Richard Pratt's stories

Linn County officials look to develop zoning standards for gas-fired power plants
As Alliant Energy continues to evaluate possible Linn County sites for a new natural gas-fired power plant, Linn County leaders say the county needs to develop specific siting regulations for such plants. During a Board of Supervisors meeting with department…
International Flavors & Fragrances planning $22.2 million Cedar Rapids expansion
International Flavors and Fragrances is seeking state funding support for a $22.2 million expansion of…

Marion council advances plan for 96 new affordable housing units
The Marion City Council has approved the first step in creating an Urban Revitalization Area…

Marion council approves Belltower Lofts plan, but parking concerns raised
Even as the Marion City Council voted unanimously last week to approve plans for the…

Whirlpool reorganization won’t impact Amana operations, officials say
A corporate reorganization at Whirlpool Corporation, announced earlier this month, is not expected to impact…

Marion ‘setting the standard,’ Mayor AbouAssaly says in State of the City address
Since being elected to his first term in November 2015, Marion Mayor Nick AbouAssaly has…

Wells Fargo closing banking operations in downtown Cedar Rapids
Wells Fargo is closing its branch banking operations in downtown Cedar Rapids at 11 a.m.…

Iowa Business Council Competitive Dashboard: Labor shortage remains state’s biggest economic challenge
It may seem like an old refrain, but the song remains the same: Iowa’s greatest…

‘A historic moment’ as Cedar Rapids council authorizes data center development agreement
Even as the Cedar Rapids City Council voted unanimously Feb. 27 to authorize a development…

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…






