As Iowa surpasses 4,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and moved into triple digits in deaths, Governor Kim Reynolds announced she will allow select segments to “reopen.” Reynolds has not further extended the state public health emergency declaration that requires certain businesses to remain closed to limit spread of the novel coronavirus through April 30, but […]
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Year: 2020
Environmental challenges remain as world...
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the world is marking the 50th anniversary of Earth Day somewhat in isolation, even as environmental challenges mount around the globe and close to home. The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970 to draw attention to environmental issues and advocate for clean air and clean water. This year, April […]
Organizers cancel 2020 Freedom Festival ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Organizers of the Freedom Festival announced April 21 that the 2020 festival will be canceled, due to coronavirus concerns. “In the 37 years of our Festival, we’ve not ever had to have the heavy conversations that we have had over the last few weeks; taking into consideration the latest news of […]
Morel mushrooms pop up as signs of hope ...
Even in these uncertain times, Iowans are finding one thing to look forward to: mushroom hunting. Already, some morel hunters are finding the sponge-like delicacies in the southern half of Iowa, despite snow last week throughout the state. Social distancing in light of the coronavirus pandemic just means that solitary mushroom hunting, or in very […]
Iowa hits ominous COVID-19 highs; RAGBRA...
Iowa has hit disheartening highs in deaths and confirmed cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, while at the same time, RAGBRAI organizers called off the state’s popular summer bicycle ride. An additional 10 deaths were reported on Saturday, April 18 — the most on a single day — bringing the state’s […]
Linn County Master Gardener plant sale m...
MARION, Iowa — Gardeners who rely on local plant sales for gorgeous blooms and bountiful harvests are still able to make their purchases, even in the wake of coronavirus social distancing recommendations. The Linn County Master Gardener plant sale will move its sales online for the first time in the annual event’s 38 years. Gardening […]
“We are safe” University of Iowa Hospita
IOWA CITY — University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics has released the number of employees who have tested positive for COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus, but those numbers do not translate into an outbreak, officials said Friday. “Today was the first time we shared with our staff the total number of […]
School closing recommendation extended i...
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has extended her recommendation for schools to remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, to now continue through the end of the school year. Reynolds made the announcement during a press conference on Friday, April 17. The previous closure recommendation extended through April 30. “I regret to say, Iowa schools will […]
Iowa governor orders new restrictions on...
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has increased coronavirus mitigation steps in Region 6, which includes Linn County and surrounding areas in northeastern Iowa. Reynolds made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday, April 16. The recommendation begins at 11:59 p.m. today and extends through April 30. All social gatherings are ordered to cease at that […]
Indian Creek Nature Center’s spring plan
The annual Spring Plant & Art Sale is one of the major fundraisers for the Indian Creek Nature Center, attracting crowds of gardening enthusiasts who eagerly buy wildflowers, prairie plants, hosta and more. Every year, the event has grown, but the coronavirus pandemic has moved the 2020 sale from the Nature Center’s site at 5300 […]