Local Government

For the second time in two months, the nonprofit hunger relief organization is searching for a permanent location.

Wisconsin-based kitchen appliance company Sub-Zero is seeking city and state incentives to build a $140.6 million light manufacturing facility in Cedar Rapids that would add nearly 200 full-time jobs, most considered to be at the high-quality wage rate.

When adopted, the ordinance would apply only to rural Linn County, but supporters said they hope the county’s cities will pas their own bans.

The panel reviewing Cedar Rapids’ charter moved to more clearly define that a conflict of interest includes nonfinancial benefits, but opted to study ranked choice voting before deciding whether the city should look to switch its electoral system.

Second-term state Rep. Molly Donahue has staved off competition from a newcomer in the race for the Democratic nomination to represent Iowa Senate District 37.

Iowa City is working with Think Iowa City to spur tourism and economic activity in the city. Think Iowa City will administer a grant program to help fund conferences, tournaments and special events.

Trees Forever has planted 30 trees along Grande Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids to raise epilepsy awareness in honor of Joe Drahos, who died last August of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy. “People look at them now and think of Joe,” his mother said.

Members of Iowa’s Racing and Gaming Commission on Thursday said they were surprised and disappointed by the last-minute legislative moratorium on new casinos in Iowa.

The city of Cedar Rapids will host Resident Appreciation Day at the downtown Farmers’ Market on Saturday, with a T-shirt giveaway while supplies last and other activities.

The “ambitious” $3.5 million direct assistance program funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars had almost 2,600 Johnson County residents apply. Next steps include giving applicants time to fix errors and developing a timeline for $1,400 checks to be sent out to those who are selected.

The 10-year ReLeaf Cedar Rapids plan to replenish trees downed in the derecho was adopted three months ago. Here’s what’s happened since and how you can help sustain replanting efforts.

F.W. Kent Park in eastern Johnson County has seen a record number of visitors during the pandemic. With the park’s increased use, the county is investing $3.4 million in American Rescue Plan Act dollars to replace the campground shower house and wastewater system, which will also have a positive impact on water quality in the lake.