Good Day
Cedar Rapids
Thursday, September 11th, 2025
Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 11th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ HACAP’s CEO Jane Drapeaux, who led the agency since 2007 and helped during the Cedar Rapids flood in 2008, will retire in December — the organization is now beginning its search for a new leader. KCRG
- ➤ Hawkeye Area Community Action Program CEO Jane Drapeaux will retire in December after more than 25 years with the group—she expanded services to nine Eastern Iowa counties and boosted its budget. The organization has begun its search for a replacement. CBS 2 Iowa
- ➤ The Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market will try to break the world record for the largest cereal breakfast on Sept. 20 at Greene Square Park—volunteers must pre-register and check in between 8 and 9 a.m. with 2,000 participants needed to help achieve the record. The Gazette
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Cedar Rapids fire crews and Fairfax partners worked to control a 15-foot tree debris and brush fire at Beverly Gardens on Edgewood Road Southwest using thousands of gallons of water. The pile and mulch are still hot — crews will use large machines to check for hot spots until the fire is fully out. KWWL
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Tim Palmer opened a second Salsa Guy Cafe near Interstate 380 on Blair’s Ferry Road on Sept. 5—patrons now enjoy a larger space with drive‐thru service and an expanded menu that includes breakfast burritos, burgers and alcoholic drinks. He opened his first restaurant on Mount Vernon Road SE last August after nearly 20 years of selling at the Downtown Farmers Market. The Gazette
- ➤ Kwik Star is constructing a new Cedar Rapids store at 4001 First Ave. SE for an early 2026 opening with eight fueling stations and roughly 5,500 square feet in a redeveloped area between Outback Steakhouse and Tommy's Express car wash — the chain uses the Kwik Star name in Iowa due to a naming conflict with another convenience store. KDAT
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ TV9's Emily Schrad and Becky Phelps explained that charter schools are growing popular in Iowa as the state currently has 10 schools and will open six more in 2026 + recent law changes have supported this trend. KCRG
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Iowa utilities must rapidly use Biden-era renewable credits to reach a 2035 net zero target as federal changes shorten tax credit deadlines—projects must start by July 4 and be in service before 2028. The 2025 Iowa Electric Generation Condition of the State report shows wind now makes up 66% of generation and energy demand is projected to rise 30% to 60% over the next 20 years. KCRG
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Reynolds ordered flags at half-staff in Iowa this week to honor Charlie Kirk—who was fatally shot yesterday during a Turning Point USA event—and the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks, with displays lowered today for Patriot Day and kept at half-staff until sunset on Sunday. KCRG
- ➤ Multiple I-380 ramps will close intermittently from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today and on next Monday and Tuesday for drain cleaning by IDOT—this work will affect the southbound entrance at 3rd St/B Ave NE in front of Quaker, the southbound exit at 1st St E/Downtown, the northbound entrance at E Ave NW/1st St E, and the northbound exit at 1st St W. CBS 2 Iowa
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Marshalltown Mayor Joel Greer said state health officials and the CDC are testing building cooling towers to find the source of a Legionnaires Disease outbreak that has caused nearly three dozen cases and one death. Testing on 10 towers is underway and officials plan to protect those who are most at risk. KCRG
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Back to School Drive
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free — Support local kids by donating school supplies and clothing for the upcoming school year.
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Greeting Card Making Class
2-4 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Ticket required — Learn basic card-making techniques and create three unique greeting cards.
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The MOJO: Soul Sacrifice
7-8:30 p.m. — Opus Concert Cafe — Tickets starting at $52 — Experience an unforgettable tribute performance to Santana by Soul Sacrifice.
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Hiawatha Public Library Comic Book Club
7-8 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — A gathering for comic book and graphic novel enthusiasts to share their passion and connect with like-minded fans.
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Brewnost at Czech Village
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Lion Bridge Brewing Co. — Early Bird tickets available — Savor food and beverages from local and international sources while supporting a cultural mission.
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Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers' Market
7:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Cedar Rapids Downtown District — Free entry — Explore over 200 vendors offering local food, crafts, and entertainment at this celebrated market.
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Fresh Conversations
1-2 p.m. — Hiawatha Public Library — Free entry — Engage in insightful discussions about nutrition, movement, and community building for older adults.
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Market by Moonlight 2025
6:30-9:30 p.m. — NewBo City Market — Tickets include a $50 donation — Experience a delicious farm-to-table meal paired with live music under the stars.
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Halestorm and Lindsey Stirling Concert
5:30-8:30 p.m. — Alliant Energy Power House — Last-minute tickets available — Experience an electrifying night of rock and violin at this sensational concert.
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O.W.L.S. - Bird Watching with Jesse Ellis
1-2 p.m. — Wickiup Hill Learning Center — Free entry — Explore the world of bird watching with engaging programs designed for seniors.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Your goal in life is to find the people, business, project, or art that needs you the most.
~ Naval Ravikant
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