Good morning, Cedar Rapids.

Low-income residents can apply for help with heating bills and HVAC repairs through LIHEAP (the energy program for low-income households) as cold weather drives up energy costs.

The program, which already aids over 11,000 households, accepts applications until April 30.

On Thursday, the Toys For Tots drive at Fleet Farm nearly filled a semi truck with new, unwrapped donations collected from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Iowa’s News Now — partnering with the Salvation Army — worked to ensure the gifts reach 7,000 kids across eastern Iowa this holiday season.

Magnolia co-founder Joanna Gaines (home design celebrity) will headline the Women Lead Change Conference in Cedar Rapids on April 21-22 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cedar Rapids Convention Complex.

The conference will offer tactical leadership development and peer networking for women leaders and allies.

CRST, a trucking company in Cedar Rapids, announced layoffs affecting over 300 employees nationwide as it shifts trucks to boost service and long-term stability.

Company officials said those laid off (with 60-day notice) are being offered alternative driving opportunities.

Holiday Lights at the Lake is a drive-through and walk-through display enhanced by heavy early snowfall that set an ideal scene for its fifth year.

The volunteer-run event takes place nightly — at West Overlook Campground near Coralville Lake — through Dec. 31.

The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art invites the public to shop its Museum Store this holiday season, featuring original art and handcrafted gifts from 75+ regional artists.

The store is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (noon to 4), Thursday (noon to 8) and Saturday (10 to 4).

Registration opens Saturday, Dec.

6 for the Linn County Master Gardeners’ Winter Gardening Fair, which features over 75 horticulture classes and hands-on projects at the Kirkwood Linn Regional Center on Feb. 21 (early-bird tickets cost $75 through Jan. 2).

IPERS held its first outreach event outside Des Moines since before the pandemic in Cedar Rapids Wednesday, offering counseling sessions + seminars on benefit calculations and a town hall for members to learn about retirement benefits while highlighting a local economic impact of 2.4 billion in spending.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources launched an updated chronic wasting disease plan to balance deer testing and management ahead of tomorrow’s gun season — Dec.

6 — as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor disease spread across the state.

Linn County officials released an updated list of warming centers so residents can warm up during extreme cold.

Locations in Cedar Rapids and nearby areas are open during normal business hours — call ahead to verify hours.

Experts advise Cedar Rapids drivers to keep an emergency kit ready for freezing weather; the kit should include warm clothing, a reflective vest, a flashlight, a portable phone charger, plus tools like an ice scraper and jumper cables to help if the car stalls on ice.

The Animal Rescue League warns that bitter cold — with temperatures in the teens below zero and harsh wind chills — can harm pets, urging local owners to keep animals inside or in safe shelter until the weather warms up.

Experts from Van Diest Medical Center advise Iowans to take short, deliberate steps with arms out like penguins in icy conditions to help prevent falls.

The report notes older residents face higher risk – one in five falls leads to serious injury, with over 75,000 emergency room visits last year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cedar Rapids Roughriders vs. Sioux City Musketeers

7:05-8:35 p.m. — ImOn Ice — Cost varies — Catch an exciting hockey showdown between local rivals on FloHockey.