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

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024
	Quad Cities farmers markets open for summer season Residents of the Quad Cities can enjoy homegrown produce and handmade foods from local farmers markets, starting this weekend.
	Davenport Central senior receives 2024 Kathryn Bell Tate Scholarship A Davenport Central High School senior was awarded the 2024 Kathryn Bell Tate Scholarship in a surprise announcement, according to Davenport Schools Foundation officials.
	Davenport man arrested on weapons charges A Davenport man is in the Scott County Jail after he was arrested after a shooting in Davenport yesterday Davenport Police Officers responded to the 1400 block of West Fourth Street for a report of shots fired on April 30 at about 10:37 p.m. According to the criminal complaint, Danny Young, 59, and another person were in a mutual physical altercation in front of the residence. The fight was broken up and Young went to his backyard to retrieve a black handgun. Young allegedly returned to the front of the home with the firearm and fired a single shot at the victim while he sat in a car. The shot struck the passenger's side of the car. The car was occupied at the time of the shooting by a driver, the victim in the front seat and a back seat passenger. The complaint says Young knew he wasn't allowed to possess a firearm because he was a felon, with convictions dating back over 20 years. Danny Young (Scott County Sheriff's Office) Young was arrested on charges of intimidation with a dangerous weapon, a class C felony, going armed with intent and control of a firearm by a felon, which are both class D felonies . He is being held in the Scott County Jail, with a preliminary hearing on May 10, according to court records.
	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: GARY LOPEZ, 41, 5’7”, 175 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes. Rock Island County warrant for probation violation on 2021 charge for armed violence. JOHN RULE JR., 26, 5’10”, 170 pounds, brown hair, hazel eyes. Moline Police warrant for felony retail theft and Rock Island County warrant for failure to appear on charge of possession of stolen firearm. Gary Lopez (L) and John Rule Jr. (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.
	34,000 pounds of turkey up for grabs at Hope Initiative in Galesburg The Hope Initiative in Galesburg is giving away 1,512 cases of frozen turkey, totaling 34,000 pounds, during its two-day Turkey Drive Thru.
	40 years go quick for The Lettermen singer Donovan Tea has performed with everyone from Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, to Ray Charles and Tony Bennett. But the 69-year-old Texas native has made his career for 40 years now as one-third of The Lettermen, an indestructible three-man singing group that's romanced audiences for seven decades. "To be honest, we haven't quite come back since COVID to our regular schedule,” Tea said in a Wednesday phone interview. “I don't know if that's with our demographics or just the way things are.” The current Lettermen lineup is Rob Gulack, left, Donovan Tea, and Bobby Poynton. Pre-COVID, The Lettermen would average about 100 concerts a year, but the last couple of years that’s been down to 50-60 a year, including two performances coming up May 13, 2024 at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse. This year is the 40th anniversary of Tea being in the trio, which has changed membership often over the years. “It's gone by quickly, I can tell you,” he said. Since 1961, The Lettermen have recorded over 75 albums — 18 certified gold, with a myriad of hits including "When I Fall In Love," "Put Your Head On My Shoulder," "Goin’ Out Of My Head," "Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You," and "Hurt So Bad." The Circa shows will be 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., Monday, May 13, preceded by plated meals. The matinee is already sold out. The Lettermen have performed at Circa just about every year the past 38 years. The interior at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island. “We enjoy being there and Denny and the entire staff,” Tea said Wednesday of owner Denny Hitchcock. “It's just wonderful to work there. It's an iconic establishment." "One of the fun things for us is that we never know what our our backdrop is gonna be because we perform on the stage right in front of the set of whatever show they happen to be doing at that time,” he added. “We've had some interesting backdrops, but it's always fun and the people have a good time and we enjoy ourselves very much.” Struck by stars Tea was able to perform with big celebrities in the ‘70s, as lead singer for The Young Americans, who opened for everybody, including Pat Boone and Sammy Davis, Jr. He tap danced with Fred Astaire and sang backup for Bing Crosby on the classic song "White Christmas." “It was like going to college for the Young Americans, for what I wanted to go into opening for all these people,” he said. “And I would always talk to them before or after the show, ask for recommendations, hints, opinions, just pick their brain. And it was interesting. “I would ask many, many questions, but I would always ask, you know, what I, what do I need to do to get where you're at and every single one of them gave me basically the same answer,” Tea recalled. “It was, I don't know how I got here. I just do the best you can. It's 75% luck and 25% combination of talent and tenacity.” Donovan Tea, left, joined The Lettermen in 1984. “It’s not just luck but just being prepared if you get an opportunity and I've been very fortunate to have been in this business as long as I have and, and very grateful,” he said. Tea was also pleasantly surprised at how normal and down to earth many big stars were. “So many of them were kind to me,” he said. “Tony Bennett was very, very kind to me. Ray Charles gave me great, great advice. Bing Crosby, of course, was iconic and, and working with Fred Astaire was a dream. I'm really a below-average dancer. But we had a good choreographer and it was for the Bing Crosby Christmas special. So we had plenty of rehearsal and they were all just very gracious, very professional. It taught me that you don't have to be an egomaniac. You can be a regular person and still go on stage or on television and do a good job.” From Vegas to Lettermen Before joining the group, Tea was performing in Las Vegas, as the lead singer in the Lido show. “It was a great, great opportunity for me to get seen,” he recalled. “And as it turned out, the Lettermen were performing across the street at the Flamingo, came across the street to see the show and saw me quite by accident. They kept me in mind and a couple of years later when they had a group change, they gave me a call, asked me to come out to L.A. and sing with them, see if we had a good blend. “And again, it's gonna be 40 years and it's gone by fast,” Tea said. Besides performing, he is a prolific published songwriter. Many of his songs have been recorded, and some have been included in Lettermen performances. The Lettermen will do two shows at Circa '21 Monday, May 13, 2024. Rob Gulack joined the trio in 2019, just a few months before COVID shutdowns, which forced The Lettermen off the road for a year. “He’s a great person and a great, great singer and it's always tough to have a group change,” Tea sad. “He fit right in and he brings a lot to the group and Bobby Poynton who’s also in the group is great. It’s kind of a marriage, you have to get along pretty well and walk together and so far things are going well.” On Feb. 24, 2020, history in the Lettermen legacy was made when they were honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Tea said they went from that high, three weeks later to "oblivion." The Lettermen’s longevity is due not just to quality of their performances, but the singers’ personalities and connection with audiences, Tea said. “You wanna make your audience laugh, you wanna make them cry, happy tears, you wanna pace your show so it's not ballad, ballad, ballad,” he said. “You want to break it up. The Lettermen are perfect since all the Lettermen have always been three soloists.” The concerts are a mix of older and newer songs, slower and uptempo, three-part harmonies and solo numbers. The Lettermen repertoire includes arrangements of "Never Enough from the hit film "The Greatest Showman": a "Sugar" medley ("I Can't Help Myself," "Sugar," How Sweet It Is") and a "Happy" medley ("Happy," "You've Made Me So Very Happy," "Happy Together"). “We pride ourselves in pacing a show that is fun, and enjoyable,” Tea said. “We try to do the kind of show that we go see. When I go to see somebody, I wanna feel like I was thoroughly entertained and that I got to know the entertainer just a little bit and we try to do that every show we do.” Tickets for the May 13 shows are $61.35 for the 1 p.m. matinee (with a noon lunch), and $67.65 for the 7:15 p.m. show, (with a 6 p.m. dinner), available at the Circa box office (1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island, or at 309-786-7733, ext. 2. For more information on The Lettermen, click HERE.
	Run with Carl celebrates 30 Years at 2024 Labor Day run This year's 30th Run with Carl takes place this year on Labor Day, September 2. The race was created after the Schillig family lost their 15-year-old son, Carl, in a car-pedestrian accident and has been a Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley tradition ever since. The family created an annual scholarship for graduating seniors at Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley High Schools with proceeds from the race. Both school foundations took over organizing the race in 2015 and since then, nearly $200,000 has been raised for both school districts. Race start times are: 7:45 a.m. - Children's ½ mile fun run 8:00 a.m. - Memorial service 8:15 a.m. - 5 mile run 8:30 a.m. - 5K run/walk Due to continued construction, all race events will take place at Bettendorf Middle School, 2030 Middle Road, including the post-race party, children’s fun run, and the 5K/5M start and finish line at the light outside the tennis courts on Middle Road. Registration is now open here and there’s an early bird discount through May. Click here to sign up as a volunteer.
	Iowa communities hosting candlelight vigils across the state in opposition to controversial immigration law Quad Cities Interfaith will host a vigil at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Davenport, right off of Main Street. It starts at 6:30 p.m.
	Iowa PBS premiering 'Road Trip Iowa' documentary May 1 Those looking for a watch party can head over to the Mississippi River Distilling Company in LeClaire from 5 to 7 p.m.
	Knox County Sheriff's Office warning of new phone scam Officials say the scammer will call and tell the victim they missed jury duty and that there is a warrant out for their arrest.
	'Looking for Lincoln' program focuses on Effie Afton case The next Looking for Lincoln Conversation will revisit one of his most famous legal cases, with a tie to the Quad Cities. In the Hurd v. Rock Island Bridge Co. (aka the Effie Afton Case), a boat/bridge collision brought the fight of established river interests of St. Louis versus the growing railroad interests of Chicago. The case discussions usually focus on Lincoln’s support of the railroad and new technologies, but recent research shows that might not be accurate. John Lupton and Dr. Samuel Wheeler from the Illinois Supreme Court Historic Preservation Commission will discuss what happened when the Effie Afton riverboat crashed into the first railroad bridge to cross the Mississippi River at Rock Island. The public can watch and participate in this online program on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. on the Looking for Lincoln YouTube and Facebook video channels. Viewers can submit questions for the host to answer at the end of the presentation. The program will be recorded and available on the Looking for Lincoln Facebook and YouTube video channels. Reservations are not required, and the event is free. “We are proud to host this series of Looking for Lincoln conversations,” said Sarah Watson, Executive Director of Looking for Lincoln. “These live, digital programs cover a range of topics that depict the life and times in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Few individuals have so profoundly influenced American history as did Abraham Lincoln. Millions around the world are inspired by the story of Lincoln's rise from humble beginnings to President of the United States, his qualities of integrity and courage and his decisive leadership traits that carried a fragile nation through one of its most trying periods.” For more information about the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, click here.
	The Arc/ Quad Cities Disability Coalition hosting food drive in May The Arc of the Quad Cities and the Quad Cities Disability Awareness Coalition are holding a two-week community-wide food drive to address food insecurity, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of service to others. The Coalition is made up of disability service providers who will administer the food drive by picking up food items and dropping them off at Quad City food pantries. Donations can be dropped off at the locations in the table below between Tuesday, May 7 and Tuesday, May 21. Donations can be left in collection boxes at the sites. “This is a true community-wide food drive,” says Sarah Wright, Chief Development Officer for The Arc. “This project is unique in that it enjoys a wide capacity because of the wide-ranging partnerships we’ve been able to establish. We’d like to give special thanks to Hy-Vee, all the local libraries, and parks and recreation departments for addressing food insecurity and for embracing inclusive volunteering.” For more information on the Disabilities Awareness Coalition, click here. For more information on The Arc of the Quad Cities, click here.
	May flowers delivered to truck-eating bridge A semi hauling flowers was the latest victim of the truck-eating bridge on Brady Street in Davenport on Wednesday. The driving wasn't perfect, but the timing was -- it's May 1. And although the recent showers to end April had nothing to do with it, the flowers arrived all the same. Not to their final destination -- by the way, the driver was uninjured, as usual -- but instead an unscheduled stop that so many make when they don't observe height restrictions. Flowers can be seen inside the peeled-open trailer of a semi that hit the truck-eating bridge on Brady Street on May 1, 2024. (Bryan Bobb, Our Quad Cities News) It's 11-foot-8, for future reference. (There are signs... and flashing lights.) You can see all of our photos of the various truck-eating bridges through the years by clicking here. The truck-eating bridge on Brady Street was hit by another semi on May 1, 2024. (Danielle Davis, Our Quad Cities News)
	Milan artist honored with Illinois fellowship One Quad Cities artist is among 17 throughout Illinois to be honored with the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) 2024 Artist Fellowship Award (AFA). The IAC AFAs are $15,000 awards to Illinois artists in recognition of their outstanding work and commitment within the arts. This year, the IAC awarded 17 Illinois artists with fellowships totaling $255,000. Finalist awards of $1,500 were also awarded to 13 Illinois artists for a total of $19,500, according to a Wednesday release. “Individual artists fuel our state’s creativity, communities, and economy,” IAC executive director Joshua Davis-Ruperto said in the release. “They tell stories, spark conversations, pass on traditions, and provide inspiration. A textile artwork by Nicole Davis of Milan, one of the 17 Illinois artists honored by the Illinois Arts Council. “IAC Fellowship Awards acknowledge, support, and celebrate the highest quality artistic work being created in Illinois,” he said. “The 2024 IAC Fellows were selected for their remarkable artistic practice and their commitment to Illinois’ communities – both within their specific regions and discipline at large. The IAC congratulates each of these extraordinary individuals.” “These artists represent the highest levels of craft for their respective disciplines, and I’m proud to uplift their work through IAC’s Fellowship Awards,” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said in the release. “I look forward to seeing how they will continue to represent their communities across Illinois and grow their work, and I congratulate each of them on the award.” The Artist Fellowship Program offered funding in seven artistic disciplines. This year's Fellowship and Finalist Award recipients were selected from 302 Illinois-based creative artists working in Ethnic and Folk Arts, Crafts, and Visual Arts -- which includes Visual-Based Arts (Installation, Mixed Media, Painting, Graphic & Drawing), Photography, and Sculpture. Quad Cities winner In the Crafts category, Nicole Davis of Milan was named a $15,000 fellowship winner. She’s a visual artist and educator. Nicole Davis of Milan Having served as a special education teacher for 21 years, Davis pivoted to pursue a career in art, according to her bio on the IAC website. In 2020, she graduated with honors from the University of Iowa with an MFA degree in painting and drawing. Her current art practice encompasses textiles, photography, and painting. Her artwork uses the energy embodied time-honored materials to address issues related to her lived experience as a Black woman. Black feminist theory, memory, and identity are themes deeply rooted in her work. Davis was honored with numerous scholarships and fellowships in pursuit of her graduate work and has had residencies at Ox Bow. She has been a visiting critic and/or given lectures at institutions including: Cornell College, Drake University, Divine Word College, and the Figge Art Museum. Her artwork has been shown throughout the Midwest, at the Soo Visual Arts Center, Minneapolis; Koehnline Museum in Skokie; Legion Arts in Cedar Rapids; South Bend Museum of Art in South Bend, Ind., and Freeport Art Museum, Freeport, Ill. A 2020 textile artwork by Davis. In 2020, Davis was selected to be an Artivism Fellow for the Broadway Advocacy Coalition. She is currently an Art Instructor and Gallery Coordinator for Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. The IAC is proud to be able to provide Illinois artists with unrestricted funds in these awards that will support their creative endeavors and artistic growth, according to Wednesday’s release. The mission of the Illinois Arts Council is “To build a strong, creative, and connected Illinois through the arts.” The Agency recognizes that Illinois’ artists are an essential component of the social fabric and economic vibrancy of the state. The Artist Fellowship Awardees and Finalists are representative of the diversity found in the arts across Illinois and represent a diversity of age, gender, and geographic locations. For brief bios on all the Artist Fellowship Awardees, click HERE.
	Friends of Bettendorf Parks & Recreation hosts Spring Senior Golf Tour The Friends of Bettendorf Parks & Recreation invite seniors to join their annual Spring Senior Golf Cart Tour on Monday, May 20th. There is no rain date. The Spring Senior Golf Cart Tour is held twice a year, in the spring and fall, and travels along the Duck Creek Recreation Trail from Palmer Hills Golf Course to Duck Creek Park in Davenport and back to Palmer Hills. Transportation on the trail will be by golf carts provided by Palmer Hills. Carts may be operated by the participants and operators will be provided for those who don’t want to drive. Drivers must be at least 18 years old. The tour lasts about two hours and stops will be made at several sites along the way. Participants can leave at either 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Parking is available at Palmer Hills Golf Course, 2999 Middle Road. There is no fee and liquid refreshments will be provided. Registration is required and tours are limited to 70 people each. The deadline to register is May 16. Click here to register. For more information or to register by phone, call the Bettendorf Parks and Recreation Department at (563) 344-4113.
	QC Farmers' Market starts in Rock Island The QC Farmers’ Market is returning to Schwiebert Park in downtown Rock Island for its third season, starting Saturday, May 4, 2024. Featuring homegrown produce, handmade foods and agricultural products, the weekly market is run Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon through November. New and returning vendors will be set up with their fresh local products for sale, and customers will be eligible for drawings to win prizes every hour. The farmers' market runs in Schwiebert Riverfront Park, downtown Rock Island on Saturday mornings May, 4, 2024 through November, weather permitting. “We are thrilled to offer customers an expanded selection of products this year,” said Ian Forslund, president at QC Farmers’ Market and co-owner of Mad Farmer’s Garden in Coal Valley. “New vendors this season will feature locally-grown strawberries, personal care products that feature local agricultural products, and produce grown in urban community gardens. “We are excited to welcome back many vendors too,” said Dylan Parker, QC Farmers’ Market board member and a Rock Island alderman. “Many of our most popular vendors will be returning for another season, including Dailey Farms Goat Milk, Suzanne’s Swiss Bakery, Grateful Graze, Crandall Farms, and The House with the Flowers.” Founded in 2021, QC Farmers’ Market is a cooperative of farmers and producers local to the Quad Cities area. Customers who purchase food and products at the QC Farmers’ Market buy directly from the producer, and all products are homegrown and handmade, without exception. All vendors at the QC Farmers’ Market accept SNAP payment, and thanks to a grant with Experimental Station, Illinois LINK card holders get double their value on every SNAP dollar spent, with matching funds to buy fresh produce and food-bearing plants. Complete List of Vendors for the 2024 Season: African Organics, Rock Island (Produce) Broken Shovel Farms, Joy, Ill. (Coffee, produce) Grateful Graze, Geneseo (Beef, pork, and chicken products) Crandall Farms, Coal Valley (Honey, beeswax products, quail and chicken eggs, produce) Cravers Little Red Barn, Taylor Ridge (Produce, soap) Dailey Farm, Alexis, Ill. (Goat milk, soap) Family Thyme Farms, Hillsdale (Produce, food-bearing plants) Flamingoberry, Davenport (Personal care products) Flora Flower Farm, Taylor Ridge (Floral arrangements) From the Earth Bakery, Rock Island (Baked goods, frozen treats) Ineichen Tomatoes, Milan and Blue Grass (Produce) Inner Light Essentials, Rock Island (Personal care products) Lathe & Lambsquarters, Cambridge (Produce, maple syrup, canned goods, meat, eggs) Mad Farmer’s Garden, Coal Valley (Produce, spices, baked goods) Never Dun Growing, Geneseo (Produce, CBD products, pork, poultry, eggs) Old Paths Farm, Aledo (Jams, preserves, baked goods) Perennial Crops Nursery, Rock Island (Food bearing trees and shrubs) Shire Regenerative Farm, Coal Valley (Food bearing garden plants) Strawberry Fields, Orion (Strawberries and produce) Suzanne’s Swiss Bakery, Rock Island (Baked goods) Tapestry Farms, Rock Island and Davenport (Produce) The House with the Flowers, Davenport (Floral arrangements) For more information on the Rock Island market (which is year-round online), click HERE.
	Bishop Hill plans 3-day quilt show The 2024 Bishop Hill Quilt Show "Rainbows, Rick Rack & Roses" will be held May 17-19 in the Bishop Hill Colony School. Hours will be 10 a.m.-4 pp.m. Friday, May 17; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 18; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, May 19. Quilts, gifts and antiques will be featured throughout the village in the event that is sponsored by Prairie Queen Quilt Club.
	Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce awards over $32,000 in scholarships to area students The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce has awarded $32,750 in scholarships to local students for the 2024-25 school year. The chamber raises funds and awards scholarships to local students pursuing higher education every year. Committees and volunteers organize fundraising efforts, collect scholarship applications, evaluate applications and award funds. “We are so appreciative of our members’ support to provide these scholarships. Collaborating with the chamber, whether financially, as a committee member or a volunteer goes a long way in supporting our area students in their future,” said Pam Fluck, SVACC Board President. “A future we hope brings them back to the Sauk Valley area.” The Agribusiness Committee awarded scholarships totaling $18,750 to all 15 applicants for the upcoming school year. Four manufacturing scholarships were awarded, totaling $6,000. The Farnham Business Scholarship was awarded to four students, totaling $4,000. The SVACC Hispanic Business Leaders Committee awarded four scholarships, totaling $4,000. “It is due to the engagement and commitment of our members in our Chamber events and activities that allow us to make workforce development initiatives a priority,” said Kris Noble, Executive Director. For more information on SVACC scholarships and their allocations, please email Kris Noble at knoble@saukvalleyareachamber.com or call (815) 625-2400.
	Ex-convicted convict receives second chance at life through unexpected pardon Jason Hernandez didn't have a positive upbringing, being convicted at 21. However, his determination to change paid off after President Biden gave him a pardon.
	Scott County voters have new user-friendly election website Scott County voters now have a user-friendly website to find all their election information, according to a news release. Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins has announced that elections.scottcountyiowa.gov is online. Tompkins said the site will be easier to navigate to find election information, register to vote or find a form to request an absentee ballot. Additionally, voters can enter their addresses to find their polling location and sample ballots, along with their current elected representatives. “We’ve been working for some time on ways to improve displaying information about elections on our Scott County site,” Tompkins said. “We believe voters will find everything they need in a user-friendly format at this site.” Tompkins said the site also includes past election information and a section listing officials voted on by Scott County voters. The site also converts to a mobile format for those looking up information on their phones or tablets. “Neapolitan Labs presented us with a great platform for this site that was affordable, and they have been great to work with,” Tompkins said. “We encourage Scott County voters to check out the site and find how clean it looks and how easy it is to use.”
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for May 1, 2024 A Galesburg football coach is facing domestic battery charges, and a vigil is scheduled in response to Iowa's new immigration law.
	Purina, Clinton, supports Maquoketa Betterment Corp., dog park Team members from Purina in Clinton recently presented a $15,000 donation to leaders of Maquoketa Betterment Corporation to create pet-friendly activities and build obstacles in the new dog park at the Horseshoe Pond Campground, a news release says. The donation was delivered through the Purina Trust Fund, recognizing organizations who work to positively impact Purina’s operating communities. Maquoketa Betterment Corporation is focused on improving the city of Maquoketa by making the community a better place to live and conduct business. “We are honored to accept this donation from Purina as it will help us make a difference in the community,” said Scott Warren, dog park committee member. “Purina’s investment in our organization will have a tremendous impact and will contribute to a thriving environment for people and pets. We look forward to using the funds to actively carry out our mission as we improve the new dog park at the Horseshoe Pond Campground.” “At Purina, we focus on crafting the best quality food for pets, but we are just as passionate about the communities where we serve,” said Justin Wilkinson, Purina Clinton factory manager. “We are thrilled to present Maquoketa Betterment Corp. with a Purina Trust Fund grant and continue our partnership in the community.” In the last five years, Purina has contributed more than $150 million to organizations focused on making a difference for pets, people and the planet, the release says. The Purina Clinton factory employs more than 565 local associates. To learn more about causes Purina supports, visit here.
Tuesday, April 30th, 2024
	5 years later: Davenport’s quest to improve flood resiliency after 2019 downtown barrier failure After barriers failed in Davenport during the flooding of 2019, city officials were forced to rethink their flood resiliency plans.
	We're 100 days out from the Iowa and Illinois state fairs! Both fairs run from Aug. 8 to Aug. 18.
	Ballet Quad Cities receives anonymous $100,000 donation Officials said the funding will help renovate their new Moline location.
	FBI says older adults lost $3 billion to scams in 2023 That's an 11% increase from 2022.
	Niabi Zoo reopens with new prairie dog exhibit, despite delays from repair work The park is still fixing up enclosures and buildings that were damaged by winter snow.
	Galesburg skating rink back and ready to roll A Galesburg roller rink once in jeopardy of losing its role as a safe community spot has residents back skating again after installing a new floor. As Our Quad Cities News reporter Victoria Frazier found out, the rink is ready to roll into the future.
	Niabi Zoo reopens with new prairie dog exhibit, despite delays from repair work The park is still fixing up enclosures and buildings that were damaged by winter snow.
	Area native Republican candidate makes stop in QCA Your Local Election Headquarters was there as a Republican candidate for Iowa's First Congressional District met with voters in Eldridge. Davenport native David Pautsch is challenging incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the Iowa Primary. Pautsch spoke with voters about border control, family values and crime rates. The Iowa Primary is June 4.
	Davenport business owners reflect on 2019 flood Tuesday marked five years since a devastating flood impacted downtown Davenport.
	Galesburg football coach arrested on domestic battery charge On Tuesday, April 23, Galesburg Police responded to 39-year-old Derrek Blackwell's residence after receiving a report of domestic physical violence.
	QC rescues are part of the Empty the Shelters initiative To support the nation’s animal shelters and help pets find loving homes, BISSELL PetFoundation will host its Spring National Empty the Shelters reduced-fee adoption event fromMay 1-15, according to a news release. Both the Quad City Animal Welfare Center, Milan, and Humane Society of Scott County, Davenport, will participate, according to the BISSELL Empty the Shelters website. Both shelters will participate May 1-15 with special lowered fees for adult animals. The Quad City Animal Welfare Center Adoption & Education Center is at 724 W. 2nd Ave., Milan, and the Humane Society of Scott County is at 2802 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport. "Our nation’s animal shelters are facing a capacity crisis and need your help now. Adoptionshave slowed while a surge in owner surrenders due to families facing economic and housingchallenges has left tens of thousands of highly adoptable pets desperate to find homes," saidCathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. "Our Spring National ‘Empty the Shelters' willsupport the adoption of thousands of pets across the country, helping shelters in this criticaltime. Opening your home to a shelter pet saves a life and creates lifesaving space to helpanother pet in need." (OurQuadCities.com) For more information about the Quad City Animal Welfare Center, visit here. For more information about the Humane Society of Scott County, visit here.
	Minnie Fridge reducing its hours in Davenport Fridge officials said someone has been cleaning out the entire pantry while leaving nothing behind for others.
	Davenport Central senior surprised with $20,000 scholarship Samuel Bevans was awarded the 2024 Kathryn Bell Tate Scholarship but didn't know he was going to receive it until the presentation.
	Galesburg football coach arrested on domestic battery charge On Tuesday, April 23, Galesburg Police responded to 39-year-old Derrek Blackwell's residence after receiving a report of domestic physical violence.
	Mark VIII Liberty Tank unveiled at Rock Island Arsenal Museum A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mark VIII Liberty Tank was held on April 30.
	Minnie Fridge reducing its hours Pantry officials said someone's been cleaning out the whole fridge while leaving nothing behind for other community members.
	Two QCA volunteers honored for Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame Two people from the QCA are being honored for their commitment to volunteering and mentoring. Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds inducted the 2024 Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame members presented the excellence in mentoring awards in a ceremony at the state capitol. Robert Albee from Muscatine was inducted for his work with an area food pantry and homeless shelter. Albeevolunteered to be the interim executive director of the Muscatine Center for Social Action and put in more than 40 volunteer hours a week last year. Yvonne Lyons of Bettendorf received the excellence in mentoring award. Lyons became a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley 14 years ago. She has been in three matches and has been mentoring her current 'little' for more than seven years. For more information, click here.
	Knox County Sheriff's Office issues fraud alert about scam calls According to a Tuesday post on its Facebook page, the Knox County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a scam involving phone calls. The sheriff's office has received reports that a caller has demanded that a bond be posted to resolve missing jury duty or face a warrant arrest, according to the post. The caller also mentioned Sheriff Harlan by name, the post says. The victims are then instructed to make arrangements to “post bond” over the phone. While Jack C Harlan Jr is the Knox County sheriff, The Knox County Sheriff’s Office will not call and demand money to be paid over the phone or via any electronic means, the post says. "Be aware it is common in these types of scams that a legitimate law enforcement number may be 'spoofed' on your caller ID," the post says. "If you receive a scam call like this or something similar, hang up and call the 24 hour non-emergency Public Safety number at 309-343-9151."
	Rock Island Arsenal displays tank made there 100 years ago A tank made at the Rock Island Arsenal over 100 years ago has been returned, restored and is now on display.
	Historic military tank now on display at Rock Island Arsenal A historic military tank built and restored at the Rock Island Arsenal is now on display. The Mark VIII Liberty Tank came to the Arsenal to be restored in 2021, and the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center did the work. It also built the tank more than a century ago to be used in World War I. The war ended before the tank made it to the battlefield. The tank on display at the Arsenal is among only three that still exist today.
	Rob Sand calls for removal of four-year degree requirements for some state government jobs State Auditor Rob Sand is calling on the state to remove four-year college degree requirements from dozens of public sector jobs.
	Rotary Club and United Way join forces to boost kindergarten literacy in Muscatine Rotary Club of Muscatine partnered with the United Way of Muscatine to assemble literacy kits for kindergarten students at Jefferson Elementary School.
	5 Years Later: The Davenport Levee Break of 2019 Five years ago, a record-high Mississippi River broke through a wall of Hesco barriers, sending millions of gallons of flood water into downtown Davenport.
	Iowa before/after-school programs get $6M in grants The Iowa Department of Education awarded nearly $6 million in competitive Learning Beyond the Bell grants to more than 60 schools, including some in our viewing area.
	Downtown Davenport Flooding, 2019 vs. 2024 Five years ago, a record-high Mississippi River broke through a wall of Hesco barriers, sending millions of gallons of flood water into downtown Davenport.
	QCA's Hiney Heroes joins world's largest diaper drive A Quad-City nonprofit organization has joined a national effort to collect diapers. Hiney Heroes is taking part in the World’s Largest Diaper Drive. The goal is to collect more than two million diapers in May. All diapers and money collected in the QCA will stay local. For more information on donating, click here.
	Rock Island author receives first place prize at international writing contest for his mystery novel series Dave Ramacitti, whose pen name is Dave Lager, won first place in the Thriller/Suspense category for his fictional series following rural deputy sheriff Ro Delahanty.
	Davenport Central senior surprised with $20,000 scholarship Samuel Bevans had no idea he would be receiving the 2024 Kathryn Bell Tate Scholarship. He plans to attend Iowa State to study aerospace engineering.
	Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre in West Liberty hosting festival for new puppeteers The Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre will present a festival for new and inexperienced puppeteers on Saturday, May 4.
	Where and how to find morel mushrooms in the Quad Cities region Sightings of morel mushrooms are already occurring around the Quad Cities, with morels spotted in Davenport, Muscatine, Le Claire, Sherrard and other areas.
	Last day for Iowans to file taxes Tuesday is the final chance for Iowans to file their 2023 taxes.
	Iowa vigils oppose new immigration law A controversial Iowa immigration law is the topic of candlelight vigils across four major cities in Iowa, including Davenport, on Wednesday, May 1. In a concerted display of unity, resilience and resistance, the Latinx Immigrants of Iowa, Escucha Mi Voz, Forward Latino, LULAC Iowa, Obreros Católicos, Iglesia Reina de la Paz de Waterloo Iowa, and Quad Cities Interfaith are organizing the simultaneous vigils at 6:30 p.m. in Iowa City, Waterloo, Des Moines, and Davenport. They oppose enactment of the contentious bill SF 2340 by Gov. Kim Reynolds, due to take effect July 1, 2024. The Latino community, advocates, and allies stand firm in declaring SF 2340 unconstitutional and antithetical to American values, according to a Tuesday press release. The Quad Cities Interfaith vigil will be at 6:30 p.m. May 1, at St. Anthony's, 417 N. Main St., Davenport. “This bill isn't just a piece of legislation; it's an attack on our community's very essence,” said Jose Alvarado from Latinx Immigrants of Iowa. The Davenport vigil will be at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 417 N. Main St., Davenport, organized by Quad Cities Interfaith (641-990-2118). “Our state thrives because of immigrant labor. This law is a step backward for everyone,” Mayra Hernandez from Quad Cities Interfaith, said in Tuesday’s release. These peaceful vigils serve as a reference of solidarity, sending a resounding message that fear will not govern the lives and actions of the Latinx community in Iowa. With the rallying cry of "No Tenemos Miedo" - "We Are Not Afraid," participants aim to galvanize public opinion and showcase the collective resolve to challenge and overcome this unconstitutional legislative hurdle, the release says. President Joe Biden talks with the U.S. Border Patrol and local officials as he looks over the southern border, Feb. 29, 2024, in Brownsville, Texas, along the Rio Grande. Democrats are trying to outflank Republicans and convince voters they can address problems at the U.S. border with Mexico as immigration likely becomes a major issue in elections that will decide control of Congress. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) The organizers emphasize that America's immigration system is in dire need of repair and reform. In a profound reflection of their faith and community values, the organizers express that silence in the face of injustice is not an option. The vigils invite Iowans from all walks of life to join hands peacefully in a demonstration of support and to convey the unwavering spirit of unity and the power of collective action. When signing the bill into law on April 10, Gov. Reynolds said: “The Biden Administration has failed to enforce our nation’s immigration laws, putting the protection and safety of Iowans at risk. Those who come into our country illegally have broken the law, yet Biden refuses to deport them. This bill gives Iowa law enforcement the power to do what he is unwilling to do: enforce immigration laws already on the books.” “The Iowa Legislature has passed one of the most extreme, discriminatory, and unconstitutional anti-immigrant bills in the country, which is based on a Texas law that the courts have currently blocked,” Mark Stringer, ACLU of Iowa executive director, has said. Migrants who crossed the Rio Grande and entered the U.S. from Mexico are lined up for processing by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Sept. 23, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, lifted a stay on a Texas law that gives police broad powers to arrest migrants suspected of crossing the border illegally, while a legal battle over immigration authority plays out. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File) "This law, which is set to go into effect on July 1, 2024, authorizes police to arrest people based on their federal immigration status and tells Iowa judges to order someone to be deported or jailed before they have an opportunity to seek humanitarian protection that they are entitled to,” he said. "The Iowa law enforcement and state judges tasked with authority to carry out this outrageous law are not trained in immigration law and have no proper authority to enforce it. The law encourages and facilitates racial profiling and stereotyping,” Stringer said. “It undermines—not promotes—public safety and the rule of law. It will consume already strapped state court and law enforcement resources. This law is designed to wreak havoc in Iowa families and communities; it threatens Iowans who are citizens and noncitizens alike.” You can read the complete bill HERE.
	John Deere contests OSHA citations John Deere is contesting three Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) citations they received following the death of an employee last year.
	Davenport marks 5-year anniversary of historic flooding Millions of gallons of water flooded into Downtown Davenport.
	Treasures galore at Geneseo spring garage sale Bargain and treasure hunters, listen up! Geneseo is hosting the event for you! Chamber of Commerce executive director Zack Sullivan dropped by Our Quad Cities News to talk about the Geneseo Spring City-Wide Garage Sale. For more information, click here.
	Illinois pushes for affordable housing tax credit Advocates for the homeless say one thing is necessary to help people get off the street: affordable housing. There's a push in Illinois for a tax credit to incentivize people who build affordable homes. The credit would be modeled after the low-income housing tax credit administered federally. Developers would be able to exchange the credits with investors who choose to invest in the units. Under the proposal, credits would only be given after construction is finished and people can move in. For more information, click here.
	Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre hosts festival for new puppeteers The Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre will present a festival for new and inexperienced puppeteers on Saturday, May 4.
	Rock Island author wins first place prize in international writing contest for mystery book series Dave Ramacitti, whose pen name is Dave Lager, won first place in the Thriller/Suspense category for his fictional series following rural deputy sheriff Ro Delahanty.
	Shakey Graves, May 10 Boasting three Billboard top-10 album smashes in Roll the Bones, And the War Came, and Can't Wake Up, folk singer/songwriter Shakey Graves – the performance moniker of Austin, Texas-born Alejandro Rose-Garcia – headlines a May 10 concert at Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center, the artist's 2023 Movie of the Week lauded by Under the Radar magazine as "a heady intellectual concept laced with his silly sense of humor."
	Daniel Pak, May 13 through 16 Appearing locally as the final guest in the 2023-24 season of Quad City Arts' Visiting Artist Series, native Hawaiian Daniel Pak will perform in a half-dozen free-to-the-public events from May 13 through 16, with TotemStar.org stating that the musician and educator "embodies the warmth and soul of the islands in his music of healing and joy."
	Davenport Central senior wins $20K scholarship In a surprise announcement, Davenport Central High School’s Samuel Bevans was awarded the 2024 Kathryn Bell Tate Scholarship on Tuesday morning. This $20,000 scholarship is awarded to one Davenport senior each year through the Davenport Schools Foundation and is disbursed over a four-year period of undergraduate schoolwork. It can be used at any accredited college or university. John Korn, left, scholarship committee co-chair and Davenport Schools Foundation board member, with scholarship winner Samuel Bevans, a Davenport Central senior. “I am committed to achieving my goal of becoming a NASA engineer by focusing on my coursework, maintaining a strong academic record, and collaborating with other students to expand my knowledge in the field,” Bevans said in a school district release. “This award will help me pursue my bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University and will give me the best opportunity to achieve my dreams.” He plans to attend Iowa State University in the fall pursuing a major in Aerospace Engineering with goals to become an aerospace engineer, fulfilling his passions for aviation and engineering. “The Davenport Schools Foundation is pleased to celebrate Samuel’s academic and community service achievements by awarding this scholarship to him,” foundation executive director Sally Crino said. “The foundation oversees more than 50 scholarships and this year, we have awarded over $97,000 in scholarships to deserving seniors in the district. We are grateful to the donors who make these awards possible.” Samuel Bevans, center, celebrates his $20,000 scholarship with Davenport Central principal Brian Ehlinger, and school counselor Julie Bueschel. During his Intro to Engineering course at Central High School, Bevans had the opportunity to work with a physical therapist to design and print a 3D therapy device to help a young elementary student with limited mobility have better access to technology, the district release said. “Although I may not have changed the world with my device, I was able to make a meaningful improvement in a small way for another person,” Bevans said. “This is and always will be my goal in life.” “We are thankful for the opportunities our students like Samuel receive through the generous philanthropic work of the Davenport Schools Foundation,” said TJ Schneckloth, Davenport Community Schools Superintendent. “Samuel’s commitment to excellence, both academically and within our community, exemplifies his dedication to his dreams and his compassion for others.” Samuel Bevans (center) pictured with his grandparents Bob and Cindy Weil, left, brother Jack (a 5th-grade teacher in Blue Grass), and mother Elizabeth (a math teacher at Williams Intermediate in Davenport). Bevans is part of the National Honor Society, a group leader in the mentors in violence prevention program, elementary reading buddies, a member of Davenport Central leadership team, a programming captain on the robotics team, and vice president of the drama department. He spends his free time volunteering with Young Eagles, sharing his passion for aviation with younger students. The scholarship, awarded annually by the Davenport Schools Foundation, was established in Kathryn Bell Tate’s honor in 2002 to assist the children of employees of the Davenport Public Schools in financing their undergraduate education. Tate (1906-2003) was a longtime teacher at McKinley Elementary School. Bevans’s mother Elizabeth is a middle school math teacher at Williams Intermediate, 3040 N. Division St. Each year, one Davenport student is awarded the Tate scholarship, and selection of recipients is based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, moral character, and other conditions considered appropriate by the Selection Committee. It was the largest of the 51 scholarships awarded by the foundation this year, Crino said.
	Pokey LaFarge, May 14 Performing blues, folk, country, and Americana music that, according to NPR, “evokes the old-timey spirit of a thousand crackling 78 RPM records” whose “energy makes them feel new and alive,” Midwestern singer/songwriter Pokey LaFarge headlines a May 14 concert at Davenport's Redstone Room, the artist's 2022 album In the Blossom of Their Shade lauded by PopMatters as "vintage stuff that never sounds old as much as ripe and ready for cruising."
	The Claudettes, May 16 Touring in support of their most recent album that, according to No Depression, proves the band's "otherworldly qualities" make them "the quirkiest sound around," blues, rock, and pop ensemble The Claudettes headline a May 16 concert at Davenport's Redstone Room, with Americana Highways stating that in The Claudettes Go Out!, "Their tight approach to varied musical genres is adorned with no gimmicks, nothing superficial, and everything suited to inspiring melodies and spirited lyrics."
	The Matt Fuller Band, May 11 A Davenport native and the youngest person to be inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, multi-instrumentalist Matt Fuller brings his ensemble to Moline for a May 11 performance at the Sound Conservatory, the artist's Matt Fuller Band boasting Fuller on guitar, Tyrone Phillips on vocals, Bobby Huether on drums, and Dewey Lacefield on bass guitar.
	Kirk Ferentz to speak at Duke Slater Memorial Statue & Scholarship fundraiser event in Clinton Iowa football Head Coach Kirk Ferentz will speak during the scholarship fundraising kickoff event.
	Humbird, May 14 Touring in support of the band's 2024 release Right On, an album whose title track was praised by Atwood magazine as "an achingly tender ballad with a fire burning deep inside," Siri Undlin and her indie outfit Humbird headline a May 14 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, with Atwood adding that the song is "a softly stirring eruption of vulnerability and raw humanity."
	Ringo Deathstarr, May 11 Hailed by AllMusic.com as "one of the finest exemplars of blown-out shoegaze and amped-up dream pop," the alternative musicians of Ringo Deathstarr headline a May 11 concert event at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, their most recent, self-titled album praised by Post-Trash as a work that "condenses everything special about the shoegaze purveyors into one complete package."
	Matthew Logan Vasquez, May 15 With his February release Frank's Full Moon Saloon praised by Glide magazine as a "raw and intimate" recording that "seems to mark a new chapter" for the artist, Matthew Logan Vasquez headlines a May 15 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the acclaimed singer/songwriter and guitarist also a member of the rock band Delta Spirit and the indie super-groups Middle Brothers and Glorietta.
	Christopher Paul Stelling, May 11 Hailed by Acoustic Guitar as " not just an incredible guitarist — one who is capable of filling a room with only his dexterous fingerpicking, voice, and stomp of his foot - but also an excellent songwriter," acclaimed folk artist Christopher Paul Stelling headlines a May 11 concert event at Rock Island's Rozz-Tox, the Florida native also praised by the Village Voice as "a pristine, total package of a one-man musical outfit that recalls the intensity of The Tallest Man on Earth and labelmate Glen Hansard."
	The Lettermen, May 13 With gifted vocalist and ensemble leader Donovan Tea currently celebrating his astonishing 40th year with the group, the beloved pop vocalists of the Lettermen make their long-awaited return to the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse on May 13, their ever-popular springtime engagements overflowing with timeless hits such as “When I Fall in Love,” “Put Your Head on My Shoulder,” “Hurt So Bad,” and “Shangri-La.”
	Horn Hang with Marc Zyla, May 11 Hosted by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, the Horn Hang with Marc Zyla will find the ensemble's principal horn player meeting fellow horn players of all ages for an exciting hour of sight-reading ensemble music for their instruments, with coffee, music, and good times scheduled for May 11 at Davenport's First Presbyterian Church.
	First Army Deputy Commanding General for Support says farewell to Command Maj. Gen. Jeffrey W. Jurasek, who served as First Army deputy commanding general for support and commanding general of the United States Army Support Command-First Army, will relinquish his position during a ceremony at 10 a.m. Thursday.
	Narratives QC hosts first Creative Arts Showcase Words have transformational power to change lives. The nonprofit Narratives QC knows this well. On Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 6 p.m., Narratives QC invites the community to its inaugural Creative Arts Showcase, an inspiring evening of spoken word and poetry performed by local young adults at the Rock Island Public Library's Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th St. Narratives QC held an open-mic fundraising event at the King Center in Rock Island this past winter. The organization believes every young adult deserves to reach his or her full potential and, through mentors, life coaching and creative expression, empowers them to find their purpose and achieve success. The Creative Arts Showcase marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Month in May and celebrates the profound impact of expressive arts on emotional well-being, particularly for young adults ages 17-25. During the event, participants of Narratives QC’s programs will share their personal stories and creative poems, highlighting their journeys and the therapeutic benefits of spoken word. Thanks to a generous grant from Quad City Arts in partnership with the Rock Island Library, the event is free to the public. Narratives programs are all free -- based at The House, a nondenominational church, at 2623 5th Ave., Rock Island. The middle of the building is used by QC Closet2Closet. The House is at 2623 5th Ave., Rock Island. (photo by Jonathan Turner) Young adults are paired with trained life coaches for individualized support based on their strengths, weaknesses, and life goals. Narratives supports young adults who have mental health issues, addiction, and trauma find the most adaptive ways to function with their mental illness and not let that hinder their success in life. When paired with life coaching and community mentors, mental health support helps young adults change their lives more significantly than any one aspect alone, according to the group website. The main meeting room for Narratives QC at The House in Rock Island (photo by Jonathan Turner). Group classes provide education in a safe environment on topics that the entire group needs to achieve their goals. Topics may include money management, cooking, employment coaching and skills, study skills, and basic daily living skills. Growth over four years Narratives started right before the pandemic in early 2020, mainly meeting virtually. “We were all-volunteer staff up until last year, and we’ve exploded in the number of young adults, staff and programming,” co-founder and executive director Annette Clevenger said Tuesday, noting they served 75 people last year. “It has just taken off.” Dr. Annette Clevenger, co-founder and executive director of Narratives QC, started the nonprofit in early 2020 (photo by Jonathan Turner). There are also some groups they run in the community, such as at Black Hawk College and the Thurgood Marshall Learning Center. Narratives also plans to expand to Scott Community College. The mission is to empower young adults in that transition from youth to adulthood, Clevenger said. “We work with them on a variety of things, to help them find their voice and their path to success.” That includes education, employment, housing, life skills, relationships, cooking classes. Narratives uses spoken word and transformational writing to encourage the young adults to express themselves and find healing and solutions. “They’re working through the struggles of life – mental health, relationships, anything, you name it,” Clevenger said. The Wednesday event is the culmination of the past year’s work, made to be very inclusive. Not all the people will perform or read their pieces -- some will have work read on behalf of them, or shown by video. “The goal is to get their word out – they have wonderful things to contribute to the community,” Clevenger said. “We want that to be heard, in whatever form they’re most comfortable doing it.” Narratives has two full-time staff (including Clevenger, a clinical psychologist) and two part-time staff, plus life coaches, who meet with young adults, in group and one-on-one counseling sessions. They meet weekly on Wednesday nights, including a free meal. They host a spoken word group, a women’s empowerment group, a board games group and Bible study. It’s all based on what the young people want, Clevenger said. All programs free The programs are all free, because most of them can’t afford it and don’t have insurance coverage. There’s typically a three-month waiting list to access traditional mental health services in the area, and young people prefer the group therapy format, Clevenger said. Narratives QC groups typically meet Wednesday nights, starting with a free meal. “We have to find creative ways for them to tackle their mental health issues, that don’t look like the conventional sit-down therapy,” she said. “Research shows that group settings are actually more beneficial therapeutically, but most mental health centers don’t use them because insurance won’t pay for it.” Hearing that you’re not alone in struggles of depression and anxiety is the main benefit to group settings, Clevenger said. “Just having peer support and connection, and also it’s therapeutic to be a sounding board for each other.” Life coaches have backgrounds in social services, but are not psychologists like Clevenger. One part-time employee is Chris Britton, a creative arts specialist who will be part of Wednesday's event. He works at Thurgood Marshall Learning Center, Rock Island; holds a B.A. in youth ministry & adolescent studies and a master's in leadership in ministry from Judson University. Britton served the community for over 15 years as a director at YouthHope. “What young adults want is for us to be genuine, real and authentic, kind of do life with them in a meaningful way,” Clevenger said. “We are not looking to take the place of any counselors in the community. We are about providing extra mental health support and we are about prevention.” There is a tendency for greater mental health challenges in early adulthood, and many people Narratives sees have dropped out of high school or college, or don’t have a satisfying job and need to complete a GED, she said. “Anything we can do to lower that risk can help them for years to come,” she said. Partnering with other groups Narratives is partnering with spoken word artist Aubrey Barnes and his group Young Lions Roar to present another creative open-mic showcase for Juneteenth, June 19, at Theo's Java Cafe in downtown Rock Island. That will include younger kids from his program. "Because this has become so popular and effective, we are actually looking to expand and become a therapy modality," Clevenger said. They're applying for a grant to have Britton trained to incorporate spoken word and hip-hop into therapy. "Currently, the focus is just on the writing and performing. With Chris, there's a whole another layer that we can provide, of understanding the meaning and benefits, exploring finding healing from trauma, in your native language," she said. "It has found to be really effective in urban areas," Clevenger said. "We are so big into partnerships here at Narratives." Clevenger, a clinical psychologist, at Narratives QC on April 30, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). In early April, Narratives hosted another event at Watts-Midtown Branch for National Poetry Month. "Our goal is to get our young adults into the community and the community involved in our young adults," Clevenger said. "We're trying to expand." Narratives is working with some business partners to help offer employment or job skills. They are funded by grants and private donations. Narratives had its first fundraiser this past winter at the MLK Center, Rock Island, and hope to hold another one this fall. "We work on building community, so they trust each other," Clevenger said of the group sessions. "They're learning to trust their peers, which allows them to be more vulnerable and more transparent to, compared with someone they just walk in every week to, and I'm supposed to spill my guts, my most personal things?" Gave up own business Clevenger gave up her 20-year-old private family practice for Narratives, because she saw too many young people falling through cracks in the social safety net. The community is strong in serving K-12 kids, the elderly and people coming out of prison, but there are very few preventive services aimed at young adults, she said. "I gave it up four years ago," she said. A 1995 Rock Island High alum, she earned her bachelor's in psychology and sociology from Illinois State, and doctorate in clinical psychology from Wheaton College. "With the shortage of mental health services, I felt compelled to do something different and better," Clevenger said. She and co-founder Jessica McCracken visited an organization in Springfield, Mo., helping youth transition from foster care, and were inspired. "One of their biggest struggles was mental health needs of young adults," Clevenger said. "We toured this program like five years ago, thought it was phenomenal and thought we could replicate that here in the Quad Cities, and expand on it." "It shouldn't just be for young adults aging out of foster care," she said, noting Narratives fits the needs of the QC, open to anyone in that age group. Problems of technology People were isolated before the pandemic, which just added to mental health problems, Clevenger said. More than the pandemic, technology today isolates and hurts young adults. "We hide behind it -- the connection is not there. We don't sit down, one on one, talking," she said. "We gain convenience, but we lose connection," Clevenger said of tools like texting, email and social media. "People hide behind anonymity. It distances you -- you don't see the person and you don't see the pain, the reaction that your words cause. It gives you license to say things mentally that you shouldn't." Wednesday night group sessions usually start with a free 6 p.m. dinner. The Wednesday night sessions started last summer -- starting with a 6 p.m. dinner, with a second class starting at 7 p.m. They plan to expand to another weeknight, including outdoor activities this summer. Life coaches are very similar to mentors, along the lines of an adult Big Brothers Big Sisters. "That's the best thing I could liken it to," Clevenger said. "You hang out with somebody at the ball park, having coffee, you join them in going fishing. You take an interest, encourage them, support them the way you would a friend." "The best part of my job is, we celebrate their successes, so we are regularly having graduation parties here, or when you get a new job," she said. Narratives ideally would like to produce a book this fall collecting the writing of many of their clients. For more information on the group, click HERE.
	IL Department of Transportation closing U.S. 150 crossing for renovations Drivers in Henry County need to pay attention when driving on U.S. 150 next week. In a news release, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that U.S. 150 at the BNSF Railroad crossing in Henry County will be closed from Monday, May 6, through Saturday, May 11. The crossing is north of Ophiem Road. The crossing closure will allow the railroad to remove and replace its at-grade crossing and repave the approaches. A marked detour will direct traffic to use Illinois 81, Interstate 74 and Illinois 17. Drivers can expect delays and should allow extra time driving through this area. They should consider using alternate routes when possible. Drivers should pay attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, avoid using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For the latest information on road construction in Illinois, click here.
	“Chicago,” May 15 One of only few musicals in history to win Tonys, a Grammy, and the Academy Award for Best Picture, the legendary Chicago enjoys a tour stop of Davenport's Adler Theatre in May 15, this second-longest-running show in Broadway history a smash with both audiences and critics, with the New York Times stating, "It has theatrical muscle, the characters are vivid, and its issues are ongoing in our public discourse."
	The Mockingbird on Main's “To Kill a Mockingbird," May 16 through 26 Nearly a year after the tragic collapse of the downtown-Davenport building that housed theatre venue The Mockingbird on Main, the company will fly again with an appropriate title for its return to Moline's Black Box Theatre:To Kill a Mockingbird, playwright Christopher Sergel's adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Harper Lee novel, running May 16 through 26.
	2024 Beaux Arts Spring Fair, May 11 and 12 An eagerly awaited springtime event taking place over Mother's Day weekend in Davenport's spacious Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, the 2024 Beaux Arts Spring Fair will treat visitors to an outdoor celebration of visual arts and fine crafts on May 11 and 12, with the annual event featuring food, live music, children's activities, and works for sale by more than 60 artists and Midwestern vendors.
	Quad City Arts Annual Celebration, May 16 Taking place this year at The Bend Event Center in East Moline, the May 16 Quad City Arts Annual Celebration invites the public to gain insight into the organization's recent achievements, future plans, and community impact, all while enjoying hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, and a performance by Quad City Arts Visiting Artist Daniel Pak.
	“Lady Bird,” May 16 Lauded by the New York Times as "big-screen perfection ... exceptionally well-written, full of wordplay and lively argument," Barbie visionary and Oscar nominee Greta Gerwig's coming-of-age masterpiece Lady Bird enjoys a May 16 screening with the Rock Island Public Library's downtown-branch Downtown Movie Club, the film a National Society of Film Critics Best Picture winner that, according to Variety, boasts "a powerfully distinctive voice."
	“Sesame Street Live! Say Hello,” May 14 On May 14, young children and their young-at-heart chaperones can enjoy the stage version of one of the most popular entertainments in television history, with Sesame Street Live: Say Hello invites audiences to a reunion with Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends at Davenport's Adler Theatre.
	Man wounded in Rock Island shooting Sunday afternoon The man's injuries are not considered life threatening.
	Sorensen nominates student from Moline High to US Military Academy A Moline high school student is one step closer to attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, N. Y. after he was nominated by Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17). Sorensen nominated five students from central and northwestern Illinois for admission to the United States Service Academies for the class entering in the fall of 2024. One of them is John Nienhaus from Moline High School. John Nienhaus (submitted photo) “One of the greatest honors I have as a member of Congress is highlighting the talented young people that live throughout our communities in central and northwestern Illinois,” said Sorensen. “Being nominated to a U.S Service Academy is not an easy thing to accomplish, and I am proud of this year’s nominees for their willingness to serve and keep their neighbors and our country safe. Best of luck to all our nominees as they go through the appointment process and congratulations on this incredible achievement.” “Being blessed with the opportunity to attend the United States Military Academy is something I have been wanting for months now, and my dream came true,” said Nienhaus. “I cannot give enough thanks to my family, friends and my counselors for guiding me. I also want to give thanks to Congressman Sorensen and his office, for this opportunity would not have been possible without their support either.” Sorensen, like other members of Congress, nominates qualified students from Illinois 17th Congressional District to attend the four service academies each year: the U.S. Military Academy in West Point; the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, M.d.; the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. Nominees must be accepted by the academies to be admitted. Click here for more information on the military academy nomination process.
	Police report: More details released after man enters Galesburg High School after being denied access 22-year-old Andre Odom went to the school's front office on April 22 before being asked to leave. He gained reentry after a student let him in a side door.
	Iowa Freedom of Information Council joins Davenport/Sidran lawsuit There’s a new party in the lawsuit between the City of Davenport and Ezra Sidran over a settlement payment to former city administrator Cori Spiegel. Randy Evans, Executive Director of the Iowa Freedom of Information Council explains how his organization is participating. IA-FOIC-motion-to-interveneDownload “We have been involved through the years with the controversies that bubble up in communities around the state,” said Evans. “We follow what's going on and when things are occurring that we believe are inappropriate, we will step in and try to engage with government leaders to help them understand why we think that better transparency serves them well and it also serves their constituents, the taxpayers.” For Evans, the timing of the agreement between the city and Spiegel raises questions. “This agreement had been worked out and had been signed by the city and Ms. Spiegel before the election. but was not made public until after the election. To me, that is just a cut and dried example of government officials forgetting that, in this case, city government in Davenport doesn’t belong to the elected City Council members and the mayor; it belongs to the citizens of Davenport.” He says the agreement between the city and Spiegel should be more public. “We believe strongly that this letter was the basis for $1.6 million in taxpayer money going to Ms. Spiegel,” Evans said. “We believe strongly that that is a public record that the citizens of Davenport should be able to read and see so they can evaluate the allegations that she was making apparently in the letter, so that the citizens can evaluate the diligence or lack of diligence by the City Council and investigating these allegations before the vote on paying the settlement.” The settlement’s approval is also troubling. “The fact that the settlement was approved without a formal vote of the City Council is just the antithesis of what government transparency should be about it, it shouldn't be carried out in secret,” Evans said. “In my 50-some years of paying attention to these kinds of cases, I’ve never seen an example as egregious as what occurred in Davenport, where Davenport's own city ordinances required that there be a formal vote of the City Council on any settlement that involved the payment of $50,000 or more. The former city attorney’s assertion that he had the consent of the City Council and did not need a formal vote just flies in the face of what the plain reading of the city ordinances is.” “It also flies in the face of what the public meetings law requires. It allows government boards to meet for what is called ministerial purposes, which is kind of housekeeping details. The decision on expending $1.6 million is a far cry from a housekeeping detail. We just think it's atrocious that the controversy has gotten to this point without city leaders admitting that they had simply botched this from the beginning.” Evans said the Iowa FOIC isn’t a new party to the lawsuit but are more like advisors to the suit. “We asked the court to allow our organization to intervene in the city’s lawsuit against Mr. Sidran so that we could provide the court with our legal analysis of the city's obligations under the public records law, so that we could provide the court with our assessment of why we believe that the letter should be made available to everybody who's asking to see it.” Evans accuses the city of choosing Sidran specifically for the lawsuit and not groups with deeper pockets who had also requested the letter. “It’s not a coincidence, I don’t believe that the city of Davenport chose to sue Mr. Sidran, a retiree who doesn’t have a lawyer, instead of bringing the legal challenge against an entity that had also asked for the letter. The city knew that if they sued a member of the media, those employers would make lawyers available to represent the media’s position. The city knew that Mr. Sidran wasn’t going to be able to go out and hire a lawyer at hundreds of dollars per hour on a retiree’s income. We asked the court to allow us to intervene, to be able to bring to the court’s attention the legal basis that we believe makes the letter a public record.” Evans is taking the city’s refusal with a grain of salt. “The city resisted; their assertion that they have no position on whether the letter should or shouldn't be public record is farcical.” He said Davenport residents need to be aware of how their tax dollars are spent. “The taxpayers of Davenport, whether they know it or not, were paying attorneys hundreds of dollars an hour to try to keep our organization out of the court case. The judge fortunately saw the rationale for our request to intervene and granted it, which was a kind of a stinging rebuke for the city.” Our Quad Cities News reached out to the City of Davenport for a statement but have not yet heard from them. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 14.
	Victims identified from Sunday I-80 crash in Scott County The victims of Sunday's crash on I-80 in Scott County have been named.
	Police report: More details released after man enters Galesburg High School after being denied access 22-year-old Andre Odom went to the school's front office on April 22 before being asked to leave. He gained reentry after a student let him in a side door.
	4th Annual Sip & Shop event to be held in Downtown Muscatine The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry along with downtown businesses will host the 4th annual Sip & Shop event on Friday, May 10.
	Five years after the Flood of 2019, at what stage is the city's $165 million flood plan? After a sand filled HESCO barrier broke in downtown Davenport five years ago, causing an estimated $30 million in damages, businesses clamored for Davenport to take more permanent action.
	Five years after flood barrier breach, Davenport's 'Motor Row' stages a comeback In the area now known as Motor Row, East Second Street businesses keep rolling with the river.
	INTERVIEW: Bettendorf Cars & Coffee Show If you love cars, coffee, or both, we have the perfect event for you this weekend. It's the Bettendorf Cars and Coffee Show. Conor Flaherty and Julie Fick Martin joined Our Quad Cities News This Morning to share more about it. Watch the video above or see more information below.
	Scam alert: What you need to know to avoid storms-chaser scams, price-gouging Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said scammers and “shady” contractors exploit vulnerable people after damaging storms.
	Pet dies in Galesburg house fire The Galesburg Fire Department responded to the fire on Sunday, April 28, at 9 a.m. According to the first responders, one pet passed away during the fire.
	Ballet QC gets $100,000 donation for building On Tuesday, April 30th, Ballet Quad Cities announced it's received a $100,000 donation to its building fund, for renovations to its new space in downtown Moline. BQC purchased the property at 1611 5th Avenue, in October 2022 and has been working on a capital campaign, “Building Ballet Quad Cities Better” to raise funds for the building’s renovation. Renderings for the planned $1.4-million renovation of 1611 5th Ave., Moline, for Ballet Quad Cities' new home. “We are thrilled to receive a major gift from a local arts supporter that is moved by the organization’s benefit to the community,” Ballet Quad Cities founder and CEO Joedy Cook said in a Tuesday morning release. “The addition of private funds to our grants will greatly help us to fulfill the vision of a fully functional studio for our company.” The new location in Moline offers wide open spaces -- without pillars that restrict movement -- as well as room to grow and expand programming that engages, inspires, and transforms the community, BQC said. City of Moline officials met recently with Ballet Quad Cities CEO Joedy Cook (right) to discuss the planned renovation of 1611 5th Ave., Moline, for the professional dance company. The donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I am so happy to give to the Ballet that provides exceptional beauty to the entire community through performances and youth programs in the schools.” The donation is intended to provide matching funds for other private donations that are currently being solicited. “This is a great shot in the arm for our capital campaign,” Dan Gleason, BQC board chairman, said in the release. “It’s rare to see that level of support from a private donor and we hope this will inspire others to give. We are tremendously grateful.” A scene from Ballet Quad Cities' April 2024 production of "Snow White" at the Adler Theatre (photo by Joseph Maciejko). The donation brings the capital campaign total raised through grants and other private donations to $700,000, about half of the $1.4 million required to complete the renovations. BQC holds a public performance schedule during the regular season and engages with schools and the community through programs such as “Dance Me a Story: Exploring Literature through Ballet” initially for second graders and later expanded and adapted for all ages. A bullying prevention program entertains and teaches first through sixth grades, and “LEAP: Ballet as Conversation” is designed for fourth-grade students. Moline’s Fifth Avenue is experiencing a renaissance with the Sound Conservatory leasing the Carnegie Library last fall for teaching music lessons and regular community concerts, joining the eight-year-old Black Box Theatre nearby. BQC dancers at the downtown Moline property in 2023. “Ballet Quad Cities’ purchase and renovation of the property is another building block that is creating a ‘Heart of the Arts’ District in downtown Moline,” Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati said. “We are pleased to see the investment in our community by these organizations.” BQC dancers rehearse in their studio at 613 17th St., Rock Island (photo by Kelly Bryant). The company (which for years has operated at 613 17th St., Rock Island) hopes to begin construction later this year. Cook said there isn't an exact date yet for building work to start. For more information on BQC, click HERE.
	Salute to First Responders: Julie Pope Julie Pope has served as a paramedic and teacher for the Prophetstown Ambulance Service for more than 20 years. She was honored for her service as this month’s recipient of SERVPRO's Salute to First Responders. Her family, friends and coworkers surprised Julie with the recognition. Watch the video above to hear from them and see the check presentation.
	Man injured in Rock Island shooting After reports of gunshots, Rock Island police arrived to 1100 block of 8th Avenue on Monday afternoon and found a 20-year-old who was seriously injured by a gunshot wound.
	See the stars at Augustana College's John Deere Planetarium Spring Open House Enjoy stargazing at Augustana College's John Deere Planetarium during its annual Spring Open House on Saturday, May 11. The planetarium is located at 820 38th Street and will be open from 8:30-10 p.m., featuring indoor and outdoor programs led by planetarium director Dr. Lee Carkner. Admission is free. Space fans can see the mountains and craters of the moon through Augustana’s telescopes. There will also be a planetarium show and an opportunity to visit the Carl Gamble Observatory. The Getz-Rogers Gallery will be open, featuring images of celestial objects and a quarter-ton piece of the Canyon Diablo meteor. John Deere Planetarium telescope Cryolophosaurus The Fryxell Geology Museum will also be open and features one of the best collections of minerals and fossils in the Midwest. The museum is in Swenson Hall of Geosciences, next to the planetarium. The museum features a wall of glowing, fluorescent rocks; casts of a Tyrannosaurus rex skull and a complete 22-foot long skeleton of Cryolophosaurus, a large, crested carnivorous dinosaur discovered in Antarctica by Dr. William Hammer, a paleontology professor at Augustana at the time. The observing areas in the planetarium are unheated, so visitors are advised to dress for the weather. Telescope views may not be possible in the event of cloudy skies, but the indoor programs will still be held.
	REVIEW: Murder in the Studio at the Black Box Theatre Murder in the Studio continues at The Black Box Theatre, 1623 5th Avenue in Moline, Thursday through Saturday, May 2nd through 4th at 7:30 p.m.
	Augustana expands Augie Choice assistance Fifteen years after launching Augie Choice, Augustana College is expanding the program, allowing sophomores in addition to juniors and seniors to apply for up to $2,000 to help pay expenses related to an internship, research or study away experience. The broadening of this program coincides with the launch of the college’s five-year strategic plan, Bold & Boundless, which prioritizes engaged learning, maximizing student potential and connecting to the community through partnership, according to a college release. That learning then translates into students finding inspirational pathways and developing their capacity to be impactful citizens when they leave Augustana. Making Augie Choice accessible to sophomores allows students to access the transformative experiences earlier and accelerate the building of skills and mindsets that today’s and tomorrow’s employers desire, the private liberal arts school in Rock Island said. Each year, nearly 550 students use Augie Choice to engage in career- and life-changing experiences. Augustana has invested more than $11.8 million to assist Augustana students in achieving high-impact learning experiences. During the 2022-2023 school year, 415 students were awarded Augie Choice. Of the recipients, 224 used those funds to study abroad, 177 to defray the costs of internships and 14 used it to conduct independent research. Since 2009, over 3,000 Augustana students have used Augie Choice funds to study abroad. One of the goals of Bold & Boundless, President Andrea Talentino said, is to make high-impact learning opportunities unavoidable for students, which means they need to be accessible to all. Augie Choice helps remove or lessen financial barriers for students, and this expansion helps students pursue opportunities to shape their chosen academic and career paths earlier during their time at Augustana. “We know Augie Choice has been instrumental in shaping Augustana juniors and seniors into strong leaders and that it prepares them for their next steps in the workforce, graduate education or service,” Talentino said. “We’ve seen the benefits for these students, and we are so excited to add sophomore students to this program to allow them to dive into the experiences that will enrich them and lead them to their next steps.” Augie Choice dollars have helped students in a variety of ways — paying for professional clothing for internships, covering rent for internships or research, and helping students travel. This includes students who have traveled individually and group travel. Since its inception, more than 3,000 students have used Augie Choice for study abroad; 2,400+ used it for the costs related to internships, such as rent or professional clothes; and nearly 400 have used it to conduct research. Augie president Andrea Talentino discusses the benefits of Augie Choice in a college video. “Augustana develops the qualities of mind, spirit and body necessary for students to discover their life’s calling of leadership and service in a changing world, and we know Augie Choice creates life-defining experiences that prepare them for that world,” Talentino said. “We also know that earlier opportunities will help them better shape their curricular and co-curricular journey and inspire their vocational direction.” Members of the Class of 2024 who tapped into Augie Choice includes: Leslie Bandera, a biochemistry and chemistry double major, paid for housing in Houston, Texas, for her summer research experience with the Texas Medical Center. Alexander Tosetti, an accounting and business administration-finance double major, paid for professional attire and transportation costs during his summer internship. John Flannery traveled to Japan with the Augustana Symphonic Band during the spring 2023 tour. The group explored the country and played concerts with Japanese students. Emily Martin, an environmental studies and geology double major, went to Bonaire in the Caribbean as part of Geology 321: Island Geology to learn more about the nature of the islands and threats upon them. Alyssa Macias, a public health major, studied abroad in Iceland and Sweden, learning about the multiple factors influencing health and wellness in Scandinavia in comparison to America. Grey White, a theatre – musical theatre and business administration – management double major, interned at Skellington Manor in Rock Island, and funded “Private Lives,” the play they directed as part of their Senior Inquiry. More information about Augie Choice is available HERE.

Wednesday, May 1st, 2024

Tuesday, April 30th, 2024