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

Friday, November 1st, 2024

OurQuadCities.com 3rd annual Rotary Blanket Drive begins OurQuadCities.com

3rd annual Rotary Blanket Drive begins

The third annual Rotary Blanket Drive,spearheaded by the Bettendorf Rotary Cub has a goal of collecting more than 4,000 gently used and new blankets this year. The blankets are used by nonprofit and charitable organizations to provide to those in needs this winter. Blanket Drive (Bettendorf Rotary Club) A $10 donation will buy one new twin blanket ($20 will buy two, etc.). Twin sizes and “couch blankets” work best. For more information, visit here. Drop-Off Sites Bettendorf Library: 2950 Learning Campus Drive. Bettendorf City Hall: 1609 State Street. K & K Hardware: 1818 Grant St., Bettendorf Duck Creek Tire: 4000 Middle Road, Bettendorf TBK Sports Plex: 4850 Bettplex Drive, Bettendorf Blanket Wallace’s Garden Center: 2605 Devil’s Glen Road, Bettendorf YMCAs of the Iowa Mississippi Valley: R. Richard Bittner YMCA—630 E. 4th St., Davenport Utica Ridge YMCA—4885 Utica Ridge Road, Davenport North YMCA—624 W. 53rd St., Davenport West YMCA—3503 W. Locust St., Davenport North Scott YMCA—104 S. 3rd Ave., Eldridge Bettendorf YMCA—3800 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf YMCA Sports Center at the Landing—2222 Middle Road, Bettendorf

Quad-City Times Quad-City Times

Feds could get citizenship info to Iowa by Election Day, attorney says in Friday hearing

Federal citizenship information sought by Iowa’s top elections official could come by Election Day, an attorney for the state said Friday during a court hearing.

OurQuadCities.com Iowa House District 94 race in full swing OurQuadCities.com

Iowa House District 94 race in full swing

Republicans in Iowa hope to continue their majority in the State House and State Senate after the votes are counted Tuesday night. They've had total control of the Iowa government since 2017. Democrats will need to flip some seats to reclaim power in one of the branches. One seat they have their eye on is the 94th District in the House, where incumbent Republican Mike Vondran is challenged by Democrat Tracy Jones. Vondran is proud of the work he has done in the last two years, and he says he wants to continue to focus on Iowa's economy. "I mean we are now going to be, as a result of this last legislative session, one of the most competitive states in the country in regards to income tax, I'm thrilled about that," Vondran told Our Quad Cities News. "Those outcomes are the direct result of the work that we've done in the last session. So my intent is to continue to roll up our sleeves and go back and do the same things." His opponent, Democrat Tracy Jones, believes he isn't representing the interests of his district. "I wasn't happy with the decisions that the current representative was making on my behalf," Jones told Our Quad Cities News. "I'm in staunch disagreement with the public tax dollars going to private schools. Also what has happened to women's reproductive freedoms, and workers' rights in the state, are probably my main issues." She's also concerned about divisiveness. "There's just a lot of hatred and bills coming down that just further divide us, when the Iowans I know are very wonderful kind people."

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Rock Island County clerk denies social media rumors of voting machine flipping votes

Social media rumors have emerged about voting machines in the Rock Island County Clerk's office flipping votes. The county clerk said the mistakes are from voters.

OurQuadCities.com Ridgewood Elementary, Rock Island, honors late principal with music OurQuadCities.com

Ridgewood Elementary, Rock Island, honors late principal with music

A performance to honor the late Jon Sedgwick at Ridgewood Elementary school in Rock Island was filled with joy and music, rather than grief and silence. The family of the late principal added to the schools' growing music lab with a xylophone, which is now the centerpiece to the ensemble. (Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com) "My father was the first principal here, and he was very committed to a strong culture of excellence for every child," said Pamela Lessner, the daughter of principal Jon Sedgwick, "My father had just passed this last March, but they had made plans to make a donation to Ridgewood, and when they told me about the outdoor music lab or harmony garden, my sister and I knew exactly what we needed to do with the funds that my parents had earmarked." The lab gives students a chance to explore music at their own leisure. "It just gives them other ways to explore and make music when maybe I'm not there," Mara Goodvin, the music teacher at the school, said. "Music is something that we can take with us through our entire lives" The school's current music teacher spent her first year in the position under Sedgwick's leadership and believes his work is still felt. "It is an honor to celebrate Mr. Sedgwick in this way with our music lab and bringing it all around," Goodvin said. "Ridgewood's a very special place. Today there is probably over a third of my students that were taught in this building and Mr. Sedgwick was their principal and now their children are experiencing Ridgewood school through the legacy of Mr. Sedgwick as well." Sedgwick's family feels this is the best way to honor him. "That quality of instruction, quality of performance, bringing the community together, is exactly what my parents would want," Lessner said. "It was fun, it was slightly educational and, more importantly, whimsical, and I just couldn't have been more proud to certainly be their daughter, but to understand what they really wanted for this community."

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40 employees at Ryder Transportation Solutions in Dixon to be laid off

According to the Illinois WARN website, employees were notified of the layoffs on Oct. 25. The first layoffs will begin on Dec. 20, 2024.

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Man, woman pulled from home after standoff in Davenport

Crews responded to a scene involving a standoff at a home in Davenport.

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3 people arrested in connection to Galesburg child pornography investigation

Kyle A. Clark, Timothy S. Agans and Edward J. Cox were all charged in the child pornography investigation.

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Applications open for Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program

Last year, the program helped over 330,000 Illinois households.

KWQC TV-6  Police on scene at standoff in Davenport KWQC TV-6

Police on scene at standoff in Davenport

The standoff is in the 5400 block of Wicker Hill Road in Davenport.

OurQuadCities.com YWCA QC, Tyson provide free meal kits to families in need OurQuadCities.com

YWCA QC, Tyson provide free meal kits to families in need

The YWCA Quad Cities is helping Quad City residents enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. The nonprofit is teaming up with Tyson Foods and offering free meal kits to families in need. The online application is here. It opens Monday and runs through Nov. 20. Once approved, you can grab your meal kits at the Y's Empowerment Center on Mississippi Avenue in Davenport. The kit comes with all the essentials you need to cook your Thanksgiving meal. "They will each receive a kit which includes all the essentials to put together a perfect Thanksgiving meal for themselves and their family. And along with all the contents and the essential products needed to put this meal together, there is a $20 Fareway voucher so that they can go to any Fareway here in the Quad Cities to purchase a ham or turkey of their choice," said Deanna Woodall, YWCA QC director of special events and projects. To sign up or to volunteer, visit here.

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Feds: 250 noncitizens registered to vote in Iowa

During a hearing in federal court on Friday, the federal government confirmed 250 names on Iowa’s voter registry appeared to be non-citizens.

Quad-City Times Quad-City Times

Sidran files lawsuit against Davenport alleging open records violation

Davenport resident David Ezra Sidran filed a lawsuit this week alleging the city of Davenport violated open records laws when it delayed producing a letter from its former city administrator.

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Here's how Illinois and Iowa residents can get help paying their heating bills through LIHEAP

Project NOW announced it will accept LIHEAP applications through Aug. 15, 2024, on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Whiteside County Sheriff: Man wanted, may be armed and dangerous

Crews are searching for a man they say may be armed and dangerous.

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SAU Weekly | Nov. 1, 2024

On this edition of SAU Weekly, how to keep your vehicle safe after a string of break-ins reported were reported on campus.

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The Arc of the Quad Cities Area to hold fall parent learning series

The Arc's learning series will explore financial and legal tools to help parents and caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Quad-City Times Chicago school board head ousted because of social media posts Quad-City Times

Chicago school board head ousted because of social media posts

Mitchell Johnson was appointed president just a week ago.

KWQC TV-6  Crews search water between Sterling, Rock Falls KWQC TV-6

Crews search water between Sterling, Rock Falls

Crews were searching in the water between Sterling and Rock Falls, Friday afternoon.

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Black Hawk College hosts law enforcement career fair

More than 20 first responder and law enforcement agencies met with students at the event.

OurQuadCities.com Veterans Day Welcome Home Dance set for Bally's, Rock Island OurQuadCities.com

Veterans Day Welcome Home Dance set for Bally's, Rock Island

Gary and Peggy Park are two of the organizers behind the Welcome Home Veterans Day dance that will be Friday, Nov. 8, at Bally's Quad Cities. Quad Cities Veterans of America Chapters 299, 669 and 776 in conjunction with Bally's will present the event at I-280 and Route 92, Rock Island. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with a colors presentation at 6:45 p.m. Live music by The Tailfins will be 7-10 p.m. All veterans are welcome, with free admission for veterans and a $15 charge for guests and non-veterans at the door.

KWQC TV-6  Sex offender sweep results: 7 arrested, 22 need follow-ups KWQC TV-6

Sex offender sweep results: 7 arrested, 22 need follow-ups

On Friday the Scott County Sheriff’s Office said it finished its checks on the 508 offenders who live in Scott County and the 43 from outside of county who are employed or attend school here.

KWQC TV-6  Letters from Santa returns to Moline KWQC TV-6

Letters from Santa returns to Moline

The holiday season is here, and Santa is eager to hear from children of all ages.

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Rock Island's Chasson Randle suits up for the NBA G League's Iowa Wolves

After years of playing professional basketball around the world, Chasson Randle is playing close to home this season with the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League.

OurQuadCities.com Iowa Navigator helps uninsured during open enrollment OurQuadCities.com

Iowa Navigator helps uninsured during open enrollment

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Open enrollment starts November 1st, meaning millions of Americans are making decisions about their health care coverage. Thankfully, there's free help for uninsured Iowans to find and enroll in affordable health care called Iowa Navigator.  Newton revitalizing former Maytag buildings into new community attraction Program Director Jeremy Smith joined Calyn Thompson on Today in Iowa to talk about how the non-profit organization just added offices in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Sioux City to allow for in-person meetings. To learn more, call (515) 978-9570 or click here. Open enrollment goes from November 1 through January 15.

KWQC TV-6  Mercado on Fifth to host Día de los Murertos parade KWQC TV-6

Mercado on Fifth to host Día de los Murertos parade

To celebrate Día de los Muertos, Mercado on Fifth will host a parade and fiesta this weekend.

OurQuadCities.com OurQuadCities.com

A Look at What to Expect for November

With October of this year now in the past it is time to look forward to the month of November. Not only are temperatures getting colder, but snow is also a possibility for the month with an average snowfall amount of at least 2 inches for the month. In terms of rainfall, November averages around 2.3 inches of rain throughout the month. However, looking at this upcoming weekend on Sunday and even into Monday and Tuesday, we are expecting a lot of rain. With some models projecting we could exceed the average rainfall amount in those three days alone.

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The Arc of the Quad Cities Area to hold fall parent learning series

The Arc's learning series will explore financial and legal tools to help parents and caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

KWQC TV-6  UnityPoint Health Breast Cancer Survivorship Program KWQC TV-6

UnityPoint Health Breast Cancer Survivorship Program

It is designed to help patients after surgery or treatment with reclaiming their lives.

OurQuadCities.com East Moline seeks input on Bend Boulevard extension OurQuadCities.com

East Moline seeks input on Bend Boulevard extension

Residents are encouraged to give their input on extending Bend Boulevard in East Moline at a meeting next week. The City of East Moline is hosting the final public meeting on a proposed extension of Bend Boulevard as part of the Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project on Thursday, November 7 from 4 – 6 p.m. at The Rust Belt Common Area, 533 12th Avenue. Community members are invited to give their input on the proposed extension that will strengthen connections, create more redevelopment at The Bend and enhance a community asset. "Extending Bend Boulevard will transform how our community connects with the riverfront and make it easier for people to enjoy and access all that East Moline offers,” said Mayor Reggie Freeman. “This is about setting the stage for future developments that will continue to enrich and grow our community." East Moline is working with a design and engineering team to develop the proposed extension that will connect The Bend to be more accessible and better integrated with the downtown area. The proposed extension is from Seventh Street, north of 12th Avenue, to Mississippi Parkway, and includes additional streetscaping improvements. Click here to learn more, sign up for updates and give comments online. The Bend Boulevard extension is part of the Greater Downtown East Moline Revitalization Project, supported by a $23.7 million federal RAISE grant. The project aims to enhance connectivity, safety and accessibility between 15th Avenue, the Rust Belt and The Bend. Construction is expected to begin in 2025.

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New CPR technology at the University of Iowa saves Muscatine man's life

UI Health Care's eCPR program is one of just a few in the country. Ken Platt was one of the first patients to receive it in Iowa City.

OurQuadCities.com Mercer County teacher arrested, charged with official misconduct, distributing harmful material to a minor OurQuadCities.com

Mercer County teacher arrested, charged with official misconduct, distributing harmful material to a minor

A teacher in Mercer County has been arrested on charges of misconduct and distribution of harmful materials and is on administrative leave, according to a news release from the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. The office said they received a complaint on October 28 that inappropriate text messages were sent to a minor. Deputies began an investigation that led to the arrest of Brandon Livingston, 26 of Joy, Ill, who is a teacher at Mercer County High School. He was charged with distribution of harmful material and official misconduct. Brandon Livingston (Mercer County Sheriff's Office) The Mercer County School District released a statement after Livingston’s arrest on the district’s Facebook page. “Statement from Mercer County Schools: On October 28, 2024, Mercer County Schools received allegations of inappropriate conduct by a Mercer County High School employee. The District notified the authorities and placed the employee on administrative leave. Law enforcement notified the District on October 30, 2024, that the employee was arrested in connection with the allegations. The District is, and will continue to, fully cooperate with all investigating agencies. The safety of our students is the District’s top priority, and the District will continue working to protect our kids from any and all inappropriate behavior. If you have any questions or concerns, please be sure to contact the district office.” A Notice to Appear was filed in this case on Friday, November 1. Livingston’s next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on November 19.

KWQC TV-6  Caitlin Clark, Fever have new head coach KWQC TV-6

Caitlin Clark, Fever have new head coach

The Indiana Fever have hired Stephanie White as head coach.

KWQC TV-6  Bohannan campaign: Ad in middle of trademark dispute ‘transitioning’ off-air KWQC TV-6

Bohannan campaign: Ad in middle of trademark dispute ‘transitioning’ off-air

Bohannan’s campaign manager Jindalae Suh said the T-shirt she‘s wearing in her campaign commercial that says “IOWA” was custom-made and is not the school’s logo.

OurQuadCities.com OurQuadCities.com

Big Brothers Big Sisters hosting Friendsgiving Festival Nov. 2

The annual Friendsgiving Festival from Big Brothers Big Sisters will bring together Bigs, Littles and family members to enjoy fall activities and celebrate friendships and gratitude. The festival will be at Credit Island Lodge, 2200 W. River Drive in Davenport on Saturday, November 2nd, from 3 – 6 p.m.  The event will feature a pumpkin patch, hayrack rides, bonfires, smores and art and craft stations. There will also be a Thanksgiving-type dinner and a gratitude tree where attendees can reflect on the blessings and people involved in their lives.  Between 200 and 250 people are expected to attend.

KWQC TV-6  Mercer County ag teacher charged with distribution of harmful material, placed on leave KWQC TV-6

Mercer County ag teacher charged with distribution of harmful material, placed on leave

Livingston is charged with official misconduct, a Class 3 felony, and distribution of harmful material, a Class A misdemeanor.

WVIK Clock ticking for many recently arrived asylum seekers, but legal help is hard to find WVIK

Clock ticking for many recently arrived asylum seekers, but legal help is hard to find

Most have one year from the date of their arrival to apply, creating an invisible yet urgent need for services.

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3 Things to Know | Quad Cities morning headlines for Nov. 1, 2024

Nov. 1 marks the first day of Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Moline, and various counties in the Quad Cities have lifted their burn bans.

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YWCA Quad Cities offers Thanksgiving meal kits for low income residents

Families in need can get help with their Thanksgiving dinners from the YWCA Quad Cities. The Y is offering free Thanksgiving Meal Kits to families in need this holiday season. Tyson Foods has once again graciously stepped up as the Presenting Sponsor for this campaign. The online application for the meal kits will be open from Monday, November 4th through Wednesday, November 20th. People should fill out the online application as thoroughly as possible. The application link goes live on November 4. Each meal kit includes meal essentials, as well as a $20 Fareway voucher for a turkey or ham. Some items, like seasonings may not be included and families will need the ability to prepare the meal. Meal kits are provided based on household size. Contact Deanna Woodall at dwoodall@qcywca.org for more information.

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Iowa asks federal agency to step in on voter purge list

Iowa’s Senators and Secretary of State are asking U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to step in immediately on a list of purported non-citizens registered to vote.

OurQuadCities.com LivWell CARES takes over low income senior holiday meal program in Scott County OurQuadCities.com

LivWell CARES takes over low income senior holiday meal program in Scott County

A program that provides holiday meals for low-income seniors in Scott County is being led by a new group this year. LivWell CARES, a Davenport based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is taking over this year’s Low-Income Senior Holiday Meal Delivery Program for Scott County seniors. The program provides hot holiday meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day for seniors in need. Sodexo, the food service operations company at St. Ambrose University, will provide volunteers to cook and package the individual meals. LivWell CARES is currently coordinating emergency fundraising to cover the cost of the meals. With the generous support and donations from the community, they anticipate delivering a total of approximately 800 hot meals to seniors in need on those holidays. The cost of this program is estimated to be at least $6,000. “We’re determined to keep this worthy project alive so seniors who might not otherwise have a hot meal during the holidays will be able to experience some holiday cheer,” said Rhonda Halterman, owner of LivWell Seniors and founder of LivWell CARES. Donations are being accepted until November 22; checks can be sent to: LivWell CARES – Holiday Meal Program 2010 E. 38th St., Suite 101 Davenport, IA 52807 Donations are also accepted via PayPal or credit card on their website. Contact Kris Garrison at LivWell CARES at 563-334-3700 or info@qclivwellcares.org for more information.

WVIK Halloween on the Hill raises funds for a local food pantry through fun and frights WVIK

Halloween on the Hill raises funds for a local food pantry through fun and frights

The annual fundraising event in Des Moines' Sherman Hill neighborhood features the area's historic homes going all-out for Halloween in support of the DMARC food pantry.

KWQC TV-6  Winter supply drive Saturday hosted by Kinna’s House of Love KWQC TV-6

Winter supply drive Saturday hosted by Kinna’s House of Love

Donations can be brought Saturday to the Lincoln Center.

OurQuadCities.com OurQuadCities.com

IDOT starts work on Rock River Bridge Nov. 6

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is working on another bridge in the QCA, according to a news release from the agency. Work on the eastbound Interstate 80 bridge over the Rock River north of Colona will start on Wednesday, November 6. The bridge deck will be patched, meaning one lane will be closed during the project. Work is expected to be completed by Friday, November 8 at 3 p.m. Drivers can expect delays and should allow more time driving through this area and should use alternate routes when possible. Drivers should pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, avoid using mobile devices and watch for workers and equipment. Click here for more on road construction projects in Illinois.

KWQC TV-6  Davenport man sentenced to 10 years in prison for April stabbing KWQC TV-6

Davenport man sentenced to 10 years in prison for April stabbing

The stabbing occurred in Davenport on April 6.

Quad-City Times Her life changed after calling out transgender care at WashU. But she’s pushing ahead. Quad-City Times

Her life changed after calling out transgender care at WashU. But she’s pushing ahead.

Jamie Reed's life has had "profound" changes since she objected to practices at Washington University's transgender center. But she has no regrets.

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More people in the Quad Cities are dealing with mental health struggles, new report finds

Stress, depression and an increasing number of diagnosed mental health disorders are among the leading issues the report found.

Quad-City Times Daylight saving time ends Sunday Quad-City Times

Daylight saving time ends Sunday

Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3,

Quad-City Times Muscatine student injured when hit by a vehicle Thursday Quad-City Times

Muscatine student injured when hit by a vehicle Thursday

A Susan Clark Junior High student was struck by a vehicle while arriving at school Thursday.

OurQuadCities.com Cook review: 'Conclave' is Oscar-worthy drama of intrigue, politics, and faith OurQuadCities.com

Cook review: 'Conclave' is Oscar-worthy drama of intrigue, politics, and faith

This will be a number of Oscar-worthy lists at the end of the year. With subtle performances by some of today's finest performers, dialogue-driven drama and intrigue, it slowly unveils secrets, relationships, politics and beliefs of its characters. "Conclave" (IMDg.com) Based on the Robert Harris novel of the same name, "Conclave" has a deceptively simple set-up: The Pope dies, and now the cardinals must convene to select a new Pope. British Cardinal Lawrence (a fantastic Ralph Fiennes) rushes through corridors and stairwells of Vatican City as preparations are made. He is the dean of the College of Cardinals, the group that must select the new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence is undergoing a personal crisis of faith, so much so that he had asked the late Pope for permission to go on a religious retreat. The Pope denied his request, telling the cardinal that some are meant to be shepherds while others should manage the farm. And manage he does, speaking with this person and that in quiet conversations as some candidates prepare to campaign for themselves and others want no part of such leadership. Among the cast is Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow and Isabella Rossellini as the nun who says very little but reveals so much with her eyes and actions. Subterfuge, deck-stacking, favors, blackmail and other manipulations stack up while the cardinals continue their voting process. Just as he did in "All Quiet on the Western Front" from 2022, director Edward Berger keeps things moving, even though this could be considered in any way an actioner. Superb character development, a realistic environment, suspense and believable revelations make this one of the finest films of the year. It is likely to earn its director another golden statuette. 4 stars Rated PG for scenes of and discussions of death. Running time: Two hours. At Cinemark, Davenport, and other theaters. Watch the trailer here.

Quad-City Times Scott County Auditor: Tompkins emphasizes continuity; Trimble touts IT systems experience Quad-City Times

Scott County Auditor: Tompkins emphasizes continuity; Trimble touts IT systems experience

Republican incumbent Kerri Tompkins and Democrat Matt Trimble are running for Scott County Auditor.

Quad-City Times Scott County Auditor: Tompkins emphasizes continuity; Trimble touts IT systems experience Quad-City Times

Scott County Auditor: Tompkins emphasizes continuity; Trimble touts IT systems experience

Republican incumbent Kerri Tompkins and Democrat Matt Trimble are running for Scott County Auditor.

Quad-City Times Man charged for alleged attack on his attorney at the Rock Island County Courthouse Quad-City Times

Man charged for alleged attack on his attorney at the Rock Island County Courthouse

Authorities allege Dante T. Beard shot a work supervisor in 2023. Authorities now allege he attacked his attorney in court on Oct. 18.

Quad-City Times Man charged for alleged attack on his attorney at the Rock Island County Courthouse Quad-City Times

Man charged for alleged attack on his attorney at the Rock Island County Courthouse

Authorities allege Dante T. Beard shot a work supervisor in 2023. Authorities now allege he attacked his attorney in court on Oct. 18.

Quad-City Times Report cards are in: See how Illinois Quad-Cities school districts did Quad-City Times

Report cards are in: See how Illinois Quad-Cities school districts did

While most still lag behind state averages, many Illinois Quad-Cities school districts are showing growth in English-Language Arts, math and science proficiency rates.

Quad-City Times Building new chapters: Company turns historic Davenport buildings into modern residences Quad-City Times

Building new chapters: Company turns historic Davenport buildings into modern residences

"You have 100 years of stories behind you and you want to get 100 years of stories in front of you," Joe Erenberger said.

Quad-City Times Democrats question accountability, funding of ESAs; GOP says they're student-focused Quad-City Times

Democrats question accountability, funding of ESAs; GOP says they're student-focused

Ahead of the election, Democrats and Republicans in Iowa are trading barbs over education savings accounts

Quad-City Times Democrats question accountability, funding of ESAs; GOP says they're student-focused Quad-City Times

Democrats question accountability, funding of ESAs; GOP says they're student-focused

Ahead of the election, Democrats and Republicans in Iowa are trading barbs over education savings accounts

Quad-City Times Quad-City Times

Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, Nov. 1, 2024

Pending

Thursday, October 31st, 2024

KWQC TV-6  Orion defeats Riverdale in Regional Championship KWQC TV-6

Orion defeats Riverdale in Regional Championship

Familiar rivals Orion and Riverdale faced off in the regional championships at Orion.

KWQC TV-6  Palmer College women’s rugby team continues success KWQC TV-6

Palmer College women’s rugby team continues success

Palmer College Women’s Rugby team was established in 2004 and has become a regular powerhouse in the Midwest.

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Moline Public Works to begin collecting letters to Santa

A special mailbox will be set up outside of the Moline Public Works office.

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New report highlights health challenges in the Quad Cities

Stress, depression and an increasing number of diagnosed mental health disorders are among the leading issues the report found.

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Smoke sighting at FCI Thomson prompts evacuation, no injuries reported

A portion of FCI Thomson was evacuated this week after smoke was detected coming from the roof of the facility's satellite camp.

KWQC TV-6  Fort Madison Police Department: Seeking public’s assistance in finding man reported missing KWQC TV-6

Fort Madison Police Department: Seeking public’s assistance in finding man reported missing

The Fort Madison Police Department is asking for the community’s help in finding a man who has been reported missing.

OurQuadCities.com Practice in Dewitt receives $1.2 million dollar loan for new clinic OurQuadCities.com

Practice in Dewitt receives $1.2 million dollar loan for new clinic

A medical practice in Dewitt will see a new and improved clinic with the help of a $1.2 million loan from the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. The practice partnered with Eastern Iowa Light and Power Cooperative to get the loan. Dewitt Family Practice opened in March of this year, and quickly found itself needing more room with an influx of patients. The practice hired two new providers, and says this move is necessary to continue to provide care for the community. "The clinic we're in right now is about a thousand square feet, really tight for any more than one provider," Dr. Michael Cloos, the head provider at the clinic, said. "I recently hired a new nurse practitioner and I have another physician starting, so we've basically outgrown this pretty quickly. Anytime you start a venture like this, you never know how things are going to go, but within a few weeks we had way more patients than we thought we would. It was just exciting to know that the community has kind of embraced the new clinic." The new clinic is expected to open in January.

OurQuadCities.com Davenport man faces charges of sexually abusing 12-year-old OurQuadCities.com

Davenport man faces charges of sexually abusing 12-year-old

A 44-year-old Davenport man faces charges of sexual abuse after police say they found videos on an electronic device, court records show. Alexander Givens (Scott County Jail) Alexander Givens faces felony charges of sexual abuse – second degree, sexual exploitation of a minor – cause to engage in act; and three charges of purchase/possession depiction of minor in sex act – first offense. according to court records. On Aug. 21, Davenport Police received a report of sexual abuse at an address on Brady Street, according to arrest affidavits. Givens, affidavits show, "did commit sexual acts with a child, 12 years of age. This sex act, which was recorded," and shows Givens and the child in a hotel room. This video and text messages were sent to the child. As the investigation continued, other videos were located, some of which show the same child being sexually abused by another person. Givens was being held Thursday night on a $100,000 cash-only bond in Scott County Jail. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Nov. 8 in Scott County Court.

WVIK Moline High School Special Olympics basketball team competes in Fall Classic tournament WVIK

Moline High School Special Olympics basketball team competes in Fall Classic tournament

Moline High School is hosting a Fall Classic Special Olympics basketball tournament on Saturday, November 2nd from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Wharton Field House.

Quad-City Times Quad-City Times

Mercer County High School teacher charged with sending inappropriate texts to minor

An agriculture teacher at Mercer County High School has been arrested for allegedly sending inappropriate text messages to a minor.

KWQC TV-6  Rock Island Co. man votes shirtless: What you can and can’t do at polls KWQC TV-6

Rock Island Co. man votes shirtless: What you can and can’t do at polls

Election day is on Nov. 5

OurQuadCities.com 2 Davenport men face rioting charges OurQuadCities.com

2 Davenport men face rioting charges

Two Davenport men face rioting charges after an incident Wednesday night in Davenport, according to court records. Isaiah Hayslett, 27, and Jordan Lester, 28, each face a felony charge of participation in a riot, arrest affidavits say. Isaiah Hayslett, left, and Jordan Lester (Scott County Jail) Shortly after 9:30 p.m., Davenport Police responded to the area of West 3rd Street and Harrison Street for a report of a disturbance. When officers arrived on scene, they observed a large group of individuals in a fight, affidavits show. Video surveillance footage shows Hayslett and Lester, as well as a third unidentified person, punch another person in the face with a closed fist. "The unidentified third subject fled the scene before officers' arrival," affidavits say. Hayslett, who was being held on a total $15,000 bond Thursday in Scott County Jail, is set for arraignment Nov. 21 in Scott County Court. Lester,who was being held on a $5,000 bond in Scott County Jail on Thursday, is set for a preliminary hearing Nov. 8 in Scott County Court.

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Oct. 31 marks 6 years since the murder of Corey Harrell Jr.

Thursday marks six years since 22-year-old Corey Harrell Jr. was shot and killed in broad daylight while driving in downtown Moline on Halloween.

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New CPR technology at the University of Iowa saves Muscatine man's life

UI Health Care's eCPR program is one of just a few in the country. Ken Platt was one of the first patients to receive it in Iowa City.

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Oct. 31 marks 6 years since the murder of Corey Harrell Jr.

Thursday marks six years since 22-year-old Corey Harrell Jr. was shot and killed in broad daylight while driving in downtown Moline on Halloween.

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Mercer County High School employee arrested for 'inappropriate conduct,' district says

School officials did not confirm the employee's identity or role in the district.

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New CPR technology at the University of Iowa saves Muscatine man's life

UI Health Care's eCPR program is one of just a few in the country. Ken Platt was one of the first patients to receive it in Iowa City.

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Vehicle hits Muscatine middle school student during morning drop off, district officials say

The student was transported to the hospital and is in stable condition, officials said.

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What's Brewing? | Here's what's new at Stompbox Brewing

The brewery started serving food earlier this year, featuring tons of appetizers, burgers and thin-crust pizza.

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Documentary about human trafficking will be shown at SCC, Bettendorf

A documentary that will be shown at Scott Community College examines human trafficking in Iowa. "Gridshock: A Film About Sex Trafficking in Iowa," will be be shown 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at Scott Community College Welcome Center, Student Life Center, Room 2300, 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf. Parking is in Lot D on the main campus. The screening is sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the North Central Iowa Coalition Against Human Trafficking, highlighting a collaborative effort to combat this critical issue. For more information, visit here. The movie is designed for those ages 16 and older, and aims to raise awareness about human trafficking. The audience can ask questions after the screening. Melody Stone, human-trafficking expert who will present "Gridshock," discussed the powerful documentary, with Our Quad Cities News. The film, she said will help people to identify human trafficking, and to learn to recognize signs and understand the realities surrounding the crime; understand the crisis about why human trafficking is considered the fastest-growing crime globally; how to separate fact from fiction with evidence-based information; gain insight about protecting yourself and others from sextortion and other trafficking forms; and explore ways to create a safe, more informed community. "While many people think this is only a problem in other countries or large cities that is not the case," said filmmaker Vanessa McNeal, herself a survivor of sexual violence. "These atrocities are occurring every day in our own back yards."

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Lawsuit looks to block Iowa challenge of voter citizenship

The ACLU has filed a lawsuit looking to block Iowa’s Secretary of State from challenging the citizenship of about 2,200 voters just days before election day.

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Divided in death: The legend behind the Illinois town's cemeteries separated by politics

Back in the 1800s, legend has it local Democrats and Republicans established two separate cemeteries in the small central Illinois town of Carlock.

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Take a walk through time by 'reading' cemeteries and their tombstones

What does it mean if you spot a tree stump on a century-old tombstone? How have burial patterns changed over the decades? Our expert breaks it all down.

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Divided in death: The legend behind the Illinois town's cemeteries separated by politics

Back in the 1800s, legend has it local Democrats and Republicans established two separate cemeteries in the small central Illinois town of Carlock.

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Emergency crews called to FCI Thomson

Prison officials said smoke was reported at a satellite camp, but fire officials never found a blaze.

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Mercer County High School employee arrested for 'inappropriate conduct,' district says

School officials did not confirm the employee's identity or role in the district.

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Mercado on Fifth's 3rd annual Día de los Muertos parade and fiesta

The annual celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Moline. It's the same day as Mexico's Day of the Dead celebration.

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How to 'read' cemeteries and tombstones

University of Iowa Religious Studies Professor Brandon Dean joined The Current on News 8 to share more about what the many symbols on tombstones mean.

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WNBA's Kate Martin stops at Andalusia Elementary on Wednesday

The Las Vegas Aces player was honorary principal for the day and spoke with students during her visit.

Quad-City Times Davenport man accused of sexually abusing child while making a video of the act Quad-City Times

Davenport man accused of sexually abusing child while making a video of the act

A 44-year-old Davenport man is facing child sex abuse charges after he allegedly committed a sex act with a 12-year-old and made a video recording of the act, police said.

KWQC TV-6  Crime Stoppers: 2 men wanted in pick-pocket crime spree KWQC TV-6

Crime Stoppers: 2 men wanted in pick-pocket crime spree

Two men are wanted after pick-pocketing multiple elderly people at grocery stores.

KWQC TV-6  Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by East Moline police on warrants for fleeing and eluding KWQC TV-6

Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by East Moline police on warrants for fleeing and eluding

Daquan Dickerson, 29, is wanted by East Moline police on warrants for fleeing and eluding.

KWQC TV-6  Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Rock Island County for failure to appear KWQC TV-6

Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Rock Island County for failure to appear

Aiden Foster, 19, is wanted by Rock Island County on a warrant for failure to appear.

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Mercado on Fifth to host third annual Día de los Muertos parade and fiesta

The annual celebration will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Moline. It's the same day as Mexico's Day of the Dead celebration.

OurQuadCities.com 3 arrested in Galesburg on child pornography charges OurQuadCities.com

3 arrested in Galesburg on child pornography charges

The Illinois State Police, Knox County Sherriff’s Office, Illinois Attorney General’s Office Technical Division and the Knox County State’s Attorney’s Office conducted a joint investigation into child pornography activities in three separate locations in Galesburg over the past week. A search warrant and arrest warrant were executed at an address on Bateman Street in Galesburg on Thursday, October 24. Kyle A. Clark, age 38, was arrested for two counts of dissemination of child pornography and two counts of possession of child pornography. He is currently being held in the Knox County Jail awaiting further court hearings. Kyle Clark (Knox County Jail) A search warrant and arrest warrant were executed at an address on E. Davis Street in Galesburg on Friday, October 25. Timothy S. Agans was arrested and charged with 11 counts of possession of child pornography. Timothy Agans was arrested in 2021 for possession of child pornography and completed a diversion program. The Knox County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to detain Agans. A hearing was held and due to the provisions of the Pretrial Fairness Act, Agans was ordered released by the court over the objection of the State’s Attorney’s Office. Timothy Agans (Knox County Jail) A search warrant and arrest warrant were executed at an address on N. Cherry Street in Galesburg on Thursday, October 31. Edward J. Cox, age 25, was arrested and charged with seven counts of possession of child pornography. He is being held in the Knox County Jail pending further court hearings. Edward Cox (Knox County Jail) “We take our mission to protect the children of our community very seriously,” said Galesburg Police Chief Russell Idle. “Those who would prey on our young people will be identified, arrested, and brought to justice.”

KWQC TV-6  You‘re invited to Quad Cities Housing Council’s ’Like it’s 1999’ celebration KWQC TV-6

You‘re invited to Quad Cities Housing Council’s ’Like it’s 1999’ celebration

The community is invited to celebrate a group that has advocated for affordable housing in the Quad Cities for 25 years.

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Moline Parks & Recreation helps kids get letters to Santa

Moline Parks and Recreation wants to make sure kids can get their letters to Santa on time. That’s why the department placed one of Santa’s special mailboxes outside of the Moline Public Works building, 3635 Fourth Avenue. Kids from around the QCA can write their letters to Santa and leave them in the mailbox. Staff will ensure they are delivered to the North Pole, where Santa will read and respond to each letter individually. (photo: Brian Weckerly) Letters may be dropped off starting Friday, November 1 through Monday, December 2 and Santa’s responses will be mailed out beginning Wednesday, December 4. The mailbox will be checked daily, except for weekends and holidays. Letter writers should make sure they include their return address and that all names and addresses are legible. Stamps and return envelopes are not necessary. Contact Stacy at slaake@moline.il.us or 309-524-2434 with questions or for more information.

WVIK Annual Frieze Lecture Series brings scholarship through presentations to Quad Citizens WVIK

Annual Frieze Lecture Series brings scholarship through presentations to Quad Citizens

Two lectures have already occurred, and two more have yet to come, even after Election Day.

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Drought expands this week - major improvement coming next week though

Our weekly drought update came out Thursday, and more of our area is now under a Moderate Drought. Remember though, rain received Wednesday night and early Thursday is NOT factored into this report. The cutoff is early on Tuesday morning. With more than half an inch of rain over the last 24 hours, and a couple inches of rain expected Sunday through Tuesday, we should see some improvement on this report with next Thursday's update.

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Man accused of sexual abuse, recording minor

A man is charged with enticing a 12-year-old to record videos, and police say he sent one to the child with the message, “Erase everything he seen the video.”

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ACLU files suit in Iowa to fight citizenship challenges for naturalized voters.

The national ACLU, ACLU of Iowa, and the law firm of Faegre Drinker filed a federal lawsuit last night to stop citizenship challenges of more than 2,000 Iowa voters by Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of numerous naturalized U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote but are being kept from voting with a regular ballot and being forced to use a provisional ballot. The challenge to their eligibility was filed two weeks before Election Day, which the ACLU says is a violation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Secretary Pate ordered Iowa county auditors to challenge the eligibility of thousands of registered Iowa voters on a secret list his office created on October 22, based on information from outdated Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) records. These records can be several years old and do not reflect current citizenship status. Since Secretary Pate's order, many of the people on the secret list have already been proven to be citizens. Most Iowa voters who are on the list do not even know that they are on it. While some counties are providing the list as public information, most are not. In most counties, it’s only when voters go to vote that they will learn that they are on the list. Rita Bennet Austin, ACLU of Iowa legal director explained why the group filed the lawsuit. “Late last night, the national ACLU, ACLU of Iowa and the law firm of Faegre Drinker filed a federal lawsuit to stop these wrongful citizenship challenges of approximately 2000 registered Iowa voters by the Iowa Secretary of State. We filed this lawsuit on behalf of four individual, naturalized U.S. citizens who are eligible to vote but are being wrongly kept from voting with regular ballots, as well as the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) of Iowa. The Secretary of State's mass challenge to the eligibility of approximately 2000 registered Iowa voters was filed just two weeks before Election Day. This directive went out to all county auditors. The Iowa Secretary state ordered all Iowa county auditors to challenge the eligibility of thousands of registered Iowa voters on secret lists that his office created using information that was taken from Iowa driving records from the Iowa Department of Transportation, which are not current. They date back several years, essentially to when people got their driver's licenses. Since the directive went out on the 22nd, many of those people have already been proven to be citizens, and there's already been numerous reports publicly. Our four plaintiffs are U.S. citizens who have been swept up in this purge.” “Some counties have provided the list, and there was a directive to county auditors, telling them not to share the information,” Bettis Austen continued. “For Iowa voters who are on this list, United States citizens, they don't know until they go and vote and they face a challenge to their vote and they're told that they're not allowed to vote. They learn that they're only allowed to vote a provisional ballot, and that their ballot will not count unless they prove they’re United States citizens to these precinct election courts in each county on the 12th. That’s the Monday following the election, where they decide voter challenges and determine if provisional ballots will be counted by regular ballots or not. In some of the cases, individuals have been able to find out that they're on the list. I don't know if I would say that they're lucky enough to be known to people, county attorneys and county auditors who might know them personally and therefore are able to find out that they're on the list. That is not the vast majority. Our lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa, which is the federal court hearing reform, and we asked that election officials all effort to prevent these Iowans from voting based on this demonstrably incorrect, outdated information about their citizenship status. We also ask that these citizens be allowed to vote the regular ballot and have their ballot counted just the same as every other United States citizen who is an Iowa voter.” “It is shocking that the state's highest official who is charged with protecting the voting rights of Iowa citizens, is instead spearheading an effort to disenfranchise Iowa U.S. citizens,” she said. “He is fueling a false narrative about voter fraud by noncitizens and laying the groundwork to undermine confidence in the election. This attempted voter purge is all the more disturbing since Secretary Pate, like all of us, is now fully aware that the information that this challenge is based on is not current, and that many of these people who are identified are, in fact, naturalized United States citizens who clearly have the right to vote. There is simply no lawful basis to require these citizens to vote provisional ballots instead of regular ballots. Like all other citizen voters, this is discriminatory and it's wrong.” Veronica Fowler, Communications Director with ACLU of Iowa, said this new litigation is different from other litigation the group filed earlier this week. “The lawsuit we filed last night is a separate issue from what we had a press conference on two days ago. Two days ago, we had sent a letter to county auditors, reminding them of federal deadlines for processing voter challenges, particularly mass voter challenges that we were seeing in at least three counties. There was an issue of them processing these challenges after the cutoff date. There's supposed to be a ‘quiet period’ right before an election where any challenges like that are delayed until after the election for processing. So that is a separate issue. This is also a voter challenge, but it is being instigated by the Secretary of State. It's based on citizenship status, and it is based on extremely outdated DOT data on citizenship.” One of the litigants, Orcun Selcuk, a professor of political science and international studies at Luther College in Decorah, spoke about his experience trying to vote during the press conference. “I'm a native of Turkey who became a full citizen in 2023. Since achieving full citizenship status, I've been proud to vote in three elections so far, and I did not face any challenges or difficulty in voting in those. As a political science professor, I understand and feel deeply about the importance of voting in a democracy. I know that the more hassle than bureaucracy has and hoops a person has to jump through, the less likely they are to vote to have their vote count.” He received alarming news after casting his ballot in this year’s election. “I voted early in October. Then I received a notice from the Winneshiek County auditor, which challenged my ballot and stated that I was not a full U.S. citizen. The notice was a single page and very confusing. It gave a deadline of noon on November 12 but did not say what I was supposed to do or what documentation I needed to provide or where I was supposed to present it. There was not a letter or detailed explanation that came with it. I was not sure what exactly I was supposed to do.” “After you become a U.S. citizen, one of the things they tell you is you are now eligible to vote,” Selcuk said. “But the state of Iowa seems to have some questions about that. I'm concerned about other new full citizens who took their time to go and vote the first time, and now maybe they have to go back again to prove themselves once again. Maybe they won't have the time or the transportation, or maybe they will be afraid to go to the auditor's office. I'm concerned about their vote not being counted, and about new citizens being intimidated from voting, especially with people new to the country. They may be wrongly concerned about doing something wrong or breaking a law that they were not aware of.” Another litigant, Dai Gwilliam, a retired attorney originally from Wales, spoke about how he was told about the questions regarding his citizenship. “I was raised in Wales but moved to the U.S. in 1980. I received my master's degree and law degree from the University of Iowa and have practiced law in Iowa City for many years. I was a lawful permanent resident, also known as an LPR, for many years, and finally, in August of this year, I became a citizen. I was greatly anticipating being able to vote for the first time in the upcoming election and registered to vote shortly after getting my citizenship. I planned to vote on election day with my wife, Jennifer.” “However, I was told by the Johnson County attorney that I will have to vote provisionally, and then have to prove my citizenship before my vote can be counted. She told me I'd be receiving a letter about this from the county auditor. I understand from recent news articles that this list I was put on is based on outdated Iowa Department of Transportation records. In August of 2023, I renewed my driver's license while I was still on LPR status. And now, of course, I am a citizen. However, because Secretary Pate is relying on old data, having to cast a provisional ballot and go through the time consuming extra steps in order to exercise my new right to vote as a citizen, those out of date DOT records are being used also to make voting more burdensome for other new citizens, as well as me, and that's very disturbing too.” “Secretary Pate has publicly stated that he was referring people identified in his review to the Iowa Attorney General, to be investigated under suspicion of voting illegally and that they could be prosecuted for a class D felony, which is punishable in Iowa by five years in prison and a hefty fine,” Gwilliam said. “I was initially very alarmed when I read about Secretary Pate's statements, and I believe that many other new citizens feel the same way. I myself am concerned about the consequences that these voter challenges and investigations could have on me. My concerns are heightened for those new citizens who have not received advanced warning as I did or fear the imposition and consequences of criminal investigation. My belief is that Secretary Pate issued this threat right before election day with the intent of intimidating me, others recently recognized as citizens and others in immigrant communities, so they would be afraid to vote in the upcoming election. “At the very least, I now have the I now have the burden of working through the bureaucracy in order to simply cast my vote, a fundamental right of citizenship that I gained after expending along a lot of time, expense and effort,” he said. “I would urge other recent citizens in my situation, whatever unusual accents you have, whatever country is your place of origin, whatever the color of your skin, to not be cowed by intimidation tactics and to proudly exercise your right to vote. If you have completed the citizenship naturalization ceremony, then you can and should go to the polls. Take your citizenship document with you and perform your duty in shaping the future of what is now our country.” Our Quad Cities News has reached out to Secretary Pate's office via email for a statement but have not received a response.