Plant sales, where gardeners can find locally grown perennials and other plants that perform well in Iowa, are off to an early start this year. Tender plants, such as tomatoes, peppers and annual flowers, should wait to be planted outside until after the final frost, but others, including native plants, can successfully be planted in […]
Cedar Rapids school survey points to ano...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Survey results show voters would resoundingly defeat the latest Cedar Rapids Community School District bond proposal. The district’s Board of Education heard results of the survey, taken earlier this year, during a special board meeting on Monday, April 7, 2025. Of the 7,850 registered voters who responded to the survey, just […]
High Cedar Rapids turnout for global eve...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Crowds lined Eighth Avenue SE on a blustery afternoon as more than 1,000 people participated in one of the “Hands Off” demonstrations held internationally on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Officially, about 1,300 people had signed up to attend the Cedar Rapids event, organized by the progressive group Indivisible, but with demonstrators […]
Willie Ray’s Q Shack among Cedar Rapids,
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Willie Ray’s Q Shack, based in Cedar Rapids, and a Marion resident are among Iowans participating in the commissioning of the USS Iowa this week. Willie Ray Fairley’s popular barbecue will be served during a crew rally this Friday, April 4, 2025, as part of the events surrounding the submarine’s commissioning […]
New middle school might be removed from ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Cedar Rapids Community School District could remove its biggest hurdle in passing a multi-million-dollar bond referendum by eliminating the construction of a new middle school from the proposal, according to a task force. Members of the task force convened to examine school bond options almost unanimously agreed that now is […]
Teachers consider moving own children fr...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Two teachers, concerned about the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s “right-sizing” efforts, were among speakers during the March 31, 2025, School Board meeting. Chris Rolwes and Kevin Darrow, both teachers at Jefferson High School, asked how the board will address new requirements for the upcoming school year in courses such as […]
Eastern Iowa Arts Academy showcases new ...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Hundreds of supporters streamed through the doors of the former Arthur School as the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy hosted an open house at its new location. Executive Director Heather Wagner greeted visitors to the school, 2630 B Ave. NE, on a summer-like day on Friday, March 28, 2025. The nonprofit had […]
Historic New Bohemia building in Cedar R...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The new owner of the historic Matyk Building in New Bohemia said the future of the corner landmark remains unclear. Kory Nanke, who purchased the building last month, said in an email that he is working with Iowa’s State Historic Preservation Office and local building officials to make that determination. “Lots […]
Will Meta take down this post, too?
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — It’s been nearly a week since St. Patrick’s Day, when I posted photos from the annual parade in Cedar Rapids, a post that was almost immediately removed by Meta when I shared it on Facebook. “To keep people safe,” the AI system noted, “we ask everyone using our technology to follow […]
Czech clock tower in Cedar Rapids to rea...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — After a winter “slumber,” North America’s only astronomical clock will “reawaken” this Thursday, March 20, 2025, the first day of spring. The Buresh Immigration Clock Tower, located at the entrance of Czech Village on 16th Avenue SW, has been quiet during the cold Iowa winter, but the figurines will once again […]