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!

Transit Delays Expected Due to Weather on Monday & Tuesday, January 25 & 26

Due to predicted winter weather conditions, delays are expected on Coralville Transit beginning on Monday afternoon and Tuesday, January 25 and 26, 2021. Please plan for extra travel time.

Delays will make predicted bus arrival times on Bus on the Go (Bongo, www.bongo.org) and the Transit app inaccurate, however, the real-time maps on Bongo at www.bongo.org with actual bus locations will be accurate and should be used to locate buses.

We will continue to monitor the weather. The safety of our passengers and drivers is our priority. If any changes to service must be made due to weather, they will be posted as soon as possible; however, weather and road conditions can quickly change. 

For questions, please call Coralville Transit at 319.248.1790.

Winter weather pays another visit, reminding us to prepare for another round of snow removal

If you enjoy snow, you are having an amazing January! For the rest of us, please hang in there as we prepare for another round of snow removal. Just remember, every day brings us one step closer to spring. Although this is starting to feel like the new normal and maybe some are even starting to get used to it, we'd like to thank our residents for doing their part to clear their walks this winter. We know firsthand that it isn’t always easy, but it does make for safer travel for everyone. To ensure the safety of neighbors, dog-walkers, and those who require sidewalk access, snow should be cleared within 24-hours of a one-inch or greater snowfall, or after any accumulation of ice has ended. Doing so helps protect the many pedestrians who use sidewalks daily in Iowa City. Those who do not remove snow and ice could face a fine, something we all want to avoid. Sidewalk policy Property owners are responsible for the ice and snow removal from all sidewalks that abut their private property. The entire width of the sidewalk must be cleared down to concrete. Renters should check their leases to see if their landlord has transferred the responsibility of snow and ice removal to them. Clearing curb ramps and crosswalks Be a good neighbor and keep curb ramps clear. Snow and ice-free curb ramps are needed to keep sidewalks accessible to everyone, especially for those with limited mobility. Snow and ice that is shoveled or that accumulates in crosswalks makes it difficult and dangerous for many of our residents, especially those with limited mobility, or children on their way to and from school. When you get to the end of your sidewalk, please shovel a few extra feet to clear the crosswalks and curb ramps if you are able. Watch this video to learn more about Iowa City's snow removal ordinance.

Reporting snowy or icy sidewalks Those who wish to report a property where the adjacent public sidewalk has not been cleared can contact the City of Iowa City: Download the free ICGovXpress mobile app for your smartphone or tablet. Search GoRequest where you get your apps.  Visit www.icgov.org/ICgovXpress Call the complaint hotline at 319-356-5152 Complaints must be specific and include an address for staff to respond. Residents can view a digital map of properties that are being investigated by staff due to complaints from the public. Salt/Sand mix available for residents The City provides a limited amount of salt/sand mix that is available at no charge to the public at the Streets Division parking lot, located off of South Gilbert Street in the parking lot at 3901 Napoleon Lane. Iowa City residents should provide their own 5 gallon bucket and shovel to obtain this mix, which is intended for local residential sidewalks, and not for commercial or contractor use. Penalties If a complaint is received about an uncleared property, an inspector will visit the address to verify the violation, and leave a notification tag at the property. A Notice of Violation will also be mailed to the property owner and an additional 24 hours will be given to clear the pavement. If not completed by the deadline, the City will hire a private contractor to shovel, and the property owner will be billed those costs plus a $100 administrative fee. Only one notification will be given per snow season. Subsequent violations at the property will be cleared without further notification. For more information, contact Stan Laverman at 319-356-5135 or stan-laverman@iowa-city.org.

Video Update: Repair and Upcycle Series, Dog Sweater Pawty, and more

Iowa City Update is a weekly video featuring City of Iowa City projects, programs and events. Topics this week include the virtual Repair and Upcycling Series, a dog sweater contest at Thornberry Dog Park, and more. Select the image below to watch Iowa City Update.

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Repair and Upcycle Series

This popular waste reduction series is going virtual this year! Help us meet our Climate Action goals by finding creative ways to continue using the “stuff” we already have.

Climate Action Survey

Take this short online survey and receive tips on how to be the best climate champion you can be.

Thornberry Dog Sweater Pawty

Get your furry friends bundled up in their best sweaters and join us at the Thornberry Dog Park for a family-friendly, socially-distanced contest.

DVIP Souper Bowl Fundraiser

Help support the Domestic Violence Intervention Program through the Souper Bowl Fundraiser, which is offering pick-up or delivery options this year.

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

Strategic Plan Update now available for viewing

The City of Iowa City has published its latest progress report for the 2020-2021 Strategic Plan.

The City’s Strategic Plan is a goal-setting document that establishes top priorities and initiatives of City Council. The Strategic Plan, developed approximately every two years, is a collaborative effort between Council members and City staff. Initiatives identified in the Plan guide staff actions as they address Council priorities through specific programs, policies, and projects.   

The City Council adopted the 2020-2021 Strategic Plan in June 2020 and the update details projects that have been accomplished or are in progress. The current plan aims to foster a more inclusive, just and sustainable Iowa City by prioritizing the physical, mental and economic wellbeing of all residents, and includes the following initiatives:  

• Advance Social Justice, Racial Equity, and Human Rights
• Demonstrate Leadership in Climate Action
• Strengthen Community Engagement and Intergovernmental Relations
• Invest in Public Infrastructure, Facilities and Fiscal Reserves
• Foster Healthy Neighborhoods and Affordable Housing Throughout the City
• Enhance Community Mobility for All Residents
• Promote an Inclusive and Resilient Economy Throughout the City

The 2020-2021 update document can be found online at www.icgov.org/strategicplan.

List your business on the Coralville Courier Search Directory

List Your Business!

Reach the corridor audience with a LOCAL search directory.  Get listed in the Coralville Courier search directory.  It's easy, it's direct, it's cost effective, it's LOCAL and mobile friendly.  And once you're listed, you're always listed.  That's right, no renewals, no sales calls, it's just a one-time $30 set-up fee to get listed forever and take advantage of unlimited updates!  You can change/update/add to your message at any time.   Running a special?  We'll post it.  Holding an event?  We'll post it.  Just want to say you had a great weekend, "Thank you patrons" or "Congratulations Hawkeyes?"  We'll post it!   We promote you online, it's what we do.

Your profile includes:  Your business listed with your logo, a profile narrative and a link to your website.   Then sit back and let your listing go to work for you.  Get your listing today, your new customers are waiting.  

Simply enter your business name, click the 'Buy Now' button to submit payment and we'll get to work on your listing, it will be up and working for you in no time!

Enter your business name

 

Your ad must be paid for in advance. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express through PayPal.    Checks are no longer accepted.

The Coralville Courier maintains the right to refuse/reject/edit/cancel ads and will not knowingly accept ads that violate the law. We assume all advertisements practice equal opportunity. Errors/omissions must be reported on the first day of posting by email to coralvillecourier@gmail.com. We are not responsible for any loss/expense that may result from the posting of an ad.

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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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North Liberty Declares Snow Emergency Starting 1 p.m. Jan. 25 Due to Winter Storm; On-Street Parking Prohibited

With hazardous weather, including a significant winter storm and 6 to 12 inches of snow, North Liberty has declared a snow emergency, prohibiting on-street parking, beginning Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, at 1 p.m. The prohibition is set to expire on Tuesday, Jan. 26, at 5 p.m., but may be extended based on conditions.

Parking on streets is not permitted until the snow emergency declaration has been lifted. Forecasts predict significant winter weather, and crews will be working to clear roads through the snowfall. During the storm, roads may be slick or impassable; drivers are urged to avoid travel if possible.

Prohibiting on-street parking during snow emergencies ensures city streets are clear for effective snow removal. Any vehicles in violation of the ordinance may be ticketed and towed without notice. Each 12-hour period that a vehicle is parked or remains on any public street in violation of this ordinance constitutes a separate and distinct offense.

Off-street parking for those without available garage, driveway or other paved parking space is available in the south lot at the North Liberty Community Center, 520 W. Cherry Street, closest to the building, Quail Ridge Park, 931 W. Zeller Street, Centennial Park, 1565 St. Andrews Drive, and Penn Meadows Park, 310 N. Dubuque Street, in both north and south parking lots.

Additionally, residents are reminded they are required to clear their sidewalks within 48 hours of a snowfall, and asked to consider clearing around storm drains, to help prevent ice dams, and fire hydrants, to allow critical unimpeded access in the event of a fire.

For more information about the snow emergency ordinance or parking, please contact City Hall at (319) 626-5700 or visit northlibertyiowa.org/snow.

Suspects Arrested for Shooting Death of Randal Campbell

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – Two suspects have been arrested for their involvement in the June 21, 2019 death of Randal Joseph Campbell, DOB/04-30-1975, who was 44 years old at the time of his death. 

On June 21, 2019 at 9:08 p.m., police officers were dispatched to 1834 Hamilton Street SW for a reported suicide.  Upon officers’ arrival, they found Randal Campbell deceased with an air rifle positioned on his lap and torso.  An ongoing investigation by the Police Department determined that the crime scene had been staged to appear to be a suicide.

Investigators determined that Joshua Kennieth Conklin, DOB/12-19-1992, age 28, actually shot Campbell at close range with the air rifle.  The pellet from the air rifle went through the victim’s right eye and entered the victim’s brain.  During the autopsy by Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner, the pellet was recovered from the victim’s right lobe of his cerebellum.  The Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be a gunshot wound to the victim’s head.

Investigators learned that Conklin had been living in the detached garage at 1834 Hamilton Street SW and had a recent conflict with the owner of the residence, Campbell’s mother.  Conklin was captured on video surveillance near the detached garage leaving the crime scene with his girlfriend, Felisha Ann Marie Campbell, DOB/03-16-1994, age 26. 

Investigators determined that Conklin was previously in possession of the air rifle, assumed responsibility for owning the air rifle, and admitted that he knew the capacity of the air rifle to kill animals.  Conklin’s fingerprints were found on the air rifle as well.

In addition, Conklin is accused of knowingly altering or disguising physical evidence which would have been admissible in the trial and/or furnished false information with the intent it be used in the trial for the prosecution of the homicide of Randal Campbell.

Conklin was incarcerated at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility on unrelated charges when the Cedar Rapids Police Department submitted a warrant request to the Linn County Attorney’s Office on July 27, 2020.  The Linn County Attorney’s Office filed charges for Murder-2^nd Degree and Obstructing Prosecution.  A hold was placed on Conklin and he was transferred to the Linn County Jail this afternoon to face prosecution on the murder and obstruction charges in this case.

Warrants were also issued for Felisha Campbell for her involvement in the shooting.  Felisha Campbell was arrested on warrants for Conspiracy to Commit a Forcible Felony and Accessory after the Fact on December 21, 2020.  She was arrested following a police pursuit in which she attempted to elude officers in a stolen vehicle.  An officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop at 1:24 a.m. near 3^rd Avenue and Park Court SE but the suspect refused to stop.  Officers were able to disable the suspect vehicle with stop sticks and apprehend Campbell near the Menards parking lot off of Highway 100 in Marion.  The suspect was charged with Theft-2^nd Degree, Driving While Barred, Felony Eluding, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance-Marijuana, Carrying Weapons, Speeding, Disobedience to Traffic Control Device, along with the outstanding warrants.  Felisha Campbell remains incarcerated at the Linn County Jail.

With regards to the June 21, 2019 shooting for which warrants were issued, Felisha Campbell is accused of conspiring with Conklin to obstruct the investigation.  Felisha Campbell was present when Conklin shot her uncle, Randal Campbell, with an air rifle that resulted in Randal Campbell’s death.  Felisha Campbell admitted to investigators that she suggested to Conklin that the shooting scene be staged to look like a suicide.  Felisha initially lied to investigators about her and Conklin’s involvement until she ultimately reported that Conklin shot Randal Campbell with an air rifle and returned to the scene to leave the air rifle behind and staging the crime as a suicide. 

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.

Virtual Repair & Upcycle Series starts Jan. 26

The Repair & Upcycle Series (late January through mid-March) is going virtual this year, and will offer digital resources on a wide variety of do it yourself (DIY) and at-home topics. All are welcome to join the waste reduction fun, and there is no cost to participate. 

Each week’s topics will be centered around a theme, like metal, glass, and many more. Tuesdays will feature upcycling topics, while Thursdays will focus on repair topics. 

The purpose of this series is to educate residents on the importance of waste reduction, and to offer resources on ways to reduce waste through reuse, repair, and upcycling. Waste reduction supports Iowa City's climate action goals, and it reduces our environmental impact by finding creative ways to continue using the "stuff" we already have.  

Series Timeline and Topics 

• Week 1: Fabric
  • January 26: Make T-shirt Yarn
  • January 28: Sew on a Button 

• Week 2: Fabric
  • February 2: Weave T-shirt Yarn into Rag Rug
  • February 4: Repair a Torn Seam

• Week 3: Metal 
  • February 9: Turn Bottle Caps into Refrigerator Magnets 
  • February 11: Clean a Scorched Pan 

• Week 4: Plastic
  • February 16: Make a Bird Feeder from a Plastic Bottle 
  • February 18: Repair a Shoe Sole Hole 

• Week 5: Glass
  • February 23: Use Cracked Ceramics to Better Your Garden 
  • February 25: Remove Scratches from Glass

• Week 6: Paper/Wood
  • March 2: Beautify Non-Recyclable Boxes for Another Use
  • March 4: Repair Wood Furniture 

• Week 7: Food
  • March 9: Use Banana Peels for Beauty, Cleaning, Gardening, & First Aid 
  • March 11: Revive Wilted Vegetables 

Event information is available at www.icgov.org/reduce, and weekly updates will be posted at the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Facebook page. 

For questions, please contact Jane Wilch, the Recycling Coordinator, at 319-887-6110, or jane-wilch@iowa-city.org. 

City of Cedar Rapids Completes Citizen Review Board Ordinance

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – The City of Cedar Rapids is working to establish an independent Citizen Review Board (CRB) to further community relations and police accountability. An ordinance outlining the formation and duties of the CRB has been completed and the will be presented to Cedar Rapids City Council for consideration on January 26, 2021.

The ordinance is the culmination of months of work and collaboration, including resident focus groups, community surveys and feedback opportunities, and direct work with the local Advocates for Social Justice (ASJ) group.

“I am extremely pleased with the cooperation and open discussion that occurred as we all worked towards our shared goal of creating a strong and effective CRB that fits our community’s specific needs,” said Jennifer Pratt, Cedar Rapids Community Development Director. “This is a better ordinance because of the participation of members of Advocates for Social Justice.”

The City and ASJ also worked with the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) to develop the final Cedar Rapids ordinance draft.

“The work of developing civilian oversight of law enforcement is difficult but essential when establishing mechanisms that seek to make their local law enforcement agencies more transparent, accountable, and responsive to the communities they serve,” said Cameron McEllhiney, NACOLE Director of Training & Education. “NACOLE has had the pleasure of working with the City and Advocates for Social Justice as they developed the ordinance to establish civilian oversight in the City of Cedar Rapids.  The discourse, commitment, and collaboration that we have seen between these two entities throughout the process is an example for other cities to follow.”  

“Advocates for Social Justice (ASJ) applauds the months-long collaboration with Jennifer Pratt and Bill Micheel, from the City of Cedar Rapids, and representatives of NACOLE,” said ASJ Board Member Anne Harris Carter. “While we feel we have developed the strongest CRB in the state, we know much work remains. Hopefully this process will serve as a roadmap for future negotiations.”

The Cedar Rapids Police Department has expressed support and appreciation throughout the process to develop a CRB for Cedar Rapids.

“The Citizen Review Board will promote transparency and increase the level of trust between the police department and our community,” said Cedar Rapids Police Chief Wayne Jerman.  “The CRPD is committed to providing outstanding service and this process will illuminate the outstanding work the men and women do.”  

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.

“On behalf of the entire Cedar Rapids City Council, I want to thank the community, members of ASJ, our Police Department and City Staff for their tireless efforts to develop a Citizen Review Board structure that will meet the needs of Cedar Rapids residents –and specifically those typically underrepresented,” said Cedar Rapids Mayor Brad Hart. “City Council is committed to addressing social justice issues within our community. We will continue to listen, work together, and develop solutions to ensure equity for everyone.”

“I want to express my appreciation to our City Council for their leadership moving this forward,” said City Manager Jeff Pomeranz. “By providing clear vision and policy direction, City staff was able to confidently facilitate the drafting of this ordinance, which is a great collaboration and positive step for our community.”

Residents are invited to view the proposed ordinance at cedar-rapids.org/CRB.