Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

HVAC technicians advised local homeowners to inspect furnace filters, check thermostat settings, and note that a brief burning-off odor is normal before turning on heating as temperatures drop.

Bell Brothers service manager John Helmers said routine maintenance helps prevent costly repairs + extends furnace life.

The Freedom Festival invites Cedar Rapids artists and residents to join its 2027 button design contest (theme One Festival, Many Communities).

Entries opened Oct. 16 and run until Dec. 6, with the winning design announced Jan. 6 as its creator is honored as Grand Marshal in the parade.

UI Tippie College of Business has received a $3.5 million gift from Cedar Rapids-based DeWolf Family Foundation for Tippie Thrive, a student mental health program (with an additional $500K matching challenge) that will boost wellness and success among thousands of students.

At Indian Creek Nature Center, producers are getting ready for maple syrup season with a new guide that teaches beginners how to tap trees before winter’s sap flows — forestry expert Emma Kerns notes it takes 40 to 50 gallons of sap to yield one gallon of syrup.

Iowa’s trees are bursting with vibrant reds, oranges, yellows and golds this fall.

Joe Herring (Iowa DNR) said peak color is expected within the next 5 to 10 days while freeze warnings remain in effect for most counties.

Recreational boating season will soon end and local boaters are urged to inspect their docks, trailers and gear for invasive species like zebra mussels before winter storage — Jason Euchner from the Iowa DNR advises cleaning, drying and draining equipment to prevent their spread.

Since returning from Ireland, Courtlin has enjoyed local eateries during various fall events including an Oktoberfest, vintage markets and a cider stroll across Eastern Iowa.

Her review of top spots such as Big Grove Brewery & Early Bird offers a tasty snapshot of the season.

Former MLB pitcher Wes Obermueller, a Cedar Rapids native, has been named field manager for the Dyersville Dreamers at the Field of Dreams movie site.

He will lead the team in its first Northwoods League season next spring.