Acknowledging that the basketball superstar had probably never even been to Cedar Rapids, Mayor Paul Barnes still thought harnessing the athletes’ fame could draw visitors to the city. “Heck, they made a butter statue of her and I don’t even know if she likes butter,” Barnes said. “At least she lived for a time in…
Last spring, Swisher farmer Ben Allenford had grand ideas of hosting children of all ages at his farm, taking advantage of the popular agri-tourism trend and pocketing some extra cash in the process. Unfortunately, his out-of-the-box attractions, including a maze made with soybean plants, didn’t produce the results he desired. “In hindsight, yeah, I guess…
Acknowledging that it has been more expensive than anticipated, the City of Cedar Rapids today announced that it is abandoning efforts to rebuild downtown infrastructure to support “Quiet Train Zones.” Instead, the city will issue large, fuzzy earmuffs to downtown residents. “This is a way better option for everyone,” said Mayor Paul Barnes in announcing…
Residents of the Benton County community of Van Horne Thursday expressed surprise at a new addition to Cherry Street on the town’s southeast side: a sign directing people to Czech Village in Cedar Rapids. While not opposed to the helpful directional guidance, most residents were mildly bewildered by a sign pointing to a destination nearly…
As it nears its 75th birthday, the city of Hiawatha has decided it’s time to move on from its cool, hip persona and act its age. As a result, the City Council on Monday approved a resolution to change the city’s name to “Hello-watha” in recognition of its advanced age. “Let’s face it, we kind…
Cedar Rapids Public Library administrators this week announced the that the new Westside Library will feature AI librarians to conduct the necessary “shushing” of clamorous library patrons when the facility opens in late 2026. Library Director Aaron Blakesworth said the new facility, currently under construction near the corner of Edgewood Road and 20th Avenue SW,…
Cedar Rapids City traffic staff Tuesday shared updates on traffic construction for the coming month. In a surprise reveal, staff said the much-closed 16th Avenue Bridge would be open to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic on two consecutive days during November. Unfortunately, staff did not know which two days, citing potential weather delays, contractor schedules,…
Making her first visit to the Wilson Avenue Hy-Vee on Tuesday, Sheryl Jackson expressed confusion why the full-service grocery store had a rack of shirts highlighting a professional woman basketball player in Indiana. “That just seemed odd to me,” said Cooper, who recently moved to Cedar Rapids from Reno, Nevada. “I get that there aren’t…
New housing springing up in NewBo clearly has inadequate backup water storage capabilities when compared to the Water Tower Place condos, according to WTP Homeowners Association President Lance Ossing. “I mean, look, it’s pitiful,” said Ossing during the recent WTP Homeowners Association annual meeting. “They might have new kitchens, efficient appliances and the kind of…
Nearly 18 months after the Oakhill Cemetery Association launched its account on the popular social media site TikTok, the historic southeast Cedar Rapids cemetery is still waiting for its first follower. Association officials expressed surprise and disappointment that no one was following the account for the cemetery, which is the burial site for local luminaries…
