News – City of North Liberty
August 13, 2018
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News, Metro
Police Department Advising Public of Moving Company Scams
August 13, 2018
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Cedar Rapids Police Department has recently taken three reports concerning moving company scams. In the cases reported in Cedar Rapids, the victims are provided an estimate of moving expenses and make a down payment, but then are told that the actual cost to get their possessions is several times higher than the original estimate.
Most moving companies are legitimate businesses that do quality work. However, nationwide there have been a number of complaints filed against interstate movers and their fraudulent practices. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a growing number of complaints have been filed against movers lately – many of which are due to the “fraudulent practices of rogue movers.”
Moving company scams often begin with a low estimate provided to the customer over the telephone or Internet. There is no visit to your home where the movers can actually see the items that you want moved. Once your items are on the moving truck, the movers demand more money before they will deliver or unload them. If you want your possessions back, you are forced to pay more than you agreed to.
Be cautious of any moving company that doesn’t offer or agree to an on-site inspection of your household items that need to be moved. If an estimate sounds too good to be true, it usually ends up being a scam. Be cautious of a moving a company that does not have a local address or information about their registration or insurance. Another “red flag” is that on moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned or marked fleet truck.
The Police Department recommends that customers do the following when considering hiring a moving company:
- Get a written estimate from several movers.
- Make sure the mover is registered with the proper authority and is insured.
- Read “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet from the federal government that your mover is required to give you if you are moving from one state to another (booklet is available online at www.protectyourmove.gov).
- Check the mover’s complaint history with the local Better Business Bureau and consumer protection agencies.
- Remember your priorities when choosing a mover. A mover chosen based solely on the cheapest price may sacrifice what is most important, including getting your possessions moved safely and on time. According to the FMCSA, movers are required by law to deliver your goods for no more than ten percent above the price of a non-binding estimate.
‘Mobile Open House’ at Hoover Elementary
August 13, 2018
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The City of Cedar Rapids will host a “Mobile Open House” at Hoover Elementary to help provide parents and community members with the opportunity to learn more about the intersection changes that have taken place near the school. Two open house sessions will be offered for the public’s convenience:
Wednesday, August 15 | 5 pm – 7 pm
Saturday, August 18 | noon – 2 pm
Location: Hoover Elementary, in the parking lot adjacent to Wiley Blvd. The Hoover Elementary parking lot is available off Wiley Blvd, south of Johnson Avenue.
As part of a road improvement project, a roundabout has recently been constructed at the intersection of Johnson Avenue and Wiley Blvd NW, adjacent to Hoover Elementary. At the open houses, parents and community members will have the opportunity to talk with City staff regarding the roundabout, learn more about safety and efficiency features, see a simulation video of how the roundabout works, and even drive the roundabout with a City engineer before the start of the new school year.
While the intersection is still currently closed, the public can drive the roundabout at the open house. The intersection will be fully open for the start of the school year.
The roundabout is a single-lane roundabout, and includes painted crosswalks, raised pedestrian splitter islands, and pedestrian beacons that flash when activated by a pushbutton.
Roundabouts help slow traffic speeds and reduce the severity of crashes, eliminating head-on and right-angle crashes with their slow, counterclockwise movement. They are more efficient than traffic signals near schools, where signalized intersections are often not needed during the majority of the day, but peak morning and afternoon times require effective traffic control.
About the Johnson Avenue Project
The full project will stretch from 1st Avenue to Midway Drive. Improvements include reconstruction of the roadway and transitioning it from four lanes to three lanes (one lane in each direction, with a dedicated center turn lane); water main replacement and utilities; sidewalk and curb ramps; bike lanes; and a roundabout at Johnson Avenue and Wiley Blvd, and at Johnson Avenue and Jacolyn Drive. The project will continue in 2019 between Jacolyn Drive and 1st Avenue, and be completed fall of 2019.
Video Update: Organic Cart Pickup Event, Soul Festival and more
August 13, 2018
Iowa City Update is a weekly video featuring City of Iowa City projects, programs and events. Topics this week include an pickup event for 25-gallon organic carts, the Iowa Soul Festival, and more. Click the image below to watch Iowa City Update.
25-Gallon Organic Cart Pickup
Learn how curbside customers can pick up a 25-gallon organic cart to use for food and yard waste.
Job Fair Seeking Employers
Watch to see how businesses looking to hire entry-level, permanent or seasonal staff can register to host a table at this hiring event.
City Council Listening Post
Don’t miss your chance to engage with City leaders during the Willow Creek Party in the Park gathering.
“Coexist” Mural Reception
Discover how you can help celebrate a new mural in Downtown Iowa City, including a chance to meet the 12 young artists who created this work of art.
Iowa Soul Festival
Music, food, fashion, and art are just a few of the fun features you can expect to find at the Iowa Soul Festival.
Iowa City Update - Your source for Iowa City news and information.
Edgewood Road SW Lane Reduction between 16th Avenue & 12th Avenue SW
August 13, 2018
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Effective Tuesday, August 14, northbound traffic on Edgewood Road SW will be reduced to one lane between 16th Avenue and 12th Avenue for sidewalk and driveway repairs. Work is anticipated to take approximately one (1) week to complete. Traffic may experience delays.
To receive text alerts on road impacts, please visit www.cityofcr.com/subscribe.
For an additional list of road closures please check: www.Cedar-Rapids.org/Street Closures.
Road Construction - Court Street
August 13, 2018
IOWA CITY -- Weather permitting, on Tuesday, August 14, 2018, lanes of traffic will be shifted on Court Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue to accommodate work on underground utilities in the area. It is anticipated normal traffic will resume by the end of the day.
Motorists are to take note of this work and allow extra travel time as delays may occur. As always, caution should be exercised when driving through all construction areas.
For updated information on road construction in Iowa City, www.icgov.org/travelalerts.
Nationals vs. Cubs - Game Recap - August 10, 2018 - ESPN
August 11, 2018
CHICAGO -- Anthony Rizzo walked the Cubs to a wild victory.
Rizzo walked with the bases loaded in the seventh inning after Jason Heyward broke up a no-hitter with a two-run single in the sixth, and Chicago beat the Washington Nationals 3-2 on Friday.
via www.espn.com
Road Construction - Muscatine Avenue lane reduction
August 11, 2018
IOWA CITY -- Weather permitting, beginning Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2018, Muscatine Avenue will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic between First Avenue and Second Avenue for pavement repairs. This lane reduction will occur during off-peak times, and all lanes will be open during peak travel hours. Muscatine Avenue is expected to open to regular traffic by the end of the day on August 15.
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time during this project. As always, caution should be used when driving through all construction areas.
For updated information on road construction in Iowa City, visit www.icgov.org/travelalerts.
Road Construction - Melrose Avenue
August 11, 2018
IOWA CITY -- Weather permitting, beginning Monday, Aug. 13, 2018, lanes of traffic will be shifted on Melrose Avenue between Koser Avenue and George Street for installation of fiber optic conduits in the area.
Motorists are encouraged to allow extra travel time during this project. As always, caution should be used when driving through all construction areas
For updated information on road construction in Iowa City, visit www.icgov.org/travelalerts.
Traffic Control for the Sweet Corn Festival Kernel’s Road Races
August 10, 2018
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival Committee will be holding Sweet Corn Festival Kernel’s Road Races this Saturday, August 11, 2018, beginning at 7:30 A.M. and ending at 10:30 A.M. The 10K run and 5K run event will be held at Xavier High School, on city streets and sidewalks, and on private property adjacent to Edgewood Road NE. No public streets are officially closed for the event; however, a section of 42nd Street NE and Ushers Ferry Road NE may be temporarily closed for the start of the 10K Run and 5K Run.
Please see the St. Jude Catholic Church website for more information: http://www.judesweetcornfest.com/kernelsroadraces.shtml
