QCA.news - Quad Cities news and view from both sides of the river

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: AARON SPICER, 37, 5’7”, 200 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes. Wanted in Rock Island County for two counts of probation violation on charges of possession of meth and felony theft. Wanted by Bettendorf Police for failing to appear in court on a charge of fraudulent practice 3rd Degree. AMBER WOODS, 35, 5’11”, 270 pounds, brown hair, green eyes. Wanted in Rock Island County for failing to appear in court on a charge of delivery or possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Aaron Spicer (L) and Amber Woods (Crime Stoppers) You have a week to contact police for an elevated reward. Call the tip line at (309) 762-9500. All tips are anonymous.
	Tapestry Farms hosting Spring Fling benefit in Bettendorf Enjoy an evening of food, drinks, a silent auction, live music and more on April 26 to benefit Tapestry Farms, the QC's nonprofit urban farm assisting refugees.
	Serving educational excellence at Southeastern Community College in West Burlington Southeastern Community College (SCC) has been serving the needs of students in the Burlington area for over 100 years.
	Cicada broods crossing over in Illinois for the first time in 200 years An entomologist at Augustana College said there will be trillions of cicadas emerging this summer.
	$8.5M Rock Island housing project to serve veterans A new $8.5-million housing development on the west side of Rock Island will be the first in the city specifically designed for veterans. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) recently awarded $7.8 million to Community Home Partners (CHP) to support a pioneering housing initiative in Rock Island dedicated exclusively to veterans. A conceptual rendering of the types of subsidized veteran homes, which will be rented. The new project, set to provide 25 modern rental homes across four acres of land, will provide much-needed housing solutions tailored to the unique needs of veterans, according to the managing entity of Rock Island Housing Authority. “The city of Rock Island for a number of years has been committed to helping veterans any way we can, and when this project came forth, we thought it was a perfect opportunity to coordinate our efforts with Community Home Partners and making this a reality,” Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms said. The property – on 31st Avenue, just west of 11th Street – was donated to CHP by the city, and they’re responsible for raising the rest of the funding privately (through banks and investors), said John Chow, CEO of Community Home Partners. The housing development site is along 31st Avenue, Rock Island, just west of U.S. 67 (11th Street). “It takes a village. This project isn't just about building homes; it's about forging communities and providing stability and support for those who have served our country,” he said, noting there’s a great need for permanent homes for veterans. “Our veterans gave so much in service to our nation, and it's our honor to give back by providing the community support and individual space they deserve,” he said. The detached homes will be very small, typically 450 or 650 square feet, expected to be built from fall 2024 to 2025, and the site will include a 2,000-square-foot support services building with representatives from Veterans Affairs, Community Health Care and employment agencies, Chow said. There’s an existing Community Health Care clinic close by, at 2750 11th St. “We are working very closely with other support agencies in our community,” Chow added. “We want to bring in the entire team.” Rents will typically be no more than 30% of a veteran’s income, and the CHP site is designed to be a mixed development, with a variety of income levels, he said. “It’s going to be quality product – with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances.” Community Home Partners CEO John Chow There also may be an option after several years for the renters to buy a home on the site, Chow said. “I would love to be able to offer homeownership for the veterans, sell it below market rate.” “We are very excited to announce this project in support and honor of our veterans,” CHP Board President Dave Emerick said. “This development is another example of CHP's commitment to building neighborhoods to enhance the community and provide stability for those seeking housing assistance.” A concept rendering of the types of homes to be built as part of the $8.5-million project. “We extend our gratitude to all sponsors, partners, and supporters committed to making this visionary project a reality, ensuring every veteran has the opportunity to thrive each day,” the CHP release said. For more information on Community Home Partners, click HERE.
	Agatha Christie radio plays open in Moline A trio of plays by Agatha Christie take over the Black Box Theatre stage opening Friday, April 26. At 1623 5th Ave., Moline. Agatha Christie’s “Murder in the Studio” comprises three radio plays: Personal Call sees James Brent haunted by his dead wife when he receives a mysterious telephone call, seemingly from beyond the grave. Yellow Iris marked Hercule Poirot's debut appearance on radio in which the famous detective is called to the hotel Jardin des Cygnes to solve an old case in which a cold-blooded killer escaped justice and slipped through his fingers. Butter in a Lordly Dish sees eminent prosecution barrister Sir Luke Enderby get his comeuppance in one of Christie's most gruesome and horrifying murders. “We have done a lot of radio plays at The Black Box, but this is the first time we are looking into the Agatha Christie archives,” said director/designer Lora Adams. “I can only imagine the BBC radio audiences’ reactions to the ends of each of the plays. Comeuppance for all the evil deed doers, but how do they get their ‘just desserts’?” said Adams. The cast includes Matt Walsh, Max Robnett, Jason Platt, Tyler Henning, Andrea Moore, Michelle Bailey, and Denise Yoder, with sound design by Doug Kutzli. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 26, 27, May 2, 3 and 4, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 28. Tickets are $16, available HERE.
	Former JCPenney building in Moline to get new life as commercial/residential space The Moline City Council took a major step towards renovating the former JCPenney building in the city’s downtown into 32 residential units at its most recent meeting. The city council unanimously endorsed a proposed $6.8 million Redevelopment Plan and Economic Incentive Agreement, the first hurdle toward project approval. The building was built in 1956 as a JCPenney department store, which closed when it moved to South Park Mall in 1972. The two-story building has a basement and totals about 35,000 square feet. About 50 staff members from the RiverStone Group worked at the location from the late 1980s to 2019. The company donated the building to Renew Moline in late 2022. Renew Moline chose Bush Construction as its partner in early 2023 to maximize the development potential of the site and enhance the Fifth Avenue corridor. The project includes adding a third floor and constructing studio, one- and two-bedroom units, along with first-floor commercial space. The proposed project was approved by the City of Moline Plan Commission in February 2024. “This building has served two uses over its history, and we are pleased to pass this building to Bush Construction to begin the third,” said Greg Derrick, Renew Moline Board Chairman. “Renew has worked to secure a quality development partner to deliver a model of urban living to the community. We are looking forward to bringing new residents downtown.” The redevelopment will invest in Fifth Avenue, supported by a newly created tax increment financing (TIF) district, like the ones created by other districts over the last 30 years to support downtown redevelopment. Under the terms of the agreement, Moline will provide a loan to close a funding gap that will be repaid by the project through TIF. The project will provide leased parking spaces for tenants in a nearby lot and add bike racks on the Fifth Avenue side and landscape improvements on 17th Street. The project helps the city’s goal of creating more housing, especially in areas served by public transportation. “This project supports all three of the city’s Strategic Plan Pillars of creating quality places, stimulating private investment and building infrastructure smartly,” said Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati. “We are happy for the partnership with Renew Moline and Bush Construction and look forward to seeing the project completed.” The 17th Street and Fifth Avenue area has seen plenty of new activity in the past five years, with the opening of the Axis Hotel and the Fifth Avenue Syndicate and the recent additions of the Atlas Collective coffee and bookshop and the Sound Conservatory in the Carnegie Library. “We are excited to add new residents to this area and continue to build on downtown Moline’s success,” said A.J. Loss, Bush Construction president. The city council is expected to give the project final approval by the next meeting on May 7. Renew Moline expects to transfer the property to Bush in the next few weeks. Construction is planned for a late 2024 start.
	Quad City Storm looks for new head coach The Quad City Storm is looking for a new head coach.
	Viola under boil order The maintenance project became bigger than expected and disrupting some service.
	FIRST ALERT DAY: Multi-day severe weather event likely A First Alert Day has been issued by the TV6 First Alert weather team
	Atkinson water shut off for day Some people in Atkinson, Illinois, had their water turned off Wednesday. A boil order will follow.
	Raising Illinois Forum to give info on upcoming legislation The Western Illinois University Parent Ambassadors are holding a Raising Illinois Forum on Thursday, April 25 at 6 p.m. on the Quad Cities campus, 3300 River Drive in Moline. This event is hosted and sponsored by SAL Community Services, Floreciente Association and the WIU Parent Ambassadors. WIU Ambassadors and Raising Illinois will lead a discussion where participants will receive information about upcoming legislation and hear community testimonies and Raising Illinois initiatives. Raising Illinois aims to create an equitable and cohesive system of support for expecting families, infants, toddlers and community members where they live.Registration is required, as dinner will be provided to all attendees. Call Jesse Rojo at (503) 840-2209 or email jrojo@raisingillinois.org to register.
	Water to be shut off in parts of Atkinson Wednesday, boil order to follow All residents north of Route 6 and to the west of State Street will be impacted.
	Morel mushroom season has arrived, where to find the vegetable Sightings of these mushrooms have been noted as far south as Dallas City, and as far north as Hanover, Illinois.
	Quad City Storm begin search for new head coach The Storm announced on social media Wednesday morning they are moving on from Dave Pszenyczny after six years with the team.
	Friends of Moline Parks to hold launch party The new Friends of Moline Parks and Recreation Foundation will hold a Launch Party on Thursday, May 9, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom (1209 4th Ave., Suite 2, Moline). The Launch Party will include a silent auction and Think and Drink Entertainment’s Parks and Recreation trivia from 7-9 p.m. In addition, Pour Bros. will be donating 10% of that day’s drink sales to the foundation. Established in 2023, the Friends of Moline Parks and Recreation Foundation was created to support the city of Moline Parks and Recreation Department and their mission to enhance community wellness and quality of life by providing diverse recreational experiences, exceptional park programs, and well-maintained facilities, according to a city release Wednesday. The Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization, led by a 100% volunteer Board of Directors, comprised of Moline residents. The Foundation hopes to bring awareness to Moline Parks and Recreation’s projects, facilities and programs as well as help financially support scholarships for Moline youth to participate in free or reduced Parks and Recreation programming, capital improvement projects and more, the release said. Prospect Park in Moline, in the fall. The Friends of Moline Parks and Recreation Foundation’s mission is to promote the development and sustainability of parks, trails, green space, park facilities and recreation through advocacy and financial support, volunteer opportunities and recognition. Parks and Recreation operates 23 Moline parks, over 700 acres of parkland, more than 16 miles of bike and pedestrian trails, Riverside Riverslide, and Greenvalley Sports Complex. For more details about the Launch Party, visit the Facebook event page. For more information on the new foundation, click HERE.
	Green Belt Trail in Muscatine closed for culvert repair Muscatine is getting in on the spring repairs, this time near the Highway 61 bridge. A news release from Muscatine City Hall says the Green Belt Trail will be closed on Wednesday, April 24 and Thursday, April 25 for a culvert repair. The Sewer Department will be working on repairs to the culvert near the Highway 61 bridge.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities headlines for Apr. 24, 2023 The village of Atkinson is cutting some water, Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane is under investigation, and City of East Moline is experiencing a spring pick up delay.
	US Olympic Swimming Trials fan events to include Eiffel Tower replica, swim-up bar, concerts In less than two months, the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials will be in Indianapolis for nine days.
	Autism acceptance walk set in Rock Island The Autism Society of the Quad-Cities (ASQC) will host a walk to celebrate autism acceptance onSaturday, April 27, at Augustana College’s PepsiCo. Center, 1025 30th St., Rock Island, a news release says. The free event will be from 9-11 a.m. with the walk set to begin at 9:30 a.m. (autismqc.org) April is Autism Acceptance Month, and ASQC partners with the Autism Society of America this month and year-round to recognize and support the variety of experiences in the autism community. The ASQC believes the world should recognize and accept the ways the autism community experiences and improves life in the Quad-Cities, according to the release. One in 36 children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to the U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and more than seven million people in the United States are on the autism spectrum, the release says. Recognizing this, the ASQC continues to see the need for education, support and advocacy in the Quad Cities to maximize the potential of people with autism. The ASQC was founded in 2004 and is a non-profit charitable organization affiliated with the Autism Society of America. For more information, contact autismqc@gmail.com.
	Bettendorf man faces charges after police say he drove stolen car in pursuit A 34-year-old Bettendorf man faces multiple charges after Iowa State Police allege he led a pursuit in a stolen car then ran from officers, court records show. Jacob Shinn faces felony charges of second-degree theft and eluding - speed more than 25 mph over the limit; and serious misdemeanor charges of driving while his license was denied or revoked and possession of a controlled substance - marijuana - first offense, according to court records. Jacob Shinn (Scott County Jail) A vehicle pursuit and a foot chase Shortly after 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Iowa State Patrol tried to stop a white Kia Sportage with no plates in the area of East 31st Street and Jersey Ridge Road, according to arrest affidavits. Police allege he did not stop for a fully marked patrol car with emergency lights and sirens activated and, while he was eluding law enforcement, he exceeded the posted speed limit by more than 25 mph. In affidavits, officers allege Shinn failed to obey numerous traffic control devices to include but not limited to the intersections at East 31st Street and Belle Avenue, East 31st Street and Spring Avenue, East 31st Street and Eastern Avenue, Eastern Avenue and Rusholme Street, and Eastern Avenue and Elm Street. Shinn "failed to wear a seat belt as was evident by the defendant exiting the vehicle and running before the vehicle came to a rest at the intersection of East Locust Street and Bridge Avenue," police say in affidavits, which show the SUV had no rear registration plate. "There was a white piece of paper which was intended to look like an Iowa DOT drive-away tag," affidavits say. "The paper was clearly fraudulent as it was homemade." The SUV, which was reported stolen out of Davenport, has a value of less than $10,000, affidavits show. A check of Shinn's driving status through the Iowa DOT revealed him to be revoked for OWI from 05-17-2018 until 05-14-2024, officers say in affidavits. He also had a suspended driving status through the Iowa DOT. Police say he ran from a fully uniformed peace officer at the conclusion of the pursuit, and kept running "even when given commands to stop," but was taken into custody. During a search of the SUV, officers allege they found numerous THC cartridges in his black backpack. After he was read his Miranda Rights, Shinn admitted they were his, police say in affidavits. He was being held Wednesday on a total $18,900 bond in Scott County Jail, and is set for a preliminary hearing April 30 in Scott County Court.
	City of Moline is taking major steps toward improving the downtown area Businesses like the Atlas Collective are supporting small entrepreneurs, and with this new boost in businesses, Moline officials want to create new apartments.
	Take a sneak peek at Galesburg's new library A day before the new Galesburg Library opens its doors on Wednesday, April 24, News 8 got a sneak peek at the $21 million building.
	Buried Stories: Jackson Beardsley (1831-1885) On June 15, 2002, at 10 o'clock on a Saturday morning, a crowd gathered for “Black Heroes Carved in Stone,” a ceremony held at Chippiannock Cemetery. They had convened to honor nine black soldiers who had volunteered to fight in the Civil War. The men had lain forgotten in unmarked graves until the cemetery’s office manager discovered their story while creating digital records from handwritten ledgers.
	Fertilizer spill in Burlington People in southeast Iowa are being urged to avoid a local creek after hundreds of gallons of fertilizer spilled.
Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024
	Laws could change for some of Iowa’s youngest drivers A new bill could change the rules for the youngest Iowa drivers.
	Illinois could level factors for auto insurance rates Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is pushing for a bill he says would end discriminationwhen it comes to setting rates for auto insurance. The bill would allow insurance companies to only take into account someone's driving record when setting up their auto insurance rate and not socioeconomic factors like race, age, genderand credit scores. Insurance companies can use data from third party sources to charge people higher insurance premiums based on those socioeconomic factors. That data can include credit scores, homeownership status and zip code.
	Tourism professionals gather in Moline Tourism professionals from across Illinois will gather in the Quad Cities this week for the Illinois Destinations Association (IDA) 2024 Spring Meeting, according to a news release. IDA is a collaborative network of 35 destination marketing organizations (DMOs) and convention and visitor bureaus (CVBs) throughout Illinois. With a mission to enhance member effectiveness and efficiency in attracting visitors to their communities, IDA works closely with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism. “On behalf of our Visit Quad Cities Board of Directors and professional team, we are looking forward to hosting our Illinois tourism colleagues in the QC,” said Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. “Illinois destinations are creating unique opportunities for their communities to thrive and we are proud to be members of the Illinois Destinations Association.” Hosted at the Vibrant Arena at the MARK, the Spring Meeting agenda includes activities and sessions focused on community engagement and agritourism as well as opportunities for attendees to learn more about the history of the Quad Cities. Several local community and business leaders will join the event to participate in panel discussions, including Frances Williams (Mercado on Fifth), Kevin Maynard (Quad City Arts), Jack Cullen (Rock Island Downtown Alliance), Joan and John Maxwell (Cinnamon Ridge Farms), Kasi Henshaw (Visit MerCo) and Missy Carter (Freight House Farmer’s Market).
	Galesburg Public Library to welcome public back to larger library location The Galesburg Public Library is welcoming the community back to a larger building on Wednesday.
	Community gets first look at Sudlow Intermediate School designs Families with students in the Davenport Community School District got a first glance at what Sudlow Intermediate School's new building will look like. The presentation was held at Eisenhower Elementary School. The project is part of the school district's facilities plan. The district closed three elementary schools to match enrollment numbers and moved sixth grade back into the middle schools from those elementary schools. The new Sudlow building will accommodate those extra students. Construction is scheduled to begin in October and finish in late 2025.
	Bettendorf man sentenced on child pornography and gun charges A Bettendorf, Iowa man was sentenced Tuesday to federal prison on child pornography and gun charges.
	Bettendorf High School selects new boys’ basketball head coach Bettendorf High School boys’ basketball team might soon have a new head coach.
	Eldridge utility board delays vote on rescinding authorization for independent investigation At a meeting Tuesday evening, Eldridge's utility board tabled an action item that would have rescinded authorization for a third-party investigation into the city's complaints against two utility employees.
	DNR investigates fertilizer spill in Burlington The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating a fertilizer spill in the City of Burlington in Des Moines County, according to a news release. Iowa Department of Natural Resources (WHO 13) On Monday, the DNR Field Office in Washington was notified of a liquid fertilizer spill in Burlington. About 5 p.m., a truck driven by Jeff Boyer was hauling fertilizer when a 700-gallon plastic tank containing ammonium phosphate fell off near the intersection of West Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Burlington. The driver stopped, but left the scene shortly after, the release says. Local authorities responded to the scene. Further investigation revealed an unknown amount of the fertilizer spilled onto the street and continued into a nearby storm sewer which discharges into Hawkeye Creek. DNR staff later observed fertilizer contamination at Hawkeye Creek, which flows through the City of Burlington to the Mississippi River, according to the release. City officials are working to capture the creek flow and clean it through the Burlington Wastewater Treatment Plant. No dead fish have been observed at this time. Samples have been collected. Residents and their pets are encouraged to avoid the area. DNR is working with the City of Burlington to address the fertilizer impact before entering the Mississippi River. Further enforcement action will be considered when appropriate, and the investigation is ongoing. To report a release after hours, call the DNR’s emergency spill line at 515-725-8694. Quick reporting can help DNR staff identify the cause of an incident. The DNR website has more information about spill reporting requirements.
	Iowa homeless advocate concerned about public sleeping bans in wake of Supreme Court case A case before the U-S Supreme Court could punish homeless people for sleeping in public. A homeless advocate worries that the court’s decision could eventually make life more difficult for Iowans who have no place to live.
	Davenport city council considers new employment agreement for interim city administrator The Davenport City Council will vote this week on a new agreement with interim city administrator Mallory Merritt.
	Hundreds of United Township students explore potential future jobs at career fair Professionals from more than 100 jobs and careers got to interact with students and share their knowledge.
	Fertilizer spill in Burlington reaches Hawkeye Creek 700 gallons of fertilizer fell off a truck before an unknown amount spilled into a nearby storm sewer. Hawkeye Creek flows into the Mississippi River.
	Man walks into Galesburg High School after being denied entry: How the district is responding A man attempted to enter the school's main office but was denied entry. He then walked around the building and was mistakenly let in by a student at a side door.
	City of Rock Island announces new director of finance Jessica Sager was sworn in as Rock Island director of finance during a Monday, April 22, city council meeting.
	Los Lobos, May 3 Having risen to international stardom in 1987, when their version of "La Bamba" peaked at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and also topped the charts in the United Kingdom, the California-based, Mexican-American rockers of Los Lobos headline a May 3 concert event at Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center, their accomplishments including four Grammy Awards and 2018 induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.
	The Ball Bash with Big Boogie, May 4 Celebrating the 37th birthday of Davenport promoter Whitney Joyner, a.k.a. “Whitball,” as well as all Tauruses of the Quad Cities and surrounding areas, the hip-hop and rap party The Ball Bash will be held at Davenport's RiverCenter on May 4, the exhilarating event hosted by rap star Big Boogie of CMG.
	Students and business leaders make connections at 5th annual Embrace Race Luncheon The fifth annual Embrace Race Luncheon took place Tuesday afternoon at the Figge Art Museum. It’s an event that gives business leaders in the region an opportunity to connect with African American boys.
	The Ballroom Thieves, May 8 With their April release Sundust lauded by The Old Grey Cat as "a tuneful treatise on the existential concerns pandemic life brought to the fore" and "well worth one's time," the indie-folk musicians of The Ballroom Thieves headline a May 8 concert at Davenport's Redstone Room, their latest recording also praised by B-Side Guys as "a profound blend of indie folk and pop, exploring introspection, emotional resilience, and human connection."
	Ghost Town Blues Band, May 5 Lauded by Living Blues magazine as “21st Century blues at its best,” the Memphis-based artists of the Ghost Town Blues Band perform a May 5 concert at the Moline Viking Club presented by the Mississippi Valley Blues Society, treating audiences to the soulful, electrifying effects of, as Living Blues stated, “a shoot-from-the-hip Memphis attitude" and "a welcome changing of the guard."
	Burning Red: A Tribute to Taylor Swift, May 3 A celebration of one of the most popular and influential recording artists of all time coinciding with the artist's record-breaking "Eras" tour, Burning Red: A Tribute to Taylor Swift will return to East Moline venue The Rust Belt on May 3, this exhilarating event "by Swifties and for Swifties" taking fans on a journey through all of Swift's own eras from her pop hits to folk, country, dance, and back again.
	Bettendorf man sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on child porn and firearms charges A Bettendorf man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison on child porn and weapons charges.
	William Elliott Whitmore, May 4 With his most recent release Silently, the Mind Breaks hailed by No Depression as an "unsettling yet invigorating album" that blends "banjo, acoustic guitar, and kick drum with gritty, determined vocals," folk, blues, and alt-country singer/songwriter William Elliott Whitmore headlines a May 4 concert at Maquoketa's Codfish Hollow Barn, the artist's latest also inspiring Everything Is Noise to state that the artist "sings with a gravitas indictive of the very best blues and folk singers."
	1 person injured in Jo Daviess County crash, sheriff’s office says A man was airlifted to Rockford after a crash in Jo Daviess County.
	Rock Island Rotary Club honors community's finest The Rock Island Rotary Club honored some of the community's finest citizens at an awards luncheon. Jim, Bill and John Hass from Valley Construction won the award for outstanding professional excellence. Daryl Empen was recognized for outstanding community service to the Rock Island community, serving on several nonprofit boards and as a scoutmaster for a troop in the QCA.Both will be recognized at this year's Labor Day parade. Rotary also recognized top scholars from Alleman and Rock Island High Schools and Augustana College. Our Quad Cities Weather Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray delivered the keynote address at the luncheon.
	New Galesburg library set to open Wednesday Construction on the $21 million building broke ground in 2022. The space includes tech labs, several meeting rooms and even a podcast room.
	New project starting in Davenport to help improve Goose Creek water quality Davenport received $99,500 from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for a bioretention cell project at Goose Creek.
	Bill Orcutt Guitar Quartet, May 4 On May 4, San Francisco-based guitarist and composer Bill Orcutt lands at Rock Island venue Rozz-Tox to present his latest project: an all-electric Guitar Quartet performing the music from Orcutt's 2022 Music for Four Guitars, and an ensemble that Pitchfork lauded as “a rigidly structured quartet that weaves tiny rhythmic phrases into expansive tapestries."
	Wage War and Nothing More, May 4 Two acclaimed hard-rock and metal bands touring in conjunction with their 2024 album releases will team up for a co-headlining concert at The Rust Belt on May 4, with the East Moline venue hosting the Billboard sensations of Wage War, whose Stigma is set for release mid-June, and the chart-topping Nothing More, whose Carnal will debut later that month.
	New project starting in Davenport to help improve Goose Creek water quality Davenport received $99,500 from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship for a bioretention cell project at Goose Creek.
	New Jersey Mike's to open in Bettendorf The fourth Jersey Mike’s Subs in the Quad Cities (and first in Bettendorf) will open at 5261 Competition Drive at The Plex on Wednesday, April 24. Franchise owners Camilla Lees-Soerensen and Aron Lees will hold a grand opening and fundraiser at the new store (near the intersection with Middle Road) from Wednesday, April 24 to Sunday, April 28 to support Pleasant Valley Junior High. Customers who receive a special fundraising coupon distributed through a grassroots effort prior to the opening can make a minimum $3 contribution to Pleasant Valley Junior High in exchange for a regular sub. Customers must have a coupon to be eligible. Guests can place orders in-store or for pickup through the website or through the Jersey Mike’s app. Additionally, delivery is available in most areas through the Jersey Mike’s app or through third-party delivery partners. Curbside pickup is available for orders placed in Jersey Mike’s app. Jersey Mike’s premium meats and cheeses are sliced on the spot and piled high on in-store baked bread. Jersey Mike’s is looking for people interested in career opportunities with extraordinary growth potential to join their team. Candidates who are passionate about customer service and connecting with their local community are invited to apply HERE. The new restaurant’s hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. You can contact this location directly at 563-291-3822. Bettendorf will be Jersey Mike's fourth location in the Quad Cities. Jersey Mike’s believes that making a sub sandwich and making a difference can be one and the same, according to the company release. Since 2010, Jersey Mike’s locations throughout the country have raised more than $110 million for local charities. In 2023, the company’s 13th Annual Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving in March raised $21 million for more than 200 local charities. Jersey Mike’s Subs, with more than 3,000 locations open and in development, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” Other QC locations are at 4451 E. 53rd St., Davenport; 2124 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport, and 3918 16th St., Moline. It also has a restaurant (that opened in November 2022) at 415 Cleveland St., Muscatine, and at 2900 S. 25th Street, Clinton.
	Sam Evian, May 5 With the singer/songwriter's March release Plunge lauded by Paste magazine as "mellow and moody, rife with vibrant chords" and the artist's "trademark, dreamy vocals" indie-rock and psych-pop musician Sam Evian headlines a May 5 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, Uncut adding to the Plunge praise by calling it "a loose, luscious listen, with a timeless sound."
	Man walks into Galesburg High School after being denied access A man attempted to enter the school's main office but was denied entry. He then walked around the building and was mistakenly let in by a student at a side door.
	Mama's Broke, May 6 Currently touring in support of their second album Narrow Line, a recording that received a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Vocal Group of the Year and a Juno Award nomination for Traditional Roots Album of the Year, folk musicians Amy Lou Keeler and Lisa Maria bring their outfit Mama's Broke to Davenport's Raccoon Motel on May 6, the artists also the winners of the Canadian Folk Music Award for Ensemble of the Year with their debut recording Count the Wicked.
	Scott County jury finds man guilty of hiding camera in teen’s bedroom A Scott County jury found a man guilty of hiding a camera in a teenager’s bedroom.
	Moments in History: Famous people connected to Burlington The ‘Moments in History’ of Burlington, Iowa, celebrate the community and what has brought it to what is there today.
	P.O.D., May 7 Three-time Grammy Award nominees who boast a half-dozen chart-topping albums, the Christian nu-metal and frap-rock artists of P.O.D. headline a May 7 concert event at East Moline's The Rust Belt, the artists touring in support of their May 3 release Veritas as well as massive Billboard smashes such as Testify, Murdered Love, and When Angels & Serpents Dance.
	Sneak preview of new Galesburg Public Library From bird-safe glass to new study rooms and noise-cancelling recording rooms, Galesburg's new public library will have a little something for everyone. However, the history with Galesburg's library has come a long way to where it is today. The Galesburg Public Library will open April 24 after two years of construction, taking $22 million to build. Residents in Galesburg are excited after having to use other county libraries for the last couple of months while the old library was shut down. "One of the first things that many people said to me when they met me was 'I watched the old library burn,'" Jane Easterly, Adult Services Assistant Director with the library, said. "So many people do remember watching that moment when Galesburg lost their magnificent library." Carnegie Library in Galesburg burned down in 1958, which was replaced by a new library in 1961. That library has held up with upgrades and expansions over the years, but in 2021, Galesburg received a $15 million grant from the state to build their library for the future. "The really great thing about going from scratch is this was designed to be a library," Easterly said. "Many buildings will have issues you have to inherit." Donations also helped the library start the construction process years ago. "It's amazing," Easterly said. "I have been here for 18 years and for me to see the community come together to make this happen, everyone gave at the level they could. All of it is appreciated. Every donation, every word of support, all appreciated." With finishing touches in place and more services to still come in the future, library workers are preparing to finally show Galesburg their new library. "I'm really excited to see people's faces when they come in," Anne Griffey, Cataloging Supervisor with the library, said. "I hope everyone is amazed at what we've accomplished in just a couple of years of building. But of course, many, many years of planning and fundraising." The Galesburg Library will open Wednesday, April 24 at 9:00 a.m.
	Vision Video, May 4 Delivering what The Big Takeover described as "brilliant weavings of the sound that has made Joy Division and The Cure so loved," the post-punk goth rockers of Vision Video headline a May 4 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, with Pitchfork raving that the group "exhibits a radiance that distinguishes them from fellow black-lipstick aficionados."
	Iowa ethics board launches investigation into Scott County sheriff for alleged campaign violations Sheriff Tim Lane is accused of using patrol cars and deputies to campaign at a Halloween parade. He did not announce his candidacy for reelection until January.
	The Quad Cities' only dedicated gluten-free bakery celebrates 1 year Life Breads started in Catherine & Todd Herzog's house before turning into a farmers market staple. Now, it's celebrating 1 year at its brick-and-mortar location.
	Davenport city council to vote on new interim city administrator agreement The Davenport City Council will consider a new agreement on Wednesday to keep Mallory Merritt as the city's interim city administrator, while the search continues for a permanent city administrator.
	Life flight sent to crash in Knox County, Central Illinois Fire Society reports Central Illinois Fire Society reported that life flight had been sent to a crash with injuries in Knox County.
	Iowa ethics board launches investigation into Scott County sheriff for alleged campaign violations Sheriff Tim Lane is accused of using patrol cars and deputies to campaign at a Halloween parade. He did not announce his candidacy for reelection until January.
	“Arrival,” May 2 An Oscar-winning smash that Rotten Tomatoes' critical consensus says "delivers a must-see experience for fans of thinking person's sci-fi," and presented by Filmosofia and the Socratic Society, Denis Villeneuve's acclaimed 2016 film Arrival enjoys a special May 2 at Rock Island venue Rozz-Tox, its raves including The Telegraph deeming the work an "introspective, philosophical, and existentially inclined" work that "unfolds in an unwavering tenor of chest-tightening excitement."
	“The Holdovers,” May 9 Currently standing with a 97-percent "freshness rating" on Rotten Tomatoes and hailed by the Web site as "beautifully bittersweet," director Alexander Payne's Oscar-winning comedic drama The Holdovers enjoys a May 9 screening with the Rock Island Public Library's downtown-branch Downtown Movie Club, with the New York Times raving that "even as the story accrues the heft of personal tragedy, each scene seems to float or bob."
	Davenport man arrested in connection to September shooting Manuel Lee Diaz,19, is charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon with intent to injure or provoke fear, according to an arrest affidavit. A preliminary hearing for Diaz is set for April 30.
	City Circle Theatre Company's “Spring Awakening,” May 3 through 12 The winner of eight 2006 Tony Awards and a work that boasted what Entertainment Weekly deemed "the most gorgeous Broadway score this decade," Spring Awakening enjoys a May 3 through 12 engagement at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, this latest presentation by the City Circle Theatre Company treating audience to the iconic show that was also the recipient of four Laurence Olivier Awards and a Grammy Award for its original-cast album.
	“Our Country's Good,” May 9 through 12 A six-time Tony Award nominee and recipient of the 1988 Laurence Olivier Award for Play of the Year, the lauded Broadway hit Our Country's Good enjoys an area-premiere staging at Rock Island's Augustana College from May 9 through 12, this theatrically adventurous drama adapted from the Thomas Keneally novel The Playmaker, and hailed by the New York Times for delivering “the redemptive power of theatrical make-believe."
	Iowa board admonishes 5 Pleasant Valley School District employees for using work email to advocate for political candidates The Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board has admonished five Pleasant Valley School District employees for using district emails to advocate for candidates.
	QC Farmers Market makes return to Schweibert Park in Rock Island News 8's Shelby Kluver chats with John Dailey of Dailey Goat Milk, who will be selling his products at the QC Farmers Market, returning on May 4.
	“Junie B. Jones: The Musical,” May 7 through 11 Praised by DC Theater Arts as "a genuine joy to watch," the family entertainment Junie B. Jones: The Musical opens the 2024 season at Mt. Carroll's Timber Lake Playhouse with a 10-performance run from May 7 through 11, the outlet adding that the characters in this Barbara Park adaptation "say the silliest things and die on the hills of the most meaningless opinions, and in doing so, bring genuine belly laughs to the adults in the room."
	Take in NFL draft with Quad-City flair With the NFL draft quickly approaching, you're probably looking for the best way to take it all in. DJ Jarvis and Doug Green from For Fantasy Sake dropped by Our Quad Cities News with more information on their NFL draft party. For more information, click here.
	The Quad Cities' only dedicated gluten-free bakery celebrates 1 year Life Breads started out of Catherine & Todd Herzog's house before turning into a farmers market staple. Now, its celebrating 1 year at its brick & mortar location.
	QC audio producer for NASA wins Webby awards Former Quad Cities resident Christian Elliott not only is in his first year of a full-time job as a NASA audio producer, but Tuesday earned a fancy feather for his celestial cap. The 25-year-old Blue Grass native and 2020 Augustana College grad was among the winners in the 28th-annual Webby Awards, as the NASA podcast he works on won Best Podcast, Science & Education, Individual Episode, for "Curious Universe" and its Suiting up for Space - NASA. An April 2023 episode on space suits won the 2024 Webby Award for Best Podcast, Science & Education, Individual Episode, and the Webby People's Voice Award in that category. Spacesuits are more than just garments – in the airless vacuum of space or on the freezing surface of the moon, they keep astronauts alive, says the description of the April 4, 2023 episode. You can learn how NASA engineers like Amy Ross and Paromita Mitra have contributed to the development of the next generation of spacesuits. Elliott's "Curious Universe" episode was one he wrote and produced as an audio storytelling intern then for the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. Christian Elliott is a 25-year-old Blue Grass native, 2020 Augustana graduate and NASA audio producer at Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. “It's pretty cool to see our small (but mighty!) show alongside the other NASA #Webbys winners," Elliott posted Tuesday on X. "...major campaigns like the .gov website redesign, O-REx sample return broadcast, Europa Clipper message in a bottle project and NASA+ streaming service." As audio producer based at Goddard, Elliott's responsibilities are to: Interview scientists, write scripts and sound design, score and produce episodes for season 6 of NASA's flagship agency podcast, Curious Universe Travel as needed to NASA facilities to capture field recordings of mission milestones Plan and lead production for heliophysics-focused Curious Universe mini-series Write feature stories on new technological developments from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center for NASA.gov Script and assist with production of social media promo videos for Curious Universe episodes "Suiting up for Space" was among just the first three "Curious Universe" episodes he worked on as audio producer. He started his full-time job at Goddard in July 2023. In the podcast (one of many NASA produces, including “Houston, We Have a Podcast”), you can join NASA astronauts, scientists, and engineers on a new adventure each week — all you need is your curiosity. "Curious Universe" was also a nominee for the overall Science & Education Best Podcast, which was won by Radiolab, produced by WNYC Studios. The NASA astronauts for the planned Artemis II mission, to fly around the Moon, the first crew to travel beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972. Last April, Elliott said the timing of that space suit episode worked out really well, as its release was the day after the April 3, 2023 NASA announcement of the Artemis II crew (which will return to the Moon -- orbiting around, not landing on -- after more than 50 years). The mission is scheduled for no earlier than September 2025. Four astronauts will perform a flyby of the Moon and return to Earth, becoming the first crew to travel beyond low Earth orbit since Apollo 17 in 1972. Elliott's resume includes print and digital news and feature stories for National Geographic, Science, Smithsonian, Scientific American, Discover and MIT Technology Review. He's also produced audio stories (radio and podcast) for WBEZ, Chicago Public Media, Deutsche Welle and WVIK, Quad Cities NPR. Elliott's work has been republished in Popular Science, Mother Jones, Slate, Ars Technica, Slate and The Atlantic Many NASA Webbys NASA was recognized Tuesday by the 28th-annual Webby Awards with six Webby Awards and seven Webby People’s Voice Awards, the latter of which are awarded by the voting public. The Webbys (the top awards for Internet content) honors excellence in nine major media types: websites and mobile sites, video, advertising, media and public relations, apps and software, social media, podcasts, games, the metaverse, and virtual and artificial intelligence (AI). NASA's Curious Universe had an episode devoted to the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. “We’re thrilled that the Webbys have recognized the breadth of NASA’s digital communications,” Marc Etkind, NASA's associate administrator for communications, said in a NASA release. “To have a podcast, a virtual exhibit, live streaming, social and web all honored shows how our skilled and accomplished our team is. We’re especially pleased to see awards recognizing our reinvigorated digital platforms, including the NASA website and NASA+ streaming service. Together with the science website and NASA app, they are the core of our digital communications.” The broad scope of the awards also highlights the agency’s enterprise approach to communications, the release said. For example, live streams are produced and led by the Office of Communications at NASA Headquarters in Washington. Each program, however, originates from within projects at NASA centers and represents many months of logistical preparation, rehearsals and constant review and adjustment. Curious Universe (one new episode released per week) is currently in Season 7. Once the TV streams are set, they are hosted on NASA’s website and fed to NASA’s social media channels, where the agency team engages with the live audience, providing background context and answering questions. All the while, agency photographers are documenting the effort and posting pictures to digital platforms while NASA’s audio team is gather sound and interviews to continue telling the story via podcasts. Since 1998, NASA has been nominated for more than 100 Webby Awards, winning 37 Webbys and 52 People’s Voice Awards. The Webby Awards is the leading international award honoring excellence on the Internet. Established in 1996 during the Web’s infancy, The Webbys is presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences — a 3,000+ member judging body. For a complete list of winners, click HERE.
	Bettendorf man sentenced for receiving/distributing child porn A Bettendorf man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for receiving/distributing child pornography and being an unlawful drug user in possession of a firearm, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children claiming that Jakob Paul Newberry, 29, had shared files containing child sexual abuse material from an iCloud account. Officers later obtained another tip that Newberry had uploaded child sexual abuse material using a Kik account. During their investigation, officers found that Newberry had also used Instagram to obtain nude photographs of girls and had attempted to extort them into sending other sexual images. Officers also found that Newberry possessed firearms as an unlawful drug user. After completing his term of imprisonment, Newberry must serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement and the case was investigated by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood uses federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute those who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, click here. For information about internet safety education, click here and click on the resources tab.
	“Brown, Murtha, & Vogel,” May 3 through June 21 With their artistic creations elevating “those who have come before” whether in their subject matter, their artform’s technique, or even the way in which they speak about their work, a trio of gifted talents join forces for the latest exhibition at Rock Island's Quad City Arts Center, the venue's Brown, Murtha, & Vogel exhibition, on display from May 3 through June 21, treating patrons to paintings by Julie Brown, quilts by Diane Murtha, and fiber art by Jeane Vogel.
	United Township students explore careers all over QCA United Township High School students got to explore careers all over the QCA. The career fair featured over 100 booths with professionals who spoke with students about what they do. They helped students engage in post-secondary career options. The goal was to encourage students to think about their futures early on. This was the third annual career fair for students at United Township.
	Artist Talks: Rock Island Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibition, May 9 On May 9, area art lovers are invited to celebrate the Figge Art Museum's popular 43rd Rock Island Art Guild Fine Arts Exhibition through a series of quickfire presentations from a selection of featured regional artists, the exhibit boasting 62 works - paintings, sculptures, installations, and more - by 42 artists living within a 200-mile radius of the Quad Cities.
	Monster Jam, May 4 An eagerly awaited springtime touring event rides, jumps, and spins into the Vibrant Arena at the MARK on May 4 as the Moline venue hosts Monster Jam 2024, the amphitheater event that brings a new level of high-flying, four-wheel excitement to the entire family with racing, two-wheel skills, donuts, and freestyle competitions.
	Community invited to welcome back Honor Flight of the Quad Cities Honor Flight of the Quad Cities traveled with 80 veterans to Washington D.C. This was the 59th annual flight for the organization. The veterans spent the day in the nation's capitol, visiting memorials built in their honor. This flight carried a World War II veteran, three Korean War veterans and many who were stationed in Vietnam. The group is scheduled to returnto Quad Cities International Airport around 10:00 p.m. The community is invited to welcome the group back home at the airport. Parking is free. For more information, click here.
	Virtual Event: “The Many Lives of Kal Penn,” May 7 An actor, writer, producer, and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement will take part in a special Illinois Libraries Present event hosted by the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries, the May 7 virtual program The Many Lives of Kal Penn offering an audience with the author of You Can’t Be Serious and the co-star of entertainments including The Namesake, The Santa Clauses, and the Harold & Kumar franchise.
	Water quality project will improve Goose Creek Park The state of Iowa is investing in a Davenport project to help capture stormwater runoff at a local park.
	Rock Island teachers call on school board members to leave vacant a newly-created deputy superintendent position Teachers, staff and community members are anticipated to pack Tuesday night’s school board meeting to call on the Rock Island-Milan School District 41 (RIMSD) Board of Education (BOE) to leave vacant a newly-created deputy superintendent position, according to a media release from the Rock Island Education Association (RIEA) as part of the Illinois Education Association (IEA).
	“Berlin: Before & After the Wall Fell,” May 5 Delivered in conjunction with the final day of the venue's Breaking Barriers: Walls Throughout History exhibition, Berlin: Before & After the Wall Fell will find Davenport's German American Heritage Center continuing its popular "Kaffee & Kuchen" series on May 5, with guests invited to view the departing first-floor exhibit either before or after presenter Russell Baldner's fascinating program.
	Quad Cities veterans embark on Honor Flight to Washington D.C. An estimated 100 veterans took the trip. Among the group were a World War II veteran, three Korean War veterans, numerous Vietnam veterans and a woman veteran.
	Water to be shut off in parts of Atkinson Wednesday, boil order to follow All residents north of Route 6 and to the west of State Street will be impacted.
	Alvin Vesey named new boys basketball coach at Bettendorf High School The Bettendorf boys basketball program has a new head coach, according to a news release from the district. Bettendorf High School Activities Director Zach Shay says Alvin Vesey will be the new head coach of the Bettendorf Boys Basketball program, pending board approval. He has over 17 years of coaching experience, the last 12 years as an assistant at BHS. Vesey was a vital part of the Bettendorf’s 2023-24 season, where the Bulldogs finished as the Mississippi Athletic Conference Champions and went to the IHSAA State semi-finals. Alvin Vesey (Bettendorf High School) “Bettendorf High School is getting an extraordinary coach and person in Alvin Vesey,” Shay said. “Coach Vesey bleeds black and gold. He was a multisport athlete at BHS, playing football, basketball and track for the Bulldogs. His competitiveness, intensity and passion for developing young men on and off the court is exactly what we are looking for in our next basketball coach. Alvin has a love for the game and his plan is to continue to elevate Bettendorf Boys’ basketball to new levels of success. Over the course of my time as the AD at Bettendorf High School, I have been impressed with Alvin’s approach to building an elite culture and his desire to fully immerse himself in all corners of the Bulldog Nation. I could not be more excited about the future of our boys’ basketball program.” Vesey graduated from Bettendorf High School in 2002 and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Northern Iowa, where he played football for the Panthers. He and his wife, Lona, have three children.
	Caitlin Clark is set to sign a new Nike deal valued at $28 million over 8 years, reports say Caitlin Clark appears to be on the cusp of setting another record.
	Burlington finishes upgrades to largest park in the area The City of Burlington is working to finish the upgrades to the largest park in the area.
	Bettendorf woman campaigns for Iowa 93rd District Mindy Smith-Pace of Bettendorf is not just running for a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives, she is rolling for it. The Democratic candidate for the Iowa House District 93 (much of east Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley, Riverdale and parts of LeClaire), Smith-Pace has a rare disease that forces her to get around in a wheelchair. Mindy Smith-Pace is running as a Democrat for Iowa House District 93. “I believe that every voice should be heard and that in Iowa some voices have been silenced. That is why I am the candidate for those voices because they should be heard, thus many voices, one candidate,” she said in a Tuesday announcement press release. Smith-Pace has a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in public policy and several doctoral credits in non-profit leadership. She has served as an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow for the state of Iowa and continues to volunteer for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation as a wellness support group leader and helps provides retreats for caregivers of disabled veterans and provides resources for caregivers in crisis. In addition to this, Smith-Pace she also volunteers with Give an Hour, a non-profit organization that focuses on mental health. Smith-Pace has worked as a peer support leader for the entire United States by Zoom, she trains peer support leaders throughout the nation and is an expert panelist on mental health and rare diseases. She has worked as a volunteer consultant to the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration (VA). Smith-Pace has worked on several policies that have impacted both the VA Iowa regional office and on the federal level of the VA. The policies range from caregivers to survivor’s benefits. While her husband Michael Pace was serving in the United States Naval Reserve, the National Guard and in the U.S. Army, Smith-Pace has served in various positions while she has been involved in his unit’s Family Readiness Groups, the release said. She helped develop several for-profit and non-profit organizations over the last 30 years as a volunteer consultant. She’s has also sat in over 800 Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) as a family advocate and organized several art shows showcasing the art of the special needs population. The boundaries of Iowa House District 93 were changed in 2022 by the Iowa House of Representatives. As part of her campaign, Smith-Pace is planning many meet-and-greets to hear the voices of Iowa District 93 voters, including her campaign kick-off event at Crane and Pelican Café in LeClaire on Sunday, April 28th from 2-5 p.m. The 93rd District House seat was formerly occupied many years by Democrat Phyllis These, until Jan. 1, 2023, when the seat was redistricted, and it’s currently served by Republican Gary Mohr. The Democratic primary will be June 4, 2024.
	Iowa’s Coolest Thing voting opens The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has opened voting for its inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest. The competition sponsored by ABI member MidWestOne Bank, highlights the state’s $38 billion manufacturing industry and the high-tech, high-skill and high-pay career opportunities available. Several of the nominees are in the Quad Cities Area.
	Davenport, Durant receive state funds for urban water projects The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is investing in the future of the state’s water quality. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will invest in 14 urban water quality projects in communities of all sizes statewide. Naig made the announcement with Davenport city leaders at an event at Goose Creek Park, the location of one of the new water quality projects. Using funds from the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI) and other sources, the department will provide cost-share grants that cover up to 50% of the total cost of each project. The department is investing nearly $3.6 million, leveraging an overall investment of about $10 million across the 14 projects. “Regardless of whether you live in a big city, a small town or on a family farm, all Iowans can play an active role in conserving and protecting our precious natural resources, including our soil and water,” said Naig. “Over the past decade, the Department has invested in more than 120 urban water quality projects, working alongside local partners to accelerate our statewide water quality progress. Through this exciting partnership with the City of Davenport on the Goose Creek project, we will demonstrate how innovative practices can both improve the quality of the water leaving a residential area while also providing habitat and recreation for those enjoying a community park.” Urban water quality projects must include education and outreach components and involve local partners to receive state funding. These community-based projects create awareness about new stormwater management methods and encourage others to adopt similar practices to improve water quality. The urban conservation projects include water quality practices like bioretention cells, bioswales, native plantings, permeable pavers, rain gardens, soil quality restoration and wetlands. The Goose Creek Park Bioretention Cell Project in Davenport will receive $99,500 to develop a system that will capture urban runoff from a residential neighborhood near Goose Creek Park. The project includes two bioretention cells and a series of innovative step pools within Goose Creek Park that will slow and cool runoff, capture nutrients and improve the water quality of Goose Creek. The urban setting allows the public to view the project and provides additional benefits as the practices can treat runoff close to its source. “Davenport is thrilled to learn that a project aimed at improving water quality and restoring the streambank on one of our local waterways, Goose Creek, has been selected to receive funding,” said Mike Matson, Davenport mayor. “The project was chosen among 13 other water quality projects in Iowa and is an important step towards enhancing the quality of water and habitat both locally and downstream.” In Durant, the Feldhan Park/Mud Creek Storm Water Quality and Wetland Initiative will receive $496,559 to create a vegetated swale that will capture and filter stormwater from a new development area of Durant and carry the water to a stormwater wetland to be built in Feldhan Park. This will reduce sediment and nutrients from being released to Mud Creek. Click here to see the other projects funded by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
	Bettendorf Police Department hosts Annual Torch Run for Special Olympics On May 20 at 10 a.m. the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will begin outside the Bettendorf Police Department, located at 1609 State Street in Bettendorf. If you see a group of officers running through the streets of Bettendorf and Davenport, you can rest assured that it is for a good cause. Officers will carry the Special Olympics Flame of Hope for 6.3 miles as they head east from the police department, turn north on 18th Street, connect with the bike path at Parkway Drive, follow the path into Davenport and end at Rookies Sports Bar at 2818 North Brady Street in Davenport. You do not have to be a sworn law enforcement officer to participate and you are not required to run the entire distance. Support vehicles will be available to provide water and pick up runners. Whether you participate or not, you can purchase apparel to show support for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics here or by emailing Officer Ashley Guffey at aguffey@bettendorf.org by April 30. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in Iowa in 1987 and continues to grow every year. Over 1,000 officers participated and over $1,200,000 was raised for Special Olympics Iowa Athletes in 2019. The Bettendorf Police Department has participated for more than 30 years.
	Davenport bar and grill back open following burglary, suspect in custody Hours after the burglary was discovered, patrons poured in to show support.

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024