It has been one year since Iowa City and the U.S. government have formally recognized Juneteenth as an official holiday. Many cities across Iowa have been slow to formally recognize Juneteenth, even though the holiday dates back to 1865. However, on the state level, Iowa formally began observing Juneteenth as a holiday back in 2002. […]
Cedar Rapids
Posted inCommunity/News
How a Cedar Rapids strip mall brought town and country together — and stood the test of time
Anyone living in Cedar Rapids or Marion has more than likely found themselves needing to get to the other, and, most likely, has made the trip by way of First Avenue. On their way, they’ve probably seen an unassuming strip mall just a couple minutes into Cedar Rapids past the Marion border: an L-shaped series […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
LV Staff Picks: Valentine’s Weekend
Love is in the air, readers! Intimacy is a major theme of our February issue (remember to grab a copy!), and celebrating love is a great reason to get out of the house this weekend. Do yourself a favor and fully embrace Valentine’s Day weekend, whether it be spending time with your SO or […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
KCCK celebrates 30 years of Bobby D’s ‘da Blues with a sold-out party
When you think of long-running musical traditions on Cedar Rapids area radio, there’s a good chance two things come to mind: polka on Sunday mornings and the blues on Saturday night. Bob DeForest is largely responsible for making the blues the sound of Saturday night in Cedar Rapids. His show, ’da Blues, debuted on KCCK […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids unveils mural featuring local healthcare workers
A new two-story mural appeared almost overnight in Cedar Rapids to recognize the courage and sacrifice of healthcare workers. “This project is meant to be a tribute. A tribute to our local healthcare workforce,” said Jesse Thoeming, executive director of the Downtown District, which is part of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “For these […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids City Council approves $8 million settlement in CRPD shooting of Jerime Mitchell
The Cedar Rapids City Council voted on Tuesday to approve the $8 million settlement agreement in the civil lawsuit filed by Jerime Mitchell and his wife Bracken. The Mitchells filed their lawsuit against the City of Cedar Rapids and former police officer Lucas Jones, who shot and paralyzed Mitchell in 2016. The resolution to move […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Linn County’s overflow shelter is closing on Monday
Linn County’s overflow shelter will close on Monday after being open for a year and a half. The overflow shelter located at the Fillmore Center, 520 11th St NW, is typically open from November to March to address winter housing needs. It’s staffed by employees from Willis Dady Homeless Services and is a no-barrier homeless […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market returning this summer with in-person season
The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market is returning this summer for its 16th season with an in-person market featuring nearly 100 local vendors selling fresh produce, cinnamon rolls, honey, flowers and other goods. Like many in-person events last year, the downtown farmers market had to adjust its operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 […]
Posted inCommunity/News
City of Cedar Rapids paid $619,000 to defend former officer Lucas Jones
The City of Cedar Rapids paid $619,000 to defend former Cedar Rapids police officer Lucas Jones against the civil lawsuit filed by Jerime Mitchell and his wife Bracken, the Associated Press reported on Thursday. The city incurred $688,000 in legal expenses during the lawsuit, including the $619,000 paid to Lynch Dallas law firm that represented […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids bike share program is returning on Friday, with a new addition to the fleet coming later this month
The Cedar Rapids bike share program is returning this year with electric scooters, electric-assist bikes and a new addition to the fleet. The bikes and scooters are expected to begin arriving by Friday, according to a news release. A few weeks after that, about 100 sit-down scooters will be added as a new option to […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Matthew 25 launches $1 million campaign to develop housing, nonprofit grocery store in Time Check neighborhood
Cedar Rapids nonprofit Matthew 25 kicked off a $1 million campaign this week to revitalize the Time Check neighborhood with new housing opportunities and a nonprofit grocery store as the community continues to recover from the 2008 flood. Matthew 25 executive director Clint Twedt-Ball said $400,000 will be used to build new housing and repair […]
Posted inCommunity/News
Cedar Rapids considers a major river recreation project
The City of Cedar Rapids is still considering plans to revitalize the Cedar River, possibly turning it into an amenity capable of attracting visitors from around the state and Midwest. At its April 13 meeting, the Cedar Rapids City Council received a presentation on a potential $14.6 million project that would modify the Five-in-One Dam […]
