Halloween 2009

Halloween was a busy day in Iowa City. The day brought a scary matchup with the Hawkeyes and Hoosiers, while the gouhls and goblins of trick - or - treaters roamed the night.

However Colin was ready to fight off any evil spirits as the Super Hero Spider Man.
And neighbor Ann would cast a spell on anyone deserving.

The night before many people got into the Halloween spirit a day early. The above was the best outfits of the night. On the left is character Alan Garner of the Summer movie hit, "The Hangover" while Flo the Progressive girls is at his side.

The Union Station was one stop to sight see Halloween outfits. Alongside myself and Sheriff Ron who is the security director of Iowa Football is Megan, a waitress who we first met at an establishment across the street from the team hotel. Due to the flood she was forced to look elsewhere for work.

And alongside us here is Connie who tends bar at Dublin in Downtown Cedar Rapids. She has been at Dublin's two locations (pre and post flood).

Night Out on the Town

Tonight's Night Out on the Town is a local favorite that had to close its doors due to the floods of 2008. Dublin City is located in downtown Cedar Rapids.

On Fridays during the season, myself, the deputy sherriff and members of the Iowa training staff would head to this local pub after meetings were completed. It had a little bit of everything--occasional live bands, crowds of many ages and favorable pricing on beverages. The only negative was the amount of smoke that filtered throughout the place, but we were looking forward to life after the smoking ban which went into effect July 1, 2008. Dublin did not live to see that date.

The owner also operated a smokeless restaurant around the corner called Grafton Street. Many of the workers split time at both places. Grafton was smaller and quieter and it was here we got to know many of the workers. It too was damaged by the flood and reports say it will not be open.

We're not sure if Dublin City will open again.