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Rise and shine, Waterloo!

In today’s planning-your-week edition: John Deere rehiring workers, Holi color celebration, and comic con fun + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.

Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Waterloo protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.

📰 In the news

Industrial rebound gains steam: John Deere plans to bring back 146 workers to Waterloo Tractor Operations as production needs grow, filling roles in assembly, machining, logistics, and foundry after layoffs in recent years — read the full story.

New leader charts course: Fort Dodge alum Zach O’Brien was named inaugural principal of Waterloo United High School, set to open in 2028-29, and will guide planning, staffing, academics, culture during 2026-27 and 2027-28 — see his background and role.

New tools for tomorrow’s classrooms: Cedar Falls-based UNI received a $130,000 Carver Trust grant to expand its TEACH Studio, adding five new educational technology collections to prepare future Iowa teachers and strengthen the educator pipeline — read the full story.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.

Highlights this week:

• Race the downtown Waterloo sprint triathlon
• Browse 50+ tables at card show
• Create custom-scented bath bombs and salts
• You’re probably overpaying for car insurance

🏆 Gold and silver are heating up

Together with our sponsor American Hartford Gold

Gold just posted its strongest run in decades… and the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility.

While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning.

If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, AHG has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now.

It’s free and worth reading before the next move.

🫶 We got your back

Serious wing cravings: At Screaming Eagle American Bar and Grill, midweek blahs become saucy wins with Rockin’ Wings, traditional or boneless, tossed in Buffalo, Garlic Parm, Honey Sriracha, Mango Chipotle, and more. Waterloo hums with crispy, sticky, napkin-heavy satisfaction, the ideal soundtrack for a weeknight reset.

Upgrade your glow: From quick brow wax-and-tint touch-ups to lash lifts, extensions, microshading, facials, and HydraFacial, the team at Evolve Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine makes self-care easy to squeeze in this week. Blink twice, and suddenly you look awake.

Keep your swing warm: Short days and icy temps don’t have to bench your game. Golf Lab in downtown Cedar Falls offers private simulator bays, realistic ball data, and a laid-back vibe so you can dial in your irons and sneak in 18 without freezing, then settle the question of who actually practiced this winter.

Thinning hair? It only gets worse: A few months ago, I noticed my ponytail getting thinner. I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, etc.) but mostly just hoped it would fix itself… until I learned that active follicles can permanently go dormant if you don’t do something about it. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn more about my favorite online options here.

📆 Our favorite events this week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

👩 Women’s History Night @ Cedar Falls Public Library | Tuesday (3/3) at 6:00 PM – Settle in for Women’s History Night, where we shine a light on three hometown powerhouses actually moving the needle. Hear from Carssan Morrissey and Lydia Newsome, sip a little, snack a little, and pretend networking is your cardio. Free, open to all, and worth it.

🏡 Eastern Iowa Home & Landscaping Show @ Waterloo Convention Center | Friday (3/6) at 3:00 PM – Thinking about upgrading those floors that survived Hawkeye seasons and kid carpools? Visit the Eastern Iowa Home & Landscaping Show, find Floor Coverings International, and run your hands over hardwood, carpet, vinyl, and tile, with low-key guidance, no guilt, and no hard sell.

🌈 4th Annual Holi @ Hearst Center for the Arts | Friday (3/6) at 5:00 PM – Celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, love, and spring, with a splash at Hearst. We’re teaming up with the Office of International Engagement at McElroy Classroom and Corning Patio, free and open to the public. Wear something you won’t cry over, and call it cardio.

🥕 Indoor Farmer’s Market @ The Cob Mercantile | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Whether you’re dodging slush or just craving better eggs, The Crib turns into a cozy indoor market every Saturday. Shop a rotating mix of local vendors for fresh, perishable goods, neighborly chatter, and the rare errand that actually feels like one you chose.

📚 Rosie the Riveters of Iowa: Book Presentation and Signing @ Grout Museum District | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Head to the Grout Museum District for Iowa author Linda McCann’s Rosie the Riveters of Iowa talk, packed with firsthand stories from women who kept factories running while men were overseas. Buy the book, get it signed, and remind everyone Iowa built more than casseroles.

🎰 Vegas, Baby! @ Waterloo Elks Lodge Weddings and Events | Saturday (3/7) at 6:00 PM – Waterloo’s Elks Club is going full Vegas, no red-eye required. House of Hope is serving a proper plated dinner, live and silent auctions, music, and a few sly surprises, so bring your lucky streak, your generous streak, and your appetite.

💥 Cedar Falls Comic Con @ Cedar Falls Bien Venu Event Center | Sunday (3/8) at 10:00 AM – Think you know your way around a spinner rack? Cedar Falls Comic Con is packing creators, cosplay, autographs, and photo ops, no flight to San Diego required. Bring your inner nerd, best dad jokes, and shoes made for lines, and swap stories with the pros.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/4 Open Jam @ Screaming Eagle American Bar and Grill – 7:00 PM
• 3/4 Customer Appreciation Karaoke @ Behar Bar – 8:00 PM
• 3/5 Voice Division Recital @ Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center – Davis Hall – 6:00 PM
• 3/5 Iowa Horror Punk Night @ The Loft Waterloo – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Blue 2 + 1 @ Elm’s Pub – 5:30 PM
• 3/7 UNI Jazz @ The Black Hawk Hotel – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Running Man and more @ Octopus College Hill – 8:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Industry-leading home warranty protection ($150 off right now)
• 62+? See how much tax-free cash your home could unlock → free calculator
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• Treat yourself: Save $ on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Waterloo report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 42°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 6%

Mostly sunny. High near 42, with temperatures falling to around 40 in the afternoon. Southeast wind around 9 mph. Later: A chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 33. Southeast wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 43°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 44%

A chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 43. East wind around 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain. Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

On over two in-town acres, this landmark Waterloo estate pairs a grand 1906 residence of nearly 6,000 square feet with a 2004 guest cottage. The main home delivers four bedrooms, a sweeping ballroom, library, spiral staircase, French doors, and multiple fireplaces. Rare amenities include an indoor swim-spa pool, custom soaking tub, and a private tennis court.

Take a peek inside →