Preparations by the city of Cedar Rapids lessened the likelihood of major damage this week, even as the Cedar River rose to a major flood stage. The National Weather Service predicted the river to crest Tuesday, March 19, at 18.3 feet – more than 2 feet above the level considered “major” flooding. That number is […]
Customers protest Alliant Energy rate hi...
Holding signs reading “Don’t feed Alliant’s Greed” and “Family of 5 trying 2 survive,” several dozen people took to the streets of downtown Cedar Rapids to protest Alliant Energy’s rate increases. The company has filed applications proposing to increase retail electric and natural gas rates for customers in seven classes, including an increase of 24.45 […]
Photos: Beto O’Rourke visits Raygun in C
Beto O’Rourke made the rounds at locally owned New Bohemia shops before settling down in front of a crowd of 200 at the Raygun store in Cedar Rapids. The former Texas congressman bought two record albums Friday, March 15, at the Analog Vault and popped into EduSkate on his first trip to Iowa as a […]
February was snowiest on record in Iowa
No surprise: no areas of Iowa are experiencing drought heading into the coming spring. The average statewide snowfall for February was 22.6 inches, making this February the snowiest on record, with more than 40 inches of snow falling in northern parts of Iowa. While the risk of flooding has not completely subsided, the state is […]
Czech, Bohemian visionaries honored in C...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Without the efforts of a persistent Czech advocate, the iconic Bridge of Lions that connects Czech Village to New Bohemia might never have been constructed. Family members of the late Edward Kuba Sr., who promoted the idea for the bridge – constructed 30 years ago – accepted one of the 2019 Robert […]
Czech koblihy and other signs of the sea...
March is a busy month for Czechs in Iowa. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library hosted a potluck for members of the museum and the Czech Heritage Foundation that coincided with Masopust, a carnival celebrated before the beginning of Lent. To help celebrate, museum President/CEO Cecilia Rokusek used a family recipe for koblihy, […]
Popular eatery leaving NewBo City Market
CEDAR RAPIDS – Zaytoon Mediterranean Grill is leaving NewBo City Market, as of Feb. 27, 2019. No explanation was given for the departure, with the following announcement on Facebook that afternoon: “We regret to inform everyone, Zaytoon has been told to vacate the Market. It is completely out of our hands. We’re moving out today. […]
Immigrants welcomed during naturalizatio...
CEDAR RAPIDS – A museum that celebrates the immigrant experience in America provided the perfect setting Friday, Feb. 22, for 75 people to become U.S. citizens. The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, 1400 Inspiration Place SW, hosted a naturalization ceremony, the formal proceeding that marks the end of the process to become a […]
Marion, Iowa, takes first steps to save ...
By Cindy Hadish MARION — As demolitions of historic buildings bulldoze ahead in Cedar Rapids, leaders in neighboring Marion are poised to lead the way in saving some of the city’s architectural heritage. The Marion City Council last night voted unanimously to refer proposals by Seven Hills East LLC to the city’s Economic Development Committee. […]
Photos: Winter Gardening Fair 2019
CEDAR RAPIDS — Lots of scary stuff out there in the world of gardening. In addition to Emerald Ash Borer — now confirmed in 66 Iowa counties — and Japanese beetles, which have plagued Iowa since 1994, gardeners also have to contend with invaders such as the spotted wing drosophila, brown marmorated stink bug and […]