Among the most reliable perennials in the Midwest are surprise lilies, also known as Naked Ladies and a host of other names. But, 2020 — a year full of unwelcome surprises — seems to have spawned another twist. Typically, the [...]
Read more
CEDAR RAPIDS — Homeowners near a prairie where Cargill wants to build an industrial railyard are considering their options after a judge ruled against them. “We are extremely disappointed with Cargill’s plans to ruin this prairie to the public’s detriment [...]
Read more
CEDAR RAPIDS — Acres of prairie transform in summer to a sea of lavender and gold in southeast Cedar Rapids. Years in the making, the Prairie Pollinator Zone, at Stewart Road and Otis Avenue SE, provides a tranquil sanctuary in [...]
Read more
The Iowa Department of Public Health reported two firsts on Wednesday, June 17, 2020: the first West Nile virus case of the season and the first-ever Heartland virus reported in Iowa. West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne disease that has been present in Iowa for more than a decade, while the Heartland virus is carried […]
Fans of the Iowa State Fair will have to wait until 2021 for deep-fried Oreos and food on a stick. “Fairwell for now,” fair organizers posted on the State Fair’s website on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. “We’ll see you next year, Aug. 12-22, 2021.” Earlier in the day, Governor Kim Reynolds didn’t indicate that the […]
Citing heightened testing capacity and moderation of COVID-19 cases in Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds is lifting the 50 percent capacity restriction for businesses, effective 8 a.m. Friday, June 12, 2020. More: Some Test Iowa results “not received at all” The 6-foot social distancing requirement will remain in place for certain establishments, such as bars, restaurants […]
CEDAR RAPIDS — A peaceful protest turned out as planned, as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of downtown Cedar Rapids. “Please march with us as we peacefully protest the heartbreaking and infuriating racism, inequality, and murder experienced by George Floyd and too many others,” organizers Nicole LeGrand, Tamara Marcus and Leslie Neely posted […]
By Cindy Hadish Test Iowa COVID-19 results to Linn County Public Health are on a more timely track after lengthy delays from the initiative’s outset. Tricia Kitzmann, Community Health Division Manager for Linn County Public Health, said the department is currently receiving positive COVID-19 results from the Iowa Department of Public Health within three to […]
Less than three months after reporting its first presumptive positive cases of COVID-19, Iowa has hit another dark milestone, with more than 20,000 confirmed cases. As of 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 2, 2020, the state reported 20,017 positive cases of COVID-19, an increase of 329 new cases in approximately 24 hours. Iowa’s first case was […]
CEDAR RAPIDS — The Indian Creek Nature Center postponed its popular Maple Syrup Festival when the coronavirus pandemic hit Iowa, but announced Thursday, May 28, that the festival has been canceled for this year. Originally set for March 21-22, 2020, Nature Center leaders postponed the festival — one of the primary fundraisers for the nonprofit […]
Just one week after surpassing 400 COVID-19 deaths, Iowa hit another grim milestone in the pandemic on May 28, 2020, with a total of 500 Iowans succumbing to the novel coronavirus. Related: Iowa coronavirus death toll reaches 400 Nationwide, the death toll in the United States has surpassed 100,000. At the same time, COVID-19 has […]
CEDAR RAPIDS — Rick Martin couldn’t celebrate his 75th birthday at his favorite hangout, but plans to make up for that when the Red Lion Lounge opens this Thursday, May 28. “I’m tickled to death,” said the Navy veteran, who served two tours in Vietnam. “We have a lot of good friends down here that […]
Iowans will be allowed to go to casinos, racetracks, amphitheatres, amusement parks, bowling alleys, outdoor playgrounds and more beginning June 1, as Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced further lifting of restrictions that had been in place to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Venues will be limited to 50 percent capacity and smoking […]
