Cousins Lyric Cook and Elizabeth Collins go missing from Evansdale in July, and despite efforts of law enforcement and volunteers, are not found until December, when their bodies are discovered by hunters in the Seven Bridges Wildlife Area in Bremer County. STORIES FROM THE YEAR: Dec. 30 — Iowa town seeks closure in girl’s memorial [...]
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Map: 2012 Iowa visits by Obama, Biden, Romney and Ryan (Click icons for video and details) Presidential and vice-presidential candidates criss-cross Iowa, a swing state, setting campaign spending records. President Obama wins the state and nation, earning a second term. STORIES FROM THE YEAR: Dec. 9 — Political independent expenditure rules under fire [...]
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The worst drought since 1988 hits Iowa, causing crops to shrivel and rivers to fall to historic low levels. Winter months’ temperatures are mild, as consecutive days without measurable snow in Cedar Rapids neared an all-time record by mid-December. STORIES FROM THE YEAR: Nov. 24 — Iowa farmers will be ‘living rainfall to rainfall’ Nov. [...]
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Quaker Oats workers known as “The Shipping 20” won a $241 million Powerball jackpot in June, and a couple in Bondurant won a $202.1 million jackpot in October. STORIES FROM THE YEAR: Oct. 10 — Iowa has another $1 million lottery prize winner Oct. 4 — Bondurant attorney, clinic assistant named winners of Powerball jackpot [...]
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After moving to higher ground and expanding after the flood of 2008, the National Czech and Slovak Museum & Library celebrated its grand reopening in July, attracting more than 14,000 visitors from seven countries. STORIES FROM THE YEAR: July 14 — Throngs celebrate Cedar Rapids museum’s recovery July 13 — A virtual tour of the [...]
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The Paramount Theatre reopened in October after a $35 million renovation following the June 2008 flood that sent floodwaters coursing through the building, including 8 to 10 feet of water in the main floor auditorium. STORIES FROM THE YEAR: Oct. 28 — Paramount’s grand reopening celebrates recovery from flood Oct. 28 — From backstage to [...]
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The opening of the NewBo City Market on Oct. 27 at 1100 Third St. SE attracts hundreds more weekly visitors to the New Bohemia Arts and Entertainment District, the city’s emerging arts area. The facility, located at 12th Avenue and Third Street SE, is now home to about 25 permanent vendors and several seasonal vendors. [...]
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The long-elusive Highway 100 extension from Edgewood Road to Highway 13 receives funding in Iowa Department of Transportation’s five-year plan. In 2013, the DOT will continue to buy up property in the right of way of the highway with bid-letting set for September on the bridge piece of the project, Iowa DOT officials say. The [...]
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Iowans continue to worry about the looming “fiscal cliff” that could lead to higher taxes and cuts to federal programs, as federal lawmakers and President Obama struggle to reach a deal to head off the crisis. THE YEAR’S COVERAGE: Dec. 21 — Harkin wants Obama to avoid Social Security cuts Dec. 18 — Iowa governor’s [...]
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The City Council unanimously approves Wayne Jerman as Cedar Rapids’ new police chief. Jerman had been assistant chief of the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland. STORIES FROM THE YEAR: Nov. 9 — Cedar Rapids police chief plans to push for license plate readers Nov. 5 — From bingo to police work, new Cedar Rapids [...]
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