Iowa, Cedar Rapids | featured news

EntreFest, the annual two-day entrepreneurism conference, will offer in-person and online options.“When you purchase your 2021 EntreFest ticket, you will be able to choose the format that is best for you,” New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative Chief Operating Officer Jill Wilkins said in news releases about the Cedar Rapids event set for June 10 and 11.

Republican Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate on Monday sent a letter to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., urging her to respect Iowa’s bipartisan recount process and state-certified election results declaring U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, the winner of Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District.

DES MOINES — Iowa’s economy grew faster in 2020’s fourth quarter of 2020 and its pandemic-related losses were less severe than in many other states, according to a preliminary report on gross domestic product from the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Cedar Rapids-based business telecommunications company Telecom Services of Iowa purchased New Hampton-based Robinson Telecommunications, the company said in a news release Monday.The acquisition expands TSIowa’s footprint in Iowa, which now will reach as far south as Fairfield and Mount Pleasant and as north as far as New Hampton.

Monday’s numbers bring the state’s totals to 349,735 virus cases and 5,729 deaths since last March, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. As of 11 a.m. Monday, Iowa’s seven-day average for new cases was 560.

DES MOINES — Iowans who have not yet filed their 2020 individual state income taxes now will have more time.The Iowa Department of Revenue announced Monday it has extended the filing and payment deadline to June 1 for 2020 individual returns and first-quarter estimated income tax payments for individuals.

The state’s community health centers, including a clinic based in Cedar Rapids, have received $48 million in federal funding to support efforts to reach vulnerable populations in the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

MARION — Seth Staashelm became Marion’s interim parks and recreation director Aug. 1, just nine days before the city was walloped by forceful winds as a derecho swept through Linn County. Soon, Staashelm will no longer have “interim” in front of his title.

Joe Clarke, 32, is living his dream.The North Liberty filmmaker packed up his car and headed west three years ago to make movies in Hollywood. And Hollywood is noticing.

AMES, Iowa — Emergency workers recovered the body of an Iowa State University student on Monday, a day after a school crew club boat capsized during practice on a lake, killing one other student.