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

Friday, May 3rd, 2024
	LIVE: TV6 Investigates Talks: Scams to watch for now in the Quad Cities area Scams can be everywhere, and two have hit the Quad Cities area.
	Iowa American Water customers could soon pay more Iowa American Water customers could soon pay more for water. The company submitted plans for a rate increase with the Iowa Utilities Board. Iowa American Water says its proposed increase would have the average customer paying $22 more a month, based on using 4,000 gallons of water a month. The company also announced plans to start a customer affordability program, which would reduce bills by 20-80% for customers who qualify. The rate increases would take effect in April. The company reports it needs to raise prices to pay for water infrastructure projects. Residents can share their opinions about the proposed rate increase with the Iowa Utilities Board. Three hearings to take public comment will be held in August: Clinton – Tuesday, August 6, 6:00 p.m., Wild Rose Casino, 777 Wild Rose Dr., Clinton Davenport – Wednesday, August 7, 6:00 p.m., Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State St., Bettendorf Virtual (Zoom) – Thursday, August 8, 12:00 p.m. For more information on meetings, click here.
	Colonel Davenport House on Arsenal Island open for tours People can tour of the Colonel Davenport House and grounds through October on the north end of Rock Island Arsenal island.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities afternoon headlines for May 3, 2024 An affidavit filed by former alderwoman Judith Lee claims Lee didn't receive documents about Corri Spiegel's agreement, and Davenport received additional lawsuits.
	News 8 is getting revved up for Monster Jam headed to the Vibrant Arena News 8's David Bohlman sits down with Monster Jam driver Matt Cody to talk about the event and what it takes to be a part of the action.
	Community to help pick designs for downtown murals Ten proposed mural designs for Rock Island's Arts Alley will be unveiled “gallery-style” at a public event Wednesday at Rozz-Tox.
	Annual Aledo Rhubarb Festival returns June 7-8 Chef Stephanie Godke joins New's 8 David Bohlman in our studio kitchen to talk about the annual Aledo Rhubarb Festival.
	Lawsuit: Former Davenport Alderwoman Judith Lee says she was not included in approving settlement agreements In sworn testimony, Lee says she was not made aware of the Spiegel agreement until it was brought up in an Oct. 4 executive session, two days before it was signed.
	2 former City of Davenport employees file lawsuit alleging negligence The employees allege the City violated state law by negligently releasing personal information.
	Man struck and killed by vehicle in Rock Island According to Rock Island police, the fatal pedestrian vs. vehicle crash occurred just before 8:30 p.m. on 1st Avenue, just west of the Centennial Bridge.
	West Liberty High School recognized as a 2023 School of Excellence winner by ACT's American College Application Campaign (ACAC) 27 exemplary schools were announced as 2023 School of Excellence awardees that are helping students pursue postsecondary success.
	2024 Scott County Iowa Primary Candidate Questionnaires In keeping with the Reader's tradition during primary season, we are publishing a candidate questionnaire for each of the three Scott County offices on the ballot this election year. The following questions were emailed to the candidates below. The unedited responses will be published at the Reader's website May 8 through May 10, and then again in print on May 23, 2024, when the June Reader print edition hits the streets.
	Rock Island author wins international award Author Dave Ramacitti, 82, of Rock Island, who writes under the pen name Dave Lager, recently earned a First Place Prize in the Thriller / Suspense category for his Ro Delahanty novel series at the Chanticleer International Book Awards (CIBA) ceremony held in Bellingham, Wash., on April 20th. Rock Island author David Ramacitti writes under the pen name Dave Lager. Ramacitti has published six police procedural novels following the adventures of a young, female deputy sheriff – Ro Delahanty – in fictional, semi-rural Fort Armstrong County, Iowa, except she finds lots of ways to get into trouble, according to a release Friday. The four novels in the series that won first place are: Ro’s Handle, book one; Hear Evil, book two; Losses, book three; and Secrets Never End, book four. Sniper’s Day, book five, was a finalist for the Best Thriller / Suspense Novel. Revelations, book six, was published earlier this year. Chanticleer Book Reviews and Media (based in Bellingham, Wash.) is an authors’ membership organization offering reviews, editorial assistance, workshops, a clearinghouse of writer services, and an online writers’ community. Their major event is the annual Chanticleer Authors Conference and International Awards (CIBA) competition, held each spring. Entries must pass through a series of rigorous reader cuts, Long List, Short List, Semi-Finalist, and Finalist in their category. First Place winners are then selected from the list of finalists. “The competition is fierce,” Kathryn “Kiffer” Brown, founder and CEO of Chanticleer, said in the Friday release. “We receive thousands of entries. Even reaching the Finalist stage means you are among the most elite writers.” Dave Lager's Ro Delahanty suspense novels. Ramacitti -- writing under the pen name Dave Lager -- has published six novels in his award-winning Ro Delahanty series: Ro’s Handle, Hear Evil, Losses, Secrets Never End, Sniper’s Day, and Revelations. He is currently writing book seven, Mourning Dove, with a projected 2025 publication. Ramacitti has spent most of his adult life in the Quad-Cities. His career has included working at the Quad City Times as a journalist, weekly newspaper editor, monthly magazine editor, then as a freelance marketing and public relations consultant, and adjunct instructor of speech and entrepreneurship at a variety of QC area and Chicago suburban colleges. Bitten by writing bug “I was in eighth grade when the writing bug hit me,” Ramacitti recalled. “I wrote short stories, poems, even tried a screenplay – they weren’t very good. But there was always the dream of someday writing a novel. Over the years I’d start one, maybe get a couple dozen chapters done, but then life would get in the way and the book was shelved and forgotten. “It wasn’t until I retired about 10 years ago that I committed to getting that novel written,” he continued. “It took two years – plus more than half a century – to get my first full length novel, Ro’s Handle, written and published.” The central character in the novels is Ro Delahanty, a deputy sheriff in fictitious Fort Armstrong County, Iowa. “I’ve always liked strong female leads,” he said about his choice for a protagonist, “and besides, there are lots of male lead characters out there. I also wanted her to be an ordinary street cop, as there are plenty of books about FBI agents and big city PIs.” The Ro Delahanty novels are mainly in the police procedural genre, with a strong element of romance, and a touch of the supernatural. The setting for Dave Lager’s six Ro Delahanty novels is fictional Fort Armstrong County, Iowa, and the Illowa area. Except readers will find they bear a strong resemblance to Scott County and the QC region. Local connections “For dramatic purposes, I had lots of fun taking liberties with local place names, geography, and history,” Ramacitti said. Some examples: In the books, Fort Armstrong was moved from Arsenal Island – which is renamed Grand Island – to the Iowa shoreline, thus the origin of the county’s name. The central city of Fort Armstrong County is Lee’s Landing, which locals might recognize as Davenport. The name Lee’s Landing comes from that in the area’s early years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sent a young lieutenant named Robert E. Lee – yes, that Robert E. Lee – to survey the infamous Mississippi River rapids; this is historical fact. In the books, on his resulting survey map he made a notation that the Iowa shore below the rapids was a good riverboat landing spot: the name stuck. Mississippi Palisades State Park, near Savanna, Ill, has been relocated 60 miles downriver to the southwest corner of Fort Armstrong County, and renamed Five Falls State Park, after a series of water falls that tumble down the river bluff. The state park is also the location of a famous tourism attraction, a giant, several hundred-year-old white oak tree the early Native American named Neshnala. Both the state park and Neshnala recur as key settings throughout the novels. In the books, Fort Armstrong County’s northern border is the Pincatauwee River, nicknamed the Pinky, that locals will recognize as the Wapsipinicon. That location plays a major role in the third novel. “There are a pair of reasons I chose to write my Ro Delahanty novels under the pen name Dave Lager,” Ramacitti explained. “For one, I have previously published several non-fiction books for the small business market under my own name, so wanted to avoid any confusion. “But the second reason is very personal. My central character, Ro Delahanty, as a toddler had trouble pronouncing her older brother’s name, Patrick. It came out as ‘Tuck’. The brother and sister remain close throughout the books. ‘Tuck’ became Ro’s special name for her brother; no one else calls him that. “Now the personal connection… For as long as we can remember, my sister has called me ‘Lager,’ rather than Dave or David. We have laughed many times over the fact neither one of us can recall when or why that nickname got started. But when it came time for me to come up with a pseudonym, well, Dave Lager was pretty much the logical choice.” The books are available as softcover and eBook exclusively on Amazon.
	2 former City of Davenport employees file lawsuit alleging negligence Two former City of Davenport employees have filed suit against the City, alleging that they violated state law by negligently releasing personal information.
	Pedestrian struck and killed by car in Rock Island Thursday evening A man walking near Stanley Talbot Memorial Bridge in Rock Island was struck and killed Thursday.
	Illinois could pay more to those wrongfully convicted of crimes Those wrongfully convicted of crimes in Illinois could soon get more money from the state. A proposal would raise the compensation cap for exonerees to $50,000 a year for every year they were wrongfully imprisoned. The legislation also includes $25,000 per year wrongfully spent on parole, probation or sex offender registry. The Illinois Innocence Project says people get an average of more than $11,000 a year for every year they were wrongfully kept behind For more information, click here.
	Bettendorf Parks and Recreation debuts 2024 Movies in the Park schedule Trolls, ducks, Super Mario and a single star headline the main characters featured in the 2024 season Movies in the Park.
	Lawsuit: Former Davenport Alderwoman Judith Lee says she was not included in approving settlement agreements In sworn testimony, Lee says she was not made aware of the Spiegel agreement until it was brought up in an Oct. 4 executive session, two days before it was signed.
	Scott County Appointments to Elected Offices Keep Records Secret and Not Transparent When public officers are appointed to positions by a bureaucracy or by fellow elected officials versus elected by the people, there is often a distinct lack of transparency that accompanies the process that can be antithesis to the public interest.
	Two arrested on murder and homicide charges Two people were arrested in conjunction with a death investigation. On December 22, the Mercer County Sheriffs Office and Mercer County Coroner's Office were called to investigate a death in rural Sherrard. William DeWitt, 41, of Milan, was arrested in Moline and charged with 1st Degree murder and drug-induced homicide. Susan McFalls, 52, of Colona, was arrested in Henry County and charged with 1st Degree murder (accountability) and drug-induced homicide (accountability). Both are in custody pending their initial court appearance in Mercer County Court. Susan McFalls (L) and William DeWitt (Mercer County Sheriff’s Office) The Mercer County Sheriffs Office received assistance in this investigation and arrest by Illinois State Police Zone 2 Investigations, Mercer County Coroner's Office, Aledo Police, Moline Police, Rock Island County Sheriffs Office, Galesburg Police, Quad City MEG and Colona Police.
	DeWitt has 3 finalists for next superintendent The Central DeWitt Community School District Board of Education has narrowed its search for a new superintendent to three finalists. The board recently met with staff at Grundmeyer Leader Services to review the candidate pool and announced three finalists in its search for a new superintendent to start July 1, 2024. The position was posted and resulted in a total of 11 candidates, including one from outside the state of Iowa. The pool included six male candidates, four female candidates, and one candidate who chose no response. Among them, 10 applicants hold specialist/six-year degrees, while one holds a terminal degree (Ed.D. or Ph.D.). Tim Felderman The three finalists are Tim Felderman, Dr. Stephanie Mishler, and Derek Philips. Felderman currently serves as high school principal in the West Delaware County school district, west of Dubuque, overseeing instructional leadership, staff evaluation, and student discipline for 490 students. Throughout his tenure, he has developed federally recognized apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in collaboration with staff, according to a Friday release. Felderman holds an advanced studies certificate in superintendency from the University of Northern Iowa and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Drake University. He was recently elected as the 2024-25 vice president of the School Administrators of Iowa and previously served as high school principal in the Howard-Winneshiek CSD. Stephanie Mishler Currently, Mishler serves as interim superintendent of the Fairfield, Iowa district, leading strategic initiatives aligned with student success, positive culture, and fiscal responsibility. Additionally, she spearheaded a successful public information campaign for an increased PPEL referendum, passing with 67% approval in March 2024. Mishler holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from Drake University and a master’s degree in educational administration from Iowa State University. Prior to her interim role, Mishler served as curriculum director in Fairfield. As superintendent of Pekin CSD (near Fairfield and Ottumwa), Philips manages a district of about 600 students and 110 staff members, offering mentorship to new building administrators. Additionally, he has collaborated with the school board and a local contractor on developing short- and long-term facilities plans, as well as increasing the district’s Unspent Authorized Budget. Derek Philips Philips holds a Pre-K–12 superintendent and AEA (Area Education Agency) administrator specialist certificate, along with a master’s degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa. He previously served as principal of Columbus Elementary School in the Chariton CSD. As a next step, the Central DeWitt board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three finalists on Wednesday, May 8. The board then plans to discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews.
	Take a Look: Mark talks with the stars of “The Fall Guy” This week on “Take a Look” with Mark S. Allen: Mark talks with the stars of “The Fall Guy,” including Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. Plus, we’ll go behind the scenes.
	Check out boozy book fair at Hauberg The Artsy Bookworm is holding a Boozy Book Fair today -- Friday, May 3, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hauberg Carriage Haus Bar, at the beautiful Hauberg Estate, 1300 24th St., Rock Island. The Hauberg Estate is at 1300 24th St., Rock Island. The theme is epic tomatoes, and the special theme drink is Bloody Mary (with or without alcohol). There will be books for sale (25% off) on gardening and nature, plus cozy mysteries. There also will be a free raffle prize drawing. If you buy two books, you can get a free bird call. Gardening books for sale at today's Boozy Book Fair from The Artsy Bookworm. The Friends of Hauberg Civic Center is having its fundraiser at the same time today through 7 p.m. Enjoy an adult beverage and shop at the gift shop at the most unique place in the Quad Cities. All proceeds go into the restoration of the estate.
	Man struck and killed by vehicle in Rock Island According to Rock Island police, the fatal pedestrian vs. vehicle crash occurred just before 8:30 p.m. on 1st Avenue, just west of the Centennial Bridge.
	Davenport highlights Bicycle Safety Month The Davenport City Council highlighted bicycle safety and issued a proclamation declaring May as Bicycle Safety Month. The Quad Cities Bicycle Club was at the meeting and backs the push for bicycle safety in Davenport. Jessica Noles spoke at the meeting. Her friend, Gage Williams, died when he got hit by a truck while riding his bicycle in March. The Quad Cities Bicycle Club offered some safety tips for riding: Wear bright and reflective clothes Follow the flow of traffic Use hand signals when turning For more information, click here.
	Monster Jam happening Saturday from Vibrant Arena at the Mark Monster Jam happening Saturday from Vibrant Arena at the Mark
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for May 3, 2024 Students at the University of Iowa are planning a protest in support of Gaza, and Moline police are hosting Operation Prom to highlight the risks of drunk driving.
	Pedestrian killed in Rock Island accident A 40-year-old man was killed Thursday after being struck by a car in Rock Island. On Thursday, May 2, 2024 at approximately 8:25 p.m., Rock Island Police responded to a crash involving a Chevrolet Impala and a pedestrian in the 1400 block of 1st Avenue (Illinois 92). Preliminary information indicates that the vehicle was traveling eastbound on 1st Avenue when it struck the male pedestrian, who was walking along the south side of 1st Avenue just west of the Stanley Talbot Memorial (Centennial) Bridge, police said Friday. Rock Island Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and transported both subjects by ambulance to UnityPoint Trinity Hospital. The pedestrian, a 40-year-old, was pronounced deceased at the hospital while the driver of the Chevrolet, a 20-year-old man, was treated and released, according to the Police Department release. At this time, there are no indications the driver was impaired. This crash remains under investigation by the Rock Island Police Department’s Traffic Investigation Unit; no further information is available at this time.
	Moline Police now allowing candidates to apply any time Instead of having limited application windows because of scheduled testing, the department now tests as needed.
	West Liberty High School named a 2023 School of Excellence This month, the American College Application Campaign (ACAC) named West Liberty High School as a 2023 School of Excellence Winner.
	Quality cleanliness: Ukrainian Brilliance Cleaning offers professional services Using their skills and passion for their work, Zhanna Slyviak and Christina Rudnyski of Ukrainian Brilliance Cleaning hope to provide Muscatine and beyond with top-notch professional cleaning services.
	John Deere Planetarium at Augustana College to host free Spring Open House Augustana College's John Deere Planetarium will host free "Spring Open House" events on Saturday, featuring stargazing, geology and more.
	Cook review: 'Unsung Hero' is faith-filled story of overcoming odds Sweet without being syrupy and firmly grounded in faith without being preachy, “Unsung Hero” is a touching inspirational true story. Unsung Hero (IMDb) Joel Smallbone, who with his brother Luke comprises the Christian pop group For King and County, plays his own dad, David Smallbone. (The two co-wrote and co-directed the film with Richard L. Ramsey.) David Smallbone and his wife Helen (Daisy Betts, “Chicago Fire”) who is expecting, already have a big family of six children. They live in Sydney, where David is a music promoter. David’s business is flagging. He tries as hard as he can to plan concerts, but things don’t turn out well. He decides it’s time to go to the United States, where he can better use his talents as a promoter. The couple’s parents have their misgivings, but the Helen and David pack up the kids and head for the states, where the first challenge they encounter is explaining in an airport just what they’re doing there and how long they plan to stay. The family’s plight goes from bad to worse. They do make new friends (including an amiable character played by Lucas Black, always a pleasant addition to any film.) The challenges seem insurmountable. They have no furniture and they have no car, which makes a hike to get groceries an ordeal. Even though David continues to connect with professionals he knows, he still finds the going stays tough, and the family begins to eke out an existence with nearly the whole gang pitching in to do yard work together. Helen’s remains faithful. The kids remain hopeful. Older daughter Rebecca (Kirrilee Berger, “Grown-ish”) has a wonderful singing voice, but David isn’t sure how she will reach an audience. The movie shows some surprisingly intense moments. David, full of guilt that he hasn’t provided for his family, becomes harsh with a good friend. And Helen blows up at David, screaming at him in frustration at one point. The film captures the look of the 1990s with its enjoyable soundtrack and costumes. This is a solid outing for any faith-based audience, but especially for those familiar with the real-life performers, who have cameo roles throughout. It’s an uplifting movie about belief and family. 3 stars Running time: One hour and 52 minutes. Rated: PG for mature themes and brief violence. At Cinemark, Davenport. Watch the trailer here.
	Davenport to ask public about how to spend $2 million extra in ARPA fund interest The City of Davenport plans to ask the public for input on how to spend about $2.5 million in additional COVID-19 relief funds accumulated from interest.
	Cook review: 'Boy Kills World' is fever dream of grisly action One of the most violent films I’ve seen in years isn’t derivative. But its pedigree must include films like “The Raid,” “The Hunger Games” and any number of video games, including “Street Fighter.” “Boy Kills World” stands on its own, though, as a bonkers comic-book-type film that will appeal to audiences who enjoy gory fight scenes and non-stop, over-the-top action. Boy Kills World (IMDb) Bill Skarsgård stars as The Boy, raised in the jungles by a shaman (played wonderfully by “The Raid” star Yayan Ruhian) who takes various hallucinogens and is a master fighter. The Boy wants to avenge the deaths of his mother and little sister Mina (Quinn Copeland) so he gladly toughens up with the knowledge that he will kill the person responsible for their deaths. Meanwhile, visions of his sister - who talks with him - haunt him continually. The Boy grows into a lean, sinewy man, a killing machine bent on destruction and motivated by nothing but revenge. Elsewhere, the wealthy Van Der Koy family (including an icky character played by Sharlto Copley and the matriarch, Famke Janssen) pretty much run a post-apocalyptic empire where others live in poverty. During an event called The Culling, they dispense with their “enemies” on live television in an event sponsored by breakfast cereal Frosty Puffs. All the while, a narrator (H. Jon Benjamin) shares The Boy’s thoughts. The action scenes are grisly, fast, and beautifully choreographed. Body parts roll. Blood spatters in pools. In every scene, Skarsgård is a wonder to watch. It’s a delirious, fever dream of a movie served up with incredible action and dark humor. It’s a kind of illustrated novel for grownups who like their stories gritty. Obviously, don’t take the kids. 3 stars Running time: One hour and 51 minutes. Rated: R for extreme violence, gore, and foul language. At theaters. Watch the trailer here.
	Davenport collapse lawsuits: City files appeal to Iowa Supreme Court City of Davenport and two of its employees employees appealed to the Iowa Supreme Court to be removed from building collapse case.
	Davenport notebook: Lane & Waterman to advise council; billboard moratorium to lift in June Lane & Waterman will provide legal counsel to the Davenport City Council in the near-term after Brian Heyer retired Wednesday.
	Augustana, Western Illinois University leaders talk nationwide campus protests Quad-Cities college and university leaders note the importance of balancing campus speech with civility as student-led protests continue to gain momentum across the globe.
	Pending Death Notices for Quad-Cities, Friday, May 3, 2024 Elizabeth Jean Newsom, 80, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Genesis Medical Center East, Davenport, Iowa. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, Moline, Illinois.
	Pending Death Notices for Muscatine, Friday, May 3, 2024 Elizabeth Jean Newsom, 80, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Genesis Medical Center East, Davenport, Iowa. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, Moline, Illinois.
	Living Lands and Waters plants its 2 millionth tree at Arconic Living Lands and Waters reached a milestone in its Million Trees Project on Thursday. The organization planted its 2 millionth tree. The project began in 2007 when the organization started collecting and planting acorns to grow a million trees - a goal that was reached in 2016. The milestone tree's location is all about Living Lands and Waters' roots: Arconic in Riverdale. This was the first sponsor of Living Lands and Waters and Chad Pregracke (the business was ALCOA at the time.) Arconic employees alone have helped plant nearly 65,000 trees. Living Lands and Waters Vice President Dan Breidenstein says the organization has taken a special liking to oak trees and the benefits they provide to wildlife. "We were seeing a lack of wildlife and lack of stabilization along the river banks, so planting trees not only stabilizes the ground around it but also the oaks are providing the food for wildlife," he said. He said he's proud of the impact the organization is making around the globe and in the Quad Cities. "It feels really awesome. It really does," he said. "I'm proud to be a part of it. Here we are kind of trying to put back and help Mother Nature planting a lot of these trees that are not in the areas that they should be, so these trees are going to live long past us. So it's really cool to see them grow and become a part of the community." To find out more about Living Lands and Waters, visit here
	Col. Davenport House opens for season Thursday was opening day for the Col. Davenport House on the north end of Arsenal Island. Tours began for the house built in 1833 that's on the National Register of Historic Places. When you take a tour, you can see the lifestyle of the military family back in the 1800s. "Military workers as well as us as volunteers that come to the island on a day-to-day basis really feel that history," said Jessica Waytenick, Historical Foundation board member. "And I think that's so important for our residents to understand, as well as visitors, to really capture and really kind of get that feel of history in the Quad Cities area." "I don't think we can overstate how important it is that we have our historic roots in the community and that we can learn from our history and our past as we go forward," said Col. Dan Mitchell, Rock Island Arsenal Garrison commander. For more information about the historic site, visit here.
	First Army holds sendoff for leader at Rock Island Arsenal A sendoff for one of the leaders of First Army on the Rock Island Arsenal was held Thursday. First Army held a ceremony for Major Gen. Jeffrey Jurasek, who was responsible for assisting the First Army commanding general with training, readiness and mobilization. He says he will miss the Quad Cities area - "It's just like back home," he said. "I've been very welcomed here and I know the Quad Cities will always be a soft spot in my heart going forward." Jurasek will leave for another assignment in Korea.
Thursday, May 2nd, 2024
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center to host mobile vaccine clinic The Quad City Animal Welfare Center will host a low-cost mobile vaccine clinic at the Silvis Library.
	New apartment complex coming to Bettendorf The first residents are expected to move in next spring.
	Pro-Palestine group plans protests at University of Iowa "Iowa City Students for Justice in Palestine" will hold a three-day protest from noon to 7 p.m.
	Rock Island wants your feedback on Arts Alley mural designs After receiving more than 400 submissions, Quad City Arts and the Rock Island Downtown Alliance have whittled the options down to 10 finalists.
	Law enforcement community honors fallen officers at Illinois Capitol Six officers were memorialized at the annual ceremony.
	Moline Police allowing candidates to apply all year long Previously, applicants had to wait for scheduled dates for physical and written tests.
	Blackhawk College hosts annual Jazzfest The night of student performances is a 30-year tradition.
	Rock Island wants your feedback on Arts Alley mural designs After receiving more than 400 submissions, Quad City Arts and the Rock Island Downtown Alliance have whittled the options down to 10 finalists.
	Henderson County Crime Stoppers gets P3 Tips App Residents in Henderson County now have a new way to report tips to Crime Stoppers, right from their phones.
	Last Picture House, Davenport, opens rooftop cinema Downtown Davenport’s boutique movie theater and cocktail bar The Last Picture House has announced the grand opening of The Rooftop, an outdoor cinema and all-ages lounge, which will be open to the public starting Sunday, May 5. A sold-out screening of "Spaceballs" will be held the day prior to commemorate the "Star Wars"-themed holiday “May the Fourth” with a comedic twist. Jameson Ritter, general manager of The Last Picture House, Davenport. (photo by Mike Colón) The Rooftop at The Last Picture House offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River, a full bar serving cocktails and mocktails, and a variety of loungers, sofas, picnic tables, and a fire pit. The Rooftop is one of the only combined outdoor cinema and lounge in the nation, right in the heart of downtown Davenport. "Since we weren't able to book the Star Wars franchise or saga here on the rooftop, we kind of did the antithesis of that: 'Spaceballs,' which is a fun movie to kind of launch our patio series," Ritter told Our Quad Cities News. "We also have 'Twister' in its 25th anniversary being played on its release date next Friday, May 10, also on the rooftop, so we're excited to showcase a handful of classics that everyone can watch along and enjoy a nice evening here on the roof," he said. The Rooftop will be open during the warmer months, seven days a week,from about 3 p.m. to close, weather permitting. Ticketed movie screenings will be Fridays and Saturdays (and some holidays) starting around 8 p.m. For film screenings, seating capacity is 80 and will be general admission, first-come, first-serve. Next week,The Rooftop will screen the 1996 blockbuster classic, "Twister," starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. The movie was partially filmed in Iowa. The screenings will take place on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available to purchase online and inside the theater lobby. About the Last Picture House Nestled along the Mississippi River in the Motor Row District of Davenport, The Last Picture House presents an Art-Deco-inspired movie going experience that has been carefully designed and crafted for film lovers of all ages and tastes by Hollywood filmmakers and Iowa natives Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (writers of "A Quiet Place.") The cinema is home to two state-of-the-art studios, a luxurious cocktail lounge, a collection of rare film art and props, and a seasonal rooftop bar and outdoor screening space that overlooks the historic Arsenal Bridge, Mississippi River, and the Motor Row District. For more information, visit here.
	The 2 millionth tree planted by Living Lands & Waters has its new home The milestone tree was planted at Arconic in Riverdale.
	Farewell ceremony held for First Army’s deputy commanding general A ceremony was held at the Rock Island Arsenal for the First Army’s deputy commanding general who’s saying farewell to his command.
	Living Lands & Waters plants 2 Millionth tree Living Lands & Waters celebrated a major milestone by planting their 2 Millionth tree.
	Davenport man faces charge after fight at nightclub A 45-year-old Davenport man faces a felony charge after police allege he seriously injured another person at a nightclub, court records show. Michael McFedries faces a charge of willful injury - causing serious injury, according to court records. Michael McFedries (Scott County Jail) Incident at Daisy Dooks Shortly after 2 a.m. April 13, Davenport Police were dispatched to Daisy Dooks, 3680 W. 83rd St., for a disturbance. While officers were on the scene, one of the victims from a fight was transported to Genesis Medical Center - East Campus. "The responding officers were unable to view (Daisy Dooks) security footage but gathered statements from the security staff on their involvement," court records say. The victim later was transported to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics because of the serious nature of the injuries. The Criminal Investigation Division followed up on the incident, affidavits say. A search warrant was obtained to acquire the Daisy Dooks security footage and it was reviewed. "After reviewing the footage, it was determined that what transpired was not consistent with the initial statements provided by the staff of Daisy Dooks," allege police in affidavits. Officers accuse McFedries of assaulting another person "by shoving them into the parking lot and then carrying out a closed-fist strike to the face/head area. The strike caused the victim to fall unconscious to the ground." This act was not justified and was intended to cause serious injury to the victim, police allege in affidavits. "As a result, the victim was transported to Genesis and later to the University of Iowa for the treatment of serious injuries to include a broken skull, brain bleed and fractured jaw," affidavits show. McFedries was released on bond.
	Local blood bank calls for canine blood donors as shortage impacts dogs Across the country, there’s a pressing demand for blood donations, extending beyond humans to our beloved pets, who also require life-saving transfusions.
	St. Ambrose head cheer, dance coach steps down After 14 seasons, St. Ambrose Head Cheer and Dance Coach, Danelle Langeneckert, is stepping down. Langeneckert has taken the St. Ambrose cheer and dance programs to new heights winning multiple national championships, four of those within the last year.
	QC YWCA finds a new home The curtain is falling on the old YWCA building in downtown Rock Island. The non-profit organization moved into its new building a couple of blocks away. It's about three times the size of its old facility. "It's been, oh my gosh, five years in the making and finally today is moving day," said Julie Larson, QC YWCA president and CEO. Staff members were doing the heavy lifting Thursday morning as they moved everything into their brand-new facility. The old 24,000-square-foot building has been used for decades, and Larson says the move is long overdue. "Everybody is just excited about the new facility," Larson said. "This building has served us very well over the years since 1954 but were really looking forward to a new chapter at the YWCA." (Michael Frachalla, OurQuadCities.com) The YWCA's new home cost $20,000,000. The non-profit received $19,400,000 in donations over the years, thanks to grants and community members. The larger space will allow the YWCA to grow and expand its services by adding more childcare classrooms, a new fitness room, a new aquatic area equipped with a slide and lazy river, an upgraded gym, a new empowerment center that will provide employment-training programs, and much more. "It really just enhances the services that we have here and it allows to expand and serve more individuals in the community," Larson said. Because of COVID, inflation, and other challenges, the YWCA had to hold off on its move to a new facility for five years. Larson began working at the non-profit 25 years ago, and she never could have predicted a move like this, and she is beyond excited to see where it takes them in the future. "I don't even know what to say. I don't think it has really hit yet," Larson said. "I drive by it every day and just get a big smile on my face because we did it. It was tough but as women and as community leaders, we put ourselves together and made it happen. We're just really excited about the opportunities for people in Rock Island and the entire community. We're really looking forward to a new chapter for the YWCA." The childcare center will be open on May 6. Larson also says other services will be ready to go in the coming weeks as employees get organized in the new building. There will also be a rooftop patio coming in the future. Once that is completed, the building will be 72,000 square feet.
	Nonprofit gives eye exams and glasses to grade-schoolers United Way Quad Cities celebrated giving 500 elementary schoolers glasses on Wednesday.
	Gov. Reynolds signs mega site tax incentives bill Iowa has a new law to try to attract massive business projects. Now, it needs to find companies interested in starting one in the state.
	Rock Island looking for public input on downtown mural designs The murals will be a part of the future Arts Alley. It's a part of Rock Island's multimillion-dollar downtown revitalization plan.
	New apartment complex coming to Bettendorf near TBK It will have about 300 units. The company says they broke ground last week.
	Living Lands & Waters plant 2 millionth tree The efforts began back in 2007.
	Historic Colonel Davenport House opens for the season The house is open Thursday to Saturday every week from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
	Get outside with Moline Parks and Rec's free Yoga in the Park The series of classes will begin on May 4.
	Two Rivers in Rock Island welcomes United Methodist Church's changes to anti-LGBTQ policies On Thursday, church leaders voted 523 to 161 to eliminate language saying "the practice of homosexuality … is incompatible with Christian teaching.”
	Tech company considering Davenport for $8M data center It's unclear what tech company it is but city documents show they want to develop on 328 acres of land near the new Amazon facility.
	Fresh produce, crafts and more: Here's where you can find a farmers market in the Quad Cities area Farmers markets are the best way to buy local produce and homemade items straight from the source.
	Two Rivers in Rock Island welcomes United Methodist Church's changes to anti-LGBTQ policies On Thursday, church leaders voted 523 to 161 to eliminate language saying "the practice of homosexuality … is incompatible with Christian teaching.”
	Bettendorf food pantry forced to close after tree falls on building, president says The AGAPE Center Project, food pantry in Bettendorf said they’re experiencing a huge setback after a large Oak tree fell on the center’s roof.
	Mississippi Valley Growers Association hosts its first farmers market of the season in Davenport The market is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings in Davenport at NorthPark Mall. It's also open in Bettendorf on Monday and Thursday mornings.
	Famous NYC artist had special Iowa link Iowa City is not a magnet just for the Hawkeyes teams and first-class medical care. The $50-million University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art – built by Davenport-based Russell Construction and open since summer 2022 – is opening a unique exhibit, “To My Friends at Horn: Keith Haring and Iowa City.” Keith Haring posing with A Book Full of Fun, 1989. Photo by Rodney White. © Keith Haring Foundation At the height of his career, the New York-based popular artist Keith Haring visited students at Ernest Horn Elementary School in Iowa City and painted the mural “A Book Full of Fun” (1989). The new exhibit -- on view May 4, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025 -- opens on what would have been Haring’s 66th birthday and celebrates the artist’s legacy through works of art on loan from the Keith Haring Foundation, photos and archival ephemera. Haring’s relationship with Horn Elementary began in the early 1980s after teacher Colleen Ernst, affectionately known as “Dr. Art,” introduced her fifth- and sixth-grade students to his work, according to a museum release. At the time, Haring (who died from AIDS-related complications at age 31, in February 1990) was famous for his spontaneous chalk drawings created on sheets of black paper that were used to cover advertisements in New York subway stations. An introductory postcard from Ernst in 1982 grew into an ongoing exchange of letters and care packages between Haring and the grade-schoolers. Haring traveled to Iowa City in March 1984 for “Keith Haring in Iowa City,” a three-day artist residency developed in partnership with the University of Iowa, the museum said. Haring at work at Horn Elementary School, Iowa City, in 1989. Photo by Rodney White. © Keith Haring Foundation He led drawing workshops, created a tarpaulin painting as part of a public performance and shared insight into his practice during a public lecture. After that visit, Haring stayed in touch with the students and addressed his correspondence, “To All My Friends at Horn,” a greeting that inspired the name of the exhibition. “Keith Haring envisioned a world where art functioned as a pillar of education and civic life,” said Diana Tuite, the Stanley’s visiting senior curator of modern and contemporary art and the exhibition curator. “He appreciated children for their sense of wonder and their unprejudiced natures and saw how meaningful it was for him, an openly gay man, to be in these spaces.” Haring’s relationship with the community endured even as his international fame grew. At the invitation of Ernst and Horn Elementary School principal Paul E. Davis, Haring returned to Iowa City for a single day on May 22, 1989. Haring (center) returned to the Iowa City school in May 1989, pictured with school principal Paul E. Davis and art teacher Colleen Ernst (courtesy of Stanley Museum of Art). Proclaimed “Keith Haring Day” at the school, the artist painted “A Book Full of Fun” in the school library, asking for students’ suggestions in real time. Depicting a thought bubble above an open book, the symbolic mural overflows with creative characters, visual puns, letters and numbers in a tribute to the students’ literary imaginations. Imagination of children Haring credited his work with children as one of the most satisfying parts of his career. “What I like about children is their imagination,” said Haring, as reported in John Gruen’s authorized biography of the artist. “It’s a combination of honesty and freedom they seem to have in expressing whatever is on their minds – and the fact that they have a really sophisticated sense of humor.” Planned construction at the school required the mural’s temporary relocation. In July 2023, the Stanley partnered with the school to conserve the artwork. To do so, conservators removed the mural, along with part of the wall to which it was attached, and safely transported the 4,000-pound structure to the museum (160 W. Burlington St.), where it will stay until it can be reinstalled at Horn Elementary School in 2025. Horn Elementary School students pose in front of the Haring mural in progress in 1989 (photo courtesy of Colleen Ernst). The Stanley’s exhibition marks the public debut of “A Book Full of Fun” and the artwork’s first appearance alongside the 12-foot-long mural Haring painted on tarpaulin during his 1984 artist residency in Iowa City. The untitled work was completed in the city’s Old Capitol Center on March 27, 1984 to the accompaniment of the Johnson County Landmark jazz ensemble. It was also featured in an exhibition of his work at the Stanley (then the University of Iowa Museum of Art) during the same time period. Featuring a menacing computer-headed caterpillar – one of Haring’s recurring tropes – the symbolic mural echoes sentiments about technology that Haring was known to write about in his journals: “The human imagination cannot be programmed by a computer. Our imagination is our greatest hope for survival.” Jackson Pollock’s world-famous "Mural" returned to Stanley Museum of Art in 2022. It was displayed at Davenport's Figge Art Museum from 2008 to 2012. Additional works by the artist serve as signposts, contextualizing his visits within his meteoric career, the museum release says. An early experimental video, “Painting Myself into a Corner,” explores the connection between painting, movement and performance and invites comparison to the artist Jackson Pollock, whose monumental 1943 work “Mural” is on view in an adjacent gallery. Living his values Produced in the same year as “A Book Full of Fun,” the print “Ignorance=Fear, Silence=Death” was created for political action group ACT UP, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power. The Haring print "Ignorance=Fear, Silence=Death" was created for the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power. The poster combines symbolic visuals to urge increased compassion and education around the AIDS epidemic, demonstrating how Haring’s work often operated as a vehicle for activism. Stories from the community will also be incorporated into the exhibition, including interviews with former students, related photographs, drawings and other mementos that reveal the artist’s lasting impact on Iowa City. “Artmaking was an inherently social activity for Haring, as his trips to Iowa City demonstrate. He lived his values and believed that entering into dialogue with people could produce change,” said Tuite. Haring reimagined art’s role within society and devoted much of his time to public works, many of which were created for charities, hospitals, children’s daycare centers and orphanages. He continued to balance high-profile projects with his dedication to accessible public art and social activism throughout his acclaimed career. His work promoted racial and sexual tolerance while confronting social and political issues, including nuclear proliferation, homosexuality, environmental devastation and the AIDS epidemic, the Stanley said. Haring was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988, and he established the Keith Haring Foundation the following year. He died from complications related to the illness at age 31 in 1990, less than a year after painting “A Book Full of Fun” in Iowa City. The new University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art opened in August 2022 at 160 W. Burlington St., on the University of Iowa campus (photo by Jonathan Turner). “We’re grateful to have been given the opportunity to save ‘A Book Full of Fun.’ This rescue mission reflects our community’s embrace of the arts and the love shared towards Keith Haring and his work,” said Lauren Lessing, the Stanley Museum of Art’s director. “Much like the mission of the Stanley, the mural demonstrates the power of education, the reciprocity of inspiration and the role that creative artists play in helping us to see one another and know ourselves.” For more information on the museum, click HERE.
	Sherrard School labor contract ratified, officials say The Sherrard School Board and the Sherrard Education Association (SEA) ratified a three-year labor agreement at the regular board meeting on April 17.
	Sherrard board, teachers union ratify 3-year agreement The Sherrard School Board and the Sherrard Education Association (SEA) ratified a three-year labor agreement at the regular board meeting on April 17, according to a news release. “This was the third contract negotiation spanning nine years that I have participated in with the same group of SEA representatives, and each time it keeps getting better. The trust and camaraderie we have developed propelled this to be the most successful contract negotiation to date,” said Rhys Fullerlove, school board president. Fullerlove said the terms of the contract are “One of the best financial packages to our teachers and staff in Sherrard's history,” attributing that to the financial acumen of Superintendent Dr. Johnson and Business Director Lindsay Adams. “This contract will significantly enhance our competitiveness with local school districts of similar size." "We were able to work creatively with the union to develop flexibilities that will help us address the teacher shortage. These include enhanced maternity/paternity leave, recognition of past educational experience, and excellent opportunities for teachers to qualify for tuition reimbursement in hard-to-fill positions,” he said. "These negotiations were a prime example of a beneficial agreement for both sides. By leaving behind traditional ‘adversarial bargaining’ tactics in favor of common sense, hospitality, teamwork, and problem solving, an agreement that benefits all involved was reached in short order. From the start, both the Board and the SEA recognized the need to compensate employees fairly while living within our financial means as a district,” said Superintendent Dr. Carl Johnson. Johnson explained one notable change - two emergency days were added to the school calendar, previously five, to now seven, “Given the historic snowfall event we experienced this year, it’s important that we preserve our opportunities for capturing as many instructional days as possible while maintaining the ability to cancel school when student and employee safety demands it.” Robert Wilson, 6th grade science teacher at Matherville Intermediate and lead negotiator for the SEA team has also been working with the board on contract negotiation for nine years, “Each time the experience is a positive one. The rapport we have with them is great and each time we have met the contracts have been better. The process works because both sides listen and respect each other, and that makes for a really good working relationship.” WIlson said the contract is, “in a really good spot right now and that is because of all the hard work being done by both sides.” Highlights of the new contract include: $825/month towards insurance Annual salary stipend for all employees Extracurricular stipend increases Classified retirement incentive for unused sick days Maternity/Paternity Leave Professional development up to $800/year from $500/year Salary increases: FY25- 4% certified, $1.25/hr classified FY26- 4% certified, $1.25/hr classified FY27- 3% certified, $1.25/hr classified The contract affects about 200 district teachers and support staff, with the exception of those in exempt job classifications and takes effect July 1 and runs through the 2026-2027 school year. To read the contract, visit here.
	Colonel Davenport House officially opens for the season on Arsenal Island According to historians, Colonel George Davenport's home was the first permanent house in the city — making him one of the earliest settlers in the area.
	There's still time to check out Illinois' snake road this spring LaRue Road in Shawnee National Forest is the only road in the world that closes to cars for a bi-annual snake and reptile migration in the spring and fall.
	Traffic Alert: I-280 work begins Monday A traffic alert for Rock Island travelers.
	Police: 2 suspects charged with murder, drug-induced homicide in Mercer County William DeWitt, 41, of Milan, and Susan McFalls, 52, of Colona were both charged in a death investigation dating back to December in Sherrard.
	Culver's restaurants hosting 10th 'Scoops of Thanks Day' on May 2 Guests can choose between chocolate, vanilla or the new "How Now Brown Cow" flavor for their scoop.
	Physical Therapy used to treat dizziness disorders While people should first see their doctor to help determine the cause of dizziness, one option to consider is physical therapy.
	There's still time to check out Illinois' snake road this spring LaRue Road in Shawnee National Forest is the only road in the world that closes to cars for a bi-annual snake and reptile migration in the spring and fall.
	Iowa DNR: Don't try to rescue 'orphaned' baby animals this spring As more baby animals pop up, the Iowa DNR is encouraging you to leave them alone. Even if they appear orphaned and vulnerable, 'rescue' often results in death.
	OSHA issues 3 ‘serious citations’ following death of worker at Deere in Milan Investigators have cited Deere and Company in connection with an employee who died following an accident at the parts distribution center in Milan.
	Real estate update: Myths about buying real estate The monthly real estate update looks at the latest real estate trends in the Quad Cities Metro and across the region.
	Iowa DNR: Don't try to rescue 'orphaned' baby animals this spring As more baby animals pop up, the Iowa DNR is encouraging you to leave them alone. Even if they appear orphaned and vulnerable, 'rescue' often results in death.
	Isolated severe storms possible Thursday evening in the Quad Cities region The round of storms is forecasted to move across the Quad Cities region between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. Thursday. The threat of severe weather remains low at 1 out of 5.
	Iowa American Water Company to increase rates, officials say Iowa American Water Company is seeking to raise its water rates, according to a media release from the company.
	Get outside with Moline Parks and Rec's free Yoga in the Park The series of classes will begin on May 4.
	‘Secretary’ Kim Reynolds? Here’s what Iowa governor thinks about this job with Donald Trump Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds responded to a report that confirmed her interest as U.S. Secretary of Education.
	Bettendorf announces free movies in park Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Department's 2024 season of Movies in the Park will start in June. All movies are free, shown once a month at Veterans Memorial Park, 1645 23rd Street, starting at sundown. You are encouraged to bring your own lawn chair and/or blanket. This summer’s schedule is: Saturday, June 8th – “Trolls” (Sponsored by The Tangled Wood) Saturday, July 13th – “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” (Sponsored by K&K Hardware) Saturday, August 10th – “Wish” (Sponsored by Friends of Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Foundation) Saturday, Sept. 14th – “Migration” (Sponsored by Blackhawk Bank & Trust) For more information, visit Bettendorf Parks & Recreation HERE.
	Bettendorf food pantry sustains damages TV6 received a viewer tip about a tree branch falling and landing on a food pantry in Bettendorf.
	Beaux Arts Fair returns Mother's Day weekend The spring Beaux Arts Fair returns to Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds (2815 W. Locust St., Davenport) on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, Mother’s Day weekend. This is the 71st year of the Beaux Arts Fair, so the first 71 mothers to stop at the information booth will receive a small gift, according to a Thursday news release. All attendees are invited to explore 80 booths showcasing handcrafted artworks spanning photography, jewelry, pottery, stained glass, fine furniture, sculpture, and more created by artists from all over the country. The spring Beaux Arts Fair returns to Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds (2815 W. Locust St., Davenport) on Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12, 2024. Items at all price levels will be available for purchase. Admission is complimentary, and food and drinks are available for purchase. All proceeds from the fair generously support the Figge Art Museum’s educational programs and exhibitions throughout the year. As a juried fine arts and fine craft fair, awards will be presented in several categories including a $250 prize for Best of Show and a $50 prize in following categories: Clay, Drawing/Printmaking, Fiber/Leather, Glass, Jewelry, Mixed Medium, Painting, Photography, Sculpture and Wood. “We are proud to bring together a diverse array of artists, offering attendees a chance to explore a wide range of artistic expressions,” Beaux Arts Committee president Linda Hardin said in Thursday’s release. “This event is a testament to the vibrant arts community in the Quad Cities, and we're delighted to support the Figge Art Museum's ongoing commitment to art education,” she said. The Quad-Cities Woodturners will be doing a demonstration on Saturday, May 11. Fair hours are Saturday, May 11 from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Save the date for the Fall Beaux Arts Fair at the Figge Art Museum’s Bechtel Plaza on Sept. 7-8, 2024. The fair was established in 1967, making the Beaux Arts Fair one of the longest-running art fairs in the Midwest. Fair attendance and artist participation expanded on a yearly basis. In 1970, to celebrate the new Wiese addition, the Beaux Arts Fundraising Committee started a second fair, making them one of the few bi-annual art fairs. The fairs are held annually on Mother's Day weekend, kicking off the season of outdoor summer events. The second fair is held annually on the weekend after Labor Day. In May of 2001, the Beaux Arts moved the fairs downtown while the new Figge Art Museum, was being built. In September 2008, the fairs moved back to the museum grounds. The Beaux Arts Fundraising committee continues to donate all proceeds from the fairs to the Figge Art Museum for programs and exhibitions. The spring fair was moved to the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in the spring of 2019 due to the major flooding of downtown Davenport. Artists and patrons enjoyed the move with easy parking and little traffic congestion, according to the fair website. The committee polled the artists and patrons about permanently keeping the spring fair at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. With that polling, it was decided to continue the spring art fair at the fairgrounds in northwest Davenport. For more information, click HERE.
	Methodist church celebrates new policies on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings An inclusive church in the Quad Cities is celebrating after the United Methodist Church lifted bans on LGBTQ clergy and same-sex weddings.
	Piano draws patrons to Moline club It was an unusually festive after-work Wednesday at the private Svithiod Club, 1522 6th Ave., Moline. That’s when pianist Alex Gilson played a variety of jazz, blues and classical for an hour, with upright bassist Rich Wagor, in a free concert presented by Moline-based Sound Conservatory and its new “Keys of Unity” program. Gilson is organist at Davenport’s First Presbyterian Church, who teaches piano and cello for Sound Conservatory. Wagor has taught bass at Sound Conservatory for over a year. The music school and store moved to the former Carnegie Library (504 17th St., Moline) from downtown Rock Island last November. Alex Gilson and Rich Wagor perform at Moline's Svithiod Club on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. In the “Keys of Unity” program, Sound Conservatory owner Andzrej Kozlowski has loaned upright pianos for selected downtown businesses free of charge for a month. The first locations have been Svithiod Club, Dead Poets Espresso, Fifth Avenue Syndicate Bistro & Bar and Los Portales restaurant. “I like coming out and performing in a more relaxed setting,” Gilson said Wednesday. “I just don’t do this that much.” Pianist Alex Gilson and bassist Rich Wagor perform at Svithiod Club, 1522 6th Ave., Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). He likes the idea of allowing the public to play the pianos, which is encouraged for Keys of Unity. “When I see a piano in a public place, it says ‘Do Not Touch,’ I was like, why is that?” Gilson said. “When I was a kid, sometimes I’d play in public places and I was told, ‘Don’t play’ and that was just soul-crushing when something like that happened. “It’s always good to encourage people to touch a piano, see what sound comes out,” he said. “Another thing is, there are always pianos around, everywhere I’m at – the church I work at, and to me it’s really sad, I went to vacation in Florida and I don’t think I saw a single piano anywhere I went.” “It struck me that, I’m pretty lucky in the Quad Cities, it seems like every room has a keyboard in it,” Gilson said. “So programs like this are good to get that out there in public.” Patrons listen to live music Wednesday, May 1, at Svithiod Club in downtown Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). “The goal behind the program is to get more people excited about live music, going out to the local businesses,” Kozlowski said. “Also allow these businesses to offer live music for their guests. Music is one of the biggest things that draws people into a restaurant or a space.” New piano locations The first round of “Keys of Unity” ends Sunday, May 5, and the Svithiod Club is keeping its piano another month (until June 5). The program is adding another piano to the mix, at Atlas Collective (1801 5th Ave.), in addition to switching pianos to Tony’s Chicago Style Pizzeria (1321 5th Ave.) and Bass Street Chop House (1425 River Drive), starting May 5. The donated piano at Svithiod Club (which anyone can play) will stay through June 5, 2024. “We’re adding more pianos to the mix, so we can move up certain things,” Kozlowski said, noting certain locations will have pianos longer than a month. They are all loaned free for each business, and Sound Conservatory also is covering the cost of paying instructors to play, and $50 gift cards for monthly drawings to people who post videos of themselves playing, tagging Sound Conservatory with #keysofunity. “Businesses have been very responsive; they’ve been sharing a lot of our posts,” Kozlowski said. “We want to show all the great things we have going on down here.” “Having them for two or three months gives people more opportunity on social media to see it, and get down there to try it out,” he said. “We decided to add more pianos.” The winning "Keys of Unity" piano design by Moline High senior Shea Gende. A piano painted by a Moline High School student will also be placed downtown soon. For senior Shea Gende’s winning design (out of 12 submitted), she earned of $250 in gift cards to Lagomarcino’s, Meli’s Pancake House, Dead Poets Espresso, Tony’s Pizzeria, and Sound Conservatory. Another donated piano will be painted by artist Regan Hatfield during the weekly Bass Street Landing summer concert series, starting Thursday, May 16 (with Funktastic 5). “We’re using this first year to see what works, what doesn’t work,” Kozlowski said. “We’re hoping through this program, we can also draw interest from other musicians who want to partake in this. Each location we want to do one free concert.” The Keys of Unity Baldwin piano at Fifth Avenue Syndicate, 1630 5th Ave., Moline. “I love the idea having music in the community,” said Tammy Skovronski, the Svithiod Club bar manager. They occasionally have live music, but not on a regular basis. Not many people have come to play the upright piano, since it is a private club, she said. Wednesday’s event was open to the public, and attracted a lot of new faces. “It’s helping get the word out to the community about the music and our club,” Skovronski said. She wanted to extend having the piano for another month to encourage more people to come hear it. For more information on “Keys of Unity,” click HERE.
	4 Your Money \| Paying The Bills High interest rates have kept housing activity like sales and refinances at a very low level nationally. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, is here to explain if he thinks this will become a broader problem for the economy and how it impacts viewers working on their financial plans.
	Lee Enterprises reports strong digital subscription growth in second quarter Digital subscriptions are up 25% year over year.
	Road work coming to I-280 in Rock Island The work zone will go from the John F. Baker Jr. Mississippi River Bridge to the Illinois 92 interchange. Work is expected to be completed by May 10.
	Hiney Heroes joins World's Largest Diaper Drive for those in need The nonprofit is just one of many across the nation working to raise over 2 million diapers by the end of May for families in need.

Friday, May 3rd, 2024

Thursday, May 2nd, 2024