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

Thursday, April 18th, 2024
	Iowa GOP lawmakers reach deal to speed up, further cut income taxes Income taxes in Iowa could be dropping for everyone, and the cuts could be coming a year sooner than the current plan.
	Moline police officially launch online reporting system Moline residents can now report minor crimes to the police online.
	Mike Truitt to be named Muscatine High School’s new Head Football Coach Muscatine High School has named Mike Truitt as their next head football coach.
	Safer Foundation holds annual ‘Safer Sack’ fundraiser The Safer Foundation held their annual “Safer Sacks” fundraiser. The organization sold sack lunches to businesses with 100% of proceeds going towards individuals served through the foundation’s local programs.
	IowaWORKS Immigrants and refugee workforce event connects Quad Cities employers and job seekers The immigrant and refugee community of the Quad Cities learned about employment resources at IowaWORKS' "Immigrant Workforce – The QC's Best Kept Secret" event.
	Moline Police launch online reporting system The Moline Police Department has launched an online reporting system for minor offenses or nonemergency crimes called the Desk Officer Reporting System (DORS,) according to a news release. If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate threat, you should always call 911, the release says. If a citizen has an incident that occurred within the jurisdiction of the Moline Police Department and is not an emergency, the individual can navigate to the website to fill out a report online. Upon completion of the report, the submitter will receive a case number and be able to print a draft copy of the report. Once submitted, the report will be reviewed by the Records Division. If the report needs further investigation, the individual will be contacted. Those filing an online report should be sure to have a valid phone number and email submitted on the report. Online reporting is not designed to reduce policing services or replace speaking to an officer in person if needed. This enhancement is designed to provide citizens with a convenient and more efficient method to file a police report where documentation is the primary purpose. This also is a more efficient use of police resources by decreasing response times for report-only calls. A citizen may choose to file a report online for cases such as burglary to a motor vehicle, criminal damage to property, home-repair fraud, deceptive or bad checks, harassment by electronic communication, minor thefts, or visitation interference, for example. The DORS program project was implemented in cooperation with the Rock Island CountyEmergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) and will expand to further cities in Rock Island County over the coming months. The DORS program is integrated with the dispatch center that can send a caller a text message with a link to the online reporting system. Moline soft-launched this system in February and through a small sample size, tested the application to ensure proper functionality. Over two months, the Moline Police Department accepted 21 reports, which transitioned well from the online system into our records system. The project build began in July 2023. For more information, or to file a report online, visit here and click on "police."
	'It's all joy' \| Meet the QC man behind Navarro Canoe Co.'s handcrafted boats Jeff O'Hern spent his whole life around boats. Then two years ago, he started making them. You can get a BTS look at Navarro's 'Meet The Maker' event April 20-21.
	Golfing 'fore' Gray Matters Collective! Good things come in three! Here's your chance to tee off and help a great cause. Todd Winter with Rock Island Parks and Recreation, Haley DeGreve with The Gray Matters Collective and Chuck Dinwiddie with the Rock Island Moose Lodge made the drive to Our Quad Cities News to talk about the Par 3 Golf Tournament. For more information, click here.
	Woman charged in Jo Daviess County crash The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a freightliner tractor, trailer Wednesday. A woman is now facing charges.
	What a new climate change report found about the Quad Cities region The recent report predicts places like the Isle Casino Hotel and Vibrant Area at the MARK could become susceptible to flooding as early as 2040.
	PAW Animal Shelter looks for community support to build larger facility PAW Animal Shelter in Fort Madison, Iowa, was recently gifted a $750,000 matching challenge for a new shelter and is asking for the public's help in matching funds.
	Morrison Community School District begins exploring budget cuts Superintendent Scott Vance said he's looking at plans that involve cutting $200,000 to $1 million over three years.
	Illinois Secretary of State encouraging residents to register as organ donors According to the Secretary of State's office, about 300 Illinois residents die each year waiting for a transplant, with another 4,000 people on the waitlist.
	PAW Animal Shelter looks for community support to build larger facility PAW Animal Shelter in Fort Madison, Iowa, was recently gifted a $750,000 matching challenge for a new shelter and is asking for the public's help in matching funds.
	'It's all joy' \| Meet the QC man behind Navarro Canoe Co.'s handcrafted boats Jeff O'Hern spent his whole life around boats. Then two years ago, he started making them. You can get a BTS look at Navarro's 'Meet The Maker' event April 20-21.
	Religious non-profit celebrates 88 years with fundraiser YouthHope, a religious non-profit organization, is celebrating 88 years, and they held a fundraiser Thursday night to support their after-school programs and summer camps.
	Easy tips to help prepare for severe weather Ameren Illinois recommends that everyone in the home knows where the kit is kept.
	1,600+ MidAmerican Energy customers without power in Rock Island County As of 4:30 p.m., 1,667 customers in total were without power, including 569 customers in Port Byron, 487 in Rapids City, 52 in Hampton and 559 throughout RI County.
	Niabi Zoo reducing admission costs for 2024 season Some exhibits will be temporarily closed after heavy snowstorms damaged the zoo's facilities. Admission costs have been reduced by $2 as a result.
	What's coming up with Bettendorf Parks and Recreation? Warmer weather will be here before you know it, and Bettendorf has plenty to keep all ages busy during the summer months! Recreation coordinator Meredith Fabrizius stopped by Our Quad Cities News to tell us about some great programs and events from Bettendorf Parks and Recreation. For more information, click here.
	Unemployment numbers in for Iowa and Illinois Unemployment numbers are in for both Iowa and Illinois. Iowa's unemployment rate fell to 2.9%, which is down one-tenth of a point from February. The state's labor force participation rate fell to 67% from 67.2% percent in February. Iowa added 4,000 jobs in March. Illinois' unemployment rate didn't change in March, staying at 4.8%. The number of unemployed workers increased to 312,000. Illinois added more than 26,000 jobs. The U.S. unemployment rate fell to 3.8% in March. For more information, click here.
	Moline, R.I. progress in addressing poverty Project NOW held its 2nd-annual Rooting Out Poverty Conference Thursday at Rhythm City Event Center, Davenport. Among the six-hour event, that attracted over 300 people, Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati discussed the new Level Up and Thurgood Brooks talked up West End Revitalization, two major efforts to help lift local residents out of poverty. Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati speaks at the Project NOW poverty conference Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Rhythm City Casino Event Center, Davenport (photo by Jonathan Turner). Level Up (a pilot program for the 2024 calendar year) was launched to offer critical or emergency assistance to residents in need who are not met by other programs or services. It was initially supposed to be funded by $200,000 in cannabis tax revenue, but there was a delay in filing the paperwork, and the city is not going to get that revenue until beginning July 1. “The staff found us money for us this first round, but the intent is to be funded by cannabis tax revenue,” Rayapati said Thursday. Project NOW (which administers the program) is funding $120,000 for the monthly grants, $60,000 for one-time emergency assistance, and $20,000 for program administration. The Level A funding is $400 a month for a year, helping 25 qualifying families. They must be Moline residents, single or two-parent families where a parent is enrolled in a program at Black Hawk College, WIU-QC, UnityPoint or University of Illinois nursing programs, or in a local apprenticeship in a trade organization or other credentialing programs. Level B one-time grants (of up to $2,000) are for anyone 18 years old or up who meets the above requirements, and they can’t also receive monthly grants. Level Up has the goal of moving people up in quality of life and economic mobility, Rayapati said. In Moline, 15 percent of residents live in poverty and over 57% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch. “We’re looking forward to the data gathering that will happen throughout the year, we know by the next budget cycle, how we can continue to help folks – see what worked and what needs improvements,” she said. “It’s really up to case management at Project NOW to see what their needs are,” Rayapati said of recipients. No one will be negatively impacted by receiving Level Up, meaning other public assistance won’t be reduced, the mayor said. The program is based on similar programs in cities and counties across the country. “They’re working on ways to actually lift people up and out of poverty,” Rayapati said. Thurgood Brooks of Rock Island, left, and Michael Berger and Ashley Ezzio of Uplift Iowa listen as Mayor Rayapati talks about Level Up (photo by Jonathan Turner). She wanted to promote the program at Thursday’s conference and show Moline’s success so far (they’re the only QC community to have such a program). “When you look at data around our median income, our education level, how much farther behind some of our residents are than the state average is, it’s very clear we need to keep working hard to make sure that people aren’t stuck in the situations they might have been born into,” Rayapati said. “We’re really proud of this specifically being for parents, or single-parent families, because we know those are some of our most vulnerable children,” she said. “We can make a generational impact in this way.” Level Up was created because the mayor chose to learn what’s going on across the country to address economic mobility. Rayapati attended a U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Reno, Nev., where she heard Michael Tubbs, former mayor of Stockton, Calif. “He’s really a groundbreaking mayor; he created an organization called Mayors for Guaranteed Income,” she told the Davenport conference gathering. “I said, I wonder what I need to do in Moline to address economic mobility and access to opportunity,” Rayapati said, adding she later met with Project NOW executive director Dwight Ford about starting Level Up. “Guaranteed income has a very long history, under lots of different titles,” she said in the panel. “The legacy stretches all the way back to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For us to have entered into conversations decades ago, and not done anything, I think is a tragedy. We’re trying to do something in a big piece, a large way.” To learn more about Level Up, click HERE. Uplifting central Iowa At the afternoon panel the mayor spoke at, coordinators of the year-old Uplift Iowa in the Des Moines area -- Ashley Ezzio and Michael Berger – also spoke. It’s similar to what Moline is doing. There are over 130 similar programs across the nation, and Uplift Iowa has worked with the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the University of Pennsylvania. Ashley Ezzio “We really kind of modeled that and used their advice on how to do evaluations, best research,” Ezzio said before her panel. They started their program in May 2023 and it’s just for two years, helping 110 people with $500 a month in Polk, Dallas and Warren counties, with the last payments in April 2025. Their eligibility is for people living with a dependent up to 25 years old, and a household income at or below 60 percent of the area median income, Berger said. They’re doing a research study comparing participants with a control group of 140 who meet the income levels but don’t receive grants. The participants have an average age of 37 with an average annual household income of $24,542, 85% are female, with an average of two children per household. The average participants spend 44 percent of their income on housing, more than the 30% that’s considered “housing burdened,” according to Uplift Iowa. The funding comes from 11 sources, including private and public entities, Ezzio said. Michael Berger Berger said poverty is a big problem in central Iowa, from housing instability to food insecurity. “Child care is an extremely huge cost for these folks, meaning they have to make very difficult decisions – are they going to work or does it make more sense to have a parent at home?” he said. “We really do see the plethora of the symptoms of poverty,” Berger said. Lifting up Rock Island’s West End Thurgood Brooks, a 30-year-old Rock Island native, is coordinator for the West End Revitalization project. Project NOW – a key partner -- invited him to speak Thursday. He grew up in the West End. “We’ve stayed in dialogue with them through this entire process, the three-year plan,” Brooks said. “It was a no-brainer to share what we’re able to do.” Thurgood Brooks of Rock Island is coordinator of the West End revitalization. “This is intentional, deliberate actions and a strategic plan behind stability for the West End,” he said. “It’s not top down. It’s from the grassroots level up – we’re working with residents of the West End, real Rock Islanders behind this plan.” Other major partners include the John Deere Foundation, the Martin Luther King Center and the QC Community Foundation, which awarded the project a $300,000 transformational grant earlier this year (spread over three years). In early 2022, Rock Island City Council approved and John Deere provided funding for a one-year phase to prioritize West End Community Assessment recommendations. That summer, a Task Force of community representatives appointed a Steering Committee for the West End Revitalization. In 2023, it created working groups in five impact areas and one cross-cutting areas: Community Engagement, Personal Assets & Income, Housing & Land, Community Economic Vitality, Infrastructure & Visual Appeal, and Communications. In March 2024, based on efforts by the Working Groups and guidance by the Steering Committee, a 3-Year Implementation Plan was unveiled. “Our plan is holistic; we’re looking at five areas,” Brooks said Thursday. “You can’t look at one area; if you do, you won’t address anything. Understanding that, we can’t do it all alone. We have to collaborate – which means building relationships with folks, whether it’s a credit union, providing services for people that need financial education, financial mobility, or working with our schools.” John Deere Foundation hasn’t committed a specific new grant yet. The city of Rock Island has been a good partner, Brooks said, and they’re also looking to businesses and the community for support. “We’re looking at any funds and resources that are appropriate to tackle what we need to tackle,” he said. The short-term goals over three years are to: A new West End Community Development Corporation is fully operational with staff, an office, established partnerships, and is implementing actions in the plan. Franklin Field is acquired with development partners and plan in place. West End Special Service Area is created. West End community stakeholders are regularly engaged and play key roles in moving the Action Plan forward. Partner organizations and institutions are leading and supporting actions in the plan. Diversified funding has been secured and a West End Revitalization funders roundtable has been established. West End stakeholders know the purpose, progress, and goals for the West End Revitalization initiative and how to get involved. Brooks said his main message to Thursday’s conference was: “To go fast, you go alone. To go far, you go together, and that’s what we’re looking to do.” He networked with other experts on the issues at the Project NOW conference. “We can get buy-in into our vision of the West End, and they see their vision within ours. That’s how we’re gonna go far, together.” To learn more about the project, visit the West End site HERE.
	Crime Stoppers: Have you seen him?
	Crime Stoppers: Woman wanted in Scott and Rock Island counties on multiple warrants Have you seen her?
	Crime Stoppers: Woman steals hundreds of dollars out of purse found at Walmart The Moline Police Department is looking for a woman who they say found a purse left in a shopping cart at Walmart on March 19, and instead of turning in the purse, she stole $400 out of it and then ditched the purse in the restroom.
	Illinois could amend demonstrations law Stricter penalties may soon happen for protesters who block busy public streets in Illinois. Rep. Dan Ugaste has proposed legislation to amend the Illinois Public Demonstrations Law. Demonstrators who block streets for more than five minutes or prevent emergency workers from passing could face felony charges. The measure comes after protesters recently cut off traffic near O'Hare International Airport. For more information, click here.
	Rock Island police chief to retire After more than 30 years with the Rock Island Police Department, Chief Richard Landi will retire effective Friday, April 26, 2024. Chief Landi was appointed chief of police in April 2022 after serving five months as interim chief. He began his career with the Rock Island Police Department in December 1993 as a patrol officer in Field Operations, according to a city release Thursday. He rose through the ranks of the police department, serving as sergeant from 2003 to 2010, and as lieutenant until 2020 when he was appointed to deputy chief of police. Chief Richard Landi will retire effective April 26, 2024. “It's been an honor and privilege to have served in one of the finest police organizations in the nation,” Chief Landi said in the release. “Over the past 30 years, I've served in many roles within the police department and was fortunate to have worked with so many dedicated and talented people -- past and present -- many of whom shaped me as a police officer and guided me as a future leader. “The capstone to what has been a wonderful and rewarding career undoubtedly has been that of becoming the department's police chief,” he said. “While this role wasn't something I thought to achieve, attaining it provided me with the opportunity to lead the department through what has been the most challenging and changing landscape that law enforcement has experienced during my career.” Landi attended Black Hawk College for law enforcement and criminal justice and received his certification from the University of Illinois Police Training Institute for Basic Correctional Officer, Basic Law Enforcement Officer and Master Firearms Instructor. He earned various certifications in areas of police operations, management and administration throughout his career. Prior to joining the city of Rock Island, Landi began his law enforcement career in 1990 as an auxiliary police officer for the Village of Milan. He then joined the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department as a correctional officer, where he later became the jail administrator. During his nearly 31-year tenure at the Rock Island Police Department, Landi has served in a variety of roles, including field training officer, firearms and Use of Force instructor, assistant watch commander and watch commander for the Field Operations Division, deputy commander of the Technical Services Division, deputy commander of the police department’s Emergency Response Team, deputy commander of the ILEAS Region 2 WMD Special Response Team and agent in the Office of Professional Standards. Additionally, Chief Landi has earned several service awards during his career, including letters of recognition, certificates of appreciation, commendations and Life Saving awards. “On behalf of the city, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for Chief Landi and the incredible leadership he has provided to the Rock Island Police Department," said Mayor Mike Thoms. "His dedication and commitment has led to a decrease in crime, improved community relations and an increase in efficiencies across the department. "We congratulate Chief Landi on a job well done and wish him well on his retirement." In addition to overseeing the daily operations of the police department, Landi supervised the department’s recruitment efforts, reorganized staff and implemented new technologies to improve the department’s efficiency and effectiveness in delivering police services to the community. This includes transitioning to the new P-25 radio network for police, fire and emergency services in Rock Island and Scott counties; implementation of a new records management and 911 dispatch system; a new Automated License Plate Recognition System; and the continuing expansion of the city’s camera network. Under his leadership, the police department: Enacted numerous operational policy and procedural changes to meet the mandates of Illinois’ Safe-T-Act Partnered with Family Resources to embed a crime victim specialist into the department for victim support and assistance Completed the police department’s third re-accreditation under the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program for Tier 2 status Joined with the six other Illinois QC law enforcement agencies to adopt the Ten Shared Principles in partnership with the Rock Island County NAACP Worked with the Rock Island-Milan School District to reintroduce a school resource officer to the high school. Landi’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with neighboring law enforcement agencies led to an intergovernmental support agreement between the city and the Rock Island Arsenal for the management of their police and fire radio service maintenance; collaboration with the Davenport Police Department to expand Group Violence Intervention (GVI) to Rock Island; and collaboration with the Moline Police Department for a shared automated biometric fingerprint identification system to aid their Criminal Investigations Divisions in solving cases.
	Rock Island police chief announces retirement Rock Island Police Chief Richard Landi will retire next week.
	Rock Island police chief to retire at end of month After more than 30 years with the Rock Island Police Department, Chief Ricard Landi is set to retire.
	Pediatric expert explains newborn healthcare Babies need lots of visits to the pediatrician after they’re first born
	Rock Island police chief announces retirement Rock Island Police Chief Richard Landi started at the department in 1993 and climbed through the ranks before becoming police chief in April 2022.
	LIVE TV6 Investigates Talks: Overdosed, finding help in Quad Cities area The family’s story the TV6 Investigates team has shared about addiction has continued to evolve, while in the final part covering treatment available in the Quad Cities area.
	Trace Adkins to perform Somewhere in America tour in Moline, Ill Country star Trace Adkins will perform at The Rust Belt in August.
	Caitlin Clark nearing eight figure endorsement deal with Nike The deal is expected to be one of the most lucrative sneaker deals in the WNBA.
	Two shootings, two different responses — Maine restricts guns while Iowa arms teachers Two states. Two tragedies. Two different approaches to improving public safety.
	'It has been an honor': Rock Island Police Chief Richard Landi retiring Chief Richard Landi will retire on Friday, April 26.
	April 22: Pre-order for BBBS plant sale ends The opportunity to pre-order flowers through the Big Brothers Big Sisters plant sale will end Monday, April 22. After April 22 flowers will only be available for purchase on May 10 through May 13 at the organizations retail site at Northwest Bank Tower in Davenport. To pre-order flowers online click here. For more information about the sale or assistance with the ordering process, please contact BBBS at 563-323-8006. The BBBS Plant Sale has been happening for 35 years and is considered the first community fundraising event for the organization. Funds raised support the organizations one to one mentoring programs provided to youth and families in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. (Credit: Getty Images) The Plant Sale is presented by Iowa American Water, Mel Foster Company and Solutions Management Group. The sale offers 46 different varieties of annuals in hundreds of color options. In addition to flats of annuals, the sale includes 20 different hanging basket varieties, 12 five-inch pot varieties, seven seed geranium color options, 14 wave and easy wave color options and accent plants including Spikes, Sprengeri and Vinca Vine. Hard to find annuals such as Zinnias, Salvia, Gerber Daisy, Snapdragons and others make the sale a must support for quality and cause.
	Culvers, Living Lands and Waters fundraiser breaks records Culver's restaurants around the Midwest are partnering with Living Lands and Waters in celebration of Earth Day for the fourth consecutive year. On April 22, 10 percent of net sales from over 80 participating Culver's locations will be donated to Living Lands and Waters. The initiative has grown significantly since its beginning. Starting with 13 restaurants participating in 2021, support skyrocketed to 25 on 2022 and 33 by 2023. Additionally, the Culver's Foundation has contributed to the raising of funds for Living Lands and Waters. Culver Franchising has also added to the marketing effort and promoting the fundraiser each year. “I could not be more excited about the growth of this very special event. The Independent Culver’s owners and Culver Franchising have always sought out ways to give back to their respective communities. In this partnership with Living Lands and Waters we have the unique opportunity to also have a global impact while raising awareness of this outstanding organization,” says Mike Martel, a Culver’s Owner and Operator. 2023 check presentation (photo courtesy of Living Lands and Waters) Living Lands and Waters is an environmental organization founded by Chad Pregracke in 1998. It's mission is to aid the protection, preservation and restoration of the natural environment of the nation's major rivers and their watersheds. “I want to thank everybody at Culver’s for continuing to help us and our mission of cleaning up America’s rivers in a huge way. We simply couldn’t accomplish all that we do without the support of compassionate individuals and organizations like theirs,” says Pregracke. Starting with just one boat, Living Lands and Waters has grown into an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and work boats. Every year thousands of volunteers participate in river cleanups, environmental education workshops, tree plantings and more. For more information about Living Lands and Waters click here. 27 Culver's will support the effort for the whole day, with 54 more joining from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Some local restaurants participating all day include the Bettendorf, Davenport, Moline, Clinton and Muscatine locations.
	Lee County man follows juvenile trespassers, arrested after striking juvenile with UTV Max Muetze, 38, was charged with aggravated reckless driving after chasing a juvenile trespasser off his property and striking them with his UTV vehicle.
	Downtown Davenport hot spots partner on 4/20 This year’s Record Store Day (RSD) coincides with internationally recognized cannabis day (4/20), Saturday, April 20 and the Last Picture House in downtown Davenport is getting in on the action. The two-screen indie movie palace is launching a new "Record Store Day" Screening Series, to celebrate RSD this Saturday 4/20. All films are screening April 20 to April 22. The showtimes will be: “Dazed and Confused” – Saturday at 7:15 p.m., Sunday at 12 noon, and Monday at 7:45 p.m. “Cheech & Chong’s Up In Smoke” – Saturday at 9:30 p.m., Sunday at 4:20 p.m., and Monday at 10 p.m. “Lost In Translation” – Saturday at 5 p.m., Sunday at 2:15 p.m., and Monday at 3:30 p.m. Each soundtrack is being re-released for Record Store Day, and if you purchase one of the three soundtracks down the street at Ragged Records / Trash Can Annie (311 E. 2nd St., Davenport), you will receive 50% off your movie ticket! The 2003 film "Lost in Translation" stars Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, written and directed by Sofia Coppola. It won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Ragged Records is giving away free tickets to Milwaukee Summerfest to the first 150 customers at Record Store Day this Saturday starting at 9 a.m. as a part of its free tote bag giveaway brought to you by Ragged Records and Gnar City Custom Printing in Davenport. Starting at 9 a.m., they will have stocked shelves with an extensive selection of limited-edition Record Store Day titles. Be sure to show up on time or line up early to get your desired title. They’ll be giving away free Ragged Records / Gnar City tote bags packed with goodies to the first 150 customers through the door. Record Store Day was conceived in 2007 at a gathering of independent record store owners and employees as a way to celebrate and spread the word about the unique culture surrounding nearly 1,400 independently-owned record stores in the U.S. and thousands of similar stores internationally, according to Ragged. The first Record Store Day took place on April 19, 2008. Today, Record Store Day is celebrated at independently-owned brick-and-mortar record stores around the world. Ragged Records owner Bob Herington and Trash Can Annie's owner Laura Heath (photo by Jonathan Turner). Ragged Records will open at 9 a.m., but you might want to get in line early. “Some people usually show up in the wee hours of the morning and we've been known to have a line all the way down the block as early as 8:00 a.m.,” the business posted on the Facebook event page. Releases are first come, first serve to those who show up. They can’t reserve any titles. Each customer is allowed only one copy per title, but you can buy as many different titles as you want. “We usually go pretty wild with the variety and quantity of titles we order but sometimes titles are so limited edition we can only get a certain amount of copies,” Ragged posted. Bob Herington looks through the vinyl collection at Ragged Records, 311 E. 2nd St., Davenport (photo by Jonathan Turner). There will also be special 12-inch portraits of musicians painted by Jon Burns to purchase exclusively at Ragged Records for Record Store Day. While Saturday is Record Store Day, Friday is Taylor Swift Day and Ragged is selling Taylor’s new album “The Tortured Poets Department” on Ghosted White Vinyl (double album) starting at 10 a.m. for the sale price of $44.99. Why did 4/20 get associated as the national pot day? Derrick Bergman, chairman of the Union for the Abolition of Cannabis Prohibition, smokes a marijuana cigarette in coffeeshop De Baron in Breda, Netherlands, on Dec. 15, 2023. Bergman was at the coffeeshop to mark the start of a new experiment with legally grown weed going on sale in two Dutch cities. (AP Photo/Mike Corder) The origin story is traced to Marin County, Calif. In 1971, five students at San Rafael High School would meet at 4:20 p.m. by the campus’ statue of chemist Louis Pasteur to partake, according to a Time magazine piece. They chose that specific time because extracurricular activities had usually ended by then. This group became known as the “Waldos” because they met at a wall. They would say “420” to each other as code for marijuana. For more information on Ragged Records, click HERE.
	Rainy and chilly Thursday; Frost possible this weekend Frost/freeze concerns by the weekend.
	Dead dogs found. 60 animals rescued by Animal Rescue League of Iowa at Norwalk home 57 dogs and puppies and three cats suffering from fleas, cuts and raw skin were rescued from the Norwalk, Iowa home. Dead dogs were also found at the home.
	2 men arrested after using bat and golf club in Knox County fight Two men have been arrested and charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after using a bat and a golf club during a fight.
	Deputies: 2 men charged in Knox County fight with bat and golf clubs Two men are charged after deputies say they were in a fight with a bat and a golf club.
	World-renowned doctor to speak in Davenport World-renowned physician and activist Dr. Jim O'Connell will speak at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport, Sunday, April 21, at 4 p.m. in the St. Paul Sanctuary, 2136 Brady St. In partnership with Augustana College, St. Paul is welcoming Dr. O’Connell, a Harvard-educated physician who has devoted 40 years of his life serving Boston’s homeless population. Pulitzer-prize-winning author Tracy Kidder has chronicled the unparalleled work of O'Connell and his mobile outreach clinic in his 2023 book Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O'Connell's Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People. “Rough Sleepers” is available in the St. Paul non-profit bookstore for $17.50. In the 1980s, homelessness was quickly on the rise. When Boston received a grant from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation to create a program to bridge the gap between medical treatment and Boston’s homeless population, Dr. O’Connell was the doctor approached to manage and maintain the program, according to a St. Paul’s release. He chose to defer his fellowship with Sloan Kettering for one year, and the day after he completed his residency, after three years of 110-hour work weeks, he started what he believed would be just one single year, only 365 days, of running this program. After that first year was done, O’Connell realized he wasn’t ready to leave this work or this community behind. Instead, he packed his essential items into a knapsack, hopped into an outreach van, and took to the streets of Boston, armed with medical treatments and supplies, food, blankets, and a listening and empathetic ear to the city’s ‘rough sleepers,’ those who chose to sleep outside instead of in cramped and crowded shelters, St. Paul said. “This is what I was trained for. I wanted to take care of people who were sick. And, oh, my God, have I landed in a world where people are sick,” O’Connell said in the release. Led by the practical guidance of the dedicated nurses at Pine Street Inn, Boston’s largest homeless shelter, O’Connell developed a different approach to engaging with those who would become his patients, one that was outside of the typical doctor’s approach. Those first 365 days turned into more than 14,600 days, and during this time, O’Connell explored the changing medical landscape, navigating the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. In the book Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O'Connell's Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People. Kidder explores the beginning of O’Connell’s career, the first 'temporary year’ of this doctor’s unexpected work, the retraining it took to find unconventional approaches to connecting with these rough sleepers, and how that one year turned into 40. Kidder outlines the five years he spent observing O’Connell and his team of devoted medical personnel, and shares the stories of the doctor and the people of Boston who changed his life.
	Junior Theatre releases plans for interim facility Davenport Junior Theatre plans to begin programs in its new interim facility at NorthPark Mall in June 2025. That’s according to an ambitious comprehensive study (“The Journey Forward”) that is available now on the DJT website HERE. The project page includes: The former Younkers site at NorthPark Mall is the preferred location for an interim Davenport Junior Theatre facility (photo by Bryan Bobb). Interim Facility Proposal Facility Input Survey (3 minute) - Take survey and provide feedback on the Interim Facility Proposal above. Program Statistic & Information - DJT staff developed these graphics to share the impact and reach of DJT programs (February 2024) Survey results from Community Input Meeting - 342 responses, in person and digital (January 2024) Assessment of current DJT facility location - Overview of scope, scale, and usage of Annie Wittenmyer location (January 2024) “This has been months of hard work from DJT Staff, Davenport Parks & Recreation Leadership, and Junior Theatre Inc. Board Members,” Daniel Sheridan, performing arts supervisor for the city of Davenport, posted Wednesday on Facebook about the plans. “It has been a relief to see thus far everyone in the community who said they were ready to carry us forward has followed through.” The historic city-owned Annie Wittenmyer complex on Eastern Avenue is to be redeveloped for affordable housing. DJT has been based at the city-owned Annie Wittenmyer complex (2800 Eastern Ave.) for 45 years, and is working with the city to find a new location, since the campus will be developed for 99 units of affordable housing, through renovations and no demolition of existing buildings. Through Junior Theatre surveys, they identified the former Younkers space at NorthPark Mall (320 W. Kimberly Road), as the preferred site for an interim facility as it works on plans for a new permanent facility. The Younkers interim space falls within the top choice area based on Community Input Survey (document is on the DJT). “Centrally located in City, with key corridor access to highways for those traveling to Davenport,” the website says, noting it has ample parking. The planned space overview for the former Younkers space at NorthPark Mall, 320 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport. There is easy drop-off at north entrance, which would be exclusive to DJT, with no general mall access Greenspace. Green space will provide an outdoor programming area for summer camps. The mall space size increases square footage compared to current DJT location (which uses 43,617 square feet at Annie Wittenmyer), allowing for continued program growth, the DJT site says. The interim theater itself would seat 270, while the current DJT theatre seats 365. At Annie Wittenmyer, DJT currently uses 12 buildings. The current complex uses are: The Mary Fluhrer Nighswander Theatre (a former 1905 chapel) seats 365. Theatre: Mainstage, Box Office, Green Room, Lighting Loft, Tech Booth Lower Level of Theatre: 2 Dance Studios, Makeup Studio, Shoe & Leotard Exchange, Dance Coordinator Office, Dance Costume Storage. Cottage 16: Acting Studio, Musical Theatre Studio, AmeriCorps Office, Sound Lab Cottage 15: Main Office, Teacher Prep Area, Theatre Coordinator Office, Performing Arts Supervisor Office, Acting Studio (Pre-K) Cottage 14: Costume Storage & Shop, Costume Coordinator Office, Laundry Facilities Cottage 13: DJT History Museum, Costume Storage Cottage 12: Technical Design Studio, Meeting Space, Puppetry Lab, Facility Coordinator Office Cottage 11: Acting Studio, Camp & Workshop Coordinator Office, Camp Storage Cottage 10: Tumble Studio, Event Storage Cottage 9: Props Storage, Props Build Area, Scenic Storage Cottage 8: Scenic Storage & Paint Shop Cottage 7: Mainstage Rehearsal Studio (JTI), Artistic Director Office (JTI), Production Manager Office (JTI), DJT Library Shop: Large Scenic Storage, Lumber Storage, Scenic Build Area The interim mall space would house all previous shops and storage for costumes, props, scenic, lights, audio, paints, etc., with space for an additional theatre studio, dance studio, expanded tumble studio, mainstage rehearsal studio, theatre tech studio, grand interior lobby, adequate offices, expanded storage and more. The current DJT layout at Annie Wittenmyer (Eastern Avenue runs along the top of the image). There would be secure restrooms for students only, not in a public space. All the new studios would be larger than current studio spaces, allowing more room for set, props, costumes and other items needed for classes. DJT enrollments are nearly 2,000 with students from 30+ cities and towns. This does not include its non-profit partner (Junior Theatre Inc.) mainstage programs which serves kids and the communities. Nor the many workshops they host onsite throughout the year. A photo from the DJT production of "Finding Nemo Jr." in February 2024. Among the projected timetable for the project: Through June 2024: engineer plans for new space and cost estimates, begin city process of approval for work July-Sept. 2024: Put construction project out to bid, award bid, and begin project preparation for space Oct.-Dec. 2024: Enter lease for existing space and start construction Jan.-March 2025: Construction continues, programming continues at Annie Wittenmyer April-June 2025: Begin draw down from current facility, finish final mainstage production, recitals, farewell celebration on May 18, 2025, finish final move out of cottages, summer programming begins at interim location For more information on Junior Theatre, click HERE.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities headlines for April. 18, 2024 In today's headlines, a boil order in Moline is now lifted, a new McDonalds location breaks ground, and a business is expected do some re-branding.
	Davenport Junior Theatre could move to former Younkers in NorthPark Mall Davenport Junior Theatre may move to NorthPark Mall.
	Pleasant Valley school board report card: Theatre appreciation, 2024 bond sales and annual wage increases/ Highlights from last week's PV school board meeting.
	Columbus Zoo continues to collect letters for Jack Hanna; family shares statement on health decline The zoo is collecting letters to send to the Hanna family. People close to the family says going to the mailbox is one of Jack’s daily activities he enjoys.
	Cook review: Hear sublime music in 'Lost Angel' Judee Sill documentary As a die-hard music aficionado, I was stunned to find out that, during the 1970s, I missed out on the music of an artist who has become one of my favorites decades later. A few years ago, I discovered Judee Sill’s work upon a recommendation. Her ethereal melodies and spiritual lyrics drew me in, and several of her songs are among my favorites of any genre or era. 'Lost Angel: The Genius of Judee Sill' (IMDb) Now, through “Lost Angels: The Genius of Judee Sill,” I hope her music – and her intriguing story - reaches a wider audience. As a teenager and a young woman, Sill was a felon, involved in the likes of armed robbery. She decided to pursue another career as a musician, with the hope of becoming a famous pop star. I never thought I’d get to see and hear Sill perform, but, through this documentary, I have. And I understand more now that Sill battled demons throughout her entire life. The film features another one of my favorite musicians, Robin Pecknold of The Fleet Foxes, as he performs a Sill tune. Through narratives or talking heads, we also hear the likes of Shawn Colvin, Linda Ronstadt, J. D. Southern, Jackson Browne, and interviews with Sill herself as they piece together Sill’s complex personality and incredible songs. The archival imagery includes some of Sill’s drawings and handwritten notes, some of which are animated to great effect to reflect Sill at her most talented, most hopeful, and most devastated. Take special note of “The Lamb Ran Away with the Crown.” Even if you’ve never heard of Sill before, you’re likely to be just as confounded as I am about why this song never became a hit. Better late than never, this documentary is well-earned and deserved. It deserves to be seen, and if you love music, you deserve to see it. 4 stars Streaming on multiple platforms. Running time: One hour and 31minutes. Watch the trailer here.
	United Township school board report card: Grade recovery, school meals and 2024 budget amendments. Highlights from this week's United Township school board meeting.
	Greater Muscatine Chamber hosts first women's summit For the first time, the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce and Industry will hold a Muscatine Women’s Leadership Summit on May 16, hosted by the Lee Agency.
	Muscatine FFA students compete at state, take home high rankings during competition This week saw several Muscatine FFA students get the chance to compete in this year’s State competition, bringing home a variety of awards and new titles for the group.
	Muscatine schools raise 176 blood donations through Muskie Madness event According to ImpactLife, 176 blood donations were given over the course of the past month, helping up to 528 patients.
	Davenport school board report card: Public hearings, SRO contract, tech upgrades and 2025 budget Highlights from last week's Davenport school board meeting.
	Chicago man gets 15-year federal prison sentence for 2023 Moline bank robbery A Chicago man accused of a 2023 bank robbery in Moline must serve 180 months in federal prison.
	QC Flex celebrates rebranding, revamp with ribbon cutting at Rock Island facility QC Flex was formerly known as Arc Industries.
	Davenport Junior Theatre decides on an interim facility The program will move out of the Annie Wittenmeyer Campus in May 2025.
	Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, April 18, 2024 Harris Ivan Bedney, 79, of Rock Island, passed away April 16, 2024, at his home. Arrangements are pending at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline.
Wednesday, April 17th, 2024
	EF-2 tornado destroys home near New London, IA in wave of severe weather Tuesday Cleanup efforts continue in Henry County, Iowa after a tornado swept through the area Tuesday.
	St. Ambrose University cheer and dance teams celebrate national championship It was a celebration on St. Ambrose University’s campus as the student body celebrated another national championship in competitive dance and competitive cheer.
	Iowa lawmakers pass bill to make state parks more accessible for people with disabilities A bill is now headed to Governor Kim Reynolds’ desk that could make Iowa’s state parks more accessible for people with disabilities.
	Henry and Lee county damaged in Tuesday's severe weather The Holtkamp Round Barn had its steeple cracked, and shingles were also torn off.
	Davenport Junior Theatre finds a new home at NorthPark Mall The program will stay in the Annie Wittenmeyer Campus until May 2025, then start at its new location that June.
	Morning Sun house damaged by fire, crews say A home in Morning Sun was damaged by fire before storms rolled through Tuesday afternoon.
	Clinton fire chief set to retire after 35 years The Clinton Fire Department’s fire chief is set to retire.
	Here's a look at the aftermath of the severe storms that rolled through Iowa, Illinois Severe storms with hail, heavy rain and high wind impacted most of our viewing region Tuesday. One tornado was confirmed in southeast Iowa.
	Villanova All-American Lucy Olsen to transfer to Iowa Villanova point guard Lucy Olsen, who averaged 23.3 points per game in 2023, will transfer to Iowa, according to multiple outlets.
	New London community unites in aftermath of devastating tornado The town of New London is reeling after a powerful tornado tore through the area, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
	Free pet supply giveaway to be held in Burlington Free pet supplies are available in Burlington for people who need them. The city is teaming up with the Des Moines County Humane Society for a giveaway, made possible by donations from Chewy. Dog and cat food, cat litter and other supplies are available.Pet owners can stop by the Burlington Armory, located at 2500 Summer St., Friday, April 19 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 20 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Supplies are available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, click here.
	New report predicts warmer, wetter future, recommends nature-based solutions The Quad Cities will get warmer and wetter in the coming decades. That's according to a new report on how climate change will impact the area.
	Niabi Zoo reducing admission for upcoming season Zoo officials said the price change is to reflect the fact that visitors won't be able to see some animals while they work on renovation projects.
	Orion's Logan Lee ready for NFL draft Catch the full interview with Lee ahead of draft night on The Score Sunday.
	Young turkey hunters in Illinois set record Illinois youth turkey hunters harvested a preliminary total of 2,006 birds during the 2024 youth turkey season, breaking the previous harvest record of 1,733 set in 2020, according to a news release. The dates for this year’s season were March 30-31 and April 6-7. A total of 6,001 youth turkey permits were issued this year, compared to 5,283 in 2023. In 2023, a total of 1,297 turkeys were taken. The top five counties for harvest during this year’s youth season were Randolph, 71; Fayette, 66; Jefferson, 63; Marion, 62; and Pike, 54. A preliminary total of 160 wild turkeys, or 8% of this year’s harvest, were taken on public land. The following table shows youth turkey season preliminary harvest figures by county with numbers from 2024 and 2023. County20242023ADAMS4937ALEXANDER2327BOND1814BOONE42BROWN3514BUREAU1410CALHOUN2622CARROLL85CASS1917CHAMPAIGN33CHRISTIAN610CLARK3214CLAY4935CLINTON309COLES73CRAWFORD3112CUMBERLAND1513DEKALB10DEWITT22EDGAR88EDWARDS1513EFFINGHAM3410FAYETTE6626FORD21FRANKLIN3634FULTON2414GALLATIN/HARDIN4433GREENE2913GRUNDY65HAMILTON4636HANCOCK2819HENDERSON139HENRY1010IROQUOIS41JACKSON4224JASPER4211JEFFERSON6352JERSEY2515JO DAVIESS2718JOHNSON2723KANKAKEE42KENDALL00KNOX147LAKE01LASALLE10LAWRENCE98LEE812LIVINGSTON43LOGAN43MACON72MACOUPIN4628MADISON3521MARION6246MARSHALL/PUTNAM1111MASON1510MASSAC2215MCDONOUGH34MCHENRY115MCLEAN53MENARD148MERCER138MONROE256MONTGOMERY2715MORGAN74MOULTRIE52OGLE1813PEORIA127PERRY4323PIATT22PIKE5439POPE2725PULASKI2314RANDOLPH7148RICHLAND1611ROCK ISLAND911SALINE2615SANGAMON135SCHUYLER2219SCOTT82SHELBY2317ST CLAIR3826STARK11STEPHENSON1816TAZEWELL102UNION3326VERMILION175WABASH55WARREN50WASHINGTON2011WAYNE4124WHITE4125WHITESIDE159WILL35WILLIAMSON4618WINNEBAGO1813WOODFORD1312Total2,0061,297
	Tornado with 130 mph winds travels across southeastern Iowa Tuesday night The tornado formed just southwest of Houghton, Iowa in Lee County. The tornado tracked northeast for 26 miles.
	New McDonald's coming to Moline The newest Mickey D's will be built near Target and Kohl's in southwest Moline. Its anticipated open date is not yet known.
	QC school connects generations with Grand Friends Day Smiles and conversations filled classrooms at Riverdale Heights Elementary School for a special 'Grand Friends Day.' Riverdale Heights 6th grade teacher David Barber works part-time at Senior Star retirement community. He recognized some students were unable to have grandparents at the school, so he invited some seniors to spend some time in his class to fill the void. That's why the school made the name switch from just 'Grandparents Day' to 'Grandparents/Grand Friends Day.' (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) Kids got the chance to interview their 'grand friends' or grandparents and find out what life and school were like back in the day and share what school is like now. Principal Jennifer Richardson says she loves seeing her students being engaged with the older generation. "It's wonderful to have grandparents share their experiences in school when they were growing up and make comparisons to how kids are learning and thinking today," Richardson said. "Its just a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community and have grandparents experience what our public schools have to offer." "Just seeing everybody hang out and meeting other people's grandparents, saying 'hi' and learning about each other is really fun," 6th grade student Jack Jurkowski said. "We have pretty much a one-to-one ratio today of grand friends to students so everyone is able to have someone to talk with," Barber said. Senior Star resident Anne Marie Schmieder is a retired teacher, and she saw this event as a great way to connect with kids again. "I just happened to notice a student was kind of off in the corner and I thought, 'he doesn't have anybody here.' I was trying to get eye contact just to try and include him because he was kind of just off on his own," Schmieder said. "I think its important that the kids know someone is interested in them." Seeing faces light up in joy was what this event was all about "I think the grand friends enjoy it just as much as the kids do," Barber said. "It really works well on both sides. Everyone is having a good time, and they are learning from one another. " "When I see those smiles on the kids and on the grandparents' faces, nothing beats that," Richardson added. This is an annual tradition for the school that's been going on for over a decade.
	Clinton man wins $2 million lottery prize 72-year-old Mark Krogman bought his winning ticket back in November.
	Clinton man claims $2 million Powerball win A Clinton man has claimed a $2 million Powerball prize he won in November, according to a news release. Mark Krogman, 72, who is retired, claimed his prize on Wednesday. He said he felt shock and joy when he realized he’d won big. A display panel advertises tickets for a Powerball drawing at a convenience store, Nov. 7, 2022, in Renfrew, Pa. There is an $865 million Powerball jackpot up for grabs Wednesday night, March 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File) Krogman’s ticket was purchased at Clinton Liquor, 1641 S. Bluff Blvd. in Clinton, and came within one number of winning the $337.9 million jackpot in the Powerball drawing on Nov. 25. His ticket initially matched the first five numbers but missed the Powerball to win a $1 million prize. But Krogman added the Power Play option to his purchase, which multiplies the prize at the Match 5 level to $2 million. Krogman’s ticket was the only one in the country to win a $2 million prize in that night’s drawing, the release says. The winning numbers in the Nov. 25 drawing were: 27-33-63-66-68 and Powerball 9. The Power Play number was 2. Clinton Liquor received a $2,000 bonus from the Iowa Lottery for selling the $2 million-winning ticket. Krogman has specific plans for his winnings: He wants to pay off his house and possibly add onto it, help his family with needed finances, and just enjoy life, the release said. Players in $2 Powerball choose their first five numbers from a pool of 69, and another number – called the Powerball – from a separate pool of 26. The Power Play option is available for an extra $1 per play. Since getting its start in April 1992 in 15 states with jackpots that started at a guaranteed $2 million, Powerball has grown into one of the world’s biggest and most recognizable lottery games. Today Powerball is played by 48 lotteries across the country with drawings at 9:59 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. About the Iowa Lottery Since the lottery's start in 1985, its players have won more than $5.7 billion in prizes while the lottery has raised more than $2.4 billion for state programs.
	Severe weather tears roof off of Aledo church Severe storms tore through the News 8 viewing region on Tuesday, April 16.
	Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for Iowa counties impacted by Tuesday's storms Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for several Iowa counties impacted by Tuesday's severe weather, including Henry and Des Moines counties.
	Judge sentences Chicagoan for Moline bank robbery A 55-year-old Chicago man has been sentenced to 180 months in the Bureau of Prisons, to be served consecutive to a U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois sentence, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, for armed bank robbery, according to a news release. Eric Boyd (Moline Police Department) At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that, on the morning of May 1, 2023, Boyd entered a Chase Bank in Moline. He was wearing a mask and carrying a duffel bag. Boyd brandished an apparent firearm, indicated he had a bomb, and ordered employees and customers to “get on the ground," then placed the duffel bag on the counter and directed bank employees to fill the bag with currency. Also at the hearing, U.S. District Court Judge James E. Shadid found that, in January of 2021, Boyd was released early from a previous prison sentence for multiple armed bank robberies, and that at the time of this offense he was on supervised release from the Bureau of Prisons. Judge Shadid also noted that Boyd’s extensive criminal history indicated he was a risk to re-offend, that prior prison sentences had not deterred Boyd from engaging in new crimes, and that a lengthy sentence was necessary to protect the community from further harm. Boyd was arrested on May 5, 2023, and has remained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service since his arrest. Boyd pleaded guilty on Sept. 19, 2023. The statutory penalties for armed bank robbery are up to 25 years in prison. (OurQuadCities.com) Moline Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Supervisory Assistant U.S Attorney John Mehochko represented the government in the prosecution. The case against Boyd is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 'Outstanding police work' Boyd was located at his residence in Chicago by the FBI – Springfield Division Quad Cities Safe Streets Task Force and Moline Police detectives. Moline Police and the FBI served a federal search warrant and federal arrest warrant in Chicago. “This was just outstanding police work by Detective Mike Griffin, Detective Jeremy McAuliffe, Detective Sean Hoover, Detective Cesar Lopez and Lt. Andrew Raya. While I cannot go into the details of the investigation, I can say it was great work by this skilled investigative team that resulted in a quick arrest of a suspect in this case,” said Chief Darren Gault. “We would also like to thank our partners with the FBI for their assistance on this case. Moline has had a long partnership with the FBI and we work very closely with the local agents.” (Moline Police photo) “The Moline Police Department has federally deputized task force officers working on the FBI Quad Cities Safe Streets Task Force, which makes the partnership very efficient and effective for our community.” The Moline Police Department was assisted in this investigation by FBI Springfield, Quad Cities Safe Streets Task Force, FBI Chicago Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force, Milan Police Department, Ottawa Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of Illinois.
	NWS confirms EF-2 tornado with 130 mph winds SW of Quad Cities on Tuesday The preliminary results of the storm survey team from the National Weather Service show a tornado with winds up to 130 miles per hour ripped through SE Iowa on Tuesday. The storm traveled through multiple counties as it was on the ground for 26 miles. Lee, Henry and Des Moines counties in Iowa were all affected. The tornado was on the ground from 4:25 - 5:04 p.m. At times it was 600 yards wide. Here is more from the NWS: An NWS survey team confirmed an EF2 tornado Tuesday afternoon in southeast Iowa. The tornado developed just southwest of Houghton, Iowa in Lee County. Significant damage to homes, trees, and outbuildings was observed. The worst damage occurred at a farmstead north of New London in Henry County, where the roof was removed from a brick house, one of the exterior walls collapsed, and the garage was destroyed. Numerous out buildings were also destroyed at nearby farmsteads. Maximum winds were estimated around 130 mph. The tornado continued into northwest Des Moines County and caused additional damage at several farmsteads southeast of Yarmouth before dissipating. There were no injuries. Numerous emergency managers provided valuable assistance to NWS Quad Cities during the survey.
	Introducing Galesburg's new girls basketball coach: Lexi Demott After longtime coach Evan Massey announced he'd retire, many wondered who would fill in his shoes. Turns out it was someone already in the Silver Streaks family.
	Coal Valley trivia night fundraising for local Ironman competitor Matt Jackson will head to Kona, Hawaii, for the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship. You can donate and/or attend an April 20 trivia night to help.
	Southeastern Iowa picking up the pieces after Tuesday's tornado Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation after severe weather, including a tornado, moved through numerous counties on Tuesday, April 16.
	Support Safer Foundation through Safer Sacks fundraiser Volunteers, including representatives from the cities of Bettendorf, Davenport, East Moline, Moline and Rock Island, gathered Wednesday for the fourth year in a row to build sack lunches for Safer Foundation’s annual Safer Sacks fundraiser. All of the money raised goes toward individuals served through Safer Foundation’s many local programs: Employment Services Program, Pathway Home, Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) and I-MATTER. New this year: Drive-through On Thursday, April 18, between 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., customers can purchase lunches for $8 at the Safer Sacks drive through at the JB Young Opportunity Center, 1702 N. Main St., Davenport. For 19 years, Safer Foundation staff, board members, individuals served, public partners, employers and volunteers come together to assemble, promote, and sell sack lunches throughout the Quad Cities community. Each lunch consists of a ham/turkey/cheese croissantwich, chips, cookies and fruit. Proceeds support Safer’s efforts to provide a safe place for individuals with arrest and conviction records to foster their untapped potential while removing barriers to employment, education and other life necessities. About the Safer Foundation At the very core of Safer Foundation is the belief in an unobstructed road to reentry, according to the organization’s website. From its start in 1972, its mission has been to pave that road with stabilizing support, employment, education, and advocacy that empower justice-involved individuals to achieve their true potential. April marks Second Chance Month, a nationally recognized observance since 2017. It is a time dedicated to raising awareness of the significance of granting individuals with arrest and conviction records the opportunity to rebuild their lives. This month emphasizes the importance of reentry for both individuals and communities, serving as a platform to highlight the promising initiatives across the nation that aim to improve reentry outcomes. In the United States, approximately one in three adults have a criminal record. Each year, more than 650,000 individuals are released from state and federal prisons, contributing to a total of over 70 million Americans with a history of involvement in the criminal legal system. However, the journey of reintegration into society for these individuals is filled with obstacles. Securing stable employment, housing, healthcare, education, and other essentials becomes a difficult task for those with a record. As a result, nearly 75 percent of formerly incarcerated individuals remain unemployed a year after their release, according to the Safer Foundation.
	YouthHope to celebrate 88 years with celebration at Bend XPO YouthHope, a non-profit organization located in Moline, Ill. that hosts programs that create new opportunities for kids and teens to “learn purpose, build character, and grow in faith,” will be celebrating “88 years of Legacy of HOPE” with an event at the Bend XPO Center.
	Arc Industries rebranding to QC Flex There will be no changes to the services offered, which include box making, assembly, paper shredding and more.
	City of Burlington partners with Des Moines County Humane Society to distribute free pet supplies The City of Burlington is undergoing a new partnership with the Des Moines County Humane Society to distribute free pet supplies to local residents. It’s an initiative made possible through a generous donation from Chewy, officials said.
	QC Music Guild Youth Chorus marks 10 years The Quad City Music Guild Youth Chorus is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special concert Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. at the Prospect Park theater, 1584 34th Ave., Moline. Music director Valeree Pieper (who’s been a longtime Music Guild performer and choreographer, and her husband Kevin, and daughters Hillary and Heather are veterans) launched the program in 2014 after seeing the then-Quad City Symphony Youth Choir and Moline Boys Choir were unaffordable for many families. Both later disbanded. Valeree Pieper, left, with the Music Guild Youth Chorus at last November's Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter. “I brought it to the board and said this could be something that, it's a good way to reach out to our community and get new families involved and so the board supported it and we went from there,” Pieper said Wednesday. She worked 21 years as an elementary vocal music instructor in the Moline school district, retiring four years ago. The Music Guild Youth Chorus consists of 3rd- to 8th-grade students, including several homeschooled students, and they rehearse for 90 minutes every Monday night at the Guild lobby. Since COVID, they usually meet one part rehearsing first each week, then the second part the same night, and they come together about four to five weeks into rehearsals. Part of the Youth Chorus at rehearsal. Many kids participate over several years, and they’ve served about 100 total over the 10 years, Pieper said. Saturday’s concert features the current 28 members and for the first time, Youth Chorus alumni – 14 altogether, most in high school and two college students. “I just thought, when I realized that this was our 10th season, I thought, well, that's kind of a mile mark. So, maybe it would be cool to invite some of these kids back to see,” Pieper said. “It's amazing to me, some of the kids that have come through, their parents had no idea we were here,” she said of Music Guild (which was founded in 1949). “We've had a number of kids that, at each of my auditions, I would say 85% never had heard of Music Guild before and they, didn't even know that we were here. Part of the Youth Chorus in rehearsal. "It's really been a great outreach, and the whole idea of the open house, it was kind of one of those things it's really helped people see where we are an entity that we serve the community in a number, in a number of ways.” The chorus repertoire (in two-part harmony) is all from musical theater, including the early December concert – which features half winter or holiday-oriented musical selections. Saturday’s program (which features four songs from 2024 Guild shows) will include: “Opening Up” from “Waitress” “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” from “The Fantasticks” “Pure Imagination” from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” from “My Fair Lady” “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” from “Hair” “Step One from “Kinky Boots” “Send In the Clowns” from “A Little Night Music” “Seize the Day” from “Newsies” “Tradition” from “Fiddler on the Roof” “Consider Yourself” from “Oliver” They do two concerts a year, and the student’s $50 fee helps cover the cost of music and student shirts, and Music Guild supports stipends for Pieper and an accompanist. Pieper leads the Music Guild Youth Chorus in December 2022 at the DKG Educational Society at Butterworth Center, Moline. The choir occasionally sings at Festival of Trees, at some churches, and once for a teachers’ group. Admission to Saturday’s concert is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under.
	Police say man stole handbags in Davenport store, punched officer in eye An 18-year-old Cincinnati man was in custody Wednesday after police allege he stole high-end handbags then punched a Davenport Police officer in the eye, according to court documents. Brandon Hardin (Scott County Jail) Brandon Hardin faces felony charges of second-degree robbery and conspiracy to commit forcible felony, and an aggravated misdemeanor of assault on persons in certain occupations - bodily injury, court records show. Handbag theft, officer assault Shortly after 4 p.m. July 8, 2023, Davenport Police responded to NorthPark Mall, 320 W. Kimberly Road, for a robbery complaint. Police allege Hardin entered a store with co-conspirators "with the intent to steal high-end purses," according to affidavits. Hardin entered an employee only area and removed high-end bags from the glass case and shelf, then tried to run toward the exit and past the last point of sale, affidavits show. An off-duty police officer present in the store attempted to intervene and identified himself as "Davenport Police" to Hardin, who then got into a fight with the officer, who was struck once with a closed fist in the left eye, causing injury. In affidavits,police say Hardin then ran from the store, got into an SUV with stolen license plates, and left the scene. Hardin "was able to remove over $2,000 worth of purses past the last point of sale before the physical confrontation ensued," police allege in affidavits. Affidavits say that, through the investigation, police learned that Hardin and the co-conspirators traveled in a rental vehicle from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Iowa to commit a series of felony thefts. Hardin, who was being held on a total $7,500 bond in Scott County Jail, is set for a preliminary hearing April 26 in Scott County Court.
	Annual search for Iowa’s ‘Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin’ begins The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) invites Iowans to nominate their favorite restaurant for the 22nd annual “Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin.”
	New McDonald's coming to Moline near Target The newest Mickey D's will be built near Target and Kohl's in southwest Moline. Its anticipated open date is not yet known.
	PHOTO GALLERY: April 16 severe storms through your eyes Severe weather passed through the News 8 viewing region on Tuesday, April 16. Here is what the weather looked like from your point of view.
	Rock Island library hosts Taylor Swift release party Taylor Swift’s “Tortured Poets Department” era will start late Thursday night. That’s when her hotly anticipated new album of that name drops, at 11 p.m. Central time. "The Tortured Poets Department" by Taylor Swift will be released at midnight Eastern time Friday, April 19 (11 p.m. Central time Thursday). To celebrate both that release and National Poetry Month, the Rock Island Public Library’s new Watts-Midtown branch (2715 30th St.) will host a free party, that will include streaming of “The Tortured Poets Department” and older Taylor hits. The free event is from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., where teens and adults alike can try blackout poetry, make friendship bracelets, enjoy music, and more. Blackout poetry will be one of the free activities Friday, April 19 at Rock Island library's Watts-Midtown branch, 2715 30th St. Blackout poetry is where you take magazine and book pages and black out words with marker, leaving just the words you want to make a poem. Other activities will include lyric watercolor art, and connecting “Animal Crossing” game characters to Taylor Swift eras, or albums, branch manager Rachel Ippolito said Wednesday. The Watts-Midtown branch display of Swift album titles with "Animal Crossing" characters. All materials will be provided free for patrons, she said, noting the Rock Island library usually holds some kind of event for National Poetry Month. "The Tortured Poets Department" follows Swift’s 2022 studio album "Midnights," which earned her awards for album of the year and best pop vocal album at the 66th Grammy Awards. Prior to "Midnights," Swift released "Evermore" and "Folklore" in 2020, "Lover" in 2019, "Reputation" in 2017, "1989" in 2014, "Red" in 2012, "Speak Now" in 2010, "Fearless" in 2008 and her debut album "Taylor Swift" in 2006. Additionally, she has released several re-recorded albums, including "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" and "Red (Taylor's Version)" in 2021, and "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)" and "1989 (Taylor's Version)" in 2023. Taylor Swift performs during "Taylor Swift \| The Eras Tour" at the National Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Singapore. (Photo by Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management) Ippolito of the library said she’s a Taylor fan, and saw the superstar in concert for the first time last June at Soldier Field in Chicago. “I thought it was really good. She performed about four and a half hours,” she recalled. “It was a workout just standing in the audience; I can’t imagine performing for that long.” Ippolito is very much looking forward to the “Tortured Poets” music, and has listened to Swift’s re-recordings as well. “I’m excited for new music from her,” she said. Burning Red, a Taylor Swift tribute, returns to The Rust Belt in East Moline on May 3, 2024. Another QC Swiftie must-attend is the return of Burning Red, a tribute to the 34-year-old Taylor, back at The Rust Belt in East Moline on May 3. The band was here last Sept. 30, 2023, and tickets for the upcoming show are (appropriately) $19.89, plus fees, available HERE. Taylor Swift -- who resumes her world tour May 9 in Paris, France -- performs during "Taylor Swift \| The Eras Tour" at the National Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Singapore. (Photo by Ashok Kumar/TAS24/Getty Images for TAS Rights Management) The real Taylor returns to her world tour (at slightly higher prices) on May 9 in Paris, and has an extensive European tour before returning to North America in November, with six shows in Toronto, Canada. You can pre-order “The Tortured Poets Department” on Swift’s website HERE.
	Scott County Conservation readying for campers For more information, call 563-328-3280 or visit www.scottcountyiowa.gov/conservation.
	Gov. Reynolds issues disaster proclamation for 6 counties after severe weather After severe weather swept through parts of Iowa on Tuesday, April 16, Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation for Allamakee, Cass, Des Moines, Fayette, Henry, and Lee counties.
	Coal Valley trivia night raising money for local Ironman competitor Matt Jackson will head to Kona, Hawaii, for the 2024 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship. You can donate and/or attend an April 20 trivia night to help.

Thursday, April 18th, 2024

Wednesday, April 17th, 2024