Tuesday, May 28th, 2024 | |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Quad City community members gather to pay respects to victims and survivors of building collapseTuesday marks one year since the Davenport apartment building partially collapsed. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() State officials tout election integrity measures ahead of June primaryPrimary elections are a week away. National data shows Americans’ trust in election integrity increased ahead of the 2022 midterms after a low point in 2020. But - will Iowans trust the results this time around? |
![]() | ![]() Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for Sioux County due to bird fluThe USDA confirmed a case of bird flu in a flock of commercial chickens. |
![]() | ![]() 'Rock Island Unplugged' happening WednesdayMayor Mike Thoms and other city leaders will be available to answer questions from the community. |
![]() | ![]() Davenport community gathers to remember collapse on the anniversary of the tragedyDozens gathered at a downtown church before heading to a memorial at the collapse site. |
![]() | ![]() The Davenport Collapse 1 Year Later: Peach and Lexus Berry reflect on collapse, progress made since amputationPeach was trapped under the rubble for eight hours. In order to rescue her, first responders had to perform an emergency amputation on her left leg. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Davenport Police respond to shots fired in Centennial Park near Modern Woodmen ParkTuesday night, at approximately 7:13 p.m., Davenport Police Department said they responded to the report of shots fired in Davenport’s Centennial Park, which is near Modern Woodmen Park. Two people were arrested and charged in relation to this incident, police said. |
![]() | ![]() Traffic Alert: Bridge Avenue constructionBeginning Tuesday, Bridge Avenue will be closed between East High and Pleasant Streets, according to public works crews. It’s for a sewer repair. |
![]() | ![]() Police: Car found in river at Empire Park belonged to missing 92-year-old man, autopsy scheduled for later in weekEast Moline police confirmed late Tuesday night that a vehicle that was found Tuesday afternoon submerged in the Mississippi River at Empire Park belongs to a missing Quad Cities man. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() One year later: Vigil honors victims of building collapseA vigil in Davenport honored the lives of those who died in the apartment building collapse May 28, 2023 - Branden Colvin Sr., 42; Ryan Hitchcock, 51; and Daniel Prien, 60. (Clockwise, from top left) Branden Colvin Sr., Ryan Hitchcock and Daniel Prien (City of Davenport) As community members gathered to pay respects to those affected by the collapse, Our Quad Cities News reporter Victoria Frazier shows the impact on the QCA and beyond. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() 'He was very caring.' Uncle mourns nephew lost a year ago in Davenport collapseA year ago, the Quad Cities was filled with questions after a portion of the apartment building known as The Davenport gave way. The community could see inside some of the units. Nobody knew why it happened, or whether people were trapped inside or dead. Ryan Hitchcock (Scott Morehart) Now it's all gone - an area covered with grass. Some questions have been answered, but a lot more are still unknown one year later. Our Quad Cities News Anchor Jim Niedelman stood right next to the spot where, one year ago, a large section of The Davenport collapsed, and dozens of people lost everything they owned. Eventually, three people were found dead, including 42-year-old Branden Colvin Sr. - father of five, a grandfather and a well-known member of the community, along with 60-year-old Daniel Prien, a father and grandfather whom his family called a gentle soul with a Gypsy heart; and 51-year-old Ryan Hitchcock, a man devoted to his family. The pain is still fresh for Ryan Hitchcock's relatives, including his uncle, Scott Morehart. Scott Morehart, Ryan Hitchcock's uncle "If you meet him, you will never forget him," said Morehart, whose grief is so fresh he still uses the present tense sometimes when he speaks of his nephew. Ryan Hitchcock was a big presence in the life of his family. "I'm not going to say he was odd, but he was a little odd. And he was different. He was very unique, very caring, giving .... when he was in a room, you knew it," Morehart said. "Before he was out of diapers, he was swimming. He'd jump in the pool and off he'd go." Hitchcock was kind, and always thought of others first. Ryan Hitchcock (Scott Morehart) "He was not all about himself. He was about others," he told Our Quad Cities News. "He took his cousin's kids to the movies, and always did all sorts of things for his mom. He loved family." "He took this jaunt to London and cared for the elderly, and he came back just upset at how we care for our elderly compared to how they do it in London." Whatever Ryan Hitchcock became involved in, he went all the way, whether it was Shark Week, "The Walking Dead" or taking up a new hobby. "Anything like that he took on, it was full-out," Morehart said. "Golfing. He decided he was going to golf, and he went out and bought new clubs and the full attire. He looked better than he golfed. He was definitely an all-in person." Ryan Hitchcock (Scott Morehart) Hitchcock loved to try new things, but also was a creature of habit. That's why, when his family heard about the collapse, they were sure he remained inside his apartment at The Davenport. "He always takes a nap at 4 o'clock. So he was in there taking a nap and we knew it," Morehart said. "We had his phone pinged and it was there. I don't know that you want to get into too much of the city stuff, but they denied it. But we knew he was in there." As he continues to work through his grief, Scott Morehart has some advice: "Embrace what you have today. It could be done tomorrow." |
![]() | ![]() Davenport collapse 1 year later: How 'A Community Rising' came into fruitionNews 8 spent months compiling never-before-seen footage that aired live on the one-year mark of the tragic event. |
![]() | ![]() Man pleads not guilty in double homicide of Moline teenagersA Moline detective testified that Israel Martinez claimed he shot Giovanni Flores and Zachary Meincke after Flores pointed a gun at him. |
![]() | ![]() Community members gather to remember tragic Davenport collapseA few dozen people gathered just up the street from the collapse site to remember those who died and the impact the event left on the community. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Heather Shore exhibit opens at Smith Gallery, GeneseoFor many years ,Heather Shore has focused on the art of making circular Mandalas. Then, several years ago, she went through an artistic transformation as she dealt with the loss of a close friend, according to a news release. Heather Shore with artwork titled “Stage 8: Moments Of Levity” The artwork in her exhibition in Geneseo is the result of a two-year period in which her emotions were expressed through the art she produced. In recent years, Shore has expanded her artistic expression to include images of emotive portraits. Her collage artworks are created with cut paper and acrylic paint. She finds that patterned paper has many possibilities when the paper is used as an element of design.Her artworks will be on exhibit until July 31 at Smith Studio and Gallery, 124 S. State St., Geneseo. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p..m. Tuesday-Thursday. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() One year after building collapse: Community Foundation reflects on aid and recoveryOne year ago, the building collapse in Davenport changed the lives of many residents. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Large police presence reported outside Modern Woodmen ParkA large police presence was reported outside of Modern Woodmen Park shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday night. The River Bandits were playing in a game at this time. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Police presence outside Modern Woodmen ParkThere is a police presence in the parking lot outside of Modern Woodmen Park in Davenport. Police presence at Modern Woodmen Park, May 28, 2024 (Linda Cook, OurQuadCities.com) Crews with Our Quad Cities News saw police vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed down Harrison St. to the stadium. Our Quad Cities News crew will remain on the scene to provide details when they become available. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Family: Car found in river at Empire Park belonged to missing 92-year-old manThey are extracting the vehicle, and KWQC is speaking with the chief of police. |
![]() | ![]() The Davenport Collapse 1 Year Later: Family members of those who died reflect on the tragedyThree men died in the tragic collapse last year at 324 Main St. — Daniel Prien, Ryan Hitchcock and Branden Colvin Sr. |
![]() | ![]() Body camera video shows what happened immediately following Davenport collapseThe west wall fell at 4:55 p.m. Body camera footage shows what first responders did after arriving at the scene. |
![]() | ![]() Meet the Quad Cities' Togolese Diaspora GroupFor the past 3 years, the group, made up of migrants from West Africa, has worked to help other immigrants assimilate to life in the QCA. |
![]() | ![]() The Davenport Collapse 1 Year Later: Iowa Task Force 1 responds to The Davenport apartment collapseIn the hours after 324 Main St. collapsed, Iowa Task Force 1 was called to help respond to the scene. Here's their first-hand accounts of the aftermath. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() One year later: Lawsuits against Andrew Wold and DavenportDowntown Davenport became the center of national media attention when The Davenport apartment building collapsed a year ago. Efforts took a few months to clear everything away from here, and it's still uncertain when and how the victims will be compensated. Our Quad Cities News reporter Sharon Wren looks into the lawsuits against the building owner and the City of Davenport. |
![]() | ![]() One year later: Update on Davenport collapsed building owner Andrew WoldFollowing the apartment building collapse in Davenport, the city demolished the building. However, Scott County property records show Andrew Wold's LLC still owns this lot. Wold also owns other properties in the area. As Our Quad Cities News reporter Hami Arain discovered, Wold is still renting and showing apartments. |
![]() | ![]() Family: Body found in the Mississippi belongs to William WeberThe Weber family told News 8 that feel a mix of sadness for William's loss and relief for the closure. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() 8 hours of terror: Peach and Lexus describe what led to on-site amputationThe Davenport Disaster One Year Later: TV6 Investigates sits down with couple who survived collapse |
![]() | ![]() It's a Mad, Mad, Mad “Mad” World: “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” “Babes,” and “The Garfield Movie”If you see George Miller's prequel Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and find yourself off-put by more than a few shaky visual effects (a motif that'll continue throughout the film's two-and-a-half hours), a number of colorless performances, a rather pushy degree of myth-building, and one of the most fraudulent fake noses of the past few decades, you'll likely find your early irritation largely forgotten by the finale. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Police presence at Empire Park in East MolineThere is a police presence in Empire Park in East Moline. Crime scene tape has been established in an area near the water. Empire Park is closed, but the bike path remains open. Our Quad Cities News crew will remain on the scene to provide details when they become available. |
![]() | ![]() A Community Rising: Davenport Collapse 1 Year LaterMay 28, 2024 marks one year since the partial collapse at 324 Main St. in Davenport. News 8 has spent months compiling never-before-seen footage. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() East Moline police work to recover vehicle from Mississippi River at Empire ParkDivers have located a vehicle in the Mississippi River at Empire Park in East Moline that may belong to a missing man, Police Chief Jeff Ramsey said Tuesday. |
![]() | ![]() Wapsipinicon River reaches Major Flood StageThe river reached 12.5 feet on Tuesday. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() One year later: Davenport building collapse and recovery for Mockingbird on MainIt's been a year since lives and homes were lost because of the apartment building collapse in Davenport, and a few small businesses called that area home. One affected business was the theater group The Mockingbird on Main. Tristan Tapscott is the owner of the theater company, and Our Quad Cities News reporter Hami Arain spoke with him about the group's struggles over the last year. |
![]() | ![]() East Moline Police: Divers find submerged car matching vehicle description of missing 92-year-old manThe dive team that initially located the car believes it matches the make and model of one belonging to missing 92-year-old William Weber. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Preliminary hearing held for man charged with murder in death of 2 teens in MolineThe man charged in the shooting deaths of Giovanni Flores and Zachary Meincke appeared in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing. |
![]() | ![]() Member of Quad Cities' Togolese Diaspora participate in neighborhood cleanupThe group estimates there are about 500 members of the Togolese community in the Quad Cities. |
![]() | ![]() Flood warning in effect for Wapsipinicon RiverA flood warning is in effect for the Wapsipinicon River into next week. Flood stage is 11 feet at DeWitt. It's around 12-and-a-half feet right now. The river's expected to crest at 13.3 feet Monday, June 3. The high water affects homes along the river on Highway 61 and between Wheatland and Calamus. For more information, click here. |
![]() | ![]() Man pleads not guilty in double homicide of Moline teenagersA Moline detective testified that Israel Martinez claimed he shot Giovanni Flores and Zachary Meincke after Flores pointed a gun at him. |
![]() | ![]() Illinois State Police on the lookout for distracted drivers in JuneDrivers around the QCA and beyond, watch out! Illinois State Police will enforce a zero-tolerance policy for distracted and drunk driving in June. Troopers will be looking for drivers who show signs of being impaired, operating in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver's license and transporting open alcohol.Police could also pull over distracted drivers. Police point to federal statistics that show more than 3,000 people die each year in crashes involving distracted driving. Officers will be on the lookout for drivers who disobey Illinois’ distracted driving laws by doing any of the following: All drivers are prohibited from reading, sending, or receiving text messages orcommunication, video streaming, and from browsing the internet. All drivers are prohibited from using handheld electronic communication devices. Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using any cellphone, even hands-free. All drivers are prohibited from using any cellphone, even hands-free, while in school speedzones and work zones. School bus drivers are not permitted to use any type of cellphone, even hands-free. It is illegal to use a cellphone or take photos or videos on wireless devices when drivingwithin 500 feet of an emergency scene. The project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation. |
![]() | ![]() Man pleads not guilty in double homicide of Moline teenagersA Moline detective testified that Israel Martinez claimed he shot Giovanni Flores and Zachary Meincke after Flores pointed a gun at him. |
![]() | ![]() East Moline police pulling car from the Mississippi RiverThe dive team that initially located the car believe it matches the make and model of one belonging to missing 92-year-old William Weber. |
![]() | ![]() 1 year since the Davenport collapse: Iowa Task Force 1 responds to The Davenport apartment collapseIn the hours after 324 Main St. collapsed, Iowa Task Force 1 was called to help respond to the scene. Here's their first-hand accounts of the aftermath. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Pleasant Valley man convicted in 2020 boating deaths turns self inJames Thiel convicted in the 2020 boating deaths of Dr. Anita Pinc and Craig Verbeke turned himself in Monday to start serving his jail sentence. He has been free on bond pending an appeal. |
![]() | ![]() FULL INTERVIEW: Iowa State Rep. Monica Kurth reflects on Davenport collapseNews 8's Jon Diaz spoke with Kurth, who represents Scott County, about what has been done at a statewide level after the partial collapse in Davenport last year. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() New Moline concert series hushed, exclusivePour Bros. Craft Taproom, 1209 4th Ave., Moline, was fairly quiet on Monday afternoon, Memorial Day. It was open, but most of the action was in a special concert in its packed private event room. An invitation-only event, three solo singer-songwriters were featured in the seventh entry of the new Pindrop Sessions, founded and hosted by the excellent Rock Island-based singer-songwriter Lewis Knudsen. Lewis Knudsen introducing the invitation-only Pindrop session at Pour Bros. in Moline Monday, May 27, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). Held the last Monday of the month, Pindrop was inspired by a Chicago gig he had in 2018, at a listening room series called Sofar Sounds. “It was just a great experience and then the pandemic happened,” he said at Pour Bros., noting he did it two Februarys in a row. It was a secret location for patrons, held in a basement of a bed-and-breakfast in the Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. “Just this cool little room that had subway-style concrete walls, and no sound system,” Knudsen said. “I come back here and I thought in the way it was done, we could really use something like that here.” 22-year-old singer-songwriter KAS performing for Pindrop on May 27, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). He had been booking music for Pour Bros., and several musicians told him they wanted to say yes to bar gigs, but said patrons are loud and the performers get discouraged when people don’t pay attention to their songs. “The gears started turning and the manager here Matt said, we have this event room, so run with it, go with it,” Knudsen said. He named the new series “Pindrop” after the phrase “It’s so quiet you could hear a pin drop.” Randy Leasman was the first artist to play at the Pour Bros. event room in downtown Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). The first session last November featured Matt Van, Ella Gibson and Nicole Dean. Each time showcases three solo artists in short sets (usually six songs, 30-40 minutes), with no amplification. “Just let the music speak for itself in its purest form,” Knudsen said. While the Memorial Day session started at 4 p.m., Pindrop is typically held 6 to 9 p.m. They will be skipping July, after the one set for Monday, June 24. It’s invitation only to make it feel exclusive, Knudsen said. It’s usually up to each performer to invite people. The sessions are the last Monday of the month, except for this July. “And I’m picky about who I book – I want the best people, the best voices, the best songs I can possibly get a hold of,” he said. “Also, I want the musicians to invite the best audience.” No talking may be a brand-new concept for concertgoers, he noted. “It’s gone so well, I can’t even describe how wonderful it’s been,” Knudsen said. “People like hone in. There are so many people who come up to me at a random gig and say, ‘I wish people would be quiet. You don’t get to control your environment all the time, and this is our chance to do that.” In April, he was one of the three artists to play. Admission is $15 per person. Pindrop emphasizes original music, Knudsen said. The attendance has been steadily rising, capped at 50 people. An excerpt from the May 27, 2024 concert. “For me personally, any time I’ve played an album release show, people have been very attentive,” he said. “It’s more about the way you’re introducing the show.” In introducing Monday’s event, Knudsen explained the name. Kas Shewell performed her original songs at Pour Bros. May 27, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). “There’s all these live music gigs in the Quad Cities, and there’s so much variety, but one thing there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of is a place where musicians can play and there’s 100 percent attention for songs,” he said. Monday’s session featured Randy Leasman, Kas Shewell and Chris Avey. Leasman plays bass with Avey in the popular Avey Grouws Band. Leasman is typically bassist for the Avey Grouws Band (photo by Jonathan Turner). “Over the years, so many people like to pigeonhole you. They see me playing bass in different groups and think that’s all I do,” Leasman said after his set on acoustic guitar. He doesn’t really do solo gigs like this. “It takes somebody to point out, hey Randy is not just a bass player, he can play guitar too,” he said. He appreciates having Pindrop as an option, though he admitted it was nerve-wracking to have all eyes and ears on him for that time. “Around here, there’s very few opportunities like this. Musicians work in loud bars, or outdoor festivals,” Leasman said. “You’re used to just being background music.” “It’s great, I am happy to be part of it,” Avey said Monday. “This isn’t as much my forte. I am usually loud and obnoxious.” He also had to write new original songs for Pindrop, since for Avey Grouws, he usually writes the music and lead singer Jeni Grouws pens the lyrics. “It took me a while to get back into the swing, because for seven years, I haven’t had to do it,” Avey said. The band has a busy touring schedule for the next four months. On Monday, he did one Avey Grouws song in his set. Knudsen will be playing a solo gig of his own on June 30, at 1 p.m. at Moline’s Bass Street Landing. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() iCan Shine Bike Camp helps special cyclists learn to rideThe Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities is hosting an annual event that helps kids with disabilities enjoy a childhood rite of passage. The annual iCan Shine Bike Camp will be June 3-7 at the East Moline Schools Administration building, 3451 Morton Drive in East Moline. Session times are 8:30-9:45 a.m., 10:05-11:20 a.m., 11:40 a.m.-12:55 p.m., 2-3:15 p.m. and 3:35-4:50 p.m. This week-long camp features professional instructors and specialized bikes to teach kids how to ride. The camp has been held since 2015 and boasts a 70% success rate for campers learning to ride two wheelers by the end of the week. According to the group’s website, research shows that over 80% of people with autism and 90% of people with Down Syndrome never learn to ride a bike. Click here for more information or to register. |
![]() | ![]() Quad Cities area flood watch: Wapsipinicon River reaches major flood stage levelsThe Mississippi River is expected to crest at 14.2 feet by Sunday morning. The flood stage for the river is 15 feet. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Rock Island-Milan School District to offer free summer meals in JuneThe Rock Island-Milan School District said they’ll be offering free meals during the month of June. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Davenport church forgives man who robbed themOn the cover of the Sunday, May 26 bulletin at Davenport’s Zion Lutheran Church, parishioners could read a heartfelt letter from the young man who broke in and robbed their house of worship last month. Writing from Scott County Jail, 24-year-old Trenton Stewart apologized to the congregation, after receiving many notes from church members. One such note from a Zion member said in part: “The role of the church is love, grace and forgiveness. I am sorry there are conditions in your life that led you to take from our church. You are welcome here.” Trenton Stewart, 24, wrote back to the church from Scott County Jail, Davenport. The following letter—handwritten by Stewart and dated May 7—was delivered to Zion Monday, May 20: “I know you guys did not deserve that at all. No matter how much I want to put it on a heavy drug addiction... The truth is that I let the devil into my heart. No matter what I was wrong. I never would of imagined to receive a letter from you guys... I'm in my cell now writing this letter feeling guilty but very loved at the same time. Thank you so much, I really loved all of the notes you have wrote me!! “Even though I was in a tough situation... I also know I put myself into that tough situation... I'm just sorry that I brought my troubles unto all of you guys and destroyed your guys church all at the same time. “I’m honestly expecting to go to prison for all of this and I know God will be with me during this as long as I stay strong in faith in him. Zion Lutheran is at 1216 W. 8th St., Davenport. “I absolutely know and understand if not, but I really don't have nobody, my mom is the only I but she is in a abusive relationship... Anyways she really can't because he'll flip-out on my mom but if you would be able to help me out with a few bucks on my books that would be if not amazing. “I'm understanding completely if not... I know my Grandpa “David” was Lutheran and he used to say “Ask & you shall receive" but he also used to say “The Golden Rule: Treat ppl the way that you want to be treated" And for that I am sorry for not following The Golden Rule... I am deeply sorry & would love to keep writing letters back & forth, it made at least my world a little brighter when I got some mail thank you.” Stewart drew a heart and inside, he wrote: “Thank you for writing me hopefully I will hear back soon. Please keep me in your guys prayers! Please send more encouraging notes. Please teach me more about God, it’s pretty dark in here. Thank you for not judging me nor hating me... I promise I’m a good person just lost sometimes...” $15,000 insurance claim Two days after police arrested Stewart Tuesday in connection with a burglary at the Probstei Inn Bar & Grill in Davenport, police responded to the burglary alarm at Zion Lutheran, 1216 W. 8th St., Davenport, Thursday night, April 25, 2024. Zion Lutheran Church is at 8th and Marquette streets, Davenport. Stewart was in custody that Saturday, April 27, and he faces a felony charge of third-degree burglary, an aggravated misdemeanor charge of third-degree theft and a serious misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree criminal mischief, according to arrest affidavits. Olson-Smith said the church has recovered a few items that were stolen, including parts of the security system, but two laptops are gone, and the church has replaced stolen microphones. It has submitted an insurance claim valued at $15,000. During worship on Sunday, May 5, Zion people wrote to Stewart in Scott County Jail. “I've felt strongly that I myself wanted to reach out to him and I wasn't quite sure what to say,” Olson-Smith said Tuesday, stressing forgiveness and second chances. He invited church members to write notes to Stewart, and about 30 did, offering compassion, support and forgiveness. Olson-Smith said one of the problems with the criminal justice system in general is that “it separates us at a time when there's an opportunity to bring people together. I would hope that healing is the goal and not just punishment, right?” he said. “He's likely going to prison and who knows for how long, you know? He's not really paying a debt to Zion by going to prison,” the pastor said. “At least there could be some reconciliation. I think the line that really stuck out to me from his letter was -- I'm sitting here in my cell now writing to you feeling guilty and very loved. And that's kind of the thing that's the beginning of what I hope is the ability for him to change his life.” Moved by response Olson-Smith said many church members were very moved by Stewart’s response. “Just to hear anything at all felt like a small miracle,” he said. “I could imagine a response of like, ‘screw these guys’ and he would throw it in the trash.” Pastor Clark Olson-Smith, right, giving a children's message at Zion Lutheran, Davenport. “There at the end, he asked us to keep sending encouraging notes and he said, ‘Please keep teaching me about God. It's dark in here’,” Olson-Smith said. “It's just heartbreaking, you know, heartbreaking.” In a May 21 letter to Stewart (after receiving his response), the pastor encouraged him to turn his life around. “God brings life out of death and good out of bad,” Olson-Smith wrote. “Today’s mistakes can be tomorrow’s testimony about the forgiveness and saving power of Jesus.” “Jesus was always where suffering was, and Jesus healed people in the here and now,” his letter said. “Christians sometimes push that healing down the road to some distant future and reserve it only for the ‘worthy.’ But that was not Jesus’s way, which was a big part of his conflict with the religious leaders of his day. Jesus healed anyone who really wanted to be healed, and that was too much for people who thought they didn't need any healing.” Trenton Stewart's jail mug shot from April 2021. Among his arrest record, in April 2021, at age 21 Stewart was charged with burglary and theft after breaking into a home in the 1900 block of W. 36th Street, Davenport, using a screwdriver and other tools. He entered a locked garage, then went into the residence and retrieved the keys for the vehicle in the garage. Last month, police allege that, once Stewart was inside the Probstei Inn (6315 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport), he stole various business checks belonging to Probstei Inn, along with a safe. An hour later on the same day, court records say, Davenport Police responded to CBI Bank & Trust, 2322 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport, in reference to fraud. Arrest affidavits say Stewart entered CBI Bank & Trust with a forged check belonging to Probstei Inn. Court records say the defendant did this twice at different times, and was captured on surveillance footage. |
![]() | ![]() Free kids meals at Rock Island High School in JuneThe Rock Island-Milan School District is offering breakfast and lunch at no cost to children 18 and under during the month of June, regardless of income level or school district boundary area. The meals will be served at Rock Island High School, 1400 25th Avenue in Rock Island from June 5 – 27. Breakfast will be served from 7:30-8 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. All meals must be eaten on-site. Call the RIMSD #41 Nutrition Services Department at (309) 793-5900, ext. 10220 with any questions. Families can find other meal sites in Illinois by calling (800) 359-2163 or clicking here. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Heavy police presence at Empire ParkThey are extracting the vehicle, and KWQC is speaking with the chief of police. |
![]() | ![]() Nominations open for Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce's Fiesta Parade Grand MarshalNominations are now open for the 71st annual Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce’s Fiesta Parade Grand Marshal. The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce’s Hispanic Business Leaders Committee is hosting the parade. Nominees, including individuals, groups or organizations must meet certain criteria to be nominated, including: Nominees should be known by the public as having made a significant contribution to Sterling and Rock Falls. They have inspired others to become more involved in efforts to assist the community. The person/group has shown outstanding volunteerism in the community. A person has demonstrated an act of heroism and continues serving people in the community. They have helped establish goals for community development and saw them followed through. The nominee is dedicated to improving opportunities for all people in the emotional, physical and social environment where they live. Contact the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce at (815) 625-2400, click here or email knoble@saukvalleyareachamber.com to nominate a person, group or organization. Nominations must be received by July 15th to be considered. The parade will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, beginning in Rock Falls. Parade entries will line up on 10th Street. The parade will travel north on First Avenue in Rock Falls and cross the First Avenue bridge into Sterling. The parade will turn left onto Second Street at the base of the bridge and travel north on Locust Street to Third Street, then turning west (left) and continuing to Avenue C, where the parade will end. Click here to register for the parade. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() It's no mystery why family loves Richmond HillDana Skiles is a key part of what could be called the first family of Richmond Hill Players. The 36-year-old Geneseo High alum is the third generation of her family to be active in the 56-year-old organization, which presents six shows a year in a converted dairy barn in Richmond Hill Park, Geneseo. Dana Skiles and Tom Akers in the new production of "Laura" at Richmond Hill, Geneseo. Granddaughter of one of the company’s founders, and daughter of RHP veterans Mike and Jackie Skiles, Dana has her first lead – the title role in the classic mystery “Laura” by Vera Caspary & George Sklar, based on Caspary’s novel (adapted into a popular 1944 film). The show will be presented Thursdays through Sundays, May 30-June 9 at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo. John Donald O’Shea, Moline, directs the show. Skiles wanted to be in “Laura” for many reasons – including it’s a lead for a character that’s her age, the story blends mystery and romance, and Skiles’s maternal grandmother was named Laura, and she was a founding member of RHP in 1968. “In the program, I am dedicating my performance to her because she passed away back in 2018,” Skiles said recently. “I’m very sad she's not here to see the show, but I'd like to think she's gonna look down and be proud.” The Laura character doesn’t make her entrance until about 14 pages into the script, but once she does, she basically never leaves the stage, Skiles said. “It's a very large role. So I wanted to do it proud,” she said. “I made sure that I got my lines memorized early. I try to kind of lead by example because we've got several new people in the cast. So I tried to be a good influence on them and like coming in off book and being collaborative with the other actors and trying to work things out and kind of bring them into the fold and stuff like that.” Eric Friedman, left, Dana Skiles, Jim Strauss, and Perry Farley in "Laura." In the story, when Laura Hunt is shot-gunned to death at the door of her upscale New York apartment, detective Mark McPherson is assigned to investigate the case. In the process, he meets the three men in her life, peruses her personal effects and letters, and falls in love with Laura — or, at least, with her portrait which hangs above her mantel. Then, when Laura appears at the door of her apartment, McPherson realizes the victim has obviously been misidentified. So, who was the woman killed at the apartment door? What was she doing there? And who killed her? Suspicion falls on Laura’s friend and mentor Waldo Lydecker, on her fiancé Shelby Carpenter, on Danny Dorgan, a brilliant young pianist and friend of Laura, on Danny’s mother, who believes Laura is a corrupting influence on Danny, or perhaps, even upon Laura herself. Dana Skiles, right, in "Unnecessary Farce" at Richmond Hill in November 2023. Skiles was last on stage at the Barn Theatre last November in “Unnecessary Farce” and directed the iconic thriller “Misery” in June 2023. She likes both directing and acting. “It’s weird because both give you that rush of satisfaction of seeing where the show started and then seeing it come to fruition during performances and it's just a completely different perspective whether you're on stage or backstage, but it still gives you that that sense of pride no matter what,” she said. “It's really difficult to say which one I enjoy more because it's similar but different.” As a director, Skiles feels more pressure early in rehearsals, when she figures out blocking, props and costumes. “It's crazy pressure. But when you're an actor, the pressure's on once the audience is in the seats,” she said. “Coming in as a director, you wanna have all your ducks in a row and you wanna get all the things done that need to get done because that sets everybody up for success. If you've got all that going for you, then the actors have a much easier time and they're under less stress until the show starts. “But then once you're on stage, if you miss a line or you forget like, oh dang it, my entrance was a little bit too late today or something like that, the only thing you can do is try again,” Skiles said. Director as a parent “This is gonna sound weird from somebody who's not a parent, but I kind of liken it to being a parent as a director,” she said. “You're the parent that you're trying to set your kids up and opening night is like sending them off to college and you hope that you taught them right.“As the actor, you're kind of the child where like they're kind of holding your hand and guiding you through the rehearsals and then once production starts, you don't have that safety net anymore,” she said. While Skiles hasn’t forgotten lines on stage, she was in a comedy several years ago called “Bingo,” and there was a gun that was supposed to go off and it jammed. “And so it was just clicking and thankfully it was a comedy. So one of the crew members off stage just yelled ‘Bang!’ and then they just proceeded as if the gun went off. So that was terrifying in the moment, but it was funny afterwards,” she recalled. Dana's mother, Jackie Skiles, and Jonathan Grafft in the June 2023 production of the Stephen King thriller "Misery." She prefers acting in comedies, but directing dramas, like last year’s Misery,” which co-starred her mother as the unhinged Annie Wilkes, “number-one fan” of author Paul Sheldon, played by Jonathan Grafft, both RHP veterans. “It was nice because the two main people that I had for that show are very experienced actors. I knew they would do a good job,” Dana said. “If I told them, hey, you need to be more menacing during the scene or you need to be more scared during this scene, they just took it and ran with it and did exactly what I wanted. "I didn't have to really dig and pull anything out of them because they wanted it to be a great show too.” It was unsettling to see her mom as such an evil person in the play. “She scared the crap out of me several times,” Skiles said. Jackie Skiles as Annie Wilkes in "Misery," directed by Dana Skiles. “There were some times where I'm like, pretend that I just came home and tell you and told you I got an F on my math test. That's how mad I want you to be. And then I started having like childhood flashbacks of like, no, don't yell at me. “It was weird because I know she's acting and because I'm telling her to do these things, like, be more menacing and be terrifying, you know, and all this other stuff,” Dana said. You have to disconnect from the fact of the person and just view them as the character.” A quarter-century of plays Her parents have been part of RHP for 25 years. Mike started building sets and just helping out in crew. Mike is co-stage managing “Laura.” “Then he did a few acting roles and then my mom was doing acting and stage managing and stuff like that and then it just eventually branched out to my dad's was like, ‘I'd like to try my hand at directing’ because he saw me directing and saw how much I loved it,” Dana said. “Yeah, I'll give it a shot. And so he likes it.” Justin Raver and Dana Skiles in "Drinking Habits" at RHP in April 2022. The first RHP show she directed was “I Take This Man” in 2013, and the first one Mike directed was “The Odd Couple” in 2014. Dana did a few shows at Geneseo High, but concentrated more on RHP with the smaller casts. “A lot of times I couldn't because the schedules overlap and rather than be a small part in a play with 20 other kids, I'd rather be in a show of cast of six,” she said.Skiles doesn’t feel extra pressure because RHP is such an intimate theater, in the round, with audiences on all four sides. “You earn tricks on how to kind of ignore the audience. But at the same time, I love that there's audience on all sides because I know that whatever I do whatever direction I face, somebody's gonna see it,” she said. “So it kind of forces you to stay in character no matter what direction you're facing.” “Especially in a comedy when you are standing there and you do something and you can hear people, they're so close that you can pick out certain people's laughter,” Skiles said. “When there's somebody in the audience and you hear them laugh, it just gives you so much more energy to keep going and pump it up even more.” Her favorite comedy was “Unnecessary Farce” because it was so physical, and directed by Grafft. “Jonathan Grafft was fantastic as a director because he was very much a collaborative director where he's like, hey, this is what I want to do. If it feels weird, come up with another option, we'll try it -- so that it's really nice to have a director like that,” Skiles said. She tries to take that approach when she directs. “I make sure to tell everybody that yes, I am the director and technically what I say goes, but. especially during the first couple weeks of rehearsal, if you wanna try something just let me know we'll try it and I'll tell you yay or nay,” Skiles said. “So it is a team effort because at the end of the day, they're the ones on stage, they're the ones doing it. If it feels awkward to them, it's gonna look awkward to the audience.” Dana Skiles and Jonathan Friedhoff in "Laura," which opens Thursday, May 30. Skiles’s full-time job is in the gas mapping department of MidAmerican Energy. “In both aspects of my life, job and hobby, I feel like I'm kind of following in my parents' footsteps because my mom is the one who first convinced me to start acting and it was her mom that helped found it and everything,” she said. “I'm following her footsteps there. My dad was a gas mapper for 32 years and I've been doing it for almost seven years now.” Director and newcomer John Donald O’Shea (who’s directed about 100 productions, including at Alleman High and Seton Catholic), was on stage in a 1967 version of “Laura” at the old Bettendorf Community Center, when he played Shelby. “It’s really a well-written show,” he said recently. “I’ve always remembered the play.” At RHP, he’s also directed “Out of Sight, Out of Murder,” “The Fantasticks” and a version of “Robin Hood.” He’d never worked with Dana before, but said she’s a really good actress. Eric Friedman and Dana Skiles in "Laura." O’Shea is impressed with newcomer Eric Friedman, who plays the detective. “He’s terrific,” the director said. “He’s a first-rate actor. You watch him on stage and it’s not haphazard; he’s really good.” Friedman was in his first RHP show in 2019, as an orderly in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” also directed by Dana. He was cast in 2020 in “Becky’s New Car” (to be directed by Jennifer Kingry), but it was canceled by COVID shutdowns and never rescheduled. Friedman was working at the Geneseo Fareway and two days after he was cast in “Laura,” in early March, he was transferred to the Muscatine Fareway, a little over an hour away. “It’s definitely one of the big roles,” he said of “Laura.” “It’s been kind of an adventure. Everybody’s been really helpful. Dana, she’s been awesome. She’s been giving me tips and tricks.” Friedman recorded many of his lines so he can listen to them on his commute during rehearsals. Skiles is directing the November 2024 show, a farce, “My Son Is Crazy But Promising.” “It is the exact opposite of ‘Misery’,” she said. “It is a cast of 14 and it is pure chaos. I like to change things up a little bit.” In that show, there are characters who believe in aliens, digging for buried treasure, Skiles noted. “We have a gangster who has a girlfriend who wants to be a Hollywood star, but she's the dimmest person ever. You know, just every caricature you can think of, including a Russian spy that tries to blow himself up.” Dana Skiles, right, in the RHP production of "Drinking Habits 2" from April 2023, with Nathan Johnson and Elizabeth Shaffer. The “Laura” cast also includes Perry Farley, Tricia Fox, Jonathan Friedhoff, Tom Akers, Alexandra Champagne and Jim Strauss. On Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30. Sundays are 3 p.m. matinees with the doors opening at 2. Tickets are $12, available by calling the Richmond Hill box office at 309-944-2244or by visiting the website HERE. Late seating is not permitted; no one will be admitted to the theater after the show has started. An audio description performance will be held Friday, May 31. Richmond Hill also offers Assistive Listening Devices, which can be requested at the time that reservations are made. |
![]() | ![]() 324 Main St. city inspection photos from November 2020 to January 2021Inspection photos spanning from Nov. 18, 2020, to Jan. 11, 2021 show conditions along the west wall prior to the 2023 partial collapse. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Israel Martinez makes court appearance in first degree murder case, enters pleaIsrael Martinez made an appearance in court in Rock Island County this morning. He’s accused of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of 17-year-old Giovanni Flores and 19-year-old Zachary Meincke, both of Moline on May 5. Israel Martinez (Scott County Jail) Martinez, 20 from Davenport, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing. Court records say he waived formal arraignment and reading of the charges and penalties. He pled not guilty and demanded a jury trial. Besides the two murder charges, both class M felonies, he’s also charged with two counts of aggravated battery/discharge of a firearm (class X felonies), two counts of aggravated battery/discharging a firearm near an occupied vehicle (class 1 felonies) and one count of obstruction of justice/destroying evidence (class 4 felony). Martinez continues to be held on no bond, according to court records. He’s set for a pretrial hearing in June. |
![]() | ![]() Hear about life in a big farm family at Bishop Hill author eventAuthor Bill Mueller will share his experiences growing up on a family farm with 10 brothers and sisters in his second book, Time to Ship Another Steer at a free presentation/book signing on Sunday, June 8 at 1 p.m. in Bishop Hill. The book’s title comes from how the family paid the bills on the farm. (BHHA) (BHHA) Mueller will offer simple ideas to help participants save their family histories during the presentation. He originally wrote Time to Ship Another Steer to share his family history with his grandchildren. The one-hour presentation and book signing will be in the Steeple Building Museum, 103 N. Bishop Hill Street in Bishop Hill. For more information, email the Bishop Hill Heritage Association at bhha@mymctc.net or call (309) 927-3899. |
![]() | ![]() Next Rock Island Unplugged is Wed.In an effort to encourage open dialogue between Rock Island officials and residents, the city will hold another Rock Island Unplugged on Wednesday night, this time featuring Mayor Mike Thoms and department directors. The casual public-forum event allows residents to engage in a question-and-answer session with city officials and department directors outside the City Hall setting. The city has been holding “Rock Island Unplugged” events since 2018, and the next one is at Stern Center, 1713 3rd Ave., Rock Island, on Wednesday, May 29 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Rock Island Unplugged from Jan. 18, 2023. Residents may ask any city-related questions or bring up concerns about city business, projects, plans, services, public safety and more. The public may also share ideas or suggestions they have. “We are excited to hold another Rock Island Unplugged. It is a great opportunity to meet and engage with the public,” Mayor Mike Thoms said in a news release. “This is an opportunity for the community to ask questions, get answers and provide input.” Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and panel discussions will begin at 6 p.m. Hot appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages and a cash bar will be provided to attendees. In addition to Thoms, the event will feature City Manager Todd Thompson, Public Works Director Mike Bartels, Community and Economic Development Director Miles Brainard, Economic Development Director Tom Flaherty, Interim Police Chief Tim McCloud, Fire Chief Bob Graff, Parks and Recreation Director John Gripp, Finance Director Jessica Sager, Library Director Angela Campbell, MLK Community Center Director Jerry Jones, City Clerk Samantha Gange and Community Engagement Manager Sarah Hayden. An opening statement will be given by Mayor Thoms, followed by introductions of department directors and summaries of current projects or events. The floor will then be opened to questions from citizens. If unable to attend, residents may send questions in advance to Sarah Hayden at hayden.sarah@rigov.org. Submitted questions will be read out loud during the event. |
![]() | ![]() Music on the Lawn welcomes Jeanie B! and the Jelly BeansMusic on the Lawn at the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House returns with concerts for the entire family. Jeanie B! and The Jelly Beans are bringing three family-friendly concerts to the lawn of the Deere-Wiman House, 817 11th Avenue in Moline on June 12. Two daytime concerts will be held at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The evening concert starts at 6:30 p.m. with pre-concert, family-friendly activities starting at 5 p.m. All concerts are free, but registration is required for the daytime concerts. Email gsmall@butterworthcenter.com to register. Registration isn’t required for the evening concert. Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans (Jeanie B!) Concertgoers can bring chairs, blankets and box dinners or picnics to enjoy the music. All concerts will be moved to the nearby Deere-Wiman Carriage House in case of bad weather. Jeanie B!’s lifelong mission is entertaining and educating children and families. She started composing on the guitar at 15, mirroring the styles of Carole King and Neil Young. “Jeanie B! has a strong, melodic voice and writes intelligent and witty songs,” said Parents’ Choice Magazine. “She doesn't underestimate the musical and lyrical sophistication of her audience.” For more on the Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House and the programs offered, click here. For more on Jeanie B! and the Jelly Beans, click here. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() New painting celebrates Muscatine-China friendshipMuscatine muralist Chris P. Anderson’s latest artwork, “The Pearl Dragon,” is now on display in Muscatine, celebrating the longstanding relationship between the city and China. This painting (displayed at Pearl City Media, 215 E. 2nd St.) was recently featured during a dinner event at the Merrill Hotel, hosted for Wang Zhengpu, Governor of Hebei, and Wang Zhengding, Zhengding County Party Secretary, along with their delegations. Chris P. Anderson's painting "The Pearl Dragon," on display at Pearl City Media, Muscatine. Anderson, known for his vibrant murals throughout downtown Muscatine, created “The Pearl Dragon” to mark the Chinese Year of the Dragon in 2024. This oil on canvas captures the essence of dragons given to Muscatine during Chinese New Year celebrations and acknowledges the Sino-US Friendship House on Bonnie Drive, where Chinese President Xi Jinping stayed during his 1985 visit, according to a release from Discover Muscatine. The artwork also features a Chinese waterfall, symbolizing the unity of two places and peoples. “The Pearl Dragon” holds significant cultural symbolism. Pearls have been esteemed in China for centuries, believed to offer protection from fire and fire-breathing dragons, Discover Muscatine said. A Chinese dragon Anderson received before a special Muscatine Chinese New Year event on Feb. 9, 2024. This ties back to Muscatine’s history, once known as Fire Island and later becoming the pearl button capital of the world. The painting illustrates a dragon admiring a pearl, signifying the transformation from adversity to beauty, akin to a pearl’s creation from a grain of sand. Governor Wang Zhengpu expressed his appreciation for the artwork and its representation of the deep-rooted friendship between Hebei and Iowa. He stated, “I feel that our friendship has its roots right here and I’m sure that we will further carry this friendship forward.” Additionally, he noted the connection between the Sister States, highlighting prominent athletes like Caitlin Clark, the WNBA rookie and NCAA all-time leading scorer from Iowa, and Sun Yingsha, the top-ranked women’s singles table tennis player from Hebei. Chris Anderson, a Muscatine mural artist, with his 15-year-old daughter Chiara, and some of their paintings they gave to Chinese guests in Muscatine. After the dinner and program, guests mingled and took pictures with “The Pearl Dragon,” commenting on its vibrant colors and the way it captured the essence of the long-standing relationship between Muscatine and Chinese communities. This event not only showcased Anderson’s artistic talent but also reinforced the cultural ties and mutual respect between the Sister States, the Discover Muscatine release said. On Feb. 9, 2024, Art Troupe of the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China (RDFZ) performed at Muscatine High School. It is renowned for its diverse artistic groups, including dance, boys’ dance, symphony orchestra, martial arts, aerobics, choir, and folk orchestra. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Remembering the Davenport building collapseRemembering the Davenport building collapse |
![]() | ![]() ![]() The Davenport Disaster: One Year LaterOn May 28, 2023, The Davenport apartment building partially collapsed. A tragic event, that will forever be remembered in the Quad Cities. |
![]() | ![]() 3 Things to Know | Quad Cities morning headlines for May 28, 2024James Thiel is in jail after being convicted of a fatal boat crash in 2022, and residents along the Wapsipinicon River are on alert as water levels rise. |
![]() | ![]() Rock Island alum headed to the Paris OlympicsCourtney Lindsey will be competing on the USA men's track team. |
![]() | ![]() Bettendorf's Memorial Day ceremony welcomes QCA nonprofit helping families of fallen heroesAnonymously Grateful gives monetary and emotional support to Gold Star families and is spreading awareness of veteran suicide. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() United Way of Muscatine's Hilary Henke named new President of Volunteer Centers of IowaHilary Henke, who serves as Community Engagement Manager at United Way of Muscatine, has recently been named President of Volunteer Centers of Iowa. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Learn how to protect your brain: Lutheran Living to hold dementia eventLutheran Living will be hosting an event entitled “Dementia Action Plan – Learn How to Protect Your Brain from Dementia.” |
![]() | ![]() One dies in Sunday crash in rural WiltonThe Iowa State Patrol has not released the name of a motorist who was killed Sunday evening in rural Wilton, nor the names of two people injured. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Moline rally will mark 4th anniversary of George Floyd's deathA rally will be held in Moline to observe the fourth anniversary of George Floyd's death on May 25, 2020, according to a news release. In 2020, his death "sparked huge local and nationwide protests against the alarming rate at which Black Americans were being killed by police," the release says. Progressive Action for the Common Good (pacgqc.org) Two Quad Cities women, Caryn Unsicker and Glenda Guster, "were concerned that all the news coverage would fade away in short order without any solutions. So they decided to enlist members of their local Progressive Action for the Common Good (PACG) group and others to join them in holding ongoing rallies." On June 13, 2020, three weeks after Floyd’s murder, they gathered from noon to 12:30 pm onthe Slumberland/Party City Corner across from Southpark Mall in Moline. Holding signs such as“Honk for Racial Equality” and “Black Lives Matter,” the group has continued to meet almostevery Saturday for the past four years and plans to continue indefinitely "until racial equality is areality in America," the release says. George Floyd died while in police custody on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo Credit: Courtesy Ben Crump Law Firm Unsicker says that, despite an occasional detractor, the large number of honks they get each week from passersby of all races is encouraging. “This tells us that most people want to keep the conversation about racial equality alive and active, and that many people acknowledge that we need solutions so we can heal as a nation," Unsicker says in the release. Because June 13 is on a Thursday this year, the group decided to mark the fourth anniversary ofadvocating for racial equality and justice from noon until 12:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8, at its regular weekly location. "We have extra signs and all are welcome," the release says. Progressive Action for the Common GroupPACG empowers people to take action for positive change and social justice by coordinating a network of community forums and events aimed at educating and engaging residents to work for the common good of all. Its core values are social justice, empowerment, diversity, sustainability and community. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() One year after 324 Main St., many ideas, but no 'substantive changes' to Davenport rental codesOne year after the collapse of 324 Main St., there have been no “substantive changes” to Davenport’s rental code and inspections policies, so far, according to city staff. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() The $3.26M year: What the City of Davenport spent in the aftermath of the partial collapseFinancial records from the City of Davenport for expenses showed the city had spent a total of $3,267,437 in the aftermath of the partial collapse of 324 Main Street. |
Monday, May 27th, 2024 | |
![]() | ![]() ![]() What questions should Rep. Feenstra challenger, Kevin Virgil, have to answer?Kevin Virgil will answer question live about his Republican campaign for Iowa's Fourth Congressional District. |
![]() | ![]() East Moline food truck owner returns to town after bringing supplies to GreenfieldToni Bare, owner of Toni's Smokin' Grill, said she's been able to help more than 600 people so far. |
![]() | ![]() Bettendorf veteran launches nonprofit to promote mental health issues in the militaryJose Cerda said he was encouraged to start "Anonymously Grateful" after attending four funerals for veterans who died of suicide. |
![]() | ![]() James Thiel reports to jail two years after sentencing in deadly boat crashThiel was found guilty on two counts of involuntary manslaughter. |
![]() | ![]() 57th Kwik Star Criterium takes place in Village of East DavenportThere were 250 participants and more than a dozen races for all skill levels. It's the second oldest race in the country. |
![]() | ![]() 1 killed, 2 injured in Muscatine County crashThe names of one person killed and two others injured in a crash Saturday in Muscatine County have not been released. According to an Iowa State Patrol report, the crash happened shortly after 6 p.m. Saturday at 120th Street and Taylor Avenue when a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee collided with a 2017 Chevy Equinox. The Jeep was eastbound on 120th Street and failed to stop at a stop sign, the report says. It proceeded through the intersection of Taylor Avenue. The Jeep collided with the Equinox, which was southbound on Taylor Avenue. The Jeep broadsided the Equinox, and caused it to roll. One person was killed, according to the report. Another person was transported by Aircare to University Hospitals, Iowa City, and another person was transported by EMS to Genesis Medical Center - East Campus. No names of anyone involved have been released. The crash remains under investigation. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Illinois budget to eliminate grocery tax by 2026A budget for next fiscal year would eliminate Illinois' one percent grocery tax by the year 2026. However, several communities in Illinois rely on the money generated by the tax and are concerned about how to make up for the lost revenue. As Our Quad Cities News Illinois Capitol Bureau correspondent Theodora Koulouvaris reports, the budget would give those communities time to figure out their next move. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Learn how to protect your brain at free Muscatine sessionLutheran Living Senior Campus, a continuing care retirement community, welcomes members of the public to an informational event about dementia, according to a news release. "Dementia Action Plan – Learn How to Protect Your Brain from Dementia," will be 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at Lutheran Living, 2421 Lutheran Drive, Muscatine. A picture of a human brain taken by a positron emission tomography scanner, also called PET scan, is seen on a screen. (Credit: Fred Tanneau/AFP via Getty Images) Hamid R. Sagha, M.D., author of “Dementia Action Plan: Give Your Brain a Fighting Chance!" will present, along with Peggy Starkweather, member of the Lutheran Living Board of Directors and Chris Schulz, executive director of Lutheran Living. This event is free and open to the public. Attendees will learn how individuals can best protect their brains from dementia-related illness and disease. For more information, contact Schulz at: 563-263-1241 or cschulz@lutheran-living.org. About Lutheran Living Senior Campus Lutheran Living Senior Campus in Muscatine provides individuals and their families with experienced care and compassionate faith-based living that addresses the individual health care needs of the residents in their community. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Officers accuse Davenport man of hosting drug houseA 58-year-old Davenport man was released on his own recognizance after police accuse him of hosting a drug house, according to court records. Joseph Deuth Sr. (Scott County Jail) Joseph Deuth, who was arrested on a warrant, faces a felony charge of (hosting) a gathering where controlled substances are used, court records show. On March 28, Davenport Police and the Scott County Sheriff Office executed a narcotics search warrant on the 1300 block of 8th Street in Davenport, according to arrest affidavits. During a search of the residence, officers found drug paraphernalia for crack cocaine in almost every room, affidavits say. After other occupants of the residence were read their Miranda Rights, they said "everyone in the house uses drugs on a regular basis," affidavits show. Officers found evidence of drug dealing in the residence. A crack pipe was located in Deuth's bedroom, and Deuth "admitted to smoking crack cocaine and marijuana," according to affidavits. Deuth is set for arraignment on June 20 in Scott County Court. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Vigil, service set in memory of 3 killed in Davenport building collapseThree groups plan to come out Tuesday night near the spot of last year's deadly building collapse in downtown Davenport. Tuesday will mark one year since it happened. A patch of grass now sits where the building once stood. Davenport Hotel LLC is still listed as the owner of the property on the Scott County Property Registry. At Third Missionary Baptist Church in Davenport, a service at 5 p.m. Tuesday will be a tribute to the three men who were killed. The City of Davenport has confirmed the bodies of (clockwise, from upper left) Branden Colvin Sr., Ryan Hitchcock and Daniel Prien were recovered at the site of the partially collapsed building in Davenport. (City of Davenport) The groups Davenport Strong Against Corruption, The Q-C Movement and Whistleblower Davenport plan to be downtown afterward for a public vigil starting around 6 or 6:30 p.m. Crosses have been on the grass in downtown Davenport for months. They honor Branden Colvin Sr., Ryan Hitchcock and Daniel Prien, the men who died in the collapse. (photo by Mike Colón, OurQuadCities.com) Ryan Hitchcock's uncle, Scott Morehart, spoke with Our Quad Cities News about his family's experience over the past year. "I don't like to bring it up too much, to conjure up feelings, you know," he said. "We just kind of talk about him a little bit, but not too much of a tribute kind of thing ... just missing him." Peach Berry, who lived in the building, survived but lost her leg after being trapped in the collapse. She's one of the people who has filed a lawsuit over the collapse. On Tuesday, Our Quad Cities News will have extensive coverage, including more from Ryan Hitchcock's uncle, a look into what landlord Andrew Wold is doing now, and where things stand for a business that lost everything. That's tomorrow evening for Our Quad Cities News. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() When will the cicadas leave Iowa and Illinois?Cicadas have taken over communities across the United States, and it has a lot of people wondering when they will leave. Insect experts say it depends where you live. The cicadas will either die or return to the ground some time next month in most states. A second brood will emerge in the Midwest later in the summer. That group wakes up every 17 years, as opposed to every 13 years. Illinois and Iowa are expected to experience a long cicada summer. For more information, click here. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Rising prices put a sizzle on Memorial Day BarbecuesMemorial Day barbecues are going to be more expensive this year, as rising prices are hitting both consumers and local businesses hard. |
![]() | ![]() Did you see an eerie glow above the QCA Sunday? Here's what caused itNews 8 received numerous videos and questions about some eerie-looking lights flashing in the sky Sunday night. Here's what it was. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Davenport man charged after police say he punched victim in a hospitalA 33-year-old Davenport man was in custody Monday after police say he broke another man's nose in a hospital, according to court records. Clayton Vesey faces a felony charge of assault causing serious injury, court records say. Clayton Vesey (Scott County Jail) Shortly before 11 p.m. Sunday, Davenport Police responded to Genesis Medical Center - East Campus for an assault. Vesey, police say, was at the hospital on a police hold in connection with an incident earlier in the night, affidavits show. When hospital security staff told him he was not free to leave because he was on a police hold, Vesey "began to threaten hospital staff with violence," according to affidavits, and "struck the victim in the face with a closed fist. The victim sustained a broken nose and fresh, red, bloody lacerations to the bridge of his nose." Vesey who was being held Monday on $13,000 bond in Scott County Jail, is set for a preliminary hearing at 2 p.m. June 6 in Scott County Court. |
![]() | ![]() Rock Island National Cemetery hosts Memorial Day ceremonyArmy veteran Benjamin Enlow, who served twice in Iraq between 2005 and 2009, was the keynote speaker for the event. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Racers compete in Memorial Day Kwik Star CriteriumBeautiful Memorial Day weather provided the setting for bicycle races in Davenport. The Kwik Star Criterium attracted racers from across the country for races all day long.Our Quad Cities News was there for the racing action in the Village of East Davenport. Volunteers and racers said the races don't supersede the importance of remembering those who died in service. This is the 57th year for the event. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Kwik Star Criterium races through DavenportThe Criterium is the longest running sporting event in the Quad Cities, and it’s the final race in the Memorial Day series that ran through the weekend. |
![]() | ![]() Rock Island National Cemetery hosts Memorial Day ceremonyArmy veteran Benjamin Enlow, who served twice in Iraq between 2005 and 2009, was the keynote speaker for the event. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Illinois moves forward with tax incentive extensionsIllinois is moving forward with a package of tax incentive extensions. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Steve Stadelman, includes the state's credits for electric vehicle companies. Stadelman credits the incentives for keeping the Stellantis factory open in his district while increasing production in the area. The bill would also designate money for the quantum technology campus Gov. JB Pritzker supports. The state budget would include $500 million to facilitate it. The incentives in the bill are intended to attract companies to build there. |
![]() | ![]() Orange lights above the Quad CitiesCourtesy of Holly Lowe |
![]() | ![]() Here's what caused those pulsing lights in the sky Sunday night in the QCANews 8 received numerous videos and questions about some eerie-looking lights flashing in the sky Sunday night. Here's what it was. |
![]() | ![]() Iowa Black Doula Collective hosting community baby showerCo-founder Ebonie Bailey joined the Current on News 8 to share more about the event. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Rock Island National Cemetery honors the fallenThe boom of cannon fire and smoke filled the air as the Rock Island National Cemetery held their annual Memorial Day ceremony, dedicated to the men and women who sacrificed their lives for their country. "I served. I have a lot of buddies who served," said Matt Tomes, Rock Island National Cemetery Director. "A lot of them are still serving. There's a lot of guys that I do know that know somebody who has passed away overseas or in combat. So this is special because we have to remember them and keep their memories alive, and we just want to honor them as much as we can." Tomes said he hopes to pass the baton to the younger generation, to continue to remember veterans who have died in battle. "I really loved seeing all the kids," Tomes said. "That was probably the best part. I want all the kids to start coming out. My generation has to start doing that with our kids. We have to show them what Memorial Day is all about, and we got to support the troops and support our service members. It was really great to see the kids come out." The keynote speaker of the ceremony was Benjamin Enlow, a veteran who completed two tours in Iraq in the early 2000's. He lost two close friends of his in battle. "That was extremely hard," Enlow said. "I think about them every day. One of them was from Iowa, so when I visit the capital twice a year when I have to go there for work, I see his picture every time. It brings back all the memories of everything that we did." No matter the day, veterans all across the ceremony emphasized the importance of remembering the ones who lost their lives. "Every year it's tough," Enlow said. "But we have to do it so we don't forget." Memorial Day was first widely observed in 1868 to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers and to honor the nation's Civil War dead by decorating their graves. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() NWS: 16 tornadoes hit eastern Iowa, western Illinois on Friday as derecho moved throughThe NWS shared details on 16 tornadoes that hit the region on Friday, including one that caused damage in Coyne Center, and another that came near LeClaire. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Illinois bill to set regulations for carbon capture projectsIllinois state senators passed a long list of regulations for carbon capture projects. The bill would set regulations around every stage of the process. That includes from the capture of carbon emissions to storing emissions in underground wells.As Our Quad Cities News Illinois Capitol Bureau Chief Cole Henke reports, nothing would happen for two years. |
![]() | ![]() Muscatine County crash leaves 1 dead, 2 injuredAccording to the Iowa State Patrol, a Jeep failed to stop at a stop sign and drove through the intersection, fatally crashing with another vehicle. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Volunteers needed to take down flags at Rock Island National CemeteryThe Rock Island National Cemetery is looking for volunteers to take down American flags at the headstones of fallen service members from Memorial Day observances. Work to remove the flags begins at Tuesday, May 28 at 8:00 a.m., weather permitting at the Rock Island National Cemetery, located at the Rock Island Arsenal. For more information, call 309-784-0000. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Final Friday tally: derecho produced 16(!) tornadoes around Quad Cities areaThe final numbers are in, and they're staggering! Meteorologists with the NWS in Davenport have now confirmed Friday's derecho produced 16 tornadoes in our Quad Cities NWS coverage area! Tornadoes were reported in Rock Island County and Scott County, among several other counties. 8 tornadoes were rated EF-1 and one was an EF-0. the other 7 didn't produce enough damage to be able to properly be surveyed, and are given the classification of EF-U for "unknown." For a full summary on all 16 tornadoes, including the one that tracked across the ground for 20 miles through Rock Island County, click here |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Illinois bill to clarify illegal AI imageryA new bill in Illinois is headed to the Gov. JB Pritzker's desk. The bill clarifies the state's laws governing artificial intelligence (AI) and child pornography. The legislation holds AI-generated images and videos to the same standard as genuine images of children. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul had pushed to update the state's statutes. Raoul says predators often use AI in their attempts to exploit children. Sen. Mary Edly-Allen sponsored the bill. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Kids fish for free at East Moline youth fishing derbyKids can spend a morning outdoors reeling in the catch of the day at an annual youth fishing derby in East Moline. The East Moline Police Department’s Benevolent group is hosting its sixth annual Youth Fishing Derby on Sunday, June 2 at the lower Butterworth Park Lagoon, 1800 Archer Drive in East Moline. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the derby runs from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Anglers ages 15 and under should bring their own fishing poles, bait, chairs and buckets. Fishing permits are not required for the derby. Hot dogs, chips and treats will be available and there will be raffles for prizes. Learn more about events in East Moline on the city’s Facebook page. |