Cedar Rapids Intersection Reopens After Crash; Farley Library Project Seeks Funding

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A Cedar Rapids intersection has reopened following a crash that took place this afternoon. The incident occurred around 3:18 p.m. in the 3200 block of Center Point Road NE.

Police and first responders quickly arrived at the scene to manage the aftermath. A utility pole was damaged during the crash, prompting Alliant Energy to respond for repairs. Authorities advise drivers to avoid the area as the situation unfolded.

In other local news, a four-year fundraising effort in Farley is making headway toward building a new library and community center. Joyce Jarding, a leading committee member, expressed the necessity of such community amenities, stating, “Every little town has a community center and a library. What’s the matter with Farley? Why can’t we have that?”

After acquiring a former church and school for approximately $650,000, Farley officials aim to raise an additional $750,000 for renovations of the new space, which would significantly enhance the library’s capacity and feature a community center.

“When people I’ve worked with my whole life really didn’t understand the need for this, let alone donate money toward it,” Jarding said, emphasizing the challenges of fundraising.

The planned facility would accommodate events of up to 70 people and offer various programs, including cooking and technology classes. Local donations have helped, with recent contributions totaling $200,000 from Craig and Lisa Breitbach.

To aid in reaching their fundraising goals, an online silent auction is set to begin on Sunday, Nov. 30, running until Thursday, Dec. 4. Organizers are hopeful that the auction will draw additional support from the community.

Once fundraising is complete, renovations are anticipated to take about three months, pending city council approval, with extensive improvements planned to benefit local residents.