CEDAR RAPIDS- A long standing Cedar Rapids neighborhood center now sits in rubble.  The Boys and Girls Club building on the northwest side was torn down Monday.  It hasn’t been in use since the flood in 2008.  Now, the club is moving forward with a new model to continue to serve the community. Organizers say [...]

A new study shows alarming statistics about the health of many American teenagers. Since 2000, the rate of teens with diabetes and prediabetes nearly tripled, from 9 percent to 23 percent.  In addition, one of four kids ages 12 to 19 have two or more risk factors for heart disease. These numbers mirror data just [...]

UPDATE: Rescuers called off their search Sunday night for a man reported missing in the Cedar River. Rescuers from the Solon and Cedar Rapids fire departments and the Linn County Dive Team all worked to look for the man witnesses say drowned Saturday night . Cedar Rapids Fire Department spokesman Greg Buelow said search crews suspended operations [...]

MARION- Some 16,000 people strolled through the Marion Art Festival Saturday.  Warm temperatures and sunny skies brought of the crowds to the annual event.  The festival gave artists the chance to showcase and sell their artwork. “It really is a passion, I love painting,” said Iowa City oil painter Bekah Ash. Iowa City oil painter [...]

CEDAR RAPIDS — An abundance of construction projects across Eastern Iowa keep crews busy as drivers try to avoid the chaos. From road projects to new city and county buildings, construction season is in full swing.  Some are due to flood recovery and others will repair or expand roads. Here’s just a snapshot of what’s [...]

MARION- Celebrating Mother’s Day consumed the day’s activities for most families across Eastern Iowa.  Whether it was flowers, hand-made cards, or brunch Sunday was all about mom. Noelrdige Greenhouse celebrated its 40th Mother’s Day serving Eastern Iowa families. “We’re celebrating this special day together all of us together,” said mother Sara Hewitt. With husband, son [...]

ALBURNETT- A project that was supposed to take years to complete was finished in just one day.  That’s thanks to a $50,000 sweepstakes.  Alburnett is now home to the ninth multi-generational playground and the first in the Midwest paid for by the “Build a Family Legacy” sweepstakes.  It’s all part of the Martin Sports Complex [...]

IOWA CITY- A new farmers’ market hopes to draw business and buzz.  It’s called the East Side Farmers’ Market located in a developing area of Iowa City.  The founder says it’s a chance for people to avoid the rush at larger markets, but still get the goods. “I love buying fresh plants and handmade items,” [...]

A push has started to bring back Westdale Mall. Vacant spaces and empty halls describe the southwest Cedar Rapids mall that’s become a shadow of its former self.  Now a new store opening hopes to give shoppers one unique reason to shop Westdale. “Creative Iowans” opens Tuesday to bring color and crafts to Westdale Mall. Read [...]

CEDAR RAPIDS — A push has started to bring back Westdale Mall. Vacant spaces and empty halls describe the southwest Cedar Rapids mall that’s become a shadow of its former self.  Now a new store opening hopes to give shoppers one unique reason to shop Westdale. “Creative Iowans” opens Tuesday to bring color and crafts [...]

In Iowa City, preparations are under way to host the president. Wednesday, President Obama will be talking student loans on the University of Iowa campus.  Security tops the list of priorities at the Fieldhouse, where the president will give his speech Wednesday afternoon.  And it’s been a busy Tuesday for White House officials, university staff [...]

CEDAR RAPIDS- Getting teens involved.  That’s the message of Saturday’s Cedar Rapids Teen Summit called the “African American Youth Think Tank”.  The summit spawned from conversations at forums last year and just last month about getting youth involved in positive activities. ‘You can do anything that you want to do.’ It’s a simple message ; [...]

For the past two years, Cedar Rapids has setting aside property tax dollars for the “City Gateways Enhancement Project.” As much as $400,000 will pay for new city welcome signs and fresh landscaping.  500 city residents answered questions in an online survey about what they want that signage and landscaping to look like.  Now, through [...]

IOWA CITY- The 19th Annual University of Iowa Pow Wow highlights the dance, food, and arts and crafts of Native Americans.  Participants say it’s a daily struggle to keep their culture alive. It’s more than just a dance.  It’s more than just music.  The annual Pow Wow represents a people fighting to keep its culture [...]

MECHANICSVILLE- The warm March is impacting Iowa grown produce.  Asparagus, garlic and even the popular morel mushrooms are coming into season earlier than usual.  Unseasonably warm weather could mean some farmers are busier now than normal.  That means off-season markets would see produce they usually don’t have available this time of year.  “Spring set the [...]

A three-man rotation of interim chiefs for the Cedar Rapids police department began Monday. The move comes after the resignation of Chief Greg Graham back in January. Interim deputy dhief Richard Stephens retired Sunday. Now three captains will share the interim position for the next six months: Administrative Operations Captain Bernie Walther, Patrol Division Captain [...]

IOWA CITY- More signs of economic optimism.  A February Regional Housing Forecast by the National Association of Home Builders predicts Iowa to be sixth in the nation for housing industry recovery.  Builders and contractors at this weekend’s Iowa City Home and Builder Show were enthusiastic that 2012 would be a productive year. “New bathroom, new [...]

IOWA CITY — Close to two dozen people were on hand Saturday to mark the beginning of fishing season at Sand Lake at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area. Officials have been working for a little more than five years to turn the former sand and gravel quarry into a center of recreation. “We’ve been doing [...]

IOWA CITY- A couple dozen people braved this morning’s chilly and cloudy weather to attend the first trout fishing derby at the Terry Trueblood Recreation Area in Iowa City. The anglers took advantage of the official opening of the park today at Sand Lake.  Nearly 2,000 trout fill Sand Lake as anglers did their best to [...]

CEDAR RAPIDS-  Warmer than normal temperatures jump start the camping season here in Eastern Iowa.  Most state and county parks normally open in mid-April.  But this year’s spike in temperatures means campgrounds like Morgan Creek Park in Cedar Rapids are now open. There’s nothing eight year old Tyler Barz would rather be doing on a [...]