Christopher Pratt Clips 3

Eastern Iowa News Now
What's Happening Now
Another Cedar Rapids gas leak

Posted May 26, 2010 6:48 pm by Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News
Natural gas fumes permeated through the air again this evening in Cedar Rapids. A construction
crewman working near the intersection of 1st Avenue and 7th Street SW, contacted the Iowa One Call
hotline after an underground pipe was struck. Battalion Chief John Pulver said that when firefighters
came to the scene the utilityʼs companyʼs repair team was already there.
This is the cityʼs second gas leak in as many days and the eight since March 29th, according to fire
department records.
Cedar Rapids firefighters and a MidAmerican Energy

employee work to repair a leaking gas line at 1st
Avenue and 7th Street SW, on Wednesday, May 26,
2010. (Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News)
About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

Chris was an intern at SourceMedia Group in 2010.
View all posts by Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News →
This entry was posted in Crime, Law and Justice. Bookmark the permalink.
Gas line struck near Boyson and Council

Gas fumed from an underground line this evening after a construction crew struck it. The Cedar Rapids
Fire Department responded to a call a few minutes after 5 p.m. The leak was secured by a hazardous
materials crew while police diverted traffic away from the scene. Council Street was closed for about two
hours between Boyson Road and 60th Street NE.
Firefighters respond to a gas line rupture on May 25,

2010. (Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News)

This entry was posted in Crime, Law and Justice, Disaster and Accident and tagged 2010, Cedar Rapids, Cedar
Rapids Fire Department, construction, firefighter, Iowa. Bookmark the permalink.
Substance used to make meth found in hotel parking lot

A two-gallon thermos with an ammonia-like substance was found this afternoon in the parking lot of the
Clarion Hotel and Convention Center, 525 33rd Avenue, SW.
The material, commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine, was discovered in a cooler. George
Bockenstedt, an investigator with the Cedar Rapids Fire Department said the federal Drug Enforcement
Agency was contacted to continue the investigation.
Police and fire were called to the Clarion Hotel and

Convention Center in Cedar Rapids this afternoon after
a suspicious thermos was discovered. (Christopher
Pratt/ SourceMedia News)
Police and fire were called to the Clarion Hotel and

Convention Center in Cedar Rapids this afternoon after
a suspicious thermos was discovered. (Christopher
Pratt/ SourceMedia News)

This entry was posted in Crime, Law and Justice, Disaster and Accident and tagged 33rd avenue, Cedar
Rapids, enforcement, Fire Department, investigation, methamphetamine, police. Bookmark the permalink.
Funds raised for police dogs because city won’t fund k-9
program
Cedar Rapids and Linn County K-9 officers say their dogs help combat drug traffic and sniff bombs. A
Cedar Rapids pet store owner agrees, and thatʼs why the parking lot of Petʼs Playhouse, 151 Jacolyn Dr.
NW. looked like a carnival today.
A cover band, a dunk tank and McGruff the Crime Dog entertained the crowd while police officers put
out the word. Dogs make police work easier. That was the message put out to the already converted
crowd, which Mike Hunt, owner of the pet store estimated to be more than 4,000. The third annual
fundraiser raised $10,000 at the event in 2008 and $12,000 last year, Hunt said.
“The more dogs we have the safer I think everybody will be in town, the safer the officers will be.”
The Police Department currently has seven dogs that are available to sniff out cars and scope out
problem areas. The sheriff has two. Dogs are usually partnered with an officer who cares for them like a
typical owner, but like their human colleagues they do dangerous work.
On Saturday, west of the Cedar River the budget priorities of local lawmakers were discussed by police
and citizens alike.
“The city doesnʼt have a budget for the canines, which is the problem. All of our money comes from
community support and things like this today,” said Al Fear, 38, a police officer with the canine unit. Fear
spoke to a crowd and showcased one of the dogs.
“Theyʼre all very friendly, and just make sure you have the eye contact with the hand there before you
reach down and pet the dogs. Not that the dogs will attack you but we just want to make sure we are all
safe,” said Fear.
Children approached Fear and his dog Marco. Some dogs have names reminiscent of the cast of the
American Gladiators television program. Besides Marco, thereʼs Nitro and Charger. Fear said his K-9
helped seized hundreds of pounds of marijuana, just a few weeks back. One caressed Marco as he
panted patiently. “What happens if the bad guy starts shooting at the dog?”
They all have bulletproof vests, said Fear.
,
Chad Colston, an officer with the Linn County Sheriff's
Department holds his dog during a fundraiser for the
K-9 unit on May 22, 2010. (Christopher
Pratt/SourceMedia Group News)
Officer Al Fear addresses a crowd during a fundraiser

for the police's K-9 unit on May 22, 2010. (Christopher
McGruff shakes hands at Pet's Playhouse during a K-9

unit fundraiser on May 22, 2010. (Christopher

This entry was posted in Crime, Law and Justice and tagged canine unit, Cedar Rapids, Community, crime, Linn
County Sheriff, police. Bookmark the permalink.
Benton county teen booked after leading police on a high

speed chase
Update: View the Belle Plaine Police report.
A 19-year-old was arrested for leading police on a car chase in Benton county early this morning. Corey
Ary was pursued by law enforcement down gravel roads a little before 8 a.m. Ary had two passengers in
his car during the chase. According to the police, a county deputy deployed a nail-like sheet designed to
blow out to tires to stop the teen.
Belle Plaine Police accused Ary of a laundry list of charges; driving with a revoked license, possession
of drug paraphernalia, eluding, speeding, failure to obey a stop sign, and fraudulent use of registration.
The two juveniles were released and not charged.
Partial chase route, according to scanner audio:

This entry was posted in Crime, Law and Justice and tagged Benton, Car chase, Chase, County, eluding, law
enforcement, roads, speeding, tire. Bookmark the permalink.
New security at Kwik Shop, says company president

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Kwik Shop where a teenage clerk was kidnapped with a knife
now has a security guard on the graveyard shift, said Jeff Parker, president of the company. Amanda
Daniel was working alone when she was abducted around 4 a.m. on Monday. Surveillance video
captured the incident. Since 1993 most Cedar Rapids gas stations staffed alone during the night have
been required to keep surveillance video.
The early morning shift at a convenience store is the most hazardous time to work the risk-filled position,
as was previously reported by KCRG. Whether or not the guard is temporary or permanent the clerk on
the graveyard shift tonight is less likely to face what Daniel did on Monday.
“I canʼt tell you how long that may or may not last,” said Parker of Kwik Shop.
Police have accused 54-year-old Keith Van Elson, Jr. of kidnapping the 19-year-old from the gas station
at 1001 First Ave. SW. He was treated for a stab wound following the incident.

This entry was posted in Crime, Law and Justice and tagged Amanda Daniel, Cedar Rapids, First Ave.,
kidnapping, Kwik Shop. Bookmark the permalink.
Gunman takes dough from pizza man

CEDAR RAPIDS – A Papa Johnʼs employee was robbed while driving to the bank late Saturday night.
Matt Gates was stopped in his car at the intersection of Richmond and Hollywood when a man carrying
a gun and wearing gloves approached and demanded his money. Gates, the manager of the store
located at 3558 Center Point Road, handed over the money. The police report said the gunman wore
dark pants and either a hat or dew rag. It was undisclosed how much money was taken.
Papa John's on Center Point Road was quiet Saturday

night just hours after an employee was robbed

Cyclists ride to remember

CEDAR RAPIDS – Around 70 bicyclists rode through the streets of Cedar Rapids tonight to
commemorate people who have died while cycling.
“We ride to memorialize all those who we have lost doing what they love to do, bicycling,” said David
Glandon, the local organizer for Ride of Silence.
The bicyclists assembled at Greene Square Park in downtown Cedar Rapids. Then they set off on a five
mile ride through the city of Five Seasons. Many of those who gathered at the park had family members
killed while bicycling. Amanda Vanous, 25, of Raleigh, Iowa told the crowd how her mother was killed
while cycling in Northwest Iowa. She called on legislators to make Iowa a friendlier place for cyclists.
“The reason I tell you my personal story is because we need to push for tougher laws.”
Amanda Vanous spoke before the Ride of Silence on May 19, 2010.
(Christopher Pratt/ SourceMedia News Group)

New game room and mural aim to motivate kids

A new game room and mural at an area non-profit has been designed to help disadvantaged kids study
more and also keep them away from risky behavior.
“The goal of the mural is to hopefully help kids visualize the fact that their schoolwork does pertain to
what their occupation is going to be,” said Amy Grunewaldt, Executive Director of the Jane Boyd
Community House.
Some of the 14 faces on the mural include the famous and the powerful. Football coach Tony Dungy,
President Barack Obama and gymnast Shawn Johnson have been newly coated on a western wall at
the center
But some of the faces have no identity beyond their profession. A painter, a chemist and a soldier now
burst out from a bright blue background. Those images have become the backdrop for kids as they flick
air hockey pucks.
The Incentive Room was supported by funding from the Marion-Cedar Rapids Rotary Club. Michelle
Bell, the groupʼs service chair, said Rotaryʼs mission meshed well with the idea of an incentive room.
“Literacy is one of our main goals all over the world, and weʼre glad to be able to help with that.”
The Jane Boyd Community House has a long history of serving the poor in Cedar Rapids and part of its
mission is to enhance the academic well-being of Cedar Rapidsʼ diverse communities. About 60 percent
of kids in the program were African-American, Grunewaldt said.
The images on the wall might inspire great things from students. “They do represent persons of a variety
of ethnic, racial backgrounds. Thatʼs really what we were going for,” said Gary Connors-Boe, 63, the
muralist and social worker.
This summer 65 kids are scheduled to participate in a five-day a week program, which runs from 7:30
a.m. until 5:30 p.m. A rewards program will determine just how often kids access the game room. “The
kids actually have to earn to be able to enter the room,” said Grunewaldt.
“At the end of the week they get paid in Jane Boyd bucks, and they can use those dollars to be able to
come into the incentive room,” added Grunewaldt.
After the ribbon cutting festivities in the new room, one program participant found inspiration for a career
while looking towards Connors-Boeʼs mural. “I want to be a painter so I can help the community, and a
preacher so I can speak Godʼs words,” said Royal Abram, 9, a student at Polk Elementary.
Any child in elementary school is eligible to participate in the program, and spaces remain for the
summer program.

This entry was posted in arts, culture and entertainment, human interest. Bookmark the permalink.
Minnesota man charged with sexual exploitation in Iowa

Steven Morrow, 46, of Eagle Lake, Minn. could face up
to thirteen years in prison if convicted on charges of
sexual exploitation, and enticing away a minor, said
assistant Fayette County attorney, J.D. Villont.
According to the Fayette County Sheriffʼs office, Morrow
tried contacting a 15-year-old female over the Internet
and also tried to lure a minor away from home, said
Fayette County Sheriff Marty Fisher.
Morrow faces one class C felony charge and two
misdemeanors, according to court records. Steven Morrow of Eagle Lake, Minn. was
arrested on charges of sexual exploitation
Fisher said his department teamed with the Blue Earth
County Sheriffʼs department in Minnesota to arrest the man on Wednesday.
Morrow was released on a $22,500 bond from a Mankato jail on Thursday afternoon.
After being issued a warrant both sheriffsʼ offices involved with the investigation searched Morrowʼs
home. They confiscated a personal computer and other equipment for examination.
An attempt was made to reach Morrow at his Minnesota home, but he was not available for comment.


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Eastern Iowa News Now

What's Happening Now

Another Cedar Rapids gas leak

Cedar Rapids firefighters and a MidAmerican Energy

About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

Gas line struck near Boyson and Council

hours between Boyson Road and 60th Street NE.

Firefighters respond to a gas line rupture on May 25,

About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

Substance used to make meth found in hotel parking lot

Clarion Hotel and Convention Center, 525 33rd Avenue, SW.

Agency was contacted to continue the investigation.

Police and fire were called to the Clarion Hotel and

Police and fire were called to the Clarion Hotel and

About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

NW. looked like a carnival today.

and citizens alike.

spoke to a crowd and showcased one of the dogs.

safe,” said Fear.

They all have bulletproof vests, said Fear.

Officer Al Fear addresses a crowd during a fundraiser

McGruff shakes hands at Pet's Playhouse during a K-9

About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

Benton county teen booked after leading police on a high

Update: View the Belle Plaine Police report.

blow out to tires to stop the teen.

The two juveniles were released and not charged.

Partial chase route, according to scanner audio:

About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

New security at Kwik Shop, says company president

been required to keep surveillance video.

About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

Gunman takes dough from pizza man

Papa John's on Center Point Road was quiet Saturday

About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

Cyclists ride to remember

commemorate people who have died while cycling.

Glandon, the local organizer for Ride of Silence.

About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

New game room and mural aim to motivate kids

more and also keep them away from risky behavior.

air hockey pucks.

of kids in the program were African-American, Grunewaldt said.

muralist and social worker.

come into the incentive room,” added Grunewaldt.

About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

Minnesota man charged with sexual exploitation in Iowa

Steven Morrow, 46, of Eagle Lake, Minn. could face up

to thirteen years in prison if convicted on charges of

sexual exploitation, and enticing away a minor, said

assistant Fayette County attorney, J.D. Villont.

According to the Fayette County Sheriffʼs office, Morrow

tried contacting a 15-year-old female over the Internet

and also tried to lure a minor away from home, said

Fayette County Sheriff Marty Fisher.

Morrow faces one class C felony charge and two

Fisher said his department teamed with the Blue Earth

County Sheriffʼs department in Minnesota to arrest the man on Wednesday.

About Christopher Pratt/SourceMedia Group News

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