Category Archives: Iowa Miscellaneous

Apr 20

Kyle Munson’s last day at Register

Posted on Friday, April 20, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The number of my former co-workers who remain at The Des Moines Register has taken a hit this year. No fewer than four (that I know of) have checked out in six weeks. That includes columnist Kyle Munson, whose last … Continue reading →

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Apr 08

All April in a week

Posted on Sunday, April 8, 2018, at 11:00 AM by Jeff

When Mother Nature gets off the sauce, or as tired of winter as we are, but not without 3 to 4 inches of snow first. Exactly five years ago, it was the other way around.

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Apr 05

Last ride on the first escalator

Posted on Thursday, April 5, 2018, at 10:10 AM by Jeff

April 1, 2018: Through the window on the first floor of Sears at Waterloo’s Crossroads Mall. The new Sears Roebuck Department Store, twice as big as the old and sparkling with the innovations of a “more modern and fashionable” head … Continue reading →

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Mar 28

Benton County closing front door to courthouse, installing metal detector

Posted on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

July 23, 2015: When RAGBRAI had a noon stop in Vinton, the south-side front door of the courthouse was open. A procedure once reserved for only the biggest county courthouses in Iowa is trickling down to at least one more. … Continue reading →

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Mar 27

Analysis of 2018 RAGBRAI map

Posted on Tuesday, March 27, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

July 23, 2008: RAGBRAI passed through the center of Iowa (well, close enough) in 2008 and will again this year. The Register’s preview appears to be trying to tell me something. If you can locate Ute, Aspinwall, Dana, Peoria and … Continue reading →

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Mar 13

When the Navy landed in Ottumwa

Posted on Tuesday, March 13, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

In the middle of World War II, 75 years ago today, the U.S. Naval Air Station opened north of Ottumwa. It served as a training site for cadets. The most famous Navy personnel to pass through were future president Richard … Continue reading →

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Mar 07

The Tater Tot Trot

Posted on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

October 15, 2013: A tater tot casserole. Jewell held its first (of many?) Tater Tot Trots last weekend. Participants run a mile, eat a mini tater tot casserole, then run back. I am 1000% in favor of making this the … Continue reading →

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Feb 28

Iowa’s westernmost Casey’s moves across the street

Posted on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

September 30, 2015: The Akron Casey’s seen in the background of this picture has closed, with a new store opening on this side of IA 3. The north intersection of IA 3 and IA 12 has the new-style sign marking … Continue reading →

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Feb 26

Remembering six-on-six

Posted on Monday, February 26, 2018, at 10:30 AM by Jeff

July 7, 2015: Denise Long Park, Whitten, Iowa. For the 50th anniversary of the 1968 state championship game and the 25th anniversary of the end of six-on-six in Iowa, I wrote something for the Gazette looking back and also looking … Continue reading →

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Feb 06

The story of Albert the Bull

Posted on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 10:00 AM by Jeff

The world’s largest anatomically correct Hereford was featured in a Super Bowl ad and got a mini-documentary. Story, Sioux City Journal; video (below), Cenex (the ad’s sponsor).

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