Coralville Courier

Find what you're looking for in the Corridor!

Whether you're a lifelong resident of the Corridor area, a University of Iowa student, or just visiting the area, you've come to the right place if you're looking for information about lodging, dining, activities, finding a good mechanic, a lawyer and otherwise in the Metro area! Looking for a refreshing dinner experience? Find a restaurant that intrigues you in Metro Pursuit. Have some relatives coming into town and need some entertaining ideas? Find some in Metro Pursuit. Need to move? Find a house or apartment to your liking in Metro Pursuit. Serving the entire Corridor and the metro areas of Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Tiffin, Riverside, Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Marion and surrounding communities!

Johnson County Empowerment/Early Childhood Iowa Area Board seeks members

Johnson County, Iowa — The Johnson County Empowerment/Early Childhood Iowa Area Board is seeking new members to serve three-year terms beginning September 2021. The board is made up of family members of children ages 0-5, citizens, providers, community volunteers and elected officials.

The Board serves the Johnson County area for the statewide Early Childhood Iowa initiative. Board participation is an opportunity for community members to contribute to decisions about how Early Childhood Iowa funds are utilized to assist Johnson County Children ages 0-5 and their families. More information about the Early Childhood Iowa initiative is available at https://earlychildhood.iowa.gov.

Board members must reside or work in Johnson County. Current areas of focused recruitment include men, people of color, dual language learners, families who have participated in Johnson County Empowerment/Early Childhood Iowa Area programs, and members of a faith or business community.

Board meetings are held month, typically on the third Thursday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in a hybrid format, both in-person and via Zoom.

For more information contact Sam Turnbull, Empowerment/Early Childhood Coordinator at 319-356-6090 or empower@johnsoncountyiowa.gov. More information about Johnson County Empowerment/Early Childhood Iowa is available at https://jcempowerment.com.

Video Update: Fireworks Ordinance, BookWalk, and more

Iowa City Update is a weekly video featuring City of Iowa City projects, programs and events. Topics this week include fines for using fireworks in city limits, a fun way to enjoy nature and reading, and much more. Select the image below to watch Iowa City Update.

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Avoid Firework Fines

Due to public safety concerns, it’s illegal to use fireworks in Iowa City. Violators can face a minimum fine of $250.

Pop-Up Donation Drop

This new series of community drop-off events allows people to donate unwanted items to help reduce the amount of reusable goods that end up in the landfill.

Curbside Organics Carts

Beginning July 1, 2021, curbside customers must use City-issued organics carts for food scraps and yard waste; personal containers will no longer be accepted.

Playground Program

This free summer program offers activities for kids grade K-6 at a variety of parks across our community. Learn how to register your children to participate!

BookWalk at Willow Creek Park

Learn how this new project is taking storytime out in nature to keep kids active, both physically and mentally.

Iowa City Update - Your source for Iowa City news and information.

Today's Weather Outlook for the Corridor

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.

Type in your zip code for your weatherecast

 

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Drive-In Movie

We are bringing back the drive-in theatre from days past on the grounds of the current Coralville Public Library!… Read on

Date	June 18, 2021
Time	8:45 PM - 10:45 PM
Location	Coralville Public Library Parking lot (limited space available) 1401 5th St. Coralville, IA 52241
Cost	Free and open to the public

Free Summer Playground Program opens June 21

The Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department's free Playground Program starts Monday, June 21, 2021. The program provides a variety of activities for children completing grades K-6. The program runs Monday - Friday, from June 21 through Aug. 13, 2021.  

Parents and Guardians may register children online and on-site for this opportunity to interact with other youth in the community while participating in fun activities, led by trained staff. This summer's activities include special visitors, STEAM “Maker Space” projects, games, arts and crafts, and environmental education activities.  

Children who have not completed kindergarten are welcome to participate when accompanied by an adult. All children are welcome to come and go during these free drop-in programs, but parents and guardians must complete emergency information forms on-site on the first day of attendance. Registration is ongoing throughout the summer at each site. 

Morning locations are available from 10 a.m. to noon at the following parks:

• Cardigan Park, 500 Huntington Dr.
• Court Hill Park, 2825 Friendship St.
• Fairmeadows Park, 2451 Miami Dr.
• North Market Square Park, 600 Fairchild St.
• Willow Creek Park, 1117 Teg Dr.  

Afternoon locations are available from 1 to 3 p.m. at the following parks:

• Highland Park, 750 Highland Ave. 
• James Alan McPherson Park, 1858 7th Avenue Ct. 
• Kiwanis Park, 1519 Teg Dr. 
• Mercer Park, 1317 Dover St.  
• Wetherby Park, 2400 Taylor Dr.   

For more information, contact Joyce Carroll, Recreation Supervisor, at  joyce-carroll@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5100.

ICPD makes arrest following Court Street apartment fire

At 11:14 p.m. on Sunday, June 13, 2021, the Iowa City Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 612 E. Court Street. 

Fire crews brought the fire under control within 20 minutes. During the response, four occupants from the third floor sought refuge on the balcony until crews were able to bring the fire under control. 

Nineteen fire personnel responded on the alarm. Outside agency support and assistance was provided by the Iowa City Police Department, Johnson County Ambulance Service, and Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center.

No civilian or firefighter injuries were reported. The fire caused damage to the third floor of the structure and smoke damage throughout.  Damage to the apartment is estimated to be $50,000. 

Following an investigation by the Iowa City Police Department, Ishmael Shabazz Carter of Iowa City was charged with Arson in the First Degree in connection with this incident. A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

• View the charges here.

Fireworks are illegal to use in Iowa City; avoid a $250 fine

Due to public safety concerns, the use of fireworks inside city limits is prohibited, and violators can face a minimum $250 fine.

Why can I buy fireworks in Iowa City, but not use them here?

Changes to state law in 2017 prevent cities from prohibiting the sale of fireworks, but does allow counties and cities to determine their own regulations regarding the use of consumer fireworks.

Use of fireworks in unincorporated parts of Johnson County are also illegal without a permit from the County.

Where to view fireworks safely.

• Iowa City Jazz Festival fireworks info
  • At about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 3, 2021, at the Old Capitol Museum. 
  • For a full list of the Summer of the Arts' Iowa City Jazz Festival performers, visit SummeroftheArts.org. 
• Coralville's 4th Fest fireworks info
  • At about 9:45 p.m. Sunday, July 4, 2021, at S.T. Morrison Park, 1513 7th St. 
  • For a full list of 4th Fest events, visit Coralivlle.org. 

Both shows will have ample space for household members and groups to distance comfortably. Please respect others when it comes to mask-wearing or social distancing if attending either firework displays.  

How do I report illegal fireworks?

Residents are encouraged to speak directly with their neighbors regarding the use of illegal fireworks. Reports can also be made to public safety dispatchers at 319-356-6800. Please provide an address when reporting your concern.

For questions about the local fireworks ordinance, contact Fire Marshal Brian Greer at 319-356-5257 or brian-greer@iowa-city.org.

Police seek help in search for missing teen

The Iowa City Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a missing juvenile.

The missing teen, 15-year-old Makayla Hyche, from Cedar Rapids, was last seen walking away from Four Oaks Family and Children's Services, 1916 Waterfront Drive, Iowa City, on June 12, 2021. Makayla has hazel eyes, orange hair, has a dark complexion, is 5'5", and is about 220 pounds. She was last seen wearing all black clothing.  

Makayla left with another person, Alisa Scovel, who has red hair and brown eyes, has a white complexion, and is described to be 5'5", and weighing about 170 pounds. 

If you see Makayla or Alisa, or have information about them, please contact the Johnson County Emergency Communications Center at 319-356-6800, or call 911.

COTTAGE GROVE AVENUE SE CLOSURE

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Effective Thursday, June 17, 2021, Cottage Grove Avenue SE will be closed between Eastern Boulevard and Country Club Parkway for private sewer repairs. Work is expected to take four (4) days, weather permitting. Traffic to follow posted detour.

Bever Pool to Open June 27

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department plans to open Bever Pool, 2700 Bever Ave SE, on Sunday, June 27. The pool will be open afternoons from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. for lap swim and water walking, and from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. for open swim through August 6. Bever will not be open for lessons or evening swims at this time.

The Parks and Recreation Department is still recruiting staff to open Jones and Ellis Pools. The Department needs at least 140 lifeguards to operate all outdoor pools and currently has 119 hired or in the process of training to work by June 27. Individuals interested in applying can find information at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cedarrapids/transferjobs. Noelridge and Cherry Hill Aquatic Centers are currently open and offering swim lessons, lap swim/water walking, water exercise, family swim, and afternoon and evening open swims. Find schedules at http://bit.ly/CedarRapidsPools.