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

How Gov. Reynolds’ plan could change your property taxes and your communities

Homeowners could see smaller increases in their property tax bills, while communities could lose sizeable revenue under new proposal from Governor Kim Reynolds.

1 vehicle crash closes two lanes on Brady Street, Davenport

Our Quad Cities News is on the scene of a single vehicle crash on Brady Street, just south of Kirkwood Boulevard. An initial investigation says the driver swerved to miss another car, causing her to go onto the curb and strike a streetlight. Davenport Police officers are on the scene. There is no word on [...]

Programming note: Quad Cities Today at 11 to air at 11:30 a.m.

Investigate Tv+ will air at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

SUV on its side after Davenport crash

Davenport Police are on the scene of a two-vehicle accident at W. Kimberly Road and Wisconsin Avenue. An SUV was seen on its side with airbags deployed. There are no reports of injuries. The accident is still under investigation.

KWQC Blessing Box Drive drive postponed

The drive is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on MLK Day, Jan. 19, at the KWQC Station at 805 Brady Street.

Tax troubles for SouthPark Mall owners

For more than half a century, SouthPark Mall has been a cornerstone of retail shopping in the Quad Cities, sitting prominently on 16th Street in Moline. But today, the mall is making headlines for reasons beyond its storefronts. The property, which has changed hands several times over the years, was acquired in April 2025 by [...]

Iowa Representative Ken Croken warns residents to prepare for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the Quad Cities

Rep. Croken will hold a community session on Saturday, January 24, at 10 a.m. at the St. Anthony Catholic Church Parish Hall in Davenport. Attendees can expect to hear ways to respond to being detained, understanding their rights and how to work together to minimize harm to the community.

Storytime, shark dissection, and more at the Rock Island Public Library this month

The Rock Island Public Library is holding a series of free events and activities for people, regardless of their residency and library card status, to escape the cold this January.

Should you pay rent with a credit card?

Should you pay rent with a credit card?Today, “GenZ makes only 1 in 7 payments by cash, compared to 1 in 3 prior to 2020,” according to FNBO, and it has left many of them wondering, “Can I pay rent with a credit card?”While Gen Z is far from the only group paying rent, tenants across the nation like the convenience and benefits of credit card payments. First, when digital options are available, they don’t have to go to the bank to withdraw cash or buy a cashier’s check. Second, and more importantly, many credit cards offer cash back and travel rewards that make the first of the month a little less painful.With that in mind, TurboTenant breaks down the pros and cons of paying and collecting rent via credit cards to help you determine if it’s the right move for you.Benefits of Paying Rent with a Credit Card for TenantsPaying rent with a credit card offers several advantages, primarily flexibility. If you don’t have enough cash in the bank to pay rent when it’s due, using a credit card can give you some wiggle room to avoid missing a payment.And depending on your card, there are personal benefits worth considering.RewardsCredit cards typically offer a range of rewards for account holders. Some incentives include cash back, travel rewards, and 0% APR, meaning there is no interest on balances or transfers for a set period.For example, if you pay rent with a credit card that offers travel rewards, each rent payment can help you put aside some money for your next trip.Credit BuildingIf you’re starting to build your credit score, remember that you won’t have an official score until six months of consistent payments and data are available. However, once you consistently make on-time payments on your card charges, including your monthly rent, your score will improve.Plus, putting your monthly rent on a credit card isn’t the only way to boost your score. Several companies offer rent reporting services that will report your on-time payments to credit bureaus. When you use these tools in conjunction, you could see your score improve quickly.Buying More TimeSince credit cards don’t have to be paid off until you get your monthly statement from the credit card company, paying your rent with a credit card can help alleviate financial stress.Of course, everyone’s pay schedule is different, and some people may not receive their paychecks until later in the month, while rent is typically due on the first of the month. Putting rent on your credit card can help reduce stress and make the monthly calendar change easier to manage.How to Pay Rent with a Credit CardCommunicating with your landlord during difficult times will enable open, honest conversations so you can both find a solution to pay rent on time, either by developing a payment plan or negotiating alternative options.Renters can easily pay rent with a credit card via online rent collection accounts set up by their landlords using rent collection software. It’s a secure, effective way to pay rent online that benefits both parties. Plus, many companies offer free, easy-to-set-up software that helps landlords professionalize their rent collection processes without paying anything out of pocket.But if you’re a tenant, be sure to take this into account: When you pay rent with a credit card, it is vital to keep up with your credit card bills as best you can so you don’t hurt your credit score or incur interest on the amount owed. Luckily, paying rent on the first of the month when bills are typically due at the end of the following month allows you time to pay yourself back.Some other easy things you can do if you’re using a credit card to pay rent are: First, avoid charging other expenses to your credit card; second, set reminders for when rent and your credit card payments are due.If you’re concerned about processing fees, consider linking your bank account to pay rent via ACH, which typically incurs no fee.Digital Rent Payments Mean More On-Time PaymentsAs noted above, landlords should communicate with renters before rent is due to avoid missed payments, which can be detrimental to both parties. If you’re wondering how to collect rent online as a landlord, there are helpful guides that show you how.Collecting rent online offers many benefits and, as the world moves toward more contactless transactions, is increasingly necessary. When you can meet your tenants where they are, you’ll encounter less friction, leading to more on-time payments.Pros and Cons of Accepting Credit Cards for RentThe more types of rent payments you accept, the more likely it is that your tenant will have an easy way to pay you each month. However, there are additional factors to consider when deciding if you’ll accept credit card payments:ProsConvenience: If your online rent payment system supports automatic payments, a credit card is one of the most convenient ways for a tenant to pay rent. Most also won’t have to worry about overdrawing their account.Improved credit score: Paying rent on time with a credit card (and then paying that card off regularly) helps your tenant build credit. When paired with rent reporting services, tenants get a double benefit.ConsRisk of fraud: Credit cards can be stolen, which is always a consideration when accepting this payment method. Using a verified, reputable payment processor will mitigate that risk.Being flexible is crucial — landlords should consider halting late fees and interest on rent payments, and offering partial payments if there is a valid reason from the tenant. If a tenant approaches you to negotiate rent, there are various payment plans and alternatives to consider.Regardless of what you choose to do, ensure your lease agreement reflects current rent payment plans and methods so both parties are held accountable.What Is the Best Credit Card To Use for Rent?When it comes to credit cards, you should always do your research to learn what will work best for your lifestyle and financial situation. Cards that give you cash back are extremely popular and can be helpful in times when you have more month at the end of your money.Travel rewards, on the other hand, are great for those who are spending money on flights and other travel expenses.Remember, building credit takes time, and it’s important to take credit card payments seriously, as they can affect your rental process, loans, and other future investments.Overall, paying rent with a credit card offers many benefits for renters when used wisely. If you’re struggling to make rent payments using cash or checks, talk to your landlord about collecting rent online so you can pay with a credit card to not only buy yourself more time in the month but also boost your credit score and collect rewards.Paying Rent with a Credit Card FAQIs it safe to pay rent with a credit card?Yes, it is safe to pay with a credit card as long as you are going through a secure site where your information is encrypted.Should I pay rent with a credit card or a debit card?With a debit or a credit card, a processing fee is usually collected. Obviously, it is up to your financial situation to see if you have enough funds in your checking account to pay your rent — debit cards will instantly draw cash from your accounts, while credit card bills won’t be due until the end of the period.Does paying rent with a credit card impact my credit score?Paying for rent with a credit card is like any other credit card purchase — as long as you stay within your allowed limit and pay your credit card bills on time, your credit score can be positively impacted. If you are late on credit card payments, however, this can affect your score negatively.Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is published by TurboTenant. It is not legal, financial, or tax advice. Laws and regulations for landlords vary by state and locality and may change over time. Always consult a qualified attorney, accountant, or local housing authority before making decisions related to your rental property. The publisher and authors assume no responsibility for actions taken based on the information provided.This story was produced by TurboTenant and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Support your business through expert IT and cybersecurity management

(BPT) - Today's businesses face unprecedented challenges, from the increasing complexity of digital transformations and hybrid cloud environments to constantly evolving cybersecurity threats and regulatory pressures. Cybercrime alone has been projected to reach $12 trillion globally this year, with the average U.S. data breach now costing over $9.36 million, and cyberattacks more than doubling between 2021 and 2025.How can a business successfully navigate this rapidly changing technological landscape?Choose an experienced, trusted partner that brings Managed IT Services and cybersecurity protection together under one roof. Canon U.S.A., in collaboration with its Managed IT Services Partner, Supra ITS, simplifies operations while reducing delays, confusion, and potential risk for organizations of all sizes.A history of supporting businesses with vital technologySince the 1990s, Canon U.S.A. has supported organizations through rapid change with Managed Workplace Services, including facilities management. During that time, Canon also provided digital, networked devices to help businesses successfully transition to the digital age.In the 2000s, Canon launched its Managed Print Software Integration Services to meet growing customer requirements. In the 2010s, Canon continued to evolve — introducing cloud-based solutions to address changing business needs.Today's businesses are increasingly asking for Managed IT and Cybersecurity services, and Canon responded to this demand. They rose to meet these challenges by partnering with Supra ITS, which has over 25 years of proven expertise in this sector. This collaboration helps offer services and solutions designed to protect organizations and keep operations running smoothly.Services to help your business thrive and improve security postureWith Canon's Managed IT Services and their new approach to IT and Security offerings, businesses in the U.S. now have access to a comprehensive suite of solutions for managing office technology, IT infrastructure and cybersecurity — streamlining operations through a single provider. Existing Canon customers can also consolidate vendor management by leasing and billing both office equipment and Managed IT Services through Canon Financial Services, Inc., helping to simplify invoicing, improve billing transparency and strengthen vendor relationships.Key Managed IT Services include:24/7 IT Helpdesk and End-User Support for around-the-clock support with experienced technicians for rapid issue resolution, system monitoring, patching and updates designed to prevent problems before they escalate. 24x7x365 Network Security Operations Center (NSOC) which provides a centralized platform offering real-time visibility and management of IT and cybersecurity operations. Combining cybersecurity and IT solutions within the same offering provides a unified experience, enabling fast threat detection and remediation, as well as smooth operations.Managed Detection and Response (MDR) / Extended Detection and Response (XDR) is designed to deliver real-time threat containment, remediation and actionable insights — offering response capabilities that go beyond traditional cybersecurity solutions.Cloud Services that include:Private Cloud for dedicated resources, daily backups and 24/7 monitoring.Public Cloud with expert oversight and support for platforms like Microsoft Azure, AWS and Google Cloud.*IT Infrastructure Support provides end-to-end support including proactive system monitoring, performance tuning and hardware lifecycle management.Data Backup and Disaster Recovery which offers protection for critical business data with secure, redundant backups across locations, regular testing and recovery planning to minimize downtime.Compliance Support through Supra ITS's ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II certifications, which allows business owners to inherit applicable controls and simplify the path to compliance — reducing the time, effort and cost of meeting regulatory demands for their organizations with confidence.**Learn more about how to successfully protect and support your business now and into the future with Canon U.S.A., Inc. Managed IT Services.* Subscription to a third-party cloud service required. Subject to third-party cloud service provider's terms and conditions.**Canon and SUPRA ITS products offer certain security features, yet many variables can impact the security of your devices and data. We do not warrant that use of its features will prevent security issues. Nothing herein should be construed as legal or regulatory advice concerning applicable laws; customers must have their own qualified counsel determine the feasibility of a solution as it relates to regulatory and statutory compliance. Some security features may impact functionality/performance; you may want to test these settings in your environment.

Why car prices are so high today

Why car prices are so high todayHas it been a while since you’ve walked into a new vehicle showroom? Expect some serious sticker shock. The typical MSRP for a new ride nowadays is halfway to six figures. Considering steeper purchase prices, it’s little wonder that many drivers hold onto their vehicles longer or opt for used cars.What’s behind these costly new vehicle prices? Alternatively, what can you expect to pay for a used auto today? What are some factors you need to consider carefully before committing to a vehicle purchase? And how can you shave serious dollars off your car transaction? TheZebra shares answers to these and other questions.How Much Does It Cost to Own a Car in 2026?The average transaction price for a new vehicle is currently $49,814, up 1.3% from one year ago, according to November 2025 data from Kelley Blue Book (KBB).Of course, out-the-door dealership price isn’t the only expense drivers need to take into consideration. On average, owning and operating a new vehicle today costs $11,577, according to AAA.Here’s some of how that breaks down:The average consumer spends around $2,449 on gasoline every year, WalletHub reports.Additionally, Americans now fork over an average of $838 to fix their cars, according to recent data from KBB.The average annual rate for full-coverage auto insurance in the United States is currently around $2,256, based on The Zebra data.Also, consider that 61% of American households pay auto loans, according to a recent study by doxoINSIGHTS, with these bills adding up to 9% of total consumer household bills per year. The median monthly auto loan bill is $470, totaling $5,640 annually.“Beyond the sticker price, buyers need to budget for sales tax, title and registration fees as well as dealer/documentation fees,” says automotive industry expert Lauren Fix, author of Car Coach Reports. “On a typical new vehicle, fees and insurance plus some upfront costs can easily add up to an additional $2,000 upfront.”Why New Car Prices Were So High in 2025So, why do vehicle prices remain so elevated? The reasons are plentiful, the experts agree.“In 2025, new U.S. tariffs on imported cars and auto parts increased manufacturers’ costs, leading to higher prices for buyers. One analysis estimates these tariffs could raise car prices by 10%, or add about $5,000 to the average price of a new car,” says Beth Swanson, an insurance analyst at The Zebra. “At the same time, the cost of materials and key components — including computer chips — has gone up, and ongoing supply chain delays continue to slow production and add expense.”Rami Sneineh, vice president at Insurance Navy Brokers, points out that the semiconductor shortage during the pandemic severely hampered the production of new vehicles, making a recovery difficult.“Even when factory capacity returned, the skyrocketing costs of labor and materials helped raise sticker prices even higher than they were in the pre-pandemic era,” Sneineh explains.Mandated technology, high interest rates and demand for larger and more advanced vehicles have also contributed to steeper new car prices.“There is an increased tendency toward bigger cars like SUVs and trucks, which are inclined to be more expensive than smaller cars, raising the average cost of purchases,” Sneineh continues.How Used Car Prices Have ChangedEager to save money on a pre-owned set of wheels? KBB indicates that the average used car right now has a list price of $25,945. TheZebra If you’re in the market for a used vehicle below $15,000, it’s slim pickings: Dealerships only had around a 34-day supply in late 2025, which is two weeks below the industry’s overall average. Additionally, potential tariff price pressures could worsen matters; many consumers look more closely at the used market when new autos become more costly, which further dilutes already sparse used inventory.Ponder, as well, that many drivers retain their cars for longer, with the average vehicle on the road now 12.8 years old. Consequently, the most attainable used car now typically falls in the $15,000 to $30,000 range.“Prices continue to rise, with 1- to 5-year-old used vehicles now averaging about $31,770 — up nearly 4% from last year,” Fix continues. “Overall, the market is still far more expensive than pre-2021 levels, and the gap between new and used prices remains unusually small.”What Car Buyers Need to Think AboutIt’s smart to be well prepared before heading to a dealership or meeting with a used car seller. That means:Determining your budget and what you can afford.Thinking carefully about the type of car you want to purchase and how long you plan to own it.And learning if your credit is worthy enough to qualify for a better rate and terms if you need financing.“High car prices combined with higher interest rates mean you’ll likely face larger monthly payments. With an average new car loan rate around 7% today, and a typical term close to 69 months, affordability is often stretched thin,” says Fix, who adds that financing a $50,000 car at 7% over 60 months will result in a car loan payment of around $1,000 per month — before adding insurance, taxes, and fees.Additionally, ponder long-term fix and upkeep expenses based on your desired make and model. Per a Consumer Reports’ study of lowest repair and maintenance costs by brand, Tesla tops the list with approximately $4,035 in total 10-year maintenance expenses, followed by Buick and Toyota at about $4,900 each, and Lincoln at around $5,040. Mainstream mass-market brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Nissan, Mazda, and Honda also fall on the lower-cost end. In contrast, European luxury vehicles tend to be the most expensive: Land Rover can surpass $19,000 over 10 years, Porsche around $14,090, and Mercedes-Benz about $10,525. TheZebra “Remember, too, that the type of vehicle you choose affects your insurance costs,” Swanson adds. “Older, reliable and safe cars usually cost less to insure than newer luxury models or high-performance sports cars. But only part of your insurance rate is based on the vehicle itself. Your personal factors matter even more — things like your age, driving history and where you live play a major role in what you will ultimately pay for car insurance.”Tips for saving money on a car purchaseWant to spend less on a new or used car? These expert-backed strategies can help cut costs.Shop beyond your zip code. Prices can vary widely by location, so expanding your search may unlock better deals.Time your purchase carefully. “Dealers are far more motivated to bargain in the last week of any month or quarter,” says Fix.Ask about incentives. Look for manufacturer rebates, special financing, or loyalty discounts.Avoid expensive extras. “Optional dealer add-ons, especially cosmetic packages and extended warranties, can be extremely expensive,” warns Sneineh.Buy slightly used. “The sweet spot is a 3-year-old car, preferably a former lease,” says personal finance expert Paul Walker.Check the vehicle history. A low-cost report can reveal prior accidents or serious damage.Size and trim matter. Choosing a smaller vehicle or mid-level trim can lower both purchase price and ownership costs.Get preapproved financing. Credit unions and online lenders often offer better rates than dealer financing.Avoid long loan terms. Shorter loans usually cost more per month but reduce total interest paid.Do the math on EVs. Higher upfront and insurance costs may offset fuel savings.Consider certified pre-owned or off-lease vehicles. These options can significantly reduce monthly payments with minimal compromise.Negotiate the out-the-door price. Focus on the total cost, including taxes and fees, not just the monthly payment.Be ready to walk away. If the deal doesn’t feel right, leaving may be your strongest leverage.This story was produced by TheZebra and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Menards stores holding food drive through March

Menards stores in the QCA are working together to fight food insecurity in the region. Stores in the Quad Cities, Muscatine, West Burlington, Galesburg, Kewanee and Sterling will have large collection boxes near the exit doors for donations. Nonperishable food items will be collected now through March 30. Click here to find a nearby store. [...]

DNA Doe Project identifies homicide victim found in Geneseo in 1966

Ronald Joe Cole disappeared from Fillmore, California, in 1965. On Oct. 27, 1966, a postman discovered a skull southeast of Geneseo. That body has now been identified as Cole.

Is your factory making people sick? The importance of controlling industrial air emissions

Is your factory making people sick? The importance of controlling industrial air emissionsFor years, it’s been widely known that industrial air emissions pose an environmental hazard. But what is less discussed is how these emissions can negatively impact our health. The damage doesn’t stop there — it can also affect the business’s staff, costs and potential revenue.How do you know if your factory is making people sick, and what can you do about it? MACH Engineering has created this guide to help factories control their air emissions.What Is Factory Air Pollution?Factory air pollution occurs when harmful gases are emitted as a result of factory operations. These gases can cause several harmful effects on the environment, local people and, ultimately, the business. The most common factory air pollutants are:Particulate matter (PM), which is any droplet suspended in the air. PM10 and PM2.5, which are particles smaller than 10 and 2.5 micrometers, respectively, can enter the body and cause health problems.Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are various chemical compounds that contain carbon. These compounds can easily evaporate at room temperature and dissolve in water. While 90% of the world’s VOCs are produced by plants and play an important role in regulating our atmosphere, human-made VOCs are usually more toxic.Nitrogen oxides, which are emitted by burning fossil fuels. These highly reactive gases can react with sunlight and oxygen to create smog, and with water to create acid rain.Sulfur oxides, which are emitted by burning coal, diesel and oil. These chemicals can also cause smog and acid rain.Lead, which is emitted by burning coal, oil and waste products containing lead. Lead particles can enter the human body and cause several health problems. MACH Engineering What Are the Impacts of Factory Air Pollution?Factory air pollution can have many widespread effects, often seen in the following areas.1. Health ImpactAir pollution can affect almost every part of your body, such as your heart, lungs and brain. There are many health risks associated with factory air pollution when it’s inhaled, such as cell mutations, immunosuppression, oxidative stress and inflammation. If the particles are small enough to enter the bloodstream via the lungs, they can cause inflammation and carcinogenicity throughout the entire body.Factory air pollution can cause many specific health problems, particularly stroke, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease and pneumonia. It’s also been linked to other cancers, neurological diseases, diabetes and cognitive impairment. Additionally, there’s evidence that air pollution can increase the risk of babies being born with low birth weight or small for their gestational age.Air pollution can be particularly harmful to people who are young, old, pregnant or have comorbidities.2. Environmental ImpactAir pollution from factories can have many negative and far-reaching effects on the environment, such as:Deposition, which is when air pollutants undergo chemical reactions before they’re deposited on the environment’s surface. When deposited in water or soil, these pollutants can cause imbalanced ecosystems and negatively affect biodiversity, damaging plants and animals.Acid deposition, more commonly known as acid rain, which can damage crops and other plants, animals and their habitats, natural ecosystems and human-made buildings. It can also acidify soil and water, further affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.Nitrogen deposition, which can lead to ecosystems becoming too nitrogen-rich. This can create an ecosystem imbalance and reduce biodiversity as plants that thrive on nitrogen outgrow other plants. It can also cause algae blooms in water bodies, which can negatively impact the water quality and biodiversity.Ground-level ozone, which leads to health issues and disrupts photosynthesis in plants when it’s at ground level. While ozone isn’t directly emitted by factories, it’s often created when nitrogen oxides react with VOCs.All of these environmental effects can have an indirect impact on our health, too. Acid rain can lead to increased levels of heavy metals in our drinking water, and our exposure to contaminants can grow via biomagnification. By reducing the quality and quantity of the food we eat, from crops to livestock, air pollution can further damage our well-being.3. Business ImpactThe health issues that factory air pollutants cause will affect factory workers, perhaps more than anyone else, due to their regular and close proximity to the pollutants. Any business with employees who are regularly ill or are more likely to face serious health issues will likely experience higher absenteeism. Employee turnover rate may be higher, too. This increased absenteeism and turnover rate can make it difficult for factories to operate at full capacity, since staff regularly need to be covered, replaced and trained.Air pollutants within the factory can affect sensitive equipment, too. Airborne particles can corrode and abrade parts, leading to increased maintenance and more frequent part replacement. These particles can also clog ventilation systems and settle on machine surfaces, which can lead to overheating, malfunctions and reduced efficiency.Factories that heavily pollute the air could also face legal challenges. Whether these challenges are brought by agencies that enforce antipollution laws or by people negatively affected by the emissions, they can lead to fines, lawsuits and operational shutdowns. Many companies have been fined or faced other consequences for violating environmental laws on air quality. It can also damage the brand reputation and community relations, which might affect the business’s ability to sell its products.All of these effects can impact the business’s ability to continue operations and lead to increased costs.Air Pollution Laws That Factories Must FollowSeveral laws have been enacted to ensure factories and other sources of industrial pollution take the necessary steps to reduce their emissions. The main ones that affect factories are:1. Clean Air ActThe Clean Air Act (CAA) is a federal law that was introduced in 1970. At that time, air pollution was a massive concern. Environmental controls have led to improved air quality in the decades since, but the CAA remains as important as ever.The CAA lists the pollutants that require regulation. These hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) must be closely controlled by the factory to restrict their emissions, with the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) providing specific regulations for various industries.The National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) provide acceptable levels of different air pollutants. A factory won’t be solely responsible for ensuring these standards are met since there will be many contributing factors. However, that factory must play its part in keeping emission levels down and monitoring them through continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS).Factories that are creating new major pollutant sources or modifying existing ones will have to adhere to Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) regulations. These regulations require factories to install the Best Available Control Technology (BACT), carry out an air quality analysis and an additional impacts analysis, and involve the public in the plans.To comply with the CAA, factories must regularly report on their emissions. They must also apply for CAA permits, which vary depending on the factory’s location.2. Occupational Safety and Health ActThe Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act of 1970 requires employers to protect their workers from various hazards, one of which is unclean air. Employers must provide sufficient indoor air quality for their employees to protect them from the health issues that poor air can cause.For most businesses, this will involve adequate ventilation, but factories must also consider how they can reduce or contain any air pollutants. They may have to change their processes or enclose equipment. It could also require rotating workers to minimize their exposure to pollutants and providing personal protective equipment.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets permissible exposure limits (PELs) that workers can be exposed to. These limits vary depending on the substance, but they can tell factories if they’re exposing their staff to dangerous levels of harmful air pollutants.3. State LawsWhile OSH is a federal act that affects all of the U.S., many states have implemented their own laws on indoor air quality. However, these state laws don’t replace OSHA regulations, and must be at least as effective as OSHA in protecting workers. They must also be approved by OSHA.Currently, seven of these state plans only cover state and local workers, while 22 more also cover private-sector workers. MACH Engineering How to Reduce Your Factory’s Air PollutionThere are several key steps that every factory should take to reduce the amount of air pollution it produces. Some of the most effective factory air pollution solutions are:1. Use Cleaner Production Materials and EnergyMany factory air pollutants are emitted by burning certain fuels, such as coal, oil or diesel. By replacing these fuels with renewable energy that burns more cleanly, factories can reduce their emissions.Factories should also use alternatives to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are commonly used in air conditioning, refrigeration and foam blowing. These compounds can warm the planet 3,790 times as much as carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.2. Install Filtration and Wet Scrubber SystemsTo prevent harmful emissions from escaping into the atmosphere, factories should install filtration and wet scrubber systems. These systems can destroy or neutralize acidic gases, VOCs, HAPs and PM and prevent them from escaping into the atmosphere. There are many different types of wet scrubbers available, including:Packed bed scrubbersVenturi scrubbersOrifice scrubbersSpray towersCyclone spray chambers3. Upgrade and Maintain EquipmentInefficient or poorly maintained equipment can lead to higher air pollutant emissions, as machines with a buildup of grease or other pollutants are more likely to catch fire and release toxic gas into the atmosphere. Less efficient machines also use more electricity, which indirectly increases emissions at power generation facilities. Newer equipment designed with reduced emissions in mind will also be more effective at capturing any emitted pollutants.To ensure equipment is effectively cutting down on emissions, factories should install sensors on their machinery. These sensors can measure emissions from the machine, allowing you to analyze your factory’s emission sources.These steps can help factories comply with environmental laws while reducing their costs in the long run.4. Teach Best Practices to Your EmployeesTo remain compliant with the different regulations, your team must know the best practices for improving air quality in factories. They must also understand the importance of applying these practices.Factory employees need to be trained in the industry’s best practices during their induction. They should also receive regular training to ensure they stay up to date with evolving practices.5. Hire a Third-Party ConsultantA third-party consultant can provide an unbiased and fresh set of eyes over your processes and equipment. If they’re experts in the field, they should be able to give you valuable advice on how you can reduce the air pollutants that your factory emits.Factory Air Emission FAQsFactory owners and managers often want to know more about factory air emissions and how they can reduce them. These are some of the most common questions they ask.1. What Types of Air Filtration Systems Are Available for Industrial Settings?There are several industrial air filtration systems available, which can help keep indoor air healthy and clean, such as:Ventilation bag filtersHigh-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtersUV light filtersCarbon filtersOne 2019 study found that carbon filters, especially bamboo-based filters, are particularly effective at removing VOCs from the air. This makes them ideal to use in factories.2. Which Industries Produce the Most Air Pollution?Many industries pollute the air, but some do so on a larger scale than others. The industries that produce the most air pollution are the energy, transportation, manufacturing and agriculture sectors.3. What Are the Main Types of Air Permits a Factory Needs Under the Clean Air Act?The main types of air permits that factories will need to comply with the CAA are:Construction permits, such as the preconstruction or new source review permits.Operating permits, PSD and Title V permits, which outline the factory’s obligations.General permits, which are required for smaller-scale activities.4. What Are the Other Benefits of Air Pollution Control Technologies?Besides helping factories lower their emissions and remain compliant, air pollution control technologies can:Prolong equipment lifespan.Protect workers’ health.Reduce turnover and staff sickness.Cut operational and noncompliance costs.The Importance of Controlling Factory Air EmissionsFactories emit many types of air pollutants that can damage our health, the environment and the factory itself. If these pollutants reach unacceptable levels, the factory could violate several environmental laws and face various consequences, including sick staff, fines and reputational damage.Fortunately, there are multiple ways to reduce the number of emissions that factories produce, such as educating employees, and installing filtration and scrubbing technology. Factories can also monitor their emission levels, ensuring they’re not exceeding acceptable levels.This story was produced by MACH Engineering and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Rob Sand: ‘I would like to see the math on it’

Rob Sand, Iowa State Auditor and Democratic candidate for governor, explained what he thought was missing from Governor Kim Reynolds' Condition of the State Address

Winter weather returns to the Quad Cities

After a balmy 50° high Tuesday, temperatures took a tumble overnight and won't recover today. Even colder air is on the way for the weekend. Before the really cold air blasts back into the Quad Cities, a round of accumulating snow arrives Thursday during the evening commute. Here's your complete 7-day forecast.

‘You shouldn’t come to the temple drunk’: The ever-changing rules and rituals of LDS temple worship

‘You shouldn’t come to the temple drunk’: The ever-changing rules and rituals of LDS temple worshipFor much of its history, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a faith centered around meetinghouses, which were a buzz of activity throughout the week.That is far less the case today. Leaders have reoriented the 17.5 million-member church — outside of the home, at least — around a new focus: temples.Go as often as circumstances allow has been the mantra poured from the pulpit at General Conference and repeated in Sunday worship services. And even if members cannot go, they are urged to prepare to do so by living the standards — pay a full tithe and no extramarital sex, tea, coffee, alcohol or tobacco — required of temple attendees.But as Jonathan Stapley, author of the newly released “Holiness to the Lord: Latter-day Saint Temple Worship,” explained in a recent episode of The Salt Lake Tribune’s “Mormon Land” podcast, the approach to these sacred sites and the liturgies housed there would come as a surprise to many Latter-day Saints of previous generations.Here are lightly edited excerpts from that show about that shift, as well as a look at other evolutions in meaning and practice in Latter-day Saint temple worship over time.Not all of the rituals that faith founder Joseph Smith introduced stuck. What are some of the ones that came and went? And what does it tell us that Latter-day Saints no longer perform them today?From the beginning, the temple was viewed by church leaders and members as a special site for physical healing. People would be immersed in the temple fonts, and there was a special baptismal prayer that was offered. They had both male and female temple healers. These are people whose job it was to take the sick who came to the temple and anoint and bless them. The temples were viewed in some ways as a site of pilgrimage for healing up until the 1920s.There’s a lot of aspirational resonance with scripture. Jesus healed at the temple, and it’s a place that’s holy.In the modern era, we understand that it’s probably not wise to bring sick people and immerse them in water that other people are using or to have people touch them. So there’s a pragmatic element. But, ultimately, the decision to move away from that sort of healing in the temple was based largely on the emphasis of doing proxy work for the dead. Latter-day Saints have baptism, confirmation and their temple ceremonies — an endowment, washing and anointing and sealing ceremonies. They do that for themselves, for the living. They also do that for their ancestors who are dead.In the 1920s, they were running out of resources in the temples for the people who wanted to participate in those salvific — meaning saving — ceremonies. So they pivoted. They said, “Look, we’re not going to have healing in the temple anymore. We’re not going to have temple choirs. We’re going to cut down on the food offered. We’re going to focus on the work that can only happen in the temple.”Latter-day Saints are frequently taught that the temple rituals are sacred, not secret. But some parts are intended to remain secret and not be discussed outside the temple. How did you walk that line in writing the book?Latter-day Saints promise, they use the language of covenant, but it’s a promise, to keep certain elements of the temple ceremonies isolated to the temple and not discuss them outside of the temple. These are a small portion of the overall ceremonies, but for the majority of the church’s history, church leaders have instructed members to basically keep the entirety of their experiences isolated to the temple. So there is a small bit that church members promise to keep secret.How church members and church leaders protect the sanctity or enact the secrecy of the temple does change over time. For example, during Joseph Smith’s life, in General Conference, he talked about items of the temple ceremonies that would later in the 20th century be no longer permissible for discussion. In the late 19th century, church members and church leaders would talk about things in the newspaper and in General Conference, again, that perhaps later in the 20th century would not have been considered appropriate. So for me, as a historian, I largely went by the people themselves, how they conceptualize it. So if I was talking about the church in the 19th century, I could use the norms of the 19th century to discuss that. With the understanding, most church members would be aware today that in the last decade, the church has really moved to greater transparency with regard to the temple.For the rituals still practiced today, when were they introduced, and when were they formalized?In Kirtland [Ohio], this is in the mid-1830s, we have the introduction of the first ceremonies that a Latter-day Saint might be familiar with today. They’re not in this exact same form, but men, priesthood officers, are washed and anointed and prepared for an endowment in Kirtland. That’s the language that they’re using. It’s not a formal endowment ritual. It’s an endowment of power, a charismatic outpouring of God’s power on them to prepare them to evangelize. But they have that washing and anointing.In Nauvoo [Illinois], they build a temple, and this is the place where Joseph Smith reveals the set of rituals or ceremonies that Latter-day Saints would recognize as the foundation for what they experience today.Under Brigham Young’s leadership [after Smith’s slaying], they have to bring hundreds of people through a day. So they start systematizing and regularizing. They introduce a new sealing text. They introduce new characters to the endowment drama.They head west, and it’s really not until the St. George Temple in 1877, so 30 years later, that they have a temple again. And it’s there that they really start systematizing again. They start writing down the temple ceremonies for the first time.How long would it go?It’s somewhat ambiguous, but I think it’s safe to say maybe five or six hours.And the endowment is now down to an hour?An hour and change.It’s important to realize that most people in the 19th century and early 20th century who were practicing Latter-day Saints might have gone to the temple for themselves and never returned in their lives. The people who did proxy work were a minority. Today, because of greater accessibility due to the sheer volume of temples that have been constructed, the digitization of the liturgy that allows for greater language access and the relatively small amount of time it takes to perform the ceremonies, people are now able to go to the temple regularly. It allows them to participate in the temple liturgy in ways that simply were impossible in previous generations.How do you think that accessibility changes the role that the temple liturgy plays in the lives of Latter-day Saints now compared to 100 years ago?I’m a practicing Latter-day Saint, and we’ve had local leaders encourage us to go to the temple weekly. In the early 20th century, we had church leaders, apostles, who confessed to not going to the temple since they went through their first time.What does that mean, then? The temple is still doing that core work of creating an identity for these people and helping them construct their place in the cosmos. But layering temple worthiness, the requirements to get a temple recommend, on top of this sort of regular temple worship, really transforms what is not only required to go, but what it means to be a Latter-day Saint beyond the liturgy. It’s a commitment to live a certain way, to do a certain thing and to construct your time and identity around this exclusivity that’s located within this building.When did the worthiness element enter?It’s a long process. Early on in Nauvoo, we see the first recommends to access the temple font that are based on whether you volunteered your time to help build the temple. So if you helped build the temple, you paid your tithing, you could access the temple font.Up through most of the 19th century, church leaders would often talk about things that you shouldn’t do if you were going to the temple. You shouldn’t come to the temple if you’re drunk, they said. You should pay your tithing. But really, it wasn’t a formal rule, and every bishop got to choose who could go to the temple. If your bishop would vouch for you, they would write a letter, send it to the church president, and he would check it off, and you could go to the temple.So there was bishop roulette even then?Absolutely. The first printed cards appear in the late 1890s and early 20th century. But as far as I can tell, the first list of questions doesn’t appear until the 1930s. And church leaders have talked about the focus on the Word of Wisdom in the 1920s, but I’ve seen some correspondence to suggest that strict adherence to the Word of Wisdom and complete abstinence wasn’t a requirement until the late 1930s or early 1940s to get into the temple.How has this incredibly close study of the temple altered your own temple experience?I’ve been researching Latter-day Saint history for several decades now. That study and this book, in particular, have provided me with the tools to create meaning out of the ceremonies that were at first disorienting.This story was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

60 years later: Geneseo ’John Doe’ identified as missing California man

Deputies said the John Doe was identified as 19-year-old Ronald J. Cole who has been missing from Filmore, California since 1965.

Geneseo John Doe identified after 60 years

Geneseo John Doe has been identified after 60 years using technology that was not available in 1966. The DNA Doe Project (DDP) has identified Geneseo John Doe as Ronald Joe Cole. Cole was 19 years old when he disappeared from Fillmore, Calif. in 1965 and his remains were found thousands of miles away in Illinois [...]

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1966 skeletal remains in Geneseo identified as missing California teen

Sixty years after his remains were found in Illinois, investigators have identified “Geneseo John Doe” as Ronald Joe Cole, a California teen missing since 1965.

What we lose when we spend to feel better

What we lose when we spend to feel betterFor Emily Mester, compulsive shopping was the norm growing up. Trips to the mall were routine, packages arrived at the door almost daily, and impulse buys were rarely questioned. It was what prompted her last year to write her book, American Bulk: Essays on Excess, which examines how the things we buy, amass, and discard become an intimate part of our lives—and central to our understanding of fulfillment and joy.After years of researching consumer culture and behavioral psychology, Mester decided to embark on a three-month, no-buy period in 2024. The rules she set for herself were as straightforward as they were severe: She wasn’t allowed to buy anything online, nor was she permitted to make spontaneous purchases in stores—habits, she realized, that had once offered a reliable dose of anticipation and emotional lift. “It felt similar to when you have a crush and suddenly the crush goes away and you’re like, well, who do I dress for and who am I hoping to see when I go to this place?” Mester told Atmos. “It felt like my life lacked a carrot; it lacked something to aim towards.”Mester’s relationship to shopping is far from unique—it’s a reflection of a culture that’s long equated consumption with contentment. People have been told for years by advertisers that money can buy happiness. Spend on travel, not things, the headlines say. Invest in memories. Treat yourself—you deserve it. But whether it’s a designer handbag or a getaway to a warmer climate, the underlying assumption remains the same: that joy is something we can purchase. Is that true?New research suggests money can, to a certain degree, buy happiness depending on where and how a person lives, according to a study by the University of British Columbia. Experts found that people in wealthier countries said they gained more happiness from gifts and time-saving services, while those in lower-income nations said spending on essentials like housing and debt relief had a bigger impact. Only certain types of purchases—such as donations, experiences, and investments in personal care—consistently boosted happiness across all regions and cultures.These findings are far from straightforward, in part because happiness is notoriously difficult to measure. It’s subjective, situational, and shaped by cultural expectations as much as by material conditions. And yet, some patterns do emerge. Professors at Harvard, the University of Virginia, and the University of British Columbia determined that happiness depends less on how much money we have and more on how wisely we use it in alignment with human psychology. Though buying experiences over things, helping others, savoring small pleasures can make for happier spending, the “relationship between money and happiness is surprisingly weak,” they concluded.Happiness, it turns out, is less about what’s in our shopping cart and more about whether we spend in ways that nurture our long-term well-being.The Spending-Happiness ParadoxSo, how did we end up here, equating happiness with spending?According to Professor Cathrine Jansson-Boyd, a consumer psychology expert at Anglia Ruskin University, it all started with Henry Ford. “Ford believed every American should have a car—and a cheap one,” she said. “The assembly line made that possible, and mass production took off.”Governments quickly realized that mass manufacturing could drive rapid economic growth, cementing material consumption as a cornerstone of modern economies the world over. But the desire for possessions long predates the industrial era. “Consumption has always been around to some extent, and there’s always been an appreciation of material goods—think of the Vikings, who dyed their clothes in different colors to distinguish themselves within the hierarchy,” said Jansson-Boyd. “We’ve always been emotionally invested in things, but that interest was often tied to more practical purposes.”Fast forward to today, and we’re deep in a “spending-happiness paradox,” also known as the Easterlin Paradox. We’ve built an economy—and a culture—around the idea that buying more will make us feel better. But psychology tells a different story: The emotional payoff of spending tends to wear off quickly, especially once our basic needs are met. A widely cited 2010 study by Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton found that day-to-day emotional well-being levels off around $75,000 in annual income in the United States (adjusted for inflation, roughly $100,000 today). After that point, more money doesn’t necessarily translate to better well-being or greater fulfillment.“When basic needs have been met, it’s not entirely clear that every additional purchase is going to lead to greater feelings of wellbeing and happiness,” said Kate Fletcher, professor of sustainability, design, and fashion systems at Manchester Metropolitan University. “There’s not a linear relationship between more stuff and well-being. But moreover, having a materialistic attitude undermines one’s sense of self in the long term. Generally, it results in people having fewer friends, and it also results in higher levels of antidepressant use.”Still, in the digital age, the pressure to consume has only grown. Happiness is no longer simply sold—it’s staged, filtered, and shared across platforms where the line between advertising and everyday life has grown increasingly blurry. A quick scroll through Instagram or TikTok reveals the shift: Brands now sell aspiration through products. “What’s driving overconsumption on social media is this culture of upward comparison,” said Jansson-Boyd. “It’s as if we’re all on a hamster wheel,” she added. “It spins faster and faster and faster and faster, and we need more and more things to feel better. It’s like a drug addiction; Unless you up the dose every time it’s not working.”The Climate Cost of Chasing HappinessOur shopping habits don’t come cheap—neither for our mental nor planetary health.Compulsive shopping is linked to anxiety and low self-esteem. The more we measure our lives against photoshopped perfection online, the more we feel we’re falling short—and the more we spend to make up the difference. In the process, we take a bigger toll on the planet.Fashion alone accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions, around the same as what’s generated by the European Union, even as the average garment is worn just seven times before being discarded. “It’s been more than 30 years of sustained work to try to address the social and environmental inequities within the fashion space—especially as our spending intensified,” said Fletcher. “But what we see from the statistics is that the impacts are getting worse, not better.”And yet, the cycle continues. Consumption is still viewed as a sign of success, and growth as the measure of economic health. Slowing down—whether personally or systemically—can feel like failure. “We are continuously conditioned, especially through politics, to believe that consumption is really fundamental because that’s how the world goes around now, whether we like it or not,” said Jansson-Boyd. “This is really worrying because if you are coming from a sustainable consumption perspective, we are just not slowing down. And we are ruining the planet in [our pursuit of stuff].”But what if we stopped buying into the illusion that consumption is a necessary part of fulfillment? After three months of no new purchases, Mester was forced to find new ways to fill the emotional space that shopping once occupied. “I would say gardening had a greater impact on my overall happiness, which I was shocked about because I’m not a particularly Earthy person,” Mester said. “I found that there are many more ways to recreate the joy, and the pleasure of noticing and obsessing and deliberating and discovering ourselves, in ways that aren’t shopping.”Mester may be onto something. Research increasingly shows that non-material experiences—like time in nature, volunteering, making art, or spending time with friends—are longer-lasting sources of happiness. In a study published in “The Journal of Positive Psychology” in 2016, participants who engaged in “everyday creative activities” reported greater life satisfaction and emotional well-being.This reorientation toward meaning over materialism is beginning to take root elsewhere, too. Across social media, no-buy challenges like the one Mester participated in attract growing communities of followers committed to resisting overconsumption. Meanwhile, degrowth movements are gaining momentum as activists, scholars, and policymakers question the sustainability of endless economic expansion. Some countries are even beginning to rethink what progress means altogether, shifting their focus from gross domestic product to gross domestic happiness. Bhutan famously pioneered this approach with its Gross National Happiness index, and more recently, governments in New Zealand, Iceland, and Scotland have adopted well-being budgets that prioritize health, equity, and environmental sustainability over traditional economic growth.“Those are the things that give me the most hope,” said Fletcher. “Ultimately, the transition period that we’re in is going to be highly impactful for industry bottom lines. It cannot be otherwise. The sector will have to shrink in order to sit within planetary boundaries, and there’s going to be an almighty resistance to that. There already is.”This story was produced by Atmos and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

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Yard-core! Superfans show team spirit through lawn art

Yard-core! Superfans show team spirit through lawn artYou may think that a lawn is just grass that needs regular mowing and maintenance. But for superfans of the Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, and other favorite teams, a lawn is something used as a billboard for loyalty, team rivalry, and plain old fun.With the sports team lawn logo trend, homeowners take fandom to a whole new level, LawnStarter reports. According to Luke Lorick, president of Tailgating Challenge and founder of National Tailgating Day, the fan experience has steadily intensified over the years.“It started with flags and now … (fans even) decorate their lawn to ensure everyone knows the team they support.” That’s the energy fans are channeling today. And it has taken root not just in tailgate-heavy college towns but also in suburban neighborhoods.Lawn Art for Superfans of All AgesAt Heathwood Assisted Living, on days when the Buffalo Bills are playing, you’ll hear the clapping and cheering of its decked-out residents and staff as they support their team.That excitement is even more intense with the Bills in the AFC playoffs for the seventh consecutive season.Tabitha Kennedy, activities director at Heathwood, said the residents have been watching the Bills’ games “for many, many years.”Aged between 70 and 100, most are lifelong Bills superfans and are likely among the oldest members — you might even say godfathers — of the Bills Mafia.The residents’ celebratory energy is so infectious that even the younger-generation staff loves watching Bills games with them.“We just get together and watch it together. They all have their Bills gear on,” Kennedy said.During the playoffs, Kennedy (who grew up as a Bills fan herself) holds special events for the residents of the assisted living facility.“We have the Bills’ Billieve banner that we hang. Residents love to take pictures of (our life-size) Josh Allen” in the hallway.So when they celebrated Assisted Living Week in September 2025, which coincided with the Bills’ season opener, Kennedy took their superfandom a step further.She hired Brian Koperski, owner of Bricks Lawn Art and fellow diehard fan of the Buffalo Bills, to paint a giant Bills logo on the lawn.It was a complete surprise for the residents. And when word got out, “Even families were coming here to take pictures with their loved ones, so that meant a lot,” Kennedy added.The Art and Science Behind Lawn Logo PaintingCommercial sponsorship logos have been painted on college football fields for at least a few decades in postseason play. And while no one knows for sure when fans started painting logos on their lawns, the idea has gained popularity in recent years as the internet and social media have helped make it a trend.David Daud, owner of Destyn Designs in Philadelphia, witnessed how the sports team lawn logo trend took off. In 2022, before the Eagles went to the Super Bowl, he also started creating lawn “jawns” (Philly slang for any person, place, or thing). And they were a huge hit.“Every year since then, they have been getting more and more popular. I get contacted four to five times a week during the regular season, and 100 times during the playoffs,” Daud said.Daud’s phone no doubt is ringing a lot as the Eagles are the NFC East champions.  Some of Daud's work, which he shares on his Instagram account (@datdudedave21), has been featured by several news channels, including NBC and CBS, especially during last year’s playoff season.At first glance, painting a logo on grass might seem as simple as grabbing a can of spray paint and going to town. In reality, it’s a mix of sports passion, artistic precision, and turf science all rolled into one.TimingLawn logo painting is all about timing. Most lawn artists recommend working on freshly mowed, dry grass so the paint sticks evenly to the blades.“Dry weather and any temperature above 40 degrees is ideal,” said Koperski.If rain is in the forecast, it’s best to paint at least a day before it rains or wait until the weather is clear to help the paint set and prevent smudging.But Koperski has painted in rainy conditions many times without any issues. “I use athletic field aerosol spray paint that is not affected by rain. If you’re using water-based paint through a bigger sprayer, heavy rain could wash away the paint immediately.”To get the most out of your logo, time it to coincide with the sports season.“Playoffs would be the best time for baseball,” shared Daud. “For football, it’s all season long, especially the playoffs.” LawnStarter Paint SelectionPros use turf-safe paints designed specifically for grass, which coat the blades without seeping into the soil. This keeps the design bold and visible while protecting the lawn. But paint selection still depends on the lawn painter.Koperski uses Pioneer Athletics Game Day aerosol field paint. “It is made for grass and used by many ground crews across the country.”On the other hand, Daud uses regular spray paint. His trick: “I don’t saturate the grass so much that it will affect it.”StencilingDaud, who has been an artist for 25 years, is confident painting lawn logos freehand, as is Koperski.But if you’re not comfortable painting completely freehand, try stenciling. You can buy or cut out large stencils of the design, which, in Lorick’s experience, makes the process easier.“If you have never painted a lawn before, get one of those lawn painting kits,” Lorick advised. “I’m all about taking the guesswork out to prevent using incorrect team colors or using a product that may kill your lawn. You want to make sure your team is properly represented on gameday!”“We only need to follow a few simple steps, like laying the template on the yard, spraying the different team colors, and removing the template. Then, voilà! We now have the ultimate team spirit lawn.”LifespanIf your lawn is healthy, the painted logo will look brighter and last longer. The lifespan of your lawn art painting also depends on how quickly your grass grows.Koperski said that his lawn painting won’t wash away with rain, but it will fade over time as the lawn is mowed. Daud added, “They could last anywhere from two to eight weeks in the spring. In the winter, they could last up to three months or two lawn mows.”Popular Team Logo Designs for LawnsSaturdays in fall practically guarantee a flood of lawns painted with giant sports team logos like those of the Buffalo Bills or the Philadelphia Eagles, college mascots like the Florida gator, or bold block letters like Georgia’s ”G” or the Ohio State ”O” big enough to be seen from Google Earth.And it’s not just for the big leagues. Even high school teams are catching on. Parents love surprising their kids by having their school’s mascot painted on the lawn before a big playoff game.“To me, creating a lawn jawn is like a big puzzle,” explained Daud. “Each piece has to be proportional to the next piece, and so on, and so forth. Then, before you know it, you get a beautiful piece of art, anywhere from 10 to 35 feet.”Note: If you’re worried about sports logos on lawns violating any trademark laws, Daud said it isn’t an issue. “I’ve actually painted for some of the employees of the Philadelphia Eagles, and there hasn’t ever been a problem with the trademark.”Prep, Painting, and Damage PreventionLike any good paint job, the secret to a sharp lawn logo is in the prep work.When used properly, turf paint is safe and temporary. Think of it as temporary hair dye for your lawn — it’s flashy, but safe, and eventually grows out.Still, these smart steps can help you paint grass without ruining it:Mow before painting: Mow your lawn before painting it. Koperski recommends mowing the lawn 2 inches or shorter. “The paint will look the best and last the longest that way.”Water lightly: Some pros recommend watering the lawn lightly the day before so the turf is hydrated just enough and ready to hold color.Use turf-safe paints: Unlike spray paints you can buy from hardware stores, these lawn paints are non-toxic and safe for use on grass. Koperski recommends athletic field paint, which does not hurt the lawn.Secure the edges (for stencils): Place small weights on the outer edges of the stencil to keep it in place while painting.Avoid over-saturating: Too much paint can block sunlight and stress the blades.With the right prep and care, the only thing left behind is team pride, not lawn damage.DIY vs. Professional Lawn Logo PaintingLawn logo painting is a great way to surprise guests at a backyard watch party, show off school pride before a Friday night game, or even celebrate a special occasion.But should you go DIY or hire a pro?DIY Lawn PaintingWith a little creativity, a stencil (which you can buy online or make yourself), and turf-safe paint, DIY enthusiasts can create a decent design for under $50.The downside of DIY is that precision can be very tricky. Without practice, your crisp “team logo” can end up looking like abstract art.Best for: Fans looking for a quick, on-time boost of spirit.Professional Lawn PaintingOn the other hand, professional services can give you a stadium-quality logo.Daud shared how his craft has gotten better over time.“At first, it would take me up to three hours to do one, but since I’ve done so many, it now only takes me 35 minutes for a regular logo and 45 for a throwback (bigger, old logo), and this can be up to 20 feet.”The price depends on the size of the logo, as well as the colors and complexity of the design. Koperski said, “Jobs range from $200 to a couple of thousand, depending on what and where I am painting.”For Daud, it can be as low as $200 for a regular logo, while a throwback logo can go as high as $500.Best for: Fans who want clean lines, perfect colors, and something that’ll wow neighbors.At the end of the day, lawn painting is about showing passion, and whether you do it yourself or hire someone, the effects are unforgettable. LawnStarter A Healthy Lawn Is the Secret to a Striking Lawn LogoPainted lawns are making their mark as the ultimate fan statement. The lawn painting craze isn’t just about bold colors and logos. It’s about community, tradition, and showing pride in a way that turns heads.This story was produced by Lawnstarter and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Vibrant Credit Union launches Be the Good Foundation to help community

Vibrant Credit Union announced the official launch of the Be The Good Foundation, a philanthropic initiative designed to power more kindness, more opportunity, and more “good stuff” in communities across the Midwest, a news release says.  For years, Vibrant has believed that doing good shouldn’t be a side project — "it should be part of who we are," [...]

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Scott County sex offender sentenced to life in prison

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Más allá del diagnóstico: lo que las personas con diabetes desearían que usted supiera

(BPT) - La diabetes es una de las afecciones crónicas más frecuentes en todo el mundo.1 El manejo diario es difícil, pero uno de los mayores desafíos para quienes viven con diabetes es enfrentarse al estigma, los juicios y los conceptos erróneos de personas que no comparten la experiencia.2Escuche a tres personas que viven con diabetes e intentan cambiar el estigma asociado a esta afección crónica.La vergüenza dueleTomeka Porter, de 50 años, lleva más de 40 controlando su diabetes, y se siente capacitada para tomar sus propias decisiones gracias a una eficaz tecnología de control de la diabetes.Sin embargo, cuando sale a cenar fuera, sus amigos y familiares, con buenas intenciones, a veces cuestionan su decisión de pedir postre.Lo que no han visto es que ya ha calculado los carbohidratos, ajustado su dosis de insulina y controlado los niveles de glucosa."Para mí, tener un excelente control de la diabetes significa utilizar las herramientas que pueden darme información en tiempo real para tomar decisiones en tiempo real", dijo Porter. "La mejor herramienta que tengo es mi monitor continuo de glucosa. Me mantiene en el buen camino, en control y completamente responsable; entonces, la gente con la que estoy no tiene que hacerlo por mí".Sean Hughes, de 64 años, también padece diabetes y la gente se obsesiona con la causa de su enfermedad, dando por sentado que se debe a un estilo de vida poco saludable."Existe la idea de que las personas con diabetes son culpables de su enfermedad", afirmó. "No es tan sencillo como 'No has comido bien'".Las críticas a las decisiones sobre alimentación y estilo de vida son un desafío habitual. A menudo se juzga injustamente a las personas con diabetes de tipo 1 y de tipo 2, lo que refuerza la falsa creencia de que la diabetes solo es causada por "malas" elecciones. En realidad, la diabetes es una afección compleja en la que influyen la genética, las respuestas del sistema inmunitario, el medioambiente y otros factores.3 Esto es lo que Porter y Hughes desearían que todo el mundo supiera sobre la vida con diabetes:Todos los días hay que tomar decisiones constantemente.Las personas con diabetes pueden tomar hasta 180 decisiones relacionadas con la salud al día.4 Desde predecir cómo responde la glucosa a lo que comen hasta elegir qué actividades realizan. Y todo ello mientras controlan la medicación que toman. Mantenerse sano exige una vigilancia constante.No existe un plan único.El recorrido de cada persona con diabetes es personal. Lo que funciona para una persona puede no funcionar para otra.No se trata solo del azúcar.La diabetes tiene que ver con la forma en que el organismo procesa la glucosa, lo cual puede verse afectado por la resistencia a la insulina, el estrés, las enfermedades, el sueño y los niveles de actividad, no solo por la alimentación.5Un monitor continuo de glucosa (continuous glucose monitor, CGM) puede ayudar a tomar decisiones informadas sobre el estilo de vida.Los CGM son dispositivos tecnológicos portátiles (biowearables) discretos que controlan la glucosa de una persona en tiempo real, y la ayudan a comprender cómo los niveles se ven afectados por la alimentación, la actividad y la medicación. Esta información ayuda a tomar decisiones informadas.El apoyo es importante.Un lenguaje útil ayuda a crear un entorno más propicio. En una encuesta realizada por Abbott, el 70% de los encuestados afirmaron que los comentarios de apoyo de otras personas pueden aumentar significativamente su motivación para controlar su afección.6Bethany Dingman, de 32 años, lleva más de 20 viviendo con diabetes y comparte las experiencias y consejos de Porter y Hughes. "La diabetes no define quién eres como persona", afirma. "Sí, es una enfermedad grave, pero si se trata correctamente, ya sea con dieta y ejercicio, controlando los niveles de glucosa o con medicación, se puede seguir disfrutando de la vida". El peso del estigmaAbbott, líder mundial en dispositivos tecnológicos portátiles para la diabetes, ha publicado recientemente un estudio que recoge las experiencias reales de personas con diabetes.6 El estudio demostró lo siguiente:Casi el 70% cree que existe un estigma asociado a la afección.6Casi el 25% ha evitado compartir el diagnóstico con familiares o amigos por vergüenza o preocupación.5El 40% ha faltado a una cita médica por vergüenza.6Estos resultados revelan que los comentarios estigmatizadores no solo hieren, sino que también aíslan. Pueden hacer que las personas con diabetes sean menos propensas a buscar atención médica, estén menos dispuestas a compartir sus dificultades y sean más vulnerables a la vergüenza. Cómo puede ayudarEmpiece por la empatía. En lugar de preguntar qué "puede" o "no puede" hacer una persona con diabetes, pregunte cómo puede apoyarla. Respete el hecho de que las personas con diabetes son las que mejor conocen su afección y cómo controlarla."La gente cree que tener diabetes significa que no puedo consumir azúcar, pero es mucho más complejo que eso. Dispongo de un excelente sistema que me ayuda a controlarla", afirmó Porter."La diabetes es algo que me esfuerzo por controlar cada día", añadió Hughes. "El apoyo ideal es respetar que conozco mi cuerpo y mis necesidades. Yo tengo el control"."Soy la prueba viviente de que la diabetes no me impide vivir mi mejor vida", afirma Dingman. "Tengo las herramientas necesarias para asegurarme de que mis niveles de glucosa se mantengan en un nivel seguro y eso me ayuda a preocuparme menos mientras hago mis ejercicios y planifico mis comidas".Para concientizar sobre el impacto a la salud de los conceptos erróneos relacionados con la diabetes, Abbott lanzó la iniciativa Más allá del prejuicio. Si usted o alguien que conoce padece diabetes y desea saber más sobre cómo mejorar el apoyo, visite AboveBias.com.Las opiniones expresadas en este artículo no deben utilizarse para el diagnóstico o tratamiento médico ni como sustituto del asesoramiento médico profesional. Los síntomas, situaciones y circunstancias individuales pueden variar.1 World Health Organization, Diabetes, consultado el 18 de septiembre de 2025.2 Speight, Jane, Elizabeth Holmes-Truscott, Matthew Garza, et al. "Bringing an End to Diabetes Stigma and Discrimination: An International Consensus Statement on Evidence and Recommendations." The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology 12, no. 1 (January 2024): 61–82. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(23)00347-9/ppt.3 American Diabetes Association, Genetics of Diabetes, consultado el 18 de septiembre de 2025.4 Stanford Medicine, New research shows how to keep diabetics safer during sleep, consultado el 27 de octubre de 2025.5 American Diabetes Association, Blood Glucose and Insulin, consultado el 10 de octubre de 2025.6 Data on file, Abbott Diabetes Care. Based on a global survey among 1,233 adult participants (n=134 with type 1 Diabetes, n=1,099 with Type 2 Diabetes) commissioned by Abbott and conducted by Savanta in May 2024.

New scholarship being offered to Moline High School seniors in memory of Porter McNeil

Applications for the Porter McNeil Public Service Scholarship are now open to Moline High School students.

Second man involved in Davenport shooting enters into plea agreement

A second man charged in connection with an Aug. 5 shooting in which a home on Davenport's West Sixth Street was shot multiple times has entered into a plea agreement.

Colona to add new hire for water system repairs; try committee of the whole

At Mayor Brian Johnson's suggestion, the council discussed holding a committee of the whole meeting prior to council meetings and having actual committee meetings only on an "as needed" basis.

Rotary Club of Rock Island awards a total of $7,500 through community grants program

The Rotary Club of Rock Island has awarded a total of $7,500 through its community grants program to five nonprofits that serve people in Rock Island, a news release says. The grant awards were presented at the Rotary Club’s meeting on Jan. 6. This was the second round of community grants for the 2025-2026 Rock [...]

Two Rock Island firefighters promoted to lieutenant, three others commended for bravery

A pair of Rock Island firefighters were promoted to lieutenant during Monday's Rock Island City Council meeting, while three firefighters received commendations for their bravery during a Dec. 1 fire.

The risks of AI in schools outweigh the benefits, report says

A new report warns that AI poses a serious threat to children's cognitive development and emotional well-being.

Special Weather Statement until WED 12:15 PM CST

Gusty Winds and Snow Showers Expected This Morning

Graham Health System announces new president/CEO

Graham Health System (GHS), a regional healthcare provider established in 1909 and headquartered in Canton, Illinois, has announced that that Allison Sours has assumedthe role of president & chief executive officer, a news release says. Sours joined Graham Health System in April 2018 as vice president of quality, where she provided strategic leadership in advancing [...]

Small Town Circus

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When I was growing up in southern Minnesota, the circus still came to town regularly each August to set up in field at…

Man caught with meth, crack and heroin enters plea agreement

A Davenport man arrested in September after police seized dealer levels of meth, crack cocaine and heroin during a search of his property has entered a plea agreement with prosecutors.

Movies and TV shows casting across the US

Media_Photos // Shutterstock Movies and TV shows casting across the US The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey.Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a list of projects casting right now across the U.S., and which roles they're looking to fill. Media_Photos // Shutterstock 'Asherah: A Love Odyssey - Episode One - Flashbacks' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Ariel: Age-19 (supporting, female, 18-23)--- Miguel: Age-20 (lead, male, 18-24)--- Asherah: Age-18 (lead, female, 18-23)- Average hourly rate: $125- Casting locations: West Palm Beach, Florida; Savannah, Georgia; Augusta, Georgia; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia- Learn more about the feature film here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'The Seam' - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Heather (lead, female, 21-28)--- Isaac (lead, male, 21-28)--- Ben (lead, male, 45-65)- Average hourly rate: $15- Casting locations: Princeton Junction, New Jersey; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New York City, New York- Learn more about the scripted show here KinoMasterskaya // Shutterstock '72 Hours' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Club Goers (background extra, 18-35)- Average hourly rate: $18- Casting locations: New York City, New York; Newark, New Jersey; Brooklyn, New York; Morristown, New Jersey; Hoboken, New Jersey- Learn more about the feature film here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'Philly' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Girl Dancer (day player, female, 18-30)--- Horse Riders (day player, male, 15-30)--- Tattoo Face Clown Guys (day player, 18-40)- Average hourly rate: $150- Casting locations: Brooklyn, New York- Learn more about the feature film here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'Soul Killer II' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Bailey (day player, female, 18-30)--- Detective Greenspan (supporting, female, 30-55)--- Senatorial Staffer (day player, male, 20-40)- Average hourly rate: $30- Casting locations: Los Angeles, California- Learn more about the feature film here Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock 'America Down' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Liam or Lacey Davenport (supporting, 5-12)- Average hourly rate: $30- Casting locations: Los Angeles, California; White Plains, New York; New Haven, Connecticut; New London, Connecticut; New York City, New York- Learn more about the feature film here muratart // Shutterstock 'Moon Eyes' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Jewel (lead, female, 18-21)--- Reuben (lead, male, 18-21)- Average hourly rate: $63- Casting locations: Lancaster, Pennsylvania; New York City, New York; Boston, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania- Learn more about the feature film here Media_Photos // Shutterstock 'Mama's Boy,' A24 Horror Series' - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Model on Magazine (background extra, female, 20-29)--- Camp Counselors Canoeing - Tent. Works 6/23 (SAG-AFTRA COVERED) (background extra, 18-23)--- Wife of Principal Character (background extra, female, 20-39)- Average hourly rate: $27- Casting locations: West Milford, New Jersey; New York City, New York; Jersey City, New Jersey- Learn more about the scripted show here Tikkyshop // Shutterstock 'Whispers in the Walls' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Nurse (day player, female, 23-50)--- Police Officer (background extra, male, 30-60)--- Rose (supporting, 35-50)- Average hourly rate: $31- Casting locations: Los Angeles, California- Learn more about the feature film here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'The Jogger' - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Ari (lead, female, 25-35)--- Alex (day player, male, 18-25)--- Emily (supporting, female, 25-35)- Average hourly rate: $41- Casting locations: Los Angeles, California; Norwalk, California- Learn more about the scripted show here guruXOX // Shutterstock 'Vertical Mini-Drama Series' - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Will (lead, male, 25-35)--- Sasha (lead, female, 25-35)- Average hourly rate: $106- Casting locations: England, Arkansas; Los Angeles, California; Austin, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; Seattle, Washington- Learn more about the scripted show here Dpongvit // Shutterstock 'Hench: The Override Saga' - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Holly (lead, female, 18-30)--- Samanatha (lead, female, 21-38)--- Gina (lead, female, 18-35)- Average hourly rate: $31- Casting locations: Los Angeles, California; New York City, New York; Boston, Massachusetts- Learn more about the scripted show here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'DWP2' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Event Guests (background extra, 18-80)- Average hourly rate: $27- Casting locations: New York City, New York- Learn more about the feature film here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'Revenge League' - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Cindy Tudor (lead, female, 21-30)--- Loren Clark (supporting, female, 25-34)- Average hourly rate: $63- Casting locations: Los Angeles, California- Learn more about the scripted show here Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock 'What I Left Behind' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Teenager (lead, 18-25)--- Cinematographer (crew)- Average hourly rate: not available- Casting locations: Brooklyn, New York- Learn more about the feature film here This story was produced by Backstage and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

The death toll from a crackdown on protests in Iran jumps to over 2,500, activists say

The death toll from nationwide protests in Iran has surpassed 2,500, activists said, as Iranians made phone calls abroad for the first time in days Tuesday.

How have prices changed in a year? NPR checked 114 items at Walmart

We found the effects of tariffs and extreme weather, relief (finally!) in the egg cooler, plus one case of shrinkflation.

How the feud between Trump and Minnesota is impacting the probe into the ICE shooting

The FBI is solely leading the inquiry into the killing of Renee Macklin Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross without help from Minnesota authorities. Legal experts explain why the move is unusual and why joint investigations are the norm.

NASA set to bring astronaut (and the rest) of Crew-11 home early for medical reasons

In an unprecedented move, NASA is bringing an astronaut crew home early from the International Space Station because one astronaut has an undisclosed medical condition.

Iowa among governors' races to watch in 2026

Three dozen states are set to hold races for governor across the country this November, with a handful offering a test of the national mood halfway into President Donald Trump’s second term.

A construction crane falls onto a moving train in Thailand, killing at least 22 people

A construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train, causing a fiery derailment that killed at least 22 people Wednesday in northeastern Thailand. Another 64 people were injured.

A construction crane falls onto a moving train in Thailand, killing at least 29 people

A construction crane fell onto a moving passenger train, causing a fiery derailment that killed at least 29 people Wednesday in northeastern Thailand. Another 64 people were injured.

Cook review: 'Out There: A National Parks Story' kicks off QC Environmental Film Series

Now I know what a bear bell is. Maybe you already do. But if you don't, "Out There: A National Parks Story" is a good, safe place to find out. "This has been a very long journey, traveling through the U. S. national parks. All to meet some incredible people along the way," says filmmaker [...]

China's trade surplus surges 20% to a record $1.2 trillion, even with Trump's tariffs

China's trade surplus surged to a record of almost $1.2 trillion in 2025, the government said Wednesday, as exports to other countries made up for slowing shipments to the U.S. under President Donald Trump's onslaught of higher tariffs.

Vance to meet Danish and Greenlandic officials in Washington on Wednesday

U.S. Vice President JD Vance will meet Denmark's foreign minister and his Greenlandic counterpart in Washington on Wednesday to discuss the Arctic island, at the center of a geopolitical storm.

One killed, two injured in single-vehicle rollover crash in Jackson County

One person was killed and two others injured in a single-vehicle rollover crash in Jackson County on Tuesday, the Iowa State Patrol said.

New Porter McNeil Public Service Scholarship seeks applications

The Porter McNeil Public Service Foundation will award two $2,500 scholarships a year to graduating seniors from Moline High School who are pursuing education in public service, civic engagement, or social impact fields. Applications are open now through April 30, 2026.

High school basketball: January 13th

Watch highlights from boy’s and girl’s high school basketball from both sides of the river.

BookTrib’s Bites: Finding Truth in Unexpected Places

(BookTrib) - “The Dark Birth of the Secret Council” by Tracy Cavelli-TrussellTrisha Maitland, a celebrated novelist, speaker and devoted woman of faith, begins experiencing vivid dreams that transport her to a dark, dangerous realm known as Elsewhere. What starts as unsettling visions soon reveals itself as a spiritual reality — one connected to a powerful and sinister secret council manipulating events in the physical world. As Trisha struggles to understand God’s messages woven through her dreams, she uncovers a growing conspiracy led by a charismatic businessman whose thirst for power masks ancient evil.Moving between light and darkness, faith and temptation, truth and deception, reality and imagination, this fast-paced, faith-fueled supernatural thriller explores spiritual warfare, free will and redemption. With prose as sharp as sea glass and characters that leap off the page, it is both a compelling mystery and a profound meditation on the stories we tell ourselves to survive. “The Dark Birth of the Secret Council” launches a gripping Christian thriller trilogy that challenges readers to consider what unseen forces may be shaping their world.Purchase at https://a.co/d/4RRUsoW.“Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar” by Bobby "Z" Zielinski“Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar” follows the exploits of one bar’s patrons across a single evening, from Friday at 3 p.m. until Saturday at 3 a.m. Everything revolves around Slippery Eddie, the bartender. Every hour, a different story unfolds, introducing a cast of colorful, albeit shifty, characters.In the tradition of “A Bronx Tale,” this narrative poetry collection is a historical and satirical look at the post-war bar scene in Jersey City, New Jersey, told by one of the original Jersey City bad boys of the period, Bobby “Z” Zielinski. “The bar in the 50s and 60s was where you cashed your paycheck, socialized with your friends, borrowed money, bought various items that ‘just fell off the back of a truck,’ … bet the numbers for the horses and paid off the ‘shys,’” Zielinski writes.Now you can experience the mayhem of this rough and rowdy time in urban history for yourself through “Friday Nite at the Bucket of Blood Bar.” Purchase at https://amzn.to/49DUux3 or visit the author’s website, Tales of the Junkyard Dog, at https://talesofthejunkyarddog.wordpress.com/ for more information. Zielinski can also be contacted at biz17alty@verizon.net.“Corn Festival” by Melissa LairdIn 1970, drawn by idealism and the promise of a better way of life, Wanda and a small group of friends leave California for North Freedom, Wisconsin, determined to build a communal farm rooted in cooperation, organic living and music. As they struggle to grow food, restore an old cabin and find their footing in a skeptical rural community, cracks begin to form — both within the group and between them and the world around them. Backlash, disappointment and diverging paths eventually leave Wanda alone, guarding a dream that once felt revolutionary.Spanning five decades, “Corn Festival” traces the echoes of that experiment into the present day, revealing how the cultural divisions of the late 1960s resurface in modern America. By linking counterculture idealism to contemporary polarization, the novel offers a deeply personal and timely reflection on belonging, legacy and the enduring struggle to create meaningful change.Purchase at https://amzn.to/4qKjh8w.“The Great Dane” by Suanne LaqueurAfter the sudden death of his only child, Liko Greenman is adrift, passing time until a mystery hidden inside his son’s favorite video game gives him a reason to move forward. When a cryptic clue from the game’s maker leads him from the digital world to a secluded farm in rural New York, Liko meets Danelaw “Dane” Strong — an intersex man with a layered past and a life shaped by love that defied convention.As Dane guides Liko through the game’s unanswered questions, the search becomes something deeper: a journey through grief, identity and the ways people find belonging when traditional labels fall short. Set against legends, folklore and the evocative symbolism of the Three Hares triskelion, “The Great Dane” is a luminous exploration of connection, chosen family and the healing power of love.Blending romance and drama with psychological and philosophical depth, Suanne Laqueur shows us that while we view the most profound human connection in pairs, three is often love’s most magical number.Purchase at https://amzn.to/4qsKpt3.

Fatal interstate shootings hit 0 in 2025, Illinois State Police say

Last year, officials said the number of interstate shootings across the state decreased by 31% when compared to 2024.

Public service scholarship honors Porter McNeil

Longtime public servant Porter McNeil passed away in September at 65.

ACLU holds town hall on impact of Trump administration

The town hall drew more than 160 attendees.

Public service scholarship honors Porter McNeil

Longtime public servant Porter McNeil passed away in September at 65.

1 dead, 2 injured after rollover crash west of Nashville, IA

Iowa State Patrol said a car lost control when trying to avoid a vehicle mowing a ditch, causing the car to roll over.

1 dead, 2 injured after rollover crash west of Nashville, IA

Iowa State Patrol said a car lost control when trying to avoid a vehicle mowing a ditch, causing the car to roll over.

Officials: 1 dead, 2 injured in Jackson County crash

The name of the person who died has not been released at this time, pending family notification.

Gov. Kim Reynolds delivers 2026 Condition of the State | FULL ADDRESS

For the 2026 session, Iowa lawmakers are focused on issues such as eminent domain and property tax reform. Video courtesy Iowa PBS pool feed.

Davenport police officer speaks on saving woman during Chicago Bears game

After Laura Hart went into cardiac arrest, Ofc. Riley McIntyre jumped into action. The two were recently recognized at Soldier Field during the Lions game.

Davenport police officer performs life-saving act at Chicago Bears game

Riley McIntyre was walking up the many flights of stairs at Soldier Field to section 400 to enjoy a football game between his beloved Chicago Bears and the New York Giants. It was his day off from being a Davenport police officer. All he thought he'd be doing was cheering his Bears on their way [...]

‘If you woke up tomorrow and had nothing’: Red Cross helps 18 fire victims

Organization provides immediate assistance after Dixwell Street blaze sends one man to hospital

Rock Island center will honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (MLK Center) in Rock Island invites the public to its 43rd Annual Memorial Service and Awards Celebration in honor of the late Rev. Dr. MartinLuther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 19, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The theme for this year’s event is “A time for vigorous and [...]

Three years and $45 million later, Illinois is seeing teacher vacancy changes

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, teacher vacancies across the countryhave become increasingly harder to fill within the last decade. The state of Illinois has addressed the issue through the Teacher Vacancy Grant Pilot Program (TVGPP). The initiative has been studied over the past few years, showing 5,400 new hires - and even [...]

Claudette Colvin, who refused to move seats on a bus at start of civil rights movement, dies

Civil rights pioneer Claudette Colvin has died. She was 86. Her 1955 arrest for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated Montgomery bus helped spark the modern civil rights movement.

Kewanee man get 12 years in stabbing death

An 18-year-old Kewanee man was sentenced Tuesday to 12 years in prison in connection with a fatal stabbing in January 2025.

Poopy's in Savanna seeks new owners

Owners of a biker-friendly tavern in Savanna say they are looking for new owners. In a Facebook post, the announcement was made that Poopy's is up for sale. We want to address the rumors head-on — 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦. Poopy’s is 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐚𝐥𝐞. After the heartbreaking loss of our partner last year, the workload and [...]

Chocolate Manor celebrates grand opening under new family ownership in Davenport

After a September soft opening, Chocolate Manor officially opened its doors in Davenport, welcoming customers with made-from-scratch sweets and a family touch.

Quad Cities business owner appointed to Illinois Finance Authority

Douglas House will serve as a member of the authority pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate, according to a media release.

Chocolate Manor celebrates grand opening under new family ownership in Davenport

After a September soft opening, Chocolate Manor officially opened its doors in Davenport, welcoming customers with made-from-scratch sweets and a family touch.

WATCH: Iowa’s 2026 Condition of the State address

In her last Condition of the State address, Gov. Kim Reynolds will outline her legislative priorities for this year’s session.

La Fuente celebrates opening in moline with ribbon cutting

La Fuente, located on Avenue of the Cities in Moline, held its ribbon cutting.

Grassley honors St. Ambrose student in Senate for blood donation efforts

A St. Ambrose student who was named to the Impact Life Blood Donor Hall of Fame last fall is getting recognition in the nation’s capital.

Iowa House lawmakers consider bill prohibiting use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines

During a subcommittee meeting Tuesday, landowners, pipeline companies, agricultural associations and unions provided testimony on a bill to prohibit the use of eminent domain for building carbon capture pipelines.

Bettendorf police step up enforcement of Iowa’s hands-free driving law

Bettendorf police say too many drivers are still on their phones — even after months of warnings about Iowa’s new hands-free law.

Burlington store coming to Moline this spring

Burlington Stores announced the company plans to open a store in Moline.

And windy start for your Wednesday morning

After a warm start to the week, we have some colder temperatures making a return through the rest of the week. However, in regard to Wednesday tomorrow, it is not just the cold we will be seeing but also the winds. During the morning when all are getting ready for that morning commute wind speeds [...]

Dallahan will be in concert at Bishop Hill Creative Commons

Bishop Hill Creative Commons, Bishop Hill, Ill., will present Dallahan in concert on Friday, Jan 16, marking the band’s first U.S. tour in 10 years, a news release says. The evening will begin with an optional community potluck dinner at 6 p.m. (bring a dish to share if you’d like to join), followed by the [...]

Iowa’s Trumpeter swan population reaches record nesting levels

The large white birds are native to Iowa but the population was decimated by the late 1800s. However, the birds had a modern-day record 158 nest attempts in 2025.

37-year-old woman suffers injuries after being struck by vehicle in Moline

Police say the woman stepped suddenly into the street and was hit by a car on 34th Avenue. She suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Republicans say Clintons risk contempt of Congress for not testifying on Epstein

House Republicans are seeking testimony as part of their investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Clintons say they've already provided in writing what little they know.

Quad Cities National Organization for Women (NOW) holding Rally for Reproductive Freedom in Rock Island

The Quad Cities National Organization for Women (NOW) will hold a Rally for Reproductive Freedom on Sunday, Jan. 18 in Rock Island, near the 53rd anniversary of the Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion before being overturned in 2022.

Rock Island wants to improve its rail crossings. First, it needs your help.

The city wants your feedback on specific railroad crossings, so leaders can understand which areas need the most attention as they apply for federal funding grants.

Poopy's Saloon up for sale following death of co-owner

Officials with the gaming parlor said they will still be open for the upcoming season as they search for a new owner.

3 men, dog rescued from disabled boat on Mississippi River

A rescue boat was able to connect a tow strap to the disabled boat and tow it to Bulger’s Hollow.

Living Lands and Waters' newest floating classroom docks in East Moline

The Mississippi River Institute will be docked at Beacon Harbor through June.

Iowa’s Trumpeter swan population reaches record nesting levels

The large white birds are native to Iowa but the population was decimated by the late 1800s. However, the birds had a modern-day record 158 nest attempts in 2025.

Stranded boaters rescued on Mississippi River in Clinton County

Three men and a dog were rescued Monday after their disabled boat drifted down Pool 13 of the Mississippi River near Bulger’s Hollow. No injuries were reported.

Rock Island wants to improve its rail crossings. First, it needs your help.

The city wants your feedback on specific railroad crossings, so leaders can understand which areas need the most attention as they apply for federal funding grants.

FTC accuses AI search engine of 'rampant consumer deception'

Federal officials say a company that operates hundreds of landing pages for AI answers is running an operation that has duped thousands of users, who were unable to stop costly monthly charges.

Geneseo man charged with indecent solicitation of a child

He is charged with Class 3 felony indecent solicitation of a child and Class A misdemeanor sexual exploitation of a child.

North Scott Press — January 14, 2026

3 men, dog rescued from disabled boat on Mississippi River

Three men and a dog are safe after a water rescue on the Mississippi River yesterday. The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office was called to Pool 13 of the Mississippi River (Bulger’s Hollow Campground) on January 12 at about 3:49 p.m. for a report of a boat in distress, according to a news release. Deputies were [...]

Local governments await tax reform

Progress on property tax reform leads the concerns of Iowa state lawmakers, who returned to the capitol for the start of a new session Monday. Tax reform also leads the concerns of governing bodies across Scott County, who will watch legislators closely as they move to reshape the state’s property tax system. The Urban County Coalition (UCC), which unites Scott with Linn, Johnson, Dubuque, and Black Hawk Counties, has placed concerns over property tax reform at the forefront of its 2026 lobbying platform. They say the state’s efforts to curtail property taxes have left counties with an inability to fund services required by state laws and requested by citizens. The Iowa League of Cities, which represents municipal governments across the state, hopes reform will overwrite a 2023 provision that restricts tax collection as cities expand. Local officials echo both groups’ concerns. Rose Guyer, clerk of Long Grove, said lawmakers have threatened an “erosion of home rule” that would cripple local services. “The main services that get impacted are your police, your fires, and your libraries. Those are the first services that get cut,” she said. Supervisor Jean Dickson, who represents the county in the UCC, said that the county was “all-in on property tax reform,” but that local officials needed guidance from the state on how to consolidate services. “We need guidance from the legislature—what other services can we do differently,” she said. Dickson said that, if property tax losses aren’t backfilled by state funding or accompanied by guidance, the county’s “high quality level of services” could be at risk. Municipal property taxes In 2023, the state legislature passed a reform that restricted cities’ potential property tax revenue by up to 3%, depending on the growth of the tax base. The intention was to limit cities’ ability to increase tax revenue as property valuations rose. Yet it meant that, if a city’s tax base grew through expansion, it could not levy the additional taxes it might need to fund expanded services. A proposal introduced in 2025 would have capped the growth of levy rates year-to-year at 2%. It would allow cities to grow their tax base through expansion or rising valuation, but limit their ability to fund new or expanded services. That proposal could not cross the finish line before the close of the legislative session. Lawmakers returning to the capitol this week said they expected to see diverse reform proposals from the house, senate, and governor’s office. “They want property tax relief, but they don’t know what they want,” North Scott School Board member and former state senator Frank Wood said. Republican Norlin Mommsen, who represents northeast Scott County and Clinton County, said he expects discussion of different proposals to persist throughout the session. “I would have hoped that the three areas could have sat down over the summer and worked something out,” Mommsen said. “Now we’re going to spend a lot of time in session, working through each one…. to me, I wish there’d been a little more coordination.” For local governments, the shape of reform will be crucial. Eldridge City Administrator Nevada Lemke said that a proposal like the one which closed the 2025 legislative session would be an improvement over reforms passed in 2023. “For Eldridge specifically, we would like to see that tax reform,” Lemke said. “Growth is a very positive thing, it’s very positive, it’s what we strive for every year.… We’re growing rapidly, and with that growth, we’ve been reduced on our property tax levy general fund,” she continued, referring to the revenue ceiling fixed in 2023. Guyer echoed Lemke’s criticism of previous reforms. “They’re almost punishing the city’s for growing. You’ve got this double-edged sword where it’s not in the city’s interest to promote growth of any type. We can’t collect taxes on that, so how are we going to maintain services?” she said. While overwriting 2023’s reforms may yield short-term benefits for growing communities, the proposed alternative may punish in the long run. “When we’re looking regionally, or across the state, whether that 2% is going to be positive for the greater good, it’s hard to say,” Lemke said. Any tax limit was bound to bring “uncertainty” about “not being able to meet the needs” of each community, she added. “We support property tax reform. It’s just hard to find a solution that’s going to work for everyone, and I don’t know that that solution is really on the horizon or out there yet,” she said. Guyer said that it was not yet clear how either reform would impact cities in practice. “What are the analyzed impacts of either of them upon cities? Unless cities have the data in front of them to realize what those actual impacts are going to be, we’re only able to realize the impact after the law has been passed,” she said. Chelsea Hoye is the director of advocacy at the Iowa League of Cities in Des Moines. She said that while the League does not “oppose state lawmakers on any property tax reform efforts,” they were searching for a “balance between efficiency and effectiveness.” Rather than pivot toward restrictions on the levy increase, she said lawmakers should focus on fitting exemptions for new construction into the current system. “Under the current system, communities are penalized for growth. Communities are growing, and they are not able to capture that new tax base in order to pay for the expanded set of services that community really needs,” she said. “We believe there is a way to carve out new valuation, that is new construction, in the first year... in order for cities to capture that tax base.” Guyer called the League’s proposed solution “ideal,” leading to “a more balanced approach that would allow cities to grow.” For Scott County Officials say that restriction on the county’s ability to levy property taxes will further stress a budget that has been burdened with “unfunded mandates” by the state. The UCC legislative priorities for 2026, unanimously approved by the county board of supervisors in December, lists services required by state code but unaccompanied by state funds. They included operation of the courthouse, housing state offices and archiving documents, and providing emergency services. “Unfunded mandates place increasing pressure on local property taxpayers. We urge the Legislature to take meaningful action to reduce cost-shifting to counties,” the priority list summarizes.  Dickson said that restrictions on the county’s ability to levy property taxes, which comprise over half of its income, would intensify the issue. New restrictions would “require us to reevaluate the services being provided—unfunded mandates and other services,” she said. “Property tax reform is only going to be accomplished through less tax collection, which is going to mean less revenue,” Dickson said. And while the county was more than willing to “take a look internally,” there was only so much it could do without state rolling back certain mandates. “We’re going to deal with this. No matter what it is, we’re just going to have to deal with this,” Dickson said. David Farmer, budget and administrative services director for the county, said that legislators should allow counties to diversify their revenue collection with user fees and other charges. “If you want to shake up the property tax system, okay. We ask that you look at other revenue sources as well,” he said. The UCC priorities list argues that discussion of property tax reform “should recognize challenges created by unfunded mandates, user fees that have not kept pace with actual costs, and the limited options available to fund critical local government services.” School board concerns School districts in Iowa receive their funding from a combination of state money and property tax levies directly informed by measures passed at the capitol each year. The State Supplemental Aid rate, which determines the annual per-pupil funding increase for Iowa schools, leads the concerns of North Scott superintendent Joe Stutting and school board member Frank Wood. Wood serves as the board’s liaison to the Iowa School Board Association, which lobbies the capitol on education issues. Both said that they are keeping a close eye on how lawmakers approach property tax reform. The North Scott School district has two property tax levies, a physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) and public education and recreational levy (PERL), that supplement state per-pupil funding. Wood said the school board has worked for years to keep those levies lower than in surrounding districts. Yet the property tax reform posed at the end of the previous session would cripple the district’s ability to raise levies in the future, if the need arose. “We don’t want to go to a higher rate. We just want the authority to go to a higher rate if we need to,” Wood explained. “We just want to have a voice at the table. If things are going to come out, we just want to make sure that we are going to be heard,” he said. Democratic state senator Mike Zimmer, who represents northeast Scott County and Clinton County, previously served as principal of North Scott High School and a member of the Central DeWitt school board. He said he was afraid few of his colleagues in the house and senate had  hands-on experience as supervisors or city council or school board members, which would demonstrate the importance of property taxes. “Having served on a school board, having had to sit down and have those conversations about what property taxes we need to levy to function and operate and provide services, we didn’t take that lightly,” Zimmer said. Zimmer added that the state Legislative Services Agency (LSA) is unable “give a fiscal note on money the state does not collect.” Lawmakers approaching property tax reform would not be able to rely on the same level of context with which they approached state income or corporate taxes, he said. Public records law The League of Cities and the UCC have both requested rollbacks in Iowa public notice law, which requires governments to post legal notices and records of certain meetings in newspapers across the state. New proposals would allow certain notices to be posted only on state-run websites. Supporters of these proposals say they will save taxpayers money, while critics argue that it will decrease government transparency, accountability, and exposure. Public notices also provide newspapers with an important source of income. A state law passed in 2024 already requires newspapers to post notices online, at IowaPublicNotices.com, where they are free to view. While the League priorities request an end to third-party public notices requirements, the UCC requests a reform that would allow counties to place certain notices online while placing key records in newspapers. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) report commissioned by Governor Kim Reynolds and released in September suggested an end to third-party public notice requirements. In Eldridge, Lemke said that opinion on public notices “varies across the board, maybe even generationally.” She noted that many older residents continue to prefer paper notices and bills to digital communications. “We would continue to send our notices… for us the requirement wouldn’t necessarily change our practice,” she said. Guyer said that, in Long Grove, “the cost of publication is not overwhelming for the city budget.” Residents still read city notices in The North Scott Press, she said. “We don’t want to see our local newspapers struggling more,” Lemke added. Additional priorities Eminent domain law and water quality standards are also expected to come under discussion at this year’s legislative session. “The water quality issue—that’s out there. People are really talking about it,” Dickson said. She referred specifically to a reported link between poor water quality and rising cancer rates that she expected to draw lawmakers’ attention. Mommsen said he hoped to look at water quality and soil health this session. Princeton, where high nitrate concentrations have threatened the city water supply, lies within his district. “One issue I’m always working on is water quality and soil health. To me, they’re interchangeable,” he said. “The code is silent on anything concerning soil health—I would like to see that updated.” “Since I’m involved in ag, that’s kind of one of my pet projects,” he added. Cities, meanwhile, are looking for clarification on their liability in the event of injuries resulting from poor sidewalks or damaged structures. An Iowa Supreme Court ruling “created ambiguity about who is liable” when poorly maintained sidewalks result in an injury, the League priority document states. Clerks in Eldridge, Walcott, and Long Grove all said they hoped to see the legislature clarify sidewalk liability. Most cities have programs to help owners maintain sidewalks. Concerns about liability for damaged structures result from personal lawsuits filed after the Davenport building collapse. The League has called on the legislature to ensure that “good-faith building and code enforcement” is not penalized. State senators Scott Webster and Kerry Gruenhagen, and state representatives Bobby Kaufmann and Mike Vondran, all of whom represent parts of the North Scott area, could not be reached for comment.

'An impossible situation'

Anyone who might have thought passions around the Eldridge Community Center cooled over the last few weeks was sorely mistaken, as some Eldridge residents and other ECC patrons attended Monday’s city council meeting to protest what they saw as the hasty closure of the center in December. The two-hour meeting again featured more than a half hour of public comment. Rachel Smith of Hooppole, Ill., president of the Quad City Rollers roller derby team, asked the council to consider allowing the team to continue holding its practices there until the center is officially closed. She said the team has its own liability insurance and team members are also individually covered. She also said that the team would not need any additional city staff support, as they had previously been allowed to open and close the center on their own during transitions between managers. Paula Del Fabro of Eldridge asked the council to reconsider closing the center, and presented a petition signed by more than 2,000 people, including 500 Eldridge residents. She said the council’s actions seemed less than transparent to the community, especially given that in December of 2024, the council had agreed to give the community center 18 months to shore up its finances. The vote to close came after only a year. Richard Cole of Eldridge agreed that the decision seemed to have been sprung on the residents. He also pointed to the argument some city council members made that the ECC was not being utilized by Eldridge residents, saying that the Moonlight Chase and other Eldridge amenities are open to everyone. Judith Gilbert of Eldridge said the decision to close seemed to have been made without regard to the wishes of the community. She said at the Dec. 15 meeting, 17 members of the public spoke in favor of keeping the center open, with none asking for it to be closed. She asked for greater transparency from the city on the matter. James Retterer of Wilton presented a proposal for the formation of a non-profit organization to take over the management of the community center as a means of keeping it open. He asked council members to be open to the possibility of an alternate form of governance for the ECC, one that could also take advantage of other forms of funding, including grants. “It’s an opportunity to turn this into an actual community center instead of a pseudo business that’s run in a community-ish way.” Nathan Burress of Eldridge disagreed with the notion that the community center needed to be run like a business. “It’s run for the benefit of the community. This is a community that has seen value in this when they built it, it’s seen value in it when they continued to fund it and maintain it. So, to just sit here and say without transparency to the public … to say that ‘Oh, well, we’re going to end this because it’s not profitable.’ It’s not right.” He asked why the community that invested in the ECC for so many years was not given a say in whether it should be closed. “This community is owed a voice in what happens here with this building, and that’s all there is to it.” Scott Case of Eldridge said he had confidence in the decisions that the city council was making, but he understood there was a lot of hurt in the community right now. “I guess I’m here tonight to say I’ve got a lot of confidence in every one of you who are my neighbors, my friends, people I care about greatly … I know you’ll make the right decision. I know that you will – and having a dad who was a mayor for 10 years, I just can’t stand to see people who are willing to serve downgraded for making a decision they’re making that is different than theirs. I do have the confidence that you’ll figure out a way to make this what’s best for Eldridge.” Community center manager Jamie Stecker also addressed the council, saying she knew it was a difficult decision and that she did believe they had the taxpayers’ interests in mind. With that said, she said at the last meeting she was asked to determine whether some of the other events at the ECC over the last year were held with residents of other North Scott communities. That number included 12 additional events given by members of other North Scott communities. She also said that the majority of the people who participate in dog training exercises at the ECC on Monday nights are from Eldridge, and there is a homeschool group of primarily Eldridge residents that also uses the ECC. She said they are not able to track the number of residents from public events, such as open skating or line dancing nights. However, she said the winter months are the most popular months for the ECC, because parents are looking for activities for their kids to do indoors. Bob Martin of Clinton said he brought his family to the ECC at least once a month during the winter and said he hoped the city could find a way to keep the center open or find another party that was interested in keeping the center open. Stephanie Fischer and Eva Wyatt of Eldridge thanked the current staff for the work they had been doing in an uncertain time, saying that they were continuing to show up and provide quality service for the customers. Closing procedures On the council’s agenda was a resolution regarding the closing procedures for the ECC, and a schedule for the wind-down of activities. The resolution, which was written on a recommendation by city staff, stated the official closing date for the ECC as Jan. 31, with the last public skate on Jan. 18, the last school skate on Jan. 30, and the last dog training event on Jan. 26. However, several previously scheduled events for the first half of the year were left on the schedule, and were set to be run by city staff, including a North Scott Chamber mixer on Feb. 5, the Lions Club Puzzlepalooza event on Feb. 7, a fundraiser for the North Scott Trap Club on Feb. 28, a training event for Amhof Trucking in April, and the preschool graduations for Eldridge Preschool and Children’s Choice on May 20 and May 28 respectively. Assistant city administrator Jeff Martens also sought to clarify some issues regarding the way the ECC is set up and funded. Martens said that while the affordability of the ECC led to an operational deficit, that was not city staff’s primary concern in recommending the center be closed. Reading from the memo released in advance of the Dec. 15 meeting, “The most imminent concern from the perspective of City staff is the exposure to risk and liability due to the current financial processes. The major issues include but are not limited to: Daily reconciling and depositing, frequent discrepancies in sales reports, high volume of voids, cash on hand amounts and cash handling procedures, lack of internal controls, compliance with monthly and annual reporting requirements, credit card transactions, and employee discounts. Inventory of consumable products is not done to ensure loss prevention with alcoholic beverages and other items that are high risk of being given away or taken. These issues lead to non-compliance with State regulations and result in findings reported on the City’s annual financial audit. They also significantly increase our loss potential and risk of claims associated with fraud.” He said the sooner the center is closed, the sooner these concerns would be alleviated. However, Martens said there is also an issue with the way the ECC is set up for funding. “Everyone in this room and the public at large needs to understand, and I hope The NSP quotes me on this, is that the ECC is set up as a non-major enterprise fund, and they operate on user fees. “Another example of this would be the city sewer department. The sewer department is a major enterprise fund operating on user fees paid by Eldridge residents using that service. This is why the ECC cannot accept donations, and in most cases is not eligible for grant funding. This is also what sets the ECC apart from say, the Park Department, which operates on funds from the City General Fund. City codes states, “The Community Center is intended to be an Enterprise Fund of the city, and as such, the proceeds of the Center shall be kept separate and distinct from the other funds of the city.” Not one dime of the General Fund should be used to support the ECC. This is not Jeff Martens’ opinion, this is city code and state law. The people at this table cannot change state laws, but we are all bound to follow them.” Mayor Scott Campbell turned the resolution over to the council. After a motion by Ryan Iossi and a second by Jeff Ashcraft to approve the resolution, the council opened to discussion. What followed was a nearly hourlong, occasionally contentious, conversation. Council member Brian Dockery said that he was concerned about the fact that city staff and Campbell had been the ones to come up with the closure schedule, and he felt the council should have had more input, since they would ultimately be the ones to make the final decision. He asked for the decision to finalize the resolution be delayed for at least one meeting. He added that he felt the schedule was too aggressive. Ashcraft asked, if at the last meeting, it had not been decided that city staff would be the ones to come up with the closure plan. He said that had been his expectation going into Monday’s meeting. “I just think, we get all this information on Friday, and we’re supposed to mull all this information and come up with a decision on Monday?” said Dockery. “I mean, we’re affecting a lot of people here. And I don’t think another two weeks is going to change the outcome, other than we will have everything pretty defined.” “We did decide that we would put a plan together,” said Iossi. “Normally, city staff gives us options and ideas and we as a council go back and forth with it. So, if we want to have more of that discussion, I’ve got no problem with that.” Iossi also read from a prepared statement, saying in part he did not believe the ECC, as it is currently set up, fits his definition of a community center, and that it seems more like a for-profit business. “The current concerns of the Skatepark began well over a year ago. These concerns were cited from the city’s attorney, insurance company, and city staff. Recent audits have outlined these deficiencies.” Iossi said the original plan had been to give the community center a year to turn things around, but was given an additional six months after Stecker was hired last May. He said he respected the community center board and their attempts to turn things around, but the lack of systems in place put too much liability on the city. He also said the community center didn’t have enough funding to hire the necessary adult staff at sufficient wages to help prevent some of the liability issues. “Do I base my vote on my emotional attachment to a Skatepark that I grew up in, as did my kids? Or do I vote based on what is in the best interest of the City of Eldridge and the taxpayers?” ‘No official plans for the building’ Iossi also addressed rumors on social media that the building has already been sold. “No, the building is not sold, and no, there’s no deals in place. “Going forward, we the council will determine what will be done with the building and its assets. Here is my first suggestion: My suggestion would be to first set out a timeline for opportunities or offers to lease or purchase in hopes of keeping it similar.” Iossi said he would like to talk further with Retterer about his suggestion for a non-profit to keep the center open. “Later, if that does not work, then we can look at opening it for sale on the open market. But absolutely, if we can find a way to operate this with the city not being responsible for it, such as a private organization or a non-profit, I am 100% for that. “I don’t want to see this place go away, but I also don’t want that burden to be on the taxpayers when they’re using it 23, 25 or 30% of the time. There’s got to be other options out there. We need to look at those options. We don’t need to look at selling it for storage … or turning it into the police department or fire department or whatever else people want to assume is happening. There are no deals on the table.” Campbell agreed that there have been no discussions on what to do with the building, and said that if someone would like to buy the center and keep it open as a skating rink or a reception hall, city officials would like to talk to them. ‘There should have been a plan in place’ Council member Adrian Blackwell said, prior to any vote taking place on closing the community center, a plan should have already been in place. “There should have been discussions, with the city, with the council, in open session or closed session, to know firsthand what possibly the next steps would be before this was sprung on us. “I believe, mayor, you said that your voices are being heard,” Blackwell said, referring to the crowd. “Well, maybe the voices are being heard, but when we proceed without investigating everything further and looking into the ins and outs, have we really done everything possible?” Blackwell said that there had likely been some missteps with the community center, but he believed there should have been more communication, and that he was concerned that Eldridge residents were being impacted by the closure and cancellation of events. Campbell said that, if Blackwell had read his memo, he would have seen that city staff had laid out events that would not be held, and Campbell added that he believed city staff was being transparent about the series of events. Blackwell said he took offense to Campbell’s insinuation that he was unprepared for the meeting. ‘An unmanageable situation’ Dockery said, based on the fact that there is a preschool graduation scheduled for May 28, he would have less of a problem with the proposal if school skates and some other events were allowed to continue until then. “It’s twofold. It keeps this place active until then. Plus, if we do have an entity that’s interested in trying to take it over and continue to run it, it’s a lot better to have an entity that’s running smooth instead of scaling back and trying to pick it up again.” Ashcraft said, that while he wasn’t trying to relitigate the issue, based on the information about the Enterprise Fund Martens shared earlier in the meeting, the city could not continue to subsidize the center with monies from the General Fund. “It never should have,” said Martens. Ashcraft continued by saying that he believed the lack of subsidization options from the city and the liability issues were equal in his book. He asked how the city could mitigate the liability issues and continue to pay to keep the center open knowing it couldn’t plug the deficit with funds from the General Fund. As to the liability issues, Dockery said the city could require liability waivers for users. Ashcraft said waivers “are not worth the paper they’re written on” and anyone with a claim would go after whoever had the deepest pockets. Campbell asked Dockery if he was concerned about the liabilities outlined earlier in the meeting. Dockery said he was, but he believed the community center board had made steps to improve. Martens said the problems have gotten worse over the last six months. Dockery asked why those haven’t been addressed. Martens said there have been “dozens of emails” sent by city administrator Nevada Lemke to staff and members of the community center board speaking to those concerns that have gone unaddressed. Ashcraft asked if the community center board had jurisdiction over the hiring and managing of staffers at the ECC. Martens read from city code that the ECC board has the responsibility to maintain and operate the center, keep a budget, hire employees and purchase necessary equipment. “City administration doesn’t have the ability to do any of those things I just said.” “Was it set up that way initially because it was an Enterprise Fund?” asked Ashcraft. “Because that is almost an unmanageable situation for a volunteer board to do. God bless them for doing it, but for them to try to manage it and then institute the proper controls is impossible. And I think we’re seeing the fruits of that.” “And it’s impossible for a manager to work 200 hours a week to keep this going,” said Martens. “That’s what we’re saying. It’s an impossible situation, and that’s led to all these concerns.” “It’s been set up that way for years,” said Iossi. “It’s just been ignored and ignored and ignored. That’s the reality.” Blackwell said that’s on previous councils, but wondered why the council didn’t have all of that information at the Dec. 15 meeting. “Maybe I would have had a different opinion on the 15th … when I made my vote.” Martens said that there was supposed to be another joint meeting with the community center board on Dec. 15 – at their request – to discuss the financials. However, prior to that meeting, city staff learned from the community center board that they would not be able to have a quorum on Dec. 15. The only member of the ECC board to attend the Dec. 15 meeting was GiGi Siebel, who did not speak during the public comment portion of the meeting. If just two more members of the ECC board had attended the meeting, there would have been a quorum. Martens said the fact that there was no quorum from the ECC board “forced our hand,” in order to keep the liability risks from growing. “If we could have had that meeting and had the financial discussion, then we wouldn’t have had to write the memo and spring it on everyone as they say happened.” Blackwell said the council should have considered having a special meeting off the regular schedule. Amending the resolution Dockery went back to the closing schedule, saying the city shouldn’t be picking and choosing what events not to cancel. Lemke said part of the issue was that as the center closes down, the current staff will find new jobs. That will make it difficult to staff some events, and city staff may have to fill the gap. “It wasn’t blind picking and choosing, but it was making sure that these events, if we commit to them, we will have someone here to run them.” Dockery suggested that the city continue to allow the dog training classes and the QC Rollers to practice at the ECC through the May 28 preschool graduation. He also suggested that three school skates, hosted by North Scott schools, also be allowed to go on as scheduled. The council ultimately voted to amend the resolution with Dockery’s suggestions. Iossi also said that the council will also need to start discussing options for what to do with the building. Martens suggested that, at the next meeting on Jan. 26, the council discuss putting forward a Request for Proposals (RFP). The council could set a timeframe to receive the RFPs and anyone could put forth a proposal, including for-profit and non-profit entities, for future use of the building.  

Lita Ford, January 23

Currently touring in support of her forthcoming, highly anticipated new album that promises to deliver the fierce energy and signature guitar work fans around the world have come to love, rock icon Lita Ford plays Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center on January 23, the artist famed as the lead guitarist for The Runaways who consequently embarked on a successful glam-metal solo career.