Community Corner
🌱 How Jefferson High’s big remodel could change your student’s future
You won't want to miss BKB: B/Freshman on the Cedar Rapids Patch calendar
What's up Cedar Rapids! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How Jefferson High’s big remodel could change your student’s future
- How a new heart-care leader could impact St. Luke’s patients
- Why Colorado investigators are turning to Cedar Rapids DNA for answers
Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)
Find out what's happening in Cedar Rapidsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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Find out what's happening in Cedar Rapidsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Thursday: Strong winds developing, with a high of 42 and low of 7 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
- Friday: Colder with periods of sun, temps: high: 26, low: 23.
- Saturday: Not as cold, with a high of 38 and low of 17 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Jefferson High School hosts holiday dinner, showcases future changes (kcrg.com) — Jefferson High School in Cedar Rapids just hosted its 13th annual free holiday dinner while giving families a first look at major construction changes on campus. The school is adding a freshman academy and expanded space for new career pathways classes in areas like robotics, woodworking, and auto tech, aiming to boost ninth-grade success and graduate students with internships, college credit, or industry credentials. 
2. UnityPoint Health names chief medical officer for cardiovascular services (corridorbusiness.com) — UnityPoint Health has named cardiologist Peter George as chief medical officer for cardiovascular services, a role that includes oversight of care at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids. Starting in February, he’ll help coordinate heart and vascular care across UnityPoint’s Iowa network while local leaders in Cedar Rapids continue directing day-to-day cardiovascular services.
3. Colorado cold case leads investigators to seek DNA from Cedar Rapids residents (kcrg.com) — Cedar Rapids residents with Czech or Slovak roots are being asked to share DNA to help Colorado investigators identify human remains found near a Denver-area campground in 2024. Genetic links and the city’s Czech Village heritage led officials to focus outreach here, and they’ve already received new tips and are using facial reconstruction to move the case forward.
4. Energy bills will be more expensive this winter. Here's why (cbs2iowa.com) — Heating bills in Cedar Rapids are expected to jump more than 9% this winter, driven by higher natural gas prices, rising electric demand, and an aging grid. Experts urge homeowners to plan ahead with insulation, weatherization, and thermostat adjustments, while low-income families may qualify for federal LIHEAP assistance to help manage the higher costs.
📸 Around Cedar Rapids
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🗓 Upcoming Events in Cedar Rapids
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
- BKB: B/Freshman
Prairie High School PHS North Gym Prairie High SchoolPHS North Gym (1402)
4:00 pm - BKB: B/Sophomore
Prairie High School PHS South Gym Prairie High SchoolPHS South Gym (1801)
6:00 pm
Monday December 22
📣 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!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Expressive Arts for Teens
Hiawatha Public Library , 150 W Willman St , Hiawatha
4:00 pm - Varsity Boys Wrestling - Wamac Triangular
Independence High School , Independence
6:00 pm - Varsity Boys Swimming - Cedar Rapids Washington vs Iowa City High
Mercer Park
6:00 pm - Junior Varsity Boys Swimming - Cedar Rapids Washington vs Iowa City High
Mercer Park
6:00 pm - Hiawatha Public Library Comic Book Club
Hiawatha Public Library , 150 W Willman St , Hiawatha
7:00 pm - Junior Varsity Boys Basketball - Marion vs Center Point-Urbana
Center Point-Urbana High School
7:30 pm - Friday Film Classics
Ely Public Library , 1595 Dows St , Ely
2:00 pm - Varsity Boys Wrestling - Fort Madison Wrestling Invitational
Fort Madison Junior and Senior High School Competition Gym
4:30 pm - SANTA BRUNCH
Cedar Ridge Distillery , 1441 Marak Rd NW , Swisher
9:00 am - Knapp Creek Country Dance
Knapp Creek Event Center , 195 1st St , Walford
7:00 pm
Thursday December 18
Friday December 19
Sunday December 21
Saturday December 27
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
- The Warning Explained Simply: Turn Off Your Wi-Fi
A French cybersecurity agency (similar to the CISA in the US) has issued a warning advising smartphone users to completely turn off their Wi-Fi when… (Nextdoor East 42nd St/The Pointe) - Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
FOUND on December 16, 2025 in Cedar Rapids, IA 52405 near C Ave and NW 18th St Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor Wellington Heights)
- Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Cedar Rapids. Apply here.
- Schneider Electric, SE posted a job opening for Manufacturing Production Worker 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: I don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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