Deaths in Iowa from COVID-19 have topped 8,000, as of Jan. 5, 2022. The state reported 161 new coronavirus deaths since its last report one week ago, bringing the total to 8,019. The deaths occurred between Oct. 13 and Dec. 30, 2021. Hospitalizations also are rising after the holidays, with 792 Iowans hospitalized as of […]
Nature’s gardeners: Celebrating National
They’re not everyone’s favorite, as the ubiquitous squirrel wreaks havoc on birdfeeders, electrical cables and more, but Iowans and the country as a whole can celebrate their benefits during National Squirrel Appreciation Day on Jan. 21. The holiday began in 2001, at the suggestion of wildlife rehabilitation specialist Christy Hargrove “to encourage kind attitudes towards […]
Winter Gardening Fair plans in-person re...
After going virtual in 2021, due to the pandemic, the Winter Gardening Fair plans to return to an in-person format for 2022. See photos from the 2020 Winter Gardening Fair. The daylong event, hosted by the Linn County ISU Extension Master Gardeners, is scheduled to return to the Kirkwood Linn County Regional Center, 1770 Boyson […]
Forgotten Hawkeye Marching Band history
UPDATED Dec. 27, 2021, with photo and information from charter flagline member Cynthia Luse-McKeen regarding the first year of the HMB color guard. As University of Iowa fans gear up for the Jan. 1 Citrus Bowl, alumni reflect on past bowl game experiences, including those with the Hawkeye Marching Band. “BAND 141” celebrates more than […]
Annual Christmas Bird Count is underway
Bird watchers in Iowa and elsewhere are participating in the 122nd annual Christmas Bird Count. Coordinated by the Audubon Society, the event this time falls between Dec. 14, 2021, and Jan. 5, 2022. An estimated 80,000 volunteers will participate across the United States and in up to 20 countries in the western hemisphere. Read more […]
End is near for iconic Iowa City venue
IOWA CITY — The days appear to be numbered for The Mill, an iconic music venue and restaurant in downtown Iowa City. Related: Preservationists pore through the past to save The Mill A demolition permit has been posted for the site, at 120 E. Burlington St. A representative of the demolition company, who declined to […]
Cedar Rapids leaders take sledgehammer t...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — City leaders used sledgehammers to mark the beginning of a multi-million dollar project that will replace a century of history with a four-story apartment complex. Taking swings at the solid brick Banjo Refrigeration building, constructed in 1910, no one made a dent until Mayor Brad Hart cracked a window during the […]
Final days for downtown Iowa City restau...
IOWA CITY — A restaurant with roots both in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids will be closing its doors soon. Dumpling Darling, 213 Iowa Ave., announced this week its last day of business will be Dec. 19, 2021. Founder Lesley Rish started selling Asian-style steamed dumplings at the Iowa City Farmers Market in 2014 after […]
Cedar Rapids school district ordered to ...
UPDATED: Dec. 15, 2021, with information about consent decree with Abatement Specialties. Just a few years after being ordered to create educational videos to settle asbestos violations at Washington High School, the Cedar Rapids Community School District has been ordered to pay a penalty for similar violations at Kennedy High School. Under the settlement with […]
Omicron variant confirmed in Iowa as sta...
On the heels of reporting record numbers of Iowans hospitalized this year due to COVID-19, health officials announced the state’s first confirmation of the Omicron variant. The Iowa Department of Public Health released the following on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021: The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the State Hygienic Lab (SHL) confirmdetection of […]