Local Government

Flooding in the Midwest killed at least two, collapsed a railroad bridge near Sioux City and sent water surging around a dam Monday after days of heavy rains that have forced hundreds of people to evacuate or be rescued from rising waters.

The City of Cedar Rapids is taking active steps to respond to flooding as the National Water Prediction Service expects the Cedar River to crest Thursday at 13.4 feet. No impacts are anticipated to homes or businesses with protective measures in place.

Also, Cedar Rapids metro cities lobby for more Tower Terrace Road funding

The project will make upgrade and expand the park to accommodate for expert skateboarders as well as newcomers.

With the 1556 First Ave. NE Hy-Vee now shuttered, Hy-Vee and local agencies have put in place temporary measures to serve customers affected by the store’s closure. Here’s how to access those services and what the city’s doing to recruit another grocer.

A recent report found food insecurity is on the rise in Iowa as COVID-19 pandemic nutritional benefits have sunset. HACAP Food Reservoir Director Kim Guardado discusses the findings and what Iowans can do to improve food access.

Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster declaration, opening up state assistance in responding to the disaster, as local officials closed roads, turned off power preemptively, called out volunteers to sandbag and dispatched rescue teams.

The personnel action comes as the county prepares to ask Johnson County voters to approve a $30 million conservation bond referendum on Nov. 5.

The city of Cedar Rapids is marking a record year of investment in flood control with approximately $90 million in local and federal spending combined for fiscal 2024. The first Northwest Neighborhood project and completion of a Cedar Lake levee are part of 2024 construction.

Known as the “Angel of the Village,” Mary Kay Novak McGrath died in February before a dream of a plaza in Czech Village in honor of her late parents could be brought to life. But a plaza and garden were dedicated in their memory Thursday.

Dows Farm, Linn County’s first “agri-community,” is finally taking shape after crews broke ground Tuesday on the development that will combine agriculture and residential uses in one neighborhood.

Cedar Rapids City Council member Ann Poe was hit by a motor vehicle Friday afternoon while using the crosswalk at an intersection in Czech Village and is now recovering at home.