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

Fall-like weather for several days

Temperatures across the Quad Cities are running below average and that'll continue for a few more days. After eight straight days with measurable rain, only a few sprinkles are expected today. Here's your full 7-day forecast.

Concerned citizens group organizes ahead of Nov. 17 hearing on natural gas plant

Scott County residents are preparing for a state board's hearing in November on whether a rural energy cooperative can locate a natural gas power plant in rural Scott County.

Will FDA advisers recommend a multi-cancer blood test for approval? They'll vote

The company Grail says its Galleri blood test can detect up to 50 forms of cancer. An independent panel of experts will decide if the test should be recommended for FDA approval.

DOJ defends White House media ban, urges court to reject lawsuit

The Department of Justice defended President Trump's recent media ban, arguing that reporting by CNN, MS Now and Politico on a wide range of issues jeopardized national security and spread falsehoods.

Major news outlets banned by Trump will have their day in court

CNN, MS NOW, and Politico are asking a federal judge to hold the president in check for what they say is a violation of their Constitutional rights simply because he doesn't like how they cover him.

Poll: Most voters agree the 2026 midterms are all about Trump — and they disapprove

A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds President Trump — and his unpopularity — is an outsize factor in why most voters say they want Democrats to win the midterms.

Gadan brings high-energy fusion to Cambridge

International folk band Gadan is set to perform in Cambridge. Presented by Crossroads Cultural Connections, this all-ages show is September 29 at Ca d’Zan House Concerts. According to a release: Gadan brings together three seasoned Italian folk musicians from the Irish traditional and European folk scenes with acclaimed Irish tenor banjo player Enda Scahill, founder [...]

Category 5 Hurricane Polo is 'one of the strongest storms ever'

Hurricane Polo has grown into one of the most powerful Pacific cyclones in decades, and it was expected to skirt Mexico's southwestern coast as a Category 5 storm.

Trump administration to remove 760,000 Affordable Care Act enrollees over fraud claims

White House officials allege these individuals were fraudulently enrolled in the program or do not exist. Vice President Vance said the move would save $2.2 billion.

High school volleyball September 22nd

Pleasant Valley volleyball defeated Clinton in three straight sets. Watch all the highlights plus highlights from Assumption vs Bettendorf volleyball.

One dead, four critically hurt after semi-truck and two cars collide near LeClaire

A crash in Scott County leaves one person dead, several others in critical condition

Iowa football gearing up for Big Ten play against Michigan

No. 17 Iowa is entering Big Ten play at 3-0. The Hawkeyes’ first conference game is against No. 18 Michigan at the Big House.

A through K

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.We Rock Island Lutherans don’t take much stock in the doctrine of predestination—except when it comes to church…

1 dead, 4 in critical condition after crash in LeClaire

A 32-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while three children and a 44-year-old man are in critical condition.

1 dead, 4 in critical condition after crash in LeClaire on Tuesday night

A 32-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, while three children and a 44-year-old man are in critical condition.

Milan community voices concerns over proposed battery storage facility

More than 100 people gathered in Milan to oppose the proposed facility, raising concerns about safety, property values and the environment.

One driver killed in LeClaire crash; others in critical condition: Scott County Sheriff

A driver was killed Tuesday evening in a LeClaire crash, according to a news release from the Scott County Sheriff's Office. Shortly before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Scott Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call about a crash in the area of South Cody Road and West Canal Shore Drive in LeClaire. The [...]

Milan community concerned about proposed battery storage facility

More than 100 people gathered in Milan to oppose a proposed 200-megawatt battery storage facility, raising concerns about safety, property values and more.

Quad City Symphony Orchestra member performs for seniors in UnityPoint PACE program

UnityPoint officials said music can help older adults re-spark memories, build social connections and reduce loneliness.

Employees speak out after Smithfield employee death renews questions about conditions at Monmouth plant

The death of a Smithfield Foods employee at its Monmouth plant has renewed concerns about odors, waste and workplace conditions raised by residents and employees.

Trump administration blocked from SNAP penalties

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul says the Trump administration is now permanently blocked from penalizing states over Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food assistance. The ruling came from a federal judge in Oregon. The move upholds an injunction issued almost a year ago when the White House moved to cut off SNAP benefits for tens [...]

Hinson: House needs to come back to D.C. to pass fuel relief

U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson called on the House to return to Washington, D.C., to approve a series of measures to provide relief for high fuel prices.

Milan residents speak out about lithium battery facility

Milan residents gathered to rally against a proposal to build a lithium battery facility in a rural part of the village. Milan Christian Church was overflowing with people who wanted to learn more about plans for the facility. A developer wants to build a 16-acre facility along 14th St. W. The proposed facility would store [...]

What to know before LIHEAP applications open in the Quad Cities

Local demand for the federal program, which helps pay winter heating bills, is skyrocketing. Project NOW said there was a 33% jump in applications from 2024 to 2025.

From Peoria to television fame, Archbishop Fulton Sheen moves closer to sainthood

The late archbishop's long-awaited beatification Mass will be on Sept. 24. It's largely thanks to a years-long effort from a Silvis and East Moline native.

Pasta sold at Walmart recalled over listeria concerns

Pasta sold at Walmart locations nationwide is being recalled over possible listeria contamination, according to a notice posted by the Food and Drug Administration.

Anamosa man gets 25 years in prison for sexually abusing child

A 36-year-old Anamosa, Iowa, man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for sexually abusing a child in 2018.

Viva Muscatine will fill downtown with food, fun, festivities

Downtown Muscatine will come alive with music, food, culture and family activities on Saturday, Sept. 26, as Viva Muscatine returns for its fourth annual celebration of Hispanic heritage and the diverse cultures that make up the Muscatine community, a news release says. The free community event, presented by the Muscatine Community School District, will run [...]

Lead(h)er’s ‘Fuel the Fire’ Gala ignites celebration, mentorship

Lead(h)er’s Fuel the Fire Gala on Oct. 8 at Old Oaks Winery will celebrate ten years of empowering over 1,300 women through mentorship. It will be an evening of music, networking, and the inspiring Girl on Fire Awards.

New wellness collective selects downtown Davenport location for community healing hub

Uplifted Energies is opening an expanded, five-room community wellness and yoga collective to be located across from the 2023 building collapse site to provide a space for neighborhood recovery.

Scott County sheriff seeks to add extra jail staff

Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane is asking the Scott County Board of Supervisors to approve a staffing change at the county jail as the facility deals with a shortage of correctional officers and a growing inmate population.

Family Resources presents Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims

The lives of homicide victims will be honored from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, at the Family Resources Office, 1414 W. Lombard St., Davenport. Loved ones will be remembered, and support will be provided for surviving families. The program will include guest speaker Davenport Police Sgt. Andrew Harris. Everyone is welcome to this free event [...]

From low water levels to deluge: How common is fall flooding around the Quad Cities?

Moisture from the Gulf, combined with an uptick in storm frequency, created a record-setting setup for heavy rain.

Lee County Sheriff warns of gift card phone scam targeting families of inmates

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents of a phone scam demanding gift cards to bail out family members currently in custody.

Community rallies around Abernathy’s after weekend break-in, vandalism

Abernathy's has worked to make its vintage clothing store feel like home for its customers. After a difficult weekend, that connection is taking on a new meaning.

Survivors bring Epstein files exhibit to Des Moines, call for accountability

A traveling exhibit featuring more than three and a half million pages from the Jeffrey Epstein files came to Des Moines Tuesday, drawing survivors, their families and an Iowa congressional candidate calling for more accountability from lawmakers ahead of the November elections.

Soggy fields and heavy rains slow down Iowa corn and soybean harvest

Heavy rainfall left Iowa farmers with less than two days suitable for fieldwork, slowing corn and soybean harvest behind typical seasonal averages.

Bettendorf police seek public's help to find missing 86-year-old man

According to a Facebook post, Bettendorf police ask the public to help find a missing 86-year-old man with dementia. Police did not release the man's name, but describe him as being 5'10" and weighing 170 pounds. He has short, gray hair, wears glasses, and has some facial hair. He uses a walker. The man was [...]

Galesburg proposal temporarily banning data center development clears first step

City council voted to advance a 180-day moratorium on processing and approving data center applications during Monday night's meeting.

86-year-old man with dementia missing out of Bettendorf

The City of Bettendorf says the man was last seen near 39th and State Street.

Quad Cities man pleads not guilty to additional child sexual abuse material charges

Benjamin Morris was originally charged with 30 felonies related to child sexual abuse material. He now faces two new charges.

Two Sisters reopening as Flip’s Pancake House on Wednesday in Milan

Two Sisters will be celebrating the grand opening Wednesday with free coffee.

Iowa DCI investigating officer-involved shooting in Cedar Rapids

There is an active police presence at H Avenue in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday afternoon.

East Moline welcomes new ice cream shop Just Us & Treats

Downtown East Moline continues to grow with a new business now calling it home. Just Us & Treats celebrated the opening of its new store with a ribbon cutting. Ice cream fans lined up to get a taste, including Mayor Reggie Freeman. After starting as a food truck, Just Us & Treats has made its [...]

Dale Earnhardt's grandson scheduled to race at Davenport Speedway

The Davenport Speedway will be busy this Friday and Saturday with two big shows. On Friday, Sept. 25, the Sprint Invaders will return to Davenport. This will be the fifth appearance of the series at the Davenport track. Also racing will be Modifieds, SportMods, Hobby Stocks, and the Midwest Jalopies. Wyatt Miller, the 14-year old [...]

Norfolk dispatcher helps deliver baby during 911 call

Kiel and Tahnee Buss welcomed their daughter, Milliebelle, in the family's Ford Expedition

Bettendorf Police search for missing 86-year-old man with dementia

Bettendorf Police are searching for a missing 86-year-old man with dementia last seen near 39th and State streets using a walker.

LIHEAP applications open Oct. 1 for eligible households

Families with young children, seniors and people with disabilities can apply for LIHEAP starting Oct. 1. Applications open to everyone else Nov. 1.

Smithfield leadership addresses Monmouth City Council over recent plant issues

Smithfield leadership addresses Monmouth City Council, says problems causing smell will be resolved by week's end

Questions remain after grand jury declines indictment in Nolan Wells' death

The Black Mississippi teen's family questions whether his race contributed to his July 4th death on an island off the Mississippi coast.

5 reasons why 'Choosin' Texas' is now the longest-running No. 1 hit of all time

Let's take a look at how and why "Choosin' Texas" has come to define and dominate the pop charts in 2026.

East Moline Fire Dept. accepting firefighter applications

The East Moline Fire Department is actively hiring, with candidate testing currently open through the National Testing Network for prospective firefighters.

Nearly half of Center for Intellectual Freedom advisory council members resign

Eleven advisory council members resigned from the University of Iowa’s Center for Intellectual Freedom, citing friction with the Iowa Board of Regents.

Quad City Symphony Orchestra treats seniors to special Bettendorf performance

A member of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra performed Tuesday for seniors at the UnityPoint PACE Senior Care Center in Bettendorf to spark connection.

Girl accuses Braden Peters, social media influencer known as 'Clavicular,' of rape

The allegations claim Braden Peters, also known as Clavicular, had non-consensual sex with the 17-year-old female victim after plying her with alcohol. Peters' representative denies the charges.

White House launches 'Trump TV' after ban on major news outlets

Days after President Trump barred reporters from three major news outlets from the White House, the administration has launched a 24/7 YouTube channel promising to put its "biggest moments all in one place."

Quad Cities native helping prepare beatification for Archbishop Fulton Sheen

Monsignor Jason Gray, a native of Silvis and East Moline, has helped lead the cause of Sheen's beatification.

Davenport church and an urban nonprofit farm rehab two homes for refugee families

First Presbyterian Church and Tapestry Farms spent $180,000 over 18 months to rehabilitate two century-old homes near the church. Originally, the two homes were slated for demolition. Now two families from Afghanistan and Sudan have a permanent place to call home.

Pritzker establishes AI Cabinet to assess risks, protect Illinois residents

ILLINOIS (WCIA) -- An advisory committee, tasked with assessing the risks posed by AI to the safety of people in Illinois, is coming to the state, Governor JB Pritzker announced. Pritzker signed Executive Order 2026-07 Tuesday, which establishes the Illinois Artificial Intelligence (AI) Cabinet. According to a release from the governor's office, the cabinet will [...]

Quad Cities Marathon to impact traffic this weekend

The Quad Cities Marathon's weekend of events will begin impacting traffic Friday, Sept. 25. Here's what to expect.

Galesburg NAACP hosts candidate forum Tuesday at public library

The Galesburg NAACP is hosting a candidate forum tonight at the public library featuring candidates running for state and county offices in November.

Rock Island man pleads not guilty after allegedly striking man with truck

A Rock Island man pleaded not guilty after allegedly hitting a man with his truck in Rock Island County Circuit Court on Tuesday morning.

Uncover your kibble: 5 things to look for in your dog’s food

Protein-maxxing has taken over grocery store aisles, social media feeds and any conversation where someone mentions nutrition. The trend, which the American Medical Association (AMA) describes as a focus on maximizing dietary protein intake to support goals like metabolism, weight management and muscle growth, reflects a broader focus on getting more from the foods people eat. That protein-first mindset also extends beyond humans’plates and into their pets’ bowls.But just as a protein-packed label doesn’t tell you everything about the food on your own plate, a high protein percentage doesn’t tell the full story about what’s in your dog’s food.When it comes to feeding your dog, protein is an important place to start, but it’s only part of the bigger picture. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets minimum protein requirements for dog food (18% for adult dogs; 22.5% for puppies), but choosing the right food is about more than simply meeting the minimum. It’s about understanding a food’s nutritional value as a whole. From where that protein comes from to how well your dog can digest and use those nutrients, K9 Natural shares five things to consider when choosing a food that helps your dog get more from every bowl.1. More than the minimum: Understand what protein providesProtein is more than just a number on the package. It plays an essential role in supporting a dog’s well-being, providing the amino acids the body uses to maintain muscle, repair tissue and support normal body functions like keeping their skin and coat healthy. Because dogs rely on dietary protein for these essential building blocks, the amount they get each day can play an important role in supporting their overall needs. That makes protein an important consideration when evaluating a dog’s everyday diet, but it’s not the only thing worth paying attention to as it doesn’t tell the full story of what’s really in your dog’s bowl.For pet parents comparing foods, protein percentage can offer a helpful point of comparison, but it’s worth understanding what’s contributing to that number. Protein can come from a variety of sources, so look at whether animal-based foods like meat, fish and eggs are featured prominently in the recipe.2. Digestibility is key: Consider how much nutrition your dog can actually useEven protein-rich food has to be something your dog can effectively break down and use. Understanding the ingredients in your dog’s food is important, but so is digestibility, or how readily those nutrients can be absorbed. A food can look great on paper, but if your dog can’t actually use those nutrients, what good are they doing?According to The Whole Dog Journal, protein digestibility can range from approximately 64% to 91%, with foods above 82% considered highly digestible and those above 88% considered exceptionally digestible.The takeaway is simple: The more digestible a food is, the more nutrients are put to use, and the less goes to waste.3. The recipe tells the bigger story: Know what to look for on the labelOf course, all of that can be easier said than done when you’re standing in the dog food aisle. Walking down the dog food aisle can be just as overwhelming as navigating the grocery store for yourself. With countless brands, formulas and claims competing for your attention, how do you know what to look for and what is best for your dog?A good place to start is with the label. Beyond the numbers on the front of the bag, look at what actually makes up the recipe. According to a resource from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Nebraska Extension on how to read pet food labels, you will want to see things like high-quality, recognizable animal-based foods, and a recipe built around whole-food sources.The Nebraska Extension shares that high-meat diets can provide quality protein along with vitamins and minerals that contribute to a dog’s overall nutrition. When premium animal ingredients make up a significant portion of the recipe, they can also provide nutrients such as omega-3s and glucosamine, which help support key areas of health, including skin and coat, joints and cognitive function.In other words, it’s worth looking past the front of the bag to see what the recipe actually has to offer.4. Whole-body health matters: Consider how your dog’s diet works togetherProtein, digestibility and ingredient quality all matter, but they are only pieces of the bigger picture. A well-rounded diet should support your dog across several areas of health, not just focus on one benefit at a time.There are six key areas to consider when evaluating whether your dog’s daily diet is delivering well-rounded nutrition: digestive health, immune health, joint health, skin and coat health, heart health, and cognitive function.Rather than choosing a food based on a single claim, consider how the complete recipe works across these different needs. A complete diet should do more than keep your dog full. It should help support their health and well-being with every meal. A formula that brings together quality protein, beneficial fats and whole food ingredients that each serve a purpose, including fiber-rich fruits and vegetables like kiwifruit, green mussels, shiitake mushrooms and ginger root that can help support a healthy gut and microbiome.5. What’s not included counts, too: Know what to watch forJust as important as what a food provides is whether everything in it needs to be there. Taking a closer look at the label can help you spot additions that may not be doing much for your dog, like unnecessary fillers, meals, artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.If you can’t understand what an ingredient is or the role it plays in your dog’s nutrition, think twice before choosing that food, though that’s not to say every unfamiliar ingredient is a bad one. If you’re unsure, check the brand’s ingredient information or ask your veterinarian before making a decision. The goal is to understand what’s in the food, why it’s there, and whether it adds meaningful value to your dog’s everyday diet.Your dog may only care that dinner tastes good, but what’s behind every bite matters, too. Protein, digestibility, ingredient quality and how a recipe comes together can all tell you something valuable about the food you choose. The next time you’re standing in the dog food aisle, take a minute to look at the full picture and choose a food that checks the boxes that matter most for your dog.This story was produced by K9 Natural and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Win 4 tickets to Brooks and Dunn concert at Vibrant Arena on October 3rd!

Brooks and Dunn, with special guests, set to perform at Vibrant Arena in October. Enter by September 30 for a chance to win 4 tickets to the show!

'Give Like Dolly Day' supports Imagination Library

Dolly Parton may be gone but her Imagination Library will benefit from a day of support this month in her honor. The Dollywood Foundation has announced Give Like Dolly Day on September 25 (a nod to her movie “9 to 5”), a global day dedicated to supporting local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programs and honoring [...]

Pediatric oncology nurse answers some of the most pressing questions about high-risk neuroblastoma

(BPT) - September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of pediatric cancers and recognize the children and families affected by these diseases.According to Children's Cancer Cause, approximately 15,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer each year in the U.S. There are more than 13 major types of pediatric cancers and more than 200 subtypes. One rare but incredibly challenging type of childhood cancer is high-risk neuroblastoma."Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells and most commonly affects infants and young children," said Michele Ritter, a pediatric oncology nurse practitioner who worked closely with patients for over 30 years and now serves as a Clinical Nurse Educator at US WorldMeds. "While some forms can be treated successfully, children with high-risk neuroblastoma face a particularly difficult journey."To help shine a light on high-risk neuroblastoma, highlight the importance of maintenance treatment and celebrate the role of caregivers, Ritter has answered some of the most common questions about high-risk neuroblastoma.Why is high-risk neuroblastoma considered one of the most challenging childhood cancers?The disease is aggressive and carries a significant risk of relapse, even after intensive treatment. Advances in treatment have improved outcomes, but preventing relapse remains one of the biggest challenges for families and healthcare providers.Many people assume treatment ends when a child is declared cancer-free. Why is the period after remission still so important?Achieving remission is a major milestone worth celebrating. However, it doesn't always mean the journey is over. Even when scans show no evidence of disease, cancer recurrence is still a concern. That's why physicians continue to monitor patients closely and may recommend additional strategies designed to help maintain remission and reduce the risk of relapse.What is maintenance therapy? After a patient has completed up-front therapy and achieved remission, they may be given maintenance therapy to help sustain the response already achieved and reduce the risk of the disease returning.What do families need to know about the risk of relapse in high-risk neuroblastoma?Relapse remains one of the biggest concerns in high-risk neuroblastoma. Even if children complete aggressive up-front therapy, about one-third of patients will experience relapse. That's why physicians remain focused on helping children achieve remission and implementing strategies that may help sustain it over time.Childhood Cancer Awareness Month shines a spotlight on patients, but what about caregivers?Caregivers are truly unsung heroes and play a vital role throughout every stage of the cancer journey. Parents and family members often spend months or even years navigating appointments, treatments, hospital stays and emotional challenges while advocating for their children every step of the way. Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the resilience, dedication and essential role caregivers play in supporting children through treatment and recovery.What message would you like families affected by high-risk neuroblastoma to hear this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?Families should know there's a real reason for hope, as advances in research and treatment continue to improve. They should also know they're not alone. There are multiple advocacy groups that can provide support and resources, and the medical community remains deeply committed to improving treatments, reducing the risk of relapse, and helping more children thrive long after cancer treatment ends.

NCAA places Iowa State wrestling on 1-year probation for recruiting violations

The NCAA announced Tuesday that it has placed the Iowa State men’s wrestling team on a one-year probation.

Survey: Why 1,000 moms feel they need permission to rest

From the moment kids arrive, motherhood rarely clocks out — and, it turns out, neither does the guilt around rest. To understand what's standing between moms and a good night's sleep, Naturepedic partnered with Wakefield Research to survey 1,000 U.S. moms ages 25 to 45 about their sleep habits, their guilt, and the spaces they sleep in. The results point to the "sleep permission gap," and it may be running the show at bedtime.What the Survey FoundAcross 1,000 moms nationwide, one pattern held steady: Most moms know, in principle, that they deserve rest, yet something keeps getting in the way of actually taking it.62% of moms feel they need someone else's formal permission to prioritize their own sleep without guilt.83% of moms usually wake up feeling like they didn't get a good night's sleep, regardless of how many hours they spent in bed.Moms most commonly get six or seven hours of sleep a night, and 48% of moms get less than seven.90% struggle to quiet a racing mind at bedtime.94% have fallen asleep somewhere unexpected since becoming a mom.77% say their bedroom is one of the last rooms to get home-improvement attention.55% would rather be given a sleep day than a spa day.The Permission Gap: Why Rest Feels Like It Needs ApprovalAsk a mom if she needs a good night's sleep, and most will say yes without hesitation. Ask her if she could actually take that rest without feeling guilty about it, and the answer gets more complicated. Naturepedic What's the Sleep Permission Gap?The sleep permission gap is the space between what moms know they need and deserve — rest — and what they feel entitled to take without guilt or someone else's approval.The Science of Moral Licensing: Why Doing Good All Day Makes Rest Feel Off-LimitsThe permission gap isn't just a mom thing. Moral licensing is a documented pattern in behavioral science, and it may explain why rest can feel like something to be earned rather than simply taken.Moral licensing is a psychological pattern where people who've already done something good feel licensed to indulge in behavior they'd normally hold back, even when that "indulgence" is something as basic as rest. First defined by Stanford researchers Anna Merritt, Daniel Effron, and Benoît Monin in 2010, the concept explains a pattern that is commonly experienced by moms: After a full day of caregiving, prioritizing your own sleep can feel like it needs to be earned rather than simply taken.For moms, the mental math of moral licensing generally attaches itself to rest. A day spent managing school drop-off, work, dinner, and bedtime can start to feel like a running ledger, one where sleep only gets "approved" once everything else is checked off. The trouble is, that ledger rarely closes. There's always one more thing that could have been done, which means permission to rest never quite arrives on its own.Moms Aren't Getting the Sleep They Need — Or Rest They Can FeelBelieving you deserve the same sleep as anyone else is one thing. Actually getting it is another. Here's what the survey data shows about how much moms are sleeping, and how rested they actually feel.How Much Sleep Are Moms Actually Getting?Moms ages 25 to 45 most commonly get six or seven hours of sleep a night, at 27% each. Nearly half, 48%, get less than seven hours — falling short of the seven-to-nine-hour range most sleep experts recommend for adults.Waking Up Tired, No Matter WhatHours in bed aren't telling the whole story. Regardless of how much sleep they log, 83% of moms usually wake up feeling like they didn't get a good night's rest. If that sounds familiar, here's why you might be waking up tired even after a full night in bed. Naturepedic The Myth of the Supermom Who Needs Less SleepThere's a persistent idea that moms simply need less sleep than everyone else — but the data doesn't back it up. While 38% of moms believe they're better able to function on less sleep than other people, more than 60% say moms need about the same amount of sleep as any other adult, even if they don't often get it. The gap between that belief and moms' actual sleep habits is a big part of the permission gap story: Most moms already know rest isn't optional. They just don't feel like they can take it.Maternal Vigilance: Why Moms' Minds Won't Switch OffA busy mind at bedtime isn't just about a long to-do list. For many moms, there may be something more deeply wired going on — a built-in alertness that doesn't fully power down, even at rest.What Is Maternal Vigilance?Maternal vigilance is a heightened state of alertness that allows a mother to detect and respond to her child's needs even while asleep or at rest, driven by adaptations in how the maternal brain processes caregiving cues.The Science of the Mom Who Can't Fully RestResearch suggests this isn't just a feeling. A 2023 study in the journal Sleep tracked 232 couples from pregnancy through 12 months postpartum, using actigraphy — wearable sensors that monitor rest and activity — to measure how mothers and fathers actually slept. At every single checkpoint, mothers showed measurably poorer sleep quality than fathers, and roughly 70% of mothers showed at least sub-clinical insomnia, compared with about 50% of fathers.The effects don't stop at the mothers themselves. A 2022 daily-diary study in the same journal found that night-to-night dips in mothers' sleep quality predicted more strained caregiving feelings toward their infants the very next day. One possible explanation is neurological: A 2016 research review by developmental neuroscientist Pilyoung Kim, published in New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development, points to measurable structural and functional changes in mothers' brains during the postpartum period — changes that heighten their responsiveness to infant cues, like a cry, even during rest.TakeawayResearch suggests that mothers' brains adapt to stay attuned to a child's needs, even during sleep, which may help explain why so many mothers report feeling like they can never fully switch off.Does This Explain the Busy-Brain Bedtime Struggle?It may. In Naturepedic's survey, 90% of moms said they struggle at least sometimes to quiet a "busy," to-do-list-filled mind at bedtime, and nearly two-thirds said this happens often or all the time. It's the question so many exhausted moms ask themselves at midnight: Why can't I relax, even when my body is running on empty?Maternal vigilance doesn't fully explain a racing mind, but it does suggest that some moms' brains may be wired to stay more alert than they realize, even when their bodies are exhausted.Who's Hit Hardest? Moms of Young KidsNot every mom experiences the permission gap the same way. Moms with a child aged 2 or younger sleep the least of any group surveyed, averaging 5.9 hours a night compared with 6.5 hours across all moms, and they're the most likely to feel unrested, at 89% versus 83% overall. Notably, a bedtime routine is less likely to be nonnegotiable for this group, at 25% versus 32% overall, even though they may need one the most. Early motherhood, it seems, is often when routine is hardest to hold onto. Naturepedic The Bed Takeover: Whose Space Is It, Really?For most moms, the bed isn't just for sleeping. While 66% call it their personal sanctuary, it also regularly serves as a laundry-folding zone (53%), a family meeting or hangout spot (35%), a kids' play area (27%), a workspace (22%), a home-management hub (19%), and even a homework space for the kids (16%). Naturepedic In Fact, Mom's Whole Room Is an AfterthoughtIt's not just the bed. For 77% of moms, the bedroom overall is one of the last spaces in the home to get any attention when it comes to updating or improving their space, even as it's asked to do double or triple duty. Naturepedic Lack of Sleep + Lack of Sleep Space = ChaosBetween disrupted sleep and a bedroom that's rarely just a bedroom, it's perhaps no surprise that 94% of moms have fallen asleep somewhere unexpected since becoming a mother, most often the sofa or a comfy chair (82%) or their child's bed (56%), though plenty have nodded off on the floor (28%), at their desk (26%), or even at the dinner table (18%). It sounds almost comical, but it's a symptom of a serious, chronic sleep deficit. Naturepedic Who Gets Blamed for Lost Sleep?Half of moms (50%) say that their kids are most likely to keep them from a good night's sleep. But moms aren't quick to let anyone else off the hook, either — 32% blame themselves due to mom guilt, well ahead of partners (11%) or pets (6%). That self-blame isn't distributed evenly: Moms who are not married or in a relationship blame themselves at more than double the rate of married moms (56% versus 27%).What Would Actually Help?When asked what would genuinely help them sleep better, moms didn't ask for more emotional support — they asked for fewer things to manage. Taking over household chores (59%) and simply letting them sleep in (58%) topped the list, followed closely by a more comfortable mattress and bedding (54%), overseeing the kids' bedtime routine (49%), creating a relaxing bedroom environment (48%), and overseeing the kids' morning routine (47%). Talking with them to help them relax before bed ranked last, at 40%. And when it comes to how moms would want to be treated, more than half (55%) would rather be given a sleep day than a spa day this year. Naturepedic Giving Yourself (and Other Moms) Permission to RestIf there's one thing the data makes clear, it's that mothers experiencing mom burnout don't need to be told rest matters — they already know. What's missing is permission. And permission, unlike a mattress or a sleep-in morning, isn't something anyone else can give you. It has to start with treating rest as something you've already earned, not something you have to justify.A few places to start:Give yourself the same sleep standard you'd want for any other person you love.Let go of the idea that rest has to be "earned" through a productive day.Ask for practical help first. Moms overwhelmingly say it's chores and sleep-in mornings that move the needle, not more conversation about how tired they are.Build a bedroom that actually functions as a bedroom, even if it's a small, deliberate corner of one. Naturepedic None of this fixes the mental load of motherhood overnight. But permission doesn't have to arrive as a grand gesture — it can start with one full night, one honest conversation with a partner, or one bedroom that finally gets its due.Survey MethodologyThis survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 1,000 nationally representative U.S. moms, ages 25 to 45, defined as those with children under age 18 in the home, between April 21 and April 29, 2026, using an email invitation and an online survey. The data has been weighted. Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation; for this study, the margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.This story was produced by Naturepedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Root for the Hawkeyes, raise funds for pancreatic cancer awareness at Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Tailgate

The Dr. Brent Ohl Strong Pancreatic Cancer Support and Awareness Organization is hosting its annual Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Tailgate at a new location this year, the Starlight Ballroom at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust Street in Davenport. The tailgate will be on Saturday, October 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., combining the [...]

Report shows New Mexico still struggling with housing, homelessness despite $524M in recent spending

Workers with Health Care for the Homeless offer water, education and treatment to unsheltered New Mexicans in Albuquerque in response to high heat risk. (Courtesy of Health Care for the Homeless/Sara Lucero)Despite the construction of about 62,000 housing units in recent years, New Mexico still struggles with housing affordability, uneven regional growth and increasing homelessness, according to a new state report. The Legislative Finance Committee on Tuesday published a report that examined more than $524 million in recent state expenditures aimed at housing, affordability and homelessness. While the state’s housing supply has significantly increased since 2020, the report found that state-supported developments account for a small portion of the increase and that the Legislature has often failed to identify clear markers of success in the projects it supports. The report found that New Mexico is generally exceeding the annual number of new housing units needed to address the ongoing housing shortage, but noted that new developments are not always built in the areas that need them and are sometimes too expensive for extremely low-income residents. Although New Mexico has seen an increase in homebuilding, it’s lagged behind the rate of construction nationally and in neighboring states. In the decade after the Great Recession and the national housing crash, from 2010 to 2020, the report found that the number of permits issued in New Mexico to build new housing developments increased 15%. In Arizona and Texas, the increase was 388% and 161%, respectively, according to the report. While the cost of housing in New Mexico is often lower than in larger Arizona or Texas cities, wages are also lower, LFC Program Evaluator Josh Chaffin told lawmakers at an interim LFC meeting in Las Cruces Tuesday. To illustrate the point, Chaffin repeated a statistic that the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority briefed lawmakers on earlier this year: Nearly half of all New Mexico renters are “cost-burdened,” meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent and other housing expenses. “Our affordability problem in this state is a little different,” he said. “Housing can still be unaffordable relative to what people earn.” While much of Tuesday’s report addressed systemic problems across the state, a subsequent presentation from southern New Mexico officials offered a glimpse into how municipalities can work directly with nonprofit organizations to address issues surrounding housing and homelessness without straining public resources. Southern New Mexico officials presented the “Las Cruces model,” in which city officials decades ago made the decision to purchase property and then let homelessness nonprofits independently operate on it. Five nonprofit organizations are based on the city-owned campus and offer services for housing, health and food security issues. The campus includes Mesilla Valley Community of Hope, which operates a shelter for unhoused people and employs case managers who help them find employment; and the Amador Health Center, which provides medical and behavioral healthcare and substance use disorder treatments. Other nonprofits on-site include a soup kitchen, food bank and early childhood education center. By housing all of these services in one place, local officials said they’re able to reach the people who need them most. And beginning in 2025, nonprofits operating on the city’s campus are no longer required to pay rent to the city if their services rendered are of equal value to market rent. “We cover the breadth of the housing continuum, from homelessness to home ownership,” Las Cruces Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Administrator Natalie Green told lawmakers Tuesday. Lawmakers at the hearing said they’d like to see local officials in their districts embrace similar public-private partnerships. “Good job…You know what you want to do in your community and you’re figuring it out,” Sen. George Muñoz (D-Gallup) said. “You want to move to Gallup?” Courtesy of Source New Mexico

Department of Energy awards funding to Utah geothermal projects

Fervo's Cape Station geothermal development in Beaver County. (Courtesy of Fervo)Federal agencies have geothermal energy in sight, and are injecting funds for projects in Utah. The U.S. Department of Energy announced Monday it is granting $99 million for 21 geothermal energy development projects throughout the country. Five of them are in Utah. Five of the projects the department selected are working on conducting tests of enhanced geothermal systems “to validate technologies under real-world conditions,” the agency said in a news release. Projects from Zanskar Geothermal and Minerals, AlterG Resources, and the University of Utah, all based in Salt Lake City, made the cut. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. “These projects will empower American innovators to unlock the tremendous geothermal resources beneath our feet,” Department of Energy undersecretary Kyle Haustveit said in the release. The Utah companies and research institutions selected by the department are deploying their projects in different out-of-state sites, including locations in Hidalgo County, New Mexico; Pershing and Churchill Counties, Nevada, and the Dixie Valley West geothermal field, also in Nevada. The remaining 16 projects are conducting exploration drilling to identify new geothermal and conventional hydrothermal geothermal generation. The University of Utah and Zanskar Geothermal and Minerals are also among those. Four Mountain West states join forces to accelerate geothermal energy development The University of Utah’s exploration drilling project is expected to study “a large thermal anomaly in Utah’s Cove Fort geothermal field.” And projects from out-of-state companies, like Nevada’s Raser Power System, will explore increased generation at a geothermal power plant in Utah’s Escalante Desert.  The technology can produce renewable energy, converting heat from under the surface of the earth into electricity. Amid a push to multiply energy sources, the development of geothermal has attracted bipartisan attention. Even recently, Utah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico joined forces to create a Mountain West Geothermal Consortium to accelerate the technology’s development. The data generated by these projects is expected to become publicly available through the Department of Energy’s Geothermal Data Repository to help “inform future technology development and geothermal exploration across the industry,” the release says.  SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Utah News Dispatch

Healthcare and insurance rules for 8 investor-residence programs

An immigration approval answers whether someone may reside in the country. It rarely answers the next question: how that resident gets healthcare and who pays. Under these eight routes, a holder may need private insurance, separate public-system enrollment or direct payment at resident or expatriate rates.The practical questions are whether a resident may use public providers, qualifies for the public system, has completed enrollment, and also, who remains responsible for the bill. Drawing on official immigration, health agency and legislative sources that were current as of Aug. 14, 2026, Golden Visa Lawyers explains what you need to know about healthcare access for eight investor-residence programs.Access, eligibility, enrollment and payment are separate questionsA residence card may allow the holder to use public hospitals or clinics. Whether the state pays depends on separate health-system rules.For each program, check four things:Access: Can the resident use public healthcare providers?Eligibility: Does the resident qualify for the national health system?Enrollment: What registration must be completed before coverage becomes active?Payment: Will the state, an insurer or the patient pay for treatment?A gap can open between residence approval and active health coverage. A newly legal resident may still be waiting to enroll, meet an ordinary-residence test or qualify for public insurance through employment.Comparison at a glancePortugal ARIImmigration-stage requirement: SNS coverage or qualifying health insurancePublic-system route: SNS registration following legal residencePotential resident cost: Private premiums during uninsured periods and charges for care outside applicable SNS coverageGreece Golden VisaImmigration-stage requirement: Private insurance initially and at renewalPublic-system route: Separate qualifying insured statusPotential resident cost: Insurance premiums and costs outside the policyItaly Investor VisaImmigration-stage requirement: Some consulates require temporary entry coverPublic-system route: Compulsory enrollment through a qualifying category or paid voluntary SSN enrollmentPotential resident cost: Annual SSN contribution or private premiumsHungary guest-investor routeImmigration-stage requirement: For applicants who require a guest-investor visa, healthcare evidence at the visa stage; visa-exempt applicants may apply directly for the residence permitPublic-system route: Separate insured status or healthcare-services agreementPotential resident cost: Insurance, direct treatment costs or advance public-system paymentsMalta MPRPImmigration-stage requirement: Continuing health insurancePublic-system route: Separate entitlement through employment or another qualifying routePotential resident cost: Continuing premiums and policy cost-sharingCyprus investor permitImmigration-stage requirement: Initial inpatient and outpatient insurancePublic-system route: GeSY eligibility through permanent residence and ordinary residencePotential resident cost: Contributions, copayments and insurance until enrolledUAE investor Golden ResidencyImmigration-stage requirement: Requirements vary by emirate and applicant categoryPublic-system route: Primarily insurance-based expatriate carePotential resident cost: Premiums, deductibles and uninsured treatmentBahrain property-owner Golden ResidencyImmigration-stage requirement: Bahrain-issued health-insurance certificatePublic-system route: Public providers are available to residentsPotential resident cost: Insurance costs and official non-Bahraini tariffsPortugal: Legal residence can lead to SNS coveragePortugal's residence permit for investment is commonly known as the Golden Visa, although its official name is the Autorização de Residência para Atividade de Investimento, or ARI. Applicants using Portugal's fund route can compare disclosed fees, minimums and terms before obtaining independent legal, tax and investment advice.The health requirement allows an applicant to demonstrate either existing coverage through the Serviço Nacional de Saúde, Portugal's National Health Service, or qualifying health insurance. The insurance must be internationally recognized and valid for the requested residence period or automatically renewable, according to AIMA's ARI requirements.Once legally resident, a foreign national can obtain an SNS user number and register at a health center. Registration involves more than receiving the number. Government guidance says the person's record generally needs to include identification, a Portuguese tax number, a Portuguese address and a valid residence permit before the SNS assumes financial responsibility for care.Portuguese government guidance warns that an SNS user number alone does not guarantee coverage of healthcare costs. Investors who plan to rely on the SNS need to complete the registration process and confirm that their beneficiary record is active.Cyprus: Permanent residence can establish GeSY eligibilityCyprus initially requires investor-permit applicants and their dependents to carry insurance covering inpatient and outpatient treatment. Its rules then allow a transition into the General Healthcare System, known as GeSY.A non-EU citizen who holds permanent residence and ordinarily resides in the areas controlled by the Republic of Cyprus is an express GeSY eligibility category. The country's investor immigration permit can satisfy the permanent-residence part of that test.Coverage still requires action by the resident. The holder must enroll in the GeSY Beneficiary Registry and register with a personal doctor. Contributions and statutory copayments can apply after enrollment.Cyprus also monitors health coverage after the residence permit is issued. Its investor-permit policy requires annual evidence of private insurance when an investor or family member is no longer a GeSY beneficiary.A qualifying Cyprus permanent resident who lives ordinarily in the country may become eligible for GeSY without an employment-based entitlement. The resident must still enroll.Italy offers compulsory and voluntary SSN routesItaly's national Investor Visa program does not list continuing private health insurance as a universal renewal condition. Official renewal guidance instead requires the qualifying investment or donation to be maintained.Entry-document requirements vary by consulate. For example, the Italian Embassy in Abu Dhabi's investor-visa checklist requires overseas medical insurance covering the Schengen Area for at least 30 days. Applicants should follow the checklist of the consulate handling their case; this entry cover is distinct from the residence permit renewal condition.Once resident, the investor's position depends on their wider circumstances. Official Investor Visa FAQs state that investor-permit holders may work as employees or on a self-employed basis. Qualifying employment or self-employment can place them in a compulsory category for SSN enrollment.Regularly resident non-EU nationals who fall outside the compulsory categories and hold permits lasting more than three months may instead enroll voluntarily in the SSN. Voluntary enrollment requires an annual contribution. The statutory minimum for ordinary voluntary enrollment has been 2,000 euros since 2024, although the amount due can vary according to the applicable calculation.The residence permit allows the holder to use those routes. SSN coverage still depends on the separate health-system rules.Greece requires private insurance at renewalGreece's Golden Visa rules require applicants to provide a private insurance contract covering health and safety risks when applying for the investor residence permit. Applicants must show it again at renewal, according to the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum.A Golden Visa holder may later obtain public insurance through another qualifying status, such as eligible employment, self-employment or dependent coverage. That entitlement is separate from the residence permit.AMKA identifies a person within Greece's social-security and healthcare administration. Active insurance capacity is a separate status that can be checked through e-EFKA on gov.gr.Malta separates permanent residence from health entitlementThe Malta Permanent Residence Programme requires applicants to hold a health-insurance policy covering the risks normally covered for Maltese nationals. The policy must be maintained after the permanent-residence certificate is issued.Malta's MPRP regulations set out the certificate's limits. The certificate grants the beneficiary and qualifying dependents indefinite residence, but the certificate does not, on its own, confer other rights under the country's immigration rules.MPRP status does not itself create a public-healthcare entitlement. Depending on the person's circumstances, entitlement may instead arise through employment and social-security contributions or EU coordination; Malta's social-security contribution guidance and EU coordination rules should be checked for the applicable route.An MPRP holder without a separate public entitlement must continue relying on the required health-insurance policy. Failure to maintain the policy can place the residence certificate at risk.Hungary: The healthcare-evidence stage depends on visa statusHungary's rule changes depending on whether the applicant needs a guest-investor visa.The immigration authority says proof of subsistence and healthcare coverage is required for the guest-investor visa. It is not listed as a separate requirement when the residence permit application is filed. Nationals of countries exempt from Hungary's visa requirement may enter and apply directly for the residence permit.For applicants who need a guest-investor visa, the official program guidance accepts several forms of evidence. These include qualifying healthcare coverage, private insurance valid in Hungary, an eligible agreement with the public healthcare system or evidence that the applicant can pay for treatment.The public system agreement requires an advance payment covering 24 months plus one additional month. Entitlement begins in the following month. The National Health Insurance Fund's agreement rules list the services excluded from agreement-based entitlement.The evidence used at the visa stage has practical consequences. Proof of funds does not enroll the applicant in public healthcare. Private insurance and a healthcare-services agreement provide different forms of protection.UAE rules depend on the emirateInvestor Golden Residency holders generally rely on health insurance, but the rules differ by emirate and applicant category.Dubai requires health insurance for residents, as described in the official Dubai insurance FAQ. A Dubai Health Authority circular explains the insurance check used for residence-visa issuance and renewal. The investor and each sponsored family member need coverage that meets the applicable Dubai rules.Abu Dhabi uses a different process for Golden Visa holders. Employees generally remain covered through their employer's policy. Applicants outside the employee category must maintain comprehensive insurance for themselves and their families, according to the Abu Dhabi Department of Health.A non-employed applicant who lacks coverage when filing may sign an undertaking to obtain it. The Abu Dhabi Department of Health says that if coverage is not provided, the applicant bears all healthcare and medical-service costs.An Emirates Health Services health card provides access to EHS facilities. It is separate from health insurance; EHS says outpatient fees are determined on a case-by-case basis, according to health-card type and valid insurance, if any.Bahrain residents can face non-Bahraini tariffsBahrain's Golden Residency covers several categories. This comparison concerns property owners.Applicants must provide a valid health insurance certificate issued in Bahrain, according to the Golden Residency document checklist. A separate government service for relatives also requires a Bahrain-issued medical insurance certificate for qualifying family members.Bahrain allows residents to register with and use public healthcare providers. Payment is a separate matter. The Ministry of Health publishes treatment charges for non-Bahraini patients, including hospital procedures and outpatient services.The payment route may change with employment or enrollment in a mandatory insurance category. Property owners should budget for their policy terms and any applicable official non-Bahraini charges.5 questions to answer before applyingApplicants should check healthcare arrangements for every family member, including the period between arrival and public-system enrollment. Five questions need answers:Does each family member need a separate policy or certificate?Does public eligibility require the holder to live in the country ordinarily?Which registrations must be completed after the residence card is issued?What premiums, contributions, copayments or expatriate tariffs will apply?Would taking employment change the holder's public-insurance status?No single authority answers all five. Immigration officials set the residence-application requirements. Health agencies decide public eligibility and enrollment. Insurers define policy coverage, exclusions and cost-sharing.Before relying on any healthcare pathway, applicants should obtain written confirmation of when coverage begins, which registrations activate it and what each family member must maintain in the meantime. Those details should be checked again before renewal or a change in residence or employment status.This story was produced by Golden Visa Lawyers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Americans own more clothes than ever. Here's how to store them correctly.

American wardrobes have exploded.According to research by the United States Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), the average American now buys about 53 new garments a year. That means we’re purchasing four times more clothing than we did in the year 2000.Sadly, a lot of that has no place to go at home, and it ends up getting tossed. The Environmental Protection Agency counts 17 million tons of textile waste in a single year. That’s up more than 800% since 1960.The part that makes organizers wince? A big share of what gets tossed isn't worn out. It's ruined in storage, and an overstuffed closet is where it starts. There is a simple test, says Mindy Godding, co-owner of Abundance Organizing, in a rundown of common closet storage mistakes. "If you can slide the hangers back and forth with ease, you're good, but if you have to get in there and shove the neck of the hanger over, it's a good indication that it's overstuffed." Her target: "A quarter of an inch of space on each side is best."That waste costs real money. The Council for Textile Recycling estimates the average American discards about 70 pounds of clothing and textiles a year.Closets by Design, a custom closets and storage company with locations across the U.S. and Canada, reports that how clothing is stored can play a role in how well it holds up over time. Organizers say a meaningful share is damage, not wear: moth holes, mildew, sun fading, and garments stretched or crushed between seasons.The insects that do the worst of it are picky. Moths "generally attack wool and hair fibers such as mohair, cashmere, angora, camel, reindeer," writes Linda Heaton, professor of textiles and environment at the University of Kentucky, in that state's clothing storage guide. And they are drawn to what is on a garment as much as the garment itself. "You'll want to wash or dry clean all your items before storing them away, as dirt makes your clothes more attractive to pests," says textile conservator Camille Myers Breeze of Museum Textile Services, in an explainer on clothes moths.The challenge looks different on different weather maps. In four-season states, a whole winter of coats and boots need a home from April to October.Di Ter Avest, a professional organizer, gives advice on the essential seasonal swap. "Take out everything that's clearly summer-only, like swimsuits, tank tops, or sandals, and store them in bins or storage bags. This instantly creates space and makes it easier to see your fall pieces."In warm-weather states, the rotation is smaller but real, built around travel wardrobes, holiday outfits, and the occasional cold snap. Either way, the goal is the same: Get clothes out of daily space without letting storage become the place where they are forgotten.How to store clothes without damaging themWhat actually protects clothes? Rigid bins beat cardboard, which invites pests and moisture. Linda Heaton, professor of textiles and environment at the University of Kentucky, writes in that state’s clothing storage guide, "Corrugated plastic boxes that are lightweight, sturdy, waterproof and vented are good for storage,” Heaton writes. Clear containers let you see what's inside. Opaque ones protect against light in bright spaces.Professional organizer Heather Aiello agrees. “Cardboard attracts moisture and pests that can ruin fabrics, causing mold, mildew or even holes, " she tells Reader's Digest.And skip the vacuum bags for anything long-term. Compressed fibers can't breathe, and they come out with deep wrinkles and warped shapes. "The bags shrink up to really odd shapes,” says Megan Duesterhaus, Organization Expert at The Homes I Have Made. “They are in no way flat, stackable, or uniform. Rather, they become a firm, inflexible, misshapen blob that can be difficult to store.”The goal is breathable, not sealed. "You don't want to seal it in a plastic bag, you want to let it breathe," says Ann Sullivan, founder of Ann Sullivan Organizing in New York City, in that same closet storage rundown.The Smithsonian's Division of Textiles recommends garments be wrapped in "clean, white cotton cloth, such as an old sheet or pillowcase, or in muslin" and, if plastic is used at all, only "loosely encased in an unsealed plastic wrapping." For pieces that keep their shape on a hanger, breathable cotton garment bags beat plastic dry-cleaning film, which traps moisture against the fabric.“Throw away those thin, plastic garment bags that the dry cleaner gives you,” warns professional organizer Allyson Cartwright in a list of things to toss right away. "I know these give the perception of your clothes being protected from the elements in your closet, but they can actually trap some harmful gas that can cause discoloration in your clothes."Museum conservators put it plainly. "Do not store textiles in plastic dry-cleaning bags or plastic tote boxes as these contain plasticizers that can harm fibers and even change colors of dyes," advises the North Carolina Museum of History.Location matters most of all. Attics, garages, and basements without humidity control are among the riskiest places in a house for stored fabric. The Library of Congress has some blunt advice on the matter: "Do not store objects of value in the basement, attic, or garage. These areas are unsuitable for safely storing collections because of poor temperature and relative humidity control and higher risk of leaks and floods."Also, be aware that a good bin does not fix a bad room. In that same guidance, the Library of Congress also notes that plastic bins "do not offer protection against the deteriorating effects of environmental extremes found in basements/attics/garages."Prep counts as much as the container. "Properly clean garments (launder or dryclean) prior to storage, checking carefully for any unnoticed spots or stains," Heaton writes, because body oils and food residue set into stains and attract pests. Do a quick repair pass while loose buttons and split seams are still small jobs. Label bins by season and category. For wool, Heaton recommends a cedar enclosure "constructed of heartwood at least 3/4 inch thick," though she is clear that hardware is not the main event: "The most reasonable approach to preventing insect damage is storing items clean, and in a well-ventilated, clean storage area."The other half of the fix is subtraction. "Declutter as you swap it out," says Tracy McCubbin, founder and CEO of the organizing firm dClutterfly in the same seasonal swap guide. "Till I'm blue in the face, if you didn't wear it last winter, you're not going to wear it this year."Ben Soreff of House to Home Organizing suggests a gentler way in. "Instead of being negative and saying I haven't worn it in a year or I don't need it, focus on why you haven't worn it." The seasonal changeover is the natural moment to act on it.Closets aren't getting bigger. But designed well, they don't need to. The right custom layout can keep the clothes you wear the most within reach and everything else protected until it's back in season.This story was produced by Closets by Design and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Wapsipinicon River hits major flood stage near DeWitt

The Wapsipinicon River reached major flood stage at 13.1 feet near DeWitt, threatening homes, businesses, and Old Highway 61 ahead of a Wednesday crest.

Trump's D.C. arch is now a military complex. Here's how that complicates things

The future of Trump's D.C. arch was already fraught. Then he rebranded it as a military complex. Experts say that only raises more legal and logistical questions.

North Scott Press — September 23, 2026

Princeton mobile homes lose water

The remaining residents of Rivercrest Estates, Princeton’s mobile home park, lost water service last Thursday, Sept. 17. The shutoff came one month after city officials warned that park owner Mary Diercks was delinquent on months of utility bills and had let water mains and other infrastructure deteriorate. They promised to end water service Sept. 17 if Diercks did not pay delinquent bills and make emergency repairs. Mayor Travis Volrath said Diercks had failed to pay bills, make repairs or respond to messages from the city. She has not responded to the North Scott Press’s repeated requests for comment. City officials have estimated that the park has between 60 and 70 residents. Michelle LaMaster lives at Rivercrest with her husband Joseph and daughter Cheyenne. She asked Diercks to pay overdue bills, but Diercks told the family that “they had been properly notified to get out,” Cheyenne said. On Thursday, hours after the water shutoff began, the LaMasters said they had nowhere to go. They are worried that their trailer will be tagged uninhabitable, leaving them homeless. “I'm on oxygen. No apartments will take me,” Michelle said. “Once they tag, I'm on the streets and I'll be deceased.” In the meantime, one of Joseph’s coworkers will tote five-gallon buckets of water to the trailer from his home in Princeton. He commutes to Hardee’s in Bettendorf while Cheyenne serves as caretaker for her mother. Don Smith has lived in Rivercrest since 1993, and has outfitted his trailer with two porches and a ramp. While he has secured a lot at the Walcott mobile home park, he is struggling to find the $10,000 he expects it will cost to haul the trailer across the county. He said he could move in with children of grandchild. But his trailer was “his home.” “I’m not leaving my place,” he said. He said community service groups that city officials brought to Princeton couldn’t help him finance the move. “I went to the meeting, I asked them all for help. They wouldn’t help me,” he said. Scott County community services has said they can help provide first month’s rent to residents leaving Rivercrest.  Smith said he still pays lot rent to Diercks. The LaMaster family has not paid lot rent since an attorney with Iowa legal aid advised them not to after Diercks refused to make improvements at their trailer. They said they have roof leaks and low water pressure. When a tree fell on top of the ramp that leads to their front door, Diercks refused to have it removed and Michelle was briefly homebound. Diercks told them she would not make repairs until they pay lot rent and late fees she has levied. Diercks told the NSP last fall that she could not afford repairs with the number of tenants who refused to pay rent. But in October 2025, she paid $50,000 in back taxes to maintain ownership of the property. City officials have estimated that as many as half of Rivercrest’s lots are abandoned, and that the park now has just 60–70 residents. Some of them are already leaving, like Kara Sires, who was packing her things Thursday afternoon and heading to Clinton. She has lived at Rivercrest for the last 18 months. “I kind of am excited to get out of here,” she said. “There’s a lot of problems here.” She said she had “pretty much given up” trying to get a hold of Diercks to address problems. Volrath said that the city had planned a meeting for residents for next Thursday, Sept. 24. The meeting would be closed to the press. City council members Brandon Forristall and Lori Maher, who serve as the city water committee, would attend. “After next Thursday, I’ll have some more information” for the public, Volrath said.  

Police officers honored with D.C. flight

Walcott and Eldridge police officers were among those flown to Washington, D.C. during the nation’s first honor flight for law enforcement. The Quad City Back the Blue Honor Flight left Moline near dawn and touched down back down past 10 p.m. In the hours between, 170 Quad City officers and family members visited the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, Capitol Hill, and other D.C. sights. “It was something special,” he told The North Scott Press. Organizers raised every dollar needed to bring officers to D.C. “The money they raised, the support from the community here in the Quad Cities was really amazing. It truly showed how many people still support law enforcement.” Officers arrived at the Moline airport early Wednesday,  Sept. 9, to an honor guard drawn from local military and law enforcement agencies. The Salvation Army handed out coffee and donuts, retired Walcott Police Chief Jeff Blake said. Then it was through the air to the tarmac at Washington Dulles, where firefighters greeted the plane with a water salute. A fleet of officers on motorcycles escorted the honor flight’s chartered bus into the city to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The memorial’s marble walls hold the names of more than 20,000 officers killed in the line of duty since 1791. Among those on the honor flight were two gold star families of Quad City police officers killed in the line of duty in Iowa and Illinois, Lellig said. They found the names of their relatives at the memorial. “All the honor and respect to fallen officers was pretty surreal,” Lellig said. Eldridge Cpl. Jack Schwertman, also on the flight, agreed. “Obviously, police officers are killed every year,” he said. “But to see how it effects the families first hand—it was just kind of an emotional experience.” From the memorial, the flight traveled to the Capitol, then on to the Lincoln Memorial for a group photograph. Travel delays kept the group stranded in D.C. until well into the evening. Their return was triumphant—the crowd had waited several hours, and anticipation had built. Several hundred people gathered in the airport terminal with smiles and signs to welcome their families home. “It was tremendous to see everyone support us coming back,” Blake said. Lellig called it the best part of his day. Beyond the attraction of D.C., the flight was a chance for retired and active duty police officers across the Quad Cities to swap stories and reflect on their work, Schwertman said. Officers “got to intermingle and open up the circle of people you know,” he said. While honor flights for military veterans have spread across the country, this is the first for law enforcement officers. Eldridge and Walcott officers on the trip said they hope the idea catches on. “I look forward to getting the chance to help other active and retired officers share this same experience,” Walcott Police Chief Adam Hill said, “and pay their respects to the fallen brothers and sisters that gave their lives serving and protecting for the greater good.” “It’s humbling to be part of such a special event,” he added. “It was a tremendous day to go out and do that stuff,” Blake said. “I hope it continues from here on out.”  

East Moline Fire Department accepting firefighter applications

The East Moline Fire Department is hiring! The department is now accepting applications to fill five openings for firefighters. Testing for applicants is now open and will be conducted through the National Testing Network (NTN). Click here for more information on testing and to begin the application/testing process.

Schroeder is Iowa Arts Administrator of the Year

When Lancer Productions staged Frozen, Jr. in 2022, North Scott Activities Director Jason Schroeder was thrilled. And terrified. He had promised to bring the show to North Scott after seeing the movie with his daughters. But he had also promised to don an inflatable costume of Olaf the snowman to direct traffic before the show. Don the costume he did. It’s just one of the many things that earned Schroeder from the School Administrators of Iowa as Fine Arts Administrator of the Year. “It's a great honor, I appreciate it, but I have great people around me,” Schroeder said. “I have an outstanding fine arts team, and they deserve more the credit than I do.” As activities director, Schroeder oversees North Scott’s fine arts and athletics programs. He took on the role in 2012, after returning to North Scott—he’s Class of ’96—as a special education teacher and coach in 2003. He did not participate much in fine arts as a student. “I wanted to do it, but I was too nervous to do it,” he said. “I was always nervous to be on stage in front of people.” It’s one of his biggest regrets. “It’d be the one thing, if I could go back and change something during my high school junior high career.” Schroeder received the award on the recommendation of fellow arts staff at North Scott. Lancer Productions Director Stacie Kintigh wrote that Schroeder was “an unwavering champion of all arts programs” in a letter to the SAI. His leadership helped build and sustain top theater, music and speech programs—and it is literally building a new orchestra room. “The results speak for themselves,” Kintigh wrote. North Scott Speech Director Emily Hintze has worked with Schroeder for 14 years. “You wouldn’t think for such an athletic guy he loves speech and theater, but he does,” she said. “Bringing joy to what he’s doing is Jason’s strength and leadership. He wants us to have a good time, and he wants the students to have a good time.” Iowa Alliance for Arts Education Director Leon Kuehner said in a press release that Schroeder “exemplifies the spirit of the SAI Fine Arts Administrator Award.” “He empowers his fine arts teachers to thrive and advocates for a culture where students in fine arts are seen, valued, and equipped to succeed,” Kuehner said. “That’s the biggest thing: knowing day to day that he supports what the students are working for, and what they’re doing,” Hintze added. North Scott Band Director Mike McMann said Schroeder helps his program in every way he can. You could find Schroeder setting up chairs before a show, or giving up his spring break to chaperone the school band’s trips to Disney. “I know people probably think I'm crazy —what are you doing, type of thing—but I I absolutely love it,” Schroeder said. It includes an 18 to 20 hour bus ride each way. “It is it is such a great time.” The SAI award is not the first time Schroeder has been recognized as an outstanding leader: he received a similar award from the Iowa High School Speech Association, and he’s been named southeastern Iowa’s athletic director of the year three times by the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association. Schroeder is reluctant to take much credit for his recognitions. “I appreciate the honor, but when I when I got it, I told everybody's: it's them,” he said, referring to North Scott’s fine arts staff. “They do the work, and I'm just here to be the person to help guide them along the way. It's an awesome honor to have, but those guys and ladies—they bust their tails, and I don't think everybody always knows how much they are doing.”  

Eldridge, county awash in recent rains

A week's worth of rainfall wreaked havoc on Scott County, as evidenced by area flooding. Clockwise from top left: Field flooding in Donahue, the Wapsi River near Long Grove, Sheridan Meadows in Eldridge, and Pride Lake at Scott County Park.  

210th Street political signs vandalized

Republican signs on 210th Street were vandalized last Thursday evening. Sheriff Tim Lane told The NSP Monday that, while the department will follow up on any leads, political vandalism isn't unusual, especially in an election year. “It just kind of tells you what political environment we are in locally and nationally. People are very, very involved in the political atmosphere, and they’re willing to go to the extent of going on other people’s properties to destroy signs," Lane said.

North Scott National Honor Society welcomes 20 members

The Phyllis Heuer Chapter of National Honor Society at North Scott High School held its induction ceremony on Monday, Sept. 14, in the Fine Arts Auditorium. Twenty new members were welcomed to the chapter. NHS president Parker Hamly presided over the ceremony, which included recognition of this year’s seniors and induction of the new members. Hamly also led a presentation on the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Service, Leadership and Character. New inductees included seniors Maxwell Davis, Madelynne Kindig, Victoria Samara, Natalie Sierk and Tyler West; and juniors Alec Chizek, Grace Clark, Emma Hamann, Anna Jones, Emma Kruse, Shannon Moeller, Natalie O’Flahrity, Chloe Rickertsen, Bella Riley, Brinley Schroeder, Kora Thiessen, Riley Toohey, Dana Webb, Addyson Yanke and Zach Zrostlik. Previously inducted current members of NHS include Jorge Azuela, Nora Davis, Lillian Farro, Treyton Feist, Parker Hamly, Marley Harrington, Madilynn Hillmann, Kelsie Hilsenbeck, Madelyn Jepsen, Grady Kirst, Katelyn Kuesel, Katherine Moeller, Katelyn Peck, Lydia Petefish, Emmersen Plett, Aaron Raleigh, Emma Reif, Bryce Stewart, Isabella Suarez and Eisely Weinert.

Businesses sue over Scott County valuations

The Iowa 80 Truckstop and Grand Haven Retirement Community are among five Scott County properties whose owners have sued to have their multimillion-dollar property valuations dropped lowered in district court. The four properties are: • Iowa 80. The Scott County Board of Review has assessed the 17 parcels which compose the truck stop at $27,991,700. The Iowa 80 Group has sued. • Grand Haven. The Board of Review assessed the 201. E. Franklin Street property at $13,244,000. Property owner Callahan Construction has sued.  • Arconic. The Board of Review assessed Arconic’s Riverdale factory complex at $52,162,700. Arconic has sued. • Pebble Creek Villas. The Board of Review has assessed the 21-parcel LeClaire development at a combined $1,676,900. The development company has sued. • Bettendorf Hy-Vee. The Board of Review assessed the 2900 Devils Glen Road Bettendorf Hy-Vee at $10,136,800. Hy-Vee, Inc., the grocer’s corporate wing, has sued to have the valuation dropped to $5,068,400. Under Iowa law, property owners must appeal property valuations to the board of review before proceeding to district court. The board of review did not revise its valuations of any of the above properties on appeal. A greater number of property owners sued the Scott County Board of Review last year in district court. Iowa 80, Arconic and Pebble Creek all sued, alongside Tanglefoot, Glenbrook Ridge Senior Living and other developers. Some of those cases have been dismissed while others may proceed to trial.

Running wild in McCausland

2026 Labor Day Race in McCausland It was a beautiful day for a run and Aaron Skopec ran away from everyone in a time of 16:55 and Miah Allison ran it in 24:01 for the women, the mile race was won by Ryder Garlough in 7:55 for the boys and the girls was won by Makenzie Garlough in 8:48. The ¼ mile was won by Freddie Pfitzenmair in 2:03 for the boys and Adelyn Anderson ran it in 2:40 for the girls. Men’s 5k 12 & under Dawson Hanson 38:16(34) 13-19 Nate Holst 21:04(2) Colin Luckritz 23:42(4) Carter Jost 33:22(27) 20-29 Nikola Davis 23:50(5) Jeremy Yost 24:20(9) Brady Ernst 58:10(51) 30-39 Anthony Garlough 25:02(11) Ty Williams 28:13(17) Jeffrey Aplin 53:53(47) 40-49 John Hoffman 23:16(3) Travis Henningsen 25:56(14) B. Booto 40:46(37) 50-59 Dustin Henningsen 24:46(10) Stephen Wail 40:28(36) Herman Felix 58:46(52) 60-69 Bob Snyder 26:50(16) Kevin Rice 29:11(18) Andy Anderson 29:28(20) Brian Kopf 31:00(24) Paul Schmidt 33:46(29) Scott Lindle 59:03(53) 70-79 Robert Thompson 26:25(15) Bob Madison 30:42(23) Charlie Johnson 42:12(39) Gary Loy 48:09(40)   Women’s 5k 12 & under Harlee McGee 37:07(33) 13-19 Myla Hnason 25:46(12) Aspen Hanson 31:07(25) Rachel Reeves 33:08(26) 20-29 Ashlynn Ernst 58:10(50) 30-39 Cori Wail 34:37(30) Carlie Fascher 36:59(32) 40-49 Tara Flesch 24:02(7) Julie Anderson 24:20(8) Melissa Hoffman 25:25(13) Jamie Bocox 29:16(19) Liz Allison 30:24(22) Elizabeth Jost 33:24(28) Felipa Ruiz 36:58(31) Kelsey Hanson 42:10(38) Erin Bickford 53:49(45) 60-69 Carol Hultquist 39:05(35) Sofia Simons 51:05(44) Deb Luce 53:53(46) Laurie Gaertnier 54:26(48) 70-79 Sue Johnson 30:22(21) Jean Roeder 49:00(41) Janelle Swauberg 49:06(43) 80-89 Judie Gulley 49:03(42) Grace Knapper 56:11(49) 1 mile boys Drake Pillard 8:21(2) Harper Soda 10:18(7) Reed Morris 10:28(8) Cole Scoma 10:28(9) Everett Christensen 11:20(10) Zack Scoma 11:22(11) Charlie Pfitzenmaier 11:32(12) 1 mile girls Hailey Fitzgerald 9:45(4) Bella Ingersoll 9:45(5) Emery Pillard 9:51(6) ¼ mile boys Theodore Soda 2:20(2) Gavin Christensen 2:21(3) Oliver Kirby 3:08(5) Harvey Brimeyer 3:22(7) Sammy Scoma 3:25(8) ¼ mile girls Amelia Brimeyer 3:11(6) Opal Kirby 3:59(9)

Monmouth College 2nd best value regional college: U.S. News & World Report

Monmouth College has been named the second-best value regional college in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. Monmouth was also ranked No. 15 in the Midwest among "Top Private Colleges." "Our students are the reason behind everything we do," said Monmouth President Patricia Draves. "It's our mission to help them realize their full [...]

Keller Kearney wins Football Contest — again

For the second week in a row, Keller Kearney of Park View won the NSP Football Contest. Keller missed one, with a tiebreaker of 56. That was the exact number of points in the Ole Miss win over LSU. Keller wins $50. Coming in second was Doyle Fox of DeWitt, who missed one with a tiebreaker of 55, good enough for $25. Third place, and $10, goes to Ken Moss of Eldridge. Ken missed one, with a tiebreaker of 59. Carson Kress of Eldridge also missed one, with a tiebreaker of 61. Those who missed two, and their tiebreakers, were Marty Kearney (54), Caitlin Kearney (57), Vicki Kearney (56), Jim Roseman (63), Glen Naber (41), Bryan Janoski (41), Mark Bloom (48), Alec Clark (54), Scott Kashmarek (62), Andrew Kashmarek (51), Steve Kuehn (60), Nicole Claussen (41), Heidi Holst (55), Tanner Burchette (62), Dale Bergert (32), and Dick Erps (49). Making up the honor roll were those who missed three: Robin Porter, Joseph Beale, Paxton Porter, Chase Porter, Jaclyn Kearney, Al Pawloski, Martha Pearce, Carson Lage, Emmett DeLuca, Kathy Straley, Bennett Fox, Mack Janoski, Lyn Jungblut, Scott Ossowski, Brian Wood, Troy Harmel, Eric Clark, Thomas Jungblut, Jeff Kress, Keaton Kress, Nicole Steinbeck, Matthew Steinbeck, Robert Fox, Mary Kashmarek, Reilly Kashmarek, Peggy Kuehn, Maddox Drummond, Gary Hansen, Dennis Claussen, Adam Claussen, Rryan Claussen, Gary Culver, Clay DeCock, Hadley DeCook, Mark Tomsche, Lorna Lillis, Marty Lillis, Liv Mossage, Cole Ernst, Derrick Barry, and Judy Bergert. Twenty-five missed four and 15 missed five. There were 111 entries. Games missed most frequently included Clear Creek-Amana over North Scott, Kentucky over Texas A&M and Ole Miss over LSU. Other winners were Davenport North over Davenport Central, Clinton over Maquoketa, Western Dubuque over Decorah, Arizona State over Kansas, Alabama over Florida State, Louisville over SMU, Iowa over UNI, Iowa State over Bowling Green, Notre Dame over Michigan State, and TCU over Arkansas State. Nine weeks remain in the contest, with a new slate of games in this week’s paper. Be sure to visit our sponsors to pick up your entry forms: Porter Insurance, DuTrac Community Credit Union, ORA Sports Medicine, Farm Bureau Financial Services – Tony Burkhart, First Central State Bank, Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors – Nancy Billups, King’s Material, Eldridge Body Shop, Amhof Trucking, Iowa 80 Truckstop, and Steve’s Auto.  

The 2026 Booker Prize shortlist is 'writing at its best'

This year's shortlist is made up of former Booker winners and debut authors, with tales spanning a wide range of genres, from historical fiction to campus novel to dystopian fiction.

More NS students learning about career pathways

More North Scott students than ever have opportunities to explore career paths, as the District Career and Academic Plan has been expanded to include elementary students. At the Sept. 14 school board meeting, high school principal Andrew Lehn and junior high principal Chad Jones gave the annual fall DCAP update. Elementary guidance counselor Jill Peekenschneider has been added to the DCAP team. Components for elementary students include a college and career unit for K-6 students, fifth graders participating in Junior Achievement’s BizTown, and additional partnerships with Junior Achievement. The district is also in its second year of using the career readiness platform Xello. “Essentially, it gets kids to understand what their skills are, what their interests are and then career navigation,” explained Lehn. Xello includes several assessments, such as an interests matchmaker tool. Jones said, at the junior high level, every student was able to work in Xello during the last school year. “We went into the social studies classrooms for that. All the students were able to look at what things interest them and what careers go with that,” Jones said. Students also complete Individual Career Development Plans. This includes five essential standards: self-understanding, compiling career information, career exploration, post-secondary exploration, and career and post-secondary decision-making. The ICAP can be informed by many activities offered by the district, including career exploration expos at the junior high and high school levels, career exploratory seminars and panel discussions for freshmen, job shadowing, internships and apprenticeships. Jones said he also spoke with junior high industrial tech teacher Isaac Simmons about the possibility of taking some students over to the student-built home site for this school year, which is just blocks away from the junior high. These kinds of activities help create career connections for students as they explore their interests. Lehn reported success with the district’s partnership with Eastern Iowa Community College. During the 2025-26 school year, 686 North Scott students were enrolled in one or more concurrent classes, with more than 50 concurrent and CCIR classes offered. More than 200 students attended an EICC orientation at the high school. College and Career Transitions counselor Patricia Madden also had success with students. Approximately 68% of high school seniors completed the FAFSA form for college financial aid, up from 56% the previous school year. Madden received an award for the district’s participation and growth in FAFSA applications. Homecoming Homecoming Week is Sept. 28 – Oct. 3. Superintendent Joe Stutting said the parade will be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1, with a shorter, revised route. The parade will no longer go along LeClaire Road. Instead, once the procession turns out of the Ed White parking lot, the parade will proceed west along West Prairie Vista Drive, then south on South 8th Street, east on Pinehurst Drive, and north on South 5th Street before returning to Lancer Stadium. Full details regarding Homecoming Week, including the required parade registration form, can be found at the district’s Homecoming Hub, north-scott.k12.ia.us/homecoming-hub. Recognitions Board members Joni Dittmer and Morgan Dunn handed out the first Lancer Pride Awards of the school year to Stephanie Peterson, a reading interventionist at Virgil Grissom, bus driver Connie Hart, and Ed White teacher Holly Timm. Peterson has been at Grissom for six years and has been in education for 20 years. Her nominator wrote about the impact Peterson had on her son and said she had been very encouraging. “That encouragement meant a ton to him,” read the nomination letter. “It made him want to keep working very hard and he speaks volumes about the relationship today.” The nomination letter also praised Petersen’s communication skills and her ability to work with parents. Hart has been a bus driver for eight years and drives the John Glenn route. “Connie is always thinking of the kids on the bus,” read her nomination letter. “She always makes my child feel welcomed and excited to see her every day.” Transportation director Derek Hamilton agreed. “We are very fortunate to have Connie. She takes the time to get to know all of the individual kids on her route and she drives a lot of after-school activities, and she takes the time to get to know the entire team.” Hart said she enjoys driving and “spoiling” the students. Timm has been at North Scott for seven years and taught at Alan Shepard before coming over to Ed White. She has worked with several grade levels, including preschool, first and second grade and special education. “She truly loves working with our youngest learners and feels fortunate to have worked with so many,” Dittmer read from the nomination letter. “Mrs. Timm was very positive and kind. She talked me through my first school day being away from my parents. She made me feel safe and at home when I was with her.” Stutting also recognized athletes who received honors over the summer, including Reese Barnett, Delaney Hill and Nora Barnett (girls’ soccer), Micayla Ramirez and Alyssa Schroeder (track and field), Laney Welge, Brinley Schroeder and Cadey Bredar (softball) and Addison Eckhardt (girls’ golf). Student-built home The board approved several contracts for the student-built home including: • Engler Construction for flatwork at the site for $32,906.60 (including a $3,000 discount) • Premiere Plastering & Drywall Inc. for $20,711 • Hill Painting for $14,054 (including a $2,500 discount) • Kipper Carpentry for teaching roofing services for $1,750 (including a $1,750 discount) Bills District director of business affairs Lisa Jones presented $1,270,988.09 in bills for payment. Highlights included $29,535 to Affordable Parking Lot services for parking lot and sidewalk repairs across the district; $61,812 for Wenger Corporation for music equipment including choral risers and acoustical equipment; and $63,337.71 to Builder Sales & Service for painting projects conducted during the summer in multiple classrooms and entryways across the district. Jones said PPEL funds were used for the supplies from Wenger Corporation.

8 longevity habits to start in midlife

Trading your sedan for a sports car or ditching your hairstyle for a trendy cut may be the stereotypical "midlife crisis" many people in their 40s and 50s experience, but it doesn't have to be. Instead, you can make it a "midlife reset" where you create or solidify healthy habits—from strength-building exercises to sleep hygiene—that give you an advantage later in life.Of course, adopting healthy habits midlife may be easier said than done. Work and family commitments are likely at an all-time high, making self-care seem out of reach. Not to mention all the changes middle-aged bodies are going through, including:Hormonal shiftsSlower metabolismDecline in muscle mass and bone densityThe good news? Research shows that certain habits adopted during midlife can help minimize the downsides of aging. "Investing in your health in midlife will pay dividends in later years," noted integrative physician Dr. Michael A. Smith, director of education for Life Extension. "The trick is to start small. Just one to three simple changes can make a huge difference in your overall well-being, especially as you grow older."Ready to build the foundation for graceful aging? Life Extension compiled this list of eight habits that have been shown to have a long-term impact on your health, longevity, and quality of life.Key TakeawaysBeginning healthy habits in midlife can impact your quality of life in your senior years, and your longevity.Exercise, nutrition, and restorative sleep are the pillars of aging gracefully.Stress management, hormone balance, socializing, and proactive health are equally important.Establish healthy habits in your 40s and fine-tune them in your 50s.Protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats are essential for well-rounded nutrition, and supplements can fill in the gaps.Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen daily and scheduling regular blood work can help avoid health concerns later in life.1. Strength train to maintain muscle massWhen it comes to healthy aging, fitness is a must—specifically, strength training. After age 35, the average person experiences a natural decline of about 1%-2% of their muscle mass and strength each year. Over time, that can make daily tasks like climbing stairs and carrying groceries harder. Weight lifting and other types of resistance training send the message to your body that your muscles are still very much in use, so you can maintain your strength. In one systematic review and meta-analysis of 16 cohort studies, muscle-strengthening activities were associated with overall health and cardiovascular health, with the greatest benefits seen within 30 to 60 minutes per week.You'll want to set a goal for two to four strength-focused weekly workouts, such as powerlifting. If you’re not a fan of barbells, grab resistance bands or free weights, or incorporate body-weight exercises like planks, squats, or push-ups into your routine. Challenge yourself by gradually increasing the amount of weight and/or reps over time, so it never becomes easy. And don't forget recovery!Consider adding a creatine monohydrate supplement to your fitness routine; it's one of the most well-studied ingredients for exercise performance and muscle support. For example, in a review of 23 studies, four to 12 weeks of creatine supplementation combined with resistance training was shown to support both upper and lower body strength and lean muscle mass in healthy older adults. When it comes to cardio, keep it in the mix by swimming, walking, or cycling throughout the week.2. Prioritize protein, fiber, and healthy fatsMake room on your menu for fresh produce and nutrient-dense whole foods. One study conducted over the course of 30 years concluded that increased intakes of fruits, vegetables, unsaturated fats, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products were linked to better odds of healthy aging.If you’re unsure where to start, one of the most researched eating patterns is the Mediterranean diet, though it's less of a "diet" and more of a lifestyle. Inspired by the traditional cooking styles of countries around the Mediterranean Sea, the eating plan is packed with fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, nuts, olive oil, and fish. People who follow it are known to have better heart health and better long-term health as they age. One large systematic review and meta-analysis that included over 670,000 participants found that higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with improved overall health and cardiovascular health, particularly in older individuals. The high fiber and healthy fat content in these meals keep you feeling full for longer, which also helps with weight management—another plus for longevity.Pro tip: Despite their best intentions, many people fall short on daily fiber. Adding a fiber supplement can fill in the gaps.3. Protect your sleepThe restorative power of deep, high-quality sleep is unmatched in its ability to reset and repair your body and is a pillar of healthy aging. In fact, emerging research has discovered a network in the brain called the glymphatic system, which has been proposed to work like a dishwasher to clear the brain of waste while you sleep. So, if you are not getting enough sleep, it's possible your brain won't get enough time to flush metabolic waste and keep your body functioning at its best. And without sufficient sleep, it can be harder to manage mood, cravings, and overall energy.If you're in midlife, you may already be experiencing hot flashes, night sweats or muscle stiffness, so it's a good idea to create a solid sleep routine now before it's even more challenging in later years. Aim for seven to nine hours each night, with a consistent schedule of when you go to sleep and when you wake up.To get the best quality slumber, avoid screens an hour before bedtime, keep your room cool and dark (blackout curtains and a sleep mask are helpful) and practice calming activities before dozing off.4. Balance your hormonesHormones are your body's chemical messengers, impacting everything from metabolism to mood—and keeping them in balance has been linked to overall health and longevity. For example, in a meta-analysis that included nearly 25,000 men (ages 40 to 70), balanced hormone levels were linked to better overall and cardiovascular health outcomes.The midlife years for women, however, are marked by estrogen shifts as they journey into perimenopause and menopause, while men see changes in testosterone levels after age 40. For both women and men, out-of-whack hormones can make everything feel "off"—sex drive, sleep, energy, weight management, and even mood.Be proactive about your hormone health by scheduling an appointment with your doctor for a comprehensive exam and lab work that includes hormones like estradiol and free and total testosterone, as well as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). After that info is out in the open, your physician will help you determine the next steps.5. Manage stress and cortisol levelsMidlife is a demanding era for most people—between work and family responsibilities—and this can take a toll, not only mentally, but physically. This is because stress triggers bursts of cortisol, the hormone that produces fight-or-flight reactions. Cortisol itself is not "bad." In fact, it can be useful, whether it's lighting a fire under you to stop procrastinating on an important project, or even when you're driving and need to swerve quickly to avoid a bad driver. But repetitive, intense stress has been shown to increase biological age (not the same thing as your chronological age).However, research shows that healthy stress management habits can make a difference in your long-term health. Try meditation, spending time in nature, exercising, and meeting up with friends regularly to keep at an even keel.6. Stay socially connectedIn midlife, connection is key; from a biological perspective, people need to be around people. Spending time with others activates neurotransmitters like oxytocin (the "bonding hormone"), dopamine (the "feel-good" hormone) and serotonin (the "happiness hormone"). Three good reasons to phone a friend, right? Here's another one: Large studies have determined that being socially isolated is linked with a higher risk of shorter lifespan. In one meta-analysis that included data from 2 million people, isolation increased that risk by 32%.It's important to remember the benefits of social interaction, especially when life's obligations make socializing feel like a low priority. It's time to reframe hobbies and social events into forms of self-care, instead of distractions from productivity. Be proactive and plan a pickleball game with neighbors, a bike ride with family, or a conversation over coffee with a friend. The combination of physical activities and good food along with social interaction multiplies the health benefits at every age.7. Limit processed foods and alcoholIf your busy lifestyle means a bag of chips for dinner or you're a fast-food drive-through regular, it's time to start "adulting" what you put into your body. Ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) are not doing you any favors, especially as you hit midlife. Research suggests that people whose diets contain a lot of UPFs have a higher risk of lower lifespan. This isn't too surprising, considering that UPFs tend to be high in added sugars, saturated fats, and salt. Dietary patterns where nutrient-dense whole foods take center stage are clearly the way to go.Another buzzkill: You should cut back on drinking, too. As you age, your body becomes less efficient at processing alcohol, which takes its toll once we say goodbye to our 20s. Consuming alcohol puts unnecessary strain on your liver, can disrupt your sleep schedule, and add extra calories that are not as easy to shed as when you were younger. In a study of nearly 250,000 participants, alcohol consumption was associated with shortening telomeres, the caps at the end of DNA strands that serve as a biological marker for aging and cellular health.You can reap all the rewards and none of the regrets of the polyphenols of wine simply by eating the right fruits and veggies. Nutrients can help, too; resveratrol is the compound that gives red wine its reputation as a healthy aging superfood (with none of alcohol's less desirable effects) and is a mainstay of "super-ager" supplement routines.8. Prioritize proactive healthThe time has arrived to stop rescheduling those annual checkups! After all, it's easier to nip a potential problem in the bud than it is to deal with it after it's fully manifested. That's why proactive healthcare is one of the most powerful longevity tools. Some models suggest that expanding proactive services to 90% of the U.S. population would save millions of lives.Here are some ways to make proactive health measures a top priority.Doctor visits: Get annual wellness checks and regular screenings like bone density scans, mammograms, eye exams and colonoscopies.Lab work: Regularly monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol through blood work.Skin care: Make sure to apply a broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen daily and get regular skin screenings.Safety: Avoid risky behaviors like extreme sports, not wearing a seat belt or protective gear, or excessive drinking.This "midlife cheat sheet" will help you stay on top of your health at every life phase and stage, in your 40s, 50s, and beyond: Life Extension Frequently asked questions about midlife habitsIndubitably, the basics of healthy aging are more about the things we consistently do daily than glamorous rituals we might see on social media. Here are common questions about making lifestyle changes in your 40s and 50s.How do hormonal changes in midlife affect energy, sleep and weight—and what can you do about it?Hormonal changes in midlife, such as fluctuating levels of testosterone in men and estrogen in women, can impact your body in three key areas:Energy levels: The dip in hormone levels can affect how your body produces energy, which can contribute to general fatigue.Sleep-wake patterns: Hormonal shifts can make it more difficult to get a good night's sleep.Body composition: You may even notice a difference in the way your body stores fat, so managing a healthy weight may be more challenging.While there's no easy fix, a combination of whole foods packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats along with exercise and sleep hygiene can go a long way. Continue to have open discussions with your healthcare provider for recommendations.Are supplements necessary in midlife if you eat a healthy, nutrient-dense diet?Diet alone may not cover your needs after age 40. Especially as we age, it can become more challenging for our bodies to absorb all the nutrients we need from food. Supplements can help us cover those nutritional gaps, and also can help with healthy aging goals.Some recommended supplements include:Strength training: Creatine and protein powderOverall nutrition: Multivitamin, fiber, fish oilFor quality sleep: MelatoninMaintaining hormone balance: DHEAStress management: gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), ashwagandha, magnesium acetyl-taurateMood and social connections: Targeted probiotic for moodSupporting the body's detox pathways: Milk thistleDo you need to adopt the same longevity habits in your 40s that you do in your 50s?Yes, the core trifecta of habits (diet, exercise, and sleep) stays the same, but the focus can shift. In your 40s, build the base; in your 50s, protect what you built and stay consistent with your habits, especially as hormones and recovery time change.The following habits are key for any adult from 30 to 80 years old, but should be prioritized differently for each decade:Habits to prioritize in your 40s:Build muscle mass and strength.Establish a consistent sleep routine.Focus on building up bone health with diet and supplements including calcium and vitamins D and K.Make sure your doctor is checking your thyroid and hormone levels every year.Habits to prioritize in your 50s:Maintain muscle mass and strength; prioritize recovery and mobility to avoid injury.Address factors that disrupt sleep like night sweats or other discomforts.Start screening for bone density if indicated.Get regular screenings and in-depth hormone panels.Is it more effective to fix sleep, diet, or fitness in midlife?All these habits are important for health in midlife, but if you must focus on one habit, choose the one that needs the most work. For example, if sleep is your strong suit but you struggle to get adequate exercise each day, then focus on getting daily movement. Be intentional about adding short walks, stretches, or yoga poses daily. If, on the other hand, your diet is subpar, create a meal plan with at least one recipe per week that is solely whole foods.This story was produced by Life Extension and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Consumer credit score trends and debt behavior in 2026: What borrowers should know to strengthen financial health

Credit scores remain one of the most important factors in modern personal finance. They influence everything from loan approvals to interest rates to overall financial flexibility. Higher scores typically unlock lower interest rates and more competitive borrowing options, while lower scores can limit access and increase the cost of financing.On the surface, recent consumer data suggests that scores are stabilizing. The average FICO score in 2026 sits at 715, according to FICO’s inaugural Credit Insights report—just a slight dip from last year. Although the change is modest, it reflects broader shifts in how consumers are managing credit.Rising credit card balances, increasing credit utilization, and growing concern about payment sustainability are all contributing factors. In fact, nearly two in five consumers (38%) say they’re somewhat or very likely to miss a minimum debt payment in the next six months, according to BHG Financial’s Consumer Debt and Finances Report, conducted in May and June 2025 and based on a nationally representative sample of 2,012 working adults aged 18 and older making an annual salary of $50,000 or more.For both borrowers and lenders, this points to a more complex environment, as BHG Financial explains below. Credit scores aren’t collapsing, yet maintaining them requires more effort, strategy, and awareness than in previous years.National credit score trends: Data insights and behavior driversData from FICO and TransUnion point to three primary forces shaping credit behavior across all income levels: slightly lower average scores, elevated credit utilization, and stable—but increasingly influential—credit delinquencies.Consumer sentiment reflects a similarly mixed picture. BHG Financial data shows that many consumers remain confident about their financial future, even as others continue navigating cash flow pressures and growing debt obligations.Slight dip in the 2026 average FICO score indicates behavioral shifts, per FICOThe average FICO score has edged down to 715 in 2026, reflecting subtle but notable changes in consumer behavior. Increased reliance on revolving credit and the return of student loan delinquencies to credit reports in 2025 have both contributed to the shift.Generational patterns add important context. Younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, are opening credit cards at higher rates than previous generations and using them more actively. Earlier engagement with credit also increases the likelihood of higher balances and score volatility without established repayment habits or long credit histories.Meanwhile, many Gen X and older millennial parents are extending financial support to these young adults as they navigate credit for the first time, making intergenerational finance a growing influence on overall household debt and financial health.Rising credit utilization is influencing score stabilityAmong the biggest factors influencing scores, credit utilization stands out. This metric measures how much of your available credit you’re using; a higher utilization generally signals greater risk to lenders and can lower scores.FICO data shows that average credit card balances and utilization rates have climbed significantly since 2020, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. As of late 2024, average balances reached approximately $7,622, with utilization stabilizing at around 35.7%.While this utilization level is above the commonly recommended threshold (often below 30%), the recent plateau suggests that many consumers have adjusted to carrying higher balances. Credit usage has stabilized, even as households dedicate a larger share of their available credit to ongoing expenses.Delinquencies aren’t spiking despite signs of strainWhile credit delinquencies remain comparatively stable, several indicators point to growing financial pressure among borrowers. TransUnion projects that credit card delinquencies will hold steady in 2026, even as balances grow modestly. Federal Reserve data support this trend, showing steadiness across credit card and auto loan segments.Risk, however, is not evenly distributed. It is more concentrated among borrowers managing higher balances, multiple accounts, or inconsistent cash flow.BHG Financial’s research highlights this disconnect: 56% of respondents say they feel financially comfortable or wealthy, yet 36% live paycheck to paycheck—including 24% of high earners earning $100,000 or more annually. Twelve percent of higher earners cite credit card debt as their largest monthly expense, and 31% of respondents report using credit cards to cover essential living costs during shortfalls.These patterns highlight a key theme: Financial stability and financial stress can coexist.The underlying story: High earners are managing more complexity, not lessFinancial complexity is increasing across income levels, but particularly among high earners, who are navigating more obligations than ever. Many belong to the “sandwich generation,” supporting children and aging parents while pursuing their own goals. This multi-income, multi-responsibility reality means debt is less about overspending and more about managing competing priorities.Even with strong earnings, the constant outflow of money—and energy—can make it difficult to preserve liquidity or adjust to unexpected expenses. So it makes sense that this segment of the population might rely on borrowing to maintain their foothold or manage cash flow.In this context, debt is not inherently negative. Instead, it can be a tool that supports long-term financial health, as long as it’s structured well and paired with a clear repayment plan.What these trends mean for consumers’ borrowing power and financial flexibilityCredit scores directly influence what you can borrow, what you’ll pay, and how much flexibility you have to meet future financial needs.Implications of a lower average scoreA 10-to-20-point shift in credit scores can have measurable consequences, including:Movement between credit tiersMeaningful changes in APRDifferences in access to larger loan amountsThese implications are especially important in a higher-rate environment. Mortgage rates, auto loan rates, and credit card APRs have all risen significantly compared to the historically low levels seen in 2020-2021, increasing the cost impact of even small score changes.Stronger scores can unlock better terms and more options, while lower scores can increase the total cost of borrowing over time.Credit behavior as a reflection of financial healthEncouragingly, consumers are becoming more proactive. The FICO report highlights an increase in credit monitoring and intentional credit-building behaviors, showing that people are paying closer attention to their financial profiles.For example, among those planning to open a new credit card, more than one-third of respondents in the BHG Financial survey (32%) said they were doing so to build or improve their credit score. When managed responsibly, increasing available credit can help lower credit utilization and strengthen a credit score over time.At the same time, patterns of behavior matter. Consistent, on-time payments and moderate balances tend to support stronger outcomes. In contrast, relying heavily on short-term debt without a clear strategy can gradually weaken credit standing.How to navigate today's credit landscapeAs consumer credit score trends evolve, so should your financial strategies. Here are three proven approaches for strengthening credit and managing debt effectively.Proactive credit monitoring and educationPer FICO, credit monitoring has become the top financial improvement habit across age groups, with 56% of consumers citing it as their go-to tactic, outpacing cutting spending or boosting income.This reflects a shift toward more informed decision-making. However, knowledge gaps still exist. BHG’s consumer report found that many borrowers don’t fully understand how their scores are calculated or which factors matter most.Building awareness is a critical first step. Consistently reviewing your credit report, understanding how credit scores are calculated, and recognizing the impact of payment history can help you make more informed decisions.Strategic debt management and consolidationFor those managing multiple balances, debt consolidation can help to simplify payments while improving credit.Among those with debt, 12% of consumers report using or planning to use a consolidation loan, BHG found. What stands out is not just the approach, but the confidence it creates. People who planned to use, or currently use, debt consolidation loans or personal loans expressed greater confidence in their ability to stay current on payments.By consolidating multiple accounts into a single structured loan, borrowers can:Lower overall credit utilizationSimplify monthly paymentsBuild momentum with a clear payoff planIn many cases, consolidation can also support credit improvement.Balancing short-term pressures with long-term goalsShort-term pressures, such as rising living costs or unexpected expenses, can push borrowers toward higher utilization or greater reliance on credit. Over time, these decisions can impact scores and financial flexibility.Balancing these pressures requires a broader perspective. Instead of focusing solely on your credit score, it’s important to build habits that support sustainable financial health. Creating a realistic monthly budget—and sticking to it—helps ensure you’re not consistently spending more than you earn, which can reduce reliance on credit during tight periods.Then, focus on building a financial cushion. Establishing emergency savings equal to roughly three months of income can provide a buffer when unexpected expenses arise, allowing you to continue making on-time payments without turning to short-term loans.Action steps to strengthen your credit profile nowImproving your credit doesn’t require drastic changes. Small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference over time.To strengthen your profile:Check your credit reports regularly for accuracyKeep credit utilization below 30% (ideally lower)Make all payments on time, every timeLimit new account openings unless they serve a clear purposeWhen to seek professional supportIn some cases, additional support may be helpful. You might benefit from professional support if:You’re managing multiple high-interest balances above 15%Your monthly payments feel difficult to track or sustainYour credit utilization remains consistently highA trusted financial advisor or lending specialist can also provide guidance on structuring your debt, improving your credit profile, and aligning your strategy with long-term goals.Turning data into better financial futuresWhile the average FICO score remains relatively stable, growing debt loads and shifting credit utilization patterns call for more intentional credit management.Understanding these broader trends can provide a useful perspective as you evaluate your own approach to credit, liquidity, and long‑term wealth.This story was produced by BHG Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

The minimum payment trap: Why your balance barely moves

You make your credit card payment on time. You do it again the next month, and the month after that. And yet when you check, the number is almost exactly where it started. It’s one of the most demoralizing experiences in personal finance: doing everything you’re supposed to do and seemingly getting nowhere.Here’s the honest answer to what’s happening — and it has nothing to do with your discipline. The minimum payment is working exactly as designed. It’s just not designed to get you out of debt quickly. Beyond Finance walks through the mechanics so that the whole frustrating experience finally makes sense.Where your payment actually goesEvery credit card payment you make gets split into two parts: some of it pays the interest that’s accrued, and whatever’s left pays down the principal — the actual balance you owe. The catch is the order and the proportion. Interest comes first, and on a high-rate card, it takes a much bigger bite than most people realize.How big that bite is comes down to your card’s terms — though it’s worth being clear about what “better terms” can and can’t do here. There’s a genuine tension built into how credit cards work. Pay your balance in full each month and the card is free: that’s what the grace period is for, and it’s what makes the product worth carrying in your wallet.But credit card companies earn substantially from interest on balances that don’t get cleared, which means the business depends on a meaningful share of cardholders not using the card the way it’s advertised. The grace period draws you in; the interest rate is where it pays off for them. That’s also why card rates sit so far above what you’d pay to borrow the same money almost any other way — around 22% on average for balances carrying interest, against roughly 11% for a bank personal loan. So the real question isn’t whether your terms are good. It’s how much slower and more expensive the worse ones are.Most issuers calculate the minimum as a small percentage of your balance plus that month’s interest, commonly 1% to 3% of the balance plus the interest charge. That percentage, together with your APR, decides almost everything about how long this takes and what it costs in the long.Here’s the same $30,000 balance under four sets of terms, all of them ordinary: Beyond Finance Look at the two cards charging 22% APR. The only difference between them is how the issuer calculates the minimum. The third card asks for $300 less every month, which feels like the easier deal. But it takes more than fifteen years longer and costs $26,788 more, because so little of each payment goes toward the principal. Unfortunately, a smaller minimum isn’t a kinder one.Now look at the timeline column. The two cards with the larger 2% + interest minimum payment finish within four months of each other despite a five-point gap in APR. The two with the smaller 1% + interest minimum finish within about a year of each other despite an eight-point gap. But compare across those pairs — same 22% rate, different minimum payment formula — and they’re fifteen years apart and $26,788 apart. Your rate determines how fast interest accrues. How your minimum is calculated determines how long you’re exposed to it, and that turns out to matter more.The proportions hold at any balance. On $10,000, those same four cards run 14 to 26 years and cost between $16,800 and $33,800.Both of these numbers are disclosed, so you don’t have to guess which row is closest to yours. Your APR is on your monthly statement. The formula for your minimum payment is usually in your cardholder agreement, under a heading about how the minimum payment is calculated. It’s worth finding both — the difference between rows is measured in years.So, that’s the heart of it: On most cards, the minimum payment is mostly interest — on the worst terms above, nearly three-quarters of it is doing nothing to get you out of debt. It’s just renting the money, in a sense, for another month.Why it gets slower, not fasterHere’s the part that makes the minimum payment a genuine trap rather than just a slow method: The minimum shrinks as your balance shrinks.Because the minimum is calculated as a percentage of what you currently owe, every time your balance drops a little, next month’s minimum drops too. So just as you make a tiny bit of progress, the required payment gets smaller — which means even less goes toward the principal the following month. The payment chases the balance downward, and the gap closes at an agonizingly slow pace.Compare that to how most other debts work. A car loan or a personal loan has a fixed payment — the same amount every month until it’s gone — so it steadily marches to zero on a set schedule. A credit card left on the minimum does the opposite: it’s engineered to stretch the payoff out, with a payment that keeps easing off precisely when you’d want it to hold steady. That’s not an accident of the math. A revolving balance that pays down slowly is a balance that keeps generating interest, by design, month after month.What this adds up toWhen you put those two forces together — most of each early payment eaten by interest, and a payment that keeps shrinking — you get a payoff timeline that’s genuinely hard to believe. Paying only the minimum on a significant balance doesn’t take months, or even a few years. It can take decades, and you can end up paying back somewhere between just under twice and three and a half times what you originally borrowed by the time it’s finally gone.As the table above shows, a $30,000 balance paid at the minimum takes somewhere between 18 and 35 years to clear, and costs between $51,000 and $104,000 depending on your terms. And that’s the optimistic version. It assumes you never charge another cent to the card — no groceries in a tight month, no emergency, no forgotten subscription. In reality, most people keep using the card at least occasionally, which resets the math and pushes the timeline out even further. This particular decades-long payoff isn’t the worst case; it’s the best case.That’s the trap: the minimum payment feels responsible, it keeps your account in good standing, and it quietly costs you years of your life and a fortune in interest.If you’ve been stuck here, it’s not your faultIt’s worth saying plainly, because so many people blame themselves: If you’ve been paying faithfully and watching your balance refuse to move, you have not failed at anything. You’ve been doing exactly what you were asked to do. The minimum payment is presented as the thing to pay — it’s right there on the statement as the amount due. Your statement is actually required by federal law to include a “minimum payment warning” showing how long payoff will take if you pay only the minimum — but it’s easy to overlook, and being shown a number is very different from being shown a way out of it.The feeling of running in place is real, and it’s a rational response to a system that genuinely is working against you. Recognizing that it’s not your fault is what lets you stop spending energy on self-blame and start looking clearly at what would actually change the picture. Because the good news buried in all of this is that the same math that traps you also works in reverse: The moment you stop letting the payment shrink — the moment you pay in a way the minimum was never designed to allow — the whole timeline changes dramatically in your favor.That’s a longer conversation, and it’s the one worth having. If your balance has grown to the point where even paying more than the minimum doesn’t seem to move it, that’s a signal worth taking seriously — not a verdict on you, but an indication the debt may have grown past what payment changes alone can fix.Final WordsThe minimum payment trap is a feature of how revolving credit is built — most of your early payment going to interest, and a minimum that shrinks right when you need it to hold. Understanding that is genuinely powerful, because it moves the problem out of the realm of willpower and into the realm of math. And math, unlike shame, is something you can actually work with. Once you can see the mechanism clearly, you can start making choices that bend it back in your direction.Frequently Asked QuestionsMy balance barely moves even though I pay every month — why?Because on most cards, the majority of a minimum payment is absorbed by interest before any of it reaches the balance. On a card charging 22% where the minimum is 1% of your balance plus interest, about 65% of what you pay covers interest — on a store card at 30%, closer to 71%. The rest is chipping away at a balance that shrinks by roughly 1% a month, which is why it can look frozen despite regular payments. Terms vary, though, and some are considerably better: A card that sets the minimum at 2% of the balance plus interest pays off in roughly half the time.Are minimum payments designed to keep you in debt?In effect, yes. The minimum is calculated as a small percentage of your balance and shrinks as the balance drops, which stretches payoff out for as long as possible — and a balance that pays down slowly keeps generating interest. It’s simply how revolving credit is structured. The minimum keeps your account current and your credit in good standing, but it was never built to get you out of debt efficiently.Does paying the minimum hurt my credit?Paying at least the minimum on time keeps your payment history in good standing, which is good for your credit. The catch is indirect: Paying only the minimum usually means carrying a high balance, and a high balance relative to your limit can raise your credit utilization, which may weigh on your score. So the minimum payment itself isn’t the problem for your credit — the lingering high balance it leaves behind can be.How do I actually get out of the minimum payment trap?If you’re carrying a balance you can’t see a way out of, debt relief options exist for exactly that situation — which is worth understanding before you spend more years on the minimum.This story was produced by Beyond Finance and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Change your home's look in one easy step

Homeowners are often looking for ways to improve or update the look of their homes. But while new siding or masonry can be cost-prohibitive, there’s one simple way to completely change the exterior of a home, and it’s frequently overlooked: the garage door. And as it turns out, fall is a good time to make a change. “This is getting into our busiest time of the year,” said Matt Finck, president of Raynor Door Co. of the Quad Cities. “Things that maybe get pushed off over the spring and summer tend to come to a head when it gets cold. “It feels like, with summer vacation and kids out of school, things get pushed to the back burner,” he continued. “And, let’s face it, when it’s 90 degrees out, it is what it is. It’s hot. So, we don’t think too terribly much about it.” But with the arrival of the colder months, homeowners may not only be looking to complete projects before the end of the year, they may also be looking for a project that improves their quality of life. A well-insulated garage door can help keep the entire house warm, while also reducing heating costs. Finck said repair issues often come with the colder months, too. “Garage doors and mechanical components tend to break more when it’s cold.” Changing the look Just changing the garage door can have a huge impact on the look of a home because the door is often a focal point. For many homes, it’s one of the first features that gets noticed. “You can dramatically change the appearance of your home with a new garage door,” said Finck. “Yes, there is some cost to it, but it’s not near the cost of re-siding or putting stone on your home or new windows. It’s a fairly straightforward process, and it makes a huge architectural change to the home if you choose to do something bold. And I think statistically, replacing the garage door is one of the best returns on investment that you can get on a home.” Finck said darker colors, including black and darker woodgrain looks, are very popular right now. “The woodgrain colors keep evolving as far as your choices and panel styles,” he said. “Twenty years ago, your choice was white or brown, and do you want the small squares or the long rectangles? There’s probably close to 20 colors between the different manufacturers, along with custom painting and all of the different panel styles and window options. “There’s always new colors coming,” he continued. “The woodgrains, they were fairly blah and repetitive to begin with, but it was new and that’s all there was. And then the manufacturers do a lot of market research.” He said black has become more popular over the last three or four years, as white siding with black features has been trending with new builds. Finck said he sees that trend continuing for the foreseeable future. “And some people are adamant they don’t want black,” he said. “But there’s other dark colors – slate and charcoal. It’s just what you’re trying to aesthetically do with everything else, what stone color or siding or brick, or whatever particular aesthetic you’re going with.” The market has been trending away from earthtones, which were frequently seen in the 1990s and early 2000s, when tan brick and siding were more popular. Still, that look hasn’t gone completely away. “A lot of people still say, I’ll take exactly what I have. I just need better insulation and something that’s not 25 years old,” said Finck. “We can do that, too.” With new options emerging, Finck said AI is one tool that homeowners have turned to in order to make decisions. The Raynor Door website features a Design Center tool where customers can upload a photo of their home and try out different doors to get an idea of what the final product will look like.  But not all decision-making tools are so high-tech. Sometimes, if a customer feels overwhelmed, Finck recommends they just look around their own neighborhood to see what appeals to them. “Snap a few pictures and send them over to us, go on Pinterest or Instagram and just find some ideas. And then we can kind of steer you in the right direction.” The company is also seeing some new trends as newer construction emerges in the area, particularly taller garage areas that are used for more than just parking a car. That includes basketball courts, golf simulators, camper garages and garages with car lifts. For projects like that, “It’s easiest if we get involved right away and figure it out,” said Finck. “And it’s far cheaper to order right the first time.” Regardless of what door customers ultimately choose, Finck said one of the most important factors to consider is sufficient insulation. Although many new builds feature climate-controlled garages now, hot and cold air still can escape in and out of the house, and an insulated garage door can reduce heating and cooling costs. “I would say a vast majority of our customers choose an insulated door, and even a better insulated door than what would be standard,” said Finck. “There’s not a huge discrepancy in the insulation cost.” Maintenance Finck said there’s not really an “average” lifespan for a garage door. It all depends on how much the door is used. “They’re typically rated for about 10,000 life cycles, but that means something completely different to everyone,” he said. “If you’re using that as a walk door, coming in and out; you have kids that are getting bikes out; you’re taking trash out that way; and that is your main way in and out, you could run the door 15 times per day. It adds up over time. Whereas somebody might have a small, single door where they just park a lawnmower. They might only open that once a week. The set of springs on that door might last 15 years. Compared to the other person – theirs might only last two or three.” A new garage door is also a relatively low-maintenance improvement. “It’s not staining your deck every May,” said Finck. “There are small things you have to do as far as oiling and adjusting that either you can do or have a professional do. Most people don’t think about their garage door until it’s broken.” There are a few things homeowners can do to maintain their own garage doors, such as ensuring hinges are lubricated, and checking to make sure the door’s photo eyes are aligned. But for the most part, Finck recommends people leave repairs to the professionals. “There’s a lot of things that are dangerous. Cables, springs, are dangerous. I don’t recommend any homeowner tackle those unless they have formidable mechanical knowledge, and even then, it’s dangerous.” Picking out your next door Raynor Door has been in business since 1997 and is locally owned and operated. In addition to the website, Raynor Door also has a showroom at its headquarters at 2370 West Lake Boulevard in Davenport. The company primarily stocks Raynor brand doors, which are made at a facility in Dixon, Ill. Raynor Door is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, visit raynorqc.com. The website includes a contact form, or customers can call 563-391-9566 to arrange for an appointment or a service call.

Tips for winterizing your home

It's not uncommon to spend a lot of time out of the house when the weather outside is warm. The popularity of outdoor living spaces has made it easier than ever to enjoy nature without leaving home, which can generally be done from late spring to mid-fall each year in many regions. But as fall creeps toward winter and temperatures drop, it's time to head back indoors. As millions prepare to go back inside with winter approaching, it can be beneficial to winterize a home so interior spaces are more comfortable and exterior spaces are better able to withstand potentially harsh winter weather. · Check your carbon monoxide detectors. Fall is a great season to open the windows in many regions that feature prototypical autumn air. But the crisp air of fall will eventually give way to much colder air, at which time the windows will be closed and likely remain shut for months to come. The Minnesota Department of Health notes that carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that cannot be detected by the senses. When windows remain closed for long periods of time, such as in winter, the buildup of CO, which can come from sources like water heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces, and clothes dryers, can poison residents over time. CO detectors are a safety net against such a fate, but they must be operating at peak capacity in order to be effective. As fall winds down, check all CO detectors to make sure they're working properly and replace any that are not. · Check for drafts. Check around windows and doors throughout the home to see if there are any gaps that are allowing air from outside to enter the home. If daytime temperatures are mild well into the fall, then it can be difficult to see if there are any drafts before the sun goes down. Conduct this check in the evenings when temperatures are a little more chilly and leaks are easier to detect. If drafts are detected, apply weather stripping around doors and windows that do not require replacement. If there's drafts around aging windows and doors, consider replacing them. · Call a chimney sweeping service. Cozying up beside a fire can make anyone forget the cold weather outside. But fireplaces should be subjected to a thorough cleaning by a skilled professional before each winter. Animals might have nested in the chimney since the fireplace was last used, and you will want any nests cleared prior to lighting your first fire of the season. In addition, the tar-like substance creosote, which forms when wood is burned in a fireplace, can build up and harden over time. That's a dangerous prospect, as creosote is highly flammable, which can lead to chimney fires. Creosote also can block the flow of air through a chimney, and that can trap gasses, including CO, in a home. · Reverse your fans. It's a simple step but one people may not even realize they can make. In homes with ceiling fans, residents can reverse the fans so the blades spin clockwise. This simple step pushes trapped warm air hovering around the ceiling into the living space below. This can make home interiors warmer without requiring residents to turn up the thermostat and increase their energy bill. · Replace your HVAC air filter. Replacing the air filter on your HVAC prior to winter can make the unit operate more efficiently, which can help reduce your wintertime energy bill. Replacing the filter also improves indoor air quality. which is a notable benefit during a time of year when the windows typically remain closed for months.  

Should you insulate your pipes this winter?

Homeowners want to do everything they can to protect their investment, and that includes both renovating a property to reflect recent trends and keeping up with routine maintenance to ensure a home does not fall into a state of disrepair. Anticipating potential issues and planning for them is part of maintaining a home. Such anticipation is an acquired skill, but homeowners can use the experience of others to identify ways to prevent home-related issues before they arise. One issue homeowners may want to plan for is frozen pipes. The winter of 2025-2026 was notably cold. According to AccuWeather, the La Niña weather pattern was a driving force behind a particularly cold winter in various parts of the United States, including the northeast, midwest and mid-Atlantic regions. Temperatures in those regions were 10° to 15° F below normal, which AccuWeather notes laid the foundation for the most severe and frigid winter in nearly a decade. The extreme cold that characterized the winter of 2025-2026 forced some homeowners to confront issues they had not anticipated, including frozen pipes. Pipe insulation is an important part of home maintenance that some homeowners may not have been aware of as recently as early 2026, but the following are some notable reasons to add this to your home-related to-do list before winter returns. · Insulation prevents pipes from freezing. Frozen water inside pipes can start what's essentially a chain reaction that can cause pipes to expand. When pipes expand, the resulting pressure can cause them to burst. By insulating pipes, homeowners can prevent them from freezing. Insulating pipes that are already behind a wall is not a simple job, so it's best left to a professional. But pipes that are along exterior walls should be insulated to ensure they do not freeze when temperatures drop and remain low. Pipes in attics, basements and crawl spaces may be exposed, and homeowners may be able to insulate these on their own, though novices might still want to leave this important job to a professional. · Insulating pipes can save you money. The United States Department of Energy reports that insulating hot water pipes is a notable way to save energy and money. According to the DOE, insulating water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature by as much as 2° to 4° F. That allows homeowners to lower the temperature setting on their water heaters, which saves money. Insulating pipes also reduces the time it takes for water to warm up when turning on a faucet or shower, which in turn leads to less water consumption and lower water bills. · Insulation can reduce the risk of mold growth. Winter is not the only time of year it pays to have insulated pipes. According to the insulation experts at Aeroflex®, pipes are subject to mold growth. That can happen when pipes sweat in humid climates (think of a water bottle left out in the hot sun). The resulting condensation from sweating pipes can drip and lead to the growth of mold in surrounding areas, including within the walls. Mold growth in a home has been linked to various negative health outcomes, including respiratory issues. But insulation prevents the condensation that can lead to mold growth. · Insulation is inexpensive. Homeowners who have grown accustomed to costly repairs and renovations should know that insulating pipes, particularly exposed pipes, is an inexpensive project. While it will cost more to insulate pipes within walls due to the extra work required to access such areas and address them once insulation has been installed, insulating those pipes, especially if they're along exterior walls, can greatly reduce the risk for potentially costly damage down the road. Insulating pipes is a worthwhile undertaking for all homeowners, and can be particularly beneficial for those who live in areas with extreme weather in winter and summer.

NSP wins 13 National Newspaper Awards

The North Scott Press received 13 awards in the National Newspaper Association’s Better Newspaper Contest, including four first-place awards. Work judged was for calendar year 2025. The NSP’s awards included: First place in Best Headline Writing (Daily & non-daily, circulation less than 5,000). Judge’s comments: “By and large the headlines in this category were solid, non-sensationalist headlines. The difference came with the specialty headlines that were clever without being ‘punny.’ I loved ‘A Cup of Ambition.’” First place in Best Review (Daily & non-daily) for Erin M. Gentz’s “Countryside’s ‘Hairspray’ is an absolute must-see.” Judge’s comments: “Great review of show with deep dive into characters.” First place for Best Performing Arts story (Daily & non-daily, circulation less than 5,000) for Erin M. Gentz’s “Broadway bound,” about Natalie Sierk and her experience at the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards. Judge’s comments: “In depth story about not only the recipient, but the program, the scholarships and more. Excellent use of details and provision of information.” First place for Best Sports Story (Non-daily, circulation 4,000-5,999) for Ross Shinberg’s “Spartan Stunner!” about the North Scott volleyball team’s five-set win over Pleasant Valley. Judge’s comments: “Absolutely incredible intro that immediately pulled me in! Fantastic quotes throughout.” Second place in Best Feature Photo (Non-daily, circulation 4,000-5,999) for Noah Glasgow’s photo of Little Miss Pigtail Brenna Brown. Judge’s comments: “Great feature photo for the assignment! Nice close up portrait, with the little piglets included! Not too busy, which made for a great cover image. Another winner for photography and thinking to design. Congratulations on 2nd place!” Third place in Best Reporting on Local Government (Non-daily, circulation 4,000-5,999) for Noah Glasgow’s article, “Supervisors stall power plant.” Judge’s comments: “Excellent reporting, analysis of a complicated story with complicated components of government, ecology, energy and, yes, politics. Top-notch writing and storytelling; a smooth read doesn't slow itself down with government-speak or bureaucrat-ese.” Third place for Best Humorous Column (Daily & non-daily, circulation less than 5,000) for editor Erin M. Gentz’ s column “Women’s empowerment highlights first week as solo editor.” Judge’s comments: “Great take and excellent writing.” Third place for General Excellence (Non-daily, circulation 3,000-5,999). Judge’s comments: “Excellent coverage of local issue with well-written stories. Layout and overall design are good but some pages are too gray (needed some photos/art). Local school and parents must love this paper because of coverage. Excellent photos (more needed). Several tough issues were covered that opened doors to strong local opinions, but those were lacking on the 3 issues submitted.” Third place for Best Sports Photo (circulation 3,000-4,999) for Ross Shinberg’s photo of Brian Schubert at the state volleyball tournament. Judge’s comments: “Nothing beats the excitement of a coach revving up the crowd AND his team. What really makes this photo pop are the expressions of the players around him.” Third place for Best Agricultural Story (Daily & non-daily, circulation less than 6,000) for Noah Glasgow’s “The Pork Kingdom.” Judge’s comments: “Loved my visit to ‘Pork Kingdom’ led by Noah Glasgow. Engaging, fun ‘Pork Queen’ history up front followed by serious industry news. I’ll think about this story when I’m walking on a sidewalk. (If you know, you know).” Third place for Best Non-Profile Feature Story (Non-daily, circulation 4,000-5,999) for Erin M. Gentz’s “North Scott’s ‘dream house’ opens,” about the Regional Innovation Center. Judge’s comments: “This story could have been much shorter — BUT I am thankful that it was not. Well done.” Third place in Best Performing Arts Story (Daily & non-daily, circulation less than 5,000) for Erin M. Gentz’s “NS orchestra’s first symphony.” Judge’s comments: “Well written piece showing the hard work put into the program as well as what those who participate in said program get out of it. Nice job.” Honorable mention in Best Local News Coverage (Daily & non-daily, circulation 3,000-5,999). Judge’s comments: “Main story: top of fold. Put the meaty articles on the first 4 to 5 pages. Opinion page and good sports. Page one. Hall of Fame is an important community article.” The National Newspaper Association’s 140th annual Trade Show and Convention was held Sept. 17-18 in Detroit, Mich.  

Empower House prepares for annual Spooktacular 5K

Empower House is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser of the year, the Spooktacular 5K, supporting brain injury awareness.

A good lunch for a good price

Flannery O’Connor said that a good man is hard to find. In Eldridge, a cheap lunch is hard to find. Usually I pack my own, but when I am low on groceries or late leaving the house, I go out and buy something. Usually I want to spend my dollar somewhere local: put what comes out of Eldridge back in Eldridge. For a while I was picking up pizza from Hall of Fame on LeClaire Road. They had a slice deal at lunchtime that couldn’t be beat, but they wound it down sometime in the last few months. The Vault, located immediately behind the North Scott Press office, is old faithful. I often head there for a coffee instead of setting up a pot to brew, especially when the office is light on staff. Sometimes I tack a panini onto the coffee order at lunchtime. Much to my delight, there is a new lunch option now in town: Frank’s Hot Chicken and Smash Burger. Who is Frank? No idea, but he’s got good prices on good eats. A restaurant with the same name and, as far as I can tell, the exact same menu, opened in Iowa City in June. The best thing about Frank’s Hot Chicken and Smash Burger is the prices. With tax, my hot chicken sandwich with fries and a drink was $10 even. I added a tip. The pile of fries was generous and the drink 24 oz., Pepsi products. The sandwich was two large chicken tenders, dusted in a dry rub, served on top of a bun and coleslaw, and drizzled with “special” sauce. The sandwich is tasty, even if it was a far cry from “hot.” Not that it was cold —it was perfectly warm to the touch—it just wasn’t very spicy. Next time I will have to crank my order up to “superhot,” which is also an option. This is my sixth year in the Midwest and I still expect “hot” food to be, well, hot. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice… The fries, tenders, coleslaw and so on are standard fare, but Frank’s is not demanding artisanal prices. In fact they’re not even asking fast food franchise prices: try getting a large meal at a fast food joint for $10 these days. You can’t. And Frank’s burger is a whole dollar cheaper, too. You can add various specialty toppings to your burger (cheese, bacon) or your chicken sandwich (honey butter, hot honey) for a dollar or two. Not so bad. The Eldridge crowds seem to have caught on to Frank’s. I popped in for lunch around noon and asked the owner if she had a moment to talk, but there was a steady stream of customers behind me. Some of them took their lunch back to work or the job site; others sat down to enjoy. You order at the counter and help yourself to a seat, fast-food style.  If you’ve heard about hot chicken and smash burgers and TikTok, well, it’s come to Eldridge. Frank’s may not be revolutionizing lunch, but it’s serving it well at good prices.

1976: Roy Keppy named 'Farmers for Ford' national leader

Sept. 23, 1976 • Eldridge farmer Roy Keppy was named the national chair of the Farmers for Ford Committee of Gerald Ford’s presidential campaign. Keppy personally met with Ford, as well as representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “It was a real thrill to meet the president,” said Keppy. “He was real easy to visit with. He really impressed me … I’m honored to be asked to assist in the election of President Ford.” Keppy, a nationally known pork producer, was recruited for the position by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Earl Butz. • Following a study conducted by Insurance Services of Iowa, the Eldridge Fire Department’s fire rating improved from seven to six, which would result in lower home insurance premiums for residents. The ISI said the rating increase was due to improvements to the town’s water system and the department’s purchase of a new pumper truck. The ISI fire ratings were on a scale of one to 10, with one being the best. A spokesman said the lowest currently held by any fire department in the state was three. The new rating put Eldridge in league with communities such as Davenport, Maquoketa and Tipton. • A dedication service was planned for the new sanctuary for Our Savior Presbyterian Church in Argo. The service would begin at the old Argo Presbyterian Church and move to the new building, which began construction in the fall of 1975. It featured sanctuary seating for 200, six classrooms, a kitchen, fellowship hall, and other church offices, including a pastor’s study and a secretary’s office. Our Savior was formed in 1971 when the Argo church and the Summit Presbyterian Church in rural Davenport combined. • Dr. Marvin Elliott was reelected chair of the North Scott School Board at the annual reorganizational meeting. Bob Carter was also reelected as vice-chair. The pair had recently been reelected in the uncontested school board election. • The North Scott volleyball team was currently ranked 18th in the state. They managed a “rugged” schedule for the week, defeating Camanche and Northeast before falling to Davenport Central. They also placed third at their own invitational. Gwen Tombergs was named “Player of the Week.” Sept. 24, 1986 • The race for Scott County Attorney was heating up, as Republican challenger Dave Millage accused Democratic incumbent William Davis of expanding the budget from $248,000 to $966,000 since 1978, a 300% increase. Davis countered by saying that many of the increased expenses were new state-mandated services required to be included in the budget. He said without those new expenses, the budget would have only increased by 64% over the same period. • The City of Eldridge committed funding to the city’s Economic Development Commission, as the committee moved towards attracting two potential new businesses to the community. One company could bring 52 jobs to the area; the other 17. • The North Scott School Board voted to spend just over $5,200 to hire an architect to provide preliminary plans for an indoor swimming pool and some remodeling at the high school, including moving the band and choir rooms to a new area. The architect, Richard Johnson, said it would take approximately 60 days to provide the drawings and other information, at which time the school board could decide whether to move forward with a bond referendum for the project. • Jenni Fitzgerald was named first-team all-state for softball, while Pam Leslie was a second team selection. Fitzgerald, now a freshman at Drake University, was also runner-up for Player of the Year, losing out to Davenport West’s Jodee Ogden by two votes. • The North Scott boys’ golf team set a school record for most wins in a season and were currently sitting on a 9-5 record. The team nipped Davenport North, 207-209, with Mike Schneckloth leading the way with a 40. They also beat Davenport Central and Western Dubuque in a triangular meet. “You know, this was supposed to be a rebuilding year,” said coach John McQuary.  Sept. 26, 2001 • Despite rumors sweeping through the community to the contrary, Steve Grolmus said plans for the new North Scott Foods store in Eldridge were still on track. A groundbreaking had tentatively been planned for August, but never took place, which led to the rumors. Grolmus said the initial bids for the project had been high and he and his investors were rebidding. There had also been a rumor that Mel Foster “pulled the land out from under us,” which Grolmus said wasn’t true, either. • With a bond referendum on the November ballot, the Eldridge Family Aquatic Center committee was launching an informational campaign to ensure voters were informed on the issues. The city was seeking the $3 million referendum for an outdoor swimming facility to be built on Buttermilk Road. The committee planned an informational meeting at the high school and planned to mail brochures to every household in Eldridge. • Rex Masterson was elected the new chair of the North Scott School Board, succeeding Jack Hill, who had served as chair for the last three years. Masterson had previously served as chair for eight of his 19 years on the board. Jerry Mohr was elected vice-chair. • An era was coming to an end in Walcott, as Billie Warnecke moved to close the Walcott Store. The store had been in the Warnecke family since the late 1930s, although the building was constructed in 1875. Billie and her husband Al took over the store in 1962 and all eight of their children, as well as some of their grandchildren, had worked in the store at one time or another. Al passed away eight years earlier and Billie had been running the store since then. She and the Walcott Economic Development Committee had tried to find a new buyer for the store, to no avail. Now, she was slowly selling down the store’s inventory as she moved towards closing. • Sarah Anderson and Mike Farley were crowned North Scott’s Homecoming royalty. As they walked the parade route, members of the football team collected funds that would be used to support the families of first responders to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. As for the game itself, the team narrowly missed out on upsetting No. 2 Bettendorf, falling 21-20. Sept. 28, 2011 • The Scott Emergency Communications Center was working through some growing pains as staff adjusted to a new software system. The $2.7 million system was adopted in the spring and was supposed to improve communication between jurisdictions. However, many problems persisted, including software glitches and connectivity issues. Although the SECC encouraged area departments to remain patient, that was running in short supply. “We will get there as a group,” said SECC director Brian Hitchcock. “Failure is not an option.”  • The Scott County Library launched a campaign to replace the aging Bookmobile, with Bill and Linda Tubbs donating a $50,000 lead gift. With the total project expected to cost about $330,000, the library would also be announcing $54,000 in additional lead gifts at an open house. The 15-year-old Bookmobile was reaching its end of life, and the new vehicle would feature ADA compliance, an onboard generator, heating and air conditioning, and computers that would be accessible to the public. • Joe Slater was elected chair of the North Scott School Board following the recent electoral shakeup. Outgoing members Sue Cannon, Krista Long and Tim Lane were honored with a cake reception as new members John Maxwell, Dennis Albertson and Joni Dittmer, and reelected incumbent Paul Dierickx were sworn in. Albertson was subsequently elected vice-chair. • North Scott area residents were lovin’ it as McDonald’s officially opened in Eldridge. The restaurant, which had been announced in the winter of 2009, celebrated with a ribbon cutting and donations to several organizations, including the North Scott Athletic, Music and Drama Boosters. On the first day, about a dozen people lined up outside and at the drive-thru in anticipation of the 5 a.m. opening. • North Scott’s “Beat Bettendorf” week yielded mixed results, as the football team fell 28-3 to the Bulldogs. However, the volleyball team picked up its first win against the Bulldogs since 1995 in a come-from-behind five-set thriller. “This was a really big game,” said senior Kerri Golinghorst. “Our goal is to win the MAC, and in order to do that, we had to have this game.” Meanwhile, at the MAC golf meet, Bobby Wolfe reigned supreme, carding a 148 to be named meet medalist. As a team, the boys rallied on Day Two to take fourth at the tournament. Sept. 22, 2021 • As the Amazon Distribution Center took shape in northwest Davenport, discussion was starting at the county level about additional development on farm ground. “There is a lot of demand and a lot of momentum right now,” said Roy Wennelund, sales representative for the Greater Davenport Development Commission, which owned the industrial park where Amazon was to be located. “We look at Amazon as a real selling point, too. We have a message to sell.” Scott County supervisors encouraged partnerships with smaller communities in the area, and also wanted to look at revitalizing old industrial centers, including the former Kraft plant in downtown Davenport.  • Scott County medical director Dr. Louis Katz expressed concerns about the spread of new variants of COVID, and asked schools to consider asking students to mask. “Maskless kids in schools, I find real scary,” he said, adding the exposure risk was high. He said he had already spoken with several area school board members, who had a wide variety of opinions, and the Davenport School Board recently voted to require masks in the classroom. • Eldridge native Beth Bader was set to be inducted into the Iowa Golf Association’s Hall of Fame. She had been scheduled to be inducted in 2020 until the pandemic forced the cancellation of the ceremony. Bader played on the LPGA tour for more than a decade, where she competed in 26 major tournaments. • Members of North Scott’s Homecoming Court included Mackenzie Bohr, Elly Carlson, Riley Collins, Ella McLaughlin and Kylie McCabe, and Tyson Haedt, Ollie Hughes, Ryan Campbell, Dane Treiber and Trey Fedderson. • The North Scott football team thrashed Cedar Rapids Xaivier, 20-8, in the non-district finale. The team moved into district play with a 4-0 record. “We knew going in that this was going to be a tough hitting football game,” said senior Ryan Campbell. “They are a powerhouse in the state of Iowa, and it’s always nice to come into someone else’s place and beat them.” Grayson Juel threw three touchdown passes, including one to Jakub Nelson on the game’s opening drive.    

Weighing fire department options yields clear winner

Let’s compare the two Fire Department proposals. The fire department is already operational. It has been a cost-effective solution for years. The members are highly trained and experienced and dedicated to serving Eldridge. There is some funding already approved to tackle the priority of completing the upstairs of the fire station so they can begin recruiting volunteers from outside the Eldridge community. There are no major governmental, liability, legal, or oversight complications with continuing to fund the EVFC. The city’s proposal demonstrates a rush to an option that is costly and complicated. The city is insistent on a 28E agreement which is not required, and which would involve establishing another governmental public body entity with all of its requirements, complications, and costly legal bills for a one-year time frame. That’s a lot of money to be expended and will provide no future value after the transition even IF the City is successful in establishing a municipal fire department. It is an absolutely unsustainable solution that benefits, not the residents, but the egos of some elected representatives and the pocketbook of the city attorney. The city’s time frame is not even realistic as negotiations have been ongoing for 15 months. How long would it even take to negotiate a 28E agreement? But the city continues to push this option as the ONLY option which it is not. Funding the volunteer fire department makes the most sense and could bring this fiasco created by the city to an end. Judith Gilbert Eldridge