MANCHESTER, Iowa (KCRG) – Regional Medical Center in Manchester is limiting visitors due to an increase in respiratory viruses. Children under the age of 14 are not allowed to visit patients at the hospital. The hospital has made one exception in the OB Department, where immediate siblings can visit if they are feeling well. All visitors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask inside the center. The hospital advises others to follow the three C’s rule, including cleaning your hands often, covering your coughs, and containing germs by staying home when you are sick.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Cedar Rapids’ Paving for Progress program has completed more than 50 projects in 2025, marking its twelfth year of improving city streets. The program began in July 2014 after voters approved a one-percent sales tax increase to fund street improvements. In November 2021, residents voted to renew the tax increase for 10 more years, allowing Paving for Progress to continue through 2034. Since its launch, the city has seen more than $250 million dollars invested toward streets. About 25 percent of funds for the project came from people who don’t live in Linn County, according to Doug Wilson, Paving for Progress manager. Wilson said the program helps maintain roadways for over 70 years with little to no maintenance. Paving for Progress primarily works on residential streets completed by contractors and the city’s labor forces. The City of Cedar Rapids says plans for 2026 and 2027 projects are underway.
MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa (KCCI/KCRG) – An 18-year-old Marshalltown man is charged with attempted murder after police say he fired shots in the city’s high school parking lot. Jace Vargas is charged in connection with the December 18 shooting in the Marshalltown High School parking lot, according to police. School was not in session at the time of the incident. According to court documents, victims at the scene told police Vargas tried to rob them of drugs and opened fire when they attempted to drive away. Vargas faces multiple charges in connection with the incident, including attempted murder, first-degree robbery, carrying a weapon on school grounds, and going armed with intent. He also faces multiple misdemeanor charges. This investigation is ongoing.
VIOLA, Iowa (KCRG) – The Linn County Sheriff’s Office says a fire destroyed the building known as the “old general store” in Viola. Multiple crews reported to 3182 Pleasant Street around 5:34 p.m. Monday to find the building on fire. The Sheriff’s Office said one person was living there but was not around when the fire happened. The person is in contact with the Red Cross for assistance. No one was hurt in the fire and no other buildings were damaged. The Springville Fire Department is investigating what caused the fire.
