Category Archives: Iowa Miscellaneous

Oct 22

History at the 2026 Iowa State Fair (2)

Once again, a story just fell into my lap: For one day only during the Iowa State Fair, a DNR employee talked about the history of Iowa’s state parks.

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Oct 20

History at the 2026 Iowa State Fair (1)

This year in Des Moines, I saw a pop-up exhibit on the American Revolution and Darcy Maulsby’s excellent history about food in Iowa.

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Sep 24

Covering Rob Sand in Marengo

As a member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative, I had some assistance in getting to cover Rob Sand’s campaign stop in Marengo on Sept. 3. There was a press gaggle — me and video streamers for the Des Moines Register … Continue reading →

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Sep 22

Jeopardy season starts with Iowa-related near-whiff

The clue on the first Wednesday of “Jeopardy!” Season 43, $800: I’ve had fun in Correctionville, but it’s time to leave the Midwest; US-20 West starts us off to SUX, the airport serving this city Writers (for which there was … Continue reading →

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Aug 27

Clayton County Museum Crawl 3

Dolls, tiny museums, and opera houses that no longer have operas but do have plays, are part of the third installment of the 2026 Clayton County Museum Crawl. I was not compensated at the time of the posts, but a … Continue reading →

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Aug 19

Photos from RAGBRAI LIII

Instead of a story from this year’s RAGBRAI route, I did a photo gallery. (Time is not a luxury, alas.)

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Aug 17

The 1996 Iowa State Fair and a ribbon that connects generations

OK, I admit I should have made this particular headline a little more SEO-friendly. Also, although I donated it, it might not actually BE on display at the Iowa State Fair this year, and I feel part of that is … Continue reading →

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Aug 11

Clayton County Museum Crawl 2

Here’s the second half of my six-museum marathon from one day in June.

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Aug 06

Always looking for the local connection

Le Grand Reporter 4/13/23: Herbert Hoover calls on relatives LeGrand included in Iowa itinerary — Uncle Davis and Aunt Amelia warmly greeted LeGrand entertained distinguished company Thursday afternoon and evening. Herbert Hoover, member of President Harding’s cabinet and one of … Continue reading →

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Jul 22

A history of the Meskwaki in Iowa

The final event in the Iowa DOT’s America 250 Scenic Byways series was close to home. Three speakers, including historian Johnathan Buffalo, gave presentations about the Meskwaki tribe’s presence in Iowa, which has been continuous since 1735.

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