CEDAR RAPIDS – Friends of Czech Village has been hard at work to resurrect the Riverside Roundhouse, home to farmers markets for decades. Last year, the group teamed with the Linn County Blues Society to host Czech Village Blues as a fundraiser to bring back the Roundhouse, which was dismantled following the 2008 flood that […]
Is Trump’s plan for a display of strengt
By Cindy Hadish/Homegrown Iowan Donald Trump’s plan to stage a parade to display our nation’s military strength reminded me of the veterans I met during an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., several years ago. Most of the men and women on the one-day trip were in their 80s or 90s and were among the last […]
Rebirth of an environmental movement in ...
HIAWATHA – A “green” coalition that sparked EcoFest, a popular Earth Day celebration, is being revitalized to face watershed and water quality concerns, climate change, infill development and other environmental issues. Thirty representatives of environmental groups, students, businesses and county and city staff met last week at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center in Hiawatha for the […]
A royal opportunity for young Czech Iowa...
CEDAR RAPIDS – Young people with Czech ancestry have a unique opportunity in Iowa. The Czech Heritage Foundation, based in Cedar Rapids, sponsors the Czech Royal Court, a group of boys and girls ages 6 to 16 who represent their Czech heritage at festivals, parades and other events throughout the year. The foundation also sponsors […]
Iowa farmer chosen for sustainability aw...
Practical Farmers of Iowa announced today that Earl Hafner was chosen for the 2018 Sustainable Agriculture Achievement Award, to be presented this Friday, Jan. 19, at the Scheman Building in Ames, during Practical Farmers’ 2018 annual conference. I had a great time touring the Hafner farm in western Iowa – during much warmer weather – […]
Registration opens for 2018 Winter Garde...
CEDAR RAPIDS – The 2018 Winter Gardening Fair, sponsored by the Linn County Master Gardeners, is scheduled for Saturday, March 3, at Kirkwood Community College. Attendees can choose from nearly 50 workshops and classes in four sessions, along with a keynote speech. Master gardeners and other experts will share their knowledge about ornamental grasses, native […]
Year in review: 2017 photo highlights
Some Iowans might say that 2017 was a divisive year, but there were also moments that brought us together. Here is a look back at some of the “homegrown” highlights of the good, the bad and the beautiful: Hundreds of protesters stood through a cold and cloudy afternoon in January 2017 in downtown Cedar Rapids […]
Tribute to Bata’s (Betas) Restaurant in
CEDAR RAPIDS – As I mourned the closing of my favorite retail store in New Bohemia, the New Bo Mercantile and Vintage Shop, I thought, at least the district still has a few eating places with that authentic vibe. Just yesterday, though, word came out that Betas Restaurant, 1006 Third St. SE, which opened as […]
How cold is it? Iowa DNR cancels annual ...
Iowans who enjoy the outdoors endure a range of weather extremes, but the coming cold is too much for even the hardiest hikers. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Eastern Iowa today, with snowfall ranging from 1 to 6 inches, followed by a prolonged wind chill advisory. That advisory, with wind […]
Final photos: New Bo Mercantile and Vint...
CEDAR RAPIDS – After 16 years in business, Sandy Rosenberger will close shop one final time. New Bo Mercantile & Vintage Shop, 215 11th Ave. SE, will end its run on Dec. 30, 2017. Rosenberger first opened her business, Hearthstone Gifts & Supplies, in Marion in 2001. The store carried soaps, do-it-yourself supplies and more. […]