Renderings give a sense of the design for the Cedar Rapids Public Library, which is planned for the west side near the intersection of Edgewood Road and SW 20th Street in Cedar Rapids. This image was shared at a press event hosted by the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation on January 25th. (OPN Architects)
OPN Architects and Cedar Rapids Public Library invite the public to the final open house of the new Westside Library.
This informational event will be held Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Ladd Library, 3750 Williams Blvd. SW. Attendees will see visual renderings of the library design and overall site plan and orientation.
Attendees can also ask questions of architects and library staff and learn more about the project.
The newly built facility near the corner of Wylie Boulevard SW and SW 20th Street will replace the current Ladd Library in leased space.
It will be larger than the current Rudd Library and include more community rooms and additional space for partners to utilize the Opportunity Center. A public park is being developed in conjunction with the Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department to be built next to the new library.
More information about this project can be found on the library's website at CRLibrary.org/westside. Throughout the design process, the library received public input through open houses, surveys, and interviews.
Renderings give a sense of the design for the Cedar Rapids Public Library, which is planned for the west side near the intersection of Edgewood Road and SW 20th Street in Cedar Rapids. This image was shared at a press event hosted by the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation on January 25th. (OPN Architects)
Linn County organization renews contract for homeless system operations
Earlier this month, the Linn County Board of Supervisors renewed a collaborative agreement with the county, the city of Cedar Rapids and the Linn County Housing Foundation seeking a new homeless systems administrator.
Managers will work with local providers to streamline gaps in service delivery to the growing number of people experiencing homelessness.
The position was based on one of the recommendations from the Washington, D.C.-based National Alliance to End Homelessness, which commissioned an evaluation of the local system this summer. Rather than providing social services, the administrator will work to improve the overall support network for unhoused people.
This amendment changes the funding period to begin on April 1, 2027 and end on March 31, 2027. Each municipality will contribute $75,000 per year, for a total of $450,000 over three years.
The Homeless Systems Strategy and Support Committee provides support and feedback to the Homeless Systems Manager and meets regularly, at least quarterly.
It is comprised of representatives from the following institutions:
- City of Cedar Rapids Employees (1)
- Linn County Employee (1)
- United Way of East Central Iowa (1)
- Linn County Housing Fund (1)
This is separate from local oversight committees, which review local data, make program and funding recommendations to funding agencies, and direct administrators. The panel was also recommended by the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
This group also meets regularly, at least quarterly. It consists of:
- City of Cedar Rapids Employees (1)
- Linn County Employee (1)
- Data professionals (e.g. hospitals, universities, insurance) (2)
- Immigrant/refugee representation (2)
- People with lived experience (2)
- Local funding agencies (1)
The proposed amendments to the agreement will be presented to the Cedar Rapids City Council as a consent agenda item on Tuesday. Items there are considered routine and uncontroversial matters, and he is approved in one vote without debate.
State commission awards incentives for Danisco's Cedar Rapids expansion
The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board on Friday awarded Danisco, a subsidiary of International Flavors & Fragrances, an incentive to expand its Cedar Rapids factory at 1000 41st Ave. Dr. SW.
The company produces enzymes for biofuel production used in food, animal nutrition, and household products. The new facility will be a 9,000 square foot metal building that will be used as a steam generation plant.
The total investment for Danisco's application for assistance through the state's Quality Employment Program is just over $19 million, marketing and communications team director Keiynan Kappelman said in an email. Total capital investment, excluding research and development credits, will be approximately $17 million.
The project is expected to create at least two jobs at a qualifying wage of $31.44 per hour. State incentives awarded totaled $409,516 in investment tax credits and sales and use tax rebates.
Johnson County replaces damaged memorial stone in derecho
Three new granite stones have been added to the Johnson County Veterans Memorial. The new works will replace 159 inscriptions that were damaged in the August 2020 derecho.
The monument was established by the Johnson County Board of Supervisors in January 2013 and dedicated on Veterans Day 2013. Since then, its scope has expanded and it is now a permanent place of honor for his 1,022 veterans whose names are inscribed on the monument. stone.
To honor our veterans and continue to preserve their legacy, the monument welcomes a new recognition order. Veterans do not have to be Johnson County residents to be recognized. The cost to engrave the name of an honored veteran is $200.
Order forms, veteran biographies and memorial history are available at johnsoncountyiowa.gov/memorial.
The Johnson County Veterans Memorial is located at 913 S. Dubuque St. in Iowa City. The county recently installed three new pieces of granite to replace the portion of the monument damaged by the derecho and provide more space for veterans' names. (Johnson County)
The Veterans Memorial has received state (ISAC) and national (NACO) awards. This is a collaborative effort between various county departments, including the Board of Supervisors, Veterans Affairs Commission, Information Technology Department, and Physical Plant Department.
Iowa City bridge replacement work begins this week
Iowa City announced construction on the Gilbert Street Bridge Replacement Project will begin March 29, weather permitting. Construction is expected to continue until late fall of this year.
The work is divided into several phases. The first phase of construction is planned to completely close East Court Street to traffic at its intersection with Gilbert Street. The detour route will be posted on March 29th.
South Gilbert Street is expected to remain open to traffic during the first phase of construction, but construction in the area may cause traffic delays.
A complete detour route will be announced prior to the start of the road closure. All vehicle and pedestrian detours will be clearly signposted. Any changes in vehicle parking will also be clearly marked and notified to residents and businesses in the project area before construction work begins.
For more information about the project, visit icgov.org.
Local educators honored for engaging young learners
Five local educators were recently selected as recipients of the Robert E. Yeager Active Learning Award by the Children's Museum of Iowa. This award recognizes educators who are dedicated to promoting active learning and providing opportunities for children to become engaged learners, innovative thinkers, and creative problem solvers.
“We are excited to celebrate these amazing educators who inspire curiosity and excitement in young learners through hands-on activities,” said Jeff Capps, executive director of the Iowa Children's Museum. said. “As we prepare for our 25th anniversary this November, we want to recognize the teachers in our community who bring fun, interactive learning to their classrooms every day, just as we have done for nearly 25 years. is important.”
The 2024 recipients for outstanding achievement are:
- Annika Buell, Garner Elementary School in North Liberty
- Ann Creasy, Iowa City Willowwind School
- Karen Johnson, Tipton Elementary School in Tipton
- Barbara Goodwin, Good Shepherd Center, Iowa City
- Gus Creech, Oak Hill Elementary School in Tiffin
This award is presented in memory of Robert E. Yeager (1930-2019), professor emeritus at the University of Iowa and world-renowned educator. Jaeger has dedicated his career to helping educators inspire students to learn by engaging them with conceptual and practical materials.
The Government Note is published on Monday and includes the latest information from government agencies in the region. Contributed by Gazette reporters Marissa Payne and Grace King.
