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

Thursday, April 25th, 2024
	United Way Quad Cities celebrates record volunteer turnout during annual Day of Caring In the spirit of National Volunteer Week, volunteers from all walks of life joined hands for United Way Quad Cities’ annual Day of Caring.
	Lawsuits against LaSalle Veterans' Home moving forward after 2020 COVID outbreak killed dozens After two years of delays, the attorney representing a group of families who lost loved ones in the outbreak says the lawsuits will proceed this summer.
	Jane Addams Elementary students plant trees ahead of Arbor Day The two trees were donated by the City of Moline.
	Spring community garage sale & vendor fair set to be postponed The Rock Island Community Spring Garage and Vendor Fair has been postponed as a result of the projected forecast.
	Volunteers help out QCA organizations for United Way's 'Day of Caring' The event took place during National Volunteer Week.
	United Way Day of Caring big hit across QCA Volunteer projects took place all over the Quad Cities as part of United Way's Day of Caring. One of those projects took place at Logan Elementary School in Moline. Volunteers cleaned up the school's front landscaping and spread new mulch for the spring. Students made thank you cards for volunteers and the school says it was a great experience for the kids that will have lifelong benefits. Logan Elementary has been working with United Way Quad Cities through its Read United program where volunteers come in-person to read to students. For more information, click here.
	United Way helping out families with Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive United Way of Southeast Iowa and Branch 222 of the National Association of Letter Carriers are teaming up to support the Stamp Out Hunger food drive.
	Judge rules Iowa's Freedom of Information Council can intervene on case involving $1.6M payout in Davenport The case surrounds whether or not a demand letter from former City Administrator Corri Spiegel is subject to Iowa's open records laws.
	Department of Corrections seeks help to find Scott County work-release escapee Roderick Alan Crawford Jr., convicted as a habitual offender in Scott County, failed to report back to the Davenport Residential Corrections Facility as required Wednesday, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Corrections. Roderick Crawford Jr. (Iowa Department of Corrections) Crawford, 43, a 5'9", 301-pound man, was admitted to the work-release facility on April 1, 2024. Persons with information on Crawford's whereabouts should contact local police, the release says.
	Moments in History: Des Moines Co. known for landmarks like Snake Alley The ‘Moments in History’ of Burlington, Iowa, celebrate the community and what has brought it to what is there today.
	Davenport bar recovers after alleged burglary A Quad Cities bar is grateful for community support after incidents that led police to charge a suspect with robbery and burglary charges. The establishment targeted was Probstei Inn Bar and Grill in Davenport. Court records say Davenport Police arrested 24-year-old Trenton Stewart early Tuesday. Stewart, whose address is listed both as Davenport and Moline, faces two felony charges of forgery, and a felony charge of third-degree burglary. Trenton Stewart (Scott County Jail) Court records say police responded to a call about 10:30 a.m. Monday in reference to a commercial burglary. Arrest affidavits say Steward "with no right, license, or privilege" forced entry into Probstei Inn by pushing out an air-conditioning unit attached to the window of the business. In arrest affidavits, police allege that, once Stewart was inside the business, he stole various business checks belonging to Probstei Inn, along with a safe. An hour later on the same day, court records say, Davenport Police responded to CBI Bank & Trust, 2322 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport, in reference to fraud. Arrest affidavits say Stewart entered CBI Bank & Trust with a forged check belonging to Probstei Inn. Court records say the defendant did this twice at different times, and was captured on surveillance footage. "It's nothing anybody ever wants to go through," said Mandy, a Probstei Inn Bar and Grill manager. "Nobody wants to get robbed." Probstei Inn workers arrived Monday morning to find the business wasn't the way they left it. "There was a bartender on her way out of the bar already," Mandy said. "She made it in the door, and immediately noticed something wasn't right. The rug was in the wrong spot, she stepped behind the bar and realized the safe was gone." (Surveillance footage provided by Probstei Inn) In surveillance video workers provided Our Quad Cities News, the suspect can be seen inside, pulling the safe out from under the bar. He then leaves with it, but because it's too heavy, he doesn't get very far. "He made it to the field next door with the safe," Mandy said. "The police were able to recover it. He was not able to get into it, so really all he really did was make a huge mess for us to clean up." That mess would extend to the business bank account. Court records show Stewart forged a check belonging to Probstei Inn. "We had to close our bank account," Mandy said. "We weren't able to take cards initially, because everything dumps into the account that we can't use. It's just a nightmare. It was a mess in here that had to be cleaned up. We weren't even sure when we were able to be open." Against all odds, Probstei Inn opened its doors on the same day of the break-in. "We didn't expect that either," Mandy said. "We're going to post we're open, and like it's just going to be a ghost town, we just got robbed. That's just now how it worked out, so it's been really great." The staff at the Probstei Inn are thankful for the community support. "We have to deal with the consequences of it right now," Mandy said. "So it's been really cool to see people reach out on Facebook, customers check in to check on us. People say they're going to come in and support us through this." A preliminary hearing for Stewart, who was released on his own recognizance, is set for May 10 in Scott County Court.
	Celebrate the land at Spring Fling benefit As the planting season approaches, you can celebrate spring and support a good cause. Tapestry Farms Executive Director Ann McGlynn spoke with Our Quad Cities News about the upcoming Spring Fling. For more information, click here.
	Narratives QC hosts first Creative Arts Showcase to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month It will be an evening of spoken word and poetry at the free event on May 1. Organizers say it's about celebrating art's impact on young adults' mental health.
	Parents worry after explicit AI-generated photos of high schoolers spread online An investigation is underway, but the laws surrounding creating and distributing explicit AI-generated photos are not yet clear.
	Sushi Staples drops plea to reconsider sentence Earlier this week, Sushi dropped her request to take back her guilty plea and have her sentence reconsidered.
	Viola boil order lifted The maintenance project became bigger than expected and disrupting some service.
	Freedom of Information Council can intervene on case involving $1.6M payout in Davenport The City is seeking judgment on whether the letter from former City Administrator Corri Spiegel demanding the payout is subject to open records laws.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in Scott Co. on warrants, failure to appear Have you seen him?
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in Rock Island Co. on failure to appear warrant Have you seen him?
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for using bad checks at Quad Cities area banks A man is wanted by Davenport and Eldridge police for using dad checks at Quad Cities banks, Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities says.
	History meets inspiration in new Putnam exhibit History meets inspiration in a new feature at the Putnam Museum and Science Center that's the greatest thing since sliced bread (the bread slicer, by the way, was invented in the Quad Cities by Otto Rohwedder). Vice President of Museum Experiences Kelly Lao stopped by Our Quad Cities News to tell us about the Putnam's Quad City Innovators exhibit. For more information, click here.
	Jane Addams Elementary School students plant trees for Arbor Day Some Quad-City elementary school students celebrated Arbor Day by planting trees on their school's lawn. Third grade students at Jane Addams Elementary School planted two trees for Arbor Day. The City of Moline Parks Maintenance donated the trees. Students the importance of trees, and Teresa Landon, Jane Addams' principal, said it was a special day for the school. Students all worked together to plant the trees in honor of their two retiring teachers.
	Rock Island Library PALS hosting pay-what-you-can book sale The two-day sale runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 26 and 27. It's hosted by PALS, the Library Foundation's volunteer group.
	Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America comes to Bettendorf May 6 Racing fans can meet some of the superstars in the field as Kyle Petty, former NASCAR driver, bring his Charity Ride Across America to Bettendorf’s Isle Casino, 1777 Isle Parkway, on Monday, May 6 at about 5 p.m. Petty is excited when he talks about the event. “We do a motorcycle ride every year called the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America; it’s the longest name of any charity in America, I will say that. We are starting in Deadwood, S.D., we’re headed to North Platte, Neb., over to Omaha and then Bettendorf Iowa, staying there on the Mississippi at the Isle Casino and Resort there, so really excited about that, then headed over to Indianapolis to the Speedway, then down to Churchill Downs to see some of that action and then down to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green Ky., then Bristol Tenn. and the famous half-mile race track there and then on to Victory Junction back in Greensboro N.C., a camp that our family founded in honor and memory of my oldest son Adam, who was killed in a racing accident. It’s a camp for children with chronic and serious medical needs. We’ve seen over 125,000 kids totally free of charge at camp and through our outreach program. We’re really excited about the ride this year, sending more kids to camp. Why a motorcycle ride? It came down to that or a rather unusual fundraiser. “Listen everybody plays golf. I said ‘OK here’s what we’re gonna do. We’re gonna do motorcycles or we’re gonna have a curling tournament in the South because nobody in the South knows anything about curling,” he laughed. “A bunch of us just rode from California to North Carolina that first year and raised some money and it just took off. Honestly, it’s just one of those things that you thought would last a year or two and here we are, 28 years later, we’ve raised almost $22 million and still just continue to ride and send kids to camp and give money away.” “The way we do our ride is we pick the beginning point and we pick the end point and then we connect the dots. We try to go places we have never been before. We’ve never been to North Platte, we’ve never been to Bettendorf Iowa, we’ve never been to Bowling Green Ky. There’s places along the route this year that we have never been before. In the past, we rode straight across the country. We very rarely stopped; we stopped for fuel and then we stopped for the night and that was about it. This year, we’re stopping at places. We’re stopping at Mount Rushmore, we’re stopping there at the Mississippi River at Bettendorf, we’re stopping at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I like to joke and tell people that all the stuff that we ran by for 25-26 years, we’re actually going back and stopping at a lot of that stuff now.” It wasn’t hard lining up people for the ride. “We had other guys that raced on the circuit at the same time I did that wanted to go with us - Tony and Stewart, Michael Waltrip, Jeff Bodine, Todd Bodine, lots of guys like that. Matt Kenseth has gone with us, now my dad (Richard Petty) goes with us. He’s 86 years old and rides a trike.” Others on this ride include Kenny Wallace, Kenny Schrader, Mike Wallace, Max Pappas, David Reagan, Rutledge Wood and Herschel Walker. The days of 400-500 mile long rides are over for the group but shorter days mean more time for tourism and meeting fans, says Petty. “We’ll ride probably a couple of hours and then we’ll stop for an hour and then we’ll ride a couple of hours and we’ll stop for an hour and then we’ll ride the rest of the way. We try to do somewhere in the neighborhood of 240 to 320 miles a day. We try to leave by 8 or 9 in the morning and try to get in by 4 or 5 in the afternoon, which is a regular working day, and allow people to just experience the cities that we’re in, the places that we go, the people that we meet and have a good dinner and a good night’s sleep and go again the next day.” For Petty, it’s not what they see on the road but who they see that matters. “I say this all the time and I say it in all honesty, that we have gone from Seattle to Key West, we have gone from LA to Charlotte, we have gone from Huntington Beach CA all the way to Daytona Beach, Fla., ocean to ocean, we’ve gone north to south. It’s not the places you go, it’s the people that you meet. So many cool people that we meet. I was in Bettendorf at the Isle casino back in October or November, doing our site inspection and went across to a place called Sports Fan Pizza across the street, ran in the two or three race fans, and spent about an hour over there waiting on my pizza and talking to them about racing. It’s those people that you remember, that’s the reason I always remember Bettendorf because there’s race fans there that understand racing, that knew about it.” Fans are welcome to stop by the Isle and meet the riders. “We want fans to come out and see us at the hotel, get autographs, get your photo taken with Richard Petty, with Herschel Walker, with some of the celebrities that we’ve have and learn about Camp Victory Junction,” said Petty. “It’s a special place; we’ve sent 125,000 kids to camp or touched their lives through our outreach program. That’s what the ride is all about; camp is totally free to all families that come. There’s children from your area that will be there that have gone to camp with us. We’re excited about seeing them again and hopefully there’ll be more kids that come.” Victory Junction is a camp for kids who have all types of serious and/or chronic medical conditions. “I don’t even remember how many disease groups we see. We have summer camp, we have spring camp and fall camp, we have Camp in a Box that we take to hospitals to visit kids. It is just an amazing, amazing place and it’s totally free of charge to all families. We didn’t want to be an added burden to families who are in financial crisis a lot of times. We just take your kids for a week, let them play with other kids that have the same illnesses, the same fights, the same battles, the same joys, the same dreams that your kids have and then send them back home. Hopefully, it's a week of their life they'll never forget.” For more on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, click here.
	Burlington women sentenced for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking Two Burlington women have been sentenced in connection with conspiracies to engage in sex trafficking, according to a news release from the Department of Justice. Miesha Lasha Stanley, 32, was sentenced on April 22 to 30 years in federal prison for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking, attempted sex trafficking of a child and sex trafficking three adult victims. Miesha Lasha Stanley (Des Moines County Jail) According to public court documents, in 2022, Stanley used force, fraud and coercion to compel victims to engage in sex acts with customers for money. Stanley took some or all of the money earned by the victims. Stanley used the victims’ vulnerabilities, including a lack of stable housing, drug addiction, abusive relationships and lack of familial support, to force them to engage in paid sex acts. Stanley let the victims, most of whom were women in their late teens and early 20s, live at her residence in Burlington. Stanley posted sex advertisements for the victims online, communicated with customers and arranged for customers to engage in sex acts with the victims at her home and other locations. Stanley also conspired with co-defendant Rosella Marie Taylor to sex traffic one of the victims. After completing her term of imprisonment, Stanley must serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. On April 1, Taylor, 36, was sentenced to 122 months (over 10 years) in prison for conspiring to sex traffic, attempting to sex traffic and sex trafficking two victims. She used force, fraud and coercion and conspired with Stanley to use force, fraud and coercion to compel an adult victim to engage in paid sex acts. Taylor invited the victim, who was unemployed and struggling with stable housing, to live at Taylor’s home in Burlington. Taylor posted sex advertisements for the victim online and drove the victim to meet customers for paid sex work. Taylor took some or all of the money earned by the victim. Additionally, Taylor attempted to sex traffic a minor victim by posting sex advertisements for the victim online, arranging for a customer to engage in sex acts with the victim, and driving the victim to the customer’s residence. The customer did not answer the door and the victim left with Taylor. After completing her term of imprisonment, Stanley must serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. “On behalf of the Burlington Police Department, I would like to recognize the efforts of the personnel and agencies involved in this case,” said Burlington Police Chief Adam Schaefer. “Special recognition should be given to the investigators, who began with some small pieces of information and actively pursued all leads which ultimately led to this resolution. And of, course, I commend the victims who came forward and cooperated with law enforcement even under the most difficult circumstances. It was not an easy thing to do and their bravery and courage must be commended. This case also serves as a reminder that human trafficking is everywhere, not just large metropolitan areas. It is important for everyone to be vigilant about their surroundings both for themselves and their community.” U.S. Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa and the Burlington Police Department made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Burlington Police Department, with the help of the Des Moines County Attorney’s Office and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of youth under the age of 18 for commercial sex; the exploitation of adults for commercial sex through the use of force, fraud or coercion; and the exploitation of any individual for compelled labor. Human trafficking doesn’t require taking people across state lines or physically restraining them. Signs that a person is being trafficked may include working excessively long hours, unexplained gifts, physical injury, substance abuse issues, running away from home, isolation from others or having a person in their life controlling them or monitoring them closely. Victims who are particularly susceptible to being trafficked include those with criminal histories, a history of physical or sexual abuse, uncertain legal status and dependency on controlled substances. People who purchase sex from minors or from those who are otherwise exploited for commercial sex are also subject to prosecution for sex trafficking under federal law if they knew or were in reckless disregard of the fact that the victim was under the age of 18, or that force, fraud or coercion was used. If you suspect a case of human trafficking is occurring, with a minor engaging in paid sex acts or anyone being coerced into prostitution or labor, should call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
	North Scott STEM award sparks electric interest North Scott Community School District is one of 21 school districts in Iowa to receive the STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program award from the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council. The STEM BEST Program brings schools and businesses together to provide students with real workplace experiences. The program helps introduce students to businesses and career opportunities in Iowa, while also gaining future-focused skills, according to a release from Davenport-based Tri-City Electric Co. Tri-City Electric Co. partnered with the North Scott school district for the statewide STEM BEST (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) program. North Scott’s STEM BEST Program is a partnership with Tri-City Electric, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 145 and the Quad Cities Electrical Contractors Association, to develop an electrical Quality Pre-Apprenticeship for area high school students. In addition to the $20,000 program investment, Tri-City Electric Co. will participate in student learning through class presentations, career fair participation, and job shadow and internship hosting. North Scott was the only district in the Quad Cities to be among program award winners. “This grant will allow us to break new ground in Eastern Iowa with the electrical pre-apprenticeship,” James Simmons, work-based learning coordinator at North Scott High School, said in the release. “Offering electrical theory and hands-on training to students in our region will create competitive advantage for them as they enter apprenticeships after graduation. “Likewise, this creates a steady pipeline of highly skilled workers for local businesses in a high-demand career,” he said. North Scott High School in Eldridge. STEM education creates a connection between education and industry that is vital for the future of our students and our economy.” Sarah Potter, community outreach and workforce planning manager at Tri-City Electric, said: “TCE is proud to partner with North Scott on this project. In fact, we recently onboarded two high school student interns who are working in our prefabrication shop receiving industry-specific skills training. “We’re excited to see participation grow for us and in other businesses throughout the region,” she said. “Workforce planning is a community effort, and TCE is committed to supporting students by providing valuable real-world skills training that will help them successfully enter an electrical apprenticeship after graduation.” The STEM BEST Program encourages teachers and industry professionals to work side-by-side to develop a work-based learning model that incorporates STEM subjects like mathematics and science with experiential learning opportunities to emphasize high-demand skills. The state Advisory Council’s investment of professional and financial support can be used for curriculum development and coordination, educator training and development in workplace-classroom integration, and preparing work-based learning environments. To be considered for a STEM BEST Program award, applicants were required to submit a comprehensive proposal that incorporates rigorous and relevant STEM curriculum, includes valuable partnerships with community businesses or organizations, aligns with STEM goals, addresses sustainability of the model program and evaluates the program’s effectiveness. For more information, click HERE.
	Rock Island Auction Company to help Olympians Rock Island Auction Company is making sure some 2024 U.S. Olympians don't throw away their shot. The RIAC has a new partnership with USA Shooting in its upcoming May Premier Auction, to offer an engraved and gold inlaid Krieghoff K-32 shotgun and its four-barrel set, with 100% of the proceeds dedicated to supporting the USA Shooting Team at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games in France. Details of the gold-inlaid Krieghoff K-32 shotgun and its four-barrel set, to be auctioned by Rock Island Auction Company on May 17, 2024 in Bedford, Tex. The auction will take place Friday, May 17 through Sunday, May 19 in Bedford, Tex. “Our shared commitment to the preservation and promotion of shooting sports is what makes this partnership so special,” RIAC president Kevin Hogan said in a recent release. “We hope the proceeds of this fantastic Krieghoff help these athletes overcome their logistical challenges and focus on what they do best – representing the United States and finding their way to the podium.” Unlike other countries, the federal government doesn’t fund the U.S. Olympic Team, and programs like USA Basketball draw sponsors like Nike and AT&T. USA Shooting relies on donations and small sponsorships, so an engraved and gold inlaid Krieghoff K-32 over/under shotgun will soon provide a financial boost to the squad ahead of the Paris Olympics. The intricately detailed embellishments on the shotgun were done by well-known engraver Angelo Bee. The 2024 Summer Games present an unprecedented situation for the USA Shooting athletes, as the shooting venue is located about three hours outside of Paris. This deviation from the norm of Olympic and Paralympic athletes staying in the Village places a considerable responsibility on USA Shooting to ensure they have everything they need to succeed—from housing to security and beyond—elements traditionally provided within the village’s confines. The Chateauroux Shooting Centre will welcome the 340 Olympic athletes and the 160 Paralympic athletes competing in shooting events during the Paris 2024 Games. Inaugurated by the French Shooting Federation in 2018, this unique venue is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Chateauroux is about 170 miles south of Paris. The sale of this master engraved shotgun -- the first lot in the Texas premier auction -- will help cover these additional costs, which build on the expenses the team already faces. The athletes depend on donations and sponsorships, said Joel Kolander, interactive production manager at RIAC. "Back on the podium" Kolander said Hogan wanted to help the Team USA Olympians “to get back on the podium, where they’ve been featured so prominently in recent Olympics.” Joel Kolander is interactive production manager at RIAC's facility in southwest Rock Island. “There’s been quite a few good shooters and good turnouts for medals,” Kolander said. Despite their impressive Olympic/Paralympic medal count of 121 medals, USA Shooting remains underfunded and often overlooked by sponsors compared to other U.S. Olympic teams, according to RIAC. Rock Island Auction's partnership with USA Shooting will ultimately help alleviate the additional costs faced by the USA Shooting team and allow the athletes to focus on winning the gold medal. USA Shooting has displayed decades of dominance on the Olympic stage, including three gold medals in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and 58 gold medals since shooting competitions were part of the first Olympics in 1896. “We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of Rock Island Auction Company as we embark on another Olympic and Paralympic journey," Kelly Reisdorf, CEO of USA Shooting, said in a RIAC release. “Auctioning this unique shotgun is not just financial support—it's a pivotal investment in the future of America’s elite marksmen and markswomen. This partnership helps provide our athletes with the superior resources they need to pursue Olympic and Paralympic gold, symbolizing a commitment to maintaining our nation's legacy of shooting excellence." 20-year-old William Shaner won the gold medal in air rifle at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in summer 2021. The Krieghoff shotgun has “outstanding embellishment,” by Angelo Bee, “who’s a well-known well-respected engraver for decades in the firearms community,” Kolander said. The German gun was made in 1986. There’s no bid estimate for the Krieghoff, and the catalog lists it as “priceless.” In just its second major auction since RIAC opened its new headquarters and auction facility near Dallas-Fort Worth, the company will also offer former German Olympian Erich Krempel's historic engraved, inlaid and relief carved system Gotz single shot "free pistol" during the May Premier Auction. The pistol presented to a German Olympian after the 1936 Berlin Olympics will be sold at the Rock Island Auction Company event next month in Texas. This elaborate presentation target pistol was presented to Krempel by the Suhl Schuetzen Guild after he earned a silver medal in the 1936 Berlin Olympics 50M Free Pistol event, RIAC said. It eventually became a war trophy of Colonel John H. Sampson Jr. who brought it back from Germany at the end of World War II. The pistol’s pre-auction estimate is $15,000-$25,000. For additional information on Rock Island Auction Company and other highlights of the May event, click HERE.
	Side effects of immunotherapy treatment for cancer Up to 40-percent of people treated with immunotherapy will develop an autoimmune disease.
	A burlesque royal pleasure coming to Moline The next Mary Quite Contrary House of Burlesque show is extra special. On Saturday at 8 p.m., a sexy High Tea performance will be at The University Club, 1526 5th Ave., Moline, billed as a “delectable evening planned full of divine desserts, delicious tea, and delightful performances.” Promoting the new High Tea show are Medicinal Funbags (left) and Gracie Glamour. VIP tickets (already sold out) include a wide variety of desserts, tea, and a fanciful burlesque show. General admission seats for $40 (show only, without desserts) are still available. Troupe founder and leader Mary Francis said this week the fancy concept came from burlesque member Sassy LaShay. “She went to Scotland last year and she attended a high tea -- she said it was like, we have to do this,” Francis said. Mary Francis in a Mary Quite Contrary House of Burlesque performance. "It is so much fun because we're costuming for this show unlike any other show we've done because we're doing that royalty -- like Marie Antoinette, Bridgerton type theme,” she said. “We’ve never had a show like this before. So, it's been really fun, challenging and fun.” In addition to troupe members, the High Tea show will feature some special guests – including from the new QC burlesque troupe The Illuminaughties, Sassy Sh’Boom, Kenya Bendover, and Lynnie Pie is coming back to host. Lynnie Pie is the burlesque host. “Aesthetic wise, it will be just like all of our other shows. We're just basically throwing a tea party in the middle of our show,” Francis said. “So we'll have like tables all out and around and the tables will be covered with desserts and we'll have tea. Moonlit Apothecary (of Milan) is actually providing the tea for us. They're doing custom blends.” This is MCQHOB’s first show at University Club (in a historic 1912 building), and the venue’s first burlesque event, and they’re all excited, she said. Dancers will mingle among the tables during the event. Doors will open Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are available HERE.
	March unemployment steady with last year The unemployment rate in the Quad Cities was nearly the same this March, compared to the same time last year.
	LIVE: TV6 Investigates Talks: Updates on turmoil at Davenport’s city hall Jenna Jackson sits down with Investigative reporter Matt Christensen as they break down the ongoing battles at Davenport’s city hall.
	Hoops in the Heartland announces new venues for next two tournaments A women's basketball tournament that has been held in the Quad Cities since 2016 won't return until 2027.
	Bears unveil $5 billion plan for lakefront stadium and seek public funding to make it happen The Chicago Bears unveiled a nearly $5 billion proposal for an enclosed stadium next door to their current home at Soldier Field as part of a major project that would transform the city’s lakefront, and they are asking for public funding to help make it happen
	Rock Island Library PALS hosting pay-what-you-can book sale The two-day sale runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 26 and 27. It's hosted by PALS, the Library Foundation's volunteer group.
	Narratives QC hosts first Creative Arts Showcase to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month It will be an evening of spoken word and poetry at the free event on May 1. Organizers say it's about celebrating art's impact on young adults' mental health.
	Women's basketball leaves Moline after 9 years After nine years of the Moline arena hosting the Missouri Valley Conference’s Hoops in the Heartland Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament, the ball will be in a different court the next two years. The conference announced Thursday it’s adopting a rotating cycle of hosting cities, with Evansville, Indiana (Ford Center) hosting the 2025 tournament, Iowa City/Coralville (Xtream Arena) in 2026, and returning to Moline’s Vibrant Arena at The MARK in 2027. Officials say the rotation will allow the conference to gain national brand visibility in new communities while allowing student-athletes to experience new venues. The event has been held at the Vibrant Arena at The MARK since 2016, the longest-standing hosting venue in the tournament’s history. “On behalf of our Board of Directors and professional team, we look forward to hosting the Missouri Valley Women’s Basketball Tournament in 2027,” Dave Herrell, president/CEO of Visit Quad Cities, said in a Thursday release. “We have always prided ourselves on serving and prioritizing student-athletes, which will continue to be our focus. Hoops in the Heartland continues to fulfill our mission and drive value for our region’s sports tourism goals.” A Hoops in the Heartland women's basketball game this past March at Vibrant Arena at The MARK. Recognizing the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics, Herrell expressed respect for the conference's decision to rotate the tournament during the next contract cycle. He added, “We're ready to offer our support and expertise to our colleagues in Evansville and Iowa City/Coralville.” In 2024, the Missouri Valley Conference (along with the ACC, A-10, Big East, Pac-12, and SEC), was one of only six conferences where the women’s basketball championship was played at a neutral site, separate from the men’s championship and on a different weekend. “We are thrilled to continue to provide our women’s basketball student-athletes with the opportunity to be showcased in a neutral-site, stand-alone tournament,” Valparaiso President José D. Padilla, board chair of the Missouri Valley Conference, said in a MVC release. “The next three years will give us the opportunity to grow the Missouri Valley Conference’s national brand through visibility in new communities while affording our student-athletes the chance to experience new conference tournament venues. I know the conference office staff, member institutions, and our championship site hosts will work diligently to continue to provide a first-rate student-athlete and fan experience during our women’s basketball tournament.” All 12 MVC women’s basketball teams will compete in the four-day tournament, with four opening-round games on Thursday, four quarterfinal games on Friday, two semifinal games on Saturday, culminating in a Sunday championship game in each of the next three seasons. The league tournament champion earns an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. “We’re excited about developing new relationships and growing the sport of women’s basketball in the region,” MVC Commissioner Jeff Jackson said. “The championship rotation model includes three great venues and three great communities who share the Conference’s goal of prioritizing women’s basketball.” Action during the 2022 women's basketball tournament at The MARK in Moline. Beyond the excitement of the competition, the tournament brings substantial economic growth to the QC, with the 2023 event alone generating a local economic impact of $1.9 million, underscoring the importance of regional sports tourism, the Visit Quad Cities release said. Missouri Valley Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament was at Vibrant Arena at the MARK from Thursday-Sunday, March 14-17, 2024. This year marked the ninth consecutive year of this event’s QC residency, affirming its status as the nation’s longest standalone neutral site women’s basketball tournament.
	Living Lands and Waters to plant two millionth tree Living Lands and Waters will be holding a ceremony for the planting of their two millionth tree as part of their MillionTrees Project at Arconic in Riverdale, Iowa on April 26 at 2 p.m. This significant milestone marks a moment of achievement in the ongoing effort to enhance river ecosystems and support biodiversity. Since the initiation of the MillionTrees Project in 2007, LLW has been committed to the ambitious goal of planting native trees to restore and revive river landscapes. The MillionTrees Project not only aims to combat the decline in tree diversity along the shorelines of the Midwest’s major rivers but also addresses crucial environmental issues such as habitat loss, erosion control and water pollution. Arconic, formerly known as Alcoa, is a site of special significance for LLW. It has supported of the organization since its beginning and played a pivotal role in enabling the realization of its mission. The planting ceremony will commemorate this partnership and celebrate the collective efforts toward environmental stewardship. LLW Founder Chad Pregracke expressed gratitude for the longstanding collaboration with Arconic, says, "Arconic was there for Living Lands & Waters from day one, over 26 years ago and LLW wouldn't be where we are today without the solid support of partners like them. Their commitment to our cause has been instrumental in our journey towards restoring America’s rivers." “Our commitment to the environment, recycling and sustainability runs deep at Arconic,” says Jeff Weida, Vice President of Manufacturing Davenport Works. “We are proud of our nearly three-decade-long partnership with Chad and Living Lands & Waters and many of our employees who have planted trees through LLW’s program.” The MillionTrees Project underscores the importance of tree planting in preserving ecosystems, supporting wildlife habitats, mitigating climate change and fostering community engagement. Through initiatives like the distribution of free tree seedlings and volunteer-driven planting events LLW engages thousands of individuals annually to contribute to the MillionTrees Project mission. To get involved in the MillionTrees Project email dan@livinglandsandwaters.org. For more information about Living Lands and Waters click here.
	Illinois sends $7.8M for Rock Island veterans housing project Community Home Partners is leading the project and says it will address specific housing issues veterans face.
	Arsenal to unveil WWI-era tank, one of three left in existence A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Mark VIII Liberty Tank will be held on April 30.
	Bettendorf man sentenced for child pornography, gun charges Jakob Paul Newberry, 29, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for receiving/distributing child pornography and gun-related charges.
	Davenport announces new summer concert series The Riverfront Improvement Commission, Common Chord and the City of Davenport have announced that The Big 9 Summer Concert Series will be coming to the Davenport riverfront this summer. The Big 9 Summer Concert Series is the new summer concert model. It replaces the former Music on the River series. It will debut Memorial Day weekend at Veterans Memorial Park. Nine concerts will be held at various locations along Davenport's nine miles of riverfront. A view of the "Abbey Road" tribute concert Aug. 7, 2021 at Rock Island's Schwiebert Riverfront Park. Riverfront Community Engagement Coordinator Stephanie Bley says, "This new programming model allows for the opportunity to showcase many of our local artists, as well as small businesses, while also shining light on different areas of our beautiful riverfront. By expanding our programming, we hope to reach a wider demographic of Davenport residents. There is truly something for everyone." For a full detailed schedule and event updates click here or here. For more information contact Bley at stephanie.bley@davenportiowa.com or call 563-888-3022.
	Man charged with forgery of checks stolen during break-in A Davenport man was arrested after police say he walked into a bank with a forged check from a business he burglarized.
	Bettendorf names new boys' basketball coach Alvin Vesey will become the new head coach for the boys' basketball team pending school board approval.
	Moline-Coal Valley District named Innovative District for 2024 Model Schools Conference The district will present "Prioritizing Culture to Drive Student Achievement" at the conference.
	Rock Island Spring Garage Sale and Vendor Fair moved to May 4 The Rock Island Parks and Recreation Spring Community Garage Sale and Vendor Fair has been postponed due to the projected forecast. It will now be held on May 4 at Upper Longview Park in Rock Island from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Search for a great deal or hidden gem! There will be over 6,000 square feet of shopping for toys, decorations, furniture, homemade goods, vendors and more at the garage sale and vendor fair. The vendor row will include garage sale vendors, craft vendors and makers' market. For more information call 309-732-7275. For inclement weather call the rain line at 309-732-7246.
	Vote for the best plant-based meals at Vegan Chef Challenge Attention local foodies! There’s a new contest coming that lets you vote for your favorite vegan dishes in the Quad Cities. The first Davenport Vegan Chef Challenge starts on May 1st and ends on May 31st. Area chefs will be competing with creative and delicious plant-based menu items. Diners can click here to find a list of participating restaurants and menu items. Votes can be entered at the restaurants or on the website. All entries must be in by May 31st. Participating restaurants include: NEST Café Cocina Verde Flavors of India Crane & Pelican Café Girl + Food by Cafe Fresh North Street Treats LLC Cavort Libations & Bites Bayside Bistro Revive Cafe The winning dishes will be announced in June.
	JCPenney apartments plan advances at Moline council Turning the downtown JCPenney building into 32 residential units cleared its first hurdle. Moline City Council endorsed the $6.8 million redevelopment proposal at its meeting Tuesday night.
	Vibrant brews more business, fewer branches Moline-based Vibrant Credit Union is closing branches but opening coffeehouses. That’s just a function of where the growing financial institution is choosing to spend its resources, reflecting customer behavior, and redirecting investment to a better savings account. Last fall, Vibrant Credit Union decided it was time to start offering members something they couldn’t find at any other local financial institution: interest on savings and checking balances that adds up to more than a handful of pennies a year. The Vibrant Credit Union headquarters is at 6600 44th Ave., Moline. Interest rates on consumer borrowing, especially car and home loans, have risen significantly over the last 2+ years as the Federal Reserve has raised the federal funds rate to combat inflation, according to Vibrant. At the same time, interest rates on consumer deposits—the funds that financial institutions use to make many of those loans—have remained stubbornly low. Most big banks still offer just 0.01 percent annual percentage yield on consumer savings—meaning that if you deposit $10,000 in a savings account, by the end of the year, you’ll earn a single dollar in interest. Put that same $10,000 in Vibrant’s new Preferred Savings account, and you’ll earn $450, at a 4.5% interest rate. Further, the account has no monthly service fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no hidden conditions about setting up direct deposit or making a certain number of debit card transactions each month to qualify. Matt McCombs, credit union CEO, said recently that since last October, Vibrant has seen $75 million in new deposits, including an additional $26 million in deposits in February alone from current and new members. Vibrant CEO Matt McCombs with a refurbished VW van (which has been used as an ice cream truck) at Vibrant's Moline headquarters (photo by Jonathan Turner). Membership has been pretty flat, he said, growing just about 100 new members a month. “If you’re looking for a place where you have 16 branches in town, we’re not gonna be the right spot, and we accept that,” he said. “We’re there for individuals looking for a place to support their community, but actually are giving a big value proposition.” The current total membership is just shy of 50,000. Since 2005, total assets have more than doubled from $400 million to over $1 billion today. “Over the last few years, we’ve taken a long hard look at where we’re spending our members’ money and how well that aligns with what they actually want us to spend money on,” McCombs said. “For instance, a decade ago, more than half our members did at least some of their banking in person at one of our branches. Last year, that number was down to about 16 percent, and it’s continuing to drop. “So we asked, what if we invested more in the technologies and services our members are actually using—like our online banking platform and our call center? What if we repurposed some of those spaces that were being underutilized as branches and turned them into revenue-generating coffee shops that also offer video banking? What if we close some of those branches outright and use the savings to pay our members more interest on their deposits?" Closing branches In the past year, Vibrant has closed branch locations in Davenport, Des Moines, Bettendorf and Geneseo. This past December, it opened its third Vibrant Coffeehouse & Kitchen (after Moline and Des Moines) in the renovated Bettendorf building, 3230 Ridge Pointe, off Belmont Road. In December 2023, Vibrant opened its third Coffeehouse & Kitchen in its renovated former branch at 3230 Ridge Pointe, Bettendorf (photo by Jonathan Turner). Part of the change in business model is to improve return on investment for customers, and to not have buildings that people don’t use, McCombs noted. Vibrant closed its branches on Davenport’s Brady Street and in Geneseo, in February/March. All employees were transferred to other locations (mainly near SouthPark Mall and HQ), McCombs said. Part of the sprawling Vibrant headquarters off John Deere Road in Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). “We’ve yet to close a branch that didn’t involve employees coming over,” he said. The only remaining branches are at its huge headquarters (6600 44th Ave., Moline), next to which the Moline coffeehouse is; near SouthPark at 4400 16th St., Moline, and Danville, Ill. There’s a Vibrant ATM only at 2365 11th St., Rock Island. Vibrant has invested more in technology. They have interactive teller machines, where you can talk to a teller by video, and make deposits and withdrawals. They have six ITMs total, open for the past 12 months. An interactive teller machine (with video) at a Vibrant drive-up lane at the Moline HQ. There are two inside the Moline headquarters building, two at drive-ups there, and one each at the Bettendorf and Des Moines coffeehouses. The Vibrant Coffeehouse & Kitchen in Des Moines' East Village. “We’ll continue to roll out ITMs at our coffeehouse locations,” McCombs said. Technologically, Vibrant plans to improve the call center to include text to chat, and have an AI chat feature on its website. “It’s not that you don’t want to talk to a person, but sometimes you just want the answer faster,” McCombs said. “We’re starting to use an AI function as well.” The call center is now open weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 8:30 to noon. “The reality is, most banking today is transactional,” including direct deposits, McCombs said. “What I believe most people are looking for is: easy, quick, no friction convenience.” A lockbox bar in the Vibrant headquarters (photo by Jonathan Turner). “If you have a need and you can hit a button and talk to a person when they need it, I think people are looking for help when they need it, but they’re trying to navigate most transactions without that,” he said. “I want people involved -- one, in making my community better. Two, I want people available if I have a need,” McCombs said. “People want to support local business, as long as it’s not at the expense of price and convenience.” Vibrant also plans to introduce new certificates of deposit, for at least nine months, at 5.75% interest, McCombs said. A large common area in the Vibrant headquarters, a former Sam's Club that the credit union invested $15 million in renovations, opening in October 2022 (photo by Jonathan Turner). It devotes energy and investments into building up the service channels its members prefer to use, especially its digital banking platforms and its Moline-based call center. “It’s a matter of understanding our strengths and doubling down on them,” says McCombs. “If we’re going to invest our capital and resources, we’re going to invest it in price return for the consumer, and invest it back in our community,” he said. They’re at 160 total employees (not including coffeehouses), of which 145 are at the HQ. Crystal Milburn started three months ago as Vibrant’s new brand manager, in charge of advertising across all media (print, digital, etc.). Brand manager Crystal Milburn (center) with Vibrant employees Jerica Minton (left) and Janet Figueroa, at the credit union branch at the headquarters (photo by Jonathan Turner). “We’re doing a combination of things to get our name our there,” she said, noting she also does social media for Vibrant. “We’re gonna get into areas where we haven’t tried so much in the past. We’re trying out a multitude of things and we’re having some early success.” Name is everywhere The credit union has had astronomically better brand awareness since 2022, when it acquired naming rights to the former TaxSlayer Center (1201 River Drive, Moline) for $4 million over 10 years, and effective Sept. 1, 2022 it became Vibrant Arena at The MARK. It also helped support and design renovations to the arena. The Vibrant Arena at The MARK, 1201 River Drive, Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). In fall 2022, it opened the Moline coffeehouse, in summer 2023 the Des Moines coffeehouse, and last fall put its name and logo on the new Vibrant Music Hall – in the western Des Moines suburb of Waukee — which opened on Nov. 5 with Grammy-nominated rock band Needtobreathe. Live Nation Entertainment owns the venue, the company’s first in Iowa. Vibrant plans to increase coffeehouse locations to 10 in the next few years, across Iowa, McCombs said. There aren’t any more specific QC locations in the works yet, with the next one planned to open in Waukee, in summer/fall 2025. “What we’ve seen in the Quad Cities is a strong appreciation that something like this got built here,” McCombs said of the Moline coffeehouse. “This is normally what you would see get put into somewhere in Iowa. We’ve invested in an area, this location has people here constantly.” Vibrant Coffeehouse & Kitchen is next to the credit union headquarters, 6600 44th Ave., Moline. Vibrant sees consumers are more willing to fragment their business in financial services -- no different than in health care, where you use specialists for different things. “We started to build our business around this idea, what is Vibrant’s value proposition?” McCombs asked. “Every move we made over the last four years was to put us in a position of, we are the best place in town to keep your deposits.” McCombs believes consumers will always want to go local, but not at the expense of price or convenience. Vibrant decided where to focus as a specialty. “We don’t have to be the best place in town for lending – consumers have all sorts of choices,” he said. “When they’re thinking of refinancing or buying a house, they go to Google and see what’s the best rate? What we wanted to figure out is being the best places for deposits. That’s our specialty.” An overlook at the Vibrant headquarters honors Terry Brahm, who's been involved with the credit union over 50 years, including serving as president and CEO nearly four decades, until 2014 (photo by Jonathan Turner). “The days of getting all your financial needs met by a single institution are over,” McCombs added. “When someone wants to buy a house, they can get on Rocket Mortgage. When they want to buy a car, they go straight to the dealership. We don’t mind if our members get the best deal on their loans from someone else, because that means we’re able to give them the best deal on their deposits.” Even given the rise of so many online-only financial institutions, he also sees an important place for credit unions like Vibrant. The view from the Brahm Overlook (photo by Jonathan Turner). “In general, people prefer to do business with local people,” McCombs said. "When they have questions, they want to be able to talk with someone they know. They want to support local jobs. They're just not going to do it at the expense of passing up a much better deal online. Our savings and checking options give people an excellent reason to keep their money here in our communities.” Shelves with games for Vibrant employees at HQ. “Most people are saying, I want a branch on rare occasions, and I want to find the right value proposition,” he said. Inspiring students Vibrant also has worked with Junior Achievement of the Heartland in preparing its new JA Inspiration Center, in the southwest corner of the Vibrant Corporate Center. This state-of-the-art learning center (to open in October 2024) will be designed to empower and inspire young minds as they prepare to embark on their professional journeys. The JA Inspiration Center will provide a vital place of learning, discovery, and empowerment, housing its capstone programs JA BizTown and JA Finance Park and serving more than 8,000 4th – 9th grade students annually. Site of the new JA Inspiration Center, in the southwest corner of the Vibrant Corporate Center, 6600 44th Ave., Moline. The 13,000-square-foot area will increase the space for capstone experiences by 30%, and allow JA to reach an additional 3,000 students each year. JA serves students in 24 counties in eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Many Vibrant staff have volunteered for JA over the years, and they anticipate an increase with the Inspiration Center right there, McCombs said. “Our employees are extremely excited about that side.” Vibrant and JA both emphasize financial literacy and helping people save more money. “Our goal is, how do we help consumers make better choices?” he said. “We couldn’t think of a better thing to invest in, in our community to help shape the future of what the Quad Cities looks like over the next couple decades than to be part of the JA Inspiration Center," McCombs said last September. A full-size basketball court in the Vibrant Corporate Center, former home to a Sam's Club (photo by Jonathan Turner). “JA is one of the most impactful organizations in our community,” he said after a press conference then. “When we found the challenges they were looking at for a new home, the amount of cost and energy it would take just to get the facility, takes away from the program.” “The world is changing and banking as an industry is changing dramatically,” he said. “Technology is making its true impact on banking.” To learn more about the JA Inspiration Center, and to donate to the capital campaign, visit the JA website HERE.
	Comfort Dog Millie joins Sterling Police Department The Sterling Police Department has a new staff member – Comfort Dog Millie! Millie (Sterling Police Department) Millie, a golden retriever, came to the Sterling Police Department on Friday, April 19. She comes from Harvestime Kennel in Menasha, Wis., and her AKC name is "Harvestime's One in A Million". Currently, she’s eight weeks old. Millie is replacing Comfort Dog Brinkley, who will be retiring on June 12th. A meet and greet/retirement party will be announced later. "We are excited to welcome Comfort Dog Millie and Community Service Officer Mary Toth to the Sterling Police Department,” said Chief Alex Chavaria. “They will continue to build on our commitment to community policing by way of positive interactions with the citizens of Sterling through our Comfort Dog Program. We wish Brinkley and CSO Tekla Martin a happy retirement and we thank them for their commitment to the Sauk Valley Area over the past seven years."
	4 Your Money \| Inversion We keep hearing talk about the Fed cutting rates this year, but there hasn't been as much talk about a recession. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, is here to share if this trend concerns him and how it may impact viewers’ investment decisions.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for April 25, 2024 Officials in Galesburg have received a $650,000 grant to help improve housing, and Davenport approved a pay raise for Mallory Merritt.
	Iowa legislature sending board and commission cuts bill to Gov. Kim Reynolds Gov. Reynolds originally proposed the bill, which the House and Senate passed, eliminating, merging and reducing membership of several state commissions.
	Pay It Forward: Giving a pet a loving home Ginger Phelps has a love for four-legged friends and does all she can to give the best care to pets, earning her the Pay It Forward award.
	Cook review: 'The Greatest Night in Pop' will take music lovers back What fun for any music lover, regardless of age or genre preference. “The Greatest Night in Pop” is so darned much fun you may find yourself watching it again. It’s a good excuse to get your music-aficionado friends and family together so you can bring back memories to older viewers and explain to younger watchers just what made these stars so great. 'The Greatest Night in Pop' (IMDb) Director Bao Nguyen captures the excitement, the disorder, and personalities that played into the making of the famous “We Are the World” charity single recorded by a “supergroup” of musicians known as USA for Africa in 1985. Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson wrote the tune, which was produced by Quincy Jones and Omartian for the “We Are the World” album. After the success of a similar British initiative in which a group of musicians recorded “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” musician Harry Belafonte decided it would be a good idea to create an American single to address the famine in Africa. We see first-hand how the writing happened, and Richie guides us through the whole process, from the lyrics to the performance and recording session. Nearly every A-lister agreed to be part of the project. Here’s an incomplete list of other folks you’ll see and hear: Ray Charles, Jackson, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Richie, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and Stevie Wonder. Richie, who always has seemed to be a nice guy, is wonderfully conversational, and Huey Lewis joins with some memories of his own. I love the way the various egos managed to collaborate while sometimes butting heads. Some were star-struck – Lauper asks for autographs – while others grumbled about how long it took. This is a kind of musical time capsule that will transport even younger viewers back to the sounds and sights of the 1980s. 3 ½ stars Running time: One hour and 36 minutes. Rated: PG-13 for coarse language. Streaming on Netflix. Watch the trailer here.
	Niabi Zoo, Coal Valley, will open for the season after storm repairs After repair of snow damage, Niabi Zoo will open for the season on April 30. Niabi Zoo Foundation has partnered with Niabi Zoo as repairs and replacements have been made to damaged areas from the January snowstorm. More than $12,000 from personal donations and $50,000 from Modern Woodman, which will support the reconstruction of the Bald Eagle Exhibit, has been raised, according to a letter from the zoo. Kito the rhinoceros relaxes in the shade at Niabi Zoo (photo by Linda Cook.) "The zoo staff worked more than 35 hours nonstop to move animals, clear snow, and secure enclosures. Your donation immediately supports this recovery. We appreciate your consideration in donating toward this effort," the letter says. 61st year for Niabi Zoo Niabi Zoo will open its 61st year on Tuesday, April 30, at 10 a.m. "While there is much work to do, the zoo welcomes visitors to enjoy its 40 acres of habitats, sure to make you smile," the letter says. "The more than 600 animals cannot wait to see you, too! Though the zoo experience may be a little different this year, the zoo and the foundation are excited to get things ready for the best experience possible. Thank you for being patient as the zoo recovers." African Painted Dogs The Niabi Zoo Foundation Established in June 2020, the Niabi Zoo Foundation has worked with the zoo and the Forest Preserves to fulfill the goal of bringing a grand plan for the future of the zoo to life. The foundation has supported exhibits such as the White Rhino, African Painted Dogs, and Prairie Dog Town. Other support areas included Virtual Education, Spineless Wonders Graphics, Zoo Computer Server, and Aid to Ukraine Zoos. The next big goal is the Grizzly Bear. The Foundation successfully held its first Zoopocalypse 5k in October of 2023. In October 2024, another run through the zoo will be held to fund the Grizzly Bear Exhibit. Fennec Foxes "Working with the Niabi Zoo staff for the last four years has been incredible. Their knowledge, compassion, dedication to the animals, conservation, and education are profound. They all hold award-winning accomplishments, and their service and knowledge span the world. This inclusive education benefits Niabi Zoo and our community. Please consider meeting them someday for an inspirational experience." said Krisan Steiger, chair of Niabi Zoo Foundation.
	Pay it Forward \| Offering up a loving home for pets in need Ginger Phelps is a self-proclaimed pet sitter who helps the community by helping lost or homeless pets find a home.
	Davenport City Council approves pay agreement with interim city administrator Mallory Merritt will receive a pay increase and back pay until November.
	Davenport city council votes to approve pay raise for interim city administrator Despite pushback from the public the council voted to increase Mallory Merritt's pay and back pay. Merritt also announced she will not apply for a full-time role.
	Weekend Rundown with WLLR \| April 25, 2024 There are many family-friendly events going on this weekend, and we've brought in Dani Howe from WLLR to break it down.
	Bettendorf union teachers upset over proposed $350 base pay raise for next school year School staff and parents said the amount does not keep Bettendorf competitive with area districts.
	Carbon Wolves Pause, For Now As the dust settles from our most recent battle against the hazardous and unnecessary CO2 pipelines, I find myself weary, but nevertheless the war against the pipeline continues.
	“A Supergroup of Contemporary Improvisers” Brings Guitar Minimalism to Life at Rozz-Tox on May 4 There are a number of fine performances scheduled at Rozz-Tox as detailed on their Web site, but the arrival of the Bill Orcutt Guitar Quartet on May 4 is unique even by the standards of that most eclectic of QC venues.
	Behind the State Medical Board Wall, We Have Perfected Communism was born on August 13, 1961. This was the day that construction of the Berlin Wall began. It was a symbol of the Cold War. It cast a shadow upon the first 28 years of my life, as prime-time news images were burned into my memory of daring escapes, and of East German citizens tragically gunned down by East German soldiers.
Wednesday, April 24th, 2024
	‘Experience of a lifetime’: An inside look at the 59th Honor Flight of the Quad Cities The 59th Honor Flight of the Quad Cities took their first trip of the year to Washington, D.C. Tuesday and TV6 went along for the ride to capture their experience.
	Operation Prom gives Davenport students look at dangers of drinking and driving Davenport students got a very real look at the dangers of drinking and driving.
	23 million Americans at risk of losing affordable internet by end of April If the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) expires at the end of April, 23 million Americans may not be able to afford internet access in their home.
	Davenport City Council approves pay agreement with interim city administrator Mallory Merritt will receive a pay increase and back pay until November.
	Davenport to operate pools at full capacity this summer Despite several years of hiring issues, the City hired 65 lifeguards and other park staff to work at the Annie Wittenmeyer and Fejervary pools.
	Bettendorf union teachers upset over proposed $350 base pay raise for next school year School staff and parents said the amount does not keep Bettendorf competitive with area districts.
	Illinois Community College Board boosting access to workforce training The board received a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor for those efforts.
	Galesburg receives $650,000 housing grant The City can use the money to help low-income homeowners create safe living conditions.
	Iowa DCI: Body found near intersection where missing Sac County man's semi truck was discovered Someone found a body in a Sac County field near the intersection where missing Iowa man David Schultz's truck was discovered back in November.
	Davenport City Council approves contract for City Administrator recruitment, Merritt to continue in Interim City Administrator position, council rules The Davenport City Council met Wednesday night and among the agenda items. plans were discussed for how the City of Davenport plans to find a new, permanent City Administrator.
	Illinois could fund schools to teach climate change A bill in Illinois could require the state board of education to have instructional resources and other material available to teachers to help them deliver lessons about climate change. State lawmakers would have to set money aside for it. Schools across Illinois are already required to teach about the topic as part of the science requirement. Supporters of the bill say it's meant to help teachers with the curriculum that's vital for students. The bill would also ensure the state's current standards on climate change stay in place.
	Illinois considers new higher education funding Illinois Senate Republicans are calling foul about a proposed funding model for higher education. As Our Quad Cities News Illinois Capitol Bureau correspondent Theodora Koulouvaris explains, the proposal would change the way universities get support from the state.
	Davenport approves new employment agreement for interim city administrator Members of the Davenport City Council approved a resolution for a new employment agreement for interim city administrator Mallory Merritt. The resolution passed in an eight to two vote. The deal supersedes any prior agreement made between Merritt and Davenport, including a memorandum of agreement signed last November. Residents addressed concerns of conflict of interest between Merritt and her husband, who is also a city employee. Alderwoman at Large Jazmin Newton addressed concerns of Merritt's salary rateand the steps needed for the City moving forward. According to council members, Merritt will not be applying for the position and hopes to have the position filled permanently by September 1.
	Davenport council approves interim city administrator agreement on 8-2 vote Davenport Interim City Administrator Mallory Merritt will continue in her role until a new permanent administrator begins, the council determined in an 8-2 vote on an employment agreement with her on Wednesday.
	Helping grow downtown: Moline approves first step toward new apartments in old JCPenney building The project comes after numerous new businesses, including Atlas Collective, have opened in the area.
	Bacon lovers, rejoice! May 1 is Illinois Bacon Day Bacon lovers can go hog wild now that Illinois has a day to celebrate their beloved bacon. A joint resolution has designated May 1 as Illinois Bacon Day. Illinois pork producers will head to the state capitol to hand out BLT sandwiches to legislators and discuss the role pork production plays in Illinois. While Illinois Bacon Day is a day for celebration, it's also meant to bring attention to hurdles faced by pork producers, including market fluctuations, pork prices, high feed costs and other factors. For more information, click here.
	'Operation Prom' teaches Davenport North students the dangers of drinking and driving The initiative brought students together with first responders to recreate a serious traffic crash scene to educate students about the danger of drinking & driving.
	Township in Clinton will discuss fire services, public input sought The Clinton County Deep Creek Township Trustees will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, April 29, at Northeast High School Media Center (through the main entrance), 3690 Highway 136, Goose Lake. (Getty) The trustees plan to discuss efficiencies in the current fire district structure and services in the Deep Creek Township. They intend to look at the current fire service provided by Preston Fire Department, Miles Fire Department, as well as the capabilities of the Goose Lake Fire Department, Charlotte Fire Department and the Andover Fire Department. They plan to discuss mutual aid and agreements for providing fire services in the township, and possible changes as to which fire departments will provide future fire services and where they will provide services. The trustees will seek public input on these and related topics. The public can join the meeting on Zoom here. Meeting ID: 880 8220 8819, Passcode: clinton23 After the discussion, the trustees may take action on what services and agreements they wish to adopt for the township’s fire services, the release says.
	Davenport city council approves new agreement for interim city administrator The Davenport City Council voted to approve a new agreement with Interim City Administrator Mallory Merritt.
	QC high school stages scenario for prom safety Davenport North High School collaborated with the Davenport Fire and Police Departments to teach students about the consequences of drunk driving. Students participated in a planned program that was a scenario showing teens in a car accidentcaused by drunk driving. Officers and firefighters showed what life-saving measures might take place during an accident. Theater students who played roles in the program said they hope their classmates will rethink potentially dangerous choices. Davenport Police also had a guest speaker to talk about their personal experiences with teens and drunk driving.
	City of Muscatine continues environmental push Muscatine is asking residents to continue supporting environmental protection throughout the year by picking up trash or planting a tree.
	‘Cutting the whole farm in half’: Farmer frustrated Iowa not passing eminent domain protections House lawmakers passed a bill to make private use of eminent domain more difficult, but senate Republicans refused to take up the bill.
	Severe t'storms and heavy rain possible this weekend After some nice weather Wednesday and Thursday, all eyes shift to the potential for severe storms and heavy rain this weekend. A weather pattern is setting up for the chance of severe storms AND heavy rain Friday through Sunday. As of now the biggest threats for severe weather look to be Friday evening and Sunday. All types of severe weather will be possible as a potent storm comes in 2 waves into the middle part of the country. Aside from the severe t'storms chances, heavy rain is a good bet with some computer models suggesting more than 3" of rain this weekend.
	Galesburg Public Library welcomes public back to new location The Galesburg Public Library is welcoming the community back to a larger building on Wednesday.
	Sushi Staples no longer wishes to withdraw guilty plea Staples is no longer seeking a reconsideration of her sentence.
	'Operation Prom' teaches Davenport North students the dangers of drinking and driving The initiative brought students together with first responders to recreate a serious traffic crash scene to educate students about the danger of drinking & driving.
	How Iowa's new private school voucher program is impacting Clinton schools The Clinton Community School District is losing 37 students next year which means they also lose out on more than $240,000 in state funds.
	Davenport woman misused money meant to pay victim's taxes, police allege A 37-year-old Davenport woman faces a theft charge after Davenport Police allege she took a victim's money and did not use it to pay the victim's taxes as agreed, court records show. Latisha Griffin faces a felony charge of second-degree theft, according to court records. Latisha Griffin (Scott County Jail) Detectives with the Davenport Police Department investigated the report of a theft on April 26, 2023, in connection with the business of Boss Tax and Accounting Services LLC, Davenport, according to arrest affidavits. Police allege Griffin offered tax services to a victim, and said the victim had a tax liability of $8,788. Griffin offered to pay the tax liability for the victim if the victim provided her with the money, police say in affidavits. The victim provided Griffin with a payment of $8,788 on April 26, 2023, at 12:58 p.m., court documents show. The victim was provided a receipt indicating a payment of $8,788 with the account reference of $40 to Iowa for 2022, $457 to Illinois for 2022, $4,159 to IRS for 2022 and $4,132 for 2021. In affidavits, police allege Griffin “was entrusted with this money by the victim in order to pay the victim’s tax liability.” Griffin took possession of the money and used it “in a manner inconsistent with or in denial of the trust of the victim’s rights to the property,” police allege in affidavits. Griffin did not pay the victim’s tax liability, police say in affidavits. The victim received notice from the IRS and incurred penalties for non-payment, then had to acquire additional funds to pay the tax liability and took a loss of $8,788 for the full amount of money in (Griffin’s) possession, according to affidavits. Griffin, who was released on bond, is set for a preliminary hearing April 30 in Scott County Court.
	700 gallons of fertilizer spills in Burlington, unknown amount reaches Hawkeye Creek 700 gallons of fertilizer fell off a truck before an unknown amount spilled into a nearby storm sewer. Hawkeye Creek flows into the Mississippi River.
	Quad-City artist brings life and business to East Moline The effort to bring more business and projects to downtown East Moline is continuing with artwork from a Moline native. Artist Nayely Cortez grew up in Moline and is helping small businesses by attracting more customers with her artwork on exterior windows. Painted cultural pieces can be found on exterior windows of small businesses on 15th Avenue in East Moline. "A lot of my friends always said I was good at art, but I never really showed my talent to people," Cortez said. Cortez' children even saw her talent, and it eventually sparked into something positive for downtown East Moline. "They love it," Cortez said. "They brag about me all the time to their friends and their school." A local organization is hoping it brings more business to the area. Cortez collaborated with East Moline Main Street, a volunteer organization dedicated to the revitalization of the community through shared resources. Main Street obtained a Secure Arts Dollars Grant from Quad City Arts allowing Cortez to show her artwork, and potentially teach students as well. "Usually it's something to do with the business," Cortez said. "Like if it's food, I'll advertise that, so it's more of an advertisement for them. It just attracts people. This is a great community and I feel like everybody gets together here. Everyone it kind of like a family." "We've reached out to Blackhawk College to get Nelly some help," Patricia Hansen, East Moline Street President, said. "We would have the students experience what it's like to work on windows, and see if maybe that's their niche. Students would be alongside a paid artist, so we're trying to make it a community project." East Moline is planning to launch its revitalization project in the near future, provided partly by a nearly $24 million Federal Raise Grant. "Until then, we just wanted to add something extra," Hansen said. "I really hope that people come down, not only to the events but just to enjoy the art." East Moline Main Street will host events in the future celebrating cultural holidays, attracting individuals to 15th Avenue, where most small businesses are located. "These types of events help offset those types of increases," Gracie Macias, Vice President for East Moline Main Street, said. "There's a lot of individuals that we heard comments from last year saying they've never been down here. A lot of our local businesses were very successful that day and that's what we're hoping for this year as well." With the addition of Cortez' artwork, Main Street believes their events and projects will attract more customers for small business owners in East Moline. "They liked my artwork because I put a lot of detail in their business," Cortez said. "I put a lot of life into it as you can tell, so that's how it kind of started and it just continued on." East Moline Main Street will host their 2nd Annual Cinco De Mayo Taco and Margarita Festival on Saturday, May 4 from 12:00-8:00 p.m. For more information, click here.
	Moline City Council approves plans to buy new fire truck The vehicle will cost a little over $2 million and will have a 100-foot ladder. It's expected to arrive in 2027.
	32 apartment units planned for former JCPenney building in downtown Moline Final city council approval for the project is expected on Tuesday, May 7.
	Quad City Storm begins search for new head coach The Quad City Storm is undergoing a search for a new head coach.
	Illinois sending $7.8M for veteran housing in Rock Island Community Home Partners is leading the project and says it will address specific housing issues veterans face.
	Preview of pop-country superstars Lonestar in the QCA After more than 30 years of hits, pop-country superstar group Lonestar is coming to the QCA April 27, and Our Quad City News reporter Sharon Wren spoke with the one of the group's founding members about their new music and what to expect when the band takes the stage at Rhythm City Casino Resort. For show and ticket information, click here..
	Traffic Alert: Green Belt Trail closure Beginning Wednesday, the Green Belt Trail will be closed, according to city officials. This is for crews working on culvert repairs near the Highway 61 Bridge.
	'Color Outside The Lines' concert supporting QCA students with disabilities Student musicians from the QC Rock Academy are partnering with QC Custom Tees for a night of music on April 25. All proceeds will benefit Penguin Project of the QC.

Thursday, April 25th, 2024

Wednesday, April 24th, 2024