Cedar Rapids
New Data Center to be Built on SW side of CR
According to KCRG.com, Cedar Rapids Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell confirmed Wednesday that a new data center is planned for the city, with the facility set to be built on the southwest side. This will be the third for the City.
The project will be built at 1515 33rd Ave. SW, just north of Highway 30. The entity behind the project is CLOP Cedar Rapids, IA LLC. Once built, the building will be nearly 100,000 square feet.
Linn County recently adopted an 18-month moratorium for unincorporated Linn County, as well as new regulations for large data centers. Mayor O’Donnell said Cedar Rapids is not considering a similar moratorium because the project complies with the city’s existing zoning.
“The data centers that we currently have align with who we are as a city and, frankly, where we need to go.”
Marion
Volunteers Needed to Clean up Indian Creek
The City of Marion is teaming up with Creekside Pride to remove trash from Indian Creek and educate the community on the importance of healthy watersheds.
The clean-up day will take place at Thomas Park, located at 343 Marion Blvd., on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m.-noon. Participants should meet at the English Pavilion.
Volunteers will remove debris by boat and by foot along the paths of Indian Creek. Participants are encouraged to wear protective clothing that can get dirty.
Garbage bags and gloves will be provided. Complimentary lunch will be provided by Boone’s BBQ & Catering. The event is sponsored by Cargill.
Help maintain Indian Creek’s beauty by signing up to volunteer at https://signup.com/go/NOBMLAL.
Prairewoods Celebrate 30 Years with a Ribbon Cutting
Prairiewoods members will be celebrating 30 years at its present location on Boyson Road with a special Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
The Mayor of Hiawatha, members of the Hiawatha City Council, and representatives from HEDCO (Hiawatha Economic Development Corporation) will be in attendance at the event July 29, 11:30 am to 1 pm. Following the ribbon cutting program at 11:30 a.m., stay and enjoy refreshments, as well as a tour of Prairiewoods.
This event is free and open to the public.
Nominate your favorite Hiawathan
Nominate your favorite Hiawathan for the Fay M Clark Hall of Fame Award. This award honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Hiawatha Community through leadership, service, and dedication to making Hiawatha a better place to live work, and play. The deadline to submit a nomination is July 31, 2026. You can access the form here.
Marion
The Big Marion Read 2026
The Marion Public Library Foundation is proud to announce it has been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read grant to support The Big Marion Read, a community-wide reading initiative launching this fall.
An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read brings communities together through the shared experience of reading and discussing a book. Through free programs, conversations, and events, The Big Marion Read will encourage residents of all ages to connect through literature, storytelling, and community dialogue.
“This grant is an incredible opportunity for our community,” Library Director Bill Carroll said.
The Big Marion Read will begin Sept. 12 and continue through Oct. 24, featuring book discussions, special guest speakers, creative workshops, family activities, and community partner events throughout the area. In line with the United States Semiquincentennial, programming and title selection will center around the theme America250.
“We are excited to bring people together in new ways through this program,” Carroll added. “Whether you’re an avid reader or simply curious about participating, The Big Marion Read will have something for everyone.”
More information about The Big Marion Read, including upcoming announcements and event details, can be found on the library’s website or by following the library on social media.