Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Two-hundred volunteers shucked and cleaned 18,000 ears of corn on Thursday morning for the 50th annual St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival in Cedar Rapids—its start is today at 5 p.m. and the event runs through Sunday evening.

Smurfit Westrock, a northeast Cedar Rapids cardboard manufacturer on Blairs Ferry Road, announced it will close in early October—affecting about 100 employees as part of its restructuring plan.

A Coralville woman, Ashley Wachs (36), pleaded guilty after officers seized fentanyl, flurofentanyl, and meth during a traffic stop last fall and has been sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for trafficking thousands of pills from Seattle to Coralville and nearby areas.

The Iowa Appeals Court upheld the conviction of a man who killed 22-year-old Emily Leonard in Cedar Rapids in April 2022 after investigators found her death was caused by head trauma rather than a heroin overdose; he was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in November and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Kyler Goettsch, a 28-year-old Cedar Rapids man, admitted to illegally possessing two pistols and did not follow police orders during a brief standoff—he was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison with three years of supervised release.

A Fairfax man was arrested on Wednesday for stealing a truck and selling more than 20 vehicles without a proper license to a recycling center in Cedar Rapids—he faces charges of first-degree theft, recycler license violations, and driving while barred and is held on $17,000 in cash-only bonds.

On Thursday morning, Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell discussed Cedar Rapids' progress on flood control, urban forestry through the ReLeaf program, affordable housing initiatives and the casino project during an interview on Iowa’s News Now.

She said the city reached 40 to 50% of its tree planting goal and is moving forward after the casino moratorium was lifted—signaling renewed local development efforts.

Sam's Club has recalled its Member’s Mark 15-count freeze-dried fruit variety packs — sold between July 1 and 25, 2025 — after tests found possible Listeria contamination.

Iowa shoppers who bought the product are urged not to eat it and to return it for a full refund.

Atkins Watermelon Days 5k Walk/Run 2025

12:30-2:30 p.m. — Atkins City Park Pavilion — Registration details available — Participate in a community-focused 5k race while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Watermelon Days.

K9Splash! Dog Swimming Event

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Bever Park Pool — $15 per dog — Enjoy a splash-filled day of fun for your furry friends at Cedar Rapids' dog-friendly pool event.

Jazz Under The Stars

6-9 p.m. — Noelridge Park — Free entry — Celebrate KCCK’s 50th anniversary with live jazz from local talent under the stars.

Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers' Market

7:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Free entry — Explore an award-winning market with entertainment, food, and 200 vendors.

Qi Gong at the Park

10-10:45 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Breathe deeply, move gently, and connect with nature through the practice of Qi Gong.

The Crafty Bunch

6-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Bring your craft project and connect with fellow craft enthusiasts in a fun social setting.

8th Annual REALTOR® Olympics

10:30 a.m. — Sag Wagon — Registration required — Participate in a fun-filled day of games including bags and volleyball for REALTORS® and affiliates.

Jazz Under The Stars

6:30-9 p.m. — Noelridge Park — Bring your own picnic or enjoy food from vendors while listening to local jazz artists celebrate KCCK’s 50th anniversary.

Rock the Block: Fresh Fighters

6-8 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Free entry — Experience an evening of live music with local and national bands at this vibrant summer concert series.

Monday Morning Story Time

10-10:30 a.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy a delightful morning of storytelling for kids and caregivers.