Coralville Courier

Today's weather forecast and a four day outlook.  Check this page for the latest weather reports in the corridor area.  Up-to-date weather conditions for the Iowa City area are observed at the Iowa City, Iowa City Municipal Airport, IA.  For weather conditions specific to other cities outside the corridor area, just type in your zip code below.

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CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Since the COVID-19 public health emergency, Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control has been required to suspend the surrender of animals that an owner is no longer able to care for.  Many pet owners need to surrender their pet because of animal behavior issues, medical issues, life changes such as a death or birth, or financial challenges.  During the pandemic, Animal Care and Control has needed to limit animal surrenders to medical emergencies only.  However, many local private resources are no longer able to accept surrendered pets because of limited space.  In addition, Animal Care and Control has received inquiries from residents about unwanted stray and feral cats in and around their properties.  The shelter had to suspend accepting these animals as well.

Recognizing the needs of the community to have a safe and responsible location to relinquish animals, Animal Care and Control will be modifying its procedures to resume these services effective Monday, August 10, 2020.  There are measures in place to maintain social distancing and protect both the public and Animal Care and Control staff.

If an individual has an animal that needs to be surrendered, they must first contact Animal Care and Control at (319) 286-5993 to ensure that the shelter has adequate space. The individual will be asked a series of COVID-19 screening questions and an appointment date and time will be established.  The individual will be provided instructions to meet Animal Care and Control staff at the shelter and will be required to wear a face covering.  Temperature screening will be required before entry into the shelter.  Cleaning and disinfecting procedures have also been implemented.

Animal Care and Control cannot guarantee any animal will be placed for adoption, as the decision is based on health, temperament, and resources of the shelter. 

During this public health emergency, Animal Care and Control has appreciated the patience and understanding of the community.  All visitors to Animal Care and Control will be required to wear a face covering effective Monday, August 10, 2020, including individuals who have made appointment to adopt an animal.

The shelter welcomes generous donations to help the animals in need of specialized care.  Make your check payable to the Friends Helping Friends Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life for both the citizens of our community and the four-legged companions at the Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control (CRACC).

About Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control

The shelter is located at 7241 Washington View Parkway SW on the Kirkwood College Campus directly behind Washington Hall.  You can view a list of the many wonderful pets we have available for adoption by visiting our PetFinder website at http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/IA125.html.  Shelter hours are Monday-Saturday, Noon to 5:00 p.m. 

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Cedar Rapids Police Department has received several reports of residents who have received telephone calls that are apparently scams directed towards older adults, specifically grandparents.

In grandparent scams, scammers pose as panicked grandchildren in trouble, calling or sending messages urging the grandparents to wire money immediately. The scammers say they need cash to help with an emergency – like paying a hospital bill or needing to leave a foreign country. They intend to pull at the heartstrings of the grandparent in order to elicit money before the victims realize they have been scammed. The lies can be particularly compelling, such as the grandchild has been involved in a crash, has been arrested, or bail money is needed.

If someone calls or sends a message claiming to be a grandchild, other family member or friend desperate for money:

• Resist the urge to act immediately – no matter how dramatic the story is.
• Verify the caller’s identity. Ask questions that a stranger couldn’t possibly answer. Call a phone number for your family member or friend that you know to be genuine. Check the story out with someone else in your family or circle of friends, even if you’ve been told to keep it a secret.
• Don’t send cash, gift cards, or money transfers – once the scammer gets the money, there is little chance of recovery.

Unfortunately, this scam has resulted in significant financial loss to at least two victims this week.  Scam calls can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/complaint.  If you or a family member have been victimized, please report the incident to the Cedar Rapids Police Department at (319) 286-5491 or use our online reporting portal at www.cedar-rapids.org/police.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Police officers were notified on Friday, August 7 shortly after 1:00 p.m. that an individual had his Chevrolet Uplander stolen by two suspects who allegedly displayed a firearm at JW’s Pub and Grub, 58 Miller Avenue SW.  An attempt to locate was sent out to law enforcement and a Cedar Rapids police officer located the suspect vehicle near Wilson Avenue and Bowling Street SW at 1:20 p.m. 

The officer activated lights and siren on the squad vehicle, but the suspect vehicle fled northbound on Bowling Street SW.  The suspect vehicle side-swiped another vehicle as it attempted to elude the officer.

The pursuit continued on Bowling Street to C Street to 18^th Avenue SW.  The suspect vehicle ended up striking a curb and became inoperable in the 100 block of 16^th Avenue SW.  Two suspects fled from the vehicle on foot.

One suspect, identified as Tywun Marquese Moore, DOB/06-26-2002, age 18, was apprehended by police officers near C Street and 15^th Avenue SW.

The other suspect, identified as Royal Jones, DOB/04-06-2003, age 17, ran to the 1700 block of Barber Street SW, where he was confronted by a homeowner as to why he was on the homeowner’s property.  The suspect allegedly bit the homeowner during a struggle and fled again on foot.  He was apprehended a short distance later by police officers in a nearby alleyway. 

A handgun was recovered by police officers in the 1700 block of Barber Street SW.

Both suspects have been arrested for Robbery-1^st Degree.  Robbery-1^st Degree is a forcible felony.  Other charges are pending.

Disclaimer:  Any arrest information included above is based on the legal conclusion that, as with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – On Thursday, August 6, just prior to 9:00 p.m., the Cedar Rapids Police Department took reports of resealable plastic bags that were located in front of at least four residences in southeast Cedar Rapids. The plastic bags contained a letter that included a Fascist symbol and “White Pride” verbiage. 

The Police Department is investigating these incidents to determine if they are a hate crime under federal statutes.  The Cedar Rapids Police Department is working with both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa.

Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to contact the Cedar Rapids Police Department at (319) 286-5491.

Mayor Brad Hart said, “Cedar Rapids is a community where everyone should feel welcome and safe, especially in his or her own home. Acts of hate are not, and will not be, tolerated.  They are an affront to the values of our residents and city leadership. It is our responsibility to care about each other, and incidents that target our neighbors and their families have no place in Cedar Rapids.”

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The City of Cedar Rapids has launched a survey to seek feedback from residents as they work to establish the framework for an independent Citizen Review Board (CRB). Residents can take the survey directly at https://polco.us/n/res/vote/cedar-rapids-ia/community-survey-citizen through August 31, 2020.  Those unable to access the survey electronically can contact the Community Development Department at 319-286-5041, and a paper copy of the survey will be mailed to you. Paper copies are also available at the Ground Transportation Center (450 1^st Street SE).  

A Citizen Review Board is an independent body created to influence and change police practices to ensure community law enforcement is effective and responsive to the standards, values, and needs of those to be served. There are approximately 150 Citizen Review Boards currently across the United States, each with a different emphasis and activities conducted.  As the Cedar Rapids CRB is developed, it will be important to build support and tailor the CRB to the specific need of our community.   

The City worked with members of Advocates for Social Justice and the National Research Center to develop the custom survey for Cedar Rapids residents. This is one of several ways to engage the public and begin the community conversation.  

Focus groups are also being conducted.  Community members and groups are being asked to participate in these important discussions throughout the month of August.  

Cedar Rapids City Council passed a resolution on June 19, 2020 officially declaring their support and commitment to addressing priorities brought to the City through the local Black Lives Matter Movement and Advocates for Social Justice. At the meeting, City Council approved and agreed to move forward on all seven priorities, with establishment of a Citizen Review Board being agreed upon by both groups as the highest priority to implement quickly. A copy of the resolution can be found on the City’s website: www.cedar-rapids.org/crb.

IOWA CITY -- Weather permitting, beginning on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, Washington Street will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic between First Avenue and Potomac Drive.  This lane reduction will facilitate water main work associated with the Water Distribution East Pressure Zone Project.  It is anticipated that normal traffic will resume on Friday, August 21^st.                                                                          

Motorists are to take note of this construction work and allow extra travel time as delays may occur. As always, caution should be exercised when traveling in all construction areas.

IOWA CITY -- Weather permitting, beginning on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, 3^rd Avenue will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic between Muscatine Avenue and F Street. Additionally, Sunset Street will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic between Penfro Drive and Arbury Drive and Charles Drive will be reduced to one lane of alternating traffic between Lillian Street and Camden Road. These lane reductions will facilitate pavement repairs associated with the 2020 Water Pavement Patching Project. It is anticipated that normal traffic will resume on Friday August 14^th.

Motorists are to take note of this construction work and allow extra travel time as delays may occur. As always, caution should be exercised when traveling in all construction areas.

Community Connection is a video series that highlights the different people and organizations in our community to discuss the issues that are important to our residents. While the Senior Center is normally bustling with activities and programs, the building has remained closed since March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this episode, Mayor Bruce Teague sits down with Senior Center Coordinator LaTasha DeLoach to discuss how the Center is finding ways to keep members active and engaged through virtual programming. Click here to watch.

You can watch previous Community Connection episodes on City Channel 4's YouTube page.