Richard Pratt's stories

Nordex reopening West Branch

Despite federal debates, Nordex leaders celebrate reopening of West Branch wind turbine plant

Despite the ongoing federal debates about the future of renewable energy tax credits, representatives of Nordex USA were all smiles Tuesday as they celebrated the reopening of the company’s wind turbine production facility in West Branch. Production at the new…

LocoCR set to provide locally-based food delivery option

Steve Shriver admits the idea for LocoCR, a new local food delivery service set to…

Steve Shriver stands outside of Brewhemia, located at 1202 Third St. in southeast Cedar Rapids. LocoCR

Horizons proposes new senior center for Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids could have its first senior center since 2008, if a proposal from Horizons,…

Horizons senior center Cedar Rapids

Successful downtown construction projects all about attitude, Main Street Iowa specialist says

A positive attitude is key to a successful outcome for large-scale downtown construction projects, Main…

Brooke Prouty Downtown Conference construction session

Steindler Orthopedic opens new location in Cedar Rapids

Steindler Orthopedic Clinic has opened a new location in Cedar Rapids – its first clinic…

Steindler Orthopedic Cedar Rapids clinic

Linn County groups file casino gaming application with Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission

An application for a Linn County casino gaming license was formally filed Aug. 2 with…

A rendering of the proposed Cedar Crossing casino project

Cedar Rapids, Marion, Linn County approve letters of support for casino license

The City of Cedar Rapids, Marion City Council and Linn County Board of Supervisors have…

Cedar Rapids Cedar Crossing casino rendering

Linn supervisors cast final vote for new wind energy ordinance

Even as the Linn County Board of Supervisors approved the third and final reading July…

Wind energy turbine

Linn County stresses landowner protection in approving second reading of wind ordinance

Even as the Linn County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously July 29 to approve the…

Wind turbines

St. Luke’s hosts ribbon-cutting for new Marion ER

Leaders from UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital and the city of Marion hailed the soon-to-open St.…

St. Luke's Marion ER treatment room

2022 throwback: Construction begins on First and First West project

This article was originally published May 12, 2022. The CBJ is revisiting some of the…

Joe Ahmann at First and First West groundbreaking

2021 throwback: Area residents decry NextEra solar farm proposal near Palo

This article was originally published May 26, 2021. The CBJ is revisiting some of the…

Solar panels

2021 throwback: Eco Lips announces acquisition of Bug Soother

This article was originally published Apr. 12, 2021. The CBJ is revisiting some of the…

NextEra Energy outlines plans for Duane Arnold Solar IV project in Linn County

The mood was cordial, yet emotionally charged, as representatives from NextEra Energy laid out their…

Duane Arnold Solar IV informational meeting

Labor leaders rally in Cedar Rapids to restore bargaining rights for public-sector workers

Leaders from the Iowa Teamsters and other labor unions hosted a “Restore the Dignity” rally…

Jesse Case Iowa Teamsters labor rally

Old Town Ely project will connect city’s past, future

Ely has been one of the fastest-growing communities in the Corridor in recent years. In…

Old Town Ely Main Street Legacy project 1