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

Thursday, June 6th, 2024
	Rock Island Dental Associates offer flexible schedule for John Deere layoff employees Rock Island Dental Associates is offering flexible scheduling for John Deere employees affected by the recent layoffs.
	QC youth orchestra earns Illinois honor The Quad City Youth Symphony Orchestra has been named 2024 Orchestra of the Year in the youth category by the Illinois Council of Orchestras (ICO). This week, the ICO announced the 2024 recipients of its annual awards for excellence in the field of music performance and for support of musical organizations. The QC Youth Symphony Orchestra in performance. An awards panel of judges drawn from the Illinois Council of Orchestras Board of Directors and independent professional musicians reviewed nominations representing orchestras, youth orchestras, and chamber ensembles from throughout Illinois, according to a press release. "The Illinois Council of Orchestra's is thrilled to recognize the impressive achievements by the Quad City Youth Symphony Orchestra for their continued dedication to music education in Illinois,” said Tim Corpus, the ICO board president. “Their high achieving arts program is a beacon within the state and a true benefit to the Quad Cities community." Violinist Katie Jones plays with the YSO at a church in Jena, Germany during a June 2023 European tour. “I am absolutely thrilled and honored by the well-deserved recognition of our Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles and these incredibly inspiring young musicians,” QCSO executive director Brian Baxter said Wednesday by email. “They come from every part of the QC and we are thrilled for the acknowledgement from the ICO.” Baxter and other QCSO staff are in Houston, Tex., this week to present at the League of American Orchestras 79th-annual national conference. With QCSO marketing director Caitlin Lingle Bishop, and Chelsea Sammons, the orchestra’s director of education and community engagement, their panel on Friday afternoon will explore how orchestras can evolve to be more inclusive, youth-focused, and community-centric, all while ensuring financial sustainability. The Youth Symphony Orchestra performance at the 2022 Riverfront Pops at LeClaire Park. “Through a multi-pronged approach to audience development, emphasizing inclusivity, youth engagement, and robust community partnerships, discuss how orchestral music can be accessible to all, especially underserved and diverse populations,” according to a presentation summary. Highlighting the Quad City Symphony Orchestra’s youth-centric initiatives, from Students @ Symphony, which invites school music groups to Masterworks performances, to the formation of the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles Concert Club, attendees will discover how to nurture the next generation of orchestra enthusiasts and reinforce your community-centric entity, bringing people together through music. Ernesto Estigarribia conducting the QC Youth Symphony Orchestra at a church in Berlin, Germany on June 19, 2023. The QCSO announced in late March that Hisham Bravo Groover was hired as assistant conductor of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and music director of the Quad City Symphony Youth Ensembles. He also is a new assistant professor of music and director of orchestral studies at Augustana College. For more information on the QCYSE program, click HERE.
	Celebrate Juneteenth in Clinton Celebrate Juneteenth with the Vince Jetter Community Center at a free festival on Saturday, June 15, from 3 - 6 p.m. at Clinton Park, 399 – 301 S. Fourth Street in Clinton. The Juneteenth Cultural Arts Festival is a family-friendly event featuring art, music, dancing, games, giveaways and community. (Vince Jetter Community Center) Visitors can enjoy a performance from the Mujaahid African Drum Ensemble, some of the top Master Drummers in Chicago. The group’s members are dynamic, energetic and exciting griots (African tribal storytellers) who pass on the spirit and tradition of African heritage from generation to generation. Muntheru Shah founded the group in 1990, and Tyehimba Mtu is one of three African drum carvers in the U.S., playing polyrhythms on several drums. Isaiah Williams, of Zay Creatives in Rock Island, will lead interactive art activities. Williams, who goes by "Zay", creates art using canvas, clothing and shoes and by developing relationships with musicians. He has held live visual art demonstrations in the Quad Cities, Chicago, Dubuque and other communities. His engaging personality brings out the best in artists, no matter their skill levels. Participants can explore African cultural heritage through large interactive paintings, which will be on display later this summer at the Vince Jetter Community Center. The Ebony Illusion Dance Team, led by Tiffany Harris, will perform a variety of dances. For further information, please contact the Vince Jetter Community Center at vincejettercc@gmail.com.
	Family Resources announces second round of layoffs After announcing layoffs for 26 employees in early May, Family Resources has announced that it will undergo a second round of layoffs.
	$560M Mega Millions winning ticket sold in Illinois One Illinois Mega Millions player had all the luck with their draw last night.
	Funding cuts mean layoffs, fewer services at Family Resources Contract changes mean cuts in staffing and services at Family Resources. There have been changes in contracts that provide services through the Children’s Mental Health System, meaning Family Resources will be experiencing another round of layoffs. The first layoffs were announced in early May, followed by an outpouring of support from the community. The new round of layoffs will be smaller, but fewer services will be offered. The contracts no longer being offered by Family Resources include: Crisis Stabilization Residential Services, Crisis Stabilization Community Based Services, Co-Response with Law Enforcement, and Care Coordination (Juvenile Court Liaison, Health and Human Services Liaison and Complex Families). The group remains committed to serving those in need, despite the challenges. Services that are still available for anyone needing assistance include: Survivor Services - free, confidential services to survivors of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, human trafficking, homicide and other violent crimes in Clinton, Jackson, Scott, Muscatine, Louisa and Cedar counties in Iowa, and Rock Island, Henry and Mercer counties in Illinois. Mental Health and Counseling – therapists provide individual, family and group outpatient therapy for Muscatine and Scott counties. Coordinated Assessment Program (CAP) – serves kids and families who need services by offering comprehensive care coordination in Scott County. The program is funded partly by Davenport, Bettendorf, Scott County, John Deere Foundation and United Way. Integrated Health Homes (IHH) – offers holistic care coordination for people with Medicaid and a qualifying mental health diagnosis in Scott and Muscatine Counties. Holistic Care Coordination is offered to kids and families who do not qualify for IHH or CAP through donor support. Iowa Aftercare Services Network - provides voluntary services and support to adults ages 18-24 who have aged out of foster care or another court-ordered placement in the eastern Iowa region. Foster and Adoption Services - offers licensing and support to prospective and current foster and adoptive families in 17 counties in the eastern Iowa region. High Roads Advantage Program –promotes literacy and economic stability for young adults and families by providing effective, work-based education that integrates basic skills in real work situations. Donations in support of Family Resources’ programming may be made here. Volunteers are always welcome. Click here for more information on Family Resources and their services.
	1850′s style base ball game to be played at John Deere Historic Site on Saturday 1850′s style base ball game will take place Saturday afternoon in Grand Detour, Illinois
	Frank Caliendo coming to Rhythm City Casino in September Frank Caliendo is bringing the laughs to Rhythm City Casino’s Event Center on Thursday, September 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets will be available online or at The Market at Rhythm City, 7077 Elmore Avenue in Davenport. There will be a presale on Thursday, June 6 at 10 a.m. and general ticket sales start on Friday, June 7 at 10 a.m. Frank Caliendo (Rhythm City Casino) Comedian, actor and impressionist Frank Caliendo ’s comedic timing and impressions have been the focus of viral video clips, TV shows, radio appearances and live shows for over 20 years. Caliendo creates comedic situations for celebrities, sports figures and political leaders. Caliendo starred in his own TBS TV series, Frank TV, an hour-long TBS special, Frank Caliendo: All Over the Place and Comedy Central Presents: Frank Caliendo. He was part of the cast on the Fox TV series MADtv for five years and has been a guest over 20 times combined on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Tonight Show and The Late Show. His acting credits include The Comebacks, two episodes of the Disney Channel series, Liv and Maddie, the Bob Odenkirk-produced IFC series, Birthday Boys, the TBS series Sullivan and Son, and an episode of the Valerie Bertinelli and Betty White’s TV Land series, Hot in Cleveland. He has voiced characters in three episodes of the Chuck Lorre & Kathy Bates Netflix series Disjointed, the animated Disney Channel series, Gravity Falls, and an episode of the Disney Channel animated series, Phineas and Ferb. For more information on Rhythm City Casino, including upcoming events, click here.
	Longtime leader at Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine retires The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine announces the retirement of Mel McMains, who has served as the chair of the Investment Committee for more than two decades, a news release says. Mel McMains (Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine) His tenure with the Community Foundation has been marked by a steadfast commitment to the financial stewardship and strategic growth of our community’s resources. Under his leadership, the volunteer Investment Committee has consistently outperformed national investment peer benchmarks, ensuring that funds are managed with the highest level of expertise and care. “Mel McMains has made an extraordinary contribution to the Community Foundation’s success," said Rich Dwyer, chairman of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. "The volunteer Investment Committee, under Mel’s leadership, has been instrumental in growing our assets and credibility. Individual, business, and agency donors have taken notice and chosen the Community Foundation to achieve their charitable intentions.” McMains joined the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine in the early 2000s, bringing an extensive career portfolio of investment management experience and a dedication to serving the community. Over the years, his vision and guidance have been instrumental in balancing the needs of today with growth for tomorrow and ensuring long-term success for the charitable needs supported through the Community Foundation’s 300-plus funds. “We are profoundly grateful for Mel’s dedication and leadership,” said Charla Schafer, president of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine. “Mel has been a vital figure in the success of the Community Foundation aligning his intellect, financial expertise, time commitment, and heart. It is not debatable that our community, both today and for future generations, will be strengthened by Mel McMain’s volunteerism and vision.” “After working closely with Mel McMains for 10 years, I have firsthand knowledge of his deep commitment, support, and active leadership in investing for the future of the area’s charitable causes," said Judi Holdorf, retired executive director of the Community Foundation. "Although I am no longer in the area having retired to Arizona, I keep a watchful eye on the many good things happening in Muscatine. I can attest to the fact that Mel has had a hand in many of them." David Jones, retired Chief Financial Officer of KENT Corporation, has been elected by the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine Board of Directors to succeed McMains in the role of volunteer Investment Committee chair. He has been working alongside McMains for six years on the Investment Committee. Before leaving his role, McMains led the Community Foundation through an extensive inquiry and review process to align with Mercer Investments LLC for investment services. With this advisory relationship, the volunteer Investment Committee retains responsibility for strategic direction and oversight of the Community Foundation’s monetary investments, with the support of professional advisors and industry-leading modeling tools.
	Contract therapist for Mid City High School accused of helping student avoid police Independent contract therapist at Davenport's Mid City High School accused of helping student avoid police during active investigation.
	Group O lays off 128 workers effective this week These layoffs were first announced in February.
	Weekend Rundown with WLLR \| June. 6, 2024 There are many family-friendly events going on this weekend, and we've brought in Dani Howe from WLLR to break it down.
	Family Resources confirms second round of layoffs Family Resources has confirmed a second round of layoffs this year.
	Walk to create awareness about gun violence set for Davenport A Wear Orange speaking program and walk around the park will be 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at Vander Veer Botanical Park, 215 W. Central Park Ave., Davenport, at the stone fountain, according to a news release. The event will commemorate the life of Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed in a Chicago park in 2013. It also aims to honor survivors, build community and raise awareness with the public about gun violence. Among those attending will be members of Moms Demand Action - Quad Cities, gun-violence survivors and community members. Speeches with local Moms Demand Action leaders and gun violence survivors will begin at 10 am. For more information contact Kaleigh Rogers at kaleighmrogers@gmail.com.
	EICC announces new vice chancellor Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) is proud to announce the appointment of Ashlee Spannagel, Ed.D., as the new vice chancellor for workforce development, according to a news release. Spannagel brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having served in various leadership positions in education and workforce development, the release says. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (eicc.edu) Spannagel joins EICC after a successful tenure as the dean of career and technical education (CTE) and workforce development at Southeastern Community College (SCC). With a strong background in fostering collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners, she is poised to lead EICC's efforts in preparing students for success in the workforce. She will oversee the development and implementation of programs and initiatives aimed at addressing the evolving needs of employers in the region. “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Spannagel to EICC. Her vision includes fostering innovation in response to changes in higher education and the workforce landscape. We look forward to synergizing her knowledge and skills with our team in service to our communities,” said Liang Chee Wee, interim chancellor of Eastern Iowa Community Colleges. Previously, Spannagel served as the Delabar CTE System director and compliance officer, managing Perkins funding and compliance for eight school districts under the umbrella of the Regional Office of Education #33. She spent five years with Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, holding two successive positions: Retention coordinator and recruiter at Frontier Community College, where she focused on student success and recruitment; and program director of grants, compliance, and outreach, where she prepared state, federal, and private grants and ensured compliance with state and federal legislation. Spannagel earned a doctor of education from Capella University. In her new role, she will work closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to develop strategies for enhancing workforce development programs and services. She will also play a key role in fostering relationships with employers to ensure EICC's programs align with industry needs and trends. "I am honored to join Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and the economic vitality of the region," said Spannagel. "I am excited to collaborate with the talented team at EICC to develop innovative workforce development solutions that meet the needs of our students and our community partners."
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for June 6, 2024 Officials at Clinton's ADM plant have revealed the cause of Wednesday's fire, and Bettendorf police have arrested four juveniles connected to recent break-ins.
	Illinois State Board of Education releases report on reading comprehension Roughly 70% of third-grade students across Illinois are not reading at their appropriate level.
	Tuesday's primary election sees low voter turnout in Muscatine County According to the unofficial results of Tuesday’s primary election, 5.54 percent of voters in Muscatine County, or 1,596 registered voters, voted out of 28,784.
	Subjects from high-speed chase in Muscatine charged with drug crimes Two Muscatine men connected to a high-speed chase have been charged with drug crimes, but have not, yet, been charged with crimes related to the chase or reports of gunfire.
	Wilton Candy Kitchen nominated for USA Today's Best Candy Store in America This week, it was announced that Wilton Candy Kitchen, located at 310 Cedar Street in Wilton, was nominated for USA Today’s Best Candy Store in America.
	Deadly severe weather sweeps east coast overnight One tornado touched down in Maryland while one tornado swept Michigan. The weather left widespread damage, reports of many injuries, and killed a two-year-old boy.
	Moline City Council approves funding for bike path connection Moline plans to build a dedicated path connecting the Mississippi River Trail from 17th St and 19th St.
	Moline-Coal Valley School District moving its administrative support office District officials will begin moving to their new home on Aug. 2.
	Jeff's Car Corner in Davenport nominated for national award Jeff West of Jeff's Car Corner in Davenport is in the running for an award from the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association.
	Low turnout helps fuel 12-point race in Iowa 1st Congressional District GOP primary A passionate right flank campaign and low turnout helped propel a Davenport prayer breakfast organizer to within 12 percentage points of a Republican congressional incumbent in Tuesday's primary.
	Rock Island National Cemetery sets open house, tours Rock Island National Cemetery will hold an open house with walking tours from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, at Rock Island National Cemetery, according to a news release. Rock Island National Cemetery (OurQuadCities.com) Veterans and their spouses, veteran service officers, funeral home directors and staff, members of Congress, and the public are invited. Walking tours will be given at 3:15, 4:15 and 5:15 p.m. The cemetery was established in 1863 and has two Medal of Honor recipients and other notable burials. Tours will begin at the Memorial Walkway. Visitors can go to the administration building to find out information about veterans benefits and pre-need burial eligibility so veterans and their spouses can plan in advance to use VA burial benefits that veterans have earned through their military service. The Friends of Rock Island National Cemetery and Bi-County Memorial Day Association will have a table with information about how they support the cemetery. The U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates 155 national cemeteries, one national veterans burial ground and 34 soldiers’ lots and monument sites in 42 states and Puerto Rico. More than 4 million Americans, including veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VA national cemeteries.
	Davenport council members revive debate on downtown one-ways At least two new Davenport council members want to revive debate on a 2022 decision to eventually convert the downtown's one-ways to have two directions of traffic.
	Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, June 6, 2024 Ryan L. “Rylie” Gean, 31, of Bettendorf, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois. Arrangements at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.
	Pending Death Notices for Muscatine, June 6, 2024 Richard Schubert, 66, of Burlington, Iowa, passed away Monday, June 3, 2024, at Great River Hospice, West Burlington, Iowa. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, Moline.
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
	Bix at 6 training runs begin June 13th The Iowa American Water Bix at 6 training runs will begin on Thursday, June 13th. It will be the first of four free training runs offered to those registered to run the Bix.
	Mountain biking rises in popularity amongst QCA youth “I think kids are just looking for something new to do. It’s a fun sport, it gets them outside. I just think the word is spreading that the kids enjoy it," said Karl Dimmer.
	Iowa company recycling old wind turbine blades Regen Fiber expects to process more than 30,000 tons of blades each year.
	Here's where kids in Davenport can get a free meal this summer Davenport schools will be offering free meals to kids around the district this summer.
	Some IL lawmakers claim $5.3 billion state road budget could be spent more effectively Lawmakers say staffing issues and a slower approval process are holding back the state from using all of its road funding.
	Rock Island County Health Department handing out Narcan to residents The drug can be used to help mitigate a suspected opioid overdose.
	Rockford airport bringing back international flights The airport will offer flights to Cancun, Punta Cana and Costa Rica.
	Set up is underway for Clinton’s Tailgate ‘N’ Tallboys festival Crews were in Clinton Wednesday to set up for the second annual Tailgate ‘N’ Tallboys Festival. The event is scheduled to take place on June 6. - June 8. in the Clinton’s River Front Area with activities starting at 2:00 pm each day according to organizers.
	Weed Park Lagoon project moving forward, Muscatine city officials say A nearly half million-dollar contract to revitalize the lagoons at Weed Park in Muscatine along with a quarter million dollar project for Wayfinding sign fabrication and installation is set to be approved by the Muscatine City Council at Thursday night’s council meeting.
	Golfers tee off at Quad Cities Chamber Golf Outing A tribute to a Quad-City man who had a welcoming smile for all, is now greeting golfers at Palmer Hills Golf Course in Bettendorf. The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce dedicated a bench with a plaque in honor of Larry Mokeben, considered a trailblazer with the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce before the chambers merged to become the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. Mokeben was remembered as someone who always had a welcoming smile. The bench dedication came right before the annual Quad Cities Chamber Golf Outing. The tournament featured a luncheon and drinks before some friendly competition. Organizers say the event is a great way for members to connect. Business expansion projects generated more than $75 million for the local economy last year.
	Therapy Dogs bring comfort and joy to residents at Davenport nursing home In senior care facilities across the nation, therapy dogs are spreading joy and companionship, but their impact goes beyond mere comfort.
	Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks to QCA business conference Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke June 5 in Davenport at a business conference. Reynolds delivered a speech in front of representatives from more than 500 businesses. She credits the businesses for being part of the reason Iowa is now considered a top ten state to live. The Governor added her priority is to help grow businesses, and push for tax reforms played a part. Reynolds finished by saying her plan is for Iowa to be a top five state by next year.
	Capitol Notebook: Iowa Workforce Development leader tells Congress about benefit changes Iowa Workforce Development Executive Director Beth Townsend testified this week in front of a U.S. House subcommittee on work and welfare.
	Rock Island High School students earn recognition in National Pitch Competition Out of 60 submissions, Team Swaver from Rock Island High School is among 25 Quarter-Finalists in the highly competitive National Pitch Competition, according to a news release. Team Members include recent grads Lucette Feigley, Julian Jimenez, Mason Lensing, and Larry Oliver. (Rock Island-Milan School District) Back in May, five teams consisting of RIHS INCubatoredu Entrepreneur and Enterprise students gave their business pitches to a row of “sharks” at Final Pitch Night. Team Swaver took home the grand prize of Best Business Model and $5,000. Their presentation was submitted to the National INCUbatoredu Pitch Competition. The team’s business will be evaluated by a judging panel and the semi-finalists will be announced in the upcoming weeks. Swaver is a device that can be put in toilet tanks to save water when flushing. Team Members include recent grads Lucette Feigley, Julian Jimenez, Mason Lensing, and Larry Oliver.
	ICan Bike camp teaches individuals with disabilities how to ride a bike The Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities has hosted the ICan Bike camp since 2015. ICan Shine is an international charitable non-profit organization that collaborates with local organizations to host three different types of ICan programs, one of those being the ICan Bike program.
	Bettendorf Police: Residents can help prevent 'crimes of opportunity' As the school year wraps up and the weather gets warmer, the Bettendorf Police Department (BPD) wants to remind residents to take the extra step and ensure they lock up their vehicles, garages, and homes in order to prevent “crimes of opportunity," according to a news release. (bettendorf.org) “We always see a spike in juvenile crime this time of the year and taking the small step oflocking up will help keep this spike down,” said Captain Justin Paul. On Monday night, Bettendorf Police reported a number of juveniles flooding both sides ofDevils Glen Road in the Deerbrook, Deer Ridge, Glenview, Linton Hills, and Halcyon Hillsneighborhoods. “They were entering vehicles and garages that were left unlocked,” said Paul. “Fortunately,the Davenport Police Department (DPD) apprehended four of these juvenile suspects on the night of Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, but there will be others still out there committing these crimes." Davenport Police recovered three guns from those juveniles, "which serves as a stark reminder of how quickly vehicle and garage burglaries could turn into violent crimes," Paul said. When “crimes of opportunity” occur, significant police resources are spent taking initial reports, processing crime scenes, documenting items stolen, and searching for the perpetrators. “This results in fewer proactive patrols throughout neighborhoods, less traffic enforcement to reduce speeding and crashes, and less overall police presence and visibility throughout the entire city,” added Paul. In addition to locking up vehicles, garages, and homes, Bettendorf Police encourage residents to call 911 if they observe suspicious activity or crimes in progress. If they have any securitycamera/doorbell camera video of suspects or criminal activity, they can call the Scott EmergencyCommunications Center (SECC) at 563-388-3661 so an officer can be sent to retrieve thatfootage.
	Virtual QCA film series to feature 'A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting' The 'Movies That Matter: Informing Your Vote' virtual film and discussion series will feature the film 'A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting.' The series from the Franciscan Peace Center will feature the film June 11-27. A follow-up presentation by survivors and a viewer discussion session will be held on June 27. The 'Movies That Matter: Informing Your Vote' series offers monthly access to documentaries addressing topics relevant to voters, including immigration, gun violence, overcoming partisanship, care of the Earth, voting rights and more. 'A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting' (IMDb) According to a press release about this showing of 'A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting,' The film provides an in-depth look at the tragic events of October 27th, 2018, when a gunman opened fire inside a Pittsburgh synagogue, killing eleven people as they prayed, in what would become the deadliest antisemitic attack in American history. 'A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting' is a deeply personal portrait of the survivors, victims and family members who share their harrowing first-hand accounts of the impact of the shooting on the community.The film is rooted in a community in the aftermath of a violent attack, as they work to rebuild and heal. Despite core differences, they come together to determine what justice looks like and how to best move forward while honoring and learning from the past. The film sheds light on the collective trauma suffered by a tight-knit group and brings into sharp focus the hate-based rhetoric that surrounds many of the mass shootings today, threatening the fabric of our society. Franciscan Peace Center The virtual screening of 'A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting' runs June 11-27. Advance registration is required to view the film online, available here. To watch a trailer for the film, click here. For more information, click here.
	Taste of Ethiopia to close, new restaurant will move in Several of the restaurant's signature dishes will be preserved when Iowa City-based African restaurant "I Love FuFu" takes over the location.
	Wilson Middle School student recognized with national award Textbook publisher gave the 180 Awards to 20 kids across the country who inspire their peers and exemplify positivity.
	Former Scott County Sheriff K9 laid to rest Spike was a narcotics and patrol canine for the Scott County Sheriff's Office from 2013 to 2021.
	Illinois man gets life in prison for killing Iowa grocery store worker A Jo Daviess County man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing an Iowa grocery store worker in November 2023.
	'I Can Shine Bike Camp' in East Moline helping those with different abilities ride bicycles 28 children and young adults are taking part in the program, which the Children's Therapy Center has been hosting since 2014.
	Man convicted of attempted murder fails to return to Davenport correctional facility Authorities are searching for a man convicted of attempted murder who failed to report back to the Davenport Residential Corrections Facility.
	Moline-Coal Valley school district moving administrative support center The office will move to the former Vibrant Credit Union corporate office.
	Taste of Ethiopia to close as owners retire, new restaurant opening Several of the restaurant's signature dishes will be preserved when Iowa City-based African restaurant "I Love FuFu" takes over the location.
	Supporters react to Davenport street conversion concerns The Davenport City Council hesitated on the two-way street conversion project, which has spent years in the planning process, and now the Downtown Davenport Partnership says delaying the street conversion even more could waste federal dollars and affect all other roads needing work in the city. New Davenport City Council members let their voices be heard regarding the two-way street conversion project on 3rd and 4th streets downtown. "Maybe that business on 3rd is going to suffer," Tim Dunn, Davenport's 2nd Ward Alderman, said. "Or 4th is going to suffer in two-way traffic. I just don't think it's a good idea." Despite concerns from new city council members, Downtown Davenport Partnership's Executive Director Kyle Carter says the project is very far in the process, with multiple federal grants helping the conversion happen. "If this is to get re-litigated all over again, it could potentially risk a lot of time and a lot of money if we drag this back through the process again," Carter said. Grants awarded to the two-way conversion project were connected through a package of road improvements, including road resurfacing and flood mitigation projects. Since the federal government awarded the city for all aspects of the package and not just the two way conversion aspect, the risk the city could take if deciding not to continue would be the potential loss of grant money and time wasted on the project. "We can appreciate that there's concern," Carter said. "There has been since day one. This has never been a topic that everyone is going to agree on, and that's okay. But, the decision was made. To try and undo the decision at this point is going to create a lot of other chaos that people need to understand the impact of. It's not as simple as oh, we're just not going to do that." Other city council members who've been elected for more than two years tried to explain the importance of the project Tuesday night. "That's seven years it's taken to get to this point," Marion Meginnis, Davenport's 3rd Ward Alderman, said. "I would hate to see anything to happen to this process, that would delay that start. I would be very concerned if anything happened to that, and we said oh we're not going to 3rd and 4th street because it's not that simple." A workshop will be held June 15, where the Downtown Davenport Partnership hopes to educate council members who are hesitant and get the project back on track.
	ELECTION 2024: Iowa primary turnout lowest so far in 21st century Turnout for Tuesday’s primaries was especially low, with only 8.3% of registered voters showing up to the polls. Turnout is usually in the 20% range for a primary election, and hasn’t been this low so far in the 21st century.
	Season underway for Clinton LumberKings baseball team News 8's Shelby Kluver sat down with the team's new general manager to find out what deals and fan experiences are coming up this summer.
	Davenport Community School District launches summer meal program Davenport schools will be offering free meals to kids around the district this summer.
	Davenport North student selected to attend 6-week Broadway camp Reece Riewerts will be able to sharpen his singing, dancing and acting skills alongside guest Broadway performers.
	ADM plant evacuated in Clinton Wednesday morning due to fire Officials say it started around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 5.
	Man convicted of attempted murder fails to return to Davenport correctional facility Authorities are searching for a man convicted of attempted murder who failed to report back to the Davenport Residential Corrections Facility.
	John Deere Classic scores $70M in QC economic impact The John Deere Classic has an economic impact of over $70 million on the Quad Cities, according to estimates compiled by Visit Quad Cities and the PGA Tour event. Visit Quad Cities uses the Destinations International Event Impact Calculator (EIC) and visitor profile business intelligence via Datafy to analyze event performance. Sepp Straka poses with the trophy after winning the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run on July 9, 2023 in Silvis, Ill. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) “The John Deere Classic produces on a lot of levels for the Quad Cities region,” Dave Herrell, Visit Quad Cities president/CEO, said Wednesday by email. “The impact on tourism, our brand identity, our community’s reputation, and positioning, along with the local pride the JDC instills in all of us is vital to how we advance the Quad Cities forward. Being on a global stage is of high value and our regional economy is the better for it. “We are activating the QC, the visitor economy and hospitality industry are thriving, and the quality of vibrancy our community experiences through this signature event is a win any way you want to dissect it,” he said of the tournament, which tees off July 1-7, 2024 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis. “Hosting impactful events can transform places and the JDC and the billion plus people we reach (on broadcast channels) is simply an opportunity to continually leverage.” The Classic (which originally launched in 1971) was last studied for its economic impact in 2015, and JDC tournament director Andrew Lehman said Wednesday 2023 was picked to get new data as it has gained ground since the pandemic. There are no exact attendance figures available (since most volunteers are not counted, and there were nearly 2,400 volunteers in 2023), but total indirect and direct economic impact grew from $63.2 million in 2015 to $70.9 million in 2023, Lehman said. 2023 economic impact numbers for the John Deere Classic. Of total paying guests to the tournament, an estimated 47 percent stayed overnight last year. Of the 2023 numbers, they found: $3.7 million was spent on food and beverages $4.1 million on retail $5.6 million on hotels $5.6 million on recreational activities $2.9 million on transportation For 2023, $23.1 million was spent in direct impact, $33.7 million in indirect impact, and $14.1 million in the Birdies for Charity program benefitting nonprofits in the region. The 2023 analysis also found that QC hotel occupancy was up 10.1% compared to the JDC week in 2022, and overall hotel revenue increased 29% from the previous year. “John Deere brings about 900 to 1,000 guests from around the world who are here. We've got all of our guests. We work with our hotel partners,” Lehman said Wednesday. “The impact report reflects the numbers based on the data that was given to the folks who did the study from all the partners involved.” The direct economic impact is the money that's spent as a direct result of the event, while the indirect impact is for dollars “being reinvested in the community, whether it's restaurants hiring staff, hotel people, that's where that number is driven from,” Lehman said. “It's growth in those businesses based off of the fact that that event is happening from the direct economic impact. It's when those businesses are then reinvesting in their product to be bigger and better.” Record growth for Birdies Birdies for Charity contributions (included in the direct economic impact) grew from $8.9 million in 2015 to $14.1 million last year. Since Deere became title sponsor of the golf tournament in 1997, 99 percent of all Birdies donations have been received over that time, Lehman noted. Birdies for Charity formally started in 1993. JDC tournament director Andrew Lehman “We live in an area where people understand the nonprofit sector and how vital it is to our marketplace. We've got so many nonprofits that are doing such wonderful work in our community,” he said. “It's a correlation from the business community, and it starts in my estimation, it starts with John Deere. They're very civic minded and philanthropic as a company.” The JDC is by far the number-one charitable contributor per capita on the PGA Tour, for several years running, Lehman said. “I think Phoenix this year, the WM Phoenix Open, I think they did right at about $17 million, which is an awesome, awesome number that they should take a ton of pride in. But you're also comparing, you're comparing a market of 5 million to a community of 380,000,” he said of the QC metro area. Supporting nonprofits is also built into the Classic’s DNA. The 2023 Birdies for Charity total -- $14.1 million -- broke a single-year record, and brought the program's 30-year total contributions to over $173 million. “Our mission is pretty simple. It's five bullet points,” Lehman said. “It's to contribute positively to the quality of life in our community; provide a growing annual financial contributions to nonprofits in our region; promoting volunteerism -- which last year we had a record number of volunteers, I think we're about 2,393; provide a positive economic impact to the community and then contribute to a more inclusive community and attract a diverse population to the game of golf.” The generosity of the QC was reflected even in the height of the pandemic, in 2020, when there was no tournament, but people still contributed $12.2 million to the JDC. “Then we saw growth in 2021 from the pandemic number, but we were still in very uncertain times,” Lehman said. “Even though people are struggling to put groceries in their pantry and refrigerator and food on the table, people are still supporting their favorite nonprofits.” Birdies is what drives the JDC staff, even more than putting the tournament on, he noted. “The athletic contest and tournament week is a blast and we should all take a ton of pride in having a professional sporting event here,” Lehman said. “But when we give charity money away in October, that's why our staff gets up and goes to work every day. (birdiesforcharity.com) “None of us in this office are John Deere employees, but they trust us with presenting a John Deere experience for the community, for guests from around the Midwest who are coming here,” he said. “The concerts have certainly changed the attendance numbers. It's just so important because all these nonprofits, whether they're getting $2,500 or they're getting $800,000 whatever that number is to that organization, is important to them.” Last year was the first time that the Classic offered post-play Concerts on the Course, on Saturday and Sunday, featuring Darius Rucker and Blake Shelton. This year, Counting Crows will perform Saturday, July 6, and Lainey Wilson on Sunday, July 7, both concerts starting at 5:45 p.m. Boosting the Bonus Fund The Birdies goal this year is $14.25 million, and they will determine the amount of 2024 bonus to nonprofits (at least 5 percent) in September, Lehman said. “We're always striving to do better than we did the year before,” he said. “Of the 481 nonprofits that were active last year, Micaela and Anika and our small team is in contact with those groups. We want to make sure that we're doing everything that we can to maximize their benefit.” Micaela Booth is the Birdies director, and since this past January, Anika Martin is the first full-time employee to focus on growing the Birdies Bonus Fund. Anika Martin at the John Deere Classic tournament office, on Coaltown Road in East Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). “As the tournament has grown, we needed her to focus on selling our assets of tournament week, whether it be marketing or advertising or corporate hospitality,” Lehman said. “She’s a trained development person who’s had a long history of success here in the Quad Cities and is no stranger to the John Deere Classic. It's all about focusing positive momentum and growth on the Bonus Fund side so we can continue to maximize the impact on these nonprofits.” Last year, JDC raised a record $14,102,833 through its Birdies for Charity program and paid a 7.5% bonus to all participating charities. That fund is seeded each year by a $325,000 donation by John Deere. Moline-based Deere also underwrites all Birdies administrative costs, to ensure that participating charities receive 100% of all donations and pledges designated to their organization. Every year, the PGA gives the most engaged community award and JDC has won it eight times, including in December 2023. Patrick Cantlay, the No. 9 golfer in the world, is among the players committed to this summer's JDC, July 1-7, 2024, at TPC Deere Run, Silvis. Factors taken into consideration for “Most Engaged Community” include spectator attendance, volunteer support and how well the community is weaved into the overall flavor of the tournament. Next month, the JDC is excited to welcome Patrick Cantlay, who’s ranked the 9th top golfer in the world, has nabbed eight PGA Tour wins and over $45 million in PGA Tour winnings over his career. For more information on the tournament, click HERE.
	Niabi Zoo joins nationwide pilot program to reduce wildlife trafficking Niabi Zoo is just one of 24 zoos across the nation to be a part of the new Wildlife Confiscations Network, which helps care for and house smuggled animals.
	Iowa business, political officials respond to recent John Deere layoffs in the state The President of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry said the recently announced changes are likely the result of trade and supply chain issues.
	Tasty trivia and deals for Pizza Hut's Hut Day! June 5 is Hut Day, and to celebrate, we found some tasty trivia about Pizza Hut! 🍕 Pizza Hut was founded by brothers Dan and Frank Carney, still in college, when they borrowed $600 from their mother in 1958 to open a pizza place while attending Wichita State University. 🍕 Before the red roof logo was adopted in 1969, Pizza Hut had a cartoon mascot, Pizza Pete, who also served as its logo. Pizza Pete was still used in the 1970s on bags, cups, and advertisements, but was eventually phased out. 🍕 Pizza Hut once offered a limited-edition perfume that smelled like "fresh dough with a bit of spice." The packaging for the perfume, originally only available through promotional contests, looked like mini pizza boxes. A few surfaced on eBay for as much as $495. 🍕 A hot item in the 1970s were Pizza Hut Easy-Bake ovens. Kids could use the toy to bake tiny Pizza Hut pizzas under a 60-watt light bulb. 🍕 Pizza Hut used star power in their commercials. Celebrities like Elijah Wood, then 11, Ringo Starr, the Monkees and former Soviet statesman Mikhail Gorbachev all appeared in Pizza Hut ads. 🍕 Pizza Hut's Book It! program is 40! Kicked off in 1984, the program encouraged kids to read by rewarding them with "praise, recognition and pizza." 🍕 Pizza Hut was early to online ordering. In 1994, Pizza Hut and The Santa Cruz Operation created PizzaNet, a then-unique program allowing computer users to place orders via the internet. 🍕 Pizza Hut pizza has been to space! In 2001, Pizza Hut became the first company to deliver pizza into space. The pizza recipe had to undergo "rigorous stabilized thermal conditions" to ensure it would be edible when it got to the International Space Station. 🍕 Pizza Hut accounts for 3% of U.S. cheese production. The company uses over 300 million pounds of cheese each year and is one of the largest cheese buyers in the world. To make that much cheese, 170,000 cows are used to produce an estimated 300 billion gallons of milk. To celebrate Hut Day, Pizza Hut locations owned and operated by Flynn Group LP (FG) are offering a one-day-only BOGO deal exclusively on Wednesday, June 5. Guests who purchase any large menu-priced pizza will receive a large one-topping pizza for free by using the promo code FREEPIZZA. Hungry for more about Pizza Hut? Click here.
	Sheriff after K9 dies: Spike, we’ll take the watch from here The Scott County Sheriff’s Office said that retired K9 Officer Spike was laid to rest Wednesday by his handler.
	Therapy dogs visit Davenport nursing home The canines brought smiles to seniors at The Ivy.
	Woman in custody for trying to bite, kick Davenport officer A 43-year-old Davenport woman was in custody Wednesday after police allege she tried to bit an officer, according to court records. Lisa Dahnke faces a felony charge of possession of contraband in a correctional institution and serious misdemeanor charges of assault on persons in certain occupations and possession of a controlled substance - methamphetamine - first offense, a news release says. Lisa Dahnke (Scott County Jail) Shortly before 11 a.m. Tuesday, Davenport Police responded to the 100 block of East 3rd Street for a disturbance, according to arrest affidavits, which say Dahnke "did knowingly obstruct the duty of a police officer by ignoring the lawful command of a fully uniformed, visibly marked Davenport Police Officer to stay back from the room Officers were in." Dahnke was told three times to stay back, but did not, affidavits say, and "did assault a fully uniformed, visibly marked Davenport Police Officer ... kicking an Officer in the leg, and later trying to bite an Officer on the arm." Dahnke "possessed a total amount of 6.1 grams of methamphetamine on her person/in her purse," affidavits show, saying she "knowingly (brought) 5.55 grams of methamphetamine into the Scott County Jail. The methamphetamine was in a small plastic bag concealed inside her bra." Dahnke was being held Wednesday on $7,000 in Scott County Jail, and is set for a preliminary hearing June 14 in Scott County Court.
	Trial date set for former Dubuque priest accused of sexual abuse The trial for the former Dubuque priest accused of sexually abusing altar boys in the 1980′s is set for July 30.
	Niabi Zoo joins nationwide pilot program to reduce wildlife trafficking Niabi Zoo is just one of 24 zoos across the nation to be a part of the new Wildlife Confiscations Network, which helps care for and house smuggled animals.
	Iowa Association of Business and Industry reacts to John Deere layoffs Mike Ralston said the issues likely stem from trade and supply chain issues impacting companies around the world.
	KWQC schedules tower work early Thursday morning Tower work at the KWQC tower may cause outages to some of our viewing area overnight.
	Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds visits Davenport for ABI conference Governor Kim Reynolds was the guest speaker at the Iowa Association of Business and Industry held at the River Center in Davenport.
	Illinois man gets life in prison for killing of Iowa grocery store worker A Jo Daviess County man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing an Iowa grocery store worker in November 2023.
	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: JUSTIN PULFORD, 45, 5’10”, 145 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes. Rock Island County warrant for failure to appear on charge of delivery or possession with intent to deliver meth. DEMETRIUS WALKER, 31, 5’11”, 390 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Rock Island County warrant for failure to appear on charge of delivery or possession with intent to deliver meth. Scott County warrant for probation violation on charges of possession of a weapon by a felon and controlled substance violation. Justin Pulford (L) and Demetrius Walker (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.
	News 8 viewer captures cicada sounds in Geneseo "Jon & James said they haven't heard or seen any cicadas yet in yesterday's newscast....turn up the volume and enjoy." Credit: Jarrod & Gloria Miller - Geneseo, IL
	Part of ADM plant in Clinton catches fire Thursday morning Officials say it started around 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 5.
	No injuries in fire at ADM in Clinton There were some tense moments at ADM in Clinton this morning after employees found a fire during a demolition project, according to a news release from the company and the Clinton Fire Department. During the demolition of a mill scrubber near ADM’s corn processing complex on Beaver Channel Parkway in Clinton, ADM staff discovered a fire that originated from materials inside the mill scrubber on Wednesday, June 5 at about 10:15 a.m. Employees were evacuated as a precaution while plant officials called the Clinton Fire Department. A fire at ADM in Clinton, Iowa on June 5, 2024. (Contributed by Kim Hardison to Our Quad Cities News) A fire at ADM in Clinton, Iowa on June 5, 2024. (Contributed by Kim Hardison to Our Quad Cities News) A fire at ADM in Clinton, Iowa on June 5, 2024. (Contributed by Kim Hardison to Our Quad Cities News) The Clinton Fire Department, Clinton Police Department and the Camanche Fire Department responded to the scene. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze and there were no firefighter or ADM employee injuries. Damages are still being assessed and the investigation into the cause is ongoing.
	John Deere lays off 120 workers in Moline plus 123 workers in Iowa This week John Deere announced multiple location layoffs in Iowa and Illinois totaling 243.
	Young QC banker honored in national magazine An executive from Northwest Bank & Trust Company is among this year’s 40 Under 40: Community Bank Leaders, in Independent Banker magazine, the award-winning monthly publication of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). The sixth-annual award recognizes community bank innovators, collaborators, educators, strategists, advisors, and civic servants and Adam Pelzer, Northwest Bank’s 33-year-old executive vice president was named to this year’s list. “ICBA congratulates Adam Pelzer on this well-deserved recognition,” ICBA president and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said in a Wednesday bank release. “Adam exemplifies the talent, dedication, and community spirit that define our industry. We commend his outstanding contributions and look forward to his continued growth and success as a community bank leader.” The feature story in the June issue of Independent Banker highlights how the 40 Under 40 honorees have navigated challenges and remained innovative while staying true to the guiding principles that make community banking special, the Northwest release says. Chosen from hundreds of entries, candidates were judged on their character, leadership, community involvement, and innovation. The magazine wrote that “Pelzer embraces innovation with an open mind in his work at Northwest Bank & Trust Company. His scientific problem‑solving approach and eye for unique acquisitions have helped the community bank establish and grow its subsidiary tax and accounting firm to over $4 million in revenue—an increase of over 500% in just three years.” “Including Adam among this distinguished list of community bank leaders is well-deserved public recognition of what those of us at Northwest Bank & Trust Company already know,” Joe Slavens, president & CEO of Davenport-based Northwest Bank & Trust, said. “Adam delivers extraordinary value to our team, our customers, our shareholders and our Quad Cities community.” “Being named to ICBA Independent Banker’s 40 Under 40 is a tremendous honor,” said Pelzer. “I’m proud to be a community banker. Thanks to Joe and the opportunity at Northwest Bank, I am surrounded by an excellent board of directors and team throughout our organizations. His leadership has created immeasurable opportunities and has given me a world-class education on the business of banking.” Pelzer is originally from Tipton, Iowa. He graduated from Brown University with honors, earning a bachelor’s with a concentration in Business, Entrepreneurship & Organizations, before starting his career as an Investment Banking Analyst at William Blair. He joined Northwest Bank in 2016 and was promoted to senior vice president and elected to the board of directors in 2017. He was named executive vice president in 2022. In addition to serving as the bank’s chief financial officer and cashier, Pelzer also oversees Centennial Tax & Accounting, a bank subsidiary. For more information on Northwest Bank, click HERE.
	Retired Scott County K9 officer dies A former Scott County Sheriff’s Department K9 officer has answered his last call. K9 Spike (82-14C) was laid to rest in the care of his handler, Sgt. Greg Hill (82-14) on Wednesday, June 5 at about 11 a.m. K9 Spike served with the Sheriff’s Office from 2013 to 2021 with distinguished service. An honor procession took Spike from Eldridge to Bettendorf today. “The final inspection is not the end; it is the beginning of a K9’s eternity of service, continuing to watch over their human partners from above,” the news release from the department said. K9 Spike (Scott County Sheriff's Office) The radio traffic broadcast over Scott County/Davenport Police Department and Bettendorf Police Department was as follows: “82-14C…. Dispatch to 82-14C… There is no answer from 82-14C, K9 Spike. K9 Spike was laid to rest this morning in the care of his handler, Sgt. Hill. K9 Spike served the citizens of Scott County from 2013 to 2021 as a Narcotics and Patrol Canine. K9 Spike made an invaluable mark on our community, assisting in finding thousands of pounds of illegal narcotics, assisting in numerous search warrants, and helping catch numerous criminals. Spike will be deeply missed by many. Chase all the tennis balls and get all the bad guys, Spike, we’ll take the watch from here.”
	News 8 viewer captures blaze at ADM plant in Clinton Kim Hardison sent in video of a fire at the ADM plant in Clinton Thursday morning.
	QC premiere of 'Tarzan' to swing in Moline The four-year wait for “Tarzan” at Moline’s Spotlight Theatre is finally over. The rock musical based on the Walt Disney Animation Studios 1999 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by Phil Collins, book by David Henry Hwang – will open Friday, Sept. 7 at 1800 7th Ave., Moline, in its QC area premiere. "Tarzan" at Spotlight Theatre features Kirsten Sindelar, Tommy Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt and Bruce Duling. The musical follows Tarzan, who is raised by gorillas in West Africa. He meets Jane, a young English naturalist, and falls in love, unknowing that Jane's entourage plans to kill the gorillas. The original Broadway production opened in 2006, and ran for 486 performances. Director (and Spotlight co-owner) Brent Tubbs was supposed to direct “Tarzan” in 2020, and it had been cast – starring Chase Austin as Tarzan and Lily Blouin as Jane. This year, auditions were held in early March, now with Tommy Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt in the title role and Kirsten Sindelar as his teacher and eventual love interest. Sara Tubbs (as Kala) and Bruce Duling (as Jane’s dad) are the only crossovers from the original 2020 cast. Sara Tubbs, left, and Marlo Reed in "Tarzan." This is the first Spotlight mainstage show from the Disney catalog, since its first in fall 2018, “Hunchback of Notre Dame.” “We are huge Disney fans, too,” Tubbs said this week. “They tend to be much larger shows.” “Right before we were supposed to do it in 2020, David Henry Hwang – who did the book for this show – did a talk at Augustana, and so we got to meet him,” Tubbs said. “It was so cool. He knew we were doing the show…We got him to sign one of the scripts for us, and got a picture with him. He was super nice.” Brent and Sara Tubbs with playwright David Henry Hwang at Augustana College, February 2020. In the huge Spotlight Theatre (which seats 540), the director extends the jungle-themed set and action far beyond the actual stage. “With this show, I want everything to feel completely immersive,” Tubbs said. There’s a long green-netted canopy across the length of the theater, extending to the top of the proscenium. There’s a small catwalk they used to attach it. Like other Spotlight shows, performers occasionally will be scattered close to the audience, including apes swinging on vines. Tubbs also designed the sprawling set, which extends out onto the floor (which other Spotlight shows also have done). He also uses projections in the backdrop, and a live band behind the set. Another Disney orphan The story starts off the West African coast, a young English couple and their newborn son barely survive a shipwreck and land in Africa. They build a tree house for their son before being killed by a leopard named Sabor. In the African Jungle, Kerchak, the leader of a tribe of gorillas admires his new infant son with his mate, Kala. Sabor suddenly appears and kidnaps the newborn baby gorilla. Joel Vanderbush and Sara Tubbs in Spotlight's "Tarzan." Kala goes off to find her son but finds the human boy instead and names him Tarzan. She mothers him and raises him despite Kerchak's refusal to treat Tarzan as his son. “It’s a super fun cast,” Tubbs said, noting there’s a good age range among the actors. Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt (like Tarzan, in impossibly good shape) started prepping for this show last September. “Looking at the script, I found so many commonalities between me and Tarzan,” he said, leading with the fact that he was also adopted. “When Tarzan was swept up as an infant, and raised with apes, I could really connect with – this is my mom and dad.” “The more rehearsals went on, it’s like why wouldn’t I have auditioned for this show?” he said. “I thought since this was an area premiere, to be the Quad Cities’ first exposure to it, we’re already setting the bar so unbelievably high, why wouldn’t you audition?” “My family is my family – I couldn’t have chosen a better one,” Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt said. Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt and Sara Tubbs in "Tarzan." Since September, he got back to taking voice lessons, ran an average of nine miles a day, went to the gym an average of 3-4 times a week, did lots of yoga, and gave up alcohol. “It helps my voice, it helps my stress,” he said of abstaining from drinking. “It was wonderful waking up in the morning and not having a headache. Now I can say this is a dream role. My husband said, ‘If you land it, awesome, your hard work paid off, but if not, that’s OK and you’re in fantastic shape.” Tommy’s last leading roles before this were Bobby in “Company” (2021) at Black Box Theatre, and Joseph in Countryside’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” (2022). The latter featured Sindelar as one of the Narrators. Hillary Erb, left, Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt and Sindelar in Countryside Community Theatre's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" in summer 2022. That was their second show together, after “Little Women” at Black Box in 2019. “Tarzan” is just Tommy’s second stage role at Spotlight, after “Puffs” last summer. “People my age, who saw the movie, they can hear an entire score of Phil Collins. People my parents’ age who like Phil Collins, and obviously for kids, to see a show based on a Disney movie with a ton of kids in it,” Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt said. “In every Disney film, there are lines that only adults are going to understand,” Sindelar said. A veteran Circa ’21 Bootlegger, she is also a huge Disney fan. The Disney connection As a teen, her first show at Sherrard High School was Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast,” as a Silly Girl. “That’s what drew me into theater, Disney musicals,” she said. Bruce Duling, left, Kirsten Sindelar and Jackson Grubbs in "Tarzan." “Believe it or not, this is my first lead in a Disney musical. As often as I dress up as Disney princesses and mermaids, I’ve never actually been in a Disney musical,” Sindelar said. She did try out for “Little Mermaid” at Countryside this summer, and for the same show when Music Guild did it (2017), but was not cast in either. At Spotlight, Sindelar has performed major roles in “The Producers” (fall 2022) and “Oliver!” (spring 2023). Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” is her second dream role, after Elphaba in “Wicked.” She actually went to try out for one of two “Wicked” North American tours a couple weeks ago in downtown Chicago, among about 700 others. Sindelar, right, and Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt in "Tarzan." “This is my dream show, and I’m just gonna try and I don’t care what happens,” Sindelar said. “I’m really proud of myself for trying and doing it.” She stood in line for five and a half hours to sing eight bars a cappella. “It was totally worth it. I got seen and that was good,” Sindelar said, noting she sang from “Waitress” (“I Didn’t Plan It”). She hasn’t heard back yet. “I was number 669. It was very exciting.” For “Tarzan” at Spotlight, she was cast in 2020 as the leopard. “I had done ‘Cats’ before at Music Guild, so I have been a cat before,” Sindelar said. Jane is not a dance-heavy part. “This one has a lot more dialogue, than Nancy and Ulla put together,” she said of her roles in “Oliver” and “The Producers.” “I have a lot of one-sided conversations,” she said of “Tarzan.” True partners Tarzan is kind of like the male land version of Ariel, with a lot of inner monologue, Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt said. “When he speaks to Jane and the humans, it’s very broken – ‘Jane go,’ or ‘I go with you’.” He noted they were kind of tired and defeated before “Tarzan” auditions, and asked each other about trying out together. Sindelar had auditioned unsuccessfully for Spotlight’s “Legally Blonde” and “Anastasia,” and Music Guild’s “Kinky Boots.” “What is going on here?” she recalled. Tommy said they auditioned for “Tarzan” on the last day. “We showed up and I walked up to her and said, ‘This is your show; I know it is, I can feel it,’” he recalled, adding he was thrilled to learn they were both cast in “Tarzan.” Sindelar was shocked when she found out she got Jane. “How could it be anybody else but you?” Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt said. “Nobody else.” “There are so many commonalities with Jane and Kirsten,” he said. “Jane is very patient, very diligent, she wants to learn. Kirsten is just as patient, like with me confiding stuff to her. Like you can do this, we can do this together. I keep replaying in my head, like who else could it be? And she makes it so easy for me to be Tarzan.” Tommy Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt and Jorge Mendez in "Tarzan." “She talks and is waiting there, learning and showing me stuff, as I’m jumping up and down, doing cartwheels, doing handstands,” Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt said of the story, learning to speak and become a human. After being rejected in other auditions, Sindelar’s confidence was definitely shaken, then restored after landing Jane. “You just gotta keep pushing, keep going, and somehow all that hard work will pay off,” she said. “It was so huge.” Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt loves the Spotlight set, which he likened to a jungle playground. “Even though my body isn’t 10 years old anymore, I literally feel like a kid,” he said. “Brent said, you can swing from the vines, go wherever you want. All right.” Sara Tubbs, left, Marlo Reed and Dalton Carls. Tubbs gave him freedom to get from point A to B in certain scenes. Interaction with the audience makes it feel like patrons will be in the jungle with them, Sindelar said. “He has literally brought it out into the house,” Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt said. “You’re literally walking in the jungle, that’s what it is.” Tubbs, left, Ratkiewicz-Stierwalt and Jorge Mendez in "Tarzan." Sindelar next will be in the Circa ’21 production of “The Addams Family," opening in early September. “Tarzan” will be performed at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (June 7, 8, 14, 15) and 2 p.m. Sundays (June 9 and 16). Tickets are $20, available HERE.
	John Deere to lay off more than 120 at Seeding and Cylinder Operations in Moline The company already announced 34 layoffs at the Cylinder Works last month.
	Clinton's Highway 136 bridge to undergo cleaning It’s time for bridge cleaning in Clinton! The Iowa Department of Transportation says in an email news release that bridge cleaning on the North Bridge (Highway 136 bridge) will start the week of June 10. Cleaning the bridge runs from 8 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Cleaning will not take place on Fridays and Saturdays. There will be intermittent nighttime lane closures on the bridge during cleaning. The project is expected to be completed by June 21.
	East Moline looks for input on 15th Avenue project East Moline is making improvements, and they need the public’s input on the best ways to connect the city to The Bend. The City of East Moline is holding a second public meeting for the Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project on Tuesday, June 18. Residents and community members are encouraged to attend the open house public meeting to discuss downtown branding, view proposed improvements to 15th Avenue, talk with the project team and ask questions. The meeting will be at the Whiskey Stop, 726 15th Avenue, and participants can stop by between 5 - 7 p.m. East Moline is working with a design and engineering team to make 15th Avenue more pedestrian-friendly, accessible and connected to The Rust Belt and The Bend. The 15th Avenue project area is between Sixth Street and 13th Street in East Moline. Streetscaping improvements, including pedestrian-friendly amenities, improved accessibility, new landscaping and wayfinding signage that enhance and connect the community are among the improvements to be discussed. “This is an opportunity to shape 15th Avenue into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly asset in our community,” said Mayor Reggie Freeman. “I encourage residents to get involved and share their thoughts. Together, we can build a greater downtown that reflects the spirit of East Moline and enhances our quality of life.” Click here for more information on the project, sign up for updates, and express comments and questions via the online comment form. The project is financed by a $23.7 million federal RAISE grant, which will build upon the City’s 2020 Master Plan to improve connectivity, safety and accessibility between 15th Avenue, The Rust Belt and The Bend. The first public meeting for the Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project was held in February 2024 to discuss proposed improvements to The Bend. Additional public meetings this year will discuss specific improvements for 12th Avenue and Seventh Street at The Rust Belt, as well as the eastern portion of The Bend. The project team will use public comments to refine proposed improvements and develop final designs by the end of 2024. The city hopes to begin construction in 2025.
	John Deere laying off over 120 employees at its Moline Seeding and Cylinder operations All employees work in production and will placed on an indefinite layoff effective June 28.
	Fire at Clinton ADM plant contained Officials say the fire started around 10 a.m. Wednesday morning. The fire's cause is yet to be determined.
	Collect nature data at BioBlitz at Amôwa Forest Preserve Help scientists and naturalists collect data on local habitats at the 2024 BioBlitz. The Bi-State Conservation Action Network (Bi-CAN) encourages residents to take part in this year’s BioBlitz at Amôwa Forest Preserve from 2 p.m. on June 21 to 2 p.m. on June 22. A BioBlitz is an intensive survey of all plant and animal species within a specified area during a 24-hour period. The goal is collecting basic taxonomic data and highlighting the value of local habitats. Members of the public who participate in the study of local biodiversity learn more about the natural world in their community. Public activities will be held at Amôwa East, adjacent to I-80 on Hubbard Road. The Amôwa Forest Preserve BioBlitz is a rare chance to work with over 25 scientists and naturalists from around the region as they survey mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, plants, insects and more on the 179-acre mixed habitat preserve in East Moline. Participants can borrow insect nets to chase dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies and other insects in the prairie. They’re encouraged to bring cameras or smartphones to document the species they encounter. The iNaturalist app will be used to record findings for the 2024 BioBlitz. The online “2024 Bi-CAN BioBlitz at Amôwa Forest Preserve” project can be used within the preserve boundaries during the 24-hour period.“We are thrilled to be hosting yet another BioBlitz here in the Quad Cities,” said Brian Ritter, Nahant Marsh Executive Director. “The dozens of experts and volunteers that will be exploring the newly acquired preserve will help determine how many different species live there. It will create a baseline that we can compare to in the future. This is exciting because it will be our first look at this largely unexplored piece of land. The BioBlitz is a fun way for the public to explore the preserve with experts while assisting with important data collection.”Guided hikes, educational displays and other hands-on programs allow the public to become more involved in the project. They will be available on Friday from 7 - 10 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Past BioBlitz events include Loud Thunder Forest Preserve, Nahant Marsh Education Center, Blackhawk State Park, Illiniwek Forest Preserve, Milan Bottoms, and Sunderbruch Park. Thousands of plant and animal species in the area have been documented at prior BioBliltz events. Click here for more information or to sign up. Amôwa Forest Preserve is located along Interstate 80 and Illinois 92 and is part of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve. The park works to preserve biodiversity and protect natural environments. “Amôwa” (pronounced uh-MOE-wah) is the Sauk word for “bee.” The name honors the Sauk people and the park's mission to provide and conserve a biodiverse habitat for the region's native species, including vital pollinators. The Amôwa Forest Preserve offers approximately 179 acres of protected land for visitors to explore and habitat for species that are in rapid decline due to loss of quality habitat. Quality habitat loss is a significant contributing factor for the decline of pollinators like the endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee and vulnerable American Bumblebee. Click here for more information on BiCAN.
	Deere: 120 workers laid off at Moline plant John Deere is laying off more than 120 workers at its Seeding and Cylinder plant in Moline. The agricultural giant also confirmed it is buying land in Mexico for a new plant that will take on some work that is now done in Dubuque.
	Crews respond to fire at ADM in Clinton Wednesday Developing.
	John Deere to lay off 120+ employees at its Seeding and Cylinder operations John Deere confirmed with News 8 that over 120 production workers will be placed on indefinite layoff effective June 28.
	New art gallery opens at The Rust Belt There’s a new amenity in the busy Rust Belt complex in East Moline, but one that didn’t require any building expansion. The new “Art on The Bend” gallery is open at The Rust Belt, 533 12th Ave., East Moline, in the flexible event space between the concert venue and Midwest Ale Works. Two paintings by Tony Cavallo adorn walls at the Rust Belt flexible event space, as seen Friday, May 31, 2024 (in advance of a Moline High graduation party). It’s coordinated by artist Atlanta Dawn, who has painted in the Rust Belt complex, and the first featured artist is 40-year-old Tony Cavallo of Davenport. She picked him for the new gallery since Dawn saw a post from him saying he was trying to get rid of some of his work. “He posted photos of his work, laying against the walls and it broke my heart,” she said recently. “This is cool, because we’re working together on this,” Cavallo said. “I wanted the experience to be the best for him,” Dawn said. “He inspired me. I was like, you need a really cool space to hang his work and I had remembered Larry reached out to me once before, saying he wished there was art in this room. I was like, let’s make this happen,” she said of building owner Larry Anderson. The event space is between Midwest Ale Works and the rust Belt concert venue (photo by Jonathan Turner). “It adds so much character to this event right now,” she said of a Moline High graduation party that took place Friday night, May 31. “I think it just looks more finished, and hopefully they can sell something,” Anderson said. “It’s not hurting us and Atlanta is into the art.” For big shows, like Trace Adkins, artists sell their merchandise in the space, Anderson said. The gallery will feature a different artist every month, with Regan Hatfield next in July. There’s no charge for artists to put up their works. An opening reception will be Thursday, June 6 (from 6 to 9 p.m.), and another one June 22. Dawn plans a consistent first Thursday of the month for the opening reception. “I hope they appreciate that it’s there, that it’s not a blank wall and it’s really cool,” Dawn said. “Hopefully, it encourages them to buy some art.” John Deere regularly uses the space for events. Art for sale by Tony Cavallo of Davenport (photo by Jonathan Turner). There are 10 spots in the room where artists can hang their work, and some wall space could accommodate more than one smaller piece. Dawn is encouraging more larger works, since it’s a big space. “It has that industrial, New York City kind of feel,” Dawn said of the exposed brick walls and silver duct work. Painting ‘wild’ things Cavallo was inspired to become an artist after seeing an art book in 3rd grade, particularly struck by the Hieronymus Bosch painting “Garden of Earthly Delights,” an oil triptych (three panels) painted between 1490 and 1510. Hieronymus Bosch, "The Garden of Earthly Delights" (1490-1510), 81 in × 152 in, Museo del Prado, Madrid, Spain. He remembered asking his teacher, “Do you mean to tell me that you can spend your life painting the wildest things you can imagine?” he wrote for his bio displayed at Rust Belt. “This question set the course for his future.” For the next 30 years, Cavallo dedicated himself to studying philosophy and painting techniques of the masters, often working in near isolation. A painting by Tony Cavallo at The Rust Belt, East Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). “Realizing he couldn’t begin to call himself an artist without seeing the masters work, he traveled with little money to L.A. and New York to see the greats with his own eyes,” his bio says. “Struck by the smufato ‘smoke’ techniques of Da Vinci, the realism and perspective of M.C. Escher and the horrific beasts of Hieronymus Bosch, Cavallo is developing his own vision of dark mastery.” “I just wanted to be left alone to make art,” Cavallo said. “It’s all this messed-up stuff that isn’t real,” he said of the Bosch. “He uses his imagination – torture, all religious metaphors.” A painting by Tony Cavallo at The Rust Belt, East Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). “It’s wild and it’s done – if you look at the quality and style of painting, it looks like it was done now,” Cavallo said. “It’s pre-Renaissance.” He went to Bettendorf High School, and then to Muscatine High to play baseball, and dropped out. Cavallo has moved around a lot – to Los Angeles, then Waverly, Iowa, Chicago, then Eldridge, and some time in New York. He liked the big cities, but said they’re too expensive. He rents an old house in the Village of East Davenport, where he paints. Many of his artworks at the Rust Belt reflect dark, disturbing characters, many in human form but twisted to make them surreal and haunting. Cavallo is very influenced by Francis Bacon (1909-1992), who also is deeply unsettling. Paintings by Tony Cavallo of Davenport (photo by Jonathan Turner). “That guy was a maniac,” he said. “I like that he was extreme, very extreme. A tortured life, pushed to the limit. His life was terrible. He was a repressed gay man; he was violent. All kinds of crazy stuff was going on in his world.” Just a picture of his chaotic studio was inspiring to Cavallo, and he aspires to make his own studio looks like Bacon’s. “He just has crap everywhere, like a landfill. There’s nowhere to stand. The only open space was where he put his feet.” “That clutter is actually a shield from the outside world,” he said. “You don’t want any trace of the outside world while you’re in there. You have to get into a zone to do stuff. You have to play the character, set the right mood.” ‘In a war’ Cavallo strives to be imaginative and unique. “I’m kind of in a war of trying to replicate things exactly and do them very quickly and not care at all – and see which one gets the better result,” he said. “I spent all night on something and it sucked…It’s about knowing when to throw the paint and when to be very calculated.” Cavallo has done some purely abstract art. He says you can’t separate realism and abstract. “If you zoom in on realism, what is it? It’s abstract, so they’re intertwined,” Cavallo said, noting he also admires Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. A painting by Tony Cavallo (photo by Jonathan Turner). “I also like early 1900s advertisements,” he said. “Very detailed. Those dudes could draw.” Cavallo was the primary artist who painted the historic Capitol Theatre at 3rd and Ripley in downtown Davenport. After a three-and-half-year renovation, the Capitol Theatre had its grand reopening in July 2023. “That was the only job I had that was any good,” he said. Cavallo has worked in factories and call centers, and has done stand-up comedy. He hopes to do some at the June 22 Rust Belt reception. “As soon as I looked at it, I said, ‘This is pretty cool, I want to do this,” Cavallo said of the Capitol, which was built in 1920 and closed in 2010. He knew about the famous Buddy Holly concert there in 1959, just days before he died in a Clear Lake, Iowa plane crash. “That was the motivation to get into it, that would be cool,” Cavallo said, noting he had to match colors on the walls, “like doing an oil painting.” An interior view of the Capitol Theatre in Davenport, Jan. 5, 2023 (photo by Jonathan Turner). “I touched about every square surface in there,” he said. “The walls were like dead leaves – you’d run your hand along the wall, and the paint chips would fall off.” Cavallo said he did the vast majority of all the theater painting. “It’s my hometown,” he said of his pride in the landmark. “I tried to make it look really nice. I put a lot of time into it.” Alternating Currents Dawn reached out to him last year to paint new murals during Alternating Currents (in an alley south of 2nd Street, off Pershing Avenue), and Cavallo’s studio had recently been robbed. They took all his electronics (computers, projectors, camera) and personal stuff, but didn’t take any art. Tony Cavallo's mural for Alternating Currents, done in August 2023 on garages in an alley off 2nd Street and Pershing Avenue, Davenport (photo by Jonathan Turner). The five artists were asked to paint along the Alternating Currents theme (to be done during the four days of the fest), including music, comedy and film. “It’s a relief to know you only have so much time, so you know you have to get it done in that amount of time,” Cavallo said of painting it within four days. “They do look good down there.” He didn’t base his gorgeous painting of a woman with guitar on anyone specific, but more an AI musician image. “It’s more for other people,” Cavallo said. The Rust Belt pieces are more unreal, dark and twisted. “Because he has that feel with his art, he’s going to be our October artist again,” Dawn said. “Let him get just as crazy as he wants.” Cavallo has been painting a lot, and all the pieces are from this year. He’s glad to have his art in such a high-traffic area at Rust Belt, including the first Tree0Nine Fest on June 28-29. This year’s Alternating Currents murals (to be painted during the August festival) will be along the black fence outside Armored Gardens in downtown Davenport. Dawn plans to have three artists this time, and she led selection for last year’s murals with fellow artist Heidi Sallows. The Rust Belt gallery will be open the same hours as Midwest Ale Works – 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 3 to 10 Wednesday; 3 to midnight Thursday and Friday; noon to 1 a.m. Saturday, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Cavallo’s pieces sell from $300 to $2,000. DJ Sweartagaud will provide music for the June 6 reception, he said. Dawn also is renovating a neighboring vacant space for a new studio, to paint more canvases (she mainly has done public murals and windows). Her current studio is in her basement at home, and she hopes to move in this fall. “I want to do more work like this in a gallery setting,” Dawn said. “My idea behind curating this is to learn. I am jumping feet first in.” She hung the cables to put up Cavallo’s paintings. To learn about upcoming Rust Belt events, click HERE.
	Iowa Supreme Court grants help local groups offer legal services The Iowa Supreme Court approved $870,244 in grants to nonprofit programs that help low-income Iowans with civil legal problems. The court awarded grants to 13 different organizations throughout the state. The grants are funded by the Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) program. Since the program began in July 1985, the Supreme Court has awarded more than $26 million in IOLTA grants. Muscatine Legal Services will receive $25,000 to maintain an existing civil legal assistance program for low-income residents in Muscatine County. World Relief Quad Cities in Davenport will receive $10,000 to fund legal services for low-income immigrants and refugees in immigration law matters in Scott, Muscatine, Lee and Henry counties. Grant funds come entirely from interest earned on certain pooled trust accounts held by Iowa lawyers. Lawyers practicing law in Iowa must deposit clients' funds that the lawyers hold in interest-bearing accounts. When the funds are so small in amount or held for such a brief period that it is not possible for the funds to benefit the individual client economically, court rules require that lawyers deposit the funds in pooled interest-bearing trust accounts. The IOLTA program is managed by a seven-member committee that reviews grant applications and makes award recommendations to the Supreme Court. In the 40-year history of the IOLTA program, the Supreme Court has awarded most of the grants to organizations that assist low-income Iowans with civil legal problems such as divorce, domestic abuse, unsafe housing, and illegal evictions. The court has also presented grants to law-related education projects. IOLTA grants do not support criminal legal defense. Click here for more information on the IOLTA program.
	Backwater Gamblers cancel tonight's show The Backwater Gamblers waterskiing group is canceling the show for this evening, June 5, due to an unforeseen situation. Their next scheduled show is o Sunday, June 9th at 6:30pm. at 5000 44th Street in Rock Island. Click here for more information on the Backwater Gamblers, including a schedule and ways to volunteer.
	Davenport pools open for season The City of Davenport has announced the 2024 summer season schedule for the Annie Wittenmyer and Fejervary Aquatic Centers, according to a news release. Annie Wittenmyer Aquatic Center, 2828 Eastern Ave., and Fejervary Aquatic Center, 1900 Telegraph Road, will offer public and lap swims on an alternating schedule June 3-9 then transition to seven days-a-week beginning June 10 running through Aug. 18. The Learn to Swim program will continue to be offered Monday-Thursday and Saturdayssimultaneously at Annie Wittenmyer and Fejervary aquatic centers. Centennial Spray Park and the splash pads at Cork Hill Park, Goose Creek Park, and PetersonPark opened on Memorial Day and will be open from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through Labor Day (weather permitting). Visit here for more details about swim lessons, hours of operation, and pricing specials.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities headlines for Jun. 5, 2024 Bettendorf Police are seeking help in car break ins, John Deere is moving jobs from Dubuque to Mexico, and Rock Island-Milan school district is offering free meals.
	Deere moving some production from Dubuque to Mexico by 2026 John Deere is moving manufacturing of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders from a facility in Dubuque to Mexico by the end of 2026. Jen Hartmann, a spokesperson with Deere, released a statement from the company about the move. “Friday’s announcement at Dubuque Works reflects John Deere’s commitment to evolving its business model, products and processes to address rising manufacturing costs and improve operational efficiencies. This includes optimizing our factories for future products, making our operations more efficient and taking advantage of locations in the U.S. and globally, with a growing labor force. To that end, John Deere is in the process of acquiring land in Ramos, Mexico to build a new facility. When the facility is operational in 2026, production of mid-frame skid steer loaders and compact track loaders will be relocated from Dubuque Works to Ramos. This move adds manufacturing flexibility for John Deere’s Construction & Forestry business by establishing a new, globally competitive manufacturing operation. Deere expects to begin ramping down production of the mid-frame skid steer loaders and compact track loaders in Dubuque in early 2026 and complete the transition to Ramos by the end of 2026. Dubuque Works will continue to manufacture large-frame skid steer loaders and compact track loaders; backhoes; utility, construction and production class crawler dozers, crawler loaders and knuckleboom loaders. The exact number of employees impacted by the moves will depend on overall Dubuque Works production levels when mid-frame skid steer loader and compact track loader production ends, attrition over the next two years, and reassignment opportunities for employees.”
	Developing \| Officers in Bettendorf are investigating a string of break-ins These incidents have occurred in two neighborhoods east and west of Devils Glen Road in Bettendorf. Police are searching for five potential suspects in this case.
	Patriot Fest set for LeClaire levee The third annual Patriot River Fest will be Saturday, June 8, according to a news release. Gates open at 9:45 a.m. Admission is by donation at the gate until 4 p.m. After that, it's $10 for beer, food and music. Free registration for a kids' fishing derby will be 7-7:30 a.m., with fishing from 7:30-9:30 a.m. A flag ceremony will be 10 a.m. A beer tent will be open from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Registration for a poker run will begin at 10 a.m., with "kickstands up" at noon. Bands will include True Day at 11 a.m.; Bottom Shelf at 1 p.m.; Cheap Trix, 3 p.m.; Just Cuz, 5 p.m.; Got Your Six, 7 p.m.; and Big Hair Mafia at 9:30 p.m. A Kid Zone will include bounce houses and games. More than 30 vendors will be featured at a craft market from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. All money stays in the Quad Cities for veterans' and other organizations. For more information, email phriverfest@gmail.com

Thursday, June 6th, 2024

Wednesday, June 5th, 2024