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

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025
	Get inspired with Spurthi race in Bettendorf Get some inspiration for staying active and making healthy lifestyle choices! Sonal Shah, Subu Natrajan and Shiva Shedada joined Our Quad Cities News with information about Spurthi - A Race to Inspire 5K Walk/Run. For more information, click here.
	Bollards being installed on I-74 bridge pedestrian pathway The move comes nearly three years after a drunk driver drove her vehicle onto the walkway, killing 21-year-old Ethan Gonzalez and 18-year-old Anthony Castaneda.
	3 QC men face felony charges after thefts at Home Depot, Bettendorf Three Quad Cities men face charges after police say they were involved in a scheme to steal tools from Home Depot, Bettendorf, according to Scott County Court documents. (Clockwise from top left) Taquille Collins, Rodney Kroeger and Rasneep Singh (Scott County Jail) Rodney Kroeger, 57, of Davenport, faces felony charges of second-degree theft and conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony; aggravated misdemeanor charges of identity theft under $1,500, unauthorized use of a credit card under $1,500; and possession of a controlled substance – second offense, affidavits show. Shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, Kroeger, with two other people, was involved in making “multiple fraudulent transactions,” according to Bettendorf Police in Scott County Court affidavits. The transaction totaled $1,519.08 at Home Depot, 920 Middle Road, Bettendorf Kroeger and one of the other people selected items from Home Depot shelves then left the items in a cart, and a third person took the cart and tried to buy the merchandise using a Home Depot account that belonged to a victim, affidavits say. According to affidavits, the second suspect provided a fictitious identification card with the victim’s name and the victim’s Social Security card, charging the victim’s credit card. Another co-conspirator waited outside by his vehicle until Kroeger and the other person came out with the merchandise. During a search of Kroeger’s person, officers found a small plastic bag with what proved to be methamphetamine (1.11 grams,) according to affidavits, which say Kroeger previously was convicted of possession of a controlled substance in Scott County in 2005. Kroeger,, who was released on his own recognizance, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing April 22 in Scott County Court. Rasneep Singh faces felony charges of second-degree theft and conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony, along with aggravated misdemeanor charges of identity theft under $1,500 and unauthorized use of a credit card under $1,500, according to affidavits. Affidavits say that shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, Singh and two other people conspired to make a fraudulent transaction totaling $789,92 at Home Depot, 920 Middle Road, Bettendorf. Police say in affidavits that Singh selected Home Depot merchandise, left the items in a cart, and a co-conspirator took the merchandise to the register and tried to purchase it using a victim’s payment card account. After the register declined the purchase, the Home Depot Loss Prevention staff called Bettendorf Police while the suspects were still in the store because of a similar successful theft the day before, affidavits say. The suspects were detained upon leaving the store. One had a fictional driver’s license with the victim’s name and the suspect’s photo, police say in affidavits. Police say that on Monday, the conspirators were involved in a similar scheme to purchase $736.16 in merchandise using a victim’s Social Security number and the fictitious driver’s license to access the victim’s account. Police say Singh left the store before the other co-conspirators and, after the items were purchased, met at Sngh’s car to load the items. After he was read his Miranda Rights, Singh admitted to meeting a co-conspirator at the store, where the co-conspirator sold him $800 in gift cards for about $362 cash, affidavits show. Singh said he left the items at the cash register for a conspirator because the other person wanted to keep shopping. Singh, who was released on his own recognizance, is scheduled for a preliminary hearing April 22 in Scott County Court. Taquille Collins, of Moline, who turns 30 on Friday, faces felony charges of second-degree theft and conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony; aggravated misdemeanor charges of unauthorized use of a credit card under $1,500 and identity theft under $1,500; and a serious misdemeanor charge of possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine – first offense, according to affidavits. Collins and a co-defendant were seen on a security camera buying DeWalt Tools with a victim’s Home Depot card information and Social Security number, according to affidavits, which say Collins presented a fictitious Oklahoma driver’s license with the victim’s name on it. They left the store with $736.16 of DeWalt Tools on Monday, affidavits show. On Tuesday, Home Depot Loss Prevention staff saw Collins and a co-defendant in the store shortly before 1 p.m. appearing to conduct the same scheme as the day before. Collins and the co-defendant tried to buy $782.92 in items. Collins "worked in concert to commit a felony level theft with the two other co-defendants" and was the purchaser both Monday and Tuesday, police say in affidavits. The total value of merchandise stolen Monday and Tuesday in these incidents was $1,519.08, affidavits show. Collins had an Oklahoma driver’s license with the victim’s information and Collins’ picture., along with 3.29 grams total package weight of ecstacy, which tested positive for methamphetamine, affidavits say. Collins, who was being held Thursday in Scott County Jail on a total $34,000 bond, is set for a preliminary hearing April 11 in Scott County Court.
	Jury to decide Johnell Smith’s fate as deliberations resume Friday The trial for Johnell Smith is nearing its end as jurors prepare to decide his fate.
	My Favorite Teacher: Beloved Sherrard educator retiring after 40 years of teaching “Mr. D doesn’t only teach math, but he taught us how to be a better person," student Kamryn Green said.
	Dive into the paranormal at Hauberg Estate The Bettendorf Public Library invites you to dive into the paranormal in Rock Island! April Crowder joined Our Quad Cities News with how you can learn about local history and maybe even engage with spirits at the Paranormal Investigation at the Hauberg Estate. For more information, click here.
	Mass layoffs impact Head Start program already on edge over funding problems Head Start was started six decades ago as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty.
	MidAmerican Energy proposes rate increase for Iowa gas customers MidAmerican Energy wants to raise rates for gas customers in Iowa. According to a release, MidAmerican Energy filed a request with the Iowa Utilities Commission seeking approval to add a charge to natural gas bills. The proposed capital investment charge would add 0.4% or 17¢ to the average Iowa residential customer’s monthly bill. If approved, the charge will help cover the costs of gas delivery system investments that are required by government regulations, as well as projects that enhance the safety of MidAmerican’s natural gas system. Projects included in the filing were recently completed and are not in current rates. Some examples include moving gas infrastructure and lines due to road construction in various communities and new safety checks to monitor pressure of certain pipelines, as required by federal regulations. MidAmerican Energy “Providing our customers with safe and reliable service is our highest priority,” Nick Nation, senior vice president of delivery at MidAmerican, said. “This small charge allows us to support our growing communities and maintain the safety and reliability of our natural gas delivery system.” According to the release, the commission is set to review the request to determine if the projects can be included in the capital investment charge. The commission will determine when the final charge becomes effective, as early as May 30.
	Illinois farmers voice concerns over potential cuts to cover crop funding Cover crops help avoid soil erosion and runoff. Gov. JB Pritzker is proposing a 31% funding cut to a program that helps offset the cost for farmers.
	Mother of 'missing' daughter appears in Rock Island County Court Proceedings in the case of a woman accused of reporting her daughter missing when the child was safe at home were decided Thursday in Rock Island County Court. Princess Ilunga (Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office) In a brief appearance, 37-year-old Princess Ilunga sat with other people in the courtroom and waited for the judge to call her case number and name. Her attorney and the prosecutor discussed whether extended media coverage - whether a camera will be allowed in the courtroom - is appropriate. The defense attorney asked that photojournalists show Ilunga only in street clothes. The judge said extended media coverage should be granted because so many people in the community were involved in the search for Ilunga's daughter Blessing Aoci. Blessing Aoci (Rock Island Police Department) Our Quad Cities News crew saw Ilunga sit quietly in the courtroom with a group of supporters. Additionally, the judge wanted to clarify that all pretrial proceedings will be held without an interpreter because Ilunga understands English well enough to follow court procedures. The case is tentatively scheduled for a jury trial. Once the trial begins, a Swahili interpreter will be present. Ilunga's attorney asked for a continuance, citing the need to examine hundreds of hours of officers' body-cam video. The prosecution said there are more than 600 pieces of evidence in this case. The judge said a status hearing will be scheduled for 8 a.m. June 13 in Rock Island County Court. At a status hearing, the judge, attorneys and sometimes the person accused will discuss the case's progress and the next steps in court proceedings. Ilunga, who earlier reported her daughter, 4-year-old Blessing Aoci, was missing in a stolen car, faces a Class D felony charge of filing a false police report after law enforcement discovered the child had been safe at home the whole time. A community joins law enforcement in a search On Jan. 16, Ilunga called 911 shortly after 6 a.m. and reported her vehicle, which was left running, was stolen. During the call, Ilunga told the dispatcher six times that her daughter was in the car. “It’s important to note that Ms. Ilunga speaks very good English, albeit with an accent,” said Rock Island Police Chief McCloud at an earlier news conference. “She is easy to understand.” At 6:24 a.m., the stolen car was found about eight blocks away, abandoned and with no sign of Blessing. An Amber Alert was issued, followed by a mobilization of local, state and federal law enforcement resources “on a scale not seen in my 30 years in the Quad Cities,” McCloud said at the news conference. “We had upwards of 120 law enforcement officers working hundreds of man hours, joined by countless concerned citizens from around the area who walked block by block in cold temperatures, drove around in vehicles and shared information through social media.” Searchers considered every possibility – that Blessing had been transferred to another stolen car, that she had gotten out of the stolen car and was lost, or that she had been abducted by someone else. At a Jan. 30 news conference, Rock Island Police Chief Tim McCloud says Blessing Aoci was always safe at home. (Linda Cook, OurQuadCities.com) Throughout the day, officers responded to numerous unfounded sightings of Blessing, as well as reports of pink backpacks or pink coats left abandoned in alleys or back yards, while numerous calls for service were put on hold as all resources were diverted to the search for Blessing. After about nine hours of intensive searching, McCloud said, “Blessing suddenly showed up at the back door to her residence, unharmed, showing no signs of distress or even of having been out in the cold temperatures.” Body cams support the findings. “We have tried to understand why (Ilunga) would invent this story, but when confronted with all the information, the family stopped cooperating with the investigation,” McCloud said. “During the course of the investigation, we learned that Blessing had, in fact, been inside her own residence the entire time, her identity hidden from officers by her mother from the moment officers arrived,” McCloud said. Body-camera footage showed Blessing inside the residence, no longer wearing the pink coat she earlier was described as wearing. “This was, by all account, an intentional deception that wasted the time and resources of six local law enforcement agencies, the Illinois State Police, the FBI and the federal marshals,” McCloud said. Ilunga has seven children, many close in age and all with familial resemblances, “so there was no reason to believe that (the girl Ilunga referred to as ‘Baraka’) and Blessing were not one and the same,” said McCloud. “In fact, Ms. Ilunga actually pointed to ‘Baraka’ and said that Blessing looks just like her sister. “ Ilunga advised officers not to speak with ‘Baraka’ “because she was too young and did not speak very well,” he said. As officers pored over body-camera footage, they determined Ilunga was lying. “Throughout the day, we had a detective assigned as a liaison for Ms. Ilunga,” McCloud said. “Body camera and other video evidences show Ms. Ilunga continued to perpetuate the lie several times. It was only when our detective had to run back to the station that Ms. Ilunga seized her opportunity to put the pink coat back onto Blessing, and took her outside into the alley where she was found shortly thereafter by a citizen,” McCloud said.Play Video “We have tried to understand why she would invent this story, but when confronted with all the information, the family stopped cooperating with the investigation,” McCloud said. Immediately after the girl was “found,” the family vanished. Later, Ilunga was arrested in Wisconsin, and was transported back to Rock Island. She is on pretrial release.
	What's Brewing? \| 3rd annual G-ALES-burg Beer Fest Proceeds will go towards the Vascular Anomalies Alliance.
	Mass layoffs impact federal Head Start program already on edge over funding problems Head Start was started six decades ago as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's War on Poverty.
	Jury to decide Johnell Smith’s fate as deliberations resume Wednesday The trial for Johnell Smith is nearing its end as jurors prepare to decide his fate.
	RAGBRAI route takes quick dip in Minnesota For the first time in the ride’s 52 years, riders will cross into Minnesota for 15 miles.
	New bollards being installed on I-74 bridge pedestrian pathway The barriers are meant to prevent cars from driving onto the pathway.
	The Heart of the Story: A smashing good time Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies, and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. It's almost time for demolition derby and dirt-track racing season in the QCA, and you've probably wondered what it takes to be part of a winner-take-all situation at the track. Gary Metivier takes us to the races in The Heart of the Story. Gary Metivier has The Heart of the Story above and even more about their story and what happens next on YouTube. You can also listen to the extended versions on his podcast. The Heart of the Story with Gary Metivier is available on all platforms -- and now Our Quad Cities News. Watch on YouTube \| Listen on Apple \| Listen on Spotify \| Listen on Podbean
	Galesburg mayor outlines ideas for next four years After defeating challenger John Pritchard in Galesburg's mayoral election on April 1, incumbent Peter Schwartzman has his eyes set on the city's future. Schwartzman had over 53 percent of the vote, and won by more than 370 votes. He said he wants to focus on a few different areas over the next four years, including investing in renewable energy, more affordable housing options, and different youth developmental programs. "I know based on the vote and just knocking on doors and talking to people there is a lot of positive energy in Galesburg right now," Schwartzman said. "I want to manifest that into greater things so that's momentum to do greater things, and I'm excited about it." Schwartzman said he hopes to collaborate with Quad Cities mayors about possible initiatives moving forward, including a potential Amtrak train route.
	Davenport breaks ground on Main Street Landing Shovels are in the dirt, and Main Street Landing construction is in motion. "It really takes people that care to make something happen, and that's what's happening here," said Davenport mayor Mike Matson. "This will be a state-of-the-art riverfront destination place that works with one of our gateways in the Midwest, our friend the Mississippi River." The Main Street Landing project is based off of three rounds of public comment on features, colors, designs, and other elements. "It's really a celebration of how far our community has come, and turning this vision into a reality," said Denise Hnytka, Davenport's chief communications officer. "Main Street Landing is going to truly transform this 10 acres of riverfront property." Main Street Landing will include a multi-sport area that can be used year round, a spot for kids of all ages and abilities to enjoy play towers, and a spot for people to enjoy nature all around the river. "This symbolizes our commitment to creating a vibrant and accessible space that serves all residents of Davenport from our youngest to oldest citizens," said Chad Dyson, Davenport's director of parks and recreation. The project cost $27 million. It was paid through special use funding, not local taxpayers wallets. "The Quad Cities is so proud to have so many things transforming this area both on this side of the river and the other side of the river to make this truly a destination, and the leading place for the front porch of Iowa, which is downtown Davenport," Matson said. Davenport officials expect the project to be completed next fall.
	Unusual Traffic Stop and a Repeat Skip Scanner: Our QC Crime Watch Episode 18 The only podcast in the Quad Cities area focused exclusively on crime has just released a new episode. Watch the video above to see crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about the latest crime news in our area. This week's episode includes an update on a woman arrested 3 times for skip scanning, a stabbing and car theft, and an unusual traffic stop.
	Iowa lawmakers crafting budget in light of uncertainty over Trump tariffs If more Iowans lose their jobs and consumers spend less due to President Trump’s higher tariffs, it could leave Iowa lawmakers with less money to fund government services.
	Person found dead in burning car When deputies arrived they found a vehicle in the southern ditch engulfed in flames.
	RAGBRAI route to go through Minnesota For the first time in the ride’s 52 years, riders will cross into Minnesota for 15 miles.
	NelsonCorp president reacts to 'Liberation Day' tariffs Stocks took a nose dive in the first day of trading after President Trump unveiled his sweeping tariff plan. The Dow Jones lost almost 1,700 points, its biggest drop since 2020. NelsonCorp Wealth Management president David Nelson says it may be indicative of a coming recession. David Nelson (Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com) "Are we looking at a recession, and with the recent announcements, as far as the tariffs, it's very likely as far as a global recession is in the cards if these tariffs stay on as far as in their current forms," said Nelson. Nelson says as the stocks fall, prices will increase. "I'm going to speak just a minute about Iowa here," said Nelson. "Our overall imports from Canada alone are 29 percent. Really an important trading partner. As far as exports are concerned, it's just a little bit higher, over 30 percent. So for the average person, clearly we're going to see prices increase. I don't think it'll be in the next day or two, but overall it's going to increase." Nelson says gas prices may drop, but that might be the result of consumers not buying gas. "The fear of recession subsequently, you know, people slowing down as far as not doing what they used to do and the impact that that has as far as energy space," said Nelson. "Clearly that's the only piece of good news that we can see as far as this point in time, is that oil prices have dropped pretty dramatically today and that will be reflected in time as far as in the price at the pumps." Nelson says patience is key in making sure you stay financially sound. "It may take a while for this to unfold and depending on again if the tariffs stay on for an extended period of time," said Nelson. "I don't think we're talking about week. I don't even know if we're talking about months. This could be multiple years we're looking at here, and we don't want people to make any irrational decisions."
	Federal funding cut delays fire training facility for Sterling and Rock Falls Roughly $825,000 in federal community project funding was expected to help cover construction costs.
	ASM Global to lay off 160 employees in Dubuque The layoffs will take effect by June 30, 2025.
	Federal funding cut delays fire training facility for Sterling and Rock Falls Roughly $825,000 in federal community project funding was expected to help cover construction costs.
	QC Restaurant Week is almost here! Mandy Harvey from the Crane and Pelican Cafe joined The Current to talk about the annual event.
	QC Restaurant Week set for April 7-13 Visit Quad Cities has rolled out its free bike rental program just in time for the weeklong event celebrating local restaurants.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for witness tampering, criminal mischief Michael Cruzen, 61, is wanted in Scott County for witness tampering, disorderly conduct and criminal mischief.
	Crime Stoppers: Man, dog wanted in Moline garage burglary A man and his dog arrived to the 1400 block of 25th St. and entered a garage where they stole several items.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for escape from work release facility Devontre Campbell, 27, is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections 7th District High Risk Unit for escape from a Davenport work release facility.
	Egg hunts and Easter activities around the Quad Cities Ready to have an egg-cellent time? Click here for a running list of Easter activities around the Quad Cities region.
	QC Restaurant Week kicks off Monday Lindsey Row with Visit Quad Cities stopped by The Current to preview all the delectable delights in store.
	Truck crashes into Davenport business When KWQC arrived, the truck had been removed.
	Below normal Quad Cities temperatures into early next week After one of the warmest months of March ever, we're looking at more below normal weather in April. The normal high is around 60° right now, but we stay below that for each of the next 5 days. In about a week though, we'll see a temperature turnaround and we go back up above average later next week. Temps bottom out on Monday, when the high is only in the upper 40s and more than 10° below normal.
	'The front porch of Iowa:' Davenport breaks ground on Main Street Landing riverfront park The city of Davenport broke ground on Thursday for Main Street Landing, a 10-acre park, plaza, and greenspace near the riverfront in downtown Davenport.
	Davenport hosts groundbreaking ceremony for Main Street Landing project Main Street Landing will be a 10-acre park complete with playground towers, water features and a grassy, hillside picnic area.
	Rock Island Public Library airing PBS documentary for National Library Week The PBS documentary series Independent Lens is previewing its new program, "Free for All: The Public Library," on National Library Workers' Day, Tuesday, April 8th at 2 p.m. The program is being held at the downtown library community room, 410 19th Street, Rock Island.
	Chiropractic care offered at Hammond-Henry Hospital Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo is one of the few hospitals in the State of Illinois to offer chiropractic care.
	10-acre, riverfront park has groundbreaking in Davenport The city will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the project at 1 p.m. on April 3 in the grassy area just off the Davenport Skybridge.
	A Pentagon inspector general announces investigation into Hegseth's use of Signal The announcement comes after lawmakers voiced concern about whether top national security officials discussed classified information on Signal about a military strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
	A Pentagon inspector general announces investigation into Hegseth's use of Signal The announcement comes after lawmakers voiced concern about whether top national security officials discussed classified information on Signal about a military strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
	Hunt for eggs with Moline Parks & Recreation Moline Parks and Recreation is offering two options for egg hunts in 2025, one in the park and one at home! Stephens Park, 941 Sixth Street in Moline, is hosting the Moline Parks and Recreation’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12. The rain date is April 13. Kids can run across the field to find and collect colored eggs. The hunt is divided into two sections, ages 3 and under and ages 4 – 9. Kids will collect empty eggs and bring them to event staff in exchange for a goodie bag. This reduces eggs in landfills and helps the department with future event costs. All kids must pre-register, no walk-ins will be allowed. The deadline to register is April 7 at 3:30 p.m. Egg hunters ages 3 and under will start at 11:30 a.m. and kids ages 4-9 will start at 12 p.m. All hunters will receive similar goodie bags, regardless of the number of eggs collected and restrooms are available onsite. Families can click here to register kids ages 3 and under or here to register kids ages 4-9. If hunting with dozens of other people sounds too chaotic, the department will provide pre-filled eggs for an At Home Egg Hunt. Families that register will receive a bundle of pre-filled eggs delivered to their doorsteps. Deliveries will be between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., rain or shine, on designated days by location, so residents are asked to ensure they are registering for the correct city. This is the perfect option for younger children, those wanting to avoid crowds, families who have additional plans for the day and/or kids with different abilities! (OurQuadCities.com) East Moline: Monday, April 14 Coal Valley: Tuesday, April 15 Moline #1: Wednesday, April 16 Moline #2: Thursday, April 17 At Home Egg Hunts are available for kids ages 1 – 18. The fee is $14 per child and the registration deadline is April 9 at 3:30 p.m. Call 309-524-2424 or click a link above to sign up.
	Man evades deputies during firearm removal search The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office says there’s an active situation near Settler Lane in Galena.
	Voting open for Moline's 2025 Water Art Contest To vote, visit the City of Moline Government's March 26 Facebook post.
	1 dead after vehicle found engulfed in ditch When deputies arrived they found a vehicle in the southern ditch engulfed in flames.
	Body found in burning car near Mount Pleasant, sheriff says Officials responded to Oakland Mills Road late Tuesday night after receiving a 911 call from the area. They found a vehicle fully engulfed in flames.
	RAGBRAI announces full route, pass-through towns for 2025 ride “We’ve explored every corner of Iowa, and this year, we’re taking it to the next level riding into Minnesota.” said RAGBRAI Ride Director Matt Phippen.
	Bettendorf High School students compete at business leadership conference Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) brought over 1,000 students and academic advisers from across Iowa to the Doubletree Hilton Convention Center in Cedar Rapids from March 30 to April 1. The annual FBLA conference brings career and technical education (CTE) students together to compete in over 100 competitive events. Students attended learning sessions with industry leaders and elected a state student officer team. The State Leadership Conference is a way to highlight the skills and knowledge gained in the classroom and apply them in real world scenarios and case studies. (Left to Right)Preston Tennant, Connor Wehr, Olivia Keninger, Sreya Alla, Delainey Sullivan, Kelly Le and Winston Shaner (BCSD) (Left to Right)Connor Wehr, Preston Tennant, Delainey Sullivan, Winston Shaner, Olivia Keninger, Sreya Alla and Kelly Le (BCSD) Seven students from Bettendorf High School attended and competed in several business and entrepreneurship competitive events. Six students became national qualifiers after getting passed in the first round, to the delight of their advisors Sarah Roeder, Mark Pisel and Angie Mojeiko. Sreya Alla (BCSD) Bettendorf had a student who ran for state office for FBLA this year. Sreya Alla gave a campaign speech and ran an informational booth to convince voters to choose her as the next Iowa FBLA State Secretary. The members of Iowa FBLA voted for her as the next secretary for Iowa FBLA. This is the second time a state officer was chosen from Bettendorf in the last six years. “We are so proud of our student members, who have been working diligently to prepare for the State Leadership Conference,” said Angie Mojeiko, Bettendorf FBLA adviser. “They impressed industry leaders with their mastery of competitive event subjects, made powerful new connections with students around Iowa, and demonstrated their readiness to enter the workforce.” Award winners include: 1st place Help Desk, Sreya Alla 1st place Intro to Business Communications, Sreya Alla 2nd place Hospitality & Event Planning, Olivia Keninger & Kelly Le 3rd place Vocabulary Relay, Connor Wehr, Preston Tennant & Winston Shaner 4th place Intro to Business Concepts, Preston Tennant 4th place T-shirt Design, Sreya Alla & Delainey Sullivan 4th place Marketing, Connor Wehr & Preston Tennant 4th place Social Media Strategies, Sreya Alla, Olivia Keninger, & Delainey Sullivan 6th place T-shirt Design, Olivia Keninger & Kelly Le 8th place Broadcast Journalism, Delainey Sullivan 8th place Advertising, Delainey Sullivan 8th place, Visual Design Connor Wehr & Kelly Le
	DEVELOPING \| Officials in Galena serve active warrant for resident Police with Jo Daviess County have told News 8 they are planning to send information as soon as they can. News 8 will provide updates when they're made available.
	My Favorite Teacher \| Sherrard High School teacher uplifting students News 8's Ava Hedges travels to Sherrard to give Mr. Duquette a My Favorite Teacher Award for his empathy in and outside the classroom.
	Bettendorf increases solid waste and sanitary sewer fee to cover ongoing projects The city is raising its solid waste fee by two percent and the sanitary sewer fee by twenty-two cents to cover improvements at the Davenport wastewater treatment plant and development projects on its northeast borders.
	QC Environmentalists Seek to Modify Milan Bottoms Development In Rock Island [The following is an update to the "Rock Island Addresses Concerns Over Development Plan Near Casino" article published March 21, 2025.
	Two arrested in Davenport; accused of hosting drug house Two people from Davenport are in the Scott County Jail after police say they hosted a drug house where crack/cocaine was used. According to the criminal complaints, the Scott County Special Operations Unit conducted a search warrant at the home of Sylvester Choate Jr., 50, Tonya Vaughn, 52, and three others on April 2. Agents found about 1.2 grams of crack/cocaine in a desk belonging to Vaughn, along with packaging and digital scales throughout the house. They also found over 15 glass pipes used for smoking crack/cocaine throughout the home. Choate was advised of his Miranda Rights and said he hosts people in the residence to play cards and smoke crack/cocaine. One of the other residents said they smoke crack/cocaine in the residence as well. Vaughn was advised of her Miranda Rights and admitted possession of the crack/cocaine, as well as supplying crack/cocaine to over five people. This was corroborated by text messages on her cell phone. Tonya Vaughn (Scott County Jail) Sylvester Coate Jr. (Scott County Jail) Choate and Vaughn were arrested on April 2 and charged with a felony count of gathering where controlled substances are used. Vaughn was also charged with felony possession with intent to deliver. He is being held on a $5,000 secured bond while he waits for an initial court appearance. She is being held on a secured $15,000 bond. Both are awaiting initial court appearances.
	Developing: Active investigation underway in Galena Authorities confirm an active investigation in Galena. Details are limited, but more info is expected later today. Stay with News 8 for updates.
	Rock Island police to plant pinwheels for child abuse prevention awareness The event will feature a ceremonial planting of the pinwheels and is aimed to raise awareness for child abuse prevention.
	Davenport man arrested; charged with trying to cash forged check A Davenport man is in the Scott County Jail after police say he tried to cash a forged check. Jimmie Anderson (Scott County Jail) According to the criminal complaint, the defendant, identified as Jimmie Anderson, 29, knowingly went to the DuTrac Community Credit Union in Eldridge to cash a forged check on the victim’s account. The check was written out to "pay to the order of" Anderson in the amount of $2,860. Anderson allegedly signed the back of the check when he tried to cash the check and gave his Illinois ID card to the bank employee during the attempted transaction. The credit union gave the Eldridge Police Department the check for evidence. Anderson was arrested on April 2 and charged with felony forgery and felony second-degree theft. He is being held in the Scott County Jail on a secured $10,000 and is waiting on an initial court appearance.
	Dow drops 1,500 points on trade war fears over new tariffs President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods, which were higher and broader than many expected. The new import taxes are expected to raise prices and slow growth in the U.S., while pushing many other countries into recession.
	U.S. stocks post deep losses on trade war fears over new tariffs President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods, which were higher and broader than many expected. The new import taxes are expected to raise prices and slow growth in the U.S., while pushing many other countries into recession.
	Trump tariffs rattle stock markets, sending Dow plunging 1,400 points President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods, which were higher and broader than many expected. The new import taxes are expected to raise prices and slow growth in the U.S., while pushing many other countries into recession.
	Brutal day for stocks: Dow plunges almost 1,700 points on new Trump tariffs President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imported goods, which were higher and broader than many expected. The new import taxes are expected to raise prices and slow growth in the U.S., while pushing many other countries into recession.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for April 3, 2025 RAGBRAI organizers are sharing information about this year's ride, and Moline is kickstarting riverfront improvement projects.
	Cook review: Lock in to '4x4' for gritty thrills, action Sometimes, a film sticks with me so much that I want to find out more about its origins. So it was with the recent "Locked," 'a thriller that got lost in the swarm of movies that hit the big screen in the last few weeks. I really liked the idea of the film because I thought it was so original. '4x4' (IMDb) But then I discovered it was based on the 2019 "4x4," which is just a smidge better. Director Mariano Cohn expertly keeps the action scene-by-scene and second-by-second in this wonderfully simple setup. The action begins instantly, when Ciro (Peter Lanzani) sees a car sitting on a street in Buenos Aires. Ciro is a thief, and he gets into the car because it's unlocked and may provide him something to steal. But when he tries to open the door, he finds himself locked in. And what begins as an annoyance turns into a fight for survival. The owner of the car, a doctor who wants to avenge himself on thieves, has set a trap for Ciro. The owner (Dady Brieva) can lock the car doors and disable the car's power remotely. The vehicle is soundproof and, Ciro discovers quickly, bullet-proof. No one can see inside as Ciro begins to realize he will last only so long in his vehicular prison. The doctor calls Ciro through the car's phone system, so the two can talk to each other. This isn't so much a man-against-nature tale as a man-against-technology story. The leads in both movies resemble each other. But because so much of the American film fills the viewer in on the background of the thief, it took me longer to sympathize with Ciro, about whom we know nothing when he gets into the car. I like the details that remain intact, such as each thief's moment with a pair of sunglasses and a lipstick lady. They're similar bur not the same. "4x4" has a little more edge. It, too, should delight action fans who enjoy thrillers - they'll want to take this wild ride. 3 1/2 stars Running time: One hour and 30 minutes. Rated: R for foul language, gore and violence. In Spanish, with English subtitles. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video and other platforms. Watch the trailer here.
	Weekend Rundown with WLLR \| April 3, 2025 There are many family-friendly events going on this weekend, and we've brought in Dani Howe from WLLR to break it down.
	Heavy police presence in Galena neighborhood early Thursday The Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office says there’s an active situation near Settler Lane in Galena.
	Grace Morrison, Katie Dahl, will bring soulful storytelling to Bishop Hill Two of folk music’s most captivating voices, Grace Morrison and Katie Dahl, will take the stage at Bishop Hill Creative Commons at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 6, according to a news release. This will be a showcase of exceptional songwriting, rich harmonies, and masterful storytelling. The show will begin with a potluck dinner at 6 p.m., with music starting at 7 p.m. It is open to guests of all ages. A $20-30 donation is suggested.Grace Morrison is a singer-songwriter with a gift for weaving personal experiences into compelling musical narratives. Hailing from Massachusetts, Morrison's music blends folk, pop, and country influences, creating a sound that is both fresh and timeless. Her emotive vocals and honest lyricism have earned her acclaim in the folk world, with songs that capture the beauty and complexity of life, love, and resilience. With awards such as the Grand Prize at the New England Songwriting Competition under her belt, Morrison’s music speaks to the soul and lingers long after the last note fades.Joining her on stage is Katie Dahl, a Wisconsin-based songwriter known for her razor-sharp lyrics and deeply rooted storytelling. A fixture of the Midwest folk scene, Dahl's songs paint vivid pictures of everyday life, the changing seasons, and the quiet struggles and triumphs of ordinary people. Her music has been praised for its warmth and intelligence, earning comparisons to Nanci Griffith and John Prine. In addition to her thriving solo career, she also is a playwright, further showcasing her talent for crafting meaningful and thought-provoking narratives.The Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 N. Bishop Hill St., Bishop Hill, provides the perfect backdrop for this intimate concert experience. Located in the historic village of Bishop Hill, this unique venue and artist cooperative is known for fostering creativity and bringing exceptional live music to the community.For tickets and more Information. visit here.
	Muscatine Power and Water awarded for safety Muscatine Power and Water has received the American Public Power Association’s Safety Award of Excellence for safe operating practices in 2024.
	Seat belts save lives Muscatine High School student Jack Harfst gets ready to go for a ride on the Seat Belt Convincer during the 11th annual Bayer Ag Safety Day Wednesday. Close to 400 sixth grade students from the Muscatine School District attended the…
	Greater Muscatine Chamber hosts annual meeting Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI) hosted their Annual Meeting & Recognition night on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the Merrill Hotel. The event highlighted membership milestones, transitioned the Board Chair position, honored volunteers, and celebrated the achievements…
	More homes are finally hitting the spring market. Will buyers take the plunge? After a couple extremely slow years, more inventory is finally hitting the market this spring. But buyers might be put off by high prices and an unsteady economy.
	Grassley proposes ban on universal injunctions A universal or nationwide injunction prevents the government from enforcing a policy or taking similar action.
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025
	Iowa’s Grassley, Illinois’ Sorensen react to Trump’s tariffs Illinois and Iowa lawmakers are reacting to President Trump’s new tariffs.
	Orion residents raise concerns about potential new Dollar General Residents attended a special meeting on Wednesday night to share their thoughts.
	Ashley Harris becomes second Black mayor in Rock Island’s history Harris won by just 150 votes over Mike Thoms, a white businessman seeking his third term.
	Illinois bill would protect people in mental or behavioral health treatment If the bill passes, insurance companies wouldn’t be able to end a person’s coverage with a particular service or counselor.
	Chuck Grassley proposes ban on universal injunctions A universal or nationwide injunction prevents the government from enforcing a policy or taking similar action.
	Orion residents raise concerns about potential new Dollar General Residents attended a special meeting on Wednesday night to share their thoughts.
	Rock Island Arsenal JMTC concerned about Trump's executive order on collective bargaining The JMTC employs about 7,000 federal workers.
	Moline hoping to receive federal grant funding for riverfront revitalization project City officials traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to advocate for nearly $6 million from the Department of Transportation.
	Illinois bill would pay mental health professional’s student loans A new bill would pay off student loans for those who want to enter the mental health profession and choose to practice in Illinois.
	Muscatine man facing homicide and drug charges He has a preliminary hearing scheduled at 9 a.m. on April 10 at the Muscatine County Courthouse.
	MercyOne Genesis Silvis Medical Center put on precautionary lockdown There was no threat to the campus.
	Iowa Department of Transportation warns of toll-bridge text scam The Iowa Department of Transportation is warning drivers of a text scam requesting money for unpaid toll-bridge funds.
	More testimony in Johnell Smith trial, charged in Danny Taylor’s murder, includes woman present night of Taylor’s death Wednesday, testimony was heard from Tationna Taylor who was there, the night Danny Taylor was killed.
	Muscatine plans hearing on tax levy, city code with full council agenda The Muscatine City Council is set for a busy evening Thursday, April 3, with two scheduled meetings, a total of five public hearings, one proclamation, and several action items to consider. (muscatineiowa.gov) Residents are encouraged to attend the regular meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of Muscatine City Hall. The meeting is open to everyone. Anyone needing accommodations to participate should contact the City Clerk’s office at 563-264-1550. The evening will commence with a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 at 5:30 p.m. The proposed tax levy for the City of Muscatine is 15.95328. Any resident or taxpayer may present objections to, or arguments in favor of, the proposed tax levy. Those wishing to speak at the public hearing will be asked to complete a signup sheet as they enter the Council Chambers. Each speaker will be allowed three minutes for their comments. The hearing is for public comments only, as City Council members and city staff will not be making comments to the public input. However, Finance Department staff can provide an estimate of whether a resident’s property tax will decrease, stay the same, or increase. This request can be made on the signup sheet for the Public Hearing. will be available. City staff will also be available before and after the meeting for additional requests. Residents can also call the Finance Department at 563-264-1550 for help in estimating their property tax. During the regular meeting after the public hearing on the tax levy, the City Council will set a public hearing on the proposed city budget. For more information, visit here. The regular council meeting will begin with a proclamation by Muscatine Mayor Brad Bark setting May 4-10, 2025, as Drinking Water Week. Muscatine Power and Water along with the American Water Works Association sponsor the week to support and increase the awareness of the public to the benefits of clean drinking water. Four public hearings be held on an amendment to City Code relaxing side-yard setback requirements, an amendment to City Code removing the need for engineered plans for post-framed buildings less than 1,440 square feet, gathering public comment on the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in the MUSCO Sports Center, and public comments on the status on the Downtown Revitalization Project. The City Council is scheduled to set April 17 as the date for public hearings on Amendment 1 to the current City Fiscal Year budget, and on the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year Among the other action items for April 3 is the approval of a resolution awarding the contract for the deck overlay project for the Mad Creek Bridge on Lake Park Boulevard to Boulder Contracting, Inc. For detailed information on these and other agenda items, visit the City of Muscatine website, click on "AGENDA," and select the April 3 City Council Agenda link to view or download the agenda and attachments. Those unable to attend in person can watch the meeting live on the City of Muscatine YouTube channel or Civic-TV (Muscatine Power & Water Cable Channel 2).
	Gov. Reynolds signs law banning handheld use of cellphones while driving Iowa is now the 31st state to have a hands-free driving law.
	Davenport man formerly on sex offender registry found guilty of child sex abuse sentenced to life in prison A Davenport man modified off Iowa's Sex Offender Registry in 2017 was found guilty of sexually abusing a child by a Scott County Jury on Wednesday.
	Explore Muscatine at 15th Annual Girls Getaway Enjoy the day exploring unique shops, dining at local hotspots and discovering all the charm Muscatine has to offer! Dawn Dusenberry joined Our Quad Cities News with all the details on the 15th Annual Girls Getaway in Downtown Muscatine. For more information, click here.
	Hands-free driving in Iowa is now a law. Here's what to know Starting July 1, drivers will be issued warnings, for the first six months. After that, law enforcement will fine distracted drivers $100.
	Downtown Galesburg begins $2.5M revitalization project Construction work is filling a portion of downtown Galesburg. "It'll be a good thing for our downtown, and we are excited to see it happen," said Aaron Gavin, Galesburg's public works director. "We're always looking for opportunities to make improvements in our downtown area." While it may inconvenience drivers, the end result has residents buzzing. "One of the main goals of it is just to make it a more pedestrian-friendly and inviting place to be so that people will walk around our downtown and visit places," Gavin said. "It will be safer for them as well." It's part of a $2.5 million revitalization project covering Simmons Street between Prairie and Kellogg streets, and the adjacent East Simmons city parking lot. "It hadn't been updated in a long time. None of the sidewalks were ADA-compliant," Gavin said. "We're going to bring the curbs at the intersections in a little some so it's shorter to cross the street for pedestrians." The project also includes asphalt resurfacing, a pedestrian canopy, and storm sewer improvements. "It's a good thing for Galesburg," said Teresa Irons, owner of Accounting Systems, Inc. on Simmons Street. While Irons and her team are excited for the project's completion, they're having to get creative to bring customers in the door. "We've got a lot of clients who are either in wheelchairs or walkers, and sometimes there is large equipment, heavy equipment out in front, and it's kind of hard to maneuver through the street," Irons said. "So we've even been going out and doing signings in our customers' cars if we need to." "We are going to try to stage those closures so that some of it can still be utilized," Gavin said. The City of Galesburg said half of the East Simmons parking lot will remain open, and both intersections will not be closed simultaneously. "Galesburg's downtown is becoming more vitalized, and we've got some new businesses coming to Galesburg," Irons said. "I just think it will be a nice addition." Construction is estimated to be completed in late fall. Galesburg is using more than $2 million in grants from the state of Illinois to pay for the project, and $400,000 directly from the city.
	Illinois April 1 election: Rock Island mayor loses reelection, Whiteside County passes public safety tax Illinois voters made their voices heard in the 2025 consolidated election. Here are the results for some key races and measures News 8 was tracking.
	Moline hoping to receive federal grant funding for riverfront revitalization project City officials traveled to Washington, D.C., last week to advocate for nearly $6 million from the Department of Transportation.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: CALVIN BENDIX, 42, 6’, 225 pounds, brown hair, hazel eyes. Wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections District 7 High Risk Unit for Probation Violation on convictions for theft 2nd degree, possession controlled substance and interference with official acts. JESUS TRUJANO-GARCIA, 23, 5’9”, 125 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Wanted in Scott County for conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, felon in possession of a firearm and accessory after the fact. Calvin Bendix (L) and Jesus Trujano-Garcia (Crime Stoppers) You have a week to contact police for an elevated reward. Call the tip line at (309) 762-9500. All tips are anonymous.
	Colona voters reject public safety tax for the third time The proposal would have added two part-time staffers to the fire department.
	In Muscatine, kids learn to avoid fire, animal, chemical dangers on farms Sixth graders in Muscatine got an opportunity to learn about agricultural safety on Wednesday. Kids split into groups and went through several stations where they learned about chemical safety, fire safety, hand safety, electrical safety, animal safety, and more. This was the 11th annual Ag Safety Day at the Muscatine Ag Learning Center and around 400 kids attended. According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, agriculture is one of the most dangerous professions in the United States. Proper safety training can help farmers to avoid serious or fatal accidents and use chemical pesticides and fertilizers safely for themselves and others. Between 2021 and 2022 there were 21,020 injuries in agricultural production requiring those injured to take days away from work. Fatal injury rates of agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry were 18.6 deaths per 100,000 full time workers according to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC.) The leading cause of death for the farmers was transportation incidents. Others leading causes of fatalities were violence by a person or animal and contact with objects and equipment. Students learned about safe practices when handling different animals such as cows, horses, goats, and sheep. Many of the stations went beyond the farm and taught kids about handling situations that may come up in everyday life. The fire safety lessons are something that kids will be able to take with them wherever they go. Students got to practice using a fire extinguisher on a real fire so that they have experience in case of an emergency. They also ran a fire safety drill in a mobile simulator so that they can be prepared to escape through a window in case of fire. Vehicle safety was also highlighted with a car crash simulation. Students also practiced pulling a rope out of a grain bin. Roger Gibson, the Muscatine site manager at Bayer, which helped to put on the event, told Our Quad Cities News that learning early can help prevent a lot of accidents. "Learn about safety young because it's easy on a farm to be taking shortcuts and if you don't have that message of safety then it's easy to go down the wrong path and get hurt," he said. "Safety can easily be overlooked. I grew up on a farm and knew a lot of farmers who got injured over the years, and a lot of our other employees grew up on farms. So emphasizing the importance of safety is something we can do for the farming community." Muscatine Ag Learning Center (photos and video by Gabe Zwierzynski OurQuadCities.com) The Muscatine Ag Learning Center is a facility that allows kids to participate in farm related activities. The facility helps Muscatine's FFA chapter to thrive. Muscatine Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter President Elsie Lewis says the safety lessons go beyond the farm. "Safety is very important. Even just being in the house you don't have to be operating large equipment," she said. "Students will learn that certain gases can be dangerous to their house and can catch on fire. Our fire house is very important in case of emergency for a fire, you never know when one may spark up, so students learn how to exit a window safely and properly." About Bayer and its products Bayer is a German pharmaceutical and biomedical company that produces agricultural chemicals and seeds. It produces fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides to help with the growth of crops. Among these is Roundup, for which the company is currently under scrutiny in Iowa after legislation was introduced that some say could shield the company from lawsuits related to the cancer risk of the product. 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NIFA, click here. To learn about the Muscatine Ag Learning Center, click here.
	Rock Island’s new mayor is only 2nd Black person to hold the office Harris won by just 150 votes over Mike Thoms, a white businessman seeking his third term.
	Illinois fire departments given grant money The money will be distributed across 178 fire departments, districts and EMS providers to support operations or upgrade equipment.
	Intruder shot, injured during rural Maquoketa break-in, sheriff says Around 12:15 p.m. on April 1, a 911 caller reported that someone was trying to break into their home.
	Colona voters reject public safety tax for the third time The proposal would have added two part-time staffers to the fire department.
	Quad City Music Guild opening its 77th season with 'Escape to Margaritaville' Calling all Parrotheads! The show features all of Jimmy Buffett's classics. It runs from April 4-6 and April 11-13.

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025