Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

An Oregon man charged in the 1983 murder of a Linn County man was linked to the crime by blood, trace DNA and a suspected hammer—he will face trial on Feb.

24 while held in the correctional center.

Brucemore served as the home of three key families who built and transformed Cedar Rapids over nearly a century.

Curator Jessica Peel-Austin explained that contributions from the Sinclair, Douglas, and Hall families helped shape local industries and support community institutions.

Walker farm in the area suffered heavy hail damage Friday that ruined flowers, pumpkins, and lavender—forcing the Kubik family to cancel the Flower Festival’s opening day.

They later resumed the festival Sunday evening until 7 p.m., but the loss of key crops now puts future revenue at risk.

Oliver Matalon, a second grader from Summit Schools in Cedar Rapids, won a national award last month for his invention that helps kids buckle up easier in cars with recessed seat belt buckles (he named it the Recessed Rescuer) and plans to print more for others to use.

Central Iowa Water Works enforced a month-long lawn watering ban for 600,000 customers due to fluctuating nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers after recent rain.

The nitrate removal facility has operated 82 days so far this year — officials stress the ban is necessary to keep drinking water safe.

National warming is shifting plant hardiness zones as growers must choose plants that handle warmer winters.

In Cedar Rapids, average cold temperatures are expected to rise by 8.2°F—pushing the region from zone 5 to 6a and prompting changes in farming practices.

Linn County Board of Supervisors — now entirely first-term members for the first time in over a decade — meets weekly at the Jean Oxley Public Service Center to set policy, approve budgets and guide county initiatives.

Meisheid, Running-Marquardt and Scheetz focus on fiscal responsibility and work with county staff to address community needs in both rural and urban areas.

Libby Fandel from Cedar Rapids Xavier was named one of the Gazette Female Athletes of the Year after her strong state tournament showing and earning Miss Iowa Basketball honors—she helped her team win a state title with 37 points and 25 rebounds.

She now trains with the University of Kansas basketball team and is seen as a leader by her coaches.

The Shark Is Broken

Jul 17- Aug 3, 7:30 PM — Mirrorbox Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the behind-the-scenes drama of the iconic film Jaws with this engaging production.

Jazz in July with Confluence

7-9 p.m. — Amana Performing Arts Center — Free will donation — Experience engaging melodic jazz from talented local musicians for one night only.

Street Food Festival

12-6 p.m. — Ellis Park — 10% of sales to homeless shelters — Enjoy a day of local food trucks, music, and family fun.

Culinary Class: Spaghetti alla Chitarra

10:00-11:30 a.m. — NewBo City Market — Ticket purchase required — Learn to make handmade spaghetti using a traditional chitarra tool with a guided expert.

Absolute Science: Laser Show

3:30–4:30 p.m. — Cedar Rapids Public Library - Ladd Library — Free entry — Explore chemical reactions and witness exciting experiments including a soda explosion and high-powered laser demonstrations.

Breakthrough Basketball Camp: Ball Handling & Scoring Skills

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Elevate Sports — Variable pricing — Enhance your basketball skills with expert coaching in a fun, high-energy environment.

Women in Leadership with Jane Galarce

8:00-9:30 a.m. — Mount Mercy University Graduate Center — Free entry — Engage with insights from Jane Galarce, Chief of Staff at RSM US LLP, in a morning of networking and discussion.

Elf Night / Christmas in July with the Cedar Rapids Kernels

6:35-9 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Stadium — $12 – $20 — Celebrate Christmas in July with special jerseys and 2-for-1 drinks at the ballpark.

Culinary Class: Wine and French Cheese Tasting

6-7 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Ticketed event — Taste four families of French cheeses paired with delightful local wines and learn about pairing art and history.

Fort Wayne Tincaps at Cedar Rapids Kernels

1-2:35 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Stadium — $12 – $20 — Enjoy a fun family day with free hot dogs and popcorn for kids and a special celebration of Hispanic heritage.