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

Bird flu found in Washington County

The detection in Washington County marks the fifth case of H5N1 HPAI so far in 2026, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.

North Scott Press — March 4, 2025

Princeton stays course with church, Boll’s

Princeton City Council still hopes to sell Boll’s Community Center and renovate the former Presbyterian Church, they reaffirmed across several recent meetings. The council voted unanimously on Feb. 12 to approve an application for an Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) derelict building grant that would provide over $40,000 in support for structural improvements and asbestos remediation at the church building. The following week, Feb. 19, they voted 3–1 to drop the list price of Boll’s from $350,000 to $325,000. Councilman Zach Phares was absent. Councilman Kevin Kernan opposed the price change. He also cast a dissenting vote against the council’s decision to list Boll’s last fall. He told the council on Feb. 12 that he hoped to keep and improve Boll’s as the city community center. Mayor Travis Volrath has said he hopes to use the proceeds of the sale of Boll’s to fund renovations at the church. The church could host a community center, offices, food pantry and daycare, Volrath and council members have suggested. Early budget figures considered by the council would allocate $50,000 from city reserves to community center improvements next year. That is a rise from just $4,000 budgeted this year, and about $5,000 spent over the previous two years. The DNR Derelict Building Program grant, if received, would help fund structural repairs of church roof and remove its damaged steeple, city grant writer Angie Bloomfield wrote to the council last month. The grant would cover a $10,000 structural engineering analysis; share expenses on up to $8,000 in environmental impact studies; and split the cost of up to $50,000 in building renovations. A focus on roof repair and steeple removal would “max out [grant] funding while also keeping matching requirements in mind,” Bloomfield wrote. The grant would also pay for asbestos remediation. An early exterior asbestos test at the church yielded a single positive result, on caulk used on a single square foot of a lower window. Remediation will cost just $400 and be fully covered by the DNR grant, Bloomfield told The North Scott Press.  Several residents expressed concerns about the council’s direction Feb. 19, according to minutes. Liz Bosworth and Steve Billups both argued that the council should list both the church and Boll’s for sale and look to build a new community center at Woomert Park. Ann Geiger expressed concern that too many members of the council and public hoped to toss out the old and build something new. Budget figures under consideration The Princeton Police Department will also see expenditures rise next year, according to early budget documents. Police expenditures are set to rise nearly 40%, up to $203,198 from $146,178 budgeted this fiscal year. The city rehired longtime officer Brian Carstens for 32 hours a week in September. Tweed said the rise in expenditures will go to pay his salary. The city budget process remains ongoing and subject to change.

The 2026 World Cup faces big challenges with only 100 days to go

Will Iran compete? Will violence in Mexico flare up? And what about funding for host cities in the U.S.? With only 100 days left before it beings, the 2026 World Cup in North America is facing a lot of uncertainty.

North Scott senior named Merit finalist

In the nearly 70-year history of the North Scott School District, there have only been about two dozen finalists in the National Merit Scholarship program. Last month, the list earned another name. Senior Russell Squires received the news in February that he was a finalist in the nationally prestigious scholarship program, putting him in a class representing less than 1% of all high school students across the country. Although other students have been honored by the National Merit Scholarship program, the last Lancer to earn the honor of being a finalist was Anna Marceau in 2013. “Russell is a great student for us,” said high school principal Andrew Lehn.  “Obviously, he stands out academically, but his character is also amazing. He is an awesome senior leader for us.” The process began when Squires was a junior and he took the Pre-SAT (PSAT) test. “There’s a certain cutoff that you have to meet based on your individual PSAT scores, and I met that cutoff,” said Squires. Approximately 1.3 million students take the PSAT annually. By spring, about 50,000 of those students are informed they are among the highest scorers. From there, students can be named either a semifinalist in the competition or a Commended Student. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses a weighted calculation to determine the cutoff marks. Part of the calculation is based on how competitive a state is, which is determined by how many students take the test. The NMSC allocates about 17,000 semifinalist slots per state per year. Early in the process, the NMSC offers a range of what the cutoff might be, before finalizing each state in September. For instance, for Iowa’s Class of 2027, the recommended range was 211-216. The final number was 213. In Illinois, the range was 218-222, with a final cutoff of 220. Squires earned 214 on his cutoff calculation, and he said that led to some stress. “For the longest time the (cutoff) projection was 214 or 215, so I think I waited for two weeks, waiting for them to confirm it was 214.” Once Squires learned he was a semifinalist, there was more work to be done. He had to fill out an application, with proof of his academic standing, an essay, and a letter of recommendation. He had to take the SAT and have a high enough score to confirm his performance on the PSAT, and he had to finalize his college choice to ensure it was an institution that sponsored a Merit Scholarship award. He was affirmed as one of 15,000 finalists in February. Squires still has a little bit of waiting to do to learn if he’ll receive a Merit Scholarship. Approximately 6,900 winners are announced on a rolling basis between April and July. If Squires is named a Merit Scholar, he could receive a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, or a scholarship sponsored by a corporation or academic institution. Approximately 600 students will receive special corporate sponsored scholarships, although they will not technically be considered Merit Scholars. “A lot of schools offer scholarships for finalists, so there’s some very generous offers that I’ve received,” he said. Squires credits his parents, Mark and Rachel, for encouraging him to take the PSAT. “My parents knew about the PSAT, which, not a lot of people at our school know about,” he said, adding he had cousins who also took the PSAT, although they did not advance in the competition. “My parents knew about the potential scholarships that it would lead to, so they encouraged me and my brother to take the PSAT. “I would definitely say more people should take the PSAT if they want opportunities.” He said that, although he did some outside studying for his college preparation exams, the classes and general academic environment at North Scott were also extremely beneficial. He said the whole staff is encouraging, “but if I had to pick two, it would be Mrs. Skarich and Mrs. Sambdman. They’ve both just been excellent teachers, and more than just teachers as well. They’ve been able to help me personally as well as academically.” Aside from academics, Squires is involved with sports. He played football, and he’s also looking forward to his senior soccer season. Once he graduates from North Scott, he’s also looking forward to trading scarlet and silver for crimson and white. “I’m most likely going to go to the University of Alabama. I’m going to major in economics and minor in English. I’m going to go on the pre-law track.” Squires was also surprised to learn that his National Merit Finalist status in North Scott history was shared by such a small number. “It’s pretty special. I don’t know how else to put it. It’s really special.”   

Eldridge to substantially increase at-large animal fines

Owners of animals that roam at-large will soon find a little extra bite from the City of Eldridge. On Monday, the city council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending fines for at-large animals. The fine for a first violation is $150, with a second violation fine of $300. For third and subsequent offenses, the fine will be $600. That’s up significantly from the current fine of $30 for a first-time offender. Second and third violations had been set at $75 and $150. At the last city council meeting on Feb. 16, police chief Andrew Lellig told the council that his department is currently being “hammered” with stray animal calls. Officers have methods of reuniting stray animals with their families, including posting photos on the department’s Facebook page. But when those attempts are unsuccessful, officers have to call the Scott County Humane Society, which costs $60 just for an animal control officer to come out and pick up the animal. The city must then pay $20 per day for seven days to board the animal. If the animal is claimed, the owner incurs those fees. If not, the city is on the hook for more than $200 per unclaimed animal. Lellig worked with assistant city administrator Jeff Martens to beef up the fine schedule. Following Monday’s council meeting, Martens said the city isn’t looking to make money off the increased fines. The increase is largely to cover the city’s animal control costs but also serves as an encouragement to owners to be more responsible with their pets. He said along with the fines, there will also be increased educational opportunities for pet owners. Martens also encouraged pet owners to make sure their animals are licensed with the city, and to make sure they have an identification tag that includes the owner’s phone number, which will make it easier for officers to arrange for reunification. A pet license is $6, and more information is available, either in person at City Hall, or by calling 563-285-4841. Fire department update During his mayor’s report, Scott Campbell reported another meeting was held with members of the Eldridge Fire Department on Feb. 17 to exchange more information. A meeting is also scheduled for next week to continue discussions. Council member Jeff Ashcraft asked about the status of the conversations. “Right now, we’ve been exchanging information,” said Campbell. “We’re still looking at two different paths: whether they stay independent or whether we take them over. I don’t know if we’re any closer, but we’re just getting more information.” He described the meetings as “constructive.” Budget talks Discussion of the FY2027 budget continued at the committee of the whole meeting prior to the regular meeting. Council members heard from city building inspector Ray Nees and city administrator Nevada Lemke about the inspections and administrative and finance budgets. As part of the budget discussion, Lemke said the proposed fire department budget was $304,406, or approximately $76,000 per quarter, which would match the levy rate set by the Benefitted Fire District. There will also be approximately $60,000 from the gas franchise fees allocated to the fire department. Council member Brian Dockery asked Lemke about any supplemental allocations to the fire department, noting there had been $40,000 allocated to the department in FY2026 for a capital fund. Lemke said talks are still ongoing with the fire department, but so far, she has not factored in supplemental allocations. “I think we’ve got a ways to go with the fire department,” said Campbell. Council member Ryan Iossi agreed, saying further talks were needed. “We’re not close enough right now to even making a decision on what we’re doing with that $40,000.” Future of inspections Following Nees’ brief presentation, Dockery and Iossi asked Nees if he foresees the need for summer help or an intern in the future. Nees said right now, he’s doing OK on his own, although he does have an eye towards retirement down the line. “I don’t know how I became the old guy, but it happened,” joked Nees. Nees said building inspectors can be difficult to hire, because the job is frequently part-time. Iossi and Dockery suggested a ride-along or a job shadowing program, possibly involving the North Scott student-built home program, could help introduce young people to the inspection business. Nees expressed interest in the option, and mused about funding opportunities. In response to a question from Dockery, Nees said there were 76 single-family new builds started in Eldridge last year, which beat the old record of 62, which he thought was set in 2013. There have already been 18 requests put in this year.  Wastewater contract hauling The council also approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing fees for contract hauler wastewater disposal, which will allow some forms of wastewater to be disposed of by private contractors at the Eldridge Wastewater Treatment Plant. The rate was set at 20 cents per gallon, with a minimum disposal of 1,500 gallons. The wastewater must have originated within the Eldridge city limits. No wastewater containing dirt, mud, gravel, sewage, fats, oils, grease or other unknown or potentially hazardous chemicals will be accepted, and the city may require laboratory testing to verify the contents of the wastewater prior to being accepted. Any laboratory fees will be incurred by the hauler. City staff has the right to refuse any wastewater, and approved discharge must be scheduled, with staff present. Summer fest street closure The council approved a request from the Eldridge-North Scott Chamber of Commerce for road closures during the Eldridge Summer Festival, including the kickoff concert downtown on Friday, July 10, and the festival itself on Saturday, July 11. Chamber director Tabbitha Kramer submitted the request, and said the routes for the parade and Moonlight Chase will remain the same as the past few years. Other business In other business, the council approved liquor license renewals for Rolling Meadows Event Center and Maloney’s Pub. The council also approved setting a public hearing for a budget amendment to the FY26 city budget for 7 p.m. on Monday, March 16, at City Hall. Lemke explained this does not represent a change in expenditures; the budget form that was submitted for publication in The North Scott Press was a different version than the budget officially approved by the council last year. “We need to essentially pass an amended budget for what the council approved last year to match what’s published in the paper for the public hearing,” she explained. City clerk Tracy Northcutt also shared that the city is in the final phase of the hiring process for the deputy city clerk position, with just some steps on the background check needing completion. She said the hope is to have the process completed by the end of this week.

Long Grove deadlocks with Grunwald over detention area

Long Grove City Council appears locked in a standstill with developer Dale Grunwald over who will own and maintain a 9-acre water detention area he hopes to hand to the city. At a special meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24, members of the council split on whether to take the land without a plat of an expansion Grunwald has planned for the nearby the Winfield Estates subdivision. The city Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) recommended that the council reject the request, until a full plat shows how new homes would utilize the detention area. Grunwald said he would not spend the money to draw the plat without the city’s assurance that they would take and maintain the detention area. In September 2018, the council agreed to assume ownership of the detention area if Grunwald implemented a design they selected. But the selection process ran for months, as council and the public debated how to best put the land to public use. In the meantime, Grunwald moved forward a previous design dating to the early stages of the Winfield Estates subdivision.  On Tuesday, three members of the council—Nancy Herrin, Ryan Christensen, and Chad Ulrich—said they were ready to defer to P&Z’s recommendation that the council reject Grunwald’s request. “At this point, I feel like they're the ones who would have the most knowledge on this situation,” Christensen said. Ulrich said it was not the time for the city to assume new responsibilities. “We've got so many new projects in the hopper right now, we wouldn't do anything with it in the foreseeable future, other than maintain it,” he said. City Clerk Rose Guyer and Public Works Director Tony Saladino said the property would increase the city’s summer mowing and maintenance responsibilities. Council members Amy Shannon and Mike Boddicker appeared more friendly to Grunwald’s request. “I don't understand what's the risk of us assuming the property, because I think it's inevitable that we're going to take it over anyway,” Boddicker said. If Grunwald were to dissolve his development company, the city could be forced to take and maintain the property. “Having something in place now protects us when that ultimately happens,” Boddicker said. The city could ensure the property was correctly maintained, he said. Between 2010 and 2020, documents provided to the council state that the city received regular complaints about flooding in the detention area. City Engineer Jason McKenzie told the council that those issues have been resolved. McKenzie and Grunwald each told the council that the area could manage stormwater from further development, although they appeared to disagree on an exact figure. McKenzie estimated the pond could drain about 66 acres of development. Grunwald tagged that number higher, at 109 acres. They agreed that the exact number would depend on the density of future development. Guyer noted that a water management plan would have to be approved for any future development, regardless of the detention area’s ownership. Jill Grunwald, wife of Dale Grunwald, said the council had asked developers to incorporate green space into their plats, but would not use city resources to maintain that land as parks and recreational spaces. The accusation drew a blast of frustration from Christensen. “All we're talking about right now is whether or not we're going to take over this [detention area]. What does that have to do with whether or not we still ask for green space from developers? It's moot,” he said. “You're talking about then, not now, and that's why this is so contentious. But it doesn’t have to be,” he added. The council took no formal action and tabled the discussion pending further information.

Election season begins with filings

Candidates for Scott County public office have until March 20 to file petitions for partisan primaries in advance of fall elections. Terms for the county attorney, treasurer, and recorder, as well as three of five county supervisors, are set for election November 3. Partisan primaries will narrow the field of candidates June 2. Filing for state and federal races opened last month and closes Friday, March 13. Filing for county races opened Monday. On the Scott County Board of Supervisors, Chair John Maxwell and Vice Chair Jean Dickson will seek reelection. Supervisors Ross Paustian, concluding his first term on the board, will not. All three are Republicans. Republican Luana Stoltenberg, a former state representative, and Democrat Kevin Randle, a city of Davenport employee, have announced intentions to run for Paustian’s seat. Scott County Treasurer Tony Knobbe, a Republican, and Recorder Rita Vargas, a Democrat, will not seek reelection. County Attorney Kelly Cunningham has not announced plans for reelection. Candidates must file petitions with at least 100 signatures from eligible voters to appear on the June ballot.

First Democrat enters race for supervisors

Kevin Randle, a union leader and city planner for Davenport, is the first Democrat to enter the race for the Scott County Board of Supervisors. “I want to make a positive difference in my community,” Randle told The North Scott Press last week. “I’m a father to a young son. I want to make sure that he and everyone else in Scott County have a sportive future.” Four candidates now seek three seats on the board. Board Chair John Maxwell and Vice Chair Jean Dickson, both Republicans, will seek reelection. Randle and Republican Luana Stoltenberg each aim for a seat. Supervisor Ross Paustian, a Republican, announced plans to retire at the end of his four-year term in December. Randle has spent five years at the city of Davenport as a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist and analyst, according to a press release. He also serves as president of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) local 887 and is a member of the Quad Cities Federation of Labor executive board. Randle said he believed the role of supervisor was a “good fit” for his skills and background. He said he hoped to see supervisors adjust policies that restrict renewable energy development in county farmland. He said that restrictions amounted to a “moratorium.” A reverse in course would increase the energy supply, benefit landowners, grow tax dollars and protect the environment from fossil fuel emissions, Randle said. He added renewables were the “best way” to satisfy energy needs. Pressure on the county to allow construction of a natural gas power plant outside Maysville “points to the need for a future policy change,” he said. Randle also objected to the county’s decision to outsource janitorial work last summer. “I stand against the privatization of government jobs,” Randle said, citing his work with AFSCME. “I think government employees need to be focused on public good rather than creating private profit.”

Mission Creek announces new, one-day food, lit and music festival

The single-day food, literature and music experience is scheduled for April 25 and will take place across several Iowa City venues.

Former Republican state rep seeks board

Former Republican state representative and pro-life advocate Luana Stoltenberg has announced a run for the Scott County Board of Supervisors. “I just love the people of the state of Iowa and our county, and want to serve,” Stoltenberg said. “There’s a position open, and it would be great to fill that with someone who really has a heart for the people.” Four candidates now seek three seats on the board. Board Chair John Maxwell and Vice Chair Jean Dickson, both Republicans, will seek reelection. Stoltenberg and Democrat Kevin Randle each aim for a seat. Supervisor Ross Paustian, a Republican, announced plans to retire at the end of his four-year term in December. Stoltenberg served as a state representative for House District 81 from 2023–25. She won election to the West Davenport seat by just 11 votes, after a series of recounts. Stoltenberg said she believed the current board of supervisors “are transparent and spend our money well,” and promised she would continue to keep taxes low for Scott County residents. “I believe we can continue building on that strong foundation, while making the county government even more responsive to the people we serve,” she said in a press release. Stoltenberg said she would spend the beginning of her term on the board learning from fellow supervisors. She supported supervisors’ recent decision to halt progress on development of a power plant in rural Scott County, she said. “I think down the road we probably will have to see what the need is,” she added. “Is there a need? Is there so much building and construction going on that we have to build something?” In the State House, she made headlines as among the chamber’s most pro-life members, and for advocating a life-at-conception bill. She attended the Jan. 6, 2021 “Stop the Steal” rally in Washington, D.C. with a “prayer group,” she has said.

North Scott Singers wow in Milwaukee

North Scott Singers received a standing ovation following their performance at the Midwest Choral Directors convention in Milwaukee, Wis., last Thursday morning. 

Truck, lease expenses spur frustration

Supervisors protested a pair of unexpected expenses last week. Surcharges on a contract for two tandem axle trucks with Ascendance Truck Centers and a new lease for the County General Store will each cost the county thousands more than expected. The board approved both expenses Thursday. The lease for the general store passed unanimously, while Supervisor Ross Paustian voted against approving truck surcharges. Truck charges In 2023, supervisors approved a contract with Thompson Truck and Trailer of Davenport for two International tandem-axle trucks, at a total cost of $233,860 after a $50,000 trade-in. Those trucks remain undelivered. Ascendance, which has purchased Thompson, recently assessed the county an additional $14,307 per truck for “material and tariff-related cost increases.” It reported that those charges were set by the manufacturer and has said the trucks are near delivery. County fleet manager Mark Garrow said that the original contract “did note possible delivery delays and materials surcharge fees due to supply chain disruptions.” Those clauses are now standard on vehicle contracts, he added. Garrow said Ascendance had balanced the surcharge by providing the county with model-year upgrades on each of the trucks, from 2024 to 2026. They have also agreed to honor the original $50,000 trade-in value of a 2017 tandem axle vehicle which has seen three years of additional county use. “I feel pretty confident that we're being treated fairly,” Garrow said. Not all supervisors agreed. Paustian called the surcharges “ridiculous.” “What were the reasons? Chain disruptions, parts shortages, industry-wide pricing volatility. That's all BS,” he said. Paustian suggested that the county include language in future contracts that would forbid surcharges and penalize dealers for late delivery. “It would be nice that Ascendance knows it wasn't a 5–0 vote, that there was somebody that voted no, and they should be told why,” he added. Supervisor Maria Bribriesco agreed with Garrow that the county had emerged with a “good deal” despite surcharges. But she agreed with Paustian that new clauses in vehicle contracts could protect the county from late deliveries and surcharges.  “It's like our delivery schedule means nothing to them,” she said. “Let’s put some clauses in there to protect the government, so that we're not at the mercy of the contractor, of the company, to deliver whatever they want, and then to tell us in generalities… about why they didn't meet our delivery date,” she added. Supervisor Ken Beck concurred that the county should revisit its vehicle contract language. If penalties for late delivery or surcharge restrictions scared vendors, projects could be rebid, he said. Board Chair John Maxwell echoed the board’s frustration. “I'm just as angry as Ross every time I see surcharge. It's like you are taking something for me, and there's nothing I can do about it, and my choices aren't very good,” he said. But if the county rejected the deal, the real “loser” would be the Scott County taxpayer who doesn’t see their road plowed, Maxwell argued. The county has five tandem axle trucks in its fleet. Garrow described them as “critical frontline units.” “Reliability is essential. They're used all the time, summertime for hauling and then wintertime for snow removal duties,” he said. General Store lease The County General Store’s final ten months at the Village Shopping Center, 902 W. Kimberly Road, will cost $29,500, up from the $18,000 lease last signed in 2023. The Treasurer’s Office rents the space from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), which occupies the neighboring office. A 28E agreement to share space lapsed in December 2023. County Treasurer Tony Knobbe told supervisors last Tuesday that years passed without an updated agreement, despite regular calls and “numerous promises.” Last month, the DOT produced an updated 28E agreement stapled to a new lease that will cost the county $10,000 more than the previous sum. The DOT is the primary tenant but not the owner of the Village Shopping Center office. “I expressed my dissatisfaction to them that we were not at least informed, much less involved in any negotiations,” Knobbe said. “I'm not sure there's much I can do other than refuse to sign it or refuse to recommend you sign it and risk getting kicked out. “I’m not sure we want to play that game.” The Treasurer’s Office plans to vacate the current general store office this fall for a new space to be remodeled this summer in a county-owned building at Paul Revere Square, 2322 W. Kimberly Road. Major purchases Supervisors approved the purchase of 400 new desktop computers and a command pickup truck for Scott County's ambulance service. Computers from Hewlett Packard will cost $1,029 each, for a total cost of $411,600. That cost registers a 71% discount negotiated from list price, IT infrastructure manager Sam Samara said. Scott County last purchased desktop computers in September 2017. Those computers, now over 8 years old, no longer officially support Windows 11, Samara added. A new Chevy Silverado 3500 for MEDIC EMS will cost the county $79,600.39 out of $100,000 budgeted. The truck will tow MEDIC's large decontamination trailer, used for High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID) transports. MEDIC is one of just four Iowa agencies equipped for those transports, Director Paul Andorf told supervisors. Eventually, the truck will serve a response command center, replacing a vehicle still in use, Andorf said. Departments look to reconfigure A surge in the number of county departments hoping to reconfigure their positions and openings led supervisors to revisit their human resources policies last week. On a recommendation from Human Resources Director Vanessa Wierman, the board broadened criteria that allow departments to change their table of organization, which determines positions and salaries. Wierman said the adjustment reflects current practice at the county. Any vacancy or change in personnel will now allow departments to approach the board of supervisors with a new table of organization. Departments must document how changes would improve “operational efficiency, service delivery, supervision, or workload alignment,” and whether they would result in cost savings or new expenses. Supervisors also approved out-of-cycle organizational changes at the Auditor’s Office alongside policy adjustments. Other business In other news, supervisors: • Awarded its annual pavement painting contract to Vogel Services for $197,654.41, a 0.8% increase over the contract awarded to the company last year. • Agreed to a pay-step hiring exception for MEDIC EMS. • Signed their contract with AFSCME and PPME local 887, which represent certain county workers. • Entered closed session to discuss pending litigation.

McCausland clerk pleads guilty

Former McCausland city clerk Sheila Bosworth has pleaded guilty to five felonies and a misdemeanor over the theft of at least $63,233 from city coffers. In an agreement filed Feb. 23, Bosworth pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree theft, identity theft, nonfelonious misconduct in office and three counts of forgery. Scott County prosecutors have agreed to drop nearly two dozen additional counts of forgery, as well as charges for credit card fraud and misdemeanor identity theft, according to the agreement. The agreement holds Bosworth responsible for payment of pecuniary damages to the city of McCausland totaling $63,233. She may be responsible for additional restitution, it records. Bosworth previously pleaded not guilty in December. Bosworth was put on administrative leave from the city of McCausland in March of last year, when Blackhawk Bank and Trust notified Mayor Bill Gillespie that she had issued herself a series of checks from the city account. According to a report from the State Auditor released in November, Bosworth wrote herself 26 unauthorized checks totaling $55,000 between Feb. 21 and March 17. The report states that Bosworth used the mayor’s e-signature, which she used to prepare city minutes, to sign the fraudulent checks. Detective Alex Gries of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office told the North Scott Press that Bosworth had spent years committing money to a cryptocurrency scam she had been led to believe was a legitimate investment. In December, prosecutors dropped the most serious charge against Bosworth, ongoing criminal conduct. The Class B felony would have carried up to 25 years in prison.

Loretta Steffen to celebrate 90th birthday March 6

Our family is celebrating a very special milestone! Loretta Emilie Steffen will be turning 90 years young on March 6, 2026. To help mark this remarkable occasion, we invite friends, family and members of the community to help shower her with birthday cheer. Cards and well wishes would be greatly appreciated and may be sent to 2387 Hwy 130, New Liberty, IA 52765. Thank you for helping us honor a lifetime of memories, love and stories. 

Obituary: Harold Scherer

Harold Richard Scherer, Davenport, 99, passed away March 1, 2026, at Genesis Mercy One. Harold was born to Edward and Francis Scherer Dec. 19, 1926, in Montpelier. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ruth, brothers Edward and Dale. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m. in the Runge Mortuary Chapel. A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 5, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and one hour before the funeral. He will be laid to rest at Davenport Memorial Park. Memorials may be made out to Eldridge Volunteer Fire Department. Cards may be sent to: Donna Carter, P.O. Box 52, Princeton, IA 52768. Online condolences may be left at www.rungemortuary.com. He married Jeanette Schnoor Feb. 14, 1950. They were married 72 years until her passing in 2023. They had two children, Carol (Harvey) Klindt and Donna (Brian) Carter. He loved antique tractor pulling and restoring tractors. Harold held many offices in organizations and helped organize Iowa State Fair antique pull and numerous other pulls by preparing the track. Organizations he belonged to include Eastern Iowa Antique Tractor Pullers, River Bend Antique Tractor Pullers, Hawkeye Vintage Farm Machinery Association, Deere Valley Collectors. Harold was a dairy farmer and loved to farm with his wife, Jeanette. He was a member of Mississippi Valley Dairy Producers. He loved to garden. And his sweet corn patch was his pride and joy. Grandchildren include David Klindt, Daniel (Jennifer) Klindt, Sarah (Michael) Sunderbruch, and Tyler Carter. Great-grandchildren Kylie Klindt and Andrew Klindt. Harold was able to attend his granddaughter’s wedding on Valentine’s Day. The family would like to thank his best friend Jim Bayles for the road trips and lunch times they spent together.   Custom obituary

Obituary: Alice Vetter

Alice M. Vetter, 95, of Long Grove, passed away Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis Davenport. Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport.  The family greeted friends one hour prior to the services at the church. Alice was an avid Cub fan, and the family invited you to wear your favorite team’s attire.  Burial followed at Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport.  Memorials may be made to the Long Grove Civic Center or Fire Department.  Please share condolences with the family at www.rungemortuary.com. Alice was born March 24, 1930, in Mellette, S.D., to Jacob and Louise (Krause) Gall.  She was united in marriage to Rex McVey on June 18, 1949, in Chariton.  He preceded her in death in 1972.  Alice then married Melvin Vetter on May 18, 1974, in Davenport.  He preceded her in death in 1999. Alice had been a self-employed furniture Upholster for 70 years in Long Grove.  She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport.  Earlier in life she had enjoyed square dancing, bowling, gardening, puzzles, cross stitch, Chicago Cubs, and spending time with her family. Survivors include three daughters, Linda (David) Hatfield, Susan (William) Reyhons, and Sheila (David) Lee; three sons, Rex (Mary Jo) McVey, Ronald (Diane) McVey, and Patrick McVey; 16 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Alice was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands and 14 brothers and sisters.   Custom obituary

Quad-Cities business leaders expect increased hiring, according to Chamber survey

"The level of optimism among local business leaders in our survey suggests a positive start to 2026,” said Bill Polley, senior director of business intelligence for Grow Quad Cities.

Legislative forum April 11 at Scott Community College

Scott County Community College/Eastern Iowa Community College (SCC/EICC) and the American Association of University Women (AAUW) are pleased to announce two upcoming community engagement forums at the SCC/EICC Belmont Campus. These events are designed to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen community connections, and provide a platform for open discussion with their legislators regarding issues that matter to local residents. The events will be held Saturday, April 11, and include a meet and greet from 10-10:30 a.m., followed by a forum from 10:30 a.m. – noon. In addition to the April 11 forum, SCC/EICC and AAUW will host a celebratory reception in honor of Maggie Tinsman. The reception will recognize Ms. Tinsman’s significant contributions to the community and her longstanding commitment to public service and civic engagement. Community members, partners, and friends are invited to join in celebrating her impact. This forum will offer attendees the opportunity to engage with community leaders, share perspectives, and participate in constructive conversations about topics of local importance. The session will begin with a casual meet and greet, followed by a structured forum with panelists and audience participation. “We’re thrilled to bring people together for dialogue that strengthens our community,” said Maggie Tinsman.   “These forums are a chance to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful ways — and to honor a local leader whose contributions have helped shape our region.”

First Central Grilling for Charity nets more than $22K in 2025

First Central State Bank’s Grilling For Charity notched a new record in 2025 in charitable giving. The yearly events at four of First Central’s locations totaled $22,755 in 2025, more than the previous record of more than $20,000 set in 2021. Community support makes it possible for us to give back through these events that strengthen the communities we serve, First Central State Bank President and CEO Brigham Tubbs said. “We’re sincerely thankful for everyone who attended these events,” Tubbs said. “For our team members, this success matters because it represents our shared commitment to service and connection beyond banking.” The community bank hosted charitable events in Clinton, DeWitt, Eldridge, and Goose Lake. Non-profits benefitting were Speak Out Against Suicide, the DeWitt Hospital Auxiliary, Smile Like Zoey, and the Northeast Athletic Boosters. The Clinton and DeWitt events broke previous records, with Clinton’s Speak Out Against Suicide’s event totaling $6,556, and DeWitt’s Auxiliary event netting $3,050. Eldridge’s Smile Like Zoey event garnered the season’s high of $10,649, while Goose Lake’s Northeast Athletic Boosters event generated $2,500. In addition to the events, First Central State Bank team members throughout the bank’s footprint donate to wear jeans on the day of these events, adding to the recipient’s total. The Grilling For Charity events are hosted by First Central State Bank, with the bank providing the food and drinks, along with volunteers. These events began in 2009 and have raised more than $375,000 for area non-profits and families. Each year, a new non-profit is chosen to receive the donations. First Central State Bank is a full-service financial institution with offices in DeWitt, LeClaire, Clinton, Goose Lake and Eldridge.

Antique Spectacular this weekend

Mark your calendars for March 6-8 Antique Spectacular Vintage Market! You know spring is in the air with the return of the Antique Spectacular Vintage Market March 6-8, coming to the QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Avenue, Rock Island. This annual Spring antique and vintage market in its 32nd year will feature outstanding line-up of antique vendors with antiques and vintage items galore. The QCCA Expo Center will be bursting with a wonderful variety of fine antiques and vintage collectibles for sale. Featured will be select antique vendors with unique merchandise from around the world.  Hunters of vintage will have an opportunity, all weekend, to shop the wide range of quality antiques and vintage collectibles. With the Antique Spectacular, there is always something to interest every decorator and collector, whether they have a new interest in vintage and repurposed for decorating their home or have been collecting antiques for years.  This includes great furniture, art, art pottery, country, stoneware, books, prints, primitives, jewelry, silver, antique glassware, American Indian items, china, postcards, coins, quilts, dolls, toys, Paper Ephemera, advertising, marbles, vintage clothing, textiles and period pieces.  The list of amazing vintage items is endless and all under one roof for the convenience to shop all weekend for a timeless vintage treasure that is new to you. Antique Spectacular Vintage Market — March 6-8 QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201Friday, 4–8 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.$10 Admission (Good all weekend with a wristband or handstamp to return) and Free Parking Patrons can check out and register on the website: www.antiquespectacular.com to print a $1 off admission coupon. More information about the Antique Spectacular is available at www.antiquespectacular.com or contact Kimberly Schilling at 712-326-9964 or kim.aspectacular@gmail.com.  The Antique Spectacular is presented by Melting Pot Productions, Inc.

Celebrating America’s 250th: The Quad City Singers Go Patriotic at Davenport's Redstone Room on March 20

The Quad Cities area will join communities nationwide this year to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary, kicking off with a patriotic concert by the Quad City Singers on Friday, March 20.

View the Scott County Sheriff's report from the March 4 NSP!

THURSDAY, FEB. 19 10:32 a.m. — Deputies responded to a fraud complaint in the 400 block of West 4th Street. 1:53 p.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue. 1:54 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a sexual assault in the 6400 block of 131st Street. 3:03 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 19200 block of 220th Street. A vehicle driven by Lena Sierra Botkin, 33, Davenport, was eastbound on 220th Street. Botkin was reportedly using an electronic communication device while driving and the vehicle ran off the roadway to the right. Botkin was cited for use of an electronic communication device while driving. 6:22 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a juvenile problem on Park View Drive. 8:27 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 4900 block of Wood Dale Court. 8:57 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 200 block of West 3rd Street. FRIDAY, FEB. 20 12:07 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1900 block of West 40th Street. 2:05 a.m. — Leon Maurice Blair, 32, Davenport, was charged with driving while barred (habitual offender) and cited for driving with suspended/denied/revoked license or registration, following a traffic stop on West Locust Street, Davenport. 6:53 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury in the 7000 block of New Liberty Road. A vehicle driven by Alejandro J. Martinez, 40, Rock Island, was westbound on New Liberty Road. The vehicle began to fishtail due to icy and snowy road conditions. The vehicle crossed the centerline, where it was struck by an eastbound vehicle driven by Dalton Jack Miller, 24, Lowden. 7:05 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury in the 900 block of Lost Grove Road. 7:21 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident near East 53rd Street and Utica Ridge Road, Davenport. A vehicle driven by Brett Alexander Arnold, 55, Eldridge, was stopped at a red light. He was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Helen Myra Jones, 27, LeClaire. Icy and snowy road conditions were cited as contributing to the accident. 9:19 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 13800 block of 118th Avenue. 10:36 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident near mile marker 4 on Interstate 280 East, Davenport. A vehicle driven by Kevin Craig Wacker, 41, Tiffin, was eastbound on Interstate 280. The vehicle left the roadway and went into a ditch. Wacker reportedly told deputies he felt dizzy prior to the accident. The accident is under investigation. 10:42 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1900 block of West 40th Street. 11:05 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 4800 block of State Street. 11:28 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 2200 block of West 49th Street. 11:59 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 800 block of Railroad Street. 1:47 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 6600 block of Brady Street. 3:02 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 500 block of Belmont Road. 5:20 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 300 block of West 8th Street. 6:35 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 2400 block of West Locust Street. 7:24 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 29700 block of 210th Avenue. 8:05 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage. 8:31 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1700 block of Iowa Drive. 9:20 p.m. — Kaleb Ryan Smith, 29, Davenport, was charged with OWI – 1st offense and persons ineligible to carry dangerous weapons, and cited for speeding and an open container violation, following a traffic stop in the 4700 block of Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf. 10:34 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 18100 block of 210th Street. A vehicle driven by Katrina Maria Ford, 47, DeWitt, struck a deer that entered the roadway. Debris from the collision struck the vehicle behind her, driven by Halle Grace Nelson, 23, Eldridge. 10:43 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 21400 block of Scott Park Road. 11:30 p.m. — Ebony Renae Hearn, 31, Davenport, was charged with OWI – 1st offense, and cited for speeding, violation of financial liability coverage, operation without registration and an open container violation, following a traffic stop on North 1st Street, Eldridge. SATURDAY, FEB. 21 1:30 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 4800 block of Brady Street. 2:36 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an assault in the 5100 block of North Fairmount Street. 6:28 a.m. — LD Weary, 48, Benbrook, Texas, was charged with assault, following a report of an assault in the 700 block of West Iowa 80 Road, Walcott. 9:46 a.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 1800 block of State Street. 10:06 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 300 block of Hillside Drive. 10:20 a.m. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the 700 block of North Highway 67. 10:43 a.m. — Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the 18800 block of 270th Street. 10:46 a.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 700 block of West Iowa 80 Road. Noon — Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the 18800 block of 270th Street, Eldridge. Two individuals were served one-year notices of no trespassing for all Scott County Conservation properties. 1:23 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident near 70th Avenue and 160th Street. A vehicle driven by CJ Anthony Cox, 19, Davenport, was westbound on 160th Street. Cox came to a controlled intersection and attempted to make a left turn. He was struck by a vehicle driven by Marietta Lucille Golinghorst, 76, Walcott. Both drivers and a passenger in Golinghorst’s vehicle were transported to Genesis East Medical Center. Cox was cited for failure to yield on a left turn. 1:38 p.m. — Deputies responded to a fraud complaint in the 8500 block of 288th Street. 4:46 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 4600 block of Western Avenue. 5:17 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury. 5:29 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 3800 block of Elmore Avenue. 7:54 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near Highway 61 and Western Avenue. 10:54 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 3700 block of El Dorado Drive. SUNDAY, FEB. 22 12:03 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance on Blue Grass Court. 4:14 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 100 block of North Salina Street. 4:49 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 3000 block of West 11th Street. 4:57 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 100 block of West 65th Street. 10:31 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 26000 block of Valley Drive. 11:50 a.m. — Nicole Marie Stogdill, 53, Davenport, was charged with domestic abuse assault – 2nd offense and interference with official acts, after deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 11300 block of 140th Street, Davenport. 12:14 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 400 block of Veterans Memorial Parkway. 4:38 p.m. — Deputies responded to a weapons complaint in the 300 block of Oak Street. 5:26 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 15900 block of 107th Avenue. 7:25 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem. 9:31 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 2900 block of Telegraph Road. MONDAY, FEB. 23 1:33 a.m. — Deputies responded to a vandalism complaint in the 2300 block of West Locust Street. 2:28 a.m. — Jakobi Jay Baxter, 22, Davenport, was cited for possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) – 1st offense, following an incident near West 1st Street and North Elmwood Avenue, Davenport. 6:35 a.m. — Deputies responded to a vandalism complaint in the 700 block of West Walcott Road. 6:54 a.m. — Deputies responded to an indecency/lewdness complaint near East 53rd and Brady streets. 9:20 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage near West 5th and Brady streets. 9:37 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 400 block of Main Street. 10:34 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 400 block of North 2nd Street. 12:41 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage near mile marker 282 on Interstate 80 East. A vehicle driven by Betty Sue Nations, 81, Davenport, was eastbound on Interstate 80. Debris fell off the vehicle in front of her and into the roadway. Nations’ vehicle struck the debris. The other vehicle did not stop at the scene. 3:18 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 600 block of Belmont Road. 3:44 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 22500 block of 220th Street. A vehicle driven by Afra Mekki Elhussein, 42, Bettendorf, was eastbound on 220th Street. Elhussein reportedly lost control of the vehicle, which left the roadway and flipped into a ditch. Elhussein was transported to Genesis East Medical Center. She was cited for failure to maintain control. 5:58 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem on Park View Drive. 6:44 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check. 7:22 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check on Park View Drive. 8:23 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury in the 2200 block of South Hillandale Road. TUESDAY, FEB. 24 1:24 a.m. — Danny Michael Turner, 34, Galveston, Ind., was charged with OWI – 1st offense, following a traffic stop near 53rd Avenue and Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf. 11:01 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 4000 block of East 53rd Street. 11:06 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 25000 block of 189th Street. 5:09 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem. 5:17 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 21400 block of Scott Park Road. 5:21 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 3300 block of Utica Ridge Road. 6:35 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident near Interstate 80 West and Interstate 280 West, Davenport. A vehicle driven by Mikkal Henry Gust, 58, Green Isle, Minn., was traveling in the left lane on Interstate 80, attempting to pass another vehicle. A vehicle driven by Tejpal Singh, 57, Scranton, Pa., was exiting Interstate 280 onto Interstate 80. Gust was unable to get over into the right lane, and Singh failed to yield to Gust’s vehicle, causing a collision. Singh was cited for failure to yield the right of way. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25 2:03 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of West 65th Street. 11:56 a.m. — Deputies responded to a vandalism complaint in the 200 block of Walcott Street. 3:05 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 600 block of Belmont Road. 4:26 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 200 block of East Mayne Street. 6:29 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a three-vehicle accident near Interstate 80 East and Northwest Boulevard, Davenport. A vehicle Shawn Robert Labarge, 39, Davenport, was stopped at a red light. He was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Stephen C. Guidry, 36, Davenport. Guidry’s vehicle had just come off the Interstate 80 exit at the time of the accident. The force of the collision forced Labarge’s vehicle into the rear of a vehicle driven by Clifford Wayne Overton, 45, Davenport. Guidry was cited for following too closely. 8:46 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a juvenile problem in the 30700 block of 144th Avenue. 10:31 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage near mile marker 302 on Interstate 80 East. A vehicle driven by Brittyn Penelope Tunney, 19, Kewanee, Ill., was eastbound on Interstate 80. A spare tire fell off the vehicle in front of her and struck the side quarter panel of Tunney’s vehicle. The other vehicle did not stop at the scene. 10:53 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 400 block of West Oak Street. THURSDAY, FEB. 26 2:56 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an assault in the 2500 block of North Fairmount Street. 9:30 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem near North Main Street and 1st Avenue. 9:51 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 400 block of West 4th Street. 12:35 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance. 4:26 p.m. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue. 6:01 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 5200 block of Amesbury Drive.

View the Eldridge Police report from the March 4 NSP!

MONDAY, FEB. 23 8:11 a.m. — Report taken for an accident between two vehicles in the 100 block of South 3rd Avenue. 2:17 p.m. — A juvenile was charged with possession of a controlled substance, following an incident in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 3:39 p.m. — Complaint of a carbon monoxide detector going off in the 200 block of North 9th Street. The call was turned over to the fire department. Handled by officer. 4:26 p.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle in the 200 block of South 27th Avenue. A tow sticker was applied to the vehicle. Handled by officer. 4:34 p.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle in the 200 block of South 27th Avenue. A tow sticker was applied to the vehicle. Handled by officer. 5:26 p.m. — Zachary Paustian, 22, of Walcott, was cited for no insurance and operating a non-registered vehicle, following a traffic stop near 155th Avenue and Slopertown Road. 8:23 p.m. — Brandon Laster, 15, of Davenport, was cited for failure to maintain control and violation of a special minor’s restricted license after being involved in a single vehicle accident in the 2200 block of South Hillandale Road. TUESDAY, FEB. 24 5:05 a.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 500 block of South 5th Street. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. 9:45 a.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle near West Donahue and North Main streets. Handled by officer. 10:15 a.m. — Complaint of a water main break in the 600 block of North 8th Street. The call was turned over to the public works department. Handled by officer. 11:18 a.m. — Complaint of a dog running loose near West LeClaire Road and South 1st Street. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 12:26 p.m. — Barking dog complaint in the 500 block of South 1st Street. Handled by officer. 2:21 p.m. — Complaint of a natural gas leak in the 600 block of North 8th Street. The call was turned over to MidAmerican Energy. Handled by officer. 2:45 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 200 block of East Franklin Street. 3:28 p.m. — Complaint of a subject in the 300 block of North 8th Street being harassed. Handled by officer. 3:32 p.m. — Complaint of a subject in the 200 block of South 1st Street being harassed. Handled by officer. 3:44 p.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver near West Pinehurst Drive and South 1st Street. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 3:51 p.m. — Complaint of a minor accident between two vehicles in the 200 block of South 1st Street. The drivers exchanged information. Handled by officer. 3:54 p.m. — Complaint of dogs running loose in the 200 block of West LeClaire Road. Handled by officer. 4:43 p.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 800 block of East LeClaire Road. Keyholder contacted; false alarm. Handled by officer. 5:03 p.m. — Anthony Hughes, 55, of Davenport, was cited for no insurance and no driver’s license, following a traffic stop in the 300 block of East Franklin Street. 9:02 p.m. — Report taken for fraudulent activity in the 200 block of South 9th Avenue. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25 1:08 a.m. — Kevin Johnson, 39, of Eldridge, was cited for no driver’s license, following a traffic stop in the 500 block of South 1st Street. 1:09 a.m. — Assisted another agency with a traffic stop near Welcome Way and East 59th Street. 9:01 a.m. — Complaint of fraudulent activity in the 200 block of South 1st Street. Handled by officer. 9:16 a.m. — Complaint of a suspicious subject in the 500 block of South 5th Street. Handled by officer. 11:38 a.m. — Three juveniles were charged with assault, following a report of a disturbance in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 12:13 p.m. — Report taken for an accident between two vehicles in the 100 block of North 5th Street. 1:06 p.m. — Assisted a resident in the 500 block of North 3rd Street. Handled by officer. 2:46 p.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle in the 200 block of West Davies Street. A tow sticker was applied to the vehicle. Handled by officer. 10:32 p.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver near South 1st Street and East Blackhawk Trail. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 10:53 p.m. — Complaint of a disturbance in the 400 block of West Oak Street. Handled by officer. THURSDAY, FEB. 26 7:58 a.m. — Report taken for an accident between two vehicles in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 8:14 a.m. — Complaint of suspicious activity in the 200 block of South 9th Avenue. Handled by officer. 12:50 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 1:22 p.m. — Report taken for an assault in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 10:23 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 1000 block of South 5th Street. FRIDAY, FEB. 27 2:25 a.m. — Complaint of a domestic disturbance in the 700 block of North 1st Street. Handled by officer. 7:59 a.m. — A juvenile was cited for person under 21 using a tobacco/vapor product, following an incident in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 10:27 a.m. — Performed a welfare check in the 100 block of West Spring Street. 10:30 a.m. — Report taken for a subject in the 200 block of South 1st Street being harassed. 11:53 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 200 block of North 6th Street. 12:05 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious subject in the 700 block of North 7th Street. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 12:08 p.m. — Report taken for fraudulent activity in the 27000 block of Glynns Creek Court. 4:26 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 300 block of North 4th Avenue. 7:15 p.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver near South Scott Park and East Lincoln roads. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 9:19 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the 300 block of West Davenport Street. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. SATURDAY, FEB. 28 8:35 a.m. — Report taken for theft of property in the 200 block of East Franklin Street. 10:14 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 200 block of North 4th Avenue. 11:21 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 1200 block of Colonial Court. 1:42 p.m. — Complaint of a subject in the 100 block of West Sheridan Drive being harassed. Handled by officer. 3:45 p.m. — Assisted a resident in the 500 block of South 1st Street. Handled by officer. 4:03 p.m. — Complaint of a subject causing a disturbance in the 100 block of West Sheridan Drive. Handled by officer. 4:06 p.m. — Complaint of an alarm sounding in the 1700 block of South 9th Avenue. Keyholder contacted.  Handled by officer. 4:51 p.m. — Benjamin Hildebrandt, 31, of Maquoketa, was cited for an expired driver’s license, following a traffic stop in the 1000 block of East LeClaire Road. 9:34 p.m. — Complaint of a woodpile on fire in the 500 block of East Blackhawk Trail. The call was turned over to the fire department. Handled by officer. 9:41 p.m. — Brittney Burkle, 17, of Eldridge, was cited for operating a non-registered vehicle and no insurance, following a traffic stop in the 400 block of East LeClaire Road. SUNDAY, MARCH 1 11:37 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 1500 block of East LeClaire Road. 5:28 p.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle on Highway 61. The vehicle was towed. Handled by officer. 5:49 p.m. — Complaint of a subject riding a four-wheeler in the 400 block of North 6th Street. Unable to locate. Handled by officer.

Road closures in place at 210th, Highway 61

A project to replace the bridge deck and pavement on the northbound U.S. 61 off-ramp (Exit 124) to Scott County Road F-55 will required closing the road in both directions beginning Monday, March 2, the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Iowa DOT Davenport construction office said. Starting on Monday, March 2, the northbound U.S. 61 off-ramp to Scott County Road F-55 West (Exit 124B) will be closed to allow crews to start bridge demolition work. The northbound U.S. 61 off-ramp to Scott County Road F-55 East (Exit 124A) will remain open until the demolition work is complete. During these closures you will be detoured to Scott County Road F-51/Blackhawk Trail (Exit 125) to access southbound U.S. 61. The northbound U.S. 61 off-ramps to Scott County Road F-55 (Exit 124) will remain closed until mid-summer when the bridge deck and ramp pavement has been reconstructed. While bridge demolition is occurring, Scott County Road F-55 at U.S. 61 will be closed in both directions. During this closure you will be detoured to adjacent interchanges to access your route. Scott County Road F-55 is expected to reopen within one week. The Iowa DOT reminds motorists to drive with caution, obey the posted speed limit and other signs in the work area, and be aware that traffic fines for moving violations are at least double in work zones. As in all work zones, drivers should stay alert, allow ample space between vehicles, and wear seat belts.

Broccoli production resource highlights relevant research

Home gardeners and commercial broccoli growers preparing for spring planting are encouraged to review practical insights from a new Iowa State University Extension and Outreach resource. “Broccoli Production in the Midwest” is available for download at no cost from the ISU Extension Store. The publication covers the production cycle from seed transplanting to harvest, including specific fertilizer recommendations based on soil tests, irrigation requirements, optimal spacing for quality head development and weed, pest and disease management best practices. Findings are shared from studies conducted by horticulture researchers at the ISU Horticulture Research Station in Ames, Iowa. Graduate research assistant in the Department of Horticulture and publication co-author Akshaya Thinakaran noted that selecting the appropriate cultivar based on spring or fall planting is a critical decision. The research also identified an effective non-chemical approach to managing insect pests in broccoli production. ExcludeNet mesotunnel netting reduced pest damage more than any other method tested. “Mesotunnels are covered with a nylon mesh fabric that is placed over electrical conduit hoops, and have a height of 3.5 feet,” noted Ajay Nair, professor and chair in the Department of Horticulture at ISU, extension vegetable specialist and publication co-author. “These nylon nets are breathable, durable, light-permissible and protect plants from extreme weather conditions like heat and hail.” According to the publication, broccoli is rich in nutrients, providing vitamins A, B, C, E and K, along with minerals such as phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Broccoli also contains beneficial compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols and fiber. Iowa growers can reliably grow broccoli as a nutritionally valuable crop for diversifying operations and meeting consumer demand for local vegetables. For more information, access the publication or contact Nair at nairajay@iastate.edu or Thinakaran at akshayat@iastate.edu.

Long Grove ready for water treatment bids

Long Grove has put its new water treatment plant out for bid. Estimates have put the plant’s cost at $2.7 million, which will rest on a low-interest state loan backed by the town’s water rates and water fund reserves. Long Grove City Council will host a required public hearing on the project at 7 p.m. March 10. Bids are due March 26 and will be awarded at a special council meeting March 31. The council hopes to begin construction on the project after the Strawberry Festival. A prospective timeline shows the project complete by the end of June 2027.

Keep Iowa Beautiful competition names local winner

An area photographer won several awards in the Keep Iowa Beautiful photography contest, including Best of Show. Scott Hoag of DeWitt captured the Robert D. Ray Best of Show award for his photograph, “Heaven with a Zip Code,” capturing a farm field in Lost Nation. Hoag received a $500 prize. He also took top honors in the Public Favorite category with his photograph “Glitter City,” of the Grand Mound fireworks. “Glitter City” also won the Iowa Cities category. Additionally, Hoag received third place in the Iowans in Action category, for his photograph “The Agony of Defeat,” featuring a vanquished stockcar driver; second place in the Hometown Pride category for “Life at Your Own Pace,” taken on the outskirts of Shellsburg in Benton County; and an Honorable Mention in the Iowa Landscapes category for “Gassing Up,” featuring a sunset photo of an antique tractor next to a decorative outhouse. The Keep Iowa Beautiful photography contest photographers to showcase Iowa's natural and environmental beauty through their lenses and capture the essence of their favorite seasons in a creative and engaging way. More than 500 photos were entered in six categories in this year’s contest. "Keep Iowa Beautiful's annual photo contest is a great opportunity for photographers to capture and share the essence of Iowa's story," said Andy Frantz, Keep Iowa Beautiful executive director. "We were truly impressed by the incredible quality and creativity of this year's submissions. This contest highlights the immense talent of photographers across our state." All winning photos can be accessed at: keepiowabeautiful.org/photographycontest/winners.

Bailey Zimmerman, March 13

Touring in support of his 2025 album Different Night Same Rodeo, a recording Country Central praised for the artist's "ability to sound authentic when singing about any of the themes he touches on," chart-topping country rocker Bailey Zimmer headlines a March 13 concert event at Moline's Vibrant Arena at the MARK, his latest also hailed by Entertainment Focus as "a confident, complex and rewarding album that cements Zimmerman's place as one of country's most interesting young voices."

Guild of Gears wins big at state competition

The North Scott robotics team, Guild of Gears, participated in the Iowa First Tech Team Challenge at Xtream Arena in Coralville last weekend. They received the Control Award, which is presented to a team that uses sensors and software to improve the robot's functionality during game play. This award is given to the team that demonstrates innovative thinking and solutions to solve game challenges such as autonomous operation, improving mechanical systems with intelligent control, or using sensors to achieve better results. The team's portfolio must also include a summary of the sensors, software and mechanical controls used on the robot.

Eldridge Lions receive service awards

On Monday, March 2, the Eldridge Lions Club honored four members with the Warren Coleman Honorary Award. Pictured from left to right with President Beth Scheager are award recipients Dave Curlott, Darlene Link, Mark Wall and Sue Cannon. The Warren Coleman Honorary Award was created at the Iowa Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation meeting on June 10, 1988. The award concept is that one award is available to be given to a club for each $1,000 contribution to the Iowa Lions Foundation. Past District Governor Sir Warren Coleman was a veteran and long-time member of the Oskaloosa club, having joined in 1948. He served as District Governor nine years later in 1957-58. After serving as DG, Sir Warren held many positions on the Foundation for over the next 40 years. He was only the second Lion to be Knighted by the Council of Governors on Jan. 11, 1997, where he was quoted saying, “I love serving and doing something I enjoy.” Sir Warren Coleman was the first to receive the award named after himself.

Wind power, charter schools, and taxes

With another legislative season now in full swing, representatives from within Muscatine County and Eastern Iowa gave residents a chance to ask questions and receive clarifications regarding the local issues they care about most. On Saturday, Feb. 28, the Wilton Chamber of Commerce held its annual legislative forum at the city’s council chambers. Attending this year’s forum were Senator Kerry Gruenhagen, Representative Bobby Kaufmann, Representative Taylor Collins, Senator Mark Lofgren, and Representative Mark Cisneros. Environmental issues Danny Chick, a member of the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors kicked the forum off by asking the legislators for their thoughts on Senate File 2447 and House File 2580. Both bills are related to the operation of renewable electric power generating facilities. Through reading these bills, Chick felt they would strip local control on whether or not to build renewable energy projects, specifically solar projects, and would take control away from a county’s board of supervisors and other local officials regarding these projects. “As far as state-wide deciding on renewable energy, I’ve been no on that, and I’ll continue to be a no on that,” Collins stated. “We have, quite frankly, too much solar and wind on our grid.” Collins then referred to the rolling blackouts that nearly occurred in Eastern Iowa in January as an example of Iowans needing what he feels are more stable and reliable sources of energy, namely coal-powered plants. He then added that while he is open to conversations about essential energy infrastructures, he has no interests in state-wide mandates regarding solar and wind. Cisneros also spoke about how much he disliked seeing what he felt were “ugly” windmills, stating he felt too much of taxpayers money went towards wind and solar projects. “It’s okay if somebody wants a windmill on their property to generate electricity (…) but we have too much of our land taken up by solar projects and windmills, and that just disappoints me every time I pass them,” Cisneros said. Property taxes Another issue discussed by residents and the legislators was property tax reform, with Chick noting that a two percent budget increase is expected across the board. In light of this, Chick said he was concerned with how cities and counties could keep wages competitive, continuing to hire or retain employees while still meeting all new budget restrictions. To this, Collins said, “Obviously inflation is a problem, it’s been a problem for five to ten years now, ever since 2020. But, in the conversation we’re having, we need to make sure that property taxes don’t continue to grow faster than Iowans ability to pay.” Gruenhagen felt similarly, stating he believes the taxpayer needs to be “front and center” when it comes to discussing property taxes and keeping with the inflation rate. Collins stated he is specifically against the idea of a 5 to 10 percent property tax increases on senior citizens. “That’s unsustainable long-term, and so we’re going to have to have a hard cap, I believe, when it comes to that growth.” “Property tax reform has to be looked at from that property rights perspective,” Cisneros added, stating he felt hopeful that he and his fellow representatives in the Iowa House this year will be able to work on the issue and figure out a solution. Later in the meeting, Muscatine resident Peggy Gordon of Muscatine, asked about other potential revenue streams for cities and counties, specifically the Hotel-Motel Tax. “It has not been raised in 12 to 13 years. It’s 12 percent (…) and I think it’s time we consider raising it to 16 percent or so,” Gordon said, explaining that more metropolitan areas may see an 18 or 19 percent Hotel-Motel tax. Gordon also felt it wasn’t a negative tax for residents, as tourism dollars can help cities like Muscatine as their tourism industry grows, and felt that the business traveler industry overall “isn’t going to worry about an additional eight or nine dollars on their hotel bill.” Kaufmann said he appreciated her suggestion, as he remembered previous supporters of the tax discussing it with him. With newfound support in it, Kaufmann said he is committed to doing research on it, and hopes to see what the possibilities are with it. Education funding Alongside the discussion on property taxes, residents asked about the funding local public school districts receive through these taxes. Chick noted that schools get about 40 percent of property taxes, and felt too much of these funds went towards covering administrative costs instead of being put towards the benefit of students and their education. Collins noted that tinkering with the property tax system in regards to how much schools get can greatly affect the other parts of the school funding formula, and felt legislators will need to take a look at reforming this formula at some point. “One thing that’s included in the property tax bill that we are going to have a conversation about is the utilization of SAVE to drive down that 540 levy on property taxes for schools,” Collins said, stating his support for the idea. With this strategy, Collins believes it will give residents have some level of control, as how much they pay in sales tax is decided through their spending decisions while property taxes are something residents have no control over and have to pay regardless. Stanwood resident Rowdy Templer brought up the idea of, in the case of schools that have lost a significant portion of their student population, they could allow a portion of the building to be used by charter schools, preventing the additional costs of another building while also allowing students to participate in other activities within that school system. Gruenhagen stated his support of this idea and of more collaboration between the entities, He clarified that charter schools are public schools focused on specialties such as STEM or work-based learning, not private schools. Overall, Gruenhagen felt charter schools functioned best when they’re able to work with other area schools for the sake of students who may need additional services, one-on-one support or a change in learning environment. “One of my favorite charter school themes is credit restoration,” Gruenhagen said. “They’ll take a student that’s failing in the public school system and bring them into that charter school and give them more one-on-one attention while working with the community. Instead of falling into a life of crime, (these students) are being put into becoming a constructive member of society.” Regarding Templer’s idea specifically, Gruenhagen noted that public school districts have previously seen charter schools as competitors, leading to a lack of interest in selling former school property to them. “That ended up closing out a lot of their market. Most famously, up in Cedar Rapids last year, they chose to sell to an investor at half the price that a private school was offering for that exact same building,” he said, believing the administrators of this school were looking out for themselves instead of their students or the community. With Iowa classrooms expected to see an estimated decrease of 7,000 less students coming into the public school system this coming year, Gruenhagen also acknowledged that schools will need to adjust to managing smaller classes coming in, in addition to having fewer teachers at the elementary level. Cisneros confirmed both the state and the U.S. as a whole are seeing a decrease in students enrollment in public school, due to both the desire of families to control their child’s curriculum, preferring older and more traditional or direct forms of curriculum, as well as the potential decrease seen from the nationwide removal of illegal immigrant families. “I think parents in the last few years are taking more responsibility to the education of children, and are looking for options outside the traditional public school,” Cisneros said. To this, Kaufmann emphasized the large role public schools will still play in communities, believing the mass majority will still choose public schooling while still wanting to offer Iowa families the choice. “I have a high level of faith in the Wilton Public Schools,” he said. “Our Cedar County and Muscatine County schools do a phenomenal job, but you also have schools who do not.” Kaufmann then compared the availability of charter schools to a family’s typical medical plan, where they may go to their primary family care doctor a majority of the time but may also have times where they need to see a specialist. “That’s what a charter school is,” Kaufmann said. “We’re making sure that we have a system that’s good for everybody, and gives everybody the option that’s best for their kids.” Lofgren also stated his support of school choice, saying both he and his wife, who worked in the education field for over 30 years, believed in the importance of students being able to go where their parents want them to go for their specific situations and educational needs. Supervisors’ rights Another bill brought to the forum’s attention by Chick was Senate File 2442, which states that county board of supervisors shall not restrict the construction or development of residential buildings, excluding matters of safety of life or property. Chick felt this bill would take power away from local officials such as city councils and board of supervisors on allowing the state to build what they want, regardless of individual property rights and property lines. Kaufmann said he had no intentions of passing the bill, having strong oppositions against it. “As far as county zoning and local control, I believe those decisions should rest with you.” Cisneros agreed, stating, “Local control is important, that’s why local elections matter. You guys are there to make those tough decisions closest to people, and that’s how government works best.” Gruenhagen also showed support for wanting to preserve the rights of the county board of supervisors. “The larger question is ‘what should property rights look like’? Is your county board of supervisors preventing you from doing what you want on your own property?” While he understood the bill’s goal of making property rights more conducive throughout the state versus there being different rights and laws within each county, Gruenhagen ultimately felt that if landowners within a county are electing members on the board of supervisors, they should stick with what the supervisors decide on instead of trying to usurp it. Voter fraud prevention For one of the forum’s final questions, Dan Freeman of Muscatine asked the legislators about maintaining election integrity and what they are doing to support efforts being made towards this goal. Collins stated the House has recently been discussing the prevailing problems seen with provisional ballots, as well as the continued requirement of voter IDs and the issue of some city clerks not properly filing petition paperwork, leading to residents who wanted to run for local offices not getting on the 2025 ballot. “We had quite a few folks that could not be on the ballot this last year because they couldn’t get filed,” Collins said, adding that he hoped to further address this issue with county auditors. Kaufmann then emphasized his support of election integrity bills, an issue he’s frequently ran his campaigns on. He stated his disappointment with any democrats who don’t supporting these bills, referring to it as “sickening and shameful.” “You need to have an ID to get alcohol at Jeff’s Market, to get on an airplane, to open a credit card, to get your driver’s license,” Kaufmann said. “The list of things you need an ID for is (a mile) long.” Regarding concerns of racial discrimination potentially existing within the requirement, Kaufmann said he didn’t believe the process of getting a voter ID would be too convoluted or complicated for people of color, and felt those who did believe this were looking down on people of color. “If someone’s got a different skin color from you, (you think) they’re dumb - that they’re not going to be able to read election law or figure out how to get to the polling place? I think that is racism at its core. Thinking that a certain class of people, because of the color of their skin, can’t read or do things is the most racist thing I’ve ever heard,” Kaufmann said.

Foghat and Head East, March 14

Two legendary classic-rock bands with more than a half-century of professional performance apiece will team up for one unforgettable night at the Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center on March 14, with the Davenport venue proud to host Foghat ridin’ strong on their “Slow Ride” 50th Anniversary tour, and joined by the authentic, full-vocal, good-time rock harmonies of Head East.

Iowa House advances right to repair legislation

The Iowa House advanced a bill Monday that would allow farmers to disable the diesel exhaust fluid, or DEF, systems required by federal emissions laws. House File 2529 would require manufacturers of farm equipment with DEF systems to provide diagnostic and repair information as well as software regarding the repair of a DEF system, so that farmers don’t have to rely on authorized technicians to fix a stalled machine. Rep. Derek Wulf, R-Hudson, said the proposed legislation is a “farmer affordability bill” that allows producers to “repair and alter their equipment” and “remove the diesel emission systems if they so choose.” The federal Clean Air Act requires most on-road and off-road diesel engines to have diesel exhaust fluid and systems that cause the engines to “de-rate” or slow down drastically when the fluid runs out. Wulf called the DEF systems, which help to limit the emissions of nitrogen oxides from the diesel engines, a “costly and burdensome” requirement from previous administrations. The regulation was implemented in 2010, but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Trump administration is working to modify the required derating principles. “We have to do everything we can to help reduce additional costs to farmers who have to pay the penalty with their livelihoods because of environmentalist interests,” Wulf said. In a subcommittee hearing on the bill, a lobbyist from Deere & Co., which registered against the bill, said providing repair tools and technology to individual operators would put manufacturers in competition with their own dealers who pay for that equipment and training. Deere & Co. also pointed out that EPA recently issued guidance, at the company’s request, explaining that the Clean Air Act is not meant to interfere with equipment repairs. Per the EPA guidance, manufacturers can disable the emission systems to allow a farmer to repair their equipment. Rep. Kenan Judge, D-Waukee, said the bill seems to him more like a “right to modify” bill than a “right to repair” bill since it would allow farmers to disable the DEF systems on their equipment. He argued this would put Iowa and the attorney general “at odds with federal law.” Judge said disabling the system would have “cascading effects” on the rest of the engine, would back dealers “in a corner” and harm farmers’ ability to use their machine warranties. “I think it’d be more reasonable to try to advocate for our Congress and president of the United States to change this,” Judge said. Wulf said that as the “ag-industry leader state in this nation,” Iowa should allow farmers to continue to be innovators. “It’s time that we as a legislative body, once again, stand up for the American farmer and not the others who make money off the backs of the farmer and rancher,” Wulf said. The bill advanced with a vote of 57-33, with mostly Democrats voting no. Democratic Reps. Josh Turek, J.D. Scholten and Austin Baeth voted in favor of the bill.  Ten Republican representatives voted against the measure.  Shellfish in Iowa The House also advanced a bill that would create a new category for shellfish producers in Iowa’s animal feeding operations code. Iowa code currently defines animals in a feeding operation as: cattle, swine, horses, sheep, chickens, turkeys or fish. House File 2534 adds shellfish to the definition at the request of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa Soybean Association, according to Rep. Matt Windschitl, R-Missouri Valley. “I just want to promise the body, there’s nothing fishy about the bill,” Windschitl said. The bill specifies that one animal unit of shellfish is equivalent to 1,000 shellfish that individually weigh 25 grams or more, or 16,667 shellfish that weigh less than 25 grams. HF 2534 advanced with a unanimous vote.  

‘Iowa Skilled Workforce Act’ bill advances

The “Iowa Skilled Workforce Act,” aimed at expanding facilities and resources for vocational training and apprenticeships garnered positive comments — and a few suggestions for changes — from the public and lawmakers Monday. House File 2466 was approved by a House Appropriations subcommittee and moves next to the full committee with amendments expected. It would establish a new fund for in-person training facility development at community colleges and in the private sector and increase 84E Apprenticeship Act funding for Registered Apprenticeship programs from $3 million to $4.5 million. The legislation would also expand who can provide apprenticeship training, encourage school districts to grow their own pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs and establish a “work-based learning coordinator,” and change the timeline and income cap of the Last-Dollar Scholarship program. Most of the speakers during public comment voiced support for the sections of the bill relating to appropriations, with the only concern coming from Plumbers and Steam Fitters Local 33 lobbyist Jake Friedrichsen about the facilities expansion fund. He told the subcommittee he wants to make sure there is language in the bill stopping the fund from creating duplicative programming. “We want to make sure we’re not starting new apprenticeships where ones already exist. It’s my understanding the chair may be bringing forward some language to address that,” Friedrichsen said. “We want to say that we’re appreciative of that and we’re in support of the bill.” While not part of the appropriations mentioned in the bill, Margaret Buckton, lobbyist for Rural School Advocates of Iowa and the Urban Education Network of Iowa, said one concern she had was about the language encouraging certain actions from school districts. As a date of implementation was included for the schools to adhere to — July 1, 2028 — when making their changes, Buckton said it makes the bill confusing on whether these are mandates or just suggestions from the Legislature. “If it is a mandate, having a work-based learning coordinator at every single high school would be a stretch on the current budget that most school districts are looking at,” Buckton said. Other concerns were reiterated from the higher education subcommittee meeting on the policy portions of the bill, including the limitation on unemployment benefits for training periods and a needed definition of “material breach.” In response to a question from Rep. Jeff Cooling, D-Cedar Rapids, subcommittee chair Rep. Taylor Collins, R-Mediapolis, said it is “obviously” the intent of House Republicans to support funding of the new facility development fund, as they wouldn’t be working to establish the program if not. However, it will be the responsibility of House Appropriations Committee members Rep. Gary Mohr and Dan Gelbach to ensure funding the new program is “a priority in our negotiations with the Senate,” Collins said. Collins said amendments will also be introduced to alter sections of the bill, including on Last-Dollar Scholarships, work-based learning coordinators and the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship. He added that he’s also happy to look at the sections mentioned by Buckton and Friedrichsen on the directives to school districts and the facilities fund. “There’s a lot of pieces here and a lot of stakeholders, and I appreciate all you guys working with me throughout that process, and leadership over the interim here,” Collins said.

Thanks to NS Rotarians

I had the honor to serve as the North Scott Rotary Club’s guest speaker on Friday. Usually, I sit in the audience and watch elected officials, business owners and prominent citizens speak. Perhaps this was their way of turning the tables. It was a very generous one. Some thanks are in order, first to Tony Knobbe, who extended the invitation to speak in January and introduced me with kind words. Next to his fellow Rotarians, who were welcoming and curious, and whose integrity and sense of purpose shone throughout the meeting. I will remember my first Rotary meeting with joy. I also had breakfast on Saturday with State Rep. Mike Vondran and a crew of regulars at Tasty Café in Eldridge. They meet most Saturdays. I was engaged immediately in conversation and peppered with eager questions—just the reception I am looking for. A thank you to everyone who welcomed me. I am always on the lookout for new people to meet. Drop me an email. Meet me for breakfast. I am easy to reach: nglasgow@northscottpress.com. A note on cancer And now for something less uplifting. For several weeks, I have hoped to address a pair of columns we published Feb. 18 as part of the Iowa Newspaper Association’s Political Voices series. Each month, the INA recruits one state politician from each party to address a leading issue. Last month’s topic was cancer. Safe to say I was appalled by the cowardice of both columns. If you did not read them—well, I encourage you not to. I put some thoughts in an email to the INA, and I thought I would share them here: “I have enjoyed reading the dueling columns in the Political Voices series since they debuted last summer, and I believe our readers enjoy them, too. It is great to see politicians engage in principled debate in direct view of their citizens. Let them make their case, I say.  “That said, I was troubled by the February columns, and I cannot imagine I was the only one. In a thousand words about cancer in Iowa there was not a single mention of water quality, not to mention nitrates, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizer, or even agriculture. “There is no settled fact on Iowa’s cancer rates, but virtually every independent agency and cancer specialist who studies the issue maintains that exposure to agricultural chemicals in the air and drinking water is a direct contributor to our state’s elevated cancer rate, as it is in nearby states where row-crop production is dominant. Reporters know this, and we have written about it across Iowa. “Instead of even acknowledging a relationship between agriculture and cancer, the February columns wrote about tanning beds and ensuring folks eat their vegetables. I appreciate that the INA and journalists in general are not in any position to tell elected officials what to say—nor should we be—but we should ask them tough questions. Nobody likes to be in the business of publishing pablum. “Going forward, I believe that the INA should ask legislators to address difficult topics directly in Political Voices. We do our readers and ourselves a disservice otherwise.” Some may be interested in studies on the relationship between agriculture and cancer rates. The Iowa Environmental Council has compiled much of the data on their website, iaenvironment.org. InvestigateMidwest.org routinely publishes similar information. Polemicists will enjoy Chris Jones’s Substack, The Swine Republic. For a single wake up call, look at the charts in Gerken et al., “Comprehensive assessment of pesticide use patterns and increased cancer risk,” published in Frontiers in Cancer Control and Society last summer, and available free online.  

Descendents, March 14

With voicalist Milo Aukerman, guitarist Stephen Egerton, drummer Bill Stevenson, and bass player Karl Alvarez having stayed with the outfit for a full 40 years in a row, the punk rockers of Descendents bring their national tour to Davenport's Capitol Theatre on March 14, the band itself having been it existence since 1977, and the group's biggest hits including 1996's Everything Sucks, 2004' Cool to Be You, and 2016's chart-topping Hypercaffium Spazzinate.

1976: Cat asks for dismissal of annexation suit

March 3, 1976 • Caterpillar filed a motion to dismiss a $50 million lawsuit against the company filed by the City of Eldridge. The suit was regarding Caterpillar’s announcement it planned to voluntarily annex into the City of Davenport. The $50 million represented the amount Eldridge estimated as the loss of tax revenue. Meanwhile, the company also announced plans to expand its Mount Joy plant, adding on to the manufacturing and office facilities. • The Eldridge City Council trimmed more than $21,000 from its budget estimate over concerns the taxation rate for the next fiscal year might impact the cost of living. Among the cuts was more than $8,000 that had been budgeted as part of the salary for a proposed city administrator; and more than $13,000 in dumpster rental fees. • New inductees into North Scott High School’s National Honor Society included Margaret Costello, Rhonda Klindt, Shellie Littell, Connie Campana, Carol Shippey, Craig Gehrls, Donna Appleby, Linda Strobbe, Jody Anderson, Cynthia Swenson, Lyle Yost, Kristie Keefe, Julie Thornton, Gwen Tombergs, Denise Albrecht, Randy Goettsch, Lisa Lau, Jan Levsen and Bruce Gress. The induction ceremony was held at Faith Lutheran Church. • Thomas Dittmer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dittmer of rural Eldridge, was named as one of four Iowa delegates to the National 4-H Conference, which would be held in Washington, D.C., in April. A current student at Iowa State University, he was a 10-year member of 4-H. • North Scott heavyweight John Steffen placed fifth at the state wrestling tournament. He pinned Cedar Rapids Kennedy’s Jake Hansen in the medal round. “I’ve wrestled better, but I suppose I’ve wrestled worse, too,” Steffen said of his performance at state. Meanwhile, Steffen was also named to the Big Bend’s all-conference first honors team. Jim Goodin and Randy Lage were second team selections. March 5, 1986 • “Rhythm of the Night” was chosen as the theme for North Scott’s annual Swing Show. The show would feature performances by North Scott’s jazz bands and swing choir, as well as dancers Jill Van Hoosier, Ashley Frye, Lisa Danforth, Sue Lindle, Kris Ervard, Jodie Faeth and Amy Bader. Kara Foss, Colleen Bulazo, Stephanie Roche and Joe O’Rourke were chosen as emcees for the program. • Extension services across the state were bracing for possible budget cuts, as federal legislation moved forward that called for a 25% reduction in funding. That would mean a $2.1 million loss for Iowa. President Ronald Reagan’s budget proposal called for a 60% cut to Extension services across the country, which would mean a $5 million loss for the state. Scott County Extension director Don Olson said the service was trying to minimize the impact. “It’s ironic. In a time when rural communities need the Extension the most, it’s a time when we’re being cut,” he said. • As the North Scott girls’ basketball team headed to the state tournament, players were looking for help defraying the cost of the trip. A Free Throw-A-Thon was scheduled in The Pit, and members of the public could make pledges per successful free throw attempt. The team advanced to Des Moines with a 50-36 win over Maquoketa and were set to take on Waterloo Columbus in the opening round. • A “Salute to Teens” week was scheduled in the Quad Cities, sponsored by Bethany Homes Inc. and Parents Too Soon in Moline. Jody Wallace Bostrom, who coordinated the project, said the idea was to help raise students’ self-esteem and prevent issues like teen pregnancy and alcohol and drug use. At the end of the week, a dance would be held for all area teenagers at Augustana College. Eldridge mayor Frank Pancratz signed a proclamation for “Salute to Teens” week, and was pictured with Eldridge resident Jane Miles, a family life specialist for Bethany, and members of the high school Student Congress, Leah Lahann, Dan teDuits, Betsy Braack and Sara Stephens. • As the Read a Million Minutes program continued in North Scott elementary schools, Neil Armstrong principal Dennis Albertson kept a promise to his students. He said if they reached their goal of 113,400 minutes, he’d sit on the roof during three recesses – in February. Just three weeks into the program, students turned in 223,877 minutes. Albertson duly complied, reclining in a lawn chair on the roof and overseeing students at play. March 7, 2001 • Members of the Eldridge Fire Department and the Eldridge City Council continued to spar over funding in the proposed budget. At the Feb. 19 meeting, firefighters asked the city council if they would consider a “gentlemen’s agreement” to match the county tax levy if the department could get the trustees to raise the levy.  They left with the understanding that such an agreement was in place, and the trustees subsequently raised the levy. But at the following meeting, council member Brad Noel said the council had not agreed to any agreement on Feb. 19, citing the meeting minutes. “What exactly is it with you guys?” asked fire chief Scott Haycraft. “I have never gone through this kind of stuff with anybody, trying to pick us apart, trying to take our budget and lower it.” • Mara Wiggins, children’s librarian for the Scott County Library in Eldridge, announced her resignation and subsequent move to Walnut Grove, Minn., the hometown of author Laura Ingalls Wilder. Her in-laws were moving from their farm into town, and she and her husband would take up residence there. Her husband was the new deputy sheriff in Murray County. Wiggins would work as a part-time librarian and help coordinate a 15-county judicial district’s law and public libraries. “Miss Mara” had worked for the Scott County Library since 1998. • The North Scott wrestling team finished its season with a 16-1 duals record and a third-place finish at state duals. Their only loss came to eventual state champion Lewis Central. They defeated Urbandale, 29-27, in the third-place match, with coach Dan Mashek calling it a “real team effort.” Tom Power secured the win with a 6-3 decision over Jason Smith. “There was quite a bit of pressure, but I tried not to think about it,” Power said after the match. “I was really nervous. I really wanted to win this for the team. We needed that third-place trophy and now we got it.” • North Scott choir students June Coons, Nick Mixdorf, Mary Dix, Joe Kelly and Michaela Krug were chosen for the University of Iowa Honor Choir. March 9, 2011 • LeClaire Police and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department went public with a campaign to notify residents of registered sex offenders in their neighborhoods. They also invited the media to a notification canvass. “Notifying the public is just for public safety,” said Scott County Sheriff’s Detective Peter Bawden. “We want to let people know he is here. I’m guessing some people don’t have internet, and we want to visit those select few.” The NSP spoke with the offender, who said he knew what he did was wrong, had served his time and was just trying to make a new life for himself. He said he felt law enforcement put a target on his back with the public notification. “I feel more imprisoned now than I did when I was in prison.” As of the notification, there were 301 registered sex offenders living in Scott County. • Walcott was on the hunt for a new police chief, as Jim Vaughn announced he would take a job as a railroad police officer. Vaughn had served Walcott since 2009. “I’m sorry to see Jim go,” said mayor Jim Couper. “He was a credit to Walcott and the department for what he’s done, and he’ll be missed.” • The North Scott School District discussed facilities, and superintendent Jeff Schwiebert offered what he called an “out-of-the-box” solution. This would involve building a new Central Office with a kindergarten pod and the opportunity to expand, eventually creating another elementary building in Eldridge, and a bus barn facility. He also suggested adding a sixth-grade wing to the junior high, purchasing up to 20 acres of land, remodeling the high school and moving the softball field east of the current Central Office to create a sports complex. Schwiebert also advocated for using FEMA funds to build safe rooms at elementary buildings and athletic facilities improvements. He said a bond issue would probably be necessary. • Brandon Voss was named MAC Player of the Year for boys’ basketball, with teammate Aaron Huber joining him on the first all-conference team. Jordan Arp and Dylan Michel were honorable mention. On the girls’ side, Dana Suiter was a second-team all-MAC selection, with Carrie Kilen a third-team choice, and Emily Soy and Anna Boffeli named honorable mention. • In college athletic signings, Cory Greenleaf committed to Robert Morris University in Chicago for football. Travis Anderson signed with Wayne State College in Nebraska, also for football. And two bowlers, Kaelyn Dierickx and Katelyn Tharp, announced they would continue their athletic careers at Ashford University in Clinton. March 3, 2021 • North Scott’s bus drivers were settling into their new $1.5 million bus barn, located at the corner of East LeClaire and Scott Park roads. The building was purchased in March of 2019, and refurbishments added office space, resurfacing of the parking lot, drainage improvements, a propane fueling pump and indoor parking space for old diesel buses during the winter. The new building also moved major bus traffic out of the center of Eldridge, where the old bus barn had been located near the Central Office. • A public hearing was scheduled to consider John Maxwell’s future public service as both a member of the North Scott School Board and the Scott County Board of Supervisors. A petition signed by 95 county residents challenged Maxwell’s ability to hold both offices, saying it could represent a conflict of interest. He said he welcomed the inquiry. “Clearly, I want to keep my jobs,” said Maxwell. “I’m in the belief that I will be able to keep by job and serve the citizens of Scott County and maintain and office to which I was elected.” • Ed Rivers retired after 10 years as head of the Scott County Health Department, a position he held in “relative obscurity” until the pandemic, he said. Rivers said the department was in good hands, and called his colleagues “the most dedicated, motivated and skilled group with whom I have ever been privileged to work.” Ken Beck, chair of the county board of supervisors thanked Rivers for his service. “Ed wanted to make sure he saw us through the darkest hours. We’re at least seeing light at the end of the tunnel,” Beck said, referring to the pandemic. Amy Thoreson was named interim head of the department. • Dylan Elam was state runner-up in bowling, posting a 490 series. Coach Marie Tharp gave Elam credit for working hard after struggling at the district meet. “At districts, Dylan couldn’t find the line, but today, he found the line. He found it early ad he stayed with it. I think he only had two opens all day. He did really, really well, and I’m very proud of him.” As a team, the Lancers finished sixth in the eight-team field. • The North Scott girls’ basketball team booked another trip to the state tournament, defeating Fairfield 69-41 in The Pit. Sam Scott put up a career-high 23 points, after a 22-point performance in the regional semifinal win over Keokuk. The Lancers were set to face off against MAC rivals Central DeWitt in the opening round of the tournament.    

Ricky Warwick St. Patrick's Day Bash, March 14

Headlining the Moline venue's St. Patrick's Day Bash, and with last year's Blood Ties praised by Louder as an album that found its creator "sharper than ever," Black Star Riders, Thin Lizzy, and The Almighty lead singer Ricky Warwick makes his eagerly awaited return to Rascals Live on March 14, his latest recording also hailed by Cryptic Rock as "an intense, raw experience through heartache, personal reflection, and the tattoos that life leaves on the soul."

A glimpse of Iran, through the eyes of its artists and journalists

Understanding one of the world's oldest civilizations can't be achieved through a single film or book. But recent works of literature, journalism, music and film by Iranians are a powerful starting point.

Visit Quad Cities says residents show strong support for tourism growth, according to survey

Visit Quad Cities in partnership with Longwoods International shared the results of its most recent “Residential Sentiment Survey.”

Illinois fishing licenses now on sale for 2026 season

Illinois fishing licenses are now on sale through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the 2026 season. Fishing licenses can be purchased online or over-the-counter from DNR DIRECT license/permit vendors. A standard resident fishing license costs $15 dollars. Licenses for the 2025 season remain valid through March 31. Anglers 16 and older must [...]

“Up Close with Blueprint,” March 15

Delivering an intimate evening of expressive musical beauty, four gifted members of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra join forces on March 15 for Up Close with Blueprint, the Figge Art Museum event boasting the talents of violinists Naha Greenholtz and Emily Nash, viola player Bruno Vaz Da Silva, and cellist Hannah Holman.

Colona Police Department K-9 dies after battle with lymphoma

The Colona Police Department said one of its own, K-9 Parker, died last month.

Pippi & Daniel Music, March 15

On March 15, a lauded singer/songwriter and gifted pianist/composer will combine their talents at Davenport's Redstone Room when Pippi Ardennia and Daniel Leahy perform as featured guests in Polyrhythms' Third Sunday Jazz Series, their Pippi & Daniel Music jazz project delivering electrifying, emotionally-charged performances that fuse jazz, soul blues, gospel, and R&B into one unforgettable sound.

The One Time at Band Camp Bash, March 19

An evening of hard rock, alt-metal, hip-hop, and even standup comedy is on the March 19 docket at East Moline venue the Rust Belt, with the venue's The One Time at Band Camp Bash featuring an exhilarating night with Scotty Austin (former lead singer of Saving Abel), Danny Boone (founding member and frontman of Rehab), and Tim King (founding member and bass player for Soil), the event hosted by comedian, singer, and frequent Adam Sandler collaborator Peter Dante.

A view of the United States, from Germany

More than ever, I affirm, and we in our American society and in our mutual exchange, remain committed to the cherished and reliable America, to its nature and culture, and last but not least, to our friends and friendships “over there.” There are so many dear people across the Atlantic who, in all the current upheaval caused by the present U.S. administration, are worth continuing to share our partnership with. To share this – that is what needs to be said. Although trust in the USA is dwindling and optimism in the transatlantic partnership is fading, we are committed to a lasting, trusting relationship, characterized by human rights, diversity, the U.S. Constitution, and our common sense. When dissenting voices are defamed, ridiculed, or even silenced by “fascist” politicians, and when hatred is deliberately infiltrated everywhere, targeting people from different backgrounds and those with differing opinions with violence, then we stand up against xenophobia and exclusion. Trust-building approaches are essential, and a lack of sensitivity must be condemned, both on the other side of the Atlantic. We too must not allow ourselves to be ruled by our emotions. We should beware of trench warfare and social Darwinism. Does the 47th president even understand that? — His vice president stigmatizes compassion as our greatest weakness! Regarding the self-enriching “gang of robbers” in the government apparatus “over there,” I have included the following comment, hopefully objective and comprehensible: As the Munich-based newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung put it regarding the bogeyman of FIFA’s “Peace Prize”: “It’s about power, it’s about (deal) money, so any embarrassment is acceptable.” Everyone else present in the Oval Office becomes mere “set dressing.” There’s even a World Cup-winning presidential ticket in square meters size; the president “is always right.” He “wants his name all over Washington” (NYT), like a dog at every streetlamp. This foreshadows what follows: Dealing sounds like stealing: this affects state economic relations, including tech companies; it affects culture with the loss of objective historiography; it affects the entire education system with its current American thinning out, coupled with journalistic censorship; it affects the breadth of individual sciences with the denigration of medicine and public health; and it consistently involves the loss of a trust-building partnership. Egomania and fantasies of omnipotence dominate a unilateral hegemony, foster fascism, and betray humane (reciprocal) relationships. This is disguised for Europe, for Germany, and for North Frisia by the mendacious rhetoric of “civilizational annihilation” on our side — by us. Yes, one can hardly believe one’s eyes. A leaden desire is being nurtured: one can simply take what doesn’t belong to one. Such geopolitical egocentrism amounts to neo-colonialism. Divided among global players, it seems to be a foreboding notion: the U.S. hemisphere, Soviet-Russian ambitions for hegemony, Chinese striving for dominance. And Europe? Europe cannot afford to stand on the sidelines and merely raise a finger. But then what? And we are practicing the “Nevertheless!” of an enlightened and historically informed partnership with the oppressed, for example, “over there.”  At the same time, we need to discuss this amongst ourselves! The understandable current resolution of “No desire to travel to the USA!” needs to be reconsidered – CO2 neutral, of course. Views and perspectives on the major topic of “homesickness for home” I’m not looking to reclaim a childhood or upbringing homeland, nor to find some cozy, tranquil self-discovery in other places, with measurable successes measured by consumerism and reputation rankings. Nor am I looking to sit idly by, bury my face in my own skin, and retreat into my inner world. No, I don’t mean that kind of self-absorption into the private sphere — a kind that already exists. Rather, my search for home is driven by a longing for the utterly different, the place that seems to be present in everyone’s childhood, yet where no one has ever been (German philosopher Ernst Bloch’s final sentence in his three-volume “The Principle of Hope”). The French author Corine Pelluchon explores the question of finding home, of hope in times of climate catastrophe, and invites us to “cross the impossible” (as her book title from 2023 already stated). She encourages us not to lose heart or let our shoulders slump. We stand for a new beginning of a friendly partnership. Tertium non datur, there is no other way! Internal migration and escapism are not worthwhile goals. Let us stand together! In our search for meaning, in our striving for hope in our time of current crisis (complexity) and climate catastrophe, we are once again close to the issue of the disintegration of our transatlantic commonwealth. We must not turn away and are obliged to dream the properly understood European-American dream of a worldview that reveres humanity, to favor a global sense of belonging and close connection to people, and to strive for “being human” through a fundamentally renewed way of perceiving ourselves. I, simply incorrigible in the “we.” We should increasingly uphold the simple virtue of humility. It is necessary to rein in narcissism with humility and to condemn boasting and arrogance. The Jewish philosopher Martin Buber already wrote in our book of wisdom that we can only be ourselves in the other. (Do the leaders in Washington know this too? “I and Thou” is the title of the slim family book of every civilization. That would also apply to “white Christians” in the vastness of the United States!) Corine Pelluchon writes against the neglect of one’s homeland, she writes out of the “depths of powerlessness” for a new dawn – albeit somewhat delayed by adverse circumstances.  German writer Dirk Gieselmann, in “The Time of Her Life,” articulates for our times the necessity of navigating by sight and imagining belonging as a journey: “We will never be fully redeemed, only ever for an hour, a night. Then a new dawn will come.” We are on a journey, as crazy, egocentric beings, “reverently” leading ourselves to the reconciling destiny. As God wills, and we’ll live. In the long run, then, so the promise goes. – The entire American Dream rests on the promise of a future. Despite all the acquiescence to a paradise on earth, it remains an “object of longing,” thus oriented toward a future promise. If you will, the hamster wheel of a successful life keeps turning. The materialist is in danger of repeatedly overreaching or indulging in delusions of golden ages (with a golden Oval Office, trophies, medals, and even a golden palace). A heavenly homeland cannot exist (alone) on Earth. Anyway! Certainly, many people feel on the verge of (societal) exhaustion, constantly whipped into a frenzy by an irresponsible culture of outrage. Let’s keep the sense of community alive! One thing we mustn’t do – with all due respect – is to withdraw (self-satisfied) because of the perceived atmosphere of aggression and consumerism. Let’s live through the crises of isolating disconnection and keep the sense of “we” alive, among ourselves, in our society, and with people of goodwill across the border. There are more than enough issues to discuss anyway. Perhaps the incorrigible pastor in me is showing. But even in sober, pragmatic thinking, the simple virtue of forgiving encouragement can be found; indeed, it gives us space and sustains and stands for hope towards a shared future. Perhaps, in our discussions about America, vicarious embarrassment (a ward off our own treasonous arrogance) might also be helpful, knowing that by no means ‘all Americans’ are gripped and afflicted by an ostentatious narrow-mindedness. America is older than the “five-year-old DT revival.” The United States will soon be celebrating its 250th birthday! We will all be there. No substantial greeting will escape us! Unity breeds truth and a sense of partnership. Dr. Helmut Edelmann is a Lutheran pastor, lecturer and a scholar with a particular interest in the emigration of German Lutherans to the United States. He has visited the Scott County area on numerous occasions, most recently in 2012, and is a friend to the German American/Schleswig-Holstein Heritage Society, based in Walcott. He is also a member of the Deutsch-Amerikanische Gesellschaft (German-American Society), with close ties to Scott County. More information can be found at www.dag-husum.de/about-us. This column was translated from German.

Carriers, March 19

Touring in support of their sophomore release Every Time I Feel Afraid that The Luna Collective called "an incredibly relatable album" that "covers topics of dream chasing, doubts, optimism, and pushing through," the indie rockers of Carriers headline a March 19 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, Cincinnati City Beat adding that "Every Time I Feel Afraid can’t afford to have any lackluster tracks, and it doesn’t. Each song fits perfectly into place, despite their often varied sound."

We’re all human. We all need teaching of the humanities.

The University of Northern Iowa won, for now, a big one. No, it was not a three-point shot at the buzzer by the women’s basketball team or a two-point conversion on a trick play to secure a victory by the football team. This is bigger than all of those by far. UNI just received a $2.4 million grant to launch an effort to enhance the teaching of the humanities. Humanities, you say? But our current political leadership, both state and federal, believes the focus of our universities should be only on a job-ready education. Going even further, higher education should be accomplished in three years, not four. There is no time nor need to instruct in the humanities, matters like history, magic, art, and even poetry. Colleges are no longer places to get an education and, more importantly, to learn to think.  Thinking for us now can be done by our governments, if properly and conservatively controlled.  Even here at home, Iowa’s Legislature has been working on micromanaging school course standards, particularly in history and social studies (see House File 2286); and House File 2324 prohibiting school libraries from forming any type of relationship with the local town libraries. Maybe one of the saddest parts of this is that our public universities have gone along with these mandates because to raise objections would result in funding reductions or elimination, and even tenure has been threatened. The nation’s public schools, from kindergarten to grad school, all have features of public funding. Thus, without objection, politicians are placing their education agendas upon us, with guardrails dictating what we can learn and what we are asked to believe. For example, students easily could form the impression Black Africans came to our country as free volunteer labor and were treated fairly. Or that only white, male Christian soldiers won World War II. Yes, these developments in education roll over the American society and embrace us without resistance. STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math) might tell us what we are, but it is the humanities (literature, music, art) that tell us, and others, who we are and what is in our souls. I notice, with considerable disappointment, that the tech side of the colleges are almost entirely silent on this development. Maybe it is the favorite son syndrome: When the gods are favoring you, it is clear you are the chosen son or daughter. Maybe our science and math teachers think a slight sacrifice yields entry into the promised land of academic existence. All that is required is silence, which must be the reasoning of administrators, staff, and professors while we watch the academic world be reduced by half. I think, however, to the contrary. Are we richer if we don’t know who Plato was, or fail to read the poems of the Roman poet Virgil? While we may still listen to Beethoven, can we understand the meaning of the music? Who will chronicle our time like Steinbeck, Hemingway, and Irving enlightened us about theirs? Where is Betsy Ross to sew our flag? It really is time for the academic community, the humanities side, to sharpen their pencils, freshen their paint brushes, and tighten the strings on their violin. They can even ask their tech colleges to come out of Plato’s cave and join the fray. Don’t tell me that people refuse to march to music, fail to read signs and banners, understand what writers write, and feel the poet’s lines. I am reminded so much of England during World War II, alone and surrounded, facing Hitler’s wrath with a song written and sung that inspired a nation. It served as the emotional underpinning of their survival and hope for a future.  It was called “(There’ll Be Bluebirds Over) The White Cliffs of Dover.” “There’ll be bluebirds over The White Cliffs of Dover Tomorrow Just you wait and see … There will be love and laughter And peace ever after Tomorrow When the world is free. …” This happens only when we realize that the simple little step by the University of Northern Iowa, promoting teaching of culture, contrary to the goals of the Project 2025 crowd, was an act of courage and a statement of who we in Iowa really are.  For us, UNI just won one.   Dave Nagle, of Cedar Falls, is a former Iowa Democratic Party state chairman and three-term U.S. congressman from Iowa.

Bills to fight human trafficking

Human trafficking might not be a crime you think of every day, but it’s happening all around the state from small towns to the big cities. Without help from across the state, many of these victims never receive justice. The House Judiciary Committee worked on two key pieces of legislation to catch the traffickers and help victims. HF 2565 creates a special team, known as the Iowa Human Trafficking Task Force, within the Department of Public Safety. This group will be the main point of contact for all issues related to human trafficking in Iowa. The task force is made up of law enforcement officers, investigators with expertise in human trafficking and white-collar crimes, specialists in cybercrime, as well as victim advocates and emergency dispatchers. To make sure the entire state is covered, the team is divided geographically, with each region receiving its own investigators and support personnel. The task force will have the authority to make arrests and will work closely with other law enforcement agencies in the state. Because human trafficking is such a serious issue, the teams will run a 24/7 office and call centers so there is always someone available, even on weekends and holidays, to respond quickly to tips or emergencies. On top of investigating cases, the task force will be responsible for collecting data, developing strategies, and coordinating training programs for other agencies so they can better spot and help victims. Every year, the team will report their results and recommendations to the Iowa legislature. The second part of the bill strengthens prosecution. It requires the Attorney General’s Office to set up a special unit for prosecuting human trafficking-related crimes. Four assistant attorneys general, each representing a different part of the state, will focus solely on taking these cases to court. The team will collaborate with the task force, ensuring that investigations and prosecutions are tightly connected. In addition to HF 2565, the committee also advanced HF 2696. This bill will allow victims of human trafficking to petition the courts to expunge their criminal history related to their human trafficking. Unfortunately, victims of human trafficking can be forced to commit crimes, and sometimes they are charged and convicted, even though they are also victims. This bill allows those individuals to ask for a clean slate to start their lives over. Human trafficking may not always be noticeable but with the right groups and training it can be stopped. HF 2565 and HF 2696 are great steps towards ending this despicable crime and saving the victims.   This column was abridged.  

Talks on taxes, nuclear ahead

As we conclude Week 7 of the Iowa legislative session, we reflect on a week rich with discussions and debates surrounding legislation that has survived the first funnel of session. Our legislative body has discussed all thoroughly, addressing key issues that impact our communities and state. As we transition into the second half of the session, there will be an uptick in our debate schedule, ensuring that our legislative works receive the attention they deserve. One significant area of focus will be property tax reform, which will take center stage in our Ways and Means Committee discussions, I am honored to serve on this committee. This important discussion aims to address concerns from constituents and explore effective solutions that promote fairness and transparency in our Iowa property tax system. Nuclear energy task force to meet This week, the Nuclear Energy Taskforce held its first meeting. This group was required by Executive Order 17 to make recommendations by July on the development and advancement of nuclear energy technologies and infrastructure in the state.  Dr. Mark Nutt, the Director of Nuclear Energy Programs at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is the chair of the taskforce. Dr. Nutt is a graduate of Iowa State University’s Nuclear Engineering program. The taskforce membership includes utilities, NextEra Energy, a county supervisor, Iowa State University, the Iowa Utilities Commission and members of the legislature.  As many Iowans know, NextEra Energy is in the process of restarting the Duane Arnold Nuclear Power Plan by the end of 2029. This 600-MW, single unit power plan near Cedar Rapids closed in 2020. NextEra expects to spend $50 million to $100 million this year to recommission Duane Arnold, according to FERC. NextEra presented that there would be a $9.1 billion economic impact across Iowa during construction and operations, 1,640 jobs throughout construction, 393 direct jobs during operations and $1 million annually to Linn County in Generation Tax.   This column was abridged.  

Chained Up Alice: Alice in Chains Tribute, March 14

Composed of vocalist/acoustic guitarist Emily Cooper, vocalist/guitarist Dan Spannraft, bass player Natalee Algozino, and drummer Jason DesBiens, the rockers of Chained Up Alice: Alice in Chains Tribute headline a March 14 engagement at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the Chicago musicians dedicated to performing songs from both eras of Alice in Chains' career, delivering hits, classic fan favorites, and deep cuts in a high-energy, unforgettable live performance.

State will boost backfill for TIF

This week at the Capitol, the House continued work on school funding, economic development, higher education, and health policy. Below is an update on several bills and budget issues that moved forward as we head deeper into the session. Backfilling TIF Continues to Grow As the Legislature debates school funding, questions continue about how much the state is paying to replace lost school property tax revenue due to local tax incentives such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF). TIF allows cities or counties to divert property tax revenue from designated urban renewal areas to fund local improvement projects. School districts do not vote on these TIF districts, but schools are held harmless through the state school finance formula, meaning the state replaces the diverted revenue using General Fund dollars. When TIF began in 1992, the backfill cost was $5.2 million. In Fiscal Year 2026, the state is backfilling $98 million in school property taxes diverted into TIF districts, with $65 million coming from the twelve most populous counties. In addition to TIF, the state also covers property tax abatements and the Property Tax Replacement Program (PTRP). PTRP will total $137.3 million in FY 2026 and rise to $146 million in FY 2027. Altogether, the state is expected to cover over $300 million in school funding that would otherwise be paid by property taxpayers in FY 2027. Higher education priorities pass House The House passed four higher education priorities this week. HF 2246 ensures continuing education requirements for licensed professionals relate directly to their field of practice and removes unrelated mandates. HF 2488 makes private colleges with DEI offices ineligible for Iowa Tuition Grants. HF 2226 requires 70% of students admitted to the University of Iowa’s nursing program to be Iowa residents. HF 2242 freezes tuition and mandatory fees for resident undergraduate students at Regent universities for five years. Supporters say these bills focus on affordability, workforce needs, and professional licensing standards. Screen time limited in K-5 legislation House File 2451 is a bipartisan bill limiting digital instruction for K–5 students to 60 minutes per school day, excluding IEP-required technology, specialized instruction, and mandated testing. The bill aims to balance the benefits of technology with concerns about excessive screen time among young students. Research cited during debate notes links between extended screen time and lower academic performance, attention challenges, and behavioral concerns. Supporters argue the 60-minute limit promotes healthier learning environments while still allowing appropriate educational technology use.

Iowa women’s basketball players receive Big Ten recognition

The Big Ten Conference announced six Iowa women’s basketball players received All-Big Ten recognition Tuesday.

Pritzker denies traveling on Epstein’s plane after Bill Clinton’s since-recanted testimony

Former President Bill Clinton recently mentioned Gov. JB Pritzker in a deposition to Congress regarding sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, saying he thought he might have traveled on Epstein’s plane with Pritzker and his wife.

State House focuses on conspiracy over science

According to Genesis 2:15: “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” Sadly, it seems Iowa House Environmental Protection GOP committee members missed this Bible study class. This is my fourth year on the committee and I’ve never been more disappointed by the lack of meaningful progress to “keep,” must less restore, our Garden of Eden. Halfway through the session the committee has advanced only one bill for consideration by the full House. It’s a ban on so-called “chemtrails.” And it’s based on the belief that someone, somehow for some reason is dropping some chemical or biological agent on us with nefarious intent. Scientific organizations, atmospheric scientists and government agencies have consistently debunked the theory. They report the white, long-lasting clouds seen behind aircraft are merely condensation. Why would they lie? But, okay, if it makes someone feel better to ban imagined threats; so be it. But, can’t we also find time to address actual, verifiable environmental concerns? For instance, coal ash is leaking toxic metals and harmful pollutants into Iowa’s groundwater. HF2313 would strengthen protections. And, HF151 would require pollutant buffers along Iowa waterways. HF723 would even mandate wastewater testing for cancer-causing PFAS. Among other bills, I proposed a total ban on PFAS and a mechanism to reduce plastic shopping bags in our landfills. But unfortunately, there was no time to even consider bills addressing known environmental degradation and links to skyrocketing cancer rates. What a shame.  

Librarians: "Let us not now erect barriers"

We write in firm and solemn opposition to House File 2324, now before the Iowa General Assembly. This measure forbids school districts, charter schools, and innovation zone schools from entering into partnership with their public libraries, denies students the use of their school-issued identification to obtain books and learning materials, and closes the schoolhouse door to the humble bookmobile. Historically, these arrangements have been neither radical nor reckless. They are the ordinary, time-tested instruments by which communities enlarge opportunity and nourish the minds of our young. To abolish them is not to strengthen education but to diminish it. In this matter, let us proceed with clarity. Parents possess the first and rightful authority over the upbringing of their children. They may consent. They may decline. That power rests with them. This bill removes that discretion and substitutes for it a broad and inflexible command of the state. The government should not displace the judgment of families in order to narrow access to books and the common storehouse of knowledge. We are compelled also to observe the uncertainty of the legal ground upon which such efforts stand. Portions of Iowa Senate File 496 have been restrained by the federal courts for failing to meet constitutional measures. Standards described as “age-appropriate” remain unsettled and contested. Yet this proposal would extend similar undefined expectations to public libraries which are institutions long governed by established Iowa law and guided by professional standards that respect both parental rights and constitutional liberty. The fundamental right to read broadly and without governmental scrutiny is no recent nor distant contrivance. It is Iowa’s inheritance. In 1938, in Des Moines, Library Director Forrest Spaulding set forth the principles that would become the Library Bill of Rights which has been adopted by professional associations concerned with librarianship, information science, and the First Amendment. Iowans have long affirmed that access to information is indispensable to a free people. From the largest city to the smallest rural crossroads, libraries and the bookmobiles that carry them across open miles have stood as quiet assurances that no child’s prospects shall be limited by distance, poverty, or happenstance of birth. House File 2324 would sever trusted partnerships, place public servants in legal uncertainty, risk costly lawsuits to Iowa’s community, and retreat from our state’s long tradition of local cooperation and civic trust. It would exchange discretion for prohibition and partnership for separation. We urge the members of the General Assembly to reject this measure. Let us preserve parental choice. Let us honor constitutional restraint. Let us sustain the freedom to read. Let us celebrate liberty and the robust use of our libraries. Let us support each other as we engage and encourage the next generation of leaders to be readers bravely taking on the world of ideas and philosophies. Iowa’s story has long been one of building schools with libraries, communities with outreach, and rights with responsibilities. Let us not now erect barriers where bridges have long stood.   Cathy Zimmerman Executive Director, Association of Bookmobile & Outreach Services Former Bookmobile Librarian Eldridge   Sam Helmick President, American Library Association Past President, Iowa Library Association Past Chair, Iowa Governor’s Commission on Libraries Bookmobile Librarian Iowa City

“Are You Ready for It? A Taylor Experience,” March 14

An award-nominated production featuring show-stopping costume changes, dynamic choreography, a live band, immersive multimedia, and unforgettable sing-along moments spanning every era, Are You Ready for It? A Taylor Experience will re-create the magic of Taylor Swift at Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre on March 14, performing all the hits, in a proudly G-rated production, from albums ranging from her self-titled debut to The Life of a Showgirl.

Cruelty to companion animals should be a felony

Iowa is the only state in the country that does not recognize the torture of a dog or cat—companion animals—as a first offense felony. Earlier in this Iowa legislative session, both chambers passed bills out of their respective judiciary committees, both with unanimous bipartisan support, moving SF2099 and HF2348 toward discussion, debate and vote before the full Senate and House. Last Thursday, Feb. 26, the Iowa Senate was poised to take the first step; SF2099 was on the docket for discussion. Shortly before the bill was to be debated, it was pulled from the agenda without explanation. Iowa Code Chapter 717b clearly defines a companion animal as a dog or a cat. SF2099 and its companion bill in the House clearly state “a person is guilty of animal torture if the person intentionally or knowingly crushes, burns, drowns, suffocates, impales or otherwise subjects an animal to serious injury or death, or causes, directs or provides anything of value to another person to do the same.” Gruesome stuff; enough that law enforcement and mental health professionals alike have identified a troubling connection between animal abuse and violence towards humans. This link has been well-documented, to the point of the creation of the National Link Coalition. The coalition involves professionals across a wide spectrum including law enforcement, veterinary medicine, domestic violence, child protection and adult protection areas, all working to halt the perpetrators of animal abuse crimes before they move on to violent behavior towards humans. The National Sheriffs Association has been vocal about the link, listing resources and providing training for law enforcement professionals on the issue. The FBI has also published bulletins on the link between animal cruelty and human violence. Professionals in the practice of psychology and psychiatry also highlight this link between animal abuse and domestic violence. Psychology Today lists a number of articles written. Yet in Iowa, leadership in the Senate appears to be blind to this situation, stopped SF2099 from advancing and as a result, has placed the safety and well-being of Iowans at risk. The legislative session has not concluded; there is still time for SF2099 and HF2348 to be considered by the full Senate and House. Senators can be reached by calling the Senate switchboard at (515) 281-3116 or (515) 281-3371; House members can be contacted through the House switchboard at (515) 281-3221. Request SF2099 and HF2348 be brought before the full Senate and House for proper debate and vote. Iowa should not remain the only state in the country that does not recognize the torture of a dog or cat—companion animals—as a first offense felony.   Tracey Kuehl Davenport

They're wagging the dog

“Wag the Dog” is a political tactic where leaders try to distract people from serious problems, often by starting military actions. The phrase means that something small, like the tail, ends up controlling something bigger, like the dog. Politicians often use this strategy during scandals or when their approval ratings drop, hoping to draw attention away from real issues. Trump’s approval ratings on issues like the Epstein Papers, immigration, the economy, trade, and inflation are now at their lowest point. These numbers are especially worrying for February in an election year. Back in 2012 and 2013, Trump often warned that Barack Obama might attack Iran to look strong or distract from his own political problems. He told Republicans not to let Obama “play the Iran card.” Trump and his team have said that Iran has restarted its nuclear program, has enough material to build a bomb in days, and is working on long-range missiles that could reach the U.S. These claims are either unproven or false. After bombing attacks in Iran last year, Trump said U.S. strikes had “obliterated” nuclear sites. Many Republicans now see the Iran threat differently than the White House does. In the next few days, topics like Trump’s connection to the Epstein case, Trump’s low approval ratings, rising prices, inflation, and ICE abuses will probably get less attention as the country focuses on Trump’s actions toward Iran. Once again, the tail is wagging the dog.   James Turley Eldridge

'Redeem yourself. Impeach Trump now.'

Saturday morning, I woke up to the news that the U.S. bombed Iran. Trump calls it a war, but never consulted Congress. Trump has been broadcasting his intentions to bomb Iran. Yet, the Congress didn’t issue a pre-emptive warning to the raving lunatic that if he bombs Iran, they will impeach him. Are we sitting on the threshold of World War III? Sure feels like that. I am seething with rage at the Republican majority in Congress for the mess we’re in. What a despicable, appalling, contemptible, shameful, disgraceful bunch of cowards. Republicans, Redeem Yourself. Impeach Trump now.   Mary Orr Eldridge

Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: “Beyond the Page with Percival Everett,” March 19

With the event's subject a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner whose 2001 novel Erasure was adapted into Cord Jefferson's Oscar-winning 2023 comedy American Fiction, Beyond the Page with Percival Everett will enjoy a virtual March 19 presentation in an event hosted by Illinois Libraries Present, the author's prize-winning James from 2024 hailed by the New York Times as "Everett's most thrilling novel, but also his most soulful."

State should not allow eminent domain for pipelines

Bills SF2067 and HF2104 allow eminent domain to be sought for hazardous liquid pipelines.  Contract law allows me to confidentially contract with whomever, provided it adheres to ordinances.  Eminent domain and condemnation for a public use projects are not confidential. Both bills try to shoehorn private, right to contract with the transparent act of government eminent domain. The bills describe thirteen points of contact between the company and landowners, with some interactions requiring the IUC be notified.  I would argue that the company sharing information with the IUC concerning their discussion with the landowner is unlawful.  The bill has the IUC approving the valuation methodology.  How is it lawful to have the government involved in my contract negotiation with a private company? Each bill provides the landowner with no definition of what constitutes a diligent effort to acquire a voluntary lease or the definition of what deems the efforts unsuccessful.  One bullet that triggers eminent domain reads, “Economic infeasibility of the pipeline due to excessive easement acquisition costs for alternative routes to avoid the eminent domain.  For the purposes of this subparagraph, economic infeasibility shall be shown by clear and convincing evidence”.  This is TOTALLY subjective.  Whose standard?  The bill is trying to blend a private negotiated contract process with a state eminent domain process.  It does not work. A person’s right to contract is as confidential as the two parties agree to.  The bills state that the landowners that agree to an easement contract have their terms protected in 5.(e), free from disclosure via government applying the protections of Chapter 22.  Chapter 22 pertains to “Examination of Public Records”.  How is the state able to protect a contract not acquired through eminent domain under Chapter 22, yet what is acquired through eminent domain will be public? Eminent domain should not be used for this private project.   Diane Holst Eldridge

'This is where I want to end the season'

Throwing 36 games in 22 hours, North Scott’s boys had their very own state bowling bonanza. Coming back home with a big plaque and an individual medal made all those shots worth it. At the Class 2A state bowling tournaments at Cadillac XBC in Waterloo last Tuesday and Wednesday (Feb. 24 and 25), North Scott placed sixth as a team, with three Lancers also rolling in the individual competition. Senior Lucas Persson became a two-time medalist with his fifth-place individual finish, improving upon his sixth-place effort from last year. Sophomores Clayton Schroder and Caston Dhuse both made their first appearances at state in this competition as well. Team members senior Johnny Grimm, senior Jackson Moulton, junior Kale Blodig and freshman Parker Persson all had their hands in the team’s state success, and the district championship from Feb. 16. It was yet another wildly successful season for North Scott bowling. “We had a great year,” Lancer coach Marie Tharp said. “Like I said before, when you can make the elite eight, and then half of your team makes the individual cut, that’s always a positive. This was our eighth appearance with the boys, and I’m proud of that.” Pins are not friendly North Scott came into Tuesday’s team competition with high expectations. After all, the team posted the best score of all qualifiers at districts the week before. At this season’s event, the pressure cooker was turned up from the start. No longer were all eight teams guaranteed to make bracket play. This season, only the top four scoring teams after 15 baker games advanced to compete for the championship. The bottom four were bumped to consolations. The first two games the Lancers shot at state — 170 and 171 — were well below the team’s standards. “We had a rough start… bowled a couple of low games,” Lancer senior Lucas Persson said. “A lot of people were in a bad mood or out of it. Eventually, things started clicking and we threw some big games.” North Scott sat in seventh place after five games. But game No. 6 was the best of the entire night with a 265. Just when it seemed like North Scott had gotten out of its early funk, disaster struck. The Lancers threw back-to-back games of 139 and 146. Those were the two lowest scores of any baker game during the 2A competition. Even as the team tried to rebound in the back half of the competition, throwing games of 239, 222 and 224, the hole was too big to climb out of. North Scott finished the seeding round in eighth place with a total score of 2,976 (average game of 198.4). The cut line for the championship bracket was 3,152 (average game of 210.1). “Even though we didn’t do as well as we did at qualifying, we still made it to state. I’m already super happy just for that alone,” Persson said. “This year, we got to bring the full team. Spent three days in a hotel hanging out. It’s a lot more fun of an atmosphere.” Still, there were still more games to be played. In the consolation bracket, North Scott rolled against the No. 5 seed Lewis Central. The Titans were arguably the most dissatisfied of all the teams being unable to defend their team state title from last season. In the head-to-head best-of-five baker game showdown, this disappointment showed in a pair of 170 games, and the Lancers were able to take a 2-0 lead. North Scott and Lewis Central were paired on the lane all day in the seeding round, and the Lancers were ready to finally quiet the “Go Big Blue!” strike chants. But the Titans did not go quietly. They posted two narrow wins in a row, 220-208 and 194-187, to even the series. North Scott handled the moment better than the defending champions, winning game five 202-161. “It was cool to bowl against them. They were ahead of us all day. Then, to finally beat them in bracket play was relieving. We were all happy,” Persson said. With a victory in their pockets, North Scott took on Western Dubuque for fifth place. The wind in the Lancers’ sails quickly dissipated, falling in four games to the Bobcats. “It was tough this year. There are a lot of good bowlers across the state,” Tharp said. “They work so hard. To be here and represent North Scott and represent the MAC, I’m good with that. We got to come here. No matter how the pins fall, it’s nice to be back up here. This is where I want to end the season. And I want to do it next year, and the year after that.” Persson claims second medal North Scott’s tournament was still far from over. The Lancers didn’t leave the alley until after 9 p.m. Tuesday night, and the boys had to be ready for a 9 a.m. start the following morning. Persson, Dhuse and Schroder rallied to lanes 25 and 26 for the start of the individual competition. Here, 32 qualifiers get a three-game series to roll as high a score as possible. The top eight of 32 advance to bracket play, guaranteeing themselves a medal and a shot at the championship. All three boys shot great games with Schroder going for 213, Dhuse going for 232, and Persson exploding for a near-perfect 290 game. Persson hit nine pins with his first ball, and he cleaned up the last for a spare in his first frame. His next 11 shots all went for strikes. “I have never bowled a perfect game before,” Persson said. “I’ve bowled an 800 series. I’ve lost count of how many 290s I’ve had. I’ve had 12 strikes in a row between games. I’m just convinced I’m cursed that I’ll never get it. “That was, in a single game, the closest I’ve gotten because they were all great balls. The first frame was a pocket shot but didn’t quite have the right angle. After that, I made a little adjustment, and it was just right.” Any worries of lingering lulls from the previous night were gone, and Persson was in prime position to make the cut. “How I bowled in the next two games would have been different if I had gotten a lower score,” Persson said. “I know I just need to punch out with some decent 200 games, and I’ll be in the bracket just fine.” He did just that with games of 238 and 204 for a 732 series. This easily cleared the cut line of 695 (average game of 231.6). Dhuse and Schroder were keeping pace with that cut line through two games as well. Dhuse rolled a 231 in game two, and Schroder posted a 233 in his second game. Both boys fell out of contention in the third game. Dhuse scored a 181 in his final 10 frames, ending his series with a 644. Schroeder went for a 182, adding up to a 628 series. “It breaks my heart because they’re great kids,” Tharp said. “They’re going to be the leaders next year. Between Clayton, Caston and Kale, who will be a senior, they’ll be the leaders of this team. It’s going to be as strong as ever.” For Persson, this was his last rodeo, and he wanted to make the most of his final three games. He was the No. 3 seed heading into the one-game showdowns in bracket play. He continued his surge in the quarterfinals with an awesome 246 game. The only problem was that his opponent, Grant Fink from Denison-Schleswig, posted a 259. Fink’s first seven shots all went for strikes, and he had nine in total. Persson had four strikes to end his game, but Fink had clinched the match long before that point. “It’s not like I bowled a bad game. It was a high 240 game,” Persson said. “There were a few balls I could have thrown a bit better, but at the end of the day, he outshot me. “I was a little upset, but I can’t be too mad about it. I was bowling next to him last year at state, and he just missed the bracket. I was happy for him.” Persson ended his Lancer career with a pair of wins, defeating Devon Rubner of Western Dubuque in the consolation semifinals, 196-190, and Aiden Elam of Davenport West in the consolation final, 235-216. The Lancer senior ends his illustrious career as one of North Scott’s best bowlers. Persson is a two-time individual medalist in 2025 and 2026. Additionally, Persson made the first team all-state list this year for the first time. “He came on as a freshman. He was a quiet little kid with the upperclassmen. But he stayed with it,” Tharp said. “He bowls junior leagues. He’s focused when he’s doing it. He’s done great for the program and for himself. It’s sad to see your seniors go, and he’ll be missed. He’s made a name for himself at North Scott.” With a majority of this year’s team coming back, including Parker, Persson will still be around and keep tabs on the team as North Scott aims to stay one of the most consistent programs in the state. “I still have my younger brother on the team. I’ll still stop by and hang out at some practices and meets when I’m back in town,” Persson said. “I hope Caston and Clayton keep making state, and place next year. I’ll be rooting for them.”

“The Founding Mothers of America,” March 12

A fascinating illustrated lecture focusing on the remarkable women who had a first-hand view of our nation's creation, The Founding Mothers of America will be presented at the Rock Island Public Library's Watts-Midtown Branch on March 12, with presenter and touring performer Laura Keyes sharing insightful tales of her subjects' history, bravery, and surprising legacies.

Grow Quad Cities releases local economy report

A new report from Grow Quad Cities shows the state of the local economy. The report shows an uptick in U.S. GDP during the last quarter of 2025 and a stable regional labor market. "Job postings in the Quad Cities are up from a year ago, and although employment decreased during the quarter, it was [...]

“Five Nights at Freddy's” Pizza Party, March 16

Treating kids to an evening of video games, yummy food, and a bunch of maniacal (but somehow lovable) animatronics, the Rock Island Public Library's Watts-Midtown Branch will, on March 16, welcome guests to the Five Nights at Freddy's Pizza Party, in which youths can enjoy free pizza while playing video games on the big screen.

Cannon fire to be heard from Rock Island Arsenal

Cannon fire will be heard from the Rock Island Arsenal this week.

Davenport Fire Department responds to fire on East Street on Monday evening

No injuries were reported and the incident is under investigation.

Whose house? Lancers house

The Lancers did not win a state championship Friday night. But did it ever look, feel and sound like they did. In front of a capacity crowd, North Scott showed Bettendorf who the true kings of the Mississippi Athletic Conference are, sending an immutable message with a 62-47 curb-stomping in the substate semifinals. It is, without parallel, the program’s most significant win in five years, not since 2020 when Ty Anderson beat the buzzer to send the Lancers to the state tournament. Now, North Scott is one win away from going back to Des Moines. “I’m happy for our kids and our community. We haven’t seen a crowd like this since we were making our runs in 2015 and 2020,” Lancer coach Shamus Budde said. “They’ve been supporting us all year long. But we still have work to do. I love our team. We’re going to play a really good Cedar Rapids Prairie team. This is just a huge win for us.” North Scott and Bettendorf matched up in the same gym for the second time in eight days. On Feb. 19, the Bulldogs won a 57-51 ballgame to clinch the outright conference title. That result did not discourage the Lancers one bit. “We knew, after that game, we knew we could beat them,” Miller Haedt said. “It took a lot of preparation. The coaching staff did a great job. Practices were awesome. We switched up the game plan a little bit, but not much. We knew we just had to come out here and play hard to beat them. That’s what it is between us and Bettendorf.” In both Lancers versus Bulldogs matchups this season, the winning team pulled away in the second half. Friday night was an all-night domination from North Scott. The Lancers had the Bulldogs doubled up in the first quarter, 16-8, at the 2:22 mark. A barrage of Bettendorf three-pointers trimmed the deficit to two by the end of the quarter, 20-18. North Scott’s offense continued to flow into the second quarter, putting up another 20-spot. The defense held Bettendorf to seven points, and the Lancers’ lead was 15 at the break. Lancer junior Josiah Harrington and sophomore Vasaun Wilmington were having their way inside, combining for 28 of the team’s 40 first-half points. This led to kick-out opportunities for open shooters. North Scott went five-for-nine on three-point attempts in the first half, with junior Zane Rus knocking down two and Haedt swishing one. “We put a lot of new stuff in the last four days. I’ll be honest with you, our guys were looking at each other, like, ‘What’s going on here?’ My staff even kind of questioned me,” Budde said. “But when you get to this point in the year, you have to be able throw some different looks. Some extra wrinkles. To be able to advance at this point, at the 4A level, you have to throw different stuff in. I’m really proud of our guys in how they executed all of that.” Even with this lead, North Scott knew the game was far from over. “We were in a good position, but both the players and coaches were saying, ‘This isn’t over. Don’t let up. We still have to finish the job,’” Harrington said. “That’s what we did out there. They made a couple runs, but we never shut down. We stayed together as a team, and that led to the win.” North Scott’s lead was as large as 16 at the 3:59 mark, after a thunderous Harrington dunk. But Bettendorf started to find some answers, and North Scott’s offense went ice cold. The Bulldogs cut their deficit to eight points with eight minutes to play. Budde called a timeout less than two minutes into the fourth quarter when his team’s lead was at six. “Coach Budde knocked us straight in the huddle like he always does,” Haedt said. “We came out a little sloppy, a couple of turnovers. But we know how to bounce back from that. We all came together and fought back.” Haedt ended his team’s six-minute scoring drought with a layup, setting the score at 53-45 with four and a half minutes to play. Bettendorf hit a pair of free throws on its next possession to get it back to six. But Harrington finished through contact again. Not only was the lead back up to eight, but with under four minutes to play, the clock became North Scott’s friend. “About the four-minute mark, I said, ‘We are three stops away. We are three stops away.’ We were able to do that,” Budde said. Bettendorf’s next three field goal attempts, all from three-point land, were off the mark. With the chance to put the game away, North Scott engineered its best offensive sequence of the entire season. Grabbing a defensive rebound at the 2:32 mark, one Lancer possession swallowed up 55 seconds of game clock. Despite heavy pressure from the Bulldogs seeking a turnover, the Lancers swung the ball around the perimeter, penetrated the paint, and kept the ball alive. The Lancers passed up open looks in favor of milking the clock with the Bulldogs not looking to foul. Tick, tick, tick. North Scott eventually found Wilmington on the left wing with five seconds on the shot clock. He fired and found nothing but the bottom of the net. “That was the dagger right there,” Budde said. “Our guys were really strong with the ball, and we made the right play. (Bettendorf) was scrambling, and Vasaun went and hit that.” After weeks of talk about ‘time and score’ following games against Central DeWitt and Davenport Central in which North Scott let large fourth-quarter leads slip away, the team’s maturity showed up in its biggest moment. “There were a number of times this year where we’re up 10 or 12, and they throw up some stuff, and we end up losing. You can tell they’re growing. It’s fun to be a part of,” Budde said. Harrington finished with a game-high 25 points. Wilmington had 15 points and seven assists, and Haedt had 12 points. Rus, who enjoyed an incredible first week back from injury, scored eight points and took two charges in the second half. North Scott turned the ball over just four times in the game, and it held Bettendorf to its third-lowest scoring output of the season. On Tuesday, North Scott traveled north to Cedar Rapids for the substate final against Prairie High School. The eighth-ranked Hawks were 14-3 in 2026 heading into this game, and finished as runners-up in the Mississippi Valley – Valley Division standings with a 12-2 mark. A full recap of the substate final will be published in next week’s edition. Rus’ return sparks offense If the two playoff games last week said anything about North Scott’s boys’ basketball team, it is that it missed Zane Rus dearly. Rus suffered a foot injury in early January and missed the last seven weeks of the season. He had his first full practice on Friday, Feb. 20. He returned to the court three days later in the substate quarterfinals against Davenport West. Not only did he post a game-high 16 points in his team’s 72-52 win, but he didn’t miss a single shot. We went four-for-four from beyond the arc and two-for-two from inside. “It feels great to be back; I was a little tired,” Rus joked. “I love being out there with my teammates. Practices, games, team dinners, I’ve built a great bond with them. To be back out there means a lot.” Rus played in the team’s first matchup with Davenport West back in December. He missed the late January rematch which took a last-second shot for North Scott to survive. He and his teammates gave the 4-17 Falcons their full attention. “We wanted to make a statement for sure,” Rus said. “They played us to one possession last time, and we had to beat them on a game-winner. West is a team you can’t take lightly. They have a bunch of little guards that pressure up and force you into turnovers. They get a lot of iso buckets, which is hard to guard. I have full respect for them as a player.” North Scott came out focused, drilling the road team by 24 points in the first half. Both teams emptied their benches in the fourth quarter for a stress-free finish. The Lancers hit 10 of their 24 three-point attempts with four from Rus and two from junior Khairi Harper. Rus led with 16 points, Harrington and Wilmington each had 15 points, and Harper had eight points. Rus, who is making 44.2 percent of his three-point attempts this season, adds a third big offensive threat to North Scott. If teams try to clog the paint to protect against the Harrington-Wilmington duo, Rus can hurt them from the outside. And that extra floor spacing will give more room for North Scott’s stars to operate inside. “Zane adds a lot to our team. He’s six-foot-six, he has a good feel for the game, and he can obviously step out and shoot it. Adding all that into it, yeah, we’re glad he’s back,” Budde said.

Private college officials say lawmaker is threatening state-funded tuition grants

Iowa private college officials say a key lawmaker is threatening funding to a state tuition grant program over their opposition to allowing community colleges to offer four-year degrees. Gary Steinke, president of the Iowa Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, said lobbyists for the association received a call last week from Rep. Taylor Collins, chair of the Iowa House Higher Education Committee. Steinke said Collins told them certain Iowa lawmakers are thinking of withholding their support for funding for the Iowa Tuition Grant program, which provides financial aid to students in need who wish to attend one of the state’s private higher education institutions. The threat stems from anger over the private institutions’ opposition to The bill would establish a pilot program in which certain community colleges could establish up to three bachelor’s degrees in specific programs. Community colleges are supportive of the legislation while private higher education institutions say it would harm them in the effort to solve a problem they claim doesn’t exist — with lawmakers looking for a compromise that will bring them closer together. However, some lawmakers are evidently becoming increasingly frustrated with the private university stance against the legislation. Collins refused to comment on the inner workings of the caucus and did not confirm that he said lawmakers might consider cutting or eliminating the Iowa Tuition Grant. He said lawmakers are frustrated because private universities have been “totally inappropriate” in their handling of opposing the bill. He said he’s told the private institutions “from the beginning” that he’s willing to work on a compromise on the legislation, and he believes the amended bill the committee approved “balances the interests of the private colleges and the community colleges.” Steinke says the private colleges are facing retaliation for exercising their right to lobby for their interests. “When the Legislature proposes something that you don’t like, then you lobby against it, you speak against it, you work with people to share your view,” Steinke said. “That’s not illegal, that’s democracy, and because we’re exercising our democratic right to oppose something that we feel is harmful to the private colleges, you’re going to eliminate the best financial aid program in the country at the expense of Iowa students who don’t have any money, who come from from very poor socioeconomic backgrounds.” The bill was on the tentative debate list in the House last week but did not come up for consideration. The Republican caucus has been unable to confirm 51 Republican votes approving the legislation, Steinke said, which is what it would need to pass out of House debate and head to the Iowa Senate for further consideration. A number of absences from the Legislature last week was a factor in the bill not coming up for debate, Collins said, so there are still ongoing conversations on the bill. He added he is discussing with lawmakers the possibility of bringing the bill to the House floor this week, but it depends on the number of absences in the Legislature and whether they have the votes. “Ultimately, there’s a lot of southeast Iowa and southwest Iowa lawmakers that are trying to do what’s right for their district, and we’re tired of seeing constituents go to college and not come back,” Collins said. “You know, we talk about the brain drain a lot, and it’s happening in southeast and southwest Iowa, and so you have a lot of lawmakers who are very passionate about this issue.” Steinke said Collins’ call, and what it represents for potential funding cuts for Iowa students, is “very troubling.” He said he doesn’t understand the correlation between private universities opposing this legislation and the threat to “punish thousands of low-income Iowa students and their parents” through lowering or eliminating funding to the Iowa Tuition Grant program. “It is a grant to students who want to go to college who can’t afford to otherwise, and to somehow conflate not being able to pass a bill — and a bad one at that — with eliminating the Iowa Tuition Grant program completely, doesn’t make any sense, and that’s putting it mildly,” Steinke said. Emily Shields, executive director of Community Colleges for Iowa, said she doesn’t have knowledge of the bill’s current status aside from its passage out of committee, but said Iowa’s community colleges are excited to keep having conversations on the bill. Other states have launched similar programs as pilot studies, Shields said, and they have found success through them in meeting workforce needs and serving students where they are. No other state has seen negative impacts on private institutions, she said, and she doesn’t believe any other state has seen “this level of response from their private colleges.” Only 4% of private university enrollment is made up of community college transfers, she added. “I think our hope is that we can have a conversation and make decisions that are best for students,” Shields said.

Getting a head start: How to successfully start seeds indoors

As winter lingers, many gardeners are looking for ways to get their hands dirty. Starting seeds indoors gives gardeners greater control over growing conditions, resulting in healthier, more resilient transplants. “It’s fun to get a head start on the upcoming garden season by starting seedlings indoors,” said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. To be successful, gardeners must provide the right conditions for seedlings to thrive and develop into stocky, resilient plants. Time it right Resist the urge to sow too early. Steil warns that seedlings started too soon often become lanky and transplant poorly. Check the seed packet for the recommended indoor growing period, then count backward from your frost‑free date to determine when to start. In much of Iowa, planting of frost‑tender annuals and vegetables happens from late April to early May. Cool‑season crops that tolerate light frost can be planted a bit earlier, in early to mid-April, so they can be started indoors sooner. “It's important to plan before you plant,” Steil noted. Choose the right growing medium and containers Start with a lightweight, porous and disease‑free seed‑starting mix. Steil recommends commercially prepared soilless germination mixes designed for seedlings. Sow seeds in flats, cell packs, peat pellets, soil blocks or repurposed containers. “What you use is up to you, as long as it is clean and has drainage holes,” he said.  Sow like a pro Use new seeds packaged for the current season, as older seeds, especially those more than 2 or 3 years old, often germinate poorly. Seeds can be sown in rows in a flat or tray and carefully transplanted to individual containers when they develop true leaves. “This approach is good for small seeds or those with inconsistent germination rates,” said Steil. Alternatively, seeds can be sown directly into individual containers, sowing several seeds per pot and thinning them later. This approach is well-suited for larger seeds. Check the seed packet for sowing depth. Many are planted 1/4 inch deep and can be placed on the soil surface and lightly covered to ensure they are at the right depth. Small, fine seeds or those that require light to germinate are planted at a depth of 1/8 inch or less. “For these seeds, place the seeds on the surface and gently press them into the germination medium to ensure good seed to soil contact,” advised Steil.  Provide the best growing conditions After sowing, water from below by submerging the container until the medium is fully wet, then let it drain. This prevents the seeds from washing or dislodging. “Warm soil temperatures promote better, faster germination,” Steil explained. “After emerging, the seedlings grow best in cooler temperatures around 65 F. This promotes stout, transplant‑ready plants.” To maintain high humidity, cover the container with a clear dome or other covering, and water lightly only if the soil surface dries out. Remove the cover as soon as seeds germinate, and ensure good ventilation and air circulation to prevent damping‑off diseases. After germination, provide 12–16 hours of bright light each day to prevent stretching or leaning. Even with a sunny window, seedlings often grow best under supplemental light. Keep them 6–12 inches above the plants and raise the grow lights as seedlings grow. Care and prepare seedlings When seedlings graduate from a germination tray to individual pots, transplant them into a well‑drained potting mix. Fertilize regularly with a 1/4‑strength water‑soluble all‑purpose fertilizer. This will help to produce stockier transplants, provided enough light is available. Keep the growing medium moist but not soggy, checking daily and watering thoroughly when the surface is dry to the touch. About two weeks before planting day, harden seedlings by gradually introducing them to outdoor conditions. “Start by putting them outside on cloudy days or in a shaded location, then after a few days, move them into more light and exposure,” said Steil. This important step helps seedlings transition from the ideal conditions indoors to the bright sunlight, cool temperatures and windy conditions found outside.

Tuesday’s adoptable pet: Meet Sparky

Meet Sparky! A 3-year-old terrier mix who is full of energy, according to the Clinton Humane Society.

UI Scanlan Center for School Mental Health sees interest in eating disorder support

When Taylor Ford joined the University of Iowa Scanlan Center for School Mental Health more than four years ago, she came in with the hope of continuing her work addressing the needs of people experiencing eating disorders. Now, around one year since the clinic and resource center started offering eating disorder services to Iowa school districts and their families, Ford says interest is only growing. “There’s such a lack of access to specialized eating disorder treatment in Iowa that we know that there’s a need,” Ford said. “And so with limited access to outpatient providers and then lack of access to the higher levels of care for eating disorders, we are trying to be proactive in getting people treatments so that hopefully they don’t have to go to those higher levels of care.” Established in June 2021 and housed in the UI College of Education, the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health works with Iowa school districts, including students, staff and parents, to offer both virtual and in-person services in different areas of counseling, child psychiatry, evaluations, professional development and more. K-12 students can receive services during the school day through the center, Ford — assistant director of clinical services and crisis response at the center— said, which aids in lowering barriers to care, especially in rural areas. For eating disorder services, Ford said all clients — students ages 12 and up, school staff and parents — begin with a diagnostic evaluation, and if they do receive a diagnosis, the center will recommend “for an appropriate level of care for treatment.” If someone needs outpatient care, the center has individual therapy available with clinicians specializing in eating disorders as well as a list of other care providers in the state. However, if someone is found to need a higher level of care and is interested, Ford said the center will work with them to facilitate referrals to other resources. Schools cannot request an eating disorder evaluation itself, they can initiate a referral after which the center will contact the parent. “Typically, if it’s beyond a partial level of care, people have to go out of state, and so it was really important when we started these services that we provide that additional support for families, because the system is already so hard to navigate,” Ford said. As students spend most of their week at school, interacting with their peers, educators and other staff, Ford said those adults might be the first one to notice changes in behavior or symptoms of an eating disorder, like skipping lunch. An article Ford wrote for the center in early February stated that 95% of people with eating disorders are from 12 to 25 years old, and by 14 years old, 60-70% of girls are trying to lose weight. However, Ford said teachers cannot and should not be expected to diagnose, treat or counsel a student who they suspect has an eating disorder, but instead observe, report and refer when necessary. “Teachers and other educators already have enough on their plate,” Ford said. “We are not asking them to do anything more in terms of counseling, but we are hoping to educate them so that they can know what signs and symptoms to look for that might indicate an eating disorder, so that they can help to work with that family to get the student the support that they need.” Eating disorders were not an area addressed by the center early on due to capacity, Ford said, as they didn’t initially have a psychiatrist on staff. She added the topic is considered specialized in the mental health field, creating the need for additional training, and “there’s a lot of interdisciplinary work that needs to happen between the therapist, medical doctor or psychiatrist as well as a dietitian.” Despite the center offering these services for a year now, Ford said interest has been ticking up more recently — a fact she attributes to word getting out about both the center and an ever-increasing awareness of eating disorders in general. Rates of eating disorders have grown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Ford describing it as a “trigger for a lot of people.” Many saw mental health impacts of the pandemic, and the lack of structure paired with the loss of school meals could have attributed to the uptick that’s been maintained so far. While all five of the center clinicians trained in eating disorders have multiple clients working with them for that purpose, Ford said they are not yet at capacity. Ford’s passion for helping people with eating disorders, and the interest shown from center clinicians in getting trained for the specialty care, have come together to address the challenge in Iowa, she said, and she wants the center to be a resource to get people in and supported quickly. “I’m really just hoping that we can be another option for specialized treatment in Iowa,” Ford said.

Iowa hunters can pitch rule changes

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will host a series of public meetings across the state to recap the recent hunting seasons and discuss potential rule changes for hunting and trapping. DNR’s annual public meeting series follows the close of most hunting and fur-harvester seasons in the state. Hunting data for 2025 shows that Iowans bagged nearly 102,000 deer and bought close to 43,000 annual hunting licenses. The public meetings include presentations from DNR staff about the past hunting season and Todd Bishop, head of DNR’s wildlife bureau, said the staff will also collect feedback from Iowans and discuss potential rule changes. Bishop said the meetings are a great place to “ask questions and hear directly” from DNR staff. DNR officials have said comments from the meetings will be compiled and considered before the department proposes any potential rule changes to the Natural Resource Commission. According to a news release from the department, comments from Iowans at meetings in past years have resulted in changes to Canada goose hunting areas, season dates and bag limits. Public comments also influenced DNR to expand raccoon hunting and trapping and modify antlerless-deer quotas in certain areas of the state. Meeting locations and dates The meetings are free and open to the public. Local meetings include: • Burlington, March 3, 6 p.m., Burlington Public Library, 210 Court St. • Maquoketa, March 3, 7 p.m., Hurstville Interpretive Center, 18670 63rd Street • Iowa City, March 4, 5:30 p.m., Johnson County Extension Office, 3109 Old Hwy 218 South   - Iowa Capital Dispatch

Extension publishes water line management guide for swine production

A new publication from the Iowa Pork Industry Center at Iowa State University helps producers evaluate water quality and manage water line systems in swine barns. “Water Line System Management for Swine Production” is available for download at no cost from the ISU Extension Store. The guide outlines water line system design, water quality diagnostics, cleaning and disinfection protocols, and best practices for administering medications. Several authors contributed to this publication including Chris Rademacher, Gabi Doughan, and Locke Karriker with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University, Ashley Englin, swine field specialist with Iowa State Extension and Outreach, and Becca Walthart, former master’s student with the Swine Medicine Education Center at Iowa State University. “Water is a physiological need for pigs, regulating growth, temperature control, and overall behavioral needs,” states Doughan. “Without regular cleaning and disinfection, biofilms can accumulate within water line systems and impact health, production, and water-administered medication.” Producers will find step-by-step instructions for cleaning and disinfecting water systems and water sample collection protocol within the publication. Water quality assessments should evaluate the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of water by testing pH, trace minerals, and coliforms at minimum and should be collected at least once per year. "In a recent survey of Midwest production sites, only 20% of farms had a water line cleaning standard operating procedure (SOP) that was regularly implemented,” said Englin. Standardized protocols can help producers reduce biofilms and ensure animals regularly have access to high quality water, leading to improved performance and better animal health. “Water lines are one of the main routes for antimicrobial and vaccine administration” states Doughan. “By improving water quality and water line maintenance, producers can more effectively treat their livestock, resulting in less days off feed and reduced production costs.” The guide also includes protocols for water medication administration and explains how water quality can affect medication efficacy. There are also instructions for how to set up and calibrate flow-activated pump, piston, and diaphragm medicators. For more information, access the publication, or contact Gabi Doughan at wilsong2@iastate.edu.

Crews respond to Davenport structure fire

Davenport firefighters responded to a structure fire in the 1400 block of W. 36th Street this afternoon. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire. There are no reports on injuries or damages to the home.

Davenport native is fighting for his life, in coma with brain damage

Kendal Ritchie, a 30-year-old Davenport native, is fighting for his life, in a coma with brain damage at a Las Vegas hospital.

Mitski comes undone

She may be indie rock's queen of precisely rendered emotion, but on Mitski's latest album, Nothing's About to Happen to Me, warped perspectives, questionable motives and possible hauntings abound.

Iowa State University ends women’s gymnastics program

Iowa State University’s gymnastics program is being discontinued, Athletics Director Jamie Pollard announced Tuesday.

Scott County school districts to vote on renewing PPEL

PPEL is a voter approved property tax that helps districts pay for building maintenance, technology and transportation.

Davenport police arrested a man after he threatened to "shoot it out," officials say

Anthony Nicholson faces multiple felony charges after the standoff that occurred on East Locust Street.

UnityPoint Health in Moline recognized in U.S. News’ inaugural report

UnityPoint at Home has been named a Best Home Health agency for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report, with Moline earning the second-highest level of recognition.

Clinton County Sheriffs Office to hold active shooter management course for emergency personnel

The Clinton County Sheriff's Office will hold a three day “Advanced Active Shooter Incident Management” course at the Wild Rose Casino.

This quiet epic is the top-grossing Japanese live action film of all time

The Oscar-nominated Kokuho tells a compelling story about friendship, the weight of history and the torturous road to becoming a star in Japan's Kabuki theater.

Police: Davenport man arrested, charged after threatening officers during standoff

Police say a Davenport man threatened to "shoot it out" during an overnight standoff on East Locust Street and now faces felony charges.

Moline alderwoman announces resignation

First Ward Ald. Debbie Murphy announced her resignation.

UnityPoint at Home named a Best Home Health agency

UnityPoint at Home has been named a Best Home Health agency for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report. This is U.S. News’ first-ever ranking of home health providers, identifying the top-performing agencies in the United States. U.S. News evaluated 12,000 agencies across the country and only 17% of the agencies U.S. News received the [...]

Orchestra Iowa brings back Brucemorchestra

The popular outdoor concert event is scheduled to return this summer after a five-year hiatus caused by the high cost of production.

The Live Nation trial could reshape the music industry. Here's what you need to know

On Tuesday opening statements will begin for the federal antitrust trial against Live Nation, one of the largest entertainment companies in the world.

A new one-a-day-pill holds promise for HIV's 'forgotten population'

It's designed to take the place of complicated, multiple drug regimens that many people with HIV need to follow. And it's also beneficial because the HIV virus is always evolving.

AI prompts that work: Mastering prompt engineering (with examples)

AI prompts that work: Mastering prompt engineering (with examples)When ChatGPT first launched and went viral, some common sentiments around the tool were that it was a shortcut to doing real work. Anybody could type in a few sentences and get text back that they could use for anything under the sun. In fact, ChatGPT reached 100 million users just two months after launch — the fastest adoption rate of any consumer application in history — with users generating over 10 billion prompts per day by mid-2024.As ChatGPT and other LLMs have evolved, they’ve certainly created shortcuts, but one thing we’ve all learned is that prompting is an art form in itself. The output you get isn’t perfect … sometimes it isn’t even usable. We’ve all experienced the frustration of typing something like “give me blog ideas” only to receive generic suggestions, while watching others get brilliant, tailored content with seemingly effective prompts.There are good ways and bad ways to chat with these tools. There are heavy users who get valuable output from LLMs with a snap of their fingers and others who seem to struggle to save any time. It’s clear that AI prompt engineering is a skill that needs to be developed, WebFX reports.What is AI prompting?AI prompting is the art of crafting clear, specific instructions that effectively communicate with AI systems to produce desired outputs. It involves strategically combining creativity, context, constraints, and clarity to guide the AI toward generating the most useful, relevant, and high-quality responses.Anecdotally, people who receive weak responses from LLMs tend to be delivering poor prompts. They’ll ask for a report on a particular company but only type “Give me a report about Boeing” into their chat interface. Much like many who have grown up learning how to “speak” search engine, AI prompts require you to think about how you ask a certain question to generate the best response.LLMs are much better at natural language, but you still need to be able to properly think through a few things when prompting to receive truly high-quality responses. Here are four keys to effective AI prompts.The 4 C’s: AI prompting effective practicesCreativity: Starting with a strong, well-defined idea. The stronger and more unique the idea, the better the output. This is the human magic needed to really utilize AI to its fullest potential.Context: Providing relevant background information — explain the why in as much detail as you can.Constraints: Setting clear boundaries and requirements. How should the LLM surface information?Clarity: Using precise, unambiguous language and specific instructions about the format you want the response to be in and how it’s structured.If you’re looking to convert from metric to imperial, do you need to get this detailed? Of course not. But for more heavy-duty prompts, adding this level of detail is a big separator.Here’s an example prompt with each of the 4 C’s highlighted: WebFX The four C’s approach will get you much more helpful answers to your queries and tailor the approach to your precise needs.Good vs. bad AI prompts: Traits and examplesLet’s take a deeper look at how not to prompt and some bad habits you should aim to break if you want to get the most out of LLMs. WebFX Example transformationBad Prompt: “Tell me how to use Instagram Reels.”Good Prompt Using the 4 C’s Framework:Creativity: Create an actionable guide on using Instagram Reels to increase engagement for small e-commerce businesses selling handmade products. The guide should focus on organic growth strategies rather than paid advertising.Context: This is for a community of artisans who have basic social media knowledge but limited time and marketing budgets. Most have fewer than 1,000 followers and sell products in the $30-100 range. They’re competing against mass-produced items and need to showcase their craftsmanship effectively.Constraints:Keep strategies feasible for someone spending 3-5 hours per week on social mediaFocus only on Instagram Reels, not other platforms or featuresAvoid strategies requiring expensive equipment beyond a smartphoneInclude only tactics that have proven effective since Instagram’s 2023 algorithm updatesMust be appropriate for businesses in various creative niches (jewelry, ceramics, textiles, etc.)Clarity: Structure the guide with an introduction explaining why Reels are valuable for artisans, followed by 5-7 specific strategies with step-by-step instructions. For each strategy, include a specific example, estimated time investment, and expected outcomes. Conclude with a weekly content planning template and 3-5 content ideas tailored to handmade businesses. Use straightforward language, bullet points for actionable steps, and highlight any technical terms that beginners might not understand.The Overlooked Prompting Mistakes Costing You HoursMistake #1: The Kitchen Sink PromptTrying to get everything in one massive prompt. “Create a complete marketing strategy including SEO, PPC, social media, content calendar, budget allocation, competitive analysis, and KPI tracking for my B2B SaaS company targeting enterprise customers in the healthcare sector with a $50K monthly budget…”A better approach: Break complex tasks into steps. Start with competitive analysis, then use those insights to inform strategy, then develop the tactical plan.Mistake #2: Copy-Paste SyndromeFinding a “perfect prompt” online and using it without customization. That viral LinkedIn prompt for blog posts? It was probably created for a completely different industry, audience, and goal than yours.Mistake #3: One-and-Done PromptingAccepting the first output without iteration. AI responses are starting points, not final products. The magic happens in rounds 2-5 of refinement.Mistake #4: Ignoring Model LimitsAsking ChatGPT for real-time data or expecting Claude to analyze a 500-row spreadsheet without proper formatting. Each model has strengths and limitations so work with them, not against them.Mistake #5: Forgetting the Human ReviewTreating AI output as publish-ready. Even perfect prompts need human expertise to validate accuracy, add nuance, and ensure brand alignment.Don’t be afraid to ask AI for help with promptingOne of the most overlooked resources for improving your prompting skills is right in front of you: the AI itself. Think of it like asking a local for directions in a new city … they know the terrain better than any map.When first using AI tools, users may spend hours crafting a prompt only to receive mediocre results. One effective strategy is to ask the AI how it prefers to be prompted. It’s like asking a chef how they’d like ingredients prepared before cooking them.“How would you recommend I prompt you about website redesign strategies so you can provide me with a 3-page action plan?”The AI will often provide format suggestions, key elements to include, and even example prompts that you can modify for your specific needs.Daisy chain prompts across modelsDifferent AI models have different strengths. Google Gemini might excel at research-heavy tasks across a ton of websites, gathering comprehensive information on a topic. You can then take that research and feed it to ChatGPT or Claude to synthesize and structure it into actionable insights.This approach is like a relay race, where each runner (AI) handles the leg they’re best at. This technique can be used to analyze data in large CSV files. For example, one model can handle the heavy analysis while another runs a research report to add broader context to the findings. The result is a comprehensive analysis of the data and its surrounding context.Upload your own data for precisionGeneric prompts produce generic results. Providing your own data is like giving the AI a custom map instead of general directions.LLMs are able to process a big variety of file types nowadays, in addition to being able to read specific URLs in a lot of cases. A lot of times when prompting, users are referencing something specific, and simply adding that file or information works wonders.File upload compatibility for popular LLMs WebFX Treat AI conversations as ongoing dialoguesEffective prompting isn’t a one-shot effort, it’s an iterative process. Your first attempt might give you a rough shape, but each subsequent refinement brings you closer to your vision.This approach is valuable when brainstorming creative projects. Rather than expecting perfection immediately, each AI response can be viewed as a stepping stone. “That’s interesting, but can we explore the second point more deeply?” This conversational approach allows the AI to build on previous context rather than starting fresh each time. Courtesy of WebFX One application is using AI as a reading companion for non-fiction books. After finishing a chapter on behavioral economics, users can discuss key concepts with the AI as if in a book club. “What did you think about the author’s perspective on loss aversion? I found it interesting how it contradicted…” The AI helps highlight connections that might be missed and suggests related concepts to explore because the conversation maintains a continuous conversation rather than exchanging isolated prompts.By approaching AI prompting as a collaborative, iterative process rather than a one-time command, you’ll unlock much richer possibilities from these increasingly sophisticated tools.By mastering the 4 C’s framework — Creativity, Context, Constraints, and Clarity — you can transform your AI interactions from frustrating exchanges into productive partnerships. The difference between someone who struggles with AI tools and someone who leverages them effectively often comes down to how thoughtfully they craft their prompts.Remember that effective AI prompting isn’t about finding a perfect formula or magic words — it’s about clear communication, specific details, and an iterative approach. Start with strong ideas, provide rich context, set appropriate boundaries, and be precise in your instructions. As you practice these principles, you’ll develop an intuitive sense for what works, making each interaction more valuable than the last. A key AI tool isn’t the latest model or feature — it’s your ability to ask the right questions in the right way.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Standoff in Davenport early Tuesday ends with two arrests

A man surrendered to Davenport police Tuesday morning after a multi-hour standoff.

For filmmaker Chloé Zhao, creative life was never linear

Director Chloé Zhao used meditation, somatic exercises and dance to inspire the cast and crew of this Oscar-nominated story about William Shakespeare's family.

What is an interest checking account?

What is an interest checking account?A checking account allows you to use a debit card, cash checks and access your money with an ATM. But certain checking accounts have other features, too. An interest checking account has the added perk of earning a set interest rate on your cash. Some banks offer checking accounts that help you earn interest and offer other tools and features to support your financial goals. Ally Bank shares some top considerations for whether this type of account is right for you.What is an interest checking account?These accounts give you all the usual checking account functionality like debit cards and ATM use — and allow you to earn a little interest. Compared to other types of bank accounts, checking accounts offer the most flexible access to your money and are perfect for everyday spending.Interest-bearing checking accounts work a bit like savings or money market accounts: You put money in the account, and the bank periodically pays interest on your balance according to its terms and conditions. They usually have a lower interest rate because they’re designed for everyday use rather than growing savings.How much interest does a checking account pay?Interest checking accounts aren’t known for offering extremely high interest rates, but you can still expect to earn something on the balance you maintain. Look for a checking account with competitive rates that provides a favorable annual percentage yield (APY) on your checking account balance, but keep in mind that these rates can change over time.Pros and cons of interest checking accountsIf you need standard checking features, look for an account that will allow you to freely withdraw money and make transfers as frequently as you want. Some banking institutions may impose limits and fees depending on the type of checking account, like a minimum balance requirement or limits on your debit card usage, while others won’t offset your interest earnings with any hidden charges.The drawbacks of an interest checking account are minimal, but if you’re looking for a higher interest rate, consider keeping some money (like your emergency fund) in a high-yield savings account.Is an interest checking account right for me?If you’re looking to earn interest and write checks, use your debit card, add physical cash, make withdrawals from an ATM or request cashier’s checks and wire transfers, an interest checking account could be a great choice. Other valuable features to consider include early direct deposit, budgeting tools to track spending and overdraft protection to help support your financial goals.How do interest-bearing accounts differ from other checking accounts?In most ways, an interest checking account will operate the same as any other checking account. You won’t notice a difference in terms of how you can access or use your money — you’ll just receive a little extra from your bank in the form of interest.Interested in earning interest?Whether you’re opening a checking account for the first time or researching alternatives to switch, the right spending account can help you optimize your finances.This story was produced by Ally Bank and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

2 arrested in Davenport after threat of shootout with police

Two people from Davenport are in the Scott County Jail after police said one threatened to have a shootout with police officers. The criminal complaints filed in the case said Davenport Police responded to the 300 block of E. Locust Street on Tuesday, March 3 at about 12:12 a.m. Officers determined that the defendant, identified [...]

Kind Kids and A Clever Cat

(NAPSI)—Good news for kids, cats and the people who care about them.A new book, “Nester the News Cat” by Candace Lieberman introduces Nester, a clever stray with a nose for news and a heart full of courage.Lost in a cold, snowy alley, he stumbles upon a warm newspaper shop run by kind Mr. Harrison. There, he discovers more than just a cozy spot to sleep­, he finds a home, a purpose, and a friendship with Jenny, the spirited newspaper delivery girl.Filled with beautiful, full-color illustrations and timeless themes of friendship, bravery, and belonging, “Nester the News Cat” is an excellent read-aloud story for children ages 3–7. Young readers will cheer for Nester as he shows that true heroism isn’t about size or species, it’s about heart.Whether for bedtime reading or classroom story time, this book can help all young animal lovers and future heroes learn about empathy, kindness, and community.It’s available in softcover or e-book at Barnes & Noble or Amazon.Word Count: 162

Are America’s top colleges letting in more students from low-income backgrounds?

Are America’s top colleges letting in more students from low-income backgrounds?It’s hardly news that America’s elite universities are largely populated by students from America’s wealthiest families.Yet in recent years, this has drawn increasing alarm. Research has documented just how large the admissions advantage is for well-off students. Bloomberg Philanthropies has pumped tens of millions of dollars into efforts to get talented lower-income students into better colleges. The College Board, which administers the SAT, vowed to help in this effort. For some, the 2023 Supreme Court ruling banning race-based affirmative action added more urgency to the task. In the wake of the ruling, a number of schools pledged to step up recruitment and end legacy admissions.Have these efforts paid off? A look at university press releases might suggest so, Chalkbeat reports. A number of schools — including Dartmouth, Duke, Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, and Princeton — have recently touted a record share of students who receive Pell grants, education stipends that go to students from low- and middle-income families.Most press releases did not mention a salient fact, however: The Pell qualification rules have changed in recent years, skewing comparisons over time. A careful parsing of the data suggests that America’s top colleges are still filled largely by students from advantaged backgrounds. Individual universities have seen some progress, but the aggregate changes appear to have been modest.“There are benefits to enrolling more rich kids — untold benefits — for these selective institutions,” says Paul Tough, an author who has chronicled efforts to improve college access. “And there are very few benefits to enrolling more low-income students, except that it’s the right thing to do.”This matters because enrollment at top universities has been linked to higher graduation rates and higher incomes post-college. Selective schools typically provide a better-funded education, while offering more generous financial aid. They also often open the door to institutions of power and influence.It’s important to be clear about how incremental progress in increasing economic diversity has been. If schools can get positive attention for addressing this without making substantial changes, they may feel even less pressure to undertake further reforms.Researchers have often counted students as lower-income based on whether they receive a federal Pell grant. But since eligibility expanded in 2024, Pell numbers across the country have spiked. “My suspicion is that much of the uptick in Pell representation at these selective colleges and universities is a measurement issue,” says Sarah Turner, a University of Virginia professor who studies higher education.Some universities acknowledge the changing Pell definition but say that their economic diversity has genuinely increased. To figure out whether this is the case, data from the National Student Clearinghouse, which tracks university enrollment and is broken down by the income level of students’ neighborhoods, was examined.Total enrollment at “highly selective” colleges has been going up in recent years, but the economic background of the student body has barely budged. The share of students from the two groups of lower-income neighborhoods has shifted from 13.2% in 2019 to 13.4% in 2025. In raw numbers, that’s an uptick of about 20,000 students, which is far less than the 95,000 student increase from the two highest-income neighborhoods. Thomas Wilburn // Chalkbeat Three-quarters of students at these selective schools come from those affluent areas. This is just 1 percentage point lower compared to six years earlier.Another analysis, recently published by the College Board, looked at the year after affirmative action was banned. At very elite colleges, the share of first-year students from low- and middle-income neighborhoods rose by only a “minimal” amount, researchers found.The clearinghouse income data only goes back to 2019. Would a longer time horizon change the picture? Not much. A recent analysis by James Murphy, a higher education analyst at the nonprofit Class Action, found that between 2013 and 2023, first-year Pell enrollment at highly selective private colleges increased from 16% to 18%. This uptick was a bit higher at Ivy League and elite liberal arts schools. Still, at selective public colleges, Pell shares fell by 2 points. (This was when the Pell definition was broadly consistent.)The data described is imperfect. The clearinghouse measures students’ neighborhoods, rather than their individual economic circumstances. Those are highly correlated but are not the same. The clearinghouse also includes a variety of colleges, nearly 200, under the banner of “highly selective,” not just the very elite schools. Turner of the University of Virginia says more detailed data is needed to fully understand the trends here.None of the universities touting their record Pell numbers responded with any data beyond that showing that more low-income students were enrolled.The challenge of making substantial change is epitomized by the American Talent Initiative, an organization supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies (which is also a funder of Chalkbeat). In 2016, ATI set a goal of adding 50,000 low- and middle-income students to 350 or so colleges with high graduation rates. Many of those schools joined ATI as members, but even more did not participate in the initiative. Initial reports from the group showed that its members were making progress, but non-participating schools were actually enrolling fewer and fewer lower-income students.Tania LaViolet, an ATI leader, says the original hope was to influence the broader ecosystem of top colleges by sharing best practices across institutions. “That hypothesis didn’t pan out as we had anticipated,” she says.In 2024, ATI dropped its initial goal to focus just on colleges that opted to participate in the work. Its latest report, released last month, touts an increase in lower-income students among ATI members, though the authors acknowledge it’s challenging to compare trends over time because of the changing Pell definition. The organization no longer tracks data for non-members.ATI officials note that even if the share of low-income students in selective schools hasn’t changed much, their raw numbers have increased, as overall enrollment has grown. “This increased number means thousands of lives changed for the better,” says LaViolet.This story was produced by Chalkbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Rain in the forecast: How to prevent basement flooding before storms move in

Even light rain can expose hidden drainage issues. Here's what local experts say homeowners should do now to prevent basement flooding.

3 Things to Know | Quad Cities morning headlines for March 3, 2026

Western Illinois University is hosting an event that's helping entrepreneurs start small businesses, and Bettendorf police are watching traffic on Valley Drive.