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

Friday, April 19th, 2024
	Davenport Junior Theatre looks to move into NorthPark mall The Davenport Junior Theatre may have found its new temporary home at NorthPark Mall. This comes after Davenport City Council approved a plan to turn the Annie Wittenmyer campus into affordable housing that would force the program to move.
	Spiegel requests NDA lifted from $1.6 million settlement agreement Former Davenport City Administrator Corey Spiegel is asking to waive a clause in her $1.6 million settlement agreement that bars her from speaking to local media.
	Gov. Reynolds signs bill to help Boy Scout sex abuse victims With just hours to spare, a law signed by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds will help former Boy Scouts recover millions more in a settlement lawsuit.
	Local students help build new roof for Sterling homeless shelter Nearly 50 students from the Whiteside Area Career Center worked on the project.
	Rock Island library hosts Taylor Swift party in celebration of new album release "The Tortured Poets Department" is the star's 11th studio album.
	QC area students compete at Bettendorf High School QCESC Trebuchet contest High School engineers from QC high schools came together to compete in the 2024 QCESC Trebuchet contest. Scrambled Kings from Bettendorf won Most Innovative Design.
	Local students help build new roof for Sterling homeless shelter Nearly 50 students from the Whiteside Area Career Center worked on the project.
	Environmental Protection Agency helps cut QC gas costs Fighting in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine is bringing instability in the oil market heading into summer. The Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), took action to make a more affordable gasoline blend available. A motorist pumps gasoline at a Mobil gas station following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, in West Hollywood, Calif., Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) The EPA issued an emergency fuel waiver on April 19 to allow the sale of E15 gasoline this summer. Typically, E15 isn't allowed to be sold after June 1 in most of the country. The U.S. Government delayed allowing year-round sales of the blend to 2025. It's something members of Congress from Iowa and Illinois have been pushing for years to happen. Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks is among them. "I've got several bills on year-round E15. These bills are to make it voluntary. No state has to offer year-round E15. We already know the EPA has already cleared it. It's unknown why the EPA would have delayed the implementation until 2025, so getting the waiver for this year, I think, is appropriate," Miller-Meeks said. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) also applauds the Biden Administration's decision to sell E15 gasoline during summer driving season. "I’m glad President Biden heeded our call to help lower prices at the pump for working families by allowing for the sale of E15 fuel during the coming summer months through this temporary waiver," Duckworth said. "E15 fuel helps our nation reduce reliance on foreign oil while bringing down gas prices across the country, and by expanding the availability of homegrown biofuels we’re not only helping families keep more money in their pockets, but also strengthening our national security, reducing emissions and driving economic opportunity here at home. Committing to our agriculture industry and supporting our Midwest farmers is a critical element of our transition to lower emissions. I’m glad that the President acted to strengthen and support renewable fuel, and I hope we can make this change permanent.” The waiver takes effect May 1 and will continue for 20 days. The EPA intends to renew the waiver as long as it's necessary.
	[5:10 PM] Doxsee, Alec Girl Scouts host 'Journey Around the World' event for kids Maura Warner from Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois talks with News 8's Shelby Kluver about their "Journey Around the World" event for kids.
	Kewanee Firefighters help rescue dog from well Kewanee Firefighters got an unusual call early Friday morning: They had to use their rope rescue skills and put it to the test. when both stations responded to the call and worked together to rescue a 2-year-old pitbull from a cold well in Kewanee. "I looked down the hole, and I realized we didn't have a small puppy," said Lt. Joe Rediger, a Kewanee firefighter. "We had an 80-pound pit-bull down there, and realized it was going to be a little more intense than we thought it might be." Kewanee crews hurried to a house call involving Gypsy, a 2-year-old pitbull, on Friday morning. She was stuck in a well that only very few people could fit in. Luckily, the Kewanee Fire Department had just the right man for the job. "The biggest thing that was going through my head was how are we going to do this safely and efficiently," said Kewanee Firefighter Anthony Rushing. "We saw the size of the hole, and I figured I would probably be going down because I'm the smallest guy on the shift. So, I started emptying my pockets so I could go down and do that." Gypsy and Taran Dixon "We set up all of our ropes in our rescue system," Rediger said. "We determined we could send Rushing down there, and tying a rope to send him and the dog up. It worked really well. Gypsy was very happy to get out of that hole." Gypsy's owner says a cover on the well was in place when he let Gypsy outside like he does every morning. Only minutes later he realized his dog was under the cover of the well when he heard howls coming from his back yard. "I was just incredibly grateful and thankful that she was OK because I was scared," said Taran Dixon, Gypsy's owner. "She was freezing and shivering, and I couldn't go down there because I'm not skinny enough - especially with a ladder." Gypsy eventually made it out because of the quick response from firefighters. "She's been so thankful," Dixon said. "As soon as she got out she started going up to them wanting attention. She was really happy." Firefighters say it took only about five minutes to rescue the dog and warm her up after her plunge inside the well. The firefighters made sure to give her plenty of treats, and welcomed her back to the fire station any time in the future.
	Two big concerts out of Africa to Bishop Hill Two concerts featuring African artists are coming to Bishop Hill Creative Commons over the next week. This Sunday, April 21 at 7 p.m. is QWANQWA, a primary language of Ethiopia, which translates to “language” in English. In this sense, QWANQWA is a project creating dialogues between cultures using the universal language of music, according to an event release. QWANQWA from Ethiopia will perform Sunday night in Bishop Hill. Beaming in from the sizzling Addis Ababa nightlife scene, this group shines an experimentalism based in the virtuosity of rooted traditions, the release says. With swirling masinko (one-stringed fiddle), wah-wah violin, bass krar grooves, the heavy riffs of goat skin kebero beats, and powerful mellismatic lead African diva vocals, QWANQWA keeps the people rapt in celebratory attention.QWANQWA uncovers lesser known traditional sounds from East Africa regions of Ethiopia and beyond—a trance-like chant of the Eritrean tribe of Blen, a psychedelic Somalian cover, an extended Amhara wedding medley, a Mahmoud Ahmed sing-a-long. With Selamnesh Zemene, the Azmari diva powerhouse, at the helm, QWANQWA is a conversation of virtuosos through tight arrangements and extended experimental moments. The live show ranges from intimate to wild, from whispery conversations to full blown rock show, and it is hard to believe these psychedelic sounds are coming from traditional harps, one string fiddle, and violin, the release says. A $25-35 donation is suggested. Mokoomba from Zimbabwe will perform April 24 at 7 p.m. On Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m. will be Mokoomba, an explosively talented six-man crew from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. With over 40 countries and prestigious international festivals under their belt, they have performed at the world’s biggest festivals and venues, Sziget, Roskilde, North Sea Jazz, New York’s Apollo Theater, New Orleans Jazz and many more, according to the release. While in the area, the group will also visit area schools as part of Crossroads Cultural Connections’ visiting artist program. This concert and school visits are supported by Quad City Arts, through the Arts Dollars re-granting program, supported by The Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation - Isabel Bloom Art Education Endowment. Attendance is free, but donations are gladly accepted. All donations received at this concert will go to cover operating expenses for Crossroads Cultural Connections. A potluck, starting at 6 p.m., precedes each concert, with music beginning at 7 p.m. All concerts are family-friendly and open to guests of all ages. Plates, bowls, silverware, napkins, and serving utensils provided. The venue and art cooperative, located at 309 N. Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill, also contains and has for sale the works of local and regional artists, who work in a variety of mediums. It is open Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
	Bettendorf High-School students compete in Trebuchet contest Bettendorf High School students competed against students from Moline, Pleasant Valley, North Scott and Riverdale high schools during the annual trebuchet contest.
	Frontier Communications reports cyberattack The telecommunications company filed a report with the SEC that a third party hacked its IT systems.
	Camping Season is open now in Scott County! Buffalo Shores, West Lake Park and Scott County Park are now open for the 2024 camping season.
	QC bosses to belt out music to benefit Common Chord Some influential area bosses will bounce from the board room to the Redstone Room at Common Chord for a special battle. With a Common Chord staff house band, the “Battle of the Bosses” fundraiser will feature live music and a dessert reception provided by Molly's Cupcakes Quad Cities on Saturday, May 4 at 7 p.m., 129 N. Main Street in Davenport. Expect surprises, collaborations, and a whole lot of fun as these bosses battle it out, belting out classic tunes and seek the coveted Golden Microphone from a public vote, according to a Friday release from Common Chord. All proceeds raised from this fundraising event ($40 per person) will directly benefit QC youth through providing music education and enrichment programming. The bosses and QC companies represented include: All-Star Deere Band — John Deere (Jason Brantley, Susan Parker, Andrew Brock, Ross Carlson) Geoff Manis — Rouse Consulting Group James Palagi — Parker Davenport Rock 'n Ruhl — Ruhl & Ruhl (Chris Beason, Sally Atwell, Matt Schwind) Russell Resonators — Russell Construction (Jim Russell, Sam Russell, Mike Doucette) Sue Ramset Kretz -- KWQC-TV6 2024 marks the 20th year for Common Chord and promises to be an exciting year as they celebrate 20 years of providing meaningful educational and community programming. All year long, Common Chord provides a variety of educational and enrichment programs to area youth designed to provide access to musical experiences and build positive relationships. Examples include: Common Chord is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, in the historic Redstone building at 2nd and Main, Davenport. InTune Music Mentorship Program, provided to students at Project Renewal & Friendly House in Davenport, the MLK Center in Rock Island, and Boys & Girls Club in Moline. InTune employs professional musician mentors to share a love of music with the kids, build healthy mentoring relationships, develop stronger support networks for at-risk youth, and show positive paths forward in life. Acoustic Music Clubs, a music enrichment program for youth and adults with disabilities that provides a fun musical experience. Provided in partnership with the Blackhawk Area Special Education Center, ARC of the Quad Cities, Empowering Abilities (formerly HDC), and Empower House. RiverCurrents, the flagship school program that teaches the history and evolution of American music along the Mississippi River. All Davenport 5th graders participate in this program, along with many other schools throughout the region. Let's Band Together! instrument loan program. "We are grateful for these bosses who are rocking it in their day jobs and are true rock stars to Common Chord by helping us activate the power of music to improve our community," Common Chord executive director Tyson Danner said in Friday’s release. "The love of music knows no boundaries, and working together, we are changing lives." You can reserve tickets HERE.
	Former Davenport City Administrator Corri Spiegel requests media restriction clause be waived in $1.6 million settlement agreement News 8 obtained Spiegel's request, which was made in an email sent by Spiegel to Mayor Mike Matson, all 10 members of the Davenport City Council and others.
	What's next for Davenport Junior Theatre? Davenport Junior Theatre has a new home to continue educating and engaging kids in the field of performing arts, and now they're looking at the quality of the space they're moving into. Performing arts supervisor Daniel Sheridan and board member Nicole Savatski stopped by Our Quad Cities News to talk about what's next for Davenport Junior Theatre. For more information, click here.
	Vera French breaks ground on headquarters expansion The expansion will add a larger waiting room, a new ramp to help patients with mobility issues and additional windows to allow more sunlight into the facility.
	Vera French Clinic in Davenport expanding West Central Park clinic During a ceremonial groundbreaking, the Vera French Community Mental Health Center announced the expansion of its Vera French Clinic in Davenport.
	Rockridge High School reaps benefits of first hydroponic harvest The students have been growing lettuce, peas, broccoli, basil, cucumbers & tomatoes in their hydroponic 'Flex Farm' which uses minimal water and energy resources.
	Quad Cities area students compete at Bettendorf High school trebuchet competition Bettendorf High School held the 16th QCESC Trebuchet competition. A 170-feet long toss was the longest by Best Builders from Pleasant Valley High School.
	Quad City Climate Change Report shares challenges, solutions for areas future A Quad City climate change report released by the Prairie Rivers Network and the National Wildlife Federation shows some possible weather challenges in our future.
	Rockridge high school reaps benefits of first hydroponic harvest The students have been growing lettuce, peas, broccoli, basil, cucumbers & tomatoes in their hydroponic 'Flex Farm' which uses minimal water and energy resources.
	Vera French breaks ground on headquarters expansion The expansion will add a larger waiting room, a new ramp to help patients with mobility issues and additional windows to allow more sunlight into the facility.
	Iowa moves forward to reduce state income tax rates Iowa House Republicans are advancing an effort to reduce state income tax rates. The House and Senate Committees approved a plan to reduce rates to 3.8% next year instead of a planned 3.9% rate by 2026. Republicans say the state can afford the rate cut after ending fiscal year 2023 with a nearly $2 billion surplus. Final House and Senate votes on the income tax cut could come later today.
	Chicago bluesman to play Davenport Steeplegate The 40-year-old Mississippi Valley Blues Society is not having its trademark LeClaire Park festival this year, but it's not exactly singing the blues. It's launching a new concert series (partly to raise money for its 40th-annivesary festival in 2025) on Sunday, April 28, at 2 p.m., with Chicago-based Tom Holland & The Shuffle Kings. The concert is at the Steeplegate Inn, 100 W. 76th St., Davenport, where they had great success with Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys last spring. "We had a great turnout last year, over 200 people," MVBS president Steve Horan said Friday. He's really looking to Holland, a left-handed guitarist and singer who was one of the first members of the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame. Tom Holland is a 46-year-old Chicago native. "They're just an awesome band," Horan said. The humble Holland, a 46-year-old native of Chicago’s south side (Beverly), has played Mississippi Valley Blues Festival a few times, with the last at least 15 years ago. The Steeplegate gig will be his first QC appearance outside of Blues Fest. Holland was asked after MVBS members saw him play at the Central Iowa Blues Society Winter Blues event this past February. He called the Davenport fest “one of the better blues festivals in the country.” “You know when you walk in there, everybody is there for the music,” Holland said recently, noting the beautiful riverfront setting of LeClaire Park. He wasn’t surprised the MVBS had to cancel this year’s fest, due to lack of funds and need of a major sponsor. “A lot of festivals, a lot of clubs, a lot of blues societies didn’t make it to reopening” since the pandemic, Holland said. “Before the shutdown was the busiest I’ve ever been. Of course this is going to happen, I’m finally starting to make some inroads and do well. Of course, it’s gonna shut everything down.” He noted Illinois took its time reopening after COVID. During the pandemic, for two years, Holland played solo livestreams once a week. “Depending on the kindness of fans and strangers is one thing,” he said. “I knew it wasn’t gonna last forever. This might help out a little money-wise now, but it’s gonna be an exercise in keeping my chops up.” Several Chicago blues clubs didn’t open back up, and some that did said they couldn’t afford to pay Holland’s band, but just him solo. “I slowly built it back, but still 90 percent of the gigs that I do are solo,” he said. “Just me, guitar and a microphone. It’s taken a lot longer than I think a lot of people have thought. Slowly, I’m getting more and more band gigs.” Blues on Halsted in Chicago closed, since right before the pandemic they were going to sell the business, after 40 years. “They almost had the deal and the shutdown happen, which scared investors,” Holland said. “I heard somebody bought the building, they’re going to rehab it and probably open it back up in a year or two. I love Blues on Halsted, but it was a very well-worn club.” A musical childhood He grew up on Chicago’s south side and was influenced by the city’s rich jazz and blues heritage from a very young age. His father’s love of music and vast record collection was the catalyst for Tom’s love of music, especially blues. His parents' bedroom was lined with LPs, and one whole wall of the living room had bookcases filled with records – classical, blues, jazz, R&B, rock. “He was very well-rounded musically,” Holland said of his dad. He chose blues because that’s what his father mostly listened to, and picked guitar after seeing Eddie Van Halen on TV. Holland took guitar lessons for about a year and a half, but mostly learned by ear. Holland began playing guitar at age 13, learning by listening to Muddy Waters tapes, LPs, and CDs. Tom cites Muddy Waters, Earl Hooker, John Primer and Magic Slim as his greatest influences. By the time he turned 18, Holland was ready to start learning from the musicians on the Chicago blues scene. He studied a year at Columbia College Chicago and got hooked on music after playing his first gig by age 19, at a brewery in the western suburb of Downers Grove. Holland first patronized the blues great Buddy Guy’s Legends, which was within walking distance from the downtown college. “I started going to Buddy Guy’s every night and there was a jazz club another block down from the dorms,” he said. They did blues there every Tuesday, and that’s where he went every Tuesday. “The owner of this jazz club saw that I was not there to get drunk, pick up women. I was there for the music,” Holland recalled. He was thrilled when he first played at Legends. “I had been on sage before, but in the back of my head, I thought ‘If I get on stage, there’s a chance that Buddy Guy might be here’. 18-year-old me is like, Buddy Guy is gonna be here? I’m gonna be famous. That was when Buddy was at the height of his late ‘90s power, and he was on the road most of the time.” Primer as mentor Holland didn’t see Buddy until he started working with John Primer (Muddy Waters's last guitarist) in 1998. Magic Slim & The Teardrops used to play at The Checkerboard (originally opened by Guy) in Chicago, and when Holland started hanging out there, he had sold it and launched Legends. Magic Slim played Sundays and Mondays, and Primer played guitar with him. “I used to sneak out and go see them, and that’s when I met John, through seeing Magic Slim,” he said. “John went solo, left Magic Slim, and when Slim moved to Lincoln, he had John take over Sundays and Mondays.” Holland went to see Primer regularly, and asked to sit in with his guitar. Holland did that after six months and Primer took him on as a player for an upcoming gig, his first one. John Primer, second from left, and his Real Deal Blues Band, will play the Redstone Room in Davenport on May 17, 2024. After the first set, Primer asked: “What drugs do you do, how much do you drink, and if I need you, what’s it gonna take to keep you?” he remembered. “I don’t drink; I just smoke cigarettes, and if you need me, call me. I ended up playing for John for three years.” “I was young and didn’t know anything. I was still living at my parents’ house,” Holland said, noting Primer lived two miles from there. “I got to see the United States and Canada with John. I probably could have paid better attention, but I was happy – I don’t have a 9-to-5 job and people are actually paying me for this.” As a guitarist, Primer was very open and supportive. “He obviously saw something in me,” Holland said. “He’d show me stuff – no, not like that, like this. That was a big help for me.” Now 79, Primer played behind Junior Wells in the house band at Theresa's Lounge in Chicago and as a member of the bands of Willie Dixon, Muddy Waters and Magic Slim before launching an award-winning career as a front man. He also taught Holland how to play slide guitar. “I’d fumble around on it and completely be horrible,” he said. “After probably five or six months of getting that every single night, it’s like, this doesn’t sound as it did before.” Holland toured the United States and Canada for two years with Primer as a member of his band, the Real Deal Blues Band. While in the band, he recorded the 1998 Wolf Records release "It’s a Blues Life." This was his first time in a recording studio and certainly not his last. It was also during this time that he formed the first incarnation of his own group The Shuffle Kings. Holland took his place as one of the top sidemen in Chicago. In late 1999, was asked to join Chicago blues guitarist Eddy “The Chief” Clearwater’s band. He toured with Clearwater for three years as the bandleader, and toured across the U.S., Canada, and made his first trip to Europe. He freelanced with Carey Bell, Phil Guy, A.C. Reed, Atlanta vocalist Sandra Hall, and countless other Chicago bluesmen and women. In November 2003, he was approached by harp legend James Cotton, who was in need of a guitar player. He accepted and toured with James for 12 years. Holland played on both of Cotton’s Grammy-nominated releases, "Giant" and "Cotton Mouth Man," both on Alligator Records. In 2013, Tom took the band back into the studio, recording "No Fluff, Just the Stuff," on his own E Natchel Records imprint, which garnered rave reviews. Hall of Fame induction Holland was one of the first inductees to the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame in 2013, at just 35. “A friend of mine in New Jersey, who was real tight with the people who do the International Blues Hall of Fame, said they’re gonna do a Chicago one,” he said. “We’d like you to be in the first induction class; I said, ‘Absolutely not. I’m way too young for that.’” Holland recalled his friend told him he had already seen more countries than most people would. “You’ve been there for all the major guys in the last 20 years. You deserve to be in the Hall of Fame,” he quoted his friend. Holland finally relented, noting that first class included Eddy Clearwater (who died in 2018 at age 83). Blues musician Eddy Clearwater (born Edward Harrington) performs onstage during the Chicago Blues Festival at the Petrillo Bandshell, Chicago, June 9, 2013. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) “Eddy was the first band I went overseas to Europe with,” he said. “John put out on the road and Eddy kept me going. For me, it was a little weird. You’re inducting me with guy I was in his band not more than five years ago.” For more on the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame, click HERE. To learn more about Holland, click HERE. Future MVBS dates The April 28 Steeplegate gig has a $15 admission, and will have a taco bar and cash bar available for purchase. The Blues society upcoming concerts include: Free concerts outdoors June 15 at Pour Bros. Taproom, Moline, and July 14 at Whiskey Stop, East Moline. Aug. 18 fundraiser at Gypsy Highway, Davenport, and a September concert to be determined later. Coincidentally, John Primer (with opener Kevin Burt) will perform in Davenport in less than a month, at the Redstone Room (at Common Chord, 2nd and Main streets), on May 17, 2024, at 9 p.m. For more on MVBS, click HERE.
	Fulliam-Sycamore intersection open temporarily The intersection of Fulliam and Sycamore was reopened to traffic on Friday, but it will be briefly closed again next week, city officials said.
	Vera French holds ceremonial groundbreaking for upgrades to Davenport mental health clinic The organization plans to expand the clinic, which opened in 1971, and bring it up-to-date to meet the mental health needs of clients today.
	Midwestern leaders cheer E15 waiver for summer sale of ethanol blend fuel The EPA issued a waiver on ethanol today that will temporarily expand the fuel around the country.
	Crews respond to semi truck fire on I-80, Bureau County Crews responded to a report of a truck-tractor flatbed trailer on fire on I-80 on Friday.
	Moline man facing drug trafficking charges of fentanyl and marijuana A Moline, Ill. man is facing drug trafficking charges after prosecutors say he brought almost half a pound of fentanyl and marijuana into the state through the mail.
	Dubuque awarded FEMA grant for flood mitigation The city of Dubuque recently received federal funding to help prevent flooding.
	Animal handlers at the Niabi Zoo celebrated one of their own Jilin is an amur leopard and celebrated his birthday with a birthday party this week. Jilin turned 6 years old on Thursday.
	State troopers release names of 2 killed in Scott County crash near Walcott Two people were killed in a crash last Saturday near Walcott and the names of the deceased have been released.
	Junior Theatre details Younkers site plans After of four months of study and community input, 73-year-old Davenport Junior Theatre has unveiled plans for a new location in 2025, after it moves from the Annie Wittenmyer campus on Eastern Avenue, where it’s called home since 1977. Davenport Junior Theatre cottages at the city-owned Annie Wittenmyer complex, 2800 Eastern Ave. The city of Davenport has entered into an agreement with developer Chris Ales (who led the restoration of the 1920 Capitol Theatre downtown) to create 99 units of affordable housing at Annie Wittenmyer. It will renovate the historic buildings, some dating from the late 19th century, and not require any demolitions. Junior Theatre has put together a detailed plan to convert the former Younkers store at NorthPark Mall into a new complex for the city Parks & Recreation program that serves over 2,000 kids throughout the QC region, from ages 3-18. The former Younkers site at NorthPark Mall, 320 W. Kimberly Rd., Davenport (Bryan Bobb). The Younkers interim space falls within the top choice area based on Junior Theatre’s Community Input Survey (which had 342 responses). “Centrally located in City, with key corridor access to highways for those traveling to Davenport,” the project website says, noting it has ample parking. There is easy drop-off at north entrance, which would be exclusive to DJT, with no general mall access. Green space will provide an outdoor programming area for summer camps. The mall space size vastly increases square footage compared to the current DJT location (which uses 43,617 square feet at Annie Wittenmyer), allowing for continued program growth. The interim theater itself would seat 270, while the current DJT theatre seats 362. The conceptual site plan of how the old Younkers space would be used, including a 270-seat theater, at left. DJT is working with OPN Architects of Iowa City on conceptual plans. They looked at local churches and performance spaces to move as an interim solution, but the trick was not only do they have a theater, “but we have a vast educational need of programming space,” Davenport performing arts supervisor Daniel Sheridan said Friday, noting those kind of spaces couldn’t fit all those needs. At Annie Wittenmyer, DJT operates out of 10 cottages as well as the Mary Fluhrer Nighswander Theater (which will not be developed as part of the housing plan), and the former Younkers store is 103,000 square feet. “It fell in that zone of the city that people were very interested in Junior Theatre being, and it checked so many of the boxes – community input and programming needs, that it definitely was the one to pursue,” Sheridan said. It’s also a plus being all space on one level, under one roof, which is certainly not the case at the Wittenmyer complex. The current layout, including cottages, at Annie Wittenmyer. “It’s a large space, which also makes it easy to build out,” he said of the variety of studios and office space. “One of the great things about this place, it’s got a ton of space, everything under one roof, but the down side is the theater space isn’t really a theater, it’s more a production space,” said Nicole Savatski, board member of nonprofit partner Junior Theatre, Inc., which puts on the three DJT mainstage productions a year. “Trying to retrofit a theater into something that was a mall, a shopping store, just doesn’t work very well,” she said Friday morning. Nicole Savatski and Daniel Sheridan speak with Our Quad Cities News on April 19, 2024. The Younkers site would require a theater with about 100 fewer seats and a smaller stage, so that’s one reason this is only a temporary fix (for at least three years), while DJT pursues a new permanent facility. “We’ve had the blessing of being in the Mary Fluhrer Nighswander Theater for 47 years, and the mall performance space will not be the Mary Fluhrer Nighswander Theater,” Sheridan said. “We owe it to this program and its legacy, and its possibility to grow and serve more kids, to create that theater space proper – that’s been earned by decades of people contributing.” There’s also a commission working with the city and NorthPark Mall owner Macerich to determine best long-term uses of the mall, he noted. Daniel Sheridan, a DJT, alum, at the entrance to the Mary Fluhrer Nighswander Theatre. The architect will come back with cost estimates and will be taken to city council, back for discussion on how to fund the renovations for the new facility. The timetable for the process includes: July-Sept. 2024: Put construction project out to bid, award bid, and begin project preparation for space. Oct.-Dec. 2024: Enter lease for existing space and start construction. Jan.-March 2025: Construction continues, programming continues at Annie Wittenmyer. April-June 2025: Begin draw down from current facility, finish final mainstage production, recitals, farewell celebration on May 18, 2025, finish final move out of cottages, summer programming begins at interim location. “From a Parks & Recreation standpoint, our leadership has been very clear that the nonprofit is not responsible for fundraising for a move to an interim location,” Sheridan said. “This was not something our partner chose; this was something that happened, so we’re trying to work that city process to make that possible.” Pluses at the mall Macerich has been incredibly favorable and generous in negotiating lease terms for DJT, and may contribute some of the funding for the renovations, he said. “They’ve been super responsive,” Sheridan said. “They’re very interested in having a program like Junior Theatre, where people come in – 500 families a week, and sit down for an hour. That would be a great asset to the mall, I think.” The interior of Davenport Junior Theatre, which was renovated in 2017 including all new seats. The mall parking also would be much larger and convenient than DJT’s current location. “Instead of having three disjoined parking areas – none of which are exceptionally close to the programming, this will all be right next to that door,” Savatski said. “This is a mall, there are thousands of spaces. This will be so much easier.” That north end of the mall is largely unoccupied, Sheridan said, in contrast with the main entrances on the south, by Barnes & Noble. DJT (the second-oldest children’s theater in the country, launched in 1951) is seeking feedback on the plans on its website. “The one thing I’m excited about with the survey, there are three key open-ended questions – What are you excited about? What are you concerned about? And what ideas do you have that maybe we have not considered?” Sheridan said. A scene from the DJT production of "Finding Nemo Jr." in February 2024. “We’ve already received over 100 responses in a 36-hour period,” he said. “Those will be very important to us, because there will be a lot of valuable ideas in there and things we need to consider.” The feedback so far has been exceptionally positive, but Sheridan said there already have been concerns expressed about the performance venue itself. “If you’ve ever been to a Junior Theatre event, we have 362 seats now and sometimes for our shows, people end up having to stand along the back wall,” he said. “It is busy, so losing 100 seats does impact program delivery. It doesn’t mean we can’t deliver a little different. But it will have an impact and it will not feel like the theater we have today. The theater we have today is beautiful.” The lease at the mall will be for three years, with options to renew. Big farewell bash planned On May 18, 2025, they plan a big celebration at the current site. “Nicole and I both grew up doing Junior Theatre, so we have a deep affinity for this location,” Sheridan said. “Even though we’re moving, it’s great to know the facility will be redeveloped and last longer as a piece in our community. “The farewell event in May is going to really be a celebration of all that we’ve accomplished here,” he added. “We don’t want it to feel like a funeral. We wanted to really celebrate how grateful we are. When you talk about a permanent home, nothing’s permanent. This has been a permanent home and we need to celebrate all that it’s done for us. “Now we have to find our next permanent place for the next 25, 35, 45, 50 years,” Sheridan said. "We are making an effort to be fiscally responsible," Savatski said. "In 2017, our board raised over $112,000 towards improvements to the Nighswander Theatre. A large portion of that were the chairs, which are still in excellent shape. The current plan is to respect that large investment and bring them with us. The plan is to bring as much as possible with us in order to lower costs now in hopes that more resources can be provided down the line towards a permanent home." Junior Theatre has been at the Annie Wittenmyer campus since 1977. Junior Theatre's next Mainstage production is "Suzette Who Set to Sea," directed by Cynthia Taylor, showing April 27th & May 4th at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., and April 28th and May 5th at 3 p.m. All shows are free to see, thanks to some generous grants, and the April 28th performance will be ASL interpreted, Savatski noted. "There are three songs containing original music written and performed by the cast. They are truly beyond talented," she added. For more information on the facility plans, visit the project page HERE.
	Galesburg seniors dance to viral video status Some Galesburg senior citizens are dancing their way to viral video status. Gordon Behrents Senior Center posted this video of its Gordon Girls and other participants to its Facebook page. Seniors and staff danced and lip synced to Jess Glynne's hit song 'Hold My Hand.' The video has been seen over 7,000 times. For more, click here.
	Environmental biologists are excited about the upcoming cicada emergence While some people are fearing the "cicada-pocalypse" regional scientists are hard at work studying this rare phenomenon.
	The Culture Report \| Caitlin Clark's Salary Sparks Pay Gap Outrage This week we discuss the growing popularity of women's sports and the inequities that still exist, violence among young people and fitting in.
	13 tornadoes confirmed in Iowa from Tuesday’s severe weather outbreak The strongest tornado was the EF-2 that did damage in Houghton, Salem, New London and areas to the northeast.
	4 Your Money \| Tax Refunds We are all thankful that the tax filing season is now behind us. Nate Kreinbrink, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, lets us know if there was anything new that stood out this year and how it may impact viewers.
	Protecting your plants from the cold and frost Protecting your plants from the cold and frost
	School administrators in Morrison weighing options to preserve school funds Administrators in the Morrison school district are struggling with their budget, and are proposing changes to their education opportunities to save money.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for April 19, 2024 The Rock Island Army Corp of Engineers is hosting free boating safety courses, and high schoolers are putting their engineering skills to the test with trebuchets.
	Republican lawmakers propose further income tax cuts in Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds called these tax cuts a "common sense compromise," and Republicans hope this is the first step towards a long-term plan.
	Rashee Rice latest: Crash report shines more details into how Dallas crash happened Both Rice and Knox face eight felony charges in connection to the Dallas crash in late March.
	Moline schedules hydrant-flushing throughout city The Moline Water Division will begin hydrant-flushing Monday, April 22. According to a release, Water Division personnel will verify proper operation of more than 2,500 fire hydrants located in Moline. This operation removes deposits and sediment that can accrue in the water mains. Customers may experience some discoloration or cloudiness in their water for a short time following hydrant-flushing. Generally, this will clear up by running some water from a cold-water tap for a few minutes. The water is safe to use during this time, but customers should refrain from doing laundry while flushing is being conducted in their area. Moline flushing routes schedule (City of Moline) The hydrant-flushing is scheduled to happen weekdays between 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The program is set to last for about four weeks. For an approximate schedule, click here.
	Muscatine County Supervisors hear arguments from landowners on vacating road The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors agreed to begin negotiations with the residents along a road in rural Conesville the county is considering vacating.
	Plants aplenty: Muscatine FFA to begin annual plant sale on April 26 This year’s plant sale will begin on Friday, April 26, and will run on the three following Fridays as well.
	Mike Truitt announced as Muscatine High School's newest head football coach Mike Truitt will be the next Muskie football coach.
	Moline police launch online reporting system for minor offenses and non-emergency crimes Moline Police Department has launched an online reporting system for minor offenses and non-emergency crimes, such as burglary to a motor vehicle, criminal damage to property or home repair fraud.
	'Remarkable Woman' will host Davenport fundraiser to help women, children Luekinna Hodges, Nexstar's 2023 winner of the Remarkable Women of the Quad Cities, will host a special event on Friday, May 10. The "Rise Women of Vigor" gala fundraiser will benefit Kinna's House of Love, which has a mission to empower women and children affected by abuse. Remarkable Women of the Quad Cities winner Luekinna Hodges, left (photo submitted) The evening of elegance and empowerment will be held at 1411 N. Brady St., Davenport. Attire for the evening will be white, and guests are asked to wear a purple flower to represent the women who have passed on. (Getty) The event will feature door prizes, raffles, one surprise under a seat, dinner, entertainment by a saxophonist, comedian Chris Schlichting, and an address by last year’s Nexstar Remarkable Woman of the Year Mona Highline, who is founder and CEO of Joseph Center in Grand Junction, Colorado. Also featured will be the director of WISP (Women’s Independence Scholarship Program) Jill Tremlette Large, and domestic abuse survivor Angela Lathan. For reservations, click here.
	Man sentenced in case stemming from 2023 injury crash in Moline A related lawsuit remained pending.
	Man arrested for July robbery of high-end purses in Davenport A Cincinnati man is charged with attempted robbery at NorthPark Mall and hitting an off-duty police officer.
	'Rooting out poverty': Project NOW holds second annual Poverty Conference "What if I told you that poverty is unacceptable?," said Dwight Ford, executive director of Project NOW.
	Man faces up to 80 years in prison for allegedly bringing more than half a pound of fentanyl into Illinois A Moline man is facing a possible prison sentence of up to 80 years for allegedly brining into Illinois more than half a pound of fentanyl to sell.
	Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, April 19, 2024 Kay Frances Bashore, 77, of Davenport, died Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at Ridgecrest Village, Davenport. Arrangements at Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport.
	Pending Death Notices for Muscatine, April 19, 2024 Carole L. Brown, 79, of Davenport, Iowa, died Friday, March 22, 2024, at Bickford of Davenport. Cremation will be directed by Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.
	Orion schools may expand computer concepts additions, implementing career pathways program High school principal Nathan DeBaillie gave a presentation to the board on the possibilities of adding more computer courses at the grade school, middle school and high school levels.
	Homer man enters guilty plea to criminal sexual assault in Henry County Court A Homer, Illinois man entered a negotiated guilty plea to one count of criminal sexual assault and two other felonies in Henry County Circuit Court Wednesday.
Thursday, April 18th, 2024
	Rock Island Police Chief Richard Landi announces his retirement Landi's last day with the department is a week from Friday.
	Rock Island Police Chief Richard Landi announces his retirement Landi's last day with the department is a week from Friday.
	Muscatine to apply for federal grant to purchase electric buses Two electric buses would replace one of the city's eight buses.
	QCA teams face off in Junior Achievement Titan Competition Students from high schools around the QCA competed in a regional business contest by Junior Achievement of the Heartland. The Junior Achievement Titan Competition challenged teams to act as CEOs in the phone industry. Teams from Mediapolis High School, Mendota Township High School, Pleasant Valley High School, Rivermont Collegiate and West Liberty High School faced off in the scholarship round. The team from Mediapolis took home the grand prize this year.
	Iowa American Legion post 711 celebrate 75th anniversary The organization was founded by WWII veterans returning home from war.
	Trader Joe's recalling organic basil products The recalled items were sold in Iowa and Illinois between February and April 2024.
	Muscatine to apply for federal grant to purchase electric buses If approved, the grant would also pay for a new building to house buses, charging stations and training staff on electric vehicle maintenance.
	Moline residents can now report crimes online The new program is expected to expand to additional cities in Rock Island County.
	Here's how you can help victims of Tuesday's tornado While no injuries were reported during Tuesday's storms, extensive damage to homes, trees and outbuildings was noted by NWS Quad Cities.
	Muscatine to renovate Weed Park The $500,000 project will clean up the park's two lagoons, replace an observation deck and more.
	NHL prospect from Bettendorf Luke Toporowski savoring opportunity to play close to home with Iowa Wild Luke Toporowski has loved hockey for longer than he can remember.
	Bettendorf K9 Lewis receives new vest One of the members of the Bettendorf K9 police force received a new vest.
	QC man first in world for breakthrough implant Peripheral arterial disease is a condition that develops when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs, affecting up to 12 million people in the U.S. Our Quad Cities News reporter Victoria Frazier introduces us to a Quad-City man who was the first in the world to receive a new implantable device to help treat the condition, and it happened here in the QCA.
	Construction set to begin on April 22 in Galesburg Illinois Department of Transportation announced construction in Galesburg.
	IDOA schedules clean sweep collection in Central Illinois Residents of 11 counties in Illinois can dispose of unwanted agrichemicals for free through the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s (IDOA) “Clean Sweep” program.
	Ben Butterworth Parkway trail closed for repairs The Ben Butterworth Parkway trail will be closed for repairs.
	Ready ... aim ... trebuchet! Students will compete in Bettendorf Bettendorf High School students will compete with their peers from Pleasant Valley, and North Scott, Riverdale and Moline schools in a trebuchet contest Friday, April 19, a news release says. Each team’s challenge will be to assure its trebuchet launches accurately and consistently. The trebuchets will toss large raw eggs at targets 75’, 100’ and 125’ away. Points will also be given for longest toss as well. A point system has been calculated for different points awarded for closer ranges. The ultimate goal is to hit the bull’s-eye. Other points will be awarded for design presentations judged by Quad City Engineers. Beginning at 9 a.m. at Bettendorf High School, teams will test their trebuchet designs by tossing eggs. Each of the 22-plus student teams will be given four shots at each target using raw large eggs, three of the four will be counted as scoring shots. Each team has 30 minutes to complete their effort. The scoring is bull's eye -10 points, 10' circle -8 points, 20' circle -6 points, 30' circle -3 points. Trophies will be awarded for the top three point-getters, most innovative design, as well as longest toss. In addition to the event, teams will throw for distance after the target shots. Each team will have two chances for bragging rights of the longest throw of the day. This event is free and open to the public. This is one of the three events sponsored by the Quad City Engineering and Science Council. The winner of the three events wins a $1,000 scholarship individually. The school wins a traveling trophy with the most points.
	Forum helps QC businesses diversify workforce Businesses in the QCA took time to learn about increasing the diversity in their workplaces. IowaWORKS hosted a forum to focus on the immigrant workforce. Business owners and managers learned about the migrant community from those who call the Quad Cities home. They heard from other companies about their experiences with migrants. Organizers say migrants are eager for work but struggle finding jobs. World Relief Quad Cities, the Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges helped organize the session.
	Moline Police Department set to launch online reporting system The Moline Police Department has launched an online reporting system.
	Moline police launch online crime reporting system The new program is expected to expand to additional cities in Rock Island County.
	Culver's raising money on Earth Day Join Culver's on Earth Day in supporting Living Lands & Waters, when 10% of all sales will be donated.
	Safer Sacks helps QCA community programs The Safer Foundation hosted its annual Safer Sacks fundraiser to benefit the group's programs in the QCA. St. Ambrose University students joined in to volunteer and help out Safer Foundation supply the meals. "I have a natural compassion in my heart and I love to have experiences like this," Gabriella Butler, a St. Ambrose University senior, said. "I think a lot of people think they need to make some huge grand donation, but when it comes down to it, you're just volunteering a little bit of your time, just hanging out with the kids makes a bigger impact on their life than you think." Safer Foundation provides programs for individuals 16 and up. "It's really great for the students to feel they have some connection at a different level, just understanding that there's something that's different than what they've known," Brian Monroe, Safer Foundation Assistant Director, said. "So many of them only know what they've been brought up in. Our core purpose is really to help individuals that have had some involvement with the criminal legal system, back on their feet and back in the community." Throughout the busy day delivering lunches for the people who purchased them, Safer Foundation makes sure that students learn about the positive impact they're leaving behind. "When we do have time to have conversations with them it's really positive," Monroe said. "Because then we can spend some time talking about what is that impact, and long term what does that mean." Students from Safer Foundation say they enjoyed spending the day helping the community with St. Ambrose students. "It means a lot to me to know that I'm able to give back to the community," Butler said. "I get to learn about things that they're going through, and how what little or big steps I can make to improve their overall quality of life and enhance their wellbeing." Butler hopes more community members step up to help those in need. "You can make a difference in someone's life just by showing you care," Butler said. Safer Foundation sold just under their goal of 2,100 lunches, giving away 1,995 total.
	Iowa GOP lawmakers reach deal to speed up, further cut income taxes Income taxes in Iowa could be dropping for everyone, and the cuts could be coming a year sooner than the current plan.
	Moline police officially launch online reporting system Moline residents can now report minor crimes to the police online.
	Mike Truitt to be named Muscatine High School’s new Head Football Coach Muscatine High School has named Mike Truitt as their next head football coach.
	Safer Foundation holds annual ‘Safer Sack’ fundraiser The Safer Foundation held their annual “Safer Sacks” fundraiser. The organization sold sack lunches to businesses with 100% of proceeds going towards individuals served through the foundation’s local programs.
	IowaWORKS Immigrants and refugee workforce event connects Quad Cities employers and job seekers The immigrant and refugee community of the Quad Cities learned about employment resources at IowaWORKS' "Immigrant Workforce – The QC's Best Kept Secret" event.
	Moline Police launch online reporting system The Moline Police Department has launched an online reporting system for minor offenses or nonemergency crimes called the Desk Officer Reporting System (DORS,) according to a news release. If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate threat, you should always call 911, the release says. If a citizen has an incident that occurred within the jurisdiction of the Moline Police Department and is not an emergency, the individual can navigate to the website to fill out a report online. Upon completion of the report, the submitter will receive a case number and be able to print a draft copy of the report. Once submitted, the report will be reviewed by the Records Division. If the report needs further investigation, the individual will be contacted. Those filing an online report should be sure to have a valid phone number and email submitted on the report. Online reporting is not designed to reduce policing services or replace speaking to an officer in person if needed. This enhancement is designed to provide citizens with a convenient and more efficient method to file a police report where documentation is the primary purpose. This also is a more efficient use of police resources by decreasing response times for report-only calls. A citizen may choose to file a report online for cases such as burglary to a motor vehicle, criminal damage to property, home-repair fraud, deceptive or bad checks, harassment by electronic communication, minor thefts, or visitation interference, for example. The DORS program project was implemented in cooperation with the Rock Island CountyEmergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) and will expand to further cities in Rock Island County over the coming months. The DORS program is integrated with the dispatch center that can send a caller a text message with a link to the online reporting system. Moline soft-launched this system in February and through a small sample size, tested the application to ensure proper functionality. Over two months, the Moline Police Department accepted 21 reports, which transitioned well from the online system into our records system. The project build began in July 2023. For more information, or to file a report online, visit here and click on "police."
	'It's all joy' \| Meet the QC man behind Navarro Canoe Co.'s handcrafted boats Jeff O'Hern spent his whole life around boats. Then two years ago, he started making them. You can get a BTS look at Navarro's 'Meet The Maker' event April 20-21.
	Golfing 'fore' Gray Matters Collective! Good things come in three! Here's your chance to tee off and help a great cause. Todd Winter with Rock Island Parks and Recreation, Haley DeGreve with The Gray Matters Collective and Chuck Dinwiddie with the Rock Island Moose Lodge made the drive to Our Quad Cities News to talk about the Par 3 Golf Tournament. For more information, click here.
	Woman charged in Jo Daviess County crash The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash involving a freightliner tractor, trailer Wednesday. A woman is now facing charges.
	What a new climate change report found about the Quad Cities region The recent report predicts places like the Isle Casino Hotel and Vibrant Area at the MARK could become susceptible to flooding as early as 2040.
	PAW Animal Shelter looks for community support to build larger facility PAW Animal Shelter in Fort Madison, Iowa, was recently gifted a $750,000 matching challenge for a new shelter and is asking for the public's help in matching funds.
	Morrison Community School District begins exploring budget cuts Superintendent Scott Vance said he's looking at plans that involve cutting $200,000 to $1 million over three years.
	Illinois Secretary of State encouraging residents to register as organ donors According to the Secretary of State's office, about 300 Illinois residents die each year waiting for a transplant, with another 4,000 people on the waitlist.
	PAW Animal Shelter looks for community support to build larger facility PAW Animal Shelter in Fort Madison, Iowa, was recently gifted a $750,000 matching challenge for a new shelter and is asking for the public's help in matching funds.
	'It's all joy' \| Meet the QC man behind Navarro Canoe Co.'s handcrafted boats Jeff O'Hern spent his whole life around boats. Then two years ago, he started making them. You can get a BTS look at Navarro's 'Meet The Maker' event April 20-21.
	Religious non-profit celebrates 88 years with fundraiser YouthHope, a religious non-profit organization, is celebrating 88 years, and they held a fundraiser Thursday night to support their after-school programs and summer camps.
	Easy tips to help prepare for severe weather Ameren Illinois recommends that everyone in the home knows where the kit is kept.
	1,600+ MidAmerican Energy customers without power in Rock Island County As of 4:30 p.m., 1,667 customers in total were without power, including 569 customers in Port Byron, 487 in Rapids City, 52 in Hampton and 559 throughout RI County.
	Niabi Zoo reducing admission costs for 2024 season Some exhibits will be temporarily closed after heavy snowstorms damaged the zoo's facilities. Admission costs have been reduced by $2 as a result.

Friday, April 19th, 2024

Thursday, April 18th, 2024