The City of Cedar Rapids is asking all bars and restaurants to close tomorrow for St. Patrick’s Day to prevent people from gathering in large crowds, in which the risk of spreading coronavirus is higher. Normal St. Patrick’s Day activities would cause a “public safety hazard,” city manager Jeff Pomeranz said during a press conference […]
Izabela Zaluska
Posted inCommunity/News
Marion Etch A Sketch artist sees unlimited potential in a 60-year-old toy
Tim Gallenbeck bought an Etch A Sketch for 99 cents at a thrift store in 2013. He hoped his daughters would play with it, but found himself using it more than them. In December of that year, Gallenbeck made a Christmas scene on the Etch A Sketch, posted it on Facebook and didn’t think much […]
Posted inCommunity/News
‘One death is one too many’: Cedar Rapids leaders discuss gun violence prevention in the city
Last year, there were 99 shots-fired incidents in Cedar Rapids, but only 9 percent of those cases resulted in an arrest, Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman said during a discussion at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. He emphasized the importance of the community working together with police to address gun violence in the city. […]
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Cedar Rapids school board approves spending $26 million to replace Jackson Elementary, as part of its Facilities Master Plan
The Cedar Rapids school board approved nearly $26 million in bonds for the construction of a new elementary school that will replace Jackson Elementary, as part of the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) Facilities Master Plan. Jackson is one of three elementary schools part of the plan’s first phase, along with Coolidge and Truman. […]
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What you need to know about the 2020 Census, as the nationwide count begins (Updated)
Iowans will begin receiving information in the mail starting on Thursday telling them how to respond to the 2020 Census. While that sounds simple enough, understanding the census can be difficult — especially with information and misinformation floating around. The Pew Research Center found that most people know the census is coming and are ready to answer it — but don’t know key details, like how citizenship will not be asked and how this is the first count that will be done primarily online.
Posted inFood & Drink
New restaurant The Fish Store is building on the tradition of Boston Fish
A new seafood restaurant opened in Cedar Rapids last week, and residents will most likely recognize parts of the menu — especially if they dined at Boston Fish. Lenore Zoll, who was the restaurant’s manager before it closed its doors last May after 77 years, was determined to bring Boston Fish back to the community. […]
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North Liberty Public Library to eliminate fines for overdue materials
The North Liberty Library announced earlier this week it will eliminate overdue fines and forgive outstanding fines in an effort to make the library more accessible. Around 500 public libraries across the country have gotten rid of their fines, including Iowa libraries in West Liberty, West Branch and Ely. Iowa City Public Library eliminated fines […]
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Linn County Supervisors delay vote on ATV ordinance to address concerns raised by residents
Linn County residents hoping to ride their all-terrain or off-road vehicles on secondary roads will have to wait. The county’s Board of Supervisors decided to delay a vote on the proposed ordinance to address concerns raised during the two public hearings.
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Linn County wants public input on a proposal to allow ATVs on some roads
The Linn County Board of Supervisors is considering letting people drive ATVs and off-road vehicles on secondary roads and wants to hear what residents think. Almost half of Iowa’s counties have passed an ATV ordinance. The vehicles are currently not allowed on Linn County roads, but there are eight parks around the state where riders can go, including Lakeview OHV park in Johnson County.
Posted inFood & Drink
A new barbecue joint offering ribs, brisket and boozy milkshakes is coming to Cedar Rapids
Come May, there will be a new place to get barbecue in Cedar Rapids — along with pies and boozy milkshakes. The St. Louis-based chain Sugarfire Smoke House is expanding to Iowa with Sugarfire Cedar Rapids, 2350 Edgewood Rd SW. The restaurant will move into the space by Westdale Town Center that was formerly F&M […]
Posted inCommunity/News
CR Mayor Brad Hart talks infrastructure, traffic cameras and making ‘difficult decisions’ in State of the City speech
During his third State of the City speech, Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart shared his top infrastructure goals for 2020, his thoughts on the city’s traffic cameras and various projects residents can look forward to in 2020. Hart also acknowledged that during his two years as mayor there “have been — and will be — […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids City Council passes resolution recognizing urgency for climate action
The Cedar Rapids City Council unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday recognizing the urgency of taking action to address climate change and outlining steps for creating a community-wide sustainability plan.
