Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

A car crashed on Springville Road just south of Bolton Manor Road Saturday evening—its driver was not wearing a seatbelt and was seriously injured before being airlifted to a nearby hospital.

Eastern Iowa Arts Academy moved into the former Arthur Elementary School in northeast Cedar Rapids to expand low-cost arts programming for youth and adults.

The nonprofit plans to use extra space such as a recording studio and community room—while launching a $2 million capital campaign to improve building accessibility.

Filmmakers from across the country gathered at Collins Road Theatre for the 22nd Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, where Grace Potratz from the University of Iowa submitted her film Petrichor for the first time and said the event helped build her professional network.

A group of Summit Schools middle schoolers in Northeast Cedar Rapids created a flyer to urge residents to adopt shelter animals and dropped one by TV9.

They listed local shelters (Cedar Valley Humane Society, Last Hope, Dogs Forever Rescue) on their website to show where people can adopt pets.

Willis Dady Homeless Services started a mattress recycling program in July 2024 to help clients work and reduce waste, and it processed 564 mattresses in the first quarter compared to 412 in 2024.

The nonprofit received an $8,000 grant from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to buy equipment and will work with schools and hotels to expand the program by midsummer.

State regulators directed Eastern Iowa Airport to expand its PFAS testing (after nearly two-thirds of private wells in Swisher were found contaminated) in the area.

The airport’s past use of firefighting foam (used during plane crashes) may be the source and the investigation is expected to take years.

Hinton high school student Allison Hoefling was named Iowa’s best grilled cheese champion at the Iowa Conference for Future Career and Community Leaders of America (she competed against five other students) and later stopped at KCRG in Cedar Rapids to show her sandwich recipe featuring three types of cheese, bacon, roasted garlic, and onion jam.

Linn County cyclist Leah Fuller started a Facebook group that brings nearly 350 women mountain bikers together for Monday summer rides on trails in Cedar Rapids and Marion.

Fuller said the group plans its first ride on either April 14 or 21 and will host a free event on May 3 at Wanatee Park (International Women’s Mountain Biking Day).

Green Bay Gamblers vs. Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

6:59-11:05 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting hockey showdown between the Green Bay Gamblers and the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

Coralville Chaos at Cedar Rapids River Kings

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Tickets starting at $22 — Experience an exciting night of hockey with the River Kings in Cedar Rapids.

Mercy Auxiliary Spring Bazaar

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Mercy Medical Center Cedar Rapids — Free entry — Browse unique handcrafted items and support patient care services at this vibrant spring bazaar.

Good Friday Prayer Breakfast 2025

7-9 a.m. — DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex — Early Bird Tickets $34 — Gather in prayer and fellowship over breakfast with keynote speaker Chris Norton.

CAR SHOW at R&W Auto Detailing

3 PM — Summit View Village — Free entry — A delightful Cars and Coffee event featuring collaborations with local community groups.

The Cher Show

7:30-9 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Tickets available — An inspiring journey through the life and music of Cher with vibrant performances and costumes.

The Rapids

7-8 p.m. — Mirrorbox Theatre — Ticket prices may vary — Enjoy an improvised soap opera comedy where audience suggestions drive the hilarity.

Cooking for a Cause: Italian Night with Chef Craig

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Groundswell Cafe — $25 per person — Learn to cook a delicious Italian dinner while supporting a great cause.

Murder Mystery Dinner Show

6-9 p.m. — 101 1st Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA — $ — Put on your detective hat and enjoy a thrilling interactive murder mystery dinner experience.

Cedar Rapids Merit Badge University 2025

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Mount Mercy University — Ticket sales start Jan 31st — Earn exciting merit badges with experienced instructors at this community-focused event.