Daily editionWednesday, August 20th, 2025
Good morning, Cedar Falls.
The Good Day Cedar Falls Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
Business
John Deere announced that 238 workers will be laid off from its factories—115 in East Moline on Aug. 29, 52 in Moline on Sept. 26 and 71 in Waterloo on Sept. 19—as lower order volumes force the company to reduce its workforce; affected workers were notified Friday and will be recalled based on seniority when openings become available.
Waterloo-Cedar Falls CourierRead more
Education
Cedar Falls teen Alex Goetsch completed the Fly Iowa challenge by landing at all 104 Iowa airports over a 12-day span between June and August—he became the youngest to do so; next week he will head to college at the University of North Dakota to pursue a career as a commercial airline pilot.
Y99.3Read more
High school marching bands across Cedar Valley are preparing for the performance season as each school practices unique themed shows—Cedar Falls High's routine features Space Oddity and other familiar songs while Waterloo East, Waterloo West, Waverly-Shell Rock and Don Bosco plan performances starting late August through early September. Band camps have helped students build skills and connect with peers.
Waterloo-Cedar Falls CourierRead more
Sports
Cedar Falls native Will Gerdes—standing 6-foot-8—committed to play for UNI’s men’s basketball team as a senior; he averaged 16.5 points and five rebounds last season and held offers from several schools.
Iowa's Corn CountryRead more
Area girls cross country teams were ranked on August 19 — Denver placed 8th in Class 2A while Sumner-Fredericksburg was 7th and Wapsie Valley finished 12th in Class 1A.
Y99.3Read more
Former UNI basketball star Paul Jesperson, known for his half-court NCAA Tournament shot that beat Texas, has been named head coach of the Valley Suns in the NBA’s G-League — his appointment was announced on August 19.
Y99.3Read more
Cedar Falls Events
Jake Bradley Live Performance
Saturday, August 23rd, 2025 · 8-11:59 p.m. — Deringer's Public Parlor — Check website for entry fee — Enjoy an exciting live performance by Jake Bradley during the Back to School Bender.
Gabby Barrett Concert
Sunday, August 24th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt and autobiographical sounds of Gabby Barrett's new album Chapter & Verse.
3rd Annual Salsa Festival
Thursday, August 28th, 2025 · 10 PM - 12 AM — 5100 Prairie Pkwy, Cedar Falls, IA — Entry fee applies — Showcase your hottest salsa creations in a flavorful contest.
Central College Women’s Golf Kohawk Classic
Friday, August 29th, 2025 · Aug 29-30 — Pheasant Ridge Golf Course — Free entry — Watch talented female golfers compete in this exciting collegiate tournament.
Summer Sizzler 5k/10k/15k
Sunday, August 31st, 2025 · 7-10 a.m. — Blain's Farm & Fleet — Registration Fee — A family-friendly summer race featuring great swag and chip-timed results.
Avey Grouws Duo Live Performance
Thursday, September 4th, 2025 · 6 PM to 12 AM — Hearst Center For the Arts — Free entry — Experience blistering guitar and emotional vocals in a beautiful garden setting.
YMCA Triathlon
Saturday, September 6th, 2025 · 9 AM – 1 PM — George Wyth State Park — Entry Fee Required — Compete in a thrilling sprint triathlon with a swim, bike, and run challenge.
ARTapalooza Fine Art Show
Sunday, September 7th, 2025 · 9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Hampton Inn Cedar Falls Downtown — Free entry — Explore a variety of artworks and enjoy family-friendly activities during this celebration of local artistry.
Richard Thomas in Mark Twain Tonight
Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience a masterful one-man show that brings Mark Twain's wit and stories to life through the talent of Richard Thomas.
Barber & Sibelius Concert
Saturday, September 13th, 2025 · 7-9:30 p.m. — Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony — Ticket info not provided — Experience the dramatic beauty of Barber's Violin Concerto and Sibelius' Symphony No. 2 with virtuoso Amy Schwartz Moretti.