Cedar Rapids Day News

Phyllis Dvorak Obituary Notice

Mount Vernon: Parks and Recreation Director

William 'Everett' Baker Memorial Notice

Tracy Schroeder says: June 9, 2026 at 12:44 pm Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Everett was such an amazing man and so sweet, even when he was being ornery. One of my favorite people in life. Rest in peace sir. Reply

Cedar Lake Transformation Advances with Phase 2 Construction

More than a decade ago, there was a vision for how Cedar Lake could be transformed into a major recreational attraction for the community. Now that vision is becoming a reality. This large project is divided into three “amenities packages.” The City completed the first package last year, including a new shoreline trail on the eastern shore of Cedar Lake; trail paving and trail connections that take pedestrian and bicycle traffic from Shaver Road, and allow trail users to enjoy the lake directly from the shoreline; and construction of a fishing jetty. All improvements are ADA-accessible, allowing users of all abilities to enjoy the lake. This week, construction crews are building features from Amenities Package #2. Those include underground utility work; fresh pavement and a new cul-de-sac on Shaver Road; and parking for the future location of the Challenge Course and restroom. Work is expected to be completed by August. Earlier this week, the City Council approved plans and went out to bid on Amenities Package #3. This third and final part of the project will add new recreational features, including a bird-viewing platform, nature walkway, and more. All these improvements are creating a major transformation of the lake located alongside Interstate 380, just north of Quaker Oats. It is very exciting to be able to see Cedar Lake taking shape,” says Jennifer Pratt, Director of Community Development for the City. “It marks the power of partnerships – Connect CR, MidAmerican Energy, Alliant Energy, other major donors, and countless residents who wanted to invest in the future of our community.” Developed through Partnership The Cedar Lake project is being developed thanks to a public-private partnership comprised of the City of Cedar Rapids and ConnectCR, a group of residents dedicated to revitalizing Cedar Lake and building a pedestrian bridge spanning the Cedar River. The Steering Committee for ConnectCR raised more than $8 million in private funding for the project. The Hall-Perrine Foundation, the City of Cedar Rapids, and the State of Iowa also contributed to help make both the Cedar Lake project, and the Alliant Energy LightLine™, a reality. “We hope this sets a high standard for future partnerships with the City, leading to more resident-driven community betterment projects like this,” said Julie Kraft, Director of Organization Development for ConnectCR. “Also, we cannot say enough good things about Jennifer Pratt, who heads the City's Community Development Department. She and her team have been with us every step of the way to help us fulfill the project's vision.”Still to come Features to be added later this year at Cedar Lake include: Accessible canoe and kayak launch Fishing piers Park shelters and restroom Challenge course Bird Walk viewing platform and nature walkway Northwest wildlife habitat restoration Floating vegetated islands Reconstruction of the north, south and causeway trails Many pedestrians and cyclists can already be found enjoying the new features of Cedar Lake. With the features that are set to be completed this year, the lake is quickly transforming into a major draw for residents and investment by private businesses. “The driving force for ConnectCR has always been ‘How do we improve access for everyone to visit and use this beautiful urban lake?” says Julie Kraft. “Seeing these improvements, which will make it easier for others to enjoy this hidden treasure, is what we have always planned and hoped for. We're very excited to see how all the amenities come together when this project is finished.” You can learn more about the Cedar Lake project here. Project of the Week puts a spotlight on work happening all over the City every day. Each week, we will take a closer look at projects that are investing in our community's roads, trails, Flood Control System, and more. See previous installments here: May 21: Tree of Five Seasons Park May 14: 20th Street NWMay 7: 18th Avenue SWApril 30: Alliant Energy LightLine™April 23: 42nd StreetApril 16: The 3rd Avenue Bridge

Cedar Rapids Maintains Strong Aa1 Bond Rating from Moody's

The City of Cedar Rapids is pleased to announce that Moody’s Investors Service has assigned a Aa1 rating to the City’s General Obligation (GO) Bonds, Series 2026A; and Taxable General Obligation Bonds, Series 2026B. Our Water Revenue Bonds, Series 2026C, received an Aa2 rating. These remain unchanged from last year’s ratings. The Aa1 rating indicates the bonds are judged to be of high quality and are subject to low credit risk. The outlook on the general obligation rating is stable, reflecting Moody’s expectation that the City’s healthy financial profile will be maintained. Moody’s rating system assists investors in evaluating credit risk by conducting rigorous analysis of the City’s finances and general management of the operations. The ratings are used as a measure of confidence in the city governance upon each bond issuance. Moody’s also considers the overall economic health of the city, including major employers, local construction, unemployment and other economic indices. Moody’s recognized the City’s strong local economy that serves as a regional economic hub for eastern Iowa and its strong financial position with healthy reserves and liquidity. The bond sale associated with these ratings is scheduled for May 12, 2026. To view the full report, visit Moodys.com.

City Rebuilds 18th Avenue SW to Improve Access to New Library Branch

It won’t be long before Cedar Rapids has a new West Side Public Library. Thanks to a nearby road project, residents will have a much easier time reaching it. The City is currently working to rebuild 18th Avenue SW, from Wiley Boulevard to Edgewood Road. The rebuilt road will be a key access point for the new Cedar Rapids Public Library Busse Branch, which is being constructed between 18th and 20th Avenue SW.Improving access While the road surface will be far better for motorists, the project will also bring big benefits for pedestrians and cyclists. Until now, 18th Avenue had no sidewalks, no bike lanes, and no shoulder. During the new project, the old roadway on 18th Avenue will be removed, and a new concrete curb and gutter roadway will be constructed. Bike lanes and sidewalk, with lighting and trees, will also be added, along with new water main and storm sewer. “We are providing safer access for area residents, and that is what has me the most excited about this project,” said project manager Rebecca Lesnik. “Adding storm sewer eliminates the need for ditches, which gives us more room to widen the road to include bike lanes and sidewalks. Those sidewalks will be ADA compliant, including a mid-block crossing. And we will have lighting all along the length of the road, which we didn’t have before.” Finding solutions Right now the water main and retaining wall along 18th Avenue are under construction. As each segment of water main is completed, workers test it to ensure proper function. Removal of the old pavement is also underway. To reduce impacts to several homes on private property, the sidewalk was modified from a typical setback and retaining walls will be constructed in two locations. The improvements to the road and to drainage will also help with current and future development along the 18th Avenue SW corridor. The project was made possible through the Paving for Progress program, which uses a strategy to rehabilitate, proactively preserve and fully restore our community’s roadway and sidewalk system. Cedar Rapids voters passed a one percent sales tax for street repair that went into effect in 2014; since then, the program has invested more than $260 million into fixing more than 131 miles of local streets, many of them residential. Better Roads Ahead 18th Avenue SW is also benefiting from the Better Roads Ahead program, which aims to support businesses and organizations affected by construction projects. In planning for 18th Avenue SW, engineers held many meetings with residents and businesses in order to minimize the impact as much as possible. Supporting local businesses in construction zones helps our local economy stay strong during important infrastructure projects. Businesses and organizations that are affected by the 18TH Avenue SW work, but remain open, include: Area Ambulance Service Area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) Iowa CVS Pharmacy O’Reilly Auto Parts Smithfield Tennis and Pickle Ball Center Stanley Steamer Westfield Tennis Club WestPark Mobile Home Village Smithfield/Westfield, Area Ambulance and ASAC have large amounts of traffic through their entrances on 18th Avenue SW. To compensate for this, the contractor built a new access point to ASAC from the Area Ambulance parking lot. Their shared entrance, and the entrance to the tennis centers, have been given priority. All businesses along the project have detours marked by individual orange business signs that have been placed to direct traffic on how to reach them. Temporary driveways and access points will be added whenever necessary. “We are actively communicating with area businesses to coordinate on an as-needed basis,” Lesnik said. You can learn more about the 18th Avenue SW project here. Learn more about Paving for Progress here.Project of the Week puts a spotlight on work happening all over the City every day. Each week, we will take a closer look at projects that are investing in our community's roads, trails, Flood Control System, and more. See previous installments here: April 30: Alliant Energy LightLineApril 23: 42nd StreetApril 16: The 3rd Avenue Bridge

obituary

Peter "Pete" Carlson Obituary

Skip to content Cedar Rapids (319) 362-2147 Mount Vernon (319) 895-8425 Our Difference Our Difference Our Excellent Staff Our Locations Cedar Rapids Mount Vernon We Celebrate Lives Our Cremation Safeguards What Families are Saying Burial What To Do When a Death Occurs Understanding Funeral Pricing We Celebrate Lives Burial Services Burial for Veterans The Importance of Ceremony Cremation What To Do When a Death Occurs Understanding Funeral Pricing We Celebrate Lives Cremation Services Cremation for Veterans Our Cremation Safeguards The Importance of Ceremony Plan Ahead Why Plan Ahead Request FREE Information Request an Appointment Transfer Arrangements to Us Resources Forms Library Price List Information Social Security Veterans Benefits Stewart Baxter Annual Flag Exchange Grief Support Payment Center Obituaries Our Difference Our Difference Our Excellent Staff Our Locations Cedar Rapids Mount Vernon We Celebrate Lives Our Cremation Safeguards What Families are Saying Burial What To Do When a Death Occurs Understanding Funeral Pricing We Celebrate Lives Burial Services Burial for Veterans The Importance of Ceremony Cremation What To Do When a Death Occurs Understanding Funeral Pricing We Celebrate Lives Cremation Services Cremation for Veterans Our Cremation Safeguards The Importance of Ceremony Plan Ahead Why Plan Ahead Request FREE Information Request an Appointment Transfer Arrangements to Us Resources Forms Library Price List Information Social Security Veterans Benefits Stewart Baxter Annual Flag Exchange Grief Support Payment Center Obituaries Peter "Pete" Carlson May 3, 1987 ~ May 24, 2026 Peter Nicholas Carlson, 39, of Marion, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, surrounded by love. Visitation and Celebration of Life will both take place on Friday, June 12, 2026, at Faith Life Church in the Faith Sanctuary, 8300 C Ave NE, Marion. Visitation will be from 9:00–11:00 a.m., followed by the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family with arrangements. Pete was born on May 3, 1987, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Bruce and Carrie (Mohr) Carlson. He attended and graduated from West High School in Waterloo. Pete was united in marriage to Lindsey Ott on October 13, 2017, in Cedar Rapids. Pete lived life with passion, humor, loyalty, and heart. He was known for his sarcastic wit, his ability to make people laugh, and the way he could make those around him feel welcome and comfortable. He was artistic, creative, loved music, and enjoyed cooking and sharing food with the people he loved. Pete also had a passion for cars, fishing, camping, boating, baseball, and spending time outdoors. A lifelong Chicago sports fan, Pete’s loyalty to the Cubs, Bulls, and Bears was something everyone knew about him. Whether celebrating a win or passionately enduring a tough season, his love for his teams matched the loyalty he carried throughout his life. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Pete during the visitation and Celebration of Life to honor the joy, laughter, and love he brought into the lives of so many. Above all else, Pete was a devoted husband and father. His family was his greatest pride and purpose. He loved Lindsey deeply and was endlessly proud of Brendyn, Addie, and Nick. Pete loved watching his children grow, supporting their activities, making memories with them, and simply being present for the everyday moments that mattered most. His love for his family was steady, genuine, and unwavering. Pete was also a businessman whose hard work and determination reflected his dedication to providing for and caring for those he loved. Even in death, Pete’s generosity continued through the gift of organ donation, bringing hope, healing, and life to many people. His legacy of love and selflessness will continue through both the family he cherished, and the lives forever changed by his gift. Pete is survived by his loving wife, Lindsey Carlson; his children, Brendyn, Addie, and Nick; his parent’s, Bruce & Carrie; his sister, Emily; and many extended family members and friends who will miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents. Memorials may be directed to the family through the GoFundMe established in Pete’s honor. https://gofund.me/3fb92ff1c The family encourages those attending to honor Pete by sharing stories, wearing Cubs attire or Chicago team colors if desired. If anyone would like to wear Pete’s signature favorite white T-shirt in his honor, you are warmly welcome to do so. Above all, the family hopes those attending remember the importance of loving deeply, showing up for others, and never taking time with family for granted. FaithLife Church8300 C AvenueMarion, IA 52302 FaithLife Church8300 C AvenueMarion, IA 52302 So sorry for your loss Lindsay! Sending sympathy to you and your family and to Brendyn! ❤️ With our deepest sympathies, Dave and Linda Ristow We are so sorry to hear of Pete’s passing, you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Lifting Lindsey and the kiddos up in light, love, and healing. Fly high Pete. I am so sorry for the loss of pete I can never thank him enough for being a great step dad to brendyn,Prayers for you and your family Lindsey! 1844 1st Avenue NECedar Rapids, IA 52402(319) 362-2147 715 10th Avenue SWMount Vernon, IA 52314(319) 895-8425