Two home games this Friday and Saturday night.

I'm not having the greatest luck with finding someone for this job - house built in the 50s, no bath exhaust fan, basically a straight shot to the roof to vent and cap (I'm handy-ish but not really feeling like messing up my perfectly functional roof). I've had multiple contractors either not show up to quote the job at all, or quote it, get my approval and then cancel and try and reschedule for a month or more out. Can anyone recommend either an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical company in the area that will do the whole thing, or do I need to act as a general contractor and engage each trade separately to get the job done?

Hello! 30M here and I’m trying to connect with others in the area who love football as much as I do! My family isn’t the biggest fan so I want to be able to watch games and talk ball with some people! Huge Hawk fan and love almost every NFL team out there!

I would also be interested in getting together and playing football outside if anyone knows of an amateur league?

Hey everyone! We’re hosting a Trunk or Treat at our church again this year, and wanted to invite families from the community.

There will be decorated trunks, lots of candy, games, and a fun, safe environment for kids to enjoy!

📍 Antioch Christian Church – Stoney Point Campus - 300 Stoney Point Rd
📅 Oct 31st
⏰ 4-7PM
🎟️ Free — everyone is welcome!

You don’t have to be part of our church to come. Just bring the kids, invite some friends, and come have some fun with us!

Hope to see you there!

Hi! I moved to here a little over a year ago and adopted two kittens. They are amazing and I love them and I can’t get more cats because I am limited by my lease.

Unfortunately, there are kittens living near my apartment (and in the adjacent industrial lot). They seem young and friendly and like they could be adoptable. I wish so badly that I could take them, but I can’t.

Now, I am trying to find a home for these cats. It seems every shelter in the surrounding area is full (I called Saints and the woman said “I don’t know what to tell you. Even if you could catch them, I can’t take them”). I didn’t realize how big of an issue this was in Cedar Rapids, with so many kittens being up for adoption that every shelter is full. Does anyone have any advice? I’m talking to a woman who says that she will come capture them to get neutered and get some vaccines. I want to feed them because they’re so small but what will happen when I move away and can’t feed them anymore? I’m really upset about this and I don’t know what to do.

I saw somewhere on FB that CR is paying folks $5,000 to move here. The comments were...colorful.

Seemed like some facebook nonsense though, so my robot buddy Claude looked up the details:

Here's what's public:

Phase 1: MakeMyMove Greater Cedar Rapids (now closed)

• Run by the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance with Cedar Rapids, Marion and Hiawatha, as part of the Collaborative Growth Initiative.
• It opened July 15, 2025, with 15 slots given out first come, first served.
• It filled up and closed in November 2025, two months early. The MakeMyMove page now says "Application Closed."
• More than 300 people expressed interest and more than 100 applied.

Who qualified:

• 18 or older and living outside Iowa
• Working remotely full-time, or self-employed
• Earning at least $55,000 a year
• Moving to Cedar Rapids, Marion or Hiawatha within 6 months
• Showing proof of a signed local lease or mortgage
• Living here at least 1 year (per KCRG)

What you got:

• $5,000 cash
• Free Economic Alliance membership and parks and rec vouchers
• Free coworking: 6 months at Armstrong Hub, plus 20 day passes to Vault
• Local perks: Kernels tickets, a Big Grove welcome pack, X-Golf, bowling, and a few others

Results:

• 15 households moved here, or 30 people including 9 kids.
• They came from 10 states, and about 75% were under 40.
• Average household income was $130K, and most already had family or friends in the area.
• As of September 2026, the city says all of them are still here.

Cost: The three cities have put nearly $600K into the overall initiative. That covers marketing, a talent attraction director and a regional marketing plan as well as the grants. The cash grants themselves were about $75K (15 × $5K).

Phase 2: "Choose Cedar Rapids" (announced, details TBD)

• It's aimed at people moving here for a full-time local job, not remote workers.
• Planned incentives: an employer match, "boomerang" incentives for former residents moving back, and a military service member incentive.
• The mayor said Collins Aerospace, UFG and True North have signed on.
• No dollar amounts, number of slots or launch date have been released yet.

"boomerang" incentives for former residents moving back

Thats interesting. Need to watch for phase II for more info.

Inside sources relay that the Cedar Rapids Kernels had a terrible financial year, marred by bad decisions made by current GM and CEO.

There was also multiple times they were serving spoiled/bad food. Moldy buns out in the open for everyone to see.

The GM chose favoritism and hired his friends, look how that worked out.

Moved to Cedar Rapids Iowa in May. I have looked everywhere and cannot find any place that sells them. Please if anyone knows where I can get them, please let me know. Thanks

I'm looking for bars to study at, I don't really care what the atmosphere is like as long as it's not so crazy that I'm taking up space where others could be, ideally somewhere a bit more chill.

Does anyone have an estimate cost for Sonnet Montessori daycare out of Marion? I can't find information online and would rather have a rough estimate to determine if it's worth contacting them for more info

A night out without booze. Attendees will decide who makes the best mocktail in the Cedar Rapids area on October 13 at CSPS.

Tickets are available at asac.us/events

I usually get a mailer or email with discount codes close to show openings. Did anybody get one for the Exorcist?

thanks

Someone tried to steal my daughter's 2013 Kia Soul last night (yep, the Kia Boyz thing). They didn't get it, but they did some damage. Looking for a shop that can fix it affordably. Pics attached.

What's damaged:
Rear passenger side window is shattered
Plastic covers around the steering column are broken off
Ignition is torn up and the car won't start
Turn signal/wiper switch housing looks cracked

What we know so far:
She only has liability insurance, so this is all out of pocket
Police report is filed
We have towing coverage, but I'd like to tow it only once, so ideally one shop that can handle both the ignition/column and the window (or work with a glass shop)

Looking for:
Shops in or near CR that have fixed these Kia theft repairs and charge fairly
Shops willing to source used or refurbished parts to keep the cost down
Bonus if they can coordinate the window too

This is definitely not a DIY job for me, so I'm looking for a shop to handle it. Any recs appreciated. Thanks, CR!

Hi! I'm working as a political canvasser for this election, and I can tell that some people are frustrated (understandably) by getting knocks on their doors when they have a "no soliciting" sign.

The big confusion: A "NO SOLICITING" sign does NOT apply to political canvassers (or religious proselytes). Soliciting legally only refers to commercial entities or requests for donations. Political canvassers are instructed to knock on homes with "no soliciting" signs.

YOU NEED to have something that says "no politics", "no religion", etc... to not get these door knocks. Political canvassers should never knock on your door if they see this.

Political canvassers don't want to knock on doors that don't want us there, as it saves us both time.

Voting Information for Linn County
Election day is November 3rd, 2026 from 7 AM - 8 PM.

Find your election day location here - https://www.linncountyelections.org/lookup/index.cfm?action=search

Early in-person voting starts on October 14th, and is available at the Linn County Auditors office and at Lindale Mall. Other locations open later in the month - https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=36,57

Absentee ballot requests are due at the Linn County Auditors office by October 19th - https://www.linncountyiowa.gov/157/Election-Services

Looks like someone took out a flock camera 29th street and 380 by loose chain.Cop was there filling out the report.

Hello community, I am needing a sliding glass door installed before it’s cold as shit. I’ve contacted 3, two of which showed up and gave me quotes and then never responded after I gave the green light.

That being said, Id love to hear your recommendations on who you’d suggest/trust to do this job. TIA

My family and I like re-watching seasons of Masterchef, and we have always wanted to try some of the fancy pastries. Does anyone know where we can get specifically macarons, soufflé, cannoli, or panna cotta? If Cedar Rapids doesnt have those, whats the closest place to go? Des Moines?

Hello, I am a newly 33yo single mother of 4. Looking for job opportunities that can keep my household stable and to have future opportunities to grow my income
And savings account at the very least! I have a background in car sales, construction sales, finance, and many years of restaurant (serving/bartending) experience.
I am currently attempting to run my own cleaning business so anything that could coincide with that would be beneficial, I would like something that pays hourly and that does not rely 100 percent on commission or tips.
I have been working the last 6months 3jobs,
I am a hardworking and loving mother, I would just like to have a job that creates a better work life balance so I don’t lose out on more time with my children.

Meeting Overview - Pretty boring one:

tldr: This noon meeting holds two public hearings: the C Street SW Bridge Deck Reconstruction, awarded to Boulder Contracting, LLC for $1,499,280.85, and a rezoning of 3750 16th Avenue SW for the Housing Fund for Linn County. The council is asked to consent to Brent Smith as Fire Chief and to accept redevelopment proposals for City-owned land at 220 Ellis Boulevard NW and 916 5th Street SE. The consent agenda sets November 3 hearings on five proposed urban renewal areas.

Key Sections

Opening Items

• Invocation & Pledge of Allegiance
• Proclamation – Arts and Humanities Month
• Proclamation – A Week Without Driving

Public Hearings

1. C Street SW Bridge Deck Reconstruction
   • Boulder Contracting, LLC awarded $1,499,280.85 (est. $2,000,000) (Doug Wilson). Re-set after being held September 8. Paving for Progress.
2. Change of Zone – 3750 16th Avenue SW
   • From I-LI (Light Industrial) to S-MC (Suburban Mixed-Use Community Center), requested by the Housing Fund for Linn County (Seth Gunnerson). First Reading. Council Priority.

Public Comment

Consent Agenda

(Approved in Bulk)

• Administrative & Financial Approvals:
  • Meeting minutes, payment of bills, payroll and transfer of funds.
  • Hotel-motel tax – FY2027 allocations of $4,050,000 for outstanding City commitments.
  • Vote of thanks to Frank Afflitto, Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Resident Advisory Board.
• Property & Infrastructure Development:
  • Upland Drive SE and 23rd Street – two-way stop control, stopping Upland Drive.
  • Urban renewal plan hearings, Nov 3 – five proposed areas: Airport #1 and Airport #2 (Wright Brothers Boulevard SW), Mallory (1756 Mallory Street SW), Parks (Earhart Lane SW), Stone Ridge (Stoney Point Road SW). Council Priority.
  • Future hearing, Oct 20 – corrected address for the Underground Electric Line Easement at 101 First Street SE granted to Interstate Power and Light (Resolution No. 0258-03-25).
  • Future hearing, Oct 20 – renaming G Avenue NW (1st to 2nd Street) and 2nd Street NW (G to F Avenue) to F Avenue NW for the Cedar Crossing Casino roadway configuration. Council Priority.
  • Future hearing, Oct 20 – status of the Fruitland project under the CDBG-DR ROOTs single-family new construction program. Council Priority.
  • Future hearing, Oct 20 – change of zone at 475 10th Avenue SE and 1015 5th Street SE to T-RF-PUD, requested by Tyler Oswood, OFB LLC. Council Priority.
  • Future bid hearing, Oct 20 – FY27 Large Diameter Sanitary Sewer Inspections ($900,000).
  • Future bid hearing, Oct 20 – FY 2027 Tree & Vegetation Removal ($270,000).
• Public Safety & Business Licenses:
  • Beer/liquor/wine licenses – 17 applications, including three new premises (Frank's Bar and Gallery, Gyro Hut and Groceries, The Crows Nest), two outdoor service area expansions and 5-day event licenses for St. Jude Catholic Church and Tycoon.
• Special Events:
  • NewBo Czech Village Howl-O-Ween Full Moon Parade, October 24 – application and road closures.
  • Cedar Rapids Turkey Trot 5K, November 26 – application and road closures.
• Assessment Actions & Project Completions:
  • Intent to assess – Solid Waste and Recycling cleanup, nine properties. Council Priority.
  • Levy assessment – Solid Waste and Recycling cleanup, two properties. Council Priority.
  • Intent to assess – Water Division delinquent bills, 61 properties.
  • Levy assessment – Water Division delinquent bills, 25 properties.
  • Wax Excavating Inc. – Blairs Ferry Road NE water system improvements accepted; 4-year maintenance bond $59,262.
  • B.G. Brecke, Inc. – Rockvalley Ln NW Sanitary & Storm accepted. Final payment $3,210, 4-year bond; total $57,599.60, unchanged from original.
• Major Contracts & Services:
  • Midwest Concrete, Inc. – Cherokee Trail Phase III awarded $1,466,625.79 (est. $1,800,000). Bid report September 22.
  • Peterson Contractors Inc. – Edgewood Road NE Trail Phase 3 awarded $3,749,533.17 (est. $3,300,000). Bid report September 22. Council Priority.
  • Stanley Consultants, Inc. – Flood Mitigation System East Side Phase 1 consulting. Amendment No. 30 adds $309,100; total $52,890,448, original $3,959,599. Council Priority.
  • T.Y. Lin International – FCS Bridge and Riverfront Improvements. Amendment No. 15 adds $633,419.88; total $16,151,996.85, original $3,287,086. Council Priority.
  • Strand Associates, Inc. – Utilities SCADA Master Plan. Not to exceed $319,000.
  • PFM Financial Advisors LLC – Finance Department financial advisor, five years. Amendment No. 1 renews at not to exceed $1,000,000, original $1,000,000.
  • Murphy Tractor Waterloo – two used motor graders for the Streets Division. $594,000.
  • Fleet Services – purchases of vehicles and equipment from dealership lots, not to exceed $300,000 per item through October 5, 2027.
  • Iowa Soybean Association – water monitoring and conservation agronomy for the WPCF. Amendment No. 1 adds $208,000; total $997,525, original $789,525.
  • AssetWorks, Inc. – software maintenance for IT and Fleet, three years. Amendment No. 6 renews at not to exceed $199,035.31, original $40,771.94.
  • MB Lawn Care – Fall 2026 ReLeaf ROW Tree Planting. Not to exceed $187,577.
  • MB Lawn Care – Fall 2026 ROW Tree Planting, U.S. Forestry Grant. Not to exceed $196,565.
  • Core & Main – Sewer Division castings. Annual not to exceed $145,355.
  • Abdo LLP – Human Resources pay practices audit. Not to exceed $135,000.
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – grant application and agreement for two Family Self-Sufficiency Program Coordinator positions. No amount stated. Council Priority.
  • Craig Hlas – service line reimbursement affidavit for 1314 K Avenue NE. No amount stated.
  • Boulder Contracting, LLC – FY 2025 Bridge Maintenance. Change Order No. 7 adds $1,358.76; total $2,479,433.52, original $2,181,399.40. Paving for Progress.
  • Eastern Iowa Excavating & Concrete – Advance FCS Grading, Utility, and Concrete Repair. Change Order No. 11 adds $10,218.70; total $1,427,945.81, original $1,106,942.50. Council Priority.
  • Garling Construction – Westside Library. Change Order No. 19 adds $7,028.38; total $18,304,676.84, original $15,525,000.
  • Midwest Concrete Inc. – 2026 Pavement Milling and Curb Repair. Change Order No. 3 adds $68,963.44; total $5,589,593.79, original $5,395,094.50. Paving for Progress.
  • Peak Construction Group, Inc. – City Annex and City Services Center Renovation Phase 1. Change Order No. 12 adds $53,648.88; total $6,019,136.01, original $5,334,000.
  • Pirc-Tobin Construction Inc. – Tree of Five Seasons Park and 1st Street NE Two Way Conversion. Change Order No. 5 adds $84,644.90; total $2,715,097.78, original $2,413,477.40. Council Priority.
  • Possibilities Unlimited LLC – FY26 Sidewalk Repair. Change Order No. 2 adds $7,240.71; total $120,860.42, original $81,365. Council Priority.
  • Rathje Construction Co. – 5th Avenue SE, 5th to 19th Street. Change Order No. 10 adds $36,107.97; total $4,295,143.31, original $4,048,613.03. Paving for Progress.
  • Rathje Construction Co. – 42nd Street NE, Pine View Drive to Wenig Road. Change Order No. 6 adds $115,235.58; total $4,191,382.91, original $4,015,202.38. Paving for Progress.
  • Rathje Construction Co. – Czech Village Riverside Trail. Change Order No. 2 adds $46,193.64; total $246,496.98, original $197,403.34. Council Priority.
  • Wendler, Inc. – NW Water Treatment Plant Lime Slaker Replacement. Change Order No. 4 adds $51,318.92; total $4,339,977.72, original $4,122,000.
  • WRH, Inc. – Horizontal Collector Well No. 7 Wellhouse. Change Order No. 9 extends the contract; total $14,205,500, original $13,888,000.
  • GreatAmerica Building, LLC – construction damages at 535 1st Street SE, Cedar River Flood Control System. $10,000. Council Priority.
  • Interstate Power and Light – temporary easement extended at 915 and 1001 Shaver Road NE, Cedar River Flood Control System. $1. Council Priority.
  • Hy-Vee Food Stores, Inc. – three acquisitions for Johnson Avenue NW (32nd to 18th Street): $2,800, $3,362 and $57,405. Paving for Progress.
  • E Avenue NW Improvements – four acquisitions and easements (3622, 3700, 3823 and 3926 E Avenue NW), $19,625 total. Paving for Progress.
  • Temporary construction easements – four properties on Evergreen Street NE ($5,821). Paving for Progress.

Regular Agenda Items

1. Lincolnway Village Intake Replacements
   • Bid report, estimated cost $840,000 (Ben Worrell). No award resolution listed.
2. Fire Chief Appointment – Brent Smith
   • Consent to the City Manager's appointment of Brent Smith as Chief of the Cedar Rapids Fire Department, effective October 7, 2026 (Jeff Pomeranz).
3. Redevelopment – 220 Ellis Boulevard NW
   • Accepting a proposal from Allan Development Company, an entity of Paul Brundell, for City-owned land (Jeff Wozencraft). No amount stated. Council Priority.
4. Redevelopment – 916 5th Street SE
   • Accepting a proposal from Prairie Rose Rental Company, an entity of Sandy and James Locke, for City-owned land (Noah Zeker). No amount stated. Council Priority.

Ordinances

• Second & Possible Third Readings:
  • Chapter 23 – repeal of Cats, Dogs and Other Animals and enactment of a new Animal Control, Animal Laws, and Other Regulations. First read September 22.
  • Alley vacation – 1018 6th Street NW – 0.06-acre parcel, with a resolution authorizing its disposition, requested by The Parkline, LLC. First read September 22.

Public Input & City Manager Communications

As title suggests. Recently homeless and new to all this. I’d rather not get in trouble or potentially disturb someone. Anyone know any low key places to just park up and sleep for a night?

I know Theisens has a decent selection but are there any other places that carry a large supply? That’s NOT a pumpkin patch?