Maria Kuiper

Cedar Falls, Waterloo

Reporter at The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

reporter for @wcfcourier covering Waterloo and Black Hawk County

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Articles

Waterloo Schools could approve high school boundary changes

1 week ago | wcfcourier.com | Maria Kuiper

WATERLOO – Waterloo Schools will make a decision affecting some West High students by redrawing boundaries on the attendance map. The district is proposing students in a “bowtie” area within the East High boundary in which students go to West High instead go to East High. This would make all students who live north of the river East High students when they reach high school age.
Waterloo looking to increase Byrnes Park pool rates

1 week ago | wcfcourier.com | Maria Kuiper

WATERLOO – Rates may rise at the city’s only public pool after it was completely reconstructed. Byrnes Park Aquatic Center is set to open June 7. The pool abruptly closed last July after a mechanical pump failure. It was set to be remodeled at the end of the regular pool season. Gates Park reopened after Byrnes’ closure. The pool at Gates was removed and in its place a splash pad was added, as well as an inclusive playground, basketball courts and an amphitheater.
Northeast Iowa Food Bank expanding after increasing need

2 weeks ago | qctimes.com | Maria Kuiper

WATERLOO — With the amount of people needing help tripling, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank is expanding its footprint to increase storage capacity and the size of its food pantry. A $14 million project will add a brand new pantry, offices and a new loading dock, as well as renovate the volunteer and kitchen areas. The food bank serves more than 4,000 people a month at the pantry, compared to the 1,500 when the building opened in 2013.
Waterloo to decrease tax rate, homeowners still expected to see increase in tax bills

2 weeks ago | wcfcourier.com | Maria Kuiper

WATERLOO — The city of Waterloo plans to lower its tax rate, but homeowners' property taxes are still expected to increase. The City Council held a public hearing and work session Monday on the fiscal year 2026 budget, announcing the tax rate will be $21.79 per $1,000 of taxable value. This is 88 cents less than the proposed maximum rate and 28 cents lower than the current rate. This rate is not official until it is approved after the final public hearing on April 21.
Waverly's Palace Theatre to open Sept. 1

2 weeks ago | wcfcourier.com | Maria Kuiper

WAVERLY — Seven years after closing, the Palace Theater’s iconic marquee is again expected to be lit up and ready for moviegoers Sept. 1. Downsizing to two screens in exchange for a full bar and restaurant, the opening will coincide with the Bremer Avenue bridge's completion. “It’s going to get really fun here in September,” Waverly Mayor Mark Anderson said. “Think of it, (Wartburg College) will be open after summer break, the bridge will be open on Sept.
Waterloo to study feasibility of constructing new baseball stadium outside of floodplain

2 weeks ago | wcfcourier.com | Maria Kuiper

WATERLOO — A feasibility study looking at if Riverfront Stadium should be renovated or reconstructed is underway. The City Council approved an agreement with engineering firm AECOM in the amount of $59,700 Monday, which will look at potential costs, functionality and perform a market study. Todd Derifield, the interim leisure services director, said the home of the Waterloo Bucks needs $5.4 million in structural repairs and renovations. The park was built in 1946.
Northeast Iowa Food Bank expanding after increasing need

2 weeks ago | wcfcourier.com | Maria Kuiper

WATERLOO — With the amount of people needing help tripling, the Northeast Iowa Food Bank is expanding its footprint to increase storage capacity and the size of its food pantry. A $14 million project will add a brand new pantry, offices and a new loading dock, as well as renovate the volunteer and kitchen areas. The food bank serves more than 4,000 people a month at the pantry, compared to the 1,500 when the building opened in 2013.
Black Hawk County residents confused, angry over property tax mailing

2 weeks ago | wcfcourier.com | Maria Kuiper

WATERLOO — A group of frustrated taxpayers pressed the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors about a surprising tax increase notice during its first budget hearing. Taxing entities are required to hold two public hearings before adopting their yearly budgets. Turnout at the county’s hearing resulted in nearly two hours of residents complaining about a mailed notice that lists proposed tax rates for their city, county and school district.
Waterloo Carlos O'Kelly's location permanently closes citing increased costs

3 weeks ago | wcfcourier.com | Maria Kuiper

WATERLOO — Tex-Mex restaurant Carlos O’Kelly’s closed unexpectedly in Waterloo Monday. The announcement was made on the company’s Facebook page, stating the location’s lease was up and it would not be renewed. Dave Phillips, the vice president of marketing for Thrive Restaurant Group, which owns the areas’ Carlos O’Kelly’s and Applebees, said rent cost too much. He did not know the price of rent.
Pitbull loving her new home after 600 days at the shelter

3 weeks ago | wcfcourier.com | Maria Kuiper

WATERLOO — After being looked over for 600 days at Cedar Bend Humane Society, Zola the pit bull is now living in the home she always wanted. The 3-year-old arrived at the shelter in July of 2023, living all of her adult life at the facility. Adoption supervisor Ayanna Rost believes Zola is one of the longest residents the shelter has ever had. During the month of March, four dogs reached their 500th day without a forever home.