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

Tuesday, April 16th, 2024
	“Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue,” April 30 Deemed "a side-splitting spectacular" by the Washington Blade, the touring celebration of a beloved and iconic TV sitcom comes to Davenport's Adler Theatre in Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue, an adult-themed comedy that, with its all-male cast, Play Off the Page described as "a wonderful blend of nostalgia and witty dialogue mixed with the sex appeal of drag."
	Kuniko Yamamoto, April 29 through May 4 Enchanting audiences of every age with dramatic storytelling using myths and fables from ancient and modern Japan, Kuniko Yamamoto enjoys a residency as the latest guests in the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist series, her area performances from April 29 through May 4 spiced with social revelations to educate and amuse.
	Anders Carlson-Wee, April 23 The latest guest in the college's River Readings at Augustana series, renowned author and poet Anders Carlson-Wee will deliver examples of his lauded works at Augustana's Wallenberg Hall on April 23, his 2023 poetry collection Disease of Kings lauded by The Los Angeles Review as a work in which "readers are presented with readable poetry that resonates with the heart of humanity," adding that the work "reveals our deepest secrets and failings with complex sympathy."
	“Iowa's Pearl Button Industry,” April 28 Presented by Dustin Joy, director of Muscatine's National Pearl Button Museum, Iowa's Pearl Button Industry continues the popular "Kaffee und Kuchen" series at Davenport's German American Heritage Center, the April 28 program designed to explore the fascinating history behind the state's formerly massive export, as well as its lingering legacy.
	Know the difference between a tornado WATCH and WARNING It's important to know the difference between tornado products from the National Weather Service. Often, a Tornado WATCH is issued before a tornado WARNING. A WATCH means conditions are favorable for possible tornado development. At this point in time, you should think about your severe weather safety plan for the day. Once a tornado has been seen by a trained weather spotter or the possibility of one has been detected by radar, a tornado WARNING will be issued. this means you need to take immediate action and get inside a sturdy structure. The basement is best when available, otherwise an interior hallway or closet if a basement is not available. When a large, violent tornado is on the ground causing extensive damage, you might hear meteorologists refer to this a tornado emergency.
	“Agatha Christie's Murder in the Studio,” April 26 through May 4 A trio of chilling, humorous, and entirely surprising tales by history's master mystery writer will be told at Moline's Black Box Theatre when the venue houses its latest series of live "radio" plays, the April 26 through May 4 production of Murder in the Studio treating audiences to three mesmerizing works by the legendary Agatha Christie.
	Incoming nonprofit leadership in the Quad Cities Several nonprofits in the Quad Cities will gain new leadership in the coming months.
	“Pride in Memory” Red-Carpet Fundraiser, April 28 With the April 28 event hosted by Quad Cities Pride in Memory, Inc., audiences are invited to Davenport venue The Last Picture House for an exciting and important red-carpet fundraiser for Our Story: Pride in Memory, a forthcoming documentary, currently in production, by Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Moline's Fourth Wall Films,
	Iowa man steals car from Davenport dealership, car gets impounded in Colorado, police say A Miles, Iowa man was arrested after police say he drove off with a vehicle from a local car dealership in January. The man was later pulled over in Colorado and the car was impounded, court documents show.
	“DART Senior Thesis Art Show,” through April 27 A celebration of work completed by graduating seniors in the Department of Digital Art and Design, the DART Senior Thesis Art Show will be on display at the University of Dubuque's Bisignano Art Gallery through April 27, the exhibit boasting a variety of pieces in illustration, animation, digital painting, motion graphics, and digital artwork, and displaying the wide range of skills students cultivated during their time at UD.
	Railroad quiet zone established after $1.5 million investment from the City of Clinton The City of Clinton established a quiet zone from 19th Avenue North to 32nd Avenue North.
	Major water main failure puts parts of Moline under boil order Officials said a sample from the area will be processed in the Moline water laboratory on Tuesday.
	Police investigate gunfire incident in Davenport The investigation is ongoing.
	Police: 1 injured in Davenport crash involving bicyclist A man was injured after a crash involving a bicyclist, police say.
	Trace Adkins to perform at Rust Belt Country star Trace Adkins will play The Rust Belt in East Moline on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, at 8 p.m. with special guest Bryan White. In his 25-year career in country music, Adkins has sold over 11 million albums, charted over 20 singles, earned numerous awards and Grammy nominations, and garnered over two billion streams, according to a Tuesday tour release. Country star Trace Adkins on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 (Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images) A Grand Ole Opry member for nearly two decades, the 62-year-old Louisiana native is known for dynamic baritone and fiery, always-memorable live performances, and has expanded his country career to include film and TV acting, the release says. He broke out in 1996 with the debut album, “Dreamin’ Out Loud,” cracking the Top 5 of Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Every Light In the House Is On” and following with the #1 smash, “This Ain’t (No Thinkin’ Thing).” Since then, Adkins has pioneered a mix of classic country-minded traditionalism and adventurous, good-natured showmanship, breaking open new avenues in modern country through fun-filled hits like “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” and “Hillbilly Bone” (with Blake Shelton). Adkins’ newest video “Love Walks Through the Rain” (featuring Melissa Etheridge) is available everywhere now. Bryan White will be the opening act at Rust Belt, Aug. 10, 2024. Bryan White is a CMA, ACM, and Grammy award-winning country music artist, producer, and songwriter. Throughout his prolific recording career, he’s charted 21 singles, of which 6 were number 1. His hits include “So Much for Pretending,” “Sittin’ On Go,” “I’m Not Supposed to Love You Anymore,” “Rebecca Lynn,” “Someone Else’s Star” and “From This Moment On” which he recorded with Shania Twain for her “Come On Over” album. For more information on Adkins, visit his website HERE. For tickets to the Rust Belt show ($59.75 plus fees), click HERE.
	Tornado Watch issued for Quad Cities The National Weather Service has issued a TORNADO WATCH for the Quad Cities and surrounding areas until 10 p.m. Conditions are favorable today for severe t'storms with large hail and a few dangerous tornadoes are possible also. Right now the window for the worst weather in the Quad Cities looks to be from 3 until 8 p.m. Plenty more updates coming today on TV and right here at ourquadcities.com
	Judge orders psych evaluation for man charged with killing 4 in Rockford A judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for a northern Illinois man charged with killing four people by stabbing, beating and driving over them.
	REVIEW: Spotlight 'Anastasia' a sumptuous thrill It was obvious when The Spotlight Theatre opened with its first full production, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” in October 2018, that its multi-talented owners Sara and Brent Tubbs had no small ambitions. Taking over the former Scottish Rite Cathedral at 1800 7th Ave., Moline, the married couple has consistently offered first-class, prodigiously entertaining musical theater, and its gorgeous, spectacular, jaw-dropping latest is no exception. From the start of this fantastic, fancy feast for the senses, you can easily get swept up in history, romance and adventure in the big musical “Anastasia.” With music and lyrics by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, and a book by Terrence McNally, the stage musical is based on the 1997 animated film of the same name, and while it has a sprawling cast of 29, director Aaron Baker-Loo keeps the towering tale laser focused on the sympathetic title character. The show – which is visually and sonically stunning -- adapts the legend of the Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaevna of Russia, who was rumored to have escaped and survived the execution of the Russian Imperial family. The youngest daughter of Tsar Nicholas II, in real life she was killed with her family by Bolsheviks at age 17 in 1918. Chris Tracy, left, Claire Sattler and Caleb Swinney in "Anastasia." In “Anastasia,” several years later an amnesiac young woman named Anya hopes to find some trace of her past by siding with two con men (Dmitry and Vlad), who want to take advantage of her resemblance to Anastasia by presenting her to the Grand Duchess' paternal grandmother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, in Paris. At Spotlight, there are three girls playing Anastasia at different ages – 6, 17 and 26. The outstanding Claire Sattler (a 2023 Iowa State University grad) has by far the most stage time as the adult Anastasia, who later goes by Anya, and is trying to discover her identity. Caleb Swinney and Claire Sattler as Dmitry and Anya. Kicking off in 1906, the bulk of the story takes place in the 1920s, and the musical (with pre-recoded orchestral tracks) includes flavors of Parisian and Russian folk styles, plus standard Broadway musical theater. Sattler (who was briefly was a Circa ’21 Bootlegger late last year) displays a preternatural poise, maturity and calm as our protagonist, and a gloriously strong, shining singing voice, including the standout songs “In My Dreams,” “Journey to the Past,” and “Crossing a Bridge.” Sattler shares great chemistry with her eventual romantic interest, Caleb Swinney as the idealistic Dmitry. Swinney has been notable in recent area productions of “Sweeney Todd” (Anthony), “SpongeBob” (Plankton) and “Spring Awakening” (Melchior). The two combine for some very nice harmonies in “Anastasia.” Chris Tracy as Vlad. Chris Tracy is characteristically solid as Dmitry’s sidekick, Vlad, and he rekindles his own romance in the second act with the dominating powerhouse Kat Jecklin (in her Spotlight debut) as Lily. At the close of their charming waltz, “The Countess and the Common Man,” they have a cute kiss and Tracy lifts his leg as a lady typically would in that old-fashioned moment. Kat Jecklin as Lily. The Act II “Swan Lake” ballet scene is an elegant, sumptuous thrill. Choreographer Ellie Allen is also making her Spotlight debut, and she’s danced at a ballet company in Brazil. She is beautiful as a dancer in this scene, as the pivotal black swan. Other delicate dancers are Dorothy Turner as the white swan, plus Melodie Hoffman, Marissa Pedersen, and Christianna Crosby. Choreographer Ellie Allen (center) also dances the black swan in "Anastasia." Spotlight veteran (as both director and actor) Noah Hill is a magnetic, powerful presence as the dark, tormented Gleb Vaganov, a general for the Bolsheviks who now control Russia. He announces that the now-poor Saint Petersburg has been renamed Leningrad. Hill’s highlights include “The Rumors Never End” and “Still” in Act I. Another imposing, crucial performance is delivered by Dolores Sierra as the bitter, mourning Dowager Empress, who doubts Anya is really Anastasia. She lost everything she loved and demands to know who Anya is. The show’s tremendous impact is heightened by a variety of dramatic, colorful lighting (designed by Brent Tubbs), rear screen projections, and amazing, often formal costumes (done by Heather Blair, a self-taught seamstress designing her ninth time for Spotlight costumes). The white outfits of the Romanov family are especially impressive, as are Sattler’s sparkly blue gown with white gloves, and a regal red and white gown, both in the second half. The massive, triumphant waltz at the end truly puts the “grand” in its grand finale. Kudos also due to music director Laura Hammes (in her second Spotlight show) for preparing the epic musical’s 32 numbers with such care, grace and heart-pounding emotional force. Claire Sattler and Caleb Swinney in "Anastasia." This “Anastasia” is one to luxuriate in, like a soothing bubble bath, and not to be missed. Performances continue at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday (April 19-20), and 2 p.m. Sunday (April 21). Tickets are $20 or $25, available HERE.
	Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation introduces new scholarship for student-athletes $372K are being gifted to the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation (RIMEF) to establish an annual scholarship for student athletes at Rock Island High School.
	Immunity for armed school staff and new traffic camera regulations Iowa legislators agreed on a compromise that makes it easier for districts to allow armed teachers and staff in schools and another plan that places additional regulations on traffic cameras.
	INTERVIEW: Art of the Brew at Figge Art Museum Calling all beer lovers: The Figge Art Museum is hosting "Art of the Brew" this Friday. Figge membership coordinator Emma Hughes joined Our Quad Cities News This Morning to tell us all about it. Watch the video above or click here for more information.
	REVIEW: Exit Laughing at Richmond Hill Players Exit Laughing continues at Richmond Hill Players Barn Theatre in Geneseo, Thursday through Saturday, April 18 through 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 3:00 p.m.
	3rd-annual Taste of East Moline is Thursday The 3rd-annual Taste of East Moline fundraiser will feature 15+ local restaurants serving bite-sized portions of favorite menu items, live music, cash bar, and raffle prizes on Thursday, April 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Rust Belt, 533 12th Ave., East Moline. 17 area food and beverage vendors will be at the Taste of East Moline on Thursday, April 18, 2024. Proceeds will support the East Moline Community Fund, a partner fund of Moline Regional Community Foundation. “Here you can join your friends and enjoy tasty bites from 17 local restaurants while also supporting the East Moline Community Fund, which has provided over $180,000 in grants to support local non-profits over the past 10 years,” said Connie Dowsett, chair of the East Moline Community Fund. Nonprofits supported by the fund include Habitat for Humanity, Spring Forward Learning Center, East Moline Public Library, Children’s Therapy Center, and Christ United Methodist Church’s food pantry. The fundraiser will be at The Rust Belt in East Moline Thursday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Thursday Taste of East Moline participating vendors are: Catfish Charlie’s Cattleman’s Meat Market Country Style Godfather’s G’s Popcorn Happy Joe’s Jewel Jimmy John’s Proceeds will go to the East Moline Community Fund. Junior’s Sports Bar Lagom’s Gourmet Snacks and Seasonings Midwest Ale Works QC Plate Me Revive Café Rudy’s Steel Plow The Palace Tickets for the event are $30 per person, available HERE.
	Former Bix champion takes 3rd at Boston Marathon 2021 Quad City Times Bix 7 Champion Edna Kiplagat finished 3rd at the Boston Marathon Monday. Former Augustana Cross Country and Track & Field coach Fred Whiteside finished 8th in the men’s 70-74 age group.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for April 16, 2024 One person was killed in a Davenport crash, and another person was injured in a Kewanee accident. Moline is also moving forward with the solar farm proposal.
	Parking restrictions start Monday on Sycamore Street in Muscatine Traffic alert.
	Preparing for severe weather Preparing for severe weather
	City of Rock Island breaks ground on $8.7M downtown revival After years of planning, the City is starting construction on the major renovation, where four blocks will see rebuilt streets.
	QC author presents her children's book at Rock Island Library Quad Cities author Shellie Moore Guy will present her family’s inspiring journey of resilience and perseverance, as told in her children’s book "The Family Tree," on Saturday, April 20, at the Rock Island Watts-Midtown Branch. The free event will be at 11 a.m. in the Watts-Midtown Branch auditorium, 2715 30th St. The book, written by Guy and illustrated by Gwen Ballard Patton, tells the story of brothers Charley Wilson and Sandy Terry, who escaped enslavement in Kentucky to fight for the Union Army in the Civil War. Wilson, who is Guy’s great-great-grandparent, settled in Rock Island with his family after the war. He later moved to Port Byron. In 1914, John Hauberg interviewed Wilson about his life under slavery and his journey to freedom. Guy is a life-long resident of Rock Island. As part of her background as a storyteller, artist, community activist, and advocate, Guy wrote the book to educate the community and share her family’s stories, particularly those of the 108th Regiment of the United States Colored Infantry. According to the National Park Service website, the regiment was organized at Louisville, Kentucky, on June 20, 1864, and served in action, garrison and guard duty at various points, including the Rock Island Prison Camp. The unit mustered out March 21, 1866. “As much as slavery is a tough topic, there are stories within stories that help us learn about resilience, perseverance, and faith,” said Guy.” In the author’s note to "The Family Tree," she wrote, “Our story reflects the stories of many African American families in the United States and it is my hope that this labor of love will provide the readers of this book a sense of history as well as a source of personal inspiration, encouragement, and pride.” For more information about the library and other events, visit here or call 309-732-READ.
	Former Bix Champion takes 3rd at Boston Marathon; former Augustana coach Whiteside takes 8th in age group 2021 Quad City Times Bix 7 Champion Edna Kiplagat finished 3rd at the Boston Marathon Monday. Former Augustana Cross Country and Track & Field coach Fred Whiteside finished 8th in the men’s 70-74 age group.
Monday, April 15th, 2024
	What you need to know to prepare for severe weather When severe weather is in the forecast like it is on Tuesday, it’s important to be prepared.
	Lawmakers vote to pass bill making it easier to arm school staff A highly-debated, Republican backed bill is now on Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk with goals of improving school safety in the state.
	Moline considering plan for solar farm The farm would be installed just south of the QC International Airport.
	Davenport bike path to remain closed most of summer The city is working on a sewer project along Duck Creek Bike Path.
	Boil order active in parts of Moline The order is in effect until further notice.
	Rock Island leaders break ground on downtown revival The project is funded by almost $4 million in COVID relief funds.
	Boil order active in parts of Moline The order is in effect until further notice.
	Part of Moline under boil order for water main break Part of Moline is under a boil order because of a major water main break. The City of Moline issued the boil order for the northeast part of Moline. The water main broke near 40th St. and 2nd Ave. Homes within the shaded area on the map are under the boil order: (City of Moline) A water sample from the area will be processed April 16. A 24-hour incubation period is required before the results are known. For more information, click here.
	Groundbreaking ceremony marks beginning of ‘Rebuild Downtown Rock Island’ project A groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the beginning of some big changes coming to downtown Rock Island.
	Illinois works to eliminate medical debt Millions across the U.S. are burdened with medical debt, and thousands in Illinois could see theirs eliminated. Gov. JB Pritkzer unveiled a four-year plan to eliminate $4 billion in medical debt for more than a million people. As Our Quad Cities News Illinois Capitol Bureau correspondent Theodora Koulouvaris reports, low-income residents could see relief a lot sooner.
	Major water main failure puts part of city under boil order, Moline city officials say A boil order has been issued for the North East part of Moline, according to a media release from city officials. It comes as a result of a major water main failure near 40th St. and 2nd Ave.
	Davenport Central senior isn't letting a heart attack slow her down on the track Tayveona Thomas-Everett has become a smiling source of motivation for her track teammates.
	Quad City Bank and Trust celebrates 30 years of banking on community relationships From its humble beginnings, Quad City Bank and Trust has survived and thrived to celebrate 30 years of filling a 'hometown banking void.' Jennifer DeWitt from the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal visited with Our Quad Cities News for a closer look at the company and how it banks on relationships within our community. For more information, click here.
	Traffic Alert: Parking restrictions, Sycamore Street in Muscatine Beginning Monday there will be no parking allowed on certain streets in Muscatine.
	Traffic Alert: West 46th Street in Davenport A traffic alert for Davenport drivers.
	Iowa’s Kate Martin drafted into WNBA Iowa women’s basketball sixth-year guard Kate Martin was drafted Monday night into the WNBA.
	Traffic alert for parts of Bettendorf There's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert in Bettendorf. Work has begun on 18th St. from 53rd Ave. to St. Andrews Cir. Traffic on 18th St. is reduced to one way northbound from 53rd Ave. to St. Andrews Cir. Traffic is also one way westbound on 56th Ave. The work is expected to take four months. Streetscaping and landscaping work is slowing down traffic near the TBK Bank Sports Complex. Competition Dr. is closed on both sides of the roundabout. Middle Rd. is down to one lane in both directions through the roundabout. Drivers are instructed to follow the detour. The work is expected to take a month.
	Bettendorf woman’s transplant journey sheds light on the urgent need for organ and blood donations A special ceremony took place at Impact Life headquarters in Davenport to recognize Organ Donation Awareness Month.
	New circuit judge breaks barriers in QCA A newly-appointed judge from the Quad Cities is the first Black woman to serve in the position for the 14th Judicial Circuit of Illinois. A new face in the courtroom, Rock Island Attorney Tionn Fambro Carter, was sworn in as an Associate Judge for the circuit. "I have a servant's heart, and I just wanted to be able to serve the community and I feel that this is a position that you can 100 percent do that every day," Carter said. "I'm grateful for that opportunity." After being sworn in, Carter took some time to reflect on how far she's come and what she's wanting to accomplish. "I don't have any goals of anything that I want to be other than a great judge every single day," Carter said. "Someone who is fair, someone who is kind, someone who is a good listener and most of all, someone who follows the law and applies it equally to everyone. That's my goal." Carter will handle civil and criminal cases. She's humbled to make history and hopes this can set a new standard for future judges. "As much as it means to me, I'm hoping that it really means a lot to the community to know that the bench is more representative of the people in the community," Carter said. The 14th Judicial Circuit includes Rock Island, Henry, Whiteside and Mercer counties. Carter fills the vacancy of former Associate Judge James Heuerman. He was appointed to fill another vacancy.
	Caitlin Clark drafted by Indiana Fever with top pick in WNBA Draft To no surprise, Caitlin Clark was taken by the Indiana Fever with the top pick in the WNBA Draft.
	Impact Life and Iowa Donor Network raise awareness about organ donations The organizations estimated some 106,000 patients across the country are waiting for an organ transplant.
	2023 WIU nursing graduates all passed the NCLEX exam 27 graduates passed the licensure exam on their first try.
	We Have Met the Enemy, and He Is Us: “Civil War,” “Arcadian,” “Vanya,” and “Hundreds of Beavers” Unbiased journlalists may seem hard to find these days. But as Alex Garland's film reminds us, they're still out there, and they're not the problems – they're the messengers. And you don't shoot the messengers. Except that here, other Americans very much do.
	Weekend at work? This is why Iowa legislators may be at Statehouse Iowa legislators may need to work into the weekend to finish for this year.
	Entries sought for Deputy Nick Weist memorial bags tournament in Abingdon Entries are being sought for the first Deputy Nick Weist Memorial Bags Tournament sponsored by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Spoon River Valley Lodge 427 Foundation and A-Town Baggers, a news release says. The tournament will begin at noon on Sunday, May 5, at the American Legion in the Knox County community of Abingdon, Ill. Deputy Nicholas Weist “We encourage anyone who likes to have fun for a good cause to join us in Abingdon on May 5 as we remember one of our own who died in the line of duty,” said Lodge 427 President Donald “Ike” Hackett. “Nick Weist was always a familiar face at these types of events, and we want to honor his memory that day with good fellowship and friendly competition.” The bags tournament entry fee is $50 per team and registration forms are available here. Food and beverages will be available and prizes will be awarded to the winning teams. All proceeds support the Deputy Nick Weist Scholarship Fund. Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Weist was killed in the line of duty on April 29, 2022, after he was struck by a car driven by a fleeing crime suspect. About the Fraternal Order of Police The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second-largest state lodge, representing more than 34,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit here for more information.
	Preserving the past, growing the future: How a Calamus man has saved thousands of vegetable varieties Every year, Glenn Drowns plants, grows & harvests 3,000+ varieties of rare vegetable varieties. Without his work, hundreds of those seeds would be lost forever.
	Rock Island hosts groundbreaking ceremony to kick off multi-million dollar downtown project After years of planning, work on the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island plan begins on April 16.
	Severe thunderstorms forecasted to move into greater QC region Tuesday The National Weather Service Quad Cities says strong to severe storms are expected across eastern Iowa and northwest Illinois as a warm front travels north.
	Davenport police respond to shots fired incident Monday morning News 8 was on the scene when a child and a man holding a baby exited the house. A tactical response team went into the house just before 5 a.m.
	Monmouth College builds new Yurt at educational farm for area elementary students The newest classroom in Monmouth isn't like any you've probably seen. Monmouth College's new yurt adds a new learning space for area elementary students.
	Celebrate Life Walk in Bettendorf honors organ donors and their families April is Donate Life Month, and Quad Citizens can help honor local organ donors and their families at the first-ever Celebrate Life Walk.
	Monmouth College builds new Yurt at educational farm for area elementary students The newest classroom in Monmouth isn't like any you've probably seen. Monmouth College's new yurt adds a new learning space for area elementary students.
	Organ donors honored in Davenport ImpactLife and the Iowa Donor Network recognized the generosity of organ donors in Davenport. The two groups got together to put more attention on the importance of blood donations and organ transplants. More than a 100,000 people in the country are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. More than 600 of them are in Iowa. Melissa Nelson got a pancreas transplant in 2019. She experienced complications and needed blood transfusions to survive. Nelson has made it her mission ever since to encourage people to learn about the impact blood donations make because it helped her stay alive for her son. Nelson is coordinating a Celebrate Life Walk on April 20. The walk recognizes organ donors and their families, and all of the money raised will be donated to the Iowa Donor Network. For more information or to register, click here.
	You can play donated pianos in downtown Moline Patrons of the swanky Fifth Avenue Syndicate Bistro & Bar in downtown Moline can expect an even classier experience than usual after 5 p.m. today. The Sound Conservatory's donated Baldwin upright at Fifth Avenue Syndicate, 1630 5th Ave., Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). That’s when Sound Conservatory piano instructor Kinza Maclin will play on a high-end $18,000 Baldwin upright piano in a corner of the bar, which has been donated from early April through early May. It’s part of the new “Keys of Unity” program from the music store and school Sound Academy (504 17th St., Moline, where owner Andzrej Kozlowski is loaning upright pianos for selected downtown businesses free of charge for a month. “The idea is that, for each location during that one month, they’re allowed to use that piano for whatever events they want to schedule,” he said recently. “It gives them the opportunity to bring in more live music and not have to worry about the cost of bringing a piano in.” Each business also gets one free performance from one of the Sound Conservatory piano instructors, including Clara Nielsen who will play at Dead Poets Espresso on Friday, April 19 at 11 a.m. The first of four pianos was delivered April 5, and the last piano this past Tuesday. On the corresponding day next month, pianos will be moved to different locations. There are 19 businesses that have signed up so far, Kozlowski said. An upright piano on loan at Los Portales Mexican restaurant, 1231 5th Ave., Moline. “The goal behind the program is to get more people excited about live music, going out to the local businesses,” he said. “Also allow these businesses to offer live music for their guests. Music is one of the biggest things that draws people into a restaurant or a space.” Brian Terriquez, managing director of Fifth Avenue Syndicate (1630 5th Ave.), said they got the piano “because our establishment is one of class. We feel that it definitely adds to the allure of our property as a whole,” he said Monday by email. “I think it’s amazing! For as long as I’ve been in this industry, I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing something like this, as it is supremely unique. “People have played it and some of the talent that resides in the QC amazes me,” Terriquez said. “My assistant manager, Amanda, played the theme song from Titanic on her very first day here!! Andrzej from the Sound Conservatory comes in all the time and he has showed his piano skills as well!” Post your videos Sound Conservatory is also having a contest, for every rotation of each piano. Anyone who plays one of the pianos, posts a video of themselves on social media, and tags what businesses they’re in, using the hashtag #KeysOfUnity, each month they’ll pick a winner for a $50 gift card for that business. “The idea behind that is to help get people to share they’re going to these places,” Kozlowski said, noting it aims to help promote the local businesses. Each gift card winner will be randomly chosen at the beginning of each month. The current pianos are also at Los Portales Mexican restaurant (1231 5th Ave.) and the Svithiod Club (1522 6th Ave.). The donated pianos (like this one at Svithiod Club, 1522 6th Ave.), are on loan for one month each. “This whole project is not just about Sound Conservatory and live music, it’s about promoting these local businesses,” Kozlowski said. The program focuses on restaurants and hotels. “We want people to sit down and make sure it sounds good to them and the people around them,” he said of the high-quality pianos. He connected to Moline High art teacher Elizabeth Nache and gave her students the chance to paint on one of Sound Conservatory’s Baldwin upright pianos. Keys of Unity’s motto is “Community and music together,” so Sound Conservatory asked art students to come up with a design to reflect that motto. Student art contest There were 12 groups who submitted designs and over 200 people voted (on the Sound Conservatory website) and the winner will be announced Tuesday at the high school. That group will paint a piano at the school, and get $250 in gift cards to local businesses, and once it’s done, that piano will be added to the rotation. One of the Moline High School designs for "Keys of Unity," to be painted on one of the donated upright pianos. “Having the piano there for them to analyze helped them plan their design,” Kozlowski said. “There’s lot of kids involved.” “I feel that The Keys of Unity is a great way to bring awareness of music programs and opportunities in our community locally as well as provide a visually stimulating appearance to draw in more curiosity at each venue about the music program with the painted piano,” Nache said Monday by email. As Art Club sponsors, she and Chelena Henning-Saberton like to provide the Moline High School's Art Club “with opportunities to get involved within the community locally, to gain experience and learn of different ways to create visual fine art professionally,” Nache said. “As for the designs, we asked the students to come up with creative designs that would demonstrate the idea of community & music together.” One of the 12 Moline High School designs for a Keys of Unity painted piano. “The idea is to keep expanding with more pianos throughout the season,” Kozlowski said. “Ultimately, we want to have these pianos permanently placed, so that way they have these pianos for year-round programming.” It is not the goal of “Keys of Unity” to sell more Sound Conservatory pianos, he said. He will maintain the tuning of the pianos. “The best thing we can expect from this is inspiration – someone will be inspired to play,” Kozlowski said. “You just never know what kind of interest this may spark. Music is quite an inspirational thing.” “This is just the start of it – we want piano music everywhere,” he said, noting the pianos are free for anyone to play, as long as they’re respectful of the businesses. “Maybe they’ve never been in that business before. Maybe they’ll try or sandwich or a drink there, or bring their friends,” he said. “We want people to feel comfortable about going out and enjoying.” Dead Poets has long had a piano (a Chickering grand) that Sound Conservatory has serviced. “Since they had a piano, we wanted to add them into the mix of things,” Kozlowski said. “They’ve already got some awesome live acoustic music they program there, so we wanted to add to that. I don’t think there’s such thing as too much live music.” The high school art contest will be held every year. Sound Conservatory also is partnering with local artist Regan Hatfield, commissioning him to do live painting of an upright piano outside at Bass Street Landing (off River Drive and 17th Street) every Thursday during the Summer Concert Series, starting May 16. Hatfield will be painting a piano in a Chopin theme (which is close to Kozlowski’s heart). “He does wonderful work and I’m really excited to see his vision of what this piano will be,” Kozlowski said. Upcoming concerts The Sound Conservatory hosted a jazz duo concert (John Daversa and Tal Cohen) Saturday, April 13, and its next shows will be: The Matt Fuller Band, May 11 at 7 p.m. Big Fun Jazz, May 25 at 7 p.m. The Ben Schmidt Band, June 15 at 7 p.m. The Sound Conservatory showroom configured for its concerts, last held one April 13 (photo by Jonathan Turner). Recent concerts have been packed, Kozlowski said, adding acclaimed jazz pianist Laurence Hobgood is planning to return to Sound Conservatory for a solo Christmas program this next December. He also is starting an early childhood music education program, including having an instructor go to Boys & Girls Club in Moline once a week for six weeks to teach kids (around age 8-12) recorder and hand percussion instruments. The Sound Conservatory hosted an instrument petting zoo last month, where 20 children got to try out a variety of instruments with teachers playing contemporary music – including trying piano, violin, flute and drums. Sound Conservatory moved in fall 2023 into the former Moline Public Library downtown, a 1903 former Carnegie library (photo by Jonathan Turner). Every month, they will do a similar petting zoo with other instruments. “We show them, just because it’s classical instrumentation doesn’t mean it has to be classical music,” Kozlowski said. “You can play anything you want.” For more information on Sound Conservatory, click HERE.
	Rock Island officials break ground on downton project The city of Rock Island officially broke ground today on its downtown revitalization project.
	Calamus man preserving seeds of history in his farmhouse Glenn Drowns has filled nearly 3,000 jars with all sorts of seeds from around the country.
	Celebrate Life Walk in Bettendorf honors organ donors and their families April is Donate Life Month, and Quad Citizens can help honor local organ donors and their families at the first-ever Celebrate Life Walk.
	Get the 'scoop' on Big Brothers Big Sisters plant sale! With warmer weather slowly returning, it's time to put your green thumb back into action! Kylie Wise with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley dropped by Our Quad Cities News with the 'scoop' on their upcoming plant sale. For more information, click here.
	Groundbreaking held for downtown R.I. project The long-planned $8.7-million rebuilding plan for downtown Rock Island had a ceremonial groundbreaking today at its focal point, the intersection of 18th Street and 2nd Avenue. “This is a monumental event for the city of Rock Island, but more importantly, building owners, businesses and the citizens of downtown are going to be able to enjoy what’s gonna happen here in the next nine, 10, 12 months,” Mayor Mike Thoms said Monday afternoon. “Revitalization of downtown is such a wonderful thing, and overdue,” he said. “We can begin the process of revitalization of our historic downtown, as a vibrant, thriving area.” This is the largest single investment in downtown in a generation, the mayor said, noting he’s excited for what it will bring the community. Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms listens as Kristin Richards, head of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, speaks at the ceremonial groundbreaking Monday for the $8.7-million Rebuild Downtown project (photo by Jonathan Turner). “The goal is to encourage private investment and improve the overall quality of life for those who live, work and visit the downtown of Rock Island,” Thoms said. The $3-million state grant for the project was part of the State of Illinois’ Rebuild Downtowns and Mainstreets program, which is the largest-ever Rebuild Illinois investment ($106 million) focused on community revitalization. In addition to the $3 million provided by Rebuild Illinois, the project received approximately $267,000 in tourism grants to support Arts Alley. Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, called this a “critical project.” “Main streets and downtowns are community hubs for commerce, creating jobs, attracting visitors and serving as economic drivers,” she said. “The downtown Rock Island project will stand as a beacon of revitalization and beautification for outdoor public spaces and enhanced commercial areas.” Peter Tokar, new CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber, speaks Monday, April 15, 2024 in downtown Rock Island (photo by Jonathan Turner). “For far too long, communities have been left to fix critical infrastructure on their own,” Richards said. “They haven’t had the opportunity or resources to make investment, revitalize and beautify the town centers that make their communities feel like home.” Launched through Rebuild Illinois State capital funds and further expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the downtown grants support projects that will revitalize commercial hubs, beautify and modernize downtowns, address critical infrastructure needs, boost jobs and improve the quality of life for residents. Other funding sources for the downtown Rock Island improvements are $3.9 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds, and $1.5 million from city Tax Increment Funding (TIF) district revenues. “This is a great day. The best day in an economic development organization’s life is a groundbreaking,” said Peter Tokar III, CEO of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. The groundbreaking for the downtown project, which is expected to be substantially completed by December 2024, with streetscaping, landscaping, patios, signage and other cosmetic improvements happening next spring (photo by Jonathan Turner). “It shows progress, it shows things that are happening in the region,” he said. Tokar said he was pinch hitting for Jack Cullen, executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance, who was “at a better event today.” His wife Maria was in labor Monday with their second child. The downtown Rock Island project is a perfect example of the fruits of the partnership between the chamber, the businesses downtown and the city, Tokar said. “It couldn’t have been done alone; it’s a true partnership,” he said. “We appreciate Rock Island and what they’re doing. We can’t wait to see this redevelopment project kick off. It’s an exciting project. It’ll bring life and energy to downtown Rock Island. It’s something we all want to see.” A rendering of improvements from Arts Alley on 2nd Avenue (left) looking east. The general contractor is Valley Construction of Rock Island, and the three project phases are: Phase 1 – 18th Street from 1st to 3rd avenues; 3rd Avenue from 18th to 19th Street, and 2nd Avenue from 18th to 19th, to start April 16 and projected completion in November/December. Phase 2 – Intersections of 19th Street and 2nd Avenue, and 19th and 3rd, to start in October, finished in December. Phase 3 -- Arts Alley reconstruction, in 1700 block of 2nd Avenue, starting in June, and finished in July. New landscaping, lighting, welcome signage and arches will not be erected until spring 2025. Also in 2025, the city is planning to reduce 1st Avenue (Illinois 92) to one lane each direction and left-turn lane into downtown, as separate from the Rebuild downtown project, Cullen said. The work includes complete reconstruction of streets, new sidewalks, new utilities (water and sewer lines), and streetscape improvements including streetlights, trees, benches, trash receptacles, public green space, gateway signage, and outdoor patios. There will be a major gateway arch placed at 1st Avenue and 18th Street. A new mini-roundabout will be put at the intersection of 18th and 2nd, to enhance pedestrian and vehicle safety, as well as “serve as this central focal point, symbolizing the true historic center of our downtown,” Cullen said. There’s a new green space proposed for 2nd Avenue and 18th Street, to replace an existing parking lot next to the former Blue Cat Brew Pub. It will be a flexible, mixed-use space to be used by the community, Cullen said. Businesses will remain open during construction, and all the partners will work hard to keep everyone informed about the status of work. That includes inviting people to sign up for a bi-weekly e-newsletter, and holding monthly meetings with stakeholders throughout the process. A new roundabout will be build at 18th Street and 2nd Avenue, with a through road between 18th and 19th, to replace the old pedestrian plaza. Available city-owned parking during construction will be: City lot at 3rd Avenue between 17th 18th streets City lot near bus station at 2nd Avenue and 19th 2nd Avenue between 17th and 18th West side of 19th Street between 1st and 2nd South side of 2nd Avenue between 19th and 20th 19th Street from 2nd to 3rd North side of 3rd Avenue between 19th and 20th City lot on southwest corner of 3rd and 17th 18th Street between 3rd and 4th avenues 19th Street between 3rd and 4th The city and Downtown Alliance are working to get leases on future available parking owned by Modern Woodmen for their lots at 1st Avenue and 17th Street, and southeast corner of 2nd and 20th Street. These are not available now.
	Caitlin Clark’s young dream of playing in the WNBA is set to become reality Clark is expected to be taken first by the Indiana Fever in the WNBA draft.
	Handmade & vintage market returns to QCA Made Market Quad Cities returned to the QCA over the weekend, as more than 150 vendors offered handmade and vintage products for sale. Made Market attracts nearly 4,500 visitors over the weekend to support businesses across the region with unique handmade items, from clothing accessories to home goods. Kay Boyer, co-owner of The Shop Iowa City, has participated in the market for six years. Boyer said markets like these bring more attention to small business owners and allow customers to find exclusive items. "What we've found is that fast fashion doesn't work for us," Boyer said. "We try to find the thing that has a personality that you can't find on Amazon or Shein and things like that. We make a lot of our own products as well so they definitely are one of a kind and they have a personality behind them." The market also featured young entrepreneurs like 11-year-old Sophie Johnson, owner of Beauty Beyond, who sells homemade organic body care items. Johnson said it's important for buyers to know what ingredients are being used in products. "Not natural body products can really affect your skin and damage it for your whole life and I just wanted to change this," said Johnson. Market visitor Kortney Gaura said events like these allow shoppers to explore other options. "We think that it's important to support healthy alternatives especially those that are local because then the money stays in the community," said Gaura. The market visits the Quad Cities three times a year. For more information, click here.
	Pet of the Week - Chad \| April 15, 2024 Chad is a 4-month-old mixed breed who is guaranteed to steal your heart. He is up to date on vaccines, neutered and microchipped.
	Fulton County man arrested and charged, drives vehicle into home causing serious injuries, deputies say Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash early Sunday morning. Deputies said a man drove a vehicle into a residence, resulting in serious injuries and damages.
	Severe t'storms possible Tuesday in Quad Cities After some really nice weather over the last few days, things are about to take a turn for the worse. There's a good chance for severe thunderstorms on Tuesday afternoon and evening. All types of severe weather is possible. The biggest threats this time around come from large hail and tornadoes. Strong winds and heavy rain are also possible. There's a chance for storms in the morning but the most likely window for SEVERE t'storms is between 2 and 9 p.m. Our area is highlighted in an enhanced risk per the Storm Prediction Center in Oklahoma. In this casr that translates to a 30% chance of seeing severe t'storms near any one location.
	POLICE: 5-year-old struck by vehicle while riding bicycle, 1 person arrested A woman was arrested after police said she struck a child with her vehicle who was riding a bicycle. The child received medical attention for minor injuries, police said.
	Pedestrian struck and killed on Division Street Sunday night, Davenport police say A pedestrian was killed in the 9000 block of North Division Street Sunday night after being struck by an SUV.
	CBS will re-air Billy Joel special after end was cut off CBS announced Monday that it will re-air a Billy Joel special after end was cut off on all of its affiliates -- including WHBF -- on Sunday. Here is the full statement from CBS: “A network programming timing error ended last night's Billy Joel special approximately two minutes early in the Eastern and Central Time Zones. We apologize to Mr. Joel, his fans, our affiliated stations, and our audience whose viewing experience was interrupted during the last song. Due to the overwhelming demand from his legion of fans, BILLY JOEL: THE 100TH – LIVE AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN will be rebroadcast in its entirety on CBS on April 19th at 9:00PM ET/PT.”
	38-year-old man killed in Davenport crash A 38-year-old man was killed in a traffic crash Sunday in Davenport. On Sunday, April 14, 2024, at approximately 9:32 p.m., Davenport Police, Davenport Fire and Medic EMS were called to the 9000 block of North Division Street, in reference to a crash involving a pedestrian, according to a police release Monday. Initial investigation indicates that a SUV was travelling southbound on Division Street when it struck a pedestrian walking in the roadway. The pedestrian, a 38-year-old man, sustained fatal injuries on scene, police said. The Davenport Police Department Traffic Safety Unit is investigating this crash; no further information is available at this time.
	Pedestrian dies after being struck by vehicle in Davenport The crash is under investigation.
	13-year-old girl shot to death in small Iowa town; 12-year-old boy taken into custody A 13-year-old girl was fatally shot in a rural area of Iowa, and a 12-year-old boy has been taken into custody
	REVIEW: Warm Geneseo play laugh-out-loud funny They say laughter is the best medicine, so a trip out to Richmond Hill Players in Geneseo should be just what the doctor orders for whatever ails you. The laugh-out-loud, eminently relatable comedy “Exit Laughing” by Paul Elliot is a gently profane, warm-hearted hoot and an inspiring lesson about friendship, relationships, and legacies. The fun cast of "Exit Laughing" at Richmond Hill in Geneseo, running through April 21, 2024. When the biggest highlight in your life for the past 30 years has been your weekly bridge night out with the "girls," what happens when one of your foursome inconveniently dies? If you're Connie, Leona and Millie, three Southern ladies from Birmingham, you do the most daring thing you've ever done, according to an RHP synopsis. You "borrow" the ashes of Mary from the funeral home for one last card game, and the wildest, most exciting night of your lives involves a police raid, a stripper and a whole new way of looking at all the fun you can have when you're truly living. Heidi Hamer, left, Jane Simonsen and Suzanne Rakestraw. “Exit Laughing” – which turns out to be sweet Mary’s motto -- premiered in 2013 in the historic Landers Theatre, Springfield, Mo., by the Springfield Little Theater. The play (which occasionally lingers too long on a joke or plot point) broke the theater's 50-year record for money raised and tickets sold with standing room only every night and more repeat customers than ever before. It instantly became the most popular non-musical in the 100-year-old history of the theater. The colorful, outgoing, female-heavy cast in Geneseo features Suzanne Rakestraw as the common-sense, level-headed mom Connie; Elizabeth Melville as her high-strung daughter Rachel (a perpetually frazzled, self-described loser); Heidi Hamer as the loud, flamboyant hairdresser Leona, who’s fond of her liquor; Jane Simonsen as the ditzy, slow-witted but entirely lovable Millie; and David Shaffer as the fun-loving, conscientious psychology student Bobby, who goes to school with Rachel. Elizabeth Melville, left, is Rachel and Jane Simonsen is Millie in "Exit Laughing." The story opens with a pissed-off Rachel complaining to her mom about being stood up by Bobby for a first date, and he doesn’t make an actual appearance until just before intermission – when chaos and hilarity ensue. Much of the frantic nature of the humor stems from the three friends’ fear that they will be pinned for Millie’s purloining of Mary’s urn. Though Mary is literally unseen, the women do an admirable job of reflecting their close bond with her, especially Simonsen, who was her longtime bridge partner. A history professor at Augustana College, Simonsen is making her first appearance at RHP, and her first stage performance at all since 1989. She’s a natural and provides much of the good-natured humor in “Exit Laughing.” Heidi Hamer is Leona and Suzanne Rakestraw is Connie in "Exit Laughing." Bobby’s revealing connection to the women is the point on which much of the second half of the play hinges, and the arc in his relationship with Rachel is dramatic and a joy to behold. While some of the humor is somewhat laborious and juvenile, there are undercurrents of seriousness, and the gift giving from Mary at the end is genuinely moving. Directed by Mike Skiles, this show is recommended for mature audiences due to alcohol use, some profanity and sexual innuendo. The program notes that he dedicates the play to Eugenia Giebel, a longtime, dedicated member of RHP who could do it all. She originally planned to direct “Exit Laughing” in 2020, before COVID shutdowns, but she unfortunately passed away in December 2021 at age 70. The show will continue this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with the last performance Sunday 3 p.m., at the Barn Theater in Richmond Hill Park. Tickets are $12, available at the Richmond Hill box office at 309-944-2244or by visiting the website HERE.
	Davenport Police: Man dead after being struck by SUV Police said an SUV was driving southbound on Division Street when it struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian, identified as a 38-year-old man, died of his injuries.
	Victim identified in fatal Muscatine UTV crash 58-year-old Elizabeth A. Hackett from Muscatine was killed in the incident, according to an Iowa State Patrol crash report.
	Fire intentionally set in Galesburg, officials say Officials say no occupants or pets were found after searching the building. The structure is a total loss and no injuries were reported.
	Hello Burlington: KWQC TV6 to celebrate the community, city’s history The KWQC TV6 team will celebrate and share the stories that made Burlington the community it is now within the region.
	1 dead, another seriously injured after ATV accident in rural Knox County A 25-year-old man from Altona was killed in the accident, officials say. A 19-year-old sustained life-threatening injuries.
	5-year-old hit by car in Kewanee, officials say Around 8:15 p.m. Friday, April 12, Kewanee Police responded to Fairview Homes after a child bicycling within the complex was struck by a car.
	Davenport police respond to shots fired incident Monday morning News 8 was on the scene when a child and a man holding a baby exited the house. A tactical response team went into the house just before 5 a.m.
	Bishop Hill residents look at options to preserve state-owned historic buildings Residents said the four state-owned buildings have been neglected for years.
	QC groups gather to honor Black Hawk and his lasting legacy Nearly 100 people gathered here at Camp Milan Retreat Center to honor the leader of the Midwest Sauk Tribe.
	Longtime R.I. runner gifts $372K for new scholarships Longtime Rock Island runner Mabel Velge bequeathed $372,000 to the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation (RIMEF) to establish an annual scholarship for student athletes at Rock Island High School. Mabel Velge of Rock Island, who started running at 55, completed 20 marathons across the country. She died at age 96 in June 2023. The generous gift will fund the Steven and Mabel M. Velge Track & Cross-Country Scholarship through the RIMEF’s scholarship program, according to a foundation release Monday. Each year, two $6,000 scholarships will be awarded to one male and one female who have been members of the RIHS track or cross-country teams and who plan to further their education at a college, university, or trade school. The presentation will be made to the RIMEF on April 22, 3:30 p.m. at the Rock Island High School (RIHS) stadium track. Mabel provided the gift in honor of her son, Steven (Rock Island High School Class of 1968 who died in 2018) and for her love of running. Mabel, who started running at the age of 55, was a member of the Cornbelt Running Club for many years and ran numerous races along with 20 marathons all over the country, RIMEF said. Two new $6,000 scholarships will be given annually to Rock Island track or cross-country athletes to further their education. Mabel was born in Colusa, Ill., and moved to Rock Island where she worked at the Rock Island Arsenal in the Accounting Department for 34 years. Well known as “The Grande Dame” of the Cornbelt Running Club, Velge passed away peacefully June 16, 2023 at age 96, after a long and joyful life. The first Velge scholarships will be awarded on May 8, 2024 at the Austin Academic Achievement Award and RIMEF Scholarship Night at the RIHS auditorium.
	Art exhibit, Energy Champions Awards at Muscatine County Energy District Earth Day celebration The Muscatine County Energy District and League of Women Voters of Muscatine County will be hosting an Earth Day Celebration at the Musser Public Library in Muscatine on Monday, April 22 at 6 p.m. The main features of the event will be a Pure Iowa pop art exhibit created by artist Christine A. Curry and the first ever recognition of Muscatine County Energy Champions. The purpose of the event is to spread awareness about clean energy solutions in Iowa, with an emphasis on improving water quality. Curry's exhibit will feature a roughly four feet by eight feet inflatable pop can that reads "Save Mississippi River," three feet by seven feet display panels and a video component. In her artist statement Curry says, "My inspiration comes from a life-long journey of advocating for animals, nature, people, art, and the environment. Iowa's water quality issues are dire. Clean water needs to be a top priority for both public health and recreation." Cans featured in exhibit (photo courtesy of MCED) The exhibit is inspired by the late visual artist Andy Warhol, who is recognized as a leading figure in the pop art movement. Warhol was quoted saying, "I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art that anybody could ever want." Curry takes that mentality to heart with this project. "It is my aspiration to create and ignite a larger movement awareness with action on behalf of cleaner water while showcasing conservation farmers as a critical source of fact-based solutions," Curry says. Curry will speak at the event and be available for an artist meet and greet. Jon Koch, Director of Water and Resource Recovery Facility for the City of Muscatine, will also speak on the work being done throughout Muscatine County toward cleaner water. Featured artist Christine Curry (Photo Courtesy of MCED) The MCED will also recognize the first ever Muscatine County Energy Champions. Utility based, industrial and commercial solar energy projects will be highlighted. Some of the award recipients include Central Iowa Power Cooperative and Eastern Iowa REC for the Wilton solar array, Kent Corporation for the Grain Processing Corporation solar field, Doctors Nathan and Tasha Wall of the Muscatine Veterinary Hospital. You can RSVP for the celebration here. MCED is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the development of energy solutions specific to the needs of Muscatine County. More information can be found here, or by emailing MuscatineCountyEnergyDistrict@gmail.com.
	Several Davenport squad cars respond to shots fired incident Monday morning News 8 was on the scene when a child and a man holding a baby exited the house. A tactical response team went into the house just before 5 a.m.
	Five-year-old hit by car in Kewanee A five-year-old was struck by a car in Kewanee on Friday, April 12, 2024. On April 12 at approximately 8:15 p.m., the Kewanee Police Department responded to an incident at Fairview Homes involving a vehicle colliding with a juvenile who was riding a bicycle within the complex, according to a Monday police release. Upon arrival, officers initiated an investigation into the incident. The driver of the vehicle involved was identified as Tawnie Arrington, 27, from Wyanet, Ill. Arrington was taken into custody and subsequently released on a notice to appear in court. She faces charges including driving a motor vehicle while license revoked and failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident. Arrington is scheduled to appear in court on May 31st, 2024. The five-year-old juvenile received medical attention from the Kewanee Fire Department for minor injuries sustained in the collision. The child was then transported to St. Luke Hospital for further evaluation and care, police said.
	Annawan, Orion students rank high in IL poetry contest The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) congratulates Illinois Poetry Out Loud champion, Yohanna Endashaw of Niles West High School, Skokie, and runner-up Kate Roth of Central High School, Champaign. In Illinois this year, 44 high schools, 205 teachers and over 7,000 students participated in Poetry Out Loud, a national recitation contest, according to a Monday morning release. On March 11, 16 students representing Illinois’s eight regions competed for the state championship in front of a panel of recitation and accuracy judges at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in Springfield. The national Poetry Out Loud finals will take place April 30 to May 2, 2024 at George Washington University, Washington, D.C. Winners in western Illinois were Ravin Morey of Annawan High School and Eleanor Wilbur of Orion High. Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering free educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition for high school students across the country, the release said. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life. Poetry Out Loud is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the Poetry Foundation, and the state and jurisdictional arts agencies. The Illinois winner, Endashaw lives in Morton Grove with two younger siblings and her parents who emigrated from Ethiopia. At school, she plays in the orchestra and on the basketball court in addition to tutoring students and participating in science fairs. She is also leader of the Illinois non-profit, Uplifting Health, which helps provide medical resources to the underserved. The high school junior plans to pursue a career in neuroscience while continuing her non-profit work and involvement with spoken word artists. She will represent Illinois for a second year in a row. Asked about returning to Washington, D.C., Endashaw says she looks forward to meeting people as passionate about poetry as she is. She also predicted she won’t be so nervous this time. “Congratulations to Yohanna Endashaw and to all the young people who dedicated themselves to the study of poetry and put themselves forward to perform, no small feat for anyone of any age,” Gov. JB Pritzker said in the release. “Your passion for art and your hard work will represent Illinois admirably on the national stage, and I wish you the best of luck in Washington D.C. this spring.” “Poetry Out Loud serves as a positive outlet for personal expression,” said Joshua Davis-Ruperto, Illinois Arts Council executive director. “I’d like to thank all Poetry Out Loud regional participants for demonstrating the power of poetry with a special congratulations to Yohanna Endashaw who will represent Illinois again in the national contest.” Poetry Out Loud National Finals will take place in Washington, D.C. from April 30 to May 2, 2024, at Lisner Auditorium of George Washington University. Endashaw will compete in the second round of semi-finals on May 1. The event will host 55 competitors, one from each state, plus winners from the District of Columbia as well as four U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa. The program was piloted in 2005 in Chicago and Washington, D.C. Since going national in 2006, the NEA counts more than 4.4 million students competed in 20,000 high schools.
	QC sex therapist unique in the area Sex is a basic, vital function of life, but it may be hard to find a mental health therapist specifically trained in sex-related issues. That’s where Bloom Therapy at 3350 Utica Ridge Road, Bettendorf, fills a unique niche. Therapist Zach Nielsen says he’s the only such sex therapist in the Quad Cities -- among 2,700 in the country, who have this specialized training, with 120 continuing education hours. He completed an online program over two years (from the Sexual Health Alliance) and underwent supervision to provide this therapy. Zach Nielsen in his Bloom Therapy office on Utica Ridge Road, Bettendorf (photo by Jonathan Turner). Nielsen completed the sex therapy licensure in December 2023, and attended conferences in person, in Denver and Chicago. “That makes me highly specialized and being able to help a wide array of presenting issues,” he said recently. “The uniqueness of it is not only is there someone trained, licensed, but also has to follow certain ethical codes.” The governing board over such therapists is the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists. Nielsen is the only one in the Quad Cities, because most practitioners don’t go on to a specialty like this, he said. “This is where my passion is. The closest individuals are in Chicago, and out to Des Moines too,” he said. “The scary thing is, a lot of people are uneducated on how little their practitioner knows. Even in my grad program, we had a course called the foundations of human sexuality and it was a half semester course, and it met the standards. That’s what most practitioners have unless they seek it out on their own.” Bloom Therapy also specializes in LGBTQ+ therapy, and offers a wide range of services, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Therapists specialize in a variety of areas, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. Nielsen has had his own practice since 2020, after working for Family Resources for seven years, as an advocate, counselor and supervisor, working with victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. He started a virtual therapy practice (nights and weekends) while with Family Resources, and by late 2020, he left the nonprofit. “It mirrored really well because I do a lot of trauma-informed counseling, and was already working with a lot of victims of sexual assault and domestic violence,” Nielsen said. It’s a very pervasive topic.” Counseling at Family Resources tended to be shorter sessions, because of the volume of clients they had, he said. Now, he has a lot more control over his schedule and can do hour-long sessions with people. Nielsen wanted at first to focus on general practice (including anxiety and depression), but now that he has the sex therapy licensure, he thought he’d do more sex counseling for couples. However, he still sees patients recovering from sexual assault and sexual violence. “I’m glad we have something this close, because the next closest is like Chicago,” he said. Other therapists in the area deal with the trauma of sexual assault. Growing up gay Nielsen is gay and grew up in Tampico, Ill. (outside Sterling-Rock Falls), in a very conservative community. “Now it gives me a really unique lens to work with people on,” he said. “There’s a lot of empathy there, and understanding, while still having an ability to push in a way that can be healthy. You can’t always live in this anxiety.” Nielsen at his Bloom Therapy office in Bettendorf (photo by Jonathan Turner). His undergraduate degrees are in psychology and communications from Ashford University, Clinton. He specialized at Family Resources serving male victims of sexual assault. Nielsen earned his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northern Illinois University, and got graduate certificates in trauma-informed counseling and LGBTQ+ research and intervention. He returned to Family Resources as a supervisor for four advocates and three therapists, to provide services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. A big portion of his clientele identifies as LGBTQ (about 65 percent), but some people don’t publicly identify as that, so it could be higher. Some people may identify as bisexual but are in a heterosexual relationship, Nielsen said. “I think people are becoming more aware of how normal and how common it is for everyone to experience sexuality in a very diverse way,” he said. We’re understanding that people aren’t only straight or gay, but there are other components that play into your sexual health or sexual orientation, he noted. Non-binary means that a person doesn’t align with either male or female, presenting to the world, Nielsen said. “Sex and gender are two very different components for us. Where I identify as a gay male, I feel my gender presentation is a bit more where I can present more masculinely,” he said. “Non-binary is, I don’t want you to think of me as masculine or feminine. I want you to think of me essentially as a neutral glob of Play-Doh.” Non-binary people (who typically use they/them pronouns) can be attracted to gay or straight people, he added. “They/them allows for that neutral persona,” Nielsen said. Some people take on different personas in public and private, for perceived safety. “Are you out to your family, or out to your work?” Nielsen said. “We want to understand, how does that impact your mental health to put on a persona to go to work and come home, and be like, I can take the mask off.” He provides gender-affirming care in part by writing letters for people and support for exploration of their identity and management of gender dysphoria symptoms (meaning discomfort or distress that might occur in people whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth or sex-related physical characteristics). Nielsen assists people who may be transitioning, with hormone replacement therapy and gender reassignment. “A lot of my role is to make sure nothing is destabilizing them, because you’re essentially going through a second puberty,” he said. “Puberty is already hard enough as it is when you go through it. When you experience those changes physically, we need to be sure psychologically, you’re still coping and managing.” LGBTQ+ (and specifically trans people) are at much higher risk of suicidality and suicide attempts, he said, noting he doesn’t do much crisis work. When he comes across someone in that situation, Nielsen ensures they know what mental health resources are available to deal with that. Working with couples Many couples (gay and straight) have discrepancies in libido, or are into the kink scene, Nielsen said. “Most of my work is done on destigmatizing, educating and helping them manage the barriers, the stigma, the health components they need to be concerned with,” he said. With straight couples, Nielsen tries to understand the “why” behind their issues, and tries to find a third way through. “A lot of times I’m helping them navigate that, and then working on the emotional component of that sacrifice and that compromise,” he said. There’s a lot of moving pieces, and working on a compromise to satisfy both partners. “I love doing couples work. It fascinates me,” Nielsen said. “I get energized from it.” “Not everything has to go the way of the higher libido partner,” he added. “However, initiating any kind of intimacy is a vulnerable thing in itself, so we need to find a way to catch them when you let them down. I’m not interested in sex tonight, and that’s an OK thing, but there’s gotta be something to connect you two, because you just disconnected and how do we catch that moment?” Sex and money are the top issues that couples therapists talk about with clients, and top problems that lead to divorce. Gay and lesbian couples have the same challenges, Nielsen said. He still does a lot of telehealth and video counseling sessions, especially with people who are across Iowa and in rural areas. Predominantly, about 70 percent of patients are in person and the rest online. Nielsen has people come from outside Dubuque and Des Moines, who prefer the in-person therapy. For more information, visit the Bloom Therapy website HERE.
	Man in stolen golf cart tried to elude Davenport Police, officers allege A 37-year-old Davenport man was in custody Monday after police allege he drove a stolen golf court and tried to elude officers, court records show. Bradley Sindt faces a felony charge of second-degree theft and a serious misdemeanor charge of eluding, court records show. Bradley Sindt (Scott County Jail) Shortly before 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Davenport Police Department tried to conduct a suspicious-vehicle stop on a golf cart stolen from a City of Davenport golf course, officers allege in affidavits. Sindt "did knowingly possess a stolen golf cart valued at over $1,500," affidavits say. He failed to stop for marked patrol units that were activating their lights and sirens, and fled eastbound on West 4th Street in the 1500-1600 hundred blocks - a westbound-only roadway, officers allege in affidavits. In affidavits, police say Sindt abandoned the golf cart in the 1600 block of West 4th Street and fled on foot. Sindt, who was being held Monday on $6,000 bond in Scott County Jail, is set for a preliminary hearing April 23 in Scott County Court.
	13 year old dead, 12 year old detained in fatal Eldora shooting Upon completion of the investigation, all information will be forwarded to the Hardin County Attorney’s Office for review.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for April 15, 2024 Drivers who take the Centennial Bridge will need to find an alternate route as Illinois DOT begins bridge washing as well as Bettendorf traffic along 18th Street.
	Troopers identify woman killed in Muscatine UTV crash Iowa State Patrol has identified the woman killed after a side-by-side struck a deer Saturday night.

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Monday, April 15th, 2024