From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
We are bracing for blizzard like conditions later today as eastern Iowa faces the latest winter punch from Mother Nature. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning until mid-morning, and then as winds start to increase, a blizzard warning is in effect through the night and into Saturday. The National Weather Service says travel will be very difficult to impossible, with significant blowing and drifting snow leading to occasional whiteout conditions. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches so there could be scattered power outages. The dangerously cold wind chills that follow can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes.
Schools, businesses, and organizations throughout the area are either shut down this morning or plan to close early. It is best to check with your destination first to make sure it is open or that the events have not already been cancelled.
Crime in Cedar Rapids was down in 2023 compared with the year before. That includes violent crime such as rape, assault and murder. Property crime was down five percent. Robbery was down 28 percent with burglary down 20 percent. On the rise last year-shoplifting was up 17 percent, while drug arrests were up 22 percent. Police say fentanyl and meth are still the biggest concerns. Violent crime was down six percent, which includes murder. There were eight murders in Cedar Rapids last year, down from 10 in 2022.
Family and friends gathered Thursday to remember 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff, the 6th grader killed in last week’s Perry school shooting. Jolliff died from gunshot wounds after a 17-year-old student opened fire at the school a week ago just before classes were set to begin. Seven others were hurt, including the principal who was trying to distract the shooter when he himself was shot.
Iowa commit, Solon’s Callie Levin, has earned a nomination for McDonald’s All-American status. The senior is currently averaging 20 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 5.7 steals per game for the Spartans, who sit 10-1 on the season. Levin, along with Waterloo West’s Brooklyn Love, are among four Iowans and 700 players nationwide who were nominated.
