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

Bishop Hill Santa Lucia Festivities

The popular Swedish tradition of Lucia nights is held this weekend in Bishop Hill and kicks off the festivities with homemade food, a tree lighting, and live Christmas carols.

Quad Citians react to Illinois' increase in minimum wage

Starting January 1st, Illinois' minimum wage will go up from $8.25 to $9.25. Then in July, it will jump again to $10/ hour. From there, it will increase by one dollar each year until it reaches $15/hour in 2025.

Shenanigans closing on New Years Eve, customers say the bar doesn’t deserve the reputation

DAVENPORT, IOWA  --  The owner of Shenanigans in downtown Davenport says the bar will close it's doors at the end of the year. Owner, Donnie Davison, says New Year's Eve will be the last day in business. Davison says they won't be open that night. Customers at Shenanigans say the bar doesn't deserve the reputation. "Everybody is close with everybody," customer Ben Kozlowski said. "It's just a great atmosphere. It's not the atmosphere that everyone has made it out to be. We don't worry for our lives walking in there. "A few bad apples kind of ruined the barrel," customer Shawn Diedrich said. "I think he gets the bad wrap for all of it," Cheri McNealey said. "No matter where it's at. They all treat us like family in there." Building owners posted a for lease sign on the building last week, after a meeting with the city of Davenport. Davenport Alderman petitioned the state last week, trying to remove Shenanigan's liquor license for the fourth time.  Customers say the city is targeting the bar. "It's unfair," Diedrich said. "They basically forced him out." On Sunday, Dec. 1 at about 1:03 a.m., Davenport Police responded to Shenanigans on the 300 block of  3rd Street regarding a large disturbance. Officers arrived to find patrons dispersing from the business as a fight had broken out. Pepper spray was deployed by the police to scatter the crowd and stop the fight. As police were deescalating the situation, gunshots were heard, coming from the area of 200 Ripley Street. Officers made their way to the area, but were unable to find the scene of the incident or a victim. Officers searched the area and discovered damage to the window of a nearby business as a result of the gunfire. Davison says the shot did not happen in his bar and he doesn't know if that gun was ever even in his bar. Customers say they never questioned their safety at the Davenport spot. "I can come late at night,"Kozlowski said. "Donnie has got metal detectors to make sure nobody is bringing in anything that they should not be bringing into the bar and I feel safe." "When we walk in we feel comfortable," McNealey said. "It's not right," Kozlowski said. "It's a good bar." "It's very sad," McNealey said. "We come here every night and we know it's closing. We want support him as much as we can until it closes." Building owner Thad Denhartog says he is looking for a new tenant.

What we're watching: SNOW Sunday night into Monday!

A system of snow could track through the QCA Sunday night into Monday. It's still a bit early to tell where the heaviest snow will fall in relation to the QCA and just how much that might be!

Rockford Police hunting possible serial rapist

Suspect sought in four assaults

Los Angeles police officer charged with fondling woman’s corpse

A Los Angeles police officer who allegedly fondled a dead woman’s breast has been charged with a felony that could earn him three years in prison.

Wisconsin high school students find hidden cameras in Minneapolis hotel rooms

Madison East High School students discovered several hidden cameras in a hotel in Minneapolis where they were staying.

Dubuque law enforcement officials asking businesses to stop selling CBD products

Law enforcement officials in Dubuque County are giving businesses the chance to stop selling CBD products illegally.

Iowa DHS investigating alleged "sexual arousal studies," other human experiments at Glenwood center

The Department of Justice is investigating deaths, human experiments, sexual arousal studies and more on people with intellectual disabilities and other health issues at a state-run center in Iowa.

Two women from the Quad Cities participating in Miss America competition

For the very first time, two women from the Quad Cities are both participating in the Miss America competition.

Rock Island man charged with 1st degree murder

Davenport, Iowa- A Rock Island man is charged with murder after police say he committed murder back in November. According to police, Aaron Beeman, 32, of Rock Island has been charged with murder 1st degree and felon in possession of a firearm. He is currently being held at Scott County Jail. Police say on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, around 11:01p.m., Aaron Beeman, “willfully, deliberately, and with premeditation shot the victim with a firearm.” Beeman’s second charge is a result of being prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previously convicted felony from 2004. On Wednesday, November 6, 2019 approximately 11:09 P.M. Davenport Police responded to the area of 1900 W 40th St in reference to a shots fired call. While officers were on scene a victim arrived at Genesis Medical Center by private vehicle and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The victim was identified as Frederick Ewing, age 43, of Davenport.

Western Illinois University to begin national search for next president

Western Illinois University's board of trustees voted to conduct a national search for the next university president on Friday.

Local farmer reacts to U.S.-China partial trade deal

The U.S. and China reached a partial trade deal Friday. Local farmers TV6 spoke with were a bit more reserved in their optimism of the announcement.

Christmas recycling set to increase

DAVENPORT, Iowa- The Waste Commission of Scott County is reminding people what can and cannot be recycled this holiday season. There are obvious things like cardboard boxes, cans, and bottles. But even Christmas lights can be recycled they just need to be brought into the plant. Styrofoam and Christmas bows cannot be recycled and need to be tossed into the garbage. Overall the Waste Commission of Scott County is expecting to see a 15% increase in recyclables this holiday season. The plant recycles 130 tons of recyclable material per day. During the holidays that number jumps to 150 tons.

Lofts, event center and strip mall coming to The Bend in East Moline

EAST MOLINE, Illinois -- A year ago it was just a hotel. Now, The Bend development in East Moline has become a new entertainment hot spot in the Quad Cities. Great River Property manager, Mike VanDeHeede, said new developers have purchased the 133-acre site and change is coming soon. The RiverBend Commons are currently under construction near the Hyatt Place hotel. The 72 loft-style units are set to open this spring. Then, this summer, an expo center is set to open to bring more events to the community. Also in the future plans, is a strip mall next to the Big 10 Mart off 12th Avenue. "I've lived here about 5-6 years now," said Kim Tapia, manager of The Rust Belt's newest business -- Iron + Grain Coffee. "And there was nothing over on this side." Tapia said she took a chance on the up-and-coming location because she trusted the direction the new development was going in. "All of the new businesses that have moved into The Rust Belt have been booming. They’ve been busy all the time," said Tapia. "Chicago is very young, a lot of energy, and I feel like a lot of that energy is coming to this area." Owner of Streamline Architects, Andrew Dasso, moved his offices from Davenport's downtown to The Rust Belt. Since moving to the larger space, he said he has been able to hire four more employees -- beating out markets as big as Chicago. As an owner of several spaces in The Rust Belt, Dasso said every business is full most days. "Everybody’s working for that common goal of spreading and improving the development of East Moline and the Quad Cities," Dasso said. Dasso hinted that even more business spaces could become available in the future.

Arsenal golf clubhouse contents will be liquidated in online auction; Army can't find private operator

The Army is selling off the contents of the golf course clubhouse, which closed in June. The Army has been trying for years, without success, to find a private operator for the golf club, golf course and Quarters One mansion.

Auditions set Dec. 17 at Moline Black Box for Holocaust drama

MOLINE – In honor of annual Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Black Box Theatre, 1623 5th Ave., Moline will stage the play “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” in late January, the start of its fourth season.

Midday Medical: What is gout?

Dr. Bill Langley with Genesis Hospital explains the type of arthritis and who is at risk for the painful condition.

A Connecticut woman living her dream on Adler stage in the Nutcracker

DAVENPORT-- Watch and listen; you know the classic story of The Nutcracker. Surrounded by danging dolls and a toy price. the dream of a little girl named Clara comes to life. Being part of this performance was a different little girl's dream. Meet Claire Cordano from Connecticut. "My parents put me in dance when I was three years old, and I've always loved it ever since," says Cordano. After dedicating the last 20 years to her craft, this weekend Cordano will be living her dream in Davenport, Iowa as she performs in the Nutcracker with Ballet Quad Cities professional dance company. "I danced in Connecticut at a small dance school from 3 to 18, so my whole childhood," says Cordano. Then she went to college studying dance, continuing to follow that dream. Then, a long way from home, Cordano moved cross-country to dance with Ballet Quad Cities, and it's a full time job. "Just the rigor of it, we really are working everyday. For us its 9 to 5, and we're pretty much dancing the entire time," says Cordano. For the past five weeks, Cordano and the other experts have been perfecting every twist and turn to deliver a flawless performance on stage. Cordano has been working overtime. She has a solo in Act II, and she knows two special people from Connecticut will be watching. "My parents will be in the audience this weekend! I can't wait. It's going to be special," says Cordano. She's doing what she loves in front of people she loves, a little girl's dream come true. Performances of The Nutcracker will take place Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. And then there will be a final show on Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. For tickets, click here.

200K granted to Mercado on Fifth and Vera French

The Quad Cities Community Foundation awarded $200,000 to Mercado on Fifth and Vera French in 2019. This is the fifth year the foundation has made grants that align with the community foundation's mission to transform the region through the generosity of donors.

Hundreds of urns stolen from Indiana cemetery

The containers disappeared from Greenlawn Memorial Park, but when they were taken was uncertain.

Two Bettendorf residents hurt after crash involving semi in Warren County, Ill.

Two people from Bettendorf were hurt following a crash involving a semi and a car in Warren County.

Students honor Mollie Tibbetts by ‘paying it forward’ with class project

Students at an elementary school in Brooklyn, Iowa are honoring their neighbor, friend and relative Mollie Tibbetts in a special way.

Democratic presidential candidate Tom Steyer returning to Quad-Cities this week

Tom Steyer, a billionaire progressive activist and 2020 Democratic presidential candidate, is returning to east Iowa with campaign stops in Muscatine, Iowa City and Davenport.

WIU moves on to nationwide search for new president

MACOMB, Illinois — Leaders with Western Illinois University have decided to conduct a nationwide search for the university’s next president. On Friday, December 13, the Board of Trustees was faced with the decision on whether to appoint Dr. Martin Abraham as the university’s 12th president.  They decided to move forward and create a search committee to look for other candidates. Abraham will continue to serve as the interim president until a permanent president is hired.  He was appointed into the role in July.  “We have greatly appreciated Dr. Abraham’s efforts as acting and interim president, and we look forward to a continued working relationship,” said BOT Chair Polly Radosh. Going forward, the Board of Trustees plans to solicit bids for a presidential search firm.   The search committee will be made up of faculty, staff, students, alumni, as well as community members from Macomb and the Quad Cities.  

Sports betting boosting Iowa’s overall gambling

DES MOINES — Iowans traveling to state-licensed casinos to bet on sports or establish online accounts apparently also are trying their hand at table games and slot machines while there.

Hiring events for jobs at Thomson Prison

The prison is looking to fill more than 100 vacancies, many of them for corrections officers and medical staff, but we're told there are a variety of other positions available, as well.

A father gets a call saying his son, a Marine, is dead. It turns out to be a scam.

A Fargo father was told his son, a Marine, was killed while on active duty. The call seemed legitimate until they asked for his Social Security number.

Firefighter briefly pinned during East Moline garage fire

A firefighter was briefly pinned in an East Moline garage fire Friday afternoon. He escaped on his own, and no injuries were reported.

Garage fire breaks out in East Moline

EAST MOLINE, Illinois — A garage fire broke out in an East Moline neighborhood. The fire was reported around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, December 13 at 25th Avenue near 23rd Street. Several fire departments responded to the call.  The fire appeared to be under control before 2 p.m. WQAD News 8 has a crew on scene. 

Lee Enterprises Year End Results

2019 was a "mixed" year for Lee Enterprises, owner of the Quad City Times and Dispatch-Argus. This week the company which is based in Davenport reported total revenue fell during the fiscal year that ended in September, but revenue and traffic rose for its digital services.

Freight Train Safety a Concern for Unions & Bernie Sanders

Railroad union workers will get a little help from Bernie Sanders this weekend. The democratic presidential candidate and US senator is co-sponsoring the Safe Freight Act which would ensure two people work on freight trains.

Man charged in connection with drug sales in Dixon, IL

DIXON, Illinois — A 67-year-old man has been accused of selling cocaine in the Dixon area, according to police. As part of a drug investigation, police searched a home in the 200 block of Willett Avenue on Thursday, December 12, according to a statement from the Dixon Police Department.  During their search, investigators found 30 grams of cocaine and equipment that would be used for packaging and selling illegal drugs. These findings led to the arrest of Julian Guerrero, according to the statement. Police said Guerrero was charged with delivery of cocaine, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance.   He was taken to the Lee County Jail.

Loud blast expected around 1 p.m. today at Arsenal

A loud explosive blast accompanied by sirens can be expected about 1 p.m. today (Friday), coming from near Lock & Dam 15 at Arsenal Island, Arsenal spokesman Eric Cramer said.

Bath & Body Works having huge sale Saturday that’s bigger, better than Candle Day

CLEVELAND (WJW) – We’ve got some good news for holiday shoppers: Bath and Body Works just announced a new and never-before-seen sale that’s arguably better than Candle Day. Last Saturday the company held its annual Candle Day sale in which all 3-wick candles were $9 each in-store and online. This weekend, on Saturday, December 14, Bath and Body Works is holding a sale on all body care products. According to Refinery 29, all body-care products including shower gels, body cleansers, body creams, lotions, aromatherapy lines, and fine fragrances are selling for $4.95 each. The deal impacts over 600 different products across fragrance collections The news outlet says this sale will become an annual event, like Candle Day, and be called Body Care Day moving forward. The body care product deals will be available both online and in-store.  Many Bath and Body Works locations nationwide are also offering extended hours for the sale and will be opening their doors at 7 a.m. on Saturday. The deal does not have many exceptions or exclusions.  Certain company-issued coupons can be applied to your sale purchase. Click here for more or to find a Bath and Body Works location near you.

Who's in the news?

Special Olympics Iowa has inducted Kathy Henningsen of Eldridge and Richard “Dick” Vetter of Muscatine into its second Hall of Fame class.

Noon update: Wintry mix possible tonight

The National Weather Service says there is only a slight chance for drizzle and snow today for the Quad-Cities when two storm systems move across the area this afternoon and tonight.

8 months after massive flooding, Nancy Riesebieter settles into her renovated Moline home

Nancy Riesebieter didn’t know what to do.

How to Write "Dinner for Two"

On Midwest Week, what's it like to be a food critic.

Track of potential winter storm becoming a bit more clear

Plenty of gray skies has highlighted our day along with temperatures mainly in the mid to upper 30s for the afternoon. We’ll extend the cloud cover overnight as a weak disturbance slides just to our north.  This will locally saturate the air enough and combined with temperatures around the freezing mark could lead to a light mix.  Focus will be more north of the Quad Cities.  Not much of a concern in seeing slick roads through Saturday morning but always good to be cautious. This will lead to a seasonally cold Saturday with highs in the lower 30s under mostly cloudy skies. Brighter skies will prevail on Sunday but it will still be the weekend’s coldest with highs in the 20s. We are continuing to keep an eye on the potential winter storm that will impact parts of the area on Sunday night and carry through Monday.  We have seen the track trending just a touch south which puts the area on the periphery of this snow band with the main snowfall axis even farther south.  The system is making its way inland on the west coast later today which will allow us more data to work with.  This will give us a more confident forecast on its track as well as the potential snowfall amounts for the area. No matter what the final track may be, temperatures will remain sub-freezing for daytime highs for most of next week. Chief meteorologist James Zahara Here’s a look at the hour-by-hour forecast from the StormTrack 8 Weather App! Click on the links below to download the free app:  

WIU Board Will Conduct Presidential Search

The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees has deadlocked on whether to appoint Doctor Martin Abraham as the university’s 12th president. The vote Friday came after the board held a five hour executive session Thursday night and met behind closed doors for more than an hour Friday morning.

An octopus caught a bald eagle in a death grip. Thanks to some salmon farmers, the eagle survived

A team of salmon farmers are feeling pretty proud after they were able to rescue a bald eagle from an octopus off the northwest tip of Canada’s Vancouver Island. The group was returning to their float house when they heard screeching and splashing sounds last Monday, according to salmon farmer John Ilett. After investigating the sounds, Ilett said the team found “a full-sized eagle submerged in the water with a big giant octopus in the water trying to drag it down.” The team watched the interaction for about five minutes, unsure if they should intervene to help. “We weren’t sure if we should interfere because it is mother nature, survival of the fittest,” Ilett said. “But it was heart wrenching — to see this octopus was trying to drown this eagle.” Ilett and his team decided they had to do something to help. After getting close to the battle, Ilett reached out with a pole with a small hook attached to it while another co-worker started recording. “I was able to just latch on to the octopus and give it a little tug,” he said. “It released its grip … which gave the eagle just enough time to get to shore. “We weren’t sure exactly how it was going to go down when I tested the pole,” Illett said. Ilett said he’s been working on the water for about 20 years and admits he’s seen incredible things, but this encounter ranks as the coolest to date. “It’s moments like this why I love my job and being out in the environment where I can work and live,” he said. “It’s just amazing.” ‘I felt compassion for the bird’ Illett has been reading comments on social media discussing whether or not his team should have intervened and said it’s a different feeling when you’re watching the situation unfold in front of your own eyes. “Am I at fault because I’m human and I felt compassion for the bird?” he said. “At the end of the day both animals are alive and well and they went their separate ways and we feel pretty good about what we did.” The US removed bald eagles from its list of endangered and threatened species in 2007 but the birds remain protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Lacey Act. Under the MBTA , anyone harming one could face up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Police: Boy, 13, confesses to role in stabbing death of college student in New York

A juvenile was arrested in the deadly stabbing of an 18-year-old college freshman in Manhattan.

Geneseo's 35th Annual Christmas Walk

The town of Geneseo will light up with holiday cheer and magic on Saturday, December 14th as they celebrate the holidays with their 35th Annual Christmas Walk, this year with a “North Pole Christmas” theme and a pretty impressive list of activities.

Kentucky governor pardoned convicted child rapist, more than 400 others, before leaving office

Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin issued 428 pardons in his final days in office after his November defeat to Democrat Andy Beshear, the Louisville Courier Journal reported. That list includes a man who killed his parents, another convicted of reckless homicide and a woman who threw her newborn in the trash, the Washington Post reported. Dayton Jones, who was convicted after sexually assaulting a 15-year-old boy, was also pardoned according to Kentucky New Era. Also pardoned was Micah Schoettle, convicted of raping a child and sentenced to 23 years in prison, CNN affiliate WCPO reported. He served fewer than 18 months. The victim’s mother called the pardon a “slap in the face,” the news station reported. “It feels like we’re going through it all over again … we just got to the point where we felt safe leaving the house and not looking over our shoulders,” she told WCPO. Bevin told the Washington Post he made the decision because he’s a “big believer in second chances.” “I think this is a nation that was founded on the concept of redemption and second chances and new pages in life,” he said. “If there has been a change and there’s no further value that comes for the individual, for society, for the victims, for anybody, if a person continues to stay in, then that’s when somebody should be considered for a commutation or a pardon.” Bevin’s last day in office was Monday. A spokesman for his campaign didn’t comment to the Post. Amanda Hall, an organizer for the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, also received a pardon. “I hope that the governor to come sees the example that you have given us about redemption and second chances and this is one of the best days of my life and thank you,” she said in a video retweeted by the organization. Hall had spent time in jail for drug possession and trafficking, CNN affiliate WAVE reported. “I hope sooo many more people get to feel this beautiful feeling that I have,” she said on Twitter. But many have been critical of the Republican leader’s move. “What this governor did is an absolute atrocity of justice,” Prosecutor Jackie Steele told the Post. “He’s put victims, he’s put others in our community in danger.” Prosecutor Eddy Montgomery told the Post he told victims’ families about the pardons after finding out through the news. “We’re pretty shocked about it,” Montgomery said. Bevin conceded to Beshear last month after requesting all of the state’s counties recheck the results of the gubernatorial election. In a tweet Thursday, the Democratic Governors Association said Bevin “kept standing with special interests until the very end — even at the expense of Kentuckian’s safety and wellbeing.”

Presidential Candidates Target Eastern Iowa

You won't have to go far to find a Democratic presidential candidate this weekend. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, John Delany, and Tom Steyer all plan to visit eastern Iowa.

Two injured when car collides with truck tractor in Warren County

WARREN COUNTY, Illinois — Two people were injured when the driver of a car tried to pass a truck tractor that was turning. The two vehicles were driving along IL Route 135 near 60th Street around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, according to a statement from the Illinois State Police.  As the truck made a wide right turn into a field entrance, the driver of a Ford Focus tried to pass. Police said the Focus wound up hitting the truck’s front passenger side wheel.  Both the driver and passenger of the Focus were taken to a Galesburg hospital for treatment. Charges were pending, according to police.

Neighbors of ‘Home Alone’ house share behind-the-scenes video of iconic movie 30 years after its release

WINNETKA, Ill.(WGN) — Almost 30 years ago, a Hollywood film crew made a funny little film about a boy who was accidentally left behind when his family takes off for a European Christmas vacation. Since its release in 1990, “Home Alone” has withstood the test of time. And decades later, the public’s love for the film — and all things related to it — is stronger than ever. That includes the house itself on Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka. Neighbors Joanie and Herb White have lived on Lincoln Avenue for 44 years. In the winter of 1990, they decided to document the Hollywood happenings across the street. Herb White grabbed his camcorder and shot a few clips each day, no more than 30 seconds at a time. “It was just fun to record a neighborhood event at the time,” he said. “We had never seen a movie production like that. It was an education for us,” Joanie said. Herb White narrated his home video and captured some scenes on his own camera that made the final cut. The video may be aging, graying in color, but the White’s memories of that time, thanks to the video, are brilliant in every way.

12/13/2019: House Judiciary Committee Votes On Impeachment Articles

Good Morning from WVIK News for Friday, December 13, 2019

Geminid Meteor Shower To Peak This Weekend

The Geminid meteor shower will peak tonight and early Saturday morning.

Rick's Six: Big plans at The Bend, Davenport man wins Powerball prize, and 1950s photos from our archives

A good Friday to all. The National Weather Service says there is only a slight chance for drizzle and snow today for the Quad-Cities when two storm systems move across the area this afternoon and tonight.

Longtime Scott County Treasurer, Bill Fennelly, passes away

DAVENPORT, Iowa– William Fennelly, will be laid to rest Saturday, December 14. The former Scott County Treasurer, passed away Wednesday, December 11. He held his position within the county from 1995 to 2018. His funeral and visitation will take place at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Saturday. The visitation will start at 9 a.m. Saturday. For more information, click here.

Track Biggest Factor In Snow Chances Monday

The track of the system is the most important factor for snow amount around here. More north, more snow, more south, less snow.

The Hawkeyes top the Cyclones in Ames

Iowa jumped out to a 2-0 lead just 43-seconds into the game and they never looked back. Joe Wieskamp scored 13 and the Big Ten's leading scorer, Luka Garza, had 21. Iowa wins in Ames for the first time since 2003.

Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrated in the Quad Cities

The Quad Cities community is celebrating "our lady of Guadalupe," the patron saint of Mexico. Hundreds gathered on Thursday, December 12 to honor the saint and watch traditional dances.

A Downtown Davenport project will offer more than just a place to park

DAVENPORT, IOWA  -- Downtown Davenport's Main Street Landing is taking shape near the Sky Bridge. The city is adding more parking to the area with a new lot. It will add 66 parking spaces, six are ADA accessible. The lot stretches between Perry and Brady streets. "A formal name has not been proposed at this time," Davenport Public Works Director Nicole Gleason said. "The working title is Flexible Event Space." Gleason said they began work on the flexible lot in July of 2018. After flooding set backs, it is now set to be done in Spring. "It's not very big,"Kyle Carter with the Downtown Davenport Partnership said. "It's a very modest size, which is a good thing." Carter says it is called a flexible event space because it is flexible in it's functions. "This was an idea to make sure that we still had a more usable space other than just concrete," Carter said. The lot is for vendors, like car shows, bands and food trucks, to host events. They can rent the space from the city and set up shop. "It's a very usable event space that is right on the river front," Carter said. "It is very convenient for vendors, so you don`t have to bring in loud generators or have a lot of infrastructure. It will be a very cost efficient way to have an event on the river." Carter says when the lot is not rented out by vendors, it will be used for seating and parking for downtown businesses. "I think the new flex lot on River Drive will be a welcome addition to the downtown area," Co-owner of Front Street Brewery Tim Baldwin said.  "Anything that brings people to downtown, specifically in the vicinity of either Front Street location, certainly has my blessing. I like the idea of scheduled food truck events, but am opposed to any permanent food truck operations on the lot.  Food trucks are an important feature in any active urban environment, but too much of a good thing could be detrimental to the brick and mortar restaurants who pay rent, mortgages, property taxes, and who generally have significantly higher operating expenses than seasonal restaurants on wheels." The lot is costing the city more than 2 million dollars. Carter says it's because the lot has water and election running underneath it, making it easier for vendors to plug in. "We are funding riverfront development at $1 million per year," Gleason said. "When the flex lot was first envisioned, the intent was to put it within one year’s funding of $1 million.  However, during design and bids, it became clear that it was going to be more of that. It is a little different for the Main Street Landing projects. The area under construction was going to be a little more than $2 million, so multiple years-worth of funding." Carter says that since all the water and electric wiring runs underground, the lot is considered to be flood proof. "I think the city did a great job on the design, and I feel it fits well with their vision for the Riverfront." Baldwin said. "I also think the design is capable of handling the flood waters it will surely see in the coming months and years."

Rock Island library building set to be transformed into doll and toy museum

ROCK ISLAND, Illinois - Step inside the American Doll and Toy Museum on 30th Street and you'll quickly learn why more space is needed for the doll collection sharing a piece of history with museum visitors. "They`re reflections of who we are in the Quad cities," said Dr. Ellen Tsagaris, who has collected dolls since she was 3-years-old. She now has plans to move her doll collection from her temporary shop, located at 1303 30th Street in Rock Island, to the site of the soon-to-be-former 30-31 branch of the Rock Island Library, located at the intersection of 30th Street and 31st Avenue. Tsagaris has thousands of dolls to display, many of them 75-100 years old. "That whole area of play and recreation inspires people," said Tsagaris, who has already secured non-profit status for her teaching museum. Barbies, American Girl dolls and other iconic dolls, such as those made by Mattel fill the room. So do dolls that replicate ancient toys, and dolls from the early 1800's. "What were doing here is were telling the history of all humanity," she said. She plans to use the space inside the new museum location to set up entire displays, rooms full of dolls, toys, art and books that will give visitors a glimpse into the stories her dolls can tell. From dolls that stem from and era where mass production of dolls was new to dolls made during times of war and tragedy, dolls can share a lot. "War toys also tell the history of people`s battles and struggles," she explains. "They`re sort of a microcosm of who we are." Tsagaris believes dolls can teach global history. "How we dressed, how we played," she said. And, about what times used to be like in the Quad Cites. "Local history! That`s a buddy o rocket," she said pointing at a doll on the shelf," She finds that in some cases, dolls are "all  that's left of some civilizations," and she believes opening this museum provides a new learning opportunity for people who live here. As for the Rock Island Library, the southwest and downtown locations remain open. Library spokesperson Lisa Lockheart says a feasibility study is being completed to find out if it will be practice for the library to open up inside of the current Tri-City Jewish Center location. It's been reported that the library may share that location with the YMCA. A mobile library is also "coming soon." The American Doll and Toy Museum should open sometime during the summer or early fall of 2020. The museum's current location will participate in the College Hill District's Holiday Walk on Saturday, December 14, from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. More than 12 participating small businesses will offer store specials, door prizes, book signings, kid's crafts and Santa visits.

On A Mother Level: Thread & Theory

“On A Mother Level” goes on the road to Fort Lauderdale! Denise invites her sister-in-law Erika Hnytka to answer an important question, “What do you really think of our family?” Erika is the general manager of an eclectic antique and home accessories store called Vintage Vault. She’s also curated a collection of clothing for her new online boutique called Thread & Theory. Erika gets real about the toughest part of motherhood so far, and you’ll hear why Denise calls her “the worst kind of person” because of this airport offense. Find Erika on Instagram @thecasuallystyled and @shopthreadntheory Florida listeners! Visit the Thread & Theory pop-up shop on December 14th from 10am-6pm at 1510 E Oakland Park Blvd in Fort Lauderdale.

Women who have been best friends for nearly 80 years move into same care home

MANSFIELD, England (WJW) - They've been best friends for nearly 80 years and that's never going to change. Olive Woodward and Kathleen Saville love each other so much they now live in the same care home in England. The two women, who are both 89, have reportedly been friends since they were 11-years-old. Saville has lived at a care home named Berry Hill Park for a year. Woodward joined her last month, and they even have rooms on the same floor of the facility, TODAY reports. The women, who are both widows, plan to be BFFs forever.  "If Olive goes first, she'll come back to fetch me. We're going to be friends in heaven," Saville reportedly said. Woodward said she missed her friend when she moved into the care home, so she decided to move in too.  " If I’m unhappy or in trouble, I only have to go to Kathleen and we’ll always end up laughing," she reportedly said. The Mirror reports the two women have always been this close; they raised children and grandchildren living just streets away from each other.

Father, girlfriend charged in fatal beating of his son, 9, in Illinois

A northwestern Illinois father and his girlfriend were charged in connection with the fatal beating of his 9-year-old son, authorities said Tuesday.

Baby born at 12:12 on 12-12 during last full moon of the decade

O’FALLON, Ill. (KTVI) – Two amazing things happened just after midnight Thursday morning – the last full moon of the decade, and the birth of Illinois baby Denarius at 12:12 a.m. on December 12, 2019, KTVI reports. Denarrika Fisher and Charles Bell, of Belleville, welcomed their baby boy into the world at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in the Women and Infants Center. A statement from the hospital says, “He was originally due on December 30 but decided to come early for this numeric and lunar coincidence.” Both mother and child are healthy. The hospital says that the nursing staff informed the mother of the notable numeric event. The final full moon of 2019 and this decade officially occurred on December 12 at 12:12 a.m.  The full moon is called the Cold Moon. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the Algonquin tribes of what is now the northern and eastern United States, named the full Moon in December or the last full Moon of the fall season the Cold Moon, due to the long, cold nights.  

Longtime ‘The Price is Right’ host Bob Barker celebrates 96th birthday

Television game show icon Bob Barker is celebrating his 96th birthday on Thursday.

Woman finds stolen goods being sold on Facebook, leads police to alleged porch pirate

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. (WJZ) – Police have arrested a man in an investigation of a series of package thefts in the northern part of Anne Arundel County thanks to one of the man’s alleged victims. An area woman saw some of the items she had ordered for sale on Facebook Marketplace. When she tracked down the seller, she reached out to police. “She went on Facebook Marketplace and she was like, ‘What do I do?’ So everyone was like, ‘You have to call the police,’” one of the victims, Tricia Plant, said. Detectives recovered a video from a surveillance camera that showed a white man wearing a hooded sweatshirt involved in one of the thefts. They then learned a man was selling property on social media which looked to be identical to property stolen in one of the incidents. They identified the seller and searched his home, where various property items and packaging materials were recovered. “We recovered as a result of the search warrant multiple items; three of them belonged to the original victim. So we are looking for other victims who may have had property stolen from them,” Anne Arundel County Police spokesperson Marc Limansky said. Anthony Michael Tompros, 32, of Glen Burnie, was arrested and has been charged with three counts of theft. Police said more charges could be coming. Detectives believe Tompros may be involved in other package thefts. Video doorbell cameras are all over the Tanyard Springs neighborhood as residents try to do their best to fight off porch pirates. “Every year, everyone knows. That’s why the best cams and everything, they are so popular too because you catch everything going on,” said resident Justin Woodson. If you are a victim or have any additional information please call any Northern District Detective at 410-222-6135 or the TipLine 410-222-4700. If you would like to report suspicious activity in your neighborhood call 410-222-8610 or 911.

Family Resource therapist helps Scott County inmates open up about their trauma

Coloring is not just for children. It’s also being used here in the Quad Cities to help adults in the Scott County Jail who are dealing with trauma.

Bix 7 now ranked among most iconic American races

The Bix 7 road race is now considered one of the most iconic American races.

Hams for the Holidays event will be held Monday at Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

Hy-Vee is once again partnering with Hormel Foods and first responders across Iowa for the 3rd Annual Hams for the Holidays initiative.

Illinois joins lawsuit against Juul in response to increase in youth vaping

The State of Illinois is taking legal action against the largest manufacturer of e-cigarettes.

Scott County approves administrative center contract

The Scott County Board of Supervisors on Thursday awarded a contract to Swanson Construction to renovate the Scott County administrative center.

Davenport man wins $150,000 Powerball prize

A Davenport man received an early Christmas present when he won a $150,000 Powerball prize, according to a news release issued Thursday by the Iowa Lottery.

Police looking for man wanted in Scott County; registered as Sexually Violent Predator

Police are looking for a man wanted in Scott County that is a "sexually violent predator" and they're asking for the public's help.

“This is Groundhog Day for me”; Ray LaHood looks back on his time presiding over the Clinton impeachment

PEORIA, Illinois – Beginning next week the Articles of Impeachment will move to the House for a vote.  That trial will be led by Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, unless she chooses someone else. During the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, that’s what former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich, did.  He chose former Illinois Congressman Ray LaHood to lead the trial. In 1998, LaHood was the man front and center.  He presided over the House vote during the Clinton impeachment. Now, in 2019, he gets to see it all unfold again. “This is Groundhog Day for me,” LaHood comments. “It become very partisan and there’s a lot of tension, a lot of anxiety.” Only twice in our country’s history has a president been impeached; Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton. But to reach that point takes time, hearings, and someone like LaHood. “When people say, “why did Speaker Gingrich pick me?” It was because I had a method of presiding in the House that people felt was fair,” LaHood explains. The gavel he used during the trial would become the gavel he would use to announce Clinton’s four articles of impeachment.  And it would become the gavel to impeach Clinton in the house for two counts, lying under oath and obstruction charges. “I think it’s probably – out of all the times I presided – the most historic time and the most historic announcement that I ever made during my time as presiding over the Speaker,” LaHood says. “After the day was over, all the republicans met in a room in the Capitol and the first thing Speaker Gingrich said is, “I want to congratulate Ray LaHood for the way he conducted it”.” LaHood says this will be a moment in history and a vote no one in Congress should take lightly, but it’s up to the person at the front to make the fairest decisions. “For the people serving now, these votes will be the most important votes they will make in their political careers,” LaHood concludes. LaHood would go on to become the Secretary of Transportation under President Obama.  During that time, he would work with Hillary Clinton.  He says he doesn’t believe President Clinton holds a grudge against him since he was just doing his job. He currently is a senior political adviser in Washington D.C. His son, Darin LaHood, is now a state representative in Peoria.

Rock Island High starts drive for feminine products after short supply

ROCK ISLAND, Illinois – A women empowerment group at Rock Island High School called “Rocky Riveters” is asking the community to donate a different but necessary gift this year. The group started the “I Support the Girls” donation drive where people can donate new sealed boxes of feminine hygiene products and new or gently used bras of any size. The group got the idea after a volunteer tried to help a student find a bra of her size in the “Rocky Resource Room” and couldn’t find her size. “They go fast because they are non-renewable, they’re expensive,” says Jessica Matherly, a teacher at Rock Island High. “Anyone who has even bought them you’re like, “I can’t believe I’m spending this money”, and then you put them in your cart because you have to have them.” Donations will go to students in the Rock Island-Milan school district.  The group’s goal is to receive 1,000 donations by the time the drive ends on Dec. 20th. In support of the drive there will be an event at Radicle Effects Brewerks Friday night.  People can bring in new sealed boxes of feminine products to donate or new and gently used bras. All donations go directly to the Rocky Resource Room and Marshall Closet at Thurgood Marshall Learning Center.  

Two Dixon men charged with burglary

DIXON, Illinois — Two Dixon men have been charged with burglary. The investigation spawned from multiple burglary reports that came from the 800 block of North Galena Avenue, which is a street lined with several businesses.  The reports came in around 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, according to a statement from the Dixon Police Department. Investigators were led to Johnathan S. Webb and Nathan W. Holloman as main suspects, said Dixon police.  Both men are 39 years old and from Dixon. Police said both were charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of criminal damage to property.  They were taken to the Lee County Jail. Citizens with crime tips are encouraged to call the Dixon Police Department at 815-288-4411 or CrimeStoppers at 1-888-228-4488.  You can remain anonymous and information that leads to an arrest may be rewarded up to $1,000.

Police searching for two people accused of using stolen debit accounts at Walmart

Police are asking for the public's help in identifying two people accused of using stolen debit card accounts at a local Walmart.

Police investigating attempted armed robbery at 7-Eleven in Moline

Police say on Dec. 9 around 1:00 a.m., they were called to the 7-Eleven on 27th Street for a report of an armed robbery.

Iowa voters learn how to participate in next year’s caucus

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- The 2020 Iowa caucus is two months away, and AARP is teaching Iowa voters how to participate in the statewide event. Dozens of people attended the "How to Caucus" event. The process is different than when voters cast a ballot, as both parties host events on February 3rd, 2020. Jim Wayne of Davenport went to the training and is a first-time caucus-goer. "As you age, you learn and understand how government impacts your life and have more of a say in government that's making decisions for you," Wayne says. There will be more than 1,600 caucus events across Iowa. "Same way with voting, it's one of those things you're supposed to take the time to do," Wayne says. "I'm retired now so I have the time to do what I want to do."

QC Weather Service Issues First Snow Squall Warning

The National Weather Service in the Quad Cities is working out a couple of kinks after issuing its first Snow Squall Warning Monday.

Bill Fennelly, longtime Scott County treasurer, passes away at 86

A man with 52 years of public service in Scott County has passed away.

State officials investigating riot, escape last month at Mary Davis Home

GALESBURG, Illinois -- State officials are investigating the riot and escape of five teenagers on November 13, 2019 from the Mary Davis Home Juvenile Detention Center. Illinois' probation services division is looking into what happened at the center that night, along with the procedures and policies in place. Officials will then put together a report of recommendations after the investigation, to prevent another breakout from happening. There will be follow-up reviews at the center after officials issue their report. Police say the five teenagers attacked several staff members, stole a staff member's car keys and escaped the center. All teenagers are back in custody.