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

Thursday, March 28th, 2024

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Pay it Forward | Putting in the time to bring Davenport students one night to shine

News 8's Morgan Strackbein caught up with Holly Green as she starts her annual after-prom fundraising campaign for Davenport Central and North High Schools.

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Weekend Rundown with WLLR | March 28, 2024

There are many family-friendly events going on this weekend, and we've brought in Dani Howe from WLLR to break it down.

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Why Davenport ordered an apartment building to be evacuated

A report from structural engineers said the building is in such poor condition that it could partially collapse.

Wednesday, March 27th, 2024

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Davenport council member responds to House hearing on City's settlement payments

City staff did not comment on the hearing when News 8 reached out.

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Davenport considers lowering property tax rate

The proposed change, which would go into effect in July, would be 17 cents lower.

OurQuadCities.com State auditor questions Davenport's accountability and transparency OurQuadCities.com

State auditor questions Davenport's accountability and transparency

Davenport finds itself at the center of a fight that reached state lawmakers. The issue pits the city against several private citizens, media outlets and Iowa Auditor of State Rob Sand, centering around settlement payments to former city employees like former city administrator Corri Spiegel. Corri Spiegel (City of Davenport) The Iowa House Government Oversight Committee heard testimony this morning about the city of Davenport not releasing a demand letter from Spiegel to the city, which is thought to have led to a more than a $1 million payout to her. Some community members shared their frustrations tonight with the city's current state. Alderwoman at large Jazmine Newton says it's time for change. "I do think that Davenport needs to do better, and the only way Davenport can do better is for this council to take the lead and work together to ensure that Davenport is working for the people," Newton said. Auditor Sand questions the city's accountability and transparency after approving taxpayer dollars towards those separation agreements. "When we're in the course of a special investigation audit, we're going to ask for the records that we think are relevant to helping us understand and clarify for the public what happened with their tax dollars," Sand said. Iowa Freedom of Information Council member Randy Evans testified in front of the Iowa House Government Oversight Committee, expressing frustration. The committee members were troubled that the city is fighting efforts by the Iowa Freedom of Information Council to intervene in that court case to make arguments to the court while that letter should be made available to the public and why transparency is so important in this particular instance Right now, Davenport is taking a man named Ezra Sidran to court to keep Spiegel's demand letter to the city from being released and the Iowa Freedom of Information Council is trying to intervene. "To bring the lawsuit against Dr. Sidran who is not represented by an attorney and I don't think that's a coincidence. I think they could've brought the lawsuit against the FOI council who has asked for the same letter," Iowa Freedom of Information council member Randy Evans said. "They could've brought it against any media that asked for a letter but the city chose an individual that doesn't have an attorney." There is a hearing on that lawsuit on Friday in Scott County. A ruling is not expected immediately.

KWQC TV-6  US Army Corps of Engineers holds ribbon cutting for new USACE Motor Shop KWQC TV-6

US Army Corps of Engineers holds ribbon cutting for new USACE Motor Shop

The US Army Corps of Engineers held a ribbon cutting for a new motor shop at the Mississippi River Project Office in Pleasant Valley.

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Davenport City Council approves 1-year agreement with Humane Society of Scott County

After the City of Davenport and the Humane Society of Scott County have been at odds for over a month, regarding a contract disputes for animal control services, a resolution approving a one-year agreement been the two parties was approved at Davenport’s city council meeting.

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31-year-old woman charged for shooting 17-year-old in foot

31-year-old Tanasha Robinson was taken into custody after a shooting Wednesday afternoon in Bettendorf, according to an arrest affidavit.

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Sterling police officers reunite with dog saved from fire

According to Sterling police, Shango has made a full recovery after he was resuscitated by Officers Alex Kraus and Justin Hackbarth.

KWQC TV-6  Bettendorf woman arrested, shoots teen in foot, police say  KWQC TV-6

Bettendorf woman arrested, shoots teen in foot, police say

A Bettendorf woman was arrested Wednesday afternoon after police say she shot a teenager, seriously injuring them.

OurQuadCities.com What's next for evacuated Davenport apartment tenants? OurQuadCities.com

What's next for evacuated Davenport apartment tenants?

People who lived in the apartment building at 4th and Ripley streets were left grabbing whatever they could on March 26, and now they're not only frustrated but worried about where they'll next call home. For now, those evacuated tenants are living in a hotel, where they can stay for free until the end of the month. One of those tenants is Lamonde Lathan-Berge, who's unsure what the future holds for him. Burge called the Schricker apartment building at 401 W. 4th St. home for eight months until the city forced an evacuation after failed inspections. "I'm 23 years old. I work hard for my money so this is definitely stressful for me," Lathan-Berge said. "It really caught me off guard because they told me I had to be out. I grabbed anything that was essential to me, and I had to be out by 4:30 p.m., and they told me this at 3:47 p.m." Lathan-Burge says he had a feeling something like this was about to come. "My floor was kind of starting to sink in," Lathan-Berge said. "I went to one of the other apartments because they offered me to switch apartments, and I went in there, and all the floors were cracked up. It was kind of like an earthquake hit it, almost." People forced to evacuate are now staying at the Relax Inn Hotel on North Brady St. They can stay for free up until Sunday. After that, they will need to find somewhere else to stay. (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) "I'll have to return to my mother's house for the time being until I find another apartment," Lathan-Berge said. Lathan-Berge says he's upset with the city of Davenport about how it's handling housing, especially after the building collapse that happened in May 2023. "I'm frustrated with Davenport because this happened with that building, and you would think with the people's lives being lost, they would have taken some steps to make sure things like this wouldn't happen again," Lathan-Berge said. Protestors outside Davenport City Hall on March 27. (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) OurQuadCites News also reached out to the Salvation Army to see how they're helping. Kelle Larned, the program and operations director, says the Salvation Army received a grant from Davenport to help people with living costs. They've received a few calls from people needing help on March 27. One needed rent assistance. Another was looking to stay longer at the Relax Inn Hotel. The Salvation Army says if they receive a call, they'll take names and address needs.

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4 people killed and 5 wounded in stabbings in Rockford

Four people were killed and five were wounded in stabbings in Rockford on Wednesday, authorities said.

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Iowa state legislators hold government oversight hearing on Davenport settlement agreements totalling almost $2M

The hearing comes after numerous allegations have been made that the City of Davenport violated Iowa's open records law by keeping the settlement process a secret.

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1 person injured in Bettendorf shooting

Bettendorf police claim there was an altercation between two people that escalated into one person being shot.

KWQC TV-6  Local districts react to Governor Reynolds signing AEA reform bill KWQC TV-6

Local districts react to Governor Reynolds signing AEA reform bill

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed the Area Education Agency Reform that passed Tuesday in the Senate. The amendment increases salaries for new teachers and includes $14 million in funding for education support personnel such as paraprofessionals.

KWQC TV-6 New law benefits students and teachers, governor says, but legislator leader is skeptical KWQC TV-6

New law benefits students and teachers, governor says, but legislator leader is skeptical

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed AEA reform that also raises the minimum teacher pay.

KWQC TV-6 State Auditor calls out delayed payments for contraception for sexual assault victims KWQC TV-6

State Auditor calls out delayed payments for contraception for sexual assault victims

“The trauma and the pain that the Attorney General’s decision is putting victims through in this case literally makes my skin crawl,”

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Iowa attorney general not finished with audit that's holding up contraception money for rape victims

Her office said the audit, which Bird announced when she took office 14 months ago, is in its “final stages” and that a report would be released soon.

OurQuadCities.com Iowa approves new education funding package OurQuadCities.com

Iowa approves new education funding package

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed off on modifying the formula for Area Education Agencies for special education. The biggest change will be how the agencies are funded by the state. The agencies will get 90% of the current funding for special education services. School districts will be in charge of the other 10%. A division of special education will be created under the umbrella of the Department of Education. The move also establishes a higher starting salary for new teachers and a higher minimum salary for teachers with experience. The changes will take effect beginning in the 2025-2026 school year.

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Davenport officials explain why apartment building was evacuated

Engineers recommended the evacuation due to the conditions of a wooden wall believed to be of structural importance to the building.

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Sterling police officers reunite with dog rescued from house fire

Shango was resuscitated after being pulled from a house fire in December.

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1 person injured in Bettendorf shooting

Bettendorf police claim there was an altercation between two people that escalated into one person being shot.

OurQuadCities.com Roof main concern for vacated Davenport apartment building OurQuadCities.com

Roof main concern for vacated Davenport apartment building

Following the City of Davenport vacating the apartment building at 401 W. 4th St. due to structural issues, Our Quad Cities News dug deeper into this story and found out about problems engineers say make the building so dangerous. As Our Quad Cities News reporter Jackson Rozinsky discovered, one of the biggest concerns focuses on the roof.

KWQC TV-6  Rockford police: 4 dead, 5 hurt after stabbing attack KWQC TV-6

Rockford police: 4 dead, 5 hurt after stabbing attack

Rockford police ask the public to avoid the area of Eggleston Road and Cleveland Avenue due to an ongoing investigation.

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US Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District opens new facility

The new motor shop in Pleasant Valley, Iowa is meant to keep 12 lock and dam sites operating smoothly from Dubuque all the way down through Missouri.

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Iowa state legislators hold government oversight hearing on Davenport settlement agreements

Two Davenport residents are suing the City, alleging it violated open meeting laws in paying out $2 million to three former employees.

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Anamosa sewage discharge reaches Wapsipinicon River in Iowa

The Iowa DNR believes that around 50,000 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into a storm drain leading to the Wapsipinicon River.

KWQC TV-6  1 person injured Wednesday in Bettendorf shooting KWQC TV-6

1 person injured Wednesday in Bettendorf shooting

One person is in custody, police said.

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4 people killed and 5 wounded in stabbings in Rockford

Four people were killed and five were wounded in stabbings in Rockford on Wednesday, authorities said.

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Davenport man sings national anthem at first game in Iowa Hawkeyes' March Madness run

CJ Parker has opened up numerous games at Carver-Hawkeye arena but said the first game of the NCAA Tournament had a different energy.

KWQC TV-6  Prisoner Review Board chair, member resign in wake of boy’s fatal stabbing by released inmate KWQC TV-6

Prisoner Review Board chair, member resign in wake of boy’s fatal stabbing by released inmate

The governor’s office announced the pair’s resignations within hours of each other nearly two weeks after Crosetti Brand was released from Stateville Correctional Center.

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Kraft Heinz in Muscatine receiving portion of $170 million grant to reduce carbon emissions

A portion of the grant funding will go to the company's Muscatine plant.

OurQuadCities.com Hop over to Bunnies, Baskets and Brews! OurQuadCities.com

Hop over to Bunnies, Baskets and Brews!

Hop on over for an adult Easter egg hunt and help a great cause! Hauberg Estate Executive Director Deb Kuntzi joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about Bunnies, Baskets and Brews. For more information, click here.

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Iowa holds statewide tornado drill Wednesday morning

The drill was a part of Severe Weather Awareness Week in the state.

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2 Galesburg men arrested on federal drug charges

Investigators say they seized more than five pounds of meth, several firearms and four pounds of marijuana.

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UnityPoint Health seeing rising volume of colon cancer cases

Medical experts say cases are becoming more frequent in adults younger than 50 years old.

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Muscatine hosts new resident orientation

The next orientation is set for October.

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Anamosa sewage discharge reaches Wapsipinicon River in Iowa

The Iowa DNR believes that around 50,000 gallons of untreated sewage spilled into a storm drain leading to the Wapsipinicon River.

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Dig in to QC Restaurant Week!

Come hungry and explore the diversity of food in the QCA! Visit Quad Cities President and CEO Dave Herrell dropped by Our Quad Cities News with all the info on QC Restaurant Week. For more information, click here.

OurQuadCities.com 4 Your Money | 0% OurQuadCities.com

4 Your Money | 0%

Here in the United States, it seems the market is very focused on rate cuts. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, joins us to share if other countries are cutting rates and how this dynamic affects us here at home.

OurQuadCities.com One person shot in Bettendorf shooting OurQuadCities.com

One person shot in Bettendorf shooting

Police are on the scene at Hillside and Hawthorne Drives in Bettendorf near the former site of Old Chicago. Our Quad Cities News received confirmation that one person was hit by a bullet during a shooting incident. We will keep you updated as we receive more information.

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Arrowhead Ranch to end residential programming in April

Officials with the nonprofit cited financial difficulties as the reason for the closure.

OurQuadCities.com United Way chief writes children's book OurQuadCities.com

United Way chief writes children's book

Rene Gellerman has put her pen where her passion is. President/CEO of United Way Quad Cities for the past five years, she has penned a new children’s book that will be published this September by Texas-based Lucid Books. Inspired by the QC, local students and her own kids, the book aims to inspire others. The 32-page story -- "Adventures of Kids United: The Glass Bridge" -- is aimed at 4-to-9-year-olds, and centers on themes of unity, teamwork, and community betterment. It’s envisioned to be the first in a series. Rene Gellerman at her office at United Way QC in Bettendorf, March 26, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). "I love to write, and I always thought someday I will write a book about my life," Gellerman said Tuesday. "I'm not quite ready to do that. When I meet with kids -- I learn about their life, all the great work we're doing to try and empower these kids, it just never feels like enough. "I want to inspire kids to think about dreaming big and to realize the power that they have to control their future and their community," she said. "This book is really about that, to help kids see themselves as change-makers. If they want things different in their community, they have the power to do that." Gellerman worked for the Quad Cities Chamber for 12 years (last as senior vice president, overseeing the Q2030 strategic plan), and has been head of United Way QC for five years. She's written local op-eds over the years, but this is her first hand at a book. Between her husband David (CEO of Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate) and herself, they have five grown children, represented as characters in the book. "Each one of them has their own unique gifts," Rene Gellerman said. “I have a son who's an engineer, so he's a builder in the book. I have a daughter who's creative and artistic. They mirror the skills and unique abilities of my kids." She hasn't hired an illustrator yet, which will be chosen by the publisher. She was referred to Lucid Books through her husband -- its owner is a friend of his, and they're in an entrepreneurial professional development group. “Rene is a dedicated advocate for community empowerment and positive change,” Lucid posted on the company Facebook page March 12. “Drawing inspiration from her own experiences and fueled by a desire to inspire others, Rene embarked on her journey as an author. Her debut book reflects her belief in the power of storytelling to ignite curiosity, foster generosity, and promote teamwork among young readers.” Making education a priority Gellerman was driven to write a kids’ book last fall, after United Way staff discussed how to inspire the community to prioritize education. She was inspired by a 4th grader named Naomi at Madison Elementary in Davenport, who's on the cover of the United Way "Rise United" brochure. Gellerman has read to her and other students every week at Madison and Fillmore, as part of the volunteer "Read United" program. "When you hear about the challenges they have faced in their young lives, because they live in communities of poverty and the cyclical, generational situations that families live in," she said. "When you hear those stories, for me I am so moved and so motivated to get these kids on a different trajectory." Gellerman has been head of the local United Way for five years. Many imaginative, fearless young kids already feel they can create epic change, Gellerman said. "I want to empower that and continue to motivate them to be that pathway. As we get older, we lose that belief in ourselves and our ability." “Adventures of Kids United” is based in the QC, and the titular bridge is based on the Davenport Skybridge. The kids find their way through the bridge, which takes them to a landing where they meet characters from outer space. One is Mary Marvelous, who shares with them "in other worlds, people work together and they make their communities better," Gellerman said. Her spaceship breaks down in the story, and the kids in the book work together to fix it. "Even at a young age, they can help their neighbors and see how it contributes to the bigger picture," she said of the book's lessons. Her characters end up becoming superheroes. Kids in grade school have unlimited imagination and dreams, regardless of their race or socio-economic background, Gellerman said. She's planning to get her book in every 3rd grader's hands (3,000 in Rock Island and Scott counties), and she will donate all proceeds from their sale to United Way. Gellerman hopes to get sponsors and donors to make that happen for all 3rd graders. It's long been a United Way goal to improve reading levels for local 3rd graders, which is a key factor in whether they will go on to graduate high school. Why not become a teacher? Gellerman never considered a career in education. "I so admire teachers -- the work they do and the responsibility that they have," she said. "To the kids, to the future, to the families. I don't have the patience to do that. It takes such unique and special skills to be that kind of role model. I'm not equipped to do that. "But I hope I can leave my mark in this community, that I was someone who wore my heart on my sleeve," Gellerman said. "I demonstrated that commitment to education and to empowering kids.” In the past five years, she's given United Way a larger focus on education. About 45 percent of United Way revenue and staff goes to education (other pillars are health and income), including the addition last October of a new vice president for early childhood learning and education. Cassie Stewart joined United Way QC last fall as its first new vice president for early childhood learning and education (photo by Jonathan Turner). Cassie Stewart of Muscatine is a former Davenport principal – two years at Madison Elementary and two before that at Pre-K Children’s Villages program. "She's doing great. She's working on rolling out a new program for parent engagement, parent workshops," Gellerman said. "I believe that education is the number-one way that we will fight poverty in our community," Gellerman said. "The more that we can prioritize education as a community, the better our families are gonna do, and I think the more successful our communities will be in attracting businesses and people. People want to live in a place where their kids are going to succeed." United Way works to ensure kids have what they need so they can learn while they're in school. Gellerman wants to fill the resource gap in schools, easing challenges they face. "Sometimes we get caught up with the problem, this kind of problem being so big that we get paralyzed and what I'm trying to do is look at, we have a big vision but we have to take steps along the way," she said. "We have to work with that child one on one and that's a role United Way is moving into." Working in partnership The nonprofit aims to provide resources like books in Title 1 schools that are not as well off, and many students who are struggling the most. United Way partners with other nonprofits -- like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, and Girl Scouts -- to fill those needs in schools. There's a new United for Schools program at Madison and Washington Elementary in Moline, a concept they've been incubating for two years (one year in Moline), Gellerman said. The program works with those nonprofits and schools to fill needs of the kids, and United Way is the liaison to nonprofits, freeing up teachers and administrators to educate. "And we take on the coordination of services," she said, noting a winter coat drive at schools. United Way QC helped celebrate Read Across America Day (and Dr. Seuss' birthday) on March 1, 2024. "We are seeing anecdotal improvement in attendance, reading proficiency, behavioral issues, so we are bringing caring adults into the school, working with kids," Gellerman said. They plan to expand that program to six other schools within three years. "It could be a catalyst for other schools and kids. This is a model that's being used in other parts of the country and it's working." United Way also recently completed a big book drive, that collected 20,000 books, being given to a variety of organizations to get into the hands of underprivileged kids. Focusing on Pre-K In addition to the focus on 2nd to 4th grades, the key to solve that issue is before kindergarten, Gellerman said. That includes getting more kids into pre-K programs, and the better that goes, the more likely they are to be reading at level by 3rd grade, she said. United Way helped coordinate a book drive at area Hy-Vee stores that collected 20,000 donated books. There are about 1,000 kids who start kindergarten in the QC with no preparation to start school, Gellerman noted. "If we could change that, we will change the trajectory of that generation of kids." Pre-K has been a focus of the Women United donor network for years, empowering parents to be their child's first and best teacher; providing scholarships and subsidies for families who can't afford child care. In the last 10 years, Women United has raised about $5 million in that area, Gellerman said. "We have to make this a priority for our community because education starts at birth," she said. "A child's brain is 90% developed by the time they're 5. You think about the public resources we invest in our kid and it doesn't even start until they're 5." Need for more reading volunteers Read United always needs more volunteers and the next Day of Caring is April 25, with a strong focus on education, such as reading and other activities, Gellerman said. Read United is as much about building relationships with students and instilling confidence in their abilities, as it is improving their reading skills, she said. "Having them meet someone different from their family, and paying attention to them, encouraging them," Gellerman said, noting she's gotten great feedback from the kids. Read United has been seeking 300 more volunteers to pair up with students as reading mentors to help get them back on track in school. Since it began in 2022, the program has been a community-wide effort to address a drop in youth reading proficiency. “All students deserve success in school, but the reality is, only 55% of Quad Cities third graders are reading at grade level,” said Marci Zogg, United Way’s vice president of community impact. “Read United offers a unique opportunity for community members to be a hero for struggling readers, instilling a lifelong love of reading.” Volunteers can choose from 16 participating schools in Scott and Rock Island counties and volunteer in 30-minute weekly blocks at a time during school hours that line up with their schedules for the rest of the school year. Click here to learn more about becoming a reading volunteer with Read United.

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Traffic alert: Clinton closing lanes on Bluff Blvd.

Iowa American Water crews will repair a water main at Terrace Drive.

KWQC TV-6  Iowa forward, Patrick McCaffery enters transfer portal, reports say  KWQC TV-6

Iowa forward, Patrick McCaffery enters transfer portal, reports say

University of Iowa men’s basketball forward, Patrick McCaffery has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, according to reports.

OurQuadCities.com Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! OurQuadCities.com

Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know!

Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives.  It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: CHRISTIAN BEARD, 26, 5’10”, 140 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes. Rock Island County warrant for failure to appear/armed violence. SHERRY GRAY, 47, 5’1”, 130 lbs., black hair, brown eyes. Scott County warrant for sex offender registration violation and sex offender provide false information. Christian Beard (L) and Sherry Gray (Crime Stoppers) You have a week to contact police for an elevated reward. Call the tip line at (309) 762-9500. All tips are anonymous.

KWQC TV-6 WATCH: Governor Reynolds signs AEA reform bill KWQC TV-6

WATCH: Governor Reynolds signs AEA reform bill

On Wednesday, Governor Reynolds signed the Area Education Agency reform bill that passed in the Senate on Tuesday.

KWQC TV-6 Ice Cube offers $5 million to Caitlin Clark to play in Big3 League KWQC TV-6

Ice Cube offers $5 million to Caitlin Clark to play in Big3 League

Clark would be the first woman to join the league as a player.

KWQC TV-6  Kwik Trip discontinues bagged milk KWQC TV-6

Kwik Trip discontinues bagged milk

The company said the cost to replace old equipment for a product not selling well prompted the discontinuation.

OurQuadCities.com QCSO names new youth ensembles director OurQuadCities.com

QCSO names new youth ensembles director

The Quad City Symphony Orchestra Association (QCSO) on Wednesday announced the appointment of Hisham Bravo Groover as assistant conductor of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles. He has also recently been announced as a newly hired assistant professor of music and director of orchestral studies at Augustana College. Groover will start in the position this July. “We are thrilled to welcome Hisham to the Quad Cities,” QCSO executive director Brian Baxter said on the QCSO website. “His depth of leadership and experience will resonate and continue to build on the positive momentum and impact of the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra.” Like the QCSO music director and conductor, Mark Russell Smith, Groover currently lives in Minnesota where he serves as artistic director and principal conductor of the St. Cloud Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Conductor of the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS), music director and conductor of the Buffalo Community Orchestra, and assistant conductor of the University of Minnesota Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theatre. Additional experiences include roles as associate conductor of the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra, assistant conductor of the Arapahoe Philharmonic, assistant conductor of the Lamont Symphony Orchestra and Opera Theatre (all in Colorado), and conductor of the University of Iowa Chamber Orchestra. “Hisham displays impressive versatility in his concerts, equally at ease with pops and educational programs as he is with masterworks,” the QCSO release says. He has also conducted and assisted in several opera productions, including Britten’s The Turn of the Screw, Mozart’s Don Giovanni, and Strauss Jr.’s Die Fledermaus. "Thoughtful in his programming, Hisham aims to create concerts that resonate with modern audiences," the QCSO release says. In 2024, he conducted a program that integrated the music of Hildegard von Bingen, Steve Reich, and Charles Ives with Mozart’s Requiem. Recently, Groover has competed in two international conducting competitions. In 2023, he was invited to the 1st International Ferenc Fricsay Conducting Competition in Szeged, Hungary. In 2022, he was a semi-finalist in the Princess Astrid International Music Competition in Trondheim, Norway. Benjamin Firer is serving as interim conductor for the QC Youth Symphony Orchestra and Youth Philharmonic for the 2023-2024 season. Grrover is also a violinist and has studied with several pedagogues, including Michel Boris Zaitzeff, Ching-Yi Lin, and Mark Rush. As a conductor, he has studied with Leonid Grin, Kevin Noe, William LaRue Jones, and his principal mentor, Mark Russell Smith. Groover will begin his role as QCSYE music director and QCSO assistant conductor in July 2024. Benjamin Firer will remain as interim Youth Symphony Orchestra and Youth Philharmonic Orchestra Conductor through the end of the 2023-2024 season. Firer was named interim conductor last July, after the departure of Ernesto Estagarribia, who joined the faculty of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. Estigarribia is professor of conducting and orchestra director at the Vanderbilt University Blair School of Music, and served the QCSO role four years. The Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles (QCSYE) program consists of four youth orchestras for students in grades 2-12. Under the direction of the outstanding QCSYE conducting staff, members have the opportunity to perform great orchestral repertoire with the most talented young musicians in the area and learn from the mentorship of professional musicians from throughout the region. Ensemble members come from the greater Quad Cities, as well as other communities in southeast Iowa and northwest Illinois. For more information on the youth program, click HERE.

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Coralville man being honored for rescuing 8-year-old boy from Iowa River in 2022

Wegayewu Faris was fishing along the Iowa River when he noticed an 8-year-old boy struggling to swim. He was able to help save him but drowned due to the current.

OurQuadCities.com $8.5M 'Rebuild Downtown' R.I. to start April 8 OurQuadCities.com

$8.5M 'Rebuild Downtown' R.I. to start April 8

After more than two years of planning and fundraising, the city of Rock Island is planning to launch its $8.5-million Rebuild Downtown project on Monday, April 8. According to Public Works director Mike Bartels, the hope is to finish the multi-layered reconstruction and streetscaping work by the end of this year. A new roundabout in downtown Rock Island, at 18th Street and 2nd Avenue, is among the many project elements. At its meeting Monday, March 25, the City Council awarded the contract to Valley Construction, Inc. of Rock Island, in the original bid amount of $8,467,987.41 and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract documents and Public Works to continue to value engineer the project and execute necessary change orders to reduce construction costs to $8,223,523.89 or lower. “It’s great to reach consensus around the improvements our community is excited about making downtown,” Rock Island Downtown Alliance executive director Jack Cullen said Wednesday. Improvements downtown (including this reconstructed 2nd Avenue, removing the pedestrian plaza) are expected to start April 8, 2024. “This is the largest investment in downtown’s public infrastructure in a generation, and it’s not the end of the story. This is just the start – where the improvements need to start in the core of downtown and where we hope to continue block by block.” Cullen noted the main goals for the downtown project since day one are: Enhance public spaces Encourage private investment Improve quality of life for downtown workers, business owners, residents and visitors An invitation to bid was advertised on Jan. 25-26 and the following contractors submitted bids: McCarthy Improvements, Langman Construction, and Valley Construction. Bidders submitted on a base bid and six alternates as follows: • Base bid: removal of the Great River Plaza, reconstructing 2nd Avenue between 18th and 19th streets as a festival street; reconstructing 18th St., 1st to 3rd avenues; reconstructing 3rd Ave. from 18th to 19th streets; replacing water mains, sanitary sewers and storm sewers under 18th St., 2nd Ave. and 3rd Ave.; ADA compliant sidewalks; pedestrian lighting: street landscaping and entryway arch. • Alternative 1: reconstruction and reimaging of Arts Alley, at 1719 2nd Ave.• Alternative 2: reconstructing 3rd Ave. between 17th and 18 streets; replacing water mains, sanitary sewers and storm sewers; sidewalks; pedestrian lighting and street landscaping,• Alternative 3: Installing the dog park at 3rd Avenue and 21st St.• Alternative 4: Reconstruction of the alley, between 3rd/4th Ave. and 20th/21st St.• Alternative 5: Remove parking lot at 18th St. and 2nd Ave. and replace with green space.• Alternative 6: Placing lights on the WHBF Tower. A planned lighting of the WHBF Tower was estimated to cost $6.9 million alone. Based upon the base bid costs, Valley Construction was the low bidder with a base bid amount of $7,563,699.31, which exceeds the project’s original secured funding of $7,267,181. A summary of Valley’s bid amounts follows:• Base Bid -- $7,563,699.31• Alternative 1 -- $657,887.35• Alternative 2 -- $1,318,303.55• Alternative 3 -- $674,574.30• Alternative 4 -- $129,314.25• Alternative 5 -- $246,400.75• Alternative 6 -- $6,909,535.00• Total (Base + Alternatives): $17,499,714.51 Preliminary value engineering was initiated between staff, the Rock Island Downtown Alliance (RIDA) and Valley to reduce costs towards the secured funding amount. The Downtown Alliance expressed their desire to accept Alternatives 1 (Arts Alley) and 5 (green space at 18th Ave. and 2nd St.) and discard Alternatives 2, 3, 4 and 6. Lighting of the WHBF Tower will not be part of the downtown project (photo by Jonathan Turner). Valley’s bid costs for this scope of work is $8,467,987.41. To lower costs, the following are planned to be eliminated from the project: temporary planters, pop-up stage, dumpster enclosure, in-street lights, vendor stall, postcard wall, green screen and lawn play structures. The planned Arts Alley murals will not be part of the current project, but may happen later. Preliminary value engineering discussions have resulted in a reduction of project costs (construction and engineering) to $8,223,523.89. Planned murals for the reimagined Arts Alley will not be part of the current project. The revenue sources for the project funding are: • TIF #1 Downtown funds -- $1,556,342.89• American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) -- $3,900,000• Rebuild Downtown Grant -- $3,000,000• Illinois Tourism Grant -- $267,181.00 Funding totals -- $8,723,523.89 After more than six months in operation, the new Downtown Alliance Ambassadors have been circulating through the downtown Special Service Area weekdays and occasional weekends, performing hospitality and cleaning services under the direction of operations manager De’Andre Robinson. A current parking lot at 2nd Avenue and 18th Street will be converted into green space. From greeting visitors and giving directions to collecting litter and removing graffiti, ambassadors are the organization’s eyes, ears and boots on the ground, according to the RIDA website. The Downtown Alliance uses a GPS-integrated mobile software application to track its activities. In the first six months using the system (Sept. 7, 2023-Feb. 29, 2024), the team made more than 2,300 logs. For more information on RIDA, visit its website HERE. To learn more about the Rebuild Downtown project, including lots of visuals, see the City Council’s presentation HERE.

OurQuadCities.com Monmouth residents can get spring cleanup help from the Fighting Scots OurQuadCities.com

Monmouth residents can get spring cleanup help from the Fighting Scots

Monmouth residents who need help with spring cleaning can get assistance from the Fighting Scots. The Monmouth College football team’s Spring Cleanup Day is Saturday, April 13 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. For 15 out of the past 16 years, the team has been helping area residents with household spring cleaning and yard work chores. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the event in 2020. The team’s help is offered free of charge and open on a first come, first served basis to people living within the Monmouth city limits. Both players and staff members participate in the event. Residents must supply any materials or equipment to complete the tasks, such as cleaning supplies, trash bags or tools. They can help with yard work, window cleaning, furniture moving or any other spring cleaning projects. Photos and videos from the cleanup may appear on the Monmouth website and social media accounts. Contact Coach Jack Healy at mhealy@monmouthcollege.edu or call (309) 457-2163 to sign up. Requests should include the address of the cleanup location, a telephone contact number, the name of the person who will be onsite on April 13 and a description of the cleanup job. The team will haul trash to the street but will not take anything in a vehicle to a waste collection site or other drop off site. Coach Healy will assign players to projects, depending on the jobs requested. The deadline to sign up is Thursday, April 11. Click here for more on the Cleanup Day.

KWQC TV-6 Muscatine 911 part of state tornado drill KWQC TV-6

Muscatine 911 part of state tornado drill

The drill gave businesses, schools, daycares and other facilities the chance to practice their severe weather procedures.

KWQC TV-6  2 indicted in federal Knox County drug case KWQC TV-6

2 indicted in federal Knox County drug case

The Knox County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation into the two men has been ongoing for the last year.

OurQuadCities.com OurQuadCities.com

Iowa DNR advises people to stay out of Wapsipinicon River after wastewater discharge

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is advising nature enthusiasts to stay out of the Wapsipinicon River downstream from Anamosa as it investigates a wastewater discharge at a city facility, according to a news release from the department. The City of Anamosa notified the DNR Manchester Field Office of a wastewater discharge due to equipment failure at the wastewater plant lift station on Wednesday, March 27. The discharge was discovered at about 8:15 a.m. and it’s estimated that up to 50,000 gallons of untreated sewage flowed into a storm drain leading to the Wapsipinicon River. City officials say the equipment has been repaired and cleanup efforts are underway, according to the release. Downstream recreational users should stay out of the Wapsipinicon River at this time. Currently, no dead fish have been found and the Iowa DNR will follow up with the city to assess the situation. If you see a release after hours, call the DNR’s emergency spill line at (515) 725-8694 or click here. Reporting a spill quickly helps DNR staff identify the cause of an incident.

OurQuadCities.com Moline driver charged for striking pedestrian in Davenport OurQuadCities.com

Moline driver charged for striking pedestrian in Davenport

An 18-year-old Moline man faces charges after a car struck a pedestrian in a Davenport parking lot in 2023, according to court records. Landkin Krakliow (Scott County Jail) Landin Krakliow faces a felony charge of willful injury - causing bodily injury and an aggravated misdemeanor charge of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon, court records show. In affidavits, police allege Krakliow was driving a black Ford Fusion in the parking lot in the 100 block of West River Drive, Davenport. A witness saw Krakliow in the parking lot increasing the speed of his car just before he hit a pedestrian, police allege in affidavits, which show another witness reported hearing a disturbance just prior to the person being struck. The victim suffered injuries that required hospitalization. Krakliow's actions caused the risk of serious injury to the victim, police say in affidavits. Krakliow, who was arrested on a warrant, was released on bond. He is set for a preliminary hearing April 5 in Scott County Court.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

Annual education study highlighting the need for teachers in Illinois

This report also said low pay and burnout are common reasons teachers vacate their positions. Substitutes are also lacking in the state of Illinois.

KWQC TV-6  Arrowhead CEO says legislation led to closing residential youth facility KWQC TV-6

Arrowhead CEO says legislation led to closing residential youth facility

Arrowhead Youth & Family Services CEO Luis Moreno said “insurmountable financial challenges” is compelling the shuttering of the only Quad City Area center that schooled, housed and counseled youth.

KWQC TV-6  ImpactLife having Jake Owen ticket giveaway KWQC TV-6

ImpactLife having Jake Owen ticket giveaway

The country music artist will perform April 19 at Rhythm City Casino.

OurQuadCities.com OurQuadCities.com

Galesburg men indicted on drug, firearm charges

Two Galesburg men have been indicted for distribution of methamphetamine throughout Knox County and surrounding areas. Knox County Sheriff Jack C. Harlan, Jr. on Wednesday announced the federal indictments of two men over the course of a longstanding investigation by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, Galesburg Police and the FBI. On March 19, 2024, Michael A. Villarreal, 49, of Galesburg, and Casey D. McGee, 53, of Galesburg, were indicted in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois in Peoria for the distribution of methamphetamine throughout Knox County and surrounding areas, according to a release from the Sheriff’s Office. Michael A. Villarreal of Galesburg The federal investigation has been ongoing for the last year and has covered most of Knox County. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized over five pounds of meth, multiple firearms, and four pounds of cannabis. During the course of the investigation, they learned that approximately two to five pounds of methamphetamine a month was being distributed throughout Knox County and surrounding areas, the release said. Casey D. McGee of Galesburg The following are charges against the suspects: Michael A. Villarreal, 49, of Galesburg: Two counts Distribution ofMethamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Casey D. McGee, 53, of Galesburg: Possession with Intent to DistributeMethamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. The Knox County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in the investigation by the FBI TOC West, FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Galesburg Police Department, and the Quad Cities United States Attorney Office. No other information was available at this time.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

Iowa lawmakers investigate settlement payments to former Davenport employees

Hearings are taking place later this afternoon to discuss how Davenport leaders handled these payouts.

OurQuadCities.com Learn about clothing and culture at Windmill Cultural Center, Fulton OurQuadCities.com

Learn about clothing and culture at Windmill Cultural Center, Fulton

The next Miller Program at the Windmill Cultural Center in Fulton, Ill. focuses on the clothes we wear and why they matter.  “The Life Cycle of Clothing” will cover how modern culture changed from mostly handmade items to ones designed to only last a short time before being discarded. Erika Holst, Curator of History at the Illinois State Museum, will speak about examples of garments and clothing artifacts from the 19th century; how it was created, mended, remade, washed and eventually recycled. Modern attitudes about “fast fashion” will be discussed and compared to the “old fashioned way.” The presentation will be on Tuesday, April 9, starting at 6 p.m. at the Windmill Cultural Center, 111 – 10th Avenue in Fulton, across from de Immigrant windmill. Miller Programs are held monthly and are free for the public. The Center is accessible to persons with disabilities and light refreshments will be served after the presentation. For more information, click here, visit the Windmill Cultural Center and de Immigrant Windmill Facebook page, Visit Fulton Facebook page or call (563) 249-6115.

KWQC TV-6  Walgreens closing at Brady and Locust in Davenport KWQC TV-6

Walgreens closing at Brady and Locust in Davenport

The pharmacy had closed Nov. 17.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

Davenport man arrested following tow truck vs. pedestrian crash

52-year-old Granvell K. Ramey of Davenport has been arrested after police say he was texting when he ran over a woman with his tow truck and fled the scene.

OurQuadCities.com OurQuadCities.com

Gilda's Club QC saw big growth in programs, attendance in 2023

Gilda's Club Quad Cities is looking back at 2023, a year that saw impressive growth in programs and attendance. The group creates a sense of community and solidarity through its programs. They expanded last year, offering 657 free programs, an increase from 166 programs in 2022, and saw a 61% increase in program attendance. (Gilda's Club) (Gilda's Club QC) "Our Clubhouses, located in Genesis West and UnityPoint—Trinity, have become bustling hubs of activity, serving as a comforting sanctuary for individuals undergoing treatment and their loved ones," said Joy Bush, Executive Director at Gilda's Club Quad Cities. "We're not just providing programs; we're creating a home away from home, offering solace, companionship and a sense of belonging during challenging times." Gilda's Club Quad Cities has been a lifeline for people dealing with cancer for 25 years, supporting not only patients, but their friends and family, including kids and bereaved, with a variety of programs, including support groups, educational workshops, healthy lifestyle activities, social gatherings and resource referrals. For more information on Gilda’s Club QC and its programs, click here.

OurQuadCities.com OurQuadCities.com

New president named for Monmouth College

Patricia Draves has been named the 15th president of Monmouth College. A veteran higher education leader and former chemistry professor at Monmouth, Draves was unanimously chosen president by the Monmouth College Board of Trustees after an extensive national search, according to a Wednesday release. Since 2017, Draves has served as president of Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Patricia Draves has been named the next president of Monmouth College, to start in July. "There are special places that prepare students for very meaningful careers and for rich lives to serve and to lead others. Monmouth College is one of those places," she said in Wednesday’s announcement. "Monmouth graduates do wonderful and great things. Being selected to be part of the team that leads this College is such an honor. I'm excited about working with the Monmouth faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends to move this outstanding college forward." Draves will begin her presidency in July. She succeeds Clarence R. Wyatt, who has been the college's 14th president since July 2014 and will retire at the end of this school year. "We look forward to Dr. Patricia Draves' leadership as the 15th president of Monmouth," said Monmouth Board of Trustees Chair Mark Kopinski '79. "Her groundbreaking work as a college president and academic leader, along with her track record of developing innovative student-centered programs, has distinguished her in higher education. The entire Monmouth community is excited that she is again embracing the College's tartan as our new leader." Dr. Clarence Wyatt has served as Monmouth president for 10 years (PRNewsFoto/Monmouth College) Draves will be the second female president in the college’s 171-year history, after Sue Huseman, who served from 1994–97. Huseman retired in 2017 as president of University of Maine at Machias. At Graceland, Draves' legacy includes the Blue, Gold & Bold Plan, which established a new academic model by awarding all of the university's undergraduate students a second major in transformational leadership. Draves also helped the university raise more than $55 million and successfully guided it through the global COVID pandemic. Before serving as Graceland's 18th president, Draves was vice president for academic affairs at University of Mount Union in Ohio from 2006-17. "Monmouth had an impressive and deep pool of candidates who expressed interest in the presidency or were nominated for the presidency," said Monmouth Board Vice Chair Ralph Velazquez Jr. '79, who led the 10-member presidential search committee. "Dr. Draves emerged as the clear choice for the presidency, and we are excited for the future of Monmouth under her leadership." Draves' more than 30-year career in higher education also includes serving as a faculty member and administrator at the University of Central Arkansas. A Rhode Island native, Draves earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, and holds a doctorate in chemistry from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Husband is an alum Draves' husband, Jeff, is a 1985 graduate of Monmouth College who served with her on the college's chemistry faculty during the couple's first stint in Monmouth. They have twin boys, William and Benjamin, who are both liberal arts college graduates. They were blessed with a daughter, Alison, who they lost in 2007. Patricia Draves and her husband Jeff, who's a 1985 Monmouth College alum. "Jeff and I are so excited to start this new journey," said Draves. "I fell in love with Monmouth more than 30 years ago, whether it was coming to Homecoming or to other college events with Jeff. Monmouth was such a welcoming community to us, and it was a place where we loved raising our children. "I look forward to returning to this community as not only president of the college but also as a citizen of the city of Monmouth. I have been impressed with the community's strong level of support for the college, and I look forward to working with other community leaders on projects that will advance the college and the region." Draves is the third Monmouth president with previous experience at the position, joining David Wallace, who was president of Muskingum College before being named Monmouth's first president (1856-1878), and Duncan Wimpress, who was president of Monticello College before being named Monmouth's seventh president (1964-70). Draves is the first Monmouth president who formerly served on the college's faculty.

KWQC TV-6 KWQC TV-6

Tower work may cause outages for KWQC

The tower is on ‘aux’ meaning we are on the air, though on a lower power mode as of about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. As of now the time of completion is unknown.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

3 Things to Know | Quad Cities morning headlines for March 27, 2024

Iowa lawmakers are investigating a settlement to former Davenport employees, and a suspect has been charged in a vehicle accident on Rockingham Road.

OurQuadCities.com Brown Bag Lunches back at Bettendorf Public Library OurQuadCities.com

Brown Bag Lunches back at Bettendorf Public Library

The Bettendorf Public Library has a great way to start the weekend a little early once a month – Brown Bag Lunches! Music fans bring their own lunches to the Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus Drive, for a live music performance that will help make those last few hours of the workweek better. Concerts are open to all ages and start at 12 p.m. Coffee and water are provided and there’s no need to register in advance. Spring dates are: April 5, featuring Cherry and Jerry: Ragtime Music May 10, featuring Forrest McCurren Duo Click here or call (563) 344-4175 for more information about Brown Bag Lunches and other library events. Click here for more information about the Bettendorf Public Library.

KWQC TV-6 KWQC TV-6

Police: Man struck pedestrian while driving tow truck in Davenport

The crash happened earlier this month.

OurQuadCities.com OurQuadCities.com

Human trafficking forum set in Clinton

The Franciscan Peace Center, in collaboration with the Clinton Area Anti-Human Trafficking Committee and the Clinton Police Department, is proud to announce the rescheduling of "Community Conversations: A Forum on the Landscape of Human Trafficking in Clinton," which will take place on Tuesday, April 2, according to a news release. The event was originally planned for January during Human Trafficking Awareness Month but was postponed due to inclement weather. The event aims to shed light on the critical issue of human trafficking and foster a community-wide dialogue on its presence in Clinton. The program will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clinton, 309 30th Ave. N., Clinton, from 6:30-8 p.m., and will feature speakers who are actively involved in combating human trafficking in our community: Deputy Police Chief James Ballauer Corp. Joshua Winter, Clinton Police Department rep to the Blackhawk Area Task Force Officer Chris Robertson, school resource officer at Clinton High School. They will share their insights, experiences, and knowledge to help community members better understand the local landscape of human trafficking. The event will provide an opportunity for open discussions and the exchange of ideas on how to address and prevent human trafficking in Clinton. Marsha Thrall, the director of programming at the Franciscan Peace Center, emphasizes the significance of this event in dispelling misconceptions about human trafficking and taking proactive measures against it. "Community Conversations will serve as a platform to clarify misconceptions surrounding human trafficking. By fostering open dialogue and understanding, we can collectively work towards creating a safer and more informed community," said Thrall. This forum is a collaborative effort between the Franciscan Peace Center, Clinton Area Anti-Human Trafficking Committee, and the Clinton Police Department, reflecting the shared commitment of these organizations to promote awareness, education, and action against human trafficking. The Franciscan Peace Center, established by the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, Iowa, integrates spirituality with the mission of promoting nonviolence, advocating for various social justice issues, including immigration reform and human rights. Individuals who are interested in becoming a part of the Clinton Area Anti-Trafficking Committee are invited to participate in monthly meetings held on the first Monday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at The Canticle, 841 Thirteenth Ave. N., Clinton.  For more information, contact Marsha Thrall at mthrall@clintonfranciscans.com.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

UnityPoint Health seeing rising volume of colon cancer cases

Medical experts say cases are becoming more frequent in adults younger than 50 years old.

WVIK Farmers urge legislators to pass Farm Bill WVIK

Farmers urge legislators to pass Farm Bill

One Iowa farmer wants policymakers to "quit playing politics" and pass the Farm Bill.

OurQuadCities.com Maquoketa Speedway hosts action-packed weekend OurQuadCities.com

Maquoketa Speedway hosts action-packed weekend

Maquoketa Speedway will host the Rio Grande Waste Services Nippy 50, presented by D & E Services, this weekend, according to a news release. Open practice will be 8-9p.m. Thursday. Late-model practice will begin at 9:30 p.m. Pit passes are $25. Gates open at 3 p.m. Friday, with hot laps at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for ages 8-15 and free for kids under 7. Pit passes are $35. On Saturday, gates open at 1 p.m., with hot laps at 5:30 p.m. Admission is $35 for adults, $15 for ages 8-15, and free for kids 7 and under. Pit passes are $45. Dirt Road Rockers will play Friday night and a DJ will be featured on Saturday. Food and drink will be available for purchase. An Easter Bunny will hand out candy to kids on Saturday. Two day pit passes are $75 and two-day general admission is $55. Hoker Promotions and Darkside Promotions are in partnership with his event

WQAD.com WQAD.com

Public weighs in on McKenzie Snow's Iowa Dept. of Education director appointment

McKenzie Snow faced criticism and compliments in Tuesday's public hearing, just nine months after being appointed by Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Quad-City Times Quad-City Times

Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, March 27, 2024

Carole L. Brown, 79, of Davenport, Iowa, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at Bickford of Davenport. Cremation will be directed by Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.

Quad-City Times Quad-City Times

Pending Death Notices for Muscatine, March 27, 2024

Carole L. Brown, 79, of Davenport, Iowa, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at Bickford of Davenport. Cremation will be directed by Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.

River Cities' Reader River Cities' Reader

Buried Stories: Charles August Ficke (1850-1931)

The newly created Davenport Municipal Art Gallery opened its doors to the public in October of 1925. Fourteen thousand people – a fifth of Davenport’s population – visited the gallery on West Fifth Street near Main in its first three months. Charles August Ficke’s initial gift of 270 traditional European, Asian, and Mexican paintings to the city of Davenport created the momentum and need for a municipal gallery, one of the earliest in America.

OurQuadCities.com Cook review: You'll be taken with Liam Neeson's latest thriller OurQuadCities.com

Cook review: You'll be taken with Liam Neeson's latest thriller

It’s so nice to see Liam Neeson in a solid film set in Ireland, where he draws on his tough-guy strengths and action-hero resume. “In the Land of Saints and Sinners,” directed by Robert Lorenz, is a solid thriller with a nice touch of action. It’s set in 1970s Belfast, during the Troubles. Doireann McCann (Kerry Condon) is among a group of freedom fighters who set off a bomb that kills two innocent bystanders. They decide to take up residence in a coastal town where Finbar Murphy (Neeson) is a hit man considering retirement from his assignments for Robert McQue (Colm Meaney.) Finbar’s police officer friend Vincent (Ciarán Hinds) hasn’t figured out the connection. Finbar, who plants a tree every time he kills someone, has decided his forest is complete … and then he realizes a young woman and child possibly are being abused. Whether it’s carrying a light-saber or toting a gun, Neeson remains a menacing presence when he sees evil seep into the lives of the innocent. There are some chilling scenes that don’t involve gun play but nevertheless provide enough tension to make you shudder. One in particular involves the character of Doireann in a home where she doesn’t belong. This scene kept me on the edge of my seat with its cat-and-mouse dialogue and direction. This is an engaging ensemble, with commendable performances all around. The environments are gorgeous. The beautiful landscapes contrast with the ugliness of violence that simmers in nearly every sequence. Diego Baldenweg, Nora Baldenweg and Lionel Baldenweg composed the gorgeous score that reflects the Celtic roots of the story. It’s one of the prettiest scores I’ve heard in years – the kind of music I’m used to hearing about come awards season at year’s end. The music in the pub scenes adds to the enchantment of the setting. Neeson fans are sure to be taken with this one. 3 starsRunning time: One hour and 46 minutes. Rated: R for foul language and violence. Watch the trailer here. Opens Thursday at Cinemark, Davenport.

Tuesday, March 26th, 2024

KWQC TV-6 KWQC TV-6

Rock Island - Milan school board approves led paint testing at 8 locations

The Rock Island-Milan School Board approved a contract to test for led paint at eight different school locations.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

Arrowhead Ranch to end residential programming in April

Officials with the nonprofit cited financial difficulties as the reason for the closure.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

Davenport police make arrest in pedestrian crash

52-year-old Granvell Ramey allegedly hit a 43-year-old woman in the crosswalk at Rockingham Road and South Concord Street.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

Waterloo, Iowa: John Deere laying off more than 300 production employees

A John Deere spokesperson said 308 production employees will be put on indefinite layoff on April 29, 2024.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

Arrowhead Ranch to end residential programming in April

Officials with the nonprofit cited financial difficulties as the reason for the closure.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

Residents of Davenport apartment ordered to vacate

City officials said 18 units had to be vacated.

KWQC TV-6  Big River Popcorn to sell business KWQC TV-6

Big River Popcorn to sell business

The owners of a long-time Burlington popcorn shop say they’re selling the business.

Quad-City Times Police allege tow driver was texting and driving recklessly when he ran over woman Quad-City Times

Police allege tow driver was texting and driving recklessly when he ran over woman

A tow truck driver allegedly was texting and driving recklessly when he struck and seriously injured a Davenport woman at the intersection of Rockingham Road and South Concord Street.

WQAD.com WQAD.com

How modern bridges are designed to withstand a collision

In 1991, The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials released specific design provisions for vessel collisions.

KWQC TV-6  Union women meet with Rep. Sorensen to address workplace concerns KWQC TV-6

Union women meet with Rep. Sorensen to address workplace concerns

Women union members gathered with Illinois Congressman Eric Sorensen in honor of Women’s History Month, to address some of the challenges faced by women in the workforce and amplify their voices.

OurQuadCities.com Women union leaders want workplace challenges addressed OurQuadCities.com

Women union leaders want workplace challenges addressed

Women in unions know having a female leader is necessary for empowering women. In a roundtable conversation with Congressman Eric Sorensen, leaders discussed the value of having more women in leadership roles. "We all got to be a leader sometime even if it's just in the home, the workforce, or just walking into a building and saying 'hello'," Glenview Middle School Paraprofessional Belinda Rusch said. Laborers' Local Union 309 (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) "Bringing women into leadership roles gives a broader mindset," Local 157 Union Painter Christina Harms said. "It gives it a broader range of solutions to issues that maybe we didn't even know that we had. I think bringing on women opens up more discussions which will then bring on better solutions." Rusch agrees. She said having women involved with union contract negotiations is a way for women to be better represented. "In this current day in age, women are coming into the workforce, and they need that voice," Rusch said. "I was hoping that someone will look, listen, and hear that women need to be at the table." Women also reflected on challenges they face in the workforce, including not being heard. Laborers' Local Union 309 (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) "Of course everyone needs to talk," Rusch added. "But you let them talk and then say 'Hey this is what I need to say right now. Will you listen to me?' Give me that chance." Union leaders also believe having women leaders can show the next generation what they're capable of achieving and they are thankful to get discussions started. "Most of the time, I am the only woman amongst men," Rusch said. "So I'm very appreciative, and to see these women in all traits - wow, how beautiful," (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCites.com) Affordable child care along with balancing life at work and home were other priorities brought up during the discussion.

OurQuadCities.com Davenport driver faces charges in truck/pedestrian crash OurQuadCities.com

Davenport driver faces charges in truck/pedestrian crash

A 52-year-old Davenport driver faces multiple charges in connection with a pedestrian seriously injured by a truck, according to a news release and court records. Granvell Ramey (Scott County Jail) According to Davenport Police, Granvell K. Ramey, faces these charges: Serious injury by vehicle - reckless by use of electronic device Serious injury hit and run Prevention apprehension/obstructing prosecution Reckless driving No seat belt Fail to obey stop sign (five counts) Roadways laned for traffic Turning at intersections Duty of driver – failure to yield to a pedestrian Use of electronic communication device while driving. A pedestrian is injured earlier this month According to arrest affidavits, shortly after 7:30 p.m. March 13 Davenport Police responded to a hit-and-run crash involving a tow truck and a pedestrian at the intersection of Rockingham Road and South Concord Street. Officers obtained video footage of the crash from a nearby business, and found a suspect truck - a 2016 gray Freightliner - in a nearby tow yard, according to affidavits. The involved tow truck was equipped with two cameras: one that faced out of the front windshield and one that has a view of the driver inside the cab. Ramey was identified as the driver of the tow truck by co-workers and through video footage, affidavits show. After he was read his Miranda Rights, police allege in affidavits, he admitted to driving the suspect tow truck. "The victim was run over by the tow truck while she was crossing Rockingham Road in the crosswalk. She had the right of way and the walk sign from the crosswalk," police say in affidavits. The victim suffered serious injuries, including a right femur fracture, pelvic fracture, left pneumothorax, and several rib fractures, affidavits show. Officers saw video footage of Ramey using and texting on his phone while he drove the truck "just prior to running the victim over," police say in affidavits, which show officers observed video footage of (Ramey) knowingly running the victim over with the tow truck while driving. Ramey, officers say in affidavits, "knowingly left the scene of this serious injury crash." On video, officers saw Ramey was not wearing a seat belt for the entire drive (more than three miles) from near the 1300 block of Emerald Drive to the tow yard in the 900 block of South Rolff Street, Davenport. Video also shows Ramey did not stop at stop signs at several intersections. Video footage shows Ramey fail to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk with the right of way, affidavits say. Officers observed video footage of Ramey driving with no hands on the steering wheel while using his phone, according to affidavits. Officers say footage shows him improperly driving in the center lane of a three-lane highway in the area of the 2400 block of Telegraph Road. Officers saw video footage of Ramey making an improper turn at the intersection of Rockingham Road and South Concord Street so that the tow truck was not completely to the right of the center line while turning. "In a consent search, officers discovered that (Ramey) destroyed text messages and phone call records from his cell phone after the crash. This prevented officers from confirming what was seen by officers on the in-cab video footage of the defendant using his mobile phone while driving," police allege in affidavits. The pedestrian, a 43-year-old woman, was transported to a hospital for treatment.

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POLICE: Driver charged in March Rockingham Road car vs. pedestrian crash

The Davenport Police Department has been investigating a car vs. pedestrian crash that happened on March 13 at the intersection of Rockingham Road and South Concord Street. A man has now been charged. An adult female pedestrian was injured during the incident and taken to the hospital for treatment, according to police.

OurQuadCities.com Arrowhead Ranch ends residential program OurQuadCities.com

Arrowhead Ranch ends residential program

Arrowhead Ranch in Coal Valley will end it residential programming in April, according to a Monday news release from Drue Mielke, marketing, Arrowhead Youth and Family Services. "It is with a heavy heart" that Arrowhead Youth & Family Services or Arrowhead Ranch, a private, non-profit treatment facility in Coal Valley, dedicated to serving at-risk youth, announces the closure of its residential programming effective April 23, 2024, the release says. "Despite tireless efforts to sustain our mission of guiding youth towards becoming productive and responsible individuals through quality counseling, education, and social services, the organization is compelled to cease the operation of its residential programming due to insurmountable financial challenges. At this time, Arrowhead is continuing to provide its Day Reporting Center program, serving as a resource center and reentry hub for vulnerable youth." The release says the decision to close Arrowhead’s residential programs comes as a result of several factors, primarily stemming from the State of Illinois’ implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act in the fall of 2021. "This legislation brought about required changes that significantly impacted the funding landscape for organizations like ours. Regrettably, the funding provided by the State of Illinois is no longer sufficient to cover the costs associated with delivering our essential services and programs." Additionally, the release says Arrowhead has faced the challenge of a shifting demographic of at-risk youth. Originally designed to work with low to moderate-risk youth, the increasing severity of the youth placed at Arrowhead as a result of restrictions imposed by the Family First Prevention Services Act has stretched Arrowhead's resources beyond capacity. "This shift has necessitated costly adjustments to our programs and services, further straining our financial viability. In addition to the funding shortfall and demographic changes, the organization has encountered ongoing difficulties in relying upon timely payment from state agencies for services rendered by Arrowhead," according to the release. "Delays and inconsistencies in payment have created significant cash flow challenges, hindering our ability to operate effectively and sustainably." A car auction raised money to support Arrowhead Ranch in 2020. "Arrowhead has been a cornerstone of the Quad Cities community for nearly 80 years, providing crucial support and guidance to countless at-risk youth and their families. Our dedicated staff members have worked tirelessly to empower young people and equip them with the skills and resources necessary to overcome obstacles and thrive," the release continues. "We maintain pride in all those who graduated or successfully transitioned through our programs. We know the services we have provided have made a lifelong impact on our residents and the communities where they now reside. We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters who have been instrumental in furthering our mission over the years. Your unwavering commitment and dedication have made a profound impact on the lives of so many young people in our community. "As we navigate this difficult transition, our primary focus remains on ensuring the well-being and continued support of the youth and families who have been a part of our programs. We are actively working to facilitate a smooth transition for all individuals currently receiving services from Arrowhead, and we remain committed to working with our state agency partners towards connecting them with alternative resources and support networks." The release says that, in the coming weeks, Arrowhead will work closely with "relevant stakeholders" to restructure operations responsibly and ethically. "We are committed to fulfilling all outstanding obligations and obligations to our staff, partners, and vendors to the best of our ability during this process." For more information or inquiries about the closure of Arrowhead’s residential programming operations, contact Arrowhead’s legal counsel, Jeff Wright, at 309-788-7110, the release says. "Arrowhead remains profoundly grateful for the opportunity to have served the Quad Cities community and the countless individuals who have entrusted us with their care. While this chapter may be coming to a close, we are hopeful that the impact of our work will continue to resonate for years to come," the release concludes.

OurQuadCities.com Iowa bill advances to change education funding OurQuadCities.com

Iowa bill advances to change education funding

Iowa state lawmakers will send Gov. Kim Reynolds a bill to change the way Area Education Agencies (AEA) work in the state. The bill cleared the State Senate with changes to the governor's original proposal. The agencies' funding would drop to 90% of their current state funding. The rest would go directly to school districts. The bill would raise the starting pay for first-year teachers to $50,000 per year.

OurQuadCities.com OurQuadCities.com

Remarkable Women of the Quad Cities: Megan Brown-Saldana

Unapologetically herself and a self-described social constructionist, Megan Brown-Saldana isn't afraid to raise her voice to make an impact for the betterment of our community with her work with Humility Homes and Services. Our Quad Cities News' Brittany Dobbins has her story in this week's Remarkable Women of the Quad Cities.

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Quad City Symphony Orchestra Masterworks VI: “The Force of Fate,” April 6 and 7

Performing a repertoire featuring Johannes Brahm's Tragic Overture, op. 81, Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4, op. 36, and the newly commissioned Clarinet Concerto by beloved local composer Jacob Bancks, the Quad City Symphony Orchestra closes their 2023-24 Masterworks series with the concert event The Force of Fate, its April 6 and 7 presentations at Davenport's Adler Theatre and Augustana College's Centenniual showcasing the thrilling talents of clarinetist Ricardo Morales.

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Jordan Davis, April 11

With his 2023 album Bluebird Days praised by Holler Country as a work that "gives his commercial appeal the firmest songwriter’s massage we’ve heard in his work yet," chart-topping country singer/songwriter Jordan Davis headlines an April 11 concert at Moline's Vibrant Arena at the MARK, the artist's laurels including four Academy of Country Music Award nominations and a Country Music Association Award win for Song of the Year “Buy Dirt” with Luke Bryan.

OurQuadCities.com Kewanee animal rescue sees effects of lead-based hunting ammunition OurQuadCities.com

Kewanee animal rescue sees effects of lead-based hunting ammunition

A wildlife rescue and rehab is calling for change, after helping multiple bald eagles with lead poisoning. Hog Capitol Wildfire Rescue and Rehab, based out of Kewanee, helps wild animals back to health. The rescue is now helping bald eagles that have contracted lead poisoning and say it's a growing concern among the birds. "They don't show their illness until it's almost too late," Tamara Yarger, the Hog Capitol Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Founder, said. "Every system in their body starts to shut down from this. Their blood thickens, they end up with all kinds of problems and they suffer greatly. We just want that to stop." (Jackson Rozinsky, OurQuadCities.com) Lead poisoning in area bald eagles is credited to hunters using lead ammunition. "The main way that they're getting lead poisoning is from the deer gut piles after the deer hunters have been out," Yarger said. "It's because lead is the cheapest, and it does the most damage with the quickest kill." The rescue helps all kinds of wild animals, but it's seen an increase of bald eagles with lead poisoning over the past few weeks. One rescued bird named IDOT did not make it over the weekend, despite his lead test results lowering each day. The rescue says a shard of lead the size of a grain of rice is enough to kill an eagle. "Either stop using lead or be responsible when you're leaving," Yarger said. "This is our nation's bird that's suffering because of it. I am telling you right now it is suffering." (Jackson Rozinsky, OurQuadCities.com) Testing the birds everyday allows Yarger to monitor the birds' lead levels, and gives them the correct dosage of medicine to give the eagles. "Our donors have helped us purchase the equipment to test for lead now," Yarger said. "That helps us watch and monitor and see when the levels get high or low." (Jackson Rozinsky, OurQuadCities.com) Although eagles in the area are not endangered, Yarger says it could change at any moment if the lead trend continues. "You don't know how soon it could turn around go the other way and they could end up back on the endangered species list," Yarger said. "We don't want that." One success story for the rescue is with an eagle named Miss BG, or Miss Beautiful Girl. She has been lead-free for a couple of days, bringing her back to normal levels before being rescued. Miss BG still needs help with neurological help, but the rescue is confident in their efforts to help the eagle. Hog Capitol Wildlife Rescue and Rehab says they save animals across Henry County and will travel as far as they have to, to save the bald eagles from lead poisoning.