WATERLOO, Iowa (KCRG) – The Iowa State Patrol is investigating a crash after it says a driver was found dead early Wednesday morning. ISP says the crash happened around 1 a.m. Wednesday on Independence Avenue in Waterloo. A 2013 Ford C-Max was headed east when the car left the road. The car crashed into a fence and a tree on the right side of the road, coming to rest against a second tree. The car was found several hours later, according to ISP. The driver, a 55-year-old from Des Moines, was found dead. His name is being withheld until authorities can notify family.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The final section of the Alliant Energy LightLine Tower is officially in place. Standing at 164 feet tall, the tower marks a new landmark in Cedar Rapids. The tower’s outer layer is made of Corten steel to give it a rusted look. The landmark aims to honor the rich industrial history of Cedar Rapids. Upon completion, the tower will also feature interior LED lighting that can be programmed to multiple colors for special occasions. ConnectCR, a local nonprofit organization, helped with the completion of the project. Steve Sovern, a ConnectCR board member who witnessed the tower’s installation, said in a statement that it’s a “special day” for the city. Sovern said, “This is truly a special day for the many volunteers and local residents who envisioned this bridge, worked on its concept, and donated to it…Seeing the tower go up left me speechless. It’s going to be a terrific destination for our trail system and our city.” The city says the Alliant Energy LightLine project is expected to be completed in 2027.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – A Cedar Rapids man has been accused of trying to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex after messaging an undercover officer online. According to a criminal complaint, 45-year-old Michael J. Hoppenworth is charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Enticing a Minor under 16, and Telephone Dissemination of Obscene Material to a Minor. Court documents show Hoppenworth messaged an online profile on August 4. Investigators behind the profile told Hoppenworth they were a 15-year-old girl. The messages turned sexual in nature, with Hoppenworth allegedly sending two pornographic videos asking if she wanted to do what was in the videos. He also asked for a nude photo, according to the criminal complaint. Around August 13, Hoppenworth arranged to meet the girl at Lincolnway Park, at 195 Oklahoma Ave. SW. Cedar Rapids Police greeted Hoppenworth at the scene. They dialed the phone number they had been communicating with Hoppenworth on, and his phone rang. He is being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond.
MARION, Iowa (KCRG) – The West End Diner in uptown Marion is closing its doors after seven years. Staff announced the news in a Facebook post Wednesday morning. The 6th Avenue morning brunch spot’s last day is Sunday, November 8. The post did not share a specific reason for closing. “After seven joyful, successful years, filled with the best food and friendships we could make, we’ve made the hard (but hope-filled) decision to close the Diner,” the post said. Staff said they’re grateful for every moment shared with customers. “When we opened, we simply wanted to serve good food to nice people in a place that felt like home. In return, you celebrated birthdays with us, first-days of school, anniversaries, Tuesday breakfasts and Wednesday lunches. We are grateful for every moment we shared with you and hope that this change will, in time, be seen as not so bad,” staff shared. They’re encouraging regulars to stop in before then for one last meal or cup of coffee. “Thank you for your loyalty, kind words, and company. We loved being a small part of your lives,” the announcement said. “What we built together is sure to inspire another great Marion business.”
