses AI logo for 175th

Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

Like half of Iowa’s counties this year (this month, specifically), Crawford County turns 175 years old. KTIV did a story about the celebration and an abbreviated version aired on KCCI and KCRG. It mentions Abraham Lincoln’s Black Hawk War grant … Continue reading →

Posted in Iowa Miscellaneous | Comments Off on Crawford County uses AI logo for 175th
Jan 20

Original Orient school will be demolished

Posted on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The main building of Orient-Macksburg Community School will be demolished in the upcoming months, according to the Adair County Free Press. The school board and Orient City Council met in November to discuss the future of the school complex. For … Continue reading →

Posted in Schools | Comments Off on Original Orient school will be demolished
Jan 15

A tribute to the women of country music

Posted on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

I sang at the Grand Ole Opry. When I took my place, tourist version or not, I thought about the women of country music, often overlooked, who helped make me the person I am today.

Posted in Trip Reports | Comments Off on A tribute to the women of country music
Jan 13

Roundabouts proposed for major Denison intersections

Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

June 25, 2006: This picture looking north on US 59, which includes a wrong-way triplex with US 30 and IA 141, approaches the north intersection with US 30. More pictures can be seen on the IA 39 page. The Iowa … Continue reading →

Posted in Construction | Comments Off on Roundabouts proposed for major Denison intersections
Jan 08

A penny* for my thoughts

Posted on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

*at least until they completely run out This column also includes a year roundup of my best work.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on A penny* for my thoughts