In response to the dangerously cold weather, the downtown location of the Cedar Rapids Public Library is opening an hour early through Thursday, Jan. 31, to accommodate anyone who needs a warm place during the day, as the wind chill drives down temperatures. “The Library always strives to meet the needs of our community. This […]
Cedar Rapids News
Posted inCommunity/News
In memoriam: Remembering those we lost in 2018
Every year brings losses, and we mourn the passing of people who helped make our community what it is. This year has been no exception. From leaders of the food scene to elected officials to a leader on education and civil rights to an Iowa City RAGBRAI icon, 2018 saw the deaths of individuals loved […]
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Reinventions, new locations and a ‘secret’ from long ago: The restaurant scene in 2018
Transformation was a major theme on the local restaurant scene in 2018. Early in the year, the owners of downtown fixture Atlas announced they were remaking the restaurant into the Saint Burch Tavern (named after Burch, the bear who served as the University of Iowa’s mascot at the beginning of the 20th century), and as […]
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Goodbye Paul’s, farewell University Camera, so long Sears: Notable business closings in 2018
There were major changes to the retail landscape of the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area in 2018 as long-standing businesses closed their doors for the last time. Neither a specialized business like University Camera or Family Video, nor the store where you could find almost anything, Paul’s, were immune from the major shifts in the retail […]
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Hatchets, trampolines, a mountain of garbage and retired rides: The evolution of recreation in 2018
After 66 years, Iowa City’s much-loved children’s train made its final run this fall, after the Iowa City Department of Parks and Recreation decided to close down and dismantle the amusement rides in City Park. It had become increasingly expensive to repair and maintain the aging rides, and the amusement rides area also isn’t fully […]
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Route for next year’s Run CRANDIC marathon has been announced
Run CRANDIC will return for its second year on Sunday, April 28; the routes for its marathon and half-marathon were announced on Tuesday, and represent a literal reversal of direction from the inaugural race.
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids City Council considering restrictions on smoking in city parks
On Tuesday, the Cedar Rapids City Council will consider taking introducing restrictions smoking in the city’s parks. It would not be a total ban, like the one passed by Iowa City in last year that prohibited the use of smokeless tobacco, smoking or vaping in all city parks.
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Election Day FAQ: Where to go and what you need to vote on Tuesday
When are polls open? Where do I vote? Do I need ID? Can I take a selfie with my ballot? Can I register on Election Day? What if I am a person with a disability — are polling places accessible? Answer your most pertinent questions ahead of the midterms.
Posted inCommunity/News
As Iowa’s first medical marijuana production facility opens, severe restrictions remain on the program
Iowa’s still developing medical marijuana program reached an important milestone on Thursday, as MedPharm Iowa held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its Des Moines facility. “It’s about the patients, the kids, the patients who are going to benefit from these particular products,” Dr. Christopher Nelson, MedPharm’s owner, said at the ribbon-cutting.
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Your Village: Are security cameras at voting sites watching voters cast ballots?
Have a question about what’s going on in your community? Ask Little Village. Submit your questions through the Your Village feature on our homepage, or email us at editor@littlevillagemag.com.
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Iowa City and Cedar Rapids will offer free bus rides on Election Day
Bus rides in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids will be free all day on Election Day, as both cities try to make getting to the polls easier for voters. These well-intentioned efforts, however, highlight the limitations of both cities’ public transit systems. Polls will be open statewide for the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, […]
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Early voting for the November general election has begun
Early in-person voting for the Nov. 6 general election began on Monday. Voters will be at the county auditor’s office during business hours, until Nov. 5. The Johnson County Auditor’s Office is open Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Voters in Linn County have a slightly narrower window — its auditor’s office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
