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

Sunday, March 16th, 2025
	New delivery system for eye drops to treat glaucoma Common treatments for glaucoma include eye drops, sometimes multiple doses each day. But studies show as many as 80-percent of patients are not using topical medications properly.
	Iowa City man sentenced to almost 3.5 years in federal prison for firearm charges following 2023 Muscatine shooting According to public court documents, Javeyel Johnta Jones, 22, was identified at the scene of a May 2023 shooting in Muscatine.
	Chickens killed in barn fire near Sterling Sunday morning Several area fire departments assisted in extinguishing the barn fire.
	Rock Island hosts first-ever Arts Alley Shamrock Market An organizer told News 8 the event is inspired by the success of last winter's holiday market.
	Bettendorf Police find body off westbound I-74 Bettendorf Police say there were no signs of foul play.
	Crowds pack downtown Davenport all day Saturday for St. Patrick's celebrations Various parades and other festivities took over the city's downtown.
	Humane Society of Scott County plans kitten shower at Pour Bros., Moline A Humane Society of Scott County Kitten Shower will be sponsored by World's Best Cat Litter from noon until 4 p.m. Sunday, April 6, at at Pour Bros. Craft Taproom Moline. Stop by to donate supplies for the many kittens expected this summer, enjoy a specialty cocktail crafted by Pour Bros. Craft Taproom, enter your name for two major giveaways, and more. World's Best Cat Litter will give away a year's worth of cat litter to one lucky winner. Visit the registry here. Keep your kitty in top condition with the best kitten food supplement Anyone who brings a gift from the registry to the kitten shower will be entered to win a $50 gift card to Kwik Star. At the event, you can socialize with kittens, get bottle-baby feeding lessons, enjoy treats, participate in games for kids and adults, learn about the HSSC Foster Program and meet the team. Pour Bros. is at 1209 4th Ave., Moline.
	Chief: ‘No foul play’ after body found in Bettendorf KWQC spoke to police on scene and confirmed they found a body.
	Power outage takes out lights near Avenue of the Cities Crews worked late into the night to get things up and running again.
	St. Patrick's Day Bash rocks away at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds The open-to-the-public event featured bands from far and wide.
	Corn stocks tight as commodity markets wait for USDA planting report bond to impact markets At the end of March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will release the Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stock reports.
	Corn stocks tight as commodity markets wait for USDA planting report bond to influence markets At the end of March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture will release the Prospective Plantings and Quarterly Grain Stock reports.
	Hawkeyes basketball star Owen Freeman enters transfer portal The forward made the announcement on his social-media pages.
	St. Patrick’s Day festivities kick off in the Quad Cities Saturday Green filled the streets of both downtown Davenport and Rock Island Saturday as St. Patrick’s Day events kicked off the holiday weekend.
	Fire departments respond to Sterling barn fire Sterling and Rock Falls fire departments responded to a barn fire on Ridge Road just after 8:20 a.m. Sunday morning. Upon arrival, the crews found a two-story barn with heavy fire and several exposures. The crews made an aggressive exterior attack on the main fire building, with the exposures being attended to as additional crews arrived. In all, Sterling Fire was assisted by Dixon City Fire, Prophetstown FPD, Polo Fire, Morrison Fire, Tampico Fire, Advance Ambulance, Chadwick Fire, Amboy Fire, Morrison EMS, Franklin Grove Fire, Erie Fire, Manlius Fire, Lanark Fire and Fulton Fire. Some departments assisted with station coverage, although some were moved up to the scene. Major damage was sustained to the main fire building, with minor damages to one of the exposure buildings. The aggressive actions of the initial crews helped keep the fire from extending further. OSFM was also called due to the damage and will investigate Monday morning. The owners stated there were a loss of chickens, but all cattle were out of danger. Crews had the fire under control in approximately 25 minutes and were on scene for a total of 2.5 hours.
	Little Texas to come to I-80 Truckstop Little Texas is coming to the World’s Largest Truckstop! Iowa 80 Truckstop is thrilled to announce that the band Little Texas will be headlining Friday night of the Walcott Truckers Jamboree. The Walcott Truckers Jamboree is a summer event that can’t be missed – join the fun and experience fireworks, live concerts, Iowa Pork chop cookout, an antique truck display, Super Truck Beauty Contest, and more. Little Texas is scheduled to perform on Friday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m. on the Jamboree main stage. According to Vice President of Marketing, Heather DeBaillie, “You’ll remember Little Texas for their iconic songs “God Bless Texas”, “Amy’s Back in Austin”, and “You and Forever and Me”.” This award-winning group has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, five Academy of Country Music Awards - winning Top Vocal Group of the Year in 1993, and was nominated for three CMA awards – winning Album of the Year in 1994. Also performing on the main stage: The Jimmy Welty Band, Casey Muessigmann, Angela Meyer and the Western Stars, and Dani Lynn Howe Band. The 2025 Walcott Truckers Jamboree will be held July 10-12 at the Iowa 80 Truckstop, I-80 Exit 284, Walcott, Iowa. Admission and parking are FREE! Concerts are FREE! Complimentary shuttles will be provided from the parking area to the event grounds. Check concert dates and times and the full schedule here.
	Explore "Lines in Flux" at Monmouth College To be "in flux" is an expression that means something is in a state of constant change or instability. For Turkiye - where even the official spelling of the country's name changed in 2021 - much of that instability is near its borders. "Lines in Flux," the current art exhibition on display in the Len G. Everett Gallery in Monmouth College's Hewes Library, is a collection of simultaneous responses to the unpredictable and constantly changing borders between Turkiye and the countries around it. The exhibition will be on display through April 4, when a closing reception and artist talk is scheduled. The reception will be from 3-4:30 p.m., with the talk at 3:30 p.m. The exhibition, reception and talk are all free and open to the public."Kevin Cox, the artist who's putting the show together, is a recent graduate of Knox College from Turkiye who is returning to the area to install his work and the work of others in our gallery," said Monmouth art professor Stacy Lotz. "It should be an interesting show." The collection of works is a direct response to the artists' lived experiences in the changing landscape. In the wake of events in the past two years in the area, the collaboration tells the stories of the voices that got lost among the turmoil of the world. "Lines in Flux" aims to connect communities of people who would not have interacted otherwise.
	Augustana to host annual Stone Lectureship in Judaism Augustana College will host the annual Stone Lectureship in Judaism, "Navigating history: Civil Rights and the Jews of Selma Alabama," on Thursday, April 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. The presentation will take place in the Olin Auditorium. It is free and open to the public and will be live streamed. The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities will provide refreshments.
	Thoms & Harris on racial tension after deadly officer-involved shooting Public safety is the most important issue in every city. Crime in Rock Island doesn't stand out as being much different than the rest of the Quad Cities, but there have been incidents involving police in recent years that brought some division to the city. Host Jim Niedelman picks up the conversation with the mayoral candidates there. "I'm not an expert at it and we have litigation going on so I gotta be careful what I say," Thoms said. "I don't agree with how the situation was handled after the fact," Harris said. To hear more, click on the video. And now we want to hear from you, too, with our question of the week: What do you think are the most important issues Rock Island needs to address? Please share your thoughts at 4therecord@whbf.com. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. It’s a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on what’s happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.
	Thoms & Harris on economic development Mike Thoms and Ashley Harris mention economic growth as priorities for both of them if elected Rock Island Mayor next month. Rock Island hasn't done as well as other Quad Cities in recent years. Host Jim Niedelman picks up the conversation focused on their specific approach. "The biggest thing right now I would say is the Watchtower Plaza area," Harris said. "That's causing the most debt, and we're not getting any return on that, and it's affecting our roads." "Southwest Rock Island I think is gonna be the biggest opportunity to get some rail, we're talking to the rail companies," Thoms said. "I think that'll be the biggest dollar benefit and hit." To hear more, click on the video. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. It’s a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on what’s happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.
	Family Resources director wins statewide award DAVENPORT, Iowa - Family Resources Director of Community Violence Intervention, Tee LeShoure, has won the 2025 John and Kay Egan Memorial Victim Justice Award. In its 16th year, the Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance awards an Iowan who has volunteered time and energy to make a difference for crime victims. Nominees are considered for their contribution to victim rights beyond their job responsibilities. With her ability to bring together diverse stakeholders within the Quad City community, LeShoure has played a pivotal role in addressing violence. She has partnered with the Davenport Police Department and the City of Davenport to implement the Group Violence Intervention Strategy. In the last year, the GVI Strategy has resulted in a 56% decrease in shots fired and a 29% decrease in group gun related violence. “Tee’s work has not only reduced violence but also cultivated a sense of hope and resilience within our community,” said Nicole Cisne Durbin, Family Resources CEO. “She inspires those around her to believe in the possibility of change and equips her team with the tools to make it happen. Her leadership reflects the highest ideals of the John and Kay Egan Award: compassion, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to empowering others.” Davenport Police Chief Jeff Bladel also supported LeShoure for the award. “One remarkable example of her dedication occurred after a tragic shooting, where Tee went beyond emotional support to personally ensure the family’s safety. She coordinated boarding up their home and arranged for their transition to safe housing,” said Chief Bladel. “This extraordinary act exemplifies her commitment to addressing both the immediate and long-term needs of crime victims.” The Egan Award is in honor of John and Kay Egan who were activists for the rights and needs of violent crime victims. In 1999 the Iowa Organization for Victim Assistance established the award to honor their commitment to helping those who needed it most. The award is presented every year to an Iowan whose outstanding service to crime victims reflects and honors Egan’s dedication.
	Thoms & Harris make case to be Rock Island Mayor Some of you might still be dealing with election shock, but we're right back in election mode. Illinois will be holding elections for cities and counties on April 1. There's one mayoral race in the Quad Cities that's being contested. That's the race for Rock Island Mayor. Incumbent Mayor Mike Thoms is being challenged by Ashley Harris. Mike Thoms is seeking a third term as mayor. He's been in office since 2017. He spent his professional career in his family's food and restaurant supply company, Thoms Proestler. He retired from there and got into real estate development. Thoms is also a past president of the non-profit economic development organization Renaissance Rock Island. You might not know much about his challenger Ashley Harris. He's a Rock Island native and a graduate of Rock Island High School. He enlisted in the Army right out of high school. Harris served four years that included an overseas tour in Europe. Harris then went to work for John Deere. He's been working for more than 20 years as a machinist and is a member of the United Auto Workers Union Local 434. Host Jim Niedelman had separate conversations with both candidates earlier this week and asked them the same questions. We covered some of the big challenges facing Rock Island today and some of the controversies in the city and started with the reasons they want the job. "I would like to see Rock Island become a vibrant city of opportunity," Harris said. "I think we have all the makings for that, however, the city's been stuck in a state of stagnation." "We're getting things done, making progress," Thoms said. To hear more, click on the video. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. It’s a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on what’s happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.
	Those clucking egg prices as of 3/14/25 Here's this week's egg prices update. To see the USDA's average price per dozen when delivered to the warehouse on January 20, 2025, compared to where prices are now, click on the video. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. It’s a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on what’s happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.
	4TR WEB EXTRA: Thoms & Harris on Rock Island homeless shelter Thanks for checking out this web extra. We didn't have time to bring you all of Jim Niedelman's conversations with the candidates for Rock Island Mayor on 4 the record. The one issue we couldn't squeeze in was homelessness, another issue that came to the forefront recently. Project Now has been operating a winter shelter in Rock Island to get homeless people into a warm bed and out of the cold. That generated some complaints from people who want the shelter to close. Shelter managers say it highlights the need for more shelters throughout the Quad Cities. "I think the sheltered place was a fine thing to do," Thoms said. "It's cold out there, it's very difficult, people are suffering for different reasons." "That's a portion of my platform, functional zero," Harris said. "I'm hoping to achieve that here in the City of Rock Island." To hear more, click on the video. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and public affairs program focused on the issues important to you. It’s a program unlike any other here in the Quad Cities. Tune in each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as Jim Niedelman brings you up to speed on what’s happening in the political arena, from Springfield, Des Moines, Washington, D.C. and right here at home.
	Elvis tribute comes to Rock Island Rock Island's Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse is treating audiences to the area debut of a true rock-and-roll delight: the Elvis Presley salute HEARTBREAK HOTEL. Running through May 3, this tune-filled smash was also lauded by Chicago Stage & Screen as a work that "gives fascinating insight to the music industry" and it's now being brought to life by a first-rate team of professional talents. HEARTBREAK HOTEL will be presented at Circa '21 through May 3, with performances on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 5:30 p.m. and Wednesday matinées at 1:15 p.m. Pre-show entertainment featuring the theatre's waitstaff, the Bootleggers, also will precede all performances. Ticket prices are $68 for the Friday through Sunday performances and $61 for all Wednesday performances. Reservations are available through the Circa '21 ticket office. For reservations, contact the theater at 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island or by calling 309-786-7733 ext. 2. You can also make your reservations online now at circa21.com. His singular name still evokes immediate recognition from people all over the world and the official Elvis Presley bio-musical HEARTBREAK HOTEL takes a closer look at the rock star and incomparable icon whose impact shaped the history of music and culture. Trapped in a moment of crisis, his younger self guides Elvis older self through pivotal moments of his life that led him to become “The King of Rock and Roll.” Loaded with musical numbers guaranteed to get audiences singing along and dancing in their seats, HEARTBREAK HOTEL features more than 40 Elvis Presley hits and unforgettable songs, among them: “That’s All Right,” “All Shook Up,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Burning Love,” “Good Rockin’ Tonight,” “Hound Dog,” “Love Me Tender,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Are You Lonesome” and “Blue Suede Shoes.” Making his Circa '21 directorial debut with HEARTBREAK HOTEL is Scott Moreau, the creator/star of the dinner theatre's New Year's Eve smash “Walkin' the Line: A Tribute to Johnny Cash.” Moreau made his professional directorial debut with “Ring of Fire” at the Round Barn Theater in 2011 and has since directed “Million Dollar Quartet” at Farmers Alley Theater in Kalamazoo, Mich. He made his television debut on the series finale of HBO’s Emmy Award-winning Boardwalk Empire and in 2013, Moreau released a Johnny Cash tribute, Home of the Blues: A Tribute to Johnny Cash, at Sun Studio. Circa '21 veteran Andrea Moore's serves as HEARTBREAK HOTEL's choreographer, while beloved area talent Ron May acts as the show's music director. The musical's chief Elvis figure is portrayed by Corey McKinney, while younger versions are enacted by Fulton Young and Jax Huntley and the notorious Colonel Tom Parker is played by Circa '21 favorite Tom Walljasper. Elvis' mother Gladys is portrayed by Shelley Walljasper, with Priscilla Presley played by Rachel Winter and the show's gifted ensemble is completed by: Bobby Becher; Brad Hauskins; Dwan Hayes; Gregory Holmes Jr.; Milan Loreal; Robert Brandon; Alondra Schuck; Ben Smallwood; Tristan Layne Tapscott; Kyle Wells; Laura Whittenberger and Tarik Ziegler. The entire staff of the Rock Island dinner theatre is beyond excited to be presenting the Quad Cities debut of this insightful and toe-tapping musical delight and urges patrons to make reservations quickly for what is sure to be a joyous jump-start to spring.
	Hundreds of alleged gang members deported from U.S. despite court order It was not immediately clear if the deportations happened before or after a federal judge in D.C. on Saturday issued an emergency order that told the administration to stop using wartime powers to deport anyone, and turn around any planes already in the air.
	Hundreds of alleged gang members deported from U.S. despite court order It was not immediately clear if the deportations happened before or after a federal judge in D.C. on Saturday issued an emergency order that told the administration to stop using wartime powers to deport anyone, and turn around any planes already in the air.
	U.S. deports hundreds of Venezuelans to El Salvador, despite court order It was not clear if the deportations happened before a D.C. federal judge ordered the administration to stop using wartime powers to deport anyone immediately, and turn around any planes in the air.
	Rock Island mayoral candidates give opening campaign arguments Incumbent Mike Thoms and Ashley Harris are running for mayor of Rock Island in the April 1 consolidated election.
	Davenport man charged for allegedly physically and verbally abusing autistic child A Davenport man who allegedly physically and verbally abused an autistic child in 2023 and 2024 is facing charges of neglect and child endangerment, police said.
	BBB: How to spot a fake "going out of business" sale With the recent news that a national fabric store retailer declared bankruptcy and announced the closure of all physical store locations, scammers are wasting no time setting up fake going out of business and liquidation websites.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for March 16, 2025 See recent real estate transactions in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	MARK-TO-MARKET: Inflation, trade wars rattle consumer confidence For the month of February, the Consumer Confidence Index was reported at 98.3, a significant drop from January’s level of 105.3.
	American Rental Association moving headquarters from Moline to Dallas, Texas The Moline headquarters of the American Rental Association is up for sale and the organization is transitioning the headquarters to Dallas, Texas.
	Iowa American: Over $40 million in water & system upgrades in 2024 Iowa American Water announced it invested more than $40 million in water and wastewater system upgrades throughout its service areas in 2024. According to a release, system improvements by Iowa American Water for 2024 include: Water Mains: A $12.7 million investment to replace, repair, and install new water mains across our service territories. Water Treatment and Production System Improvements: A $8.6 million investment for repair, refurbishment, and replacement of electrical equipment, pumps, and other critical infrastructure at the East River Station Water Treatment Plant in Davenport, Main Station Water Treatment Plant in Clinton, the wastewater treatment plant in Blue Grass, and the Ripley Booster Station in Davenport. Service Lines: A $5.8 million investment to successfully replace over 450 customerowned lead and galvanized steel water service lines as part of its ongoing lead service line replacement program. This achievement is a significant step forward in meeting requirements of a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) mandate for all water providers in the country to replace both utility-owned and customerowned lead and galvanized service lines in the next several years. Fire Hydrants: A $2.7 million investment to replace aging valves and hydrants in the water distribution system. Wells: A $1.8 million investment at the MercyOne Genesis East Campus in Davenport to install a new well to serve the hospital campus and surrounding area. Iowa American Water “Keeping our water and wastewater infrastructure strong and reliable isn’t a one-time job – it’s a proactive effort we focus on year after year, so we can continue providing safe, clean, reliable water services to our customers,” Brad Nielsen, President of Iowa American Water, said. “The capital investments we make across our systems in Iowa provide strong, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, which helps us to continue to meet or surpass water quality and environmental standards and deliver better service for our customers.” For more information, click here.
Saturday, March 15th, 2025
	Marquette Catholic falls in 1A state title game A second straight trip to the state championship game ended in the same result for Marquette Catholic, a heartbreaking loss to Madrid 59-57.
	Eastland falls in 1A state title game Eastland boys basketball was looking for the first state title in program history but fell to Chicago Hope Academy in the state championship 71-38.
	Quad Cities Coalition for Palestine leads QC rally to protest arrest of Mahmoud Khalil The Quad Cities Coalition for Palestine led a rally in Moline to protest the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil by ICE agents. Khalil is a former student at Columbia University known for leading anti-Israel protests on campus. The Trump administration says Khalil is a national security risk and distributed pro-Hamas fliers. His supporters say he's being held for exercising his right to free speech. Khalil's arrest comes as the Trump administration announces a move to revoke visas and green card's from people who they believe are showing support for Hamas. Khalil is being held in an immigration detention center in Louisiana.
	QCA kicks off St. Patrick's Day celebrations The sounds of St. Patrick's Day celebrations beginning filled the streets of Rock Island and Davenport. The Grand Parade XXXIX kicked off around 11:30 a.m. Parade goers, dressed in green, caught beads and gathered candy as the parade went by. Spirits were high, despite the windy weather. The parade is the country's only bi-state St. Patrick's, as it begins in Rock Island and crosses over the Mississippi River to end in Davenport. Before and after the parade, many enjoyed Rock Island's first Shamrock Market at Arts Alley.
	Davenport man accused of sexually abusing child for about three years A Davenport man has been charged for allegedly sexually abusing a child over the course of about three years, police said.
	United Township's women's soccer team takes advantage of pleasant spring weather The team's coming off a season in which they made it to the regional-championship game.
	Vote for this week's Midwest Technical Institute Score Standout! \| Week 29 Each week's winner is featured on News 8's Off the Kuff.
	St. Patrick's Day parade fills the Quad Cities with celebrations The 39th Annual Saint Patrick's Society Grand Parade takes place in the Quad Cities.
	Storms blow off steeple of Gerlaw church The church's building-and-planning committee is having a company make repairs to ensure the overall structure is weather-protected for the future.
	Iowa’s Owen Freeman enters transfer portal Iowa men’s basketball star and Moline native, Owen Freeman has entered the transfer portal, he announced Saturday.
	Rock Island Fire Department battles house fire amid high winds Friday The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Rock Island Fire Marshal.
	High winds rip steeple off historic Gerlaw Christian Church Powerful winds swept through Warren County on Friday night, causing some damage to the historic Gerlaw Christian Church.
	Clinton County wildfire spreads quickly due to high winds Friday A wildfire spread quickly due to high winds on Friday south of Wheatland.
	Trump enacts a 1790s law to target 'alien enemies' for detention and deportation In a presidential action Saturday, Trump invoked the wartime authority Alien Enemies Act, targeting members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to immediate detention and deportation.
	Trump enacts a 1790s law to target 'alien enemies' for detention and deportation In a presidential action Saturday, Trump invoked the wartime authority Alien Enemies Act, targeting members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to immediate detention and deportation.
	Federal judge blocks Trump's plan to target 'alien enemies' for deportation Trump invoked the wartime authority Alien Enemies Act, targeting members of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua for expedited deportation. But a federal judge blocked the action Saturday evening.
	Police investigation underway after body found off of westbound I-74 in metro area KWQC spoke to police on scene and confirmed they found a body.
	Glynns Creek Golf Course, Long Grove, will open for the season Glynns Creek Golf Course, Long Grove, at Scott County Park will open for the season at noon on Monday, March 17, according to a Scott County Conservation news release. Call 563-328-3284 for tee times or more information, or visit here.
	Davenport man faces charges of sexual abuse of child A 39-year-old Davenport man was in custody Saturday after Davenport Police accuse him of sexual abuse of a child, according to Scott County Court records. Zackary Lacy (Scott County Jail) Zackary Lacy faces felony charges of second-degree sexual abuse (two,) lascivious acts with a child - fondle or touch (two,) and aggravated misdemeanor charges of indecent contact with a child (two,) according to Scott County Court documents. On Jan. 31, 2023, Davenport Police received a report of the sexual abuse of a minor, court documents show. Davenport Police say Lacy and the victim were both at a residence in Davenport, "from the approximate date range of 01/01/2020 - 12/31/2022," according to Scott County arrest affidavits, which say Lacy sexually abused the child, who was "between the ages of 9-12 during this time frame." Lacy and the victim were both at another residence in Davenport "from the approximate date range of 01/01/2023 - 01/31/2023" when Davenport Police say Lacy sexually abused the child, who was 12 at the time. Lacy, who was arrested on a warrant, was being held in Scott County Jail. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing March 25 in Scott County Court.
	'Bloody Saturday' at Voice of America and other U.S.-funded networks Federal officials placed 1,300 employees at Voice of America on indefinite paid leave, while severing contracts with Radio Free Asia and other U.S.-funded networks.
	Winds blow steeple off historic church in Warren County GERLAW, Illinois - Most of the Quad Cities area avoided major damage as a fierce line of winds rolled through Friday night, but Gerlaw Christian Church in Gerlaw, wasn’t so lucky. Friday night's storm blew the steeple off Gerlaw Christian Church in Warren County. A cross dangles from the steeple. (Eric Olsen, OurQuadCities.com) The wind blew the steeple off the building, which dates back to 1894. The steeple landed in the yard of the church property, the cross on top bent, but still attached. Friday night's storm severely damaged Gerlaw Christian Church in Warren County. (Eric Olsen, OurQuadCities.com) Other pieces of debris also littered the church yard as parishioners showed up to survey the damage and work with a board-up company to make sure holes were temporarily repaired. The church administrators are waiting on insurance adjusters to tell them what’s next as far as repairs. Friday night's storm severely damaged Gerlaw Christian Church in Warren County. (Eric Olsen, OurQuadCities.com) Church Building and Planning Committee Chairman Joe Grodjesk describes Gerlaw Christian Church as a country church whose worshipers come from miles around the small church building in Gerlaw, which is in Warren County about six miles north of Monmouth. Friday night's storm severely damaged Gerlaw Christian Church in Warren County. (Eric Olsen, OurQuadCities.com) The congregation first gathered in 1859. They plan to hold Sunday services in the church’s fellowship hall until a structural engineer can get a better look at the building.
	Visit Quad Cities earns People's Choice Award at tourism conference Visit Quad Cities was honored with the People’s Choice Award at the 2025 Iowa Tourism Conference at Prairie Meadows in Altoona on Thursday, according to a news release. Presented by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) and Travel Iowa, this award recognizes Visit Quad Cities' efforts to advance accessible tourism through its partnerships with Wheel the World and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower programs. Earlier in the conference, Visit Quad Cities received the newly created “You Rock Geode Award” for the same initiatives, which helped position the organization as a contender for the People’s Choice Award. “We are absolutely thrilled and humbled to receive this honor,” said Dave Herrell, president and CEO of Visit Quad Cities. “We are grateful to IEDA and Travel Iowa for this recognition and deeply appreciative of our industry colleagues across Iowa for their support. This award reaffirms our commitment to ensuring the Quad Cities is a welcoming and inclusive destination for all. Accessible tourism is a long-term commitment, and we will continue to lead and serve our regional destination with purpose and impact.” The People’s Choice Award is one of the conference’s most prestigious honors, as it reflects direct recognition from tourism industry professionals. Visit Quad Cities was one of eight nominees, with over 300 tourism leaders attending the conference and voting to select this year's winner. Advancing Accessible Tourism: Wheel the World and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program Visit Quad Cities has partnered with Wheel the World, a global travel solution for people with disabilities. This initiative enables users to book hotels and tours that match their accessibility needs. In 2024, Visit Quad Cities initiated outreach to local attractions and points of interest to be site-mapped for accessibility. Participating businesses underwent a voluntary three-step process: assessment, training, and promotion. The John Deere Pavilion, The Half Nelson, the Current Iowa hotel and Riverboat Twilight are just a few points of interest on the Quad Cities’ Wheel the World page. Over time, Visit Quad Cities and Wheel the World will identify new and potential partners to scale this program. Intentionality around accessible tourism was identified as a gap and opportunity in Visit Quad Cities’ Tourism Master Plan under Destination Stewardship. A seal ceremony is forthcoming to recognize Visit Quad Cities and its participating points of interest, further cementing the Quad Cities as a verified accessible destination through Wheel the World. In October 2024, Visit Quad Cities announced its partnership with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. This global initiative provides a discreet way for individuals with non-visible disabilities to signal that they may need extra understanding, patience, or support while navigating public spaces. As part of this effort, Visit Quad Cities staff has been trained through the Sunflower Program to better assist individuals with hidden disabilities. Notably, Visit Quad Cities' Union Station Destination Center in Davenport is the first Sunflower-friendly location in the State of Iowa. Both Union Station and River Station Destination Center in Moline display the Sunflower decal at their entrances, signaling that these locations welcome and accommodate all visitors. The People's Choice Award recognition underscores Visit Quad Cities’ dedication to making the region more accessible and inclusive, ensuring that all travelers, regardless of ability, can fully experience and enjoy everything the Quad Cities has to offer. “We were honored to be among some incredible nominees - congratulations to all of them for the outstanding work they’re doing across Iowa,” added Herrell. “This award belongs to our visitors, residents, and partners who support our mission every day. We will continue to push forward with initiatives that drive accessibility and enhance the visitor experience.” About Visit Quad CitiesVisit Quad Cities, established in 1990, is the region’s official destination marketing organization (DMO). Through tourism, Visit Quad Cities generates economic growth, fosters the visitor economy, and elevates the regional destination's global presence. An accredited DMO through Destinations International’s DMAP program, Visit Quad Cities promotes the regional brand, drives economic opportunities, invigorates visitor experience, and enhances quality of life and place for all Quad Citizens. For information, visit here. About the Iowa Tourism OfficeThe Iowa Tourism Office, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, works closely with community partners, attractions and events, to promote the state’s beautifully vast scenery and unique history. Tourism in Iowa generated $7.3 billion in expenditures in 2023, with more than $1.1 billion supporting state and local governments, while employing a total of 70,954 people statewide. For more information on everything Iowa has to offer tourists, visit here.
	Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, DC, will give free concert at The Adler, Davenport The internationally acclaimed Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, DC will continue its long tradition of presenting free public performances when they appear at the Adler Theatre, Davenport, at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 17, according to a news release. The Jazz Ambassadors’ concert in Davenport is presented by Quad City Arts. The Jazz Ambassadors is the official touring big band of the U. S. Army. Formed in 1969, this 19-member ensemble has received great acclaim at home and abroad performing America's greatest original art form, jazz. Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are programmed to entertain all types of audiences. The band’s diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, traditional New Orleans jazz, vocals, and patriotic selections, many of which are written or arranged by members of the Jazz Ambassadors. The Jazz Ambassadors has appeared in all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, and throughout Europe. Recent notable performances include concerts at the Toronto Jazz Festival, the Richmond Jazz Festival at Maymont, the Kennedy Center Honors, the Jazz Education Network Conference, and an appearance on the Colbert Report. Gordon Goodwin, Bobby Shew, Ernie Watts, and the Dave Brubeck All-Star Quintet are just a few of the outstanding jazz artists who have shared the stage with the Jazz Ambassadors. The band has been featured in joint concerts with Marvin Hamlisch and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, the Seattle Symphony Pops, the Colorado Pops Orchestra, and the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall. The band’s rigorous touring schedule and reputation for excellence has earned it the title“America’s Big Band.” For additional information about the Jazz Ambassadors' performance in Davenport, call The United States Army Field Band at 301-677-6586, or visit here. Get tickets here.
	They Can't Dance If They Want To: “The Prom,” at Augustana College through March 16 The Prom, currently running at Augustana College, is a happy, even joyous musical, even though its ripped-from-the-headlines premise is an utter disheartening downer.
	Muscatine recreation area gets equipment for controlled burns The Nature Conservancy, an environmental nonprofit focused on conserving lands and waters, delivered a fire equipment cache to the Muscatine Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area on March 7, a news release says. The Muscatine Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area is a 675-acre park consisting of flood plain forests, fields, creeks, and wetlands. The area offers campgrounds, picnic shelters, playgrounds, a handicapped accessible fishing dock, and boat ramps. The cache delivered includes fire tools such as drip torches, backpack sprayers, protective equipment, and more for prescribed burning. A prescribed fire is a controlled burn which can be used to help prevent wildfires by burning up materials in the area that could fuel a wildfire. These tools will allow the park to have prescribed fires more safely and effectively. Prescribed Fire (Dale Maxson, The Nature Conservancy) The fire cache is free for any landowners who complete the Prescribed Fire Workshop offered by the Great Rivers Alliance of Southeast Iowa. The class has been offered since 2006 and was most recently held on February 13 in Lee County. If you qualify and are interested in borrowing items from the Muscatine County Fire Cache, contact MCCB at 563-264-5922 or conservation@MuscatineCountyIowa.gov. To borrow items from the Louisa County Fire Cache, contact LCCB at 319-523-8381 or conservation@LouisaCountyIa.gov. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy click here. To learn more about the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area in Muscatine click here.
	Euchre players, have a 'hand' in helping Muscatine Senior Center The Muscatine Senior Center, 1808 Mulberry Ave., Muscatine, invites euchre players to join the fun at its first euchre tournament and fundraiser from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, March 29, a news release says. The Muscatine Senior Center, which opened on May 6, 2024, is a social hub and activity center designed by and for seniors. The center enriches the lives of older adults through socialization, wellness, and leisure opportunities. Thanks to an Impact Grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine and the generosity of our first founding members—Gail and Robert Lande in remembrance of George Shepley, Ed and Sandy Lampe, and Brenda and Kevin Christenson—the center is free to all participants during its 2025 pilot year. The Euchre Tournament marks the first in a series of quarterly fundraisers aimed at supporting the center’s long-term sustainability. Entry fee: $15 per person (pre-registration), $20 at the door. Walk-ins are welcome. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.Prizes: Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three playersAdditional fundraising activities: 50/50 raffle and prize raffle For more information or to register, stop by the Senior Center Monday or Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. or call Senior Resources at 563-263-7292. For more information about the center, visit here.
	Country Countdown's Lon Helton will speak at Monmouth College commencement During their four years on campus, Monmouth College's Class of 2025 has had the opportunity to hear some outstanding commencement speakers. Their freshman year, it was Morningstar CEO Kunal Kapoor, a 1997 Monmouth graduate. The next year featured former congressman and presidential candidate Dick Gephardt. Last year, it was actress Sigourney Weaver and her husband, writer/director Jim Simpson. Lon Helton (Monmouth College) Coming in at the No. 1 senior-year slot on this "commencement countdown" for the Class of 2025 is another Monmouth graduate, Lon Helton '72, the longtime and award-winning host of Westwood One's Country Countdown USA, according to a news release. Helton will deliver the address at his alma mater's 168th commencement exercises at noon May 18 on the Wallace Hall Plaza, not far from where he got his start in radio on Monmouth's campus. "We are thrilled that Lon has agreed to return to campus and share his story and insights with our graduating class," said Monmouth President Patricia Draves. Helton is a 2017 inductee into the college's Hall of Achievement, the highest honor Monmouth bestows upon its alumni. "Over the years, Lon has interviewed scores of household names in music and entertainment on his various platforms, and he is certainly a household name himself in the world of country music. We're very proud to call him one of our own." 53 years and counting in radio A chemistry major, Helton said he so loved his time on the airwaves of WFS/WMCR - especially as compared to a three-hour lab session - that he had the "minor epiphany" to make radio a full-time pursuit. The professional start of his 53-year career in the industry came at Monmouth's downtown station. He kept moving up the charts, first to Galesburg, then taking on-air and program management posts in Denver, Chicago and Los Angeles. In 1983, Helton joined Radio & Records as its country editor, and he became its Nashville bureau chief in 1986. When Billboard Magazine bought R&R in 2006, Helton launched a new publication, Country Aircheck.Helton has hosted a variety of nationally syndicated country radio shows since 1984, including the current Country's Inside Trak, plus Country Close-up, Nashville Live, Country Star Traks and Listen In, providing a forum for more than 100 world premieres of new albums by country artists. Top broadcast personality is 'living legend' A 2022 National Radio Hall of Fame and 2006 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee, Helton has hosted Country Countdown USA since its inception in 1992. He has received the CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year an unequalled 12 times and been named the ACM National Broadcast Personality of the Year an unprecedented five times. In 2019, Helton became the sixth recipient of the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award, and he was presented the J. William Denny Award by the CMA for distinguished service to the CMA Board of Directors, which he's served for 40 years, including a three-year stint as its president and chairman. Helton is also a 24-year member of the board of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, an eight-year member of the Country Music Foundation Board of Directors, and a member and past chair of the National Corvette Museum Board of Directors. Along with Alabama band front man Randy Owen, Helton is one of the founders of Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, which has raised more than $1 billion for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis over the last 36 years. In 2020, Helton received the Country Radio Broadcasters Humanitarian Award. Helton and Monmouth alumna Anne Buckhouse Helton '73 have been married for 52 years. They have two children and three granddaughters.
	Muscatine City Council considering assisting Carver Pump with project The $11 million project will add 21,000 square feet to the already 100,000 square foot facility, along with a 5,000 square foot test lab to the facility.
	Get outside at Oak Park with the Get Outside Club on Saturday The Get Outside Club is a free program designed to encourage children and families to enjoy outdoor adventures throughout 2025.
	Muscatine Compost Facility opens for season The Compost Facility at the Muscatine Transfer Station will open for the season at 9 a.m. March 22, weather permitting, so put on those gloves, gather your yard tools, clean up the yard waste that has accumulated over the winter, bag it up, and take to the facility on South Houser Street, a a news release says. City of Muscatine (muscatineiowa.gov) Muscatine and Fruitland residents are permitted to bring yard waste from their residential property (grass clippings, leaves, and garden waste) to the Compost Facility free of charge. A fee will be charged for those who do not meet the residency requirements. The yard waste does not need to be in paper compostable bags, but if it is brought in plastic bags, the yard waste would need to be dumped out and the plastic bags taken away with the customer. Residents will also be able to bring brush and branches less than 10 inches in diameter and 10 feet in length to the facility. Larger tree sections and logs can also be taken to the location but tree stumps or roots are not accepted. Solid Waste Manager David Popp reminds residents wanting to bring material to the Compost Facility that all loads need to be secured during transportation to and/or from the compost site as loose material may fall onto city streets causing traffic hazards or damage to vehicles. The City of Muscatine continues to offer year-round curbside collection of yard waste on the residents refuse collection day. Grass clippings, leaves, and garden waste will be picked up by the Solid Waste Division if the waste is placed in 20- or 30-gallon paper compostable bags and securely closed with a City of Muscatine sticker. Stickers are only needed on bags that would be set out curbside for the City to collect on the residents regular collection day. The top of the compostable bag should be folded up with the sticker applied to help keep the top closed. The sticker does need to be visible to city staff as they proceed on their collection route. The City of Muscatine stickers cost $1.50 per sticker and are available at the Muscatine Transfer Station, Muscatine City Hall, Muscatine Public Works, Fareway, HyVee, and Hy-Vee Mainstreet. Stickers are for City of Muscatine residential yard waste curbside collection only. Guidelines for curbside collection: Grass clippings, leaves, and garden waste must be placed in 20- or 30-gallon paper compostable bags and closed with a City of Muscatine yard waste sticker. Bags must contain yard waste only - no trash, recycling, building materials, or animal waste. Do not overfill bags (50 pound maximum) and keep them dry. Bags containing grass clippings, leaves, and garden waste will be picked up at the curb on the residents’ regular refuse collection day. Stickers are for City of Muscatine residential yard waste collection only. Place bags out to the curb after 4 p.m. the day before but before 5 a.m. the day of collection. Tree limbs and other trimmings from trees and shrubs will be collected curbside on the residents refuse collection day but they are required to be bundled together with string or cord in four-foot lengths. The Compost Facility is located at 1000 South Houser Street in Muscatine and open daily from 12-6 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturdays. Non-residents and commercial users of the Compost Facility will be charged a fee for yard waste brought to the site. The fee schedule for non-resident and for commercial users is available on the Compost Facility page on the City of Muscatine website. RESIDENT STICKER AVAILABLE Residents of Muscatine and Fruitland will not be charged a fee for the use of the Compost Facility if they subscribe to City of Muscatine refuse collection. Residents can visit the Muscatine Transfer Station office, 1000 S. Houser St., to receive a window sticker to verify that they are a resident. A driver’s license with current address will be needed to verify residency. Each resident will receive a sticker for up to two vehicles which should be placed in the lower right-hand corner of the windshield. An attendant will be on site to verify residency and secure payment from non-residents and commercial users (cash or check only with no bills larger than $20) during Compost Site operating hours. COMPOST AVAILABLE The facility has screened compost and shredded mulch available for residents to pick up. Help loading compost will be offered on weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. but limited to the availability of staff. Loading of mulch on Saturday and Sunday will be up to the individual as staff will not be available to help. If you do not want to pick up compost at the facility, the Transfer Station will be offering a delivery service, but deliveries of shredded mulch, wood chips, and compost (when available) would need to be scheduled by calling the Transfer Station. Deliveries would be limited to Muscatine and Fruitland residents on their trash collection day and limited to time available. A full one-ton truck load would cost $25. The Compost Site also has firewood available for area residents. However, those wanting firewood are asked to check in with the attendant at the Compost Site and sign a waiver before cutting and/or loading firewood. Call the Muscatine Transfer Station at 563-263-9689 for more information.
	Augustana biology students install new, beetle-themed mural; promote insect conservation Most of the beetles featured in the mural were surveyed by Augie students for a summer research project.
	Enjoy free 'culinary tour' of British baking at Butterworth Center, Moline The UK travel/relocation consultant and former UK resident Claire Evans will present free a "culinary tour" of the United Kingdom inspired by "The Great British Baking Show" at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at Butterworth Center, 1105 8th St., Moline. Dell’Anno, the winner of the 12th series of “The Great British Baking Show,” is sticking with tradition on New Year's Eve. (Photo: Matt Russell) Visitors will learn about making a proper cup of tea, regional specialties, their origins, and the particular parts of the UK they hail from. Evans will translate the trickiest parts of British recipes for Americans so you can try them in your own own kitchen. Learn more about Evans here Have a cup of tea and other refreshments after the program in the Butterworth dining room. No reservations are needed. The event is funded by the William Butterworth Foundation, manager of both Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, 817 11 Ave., Moline. For more information, call 309-743-2701, or visit here.
	Memories of Muscatine: Kaiser Fire House This week for Memories of Muscatine: The Kaiser Fire House.
	North Scott schools, ImpactLife host "Smile Like Zoey" blood drive honoring 6th-grader Zoey Carney received numerous blood transfusions after her leukemia diagnosis in October. Thursday's inaugural "Smile Like Zoey" blood drive garnered 51 donations.
	Meet the Colona candidates in April's consolidated election The municipal election includes a contested race for mayor and several city council seats.
	After four ballots, Scott County GOP elects Chuck Brockmann as new chair; Dems pick Kay Pence Scott County Republicans elected Chuck Brockmann to be the new county chair, ousting the party leader of the past four years, Jeanita McNulty.
	HUD choked funding to enforce fair-housing laws. Legal aid groups may not survive Most housing discrimination claims are handled by local nonprofits around the country. They say the Trump administration has hobbled them, and are challenging the cuts as unlawful.
	International Delight coffee creamer shipped to Illinois, other states recalled NEW YORK (WPIX) – Popular coffee creamers sold in 31 states are being recalled, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Danone, the distributor, issued a voluntary recall on some International Delight coffee creamers on Feb. 21 following reports of potential spoilage and illness related to the products' use. The FDA initiated a Class II recall on Wednesday. “Class II recalls are issued for products that have a lower chance of causing serious injuries or death, but where there is still the potential for significant adverse events with irreversible consequences,” reads the FDA’s page on recall classifications. The specific coffee creamers are: Cinnabon Classic Cinnamon Roll International Delight Coffee Creamer 32 fluid ounces Hazelnut International Delight Coffee Creamer 32 fluid ounces The creamers were distributed to Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, OhioOklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
	Rural Iowa counties see decline in number of birthing centers IDA GROVE, Iowa (KCAU) -- For many Iowans, starting a family is a big decision. The choice can be even harder for those who live in rural areas, where the closest birthing center is often a half-hour away. Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove, Iowa was built in 1965 and had a maternal health unit until June 2012. New Iowa Behavioral Health Districts to affect Siouxland health services "We were only delivering about 40 babies [a year] toward the end of that, which isn't very many when you think about it, it's only a few a month," Horn Memorial Hospital quality director Kristin Dixon said. "So it's hard to make sure that your staff are trained to the level that they need to be to take care of those two people at one time. And then we also got to where we only had one physician that would deliver babies as well." As a result, soon-to-be parents now have to travel miles out of town to give birth. "A lot of our patients then had to go to Storm Lake, maybe Carroll, Sioux City, [those] are kind of the local area hospitals around us that are delivering babies," Dixon said. "They're probably within 45 to 60 miles from us." According to the American Medical Association, 57% of counties in Iowa don't have a maternal health unit. However, Floyd Valley Healthcare continues to provide services to the communities around them. "So we solicit feedback from our providers, our community and our staff and the patients that we serve to really hear what they want and for their maternal health experience," chief nursing officer Tara Geddes said. "And so with that came this beautiful new unit that we have expanded. We doubled the square footage of their patient rooms, a more secured unit, more privacy." In total, Floyd Valley Healthcare delivers roughly 100 babies a year for both local and rural parents. Multiple lanes of Hamilton Blvd to close for utility repairs "We really want to make sure we're providing care on the full spectrum of everybody's health care, so from birth until the end of life," Geddes said. "And we want to make sure that we're here for all of those moments, for all the families that we serve. And we know that families don't want to have to travel very far if they don't have to. They trust our providers, they trust our staff." Iowa lawmakers are currently working on addressing issues like maternal health units at the state capitol.
Friday, March 14th, 2025
	T'Storms winding down around the Quad Cities late Friday night After a rough couple hours, things are improving now in the Quad Cities. But, we still have some strong storms East of the Quad Cities as of 11 p.m. Those storms are racing out of the area too though as they approach the Chicagoland area late on our Friday night. We had multiple severe t'storm warnings covering several hours around our area. Some of the winds were reported up to 80 miles per hour with tonight's thunderstorms. Here are some of the storm reports sent in to the NWS: At one point Friday night there were close to 7,500 people in our area with no power!
	Gov. Tim Walz kicks off nationwide town hall tour in Iowa Walz announced the tour after the national fundraising arm for congressional Republicans advised members in competitive districts against holding town halls
	Storms affect power throughout MidAmerican's service area Severe storms bringing high winds and heavy thunderstorms passed through several communities across MidAmerican’s service area, according to a news release from MidAmerican Energy. Crews were standing by Friday as the system moved in and responded quickly to impacted areas. They have made significant progress in restoring service for customers. MidAmerican Energy (WHO 13) In addition to MidAmerican line crews, outside crews from Missouri, Michigan, Ohio and Nebraska are assisting. MidAmerican has also dispatched dozens of tree crews to incidents across the service area to support line crews by removing tree debris on fallen lines. Fort Dodge/Carroll/Storm Lake area: At the peak, 1,570 customers were without service after several distribution poles and a transmission line were toppled. As of 9 p.m, more than 40% of MidAmerican customers have been restored thanks to the 10 line crews and three tree crews working in the area. Most customers should have power restored by midnight. Southwest Iowa: While not as heavily damaged, southwest Iowa had 375 customers impacted, with more than 50% of those restored by 9 p.m. Crews in the area cleared trees and repaired broken poles. The remaining customers should have power restored by 10 p.m. Friday. Des Moines area: At its peak, 9,900 customers in the Des Moines area had service impacted because of downed wires and damaged poles. As of 9 p.m., 51% of customers had been restored thanks to the 60 line and tree crews who responded. Most customers' power should be restored by 7 a.m. Saturday. Knoxville/Oskaloosa: Nearly 3,000 customers lost service after the storm damaged poles and brought wires down. As of 9 p.m., nearly 500 customers have been restored. Fifteen line and tree crews are working in the area to restore power to the remaining customers by 7 a.m. Saturday. Quad Cities: Shortly before 10 p.m., severe storms with damaging winds were moving through the Quad Cities area and appear to be impacting some customers in Illinois. Crews are staged in the area and are responding to reports of outages. All crews will continue to work through the night to repair damage caused by the storms. "We thank our impacted customers for their patience as our crews respond to their outages as quickly and safely as possible," the release says. See the latest outage information here.
	New mural at Augustana College blends art and science The mural was made from cut-out photos of beetles taken by Augustana students.
	Galva Junior-High students speak with descendant of former president Students spoke with the great great grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant.
	Bayside Bistro to roll out "heat and eat" meal subscription plan Quad Cities dining preferences are changing. The Garrison in Davenport closed unexpectedly, while Hemispheres Bistro in Bettendorf will close its doors in April because its 10-year lease wasn't renewed. Bayside Bistro, Rock Island, plans to roll out its 'heat and eat' meal plan. (Evan Denton, OurQuaCities.com) "People are trying to figure out expenses," said Aman Razdan, Hemispheres Bistro's executive chef and owner. "Everybody can't go out, like, three or four times a week, which they used to back in the day." In December, Bayside Bistro, Rock Island, made the decision to stop serving dine-in customers. "We decided this was a good time for us to sever our ties with the dine-in, and to go full- fledged into what the vision had always been," said Latisha Howlett, Bayside Bistro's co-owner. While Bayside Bistro still offers catering, its vision for the future is a "heat and eat" meal subscription. It's a six-week plan where customers order at least four meals a week, for $10 each. "We've finally been able to roll that out and we find this is actually what we've been striving to get to all of this time," Howlett said. "This gives us an opportunity to go nationwide. We actually have customers that are all over the United States that have (said to) us, 'I need your food.'" The "heat and eat" plan is currently in the pilot process. "We're looking at our packaging, our labeling, looking at the logistics of staff, and we're looking at how to get it to you and still keep it fresh," Howlett said. "We want to make sure everything is good and tight before we take flight." The "heat and eat" idea is meant to keep up with the changing times of dining. "We will build smart here at Bayside," Howlett said. "Just one piece at a time." Bayside Bistro's "heat and eat" orders need to be placed by Saturday each week. Those orders will be delivered to a customer's home the next Wednesday, or they can be picked up from the K&K Hardware and Lumber parking lot in Bettendorf on Wednesday as well. To learn more about Bayside Bistro's "heat and eat" orders, click here.
	Galva Junior-High students speak with descendent of former president Students spoke with the great great grandson of President Ulysses S. Grant.
	Retaliatory tariffs: How an Iowa farmer is preparing China’s retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, including a 10% tariff on soybeans, are causing concern for Iowa farmers like Doug Fuller, whose family has farmed in northern Polk County for generations.
	Clinton to break ground on Drive to Prosperity Project The groundbreaking ceremony goes from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday at the intersection of South 19 Street and Manufacturing Drive.
	Severe T'Storm Watch issued for the Quad Cities The NWS has now issued a Severe T'Storm Watch for the Quad Cities and all surrounding counties until 2 a.m. The biggest threat looks to remain very strong winds, upwards of 70 miles per hour. Showers and storms are found West and South of the Quad Cities and moving in our direction. The timing has not changed much, with showers and storms set to roll in to the Quad Cities around 9 p.m.
	Parents hold Long Grove blood drive in honor of their late daughter On Thursday, a Long Grove blood drive honored a 12-year-old girl whose life was cut short by leukemia last November. The Smile Like Zoey blood drive took place at Alan Shepard Elementary School. Zoey, a sixth-grader at the school, always had a smile on her face, Zoey's father, Ryan Carney, told Our Quad Cities News, "She had an infectious smile that you couldn't take off her face no matter what you tried to do. She was very outgoing, very friendly, positive, a great person," he said. "I'm glad she was able to call me dad for 12 years." During her treatments, Zoey received blood and platelet transfusions. That gave her parents the idea to get the community together to donate blood that might help other children. Many school staff members and family members, including her parents, came to show their support. Both her parents gave blood at the event. Support for the blood drive was so high that every spot available was filled. On Oct. 8, 2024,, Zoey was diagnosed with leukemia. On Oct. 27, 2024, she suffered a stroke caused by chemotherapy treatment and fungal and bacterial infections in her sinuses. She passed away on Nov. 19, 2024, Zoey's mother, Amanda Moeller-Carney, said Zoey was a fighter and showed her courage even when she was struggling with leukemia.She told Our Quad Cities News that Zoey was well-liked by everybody. She was one of the taller girls in her class and was very active in sports. "Zoey was a very outgoing and athletic girl, she would do anything in the world for anybody and she was a fighter," her mother said. "She was just a really strong, outgoing girl." Moeller-Carney says the blood drive means the world to her, and it gave her the chance to donate blood in memory of Zoey. She added the blood products that Zoey extended her life a little. "I encourage everyone to donate because it goes a long ways for all the kids who are battling childhood cancer right now," she said. Zoey's father, Ryan Carney, said emotions were high at the event and that he was glad to see the turnout. "I'm glad to see all the people here in remembrance of Zoey giving blood," he said. "I haven't donated blood in over 20 years and so anything like that that we can get out of something like this is a great outcome." Zoey's parents said the community was there for support the whole way. Multiple sports teams have honored Zoey with custom shirts. North Scott Soccer Club will honor her with a memorial and so will Alan Shepard Elementary. Both of Zoey's parents work at John Deere, where blood drives will be held next week at two locations in tribute to Zoey. Part of the reason the blood drive was held at Alan Shepard was because Zoey attended the school all the way to sixth grade, and she had a great connection with teachers and friends. Zoey's teachers knew her as a someone who was always tough. One of her fifth-grade teachers who gave blood for the first time at the event, Stafanie Ducey, told Our Quad Cities News she always put her best foot forward in class. "She just, she pushed through. You know, she was a tough, tough girl. Gave me her best effort on everything she did no matter how much she didn't want to do it like reading, because she hated to read, but she was just a joy to have in class. She had great big hugs she would share with me every day, and was just competitive, athletic involved. She's just a bright light." She is even considering continuing to give blood in the future as a way to remember her former student. Moeller-Carney told Our Quad Cities News that they plan on doing a blood drive twice a year in her honor: "We're going to keep her legacy going and do blood drives from here on out."
	Quad Cities kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend with "Gathering of the Clan", Grand Parade Irish pride is filling the QC ahead of Saturday’s 39th Grand Parade, as families gather Friday for the annual "Gathering of the Clan" to kick off the weekend.
	Severe weather heading for the Quad Cities region News 8's Maddie Franz and Joe Habersham have the latest updates in our area.
	Augustana students kick in door of Rock Island home on fire to render aid A fire severely damaged a home in the 2900 block of 8 1/2 Avenue in Rock Island on Friday. No injuries were reported.
	The Quad Cities prepare for St. Patrick's weekend celebrations The Grand Parade kicks off on Saturday morning at 11:30 a.m. in Rock Island.
	LIVE BLOG: Severe storms move through QCA Friday evening storms are expected to pass through the area quickly, producing severe weather, including widespread damaging wind and isolated tornadoes.
	Illinois field trip grants support student visits to QCA museums, state parks More than 7,000 students will visit Illinois state parks, natural areas, museums and other natural resources sites - including several in the Quad Cities area - this year to learn about nature and conservation thanks to grant funding through the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program. Wildlife Prairie Park The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) on Friday announced more than $99,600 funding was awarded for 113 student field trip grants. Grant recipients represent 32 counties in the state. The grants are made possible by private donations from the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation of Skokie and the D.F. and M.T. Grohne Family Foundation of Wilmington. The donations and funding for the grants are coordinated by the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF). “This program allows students to visit natural, outdoor locations throughout Illinois to see firsthand what they’ve been learning about in the classroom,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Our future conservation leaders need the opportunity to experience Illinois’ natural resources in person. We are pleased to be able to support learning outside the classroom with these grants and are grateful to the donors for their support.” Since its inception in 2001, the grant program has distributed more than $1.6 million, and more than 140,000 students have been provided the opportunity to take part in a field trip. Grant recipients are located throughout Illinois and represent students from pre-kindergarten through high school. The competitive grant program allows Illinois teachers to apply for funds to take students on field trips to study Illinois’ natural resources. Learning activities must directly relate to the school’s curriculum. The annual application deadline is Jan. 31. The grant application form is available online. Funding administered by ICF covers expenses such as transportation costs and substitute teachers. For more information about the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program, contact the IDNR division of education at dnr.teachkids@illinois.gov. ICF gladly accepts donations for the Illinois Biodiversity Field Trip Grant Program. Go online for additional information. 2025 grant recipients in the Quad Cities region: Henderson West Central Elementary, Biggsville. Second grade. Wildlife Prairie Park, Hanna City. $783. Knox ROWVA Jr/Sr High Schol, Oneida. Ninth and 10th grades. WIU, Macomb. $275. ROWVA Jr/Sr High Schol, Oneida. Ninth through 12th grades. Snake Den Hollow SFWA, Victoria. $275. ROWVA Jr/Sr High Schol, Oneida. Ninth through 12th grades. Wildlife Prairie Park, Hanna City. $500. Jefferson Elementary School, Metropolis. Fourth through sixth grades. Dixon Springs Ag Center, Simpson. $300. Warren United Intermediate School, Monmouth. Fifth grade. Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve, Alexis. $600. United West Elementary, Monmouth. Third grade. Blackthorn Hill Nature Preserve, Galesburg. $626.
	Captivity Case \| Connecticut man says he was held captive for decades A harrowing case in Waterbury, Connecticut where a man says he was held captive by his stepmom in their home for decades. We take a look at everything we know.
	Severe weather WATCH likely coming for Quad Cities Meteorologists at the Storm Prediction Center are monitoring the Quad Cities area for either a severe t'storm watch or a tornado watch. This will likely be issued within the next hour. Right now storms are racing N and NE and are rapidly moving through Iowa and Missouri. These storms will arrive in the Quad Cities around 9 p.m. and a watch will be issued well before then. We'll keep you posted all evening online and on television as these storms approach the Quad Cities. On this map the area in yellow is a Tornado Watch. Pink represents a Severe T'Storm Watch and the red highlighted area shows the region being watched for tonight's next severe weather watch.
	Galva students learn Civil War history from a descendent of a U.S. president Ulysses Grant Dietz is the great-great grandson of former president Ulysses Grant.
	When do outdoor sirens go off in the Quad Cities? When storms fire up during Spring, you’ll probably hear the sound of outdoor sirens through the Quad Cities area. But not all communities and counties sound their sirens with the same set of criteria.
	Ulysses S. Grant descendant speaks to Galva students Students at Galva Junior-Senior High School met virtually with Ulysses Grant Dietz, a great-great-grandson of the 18th U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant. A former teacher and author helped put the event together. (Gavin Waidelich, OurQuadCities.com) "Because of some different books I had written I had the opportunity to come into contact with several of these children, grandchildren and great grandchildren of American presidents," said Tim Pletkovich, a retired secondary school teacher. Students heard the story of President Grant from the perspective of his lineage. For eighth-grade student Makayla Blair, whose class is currently studying the Civil War, this was a great way to see how American history shapes us. "You don't get to talk to the actual person, but you do get to talk to the relative. which is like talking to a celebrity," said Blair. "It feels very special, especially that I got to ask a question that I've been very much wondering for a very long time." Dietz himself wasn't initially any more knowledgeable about the Civil War general and president than most, but an experience years back inspired him to teach the public about his family. "It all really started out cause I was in Grant's tomb in the 1980s and give a short speech about him and I realized I didn't know anything," said Dietz. "I don't even remember what I said. It's been a huge thing for me to learn about the truth about my namesake." Pletkovich says he set up the talk in appreciation of one of the school's social studies teachers, Ben Stinson. "He (Stinson) has the kids hooked every time they come into class," said Pletkovich. Stinson was grateful for the experience. "It's a really remarkable experience for kids in a small rural school like this," said Stinson. "They live in a worldly place and we teach them that that the small world that they seem to live in is part of the larger (one,) and this is just evidence of that."
	Midamerican: Crews will work long hours in case of power outages Midamerican crews said they are ready to jump in in the event of power outages.
	Bull riding coming to the Quad Cities this weekend There will be shows at Vibrant Arena on Saturday and Sunday.
	Woman gets life in prison for murder, robbery A Clinton woman was sentenced Thursday to life without parole in the 2023 shooting death of Randy Weimerskirch.
	Firefighters battle Rock Island house fire with challenge of high winds Firefighters battled high winds and a blaze in a Rock Island home Friday afternoon. The fire started around 3:30 p.m. in a house on the 2900 block of 8 1/2 Avenue. Heavy flames and smoke poured from the attic. (Mike Colón, OurQuadCities.com) Crews from the Rock Island, Moline and Rock Island Arsenal fire departments were at the scene. (Mike Colón, OurQuadCities.com) A dog was reunited with its owner with the help of neighbors watching from across the street. Crews remain on the scene as of 4:45 p.m. We will stay in contact with firefighters to provide more details as soon as they are available.

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