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

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026
	Bechtel Charitable Trust awards $50,000 to Girl Scouts Girl Scouts has received a $50,000 gift from the Bechtel Charitable Trust to support Girl Scout leadership programming throughout Scott County. The investment allows Girl Scouts to continue delivering high-quality, research-backed programming that empowers girls in Scott County to build confidence, develop essential life skills and grow into the next generation of leaders. “I support [...]
	On her new album, Kacey Musgraves returns home, to the 'Middle of Nowhere' Before making her upcoming sixth album, the country star returned to her small-town Texas home and discovered the power of in-between spaces. "I found a lot of clarity there," she says.
	How the Iran war is disrupting air travel -- and advice if you're planning a trip The war in Iran is roiling jet fuel prices and airlines are beginning to hike prices, unsettling travelers far from the Middle East. If you're booking a flight soon, here are things to know.
	School bus accident in Whiteside County sends 4 to hospital with injuries Four people were taken to the hospital for evaluation after a Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico school bus carrying students was involved in an accident.
	Friendly House marks 130 years with April celebration Friendly House of Iowa is marking 130 years of dedicated service to the community with a special 130th Anniversary Celebration on Monday, April 27 from 3 –7 p.m. at Friendly House, 1221 N. Myrtle Street in Davenport. Community members, alumni, supporters and partners are invited to honor the organization’s longstanding commitment to enriching the lives of [...]
	Two injured in early morning Muscatine fire A news release from Muscatine says the Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call on March 11 at about 12:57 a.m. for a mattress fire inside a residence in the 400 block of Spruce Street. When crews arrived, they found smoke coming from the residence. The incident commander called for additional alarms and [...]
	Whiteside County deputies respond to school bus incident A school bus driver was cited after an incident in Whiteside County yesterday afternoon. A news release from the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office said they received information on March 10 at about 3:55 p.m. about a possible crash involving a Prophetstown/Lyndon/Tampico school district bus. Deputies responded and found the bus at Tampico Elementary School. They [...]
	ChatGPT might give you bad medical advice, studies warn New research finds AI can point people in the wrong direction. And the quality of health information it imparts depends on how well you prompt the tools.
	Video shows Whiteside County school bus drive into ditch, jump back onto road Viewer video shows a Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico school bus enter a ditch and launch back onto the road during Tuesday’s incident.
	Joe Donnelly will perform in Bishop Hill Crossroads Cultural Connections invites the community to an evening of live music and connection with touring musician Joe Donnelly on Sunday, March 15, at Bishop Hill Creative Commons, a news release says. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with an optional potluck dinner, offering guests the chance to gather and share food before the [...]
	Visit Quad Cities works to raise awareness of destination accessibility Visit Quad Cities is making it easier for people with physical challenges to learn how area attractions are becoming as accessible as possible, working with Wheel the World.
	Wednesday fire in Muscatine injures two residents, sends one to the hospital A mattress fire early Wednesday left two residents with minor injuries.
	Davenport man arrested on 26 child pornography charges A man from Davenport is in the Scott County Jail on a $200,000 cash-only bond after police arrested him on 26 charges related to child pornography, jail records show. According to the criminal complaints, detectives with the Davenport Police Department were assigned two NCMEC (National Center for Missing and Exploited Children) CyberTip reports made by [...]
	Greetings from a Shanghai temple where you can ward off bad luck in the Year of the Horse According to Chinese mythology, those born in the Year of the Horse will clash with Tai Sui, a heavenly general. Luckily, there are ways to appease Tai Sui, including amulets at Shanghai's Jade Buddha Temple.
	INTERVIEW: Support youth mentoring by buying plants Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley's annual plant sale is underway. This is the 37th year for the sale. Kylie Wise from Big Brothers Big Sisters and Mel Foster Co. President Lynsey Engels shared all the information with us.
	The St. Patrick Society of the Quad Cities celebrates their 40th year The St. Patrick Society of the Quad Cities celebrates their 40th year.Julie Walton the Vice President of the St. Patrick Society and co-chair of St. Patrick Grand Parade.
	2 injured in early morning Muscatine house fire Two people were injured after an early morning house fire in Muscatine. One person was taken to the hospital.
	Democratic candidates for Rock Island County sheriff share positions on ICE policy, staffing and community trust Two of the three candidates on the March 17 Democratic primary ballot talk about their platforms. The Republican candidate is running unopposed.
	Winter isn't done with the Quad Cities yet! While it'll be much cooler over the next few days compared to the warmth that kicked off the week, much colder weather is on the way. A few rain and snow showers are possible today, but there's the chance of accumulating snow late in the weekend. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	North Scott School District employees to see higher health insurance costs By Sep. 1, 2026, monthly premiums will see an increase of $15 for single and $30 for family plans, bringing them to $65 and $200, respectively.
	Three members of Rock Island County Sheriff's Department vie in Democratic primary Three members of the Rock Island County Sheriff's Department are facing off in the Democratic primary election. Here's a look at where they stand on the issues.
	'Here to stay:' Davenport staple Von Maur is rooted in retail and community The 154-year-old Davenport-based company has been led by generations of the von Maur family, with current CEO Jim von Maur representing the fourth generation of leadership in his family's company.
	Everyday People: Rock Island teen attending campaign stop wants to hear about the future Danny Hauskins says he cares about politics because he cares about the world that he and his peers will inherit.
	Moline-Coal Valley School District names K-12 program coordinator Moline-Coal Valley School District has announced the promotion of Lynsy Oswald to coordinator for K-12 instructional programs at the Moline Education Center for the 2026–2027 school year, a news release says. The board of education approved the administrative recommendation at its March 9 meeting. Oswald has served as the principal of Hamilton Elementary School since [...]
	Last Picture House, Davenport, ready to show 35mm movies with "2001" as the first The Last Picture House will launch its 35mm film screenings next week, marking the theater as only one of two cinemas in Iowa with the capabilities of projecting film prints (and one of fewer than 350 such theaters in the United States.) The inaugural screening will be Stanley Kubrick’s "2001: A Space Odyssey" on March [...]
	Marty Crunchwrap Supreme and more menu ideas for your 2026 Oscars party You're inviting folks over to watch the Oscars, but you want to serve them a bill-of-fare that reflects this year's idiosyncratic slate of best picture nominees. We can help with that.
	Davenport council wants more resources to go to repairing neighborhood streets Dedicating more money toward fixing low-traffic neighborhood streets is a major theme that has cropped up during city council work sessions.
	Scott County expected to give elected officials 3.5% raise Four of the five Scott County supervisors said they would support raising the pay of the county attorney, sheriff, treasurer, recorder and auditor by 3.5%. A vote will come Thursday.
	Two Types of Spring Flooding Threaten Quad Cities, Here’s What You Need to Know Spring brings two completely different flooding threats to the Quad Cities, and they don’t behave the same way at all.
	New East Moline auto shop plans to offer more than just car repairs Open Bay Auto plans to open in May in the former Augustine Motors building in East Moline.
	Minnesota News This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Like most of the other 500 residents of St. Anthony Falls in the territory of Minnesota, Elmer Tyler had emigrated from…
	US attacks Iranian mine-laying vessels near Hormuz on Day 12 of war Attacks and counterattacks continued throughout the Middle East Wednesday. Two cargo ships were struck in the Gulf, as some lawmakers in Washington pressed for answers on the war's rationale.
	U.S. attacks Iranian mine-laying vessels near Hormuz on Day 12 of war Attacks and counterattacks continued throughout the Middle East Wednesday. Two cargo ships were struck in the Gulf, as some lawmakers in Washington pressed for answers on the war's rationale.
	Federal oversight protects student borrowers. Some of it has stopped, watchdog says Without this Education Department oversight, borrowers could "be placed in the wrong loan repayment status, billed for incorrect amounts" and more, the U.S. Government Accountability Office says.
	Americans are split on wanting the National Guard to monitor voting, a new poll finds Nearly half of Americans support the National Guard monitoring November's elections, potentially signaling an openness to the sort of nationalizing of elections that President Trump says he wants.
	The Trump DOJ is giving guns back to felons, including one alleged fake elector The Department of Justice is quietly restarting a decades-dormant program to restore gun rights to felons. One of them was an alleged fake elector in 2020.
	Bam! Heat's Adebayo scores 83 points, 2nd only to Wilt Chamberlain in NBA history Bam Adebayo had a night for all time on Tuesday, with a point total second to only Wilt Chamberlain in the NBA record books.
	Prosecutor says Rihanna, family were home when woman charged with attempted murder fired Rihanna, her partner A$AP Rocky, their three children and her mother were all at home when a woman now charged with attempted murder is alleged to have fired at the property, a prosecutor said.
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026
	All clear in the Quad Cities - storms quieting down late Tuesday night After a stormy Tuesday night things are looking much better now (as of 10:30 p.m.) We had dozens of hail reports and a few strong winds reported earlier this evening. There were several tornado warnings as well, but we are yet to hear of any official tornadoes on the ground in our area. The radar [...]
	Meet Julie Bickelhaupt, Republican primary candidate for Illinois' 17th Congressional District Bickelhaupt is a seventh-generation farmer raising cattle in Mount Carroll. Her campaign centers on faith, family, farming and future.
	Visit Quad Cities teams up with Wheel the World to evaluate tourism accessibility Wheel the World is visiting nine Quad Cities locations to review accessibility and help travelers with disabilities better plan trips.
	Several employees injured after being exposed to chemicals at Byron Clean Energy Center According to the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, all injuries are believed to be minor.
	Report: Scott County Jail staff failed to provide medical attention to woman experiencing mental health crisis The Iowa Office of Ombudsman released a 42-page report that jail staff failed to intervene and dismissed a woman's mental health crisis when she was detained.
	RI school board member defends district on reports of student behavioral issues A Rock Island-Milan School Board member defended the school district regarding the number of students causing fights during tonight's board meeting. It comes two weeks after a different board member said the high school was dangerous. Board Member Tracy Pugh says the current administration improved the schools' attendance, teacher retention and graduation rate. He also [...]
	3 connected to drug trafficking in Galesburg area after investigation Three men connected to the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Galesburg area have been convicted or sentenced in federal court after an investigation conducted by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with a Task Force Officer assigned to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force (TOC West). A news [...]
	Visit Quad Cities teams up with Wheel the World to evaluate tourism accessibility Wheel the World is visiting nine Quad Cities locations to review accessibility and help travelers with disabilities better plan trips.
	What's being done to address food insecurity in Iowa? The Iowa Food Bank Association published a new survey, finding that over 70% of Iowa residents think food insecurity is a concern that isn't being taken serious enough. Our Quad Cities News correspondent Teodora Mitov takes a look at steps being taken to get more healthy food to those who need it most, through House File [...]
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning until TUE 9:45 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorm Warning with Quarter-Size Hail Until 9:45 PM CDT
	Quad Cities biking legends to be honored with riverfront sculpture For more than 40 years, Deb and Dean "Bareback" Mathias have advocated for safer trails and better biking access. Now, money is being raised for a statue of them.
	Several employees injured after being exposed to chemicals at Byron Clean Energy Center According to the Ogle County Sheriff's Office, all injuries are believed to be minor.
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning from TUE 8:59 PM CDT until TUE 9:45 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorms with Quarter-Size Hail Moving East Through Northwestern Illinois and East Central Iowa
	Judy's Family Cafe looks to turn social media fame into a franchise restaurant Since it went viral in the fall of 2025, Judy's Family Cafe has exploded in popularity - so much so that the Galesburg breakfast joint is trying to expand into a franchise. To do that, the owners need to set the norm for what the restaurants will look like. That means the original Judy's Family [...]
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning until TUE 7:45 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Large Hail Threatening Areas Near Iowa City
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning from TUE 6:57 PM CDT until TUE 7:45 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorms with Hail Expected in East Central Iowa Until 7:45 PM CDT
	Multiple people exposed to chemicals at Byron Nuclear Plant Emergency crews were called to the plant for reports of people with chemical exposure.
	2 Galesburg men found guilty in federal court for meth distribution Two Galesburg men were found guilty in federal court of distributing methamphetamine.
	Iowa event loses headline speaker, Sen. Markwayne Mullin U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin will no longer headline an event political event in May.
	Davenport native Kevin McKee and Team USA sled hockey team win preliminary match The USA beat China 7-1. The Americans will not go on to play in the semifinals on Friday morning.
	Whitey's has once again released its flavor bracket You can join the fun by voting on your favorite flavor. Voters can find the poll at wqad.com.
	Get ready: officials urge people to prepare as severe storms move into QCA As strong storms move into the area, Bureau County emergency officials are urging residents not to rely solely on tornado sirens when severe weather hits.
	Former Eldridge man arrested for allegedly molesting girl and woman A former Eldridge man has been arrested for allegedly molesting two females, one child for about eight years, and one adult for about 3 1/2 years, authorities said.
	QC Bicycle Club makes efforts to build statue to honor local biking fixtures, Dean and Deb Mathias Dean is known for riding a bike without a seat, logging more than 8,500 miles a year and competing in dozens of RAGBRAIS.
	Breaking down the science of predicting severe weather The most vulnerable period on Tuesday night is predicted to be between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
	Report: Scott County Jail staff failed to provide medical attention to woman experiencing mental health crisis The Iowa Office of Ombudsman released a 42-page report that jail staff failed to intervene and dismissed a woman's mental health crisis when she was detained.
	Death Notice: Larry Suppan A funeral service for Larry Paul Suppan Jr., 66, of Eldridge, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, March 20, at North Ridge Community Church, Eldridge. Burial will follow at Rock Island National Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by American Legion #26 of Davenport. Visitation will be Thursday, March 19, from 5-7 p.m. at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge. Mr. Suppan died Saturday, March 7, 2026, at his home. Memorials may be directed to REA. Online condolences may be made at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. A full obituary will appear in the March 18 edition of The NSP.
	West Liberty school board talks annual budget In the last week of February, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill establishing a 2% per pupil State Supplemental Aid (SSA) rate increase for the 2026–27 school year. With this important rate now set, the West Liberty School District has begun preparing its budget for the new year. During its March 2 school board meeting, district business manager Abby Ortiz presented a preliminary plan for the district’s FY27 budget, which will be officially decided upon next month following further review and input from the community during a scheduled public hearing. Ortiz began the presentation by looking at the district’s two main budget amendments for its FY26 budget. The first amendment came from its instruction budget, which rose from $13.01 million to $13.76 million due to technology and curriculum purchases made by the district. The other amendment made was due to spending on total support services, which rose from $6.18 million to $6.48 million. Ortiz attributed these additional costs to the district’s contract with Solution Tree, which led to an increase in professional development costs. This development also included several teachers attending summer conferences for further training, as well as elementary playground improvements made later in the year. Looking to FY27, with the SSA set to rise 2%, Ortiz reported the district’s new money trend to be at an estimated $196,405. “Obviously we would want to see more, as this doesn’t really keep up with the cost of everything from salaries and benefits to just supplies,” Ortiz said. With a district cost of $8,148 per student, the expected Regular Program Cost for FY27 will be $10,079,891. This rose from the previous fiscal year’s cost of $9,883,486. Beyond SSA rate increases, enrollment continues to be a primary driver of the funding that West Liberty receives, Ortiz stated. “If we don’t have any big classes coming in, we’re going to see those numbers decline a little bit, and I don’t know if we’ll get to where we’re averaging 85-90 kids per class,” Ortiz said. “There’s some promising developments downtown that hopefully will bring in new families with children, that’ll at least help us stay consistent instead of dropping off in the next few years.” For open enrollment, Ortiz stated that while these numbers continue to be at a net negative, something the district has been seeing since FY22, the net open enrollment numbers overall have continued trending in a positive direction, rising from the numbers reported in FY25 and FY26. Ortiz attributed the rise to the district’s focus on continuing to develop and invest in its infrastructure and what services it is able to offer families. “Hopefully that only helps us,” she said. With the slow rise in open enrollment, the funding received through open enrollment will also rise. Moving onto the valuation overview, Ortiz stated the FY27 total property tax rate is recommended to be set at roughly $13.43, rising slightly from the FY26 rate of roughly $13.10. Ortiz reminded the board that this rate can be lowered at a later date, but it cannot rise after being submitted to the county auditor’s office for public notice. Ortiz also noted that while it is not possible to do this year, the board will likely have to discuss setting up a cash reserve levy for FY28, as it will be this year when the district’s fund balance solvency ratio is expected to be below 20%, which is considered an unhealthy ratio. For its management fund levy, total expenditures are expected to increase to $783,654.44 primarily due to insurance costs rising. Ortiz reported the district’s estimated beginning fund balance for FY27 at $612,551. With an estimated tax levy revenue of $725,000 plus other miscellaneous revenue, FY27’s total available funds will be $1.343 million. Ortiz also reported that FY25 was the first full fiscal year without ESSER funding. With this, the district’s Unspent Authorized Budget (UAB) is forecasted to drop once those funds have been fully utilized, especially if enrollment either stays consistent or drops and if SSA continues to remain at low rates. Ortiz hopes to keep the district’s UAB at $3.6 million each year, but understands that this is a tricky balance to keep. “We continuously monitor this number as it is the single most important indicator of a District’s financial health,” Ortiz said within her report. “We have been proactive in reducing costs where it makes sense through attrition instead of waiting until we have to eliminate a large amount of expenditures within a single year. We will continue discussions on where we are able to cut costs for FY27 so that we don’t see as big of a drop in UAB. Sustainability is very important (…) but getting there in a financially sustainable way is the key.” Following the presentation, it was announced that the first public hearing for the FY27 budget is scheduled for March 16 during that evening’s school board meeting. Other business In other news, the board: • Approved the 2026/27 school calendar. • Reviewed the 28E Agreement with Mid Prairie CSD, which allows homeschooled students within Mid Prairie to still participate in West Liberty School District activities. • Approved the AEA 28E purchasing agreement for food service. • Approved the district’s participation in the agreement between it and the Iowa Local Government Risk Pool Commission. The total premium for July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027, is $57,717 for a year’s worth of natural gas usage. Payment will come out of the district’s management fund. This is the District’s fourth year in the program. • Held a first reading for Board Policy 506.1 • Accepted resignations for Dual Language teacher Milton Moctezuma, 8th grade literacy teacher/head varsity girls wrestling coach Chayse Schultz, elementary paraprofessional Itzhel Gutierrez, and varsity assistant baseball coach James Walter. • Approved Katelynne Macias as its new elementary paraprofessional.
	Tornado Watch issued for areas SE of Quad Cities - March 10th, 2026 The National Weather Service has now issued a Tornado Watch for areas South and East of the Quad Cities. this watch (pictured below) is in effect until 11 a.m. Some intense thunderstorms are expected shortly and they pose the threat of not only producing tornadoes, but strong tornadoes at that. In the Quad Cities we [...]
	Invest in education at Black Hawk College Foundation's Black & Gold Celebration Investing in education and help students chase their dreams! Zenaida Landeros joined Our Quad Cities News with details on the Black Hawk College Foundation's Black & Gold Celebration. For more information, click here.
	Report: Scott County Jail staff response questioned in Christmas Eve detention An Iowa Ombudsman report says a detainee in mental distress was not properly monitored or given timely medical/mental health care at the Scott County Jail on Christmas Eve 2024, prompting recommendations for policy, training, and facility upgrades.
	Hamilton principal to become new coordinator for K-12 instructional programs for Moline-Coal Valley Lynsy Oswald will be the new coordinator for K-12 Instructional at the Moline Education Center.
	2 dead after vehicle hits concrete in ditch, Sheriff says Two people died after a vehicle hit several large pieces of concrete in a ditch, according to the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office.
	HARDY, March 20 Touring in support of his 2025 recording Country! Country! that Country Swag deemed "raw, reflective, rowdy, and rooted in his Mississippi upbringing," chart-topping singer/songwriter Michael Wilson Hardy – better known by his singular moniker HARDY – brings his national tour to Moline's Vibrant Arena at the MARK on March 20, Rolling Stone classifying the artist as "simultaneously the chest-thumping id of masculine country and a fun-house mirror poking fun at the whole enterprise."
	Jake Owen, March 20 A chart-topping American Country Award and Academy of Country Music Award winner currently touring in support of his 2025 album Dreams to Dream, singer/songwriter Jake Owen headlines a March 20 concert event at Davenport's Capitol Theatre, his most recent recording inspiring Saving Country Music to rave, "It’s like nothing you ever heard from Jake Owen, or really any current or former mainstream country music before."
	“Motown & Friends Tribute,” March 21 Many of the most exciting songs from one of the most thrilling sources of American music will be celebrated at Davenport's Adler Theatre on March 21, with Breath of Encouragement presenting its Motown & Friends Tribute, a fun-filled and deeply soulful evening with unforgettable hits sure to bring back happy memories galore.
	That Arena Rock Show, March 20 With their long list of celebrated rockers including Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Bon Jovi, and Guns N Roses, the tribute musicians of That Arena Rock Show bring their tour back to East Moline venue The Rust Belt on March 20, the rockers famed for their trips back in time that turn venues of all sizes into arena stages for a night.
	The Beaker Brothers Band, March 20 Delivering a blues-rock tribute to legendary musicians of the past, Iowa City's ever-popular ensemble The Beaker Brothers Band returns to the Quad Cities for a concert at Davenport's Gypsy Highway Bar & Grill, the March 20 show one of the last touring stops the beloved ensemble will make before signing off as a publicly performing band at the end of 2026.
	FIRST ALERT DAY: Live severe weather blog Parts of the TV6 viewing area have an increased risk of large hail and tornadoes Tuesday
	Brad & the Big Wave and PONS, March 20 An exhilarating showcase of rock, punk, and blends of both will fill the Raccoon Motel on March 20, with the downtown-Davenport venue hosting the Iowa City-based talents alongside the special guests of PONS.
	Scott County Board set to vote on salary increases for employees, elected officials If approved, all non-elected employees will receive a 3.5% cost of living salary increase. We break down the proposed salary increases for elected officials.
	JJJJJerome Ellis, Lia Kohl, and Zachary Good, March 20 A trio of unique singers and instrumentalists collectively gifted on saxophone, organ, electronics, dulcimer, cello, clarinet, and more will perform a special concert event at Rozz-Tox on March 20, the Rock Island venue proud to host the disparate talents of JJJJJerome Ellis, Lia Kohl, and Zachary Good.
	TAKAAT, March 22 Thrilling soundscapes and evocative listening experiences will be on hand at Rozz-Tox on March 22, the Rock Island venue hosting a headlining set by TAKAAT, the musicians beging joined in concert by special guests Glurge and Friendless.
	“Uptown: A Celebration of Motown & Soul,” March 20 Fusing Bruno-Mars-caliber stage presence with top-tier vocals and wall-to-wall choreography, the gifted singers and hoofers of Uptown: A Celebration of Motown & Soul come to Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre on March 20, heir show delivering the smooth stylings of R&B with the fresh hits of today in a unique and modern concert experience that has inspired standing ovations nationwide.
	“Peace of My Heart: The Songs of Janis Joplin,” March 21 On March 21, patrons of the Ohnward Fine Arts Center are invited to walk back in time to “The Summer of Love” as the Maquoketa venue presents Peace of My Heart: The Songs of Janis Joplin, an electrifying tribute to the iconic pop and rock musician fronted by the powerful vocals of Laura McDonald.
	North Scott Press — March 11, 2026
	“Charlotte's Web,” March 24 through April 11 With its source material named "the best American children's book of the past two hundred years" by the Children's Literature Association, the stage version of E.B. White's beloved Charlotte's Web enjoys a March 24 through April 11 run at Rock Island's Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, this adaptation by playwright Joseph Robinette praised by the Chicago Tribune as a theatre piece that "manages to hit the emotional and humorous high points of the original."
	City Circle Theatre Company's “Jesus Christ Superstar,” March 20 through 29 One of the most beloved and iconic rock operas of all time enjoys a spectacular new staging at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts when City Circle Theatre Company presents hosts its July 20 through 29 run of Jesus Christ Superstar, the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice classic boasting such unforgettable numbers as “Everything's Alright,” “Hosanna,” “King Herod's Song,” and the timeless ballad “I Don't Know How to Love Him.”
	Deere combine in running for 'Coolest Thing Made In Illinois' Voting is now open in the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association’s (IMA) 2026 “Makers Madness” contest. The bracket-style tournament lets the public decide what product will be chosen as The Coolest Thing Made in Illinois and one of the products is made in the Quad Cities. Over 100 unique products from all over the state were nominated [...]
	Daniel Tosh, March 26 Lauded for hosting and creating Tosh.0 , a showcase for Internet clips and his sardonic commentary that was one of the longest-running comedy series on Comedy Central, standup comedian Daniel Tosh brings "My First Farewell Tour" to Davenport's Adler Theatre on March 26, the wildly popular funnyman also the host of the video podcast Tosh Show.
	In total control As Olivia Uhlenkamp was walking down the hall at North Scott High School a few weeks ago, she overheard a conversation between some fellow students regarding a schoolwide email. “Did you hear the robotics team is going to state?” said one student. To which their companion responded, “We’ve got a robotics team?” Do they ever. And it’s no small operation. North Scott’s robotics team, Guild of Gears No. 6603, participated in the state First Tech Challenge, held at Xtream Arena in Coralville Feb. 27-28. The team emerged from the competition with the prestigious Control Award, recognizing the most innovative use of sensors and software in the state. This was the second Control Award the team won this season, the first coming at a state qualifying event at Iowa City West High School on Feb. 14. Team member Josh Le described the Control Award as the equivalent of an industrial automation award. “(The judges) really like seeing you use different types of sensors – the camera is our big one … They want to see how much of this robot you can automate. And on the industrial scale, it’s like that, too. You have to automate your machines, because no one wants to do every menial task. So, it really focuses on a team that uses sensors, software and automation to up their performance on the field.” This year’s challenge, called Decode, required teams and their robots to identify, sort and shoot colored balls in a specific pattern. Guild of Gears used a technology no other team in the competition utilized, a form of artificial intelligence called machine learning. This gave their robot, nicknamed Riot, the opportunity to “see” and identify the balls automatically. “Most teams at this level are identifying the balls manually – by eye – and relying on their drivers to make split-second decisions or ignoring the order altogether,” said the team’s coach, Michele Mess. “Our students built a machine learning model where the robot identifies the balls on its own and shoots the appropriate colored balls in order. That’s college-level engineering.” The process required the team to take more than 5,000 photos of the game space from every conceivable angle. Once the photos were uploaded, Olivia Uhlenkamp took 1,200 of those photos and hand-labeled them in the system. She then worked to train a computer vision model. The model was eventually able to identify the ball colors and positions with 99.3% accuracy. “They took thousands of photos from the robot’s view, and Olivia labeled them, this is green, purple, green, for all of them,” said team mentor Ken Uhlenkamp of machine learning. “You give it thousands of pictures, and you give it the X, Y coordinates of every single ball and then you let a computer crunch away at it for hours and it spits out a model. So, you could feed it a video or another picture and it would put bounding boxes around that and tell the computer where the balls are.” “We have not heard of anyone else in the world using this,” said lead programmer Max Vannorsdel. “We went out to John Deere Davenport Works and we showed them the video and they said, ‘That’s awesome.’ They’re trying to do machine learning themselves, so that was a huge thing.” Meanwhile, other members of the team were working to construct Riot, using Onshape, a professional CAD (computer-aided design) program. Among the design features were a turret that can rotate 400 degrees, spring loaders, an intake system constructed in part using surgical tubing, a “spindexer” that sorted the balls by color, and a fly-wheel shooter. Approximately 70% of Riot’s parts were designed and printed on the team’s 3D printer and then assembled by hand. “Everything except for the computer, the motors and the frame was designed and printed by this team,” explained team mentor Marcus Madison. “These students are doing real engineering.” “Everything that is either black or red on that robot, they designed themselves,” said Ken Uhlenkamp. “Drew it in CAD and printed it. I guarantee this is the most technically advanced robot at the competition, good or bad.” Once Olivia Uhlenkamp finished training the model, Vannorsdel went to work creating more technology. The model was shrunk down to just a single megabyte, so that it could run on Riot in real time. Riot was also fitted with a webcam with a wide-angle lens and an additional camera to automatically track targets. Vannorsdel said the team also had to fit Riot with an auxiliary battery just to power the cameras. Although Olivia Uhlenkamp was modest about the praise, Vannorsdel said Riot’s skills were, “80% her, 10% us and 10% the robot.” The team challenge was announced in September, and Guild of Gears competed in its first event of the season in Solon nine weeks later. Throughout the season, they worked to drill down on Riot’s key components, and the team qualified for state at the Iowa City West event on Feb. 14. Of the 256 active teams in Iowa, 72 advanced to the state competition. The state event was sponsored by the University of Iowa College of Engineering, and the top six teams from that event moved on to the First Tech Challenge Worlds event, which will be held in Houston, Texas, at the end of April. Nine other teams were also invited to global “Premier” events, including events that will be held in Chicago and Long Beach, Calif. During the state competition, Riot experienced a few mechanical issues with the ball-sorting mechanism. But the judges were deeply impressed with the machine learning model – a unique technology that was not utilized by any other team in the competition. With the Control Award in hand, team members said they’re incredibly motivated for next season. “We really appreciate our members working so hard to push the boundaries of what our robot can do and accomplish something that hasn’t been done in our league before with machine learning,” said lead designer Marshall Mess. “Now we are energized to do even better next year, with our goal of making it to Worlds.” “This is a world-class team,” said Ken Uhlenkamp. “These guys are phenomenal, and we have high hopes to go.” “Every year we’ve gotten just a little bit closer to the dream of Worlds, and I really, truly believe that where they’re at right now, with their enthusiasm, that they can make it,” said Michele Mess. “What was really cool about this team – I think the award spiked their enthusiasm. They were ready to come back on Monday after the competition on Saturday.” She said they’re ready to hit the ground running for next season already. No rest in the off-season With Guild of Gears now resolute in its determination to make it to Worlds, they’ve also got several other goals. One goal is to avoid the problem of team turnover, which Guild of Gears has seen befall other previously strong programs. To that end, one thing Guild of Gears is working on is outreach to younger students, including mentoring a fifth-grade LEGO League team, a project spearheaded by freshman programmer Sebastian Jones. They’ve also reached out to Jay Nelson, who teaches STEM at the junior high, to try to establish relationships with seventh and eighth graders who might be interested in joining the program when they reach high school. “To get up to this level that we’re trying to progress to, like Worlds, you have to go through years of learning with the same group,” said Marshall Mess. “That’s why we’re trying to get younger groups in seventh and eighth grade involved now, so we as older students who have been in it for however many years can teach them the stuff that we know.” The team is also looking for more community support. Although they have mentors and coaches now, they know that as members graduate, some of that support will naturally fall away, so they’d like to bring more people into the fold. And, with their big goal of making it to Worlds, the team will also need financial support, especially with equipment upgrades. They’d like to buy a few desktop computers – although they can run CAD and other necessary programs on their school-issued Chromebooks, desktop computers can run a little faster. They would also like to invest in a CNC machine, additional workspace equipment, storage and tables, and a second 3D printer. “We had many late nights waiting a long time for prints to finish before we could start the next 3D prints,” said Le. “A second printer would make a huge difference for our build season.” Marshall Mess said the CNC machine would also be a great help for the team. “That is one of the biggest things our team is lacking right now. Because the Worlds-level teams, their production of their own custom-made metal parts is what makes their robots a million times better and moves them on.” Add in the potential for travel costs and the team is looking at expenses of upwards of $10,000. So, the team would welcome financial support and partnerships with residents and businesses. Anyone interested in partnering or contributing may contact Michele Mess or the high school directly. They’ll also be doing outreach this summer, including a presentation at the Mississippi Valley Fair in the Iowa Building. Ken Uhlenkamp and Michele Mess said the First Tech Challenge isn’t necessarily about building the best robot. “They are being judged on a presentation at leagues and state championships — no one can watch them; they just present in front of the judges — so it helps them learn speaking and answering questions,” said Mess. “They are trying to perform well throughout the year on community outreach like Mississippi Valley Fair, sustainability like mentoring LEGO Leagues, keeping an engineering notebook that has a budget, goals, plans/processes, programming, building, working with mentors, showing their learning and sharing their learning — gracious professionalism.” As part of that gracious professionalism, Vannorsdel said Guild of Gears was thrilled for the Pleasant Valley team, Deviation from the Norm, that qualified for Worlds. He said they have a great relationship with teams from PV, Bettendorf and Central DeWitt. Team members said they had a wonderful time at a recent scrimmage and potluck at the RIC with those teams. Regardless of whether the students continue in STEM as a career, Michele Mess said they’re already learning life skills that will carry with them into the future. “They have learned so much by things they want to do not going right and trying to figure it out. It is great to listen to them problem-solve.” She said she also hopes they learn the “skill of working in the professional world with businesspeople like John Deere and other mentors. Learning how to raise money for their goals, being thankful to those that have helped them in many ways — we have a committee for creating thank you notes and getting the members to sign and get them sent out.” The next challenge will be announced in September. Vannorsdel said there are more than 8,600 teams worldwide that participate in the First Tech Challenge, including 34 in the league North Scott is in. But until then, Guild of Gears will be keeping busy working on their goals together. “This is a great classroom, where they have so much learning going on, but they don’t have to worry about grades,” said Michele Mess. “They are doing their own learning. They are inspiring themselves to do the work and to figure it out.”
	Larry the Cable Guy, March 21 With two of his seven comedy albums hitting platinum status and children of all ages adoring him for voicing tow truck Mater in the Disney/Pizer franchise Cars, Blue Collar Comedian Larry the Cable Guy brings his national tour to Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center on March 21, the Billboard Award winner also a bestselling author and co-founder of the non-profit organization The Git-R-Done Foundation.
	Jessica Kirson, March 22 A lauded comedian, actor, and producer revered for her frequent standup sets at iconic New York City venues including the Gotham Comedy Club, Laugh Factory, Caroline's, and the Improv, Jessica Kirson brings her national tour to Davenport's Capitol Theatre on March 22, her varied list of credits including appearances on TV's Kevin Can Wait and Ramy, as well as Pete Davidson's critically acclaimed film The King of Staten Island.
	Proposed county budget would keep spending growth tight Supervisors are poised to make few changes to the Scott County budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The new budget, which supervisors began reviewing in February, provides for two new full-time roles at the county and bumps a part-time nurse at the Youth Justice Rehabilitation Center up to full-time. The County expects to spend a total of $136,853,635 next year, a 1.5% increase over the current fiscal year, below the rate of inflation. The single largest change in departmental spending will be for public safety and legal services. Spending on wages and out-of-county placement of prisoners will increase total expenditures by $2 million. But the county’s debt service and capital project contributions will drop by a combined $3.4 million, if the budget is adopted as proposed. Across the board, the county will provide nonunion employees with a 3% cost of living adjustment and a 0.5% market adjustment. Union employees negotiate wages directly with county supervisors. Wage and benefits spending will increase by 2.8% this year, to $55.5 million. Budget and Administrative Services Director David Farmer said supervisors’ decision in August to outsource county custodial services helped temper spending on wages and benefits. Last year, that spending increased over 12%, as the county added six new positions. Over half of county spending from its operating budget, which excludes capital expenditures, goes to pay wages and benefits. The two new, full-time positions created by this year’s budget include a vehicle service technician for the county ambulance service and a collection specialist at the Attorney’s Office, who will recoup outstanding legal service fees. A few new expenses will drive the 1.5% percent budget increase this year, Farmer said. Out-of-county placement of prisoners will rise nearly 50%, from $912,000 to $1.345 million. Equipment maintenance costs will rise 25%, from about $740,000 to $930,000. Although lower in percentage terms, an 8% increase in the cost of medical benefits for employees will translate to a $720,000 expense—from $8.6 to $9.3 million. Taxes and revenues If budget figures are adopted as proposed, the county would keep its urban levy rate flat at $5.93 per $1,000 in taxable valuation. The rural levy rate, assessed on properties in unincorporated Scott County, would rise from $8.66 to $8.81 per $1,000. Residential rollbacks dropped from 47.4% to 44.5% this year, a boon for homeowners. The rollback determines the taxable share of a home’s assessed value. The system is designed to limit the tax burden of increasing property values, and values were reassessed across Scott County this year. Farmer said most Scott County homeowners could expect a small increase in their residential property tax bill. In the coming fiscal year, 64% of Scott County’s taxable valuation will be in residential property. Commercial property will make up 26.4% of ts taxable valuation, with utilities, agricultural land, and industrial facilities rounding out the remaining 10%. Property taxes will comprise about 55% of county revenues. Other taxes, on road use and sales, will make up 8%. Intergovernmental transfers will drop several points to 11.5%, as Pandemic relief dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act dry up. Revenues from service charges, interest, and other sources will comprise remaining income. The county expects to bring in $125,582,424 next year, according to the proposed budget. Spending by department Here is how Scott County will divide the $136.8 million it has planned to spend next year: Public safety and legal services: 35.3%. This sum includes the Sheriff’s Office, Attorney’s Office, county jail, and Youth Justice and Rehabilitation Center. Administration: 14%. Capital projects: 13.1%. Gathers expenses from across county departments for technology, vehicles, and building maintenance, as well as county road improvements. Ambulance services: 12.9%. Includes salaries and maintenance. MEDIC EMS, the ambulance service, is largely funded through charges for services and federal Ground Emergency Medical Transport reimbursements. Road and transportation: 7.8%. Includes salaries and maintenance. Major purchases and construction projects fall under capital spending. Physical health and social services: 6.4%. County environment and education: 5.5%. Government services to residents: 2.7%. Debt service: 1.1%. Scott County golf course: 1.1%. Largely funded through charges for play. Understanding new roles Supervisors pressed departments and one another on the need for new positions at the County Attorney’s Office and ambulance service. Supervisor Maria Bribriesco said she wanted to see the sum of outstanding legal services fees before agreeing to hire a collection specialist for the Attorney’s Office. Farmer said the county did not “have a grasp of the total pool out there” of legal service fees. “I think there are too many people in the county attorney’s office,” Bribriesco said. The county should not hire a new agent “just on the possibility of us breaking even. Why even go there?” County Attorney Kelly Cunningham assured supervisors that a collection specialist would recoup funds beyond their salary. Scott County currently has two collections specialist who bring in approximately $500,000 a year. She said Polk County’s six collection agents bring in $1 million. Supervisors also asked MEDIC to clarify the need for a new vehicle service technician. The technician would service medical equipment and stock ambulances. They would “make sure that vehicles are ready to go with equipment that is clean and supplies that are ready for them,” human resources director Vanessa Wierman said. Currently, paramedics and EMTs are largely responsible for servicing and stocking their ambulances. Those responsibilities often lead to overtime charges, MEDIC Director Paul Andorf said. “The goal of the VST is to eliminate that,” Andorf said.
	“An Evening with Mark Turcotte, Illinois Poet Laureate,” March 26 A member of the Turtle Mountain Band Anishinaabe and a Distinguished-Writer-In-Residence in the English department of Chicago's DePaul University, Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte will participate in a special March 26 program at the Rock Island Public Library's Watts-Midtown Branch, this poetry presentation hosted jointly with Augustana College and the ideal launch into April's National Poetry Month.
	Senate Democrats ramp up pressure campaign for public hearings on war with Iran Congressional Democrats are demanding transparency in the form of public hearings from Trump administration officials on the timeline and objectives of the war in Iran.
	Second lawsuit alleges wrongful firing from Sheriff's Office A former deputy sheriff has filed a wrong termination suit against Scott County, Sheriff Tim Lane and County Attorney Kelly Cunningham, alleging he was fired after raising professional concerns about Jennifer McAndrew Lane, a Department of Corrections employee. Plaintiff Joshua Wall, a former deputy sheriff, was fired in 2024. McAndrew Lane is the spouse of Sherff Tim Lane. According to a petition filed in Scott County court, Wall observed in June 2023 that McAndrew Lane kept a sex offender on probation despite the expiration of a court order. She told employees she would “go above” them to the sheriff if they questioned her activities, the petition states. Wall and two other employees met with county Human Resources Director Vanessa Wierman in late June to detail concerns. A lawsuit brought over McAndrew Lane’s conduct led the county Attorney’s Office to open a formal investigation in July. Wall believed that a conflict of interest between the sheriff and McAndrew Lane had compromised the investigation. In March 2024, he reported his concerns to Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, at the time a state senator. Cournoyer referred his concerns to the Iowa Attorney General’s Office. But they referred his concerns back to Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham, according to the petition. The Iowa Attorney General’s office advised Wall that his decision to refer information to Cournoyer was protected by state whistleblower law. The petition goes on to allege that rather “than investigate McAndrew’s wrongful acts, Scott County, Lane, and Cunningham began investigating Sergeant Wall because he provided information to an Iowa State Senator and, ultimately, the Iowa Attorney General.” He was first notified three months after that investigation had been opened, according to the petition. He was fired just one month later. “Sergeant Wall’s termination was in retaliation for his disclosures of ongoing violations of law or rule, mismanagement, and abuse of authority,” the petition alleges. The county settled a similar lawsuit brought by Tara Chase of Rock Island for $175,000 in September. Chase alleged that she was terminated following a meeting with the Human Resources department in which she accused Lane of misconduct. The county, Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff Tim Lane settled but did not admit fault. The early details of Wall’s petition echo those provided last fall in Chase’s suit. Sheriff Tim Lane filed an ethics complaint against Cournoyer in 2024, alleging harassment and disclosure and improper use of confidential information. The Iowa Senate ethics committee dismissed the complaint on Cournoyer’s elevation to Lieutenant Governor. The Scott County Board of Supervisors entered into closed session to discuss pending litigation Tuesday, Feb. 24. Lane did not respond to request for comment. Cunningham said the decisiont to fire Wall was upheld by the county Civil Service Commission.
	Meet Rock Island Co. Sheriff candidate: Lt. Matt DeSmyter Four people are running--three Democrats and one Republican and we are introducing you to them on the News at Noon.
	Mt. Joy roadwork three-quarters complete Road work in Mt. Joy stands at 75% completion, County Engineer Angie Kersten told The North Scott Press last week. All of the underground storm sewer infrastructure has been installed, and road reconstruction is proceeding as weather cooperates, she said. “Once the weather becomes more consistent, then you’ll see them on an eight hour per day basis,” Kersten said. She expects the project to wrap up in July of this year. The project includes “full road and drainage infrastructure reconstruction” along Brady Street from 210th Street to Route 61, and along nearby stretches of 210th, 214th and 215th Streets and Holden Drive.
	Teamwork makes the dream work The Scott County Library in Eldridge hosted the 23rd North Scott Battle of the Books competition on Friday, March 6. Teams representing all five elementary schools met and answered 60 questions testing their knowledge of the current year’s Iowa Children’s Choice Award titles. When the dust settled, the Ed White team of Isabel Jones, Brooklyn Orsborn and Violet Kroeger emerged victorious for the third year in a row. They'll go on to the Regional Battle of the Books, which will be held at the Bettendorf Public Library at the end of the month. Alan Shepard came in second. NSP photos by Erin M. Gentz.
	18th-Annual Henry Farnam Evening, March 26 Hosted by Davenport's River Action and named in honor of Henry W. Farnam, the chief builder of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad, the Quad Cities' Farnam Evenings are annual tributes to historically significant citizens and events. This year's 18th-annual celebration – taking place at St. Ambrose University's Rogalski Center on March 26 – will will celebrate regional history, innovation, and the legacy of influential figures who shaped the Quad Cities and American agriculture.
	Dixon report raises concerns An independent report on management of the city of Dixon raised concerns beyond the difficulties that often face small towns. Those concerns include eight transactions lacking proper documentation; an annual financial report whose disbursements and fund balances did not match city records; and bank reconciliations and employee time sheets never approved by a supervisor. The report also noted a lack of segregation of duties, common for cities with only a single clerk. Dixon City Clerk Meghan Ganzer walked the council through the concerns Wednesday, March 5. Ganzer was hired by the city during the period under review, April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, she said. She could not locate all proper documentation for disbursements predating her term as clerk. The transition also made it difficult for Ganzer to prepare that year’s financial report. She said she knew figures for certain accounts were “incorrect.” Other concerns, such as a negative balance in the garbage fund, were known to the city and in the process of remediation. Ganzer said the city would have to adjust its practice to address other concerns, including having a member of the city council review bank reconciliations. She defended other city practices that the report called into question. “I don't fill out a timesheet. I have a contract,” Ganzer told the council. The report specifically notes that “timesheets should be prepared by all employees” and should be approved by a supervisor, such as the mayor. She said concerns over segregation of duties were “going to be a repeat every single every single year, because we're a one-person office.” Other small Scott County cities routinely see concerns over segregation of duties. Councilman Nicholas Manrique said certain concerns were inevitable. “We can work to rectify some of the issues on there. Others, we're just going to acknowledge that we're a very small organization,” he said. The report also instructed Dixon not to make donations to the city fire department and other nonprofit groups. Manrique said the city could instead enter contracts with those groups for enumerated services, without withdrawing their support. Even a $300 donation to the 4-H club’s annual Easter Egg hunt could be retooled as a contract, he said. The council approved that donation Wednesday. Small cities like Dixon are required to submit an independent financial report every eight years. The previous report raised similar concerns, including segregation of duties, missing timesheets, and inaccurate annual reporting.

Wednesday, March 11th, 2026

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026