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

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024
	Water quality project will improve Goose Creek Park The state of Iowa is investing in a Davenport project to help capture stormwater runoff at a local park.
	Rock Island teachers call on school board members to leave vacant a newly-created deputy superintendent position Teachers, staff and community members are anticipated to pack Tuesday night’s school board meeting to call on the Rock Island-Milan School District 41 (RIMSD) Board of Education (BOE) to leave vacant a newly-created deputy superintendent position, according to a media release from the Rock Island Education Association (RIEA) as part of the Illinois Education Association (IEA).
	Quad Cities veterans embark on Honor Flight to Washington D.C. An estimated 100 veterans took the trip. Among the group were a World War II veteran, three Korean War veterans, numerous Vietnam veterans and a woman veteran.
	Water to be shut off in parts of Atkinson Wednesday, boil order to follow All residents north of Route 6 and to the west of State Street will be impacted.
	Alvin Vesey named new boys basketball coach at Bettendorf High School The Bettendorf boys basketball program has a new head coach, according to a news release from the district. Bettendorf High School Activities Director Zach Shay says Alvin Vesey will be the new head coach of the Bettendorf Boys Basketball program, pending board approval. He has over 17 years of coaching experience, the last 12 years as an assistant at BHS. Vesey was a vital part of the Bettendorf’s 2023-24 season, where the Bulldogs finished as the Mississippi Athletic Conference Champions and went to the IHSAA State semi-finals. Alvin Vesey (Bettendorf High School) “Bettendorf High School is getting an extraordinary coach and person in Alvin Vesey,” Shay said. “Coach Vesey bleeds black and gold. He was a multisport athlete at BHS, playing football, basketball and track for the Bulldogs. His competitiveness, intensity and passion for developing young men on and off the court is exactly what we are looking for in our next basketball coach. Alvin has a love for the game and his plan is to continue to elevate Bettendorf Boys’ basketball to new levels of success. Over the course of my time as the AD at Bettendorf High School, I have been impressed with Alvin’s approach to building an elite culture and his desire to fully immerse himself in all corners of the Bulldog Nation. I could not be more excited about the future of our boys’ basketball program.” Vesey graduated from Bettendorf High School in 2002 and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Northern Iowa, where he played football for the Panthers. He and his wife, Lona, have three children.
	Caitlin Clark is set to sign a new Nike deal valued at $28 million over 8 years, reports say Caitlin Clark appears to be on the cusp of setting another record.
	Burlington finishes upgrades to largest park in the area The City of Burlington is working to finish the upgrades to the largest park in the area.
	Bettendorf woman campaigns for Iowa 93rd District Mindy Smith-Pace of Bettendorf is not just running for a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives, she is rolling for it. The Democratic candidate for the Iowa House District 93 (much of east Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley, Riverdale and parts of LeClaire), Smith-Pace has a rare disease that forces her to get around in a wheelchair. Mindy Smith-Pace is running as a Democrat for Iowa House District 93. “I believe that every voice should be heard and that in Iowa some voices have been silenced. That is why I am the candidate for those voices because they should be heard, thus many voices, one candidate,” she said in a Tuesday announcement press release. Smith-Pace has a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in public policy and several doctoral credits in non-profit leadership. She has served as an Elizabeth Dole Foundation Fellow for the state of Iowa and continues to volunteer for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation as a wellness support group leader and helps provides retreats for caregivers of disabled veterans and provides resources for caregivers in crisis. In addition to this, Smith-Pace she also volunteers with Give an Hour, a non-profit organization that focuses on mental health. Smith-Pace has worked as a peer support leader for the entire United States by Zoom, she trains peer support leaders throughout the nation and is an expert panelist on mental health and rare diseases. She has worked as a volunteer consultant to the U.S. Department of Veterans Administration (VA). Smith-Pace has worked on several policies that have impacted both the VA Iowa regional office and on the federal level of the VA. The policies range from caregivers to survivor’s benefits. While her husband Michael Pace was serving in the United States Naval Reserve, the National Guard and in the U.S. Army, Smith-Pace has served in various positions while she has been involved in his unit’s Family Readiness Groups, the release said. She helped develop several for-profit and non-profit organizations over the last 30 years as a volunteer consultant. She’s has also sat in over 800 Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) as a family advocate and organized several art shows showcasing the art of the special needs population. The boundaries of Iowa House District 93 were changed in 2022 by the Iowa House of Representatives. As part of her campaign, Smith-Pace is planning many meet-and-greets to hear the voices of Iowa District 93 voters, including her campaign kick-off event at Crane and Pelican Café in LeClaire on Sunday, April 28th from 2-5 p.m. The 93rd District House seat was formerly occupied many years by Democrat Phyllis These, until Jan. 1, 2023, when the seat was redistricted, and it’s currently served by Republican Gary Mohr. The Democratic primary will be June 4, 2024.
	Iowa’s Coolest Thing voting opens The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has opened voting for its inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Iowa contest. The competition sponsored by ABI member MidWestOne Bank, highlights the state’s $38 billion manufacturing industry and the high-tech, high-skill and high-pay career opportunities available. Several of the nominees are in the Quad Cities Area.
	Davenport, Durant receive state funds for urban water projects The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is investing in the future of the state’s water quality. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced that the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship will invest in 14 urban water quality projects in communities of all sizes statewide. Naig made the announcement with Davenport city leaders at an event at Goose Creek Park, the location of one of the new water quality projects. Using funds from the state’s Water Quality Initiative (WQI) and other sources, the department will provide cost-share grants that cover up to 50% of the total cost of each project. The department is investing nearly $3.6 million, leveraging an overall investment of about $10 million across the 14 projects. “Regardless of whether you live in a big city, a small town or on a family farm, all Iowans can play an active role in conserving and protecting our precious natural resources, including our soil and water,” said Naig. “Over the past decade, the Department has invested in more than 120 urban water quality projects, working alongside local partners to accelerate our statewide water quality progress. Through this exciting partnership with the City of Davenport on the Goose Creek project, we will demonstrate how innovative practices can both improve the quality of the water leaving a residential area while also providing habitat and recreation for those enjoying a community park.” Urban water quality projects must include education and outreach components and involve local partners to receive state funding. These community-based projects create awareness about new stormwater management methods and encourage others to adopt similar practices to improve water quality. The urban conservation projects include water quality practices like bioretention cells, bioswales, native plantings, permeable pavers, rain gardens, soil quality restoration and wetlands. The Goose Creek Park Bioretention Cell Project in Davenport will receive $99,500 to develop a system that will capture urban runoff from a residential neighborhood near Goose Creek Park. The project includes two bioretention cells and a series of innovative step pools within Goose Creek Park that will slow and cool runoff, capture nutrients and improve the water quality of Goose Creek. The urban setting allows the public to view the project and provides additional benefits as the practices can treat runoff close to its source. “Davenport is thrilled to learn that a project aimed at improving water quality and restoring the streambank on one of our local waterways, Goose Creek, has been selected to receive funding,” said Mike Matson, Davenport mayor. “The project was chosen among 13 other water quality projects in Iowa and is an important step towards enhancing the quality of water and habitat both locally and downstream.” In Durant, the Feldhan Park/Mud Creek Storm Water Quality and Wetland Initiative will receive $496,559 to create a vegetated swale that will capture and filter stormwater from a new development area of Durant and carry the water to a stormwater wetland to be built in Feldhan Park. This will reduce sediment and nutrients from being released to Mud Creek. Click here to see the other projects funded by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
	Bettendorf Police Department hosts Annual Torch Run for Special Olympics On May 20 at 10 a.m. the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will begin outside the Bettendorf Police Department, located at 1609 State Street in Bettendorf. If you see a group of officers running through the streets of Bettendorf and Davenport, you can rest assured that it is for a good cause. Officers will carry the Special Olympics Flame of Hope for 6.3 miles as they head east from the police department, turn north on 18th Street, connect with the bike path at Parkway Drive, follow the path into Davenport and end at Rookies Sports Bar at 2818 North Brady Street in Davenport. You do not have to be a sworn law enforcement officer to participate and you are not required to run the entire distance. Support vehicles will be available to provide water and pick up runners. Whether you participate or not, you can purchase apparel to show support for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics here or by emailing Officer Ashley Guffey at aguffey@bettendorf.org by April 30. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in Iowa in 1987 and continues to grow every year. Over 1,000 officers participated and over $1,200,000 was raised for Special Olympics Iowa Athletes in 2019. The Bettendorf Police Department has participated for more than 30 years.
	Illinois ranks 2nd highest in number of tornadoes so far this year in the US There has been roughly 350 preliminary reports of tornadoes across the country so far this year.
	A Conversation with Renowned Pianist Emanuel Ax Emanuel Ax, one of the world’s greatest pianists, returns to the Quad Cities on April 27th.
	Muscatine man sentenced to 17.5 years for attempted enticement of a minor 41-year-old Paul Kyle Quigley of Muscatine has been sentenced to 17.5 years in prison after court documents say he arranged to meet with a teenage girl for sex.
	Drake University kicking off the relay competition with a bulldog contest Students and alumni cheered as four-legged contestants in all manner of finery were shown off to become the next "most beautiful bulldog."
	Muscatine adding 3 new AED's to city parks Three automatic external defibrillators will be installed at Kent Stein Baseball Park, the Muscatine Soccer Complex and at Riverside Park.
	Clinton peace center launches new film series The Franciscan Peace Center in Clinton is launching a new virtual film and discussion series titled “Movies That Matter: Informing Your Vote.” It aims to engage participants in critical conversations about pressing social issues ahead of the upcoming election cycle, according to a Tuesday release. The first film in the new series is "Building the American Dream" (2019). Beginning in May, the series will offer monthly access to thought-provoking documentaries addressing a spectrum of topics relevant to voters, including immigration, gun violence, overcoming partisanship, care of the Earth, voting rights, and more. Each film will be available for streaming over a week-long period, providing ample opportunity for reflection and dialogue. The inaugural film, “Building the American Dream” (2019), sheds light on the exploitation of immigrant labor within the construction industry. Set in Texas, the documentary follows the stories of resilient individuals fighting for justice amidst systemic injustices. From advocating for safety ordinances to battling for unpaid wages, the film captures the courage and resilience of those often excluded from the American Dream. After registering, participants will receive a link to personally view the film online at their convenience between May 15-28. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in post-screening discussions via Zoom, choosing from two scheduled “talkback” sessions to accommodate varying schedules. These sessions, slated for May 29 at 10 a.m. and May 30 at 7 p.m., will provide a platform for reflection, dialogue, and community building. There is no cost associated with viewing the films or participating in the discussion sessions. Interested individuals will need to register online HERE to secure their spot in this series. Marsha Thrall, director of programming for the Franciscan Peace Center, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “As we approach this pivotal election year, it is crucial that voters are informed and engaged on the pressing issues facing our society. Through ‘Movies That Matter,' we hope to empower individuals to critically examine these issues and make informed decisions at the ballot box.” The Franciscan Peace Center, established by the Sisters of St. Francis, Clinton, provides meaningful programming that addresses systemic issues integrating spirituality with the mission of promoting nonviolence and advocating for social justice, including immigration reform and human rights. For more information about the series and other educational opportunities, click HERE. To see a trailer for the first film, click below.
	Trolley Pub brings rolling parties back to Davenport The good times are rolling again on downtown Davenport streets, as the new Trolley Pub Quad Cities is up and running. A booze-fueled party on a big motorized, multi-passenger bike, the new venture is similar to the old Pedal Pub, but different in key ways. City of Davenport, QC Chamber and Visit Quad Cities leaders join Trolley Pub owners Will Rice and Sam Volkmer in a ribbon-cutting for the new service Monday, April 22, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). “What an amazing story that this is – you were downtown last summer, it didn’t work out, but you bounced back, figured out how to make it work,” Olivia Warren, business engagement manager for the Downtown Davenport Partnership, said at the Quad Cities Chamber ribbon-cutting Monday afternoon on East Second Street. “We’re happy to have you back. Thank you for your investment in downtown Davenport.” Ald. Marion Meginnis, who represents downtown in the 3rd Ward, helped negotiate the transition, with Sam Volkmer and Will Rice (fellow St. Ambrose alums), who were Pedal Pub managers. “They have been able to accomplish the licensing, which is really needed in the state of Iowa – the limousine license, which is required in the state of Iowa,” Meginnis said. Ald. Marion Meginnis speaks about the Trolley Pub at Monday's ribbon-cutting (photo by Jonathan Turner). “I really appreciate their perseverance; they’ve been gentlemen the whole time,” she said. “I know that people are gonna be excited to have this back. I wanted to congratulate you on your perseverance. I wish you all the success on this.” Pedal Pub had operated four years, and Volkmer (a 2021 SAU graduate) said it’s considered a large bicycle and has been governed by laws in other cities, to allow drinking aboard it, including in Nashville, Tenn. “Here in the Quad Cities, we’re not to that scale. We don’t have a city law to cover some of those individual businesses,” he said. “Pedal Pub unfortunately was not able to allow alcohol on the ride. We then found out about Trolley Pub; they’re a great franchise.” In contrast, Trolley Pub is considered a motor vehicle, powered by electric battery, with patrons also helping move it by bike pedals, Volkmer said. Trolley Pub (which can accommodate up to 14 people) seen near the Figge Art Museum in downtown Davenport. “It allows you to operate under the same laws as a party bus or a limousine would be,” he said. Pedal Pub is based in Minnesota, and they’re across the country, and Trolley Pub is similar – based in Raleigh, N.C., with locations in 18 cities, including Davenport (the first in Iowa). “We had a great experience working with Pedal Pub, we got to meet a lot of downtown Davenport businesses, got to experience downtown Davenport,” Volkmer said. “It was unfortunate there were some licensing issues with Pedal Pub. Will and I thought it was a shame that it would end in a city that’s grown so quickly – tourism is coming so fast and all the business that’s flooding into this area, it’s really becoming a hot spot. Trolley Pub Quad Cities partners Sam Volkmer, left, and Will Rice, are both St. Ambrose graduates and were managers of the former Pedal Pub Quad Cities (photo by Jonathan Turner). “We took it upon ourselves to find a way in which it could work and with the help of the city, we found Trolley Pub, something that could meet the city standards and bring back something we enjoyed so much. We’re looking forward to another summer of memories, laughter and just enjoying yourselves,” Volkmer said. “We finally did it, and there’s no way we could have done it with the helpful hands we’ve gotten along the way,” Rice (a 2022 Ambrose grad) said. “We weren’t sure if we were gonna make it back, but luckily, through your help, we’ve been able to make it happen. The community has been pretty outspoken; they’re excited to see us come back as well,” Rice said. “It’s an exciting time for us all, for sure.” He said with Trolley Pub, patrons do have to pedal, in rides available between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m., and customers (14 maximum each ride) have to bring their own beverages (no hard liquor or glass are allowed). “We try to promote the pedaling, save the battery as long as possible,” he said. Pedal Pub did not act as a vehicle. The city of Davenport didn’t have to adopt new regulations for Trolley Pub, since it’s under existing laws, as a limousine would be. Trolley Pub is now in 18 cities nationwide, and the Quad Cities is the first in Iowa or Illinois. “It’s very event-based – we get a lot of bachelorette parties, a lot of birthdays, retirement parties as well,” Volkmer said. Customers have to reserve rides on the website HERE. “We’ve been doing laps around these streets the last four years over the summer, and we’ve noticed the changes,” Volkmer said of downtown Davenport. “There are more businesses popping up, more people outside, more traffic. You kind of see the economy grow down here. It’s something we want to be part of. “Personally, I’m from Des Moines, another city that’s on a river, has a minor-league baseball team,” he said. “There are so many parallels. I just see our economy, downtown moving in that direction.” “It’s hard not to see the potential down here,” Rice said. “We have a huge student population, and having attractions like this is what’s gonna bring kids downtown.” Now they’re focused on downtown Davenport, and may expand to Moline, and later Rock Island. The rides are two hours long, and there’s a five-person minimum. You can book a group of up to 14 for $499, or choose to go yourself for $39 per person. Visit the QC business at Trolley Pub Quad Cities - The #1 Party Bike in Quad Cities. “It’s a great way to meet new people, new couples,” Volkmer said. “If there are seats left open, you didn’t book the trolley privately, other people can book those seats as well.” Rice said people have to book at least a day in advance, online, and customers can’t pay with cash the day of the ride. For more information, visit the Trolley Pub website HERE.
	City of Rock Island hosts spring community garage sale and vendor fair Over 6,000 square feet of shopping from 55 vendors will be available for the community on Saturday, April 27.
	Everclear coming to Rust Belt in October Everclear is bringing their alternative hits to East Moline this fall. The band will rock the Rust Belt with special guests Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack on Friday, October 18 at 7 p.m. VIP presales start April 23 at 12 p.m. The Spotify presale starts Wednesday, April 24 at 10 a.m. and local presales start Thursday, April 25 at 10 a.m. General public sales start Friday, April 26 at 10 a.m. Click here for details and to buy tickets. The Rust Belt is located at 533 12th Avenue in East Moline. Art Alexakis (vocals, guitar), Davey French (guitar), Freddy Herrera (bass) and Brian Nolan (drums) will play selections and hits from the group’s 30-some years in the business. Tracks include highlights from their album, “Songs from an American Movie, Vol. One,” which will be released on vinyl for the first time later this year. “We’re super excited to be hitting the road with both Marcy Playground and Jimmie’s Chicken Shack,” said Alexakis. “This will be a great time to celebrate our album “Songs from An American Movie Vol. One,” which was created 25 years ago. A lot of these songs we haven’t played in a while or, in some cases, we’ve never played live before. We’ll of course be playing the hits and fan favorites too. It's going to be a fun show for both old school and new fans alike.” Everclear has enjoyed a lengthy career since its formation in 1992, spanning 11 studio releases, including four that have been certified Gold or Platinum, selling over six million records and scoring 12 Top 40 Hit Singles on Mainstream Rock, Alternative, and Adult Top 40 radio. Hits include “Santa Monica,” “Father of Mine,” “I Will Buy You a New Life,” “Wonderful” and “Everything to Everyone.” Everclear was nominated for a Grammy in 1998. Alexakis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2019 and since then, the band has donated $1 from every ticket purchased for his performances to charities such as Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and National MS Society. Everclear reissued “World of Noise” as a specially remastered, deluxe edition to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2022, making the album available for the first time on digital streaming platforms with six bonus songs in addition to its original 12 tracks. Click here to watch the anniversary video, “Everclear – 30 Years Gone: A Retrospective.”
	Moline High School Athletic Director named Illinois Administrator of the Year Todd Thompson was selected as 3A Administrator of the Year at the IWCOA annual Hall of Fame Award Banquet.
	Narratives QC hosting Creative Arts Showcase to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month The inaugural Creative Arts Showcase will feature spoken word and poetry by participants in Narratives QC's programming.
	Putnam Museum opening new 'Quad City Innovators' exhibit Some of the featured innovators include John Deere, Otto Rohwedder and Gene Baker.
	Traffic alert: Galesburg closing lane on Freemont for repair Galesburg is closing the eastbound turn lane on Fremont Street turning northbound onto Seminary Street on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for water main repairs.
	Veterans head to Washington D.C. for 59th Honor Flight Veterans head to Washington D.C. for 59th Honor Flight
	ABBA tribute back at Adler this fall What bills itself as the world’s number-one touring ABBA tribute returns to the Adler Theatre on Saturday, October 12, 2024. “Mania: The ABBA Tribute” formed in 1999 and the show has been selling out theatres and concert halls internationally ever since, according to a Tuesday Adler release. Mania played at the Adler last October, and November 2022. Mania: The ABBA Tribute will return to the Adler Theatre in Davenport on Oct. 12, 2024. This year, the iconic Swedish pop group is celebrating the 50th anniversary of their breakthrough hit single “Waterloo.” Mania: The ABBA Tribute has successfully toured every continent in the world and has played over 3,000 live concerts in over 35 countries. Recent highlights included a second run in London’s West End where the show performed for a month in the iconic Shaftesbury Theatre, London in May 2021. The show also enjoyed an 80-date sellout USA National tour in 2022-2023, and Mania continues in its quest to bring the music of the Swedish supergroup to millions of fans, old and new! Featuring an extraordinary cast of talented musicians and performers, Mania: The ABBA Tribute delivers an authentic and unforgettable tribute to the legendary Swedish band that has captured the hearts of fans for generations, the Adler release says. “With stunning costumes, energetic choreography, and impeccable musicianship, Mania: The ABBA Tribute recreates the magic of ABBA's music in all its glory.” From "Dancing Queen" to "Waterloo," "Mamma Mia" to "Take a Chance on Me," the band performs all of ABBA's greatest hits with passion and precision, transporting audiences back to the disco era of the 1970s. Tickets go on pre-sale Wednesday, April 24th at 10 a.m., and general on-sale starts Friday, April 26th at 10 a.m., at the Adler Theatre Box Office, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport (open Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), visit davenportlive.com, or purchase online at Ticketmaster.com.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for April 23, 2024 The 59th Honor Flight is taking off this morning from QC International, and the East Village of Davenport is receiving maintenance on its sewer system.
	Creative Arts Showcase highlights value of words Narratives QC is kicking off Mental Health Awareness Month with an evening of creativity featuring local young adults. Creative Arts Showcase (Narratives PC) The inaugural Creative Arts Showcase is an evening of spoken word and poetry performed by talented local young adults. This free celebration of the power of words, the free event will be on Wednesday, May 1 at the Rock Island Library, Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street in Rock Island. Performances start at 6 p.m. The Creative Arts Showcase celebrates the impact expressive arts has on emotional well-being, especially for those ages 17-25. Narratives QC’s programming participants will share their personal stories and creative poems, highlighting their journeys and the benefits of spoken word. "Sharing our stories is more than a form of expression; it's a way to change the narrative surrounding young adulthood,” said Dr. Annette Clevenger, founder of Narratives. “We know that 75 % of lifelong mental illness starts during these critical years. By giving voice to their experiences, our participants not only find creative outlets to heal themselves but also challenge and enrich our community’s understanding of the perspectives and contributions of today’s young adults.” A grant from Quad City Arts ensures the event is free for the public. "Since 1979, our Arts Dollars program has been granting funds to artists and organizations, helping them to engage their community, see a long-lasting benefit from the completed projects, and pay artists for their work in the process," said Ben Gougeon, Events Coordinator at Quad City Arts. "The work programs like Narratives QC facilitate in our community is invaluable, and we’re thrilled seeing these projects come to life.” For more information on Narratives QC, click here or email contact@narrativesqc.org.
	Adler Theatre warns about resale-ticket market With the continued increase of the secondary resale-ticket market, the VenuWorks-managed Adler Theatre has experienced a rise in the number of invalid tickets presented at its events, according to a news release. Additional issues are created by third-party vendor tickets, such as significantly increased costs, an inability to make changes to the purchase, and not receiving important show information that is distributed to ticket purchasers, the release says. The only authorized ticket points of sale for the Adler Theatre are here, or via the Ticketmaster app, the official site of the Adler Theatre here (which will link you directly to Ticketmaster), or in person at the venue box office, 136 E. 3rd St., Davenport. Box office hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Third-party sites can cause you to either buy tickets for a much higher price than they are being sold for through an official ticketing service or tickets that are never delivered/transferred or are completely fraudulent, according to the release. Mark Russell Smith leads soloists, chorus, and the Quad City Symphony on Oct. 1, 2022 at the Adler Theatre (photo by Jonathan Turner). The Adler Theatre is unable to honor, replace, or refund invalid tickets, and cannot assist in any ticket changes. “When acquiring tickets for events at the RiverCenter/Adler Theatre, be sure to make your purchases through the Davenportlive.com website. Any other online ticket distributor is through a third-party seller,” stated Lance Sadlek, executive director of the Adler Theatre. “Acquiring tickets from a third-party vendor is almost always more expensive and greatly limits your flexibility to do such things as exchange seats for an event.” Blues guitar great Joe Bonamassa will perform at Davenport's Adler Theatre on Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. (photo credit: Kit Wood) Tickets are on-sale for: Chicago (the musical) on Wednesday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. Chicago (the band) on Tuesday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m. Jordan Rainer: The Straight Shot Tour with Eli Alger and the Faster Horses on Friday, May 31 at 7:30 p.m. Croce Plays Croce on Sunday, July 21 at 6 p.m. Joe Bonamassa on Friday, Nov. 29 at 8 p.m. About the Adler Theatre The Adler Theatre, a jewel of classic architecture within walking distance of the Mississippi River, has a wonderful history providing entertainment in the Quad-Cities. The Adler was born out of the 1926 RKO Orpheum theater, and still reflects its style with its gold leaf ceiling, crystal light fixtures and black ebony, walnut and marble detail. Much of that original movie-theater style remains and continues to recall the rich history of the Adler Theatre. Today, the Adler Theatre presents a diverse line-up of live, theatrical productions featuring celebrity headliners, first-rate Broadway shows, comedians, family-friendly performances, and more. Parking is available on-site and within close proximity. Adler Theatre services include event coordination, catering, utilities, in-house audio-visual services, and decorating.
	Informational event for people with criminal backgrounds set in Davenport IowaWORKS, in partnership with the 7th Judicial System - Community Corrections Court Services, will host "A Path to Your Future," an informational event for people with criminal backgrounds, from 1-3 p.m. Thursday, April 25, 605 Main St., Davenport, according to a news release. A mock interview/free haircut day will be 1-3 p.m. Friday, April 26, also at 605 Main St. This event is for those who have been incarcerated to learn about financial literacy, how to interview for a job and training resources. It will provide a motivational environment with information on finances, training opportunities and community resources. Free interview clothing will be available for the attendees. New Style Hair Academy will provide free haircuts for participants to be ready for interviews. "These events are important to reduce recidivism and help obtain and maintain employment," said Lurdes Torres, IowaWORKS offender workforce development specialist-career planner. Any person with a criminal background can attend. For more information, call 563-445-3200, extension 43311.
	Muscatine will install defibillators in parks Three Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) will be installed at Kent Stein Baseball Park, the Muscatine Soccer Complex, and at Riverside Park after the City of Muscatine was successful in receiving a grant from the State of Iowa Public Health, Muscatine Fire Department, Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department, and Trinity Muscatine Public Health, according to a news release. The three units will be contained in bright yellow all-weather enclosures that are temperaturecontrolled. Each unit has an access code for the door to open. That code will be provided whena person calls 911 and the AED is needed. (City of Muscatine) “The pursuit of these AEDs for our public spaces falls under our City’s mission statement (toprovide effective municipal services, excellent customer service, and sound fiscal managementthat improves quality of life and ensures a sustainable economy),” said Gary Ronzheimer, Muscatine Fire Department battalion chief - EMS operations. “We noticed that our parks did not have AEDs that were accessible to the public and we have alarge amount of attendance for sporting events, outdoor events, and other gatherings,” Ronzheimer said. Ronzheimer worked with Stephanie Otskey, Public Health Projects Manager, to write the grant application and submit the application to the State of Iowa. Once the grant was approved, Public Health purchased the AEDs and boxes through LifeMed Safety. The AEDs and containers will be installed and maintained by the City of Muscatine. When a person calls 911 and the AED is needed, MUSCOM (Muscatine Joint Communications Center) will provide the code for the door so the caller can access the AED. The 911 operator will walk the caller step-by-step on how to use the AED. Early defibrillation in our of the hospital cardiac arrest situations helps to increase the survivability of the patients. Ronzheimer added that the city is trying to add all public accessible AEDs to a database that first responders and 911 operators can use in emergency situations. Any business owner who has installed AEDs into their facility is asked to complete the AED LOCATOR form or scan the QR code to the left and provide the locations of the units. It is estimated that 400,000 people attend or play in baseball and softball games at Kent Stein Park each year. The AED at Kent Stein Park will be placed near the concession and restroom area between fields eight and 12, the dividing line between softball and baseball tournaments and practices, with additional signage posted at the other concession stand and throughout the park. The Muscatine Soccer Complex sees around 250,000 patrons annually attend and participate intournaments, games, and practices, but that number is expected to increase with additional amenities added to the complex and to Soccer West in the coming years. The AED at the Muscatine Soccer Complex will be placed near the concession and restroom area inside themain complex. Additional signage will be posted around the complex showing the location ofthe AED. Riverside Park is not just a park - it is also the hub of Muscatine’s bike and pedestrian trail system, a marina, and a gateway to the downtown area. It is estimated that more than 130,000 people attend events and other activities during the summer, but that number is much higher when other seasonal activities are included. The park is also separated from the downtown area by a railroad that has the potential to delayresponding emergency medical services when a train is passing through the city. The AED at Riverside Park will be placed near the bike repair area on the restroom building near the playground. Additional signage will be placed at the other three buildings located within the park. The AEDs will be removed from Kent Stein Park and the Soccer Complex for storage and anyneeded service during the winter months when the parks are closed. The Riverside Park AEDwill be maintained year-round due to the high level of traffic. Muscatine Parks and Recreation and the Muscatine Fire Department will maintain the AEDs.
	Rock Island Library plans two-day book sale The Rock Island Public Library’s second two-day book sale of 2024 will be 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. .Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27, in the Community Room of the Rock Island Downtown Library, 401 19th St., Rock Island, according to a news release. Rock Island Public Library (rockislandlibrary.org) Buyers pay by voluntary donation, unless items are otherwise marked. While the sale offers a wide array of “pay what you want” books for every age and taste, from fiction to nonfiction, children to teen titles, and cookbooks to magazines, special interest collectors may be interested in some mint-condition graphic novels/comics from Marvel and Image Comics. The special pricing table also includes some new, sealed DVDs. Rock Island Public Library Foundation PALS volunteers run the sale, with proceeds benefiting special library programs and services. Library Foundation PALS, short for “People Advocating for Library Services,” will host additional sales on the fourth Fridays and Saturdays of July and October. Other upcoming PALS projects include a Together We Care Dining Fundraiser co-hosted with the Friends of the Moline Library Foundation at Applebee’s on May 21, and a Spring Beautification Day around the Downtown Library on Friday, May 24. For more information about both events, check the Rock Island Library calendar here.
	Columbus Junction to keep its 5-day school week The Columbus School Board was considering a proposal to move to a 4-day week but ultimately voted against it.
	Galesburg celebrates Arbor Day with tree planting The City of Galesburg will celebrate Arbor Day by planting three trees at the newly constructed Galesburg Public Library at 10 a.m. Friday, April 26, according to a news release. The new trees - ivory silk lilacs - will be part of the landscaping near the main entrance on the south side of the library. The public is welcome. The planting of trees on Arbor Day symbolizes the commitment to effective urban forestry management, which the City of Galesburg incorporates into the daily priorities of the city. As a result of ongoing efforts, including maintaining a Tree Commission, having a tree care ordinance, dedicating an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita, and hosting an Arbor Day observance and proclamation, the City of Galesburg has been annually recognized as a Tree City USA for the last 24 consecutive years and received the Tree City Growth Award for the last two years. In addition, to further the city’s commitment to planting and maintaining trees, Project 350 was launched in 2022. The initiative aims to plant 70 trees per year in Galesburg parks and city terraces over a five-year period. The project is ahead of schedule, with 332 trees planted to date. “The City of Galesburg is proud to cultivate and maintain trees in our community and parks, which positively add to the landscape of our community, and increase the quality of life,” said Tom Simkins, special projects coordinator for the City of Galesburg, who spearheads Project 350. “Arbor Day provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the positive effects of trees on our community and environment, and we hope community members will join us for the ceremonial tree planting.” The last Friday in April is annually selected as Arbor Day in Illinois. Arbor Day was first observed in Nebraska in 1872 with the planting of more than one million trees and is now observed throughout the nation and the world.
	Muscatine adding AEDs to City parks One will be placed at Kent Stein Baseball Park, another at the Muscatine Soccer Complex and the last will be at Riverside Park.
	Monmouth woman gets top honor in Girl Scouts A Monmouth volunteer was selected for a top honor in Girl Scouts. Melissa Johnston was recognized for her leadership in guiding Girl Scouts through achieving service awards. On April 20, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois honored volunteers for their outstanding service within the organization. According to a release, those honored were recognized for ensuring all girls have a place to thrive through the program and giving scouts the opportunity to discover adventure, gain new skills and make the world a better place. Melissa Johnston (Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois) According to the release: Melissa Johnston from Monmouth, Illinois, has shown exemplary leadership while serving on the High Award Committee. She has been instrumental in guiding Girl Scouts toward achieving their Gold Award, the highest award Girl Scouts can achieve. Through her commitment to upholding the Gold Award standards and providing mentorship, Melissa has facilitated the completion of numerous impactful projects, benefiting the Girl Scouts and their communities. Her dedication extends beyond committee meetings, as she actively supports troop leaders and organizes enriching activities for girls and volunteers in Monmouth, Illinois. Melissa’s passionate approach and dedication to Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois make her a deserving candidate for recognition. Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois “I’m honored to have these outstanding volunteers choose to share their skills with Girl Scouts," Diane Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, said. "They’re smart and dedicated individuals who use their unique talents to empower futuregenerations." For more information on Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, click here.
Monday, April 22nd, 2024
	Illinois pushes to reform health insurance industry Illinois Governor JB Pritzker wants to reform the health insurance industry, and his plan is closer to becoming law. As Our Quad Cities News Illinois Capitol Bureau correspondent Theodora Koulouvaris reports, doctors and patients say the move would make a big difference.
	Crews wrapping up sewer line project in Davenport The project is on Mound Street between River Drive and 11th Street.
	Columbus Junction to keep its 5-day school week The Columbus Community School Board was considering a proposal to move to a 4-day week but ultimately voted against it.
	Rock Island names new director of finance Jessica Sager has been named director of finance for the City of Rock Island. Sager was hired as finance manager for Rock Island in June 2022 and served as interim finance director beginning in October when the former director retired. According to a release, during Sager’s time as finance manager, the City has consistently passed balanced budgets and kept property taxes steady. Sager will lead a finance team that has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 41 consecutive years for the City’s annualcomprehensive financial report. Jessica Sager (City of Rock Island) “I am honored to be promoted to finance director," Sager said. "I look forward to all the excitingprojects that are on the horizon and to serving the citizens of Rock Island." "Jessica Sager brings a wealth of professional experience and fiscal achievements to theCity of Rock Island," City Manager Todd Thompson said. "I am confident she will continuethe City's pattern of sound financial management. I am pleased to appoint her as financedirector." Sager graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. She brings more than 19 years of municipal experience to the position of finance director.
	Adler Theatre warning of fraudulent ticket sales from third-party vendors The venue says it has seen an increase in the number of invalid tickets presented at events.
	Muscatine man sentenced for attempted enticement of a minor A Muscatine, Iowa man was sentenced for attempting to entice a minor.
	Traffic Alert: 23rd and 24th St. Court, Bettendorf Road work is underway in Bettendorf at 23rd and 24th St. Court.
	Rock island moves to curb gun violence Rock island is moving forward with an initiative to curb gun violence. City council unanimously passed a resolution to implement group violence intervention through a partnership between police and community organizations. The goal is to engage with peoplewho are at risk of criminal activity and offer them guidance before it's too late. Rock Island Police were inspired by how the program was implemented in Davenport. Donations from the John Deere Foundation and Quad Cities Community Foundation helped establish the program in Rock Island.
	River Action’s ‘Retain the Rain’ program helps create a more ecofriendly environment For Earth Day, one non-profit rolled out the rain barrels to help create a more ecofriendly environment. Rain barrels can be hooked up to drain spouts to collect water to use on your garden.
	East Moline's bulky-item pick-up delayed because of staffing issues Because of staffing issues at Republic Services and the high volume of bulky items placed out for collection, the City of East Moline is experiencing a delay in the spring pick-up schedule, according to a news release. Republic Services will continue to pick up items from last weeks’ Monday/Tuesday routes and then they will begin on the Thursday/Friday routes. Pick up may continue into the week of the 29th if the high volume remains, the release says. (eastmoline.com) Friday, April 26, will be the last day of free yard waste collection. The city reminds residents that yard waste collection carts are available for those wishing to not deal with lawn bags and stickers. The fee of $8.66/month is billed over the 12-month period. Call the water office to sign up at 309-752-1530 or ask when you pay your water bill. Participation in this subscription service is voluntary and yard waste bag stickers are still be available for those wishing to continue to use yard waste bags and avoid the monthly recurring fee. For more information, email emsecretary@eastmoline.com or call 309-752-1599.
	World-renowned pianist back in QC after 43 years Just six days after playing solo in a special Carnegie Hall concert, world-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax will return to partner with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra for the first time in 43 years. The 74-year-old native of Ukraine – who has won eight Grammy awards among 19 nominations, will perform in a gala concert Saturday, April 27, at 7:30 p.m.at Davenport’s Adler Theatre. Ax and the QCSO will play the immortal, towering Piano Concerto No. 5 (“Emporer”) by Ludwig van Beethoven, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s dark and tempestuous Piano Concerto No. 20. Emanuel Ax, a winner of 8 Grammys, played with the Quad City Symphony first in 1981, and returns April 27, 2024, at the Adler Theatre. You can experience the full colors of the orchestra with Gustav Mahler’s shimmering Blumine to open the concert and Igor Stravinsky’s dazzling and triumphant The Firebird Suite to close the evening. As a 31-year-old, Ax performed April 3-5, 1981 with the QCSO (under conductor James Dixon), in the Beethoven Second Concerto (1795), and Liszt Second (1857), at Centennial Hall, Rock Island, and the former Davenport Masonic Temple. Originally in the QC (under music director and conductor Mark Russell Smith), Ax was going to play the Mozart Concerto in C major, No. 25 as well as the No. 20 (1785), but he substituted Beethoven's Emporer (1811), in part because he has to play it a couple times in Europe next month. "I was hoping to consolidate a little and they were nice to say that's fine," Ax said in a Monday interview with Our Quad Cities News. "It's a great work, that's sure." He said he's played all five Beethoven concerti a lot. The Mozart 20th is also a very popular work. “It’s a wonderful piece and there’s a cadenza by Beethoven for the first movement,” Ax said. On Sunday, April 21, he performed his 50th anniversary concert (solo) at Carnegie Hall in New York, in a program of Schoenberg and a lot of Beethoven. American musician Emanuel Ax plays piano onstage at Carnegie Hall, March 27, 2019. The program included music by Brahms, Benjamin, Schumann, Ravel, and Chopin. (Photo by Hiroyuki Ito/Getty Images) He said playing at that iconic temple to music never gets old. “It’s always a thrill; it’s always special,” Ax said. He was just 24 when he made his debut there. 'An exemplar of grace' The Carnegie Hall website said Ax “remains one of the most beloved pianists to ever perform at the Hall, an exemplar of grace, sensitivity, and musical command.” He first captured public attention in 1974 when he won the first Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Competition in Tel Aviv. In 1975, he won the Michaels Award of Young Concert Artists followed four years later by the coveted Avery Fisher Prize. Emanuel Ax performing Mozart's Piano Concerto No 20 with the New York Philharmonic led by Edo de Waart at David Geffen Hall on November 30, 2017. (Photo by Hiroyuki Ito/Getty Images) A graduate of New York’s famed Juilliard School, Ax made his New York debut in March 1973 at Alice Tully Hall, and The New York Times wrote: “The young man is a powerhouse, technically, as he showed in an exceptionally lucid performance of Ravel’s taxing ‘Gaspard de la Nuit,’ whose mercurial ‘Scarbo’ section he played almost without strain. The glistening surfaces of the Ravel’s ‘Ondine’ section also were beautifully polished…” American pianist Emanuel Ax, circa 1975. (Photo by Erich Auerbach/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Critic Donal Henahan also praised Ax’s “well-schooled fluency and power,” writing he “could provide considerable grace and elegance when he felt the music called for it.” The pianist has made his name in part due to a 51-year partnership with the beloved, genre-spanning cellist Yo-Yo Ma (who soloed with the QCSO at a gala during the 100th season in May 2015). “I feel very lucky to be in the position I am. I don't feel I'm in the same position as Yo-Yo -- not only a star in the music world, but a very important person, to American life in general,” the pianist said Monday. “I don't feel I'm in that position at all. I am lucky to be playing the piano, to have that be my living, and to be friends with Yo-Yo for over 50 years. That's one of the great pieces of luck in my life. "Because of that, I think I've learned a lot from him in that way," he said. Ax was 14 or 15, when he knew he wanted to become a pianist, and his parents supported him. His father died when he was 19 years old, and never got to see his career take off. Ax met Ma (the cellist) when the latter was just 15, at the Juilliard School. Ax is five years older. Pianist Emanuel Ax (left), and cellist Yo-Yo Ma visit SiriusXM Studios on September 24, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Andrew Toth/Getty Images) "We became good friends and started playing together," he said. "I was working for his cello teacher, Leonard Rose, and that's where I met Yo-Yo. I thought he was phenomenal. We just kept in touch, kept playing together and we have ever since." "He played the cello, I would say, just as well then as he does now," Ax recalled. "He was an astounding, precocious, brilliant cellist. He's probably a greater artist now than he was, but the sheer ability to play the instrument, it was incredible." He said he's recorded most everything chamber-music-wise with Ma, including some new works written for them (including William Bolcom, Anders Hilborg and Peter Lieberson). Still wracked by nerves A New York Times profile from September 2023 took note of both how Ax has conquered the Big Apple, but has a complete lack of ego. “That stamp of quality had become indelible, and it has since endured. Of course, Ax, 74, protests that the half-century career he has enjoyed following that inaugural hometown bow has been largely the product of good fortune,” the Times wrote. “Never mind his Avery Fisher Prize or his 19 Grammy nominations (and eight wins), his long list of premieres or his generosity and ease as a chamber music partner to Ma and other eager collaborators. Even now, Ax will only reluctantly allow that he has much talent at all.” Emanuel Ax is a 74-year-old native of Ukraine, who made his Carnegie Hall debut in 1974. He said he still gets nervous before concerts, which he said is normal. “At least it is for me,” Ax said. “I’d like to do well every time I come on stage. Because of that, there’s a certain amount of nervousness. You just never know how things will go. You practice a lot, then you never know.” In his 70s, he is scaling back the number of performances and touring. Ax turns 75 in June. Growing up (partly in Winnipeg, Canada), Ax said his father had a wonderful ear, and was one of his first piano teachers. He loved the piano and most of the way he learned was listening to great pianists. The cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ax performing the music of Schumann, Chopin and Lieberson at Carnegie Hall on Jan. 29, 2010. (Photo by Hiroyuki Ito/Getty Images) Ax haunted Carnegie Hall as a young man and went to hear some of the era's best soloists perform. "I found wonderful things in pretty much all these people," he said. "That's how you learn to play -- you learn by hearing the great masters and making that your own in the end. "That's what I've always done and I'm still trying to do it," the humble veteran said. Ax teaches piano and said the caliber of young students today is astounding, and he learns from them, especially fingering on the piano. Connecting with listeners It's the performer's goal to always connect with audiences, and Ax tries to get there, at any age. “People don't give enough thought to their own feelings and impressions. If you're not moved by the concert, I don't think that's my fault," he said Monday. "The listener has just as much to do with how the performance comes off, as much as the performer. We don't give enough thought to that." He recalled going to Vladimir Horowitz concerts, leaving "on a cloud," but his friends didn't enjoy them, and weren't "getting it." With Beethoven, "it's hard to resist. It always sounds good," Ax said. He could not pick a favorite piece, even just among Beethoven works. Ax loves the Brahms and Chopin concertos, as well as Rachmaninoff and Schumann. "It's endless," he said. Ax enjoys solo, orchestral and chamber performances equally. "I hate to be restricted," he said. "I'd like to feel, of the pieces I'm playing, that I'm communicating them better to people," Ax said. "That's what I'm trying to do. In terms of what I have left to do, it's just to get better. We all feel that way. Unfortunately, as I get older, it's getting harder and harder. In some ways, I'm getting worse. I don't think I play as accurately as I used to, and I'm trying to forgive myself for that." Ax is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and holds honorary doctorates of music from Skidmore College, New England Conservatory of Music, Yale University, and Columbia University. The April 27 concert will be simulcast on WVIK 98.3 FM. Tickets are $23 to $97, available HERE. Ax, Smith and other musicians will meet concertgoers after the concert in a “Champagne Afterglow,” which costs $40 per person. For more information about Ax’s career, visit his website HERE.
	Rock Island City Council approves Gun Violence Intervention program Rock Island police will be able to move forward with a program to curve gun violence.
	Woman bequeaths $372k to fund Rock Island scholarships The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation received a huge donation to help fund scholarships for track and cross country athletes. The Velge Scholarship check was presented at Rock Island High School Monday afternoon.
	Bettendorf K-9 gets new protective vest A K-9 with the Bettendorf Police Department has a new layer of protection, thanks to a generous donation from the community. Lewis, a German shepherd, received the new ballistic vest as a donation from H&H Towing. The vest will help Lewis stay safe during patrols. The vest is bullet- and stab-proof. Lewis works with his handler, Officer Derrick Said, and has been on the job since October. Lewis helps sniff out drugs and catch criminals. For more on Lewis, click here.
	Downtown Burlington revitalization project brings new businesses to town Over the last few years, downtown Burlington has grown with 20 businesses opening in the last year.
	Rockridge High School hosts interactive Agriculture Day for local elementary students On Earth Day, students at Rockridge High School are taking their commitment to environmental education to the next level by hosting an interactive Agriculture Day.
	Man who hid camera in teen's bedroom to get nude photos found guilty of sexual exploitation of a minor A jury on Monday entered guilty verdicts against a Davenport man whom police said took nude photographs of a teenage girl with a camera he hid in her bedroom.
	Rockridge students growing hydroponic farm The students have been growing lettuce, peas, broccoli, basil, cucumbers & tomatoes in their hydroponic 'Flex Farm' which uses minimal water and energy resources.
	R.I. woman's gift will help kids stay on track for years Two of Mabel Velge’s passions melded Monday – a sunny Earth Day, and the Rock Island High School track at the football stadium. Several local education and athletic leaders gathered there Monday afternoon to honor the longtime Rock Island runner, who bequeathed $372,000 to the Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation (RIMEF) to establish an annual scholarship for student athletes at Rock Island High School. Receiving the $372,000 bequest from the estate of Mabel Velge on Monday are (from left) Rock Island attorney William Stengel, Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation board president Barbara Cady, RIMEF executive director Monta Ponsetto, and Mary Gloeckner, longtime friend of Velge and executor of her estate (photos by Jonathan Turner). The generous gift will fund the Steven and Mabel M. Velge Track & Cross-Country Scholarship through the RIMEF’s scholarship program. Each year, two $6,000 scholarships will be awarded to one male and one female student 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 first scholarships will be announced May 8, 2024 at the Austin Academic Achievement Award and RIMEF Scholarship Night at the RIHS auditorium. Mabel Velge of Rock Island, who ran 22 marathons after age 55, died June 16, 2023 at age 96. It was appropriate the check presentation was made on Earth Day, since Mabel loved the Earth, said Mary Gloeckner Bouljon, a longtime friend of Mabel, her caretaker for the last six years of her life and the executor of her estate. Mabel had no children of her own. “She loved walking outside, running, water skiing and working in her garden,” Bouljon said, noting Mabel had over 40 pink flamingos in her yard. “It’s a big scholarship and I think it will mean a lot to the young men and women who receive it,” she said. Mary Gloeckner Bouljon, longtime friend of Mabel and her caretaker the last six years of her life, speaks at the Rock Island High School track Monday, April 22, 2024. Mabel Velge was born in Colusa, Ill., the youngest of 10 siblings, and moved to Rock Island (where her sister lived), here for 74 years. 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. “It’s a wonderful way to remember Mabel,” Bouljon said of the new scholarship. “Mabel would be so excited to see all of this. She loved running, she loved young people and she will be the biggest cheerleader from up above for all the young men and women who receive these scholarships.” She was also on the board for the running club, and Mabel and Mary served for 20 years. Mabel lived her last years at Friendship Manor in Rock Island. William Stengel, a Rock Island attorney who helped present the check Monday, said her gift was made in part to recognize “this community is made up of generous people,” he said. Susana Williams, head coach for Rocky’s girls’ cross-country, speaks as boys' track & field head coach Jarrin Williams looks on Monday. Barbara Cady, RIMEF board president, praised Mabel for honoring students and investing in the high school graduates. “As a long-distance runner, Mabel understood that you had to set a goal and work at it day after day after day,” Cady said. “She knew that by establishing this scholarship for track and cross-country, she would be helping individuals who were sure to work hard day after day, and do their best to accomplish great things, to finish the race. “We are so grateful for Mabel’s thoughtfulness, generosity, and always, go Rocks!,” she added. “We are truly grateful and humbled to see the excitement that this will generate in our future runners,” said Susana Williams, head coach for Rocky’s girls’ cross-country. Jarrin Williams, head coach of Rocky’s boys’ track & field, also thanked Mabel’s generosity, to help students achieve their dreams. Eddie Williams (left), head coach of the school girls’ track & field, speaks at the Monday afternoon presentation. Eddie Williams, head coach of the school girls’ track & field, said the scholarship will go a long way to help kids pay for college. “We’re super, super excited for Rock Island right now,” he said. 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, after retiring, was a member of the Cornbelt Running Club for many years and ran numerous races along with 20 marathons all over the country. The man who took her job at the Arsenal was a runner and asked her to start walking with him at his lunch hour, Bouljon said. “Then he said, ‘You should run with me sometime,’ and once she started running, she caught the big, and ran 22 marathons after age 55.” The track and football field at Rock Island High School. “She just loved running marathons,” she said, noting her last one was at age 84. Mabel’s favorite one was in Big Sur, Calif., and she did the QC Marathon twice, Bouljon said. For more information on the education foundation, click HERE.
	Iowa House leaders on how they think policy passed will affect Iowans There are roughly 100 bills now before the Governor, waiting for her signature. Both Republican and Democratic leaders in the Iowa House say they’re proud of the work they did this legislative session, but have vastly different opinions on how the effects of the legislation will look like.
	Quad City Innovators exhibit opens at Putnam Museum Some of the people featured include John Deere, Otto Rohwedder and Joe Whitty.
	Rock Island looking to implement Group Violence Intervention program, reduce violent crimes GVI is a partnership between law enforcement and community groups to help deter people from committing crimes.
	City of Davenport says it has demand letter that led to $1.6M settlement with former city administrator The City's statement comes after an email thread dating back to Dec. 15 was released to the public, alleging that the letter never existed.
	Crews respond to house fire in Dubuque, investigation underway An investigation is underway after a fire broke out in Dubuque.
	Reaching new heights: Dixon students learning STEM, teamwork through drone soccer Drone soccer is new this year at Dixon High School and Reagan Middle School, but the students are already set to compete in the national championship this weekend.
	Rock Island to swear in new finance director Jessica Sager has worked for the City for two years, including as finance manager and interim finance director.
	Rock Island looking to implement group violence intervention program, reduce violent crimes Davenport has run the same program for almost 2 years. GVI is a partnership between law enforcement and community groups to help deter people from committing crimes.
	Reaching new heights: Dixon students learning STEM, teamwork through drone soccer Drone soccer is new this year at Dixon High School and Reagan Middle School, but the students are already set to compete in the national championship this weekend.
	City of Davenport says they have demand letter that led to $1.6M settlement with former city administrator The City's statement comes after an email thread dating back to Dec. 15 was released to the public, alleging that the letter never existed.
	Rockridge High School hosts agriculture day for QCA elementary students Students at Rockridge High School spent their Monday morning showing around 500 area elementary school students the ins and outs of hydroponic farms, farming equipment and farm animals to showcase life in agriculture. The students brought their own animals and equipment to school, including goats and rabbits and John Deere farming equipment. The Rockridge High School students encouraged the young students and taught them the importance of agriculture. "I was always a big plant nerd with plants in Ziploc bags on our window sill," Charlie Edwards, a Rockridge High School junior, said. "Growing up you're always thinking like 'I want to be an astronaut,' but there's so many other options out there. I think ag day just really helps bring awareness to the agriculture community and all the different paths and jobs there are out there for everyone." Bringing what she's learned about hydroponics to agriculture day, Edwards hopes to show kids around the area and show how interesting agriculture can be. Edwards' hydroponic demonstration was featured, along with students bringing their own farm animals and farming equipment. "We're bringing the kids out to hop up in the tractors," Owen Bull, a Rockridge High School senior, said. "They always see them going down the roads, in the fields. Me, as a little kid, I've always wanted to go up into them, and some kids don't have the chance to do that." Rockridge High School teachers say agriculture day happens because of the students who are passionate about the field. "I was so thankful that they said yes let's do it," Kirsten Kapraun, a Rockridge High School agriculture teacher, said. "They jumped right in. They planned it, they put it together, they came up with the lessons. They brought the animals and equipment. I really couldn't have done this without them." Teaching the elementary school kids themselves, Rockridge High School students wish they had something like Agriculture Day when they were kids. "It's definitely a really cool experience just because I didn't know what hydroponics was until my sophomore year," Edwards said. "Just to be able to tell these kids that there's so many opportunities, so many things that I didn't even know until my sophomore year." Students say they're excited to keep teaching kids agriculture for years to come.
	Spiegel demand letter 'absolutely exists,' says former Davenport city attorney; city confirms it Davenport's former city attorney, Tom Warner, says former city administrator Corri Spiegel's settlement letter "absolutely exists" and a copy was provided to Lane & Waterman attorneys in early October.
	Illinois State Rep. Travis Weaver launches student cleaning project Students who successfully participate in the cleaning project will receive a Certificate of Service that can be used for college applications and job resumes.
	Nearly 500 Rockridge elementary students celebrate Earth Day The kids had classroom lessons, farm equipment demonstrations and even a petting zoo.
	Gilda's Club Quad Cities hosts free summer camp for kids impacted by cancer Camp Genesis runs from June 16-21 at Camp Shalom in Maquoketa. Kids will get to meet others impacted by cancer while enjoying some fun outdoor activities.
	Adler Theatre issues ticket buyer warning The Adler Theatre is warning customers about ticket buying from third-party vendors who are selling the tickets at increased prices or selling invalid tickets.
	Earth Day celebrated in the QCA and around the globe April 22 is Earth Day, and schools, nonprofits and other organizations dedicated the day to raising awareness about the environment here in the Quad Cities and across the world. For more information on steps you can take, click here.
	Adler Theatre warning of fraudulent ticket sales on third-party sites The Adler says it has seen more invalid and fraudulent tickets presented at events, costing some ticketholders hundreds of dollars.
	Davenport man convicted of hiding cameras in child's bedroom: Court records In connection with hidden cameras in the bedroom of a minor child, a jury on Monday convicted a 41-year-old Davenport man on three charges, according to court records. A jury found Nathaniel Marchant guilty of two felony charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and one aggravated misdemeanor charge of invasion of privacy, court record show. Nathaniel Marchant (Scott County Jail) The incident in 2023 On Sept. 5, 2023, Davenport Police were called to a Davenport address after a parent found nude images of their 13-year-old child, according to arrest affidavits. Exhibit of camera from Scott County Court case. (Scott County Court) Marchant “did knowingly place a hidden camera inside the bedroom of a child between the ages of 11-13 years old,” police say in affidavits. “This camera was in a USB charging station, and the victim was unaware of the camera being there.” The parent reviewed Marchant’s cell phone, “where images of the victim in a state of partial and full nudity were discovered. These images were on the device with two different dates in June of 2022.” Exhibit of USB charger from Scott County Court case. (Scott County Court) Marchant, who is being held without bond in Scott County Jail, is set for sentencing July 3 in Scott County Court.
	Bleak Swan: “Abigail,” “The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare,” and “Sasquatch Sunset” What is a marketing team to do when the element guaranteed to get butts in seats – in truth, the film's entire reason for being – is the one element that shouldn't be spoiled in advance?
	Continue your education at Black Hawk College April is Community College Month, and Black Hawk College hopes to see you in the classroom! Richard Vedvik joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about what's available for continuing education at Black Hawk. For more information, click here.
	Traffic Alert: I-74 construction, Galesburg Construction begins in Galesburg on I-74.
	The Score Sunday: Preparations underway for John Deere Classic News 8 Sports' Kory Kuffler spoke with JDC Director Andrew Lehman and Birdies for Charity Director Micaela Booth about where things stand ahead of the big event.
	Illinois could change how tipped workers are paid A proposed Illinois bill could impact how tipped employees get paid. Food industry business owners, employees and members of the community came together to voice their concerns over Illinois's efforts to remove the sub-minimum wage. QCA restaurants fear they wouldn't survive the passage of this bill, and some servers believe they would end up making less money. Others expressed removing the sub-minimum wage for tipped workers would provide a steadier income for them. Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin says this is not a clear-cut issue, and he hopes to find a balanced solution that protects workers and businesses.
	The Cedar Raptors bring woman's tackle football to Eastern Iowa The Cedar Raptors of the Women's Football Alliance will play home games at Coe College's Clark Field.
	Gilda's Club Quad Cities hosts free summer camp for kids impacted by cancer Camp Genesis runs from June 16-21 at Camp Shalom in Maquoketa. Kids will get to meet others impacted by cancer while enjoying some fun outdoor activities.
	Rock Island Police Department hopeful to bring in Gun Violence Intervention program Rock Island police may soon be able to move forward with a program to curve gun violence.
	Partners of Scott County Watersheds needs volunteers for water monitoring event Partners of Scott County Watersheds (PSCW) needs your help for its Spring 2024 Snapshot Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Event on Tuesday, May 7 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Participants monitor water quality at sites around Scott County to create a “snapshot” of that day’s water quality conditions. Volunteers will meet at Davenport Public Works, 1200 E 46th Street, for a brief overview about water quality and training on how to collect the data. Volunteers will meet their data collection group during the training and enjoy coffee and donuts. After training, groups will collect data at five to seven designated sites around Scott County. They will meet back at Public Works for a free pizza lunch after collecting data from each site. The data collected from the Snapshots is entered into the largest water quality database in Iowa. PSCW analyzes the data patterns and trends to identify areas that need improvement. They use the information to work with agencies and individuals to develop projects and improve Scott County’s water quality. Click here to volunteer for the project. Email Liv Humphrey, Watersheds Coordinator, at info@partnersofscottcountywatersheds.org with questions. Click here to learn more about Partners of Scott County Watersheds.
	Galesburg closing railroad crossing for repairs More road work is happening, this time in Galesburg, but it won't last long. A news release from the city says BNSF will close the railroad crossing on East Fremont Street on Tuesday, April 23 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. to make crossing repairs, weather permitting.
	Davenport man sentenced on possessing child pornography charges A Davenport man was sentenced Friday for possessing child pornography.
	Putnam opens new exhibit on QC innovators The Putnam Museum and Science Center (1717 W. 12th St., Davenport) is opening a brand-new permanent exhibit, Quad City Innovators, which highlights inventors, innovators, and trailblazers that hail from the Quad Cities. The new permanent exhibit showcases innovators, inventors and trailblazers from the Quad Cities. “This exhibit is a great way to celebrate the innovation that comes from our community and inspire visitors to trailblaze in their own ways,” Kelly Lao, vice president of museum experience and education at the Putnam, said in a Monday museum release. “Quad City Innovators shares the incredible stories of Quad City innovators, inventors, and trailblazers through artifacts, stories, hands-on interactives, and fun learning experiences in our updated Fab Lab, re-opening in late April for drop-in maker and educational experiences.” The goal of the exhibit is to spark hometown pride and inspire future change-makers right here in our community. “The Putnam’s Innovators exhibit offers visitors an opportunity to see how many creative people we have in the Quad Cities and the world,” Christina Kastell, curator of history and anthropology, said in the release. “Every child will be able to see someone who looks like them and find inspiration to become innovators themselves.” Some of the people and inventions featured in the QC Innovators exhibit include: Otto Rohwedder (bread slicer) J.F. McCullough, Cecil Medd & Henry C. Duke (Dairy Queen and soft serve ice cream) The Palmer Family (chiropractic) Voss Brothers (washing machine) John Deere (steel plow) Joe Whitty (Happy Joe’s Pizza) Fred Lundahl (Buddy L toys) Fred Boetje (Boetje’s Mustard) Nelly Cheboi (CNN Hero of the Year 2022) Dr. William West Grant (first successful appendectomy) Gene Baker (first African-American on the Cubs roster) Mary Solbrig (early airplane mechanic) Chad Pregracke (environmentalist and 2002 Jefferson Award recipient) and many more. Quad City Innovators caps off a remodeling and construction project that expanded the footprint of the museum. This remodel adds space to the museum that was previously closed to the public, adding about 1,000 square feet to public exhibit space, including easier access to the Putnam’s Giant Screen Theater lobby, the release said. Part of the new exhibit at the Putnam, 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport. This work was made possible, in part, by Bechtal Trust, Carver Trust, SCRA, Ascentra Foundation, Hubbel-Waterman Trust, Goldstein Family, Schermer Family and Arconic Foundation. Quad City Innovators is currently open to the public. This exhibit is included in the price of general admission—$12 for adults, $10 for youth (ages 3–18), college students, and $8 for seniors and military. Through the Putnam’s Museums for All program, admission is $1 per person for households with the presentation of an EBT card. Admission is free for members. For more information, visit the Putnam website HERE.
	Trebuchet competition launches more than eggs The Quad Cities went head-to-head in a giant egg toss competition. Bettendorf High School hosted its annual trebuchet contest Friday. Our Quad Cities News photojournalist Gabe Zwierzynski reports that students take the catapulting contest seriously. Watch the video above for the full story.
	Tapestry Farms to hold fundraiser Friday Tapestry Farms will hold its biggest fundraiser of the year this Friday. The Spring Fling benefit is Friday, April 26, 2024, at 6 p.m. at Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State Street, Bettendorf. The third-annual Spring Fling fundraiser is Friday, April 26, at 6 p.m. at QC Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State St., Bettendorf. Gather with Tapestry Farms supporters to celebrate the beginning of the growing season with the annual Spring Fling, where guests are invited to enjoy food, drinks, live music, a silent auction, a special guest speaker from Burundi, and more. The group -- based at the Annie Wittenmyer campus (2800 Eastern Ave.), Davenport -- works to eliminate barriers refugees experience to housing, education, medical and mental health care, work, food, transportation, community, and citizenship. Its mission is to connect “refugees and neighbors in a shared hope of joyful, thriving, healthy lives — where every person has access to the resources to live well.” Tapestry Farms, assists refugees and their families as they rebuild their lives in the QC area with meaningful work, quality education and childcare, a safe and affordable home, good medical and mental health care, citizenship, and a caring community. Tapestry Farms also operates an urban farm system that honors the skills and talents of refugees while growing fresh vegetables to minimize the effects of food deserts on marginalized communities in the area. Executive director Ann McGlynn (5th from left) with volunteers and refugees at Tapestry Farms, 2800 Eastern Ave., Davenport. “We are so excited to gather in love and support of Tapestry Farms and the work that we do,” Ann McGlynn, founder and executive director, said in a Monday release. “The evening will be a joyful celebration. We look forward to a great time, all the while raising funds to invest in refugees in the Quad Cities community as they build their lives in our wonderful community.” Over the last seven years, Tapestry Farms has served hundreds of refugees, 30 of whom are now citizens of the U.S. The work of Tapestry Farms is ongoing and funds are needed. “This is our largest event of the year, with 300 people who are invested in our work gathering to spend time with each other and celebrate all that has been accomplished, and will be accomplished in the coming year,” McGlynn said, noting this will be its third Spring Fling. They raised about $30,000 last year, and McGlynn said their goal of $40,000 this year is very much in reach. “We are so thankful for all of our sponsors and those who have purchased tickets, given silent auction items, and volunteered their time to make it a success,” she said. Tapestry Farms volunteers work at one of the urban farm locations in the QC area. The nonprofit will mark its seventh anniversary in June. This year, it will also reach a milestone of 100 families who have worked with Tapestry Farms in some way. This could be as simple as ensuring they have enough food to eat, or as complex as working through long-term challenges. “We focus on safe and affordable homes, basic needs, medical/mental health care, work, transportation, building community, and if an individual so chooses, becoming a U.S. citizen,” McGlynn said. Special guest speaker Guest speaker Fidele Muragara (a refugee and St. Ambrose University student) will share his story in an address to supporters on Friday night. Fidele Muragara (a refugee from Burundi), a first-year St. Ambrose student and Davenport West graduate, will be the guest speaker at the Tapestry Farms event Friday night. “Fidele is an incredible human being. He is kind and thoughtful, takes very good care of his family, and is absolutely thriving in college at St. Ambrose University,” McGlynn said by email. “Fidele is curious about the world, and thinks a lot about how he can do the most good. He is fun to be around, and we are so thankful he said yes to sharing some of his story.” Born in a refugee camp in Burundi, his family is from Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. Fidele came to the United States in November 2017 with his mom and five siblings. At the time, he was 12 years old -- the oldest in his family. They were first resettled in Wichita, Kansas. In November 2018, Fidele's mom decided to move her family to Davenport. She had heard that housing was affordable, and that she could find work here, McGlynn said, noting she also had friends who lived here. Fidele had gone to school in his refugee camp in Burundi (other refugee camps sometimes do not make school accessible), so learning English came relatively easy for him. He first attended Williams Intermediate in Davenport, then went on to Davenport West High School. He found supportive teachers and staff in the Davenport schools, people who cheered him on and ensured he got the most out of his years there, McGlynn said. Tapestry Farms will mark its seventh anniversary in June. Fidele speaks a few languages; his first language is Swahili. Recently, a circle of friends connected with Tapestry Farms have supported him in his transition as a first-generation college student. For example, board members Sarah Rissler and Ann Garton both work at St. Ambrose, and have offered strong and consistent guidance on campus. He has an off-campus team as well, helping him navigate what he needed for his first dorm room and ensuring his FAFSA is filled out, McGlynn said. Fidele also had an opportunity to go on a spring break trip through campus ministries, led by Nicky Gant, who is also connected with Tapestry Farms. Fidele is majoring in industrial engineering and finance at St. Ambrose. He is a first-year student there. The Spring Fling tickets are $60, $80 or $100, available HERE. For more information on Tapestry Farms, click HERE.
	Find treasures at Rock Island Parks & Recreation Spring Garage Sale Bargains and treasures are just waiting to be discovered at the Rock Island Parks & Recreation Spring Community Garage Sale and Vendor Fair on Saturday, April 27th from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Upper Longview Park. The sale features over 6,000 square feet of shopping, with toys, home décor, furniture, trinkets, home-made items, vendors and more. Dozens of garage sale and craft vendors will be on site, as well as a makers’ market. The rain date for the sale is Saturday, May 4. Call the rain line at (309)732-RAIN (7246) to check the event's status. Longview Park is located at 1300 17th Street in Rock Island. .
	Does your tree have oak wilt? Spring cleanup is a great time to check plants and trees for damage that happened over the winter. It’s also the perfect time to look for signs of diseases, like oak wilt. Robert Spartz, district manager for the Davey Tree Expert Company in Eldridge explains this danger to oak trees has been in the area for years. “It’s a disease that gets within the tree,” said Spartz. "It’s actually mostly transmitted by boring insects and can also be transmitted through root grafting through common trees if they’re the same type. If they get infected with oak wilt, the root systems from that tree can spread to another red oak that’s next to it and pass it on that way. It is it’s a vascular system clogger; in layman’s terms, it’s very easy for all the vessels in the tree to get clogged up. That doesn’t allow for water and nutrients to be transported up into the tree or to certain parts of the tree.” That’s not the only problem facing oaks in the area. “We are dealing with a lot of issues with oak trees right now, a lot of borer activity even though it’s not the same borer that’s transmitting oak wilt. We’re starting to see a severe decline with white and burr oak trees as well.” White oak trees don’t seem to be affected by oak wilt as much as red and pin oaks, he said. Oak wilt (Davey Tree Service) leaves infected with oak wilt (Davey Tree Service) Wilting oak leaves (Davey Tree Service) There are treatment options for trees infected with oak wilt, as well as therapeutic treatments, but tree owners must commit to them every two years for the life of the tree. “That would be a good route to go for somebody who has a very high value oak tree or a lot of trees on their property that they want to protect.” Signs of wilt aren’t an automatic death sentence for the tree, said Spartz. “If it’s just maybe one branch that’s flagging, maybe starting to show signs of oak wilt, we could potentially prune that off. The growing season is really going to be the only time that you’re really going to be able to see that. That would be the one time that we would really say it’s OK to prune oaks outside of the winter. Oak wilt is really the main reason we only prune oaks during the winter.” Spartz says the margins, or edges of leaves are a good indication of the presence of oat wilt. “It almost looks like a like a scorching or a burning effect on the outer edges of the leaves that kind of start to desiccate and die back towards like the veins of the leaf. Keeping your trees healthy is the best defense against oak wilt, said Spartz. “Keeping the vigor up in the tree is a term we use a lot, making sure that during stress periods, when we’re going through droughts, we’re watering those trees even though they’re big and old and they look healthy. They could start to stress out and the less stress that the tree has, the less unlikely these boring insects are going to want to come to this area. Luckily, the Quad Cities isn’t in the middle of an oak wilt epidemic. “Right now, our levels are still kind of low to moderate, so it’s not really like extremely high pressure that I’m noticing right now,” said Spartz. “More cases are possible but haven’t been reported; some dead trees in wooded areas may have been victims of oak wilt. However, there’s no danger in burning wood from a diseased tree. “If you’re just stacking wood that’s infected and leaving it there potentially to burn it later, if you have other oaks around the area because one thing that you’re allowing to do is maybe the beetle larvae to hatch out of the tree and then fly to another tree.” Property owners who suspect oak wilt need to contact a professional, said Spartz. “My first recommendation is going to be to call a certified arborist to come out and take a look at the tree and give them an assessment on the tree itself.” He stresses best practices for protecting trees, such as watering, improving the soil with organics and fertilizer. Mulching around trees not only conserves water but keeps mowers and weed trimmers from getting too close to protective bark. Any type of mulch will work, including hardwood chips. “Most hardwood mulches are perfectly fine to use. I would say the odds of there being something there that was a problem are very minimal. Good soil microbial activity is what mulch is going to promote and is very beneficial to trees from a food source standpoint and it also helps with water retention.” For more on oak wilt, click here.
	Longtime Iowa football color analyst Ed Podolak to step away from radio booth University of Iowa football color commentator Ed Podolak is stepping away from the radio booth.
	Longtime Hawkeyes football broadcaster Ed Podolak steps down from his radio analyst role Podolak said he will be moving out of the radio booth this season, limiting his appearances to pregame shows and podcasts.
	River Action of the Quad Cities rolls out rain barrels for Earth Day The organization rolled out 400 barrels on Earth Day, April 22. Rain barrels help preserve water and mitigate the impact of stormwater runoff.
	Muscatine man sentenced to 17.5 years for attempted enticement of a minor 41-year-old Paul Kyle Quigley, of Muscatine, has been sentenced to 17.5 years in prison after court documents say he arranged to meet with a teenage girl for sex.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities afternoon headlines for April 22, 2024 Area teams are lacing up their running shoes at the Drake Relays, and River Action is giving away rain barrels in support of Earth Day.
	River Action rolling out rain barrels for Earth Day The event is geared towards mitigating stormwater runoff and helping bring water to people in need.
	Muscatine man sentenced for attempt to entice minor A Muscatine man has been sentenced to over 17 years in prison in connection with attempting to entice a minor in 2022. Paul Kyle Quigley, 41 and a registered sex offender, was in a Facebook conversation with an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old girl in December 2022, according to public court documents. After he learned the victim’s age, Quigley replied with requests for sex acts. After multiple days of continued conversations that were graphicly sexual in nature, Quigley planned to try to meet and flee the state with the 15-year-old girl with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Quigley was arrested on February 22, 2023 in Burlington, just before his semi-truck arrived at the established meeting place, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa. Paul Quigley (Iowasexoffenders.com) He was sentenced on Monday, April 22 to 210 months in federal prison. After completing his term of imprisonment, Quigley must serve 15 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa and the Des Moines County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and uses federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute those who exploit children online and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, click here. For information about internet safety education, click here and click on the resources tab.
	Pet of the Week - Oreo \| April 22, 2024 News 8 and the Quad City Animal Welfare Center partner each week to help pets find their forever homes.
	Republican David Pautsch running for Iowa's 1st Congressional District - Part 1 Pautsch will have to beat incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the June 4 primaries before facing off against Democrat Christina Bohannan in the November election.
	FBI Springfield hosting 2024 Teen Academy Attendees will get to talk with FBI agents and leaders to learn more about the work they do. Applications are due by May 31.

Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024

Monday, April 22nd, 2024