CR Businesses Must Get Rid of Old Sandbags

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (AP) — Officials are telling Cedar Rapids business owners and operators they could be fined if they don't get rid of the sandbags in front of their buildings.

The city wants the sandbags removed by the end of the week.

The Cedar River crested Sept. 27 at its second-highest level in history. City officials said a 9.8-mile system of barriers and earthen berms protected homes and businesses. Most of the downtown was evacuated ahead of the cresting.

Owner Roger Hadley of The Warehouse on Third he hadn't realized it was his job to get rid of the sandbags. He says volunteers "were gracious enough to put the bags in, so I have no problem removing them."