The City of Cedar Rapids is hosting a virtual event on Tuesday, March 9, to share how the public can get involved in efforts to replant the tree canopy that was destroyed in the August 2020 derecho. Next week’s event will kick off the first part of the ReLeaf Cedar Rapids planning process. Individuals will […]
City of Cedar Rapids
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Cedar Rapids tree lighting at Greene Square Park will be virtual this year
The holidays will look a bit different this year due to the pandemic, but that doesn’t mean traditions have to end — including the city of Cedar Rapids’ holiday tree lighting. As with many activities this year, the lighting of the tree in Greene Square is going virtual. It will be streamed on the city’s […]
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City of Cedar Rapids estimates businesses lost at least $133.4 million due to derecho damage
Cedar Rapids businesses experienced at least $133.4 million in losses due to the Aug. 10 derecho, according to a new estimate. The estimate is based on information gathered by a questionnaire the city launched in mid-August. The goal of the questionnaire was to get an idea of how businesses were impacted, the city’s economic development […]
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What’s next for Cedar Rapids? City council members talk through priorities for 2021
The Cedar Rapids City Council met virtually on Tuesday for a special session focused on key priorities for the upcoming year. “This is a great opportunity for the city council members, the mayor and staff to talk about priorities, and it’s particularly opportune with some of the challenges that we’ve certainly seen this year, whether […]
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The Cedar Rapids convention center and arena is now the Alliant Energy Power House
People driving along First Avenue in downtown Cedar Rapids will soon see a new name on the city’s convention center and arena — Alliant Energy Power House. City officials announced the 12-year naming rights agreement at a press conference Friday morning. The agreement, which became effective on July 1, starts at $300,000 per year, with […]
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Derecho recovery will cost Cedar Rapids at least $60 million
The derecho that hit Cedar Rapids on Aug. 10 caused $60 million to $80 million worth of damage, according to the city. Overall, the August derecho caused $7.5 billion worth of damage, according to estimates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Washington Post reported that no thunderstorm or tornado has caused “as much […]
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Derecho recovery: Cedar Rapids to begin tree replanting with an Arbor Day event in October
The city of Cedar Rapids announced three events in the coming weeks aimed at replacing its lost tree canopy. The city lost about 65 percent of its trees after the Aug. 10 derecho. The first is an Arbor Day celebration on Friday at Cedar River Academy at Taylor Elementary. The celebration is usually in April […]
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Derecho recovery: Red Cross shelter closing; Attorney General warns of price gouging
The American Red Cross is closing its shelter at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Saturday at 10 a.m. The temporary shelter, along with two others, were set up in response to the Aug. 10 derecho to help individuals whose housing was affected by the storm or who were experiencing power outages. There were close to […]
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Derecho recovery: Curfew lifted in Cedar Rapids, cooling centers and splash pads open as temperatures climb
The overnight curfew in Cedar Rapids has been lifted, Fire Chief Greg Smith announced during the city’s Monday press conference. The city had imposed a curfew immediately after the Aug. 10 derecho due to widespread power outages caused by the storm. Smith said the curfew is no longer needed because power has been restored to […]
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Matthew 25 offering free repairs for eligible homes damaged by derecho
Matthew 25 is offering to perform free repairs on homes damaged by the Aug. 10 derecho. The Cedar Rapids nonprofit began accepting applications for the program on Sunday. Initial projects will be selected by Friday, Aug. 28. The application can be found online. To be eligible, applicants must: • Own their home • Have damage […]
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Majority of Linn County regains power two weeks after derecho; recycling pick-up resumes
Two weeks after a derecho swept through the state, the majority of Linn County residents have their power back. A total of 1,359 — 1.2 percent — are without power in the county, as of Monday at 10 a.m. When the derecho hit on Aug. 10, nearly 100,000 Linn County residents’ homes went dark. Another […]
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About 40 percent of Linn County residents are still without power; Cedar Rapids prohibiting outdoor fires
A week after a derecho wreaked havoc on Iowa, almost 40 percent of Linn County residents are still without electricity. Linn County was one of the areas in the state hit hardest by the storm. A total of 41,104 customers — 36.7 percent — are without power in the county, as of Monday at noon. […]
