Richard Pratt's stories
Renewable energy is big in Iowa, but can growth continue?
In the past decade, renewable energy production has surged across the United States, a trend that is clearly evident in Iowa. According to an April 2024 report from Climate Central, an independent nonprofit group of scientists and communicators focused on…
Officials discuss initiatives to address workforce shortage in Corridor, across Iowa
While there’s no “silver bullet” for addressing Iowa’s ongoing workforce shortage, several resources and initiatives…
Hundreds of housing units planned for east Marion development
A large mixed residential development is expected to bring nearly 600 new housing units and…
Cedar Rapids launching search for nonprofit to own, manage affordable housing complex
Cedar Rapids City Council members say their approval Tuesday, Oct. 10 of a resolution requesting…
Marion development moratorium passes first City Council reading
Seeking a strategic pause on new projects in some of Marion’s fastest-growing areas, the Marion…
Larger home, expanded offerings for The Hangry Lady
With a business name like The Hangry Lady, it’s clear owner and executive chef Allie…
Are the Amana Colonies a tourist trap?
The Amana Colonies, long considered one of Iowa’s leading tourist attractions, is also one of…
Linn supervisors table ‘agritourism’ ordinance
An ordinance designed to provide more policy guidance to “agritourism” and other public agricultural experiences…
Thoeming announces resignation as Downtown District program manager
Jesse Thoeming has announced his resignation as the program manager for the Cedar Rapids Metro…
Marion council eliminates east-west runway from airport’s long-term plan
There are no longer plans to build an east-west runway at the Marion Airport. At…
James Leach delivers keynote at CBJ Manufacturing Conference
The ongoing transformation to Industry 4.0, or smart manufacturing processes, depends in large measure to…
Hiawatha celebrates growth, looks to future at State of the City event
Progress continued to define the past year for Hiawatha’s economic development — steady, if incremental,…
U.S. Bank closes downtown Cedar Rapids branch office
U.S. Bank has closed its branch office at an historic bank building in downtown Cedar…
Revamped solar ordinance, scorecard get final approval from Linn supervisors
After months of deliberation, public input and staff development, a revised ordinance for utility-scale solar…
QDogs BBQ in Marion closing Saturday
QDogs BBQ in Marion announced via social media that they plan to close permanently this…
Transformation of former Colonial building to affordable housing well under way
Work is progressing as scheduled on transforming the former Colonial building in downtown Cedar Rapids…