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Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025

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Good morning, Cedar Rapids. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 2nd of December.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • The Iowa Food Bank Association named Katie Sorrell as its new executive director effective Dec. 1. She brings over 20 years of food security and nutrition education experience and will lead efforts to improve food access statewide.  CBS 2 Iowa
  • Iowa's News Now and The Salvation Army will host the annual Toys for Tots drive on December 4 with new, unwrapped toys accepted from 6 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. outside Fleet Farm on Edgewood Road. Donation boxes will accept toys through December 7 — volunteers are needed to help with toy distribution.  CBS 2 Iowa
  • ITC Midwest donated $20,000 to HACAP Food Reservoir on Monday, Dec.1 to help fight holiday food insecurity—this support is part of a broader $100,000 commitment to regional food banks and easing tight family budgets.  CBS 2 Iowa
  • The Hawkeye Area Community Action Program is asking for donations to support local food banks after a government shutdown nearly doubled their traffic and it remains 30% higher since reopening. Donations will help provide five meals for a family in need during the holiday season.  CBS 2 Iowa

BUSINESS NEWS

  • A record-breaking snowstorm lowered turnout on Small Business Saturday, so local shop owners extended their hours on Sunday and Monday (to try to recover lost holiday sales). Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell said during Tuesday's city council meeting (today) that every Saturday in December will be designated as Small Business Saturday to support local businesses.  CBS 2 Iowa

ECONOMY NEWS

  • Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig said Iowa farmers who sold grain to the bankrupt Hansen-Mueller company have until mid-March to file a claim if they have not been paid—Hansen-Mueller filed for bankruptcy on November 17 and the Iowa Grain Dealers and Sellers Indemnity Fund may reimburse farmers as claims are reviewed.  Radio Iowa

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • City officials said that crews worked over the weekend to clear heavy snow from main roads near hospitals and schools and spent 12 hours on residential streets with parked cars slowing progress—residents are asked to move vehicles, clear sidewalks, and remove snow from hydrants and storm drains to help maintain clear routes.  CBS 2 Iowa
  • The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced that Iowa producers may apply for cost-share grants up to $25,000 per project through the Choose Iowa program to improve processing, equipment, facilities, training, food safety and more. Applicants must submit applications online by noon on January 16—awards will be announced in the spring.  KCRG
  • Mount Trashmore drew a record 32,000 visitors this season and 122 challengers logged 33,542 miles before trails closed for winter. Cedar Rapids gathered input from 700 residents on expanding green spaces to guide a $50,000 grant for greener schoolyards — five local organizations shared a $50,000 legacy grant, public health maintained its accreditation, and a food forum will be held Dec. 13 at Dream City.  The Gazette
  • Linn County Public Health expanded its harm reduction initiative by adding free gun locks to six vending machines across the county — at sites including a mental health center, a recovery community center, two libraries, a food store, and a community services center — in partnership with the Cedar Rapids Police Department and Project ChildSafe. The program, which launched free supply machines in June 2024 to provide Naloxone and other resources, aimed to reduce gun-related accidents, suicides, and thefts.  CBS 2 Iowa

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Veterans Holiday Meal

    4-6 p.m. — Veterans Memorial Building — Free — Enjoy a traditional holiday meal with fellow veterans and active military members.

    Wed, 12/3/25

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  • Cultivate Hope Holiday Craft Fair

    9 AM – 2 PM — Groundswell Cafe — Supports local youth programs — Discover local crafts, baked goods, and live music this holiday season.

    Sat, 12/6/25

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  • Madison Capitols vs Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

    4:05-5:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Stream available — Catch the action as the Madison Capitols face the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in this exciting hockey showdown.

    Sun, 12/7/25

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  • Photos with Santa at PCI Pediatrics

    9-11 a.m. — PCI Medical Pavilion — Free entry — Enjoy cookies and crafts while capturing a magical moment with Santa.

    Sat, 12/13/25

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  • We The Kingdom Christmas Concert

    6:00-8:00 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticketed event — Celebrate the season with festive music and fan-favorites from We The Kingdom.

    Sun, 12/14/25

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  • Disney's Frozen: Live Theatre Production

    7:30-10:00 p.m. — Theatre Cedar Rapids — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical tale of sisterhood and adventure in a winter wonderland.

    Sat, 12/20/25

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  • Disney's FROZEN at Theatre Cedar Rapids

    11:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Theatre Cedar Rapids, 102 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting tale of sisterhood and acceptance this holiday season.

    Sun, 12/21/25

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  • Holiday Trivia Night

    6-8 p.m. — Big Grove Brewery & Taproom — Free to attend — Test your knowledge with festive trivia questions in a joyful holiday atmosphere.

    Mon, 12/22/25

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  • Holiday Movie Screening: Elf

    2-6 p.m. — Paramount Theatre — Ticket proceeds benefit Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive screening of Buddy the Elf's adventures.

    Tue, 12/23/25

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  • Dinosaur Adventure

    6:00 PM - 7:30 AM — Hawkeye Downs Speedway & Expo Center — VIP packages available — Experience a fun-filled night with dinosaurs and exclusive perks.

    Thu, 12/25/25

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REAL ESTATE

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JOB BOARD

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Welcome to the Good Day Cedar Rapids, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Cedar Rapids, Iowa community. If you like the Good Day Cedar Rapids, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Cedar Rapids.

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