Richard Pratt's stories

Grant for new Mays Island trees celebrated
The center section of Mays Island has stood for decades as a largely underutilized greenspace in the heart of Cedar Rapids, save for an underground municipal parking garage. But with 26 new trees funded by the America in Bloom program…
Shive-Hattery announces acquisition of Helix Design Group in Tacoma, Washington
Shive-Hattery, an architecture and engineering firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, has announced the acquisition of…

‘Angel of Czech Village’: Mary Kay Novak McGrath passes away at 69
Over the years, Mary Kay Novak McGrath became affectionately known as “The Angel of Czech…

Despite health care competition, Corridor providers agree on shared issues
Competition among health care providers is often fierce, but leaders of some of the Corridor’s…

Outback Steakhouse in Cedar Rapids closed permanently
The Outback Steakhouse location in Cedar Rapids permanently closed its doors Feb. 23, ending the…

New Kirkwood president Fisher stresses collaboration at inauguration
Even amid the pomp and circumstance common to inauguration ceremonies, new Kirkwood Community College president…

Cedar Rapids doctor Mathew seeks to revitalize ‘The Luxe on 3rd’
A Cedar Rapids-based physician has purchased the office building at 600 Third Ave. SE, now…

End of an era: Auction under way to sell Sykora Bakery equipment
It appears the Sykora Bakery legacy in Cedar Rapids’ Czech Village has come to an…

For fourth time, Cedar Rapids seeks redevelopment proposals for former Ambroz building
For the fourth time in the last seven years, Cedar Rapids officials are seeking redevelopment…

Developers propose $576 million data center project in Cedar Rapids
A $576 million data center project in southwest Cedar Rapids, now in the preliminary stages…

KT Pacer in Cedar Rapids is dominating livestock feed transportation
It’s often surprising to learn that a proven leader in a large-scale manufacturing segment has…

Cedar Rapids council approves new action plan for Rockford Road area
Cedar Rapids officials are targeting the Rockford Road area including, and surrounding, the sports facilities…

Foundation officially launches fundraising campaign for new Cedar Rapids westside library
Today, a public library functions as much more than a repository for books and videos.…

How Caitlin Clark’s stardom is impacting college athletics, marketing power of women in sports
Caitlin Clark is breathing rarefied air. The list of athletes whose marketing influence can help…

GALLERY: Music151 brings new music supply options to Fairfax
A Fairfax musical operation that’s been operated virtually for much of its six-year history has…

Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance looks to build on success
In many ways, 2023 was among the most successful years in the 13-year history of…
