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

Friday, May 17th, 2024
	East Moline officer involved shooting at Hometown Harbor apartments leaves man with life threatening injuries, police chief says A large police presence was reported near an apartment complex in East Moline Friday afternoon.
	Contestants have a blast in Milan for a good cause It's a sport some describe as "golf with a shotgun." Contestants showed off their skills Friday during a sporting clays competition in Colona as a way to raise funds for the Milan Chamber of Commerce. The president of the club, Tim Kelley, says that despite the negative reputation guns get, shooting is a great hobby that anyone can enjoy. Anyone is welcome to get involved in future tournaments, even if they have no prior experience. The tournament took place at the Bi-State Sportsman Association.
	Celebrating 75 years of the Children's Therapy Center of the Quad Cities News 8's Matt Randazzo shows the impact the center has made in the Quad Cities community for over seven decades.
	Man, 80, taken to hospital after officer-involved shooting in East Moline Police have been on the scene of an officer-involved shooting since about 2 p.m. Friday at the Hometown Harbor Apartment Complex in the area of 11th Street and 48th Avenue, East Moline. An 80-year-old man was taken to the hospital after the shooting, police told Our Quad Cities News. As of 5:30 p.m. we do not know details about his condition. (Victoria Frazier, OurQuadCities.com) Crime scene tape is established in the area. Our Quad Cities News will remain in contact with police to provide details when they become available.
	Tim McCloud named Rock Island Police Chief Rock Island Police Department Interim Police Chief Tim McCloud has been selected to become Chief of Police, pending approval on Monday, May 20.
	Quad City Botanical Center opens Storybook Landscapes exhibit The interactive experience is inspired by the storybooks we read as children.
	Rock Island road temporarily closed due to water main repairs, unrelated boil order in effect The work area is on 17th Street just south of 31st Avenue in Rock Island. Traffic delays are expected in the area during construction.
	BREAKING: East Moline police shoot armed suspect, Moline Police Chief says Moline Police Chief Darren Gault is the Public Information Officer for the Rock Island County Integrity Task Force and hosted a press conference on the matter.
	Eat at Moline Applebee's, help a QC library You can eat out for two great causes Tuesday, May 21, with the Together We Care Dining Fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the Moline Public Library Foundation, and the Rock Island Public Library Foundation PALS (People Advocating for Library Services). To participate, drop in at the Moline Applebee’s, 3805 41st Avenue, on Tuesday, May 21 anytime between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., and order from the special fundraiser menu. The two library advocacy groups will split 50 percent of all proceeds from special menu orders. Proceeds will support programs and activities at the Rock Island and Moline Public Libraries. This offer is good for both dine-in and carryout, as long as the items are on the special menu. Membership in the Rock Island Public Library Foundation PALS group ranges from $10 for students to $30 for families. Member dues, book sales, and other fundraising activities support fine-free lending and other special library programs that fall outside of the library’s carefully managed tax-supported budget, according to a Friday release. The Moline library book sale (3210 41st St., Moline) continues Saturday, May 18 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Everything for sale is by donation -- just pay what you can and take home some great reads -- cash payments only. Volunteers also assist with quarterly book sales, library beautification, library events, and other special projects. For more information, click HERE. Friends of the Moline Library supports the library through book sales, fundraising events, and grants to provide the funds used for materials, equipment, and services that the library would otherwise not be able to provide. For more information, click HERE.
	Developing: Large police presence at East Moline apartment complex Several police officers are on the scene at the Hometown Harbor apartment complex in East Moline, with crime scene tape blocking off a portion of the parking lot.
	Iowa turkey hunting season breaks records with 16,059 turkeys harvested The 2024 spring turkey season finished with a record 16,059 turkeys harvested, beating the previous record of 14,483 birds set in 2023.
	New display at John Deere Pavillion showcasing 100 years of toys The new, permanent exhibit is the first time some of the toys have been put on display for the public.
	City of Bettendorf to announce names in ‘Recycling Truck Naming Contest’ at Public Works Day celebration National Public Works Week takes place May 19-25, through the American Public Works Association, according to City of Bettendorf officials. To kick off the celebrations, the City of Bettendorf’s Public Works Department held a “Recycling Truck Naming Contest” ahead of its annual Public Works Day on Saturday.
	Iowa turkey hunting season breaks records with 16,059 turkeys harvested The 2024 spring turkey season finished with a record 16,059 turkeys harvested, beating the previous record of 14,483 birds set in 2023.
	Check out Havencrest Castle, a place full of love and art nestled on a hilltop in Savanna, Illinois Childhood sweethearts Alan and Adrienne St. George bought the mansion in 1976. For 31 years, the couple turned 20 rooms into 63, with each one having a theme.
	'Warrior Women' doc shows at Putnam A documentary about Native American women will be shown for free Saturday, May 18 at the Putnam Giant Screen Theater, 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport. In the 1970s, with the swagger of unapologetic Indianness, organizers of the American Indian Movement (AIM) fought for Native liberation as a community of extended families, according to a synopsis of the 2018 film, "Warrior Women." Marcella Gilbert, left, and Madonna Thunder Hawk in "Warrior Women." It is the story of Madonna Thunder Hawk, one such AIM leader who shaped a kindred group of activists’ children – including her daughter Marcella Gilbert – into the “We Will Remember” Survival School as a Native alternative to government-run education. Together, Madonna and Marcy fought for Native rights in an environment that made them more comrades than mother-daughter. Today, with Marcy now a mother herself, both women are still at the forefront of Native issues, fighting against the environmental devastation of the Dakota Access Pipeline and for indigenous cultural values. Through their story, "Warrior Women" explores what it means to balance a movement with motherhood and how activist legacies are passed down from generation to generation in the face of a government that has continually met Native resistance with mass violence," according to a Putnam release. After the film (starting at 5 p.m.), the theater will host a Q&A with Marcella Gilbert, a Lakota and Dakota community organizer with a focus on food sovereignty and cultural revitalization. You can learn more about Marcella and the "Warrior Women" film on the Good Docs site HERE. Watch the film's trailer below. The showing is free to the public.
	Check out Havencrest Castle, a place full of love and art nestled on a hilltop in Savanna, Illinois Childhood sweethearts Alan and Adrienne St. George bought the mansion in 1976. For 31 years, the couple turned 20 rooms into 63, with each one having a theme.
	Moline gets greener: City plants 100 trees Soon Moline will offer more habitats for wildlife and shade from the sun for all its inhabitants. Our Quad Cities News spoke to the City of Moline Arborist Terry Bates and the Executive Director of the Moline Community Development Corporation Rochelle about their efforts to plant 100 trees in Moline. They say that planting trees has many benefits for the community, including aesthetics and added value to homes. (Gabe Zwierzynski, OurQuadCities.com) Volunteers, along with Moline Community Development, started planting 100 trees across the city this week. They started at Velie Park on Thursday. Our Quad Cities News checked the progress at 11th Avenue. The Carlin-Krueger says planting trees adds a lot of value. (Gabe Zwierzynski, OurQuadCities.com) Oak, Kentucky Coffee, Sugarberry, Yellow Wood and Catalpa were among the tree species that will be planted to encourage biodiversity.
	Botanical Center opens colorful new chapter On a gorgeous, sunny Friday, the Quad City Botanical Center introduced a colorful new chapter to its long-running story. In the growing, 10-year-old Children’s Garden, the center (2525 4th Ave., Rock Island) opened its $830,000 Storybook Landscapes. A unique nature-themed ribbon cutting at the new Botanical Center Storybook Landscapes on Friday, May 17, 2024 (photos by Jonathan Turner). The new outdoor exhibit area was carefully thought out to elicit memories of storybooks from people’s childhoods while creating new ones for today’s youth, executive director Ryan Wille said. Complete with a shaded picnic area, a QCBC story-themed photo opportunity, flower talk tubes, a millhouse, wishing well, costume hut and acting area, spider net arbor, a bedtime story plaza, a group reading structure and storyteller’s chair, there is something for both the young and the young at heart. The $830,000 project was fully funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Its location is right off the garden’s mini-Mississippi River for quick access and is designed to be accessible within ADA standards, leaving no barriers to experiencing the garden. The new Storybook Landscapes exhibit was designed by Eric Hornig of Hitchcock Design Group (Naperville, Ill.) and was constructed by The Weitz Company (Rock Island). Center executive director Ryan Wille speaks at the opening Friday, May 17. It was funded wholly by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Capital Museum Grant Program, Wille said Friday before the ribbon-cutting. The city of Rock Island maintains ownership of the QCBC property and leases it to the center, allowing it to qualify for the state grants, he said. A total of $3 million from Illinois DNR has supported the center Children’s Garden over the years, Wille said. The QCBC has built and expanded the Children’s Garden over 10 years and it’s become one of the facility’s most treasured resources, Wille said. “This adventurous and interactive garden, spanning almost two acres, is a perfect introduction for Quad-City youth and is often what most people think about when deciding to visit us. Record attendance in 2023 “Over its decade of existence, this Children’s Garden has been a driving force in our attendance,” he said, noting 2023 saw record-breaking attendance of nearly 80,000 people. The Storybook Landscapes will increase the center’s visitor stay time and achieve a broader range of exhibits. Plant selections were chosen for their boldness, interesting structures, colors, and playful nature, Wille said. The curved steel rainbow was a special challenge for the builders, said Blake Mosher, project manager for Weitz Construction, which built the new areas. He credited Local 111 ironworkers. Mayor Mike Thoms speaks at the Friday ribbon-cutting. “You have never seen a group of union ironworkers so amazed at trying to figure out to how to keep steel from deforming, to stay at the same elevation,” Mosher said. “These guys’ kids, their grandkids will be playing on this. It was an exciting opportunity for them to contribute,” he said. “We had to come together and learn how to be different builders and at the end of the day, it’s our hope that as people are coming through here in the future, they’ll say, how can we make it better, how can we improve on the built environment?” Mosher said. “It never ceases to amaze me how the Botanical Center continues to come up with great, creative ideas to interact with the public,” Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms said Friday afternoon. “It is a great experience throughout the grounds here, from inside to out. They’ve done a great job.” Free books available The opening of this garden kicks off the QCBC 1,000 book giveaway. You can visit the Little Free Library wheelbarrow in the lobby for a free book. Books vary in interest and reading level, with a variety of titles available in Spanish. Books were made possible by the Rock Island Rotary Club and the Quad Cities Community Foundation - Young Family Endowment for the Quad City Botanical Center. That donation was about $1,500, Wille said. The Rock Island Public Library will host its free summer reading kickoff at the Children’s Garden on May 30, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., including 15 other local organizations and free ice cream and popsicles provided by the Gas & Electric Credit Union. Wille said the new gardens are meant to link literacy and nature. “A lot of these books are focused around nature; we’ve got multiple languages represented here as well, and we’re just hoping to connect two things we think are very vital,” he said. The QCBC was inspired in part by a botanical garden in Sheboygan, Wis., called the Bookworm Gardens, Wille said. “It’s worth a trip if you’ve never been there.” For more information on the center, click HERE.
	DEVELOPING: Police presence near Hometown Harbor apartments, East Moline TV6 is on scene where there is a large police presence near an apartment complex.
	Road closure in effect on part of 17th Street in Rock Island due to emergency water main repairs The work area is on 17th Street just south of 31st Avenue in Rock Island. Traffic delays are expected in the area during construction.
	POLICE: West Burlington Police Department arrests juvenile after gun found in possession on school grounds over weekend The West Burlington Police Department said a juvenile male was arrested and charged after he was found to be in possession of a firearm on school grounds. The incident occurred outside of school days and hours, police said. They also said they want to advise there is no current threat of safety for the school or students.
	Juvenile with gun arrested on West Burlington Elementary School grounds A juvenile was arrested Sunday night in West Burlington for possessing a gun on school property, officials say.
	On Iowa Politics Podcast: Iowa AG in New York, government transparency, and early voting underway in primary On the latest episode of the "On Iowa Politics Podcast," featuring SCJ's Jared McNett, QCT's Sarah Watson and Lee Des Moines Bureau Chief Caleb McCullough: Brenna Bird goes to New York, government transparency advocates warn the governor, and early voting…
	Moline Double Homicide: Police continue investigating, ask for public's assistance Moline police continue to investigate an early May double homicide that claimed the lives of two teenagers.
	Celebrate older Americans at CASI The Center for Active Seniors (CASI) will celebrate national Older Americans Month on Tuesday, May 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. You can enjoy cake, ice cream, punch and coffee at 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport, and hear from the following speakers: Carole Ferch, Scott County I-Smile Al Loeffelholza, Quad Cities HEARTSafe Coalition Christina Kastell, Putnam Museum & Science Center Julie Nelson, Hauberg Museum The celebration will be hosted by Aaron Terrell Shivers, community relationship manager for Oak Street Health. You can RSVP to the free event (requested by the end of today, May 17) at the CASI front desk or by calling 563-386-7477.
	Dunkin' raising money for Special Olympics with annual 'Cop on a Rooftop' event All donors will receive a coupon for a free doughnut, and anyone donating $10 or more will also receive another coupon for a free medium coffee.
	Sunny and warm weekend ahead; Storm chances early next week Warmer by the weekend.
	Carbon Cliff: Maintain overgrown grass in ditches Carbon Cliff is reminding homeowners that they are responsible for mowing and maintaining the ditches in front of and along their property.
	New song written in honor of Bishop Hill When singer-songwriter Dan Holmes heard the historic state-owned properties in his hometown of Bishop Hill had fallen into disrepair, he knew he needed to do something. Dan Holmes “So, like I usually do when moved, I wrote,” Holmes said in a Friday news release. The finished product ended up being a song titled “Hometown,” which is partly a history lesson of the colony and partly an autobiographical account of a childhood spent in Bishop Hill and insight gained through a life of travel. Holmes makes a nod to the long neglected historical landmarks owned by the state, in hopes that “it might help the cause,” he said. The Bishop Hill Colony Church was recently added to Landmarks Illinois' Most Endangered Historic Places List. Holmes began playing guitar at age 10, learning by listening to James Taylor, Paul Simon, Jim Croce and John Denver records. His music career later began to grow while attending Millikin University in Decatur, Ill. For a time, Holmes moved to the East Coast and experienced some success there, once opening for Arlo Guthrie and Pete Seeger. When his father was diagnosed with cancer, he moved home and put music on hold for a time, while he began a career in education. Years later, Holmes began performing again, including four tours of Europe, performing at the Illinois State Fair and the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk To Cure Breast Cancer, and writing music for the Appalachia Service Project.He calls himself an "old school singer/songwriter" who loves creating music about the presence of God in our world. He lives in Belvidere, Illinois with his wife. A recording of "Hometown" can be heard HERE. Those interested in helping the cause are encouraged to voice their concerns to Governor Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and their state legislators.
	The Culture Report \| A history of the Kendrick Lamar v Drake rap battle This week we talk about the trend of sentencing celebrities to the 'digitine' for not speaking up about Gaza and have a powerful conversation about mental health.
	Genesis BirthCenter named one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals The Davenport hospital was named one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals by Newsweek magazine and Statista Inc., the leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider.
	Eldridge couple arrested for stealing from older relative An Eldridge couple was in custody Friday after police allege they stole thousands from an older relative, court documents say. Cassandra Lynn Crafton, Miles Dwayne Crafton (Scott County Jail) Miles Crafton, 34, faces felony charges of financial exploitation of an older individual – first offense, ongoing criminal conduct – unlawful activity, first-degree theft and money laundering – acquire property, and serious misdemeanor charges of possession of controlled substance – marijuana - second offense and unlawful possession of a prescription drug, court records show. Cassandra Crafton, 33, faces felony charges of financial exploitation of an older individual – first offense, ongoing criminal conduct – unlawful activity, money laundering – make property available, and first-degree theft, court records show. Eldridge Police conducted an investigation based upon ongoing criminal conduct by means of theft, and financial exploitation of an older person (a relative,) according to arrest affidavits. Cassandra Crafton is accused of stealing money from a relative, police allege in affidavits, which show between the dates of Nov. 1, 2022, and April 30, 2024, Cassandra Crafton took and spent about $34,187.95 for personal gain while her husband, Miles Crafton, took and spent about $22,599.10, affidavits show. Cassandra Crafton "unlawfully electronically wire-transferred the stolen money to Miles through a cash app account while Miles Crafton also received the funds through his cash app account," according to affidavits. Total loss was $56,787.05. "When Miles was being arrested, he was found in possession of prescription medication not prescribed to him and he was in possession of a THC vape," police say in affidavits. Miles Crafton is being held on a $72,000 bond in Scott County Jail, where Cassandra Crafton is being held on a $70,000 bond. Both are set for preliminary hearings May 24 in Scott County Court.
	Five men involved in shootings during Davenport riots in 2020 convicted of racketeering A federal jury on Thursday convicted five members of a Rock Island-based criminal organization of racketeering after a two-week trial in U.S. District Court, Davenport.
	Jazz pianist uses music to uplift, unify From war to racism to poverty and political division, it’s easy to get depressed about the state of the world, but Lynne Arriale wants us to have hope. The acclaimed, sensitive jazz pianist/composer is returning to the Quad Cities this Sunday after several years, to play at the Polyrhythms Third Sunday Jazz Series on May 19, 2024, at the Unitarian Church, 3707 Eastern Ave., Davenport. Lynne Arriale is Professor of Jazz Studies and Director of Small Ensembles at The University of North Florida in Jacksonville. “The world really affects me. I watch the news, I am aware of things that are going on in the world and it really affects me emotionally and I want to express things through my music,” Arriale said in an interview Thursday. “Being Human,” her 17th album as a leader, is her fourth for Challenge Records International. A suite of 10 original compositions, the disc celebrates the ways that our lives are enriched by acts of passion, courage, love, persistence, heart, soul, curiosity, faith and joy. Featuring bassist Alon Near and drummer Lukasz Zyta, the album explores these life-affirming facets of humankind. Many of the songs (each named for the emotional goal) are dedicated to people who’ve inspired Arriale, including climate activist Greta Thunberg, National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai. "This particular album was conceived as a response to the division and the very stressful times that we're experiencing in our country and around the world,” she said. “There's lots of reasons to be anxious and depressed. My goal was look at the qualities that we share in common with our fellow human beings and focus on those and send out a message of hope and unity and positive energy.” Arriale aims to help bring people together through music and reveal the best in humans everywhere. “It's very difficult, especially now because of the level of polarization,” she said. “This is unprecedented. But at the end of the day, if one of our fellow human beings were in trouble or had fallen, we wouldn't think twice about helping them. because know that we're all related. We're all connected.” Though all the pieces on the new record reflect positive emotions, Arriale overcame lots of challenges to get there, including writing and growing as a performer. “The process of writing itself is, is overcoming obstacles. Just like everybody else, I've had times that things were really rough,” she said, noting the death of her husband Don from lung cancer on Aug. 29, 2021. “I said, I've got to get through this, I've gotta move forward,” Arriale recalled. “A friend of mine years ago said to me, you know, Lynne, everybody has huge challenges in their life or everybody she knew. And she said it's how you get out of them that really matters. And so sometimes when we're in really difficult situations, we just have to say, OK, what do I need to do first? “Let's just take it a step at a time. And that has worked for me.” Sources of inspiration Arriale has won the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, and her 16 critically acclaimed albums have topped the Jazz Week Radio Charts and received “Best of” honors in major publications. She has performed at major international festivals including Montreux, Burghausen, Gilmore, Spoleto Arts, Montreal, Monterey, North Sea, Stuttgart, San Francisco, Ottawa, Zagreb, Perth, Brisbane, Rouen, and Sardinia, and has given five performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Arriale will perform with a bassist and drummer Sunday, May 19 at 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist church, 3707 Eastern Ave., Davenport. In recent years, Arriale’s compositions and albums have reflected current social issues. “Chimes of Freedom” 2020) highlights the worldwide immigration crisis and the experiences of refugees who risk everything to find a better life for themselves and their families. “The Lights Are Always On” (2022) examines the life-changing events wrought by COVID. Some compositions are named in honor of heroes, including those who served as caregivers on the front lines of the pandemic and those who defended American democracy. “I expanded that idea and to be that the lights of humanity are always on even in the midst of total chaos and devastation,” Arriale said Thursday. “And it was just a few years ago where we were in a pandemic and nobody knew when it was going to end.” In “Being Human,” Arriale affirms the need for love, hope and unity in a world torn by the negative effects of political and cultural polarization. It is a musical inspiration to fully appreciate the incredible potential in each of us, and to best express what it means to be human. Arriale is joined by bassist Alon Near and drummer Lukasz Zyta, both outstanding, in-demand musicians on the international jazz scene. Of Amanda Gorman (who delivered her poem, “The Hill We Climb” at President Biden’s 2021 inauguration at age 22), Arriale said: “She has such a beautiful, deep soul. She's beautiful inside and out. "And her poem ‘The Hill We Climb’ was to unify the country even in the most difficult of times. And to have someone so young have this deep of a consciousness, it is truly magnificent and in fact, several of the compositions have dedications to young people," the pianist said. "And it wasn't intentional. It just happened that way.” The men and women she dedicated her pieces to are definitely role models for Arriale.“Everyone influences me,” she said. “I learn from everyone and these young people are so special and when I think about what I was doing when I was 15, my God. And they're out there speaking their truth and standing up for what they believe in. And it gives me great hope for humanity.” “The problems in the world seem insurmountable, but hopefully we'll all get through this together,” she said. Rave reviews Iconic pianist and composer Richie Beirach calls “Being Human” an “important, stunningly beautiful, powerful musical and spiritual statement. Lynne recognizes the tough realities of the world we live in, but she chooses to highlight the positive in us. Her compositions are masterpieces that reveal the pain, love, joy, suffering and triumphs of extraordinary individuals. “Lynne is so much more than a jazz pianist,” Beirach has said. “She, like the heroes she celebrates, exudes the wonderful essence of humanity. I don't know anyone more empathetic, big-hearted or generous of spirit.” Esteemed pianist, composer and author Andy LaVerne says: “Lynne has crafted a superb selection of music which is closely tied to a thought-provoking storyline. Each of her original compositions is a well-crafted musical statement of depth and gravitas, balanced by a spirit of invention and freedom. The members of the trio interact with telepathic communication and provide the listener with a truly visceral experience. “With ‘Being Human,’ Lynne once again demonstrates her ability to assemble the finest players, write the most compelling compositions and weave melodic phrases of great emotion, clarity and creativity, all while conveying a captivating narrative,” LaVerne said. “The blend of opposing elements, such as intensity and sensitivity, drive and restraint, strength and gentleness, consonance and dissonance, jubilance and poignancy, serve to make this music uniquely Arriale. Lynne Arriale exemplifies being human.” A review in her hometown Milwaukee’s Shepherd Express calls the artist “among the most affecting keyboard stylists of the current era. Incorporation of folk, calypso, baroque classical and other genres to suffuse her already expansive artistic palette. “Arriale's desire to pay tribute to (mostly) public figures she admires results in yet another of her trios' masterful balances of compositional finesse and lively improvisation,” the review says. “However, Being Human needn't be listened to in a programmatic context in order to enjoy its varied, enrapturing musical conversation.” She is recognized as “one of the most exciting pianists in contemporary jazz,” (The Guardian, UK). Jazz Police called her "the poet laureate of her generation." JazzTimes said of her, “Lynne Arriale’s music lies at the synaptic intersection where brain meets heart, where body meets soul. She is one of jazzdom’s most intensely unique voices." Demystifying jazz On Sunday in Davenport (featuring Ethan Philion on bass and Greg Artry, drums), Arriale will give a short talk at 4:45 p.m. before the concert. “In layperson's terms of what we're doing when we're improvising,” she said. “Often people say, what are you doing? And they don't have to know what we're doing to enjoy the music. But people seem to respond when I explain it a little bit and show them at the piano, you know what we're doing.” “I think the arts in general are so important right now,” Arriale said. “We need that soothing energy and to be engaged in something other than all the stress that's going on and all the issues that we're facing just to just take a breather.“ "I think music can take us on a little bit of a journey if we just allow it to,” she added. “I try to program many different colors and textures in the music so that we keep connected to the audience throughout the whole performance.” She has a renewed appreciation for performing in concert the last couple years, including concluding a two-week European tour in April with her trio from “Being Human.” “I feel so lucky and blessed that people come out and hear the music,” Arriale said. “It's obviously easier to stay home, but live music and making a personal connection with the audience is a very special, very special experience in general. And artists want to reach out to their to their listeners with all their hearts and we all appreciate when people come.” The Sunday program features a social hour starting at 4 p.m.; performance doors open at 4:30 p.m., and the concert is from 5-7 p.m. General admission for the lecture and concert is $20 (no reserved seating) with free admission for children, K-12 students, and college students (ID required).
	Iowa Ethics Board launches investigation into US Congress candidate's campaign The Iowa Unity Coalition is alleging Vine's campaign submitted over 100 fraudulent membership submissions in order to win its endorsement.
	4 Your Money \| The Fed Model Interest rates have been a consistent topic of discussion recently. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, joins us to explain the data that is worth watching and what the numbers mean for viewers’ investment decisions.
	Iowa governor pushes for new law to create state parks more accessible Kim Reynolds signed the measure Thursday and would direct funds from the Iowa Natural Resources Commission toward making state parks more accessible.
	Cook review: Veterans help each other heal in 'Mending the Line' “Mending the Line” is a somewhat predictable but enjoyable look at the plight of veterans recovering from wounds that aren’t necessarily physical. 'Mending the Line' (IMDb) The story begins in Afghanistan where a group of Marines are celebrating their last day of deployment. That is, until they dispatched for one final patrol, where many are killed and Colter, their leader (Sinqua Walls) is injured. Meanwhile, back in the states, Ike, a Vietnam veteran (Brian Cox) has a mishap while he is fly fishing. Both Ike and Colter are sent to the same veterans clinic, where neither wants to listen to what a doctor (Patricia Heaton) has to say. Colter, who wants to get back into action, is frustrated that he is required to undergo therapy at a rehabilitation facility. He cannot deal with the possibly that he may not be able to return to active eduty. Soon after an enraged Colter disrupts a therapy group, he meets Ike and Ike’s friend Harrison (the wonderful Wes Studi,) who runs a local fishing shop. The gruff Ike growls at Colter for drinking, and encourages him to learn to fly fish, which has helped Ike cope for a good many years. Colter also makes the acquaintance of Lucy (Perry Mattfield,) a librarian who volunteers at the rehab facility. Lucy, too, is working through some trauma, and she forms a tentative friendship with Colter. I really like the friendship between Ike and Harrison – I knew of one very like it. It feels genuine. Except for the war scenes and Colter’s nightmares, the movie is a gentle one, with the beautiful environments of Montana and a gorgeous score by Bill Brown. A few times, the film strays toward a “Lifetime Movie” feel, but Cox and Walls bring it back to solid footing. The final few moments are the best – it wouldn’t be fair to tell you any more than that, except to say you may feel a lump in your throat at the end. 3 stars Running time: Two hours and two minutes. Rated: R for foul language and violence. Streaming on various platforms. Watch the trailer here.
	Police in central Iowa charge a teenager with second-degree murder The fifteen-year-old suspect allegedly assaulted a health center staff member in Johnston, Iowa. This attack led to the staff member's death.
	Helping and healing: Back in Line Chiropractic celebrates nearly 15 years First opening in January 2010, Back in Line Chiropractic and Massage officially moved to its new location on 2104 Cedarwood Drive Ste 202 this April.
	Muscatine school district, resident respond to Miller-Meeks' concerns about China trips This week, on May 15, Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks released a statement regarding concerns she had about Muscatine Community School District's trips to China.
	Planned dispensary under construction in Milan Construction on Tech Drive in Milan is planned to be a cannabis dispensary and future construction is expected for a craft growing facility, a village official said.
	Workers at Davenport Starbucks vote to form union It's the state's second unionized Starbucks, following a successful union drive in Iowa City.
	Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, May 17, 2024 Bruce H. Droessler, 79, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at home. Arrangements are pending at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.
	Geneseo anticipates longer timeframe for State Street project The North State Street project may take longer than expected, possibly into next spring.
	Pending Death Notices for Muscatine, May 17, 2024 Barbara F. Switzer, 81, of Moline, passed away Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus, Silvis, Illinois. Arrangements are pending at DeRoo Funeral Home, Moline.
Thursday, May 16th, 2024
	MLK Center hosts 4th annual community bike ride Bikers took a ride around the City of Rock Island for the fourth annual community bike ride hosted by the MLK Center.
	College savings spending bill on Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk The law would allow parents to roll over unused money in a college savings account to an IRA.
	Davenport schools honoring retiring faculty members About 50 staff members are retiring this year.
	Quad Cities Flood Resiliency Alliance holds meeting on Quad Cities Climate Assessment A Quad Cities Flood Resiliency Alliance meeting was held Thursday where a presentation of QC Climate Assessment was given.
	Pleasant Valley Jr. High student headed to Scripps National Spelling Bee 12-year-old Parthasaradhi Katreddy is a seventh grader at Pleasant Valley and is headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee later in May.
	Hearing-impaired Burlington man dead after being hit by garbage truck An Iowa State Patrol crash report says a garbage truck was backing up on Isabella Avenue when the pedestrian was hit.
	New details on future I-80 bridge The bridge spanning LeClaire and Rapids City will have a bike and pedestrian path.
	Rock Island names its next police chief Rock Island Interim Police Chief Tim McCloud will take over the full-time position, pending city council approval.
	The Heart of the Story: Teen racer takes on the big boys Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies, and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. We begin this weekly series with a father and daughter dirt track team making big moves. They spent several summers on the road going from city to city and track to track. He is in the pit crew and she is in the driver's seat. They are creating memories they will never forget. Gary Metivier has The Heart of the Story in the video above, and even more about her story and what happens next on YouTube. you can also listen to the extended versions on his podcast. The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier is available on all platforms -- and now Our Quad Cities News. Watch on YouTube \| Listen on Apple \| Listen on Spotify \| Listen on Podbean
	Salute to First Responders: Brennan Kennedy Brennan Kennedy was honored for his service as this month’s winner of SERVPRO and Fox 18’s Salute to First Responders. "This is truly an honor," Kennedy said. "I had no idea this was going on and this is a definite surprise." Maybe it shouldn't be. Kennedy was already honored as the Rock Island Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year. "I've been a paramedic for a long time and a fireman for a long time," Kennedy said. "I have a great passion for it." Whether its his battalion chief who nominated him or Rock Island Fire Chief Bob Graff, Kennedy's work ethic stands out to them. "He continues to train constantly to improve himself and takes that training back and shares it with his peers," Graff said. "And not only develops himself, but develops the department." Kennedy volunteers for some of the department's specialty teams -- and he's now a fire investigator, too. "I have a lot of irons and a lot of fires with some other stuff outside of the emergency calls and I work hard every day," Kennedy said. "It's very fast-paced." SERVPRO presented Kennedy with $100 toward the charity of his choice and a gift card as well.
	Remains of Whiteside Co man killed in Korean War identified Old U.S. Army Corporal, Richard Seloover’s remains have been identified.
	Ethics investigation opened on Iowa Democrat running for Congress An Iowa Congressional candidate will now officially face an ethics investigation.
	Suspects still at large after break in at Tap 22 Tuesday Tap 22 Bar and Grill in Silvis is working to find out who’s responsible for a break-in at their business early Tuesday morning. The staff members staff say Tuesday’s incident is the first time they ever had a break-in.
	Rock Island County, LeClaire partner on I-80 bike/pedestrian path Rock Island County and the City of LeClaire have agreed to partner on a bicycle and pedestrian path on the new Interstate 80 Bridge, according to a news release. The path is currently in the design phase. The bridge path will connect the Great River Trail on the Illinois side of the river to paths on the Iowa side, including those being planned in the City of LeClaire. “We recognize this as a tremendous, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help further expand an already robust trail system that our county and region are known for, far and wide," said Rock Island County Board Chairman Richard “Quijas” Brunk. Letters of understanding with the Illinois Department of Transportation have been authorized by both the Rock Island County Board and LeClaire City Council. Each letter commits to a 50% responsibility for maintaining the path once it is built, similar to the arrangement for the multi-use path on the new I-74 Bridge between Bettendorf and Moline. “We are thankful to the Iowa and Illinois Departments of Transportation for their consideration of including this trail in the planning of the new I-80 bridge and we are excited about the prospect of joining our city’s expanding trail system with the trail system across the river.," said LeClaire Mayor Dennis Gerard. For more information, call Brunk, in the Rock Island County Administration Office at 309- 558-3605 or at rbrunk@rockislandcountyil.gov, or Dennis Bockenstedt, city administrator, at LeClaire City Hall at 563-289-6004 or dbockenstedt@leclaireiowa.gov
	Rock Island County and City of LeClaire partner on new bicycle and pedestrian path Rock Island County and LeClaire Iowa have agreed to partner on a bicycle and pedestrian path on the new I-80 bridge.
	Deere & Co. earnings report signals slowdown Deere & Company's latest earnings report signals a slowdown in the future. The company's stock dropped almost 5 percent after the report. John Deere (deere.com) Deere beat its earnings target for the second quarter. However, the company now projects slower sales the rest of the year. Higher interest rates and lower commodities prices could keep farmers from buying new equipment. "Borrowing money is just costing more and you're looking at some of the anticipated struggles that farmers are looking at this year," said Nate Kreinbrink, of NelsonCorp Wealth Management. "It doesn't look to be a profitable year, as we're seeing kind of some tough projections for corn, for soybeans, and then just production costs fuel remaining higher." Farming income is expected to slide about 25 percent this year compared to last year.
	Move on 'paws': QC animal shelter seeks donations to repair new facility Managers of King's Harvest Pet Rescue recently acquired a larger building to house its animals. (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) They planned to move this spring, but the move was put on hold because the building needs hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs. The heat and air conditioning systems are in need of a complete overhaul. The price tag: $200,000. "It's frustrating and a little disheartening because there's so many animals that need their lives saved," said King's Harvest Pet Rescue Assistant Director Julie Velazquez. "We just don't have the capacity for them. We would love to take everyone in, but we can't." (King's Harvest Pet Rescue construction, Davenport) Too many dogs, cats, and other animals. It's been a nationwide issue for animal shelters. Shelters across the country, and here in the Quad Cities, are filling up. "During the COVID pandemic, during shutdown, lots of people were home. They were able to adopt pets and dogs," Velazquez said. "Now they're starting to get back into the workforce. Not always having to work from home and they're just calling in saying they don't have time for their pets." (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) Rising costs and pets not being spayed or neutered because of a veterinarian shortage are also factors. This is why King's Harvest acquired a larger building that can hold twice as many animals. However, managers have to wait until the heat and air systems are taken care of. "It's a really huge project that we are taking on, but it is absolutely necessary because right now we can house about 24 dogs and there we can house 50," Velazquez said. "Right now, I think we have 50 cats up for adoption. We will be able to have room for probably twice that many there." (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) The shelter's new location will be at 21110 Holden Drive in northern Davenport. Managers seek donations to speed up the moving process. They hope to move in as soon as possible to help fill the need. "We will be able to take in more animals. Save more lives," Velazquez added. (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) Shelter managers are taking donations on the King's Harvest website here. Their goal is to move in by August, but it could take longer - maybe until the end of the year.
	Armed Forces Day - Arsenal forecast Things are looking really good this weekend in the Quad Cities...and it's Armed Forces Day on Saturday! That means there's a lot going on at the Rock Island Arsenal. There's a kids' run, 5k and 10k to kick things off in the morning. Then, it's fun for the whole family with a big carnival/festival/music etc. scheduled for Saturday. The weather looks fantastic, with sunshine and highs well into the 80s.
	Suspect in Rock Island Auction Barn fire appears in court One of the three suspects accused in the February Rock Island Auction Barn fire appeared Thursday in Rock Island County Court. William Kosgard IV appeared for a pretrial conference. The prosecution told the court it was working on a restitution package. William Kosgard IV (Rock Island Police Department) The judge scheduled final pretrial conferences for June 13. Matthew Wooddell and Kadon Svec are the other suspects in the arson case. Prosecutors say they set the barn on fire, and the blaze destroyed the building and killed a cow. Svec and Woodell are set for pretrial conferences on May 30 in Rock Island County Court, court records show.
	Orpheum Theatre announces return of 'Throwback Thursdays' Free movies will be shown every Thursday this summer, minus the Fourth of July.
	Rep. Feenstra acknowledges D.C. ‘craziness’ but is optimistic about this major agreement U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra is optimistic about a new Farm Bill.
	Milan Police Department investigating Walgreens armed robbery The Milan Police Department responded to an armed robbery at Walgreens Sunday night. An investigation is now underway to find the suspects who’re responsible for the armed robbery, police said.
	Iowa law changed to protect more pedestrians The current law only defines pedestrians as people on foot, meaning those in wheelchairs and strollers are left out.
	H-A-R-D W-O-R-K paying off: Pleasant Valley Jr. High student headed to national spelling bee 12-year-old Parthasaradhi Katreddy is a seventh grader at Pleasant Valley and is headed to the Scripps National Spelling Bee later this month.
	NAI Ruhl Commercial Company hosts annual market report event More than 300 people attended the ninth annual Market Report Event hosted by NAI Ruhl Commercial Company on May. 15, at the Rhythm City Casino.
	Painting gold: Burlington Girl Scout earns highest award, creates mural for mental health According to NAMI, 73% of adults see a decrease in depressive symptoms when enjoying art. It's what inspired Kaylee Kramer to paint the walls of The Capitol Theater.
	Milan restaurant closes indoor dining after armed robbery Milan restaurant Bowlyou has closed its dining room for the safety of the staff, following an armed robbery across the street earlier this week.
	Dunkin' hosting annual 'Cop on a Rooftop' fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics All donors will receive a coupon for a free doughnut, and anyone donating $10 or more will also receive another coupon for a free medium coffee.
	Iowa law changed to protect more pedestrians The current law only defines pedestrians as people on foot, meaning those in wheelchairs and strollers are left out.
	MUGz Homebrew Collaboration Tappings ending out QC Craft Beer Week Head over to Davenport's Endless Brews on Friday, May 17, and Sallie's in Rock Island on May 18 for some homebrews made in collaboration with QC breweries.
	Volunteers help Moline Parks and Rec plant 100 trees The department is working to replace trees lost to the 2020 derecho or insect infestations.
	Milan restaurant near where armed robbery took place closes dining room due to safety concerns Bowlyou is located across the street from Walgreens in Milan, where an armed robbery took place on Sunday.
	Fatality crash reported in Des Moines County, Iowa State Patrol says A fatal crash was reported in Des Moines County by the Iowa State Patrol.
	Traffic Alert: Temporary closure at North 13th Street and 4th Avenue North, Clinton A traffic alert for Clinton drivers.
	Wilton completes 23 projects during United Way of Muscatine’s Day of Caring The day of caring exemplifies Living United when volunteers and community groups help out those in need.
	Davenport Starbucks votes to unionize The location on 53rd and Elmore is the second in the state to unionize, following a successful union drive in Iowa City.
	2024-25 Broadway at the Adler Theatre season unveiled The Adler Theatre is set for the 2024-25 season, featuring a Tony award-winning Best Musical.
	Broadway at Adler announces next season The day after it hosted a dazzling performance of the Broadway tour of “Chicago,” the Adler Theatre announced 2024-2025 Broadway at the Adler Theatre season on Thursday. The ’24-‘25 season features five Quad Cities premieres, including a Tony Award-winning Best Musical. The season starts with everyone’s favorite ogre in “Shrek: The Musical,” continuing with “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical,” a celebration of the undisputed Queen of Rock ‘n Roll. The Adler kicks off 2025 with the 2019 Tony-winning Best Musical, “Hadestown,” followed by “Pretty Woman: The Musical,” based on everyone’s favorite romantic comedy, and the fetch “Mean Girls,” from the creative and hilarious mind of Tina Fey. You can make your holidays a little merrier by adding “Mannheim Steamroller Christmas” to your subscription. Current subscribers can renew their subscriptions now until June 14, while sales for new subscriptions begin on Tuesday, June 24. On-sale dates for individual show tickets will be announced at a later date. "Chicago" the musical played the Adler Theatre May 15, 2024. The dates are: SHREK THE MUSICAL Thursday, October 10, 2024 TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Wednesday, October 30, 2024 HADESTOWN Wednesday, January 15, 2025 PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL Wednesday, February 12, 2025 MEAN GIRLS Thursday, March 13, 2025 Special Holiday Add-On Show: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas Saturday, December 28, 2024 The only way to guarantee seats to this incredible lineup is to become a season ticket holder starting as low as $235 for five shows, that’s only $47 per show, with no additional fees. Enjoy the many exclusive benefits of being a subscriber including the best seats at the best prices, a guarantee of the same great seats to each season show, the option to renew those seats from year to year, and first options on upgrading seats. Subscribers also receive additional special ticket offers and the chance to purchase tickets to add-on shows before the general public. Subscription tickets are mailed to each subscriber prior to the performance to avoid box office lines and lost ticket insurance is included at no additional charge. For more information on becoming a season subscriber, call the Subscriber Hotline at 563-326-8522 Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or click HERE.
	Hearing-impaired Burlington man fatally struck by garbage truck An Iowa State Patrol crash report says a garbage truck was backing up on Isabella Avenue when the pedestrian was hit.
	Tim McCloud named Rock Island Chief of Police Tim McCloud has been named Rock Island Chief of Police, pending council approval.
	New mobile photo booth opens in the Quad Cities The photo booth trailer offers a fun experience to capture memories for events such as weddings, graduation parties and more.
	8th annual Mercado on Fifth returns next week The 2024 season is set to kick off Memorial Day weekend and will last until late September.
	Tim McCloud named Rock Island Chief of Police Rock Island City Manager Todd Thompson selected Interim Chief of Police Tim McCloud to lead the Rock Island Police Department as chief, pending approval by city council on Monday, May 20, according to a media release from the City of Rock Island. Once approved, Chief McCloud will be sworn in during the meeting.
	Waka Flocka Flame, Tree0nine Fest coming to The Rust Belt The Rust Belt will host the first-ever Tree0nine Festival, featuring Waka Flocka Flame on June 28-29.
	Rock Island chooses new police chief Rock Island City Manager Todd Thompson has chosen Interim Chief of Police TimMcCloud to lead the Rock Island Police Department as chief, pending approval by citycouncil on Monday, May 20. Once approved, Chief McCloud will be sworn in during themeeting. Interim Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud McCloud began his law enforcement career with the Rock Island Police Departmentin April of 1994. He rose through the ranks of the police department, serving as detectivefrom 2002 to 2006, sergeant from 2006 to 2009, and lieutenant from 2009 until 2021 whenhe was appointed as deputy chief of police. He was appointed interim chief of police April26, after the retirement of former Chief Richard Landi. “Tim McCloud will serve as a strong and reliable chief of police for the City of RockIsland,” Thompson said in a Thursday city release. “He brings three decades of experience, integrity, vision and collaboration to the job. His approach to community policing and leadership will serve the department and community well.” Over his 30-year tenure with the Rock Island Police Department, McCloud has served in a variety of roles, including: Narcotics and vice officer Feld training officer Range officer Emergency response team member Methamphetamine response team member Detective Rock Island High School liaison Commander of the Juvenile Investigations Unit Commander of the Honor Guard Agent in the Office of Professional Standards Accreditation manager Commander of the Technical Services Division Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division Watch commander for the Patrol Division Chief McCloud obtained a master’s degree in law enforcement and justice administrationfrom Western Illinois University in 2010. He is a 2013 graduate of the Federal Bureau ofInvestigation National Academy, and obtained certification through the IllinoisAssociation of Chiefs of Police in 2020. “I consider it to be the highest honor and privilege of my career to be serving as your chiefof police,” McCloud said. “I look forward to strengthening our partnership with themembers of this great community to help make Rock Island the safest it’s ever been."
	Figge Art Museum releases report on the economic impact of art in the Quad Cities The study says the arts generate $29 million in annual economic activity.
	Court documents: Ex-executive director of Freight House Farmers’ Market enters new plea agreement In May, court documents showed that Beaman entered into a new plea agreement.
	QC arts leaders review economic impact Arts and culture not only feed the soul, they feed families with financial support they need to survive. The Quad Cities cultural landscape is growing and a hallmark of the area, and needs more support from the public and private sectors, according to a Thursday morning presentation. Randy Cohen, vice president of research for Americans for the Arts, spoke at a breakfast meeting at the Figge Art Museum on Thursday, May 16, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). AccelerateVQC was offered free by Visit Quad Cities and Quad City Arts, in the lobby of the Figge Art Museum, featuring a talk by Randy Cohen, vice president of research for Americans for the Arts. He presented results from the organization’s 2023 study, which comprehensively assessed the economic and social contributions of the nonprofit arts industry. This study encompasses 373 diverse communities and regions across the U.S., including representation from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Quad City Arts led collection of 2022 data and survey responses from arts organizations and event attendees in Rock Island and Scott counties. By emphasizing the crucial role of cultural tourism and creative industries in fostering regional growth and vitality, Visit Quad Cities and Quad City Arts seek to position the QC area as a vibrant destination for both art enthusiasts and cultural travelers, showcasing innovative approaches to cultural tourism and contemporary creativity. Visit Quad Cities president/CEO Dave Herrell speaks at the Figge Thursday, May 16, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). “Arts and culture continue to shape our regional destination,” Dave Herrell, president/CEO of Visit Quad Cities, said Thursday. “Our region’s creative energy is one of our brand pillars. We recognize how vital arts and culture is to not only our visitor economy, but to our overall economy.” It’s pivotal in shaping the perception of the Quad Cities, and helps attract residents, tourists and businesses, Herrell said. “I think a lot has been accomplished but a lot can and will be done,” he said of strengthening the arts sector. “It’s a brand differentiator. We can use it to elevate our story even further than we already are.” Quad City Arts executive director Kevin Maynard (photo by Jonathan Turner). Visit QC is grateful for its relationship with Quad City Arts, Herrell said, praising its executive director Kevin Maynard. “He’s doing an amazing job,” he said, also noting other leaders of the Quad City Symphony, the Figge, the Putnam and Ballet Quad Cities who attended the Thursday talk. “The people leading arts and culture in our community are wonderful people, and they are assets.” Quad City Arts led collection of the arts and culture data, and surveyed 808 audience members. The report, released last fall, showed that local nonprofit arts organizations had an economic impact of $29 million and 712 full-time jobs in 2022, plus a total of 13,133 volunteers providing 117,498 hours of donated time. Quad City Arts led the local study — which in itself vastly undercounts the true QC economic impact of the arts and culture sector, Maynard said. First, the Americans for the Arts national study focused on nonprofits, not including popular for-profit venues like Circa ’21, the Adler Theatre/RiverCenter and Vibrant Arena at The MARK. The Quad City Symphony under the baton of music director Mark Russell Smith. Responses from 373 communities nationwide averaged 43.9%, but the response rate was just 28.5% in the Quad Cities — or 51 of the 179 total eligible nonprofit arts and culture organizations in Rock Island and Scott counties. $151 billion impact nationwide In 2022, nonprofit arts and culture organizations and their audiences generated $151.7 billion in economic activity nationwide — $73.3 billion in spending by the organizations, which leveraged an additional $78.4 billion in event-related spending by their audiences, the study found. The impact of this economic activity is far reaching, supporting 2.6 million jobs, generating $29.1 billion in tax revenue, and providing $101 billion in personal income to residents. “AEP6 sends a strong signal that when we support the arts, we are investing in both economic and community well-being,” the study said. Randy Cohen speaks Thursday on the Americans for the Arts study (photo by Jonathan Turner). Cohen was last at the Figge in 2014 to talk about a prior Americans for the Arts study. The pandemic was really brutal on all arts organizations, forcing many to close and never reopen, he said, noting nonprofit arts organizations lost jobs at five times the rate as other nonprofits. A positive trend because of the pandemic was people making their own art at home, Cohen said. Over a third of Americans took up some new art, music, craft, or cooking during the pandemic, and he took up knitting. Economic impact of arts organizations includes not only all the employees of the facility or group, but the related businesses that serve patrons – such as food, drink, lodging, transportation, child care, and program designers and printers. “All of that has an economic impact,” Cohen said, noting they take a very conservative approach, only including nonprofits. Chalk Art Fest will next be held June 22-23, 2024 at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in downtown Rock Island (Quad City Arts). The 2023 QC survey heard back from 51 organizations, and there were no estimates made for non-respondents. Total economic activity in 2022 was $29 million – $16.3 million by the arts groups themselves and $12.8 million by audiences (470,000 attendees). “That’s a myth-buster for folks,” Cohen said. “We all appreciate the value of the arts, but this shows us they are businesses, that employ people locally, that purchase goods and services from other businesses in the community.” “Arts organizations are good business citizens,” he said. The QC arts industry was responsible for 712 jobs (among survey respondents) in 2022. The government revenue (local, state and federal) produced by QC arts organizations was $6.2 million. $27 per person per event The audience spending showed a typical person spent $27.18 per event, not including the cost of admission – including food, transportation, parking, merchandise and child care, Cohen said. Nationally, Americans for the Arts did 224,000 audience surveys. One of his favorites was a farmer in Wisconsin, who paid someone $60 to milk his cow while he went to the theater. Twenty percent of QC arts attendees came from outside the area, and 80% of those said they came specifically for the arts event, Cohen said. Andy Schumm performs with his band at the 2023 Bix Jazz Festival in Davenport. The survey also asked attendees about the impact of their experience – biggest responses said it’s a source of pride in the community and it’s important this experience or venue be around for future generations. “That tells me that the arts aren’t just a one-time transactional moment, but part of our story here – it’s our history and our heritage,” Cohen said. “It’s where we’ve been in the Quad Cities, where we are and where we’re going.” The arts improve the image and identity of the community, he said. In Illinois, the arts industry has a $36.1 billion economic impact and in Iowa, $5 billion – bigger than construction, education and agriculture, Cohen said. Murals painted for Alternating Currents in 2023. “The next time you hear somebody talk about, I don’t know about arts funding – we gotta focus on business and commerce and industry. Arts are business and industry,” he said. There’s a causal relationship between growth in arts jobs and growth in all employment, Cohen said. “To innovate, we need creative people and arts and culture drives creativity,” he said. “That’s why we’re paying attention to this.” The Conference Board research shows that creativity is one of the top skills business leaders are looking for, Cohen said. The QC is the 88th city he’s made a similar presentation, of the 373 regions participating in the national study. It’s related to the importance of arts education – young people with experience in the arts tend to perform better academically, Cohen said. That cuts across all socio-economic backgrounds. He noted that when 2013 Nobel Prize winner Thomas Sudhof was asked who his most important teacher was, he replied it was his bassoon teacher. “He went on to describe how it was his arts education that gave him the habits of life that made him a great scientist – drive for excellence, visual thinking, pattern recognition, perseverance and problem solving,” Cohen said. "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" at Music Guild in November 2023. Among many benefits to local arts and culture are: Building empathy and understanding Improving personal well-being Keeping residents spending locally Driving commerce to other local businesses Increasing pride in community and creating more livable communities Sparking creativity and innovation Quad City Arts also is now co-producing “Talking Art” on WVIK. In the latest episode, Maynard talks with Marc Zyla, principal horn of the QCSO. Cohen also will be keynote speaker at the Quad City Arts Celebration of the Arts, tonight at the Bend Event Center, East Moline. To see the whole national arts study, click HERE.
	Burlington girl scout earns highest award, paints mural for community mental health According to NAMI, 73% of adults see a decrease in depressive symptoms when enjoying art. It's what inspired Kaylee Kramer to paint the walls of The Capitol Theater.
	Moline Public Library to host book sale All earnings from the book sale will benefit programs and services at the Moline Public Library.
	Alabama man makes first appearance in Rock Island County on murder charge An Alabama man accused of a killing on May 4 in East Moline made his first appearance in court on Thursday.
	89-year-old Dixon man charged with criminal sexual assault of a child A Dixon man was arrested and charged with criminal sexual assault of a child, according to a media release from the Dixon Police Department.
	Boil order for Village of Cordova Some residents in the Village of Cordova are under a boil order.

Friday, May 17th, 2024

Thursday, May 16th, 2024