🌱 Authorities recover body after man falls into Cedar River downtown

Good morning Cedar Rapids! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• Authorities recover body after man falls into Cedar River downtown
• Plan your free Mother’s Day outing at Noelridge Greenhouse.
• What’s new at Old MacDonald’s Farm this summer?

Today's riddle: Knock-knock! Who’s there? Irish. Irish who? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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From our Partner
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Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Cooler with variable clouds, with a high of 59 and low of 39 degrees.
• Wednesday: Cloudy and cool, temps: high: 53, low: 36.
• Thursday: Breezy in the afternoon, with a high of 64 and low of 44 degrees.

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📰 News we're reading

1. UPDATE: Body recovered by authorities after man falls into Cedar River (cbs2iowa.com) — Authorities in Cedar Rapids have recovered the body of a man who fell into the Cedar River near the downtown dam Monday afternoon. Police and firefighters responded around 4:30 p.m. by Interstate 380, deploying rescue boats and trucks after the man reportedly slipped from riverside rocks; officials have not yet released his identity.
   

2. Free Mother's Day tradition approaching at Noelridge Greenhouse in Cedar Rapids (homegrowniowan.com) — Cedar Rapids families can celebrate Mother’s Day at the free Noelridge Greenhouse Showcase on Sunday, May 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4900 Council St. NE. You’ll find thousands of blooms, Iowa native plants, tropicals, and local vendors, plus plenty of gardening advice in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. It’s one of the city’s favorite spring traditions.
   

3. Cedar Rapids petting farm kicks off 2026 season (kwwl.com) — Old MacDonald’s Farm in Cedar Rapids is now open daily for the 2026 season, offering free admission and a suggested $1 donation through September 27. Families can enjoy farm animals, new Google-supported handwashing stations, and seasonal programs like story times, goat yoga, birthday parties, and group tours.
   

4. Alliant Energy LightLine Bridge nears completion in Cedar Rapids (kcrg.com) — A new $20 million Alliant Energy LightLine Bridge is nearing completion over the Cedar River, reconnecting Cedar Rapids’ NewBo and Czech Village neighborhoods for walkers, cyclists, and trail users. Backed by both city funding and private donations, the bridge will link downtown directly to the Cedar Valley Nature Trail and feature a distinctive lighted tower when it opens this fall.
   

5. Cedar Rapids considering free bus rides, conducting study (kcrg.com) — Cedar Rapids Transit is studying whether to eliminate bus fares instead of spending $1.3 million to replace aging fareboxes, with recommendations expected by August. The study could make rides free for all, building on existing free fares for students and riders with disabilities. Officials are sharing progress with nearby partners like Marion as they weigh costs and accessibility.
   

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📸 Around Cedar Rapids

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Cedar Rapids

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday May 7

• IHA 4-Day Plant Sale!
  Iowa Humane Alliance, 1200 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids

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📣 Cedar Rapids Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

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🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday May 5

• Boys Track & Field: Vinton-Shellsburg MS Boys Track Invite (8th Gra
  Vinton-Shellsburg High School Karr Athletic Complex
  4:15 pm
• Girls Soccer: Cedar Valley Christian/Alburnett vs Benton (Varsity)
  Benton Community High School
  5:00 pm
• Chatty Crafters →
  Ely Public Library, 1595 Dows St, Ely
  5:00 pm
• Boys Soccer: Benton vs Center Point-Urbana (Varsity)
  Fross Park
  5:00 pm
• Adult Tabletop Game Club →
  Hiawatha Public Library, 150 W Willman St, Hiawatha
  6:00 pm
• Junior Varsity Boys Soccer - Iowa City West vs Marion
  Marion High School > Marion Stadium
  6:00 pm
• Girls Soccer: Cedar Valley Christian/Alburnett vs Benton (Junior Va
  Benton Community High School Practice Field
  6:30 pm
• Boys Soccer: Benton vs Center Point-Urbana (Junior Varsity)
  Fross Park
  6:30 pm

Wednesday May 6

• Choir: HS Vocal Concert (Concert Choir (10th-12th))
  Benton Community High School Auditorium
  7:00 pm

Thursday May 7

• Varsity Boys Track & Field - WaMaC Conference Track & Field Meet
  Benton Community High School
  4:00 pm
• Girls Track & Field: WaMaC Conference Track & Field Meet (Varsity)
  Benton Community High School
  4:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Today’s the day 🐓🎉
  Old MacDonald’s Farm officially opens for the season today! Stop by for animal visits, outdoor fun, Chalk the Farm activities, and a full season of… (Nextdoor )
• Warning of aggressive dog in /around Oak Hill Cemetery -
  There has been a white and tan beagle/ mix dog aggressively approaching responsible dog owners out for a walk. I know of 3 instances this week that… (Nextdoor Oakhill Jackson)

• CRST The Transportation Solution, Inc. posted a job opening for Carrier Support Manager Part Time in Cedar Rapids. Apply here.
• U-Haul posted a job opening for Facility Housekeeper in Cedar Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cedar Rapids here.

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Ok Cedar Rapids! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: Irish you a happy St. Patrick’s Day! (Thank you Eileen C. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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