CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Organizers of the Freedom Festival announced April 21 that the 2020 festival will be canceled, due to coronavirus concerns. “In the 37 years of our Festival, we’ve not ever had to have the heavy conversations that we have had over the last few weeks; taking into consideration the latest news of […]
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Tag: Iowa
Morel mushrooms pop up as signs of hope ...
Even in these uncertain times, Iowans are finding one thing to look forward to: mushroom hunting. Already, some morel hunters are finding the sponge-like delicacies in the southern half of Iowa, despite snow last week throughout the state. Social distancing in light of the coronavirus pandemic just means that solitary mushroom hunting, or in very […]
Iowa hits ominous COVID-19 highs; RAGBRA...
Iowa has hit disheartening highs in deaths and confirmed cases of COVID-19, the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus, while at the same time, RAGBRAI organizers called off the state’s popular summer bicycle ride. An additional 10 deaths were reported on Saturday, April 18 — the most on a single day — bringing the state’s […]
School closing recommendation extended i...
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has extended her recommendation for schools to remain closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, to now continue through the end of the school year. Reynolds made the announcement during a press conference on Friday, April 17. The previous closure recommendation extended through April 30. “I regret to say, Iowa schools will […]
Iowa governor orders new restrictions on...
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has increased coronavirus mitigation steps in Region 6, which includes Linn County and surrounding areas in northeastern Iowa. Reynolds made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday, April 16. TheĀ recommendation begins at 11:59 p.m. today and extends through April 30. All social gatherings are ordered to cease at that […]
Indian Creek Nature Center’s spring plan
The annual Spring Plant & Art Sale is one of the major fundraisers for the Indian Creek Nature Center, attracting crowds of gardening enthusiasts who eagerly buy wildflowers, prairie plants, hosta and more. Every year, the event has grown, but the coronavirus pandemic has moved the 2020 sale from the Nature Center’s site at 5300 […]
Looking back: Cedar Rapids Cultural Cele...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Just before social distancing became de rigueur, the Czech Heritage Foundation was among organizations to participate in the Cedar Rapids Public Library’s Community Cultural Celebration & Expo. The event, held March 7, serves as an illustrative example that understanding our differences can bring us closer together. Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart […]
Awaiting state guidance, Iowa farmers ma...
This story also was published on IowaWatch.org By Cindy Hadish Loyal customers eagerly line up 30-people deep to buy the Guzman family’s mouth-watering southwestern burgers during the farmers market in Washington, Iowa, while live music attracts crowds in the town’s Central Park. Those jam-packed lines, and even live entertainment during the markets, will be relegated […]
Cedar Rapids nursing home reports 14 dea...
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Heritage Specialty Care, the epicenter of a coronavirus outbreak in Iowa, provided an update to the situation unfolding at the facility in southwest Cedar Rapids. The center, at 200 Clive Dr. SW, offers rehabilitation services, skilled nursing care, long term care and hospice care. As of late March, Heritage had 125 […]
“Overwhelming need” as long line waits f
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The first vehicle arrived at 8:30 a.m. to wait for a “drive-through” food pantry opening at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the Veterans Memorial Stadium parking lot. HACAP Food Reservoir offers a regular mobile food pantry, but this was the first wide-scale food giveaway held in response to needs related […]










