Year of the River fuels Cedar Rapids flood debate
A Cedar Rapids reader questions building along the Cedar River amid repeated floods. The letter argues for urban redevelopment and more green space downtown to resist future flood damage while praising a county recovery crew, noting their predominantly Hispanic makeup. It also corrects a misattributed quote about Barack Obama and wartime Japanese detentions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar River
Cedar Rapids
Great America
National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
Barack Obama
Obama
Open letter from Cedar Rapids resident on flood aftermath
Kevin Anderson thanks volunteers for saving Baculis Mobile Home Park after the 1993 flood and urges a more welcoming approach to visitors probing flood damage. He recalls local ties to City Hall and Hawkeye Downs while calling for support, faith, and collective action to aid affected residents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Franklin High School
City Hall
Hawkeye Downs
Ellis Boulevard
O Avenue
Kevin Anderson
Renewal of Cedar Rapids Song of Dedication
A former mayor’s commissioned 1962 Cedar Rapids song is revived amid hardship. Larry Barrett wrote words and music and Sue Eppel performs, expressing city unity and commitment as the River City works through disaster.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Cedar Rapids
Robert M.L. Johnson
Larry Barrett
Sue Eppel
City jeers at urban renewal and special interests
Voters claim the city will cave to special interest groups as affordable housing and historical neighborhoods face buyouts funded by FEMA. They warn dikes will shield condo blocks while downtown southeast area disappears and Penick area is cleared. They call for change and youth voting rights.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
FEMA
Penick
MSNBC
Coralville Flood Helpers Earned Deep Gratitude
Residents thank many volunteers who helped protect Hardee’s in Coralville during June 11 and 12 floods. The note from Lee Staak and family credits neighbors, friends, and unnamed volunteers for tireless work in rain and sun, expressing gratitude and appreciation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mother Teresa
Hardee’s
Coralville
Lee
Robin
John and
Allison Staak
Iowa City
Iowa community rebuilds after disaster with care and charity
After a devastating event residents come together to rebuild, aided by neighbors and strangers. The piece highlights the spirit of community and compassion while noting reports of profiteering including rent hikes and water price increases during the crisis.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Medical setbacks add to flood couple’s losses in Iowa
Karren and Lynn Smith suffered home and job losses after the flood. Lynn was hospitalized May 22 in Mercy Medical Center with pneumonia and a blood infection. dialysis and amputations followed due to poor circulation. Karren, now homeless, found work and stayed at the hospital. the family asks for get well cards at 2108 C St. SW, Cedar Rapids.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Karren Smith
Lynn
Ray’s Market
21St Avenue
C Street
Mercy Medical Center
St. Luke’s
Karren
FEMA
Wells Fargo
C St. SW
Cedar Rapids
Robert and
Shelley Holladay
Also Mentioned on This Page
Witwer Center
Witwer
Scott Phillips
Baculis Mobile Home Park
Baculis
C.R
Hell
Dan Graviss Construction
Cas
Jan Graviss
Ferauu HaMps
Bagel
BBC Pork
Bugs
Longbranch
Mn Road
Una
Thelongbranch.com
Peck’s
Goreous
Flower & Garden Shop
Blairs Ferry Road
Pecksgreenthumb.com
Kohlere Courage
Kohler Courage
SmartJet
Www
Cubcadet.com
Kohlere
H.D. Cline CompAny
Columbus Street
Naples Ave
West Liberty
Cub
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!