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

Monday, June 10th, 2024
	Opera star sings praises of music's power to heal Everyone knows music can heal the soul, but opera superstar Renee Fleming knows it can heal the body as well. World-renowned soprano Renée Fleming has become a leading voice for the connection between music and health. In the new book, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, Fleming curates a copious collection of essays from leading scientists, artists, musicians, creative arts therapists, educators, and healthcare providers about the powerful impacts of music and the arts on health and the human experience. Fleming -- a 65-year-old soprano who's won five Grammys, the National Medal of Arts and was a 2023 Kennedy Center honoree -- has presented on this material in over 50 cities across North America, Europe, and Asia, collaborating with leading researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners. Music and Mind is praised by Sting, Katie Couric, Deepak Chopra, Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. In 2023, in recognition of her dedicated advocacy for research and awareness at the intersection of arts, health, and neuroscience, Fleming was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health by the World Health Organization. Fleming, 65, in a June 3, 2024 interview with Our Quad Cities News. “I became extremely passionate about this – it made so much sense to me," she said in a recent Zoom interview with Our Quad Cities News. She started working with Dr. Francis Collins of the National Institutes of Health in 2015, as an advisor to The Kennedy Center, and Fleming wanted to get the word out more to the public. The NIH now has funded $40 million in research on how music affects the body. She’s balanced this additional role – on top of the many hats she already wears – since, as she tours, the soprano offers “Music and Mind” presentations at the venues where she performs. “We bring in health care providers and researchers who are local,” Fleming said. “I bring in the audience and it’s really been successful.” Music has a similar role as our interaction with visual arts and nature, in assisting the healing process, she said. Contributors to "Music and Mind" (published by Penguin Random House) include Yo-Yo Ma, Ann Patchett, Daniel J. Levitin, Anna Deavere Smith, Rhiannon Giddens and Rosanne Cash. “The idea is to get people actively making art themselves,” Fleming said. “It’s such a stress reducer and that’s something we all need right now.” There’s a specific chapter in the 592-page book (among 41 essays) that addresses visual arts. “It’s all about our connection in terms of our evolution, and neuroanatomy and hearing sounds,” Fleming said. “All these things come together. We experience the world through our senses.” The Sound Health organization she’s part of is a resource center at University of California-San Francisco, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. The Sound Health Network aims to promote research and public awareness about the impact of music on health and wellness. Pictured (L-R): Barry Gibb, Dionne Warwick, Renee Fleming, and Billy Crystal at The 46th-annual Kennedy Center Honors (Photo by Mary Kouw/CBS via Getty Images). The Renée Fleming Foundation has joined forces with the NeuroArts Blueprint initiative to establish the Renée Fleming Neuroarts Investigator Awards. The awards will support both basic and applied research that expands the evidence base of the emerging field of neuroarts and furthers the mission of the Neuroarts Blueprint. Neuroarts is the study of how the arts measurably change the brain and body and how this knowledge is translated into practices that advance health and wellbeing. This work can help people prevent, manage, and recover from physical and mental challenges across the lifespan. The mission of the NeuroArts Blueprint is to have the arts — and their use in all their many forms — become part of mainstream medicine and public health. Reducing pain and depression Since last year, Fleming has been the first World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health. “In a lot of the world, people haven’t stopped doing this,” she said. “It’s been exciting for me to learn, the person who runs the World Health Organization is incredibly concerned about depression in the world, up by 30%. There’s a lot of research about arts activities coming together – joining a choir or getting involved in arts activities reduces depression.” Listening to music can increase endorphins in the brain and reduces pain, Fleming said. “Actively playing music, for children, it changes the brain after two years,” she said. “They do better in school, but also in life. This is all based on rigorous study. Science has to know, in order for us to create programs that reach a lot of people.” Fleming wants the arts to be embedded in health care treatment, across the spectrum of conditions. “Medicine treats disease, not people – if we can combine to do both, because creative arts therapies can create healing,” she said. “If we do both, then we have a better, stronger health care system.” Often, a patient’s attitude and state of mind can increase positive treatment results. Fleming in an exclusive interview with Our Quad Cities News June 3, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). “There’s no question, the brain has more power over the body than we know,” Fleming said. “Our emotional life has more power over the body than is even understood by science. They’re definitely researching it quite a bit.” After COVID shutdowns, it drove home the realization that everyone (well before humans spoke) has needed the arts and creative expression. Government support for the arts is much stronger in Europe than the U.S., as in Germany, they gave artists their full salary when they couldn’t perform during the pandemic, Fleming noted. “That’s another reason art can make a huge difference in our health and well-being,” she said. The European system in general has universal healthcare coverage. Singer Renee Fleming performs at the Carnegie Hall 125th Anniversary Gala at Carnegie Hall on May 5, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Henry/Getty Images) “In France, the arts are already embedded in healthcare; we don’t even talk about it over there,” Fleming said. “It’s just done. The same with the U.K. – you could go to a doctor’s office and they’ll say, what you really need is go to a concert, or take a walk in the park, so here’s your pass or your tickets. It’s interesting that this is already happening in other parts of the world.” Similar to nature's healing Getting out in nature is incredibly therapeutic as well, similar to the benefits of music, she said. Fleming released “Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene” in 2021. It explores nature as both inspiration and casualty of humanity, looking back to the Romantic era and forward with new commissions from Nico Muhly, Caroline Shaw and Kevin Puts. Fleming's album "Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene” won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album. "The music on the album begins in a time almost two centuries ago, when people had a profound connection to the beauty of nature," Fleming said. "Now we have reached a moment when we see all too clearly the effects of our own activity, and the fragility of our environment."“These are my two loves, my two passions, and we as artists have a platform and really, if we’re lucky, we get to use them to share these ideas,” she said in the recent interview. When Fleming sings outdoors (like the famed Music Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass., on July 7), that combines her passions as well. “There’s something healing and transcendent about singing to the sky,” she said. “And still having the shared experience. When I’m performing, the audience and I, our brain waves align. That’s been proven by science now. This is why I tell people, go out – get out of your houses and go to a concert, go to something. It’s healing to have this alignment.” “Having that fresh air, I’m outside all the time,” she said. “There’s no question it makes a big difference. I’m doing a wonderful tour with National Geographic, I’m touring ‘Voice of Nature’ around the country. It’s a beautiful program and they made these incredible films." Music equals life Music also can help extend a person’s life. At the end of her introduction to “Music and Mind,” Fleming recalls meeting her idol Leontyne Price, at age 97, who still sings every day. “She’s beautiful, radiant, happy – every time I visit her, I’m the one who feels great because I came here,” she said. “It’s a gift to me to see her.” “Learn an instrument, or pick up an instrument you used to play,” Fleming said. “Join a choir, start painting; do something creative. There’s no question there are tremendous benefits.” Music is the last memory to remain, often for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and science is trying to figure out why. “Maybe extend those moments of lucidity. And if nothing else, it gives caregivers and families a sense of connection again, which is really helpful,” Fleming said. A sparkling careerIn Fleming's acclaimed career, she's sung for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Diamond Jubilee Concert for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. In 2014, she brought her voice to a vast new audience when she became the first classical artist to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Actors Kelli O'Hara, Renee Lynn Fleming and Joyce DiDonato perform during a rehearsal for "The Hours" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images). In November 2022, she starred in the world premiere staging of The Hours, a new opera based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel and award-winning film, at the Metropolitan Opera. In March, she appeared as Pat Nixon in a new production of Nixon in China at the Opéra de Paris. Fleming recently ended her second run of “The Hours” in May, with the same cast, at Metropolitan Opera, with fellow superstars Kelli O’Hara and Joyce DiDonato. “We loved it. We had such a sense of family in that cast,” Fleming said. “Young people came to the show and were screaming and yelling. The relevance of looking at suicide, young people struggling, LGBTQ relationships, and doing it in such a beautiful, complex way.” Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway and made a household name by the Oscar-winning 2002 film version starring Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and Nicole Kidman, the powerful story follows three women from different eras who each grapple with their inner demons and their roles in society. Fleming loves premiering new works. “As I was in a position to choose things I wanted to do, that was a direction I wanted to go – still loving Strauss, still loving all the classics,” she said. “I always have new music in my programs, and I try to find a sweet spot between things that are quality but also accessible to the audience.” Opera singer Renee Fleming performs the National Anthem during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Pregame Show at MetLife Stadium on Feb. 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) Fleming’s recording Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, won the 2023 Grammy for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album. Known as a genre-spanning musician, and for bringing new audiences to classical music and opera, she's recorded everything from complete operas and song recitals to indie rock and jazz. She has sung not only with Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, but also with Elton John, Paul Simon, Sting, Josh Groban, and Joan Baez. She earned a Tony nomination for her performance in Carousel on Broadway, and her voice is featured in two Best Picture Oscar–winning films. Impact on music therapy Sarah Weinert of Quad Cities Music Therapy said the connection between music and the mind is something that board-certified music therapists like her think of every day. "In the established health profession of music therapy, board-certified music therapists use music within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals," she said recently. "In a range of clients, this could look like using singing to improve speech and communication skills, using preferred music to recall memories in those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, or providing a creative space to build confidence and social skills through music-based collaboration." Board-certified music therapist Sarah Weinert of Quad Cities Music Therapy. Books like Fleming's accent the importance of the arts not only in our everyday lives, but on a much more individualized scale - one that looks at mental and physical well-being, Weinert said. "Music therapy is a safe, non-pharmacological treatment that utilizes a highly versatile and accessible tool that is already a major component of many people’s lives," she said. "The publication of information related to music and wellness combined with clinical training, strong musicianship, and a deep understanding of health not only moves forward music therapy as a profession, but it allows the rest of the world to see the impact music has on people as a whole. Music therapists have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher at an approved university program, completed 1,200 hours of a supervised internship, have passed a board-certification exam, and abide by a code of ethics and standards of practice. In Illinois, a music therapy license was established on May 27, 2022, when Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law a bill establishing such a license within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and a Music Therapy Advisory Board to assist the department. In Iowa, music therapy title protection was established on May 20, 2021, when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law HF 285. Individuals may not refer to themselves as a music therapist, a board-certified music therapist, or an MT-BC without holding the MT-BC credential. Other QC reactions Brian Baxter, executive director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, said of "Music and Mind": “The book and the contributing writers look fantastic. I have not had a chance to check out the book, but I look forward to reading it as soon as I am able. The connection between music and wellness is indisputable. The writers in this book outline many aspects of the ways that music-making and music listening have positive impacts on both individuals and collectively that of communities and frankly humanity as a whole. The Quad City Symphony under the baton of music director Mark Russell Smith. “It is so good to have literature like this available to reinforce why investing in music in our communities is so vitally important,” he added. "These truths are at the core of our mission at Common Chord," said Tyson Danner, executive director of Common Chord, Davenport. "Not only does music play an important role in the development of communities, it also is a crucial part of our personal development. Common Chord "Music helps us connect with others, think creatively, and express our inner selves. When we experience musical moments, we’re living our lives most fully," he added. "At Common Chord, we know how important it is for live music experiences to not be a luxury that only some people can participate in. It’s important that our community have accessible and inclusive live music so that everyone can gain these benefits." A doctor’s personal experience Dr. Archana Wagle is medical director for the UnityPoint Health – Trinity Pain Management Clinic in Moline, and is a longtime violinist who performs with the Muscatine and Clinton symphony orchestras. She has a very personal experience with the impact of music on health. Her middle brother suffered a massive stroke at 47, seven years ago, in southern California. After a great deal of care in the ICU, use of music had a profound effect on his recovery and improvement, Wagle said. Dr. Archana Wagle is a violinist and strong proponent of using music in medical treatment. “California is always a little more progressive, so in their healthcare world, these things are funded more regularly,” she said. “When I would walk into the hospital, daily for a month, they would have live musicians playing in the lobby there, every day.” “From being a physician for 30 years, I am 100% positive that music and the arts in general play a very key role,” Wagle said, noting when her brother was in the ICU, they played music for him. “We were encouraged to bring him music he would love and listen to on a regular basis before his stroke,” she recalled. “In his inpatient rehab, he was not speaking at all. During that time, he worked with a speech therapist. She worked with him to sing songs that would be recognizable to him.” A music therapist had regular sessions with him, Wagle said. The first thing he spoke was to sing “Happy Birthday.” “It was fascinating. I’ll never forget that day. We didn’t know if he would ever speak again,” she said. Today, his speech is not normal, but can carry on limited conversations, Wagle said. Use of music and calming therapies to improve a patient’s mood and attitude is “extremely important” to improve health outcomes, she noted. Much of her day at her pain management clinic is spent doing spine injections using needles (guided by X-ray). “I play music all day in my suite,” to calm her patients, Wagle said. “I have a Bluetooth speaker in there and patients love it,” she said. “Getting a needle placed in your spine is anxiety provoking. Playing music is so wonderful for these patients, to decrease their anxiety levels.” She has notes in their charts, which specifies what music they would like. Many surgeons use music in their operating rooms, Wagle said. “It helps especially the surgeon, because it places a calming effect,” she said. “It really does elevate their confidence and allows them to concentrate more on what they’re doing. “My husband is an ophthalmologist and he is very particular about the type of music he listens to. I worked with one of his partners who only wanted to listen to Enya, that was it. It provided him the concentration he needed to do delicate eye surgery.” As a classical music nerd, Wagle finds that genre extremely calming and helps her. “It helps me balance myself and focus on what I’m doing,” she said. Not enough training Doctors aren’t trained in how to capitalize on use of music since their training has so much to cover already in a limited time, Wagle said, noting she went to med school at University of Kansas and did her residency at Northwestern University Medical School. “Even though the arts and music are so vital, I think it just gets pushed to the side,” she said. “People don’t value it…It was never a part of our training. I hope it’s changed now.” Renee Fleming giving a "Music and the Mind" presentation to the National Institutes of Health. Her clinic is focused on chronic pain management, including many geriatric patients. “In my patients with chronic pain, music works as a distraction. If they’re having a really bad day, they can use music and the arts as healing and distraction,” Wagle said. Mental health benefits are huge, as music can certainly diminish depression and anxiety, she said. Songs by popular artists (like Taylor Swift) help crystallize and reflect universal emotions for people struggling, letting them know they’re not alone. “Chronic pain can be very isolating, as can depression and anxiety,” Wagle said. “People isolate themselves and music can be very, very helpful.” “A lot of my patients, music is very much like a meditative experience,” she added. Music also induces stress relief similar to use of recreational or medical marijuana, in reducing anxiety, Wagle said. “We know definitely, we have data to show depression and anxiety escalate when patients are dealing with chronic pain,” she said. “There are mental health effects occurring secondarily with chronic pain. In that way, music and the arts are very similar, because music also diminishes anxiety.” Bigger benefits as performer Being a performer, the benefits of music are much more pronounced compared to just listening. “As a violinist, playing in an ensemble, there is a profound euphoria with that – especially when I’m playing something I really love,” Wagle said. “I love the Dvorak New World Symphony. I have found myself in tears, during a concert. I feel a profound euphoria and sense of joy. Emanuel Ax and Mark Russell Smith at the world-renowned pianist's gala performance with the QCSO April 27, 2024 at the Adler Theatre, Davenport (photo by Jonathan Turner). “It’s a different experience when I’m in the audience listening,” she said. “When I’m playing, it’s like 10 levels higher for me.” Wagle would love to see more patients get involved in performing music. “It’s never too late to pick up something.” “Even after a long day of work, I go to weeknight rehearsals. I love it so much,” she said. “It is my outlet for stress. It allows me to function better in all aspects of my life. Even if I’m tired, I’ll still go to rehearsals. I commit to every concert that I can.” Last year, Wagle also started playing with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. “I love music so much, I cannot live without it,” she said. “It’s such an important part of my life. I’m either listening or playing every single day.” Even when Wagle was at Northwestern and Kansas, their medical schools had orchestras she was part of. “They were comprised of medical students, residents, doctors,” she recalled. “I look forward to reading this book,” Wagle said of “Music and Mind.” “Going forward, we need to be better stewards as physicians, of making sure that our patients incorporate music and the arts in their own healing processes.” “Especially even in the field of oncology, where there’s so much trauma in that patient population – how much they would benefit from using music and for healing and distraction both,” she said. “I think the other reason to utilize something like music and the arts – then we’re not so dependent on some of our medications, for mental health, for instance. “It would be fascinating to do a study, for reducing the dosages of those medications, and maybe we could reduce those if we elevate the presence of music in the healing processes,” Wagle said. “Wouldn’t that be fascinating to observe and study?”
	New Faces at News 8: Maddie Franz Franz started as an intern with News 8 last summer.
	Death investigation underway in Kewanee Officers said they found an unresponsive man while conducting a welfare check on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
	Whitey’s Ice Cream presents 38th Cones for Kids benefitting Bethany for Children & Families Enjoy a scoop of Quad Cities’ tradition and help local kids and families in need at the 38th annual Whitey’s Ice Cream Cones for Kids event benefitting Bethany for Children and Families.
	First responders to train at Davenport Central High School If you see emergency vehicles around Davenport Central High School during the week, don't be alarmed. Police and firefighters are completing five days of exercises as part of the Quad City Active Killer Threat Response and Rescue Task Force Training program. The training is designed to focus on response to an active killer threat. The move involves coordination among agencies during a crisis. Agencies involved include the Davenport Police Department, Davenport Fire Department, Bettendorf Police Department, Bettendorf Fire Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Moline Police Department, Moline Fire Department, Rock Island Police Department, Rock Island Fire Department, Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office, Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department, EMS personnel and others. The training goes through Friday, June 14.
	Davenport holds state of the city address Davenport held its state of the city address at the Rhythm City Casino Resort. Mayor Mike Matson addressed infrastructure, flood mitigation and safer communities. Matson also addressed the city administrator search that is currently underway. Matson says he expects the position to be filled within months, the same position that belonged to Corri Spiegel, who was given a $1.6 million payout. Spiegel accused multiple elected officials of harassment. Matson says the city budget is primed for the future, but he did not address the Davenport building collapse from 2024 or the ongoing lawsuits against the City of Davenport.
	Mayor Matson delivers Davenport State of the City Monday Davenport Mayor Mike Matson will give his State of the City address at noon Monday.
	Mayor Matson updates city projects during his State of the City address Davenport Mayor Mike Matson spoke at the Rhythm City Casino Resort Monday afternoon for his State of the City address.
	Learn about oral health care with Gilda's Club Taking care of your teeth is more than just good oral health care; it can affect your overall health. Gilda’s Club is hosting a free presentation on oral health at its Davenport Clubhouse, 1351 W. Central Park Avenue, Suite 200 in Davenport on Monday, June 24 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Carole Ferch, a registered dental hygienist from the Scott County Health Department, will explain how oral health and physical health are connected. Participants will hear about oral health clearance before cancer treatment, discover tips on maintaining oral health through treatment and learn oral health resources are available to help the community. The presentation will be offered in-person and via Zoom. Registration is required; click here, call (563) 326-7504 or email gc@gildasclubqc.org to sign up.
	Warrant issued for Galesburg man in connection to fatal shooting According to the Galesburg Police Department, an arrest warrant for murder has been issued for 19-year-old Chase Houlden Jr. He was injured in the shooting.
	New painted piano another treat at Lago's If you needed another reason to visit the delicious QC icon, Lagomarcino's Confectionery in downtown Moline, you've got one. Since last week, the rear of the candy store, soda fountain, and lunch spot (at 1422 5th Ave.) has hosted a newly painted upright piano, courtesy of Lago's relatively new neighbor three blocks east, the Sound Conservatory. It's part of the music school and shop's "Keys of Unity" program, which since early April has placed donated pianos throughout downtown that anyone is encouraged to play. The newly painted "Keys of Unity" piano at Lagomarcino's in downtown Moline, over lunch June 10, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). This is the first one of the bunch to have a commissioned painting on it. This past April, Moline High senior Shea Gende student won $250 in gift cards for creating the winning design in Sound Conservatory’s “Keys of Unity” painted piano project. She painted the upright piano that's being put in rotation in its “Keys of Unity” program to place pianos in downtown Moline for a month each. 2024 Moline High graduate Shea Gende and her painted piano for "Keys of Unity." “I like the idea of a diverse community surrounding music, which is why I used a circle of hands of many different colors surrounding colorful musical notes,” Shea wrote with her design. “Music is a way to express myself. I can listen to happy music when I’m happy, sad music when I’m sad, or angry music when I’m mad. Music is a very expressive form of the arts and that’s what makes it so special to me.” “We have kids from Moline High School working here, so in a way it makes sense,” Lago's co-owner Beth Lagomarcino said Monday during lunch hour. The colorful piano was installed last Wednesday, June 5. Several people have played it, she said. The loaned piano from Sound Conservatory at Lago's, 1422 5th Ave., Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). “We had an older gentleman – you should have seen the smile on his face. It was just wonderful,” Lagomarcino said. “I think it’s just wonderful, this program. We were so excited when he came and approached us about it.” The piano is scheduled to be there for a month, with an option to extend for another month. “I think it’s neat, it’s giving exposure to the Sound Conservatory,” Lagomarcino said. She’s happy the business is occupying the former Carnegie Library (longtime home to the old Moline Public Library), built in 1903. It was vacant from 2008, until last November, when Sound Conservatory moved in. Lago's itself dates back to 1908. A Keys of Unity upright piano at The Atlas Collective coffee shop and bookstore, 1801 5th Ave., Moline. Other downtown Moline businesses that are hosting Keys of Unity pianos through July 5 are: The Atlas Collective, 1801 5th Ave. Tony's Chicago Style Pizzeria, 1321 5th Ave. Svithiod Club, 1511 6th Ave. For more information about the program, click HERE.
	Rock Island-Milan School Board to vote on deputy superintendent The Rock Island-Milan School District could soon have its new deputy superintendent.
	Iowa Black Doula Collective holds baby shower for Black families in the Quad Cities The Iowa Black Doula Collective held a community baby shower in Davenport to support black families who are expecting or recently post-partum.
	Daylon Richardson to undergo neurophysiology study before sentencing Daylon Richardson will have to wait to hear his sentence after being found guilty earlier this year in the death of a Knox County deputy in 2022, according to court records. Richardson appeared in Henry County Court in Cambridge for a hearing on his objection to a mandatory natural life sentence in prison on Tuesday, June 10. The court ordered that a neurophysiology study and evaluation must be completed before ruling on the objection. Neurophysiology studies and evaluates functions of the nervous system and studies neurological diseases and disorders. Court records show Richardson was found guilty of murder in the death of Deputy Nicholas Weist on February 29 of this year. Weist died in 2022 after setting up stop sticks for Richardson, who was running from Galesburg Police when they tried to arrest him on a report of having a gun at a gas station. Sentencing is set for August 9.
	Sunny and cool start to the week A few strong storms can't be ruled out on Thursday.
	Man facing murder charge in Galesburg shooting death The shooting happened Friday.
	Racial equality advocates spark conversations every Saturday at Moline intersection Progressive Action for the Common Good stands at the corner of 16th Street and John Deere Road every Saturday to advocate for racial equality.
	Pet of the Week - Sunny \| June 10, 2024 Sunny is a two-month-old neutered kitten. Tune in to GMQC every Monday at 11 for a brand-new adoptable furry friend.
	East Moline firefighters simulate rescue situations during open house Community members were invited to see firefighting action first-hand when the East Moline Fire Department simulated fire and rescue situations during an open house.
	Journey drummer Steve Smith kicks off 3rd Annual Louis Bellson Music Fest in Rock Falls Steve Smith, best known for drumming on Journey's Greatest Hits, led a drum clinic in Rock Falls to kick off the third annual Louie Bellson Music Fest.
	Bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Whiteside County Mosquitos can transmit the virus to humans if they have fed on a bird with the disease. The bird was dead when it was collected on May 31.
	2nd annual Pulling Focus Film Festival highlighting Black filmmakers This was Pulling Focus' second year, showcasing twice as many films compared to last year. Organizers hope to see that number increase next year.
	Greater Quad Cities area crime headlines for June 10, 2024 A Rock Falls man was arrested on child porn charges. On the other side of the river, a Davenport man was arrested for kidnapping his partner, police say.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for June 10, 2024 Tune in to Good Morning Quad Cities every day for the top headlines impacting you and the surrounding community.
	Kewanee police launch investigation after man found dead inside home Police say they responded to a welfare check Saturday night at the 800 block of West Division Street. They say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
	The importance of highlighting Black filmmakers at the 2nd annual Pulling Focus Film Festival Organizers say the festival does more than just highlight the work of Black filmmakers across the world. It also shows viewers new perspectives.
	Warrant issued after fatal Galesburg shooting An arrest warrant has been issued after Galesburg Police say a 19-year-old man shot and killed an 18-year-old man last week, according to a news release from the department. Officers with the Galesburg Police Department responded to a call of shots fired in the 900 block of E. South Street on Friday, June 7 at about 11:12 a.m. When they arrived, they found a gunshot victim inside a home on the street. The victim, who has been identified as Cam’ron Glass, 18 from Galesburg, was pronounced dead at the scene with an apparent gunshot wound. An arrest warrant has been issued for Chase Houlden Jr., 19 from Galesburg, for murder. Houlden was also injured during the shooting incident and is in stable condition at OSF St. Francis Hospital. There is an ongoing investigation into this matter and more arrests are expected. Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Galesburg Police Department at (309) 343-9151, Galesburg Area Crime Stoppers at (309) 344-0044, by using the P3 mobile app or by clicking on the submit a tip on the Galesburg Police Department’s Facebook page.
	Celebrating 55 years of Red Wagon Preschool in Moline Families were able to enjoy face painting, lawn games and a bouncy house at Sunday's event.
	Galesburg Police issue arrest warrant in Friday's shooting An arrest warrant is out for 19-year-old Chase Houlden Jr alleging murder in the shooting death of 18-year-old Cam'Ron Glass from Galesburg.
	Celebrate Midsommar in Bishop Hill Welcome summer the Swedish way at the 2024 Bishop Hill Midsommar Music Festival on Saturday June 22. This free, family friendly event includes free concerts in the park, a Swedish Maypole celebration and more. Attendees should bring lawn chairs. (BHHA) The festival celebrates Midsommar, one of the two most popular holidays in Sweden (the other is Christmas) Celebrating Midsommar is an ancient practice that dates back to pagan rituals to welcome summer and the season of fertility. In Sweden, Midsommar festivals have been taking place for at least 500 years. People in Sweden welcomed summertime by decorating their homes and farm tools with foliage and raising Maypoles to dance around. Concerts at the village park gazebo start at 10 a.m. This year’s lineup includes Black Hawk Pipes and Drums, Sarah and the Underground, Orion Community Band, Jazz on the Side and the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers. Visitors can decorate the Maypole with flowers and join the procession immediately following the concerts at 4 p.m. The procession will begin in the park and end at the Colony School where everyone can join in the Maypole dancing and enjoy refreshments provided by the Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge. Sarah and the Underground (BHHA) Orion Community Band (BHHA) Norwegian Bachelor Farmers (BHHA) Jazz on the Side (BHHA) Black Hawk Pipes and Drums (BHHA) (BHHA) Author Jannifer Stevens Powelson will sign her books from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prairie Arts Center, 203 North Bishop Hill Street. She is marking the upcoming release and launch of Summer Solstice, the ninth book in the Nature Station Mystery Series. Click here for more about her books. The Vasa National Archives will provide a Midsummer Respite a block south of the park featuring drinks, snacks and a make-and-take clay sculpture station. Participants can view exhibits, some light refreshments and make a clay sculpture to take home. The Vasa National Archives will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here or call (309) 927-3899 for directions or more information.
	Professional RC drivers from across the country hit the track in Muscatine Island Speedway hosted the JConcpets Indoor National Series in Muscatine. The series takes place across five states with a high level of competition.
	2 people injured after shooting in Burlington Saturday night Police say it happened in the 700 block of Oak Street around 9:40 p.m. on June 8. Both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
	Pat Angerer Named Color Analyst for Iowa Football Former University of Iowa All-America linebacker Pat Angerer has been named the color analyst for the Iowa football program, it was announced Monday by Hawkeye Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield, the media and technology company powering college athletics.
	Moline-Coal Valley offering middle school soccer next year The boys will play in the fall and the girls will play in the spring, starting in the 2024-25 school year.
	Watch Matson deliver Davenport State of the City at noon Monday at KWQC.com Davenport Mayor Mike Matson will give his State of the City address at noon Monday.
	Catch Andy McCray's live weather at QCAWC It's Raining Cats and Kittens adoption event Now is the best time to adopt a new cat or kitten into your home – and during the Quad Cities Animal Welfare Center’s It’s Raining Cats and Kittens Adoption Special, you decide the adoption fee! Starting today, Monday, June 10 and ending on Saturday, June 22, pet lovers who adopt cats or kittens can decide how much to pay for their adoption. The adoption center is located at 724 Second Avenue W in Milan. WHBF’s own Andy McCray will be on site to deliver live weather forecasts at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. tonight. Stop by to visit or adopt a new family member! For more on the Quad Cities Animal Welfare Center (QCAWC), click here.
	Hy-Vee announces more details of services for those affected by Rockingham Road closure Starting June 24, shuttles from the Rockingham Road Hy-Vee to the West Locust Hy-Vee will be provided Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
	Learn about IDOT jobs at Rock Island Career Fair Residents interested in jobs with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) can learn more at a free job fair in Rock Island. IDOT is hosting a Career Fair on Tuesday, June 11 from 2 – 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn – Quad Cities, 226 17th Street in Rock Island. Representatives from several offices and bureaus will be on hand to discuss current and upcoming employment opportunities. Breakout sessions will show participants how to set up an account to apply for State of Illinois jobs. Bringing a laptop is encouraged. Click here for more on employment through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
	Sick Summer’s Rock Falls Block Party happening Monday at RB&W Park Sick Summer’s Rock Falls Block Party happening Monday at RB&W Park
	REVIEW: Medea at the Genesius Guild Medea continues on the Don Wooten stage at Lincoln Park located at 38th Street and 11th Avenue in Rock Island, Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15 at 7:00 p.m.
	REVIEW: A Little Night Music at the Quad City Music Guild A Little Night Music continues at Quad City Music Guild’s theatre in Moline’s Prospect Park Thursday through Saturday, June 13 through 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m.
	Section of Rock Island bike path closing for railroad work Railroad maintenance means that Rock Island must close a portion of the bike path through the city. An email from the Public Works Department says the bike path at 17th Street and 1st Avenue, near the Modern Woodmen building, will be temporarily closed starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13. The railroad is replacing a section of track in the area. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the day on Friday, June 15.
	Olivia Allen: A look at supports for LGBTQ+ students in the Quad-Cities A look at how local LGBTQ+ students find resources, support and community.
	Davenport to soon accept applications for next city administrator Davenport will soon being accepting applications for the city's next administrator.
	Pending Death Notices for Muscatine, June 10, 2024 Cheryl R. Dobrinske, 70, of East Moline, Illinois, died Friday, June 7, 2024, at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, Illinois. Cremation will be directed by Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.
	Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, June 10, 2024 Cheryl R. Dobrinske, 70, of East Moline, Illinois, died Friday, June 7, 2024, at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, Illinois. Cremation will be directed by Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.
	Can Candidate Keeven Score on Legal Principle and Win the 112th House District Race? A state law essentially designed to prevent Republicans from appointing legislative candidates to the ballot after the March primary was ruled unconstitutional by a Sangamon County judge last week, but her ruling only applied to the fourteen Republican plaintiffs in the case who are running for the Illinois House and Senate.
	A Vine Time Had by All: “Tarzan: The Musical,” at the Spotlight Theatre through June 16 Care to enjoy some frolicking, singing gorillas (and people) without leaving the QC? I suggest visiting the Spotlight Theatre for Tarzan: The Musical, an adaptation of the 1999 Disney animated film.
	Please Don’t Take My Man: Genesius Guild’s “Medea,” at Lincoln Park through June 16 With freshly painted arches and some ghostly trees on the furthest front flats, set designer Miranda Callahan’s work on Medea was interesting enough to generally distract me from the gnats that were apparently immune to insect repellent.
	Summer Nights: Quad City Music Guild's “A Little Night Music,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through June 16 The Quad Cities’ summer-theatre season is finally underway and Quad City Music Guild’s production of A Little Night Music, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a book by Hugh Wheeler, and directed by Colleen Houlihan, is a good start to it, boasting strong performances and some killer vocals.
	Bicyclist stole mechanic's uniform to elude Bettendorf Police, officers allege A 26-year-old Davenport man was in custody Monday after Bettendorf Police allege he rode a bike the wrong way in traffic, then ran into a car dealership and stole a mechanic's uniform to evade police, according to arrest affidavits. John Rule Jr. (Scott County Jail) John Rule Jr. faces a felony charge of second-degree burglary; serious misdemeanor charges of interference with official acts - bodily injury, interference with official acts - bodily injury and two charges of eluding; and an aggravated misdemeanor charge of interference with official acts - obstruct prosecution, court records show. According to arrest affidavits, the incident happened shortly before 2:30 p.m. Saturday, when an officer saw Rule riding a bike and disobeying traffic control devices and dodging cars in traffic while illegally crossing the road, "all constituting a traffic hazard." The officer activated the lights and sirens of a fully marked Bettendorf Police squad car and tried to stop him, affidavits say. The officer pursued Rule as he went the wrong way against traffic while pedaling "at full speed" on the shoulder of Spruce Hills near Utica Ridge Road, say affidavits, which show Rule "cut off a vehicle and drove the wrong way in traffic" while crossing the road to evade the officer. The officer gave PA (public-address) announcements to Rule to stop, according to affidavits, which show Rule eventually left his bike and jumped a fence onto the property of Green Buick GMC, "entered the open mechanic garage bay door in an area that is not generally open to the public" and "stole a mechanic's uniform and fled through the building, ditching the uniform in the parking lot on the other side of Green Buick GMC." Rule then illegally crossed the road on foot in front of another officer who was in another Bettendorf Police squad car with lights and sirens activated, and he fled from that officer on foot "until he became tired and submitted to arrest at Taser-point," according to affidavits, which show "One officer was injured via cuts on his hand in the process of climbing the fence to chase the subject." Rule, officers allege, "admitted to running through Green Buick GMC in order to evade police and admitted to stealing a uniform to attempt to conceal his identity." Rule, who was being held Monday in Scott County Jail on a total $12,350 cash-only bond, is set for a preliminary hearing June 18 in Scott County Court.
Sunday, June 9th, 2024
	New partnership serves students in Illinois counties The Illinois Regional Office of Education 33 and Monmouth College have announced a new partnership to better serve students in Henderson, Knox, Mercer and Warren counties, according The goal of the partnership - which includes all educational institutions in the region - is to provide students a seamless path from K-12 to college, according to Regional Office of Education 33 Superintendent Jodi Scott. (monmouthcollege.edu) "Especially post-COVID, a significant gap has developed in the understanding between K-12 schools and higher education regarding preparation, expectations and student experiences," said Scott. "This new partnership seeks to bridge that gap by achieving greater mutual understanding, along with detailed and practical actions, that support our students' growth from high school through college, and to becoming contributors and leaders in the economic and social betterment of our communities." Regional Office of Education #33 serves more than 11,100 students in nine public schools and three parochial schools in Henderson, Knox, Mercer and Warren counties. Post-secondary institutions in the region include two community colleges, Black Hawk College and Carl Sandburg College, as well as Knox College, Monmouth College and Western Illinois University. "The partnership among our area's public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education represents the kind of creative connection that we all can and must make to better serve our students and, through them, the communities of our region," said Monmouth College President Clarence R. Wyatt. Scott said that during two meetings between the schools, leaders shared their perspectives on challenges facing students when they transition from high school to college. Follow-up meetings will include more detailed gatherings of high school principals and other college faculty and staff to develop specific and action steps to help students. "We are excited to be working with Monmouth, Knox, Western Illinois, Carl Sandburg and Black Hawk to create a structure for ongoing collaboration," said Scott. For more information about the partnership, contact ROE 33 Assistant Regional Superintendent Lori Loving at lloving@roe33.net or Monmouth Vice President and Dean for Equity and Well-Being Michelle Merritt at mmerritt@monmouthcollege.edu.
	Meet furry friends and support QCAWC during summer events The Quad City Animal Welfare Center will be hosting a variety of events and specials throughout the upcoming month, according to a press release. It's Raining Cats and Kittens Adoption Special Beginning on Monday, June 10 and lasting through Saturday, June 22, those adopting cats or kittens can decide how much to pay for their adoption. Paint Your Pet Fundraiser Create QC Paint Nite will host QCAWC's Paint Your Pet Fundraiser at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom in Moline. The event will take place on Friday, July 19 at 6 p.m. and is for ages 13 and up. You can find tickets on QCAWC's Facebook page. Mobile Clinic Van The QCAWC Mobile Clinic Van will be offering low cost vaccines and preventatives in East Moline. The van will be at the East Moline Library, 745 16th Avenue, on Friday, June 14 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. For a list of services and products available, click here. Paws on the Patio QCAWC will host their Paws on the Patio fundraiser on Sunday, June 23 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will be held at Hey Bryans, 1140 15th Avenue, in East Moline. Attendees will be able to meet QCAWC animals (weather permitting), learn more about volunteering and fostering and participate in raffles. All tips from bar sales will be donated to QCAWC. Everyone is highly encouraged to bring an item from the QCAWC Wish List to donate. To see the full list, click here.
	Family Resources hosts donation drive Family Resources will be collecting donations for their Fill the Truck Donation Drive on Saturday, June 15 from 9 a.m. until noon, according to a press release. Staff and volunteers will be present outside of 12 area Hy-Vee stores to collect brand new basic needs items. These include all kitchen and bath items, cleaning supplies, bed and bath linens, toiletries, small home items, baby and toddler supplies and over the counter medicines. You can find a collection site at any of the locations below. Bettendorf: Middle & Devils Glen Road Bettendorf: 53rd & Utica Ridge Road Clinton: S. 4th Street Davenport: Kimberly & Eastern Ave. Davenport: W. Locust & Lincoln Road Davenport: W. Kimberly & N. Pine Street Milan: W. 10th Street Moline: Avenue of the Cities Muscatine: 2nd Avenue Rock Island: 18th Avenue Silvis: 5th Street Eldridge: E. LeClaire Road
	McCombie, Halpin on possible ethics-reform constitutional amendment Calls for ethics reform reached fever pitch after the Com-Ed scandal surrounding former Speaker Mike Madigan. Critics say the legislation adopted three years ago doesn't go far enough. Former Governor Pat Quinn went public with some polling this year that Illinoisans support putting ethics reform on the ballot as a constitutional amendment, like keeping Mike Madigan from collecting a state pension while waiting for trial and banning lawmakers from voting on bills where there's a conflict of interest. But should this be something that is left up to voters? Host Jim Niedelman brings back House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and State Senator Mike Halpin to discuss this and more. “The reality is that we’ve seen these elected officials that have taken steps to enrich themselves instead of doing what’s best for the people in the state off Illinois, and they’ve been caught and are being prosecuted and the judicial system is playing out,” Halpin said. “If you put a question on that said ‘Should there be ethics reform?’ I think you’re going to see that’s probably the largest 'Yes' you’ll ever see on a ballot,” McCombie said. “I don’t think that’s the question. It’s finding the loopholes.” To hear what else our panelists say, click on the video.
	Halpin, McCombie on hits, misses of legislative session Host Jim Niedelman takes a look at the overall legislative session with House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and State Senator Mike Halpin. “My biggest concern […] is just making sure that these good programs that we passed, when it comes to rental assistance, first time home buying, youth employment, after-school programs, is to make sure that money is spent proportionately in the districts like mine and Mayor McCombie’s that have those needs,” Halpin said. “We have $5 billion sitting in the road and construction fund, unfortunately,” McCombie said. “This is money that needs to be spent on our roads and bridges throughout the state, through our counties, through our townships, and unfortunately I don’t think there was an aggressive enough push for that.” To hear more from the panelists, click on the video. Question of the week And now we want to hear from you, too, with our question of the week: What do you think were the most significant accomplishments or failures from the Illinois legislative session? Please share your thoughts at 4therecord@whbf.com.
	McCombie, Halpin on Illinois budget, taxes Illinois' $53-billion budget is now the law for the state. Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the spending plan sent to him by state lawmakers a few days earlier. It raises spending by $1.1 billion over the last fiscal year. There is a lot to this budget. Some of the spending highlights include an increase for public schools of $350 million, half a billion for the governor's priority of establishing a quantum computing campus, $50 million for a new state child tax credit for families with kids younger than 12, $290 million to address homelessness, a controversial $182 million on supporting migrants sent to the state by bus and $45 million to address the state's teacher shortage. There's also the revenue side of the equation to account for the increase in spending. That means taxes. First, the grocery tax will be eliminated in 2026. Sports betting companies will see a tax increase from 15 percent to a graduated range of 20 to 40 percent. There's a one percent increase for video gambling operators, and businesses will be limited to writing of their losses on taxes to $500 thousand. A warning about a budget shortfall loomed large going into this legislative session. Those fiscal concerns didn't stop lawmakers from sending a budget to the governor with that significant spending increase. We'll talk about the budget and legislative session overall with House Minority Leader Tony McCombie and Senator Mike Halpin. “What we were able to do this year is make sure the budget prioritizes things we want to see in the state,” Halpin said. “We really put a lot of effort into investing in those areas that are going to help people back in our districts.” “Our state is very diverse, and whether it’s the Quad Cities or central Illinois or southern Illinois or Chicago we have very different needs,” McCombie said. “Although this budget has some good things in it, it does leave things out, and it certainly does have tax increases that I believe will hurt a lot of our border communities, and that includes the Quad Cities.” To hear more from the panel, click on the video.
	Library presents Food for Thought fundraiser The Rock Island Public Library Foundation will host a Food for Thought fundraiser on Thursday, June 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will take place at the Hauberg Estate Carriage House, 1300 24th Street, in Rock Island, according to a press release. Admission is $50 per person and includes food and drink. Hors d'oeuvres from local chefs will be featured along with complimentary beer, a cash bar, silent auction and mystery beer/wine pull. All proceeds will benefit the Rock Island Public Library Foundation, which fundraises for the library's new Watts-Midtown branch, supports Hug-A-Book and Rocket into Reading literacy programming and coordinates the Library PALS (People Advocating for Library Services) volunteer program and book sales. To R.S.V.P for the event in advance, click here.
	Maine State Police release more than 3,000 pages of reports related to Lewiston mass shooting The documents include investigative reports from state police and other law enforcement agencies who assisted in both the response and the investigation.
	Iowa Democrats vow to have candidates in almost every race in the state in November Iowa’s Democrats have vowed to have a Democrat running in as many House, Senate and local races as possible during the 2024 election.
	Where to get a bite to eat after midnight in the Quad-Cities and surrounding areas Here's a list of places where you can get a bite to eat after midnight in the Quad-Cities and surrounding areas.
	Quad-Cities-owned BankORION expands in East Moline BankORION, a Quad-Cities-area banking institution since 1890, will be expanding with an 11,000-square-foot operations facility in East Moline.
	Elm Street Apothecary to open in Davenport's NorthPark Mall Tuesday The new store is located next to Von Maur and specializes in all things holistic.
	'You have to show up': Davenport Mid-City graduate reflects on academic journey, motherhood Mid-City graduate Lauren Montano talks about her journey to high school graduation as a mom.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for June 9, 2024 Following are seller, buyer, property description and price of property. Note: Price is an estimate based on revenue stamps that are bought from the county.
	MARK-TO-MARKET: Unemployment rate rises to 4% amid solid job growth As recently as April 2023, the national unemployment rate was at a 50-year low of just 3.4%.
	Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, June 9, 2024 Danna J. Danner, 67, of Rock Island, Illinois, died Saturday, May 25, 2024, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island. Funeral arrangements are pending at Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory, Moline.
	IHDA issues housing-scam alert for Illinois The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) is alerting vulnerable households of an online scam pretending to be IHDA or a similar housing entity, according to a news release. The scam is presented as a flyer posted on Facebook announcing the opening of a wait list for specific properties as part of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8). The scam encourages residents to provide their information through a fraudulent link or to visit the IHDA office in person. This is not an IHDA program. IHDA has not created an advertisement for Section 8 housing, and it does not endorse any such solicitation, the release says. A false Facebook page has also been created imitating IHDA. If individuals use Facebook for housing information, please verify you are interacting with the agency’s official page by identifying the blue check mark next to the IHDA name. Individuals who are unsure may access IHDA’s Facebook page by visiting here and clicking on the Facebook icon on the website homepage to be connected. Those seeking assistance through the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program are asked to remember this: Visit here to see if they are accepting applications for Section 8 housing, or how to apply for a waiting list. Housing authorities do not charge fees to join a waiting list. Never give your Social Security Number, credit card number, or other personal information out on a website you find through an online search. Visit here to see what local assistance may be available. About the Illinois Housing Development Authority The Illinois Housing Development Authority is a self-supporting state agency that finances the creation and the preservation of affordable housing across Illinois. Since its creation in 1967, IHDA has allocated $18 billion and financed approximately 255,000 affordable housing units for residents of Illinois.
Saturday, June 8th, 2024
	Friday was fast, fun at Davenport Speedway Friday was Family Fun Day at Davenport Speedway. Kids were treated to inflatables and bicycle giveaways, while the adults were entertained by awesome racing action and an appearance of the Midwest Jalopies. Davenport Speedway (SR Promotions) The Outhouse and Storage to Go Container Rentals IMCA Late Model division finally has its first repeat winner of the season. Appropriately, it is also the first winner of the season, Mitch Morris of McCausland, Iowa. Mitch started sixth in the feature. When Evan Miller drove to the front of the pack, early in the race, Morris followed. On the twentieth lap, Morris made his move around Miller for the lead. He pulled out to a 1.347 second lead at the checkers. Miller held on for second with Nathan Balensiefen taking third. Matt Ryan and Joe Beal rounded out the top five. Late model heat races were won by Balensiefen, Andy Nezworski, and Jesse Bodin. Wangelin’s Auto IMCA Modified action saw a first time feature winner for the year in Ben Chapman of Clarence, Iowa. Chapman started in the tenth position and spent most of the 20-lap main chasing down Matt Stein of Davenport. Stein started on the pole and led the first seventeen laps of the race. After Chapman took the lead, Stein had to fend off Dustin Smith to secure a second place finish. Smith finished third followed by Mitch Way and Scotte Lemke. Logan Veloz banked another D&K Home Products IMCA SportMod feature victory. The win was his fifth of the season. Veloz started twelfth and rocketed into the lead on lap three. Ryan Walker started tenth and worked his way to a runner-up finish. Justin Veloz, Dakota Cole, and Josh Starr were third through fifth in that order. Landen Chrestensen paid a visit to Competitive Concrete victory lane. Chrestensen scored his first Koehler Electric Outlaw Street Stock win of the year. Landen had to fight his way to the lead, passing Austin Riggs on lap eleven of the fifteen lap main. Tony VonDresky made a late race charge to finish second. Riggs held on to finish third. Cary Brown and Jesse Owen completed the first five. Jordan Miles picked off a win in the Theisen’s IMCA Hobby Stock feature. Randy LaMar held the early race lead. On a restart, while LaMar was protecting the bottom, Miles drove by on the high side to take the lead an eventually the win. LaMar held on for second with Cody Staley third. Daniel Wauters and Jamie Hixson were fourth and fifth. The Fred’s Towing & Cantrell’s Towing 4-Cylinders had the night off. Our special guests for the evening were the vintage racing coupes of the Midwest Jalopies. Austin Honts swept both the heat and feature races. Following Honts to the checkered flag in the feature were Matt Fulton and Tanner Gerrard. Next Friday, June 14, Father’s Day will be celebrated at Davenport Speedway. Results: Davenport Speedway June 7, 2024 – IMCA LATE MODELS - THE OUTHOUSE / STORAGE TO GO (19 entries) A Feature 1 (25 Laps): 1. 70X-Mitch Morris[6]; 2. 88-Evan Miller[10]; 3. 79-Nathan Balensiefen[2]; 4. 07-Matt Ryan[12]; 5. 77-Joe Beal[9]; 6. 56W-Gary Webb[3]; 7. 7-Andy Nezworski[11]; 8. 2JR-Jesse Bodin[5]; 9. 1M-Mike Goben[8]; 10. 9G-Anthony Guss[4]; 11. 63-Scott Olson[13]; 12. 34-Scott Strauss[16]; 13. 13JR-Colton Leal[17]; 14. 16C-Cruz Birkhofer[15]; 15. 54-Kasey Williams[7]; 16. 9-Joe Ross[14]; 17. 72-Dave Hammond[18]; 18. 5-Keith Haislip[1]; 19. (DNS) 13-Michael Leal Heat 1 - Top 4 Make Invert (10 Laps): 1. 70X-Mitch Morris[4]; 2. 7-Andy Nezworski[6]; 3. 56W-Gary Webb[2]; 4. 5-Keith Haislip[1]; 5. 63-Scott Olson[5]; 6. 34-Scott Strauss[3]; 7. 72-Dave Hammond[7] Heat 2 - Top 4 Make Invert (10 Laps): 1. 79-Nathan Balensiefen[1]; 2. 07-Matt Ryan[6]; 3. 77-Joe Beal[5]; 4. 54-Kasey Williams[4]; 5. 9-Joe Ross[2]; 6. (DNS) 13-Michael Leal Heat 3 - Top 4 Make Invert (10 Laps): 1. 2JR-Jesse Bodin[3]; 2. 1M-Mike Goben[4]; 3. 88-Evan Miller[5]; 4. 9G-Anthony Guss[2]; 5. 16C-Cruz Birkhofer[1]; 6. 13JR-Colton Leal[6] IMCA MODIFIEDS - WANGELIN'S AUTO (19 entries) A Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 1JR-Ben Chapman[10]; 2. 53-Matt Stein[1]; 3. 3-Dustin Smith[6]; 4. 01M-Mitch Way[7]; 5. D55-Scotte Lemke[5]; 6. 99M-Charlie Mohr[9]; 7. 9Z-Chris Zogg[12]; 8. 86B-Jake Morris[3]; 9. 44X-Blaise Lewis[4]; 10. 93-Matt Werner[11]; 11. 2X-Patrick Moore[17]; 12. 15D-Brandon Durbin[15]; 13. 17-Jason Pershy[2]; 14. 8C-Michael Claeys[13]; 15. 20-Jake Whittington[18]; 16. 9G-Rob Guss[14]; 17. 5-Rob Dominacki[16]; 18. G1-Mike Garland[8]; 19. (DNS) 88-Tony Von Dresky Heat 1 - Top 4 Make Invert (8 Laps): 1. 17-Jason Pershy[2]; 2. 9Z-Chris Zogg[6]; 3. 3-Dustin Smith[4]; 4. 99M-Charlie Mohr[5]; 5. 8C-Michael Claeys[3]; 6. 5-Rob Dominacki[1]; 7. 20-Jake Whittington[7] Heat 2 - Top 4 Make Invert (8 Laps): 1. D55-Scotte Lemke[3]; 2. 86B-Jake Morris[2]; 3. 01M-Mitch Way[4]; 4. 1JR-Ben Chapman[5]; 5. 9G-Rob Guss[6]; 6. 2X-Patrick Moore[1] Heat 3 - Top 4 Make Invert (8 Laps): 1. 93-Matt Werner[5]; 2. 44X-Blaise Lewis[2]; 3. 53-Matt Stein[1]; 4. G1-Mike Garland[4]; 5. 15D-Brandon Durbin[6]; 6. (DNS) 88-Tony Von Dresky STREET STOCKS - KOEHLER ELECTRIC (13 entries) A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 20L-Landen Chrestensen[9]; 2. 4S-Tony Von Dresky[10]; 3. 5-Austin Riggs[2]; 4. 81-Cary Brown[3]; 5. 95-Jesse Owen[7]; 6. 1-Rob Nylin[1]; 7. 11T-Trevor Tucker[11]; 8. 31-Donnie Louck[6]; 9. 88-Jake Lund[8]; 10. 76-Bryan Ritter[4]; 11. 78A-Chevy Andreatta[13]; 12. (DNS) 2-Nick Hixson; 13. (DNS) 74-Doug Burkhead Heat 1 - Top 5 Make Invert (8 Laps): 1. 81-Cary Brown[2]; 2. 4S-Tony Von Dresky[6]; 3. 88-Jake Lund[5]; 4. 2-Nick Hixson[3]; 5. 1-Rob Nylin[1]; 6. 11T-Trevor Tucker[4]; 7. 78A-Chevy Andreatta[7] Heat 2 - Top 5 Make Invert (8 Laps): 1. 31-Donnie Louck[3]; 2. 95-Jesse Owen[4]; 3. 20L-Landen Chrestensen[5]; 4. 5-Austin Riggs[1]; 5. 76-Bryan Ritter[2]; 6. 74-Doug Burkhead[6] IMCA SPORTMODS - D&K HOME PRODUCTS (19 entries) A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 43LV-Logan Veloz[12]; 2. 9W-Ryan Walker[10]; 3. 43V-Justin Veloz[6]; 4. 18C-Dakota Cole[2]; 5. 8S-Josh Starr[4]; 6. 9H-Levi Heath[8]; 7. 4G-Kevin Goben[9]; 8. 39R-Mike Adams[11]; 9. 777-Rayce Mullen[7]; 10. 88-Trey Grimm[5]; 11. 97-Josh Geigle[18]; 12. 51T-Tyler Maschmann[13]; 13. 71J-Justin Schroeder[14]; 14. 2K-Tony Kraklio[20]; 15. 29B-Brendon Schultheis[17]; 16. 51-Mike Clausen[1]; 17. 11J-Trey Jacobs[19]; 18. 51X-Cody Weih[16]; 19. 33X-Jeff Waterfall[15]; 20. 22-Alex Houston[3] Heat 1 - Top 4 Make Invert (8 Laps): 1. 9H-Levi Heath[5]; 2. 88-Trey Grimm[4]; 3. 39R-Mike Adams[6]; 4. 22-Alex Houston[3]; 5. 51T-Tyler Maschmann[7]; 6. 51X-Cody Weih[1]; 7. 11J-Trey Jacobs[2] Heat 2 - Top 4 Make Invert (8 Laps): 1. 18C-Dakota Cole[2]; 2. 43LV-Logan Veloz[6]; 3. 43V-Justin Veloz[4]; 4. 4G-Kevin Goben[5]; 5. 71J-Justin Schroeder[3]; 6. 29B-Brendon Schultheis[1]; 7. 2K-Tony Kraklio[7] Heat 3 - Top 4 Make Invert (8 Laps): 1. 777-Rayce Mullen[4]; 2. 8S-Josh Starr[3]; 3. 9W-Ryan Walker[5]; 4. 51-Mike Clausen[1]; 5. 33X-Jeff Waterfall[6]; 6. 97-Josh Geigle[2] IMCA HOBBY STOCK - THEISEN'S HOME & FARM (10 entries) A Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. 4-Jordan Miles[7]; 2. 4R-Randy LaMar[3]; 3. 55-Cody Staley[4]; 4. H2O-Daniel Wauters[9]; 5. 4M-Karter Miles[6]; 6. 2-Jamie Hixson[10]; 7. 44-Keith Lilly[2]; 8. 17M-Jared Miller[1]; 9. 5-Kaden Staley[8]; 10. 28-Sheldon Hunter[5] Heat 1 - Top 5 Make Invert (6 Laps): 1. 4R-Randy LaMar[2]; 2. 4-Jordan Miles[4]; 3. 17M-Jared Miller[1]; 4. 28-Sheldon Hunter[3]; 5. H2O-Daniel Wauters[5] Heat 2 - Top 5 Make Invert (6 Laps): 1. 55-Cody Staley[2]; 2. 4M-Karter Miles[3]; 3. 2-Jamie Hixson[5]; 4. 5-Kaden Staley[4]; 5. 44-Keith Lilly[1] MIDWEST JALOPIES (9 entries) A Feature 1 (12 Laps): 1. 21-Austin Honts[8]; 2. 17-Matt Fulton Sr[9]; 3. 0-Tanner Gerard[1]; 4. 79-Jayson Blunt[6]; 5. 7-Pat Bailey[7]; 6. 1-Jeff Snyder[5]; 7. 52-Dennis Blunt[3]; 8. 46-Larry Driskell[2]; 9. 11-Zane Zimmerman[4] Heat 1 (6 Laps): 1. 21-Austin Honts[8]; 2. 17-Matt Fulton Sr[9]; 3. 1-Jeff Snyder[5]; 4. 0-Tanner Gerard[1]; 5. 46-Larry Driskell[2]; 6. 7-Pat Bailey[7]; 7. 79-Jayson Blunt[6]; 8. 11-Zane Zimmerman[4]; 9. 52-Dennis Blunt[3]
	City of Eldridge alleges misconduct by former utility board members and employees, refers case to police In a media release, the city says they have been investigating allegations of misconduct for the past several months.
	Progressive Action for the Common Good celebrates 4th Anniversary of Racial Equality Rallies Progressive Action for the Common Good is still bringing awareness through its rallies to community members four years later. The group has gathered for a rally at the corner of John Deere Road and 16th Street in Moline every Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until 12:30 p.m.
	Genesis sets weekly recruiting sessions This summer, Genesis Health System will hold a virtual recruiting event, ‘Talk With A Recruiter’ every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., according to a news release. Candidates can chat with a recruiter from the beach, their kitchen, or anywhere else because they won’t be on camera. Job seekers can RSVP by visiting here. Genesis is hiring for all clinical positions, such as nursing, nursing support, laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, therapy, and more. Since the inception of Talk with a Recruiter virtual events in 2022, Genesis has hired 36 nurses. Our in-person recruiting event ‘Walk In Wednesday’ is scheduled to return in the fall, the release says.
	Near century-old Japanese Garden in Muscatine wins preservation award Built in the 1930s, the city's art center spent years planning and reviving the garden to uphold the legacy of a historic community figure.
	Moms Demand Action hold Davenport rally against gun violence Moms Demand Action held a rally against gun violence Saturday at Davenport's Vander Veer Botanical Park.
	New cannabis dispensary, growing facility coming to Kewanee Kewanee City Council approved two permits last month for HVN Capital, LLC to open a cannabis dispensary shop and build a growing facility.
	Local group calls for an end to racial inequality As the 4-year anniversary of George Floyd’s death draws near, one group is committed to calling for an end to racial inequality. On Saturday, Progressive Action for Common Good (PACG), a group that aims to educate and engage citizens to work for the common good of all, according to their website, gathered along an intersection near Southpark mall in Moline. “We want to make sure that people keep in their minds what happened on that day; it’s a dialogue that needs to be kept going,” PACG Vice President Glenda Guster said. “It’s something that just is usually put in the back, nobody talks about it. We want to keep conversation going about what happened.” Members of PACG come together at the same corner every Saturday with signs that ask drivers to "honk for equality". They hope to keep the memories and the conversation alive while also sharing the values of the group with the community.
	Family Fun Day at Longview Park SAL community services hosted a Family Fun Day at Longview Park shelter in Rock Island on Saturday. Everyone in the Quad Cities was invited for games, snacks and a fun Saturday afternoon. The Rock Island Library and Family Resources were among the organizations who were part of the event. Longview Park, Rock Island. This is an annual event organized with the goal of engagement, recruitment and community outreach. While this event is mainly aimed at family bonding, it also functions to connect families with the resources around them. “This event just doubles as a recruitment event and an engagement event for families,” Family and Community Engagement spokesperson Rosie Zbaracki said. “So, our families are here, they come and they have little activities that they can do to kind of build some bonding time between the families and the children.” While this is one of the larger events put together by SAL community services, with up to 100 people showing up to participate, the organization also puts on other events throughout the year. Those events are hosted in collaboration with various other organizations in the community.
	Davenport wears orange for gun violence About a dozen people gathered at Vander Veer Park in Davenport today to raise awareness about gun violence. Vander Veer Park (File photo) The Wear Orange campaign started as a tribute to Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old girl who was shot and killed in Chicago just two weeks after she performed at President Obama’s inauguration. Saturday's event at Vander Veer park honored those effected by gun violence-- whether through violent crime or suicide. “About three in five Americans have been touched by gun violence in some way shape or form,” Quad Cities Moms Demand Action member Kaleigh Rogers said. “That could be having survived an incident of gun violence or intimate partner violence involving suicide by gun.” The Quad Cities Moms Demand Action group is also focused on gun legislation, particularly red flag laws. These laws allow for guns to be temporarily taken from people who are a risk to themselves or others. Illinois currently has this type of law, but Iowa does not.
	Sacred Heart, Moline, holds reunion Sacred Heart Church in Moline is planning its inaugural Sacred Heart Moline Church Reunion from 5-8 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Sacred Heart Moline campus, 1400 16th Ave., Moline, according to a news release. The new Gathering Center at Sacred Heart Church, Moline. Among the activities will be a 50/50, silent auction, raffle, and games. Food from the Sacred Heart Historical Cookbook, which will be available for sale that day, will be featured. Tickets are $10 each, $30 for a family of four or more. Children three and younger will be admitted free. The tickets will be available after Masses prior to the event and at the door. Any money raised from this event go to pay down the principle of the capital campaign debt.
	BankORION expands operations to East Moline BankORION will celebrate its expansion to a new operations facility at 11 a.m. Friday, June 14, at 4700 Kennedy Drive in East Moline, a news release says. Refreshments will be provided. “Our customer base has grown over the past several years and the manner in which we need to serve our customers and employees has also evolved," said Matthew P. Bollinger, president and CEO of BankORION. "The new facility is equipped with additional technology and offers expanded space, enabling us to improve our efficiency and continue delivering exceptional service to our customers." The 11,000 square-foot commercial property was built in 1993 with two levels and was the former office of McClure Engineering Associates, Inc. The remodel of the facility was led by Centennial Contractors of the Quad Cities from Moline. BankORION has seven full-service branches including Orion, Cambridge, Moline, Aledo and Annawan in Illinois as well as Bettendorf. For more information, visit here.
	Kinna's House of Love presents Davenport praise festival Kinna's House of Love Inc. will present a praise festival from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at LeClaire Park and band shell, 400 Beiderbecke Drive, Davenport. Kinna Hodges and Kossi Liassidji will be the hosts. Special guests will include Milton Calvin, Teleia Holder, Reg, Pastor Smith, Unbroken Ministry and the Olivet Male Chorus. For a vendor link and more information, visit here or call 563-200-8064.
	Deloitte Davenport celebrates 25th Impact Day by helping Moline elementary Deloitte employees gave a helping hand to Washington Elementary School.
	QC Flood Resiliency Alliance to meet in Riverdale The Quad Cities Flood Resiliency Alliance will meet at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, at Riverdale City Hall Community Room, 110 Manor Drive, Riverdale, a news release says. The Mississippi River starts to lap over the edge at LeClaire Park in Davenport on April 20, 2023. (Bryan Bobb, OurQuadCities.com) City/county/village leaders and administrators; emergency management personnel, floodplain managers, public works personnel, local and state-level elected officials, residents and property owners in the region are welcome. Admission is free. The Alliance is open to the public and is a forum for timely and educational information on flood prevention, mitigation, flood insurance and floodplain management. For more information, contact Kathy Wine, River Action, at 563-322-2969 or kwine@riveraction.org About the Alliance At River Action’s October 2018 Upper Mississippi River Conference, a workshop launched a new initiative for the greater Quad City region within the Mississippi River watershed. The Quad Cities Flood Resiliency Alliance kicked off with many local river cities, towns and villages showing a keen interest in flood prevention, flood damage mitigation, and floodplain restoration.
	Muscatine makes progress on lagoon project Muscatine City Council on Thursday unanimously awarded a $442,172 contract for the Weed Park Lagoon Project to Sulzco LLC.
	Muscatine softball coach reaches 500th win “It feels good. It’s been a long road," Steve Hopkins said.
	Quad-City students earn college, business-sponsored scholarships From aerospace engineering to skilled trades, more Quad-City students have earned scholarships toward their various post-secondary paths.
	Izaak Walton League, USFWS celebrate 100 years of Upper Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Refuge The 261-mile Mississippi River refuge was established after a passionate bass fisherman learned of a plan to drain backwaters of the upper Mississippi River and undertook a national grassroots campaign.
	Eldridge finishes utility investigation, refers portions of case to law enforcement Eldridge has wrapped up its investigation into allegations of misconduct by utility board members and employees. Some of the results were referred to unspecified law enforcement agencies.
	Man accused of 2020 Davenport homicide sentenced Authorities accused Sherral J. Tolbert, now 22, of Davenport, of shooting Lavonta Baker, 19, to death on Oct. 25, 2020.
	Quad-Cities business openings: AWAKE Coffee, WOW Aesthetics, BankORION In this week's business news: BankORION plans a new location, AWAKE Coffee continues its expansion and WOW Aesthetics opens.
	Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, June 8, 2024 Patricia “Patti” J. Cunningham, 67, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2024. Arrangements are pending at the Runge Mortuary.
	Pending Death Notices for Muscatine, June 8, 2024 Robert Foust, 74, of Rock Island, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Silver Cross Friendship Manor, Rock Island, Illinois. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, Moline.
Friday, June 7th, 2024
	New cannabis dispensary and growing facility is on its way to Kewanee after city council approves permits for both projects Kewanee City Council approved two permits last month for HVN Capital, LLC to open a cannabis dispensary shop and build a growing facility.
	Applications open for pre-apprenticeship program in Illinois The program is run through Illinois Works and the American Job Center.
	Mount Carroll Library hosting celebration Saturday after multi-million dollar expansion project After over 12 years of planning, the library now has 7,200 square feet of new space. The celebration is on June 8 at 12:30 p.m.
	Century-old Japanese garden in Muscatine wins preservation award Built in the 1930s, the city's art center spent years planning and reviving the garden to uphold the legacy of a historic community figure.
	1 dead, 1 injured after Friday morning Galesburg shooting One person is dead and another is injured after a shooting Friday morning.
	Rock Island County State's Attorney says officers 'were justified' in fatal East Moline shooting On May 17, East Moline police shot 80-year-old Eugene Mewes, who was armed. Mewes later died on May 20 from his injuries.
	Univ. of Iowa names new gymnastics head coach following Larissa Libby’s resignation The University of Iowa has named Jen Llewellyn the next head coach of the university’s gymnastics program.
	Great River Brewery back in business with grand re-opening celebration Friday was a big day in downtown Davenport as Great River Brewery held a grand re-opening ceremony after being closed for more than five years.

Monday, June 10th, 2024

Sunday, June 9th, 2024

Saturday, June 8th, 2024

Friday, June 7th, 2024