Richard Pratt's stories

Cedar River flood protection pump station

WITH GALLERY: Cedar Rapids leaders dedicate latest flood protection project near Czech Village

Flood protection for the west side of Cedar Rapids has taken a significant step forward, city leaders said Monday morning as they gathered to dedicate, and ceremonially cut the ribbon, for a major addition to the city’s permanent flood control…

Local nonprofits share their struggles, progress

In-person tutoring services are returning to pre-pandemic levels at the Catherine McAuley Center (CMC), which…

Volunteering pivots to meet new realities

According to a recent AmeriCorps report, “Volunteering in America,” Iowa ranks fourth in the nation…

Deere reports net income of $1.283 billion for fourth quarter, beats expectations

Deere & Company stock was rising today (Nov. 24) after the Moline, Illinois-based ag manufacturer,…

‘Black Friday’? It’s more like ‘Black Autumn’ now

For years, “Black Friday” served as the unofficial launch of the holiday shopping season, a…

Hunter Companies cancels plans to purchase, redevelop former Transamerica site

Hunter Companies has withdrawn its proposal to purchase and redevelop the former Transamerica site in…

Former Transamerica site sold

Linn County committee questions panel height for Coggon solar project

The proposed industrial-scale solar project near Coggon took the next step through the approval matrix…

Linn County group standing up to industrial solar proposals

Sara Ritchie Alden of Center Point maintains her group, Iowa for Responsible Solar, isn’t opposed…

Solar panels

Alro Steel plans new Cedar Rapids facility, 40 new jobs

A Michigan-based metals and plastics manufacturer is planning a $20 million office, warehouse and distribution…

Dawn Schott: A life’s passion

Dawn Schott Director of Juvenile Detention & Diversion Services Linn County You could say that…

Linn County voters approve casino referendum

Supporters of a Cedar Rapids casino will have another opportunity to develop a proposal for…

Ingredion third-quarter financial report shows mixed results

Ingredion Inc., the Westchester, Illinois-based starch, modified starch and starch sugar manufacturer with operations in…

Alliant Energy announces plans for Iowa’s largest solar and battery facility

Alliant Energy announced this morning that it intends to acquire the first two phases of…

Solar panels

Steindler CEO: Health care competition vital to Johnson County

The CEO of Steindler Orthopedic Clinic in Iowa City says approval of a certificate of…

steindler clinic rendering

Supporters taking low-key approach to Linn County gaming referendum

Compared to the costly, and at times contentious, lead-up to the 2013 Linn County gaming…

Paving for More Progress backers point to past success, future needs

By most metrics, the Paving for Progress local-option sales tax program has produced substantial tangible…