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🌱 Cedar Rapids sting leads to felony charges after online messages

Cedar Rapids, Iowa Patch AM: a 5 min read

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:

  • Cedar Rapids sting leads to felony charges after online messages
  • Thinking about leading Cedar Rapids’ fire department? Here’s what to know
  • How to get your seats for Brucemorchestra’s big Cedar Rapids return

Also on today's calendar: Christian Brothers Automotive Cedar Rapids Hosts Grand Opening Celebration Benefiting Local Animal S and 2 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the carpenter ant say when he walked into the bar? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Partly sunny, with a high of 83 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Thursday: Partly sunny and breezy, temps: high: 85, low: 67.
  • Friday: A shower and t-storm; humid, with a high of 83 and low of 66 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Cedar Rapids man arrested in child prostitution sting (kcrg.com) — Cedar Rapids police arrested a local man after an online sting in which officers posed as underage girls offering sex. Court records say he faces two felony counts related to prostitution of a minor, with bond set at $20,000 in Linn County Court. He’s due back in court for a preliminary hearing on June 12.
   

2. IA - Fire Chief - City of Cedar Rapids - First Review: 07/06/2026 (dailydispatch.com) — Cedar Rapids is recruiting a new Fire Chief to lead its all-hazards fire department, which serves roughly 139,000 residents from nine stations. The position pays $152,934 to $214,000 annually, overseeing a $26 million budget and 149 full-time personnel. Interested candidates can review the full profile and apply before the July 6 first review date.
   

3. Tickets now available for Brucemorchestra: Patriotic Pops (cbs2iowa.com) — Cedar Rapids residents can now snag tickets for Orchestra Iowa’s Brucemorchestra: Patriotic Pops concert, returning to the Brucemore estate on August 29. The outdoor show starts at 7 p.m., with tickets from $22 and free admission for kids 17 and under when reserved with an adult ticket. Tickets are available online, by phone, or at the Orchestra Iowa box office.
   

4. MidAmerican cleared to notify customers on proposed natural gas rate increase statewide (cbs2iowa.com) — Cedar Rapids residents will get a chance on Sept. 8 to question MidAmerican Energy’s proposed natural gas rate hike at an in-person public meeting. The Iowa Utilities Commission has approved customer notices and set four comment sessions statewide, plus options for written feedback, before deciding on permanent rates and any refunds from temporary increases.
   

5. St. Ambrose and Mount Mercy name new VP of strategic growth and marketing (kcrg.com) — Cedar Rapids-based Mount Mercy University and St. Ambrose University have jointly hired Nicole J. Sakraida as their new vice president of strategic growth, marketing, and communications. She’ll oversee enrollment, marketing, and student success strategies for both Catholic institutions, bringing extensive experience in data-driven enrollment growth and student services. Leaders say her role is key to shaping a more integrated, mission-centered future.
   

📸 Around Cedar Rapids

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Cedar Rapids

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★ Featured events ★

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Other local events

📣 Cedar Rapids Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Wednesday June 3
  • Facility Usage - HS
    Atkins Elementary School Benton Community High School HS Gym
    7:00 am
  • Youth Theatre Camp
    Atkins Elementary School Benton Community High School Auditorium
    8:00 am
  • Expressive Arts: The Art of Music →
    Hiawatha Public Library, 150 W Willman St, Hiawatha
    4:00 pm
  • Softball: Williamsburg vs Benton (Varsity)
    Atkins Elementary School Benton Community High School
    5:00 pm
  • Varsity Softball - West Delaware vs Marion
    Marion Independent School District Marion High School > Marion High School Softball Field
    5:00 pm
  • Weekly FREE Trivia at NewBo City Market →
    NewBo City Market, 1100 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids
    6:00 pm
  • Genealogy Junkies →
    Marion Public Library, 1101 6th Ave, Marion
    6:00 pm

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

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Kirkwood Community College posted a job opening for Custodian (Part Time) in Cedar Rapids. Apply here.
  • St. Ambrose University posted a job opening for Custodian-Mount Mercy University Campus in Cedar Rapids. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Cedar Rapids here.

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: Is the bar tender here? (Thank you W. M. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

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Stay in the loop with what's happening in Cedar Rapids

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.

Stay in the loop with what's happening in Cedar Rapids

Never miss out on local news and events that matter to you.