Good Day
Waterloo
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Waterloo. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today is Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, and Waterloo remembers his 1959 visit to local landmarks such as the public library, Black's Building & the Russell Lamson Hotel which honored his legacy. His historic connection still inspires local residents. KWWL
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Grow Cedar Valley’s nine‐month study finds that younger, educated adults are leaving for higher‐paying jobs as housing costs stretch budgets; the organization will host a free event next week (advance registration requested) to present its action plan for reversing the population decline in Cedar Valley. KWWL
- ➤ Waterloo will receive nearly $700,000 from the Iowa Department of Transportation Commission's Revitalizing Iowa's Sound Economy grant for the South Business Park District. The funds will build new roads and roundabouts at Ansborough Avenue and Highway 20, boosting business and job growth. KWWL
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Waterloo School District will cut 40% of 250 coaching jobs as two high schools merge (saving up to $2.8 million in athletic costs) while Superintendent Jared Smith said attrition over three years and appointing a new athletic director will guide the change. KWWL
- ➤ Waterloo Board of Education is merging its two high schools and will change the sports program, plus nearly 40% of high and middle school coaches may lose contracts to save up to $2.8 million. The board met to plan coach terminations and new after-school athletic programs for fifth-graders today. KWWL
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Concert featuring Katie and the Honky Tonks
8 p.m. — Octopus — $10 — Enjoy a lively night of honky-tonk music with local favorites.
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Warriors vs. Lincoln
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM — Young Arena — Free entry — Catch an exciting high school hockey match between the Warriors and Lincoln.
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Public Skate Session
1-2:30 p.m. — Young Arena — $7 admission, $5 skate rental — Enjoy a fun afternoon skating with family and friends at Young Arena.
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Slam Poetry Night
7-9 p.m. — Octopus — No cover — Experience the art of spoken word with local talent at this engaging poetry night.
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Octopus Comedy Open Mic
8-10 p.m. — Octopus — No cover — Enjoy a night of laughs at the local comedy open mic.
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SAFe® 5.1 Lean Portfolio Management Training
Jan 22-23 — Waterloo Iowa — Early Bird $1299 — Acquire vital tools for Lean Portfolio Management to enhance your organizational effectiveness.
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Adult Open Hockey
12:15-1:30 p.m. — Young Arena — $10 admission — Lace up for some fun on the ice with fellow hockey enthusiasts.
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Farmers Market Workshop
9 AM – 3 PM — Waterloo Center for the Arts — Free entry — Connect with vendors and learn about farmers market opportunities in the Cedar Valley.
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Public Skate Session
1-2:30 p.m. — Young Arena — Admission $7, Skate Rental $5 — Enjoy a fun and safe public skating experience for all ages.
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Teen Lego City Series
4:30-5:30 p.m. — Waterloo Public Library — Free entry — Build a sprawling city or a pirate ship with Lego and showcase your creativity.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Well done is better than well said.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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