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

Saturday, May 4th, 2024
	United Way of Muscatine Community Baby Shower sees great success According to United Way, 2024 ended up being one of the most successful baby showers that the group has ever seen, collecting over $4,700 worth of baby items.
	Former teacher could get new trial in Rock Island sex case In 2022 a jury convicted Patrick J. Noya, a former Rock Island-Milan teacher, in a sex crimes case. He won an appeal and has a chance for a new trial.
	Muscatine moving ahead with zoning change Mixed use buildings using the ground floor for residential have become more common in recent years and Muscatine’s zoning doesn’t include a district allowing such a structure.
	Quad-Cities salsa options for your Cinco de Mayo party Which salsa are you grabbing?
	Quad-Cities area students earn scholarships as summer nears Over the past two weeks, a laundry list of Quad-Cities area students earned scholarships from community agencies and their respective schools.
	Two former employees sue Davenport, alleging the city wrongly released demand letters Two former Davenport administrative employees have filed suit against the city for releasing letters they say the city promised would be kept confidential.
	Moline's Riverside Riverslide on track to open Memorial Day weekend “I’m thinking that this is going to be a really fun summer," Moline’s Director of Parks and Recreation Eric Griffith said as media toured Riverside Riverslide.
	Quad-Cities business openings, closings: Verde, Eve's Garden and Greenhouse, and more In this week's business openings and closings roundup: Verde returns with a new lunch menu in Bettendorf; a mother-daughter duo opens Eve's Garden and Greenhouse in Davenport.
	Pending Death Notices for Muscatine, May 4, 2024 Linda M. Aber, 66, of Sheffield, Illinois, passed away Friday, May 3, 2024, at her residence. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation & Direct Burial, Moline.
	Pending Death Notices for Quad-Cities, May 4, 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.
	Davenport man arrested after deputies allege he did unlicensed HVAC work A 51-year-old Davenport man faces felony charges after Scott County Deputies allege he did unlicensed HVAC work, according to court records. Jason Marchant faces a charge of ongoing criminal conduct – unlawful activity, along with first-degree fraudulent practice and three counts of second-degree fraudulent practice, court records show. Jason Marchant (Scott County Jail) The charges are in connection with incidents in 2021 at Davenport residences, according to court records. Marchant, who was arrested on a warrant, engaged in fraudulent practices “by repeatedly and continuously representing himself through advertisement and attestation as being licensed to preform heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) work in the State of Iowa” over the course of the past 11 years, deputies allege in affidavits. In affidavits, deputies allege Marchant “has repeatedly made use of a fraudulent license number throughout his career. He repeatedly and continuously presented himself as a licensed HVAC Contractor to customers, resulting in unlicensed work and numerous complaints to the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing.” During this time Marchant was investigated and found to be in violation of HVAC regulations 26 times in multiple locations in Scott County, deputies allege in affidavits. Affidavits list victims’ damages, including $10,560, $8,409, $8,775 and $6,550. Court records show that Marchant, who was released on a $25,000 cash bond, is set to appear for arraignment May 23 in Scott County Court.
Friday, May 3rd, 2024
	Alzheimer's Association raising awareness through art Officials auctioned off more than 100 paintings all created by someone living with Alzheimer's or Dementia.
	Augustana seniors hold prom night to make up for COVID These students graduated high school during the pandemic. Now, they're making up for lost celebrations.
	Augustana seniors hold prom night to make up for COVID These students graduated high school during the pandemic. Now, they're making up for lost celebrations.
	Take a look at the revamped Riverside Riverslide ahead of opening day Additions include three new water slides, a lazy river and a splash pad.
	Fillmore Elementary students make care packages for Ridgecrest Village residents The packages included encouraging notes and pinwheels for the recipients.
	Riverside Riverslide in Moline set to soon open to the public following upgrades The city of Moline Parks and Recreation staff say they are almost ready to open the Riverside Riverside water park after being closed for over a year for reconstruction. The city gave a closed tour on Friday.
	Man charged with 2 felonies for stealing van, sound equipment from retired police officer in Bureau County A van, trailer and sound equipment were stolen from a property back in October in Princeton, Illinois.
	Iowa American Water files request to raise rates Iowa American Water customers will soon pay more for water.
	Community members protest new Iowa immigration law A community group in the Quad Cities held a vigil this week to protest a new law in Iowa that targets immigrants.
	Fillmore Elementary School students ‘Pay It Forward’ by creating May Day cards Students at Fillmore Elementary School paid it forward during a special project by the North Scott Rotary.
	Fillmore Elementary fourth graders make care packages for seniors at Ridgecrest Villages Kids wrote inspiring notes and made pinwheels to go with each package.
	Downtown Davenport’s The Last Picture House unveils rooftop with grand opening celebration A grand opening celebration will be held to celebrate the opening of a rooftop at Downtown Davenport’s boutique movie theater and cocktail bar, The Last Picture House.
	Moline water park will open for summer Residents of Moline can swim their summer away at a local water park opening soon.
	Activists gather at University of Iowa's Pentacrest to protest Israel-Hamas war It comes amidst a wave of nationwide demonstrations on college campuses protesting the war in Gaza.
	Weekend Events in the Quad Cities: May 3, 2024 Enjoy a Cinco de Mayo celebration, or pay a visit to Monster Jam!
	2 former City of Davenport employees file lawsuit Former City of Davenport employees Samantha Torres and Tiffany Thorndike settled with the city last September after alleging they had been victims of harassment. On April 30, they filed suit in Scott County Court, court records show. City of Davenport (City of Davenport Government) Earlier, they were assistants to top administrators at Davenport City Hall. Assistant City Attorney Brian Heyer, now retired, and Deputy City Clerk Brian Krup are named as defendants in the lawsuit, according to court documents. Read the lawsuit below: lawsuitDownload Court documents show that in August of 2023, city officials requested Torres and Thorndike provide summaries of reported harassment. Documents show Torres and Thorndike were told information would be kept confidential and not disclosed to the public. The next month, the city drafted separation agreements, which Torres and Thorndike signed, according to court documents. In November, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request was filed with the city seeking time sheets for former City of Davenport employees, including the plaintiffs, court documents say. Their separation agreements also were requested. Other requests came in during that time. The suit alleges Heyer and Krup "screwed up" and sent entire contents of the plaintiffs' personal information to the public. Torres and Thorndike say they suffered harm because of this alleged negligence. Torres and Thorndike seek damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages, among other things. They demand a jury trial, according to the suit. A spokesperson for the City of Davenport told Our Quad Cities News on Friday that the city currently has no comment.
	Taste on the River tickets available The American Red Cross will host the 28th annual event from 6 to 9 p.m. June 20 at Bend XPO in East Moline.
	AGAPE Center searches for a new home after tree falls onto building The center is making arrangements for other food pantries to take their inventory and help the families they serve until they get a new location up and running.
	Activists gather at University of Iowa's Pentacrest to protest Israel-Hamas war It comes amidst a wave of nationwide demonstrations on college campuses protesting the war in Gaza.
	Rain likely in the Quad Cities Saturday with severe storms possible. Here's what to expect Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected ahead and along a cold front on Saturday. While not common, damaging wind and hail could occur in a few spots. Get the latest on the hazards and the timing of the storms in…
	Inside Iowa Politics: New laws, possible challenges and unusual moment with Iowa’s governor An in-depth look at Governor Kim Reynolds' responses to a new tax plan, MEGA state incentives and whether she wants a federal position with Donald Trump's administration.
	Another lawsuit for Davenport The city of Davenport is facing another lawsuit.
	288-unit apartment complex to be built near sports complex Continental Properties will build Authentix Bettendorf, a garden-style residential community at Forest Grove Drive and International Drive, near the TBK Bank Sports Complex, according to its announcement.
	Davenport man faces three felony charges for allegedly defrauding multiple area banks A Davenport man allegedly used checks and empty deposit envelopes to scam over $30,000 from area banks.
	QCAWC hosts low-cost mobile pet vaccine clinic The mobile vaccine clinic for cats and dogs will be held at the Silvis Public Library on Friday, May 10.
	Putnam Museum opens new 'Quad City Innovators' exhibit Some of the featured innovators include John Deere, Otto Rohwedder and Gene Baker.
	City of Sterling to Light the Night in honor of fallen firefighters The City of Sterling will host a Light the Night event to honor fallen firefighters.
	Bettendorf to host Movies in the Park “What do trolls, ducks, Super Mario, and a single star all have in common? They are the main characters featured in the Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Department’s 2024 Season of Movies in the Park,” said a spokesperson for the City of Bettendorf.
	Moline's new dual-purpose pitches are nearly complete at Stephens Park Both basketball & futsal (think soccer on a smaller court) will be played on the new mini-pitches. Moline hopes the pitches will be completed in the next few weeks.
	Monster Jam roars back into QCA Start your engines as Monster Jam rides back to the QCA! Ashley Sanford with Team Megalodon made a stop by Our Quad Cities News to talk about Monster Jam at Vibrant Arena at The MARK. For more information, click here.
	Buffalo Fire Department responds to fire at Linwood Mining & Minerals TV6 is working to get more information about a fire at Linwood Mining & Minerals.
	AGAPE Center in Bettendorf severely damaged after tree fell on building The Center has a food pantry and provides other necessities to those in need. They say they are not accepting any donations and are closed until further notice.
	Moline High School hosts 'Operation Prom' The simulation involves student actors and real-life first responders to recreate the scene of a serious traffic crash.
	Pro-Palestine protest underway on U of Iowa campus A planned 3-day pro-Palestine protest is underway at the University of Iowa Campus.
	Pedestrian killed in Rock Island identified A man is dead after he was struck by a car on 1st Avenue in Rock Island on Thursday night.
	East Moline hosting second annual Cinco de Mayo Taco & Margarita Festival More than 30 food vendors will be serving up delicious and festive meals for visitors.
	Pedestrian killed in Rock Island A man is dead after he was struck by a car on 1st Avenue in Rock Island on Thursday night.
	CPKC's Final Spike Steam Tour will roll into Davenport on May 10 The public is invited free of charge to see The Empress 2816, a 4-6-4 Hudson-type steam locomotive.
	Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at East Moline street festival The second annual Cinco De Mayo Taco & Margarita Street Festival is happening May 4 from noon to 8 p.m. in East Moline.
	Muscatine organizations give out literacy kits to kindergarten students Rotary Club of Muscatine partnered with the United Way of Muscatine to give out literacy kits for Jefferson Elementary School students.
	Moline's new dual-purpose pitches are nearly complete at Stephens Park Both basketball & futsal (think soccer on a smaller court) will be played on the new mini-pitches. Moline hopes the pitches will be completed in the next few weeks.
	Colona fire department responds to structure fire Thursday evening The Colona Fire Department responded to a structure fire Thursday evening. Two injuries were reported, according to officials.
	The Force will be with you at Putnam's Stars Wars marathon The Force will be with you as you travel to a galaxy far, far away... May the 4th is Star Wars Day, and the Putnam Museum and Science Center is hosting a movie marathon of the original trilogy of Star Wars movies in the the GIANT Screen Theatre. Relive classic moments with Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, R2-D2, C-3PO and more! The films will run as follows on Saturday, May 4: 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope' - 11:00 a.m. 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back' - 1:30 p.m. 'Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi' - 4:00 p.m. 'Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope,' 'Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back' and 'Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi' (IMDb) The Putnam Museum and Science Center is located at 1717 W. 12th St., Davenport. For tickets or more information, click here.
	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.

Saturday, May 4th, 2024

Friday, May 3rd, 2024

Thursday, May 2nd, 2024