Thursday, May 9th, 2024 | |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Volunteers help reset hundreds of headstones in New London cemetery struck by tornado last monthAn EF-2 tornado wiped out more than 300 headstones and 18 trees after it traveled northeastward through the entire cemetery on April 16. |
Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 | |
![]() | ![]() Alleman holds second annual 'The First 100 Yards' fitness eventMore than 70 kids took part in the program emphasizing physical fitness and mental toughness. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Eight new officers sworn in to Davenport Police DepartmentEight new officers were sworn in to the Davenport Police Department. Chief Jeff Bladel and Mayor Mike Matson swore-in the officers May 8 at the Davenport City Council meeting. Seven of the officers graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in April, and the eighth is joining the Davenport Police Department from the Iowa City Police Department. For more information, click here. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Clinton Fire Department invites community to meet new chiefThe Clinton Fire Department invites the community to meet the newest fire chief at an open house event. |
![]() | ![]() Rock Island community votes on finalists for Arts Alley murals2 murals of the top 10 will be displayed in Arts Alley. |
![]() | ![]() 66 Quad Cities high school students sign intents to become apprentices at local businessesThe students will be working at 20 businesses around the area, including John Deere, Arconic, UnityPoint Health and more. |
![]() | ![]() Moline Fire Department utilizing new augmented reality fire simulatorThe technology can simulate a fire in an environment and grade a user on efforts to put it out. |
![]() | ![]() Davenport swears in 8 new officersIt's the largest recruitment class since 2020. |
![]() | ![]() 66 Quad Cities high school students sign intents to become apprentices at local businessesThe students will be working at 20 businesses around the area, including John Deere, Arconic, UnityPoint Health and more. |
![]() | ![]() Pets saved, no one hurt at Davenport fireNo injuries were reported from a fire in Davenport. On Wednesday, May 8 at approximately 9:29 a.m., the Davenport Fire Departmentresponded to a structure fire in the 2800 block of Highpoint Dr. The first fire crew found the occupant outside and smoke coming from the basement. The fire was located quickly and extinguished. Fire and smoke damage was confined to the basement. The resident exited the home with some of the family pets. Fire crews removed the rest of the pets, who were unharmed. Mid-American assisted with controlling of the utilities. The cause of the fire is under investigation. |
![]() | ![]() Davenport Fire Department responds to structure fireThe Davenport Fire Department responded to a structure fire Wednesday morning. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() QCA high school students sign for apprenticeshipsHigh school students from the QCA accepted apprenticeships with area employers. Twenty businesses in six different fields of work participated as 66 students signed to express their commitment to becoming apprentices. Students participated in the following programs: Auto Body/Mechanic Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) CNC Machining Electrical Software Engineering Welding Like a sports signing day, students signed apprenticeship intentions with their future employers. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Alleman High School partners with First Army for “First 100 Yards” eventFirst Army soldiers with the Rock Island Arsenal partnered with Alleman High Wednesday for its second annual “First 100 Yards” Event. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Davenport Police Department swears in 8 new officers at Davenport City Council meetingThe Davenport Police Department will have several new officers joining the police force. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() 2 QCA teachers design Herky statuesHerky on Parade is celebrating its 20th anniversary. This year, 100 Herky statues were selected. Two of the statues that are on display were created by Davenport West Art Teachers Dave Schaeffer, and Brian White. |
![]() | ![]() FAFSA delays put post-grad plans up in the air for Bettendorf seniorsThis week, seniors are filing out their post-grad plans and a third of respondents so far say FAFSA challenges are impacting those plans. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Iowa AEA administrators explain changes before overhaul takes effectIowa’s Area Education Agencies are racing to make changes before reforms passed by the legislature take effect on July 1. |
![]() | ![]() Insurance company added to suit against Wold, City of DavenportWest Bend Mutual Insurance Co., out of West Bend, Wis., has added a new voice to lawsuits against the City of Davenport, Andrew Wold and other parties being sued after the collapse of a downtown Davenport apartment building nearly a year ago. These documents are part of a suit originally filed Dec. 19, 2023. Read the insurance company's allegations here: West-Bends-Petition-at-LawDownload The defendants listed in the suit filed May 2 in Scott County Court are Andrew Wold, Andrew Wold Investments LLC, Select Structural Engineering LLC, Bi-State Masonry, the City of Davenport, Waukee Investments I, LLC, and Parkwild Properties LC, according to court documents. "In the days, weeks, months and even years leading up to this tragic and devastating structural collapse, alarms had been sounded concerning a specific area on the lower portion of the exterior west wall of The Davenport," the suit says. Dismantling of a partially collapsed building in downtown Davenport began Monday. (photo by Mike Colón) "...the Wold defendants either performed such a substandard inspection and/or due diligence at the time of purchase then (sic) the need for immediate corrective action was not understood or a proper inspection was performed and the dangerous condition of the west exterior wall was realized but the Wold defendants disregarded the danger and did nothing," the insurance company alleges in the suit. "...the Wold defendants' decision to ignore this significant and dangerous structural deterioration of the exterior west wall and their failure to take any corrective measures whatsoever was motivated by purely financial considerations," the suit alleges. (Katrina Rose, ourquadcities.com) Instead of addressing the "extremely dangerous and deteriorated condition of the west wall, the Wold defendants decided to simply paint over the dangerous condition, hoping to conceal the extent of the danger," the company alleges in the suit. "However, by merely painting over the dangerous condition of the wall, the Wold defendants not only attempted to conceal the danger but actually made it worse. Painting the bricks acted only to trap moisture and condensation with the bricks and the wall, further damaging the wall and accelerating its deterioration." The lawsuit claims that four days before the collapse, David Valliere of Select Structural Engineering reported that "there are several large patches of clay brick facade which are separating from the substrate. These large patches appear ready to fall imminently, which may create a safety hazard to cars or passersby." The insurance company asks for a judgement against the defendants "in an amount that will fairly and adequately compensate it for the damages described herein, together and with interests and costs all as provided by law." This addition to legal proceedings is a civil suit that is part of multiple suits against the defendants after the May 28, 2023, partial collapse of an apartment building in downtown Davenport that killed three men, injured others and left residents without belongings or shelter. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Too wet to plant: How later planting could affect QCA cropsPlanting season began in April for farmers in the QCA, despite seven inches of rain falling throughout parts of the region. Our Quad Cities News reporter Linsey Tobin shows us how later planting times could affect crops at harvest time. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Davenport blood drive held in memory of 5-year-old boy who died from cancerThe Rally for Reid blood drive was hosted by ImpactLife at St. Ambrose University, Davenport. The college has been hosting it for a few years now after the death of Reid Gleeson, who was just five years old when he passed in October 2020. The blood drive was held Wednesday afternoon in the ballroom of St. Ambrose University's Rogalski Center. Reid Gleeson of Davenport received 42 units of blood during three years of treatment. Gleeson had Medulloblastoma, a brain cancer that required surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. After Reid died, his parents reached out to ImpactLife. They hoped the nonprofit would be able to host blood drives and they were happy to do it. (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) "It really is a way for these families to pay it forward or process their grief and turn it into something positive," said Alex Burkamper, ImpactLife's spokesperson. "Often, we don't hear about how blood is medicine for cancer patients. Blood was medicine for him. It prolonged Reid's life and gave him, and his family the gift of more time," Burkamper added. Burkamper also said blood is always needed, especially in the weeks leading up to Memorial Day weekend. "Drives like Rally for Reid are so important to our community blood supply, especially right now as we're heading into summer and colleges and high schools are getting out," Burkamper said. "We are losing a whole lot of blood donors because they are not on campus anymore. That's why it's so important to have these donations come in before these critical summer months when the need is higher." (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) "I know there are shortages of blood so just having more people out here to come donate blood would truly help families, kids, patients in hospitals, and things like that," said St. Ambrose University sophomore Allison Meyer. Students were happy to step up and help pay it forward. "Just giving back to the community is important," said St. Ambrose University sophomore Anna May. "Being able to support his family and show that there's still people who think about him and want to make a difference. You're also helping save lives. You're making a difference in the world. You don't know who it's for, but you are a part of something that is bigger than yourself. It's cool to see students partake in a little piece of that." "It's amazing. You can make an impact on kids' lives, people's lives," said Meyer. "You never know where your blood could go to and what life you can save." Shortly after Reid's death in 2020, his family established the Rally for Reid Foundation. It helps support blood drives like these and it also helps families impacted by childhood cancer. Reid was known for his love of garbage trucks, so the city of Bettendorf named one of its recycling trucks after him. Public Works is looking for a name for the second one. To vote, visit here. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Quad Cities International Airport welcomes youngest female public safety officerThe Quad Cities International Airport welcomed its youngest and only female public safety officer, Lindsey Lindberg. |
![]() | ![]() 94-year-old steam train will go through downtown Davenport on May 10The public is invited free of charge to see The Empress 2816, a 4-6-4 Hudson-type steam locomotive. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Moline Police Department needs your help identifying found boyThe Moline Police Department is asking for the public’s help to identify a child and his family. The boy was with a family member who experienced a medical event near 11th St. and 14th Ave. Neither the child nor the adult can assist police with the boy's name. (Moline Police Department) Anyone with information on the child is asked to call the Moline Police Department at (309) 797-0401 or dial 911. |
![]() | ![]() Moline's Deere-Wiman House is officially a historic landmarkThe Moline City Council approved the recognition at their meeting on Tuesday, May 7. |
![]() | ![]() FAFSA delays put post-grad plans up in the air for Bettendorf seniorsThis week, seniors are filing out their post-grad plans and a third of respondents so far say FAFSA challenges are impacting those plans. |
![]() | ![]() Moline City Council approves redevelopment and economic incentive agreement with Renew and BushMore new living space will be coming to downtown Moline as the City of Moline in partnership with Renew Moline and Bush Construction have entered into a final agreement to transform the former Riverstone Group headquarters building on 5th Ave. in downtown Moline for 32 new market rate apartments |
![]() | ![]() Ovarian cancer survivors gather at Patty's Pummel Place to 'smash away stress', raise awarenessOrganizers say it gave them an opportunity to honor loved ones while celebrating survivors. |
![]() | ![]() Moline City Council gives final green light for new apartments in downtown areaThe $6.8 million project will turn the old JCPenney building on Fifth Avenue into 32 new apartments, including a daycare on the ground floor. |
![]() | ![]() All About 8: Meet Krissy Topping, who helps bring her hometown community togetherKrissy works in News 8's sales department but in her free time, she's busy organizing community-wide events in her hometown of Matherville, Illinois. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Mother's Day forecast looks terrific!After some off and on showers and storms over the last few days, we have great weather coming for Mother's Day weekend! Plan on sunshine Friday through Sunday with highs in the upper 60s to lower 70s! Rain chances are back right after the weekend though... that starts Monday. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Time to stamp out hunger with food driveTwo Quad-City organizations are partnering to tackle hunger for the nation's largest food drive. Tracey Bultinck spoke with Our Quad Cities News about the Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. For more information, click here. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() 2 fatal crashes reported on I-88, East Moline, WednesdayTwo fatal crashes happened Wednesday morning on Interstate 88, according to the East Moline Police Department. |
![]() | ![]() Public invited to Rock Island Arsenal's Armed Forces Day celebrationThe event runs from May 16 to 19. While visitor passes are not required for the event, anyone over 18 years old must present a valid photo ID at arrival. |
![]() | ![]() 2 dead in separate crashes at same location on I-88 in East MolineTwo people are dead after two separate crashes on I-88 in East Moline Wednesday morning. Both crashes involved a semi truck. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() See when Quad-Cities schools have 2024 graduation ceremoniesAs local students prepare for graduation, here's a list of upcoming commencement ceremonies for Quad-Cities metro schools. |
![]() | ![]() Public invited to Rock Island Arsenal's Armed Forces Day celebrationThe event runs from May 16 to 19. While visitor passes are not required for the event, anyone over 18 years old must present a valid photo ID at arrival. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Edible insects? Find out at Augie May 13How tasty can bugs be? Chef Joseph Yoon, a world-renowned chef and champion for the potential of insect agriculture, will talk about the topic at the Roys Lecture at Augustana College on Monday, May 13. Attendees will have the chance to eat food prepared by Yoon featuring insect ingredients. Chef Joseph Yoon, an Edible Insect Ambassador The event, which begins at 5:30 p.m., will be held in the Gävle Rooms of The Gerber Center for Student Life, 3435 9 1/2 Ave., Rock Island. Event registration is required for all attendees. Public tickets are $5, admission for Augustana students and staff is free. Registration and tickets are available HERE. The event is made possible by the Lawrence H. Roys Endowment, which honors the memory of Lawrence Roys, an engineer, businessman and nationally acclaimed natural scientist. The Roys Endowment funds lectures by visiting scholars in the field of natural science. In addition to the Roys Lecture, Yoon (who’s an “edible insect ambassador”) will engage with Augustana students in class lectures and at Celebration of Learning today, May 8. At 6 p.m. on May 11, Yoon will partner with NEST Café for a tasting event in Rock Island. Tickets, $40 each, are required and available at NEST Café. According to Yoon, edible insects and insect agriculture can enhance food security, create innovative food systems with alternative proteins, provide livelihoods in rural and urban areas, and support a healthy and biodiverse ecosystem. A Brooklyn Bugs dish of kimchi made with cicadas. Associate Professor of Biology Tierney Brosius said hosting Yoon is an exciting opportunity for campus, and she’s excited for him to share his passion with Augustana, according to a college release. ”Insects are a huge part of our daily lives, and they are deeply connected to finding innovative ways to feed the world,” she said. “Chef Yoon’s dedication to pursuing one's passion to effect change is an inspiring message for our students. His work demonstrates how learning about something new can destigmatize and reduce fear towards the unfamiliar.” Yoon founded Brooklyn Bugs to promote “entomophagy,” the eating of insects. He tours globally to share the potential of eating insects and the “burgeoning innovation” in insect agriculture to impact the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Brooklyn Bugs seeks to address issues of food insecurity, climate change, health and nutrition, environmentalism and sustainability. Yoon is a pioneering member of The Explorers Club and chef advocate for the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development. He also serves as the culinary director for the Insects to Feed the World Conference. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Kewanee man arrested on child pornography charge after cybertipA cybertip has led to the arrest of a Kewanee man on a charge of possession of child pornography, according to a news release from the Kewanee Police Department. The department's Investigations Division analyzed a cybertip from the Attorney General's Office via the Illinois Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), resulting in the arrest of Matthew C. Derr, 31 of Kewanee for possession of child pornography, a class 2 felony. A class 2 felony is punishable by three to seven years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and includes a mandatory fine ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, the release said. Matthew Derr (Kewanee Police Department) Derr was released following Safe T Act guidelines and will make an appearance at the Henry County Courthouse in Cambridge on June 3. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() United Way to serve up summer meals for Whiteside County kidsThis summer, the United Way of Whiteside County will continue its long-standing tradition of providing free, nutritious meals to children across the country through the Let’s Feed Our Children program, according to a media release from the organization. This will be the 23rd year of the Let’s Feed Our Children program. |
![]() | ![]() 2 dead in separate crashes at same location on I-88 in East MolineTwo people are dead after two separate crashes on I-88 in East Moline Wednesday morning. Slowed traffic following the first crash played a role in the second crash. |
![]() | ![]() Arconic eagles born in April named Caitlin and ClarkCaitlin Clark has won countless awards throughout her young career. Now, she can add another item to his list of accolades: having two bald eagles named after her! |
![]() | ![]() ![]() QC Boy Scout CEO reacts to name changeJonathan Cartner of Eldridge knows the benefits of including girls in Boy Scouts of America. The truly boyish CEO of the BSA Illowa Council, based in Davenport, has a daughter who’s been part of Boy Scouts since kindergarten and this week, the national organization formally banished “Boy” from its name, rebranding the 114-year-old organization as Scouting America. Jonathan Cartner, 40, is CEO of the Illowa Council of Boy Scouts of America. “This is an opportunity to rebrand and reintroduce the scouting program to the nation,” Cartner said Wednesday from the BSA’s national meeting in Orlando, Fla., where the change was announced Tuesday, May 7. “It's our opportunity also in Iowa and the Quad Cities to reintroduce scouting to the Quad Cities.” “This kind of gives us the opportunity after a couple of years of the pandemic and the national bankruptcy to bring ourselves back out and rebrand, and importantly in a rebrand that showcases who we are as an organization today,” he said. The Illowa Council has 130 scouting programs, serving 2,600 kids across 13 counties. Of that total, 16% of membership is female, including Cartner’s 11-year-old daughter. The name Scouting America “gives us the opportunity to kind of reintroduce and rebrand and support scouting in a more inclusive environment, that is representative who we've been for years,” he said. The Illowa Council represents 2,600 Scouts (16% of which are girls) in a 13-county region. The BSA has allowed girls starting at age 14 to be part of programs since the mid-1980s, Cartner said. “That's been in existence for a long time, but hasn't been a huge makeup of our population as far as our percentages have been,” he said Wednesday. “When in 2019, when we made the change to allow young ladies into Cub Scouts and then in 2021 to then have female-led Scout troops on the middle school and high school ages. That's our fastest growing market right now, our young ladies coming into our program.” The Illowa Council has really grown in terms of female Scouts over the last four years. “If it wasn't for COVID, I think that number would be a lot higher, but not being able to meet and not being able to operate camps and support our program for 18 to 24 months, I think we would have a whole lot more than that,” Cartner said. More welcoming, inclusive Boy Scouts of America president Roger Krone announced Tuesday that the name change (effective next February for the 115th anniversary) is part of an evolution as the organization seeks to ensure that everyone feels welcome. “We are an organization for all. It's time our name reflects that,” Krone said during a virtual news conference during its annual meeting in Florida. “Scouting under the name Scouting America will enable us to chart a course towards continued growth, relevance and impact.” A limited number of girls have been allowed in the Boy Scouts since the 1980s, and any females were allowed starting in 2019. Five years ago, the Boy Scouts opened its programs to girls after allowing LGBTQ youth in 2013, and gay scout leaders in 2015. The Irving, Texas-based organization emerged from bankruptcy last year after facing more than 82,000 lawsuits from people sexually assaulted by scout leaders as children. “I think it's time that we have a game that reflects the youth that we serve today and frankly, the youth that we want to welcome in the future as part of our post-bankruptcy plan for scouting,” said Krone. BSA, founded in 1910, had been targeted by sexual predators from its earliest days. The Scouts began keeping a secret list of accused predators back in 1919, but the national organization didn't share the information with local chapters so suspected sexual predators could move from troop to troop. Last year, BSA established a $2.4 billion fund to settle the flood of claims from sex abuse victims. The Boy Scouts had more than 2 million members in 2018, but currently serves a little over a million youth with 176,234 girls. A Cub Scout holds a stack of American flags to be retired on Flag Day, June 14, 2022. (Photo by Aimee Dilger/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) “There's nothing about scouting that is inherently masculine or inherently feminine,” said Bob Brady, scoutmaster of Troop 1150, an all-girls' BSA troop in New Jersey. “The name change is exactly what I would advocate,” said Scouts BSA Program Chair Angie Minett, the first woman to hold the position. “The most important message that people need to understand is that it's [scouting] for everybody.” Decline in membership Since 2016, the QC area BSA has seen a steady decline in participation in the traditional scouting program. “The pandemic obviously ramped that up and we saw a big dip in membership in 2021,” Cartner said Wednesday, noting 2023 was a growth year, up about 0.5 percent total. “That was the first time we had overall membership growth since 2016,” he said. “It shows that families are looking for our organization or organizations like us to get back involved, back outside, engage as a family and support the community.” The drop in BSA membership nationwide was partly due to competition for recreational time among youth, including youth athletics, Cartner said. “There's more single-parent households now than there were 15, 20 years ago,” he added. “There's more two-parent working households now than there were 15 years ago.” “Folks are busy and that was one of the leading indicators for us to make the shift in ‘19, to allow young ladies into Cub Scouts, which was a decision not necessarily started on a national level,” he said. “That conversation was started by hundreds of thousands of parents and Scouting asking us to make the change, because they wanted to find one program that they could participate in as their entire family.” That’s true for Cartner’s family, where his daughter and 7-year-old son have been part of BSA. The 40-year-old Missouri native was a Boy Scout and became an Eagle Scout. Steven Edward Miller of Davenport was honored by Boy Scouts of America at this week's annual meeting in Orlando, Fla. “We can all participate in the scouting program together. And we're not having to go back and forth between different organizations or different programs, different meeting nights when we have limited time to do that,” he said. Cartner noted that the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have similar missions. “Our mission is to teach kids leadership, to help support character education and development, to create participatory citizens, and help support and develop well rounded individuals that are gonna give back to their communities in adulthood,” he said. “We’ve got relatively similar missions, we just deliver that program a little differently.” “There's plenty of young girls that are involved in the Girl Scouts and that's what they love to do and they love that program and they love Camp Liberty and what’s going on with Girl Scouts in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois,” Cartner said. “We've got a handful of young ladies that enjoy what we do and how we teach the program. It's just a different delivery method rather than a difference of program,” he said. “We're relatively the same, we just execute it a little differently and that resonates differently with families.” No merger with Girl Scouts Under Scouting America, there have been no talks for an overall merger of the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts organizations, Cartner said. “We look for ways that we can help support each other to grow both programs,” he said. “If that's a conversation that happens down the road, I'm certain that both organizations can have that respectfully. I don't know what those conversations are like.” The reaction so far to the rebranding has been overwhelmingly positive, Cartner said. “The announcement went out yesterday across the country. We were informed this morning by our national office and our marketing team that the impressions generated from that press release have crossed 5.5 billion media impressions,” he said. “Ninety percent of the reaction and the response to that being positive. And like I said, we've had young ladies in our program, both as youth participants and adult participants for 20-plus years,” he added. “To finally reinvent and rebrand our organization and to now have moms as volunteers to be able to say, ‘I'm a volunteer in Scouting America’ versus ‘I'm a volunteer in the Boy Scouts of America,’ to have young ladies who are youth leaders and youth participants to now say ‘I'm in Scouting America versus Boy Scouts of America’… “So it's our opportunity to be a lot more inclusive and we've seen a lot of positive feedback from it so far,” Cartner said. “We're thrilled about it and excited and pressed forward and continuing to grow our impact in the Quad Cities,” he said. “This will just give us an extra tool in our tool belt to help support that growth.” The name change is drawing criticism from some conservatives. “The Left has now taken ‘Boy’ out of Boy Scouts,” Republican U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde of Georgia said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Wokeness destroys everything it touches.” The mission of BSA is “to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law,” according to the Illowa Council website. “We strive each day to bring the best character-building program to young men and women, which will prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow.” Cartner became CEO for Illowa Council in April 2023, after working for BSA in Washington, D.C. for five years, last as field service director for the National Capital Area Council, which serves 34,000 Scouts. For more information on the Illowa Council, click HERE. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know!Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: ERICK CHILDS, 37, 5’6”, 165 lbs., black hair, brown eyes. Rock Island County warrant for aggravated fleeing/eluding police and failure to appear/driving on a suspended or revoked license. MARIO MENDOZA-GUTIERREZ, 42, 5’7”, 165 lbs., brown hair, brown eyes. Scott County warrant for parole violation and sex offender registration violation. Erick Childs (L) and Mario Mendoza-Gutierrez (Crime Stoppers) You have a week to contact police for an elevated reward. Call the tip line at (309) 762-9500. All tips are anonymous. |
![]() | ![]() Two killed in separate crashes Wednesday in East MolineBoth crashes happened within an hour of each other on Interstate 88. |
![]() | ![]() Grow Clinton to host drive-thru career fairGrow Clinton will be partnering with IowaWORKS to host a drive-thru career fair in May. |
![]() | ![]() Two motorists dead in separate East Moline crashesEast Moline police are investigating two fatal crashes that happened Wednesday morning on Interstate 88. On Wednesday May 8th, 2024 at approximately 8:08 a.m., East Moline Police officers were dispatched to a traffic crash with injuries that occurred on I-88 westbound, just east of Exit 2. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a box truck had struck the rear end of a semi-truck that was entering the roadway from the shoulder, according to a police release. (eastmoline.com) The box truck was off the roadway upon arrival and the male driver was being tended to by EMS from the East Moline Fire Department and Genesis Ambulance. The driver was removed from the vehicle and then transported to Genesis Hospital-Illini in Silvis, where he later succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced dead by the Rock Island County Coroner’s Office and his identity is being withheld pending notification of family. Crash reconstruction services were later completed by troopers from the Illinois State Police. The driver of the semi-truck was uninjured and received a citation for Violating Minimum Speed Regulation. While first responders were working on this crash scene, approximately 40 minutes later an additional crash occurred just east of the location, police said. As an approaching semi-truck was slowing down due to the crash scene, a sedan being driven by a female crashed into the rear end of the semi-truck. East Moline Fire Department personnel along with Hillsdale Fire Department personnel who were already on scene for the first crash, tended to the female driver for her injuries. She was extricated from the vehicle and transported to Genesis Hospital-Illini in Silvis, where she also died. She was pronounced deceased by the Rock Island County Coroner’s Office and her identity is being withheld pending notification of family. The Illinois State Police also completed crash reconstruction services for this crash scene. The driver and passenger of the semi-truck were uninjured and no citations have been issued at this time regarding this crash. These incidents are still under investigation by the East Moline Police Department and the Illinois State Police. Anyone who has any information regarding these incidents should contact the East Moline Police Investigations Division at 309-752-1547, CrimeStoppers at 309-762-9500, or use the CrimeStoppers P3 App. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Arconic eaglets named Caitlin and ClarkArconic said the eaglets on its EagleCam are now named Caitlin and Clark. Out of the five sets of names it won 36% of the votes, according to a post by Arconic. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Davenport named stop for historic steam locomotive tourThe City of Davenport is one of the stops for a historic steam locomotive tour. |
![]() | ![]() Rock Island High School students visit WQAD studios Wednesday morningThe students, who are taking a current events class, got to learn more about the media and toured News 8's studios. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() You can vote for Arts Alley murals tonightTen vibrant designs for two large-scale wall murals in downtown Rock Island will be unveiled tonight, and you can be part of the final selection process. On Wednesday, May 8th, the public is invited to vote for their favorite Arts Alley mural designs (for the 1700 block of 2nd Avenue) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Rozz-Tox, 2108 3rd Ave., Rock Island. A rendering of a revitalized Arts Alley, to be completed in July 2024. Attendees will have the opportunity to “tag” their favorite designs (which will not have names and artist hometowns attached) and engage in conversation, according to the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. Dennis Hockaday of neighboring downtown business Ragged Records & Music will be spinning tunes for the event, and food and drinks will be available for purchase from the café. “This is your chance to help shape the future of downtown Rock Island's aesthetic,” said Jack Cullen, executive director of the Rock Island Downtown Alliance. “Let's celebrate this investment in our shared space together.” “Public art should reflect the community that it is in, and to do that we need our community to come out and be involved in this process,” said Kevin Maynard, executive director of Quad City Arts. Rendering of Arts Alley improvements, in the 1700 block of 2nd Avenue, Rock Island. The 10 finalists (from across the U.S.) were chosen by a committee representing RIDA, business owners, and the Rock Island Arts & Beautification Commission from over 400 submissions. The Rozz-Tox display will be up through Thursday, and the committee will meet to discuss designs and the public feedback on Thursday night. The two winning designs will be announced on Friday, May 10, and artists are expected to start creating murals by mid-June, Maynard said. Combined, the two murals spanning 4,000 square feet of wall space will account for one of the largest public art projects in Rock Island’s history. The payments for the artists will be: Mural 1: $33,600 (80 feet x 28 feet) Mural 2: $27,000 (60’ x 30’) Arts Alley is one of the public spaces undergoing a transformation as part of the city’s $8.7-million Rebuild Downtown Rock Island project. |
![]() | ![]() Chef Joseph Yoon Tasting Event and Lecture, May 11 and 13In collaboration with Augustana College, a world-renowned chef and leader in the field of entomophagy – the eating of insects – will introduce participants to familiar foods augmented by some unfamiliar ingredients on May 11 and 13, when Chef Joseph Yoon presents a tasting event at Rock Islanmd's Nest Cafe on May 11 and a lecture at Augustana College's Gerber Center on May 13. |
![]() | ![]() Douglas Park hosting ribbon cutting after renovationsRock Island is celebrating their latest park renovation project later this month. The Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a celebratory ribbon cutting at Douglas Park on Wednesday, May 22 from 5 - 7 p.m. to celebrate the completion of renovations, along with elected officials and members of the Friends of Douglas Park. The park’s address is 1601-1625 Martin Luther King Drive. Party in the Park festivities start at 5 p.m. with free activities for all ages. Kids can play a friendly game of kickball against the Rock Island Police Department called “Kick It with a Cop.” Face painting, a caricature artist, bounce houses and yard games add to the fun. The Rock Island Mobile Library will be on site and guests can enjoy free hot dogs, popcorn, water and Kona Ice while supplies last. The concession stand also will be offering food and beverage options for purchase. (Rock Island Parks & Recreation Department) Douglas Park has undergone substantial improvements since renovations began in 2016, including a renovated concession stand and press box, paved parking lot with enhanced landscaping, a new playground, perimeter walkway with benches and egress to the spectator area, improved backstops and fencing, new turf, lighting and lighted flag poles, restored ticket booths, ADA-compliant restroom facilities and other renovations. “If you haven’t had the chance to witness the transformation of Douglas Park and are looking for free family fun, you should come out and enjoy the festivities,” said Parks and Recreation Director John Gripp. “It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts of the Friends of Douglas Park, grant contributions and generous private donations that we’ve revitalized this park, which holds such a significant sports legacy.” Douglas Park has a full schedule of events throughout the season, including Quad City 76ers and Rock Island Independents games and youth sports like baseball, soccer, flag football, sport camps and rental opportunities. Click here for more on the park. Click here to watch a video of the park. |
![]() | ![]() Agency: USS Oklahoma sailor from Iowa accounted for from WWIIHe will be buried on Sept. 5 in Bloomington, California. |
![]() | ![]() Moline PD: Missing 13-year-old believed to be with noncustodial parentPolice believe 13-year-old Kyrese Rogers is with his mother — who has an active order of protection prohibiting her from contacting Kyrese — in the Peoria area. |
![]() | ![]() Moline PD: Missing 13-year-old believed to be with noncustodial parentPolice believe 13-year-old Kyrese Rogers is with his mother — who has an active order of protection prohibiting her from contacting Kyrese — in the Peoria area. |
![]() | ![]() New Arconic eaglets named Caitlin and ClarkThe eaglets were born in early April. Their parents, Liberty and Justice, first made their nest near the Arconic plant in 2009. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Moline approves plan for more downtown housingThe city of Moline -- in partnership with Renew Moline and Bush Construction -- has entered into a final agreement to transform the former RiverStone Group headquarters building on 5th Avenue in downtown Moline for 32 new market-rate apartments. The agreement was approved Tuesday night by the Moline City Council. The former JC Penney building at 1701 5th Ave., Moline, is now the featured photo on Renew Moline's Facebook page. The property at 1701 5th Ave. was originally built by JC Penney in 1956 and used commercially until 1972, then acquired by RiverStone Group in the late 1980s for their headquarters until 2019. After their relocation to Davenport, RiverStone donated the building and parking lot to Renew Moline to promote redevelopment of the property, according to a city release Wednesday. Bush Construction acquired the building from Renew in May 2024, with plans to renovate the 35,000-square-foot building and add a third story to support workforce housing, a top priority of the city. The $6.8-million project when complete will also include a future daycare center on a portion of the ground floor that Western Illinois University will operate. The city collaborated with WIU to establish the daycare program to support the needs of working parents and the city purchased property from a local owner on 5th Avenue to provide a park to support the daycare operation, the city release said. The former JC Penney building in downtown Moline was home to Riverstone Group headquarters for over 30 years, until 2019 (OurQuadCities.com). “We are very thankful for the partnerships that made this project happen, especially with Renew Moline, who is our chief downtown partner,” Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati said. “Moline continues to evolve and our hopes are high for the new look and experiences that downtown living options like this redevelopment project will provide.” “One of the city’s goals has been to increase the number of dwelling units in our downtown,” said Chris Mathias, the city’s director of community and economic development. “I’m excited that the Mayor and City Council have found a way to partner with Renew Moline and Bush Construction to further that goal, by renovating a vacant building to add 32 market-rate apartments to our downtown.” Plans approved in the redevelopment and economic incentive agreement call for the project to start in late 2024 with anticipated completion in late 2025. “This project will bring much needed housing to our downtown and represents what is possible when local businesses and local government get together to invest in our shared community,” said Moline City Administrator Bob Vitas. “The city is grateful to have Renew Moline as our economic development partner, Riverstone Group’s collaboration to provide the property, and a new partnership with Bush Construction,” he said. “It really changes the number of people on the streets. If you come down to this intersection, it feels very different than it did two years ago just because there’s more people and more activity happening here,” said Alexandra Elias, Renew Moline’s president and CEO. “This project will be in the heart of it, and it is going to contribute new residents to be part of that activity.” The redevelopment will invest in Fifth Avenue, supported by a newly created tax increment financing (TIF) district, like the ones created by other districts over the last 30 years to support downtown redevelopment. Under the terms of the agreement, Moline will provide a loan to close a funding gap that will be repaid by the project through TIF. The project requires city funds not to exceed $2.8 million to undertake the project, and the $2.8 million will be paid back over the life of the TIF, with the TIF increment (increased property taxes) generated by the project. The project will provide leased parking spaces for tenants in a nearby lot and add bike racks on the Fifth Avenue side and landscape improvements on 17th Street. The project helps the city’s goal of creating more housing, especially in areas served by public transportation. |
![]() | ![]() Moline Police looking for missing childPolice in Moline need your help to find a missing child. The Criminal Investigation Juvenile Unit is looking for Kyrese Rogers, 13, of Moline. Rogers is believed to be with a non-custodial parent, his mother Lacinda Granado-Overton, 34, of Peoria. Kyrese was last seen in the 5000 block of 48th Street on May 1. He’s 5’ 5” and weighs 130 pounds. Kyrese Rogers (Moline Police Department) Lacinda Granado-Overton (Moline Police Department) There is an active Order of Protection prohibiting Granado-Overton from contacting Rogers that was in place before his disappearance. The Moline Police Department has a warrant for the arrest of Granado-Overton. She has been charged with two counts of Violation of Order of Protection. It is believed that she is in the Peoria area. The Moline Police Department is working with the Peoria Police Department to apprehend Granado-Overton. Information about this case can be reported to Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities at 309-762-9500, the Moline Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 309-797-0401 or by using the P3 Tips smartphone app. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Bettendorf roundabout closed to traffic to finish road workThe roundabout at Middle Road and Competition Drive in Bettendorf will be closed to all traffic as crews complete road work. |
![]() | ![]() Deere to lay off 34 employees in MolineJohn Deere informed members of the workforce at its Cylinder operations in Moline, on Friday, May 3, that 34 production employees will be placed on indefinite layoff effective May 31, 2024. Employees were told of the layoffs by factory leadership in meetings, according to a company statement Tuesday. Each John Deere factory balances the size of its production workforce with the needs of the individual factory to optimize the workforce at each facility, spokeswoman Jen Hartmann said. John Deere Cylinder Works (909 River Drive, Moline) currently has about 280 total employees with about 190 of them working in production and maintenance jobs. |
![]() | ![]() 3 Things to Know | Quad Cities headlines for May. 18, 2024Illinois is reporting a decrease in the jail population, the Bishop Hill Colony Church is on the list of endangered buildings, and water in Atkinson will be cut off. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Fulton program to feature Morrison man's presentation on being a military spyIn honor of Memorial Day, veteran Steve Siefken, a native of Morrison, Illinois, will be the speaker at the Windmill Cultural Center at 6 p.m. Monday, May 13, according to a news release. He will discuss his covert military service for the May Miller Program "My Life as a Cold War Military Spy." Steve Siefken (contributed photo) Siefken was an intercept operator in the Air Force Security Service for the U. S. Air Force, stationed in San Vito, Italy, during the Vietnam War. His job was to spy on the Russians using the latest equipment - headphones and an antenna. Because of his technology skills, he earned top-secret clearance at the age of 19, and spent his time in the military learning and keeping secrets. Siefken earned four commendations during his service time. The program takes place at the Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave, in downtown Fulton, Illinois (across the street from the windmill). Monthly programming is available and partially funded by grants from the DS Flikkema Foundation through F.A.C.E. The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served after the presentation. The facility is accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information, call 563-249-6115. |
![]() | ![]() Davenport businesses suing City and HESCO for losses from 2019 floodingThe lawsuit comes shortly after the 5-year anniversary of the flooding that overtook downtown Davenport. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Muscatine County Supervisors approve National Night Out siteMuscatine Police Department will have a National Night Out event on Tuesday, Aug. 6 after the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors approved allowing the event on county property. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Naomi DeWinter receives Muscatine Sister Cities Outstanding Member AwardLast month, Muscatine Sister Cities and its citizen diplomats gathered to celebrate its many achievements from the past year and to celebrate this year’s Outstanding Member of the Year. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() All aboard: Historic train stops in DavenportOne year after Canadian Pacific and Kansas City Southern merged to become CPKC, the railroad company is celebrating with a "steam tour." |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Iron Tee Golf to open in Bettendorf next weekThe complex is set to open next Tuesday. |
![]() | ![]() Pending Death Notices for Muscatine, May 8, 2024Marylyn R. Hagemann, 101, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away peacefully, Monday, April 29, 2024, at her daughter's home. Cremation will be directed by Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. |
![]() | ![]() Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, May 8, 2024Steven G. Aeschliman, 40, of East Peoria, Illinois, died Thursday, May 2, 2024, in UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island. Cremation will be directed by Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() East Moline opens 4th of July parade entriesThe City of East Moline invites you to be a part of 66 years of tradition in the 4th of July Parade! Come get creative and celebrate the 4th through the eyes of a child with the parade in downtown East Moline. Bands and musical acts like brass bands, jazz bands, marching bands, pep bands are invited, and their entry fees are waived! Create a float or entry that embraces your inner child or the kids in your life... Celebrating your heroes – military, first responders, walking down memory lane - Saturday morning cartoons Kids’ movies, shows, sports Patriotic – red, white, and blue themed The parade starts at 1:00 p.m., 3rd - 13th Streets on 15th Ave. in East Moline. For a parade entry form, click here. Entry deadline is June 28. For a listing of events for East Moline's 2024 Independence Day Celebration, click here. |
Tuesday, May 7th, 2024 | |
![]() | ![]() Davenport Schools aim to enhance district with long-range facilities plan amid declining enrollmentAfter conducting multiple studies of the district’s facilities and enrollment, as well as surveys in the community, Davenport Schools is working through phase one of the planning committee’s long-range facilities plan. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() QCA students check out the world of trade careers at Tri-City DayThe YWCA Quad Cities partnered with Tri-City Electric for an event to give area junior high and high school students a chance to check out the world of trade careers. |
![]() | ![]() YWCA hosts trade career fairDozens of middle and high school students met with local employers about the growing need for trade workers. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Celebrate Mom at LeClaire May Market Days!Join LeClaire as we celebrate Mother's Day! Over 20 shops will be loaded with fun things to do at LeClaire's Mother's Day May Market Days. Find something special for Mom, or even yourself! From clothing and candles to antiques and awesome treats, there are treasures to discover for all tastes and budgets. Check out these great participating businesses: Mississippi Cottage Antiques Buttercupp Candles Nest Modern Goods The Clothing Co. Cody Rose Flower Co. Kitsch-n Sink Antiques Green Tree Brewery Bamboo Baby Boutique Bela Ember on the Hill Happy Joe’s LeClaire Plant Co. The Potter’s House Of heaven and earth Cody Road Coffee Cody Road Trading Post Wide River Winery Tasting Room Janet & June Aunt Hattie’s The Shameless Chocoholic LeClaire Olive Oil Company May Market Days are Friday, May 10 - Sunday, May 12. For more information, click here. |
![]() | ![]() Iron Tee Golf opens next weekThe facility will offer climate-controlled hitting bays so you can practice year round. |
![]() | ![]() Moline's Deere-Wiman House designated a historic landmarkMoline City Council approved the designation at their Tuesday night meeting. |
![]() | ![]() Davenport businesses suing City and HESCO for losses from 2019 floodingThe lawsuit comes shortly after the 5-year anniversary of the flooding that overtook downtown Davenport. |
![]() | ![]() 2 homes in Eastern Iowa struck by lightning in 24 hoursExperts say homes in neighborhoods surrounded by other houses are at a very low risk for lightning strikes. |
![]() | ![]() University of Iowa researchers looking into driverless car safetyThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates about 3.5 million self-driving cars will be on the roads by next year. |
![]() | ![]() Traffic changes around the TBK Sports Complex begin WednesdayWork is expected to wrap up on Friday. |
![]() | ![]() Yoso in downtown Bettendorf closing until further noticeThe restaurant opened back in 2022. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency shares news USS Oklahoma sailor from Iowa accounted for from WWIIThe Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) shared news that Monday, Navy Fireman First Class (F1c) Everett C. Titterington, 21, of Milford, Iowa, killed during World War II, was accounted for on March 23, 2021, according to a media release from DPAA. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Some Davenport businesses still feeling the impact from the Arsenal Bridge closureThe Government Bridge to the Rock Island Arsenal is still closed in Davenport for construction of a new roundabout and the closure is having a significant impact on traffic in the area and some local businesses |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Illinois afterschool programs call for state helpOrganizations that offer afterschool programs in Illinois are saying the state doesn't help them enough financially, and some may have to close their doors. As Our Quad Cities News Illinois Capitol Bureau correspondent Theodora Koulouvaris reports, advocates of the programs are calling on lawmakers to act. |
![]() | ![]() Atkinson water to be shut off temporarily for some residents, officials sayThe Village of Atkinson will have water shut off temporarily Wednesday and Thursday for some residents, according to public works officials. |
![]() | ![]() Overnight westbound I-80 closure for Bureau CountyA traffic alert for drivers in Bureau County. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Bettendorf roundabout to close temporarilyBeginning Wednesday, the roundabout at Middle Road and Competition Drive will be closed to all traffic as crews complete street-scaping, landscaping, and permanent pavement markings that can’t be done under live traffic, a news release says. (City of Bettendorf) To ensure the safety of the traveling public and the construction workers onsite, thefollowing traffic changes are taking place: The Competition Drive and Middle Road roundabout will be closed to all traffic(yellow on the map). The temporary road located north of Kwik Star will be reopened to help detour trafficon the north side of the roundabout (red and blue on map). A detour will be in place (red and blue on the map). Middle Road andCompetition Drive are both expected to reopen by the end of the day Friday, May 10 -weather permitting. These finishing touches are part of the Forest Grove Drive Reconstruction Project, which began in July 2022 and is the biggest public works project in the City of Bettendorf’s history. For more information, visit here. For updates on this project and others across the City of Bettendorf, visit here. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Gov. Reynolds signs bill to bolster childhood literacyGovernor Kim Reynolds signed a new law Tuesday meant to boost literacy rates for Iowa children. It requires schools teach a specific reading method, called the Science of Reading, and develop individual plans for students not at grade level. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Man with no more than 69 cents used bad check to buy Raptor, Bettendorf Police sayA 24-year-old New Windsor man who, Bettendorf Police say, had no more than 69 cents in his bank account, was in custody Tuesday after allegedly writing a bad check for a Ford F-150 Raptor. Curtis Fussell faces a felony charge of first-degree theft, according to Scott County Court records. Curtis Fussell (Scott County Jail) On Oct. 15, 2020, Bettendorf Police took a report of theft at Lindquist Ford, 3850 Middle Road, on Oct. 6, 2020. After an investigation it was determined Fussell committed the offense, officers allege in affidavits. Police say he wrote a check for $56,795.36 to buy a 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor “knowing that the check would not be paid,” affidavits say. “Despite the fact that the funds could not be verified the night the check was written, the Ford F-150 Raptor was turned over to (Fussell) and he took possession of it,” officers allege in affidavits. Fussell wrote out the check on an active checking account in Fussell’s name that he had opened on Aug. 25, 2020. '’Since opening the checking account, the most money Defendant ever had in it was sixty-nine cents,” police allege in affidavits. In affidavits, police say the check was rejected when it was processed and the business's attempts to reach Fussell to make payment were unsuccessful. Fussell, who was arrested on a warrant, was being held Tuesday in Scott County Jail on a total $25,000 bond. He is set for a preliminary hearing May 17 in Scott County Court. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() QCA truck driver inducted into hall of fameA truck driver from the QCA is being awarded for excellence on the highway. Stuart Shuck of Rock Island drives for CPC Logistics, assigned to John Deere in Davenport, and has been inducted into the National Private Truck Council Driver Hall of Fame. To qualify, drivers must have a minimum of three million miles, 20 years or 50,000 hours of driving and no preventable accidents. Drivers must be regularly employed or leased full time at a National Private Truck Council member company. Shuck has been driving for 42 years and says that all that time, he's just been doing his job.Shuck is one of four drivers inducted into the hall of fame this year. For more information, click here. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Clinton changes animal protection and control codeThe City of Clinton will be making some changes to its city code for animal protection and control. Changes include requiring pets to be leashed on all city property, including parks. City leaders say they want to enforce the change due to dog-biting cases. Other changes include limiting the amount of pets per household to six total. Residents can have more than six pets if the animals are microchipped and spayed or neutered. A one-time fee is required, and people must register their address with the city. City leaders say they hope to prevent animal hoarding cases. For more from Clinton, click here. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() QCA truck driver receives national recognitionA QCA truck driver is receiving national recognition for his lifetime of excellence on the highway. Born and raised in the Quad Cities, Stuart Shuck has been a truck driver since 1981 and was recently inducted into The National Private Truck Council Driver Hall of Fame. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() The QC Airport welcomes new asset to its Public Safety DepartmentThe Quad Cities International Airport introduced its youngest and only woman public service officer, Lindsey Lindberg. She started off her career in customer service at the airport and now is one step closer to living out her dream as a law-enforcement officer. "It's a big change of pace for me. I've always been in customer service and to go from that to law enforcement has been a super big change, but it's really relieving," said Officer Lindsey Lindberg, Quad Cities International Airport Public Safety Department. "I feel like I've found my calling." (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) Lindberg knew for a long time her passion was in the criminal justice system. She would eventually get transferred to the Public Safety Department in December. The 28-year-old went to a police academy in Dixon, Illinois, to complete her training and she hasn't looked back. Lindberg had the chance to reflect on her journey. She feels privileged for the opportunity and says being the youngest and the only female officer in the department makes her feel strong and empowered. "It was a long journey getting here but the department and all the guys have been supportive of everything," Lindberg said. "It's a little bit of a nerve-racking experience first walking in as the 'new guy' but it's also very exciting." Lindberg's police training took about four months. She graduated in late April and she said a lot was learned during that time. "A lot more than I expected," Lindberg added. "I will say there were parts that were stressful because this is my career, but I was happy to build a lot of connections with people around the state." Lindberg has been shadowing, helping with air-field inspections, and assisting in law enforcement calls ever since. Going forward in her new career, Lindberg says she wants to be approachable with passengers and she wants them to know she is there for them. "I love helping people. And the law enforcement side, of course is very important to me, but I'm a people person so I want to be able to connect with the passengers that come through here," Lindberg said. "I want to find out where they're going and strike up some small talk about that but I'm always happy to have a conversation with someone and make pals when I can. We want to be approachable for the passengers here. Whether it may be finding their gate or maybe someone lost something, we want to be there to help them," Lindberg added. Officers in the Safety Department are all cross-trained in three disciplines: Law enforcement, firefighting, and first response. Lindberg still needs to complete her fire and first response training. She hopes to have that done by September. "I find that this job is very unique," Lindberg said. "There's a lot of things that we see at the airport that a typical city cop might not get to see. I am very excited to get my training done and have more responsibilities on my own." |
![]() | ![]() Railroad crossing repair delayed in Muscatine CountyThe road closure on Pettibone Avenue between Stewart Road (X61) and 41st Street for the repair of a railroad crossing has been delayed, according to a news release from the Muscatine County Road Department. The closure was to have started Monday, but Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Rail (CPKC) had to divert personnel and equipment to a derailment. CPKC anticipates returning in four weeks for the crossing repair. Until then Pettibone will remain open to traffic, the release says. |
![]() | ![]() All private pool rentals booked for the season at Riverside RiverslideMoline's new and improved waterpark will open on Saturday, May 25 at noon. |
![]() | ![]() 2 fires break out Tuesday in MolineNo injuries were reported in both incidents. |
![]() | ![]() Sherrard Elementary honors a very special lunch ladyKathy Slattery, who is deaf, has been bringing smiles to Sherrard Elementary School for 32 years. |
![]() | ![]() Afternoon structure fire displaces five people in MolineFirefighters were called to the scene just before 2 p.m. Tuesday. |
![]() | ![]() ![]() Suspect had meth, marijuana, Burlington Police allegeAn Ottumwa man was in custody Tuesday after police allege he had methamphetamine and marijuana, according to a news release. On Sunday, West Burlington Police saw a vehicle driving north in the 400 block of West Burlington Avenue with a headlight out. Kevin Ross (West Burlington Police) Officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 400 block of East Wheeler. During the traffic stop, K9 Maverick was deployed to conduct an open-air sniff around the vehicle. After the dog alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics, a search of the vehicle was conducted. Officers found methamphetamine and marijuana in the vehicle, the release says. The passenger, Kevin Ross of Ottumwa, was found to be in possession of the narcotics. Ross was placed under arrest and transported to the Des Moines County Correction Facility. Ross is charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance - third offense. The West Burlington Police Department was assisted by the Burlington Police Department, the release says. |
![]() | ![]() New Rock Island-Milan School District superintendent meets with community membersDr. Sharon Williams is hoping to provide some stability to the district after it parted ways with Dr. Reginald Lawrence in April 2023. |