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

Rivermont Collegiate educator to help develop National History Day webinar

A Quad City educator will help develop a new webinar that explores American history. National History Day (NHD) has announced the educators chosen for its new national webinar series, Revolutionary Ideals: Understanding 250 Years of American Principles and Rivermont Collegiate educator Leigh Ann Schroeder is one of them. She is one of only three educators [...]

North Scott Press — April 1, 2026

State, county, city pour $12M into 210th Street

One of Scott County’s most notorious roads will see major improvements as the 2026 construction season gets underway. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), city of Davenport, and Scott County have begun pouring a combined $12 million into projects that will rebuild 210th Street from the Davenport Airport to U.S. 61, and make additional repairs nearby. Here is a look at each of the three projects that promise to smooth the troubled roadway. Davenport–Scott County Davenport and Scott County will share the costs of a complete overhaul of 210th Street from Harrison Street, or 1st Street, west to Holden Drive, where neighboring county work terminates. Davenport Public Works bid the project last month. Midwest Concrete of Peosta submitted the low bid, at about $1.9 million. In addition to repaving, the project includes replacement of shoulders and reconstruction of storm and sanitary sewers beneath the roadway. Davenport and Scott County share jurisdiction of 210th Street and will split the cost of the work, County Engineer Angie Kersten said. Work will begin as the county Mt. Joy project nears completion this summer, she added. Scott County Ongoing county work in Mt. Joy includes repaving a stretch of 210th Street from Holden Drive to Brady Street. Kersten said last month that the project was 75% complete and expected to finish in July. The county bid that project to Hawkeye Paving of Davenport at about $6.6 million in December 2024. In addition to repaving 210th Street, roadwork includes: • Construction of a roundabout at 210th and Brady Streets. • Repaving of Brady Street and 214th Street north from 210th Street. Iowa DOT-Scott County The Iowa DOT closed exit 123A north from U.S. 61 earlier this year as it began reconstruction of the bridge deck and repaving of the exit ramp that connects the highway to 210th Street. The DOT awarded the contract to Cramer and Associates of Grimes for $3.5 million, DOT engineer Adrian Simonson reported. The off-ramp will remain closed until the project is completed this summer, he said. The DOT has offered Scott County the chance to patch pavement beneath the overpass while construction crews were on-site. Supervisors approved a $325,000 contract with the DOT last week. 210th Street spans over 70 feet beneath the highway, Kersten said. “It’s in pretty bad shape. We’ll easy spend all of that money in just that section” between the northbound and southbound exit ramps, she said. She said targeted patching would extend the life of the roadway without forcing a change to the county’s regular roadwork cycle.

Now hiring at North Scott

As the end of the school year approaches, the North Scott School Board is always prepared for retirements and other departures. This year’s list just happens to include a few more high-profile positions. Ed White principal Carrie Lane’s retirement, as well as the resignations of Alan Shepard principal Chad Ruth and district director of business affairs Jill Van Roekel were among the personnel changes approved by the board at Monday’s meeting, held at Virgil Grissom Elementary School. Also approved was the resignation of varsity volleyball coach Brian Schubert (see separate story on page 1B) and the retirement of Ed White fourth-grade teacher Terri Kilburg. Prior to the meeting, Lane described her retirement as “bittersweet.” She had a long career with the district, teaching at the high school for 24 years before taking a position as principal at Camanche High School for three years. She returned to North Scott, taking the principalship at Ed White, in 2021. “North Scott has been a truly special place to spend the majority of my career. From the incredible colleagues I have worked and coached alongside, to the many students and athletes I have had the privilege to work with, I am leaving with a heart full of memories,” Lane said. “I want to thank the North Scott administration, my peers, my family, and the families of this district for their support throughout my career. It has been an honor.” While Lane said she will miss the daily energy of being in the school, she’s looking forward to new adventures. She said the next chapter of her life will be centered on family, including travel and spending time with her grandchildren. Meanwhile, Van Roekel, who was hired by the district in 2013, is departing for the Clinton Community School District. She was hired as that district’s new chief financial officer and will begin July 1. Ruth has been employed with the North Scott School District for 10 years. He served for two years as the associate principal at Ed White before moving into the principal’s position at Alan Shepard in 2018. He has accepted an elementary principal position within the Pleasant Valley Community School District, pending that board’s approval. Ragona tribute Board member Joni Dittmer, who ran the meeting in the absence of board president Tracy Lindaman, paid tribute to Joe Ragona, who served as principal of John Glenn Elementary School from 1970-2000. Ragona passed away at his Donahue home on March 21. “He was a legend, an icon. I’ll probably start crying right now, because he was just a sweetie … He did a lot of things to shape the elementaries, and he’s going to be sorely missed. “He was a darling person and a good educator.” An obituary for Ragona appears on page 3B. Budget public hearing Prior to the regular meeting, the board held a public hearing regarding the proposed district property tax levy for the 2026-27 school year. Two Princeton residents, Steve and Nancy Billups, attended the public hearing and did not address the board. The proposed maximum levy published prior to the hearing was $11.52 per thousand, a decrease of 2% from the 2025-26 school year. Van Roekel explained that the maximum levy was published a few weeks ago, based on the information the district had about the state legislature’s plans at that time. Monday, the district determined, due to state aid and the legislature picking up a budget guarantee, the actual levy will be lower, at approximately $11.36. Van Roekel also addressed the information residents received, with district, city and county taxes. “It is my understanding that the state is going to change the publication and the way it looks in the future, because it is a little deceiving.” She said one problem with the notice is that it assumes residents’ property tax valuation will go up 10% next year. “If you look at it currently, it says that your property taxes, based on what North Scott shows, are going to go up 1% from the prior year. But I just want people to know that’s also assuming that your assessed valuation is going to go up 10% in one year, which would be quite a bit. But we currently have a budget set for next year with a tax rate of $11.36.” Board member Frank Wood said he believes North Scott is in a good financial position right now. “I think we do our due diligence as a board and as a district.” He gave kudos to Van Roekel and her staff, as well as superintendent Joe Stutting, for their work. Dittmer also thanked Van Roekel for working with the board to explain the budgeting process. “A lot of us are in her office a lot, asking questions, and she’s just a great educator in that way.” A public hearing regarding the final proposed budget will be held at the April 13 board meeting at the administration center. Student-built home Student-built home coordinator Dave Linnenbrink presented proposals for several projects for this year’s home in Long Grove. That included a $1,237.50 contract with Total Landscape Services for backfilling and grading at the home, and a $2,100 contract with Seven Cities Sod. Linnenbrink said the students will install the approximately 750 square yards of sod. The board also approved $8,347 in appliances from Zeglin’s. Linnenbrink noted that the $6,029 gas range that will be installed in the kitchen is unusually high for the student-built home. He explained that due to the configuration of the kitchen, a 36” range was required, and there are not many options available in that size. “Noted for next time, not to pick out a 36” range,” Linnenbrink said. Other contracts included $1,295 to New Look Construction LLC for gutters, and $3,800 to Chellew Masonry for stone veneer on the exterior of the home. Linnenbrink also explained that, because the home has already been sold, the owners have also added some upgraded features. However, the owners are picking up the difference, and the amounts the board approved do not reflect the upgrades. He said there will be a celebration for the completion of the home in May. Recognitions Filling in for the absent Stutting, district director of student services Heather Shults recognized several high-performing students. That included congratulating the state bowling team and individual qualifiers Lucas Persson (5th place), Caston Dhuse and Clayton Schroder; state wrestling qualifiers Cole Bruck, Matt Williams, Collin Kruse, Zach Green, Ben Lightle, Kade Kelly, Bryce Stewart, Cole Green (6th place), Kepler Carmichael (6th place) and Trey Feist (7th place); MAC Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year Josiah Harrington; and All-State Jazz Band members Zach McMann and Nathan Anderson. Bills Van Roekel presented bills in the amount of $1,926,652.91. Highlights included $13,410.56 to Everway Holdco LLC for special education math curriculum and implementation training; $39,665 to Jim Giese Commercial Roofing Inc. for an emergency partial roof replacement at the high school; and $323,722.57 to Scott Community College for first semester tuition and fees. Other business In other business, the board: • Approved a student teacher agreement with Morningside University in Sioux City • Approved a trip to Ireland in the summer of 2027 through EF Travel that will be chaperoned by high school teachers Jen Sambdman and Emily Hintze • Approved a change order from Ihrig Works LLC for the Lancer Run subdivision. The change order is a decrease of $2,789.50 and includes eliminating four light poles that will now be provided by the City of Eldridge; eliminating two water services, two sanitary laterals and two sump connections due to one of the structures being changed from multi-family to single-family residential; and providing a new fire hydrant in lieu of removing and resetting an existing hydrant at the request of the city. • Approved the playground fencing bid timeline for John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Virgil Grissom and Ed White. The request for bids went out on March 31, and bids are scheduled to be opened on May 4, with board approval on May 11. • Postponed a scheduled closed session to discuss amending Stutting’s contract until April 13 In addition to Lindaman and Stutting, board member Morgan Dunn was also absent from the meeting.    

Man accused of selling drugs to confidential informant

Police said Nathan Kull, 47, was arrested on Sunday and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

One of the first people known to change their gender was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh

NPR art director and illustrator Jackie Lay tells the story of Hatshepsut, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest pharaohs in Egypt's history — but whose legacy was erased for over 3,000 years.

Brickstone opens in Eldridge

A new dinner spot has opened in Eldridge. Brickstone Kitchen and Bar swung out its doors at 350 E. LeClaire Road Monday evening. The Chamber of Commerce joined the restaurant owners for a ribbon cutting Wednesday. The owners of Tasty Café partnered with the Quad Cities–area chain Flips Pancake House to establish the upscale dinner spot they said Eldridge residents have long requested. “I think Eldridge needs this type of restaurant,” owner Arber Djaferi said. He wondered why residents should have to travel to Bettendorf or Davenport for a nice meal. A diverse menu features pastas, burgers, steaks, and traditional entrees. Adult guests can treat themselves to wine, beer or cocktails, while younger ones can take their pick of a kids’ menu. Djaferi wanted to make sure there was “a little bit for everybody” every day of the week. He didn’t want the restaurant to become known for just a single offering, like burgers or steaks. “It’s going to be for everything you crave,” Djaferi said. The owners have overhauled Brickstone’s 350 E. LeClaire Road space, most recently home to Miguel’s Tacos. New booths line the walls, and a bar and wine rack greets guests to their right as they enter. Djaferi said the restaurant could seat 95 guests.  From 4–5 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, Brickstone will welcome guests to happy hour with half-off drafts, $5 wine, $10 cheeseburgers, and $1 wings. The restaurant will be open from 4–9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 4–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.   

Leaders of the pack

Making school history is a pretty big deal. But getting to share the honor with a friend might make the victory even sweeter. Over spring break, North Scott seniors Zach McMann and Nathan Anderson learned they were accepted into the 4A All-State Jazz Band, becoming the first four-time jazz All-Staters in North Scott history. On top of that, McMann and Anderson were both named their respective section leaders – McMann will head up the trombone section for the third year in a row, with Anderson leading the alto saxophone section for his second straight year. They’ll be joined in the 20-piece ensemble by musicians from across the state, including Davenport Central, Dallas Center-Grimes, Waukee Northwest, Iowa City High, Pella, Dubuque Hempstead, Cedar Rapids Prairie, Norwalk, Linn-Mar, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Ankeny Centennial and Clear Creek-Amana. The 4A band will be directed by Rodney Whitaker, an internationally renowned bassist who has been featured on more than 100 recordings. He is also the director of jazz studies at Michigan State University. The band, which is sponsored by Jazz Educators of Iowa, will perform on May 14 in Des Moines at the annual JEI conference. “It’s a really, really good feeling,” said Nathan. “Just being able to build on the legacy of this program, from the people who made All-State Jazz my freshman year and my sophomore year – being able to take what they built and add onto it … just being able to contribute our piece to the whole thing.” “Just being able to experience it from the different levels that we’ve gone throughout the years is really cool, because obviously we’ve made it, but we’ve also improved a lot from freshman year to now,” added Zach. “You kind of have a different outlook on it each year when you go in, depending on where you are.” Band instructor Mike McMann calls the opportunity “very special. “In the history of that ensemble, it’s a very small list of people who have made it four years. I don’t even know if it’s in the double digits.” For perspective, only two alto saxophones and five trombones are chosen for the ensemble each year, which McMann said can be kind of a “cutthroat process.” But even knowing the work his students have put in over these four years, he said the opportunity Zach and Nathan got in their freshman year only pushed them harder. “They made it their freshman year, and that was like, holy cow. I knew they’d been working hard, and they had put together some good recordings, but you really don’t expect that to happen. And that gives them some momentum. They both got second part their freshman year. And then it was like, OK, I want to make it, but I want to get a higher seat. So, it was kind of going from making the band to seeing how high they could get.” Knowing the potential to become four-time All-Staters was there, as well as wanting to maintain their status as section leaders, Zach and Nathan said there was pressure to make the band this year, but neither saw that as a bad thing. “It’s a good kind of pressure, because it’s a pressure that makes you want to work and improve and continue improving,” said Nathan. “In All-State Jazz Band, it’s not purely a hierarchical thing. There’s not really a definitive ‘best person.’ There’s just sort of a best fit for each position.” “There’s also a little bit of pressure involved after you get the news that you’re a lead chair,” said Zach. “Some of the people in the chairs below me, I know them well and I’ve heard them play before. So, I know I’ve got to work in order to honor the fact that I got first chair. I’m motivated to make my part super solid so that not only can everyone else say, ‘He’s a leader,’ but also so that I can fulfil the role that I’ve been assigned.” There was also some pressure on their band director. “Once you get in something and you get the honors, then you get the taste and there’s some pressure,” said McMann. “So, for me, this was the most stressful year, just because I wanted it so badly for them. If they’d done it three years, then something weird happened and they didn’t make it for the last year, it would have been a heartbreak, because they both deserve everything … It’s been a pretty stressful time, but definitely a good payoff.” In addition to becoming better musicians, McMann said he’s also seen the two become better leaders. “Seeing their drive throughout four years has been one of the driving forces of this program. When you have the core, when you have some leaders in the band, it really brings the rest of the group up. “You hope that you get students who take ownership and not only do what they’re instructed or coached to do, but seek out more, and also get to the point where they know their craft well enough that they can almost be kind of like teachers, whether it’s through verbal instruction or whether it’s through their playing. When they have that kind of command over it, it’s really cool. Because that is next level stuff for this particular genre.” The chance to improve their musicianship over these four years is one thing Zach and Nathan agree has been beneficial. Zach said one of the most important things he’s learned is how to get out of his own head, stay in the moment and be prepared to take risks. “It’s deceptively hard to record sometimes,” he said. “Because you can be having a really good take and then all of a sudden, something goes wrong because you get in your head about it. But staying in the moment, staying real with yourself and preparing enough to where you consistently have good runs and good takes is important. “I’ve come to appreciate the experience of All-State Jazz, actually being in the band. Freshman year, obviously it was a great honor. But it really taught me the first year that I went that I’m super lucky and thankful to have this opportunity, because it’s not every day that you get to play with musicians of that caliber. And I’ve just been super grateful for that every time I’ve been.” Nathan said he’s also come to appreciate how every musician brings something special to the group. “Within the realm of jazz, there’s not really one person that, like, you need to sound like this, you need to do exactly what they’re doing. Everybody in the band has their own influences. I’ve learned that there’s not really a ‘best’ to strive for. It’s just kind of what you personally like. As long as you put in the amount of work that it takes to realize what you think it should sound like, and what you feel like you should be contributing to the group, that’s the most important thing, rather than purely, what’s the best skill level.” McMann also admitted to having a few sentimental, proud dad moments recently, as Zach and Nathan prepare to graduate. “A video popped up on my feed of Nathan and Zach doing a song at the talent show in eighth grade. You know, Zach’s trombone is almost as big as he is. And it was just one of those things – because they’ve been best friends all throughout. Seeing all of that transpire over the years has been pretty cool.” In yet another full circle moment, as the jazz band prepares for one of its final concerts this year, at the Redstone Room in Davenport, the band will be performing an arrangement of the same song Nathan and Zach performed in eighth grade. But the end of high school hardly marks the end of Nathan and Zach’s musical plans. They both received full-ride invitations to a jazz camp this summer in New Orleans. And in the fall, they’ve committed to attending the University of Northern Iowa, where they both plan to major in music education, particularly jazz education. “Music is a huge part of my life, so I want to keep that in my career as much as I can,” said Zach. “So, that’s kind of my starting point. Right now, I’m thinking it would be cool to be the head of a jazz band at a collegiate level. I think that would be a lot of fun, just being able to make connections with my potential future students would be really rewarding for me.” Nathan said he’s also looking at teaching at a collegiate level right now, but he has some other interests, too. “There’s a ton of other things that I’d like to branch out and see about. I really like recording and a little bit of composing. That’s something I’ve gotten interested in.” “Mostly, we just want to keep playing and make connections with new people and play with more people, because we love that part of it,” said Zach. McMann said he’s pleased, because one of the goals of the North Scott music programs is to make sure students continue to love music. “You hope that you can just foster love for music. And as far as music education is concerned, I think they would both be really great at it. They’re very intuitive and they’ve dug into this music so much that they have a lot of really good insight into what things should look like. And if they end up becoming teachers, I think future students are going to be lucky to have them.” For the next generation of North Scott jazz students, Zach said it can be easy to just go through the motions as a member of an ensemble. “If you really want to embrace the music and the whole experience – and I get it’s not for everyone – but I think everyone should try it if they have the opportunity, because I know it’s been a very good experience for me. “Here, especially, there’s not a big emphasis as far as jazz band goes on competing. It’s always about the music and inspiring our audience. And that is the greatest gift and the greatest message that our music can portray. So, don’t be afraid to go all in to whatever you’re doing. But if you’re in jazz band, don’t be afraid to practice a lot, listen to music a ton. Any of that stuff is going to help because it’s going to make the whole group and experience better.” “Just don’t be afraid to try your best and put all of your effort into it,” agreed Nathan. “Just put all of your effort, just 100% effort, all of the time. “It can definitely be intimidating. If you had told me as an eighth grader that the next four years, I was going to make All-State Jazz, I would have been terrified, because of the amount of work that I perceived that I had to put in. But if you just focus on what can I do today to make myself a better musician, better person, more disciplined – if you just focus on small stuff like that, eventually you’ll get there without realizing it.” As they reflect on their time at North Scott, Nathan and Zach said they’ll leave with fond memories of their jazz careers with this program. Zach said one of the biggest lessons he’s learned from music at North Scott is that you get out of the ensemble what you put into it. “If you want to have the greatest experience and be the most fulfilled, you need to apply yourself and give it your all if it’s something you’re passionate about. That’s going to boost the people around you – the influence of just one person committing can show other people what it takes to get there. And that’s a huge thing for building a program. Like Nathan was talking about, the legacy of all the people that have made All-State Jazz before us and creating that culture where people can learn to be successful and learn to love the music.” “At North Scott, we talk about the pressure that they put on you, and it can get to be a lot at some points,” said Nathan. “But it’s always been clear to me that anybody who has ever given me criticism or advice in any area of my life at North Scott specifically, it has always been from a place of love and that they want me to be the best version of myself. And I think I’ll take that to other people, and whatever community I’m a part of.”       

Board gets a look at $2.2 million general store plans

Representatives with Wold Architects presented supervisors with plans for the new county general store at Paul Revere Square, 2322 E. Kimberly Road, last week. Renovations will begin this summer and are expected to cost the county $2.275 million, Facility and Support Services Director Tammy Speidel reported. The general store plans to vacate its current offices, adjoining the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), 902 W. Kimberly Road, by the end of the year. Members of the public will meet with clerks at one of eight large windows in the lobby of the new store, architect Jonathan Kuzynowski of Wold explained. Behind those windows, clerks will have access to a break room, conference room and private restrooms. Managers will fill two private offices. The new office will take up 70% of space on the first floor of the county’s Paul Revere Square building. The remaining 30% will be left for future buildout, Kuzynowski said. An entry room separates the planned lobby from the unused space. Architect Kirsta Ehmke said that room would connect members of the public to services offered in future buildout. Conference rooms, break rooms, and bathrooms would also be connected and shared by county staff, she said. Speidel noted that the customer service windows adopt post-Pandemic safety measures. The design “allows for that separation between nasty germs, and also between any customer that may get upset or excited,” she said. Speidel said that several project elements could be cut if bids arrive overbudget. Those include an elevator connecting basement storage to the first floor; a fire alarm system; and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system, which would prevent damage to office technology in the event of a power outage. “Hopefully we can afford all of them, but we’re trying to be strategic about how the dollars are spent,” Speidel said. Speidel and Wold representatives also presented plans for new backup uninterruptible power supply (UPS) units and computer room air conditioning at the Scott Emergency Communications Center. That project will cost the county an estimated $300,000. Supervisors held required public hearings on both sets of plans during their regular meeting Thursday, March 26. Tax hearing The county’s annual tax hearing, held Thursday, drew several members of the public with concerns over tax bills they say continue to rise. Nolan Hagge, of Princeton, said his have gone up every year since he returned to Iowa from Chicago two years ago. “We love this state; I grew up in the state. I want to raise my kids in this state. I want them to have a great life. I want to have good schools. But at the same time, I just see everything going up. And it’s very concerning,” he said. His mother, Nancy Hagge, also spoke to tax concerns. “Our taxes, too, have never gone down,” she said. “We’ve lived here 26 years.” No members of the public commented on a 15 cent tax increase for rural properties. Visit Quad Cities Supervisor Ross Paustian criticized a $70,000 contribution to Visit Quad Cities included in next year’s county budget. The agency, which promotes regional tourism, received a matching sum from the county this year. “I’d like to see a rundown of where their revenue comes from and what they’re spending the money on, because I don’t think they need the money,” Paustian said. Supervisors discussed the contribution after it drew criticism from Paustian during budget hearings last month. County Administrator Mahesh Sharma noted that supervisors asked not to reconsider the list of authorized agencies which receive county contributions early in the budget process last year. Sharma held funding for all authorized agencies, which include the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Community Health Care, static for the coming fiscal year. “We kept the funding that was authorized last year,” he explained. Paustian still asked the board to schedule a vote on the Visit Quad Cities contribution, so that he could vote “no.” Other supervisors favor the annual contribution. “We get something from tourism. We want people to come to Scott County,” Supervisor Jean Dickson said. “I believe that Visit Quad Cities is a good thing, because I want to encourage tourism for the agricultural areas,” Supervisor Maria Bribriesco specified. Supervisor Ken Beck said the board would likely have to reconsider each of its authorized agency contributions during the next budget cycle. “Right now, we’re waiting to see what the legislators are going to do to us. I think this, as well as some others, are open to discussion when we start determining how we’re going to trim back our budget,” he said. Board Chair John Maxwell did not comment during discussions. Paustian had previously asked Maxwell to recuse himself from discussions on Visit Quad Cities, citing agrotourism business at Maxwell’s farm, Cinnamon Ridge. Sheriff’s contracts, grants Scott County will raise deputy sheriffs’ wages twice this year, by 3% on July 1 and 2% on Jan. 1. Other, nonunion county employees will receive a single, 3.5% wage increase this year. Supervisors agreed to the wage increases Thursday following negotiations with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Supervisors also approved routine grant applications from the Sheriff’s Office, which provide funding for a targeted drug trafficking enforcement. Scott County shares grant proceeds with the Bettendorf Police Department. Other business In other news, the board: • Heard its monthly financial report from Budget and Administrative Services Director David Farmer. Farmer noted that gaming tax revenues, collected on area casinos, have lagged 3.5% behind estimates to date. • Approved a three-year, $39,342.00 agreement with the Center for Patient Safety to provide new patient safety training to the county ambulance service, Medic EMS. Medic Director Paul Andorf said the training was a new requirement for agency accreditations. • Approved a three-year, $238,136.43 contract with KnowBe4 for new email security software for the county. • Concluded its second and final reading of an ordinance to remove birth dates and social security numbers from municipal infraction citations. • Set a capital improvement budget hearing for April 23 at 5 p.m., during their regular meeting.  • Okayed routine appointments, liquor license renewals and property tax exemptions.

DuTrac plans Diaper Drive throughout May

DuTrac Community Credit Union announced it will host its third annual Diaper Drive throughout the month of May, aiming to collect 15,000 diapers to help address diaper insecurity among families in need. Donations collected at all DuTrac branch locations will directly benefit local families through partnerships with United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States and Hiney Heroes of the Quad Cities. All contributions will remain within the communities where they are donated, ensuring support reaches families close to home. “Diapers are one of the most requested but least donated items for families with young children, and they aren’t covered by most government assistance programs,” said Andy Hawkinson, President and CEO of DuTrac Community Credit Union. “That’s why our communities coming together through this Diaper Drive can make such a meaningful difference for local families.” The 2026 goal reflects growing community engagement. In 2025, DuTrac set a goal of 7,500 diapers but exceeded expectations by collecting 12,424 diapers. Community members are encouraged to donate diapers of any size or make a monetary contribution to Venmo @DuTrac-CommunityCreditUnion or at any DuTrac branch location during the month of May. For more information about how to contribute, visit DuTrac.org or contact Sherrie Keating at 563-585-8415 or skeating@dutrac.org.

Izaak Walton League launches archery rang

The Izaak Walton League, located at 8402 N. Harrison St., is excited to announce a new member benefit arriving in the spring of 2026: access to an outdoor archery target range, designed for flexible, self-paced practice. Members who are approved for access will be able to use 54-inch round target bales stored onsite and set up their own shooting distances up to 100 yards. This setup supports everything from casual practice to serious skill development in a quiet, outdoor setting. Range access will be available from dawn until dusk seven days a week, allowing members to practice on their own schedule. Select days and times will be unavailable due to prescheduled club events. Members are required to bring their own bows and arrows. Broadheads and crossbows will not be allowed. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, access will be limited to a set number of club members. Interested members are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot. For more information, contact Pennie Engler at rpengler@aol.com or 563-340-3790.

Rotary grants now available

The North Scott Rotary Club has announced the launch of its Community Needs Grant Program for 2026, with $54,930 available to support projects that address significant community needs. The program will award individual grants of up to $5,000 to eligible organizations whose projects demonstrate meaningful impact. Eligible applicants include not-for-profit organizations, schools, and government entities, all of which must provide an EIN or federal tax identification number. The grant program does not fund scholarships, salaries or other operational expenses, large capital or brick-and-mortar projects, or funding organizations. Smaller capital needs, such as equipment or furnishings, may be considered. Completed applications must be submitted by May 1, 2026, at 4 p.m. The North Scott Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a global network of community volunteers dedicated to humanitarian service, ethical leadership, and promoting goodwill and peace. Through service projects, fundraising, and local partnerships, North Scott Rotary works to improve quality of life both locally and beyond. Grant guidelines, application materials, and additional information are available at www.northscottrotary.org.

Grassley fields questions on visit to Lewis Machine and Tool

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley heard anxious questions from employees of defense manufacturer Lewis Machine and Tool during a tour of their Eldridge facility Monday. Asked where he thought conflict with Iran would “end up,” Grassley quickly replied, “I hope it ends up yesterday.” Grassley fielded several questions on coflict in Iran, as well as concerns over the rising cost of gasoline and the impact of tariffs. Although Grassley said that Iran and its nuclear program posed a serious threat to the United States, he also said Iowans should “pray for the war to get over.” “I can’t predict when the war is going to end,” he said. Grassley expressed strong support for year-round sale of high-ethanol fuel to ease rising prices at the pump. Inexpensive E15 would also support Iowa industry and reduce farmers’ dependence on federal subsidies, he said. “You talk to any farmer in Iowa—they’d rather receive money from the marketplace than the federal government,” he said. Recent administrations have signed waivers to allow the sale of E15 year-round. Grassley said Congress should pass a bill to eliminate statutory restrictions for good. He argued that gas stations would struggle to invest in pumps without the certainty provided by federal law. Grassley said that he was willing to give Trump and his electoral mandate some “leeway” on tariffs, but stressed that a “predictable economic environment” benefited consumers, businesses, and workers. He characterized himself as a “free trader” and noted that half of Lewis Machine and Tool product is exported. He later questioned President Donald Trump’s authority to pay T.S.A. workers without Congressional approval. “I don’t know that the president has authority to do that,” he said, noting that the Constitution gives Congress authority over government spending. He said “the appropriate thing to do” would be to pass a Senate funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security rejected by the House this weekend. “I do this in the spirit of representative government,” Grassley said of his appearance at Lewis Machine and Tool. “I’m one half of that process. My constituents are the other half.”  

Ballot set for June 2 state, local, federal primary

Candidates for state, county and federal office finished filing for June 2 partisan primaries last month. To appear on the November 3 ballot, candidates must file for June primaries or receive a nomination at their party convention later this year. In the only competitive county primary, Republican voters will winnow the field of candidates for the board of supervisors. Four Republicans—incumbents Jean Dickson and John Maxwell, and challengers Luana Stoltenberg and Jennifer McAndrew Lane—have filed for three spots open on the November ballot. Democrat Kevin Randle, a newcomer, has also filed for the board of supervisors. No Democrat filed to run against incumbent Scott County Attorney Kelly Cunningham, a Republican. “I’ve been a prosecutor for 36 years. I love this work,” she told The North Scott Press. “I have an extensive amount of experience in just about every facet of criminal law that you can develop, and we really need someone who has that type of experience to lead the office.” Incumbent County Recorder Rita Vargas, a Democrat, will face a challenge in November from Republican Mike Wulf of Walcott. Vargas initially said she would not seek reelection. She changed her mind after hearing that state officials were considering eliminating or consolidating recorders’ offices across the state. “I think the recorder’s office—and not just my office, but across the state—do a great service to the public, and I want to be here to advocate for the office,” Vargas said. “If a new person were to come in, I’m not sure they would have the in-depth history of the recorder’s office that I have,” she added. Wulf, an engineer, said he had a background in “process optimization and process improvement.” He said he decided to run after conversations with Tony Knobbe, the current county treasurer. As recorder, he would prioritize “efficiency, zero errors, and excellent service.” “Mike has a strong belief that local government should be practical, trustworthy, and focused on serving people well,” his candidate statement reads. Democrat Samuel Samara and Republican Gregory Guy will vie for the county treasurer seat, as incumbent Tony Knobbe steps into retirement. Samara, resident of Eldridge, is a longtime Scott County information technology employee and Eastern Iowa Community College professor. “I’m passionate about leading people and improving technology processes,” he wrote in an email to The North Scott Press. “Recent technical developments will require significant change to Treasurer’s Office processes in the near future,” he wrote. “Those process changes will require leadership with a strong technical background. I am well prepared to provide that departmental and technical leadership.” Guy, a longtime business manager at Highland Toyota, formerly ran for the position of county treasurer in 2018. “I believe citizens of Scott County deserve someone with successful business experience,” Guy said. As treasurer, he would “strengthen the outstanding team that’s there right now” and “give back to the community I have called home for 40 years.” “I think that local government should be practical, trustworthy, and focused on serving the people,” he added. Every North Scott–area incumbent in the State House and State Senate faces a challenge from a member of the opposite party except for Republican Rep. Mike Vondran, who represents Eldridge and parts of Davenport and Bettendorf. Candidates for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives all face intraparty races to decide who will appear on the November ballot. Find the full list of candidates below. To see all state and federal races, visit sos.iowa.gov/voters/candidates. COUNTY Attorney Kelly Cunningham Haan, R, Incumbent Board of Supervisors Jean Dickson, R, Incumbent John Maxwell, R, Incumbent Jennifer McAndrew Lane, R Luana Stoltenberg, R Kevin Randle, D Recorder Rita Vargas, D, Incumbent Michael E Wulf, R Treasurer Gregory Guy, R Samuel Samara, D STATE Senate District 35 — Clinton-North Scott Mike Zimmer, D, Incumbent Joe Stutting, R Senate District 41 — Cedar County-Walcott Kerry Gruenhagen, R, Incumbent Tom Wieck, D Senate District 47 — Bettendorf-Eldridge-LeClaire Scott Webster, R, Incumbent Nikhil Wagle, D House District 70 — Clinton-North Scott Norlin Mommsen, R, Incumbent George Pickup, D House District 81 — Davenport-Mt. Joy Daniel Gosa, D, Incumbent Dillon Fillion, R House District 82 — Cedar County-Walcott Bobby Kaufmann, R, Incumbent James Behrmann, D House District 94 — Eldridge Mike Vondran, R, Incumbent Governor Eddie Andrews, R Randy Feenstra, R Zach Lahn, R Brad Sherman, R Adam Steen, R Rob Sand, D Secretary of State Paul D. Pate, R, Incumbent Ryan Peterman, D State Auditor Chris Cournoyer, R Abigail Maas, R Taylor Wettach, D State Treasurer Roby Smith, R, Incumbent John Norwood, D Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, R, Incumbent Chris Jones, D Attorney General Brenna Bird, R, Incumbent Nate Willems, D FEDERAL Senate Jim Carlin, R Ashley Hinson, R Josh Turek, D Zach Wahls, D U.S. House District 1 Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R, Incumbent David Pautsch, R Christina Bohannon, D Travis Terrell, D

Permanent aid for child care workers heads to governor’s desk

A bill making the Iowa Child Care Assistance program permanently available for child care workers regardless of income heads to the governor’s desk after passing both chambers with bipartisan support. House File 2514, which passed the Senate unanimously Monday, makes the Child Care Assistance (CCA) pilot program established in 2023 permanent. The pilot program extends child care assistance to families in which one parent is working at least 32 hours a week in the child care field, regardless of the family’s income. Under current law, the assistance program is available to families with a gross monthly income below 250% of the federal poverty level who are unavailable during week days due to their job, schooling, vocational training or other state PROMISE JOBS activities. Sen. Mark Costello, R-Imogene, said the estimated cost of implementing the bill is $11.7 million, with the state paying $7 million and the federal government $4.7 million in fiscal year 2027. In FY 2028, the projected state cost is $7.3 million and the federal cost $4.8 million, according to the Legislative Services Agency fiscal note. Costello said the bill comes as the state has “a projected surplus of the money that we have for this that we may as well use.” House lawmakers said in February during floor debate on the bill the state funding is drawn from Iowa’s Child Care Development Fund, which is projected to carry forward $107 million in FY 2026 and $91 million in FY 2027. Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, D-West Des Moines, said the bill moving forward was an example of “exactly how the legislative process should work.” “I heard from so many child care providers that this was the make or break thing to keep people in the profession, because a lot of our child care providers are parents of young children,” Trone Garriott said. “And so, this is a benefit that helps them to continue to work in that field, and that makes a difference for all of our families with young children.” The measure moves to the governor for final consideration. The same proposal — making the CCA pilot program permanent — is also a component of  House File 2712 and Senate File 2462, companion bills that make changes to the state’s Early Childhood Iowa system and related funding. These bills survived the second funnel deadline of the session, as it concerns appropriations.

Dance Marathon raises feet, hands, hips, cash

North Scott held its Dance Marathon Saturday, March 27, in The Pit.  While final fundraising totals were not available at press time, students of all grade levels hit the dance floor. Families who have experienced pediatric cancer were also honored at the event. 

Take your tractor to school day

Members of the FFA held their annual Tractorcade on Tuesday, March 24. More than a dozen tractors could be seen parked at the high school when students arrived for the school day. Mid-morning, they proceeded in a convoy through the streets of Eldridge and along 1st Street through Long Grove and then to Park View, where they stopped at Neil Armstrong Elementary School. There, delighted young students got the opportunity to come out and learn more about the equipment from FFA members.

How to understand that puzzling tax notice

Iowa state law ensures that property owners receive a March notice detailing changes to city, county and school taxes. But it does not ensure that notice is easy to understand. So here is a breakdown of the mailer we received at The North Scott Press office, 214 N. 2nd St. in Eldridge. Hopefully it will help you read your own. Front page The three boxes on the front page detail your school district, county and city tax rates. The county collects all property taxes on behalf of districts and cities, which set their own rates. Column 1 “Current Property Tax,” tells you the total property tax revenue received by your district, county or city this fiscal year, 2025–26. Column 2 “Current Tax Rate,” tells you the tax rate set by your district or municipality this fiscal year, 2025–26. The rate is in dollars per $1,000 of taxable property value. Column 3 “Effective Tax Rate,” tells you what your tax rate would be if your district or municipality kept revenues entirely flat for next fiscal year, 2026–27. This rate is likely below the current tax rate, because tax bases have expanded through new construction and upward reassessment of property values. Column 4 “Proposed Prop Tax,” tells you the total property tax revenue your district or municipality would bring in next fiscal year, 2026–27, if it adopts the maximum tax rate proposed. Column 5 “Proposed Tax Rate,” tells you the maximum tax rate proposed by your district or municipality for next fiscal year, 2026–27. The rate is in dollars per $1,000 of taxable property value. Districts and municipalities can decide to lower proposed property tax rates after receiving feedback on this form. They cannot raise this rate beyond the number printed. Urban or rural? Owners of property within the borders of Eldridge, Davenport, Long Grove or another municipality pay the “Urban Resident” rate set by the county. Owners of property in unincorporated Scott County, including Park View, pay the “Rural Resident” rate. The difference pays exclusively for the rural library system and secondary roads maintenance. Non-ag or ag only? Agricultural land within municipal borders may pay a different tax rate than other land. Back page The first table on the back page tells you the total tax revenues collected in your taxing district. The table separates out revenues gathered in tax increment financing (TIF) districts or urban renewal area. These dollars go to support city projects or private developments approved by local governments. The second and third tables present tax scenarios for a pair of hypothetical properties in your taxing district. The scenarios make several assumptions and hide a few key figures. Let’s start with the secon table, which looks at a hypothetical piece of residential property. It assumes that the property is worth $100,000 this year and $110,000 next year, for a 10% rise in value. This appreciation is entirely hypothetical and does not reflect any actual change in your property value. Iowa’s residential rollback system affects how much of that valuation would be taxed. In 2025–26, about 47% of a residential property’s assessed value was taxable. For 2026–27, that rollback has fallen to 44% to moderate the tax burden of rising property values. These rollback figures do not appear clearly on the form but impact the figures it presents. Box 1 “Tax Using Current Rate,” presents the taxes owed on the hypothetical property this fiscal year, 2025–26. This number is calculated by multiplying the home value ($100,000) by the residential rollback (about 47%) by the district or municipal tax rate. Box 2 “Tax Using Proposed Rate,” presents the taxes that would be owed next year on the property under new rates. This number is calculated by multiplying the new home value ($110,000) by the new residential rollback (about 44%) by the new district, county or city tax rate. Box 3 “% Change,” tells you the increase or decrease in hypothetical tax bills between this and next fiscal years. You can approximate your own district or municipal tax bill for next year by multiplying your assessed property value by the rollback of 0.445345 by the district or municipal rates presented in Box 5 on the front page of the mailer. The third table offers a similar hypothetical for a piece of commercial property. That property also rises in value at a rate of 10% from the current to next fiscal year. Commercial tax rollbacks have not increased as much as residential rollbacks. The form does not include minor property tax rates that may be levied by community colleges, the agricultural extension, rural fire districts and other entities.  

Iowa volunteers begin water testing for nitrates

Iowa volunteers concerned with the state’s water quality are beginning a new season of independent testing for nitrates in bodies of water surrounding where they live. Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement has kicked off its third year with the Nitrate Watch program. The program, run by the Izaak Walton League of America, relies on citizen participants to regularly test for nitrates and nitrites in Iowa’s waterways. Nitrites are a precursor to nitrates. Katie Bryan, membership development director for ICCI, said the importance of the program is in bringing people together and helping them know their water sources. “It gets people out there, looking at their waterways firsthand…seeing the change in the waterway, in the environment,” Bryan said. “As the season progresses, there’s a bigger number of people in Iowa who have the kind of deeper, firsthand understanding of the (water quality issue).” The Nitrate Watch program runs independently of the system the state of Iowa uses to monitor and track its waterways, including nitrate levels. The Iowa Water Quality Information System, run by the University of Iowa, is at risk of running out of money to continue. Advocates are working to push Iowa’s legislators to continue funding IWQIS before the 2026 legislative session is over. “The water sensor network is just irreplaceable. We stand to lose so much with the loss of that network,” said Heather Wilson, Save our Streams coordinator for the Midwest Region with IWLA. Wilson said she doesn’t believe Iowa’s volunteers can replace the system and sensors that would be lost. She said Nitrate Watch doesn’t claim to duplicate those systems. Instead, the program’s niche “has always been to supplement the monitoring that’s taking place by the DNR” and other organizations. Samantha Puckett, director of IWLA’s Clean Water Program, made it clear that Iowa’s volunteers provide beneficial and much-needed testing. “Monitoring the data is valuable and we like seeing it on the national map and getting a good picture of what’s happening in the state of Iowa and beyond,” Puckett said. “We want to equip our volunteers with the tools that they need to know how their water is, how their tap water is doing, how their well water is doing, how their streams are faring in the nitrate world,” she said. The ICCI kickoff, hosted over Zoom on March 26, included Iowans from across the state. Participants live in Winterset, Hiawatha, Council Bluffs, Madison and Hardin counties, and Ankeny, among other locations. On the call, Kim Callahan, membership and database coordinator for ICCI, highlighted last year’s Nitrate Watch program numbers. Callahan said Iowans requested 206 test kits. Each test kit contains 25 test strips for dunking into the state’s water. Through those kits, Nitrate Watch collected 970 nitrate samples from 220 sites across Iowa. That data all ended up in Nitrate Watch’s 2025 Annual Report. The report shows citizens from across the country sent in more than 6,500 nitrate readings last year. Iowa made up nearly two thirds of them with more than 4,000 readings. Wilson said she believes that level of engagement in Iowa is natural. “Iowa has proven to be such a hotbed of not only negative events happening surrounding nitrate pollution recently, but also really dedicated and engaged people,” she said, referring to Des Moines Water Works’ lawn watering ban in 2025 and the fish kill along the East Nishnabotna and Nishnabotna rivers in 2024. “We have a good history of engagement in Iowa, and I think Nitrate Watch has just been the next logical progression of that.” Puckett agrees and added, “The nature of the makeup of Iowa and how it’s more rural of a state, there’s a larger population of folks in Iowa that have this innate outdoor ethic.” She said that conservation ethic coupled with systemic pollution problems “has created this ground swelling of engaged monitors and folks that want to contribute and make a difference and protect the environment for future generations.” Bryan said Iowans have already requested 106 test kits for the start of the new testing season. She said that’s more evidence of Iowans wanting to make a change. “People are getting sick of the inaction and wanting to participate and engage and make a difference on the issue in whatever way they can,” Bryan said.

Grissom students improve their literacy skills

Virgil Grissom students and staff are continuing to work hard on literacy skills, and now they’re bringing families into the mix. At Monday’s school board meeting, held at the Princeton elementary school, principal Kyle Harris and instructional coach Kelli Houston updated the board on the school’s ongoing efforts to improve literacy skills, including teacher training, and new initiatives for students and families. While the school is focusing on literacy this year, staff hope to be able to take the lessons into other subject areas, including math, science and social-emotional learning (SEL). Houston said assessment data and the Iowa Comprehensive State Literacy Plan help drive the school’s efforts. According to the Iowa School Performance Profile, 97.53% of Grissom students are proficient in English Language Arts (ELA), and the ELA median student growth percentile is 73. Grissom also received an overall performance rating of exceptional. “This showed us that we are doing many great things here,” said Houston. “But … where can we take it from there and how can we keep being exceptional?”  She said a particular focus is ensuring that students who might be on the bubble don’t fall behind. Houston added that nearly all the teachers at the school have undergone LETRS training, completing the program in December. A reading interventionist is also currently going through the training. LETRS, which stands for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling, provides educators with in-depth knowledge and tools that they can use with any reading curriculum. The training is provided by the state and is written into the State Comprehensive Literacy Plan as a form of professional development teachers should engage in. So far, all the K-5 teachers, as well as the special education teacher and a reading interventionist, have engaged in the training. Houston and Harris have also undergone LETRS training for administrators. Harris said he is also doing LETRS for early childhood education. “We’re trying to kind of hit every single one of the LETRS trainings that we can. Part of that is just making sure that it just connects across the board. That consistency starting in preschool all the way up to sixth grade for our students.” Three teachers at the school who have done LETRS training also participated in the pilot program for the new ELA curriculum the district will roll out next year. “They were able to take their knowledge that they learned in LETRS and look at the curriculums through that lens to see which one really had those best practices that they learned,” said Houston. She said one of the main focuses at Grissom has been an emphasis on vocabulary, because it’s something that every teacher, regardless of whether they have LETRS training, can implement in their classroom. Comprehension and understanding are also driven by having a rich vocabulary. Houston said she learned in a professional development session last year that students need to learn between 800 and 2,000 words per year to improve their skills in reading and comprehension. There’s also been a focus on keeping the learning ongoing at home. Houston said at the preschool and kindergarten level, it’s especially important to have a literacy-rich environment at home. This is a core belief of the Iowa Comprehensive State Literacy Plan: “Family and community partnerships are crucial for improving student literacy achievement by providing a supportive and collaborative environment that extends beyond the classroom.” “Our focus was really to engage families and caregivers in literacy efforts starting this year and then thinking beyond that for the following years,” said Houston. “We wanted to create a shared responsibility for student success.” To that end, several school-wide initiatives were implemented this year. One of the most popular is the Word of the Week. “We started talking about this last year when we were talking about vocabulary and how can we expose our students to as many words as possible,” said Houston. “This is designed to promote learning and literacy through the expansion of word knowledge and vocabulary skills.” Students at all grade levels participate in the Word of the Week. For instance, this week’s word is “analyze,” which ties in with the ISASP testing the students are currently doing. “Usually, it’s a word that’s related to something academic, maybe social-emotional,” explained Houston. There are posters around the school with the Word of the Week, and Houston also leads activities during the morning announcements (complete with a theme song). This also helps teachers remember to do explicit instruction regarding the Word of the Week. Throughout the week, students are also encouraged to use the special word in conversation and writing assignments, both at school and at home. “Everybody in the staff is aware of it and encouraging it,” said Houston. She added the Word of the Week is also sent home in the newsletter, so families are also aware and can encourage their students. Word of the Week activities include breaking down the word into syllables and consonants and vowels, determining the suffix and part of speech, word mapping, definitions, synonyms and antonyms, coming up with situations where the word might be used, writing the word in a sentence, finding examples of the word, and applying the word. Sometimes there are also video or other media components that teachers can share in the classroom. Harris said students at all grade levels are engaged with the Word of the Week, adding that the activities have become engrained in the school day. The school also implemented monthly reading challenges. For instance, in October, students were encouraged to visit the library and take a photo of themselves getting a library card or checking out a book. In November, they were encouraged to read with their families. February was “Love of Reading” month, and classes made paper chains, with each link representing a picture book or a certain number of pages in a chapter book. At the end of the month, students can earn special treats. Houston said they have had ice cream, and popcorn and hot cocoa stations in the past. Approximately 50-60% of students building-wide participate in the reading challenges every month. Meanwhile, parents and caregivers also receive monthly literacy newsletters, which include resources, information and strategies to promote literacy efforts at home. They are encouraged to ask their child about the Word of the Week and promote the monthly reading challenge. They also get a monthly literacy tip to work on at home. The newest resource for families is a digital hub for caregivers, that launched just last week. Houston put together an interactive page with many literacy tools that families can use at home, using age-appropriate instruction. This includes resources from the Iowa Standards Family Guides, the Iowa Reading Research Center, Iowa PBS and more. There are also videos and math instructional tools. “I wanted to create a way that they could access all of those great resources without it being too overwhelming,” Houston explained. She said she plans to have a weekly “hub highlight” for caregivers to show ways the resources can be implemented. A survey will also be sent to caregivers towards the end of the year to determine other ways the school can help manage roadblocks or other challenges families or students might be facing. Also towards the end of the year, teachers and staff will evaluate how these tools have been working so far. Houston said they also plan to implement a social-emotional “Skill of the Week,” with a trial run yet this year. “I love how you’re involving families, engaging families, community, this entire school,” said board member Joni Dittmer at the end of the presentation. “The shared responsibility is huge. This is phenomenal.” Board members Carrie Keppy and Molly Bergfeld also praised the caregiver resource hub, noting it appears to be user friendly and helpful.  

A morbid sign of springtime

The first days of spring have roused Scott County wildlife, and completing our end of the bargain, we have begun to drop them dead on the side of the road. A morbid sign of April: not live animals, but dead ones. We are left to imagine the excited rabbit, ears aloft in the wind, hopping across U.S. 61 in the same spirit that carries me out to my back porch. At least he was crushed happy. In driver’s ed I was taught never to slow down for wildlife in the road, since a hard stop was more dangerous than a light bump. I can’t be the only one who struggled with such a prosaic claim for the superiority of human life. Why not incur a slight risk when faced with the whole life of an animal? I wrote last week that a childhood like mine spent on the farm is accompanied by live animals as much as dead ones. I have no problem with dead animals. Yet with roadkill you can never assure yourself that the animal led the life it was meant to lead, or that the animal’s life would have been worse were you not in it. These are the consolations of the careful farmer, not the thousandth driver carrying mindlessly down the highway. I flew into a fit of rage late in the fall when I found a dead groundhog on my Davenport street, about two blocks south of my apartment. A groundhog in my backyard had kept me company since June and my parents, sent regular pictures, had named him Geoffrey. Was he the one struck and killed? It seemed to me then that roadkill—such an ugly word!—are the supreme symbol of human carelessness. Not because they are killed by unaware drivers, although they are, but because they are casualties in a system of human life which smashes through the natural world and gives no thought to the existence of other things. Angry thoughts rise up when suddenly you are confronted with death. In The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the entire Planet Earth is destroyed by Vogons clearing the path for an intergalactic bypass. Vogons are thoughtless, bureaucratic aliens. It is a delightful joke. There is nothing like humor to demonstrate the mindlessness of everyday life. The one animal you are supposed to brake for is a deer, because they cannot look away from headlights. I imagine that the deer is not flummoxed by the speeding lights, but stuck there thinking: how could my peaceful, prancing life possibly come to a stop like this? Struck by four tons of steel?  About two years ago, a young man I had grown up with died in an accident after swerving to avoid a deer. His instinct must have been for preservation, and while he did not save his own life, he did save the deer’s. In fact the deer is speculative. He avoided it entirely, it left no mark on his car. It serves only to explain his death. I wonder about that deer, endowed with a human life. Usually we begrudge animals an inner life, which we only sometimes give to one another. Might the deer be grateful? There are worse hopes.      

Be a part of the solution

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to watch the latest Pixar film, Hoppers, directed by Daniel Chong. While I’ve always been more of a fan of rival animation studio DreamWorks, Pixar still has quite a few films that I enjoy, and this was certainly one of them. The film is about a young college student who is trying to rally wildlife to help her prevent a local from being destroyed by her town’s mayor. To do this, she plugs her mind into a robotic beaver, with the film even making the joke that the premise is somewhat like James Cameron’s Avatar. With the film being primarily about saving the environment, it’d be easy to simply write this film off as “preachy” or “cliché” without even watching it. I know for me personally, it was hard to get too excited about the film, as I was expecting its themes to either be hollow or well-treaded by other films that tried to spread an environmental message. Thankfully, I actually ended up enjoying Hoppers more than I was expecting, and part of that is due to the film’s actual main theme. While environmentalism plays a big part in the story of Hoppers, it’s actually not the main message of the film. Instead, the film focuses on the importance of compromise, communication, and collaboration between groups of people. It doesn’t tell its audience not to fight for what they think is right, but it does encourage them to still try to see the best in others and to be willing to work with them, even if their goals may seem too different. That while talking things out with someone might not always worth, it’s still always worth trying—because cohabitation should always be the goal. While the main character, Mabel, starts out as a rebel only being interested in fighting for the well-being of local animals, the glade’s cheerful pacifist beaver leader, King George, tries to encourage her to see humans not as nature’s enemies or as a drain on the planet, but as simply part of the ecosystem, having their own role in it like any other animal does. It can be easy to forget this, given the negative impact humans have had on the Earth, but the film is right in that we do still have our role in the food chain, and that after hundreds of years, we’ve managed to find ways to help the Earth and the animals we live alongside. The film doesn’t sweep the negative actions of humans under the rug, but instead encourages us to be better, if only because it already knows we can be. The other part of the film that stood out to me is Mabel herself, and that she isn’t just your typical “angry and rebellious environmentalist with a bleeding heart”. Instead, she’s just a girl with a connection to a place that’s going to be wrecked seemingly for no reason, and as such wants to do all she can to protect it, though this does lead to her sometimes doing the wrong thing—which the film acknowledges through what ends up being a pretty satisfying character journey. During the second half of the film, we hear her talk to George about how she feels like she has to fight and go to extremes if only because she feels so hopeless otherwise. She feels like no one else cares, that she has to do everything on her own—and I imagine that hits home for a lot of people right now, both kids and adults. To this, George tells Mabel she isn’t alone, nor does she have to fight alone. It’s only when humans and animals work together that the film is able to reach its bittersweet but still overall happy ending. Hoppers is, ultimately, a story about the power of connection. When we try to understand each other, work together, and are willing to lean on one another, it’s still possible to create a place suitable for everyone’s needs. Ego, pain, and selfishness can drive us apart and force us to extreme actions, but Hoppers tells us that it’s never too late to find a way to be part of the solution instead of the problem.

1986: Perris Village Apartment complex approved

March 31, 1976 • New Horizon Outdoor Equipment Company filed a $2.5 million suit against First Mortgage Investments Inc. of Bettendorf, alleging FMI had defaulted on a written loan agreement. In 1972, New Horizon had announced plans to construct its state-of-the-art Saf-T Craft bandmower at its facility located in Lancer Park. As New Horizon attempted to raise capital, it entered into an agreement with FMI for a $1 million loan at 12% interest. The company said FMI failed to advance a portion of the loan, and in November of 1973, New Horizon was forced to close its Eldridge facility. Meanwhile, FMI was currently in reorganization proceedings in federal bankruptcy court. • Five North Scott students participated at the state speech contest in Ottumwa: Donna Westphal, Brenda Madden, Sue Boeding, Robin Marti and Julie Thornton. • A new, 4,800 square foot office building was under construction at the corner of Grove Road and Lincoln Drive in Park View, said developer Richard Millage. The facility was scheduled for completion by the summer, and space was already set for occupancy by Park View Realty, Park View Development, Continental Homes and Park View Utilities. The remainder was available for rental. • Industrial arts students at North Scott Junior High recently finished a project building model homes depicting American lifestyles. The students also made a notebook that included the price of their home comparable to the earnings they hoped to have as an adult, as well as notes on the furnishings of the home. Those design features were decided upon by the lifestyle they planned to have as well as their budget. Pictured with their model homes were Andy Harry, John Wold, Tom Petersen and Rick Bainter. Marvin DeLong was the industrial arts instructor at the junior high. • Leon Moeller of Dixon bowled a 299 game as part of a 623 series at Maysville Lanes, rolling for the Keppy’s Store team in the Beginner’s Luck league. Moeller rolled 11 straight strikes before picking up nine pins on the last ball. The number four pin wavered but refused to fall. For his efforts, Moeller received a commemorative bowling ball and would also receive a diamond ring from the American Bowling Congress. April 2, 1986 • The Eldridge Planning & Zoning Commission approved the Perris Village Apartment Complex project, which would be located on West Donahue Street between North 2nd and North 3rd streets, across from Centennial Park. The apartments would be open to senior citizens and families on a first-come, first-serve basis. Estimated rent was $190-$200 for a one-bedroom, and $225-$230 for a two-bedroom. “I really think this type of apartment complex is what Eldridge needs, and I think we’ll be under construction within in the next 30 days,” said developer Jim Granzow. • Glen Moeller was honored by the Eldridge Jaycees as the area’s Outstanding Young Farmer. The presentation was made by Bob Braden. • Students at North Scott Junior High were learning CPR. In the last five years, more than 1,000 students had become CPR certified, and for the last two years, the lifesaving technique had been required learning. Teacher Bill Erps became CPR certified so he could teach the class. He also taught adults, including card clubs, business groups, city employees and four area fire departments. • North Scott alum Tammy Kreiter was one of 10 people in the country to receive a scholarship to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy of New York, which was affiliated with the Julliard School. Kreiter auditioned in Chicago and was invited into the program. It was a two-year program, but students had to be invited back for the second year. The daughter of Jack and Myra Kreiter, Tammy was set to graduate from the University of Iowa in May and do summer stock in Arkansas before heading to New York in October. “I don’t have any illusions of being a star, but if that would happen, that would be great,” she said. April 4, 2001 • Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources said they weren’t concerned about reports a farmer near Stockton was moving lime to his field. The lime was being hauled from a pile that had been sitting on the Bettendorf riverfront since at least the 1950s. While the lime was more potent than what was typically used in agriculture, it was not thought to be dangerous, said investigators with the DNR. They added using lime was a way some farmers adjusted the level of acidity in their soil. • Forty-two Scott County residents participated in a Citizens Police Academy, hosted by the Bettendorf Police Department, and sponsored by several area departments, including Eldridge, Blue Grass, Buffalo, LeClaire, Princeton, Walcott, and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department. The eight-week course gave participants lessons in use of force, working with juveniles, investigations, traffic stops and working with other agencies including the Quad City Bomb Squad and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group. They also got a tour of the jail and courthouse and hands-on experience with weapons. Some students even went on ride-alongs with officers.  • Ed White sixth grader Kathy Mixdorf donated nearly a foot of her hair to Locks of Love. This also represented Kathy’s first major haircut, having had only minor trims since she was a toddler. But she decided her hair was getting too long and in the way, and after her older sister Joelle got a major haircut, Kathy decided to follow in her footsteps. Her mom, Linda, read about Locks of Love, and suggested the donation. • Twenty-seven North Scott students qualified for the state History Day contest, including: Boyd Higgins, Samantha Strange, Jamie Cota, Jennie Bader, Kellie Noel, Matt Poirier, Sam Hackbarth and Kyle Kirby, Erin Daniels and Krista Hemphill (Alan Shepard); Jillyn Munson and Margaret Abney (Ed White); Brian Claeys, Emily Green and Alex Cahill (North Scott High School); Kristen Krambeck (North Scott Junior High), Chris Cuellar, Ashley Daniels, April Scharfenberg, Kristina Cosner, Josh Moshier, Ryan Carter, Ryan Hardesty and Tim Foss (Neil Armstrong); Hannah Rochau, Janey Clark and Natalie Liske (John Glenn). • The North Scott Athletic Boosters won the Class 4A District Award and Booster Club of the Year at the Iowa High School State Booster Club Convention in Des Moines. Presidents Matt and Christie Liske accepted the award. “The recognition we received in Des Moines was very nice,” said Christie. “But the gratitude and pride we feel in our hearts, knowing we touch so many people in so many ways, meaning coaches, kids, the school and community, is something we can all carry with us forever.” April 6, 2011 • After her Davenport apartment went up in flames, North Scott school bus driver Sheryl Sievertsen said she was overwhelmed by the support she had received from her co-workers, passengers and community members. In the three days since the fire, she had received donations of cash and clothing and other offers of assistance. “I’m elated, overwhelmed and amazed at the compassion in this community. If I had to go through something like this, I’m glad it was in this vicinity. Eldridge is a wonderful town. The people have been unbelievable, and they are the most compassionate people I have ever met,” she said. • Discussion regarding the replacement of Eldridge Police vehicles dominated the discussion at the Eldridge City Council meeting. As Ford was discontinuing the Crown Victoria model, council members reviewed the pros and cons of upgrading to alternate vehicles, including SUVs like the Ford Explorer or Chevy Tahoe. Council member Steve Mohr said having a four-wheel drive vehicle would be helpful in the winter, as the police had to borrow several heavier-duty vehicles from the public works department during a recent blizzard. Ultimately, the council decided to purchase a 2010 Ford Explorer, which would give officers time to evaluate it as a patrol car.  By the summer, when the new budget took effect, the council planned to make a decision regarding further vehicle replacements. • Eldridge city officials were disappointed when no residents showed up to a planned meeting to discuss the new comprehensive plan. The meeting was organized with the Bi-State Regional Commission, and 30-50 members of the public had been expected to attend. Instead, only three members of city boards, Adrian Blackwell (utility board) and Karl Donaubauer and Terry Harbour (planning & zoning commission) and Mayor Marty O’Boyle arrived at the community center. The meeting was ultimately postponed, with O’Boyle saying he would contact more people in the interim. • The North Scott boys’ soccer team placed second at its own invitational, defeating Clinton Prince of Peace and tying with Keokuk. They ended the day with a loss to Cedar Falls in a match where both teams were battling injuries. • A scoring error cost the North Scott girls’ track team a second-place finish at Cedar Rapids Xavier. While the host Saints ran away with the title, the Lancers finished 3.5 points behind Benton Community. That was because Sierra Gothard was scored fourth-place in the 100, a race coach Paula Nemmers-Skarich said she actually won. “We have it on video and showed the race officials, but they said they were sticking with the Xavier girl as the winner. We saw it all on tape, over and over again. Sierra was clearly the winner … at the time we didn’t even think it was questionable. We couldn’t believe they gave her fourth.” March 31, 2021 • A judge ruled that John Maxwell would be allowed to continue to serve as both a Scott County supervisor and as a member of the North Scott School Board. Judge Patrick McElyea said in a predominantly rural state like Iowa, it was not hard to imagine such a scenario occurring in many communities. “I’m very happy today,” said Maxwell after the ruling. “Going forward, I don’t think this affects my service. I think I do everything I can to represent both hats. I don’t ever see a conflict.” • As Eldridge prepared to host the International Softball Congress tournament in August, Sheridan Meadows would be getting some upgrades. The park board earmarked $119,000 for improvements, including lights, new dugouts, scoreboards and a deeper fence on one of the diamonds, all to bring the park up to ISC standards. City officials and the board said they were excited for the opportunity. • A new water treatment system and a 180,000-gallon ground storage tank would soon be installed in Park View. A full slate of projects, estimated at $5.8 million, was still on track, said water operator Brent Earley, despite the pandemic, and unexpected complications getting equipment and materials delivered from Texas. • After the pandemic cancelled the 2020 season, North Scott’s track and field teams were champing at the bit to get back to it. The boys’ team finished second at its home early bird meet, behind Western Dubuque. Coach Joe Greenwood called it “one of the better opening meets that we’ve had,” adding there were strong performances throughout the night. • Captains on the boys’ soccer team included Kade Tippet, Logan Cole, Baylor Verbrugge and Chase Porter.        

Get a workout at Project Renewal's Fit Fest

Project Renewal is hosting its annual Fit Fest on Saturday, April 18 from 9 – 11 a.m. at Sister Concetta Park, 6th and Warren Streets in Davenport. Fit Fest is an obstacle course with 10 obstacles/challenges with options for people of all abilities to participate. Participants can take part in disc golf, volleyball, soccer, Zumba, [...]

EveryChild spotlights Child Abuse Prevention Month with Giving Tuesday, community events

The nonprofit is hosting events and trainings throughout April to support children and families across the region.

Making kratom a Schedule 1 drug serves to punish, not protect

The Iowa House of Representatives voted largely along party lines to ban the plant-based stimulant, kratom. The bill would classify kratom as a hallucinogenic Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal to possess. A first offense would be a serious misdemeanor; a second offense would be an aggravated misdemeanor, and a third offense would be a class D felony. I voted “no.” If you are not familiar, kratom is a tree native to southeast Asia, and consuming its leaves, whether chewed, smoked, crushed into tablets, or brewed into tea, can produce a stimulant effect. Its use can be dangerous, especially in the wrong hands. I am deeply concerned about the accessibility of kratom to young people. But I am also aware of many kratom users who insist the health benefits are significant for treating chronic pain, coughing, anxiety, opioid withdrawal and more. The smarter approach to helping ensure public health and safety is regulation, not criminalization. Schedule I is the most severe classification in our drug laws. Heroin is classified as a Schedule 1 drug, for example. So, why repeat the mistakes of the past and drive kratom use underground? Why endure all the associated crime that comes with it? Like cannabis. Instead, let’s study, test, label, tax, control access and rehabilitate, when necessary. Let’s NOT create another reason to over-burden the justice system, build more jail cells; ruin young lives; and destroy families. Claiming to be “tough on crime” may make us feel better. But is it better?  

Supreme Court strikes Colorado ban on conversion therapy

The Supreme Court has ruled that Colorado's law banning conversion therapy "regulates speech based on viewpoint."

Insurance tax bill ensures responsible state budgeting

Spring has arrived, and the eleventh week of the legislative session marks that we have passed both funnel deadlines. With those behind us, our attention now turns to the remaining legislation eligible for consideration this session. Much of our time is now focused on floor debate and working to finalize bills for consideration in the Senate. Each year, the Hoover Presidential Foundation presents the Uncommon Public Service Award to recognize individuals who go above and beyond in serving Iowans. The award reflects the values of honesty, integrity and dedication exemplified by Herbert Hoover. This year, I had the honor of nominating and presenting the award in the Senate to Senator Dave Rowley. Throughout his time in the legislature, he has shown a strong commitment to public service, particularly in supporting his district during severe storms and flooding. He is a truly deserving recipient, and we are grateful for his leadership and service. One bill you may have heard about in the legislature is House File 2379. There has been a great deal of misinformation circulating about what this bill actually does, along with unnecessary fear from opponents. In reality, House File 2379 was passed to protect the interests of Iowa taxpayers. The bill eliminates taxes on tips and overtime, invests more than $500 million into health care and rural hospitals through Medicaid, and continues the responsible budgeting practices Republicans have prioritized in recent years. In addition, the bill establishes a temporary tax mechanism designed to draw down additional federal dollars to help meet required Medicaid spending and comply with provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. HF 2379 creates a temporary premium tax on insurance companies. It is not a tax on employers or employees covered by insurance policies. This approach is a federal financing tool already used by many other states to help manage Medicaid costs. Even after these temporary adjustments, Iowa’s 0.95 percent rate remains the most competitive in the country and significantly lower than rates in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Illinois. Simply put, Iowa started the year with the lowest insurance premium tax rate in the nation and will continue to maintain that position at the end of the year. Despite claims from other groups that this bill will raise insurance premiums, Iowa’s largest health insurance provider has stated it has made no determination about any impact on premiums. In addition, the Iowa Insurance Division maintains authority to review and approve rates for individual health insurance plans and has clearly stated that rates must not be inadequate, excessive or unfairly discriminatory and must remain actuarially sound. These safeguards demonstrate that claims consumers will bear the cost of this bill are not supported by the available evidence. The primary goal of HF 2379 is to eliminate taxes on tips in alignment with the promise made by President Trump to support working Americans. It also helps protect Iowa taxpayers from significant increases in required Medicaid funding by leveraging more federal resources and fewer state dollars. Ultimately, the passage of this bill gives Iowa the tools needed to responsibly manage health care costs and continue supporting strong services for Iowans. As we enter the final weeks of the session, our work continues to shift from committee discussions to debate on the Senate floor. While progress has been made, there is still important work ahead and key priorities we remain committed to accomplishing for our constituents. As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns.

Medical care crises across Iowa

A March 10, 2025, American Medical Association report indicated that 56 out of 99 Iowa counties do not have access to an obstetric facility. Iowa can now add another county to the list. On Friday, March 27, MercyOne Clinton Medical Center announced it would no longer offer labor and delivery services. Expectant mothers in Clinton and the surrounding areas, on both sides of the river, will need to travel to Dubuque (1hr, 15min), Davenport (50 min), or Silvis, Ill. (50 min) to deliver their baby. MercyOne officials stated that rising health care costs, changes to Medicaid and Medicare funding, and staffing shortages were just some of the closure reasons. All five of my children were delivered in Clinton, so this closure hits close to home. It represents another sad chapter in the continuing decline of services in Iowa. As I’ve previously stated, an issue or event doesn’t become real unless it becomes personal, and as services continue to be cut or reassigned, it is going to become more personal for many. On a separate topic, the Iowa Senate recognized the University of Northern Iowa Sesquicentennial Anniversary. If it had not been for the investment by my parents, grandparents and all Iowans supporting our public schools and Regents Universities, I would not have been able to afford to attend as a first-generation college student. In 1979, and for many years after, 70% of the tuition to attend Iowa, Iowa State and Northern Iowa was subsidized by Iowa taxpayers. My parents co-signed a bank loan for the remaining expenses, which I paid back over 10 years. This tuition investment resulted in my wife and I living and working in Iowa and raising our five children. Three of our five children continue to live in Iowa and raise their children here. The income, sales and property taxes that we’re proud to have paid over the past 45 years have more than compensated for our initial tuition investment. In February 2025, The Iowa Board of Regents published a report projecting that for every $1 of tuition investment, it results in $2.40–$2.90 in returns. Iowa's tuition investment has dropped from a high of 70% to approximately 30%. The result is that it has become more difficult for students to attend, and those who do attend are left with more college debt after graduation. This additional debt prevents graduates from home ownership and impacts when, or if, they start a family. While a four-year college is not for everyone, it should not become limited to only those with means. In my opinion, we need to stop viewing Iowans as expenses and reconsider them as investments. Majority party raising healthcare costs These are interesting times in the Iowa Senate. This week, Senate Republicans rushed to bring a bill to the floor for debate—breaking internal legislative rules to do so—just so they could narrowly pass it and send it to the governor’s desk as quickly as possible. What was so important that it couldn’t possibly wait, you ask? A tax increase that will raise Iowans’ healthcare costs. HF 2739 (originally introduced in the Senate as SF 2464) increases taxes on Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), including HMOs under the state’s Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) and private insurance firms. The bill sets a retroactive tax increase, beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and running through Sept. 30, 2026, and also a permanent increase beginning Oct. 1, 2026, and running for all subsequent years. I know what you’re thinking. Why should you care about whether health insurance companies have to pay higher taxes? There are two main reasons you should care. Who will really pay for this tax hike? While the tax increase will be levied on insurance companies, Iowans will ultimately bear the cost. At a public hearing on the bill, a representative for Wellmark said the increase would be passed along to consumers, raising health insurance costs for Iowans on HMO plans by an additional $115 per person, or nearly $500 for a family of four. The folks most affected by these spikes will be the Iowans who are already struggling with rising healthcare costs. We’re talking about people like Iowa farmers and small business owners whose health insurance premiums skyrocketed in January thanks to changes at the federal level. Times are tough enough as it is, and now Republican lawmakers are cordially inviting folks to fork over even more. Why is this happening? During COVID, Iowa saw a massive influx of federal funds. The state’s Medicaid program, especially, benefited from these new federal dollars. We were experiencing high revenue growth at the time, which made some state lawmakers a little too comfortable. The majority party began slashing taxes, starting with corporations and the wealthy. As I mentioned last week, state revenues continue to sink, rather than rebound. But Senate Republicans are spending like nothing has changed. Now we have growing deficits—$1.3 billion for FY26, a projected $1.2 billion for FY27—and a $90 million or more Medicaid shortfall, which will balloon even more next year.  Republican lawmakers are using this tax hike—which, again, Iowans will pay for through higher health insurance costs—to drum up new revenue to fill the massive budget deficit hole that they created. Iowans will pay the price for the majority party’s budget mismanagement. Here’s the bottom line: Iowans don’t want this. Republican lawmakers are rushing this bill through the process, trampling over procedural rules they agreed to, in the hopes that you won’t notice and you won’t know who to blame when your healthcare costs go up again. Senate Democrats are laser-focused on affordability, and that means, unlike the majority party, we’ll continue to fight for policies that actually lower your costs, not raise them even higher.

Pick up a bible this Easter

The Bible says all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. If you don’t think you’re a sinner, then let everything that comes into your mind come out of your mouth. All have sinned. The Bible says that the wages of sin is death, both a physical and spiritual. The Bible says but God so loved the world that He sent His one and only son, Jesus, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Although everybody reading this will experience a physical death, they don’t have to experience a spiritual death apart from God. The Bible says, in Romans 10:9-10, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” Grab a Bible and read about it for yourself, it’s GOOD NEWS.   Craig Jepsen Long Grove

Kiss peace and prosperity goodbye

The institutions that once supported peace and prosperity for many years are now gone. Instead, our president is building relationships with dictatorial leaders such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, Saudi Arabia’s Mohammad bin Salman, and China’s Xi Jinping. By doing this, he is moving the United States away from its democratic values and long-standing allies. Trump ordered strikes on Iran after encouragement from bin Salman and Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even though U.S. intelligence said Iran was not an immediate threat. Both countries view Iran as a challenge to their influence. The conflict costs at least $1 billion each day, and now even some Republicans are expressing doubts. Trump’s actions in Iran have helped Russia’s Vladimir Putin. While Russia supports Iran in the conflict, the Trump administration lifted sanctions on Russia, which has provided up to $10 billion a month for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Last week, Russian lawmakers visited Washington, D.C., “... this is part of the normalization of relations with the United States of America.” The U.S. has said it will not guarantee Ukraine’s security unless Ukraine leaves the Donbas region, effectively giving that area to Russia and fulfilling Putin’s original goal. The Pentagon is also considering sending weapons meant for Ukraine to the Middle East. In addition, officials plan to use about $750 million in NATO funding, originally for Ukraine, to restock U.S. military supplies. Last week, the U.S. relaxed sanctions on banks in Belarus, a Russian ally. Belarus’s president signed a treaty with North Korea, another of Putin's allies. Both Belarus and North Korea back Russia in its war against Ukraine. We are involved in a poorly planned military action that does not have support from Congress or the American public. The goals are unclear and keep changing, and this has pushed our allies away.   James Turley Eldridge

Senate approves fee, tuition waivers for some veterans

Legislation to provide free tuition and fees to certain disabled veterans hoping to attend one of Iowa’s public universities saw approval to head to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds’s desk Monday with overwhelming support from both chambers. House File 2491 would have the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and University of Northern Iowa provide tuition and fee waivers to veterans with disabilities related to their service. It passed through the Iowa Senate with unanimous support. Bill floor manager Sen. Sandy Salmon, R-Janesville, said she moved the bill “for our veterans.” In order to qualify for the waivers, veterans must have a 100% disability rating set by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and representing the disability’s severity and its impact on a veteran’s health and ability to function. The legislation stated these veterans must also have already “exhausted any other available federal or state sources of financial assistance” for their education, like the federal Pell Grant program and VA benefits. Tuition and fee waivers will serve to fill any gaps left between other financial aid and remaining costs. After receiving unanimous support from the Iowa House March 4, the Senate sent the bill to Reynolds for final approval. Rep. Ken Croken, D-Davenport, called the legislation “a well-deserved thank you to our veterans” during House debate.

Schubert resigns from Lancer volleyball team

The North Scott School Board approved the resignation of North Scott volleyball head coach Brian Schubert on Monday, effective at the end of the current school year. Schubert told The NSP last week that he accepted the head coaching position for the Black Hawk College volleyball program. “This is not a hit-and-run situation. I wanted to make sure everybody knows it’s a step up,” Schubert said. “An opportunity to coach at the college level, at my age, now is the time to do so.” Schubert said he was offered the Black Hawk College job in mid-March, before North Scott’s spring break. He informed the administration of his decision when school resumed last week. Schubert was hired as the North Scott volleyball head coach in June 2025. After an initial slump in September, the Lancers went on a magical six-week run to end the season, culminating in the school’s second state championship in three years. North Scott finished the season on a 15-match winning streak, defeating Sioux Center 3-1 in the Class 4A final. The Lancers also won a share of the Mississippi Athletic Conference title for the second straight year. In the 2025 season, Schubert coached five Lancers to all-conference honors and three to all-state selections. “I’m going to remember starting off 10-10, and then next thing you know, we’re not going to lose again,” Schubert said. “That last 15-match run was incredible.” Schubert stepped into the job just two months before the start of the season. He quickly gained buy-in from players and fans alike. “I do appreciate the school allowing me to be me. That made a big difference in how the team was able to progress,” Schubert said. “I’m very thankful the community was welcoming and supportive. I said this at our pep rally after we won (the state championship), that the North Scott community is second to none in celebrating high school sports. “From the student body to those that live here, the teachers and administrators, it’s just fantastic. It’s how they show up and support their sports. I was lucky to be part of it. "I’m thankful for the girls. They were welcoming as well. What a great group to team up with, and they did an amazing job.” North Scott’s next volleyball coach, its third different leader in three years, will face the tall task of rebuilding the Lancers’ roster into another contender. Of the 15 girls on last fall’s varsity roster, 10 are graduating seniors. Four of the five juniors, Kamilah Eller, Alyssa Schroeder, Sydney Soppe and Eisley Weinert, played rotational roles during the state tournament. At Black Hawk College, Schubert will inherit a program that went 15-21 last season and 3-7 in the Arrowhead Athletic Conference. The Black Hawk Braves compete at the National Junior College Athletic Association level.

Double dose of success

Records are indeed meant to be broken. But breaking records one week into the season was a shock even to these Lancers. On a cold, windy and rainy evening in Eldridge last Thursday, North Scott junior Alyssa Schroeder set the new high mark in high jump, leaping over a 5’ 6.25” bar to break the school record. “I’ve been dreaming of this for so long,” Schroeder said, moments after the event. “It feels amazing. I came here when I was like seven and watched people jump. I’ve always been hoping to do this. It’s so great to do it.” After two near-makes and just clipping the bar on her way down, Schroeder got up and over on her final attempt, breaking the previous record of 5’ 6” shared by Sydney Skarich (2022) and Erica Loussaert (2017). The event came down to Schroeder and Natalie Nwatchock. After her senior teammate went out at 5’ 3”, Schroeder had no hesitation putting the bar up to the school record mark, which is the highest bar she’s ever attempted in competition. “I’ve been working on my drives and speed and pushing my hips over the bar. Doing it on my third time was just great,” Schroeder said. “I actually thought it was a good thing that there was wind, pushing me up. That was definitely a benefit.” Getting the high jump record was absolutely something Lancer coach Troy Matthaidess knew Schroeder had in her. “It’s something that, after watching her at the indoor at St. Ambrose, I had a hunch it was going to go down,” Matthaidess said. “I didn’t know for sure when, and she didn’t waste any time.” Breaking the record added a few cherries on top of an incredible week for Schroeder. Her high jump mark surpassed the Drake Blue Standard of 5' 6'" which guarantees her a spot at the Drake Relays later this month. Schroeder not only set a personal record in the high jump, but she did so in the discus (119’ 08”) and 100-meter hurdles (16.15 seconds) two days prior at the Clinton Early Bird. “She is so much stronger this year, and I think more confident in every event she’s doing. It’s really neat to be able to see her succeed in that way,” Matthaidess said. Last week provided a spark for the entire Lancer girls’ track team to begin the outdoor season. Starting out in Clinton on Tuesday (March 24), North Scott won the meet by two points over Western Dubuque, 70 to 68, in a five-team field. Then at home on Thursday, North Scott placed third at 123 team points, narrowly behind Pleasant Valley (143) and Iowa City High (124.75). “Tuesday, the weather couldn’t have been more perfect. It wasn’t hot, it wasn’t cold, there was no wind. Kids stepped up to the plate and performed super well,” Matthaidess said. “They continued that into Thursday. Having a home meet is always nice. The kids always do well and I think they are comfortable being home. They want to protect their turf, so to speak.” Schroeder was far from the only winner from last Thursday’s meet. Sophi Schneckloth set a personal record by winning the 400-meter dash in 1:01.60. Schneckloth also ran the second leg of the winning 4x400-meter relay, too, with junior Olivia Graham, junior Kendall Behm and sophomore Riley Toohey. Additionally, Schneckloth placed second in the 400-meter hurdles in 1:09.05. “Yep, she’s a beast,” Matthaidess said. “We talk about consistency, and that’s what you know you’re going to get out of Sophi every meet. She keeps crushing it. Just a rockstar performance.” Joining Schroeder and Schneckloth on the personal record parade was junior Micayla Ramirez. The star sprinter ran a personal record in the 100-meter dash in Clinton. She backed that up with a nearly identical time at Lancer Stadium, and won both races. “She ran a 12.37 in Clinton and followed that up with 12.39,” Matthaidess said. “To do it basically two meets in a row with almost identical times, it’s like, ‘Yeah, you’re for real.’” Ramirez took second in the 200-meter dash (26.60 seconds) and was on North Scott’s second-place 4x200 team and third-place sprint medley crew. Graham ran on those relays too, and she took third place in the open 200 with a time of 27.62 seconds. In total, she had a hand in four top-three finishes at the team’s home meet. “She’s one of those unsung heroes,” Matthaidess said. “It’s probably on us as coaches, but we don’t put her in a ton of open events. She is the calm and steady person in those relays. She’s not the tallest person, but the fight in her is big. I love watching her run. On top of that, she’s the kindest, best teammate you could ask for.” North Scott also got a second-place finish in the long jump from senior Emily Stutting. After taking last year off, Stutting jumped 15’ 8.75” on Thursday, coming within a few inches of her personal-best mark in this event. “As a senior coming back, it’s always a cool thing. The conditions weren’t awesome; there was kind of a side wind. Hard to get your best jump, but to get second place in a 12-team field is a good accomplishment,” Matthaidess said. Stutting was one of five seniors celebrated Thursday night along with Nwatchock, Adalynn Johnson, Addison Allen and Amelia Duncan. “With Amelia being brand new, she had a really good day on Tuesday. The other four are all state qualifiers,” Matthaidess said. “There are not very many of them, but they are good leaders and good hard-nosed competitors. They’ve been successful in other sports and other avenues outside of sports. It’s cool to see them come together and be leaders of the team.” As those Lancers found out mere hours before Thursday’s meet, it will not be the final time they compete on their home track. The Iowa High School Athletic Association and Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union jointly announced that North Scott will host a Class 4A coed state qualifying meet on Thursday, May 14. This will be the third time in the last four years that Lancer Stadium hosts a track and field state qualifying meet. “I know Jason (Schroeder) keeps applying to host it, and Jason runs a great meet. All of our volunteers who come out to help run the meet do an excellent job. If we weren’t doing a good job in hosting it, they wouldn’t award us with it. I’m very appreciative to have that because I know our kids run well at home,” Matthaidess said. But for now, the focus remains on building up to that point. With spring break in the rear-view mirror, the Lancers are still at the ‘improvement’ stage before they look to peak at the end of April. “We’re still definitely in that training mode,” Matthaidess said. “We’re going to have some meets where we overwork people on purpose, and we’ll have some meets where we take it easier. The number one goal is to keep getting better and, at the same time, remain healthy. If we can do that, the end of the year will be awesome.”

Marples to mark 50 years of marriage with celebration

Don and Laurie Marple will celebrate 50 years of marriage on April 24. They were married on April 24, 1976, at Newcomb Presbyterian Church in Davenport. Over the past five decades, they have built a life rooted in love, family, and community. Don enjoyed a successful career as a Realtor, serving families throughout the Quad Cities area, while Laurie dedicated her career to education as a teacher with the Davenport Community School District before they both retired. They are the proud parents of two sons, Dustin Marple and Nathan (Jennifer) Marple, and the loving grandparents of LCpl Grayson Marple, United States Marine Corps, and Sawyer Jack Marple. Don and Laurie cherish time spent going to Iowa women’s basketball games, playing card games with family, attending card club gatherings, and enjoying lunches with their beloved “Rookies” group. In honor of this golden milestone, their children will host an anniversary celebration on April 25, at Keppy Hall, Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. Friends and family are warmly invited to stop by anytime between 3-7:30 p.m. to honor and celebrate their 50 wonderful years of marriage. Your love and friendship is the only gift they request.

Obituary: Joyce Lund Mears

Joyce Lund Mears died on Nov. 11, 2025, at 5:05 p.m. She died as she lived, peacefully and surrounded by friends and family. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on April 11, at Salem Lutheran Cemetery in Princeton for all that would like to attend.  Following the graveside ceremony, a celebration of life luncheon will be held at Three 33 in Princeton from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Joyce was born in Iowa on Aug. 20, 1937, to Thelma Henrietta Peitscher and Hilding Eugene Nathaniel Lund. She grew up on the family farm overlooking the Mississippi River. The now century farm lies equidistant between LeClaire and Princeton. She loved and supported her hometowns through her church home, Zion Lutheran, community events at Boll’s in Princeton, activism in the barn foundation, and faithfully protecting the family farm. Joyce was a graduate of Davenport High School and Drake University. After college, she traveled and worked coast to coast. Her working life led her to Cape Cod and the Kennedy Summer Whitehouse where she met her husband, Walter Mears. Joyce and Walter settled in Washington D.C. where they started their family. Stephanie was born in 1964, and Susan was born in 1969. In 1993, Joyce left Washington D.C. to return to her family farm on the Mississippi. She renewed her love of the land, family home, river, and community. She replanted an orchard where one stood two generations back. She renovated the farmhouse. She spent hours kayaking with friends on the river. She renewed her faith and cherished her church family. An only child, Joyce, was independent and determined. She lived a life full of adventure, learning, and love. Joyce is survived and celebrated by her two daughters, Stephanie and Susan, and five grandchildren.   Custom obituary

Obituary: Ruth Siebke

Ruth A. Siebke, age 97, of Walcott, died on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 - 11:45 a.m., Wednesday, April 1, at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant.  A funeral service will be held at 12 noon, at the funeral home.  Private burial will take place in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Camp Courageous or the Walcott Fire Department.  Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com. Ruth was born on Aug. 27, 1928, the daughter of Max and Emmy (Schulz) Hadenfeldt.  She graduated from Davenport High School with the Class of 1946.  Ruth married Eugene Siebke on Oct. 14, 1950, in Davenport.  Eugene died on Sept. 8, 2012. Ruth lived a life grounded in hard work, faith, and simple joys. She farmed alongside her husband, Gene, devoting many years to their shared livelihood until their retirement in 1991. She found particular joy in caring for her chickens and selling eggs, a simple pursuit that brought her pride. In retirement, they made their home in Walcott, where Ruth embraced the quiet rhythms and close-knit spirit of small-town life. Ruth was a devoted member of Calvary Church of Walcott and was actively involved in several organizations, including the Royal Neighbors of Stockton, the Iowa Porkettes, and the Muscatine County Farm Bureau. Ruth treasured time spent with Gene, especially when they were dancing together. She also loved playing cards — particularly a good game of 500 —traveling on bus trips and cruises and tending to her garden. Whether growing flowers or vegetables, she found satisfaction in nurturing things from the ground up, and she took great pride in canning the fruits of her labor.  Ruth generously shared her time as a volunteer at the Walcott School, where she found great joy in reading to elementary students. She had a special place in her heart for children who needed a little extra help, often spending one-on-one time encouraging them and building their confidence through reading.  A talented seamstress, Ruth lovingly made clothing and other items for her family, expressing her care through every stitch. Ruth will be remembered for her steady spirit, her strong work ethic, and the warmth she brought to her family. Ruth will be lovingly remembered by two children, Stanley (Nancy Harris) Siebke of Urbandale, and Susan (Robert) Rath of Homestead; four grandchildren, Kathryn Siebke and her husband, Luigi Vigoriti of Fiesole, Italy, Michelle (Jesus) Paleo of Glendale, Ariz., Preston (Kimberly) Rath of Homestead and Cory (Ashley Shields) Rath of Cedar Rapids; 10 great-grandchildren, Selah, Zeferina and Evangeline Paleo, Eleanora, Tommaso and Anna Vigoriti, Jesse (Megan) Jones, and Daniel (Racheal Harris), Grace and Estella Rath; and four great-great-granddaughters, Zoey, Lucy and Lainey Jones and Gabby Rath. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; a brother, Grover Hadenfeldt; and one sister, Arline Hering.   Custom obituary

Obituary: Joseph Ragona

A Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph Ragona Jr. was held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Long Grove. Visitation was from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial was held at St. Ann’s Cemetery.  Joseph Ragona Jr., 87, of Donahue, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at his home in Donahue.  Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge, is assisting the family with arrangements.  Joseph was born on Dec. 13, 1938, in Centerville, the son of Joseph and Dianna (Kennis) Ragona, Sr. He married Peggy J. Munro on Aug. 11, 1963, in Centerville. She preceded him in death on Jan. 20, 2025.  Joe graduated from Centerville High School and attended Centerville Community College where he received an associate’s degree.  Joseph then attended Northeast Missouri State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary and a master’s degree in elementary guidance and administration. Joseph served as principal for John Glenn Elementary School, Donahue, from 1970-2000. He also served on the board for the Scott County Library from 2000-2019.  He was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Long Grove, and member of The Knights of Columbus St. Ann’s Council #14695, Long Grove, where he served as a 4th degree Knight. Survivors include his son, Robert Ragona of Donahue, grandsons, Brian Weaver, Michael Weaver, and Charles “Chuck” Weaver; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Charlie, Kaiden, Kristin and Ramona.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Peggy, daughter, Kristin Weaver and brothers, Paul, Andrew, John, Charles, and sisters, JoAnn and Jeannie, son-in-law, Aldus Weaver.  Memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.   Custom obituary

Obituary: Brian Zimpleman

A funeral service from Brian Zimpleman, 79, of Osage Beach, Mo., formerly of Eldridge, was held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, at Middle Amana Church, Amana. Visitation was Thursday, March 26, from 4-7 p.m. at the Powell Funeral Home, Marengo. Mr. Zimpleman died Sunday, March 22, 2026, in Osage Beach. Brian Zimpleman was born Nov. 26, 1947, in Amana, the son of Jack Zimpleman and Edna Ehrman Zimpleman. He married Hollace Fairbank on June 7, 1969, at the Amana Society Church. Survivors include his wife, Hollace, Osage Beach; his daughters, Brinadene (Derek) Smith, Osage Beach, and Zephanie Zimpleman Thomspon, Edmond, Okla.; nine grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the family in care of the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.

University of Iowa water testing for lead program receives grant to expand efforts

University of Iowa researchers will use grant funding from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust to meet growing demand for water testing for lead. The UI announced in a news release that Get the Lead Out, a statewide initiative that tests private wells and provides testing kits for free for Iowans to check their water, received a $124,353 grant from the trust to increase staff and supplies. “Families across Iowa deserve straightforward, honest information about their drinking water,” said David Cwiertny, director of the UI Center for Health Effects of Environmental Contamination, in the release. “Our goal is to collect reliable data to make real progress, so every child in Iowa grows up with safe, lead-free water.” Grant funding will allow researchers to conduct at least 1,200 more tests over the next year, the release stated, and according to the Get the Lead Out website, the program has led to the testing of 622 homes. Program staff will also work with high-risk communities, “which may be more exposed to water with elevated lead levels,” the release stated, and residents will receive information about their water quality and ways of reducing lead exposure, such as flushing taps before using water to cook or drink. The initiative was created in 2019 following findings from researchers that “despite federal monitoring requirements, only about 0.5% of the 1.15 million households connected to public water systems in Iowa were sampled each year,” the release stated. These numbers did not meet requirements of the Environmental Protection Agency Lead and Copper Rule, which the release states requires monitoring of public water systems and action if levels were exceeding limits. Updated in 2024, the release stated public water utilities must now find and mark lead pipes for replacement in the future, as well as notify residents of any potential risk. Demand for testing kits has increased since this change, which the grant funding will help the initiative address.

Davenport state representative hosting community forum on Iowa’s rising cancer rates

Iowa Representative Ken Croken (D-Davenport) is hosting University of Iowa School of Public Health researchers at the Scott Community College Urban Campus on Thursday, April 2nd, starting at 6:30 p.m. A presentation will cover preliminary findings of a new cancer study, including demographic and behavioral risk factors.

View the Scott County Sheriff's report from the April 1 NSP!

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 3:02 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident on South Concord Street, Davenport. A vehicle driven by Cardale Leslie Smith, 37, Rock Island, drove around a set of railroad crossing arms and was struck by a train that was in reverse. Smith was cited for failure to properly stop at a railroad crossing. SATURDAY, MARCH 14 8:30 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident in the 3600 block of East 53rd Street, Davenport. A vehicle driven by Caylie Grace Richards, 16, Davenport, backed into a legally parked vehicle in a parking lot. SUNDAY, MARCH 15 6:47 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident near mile marker 292.5 on Interstate 80 West. A vehicle driven by Tabitha Faith Brockert, 25, Coralville, was westbound on Interstate 80. Brockert reportedly told deputies she swerved to avoid striking another vehicle that veered into her lane. Brockert’s vehicle went into the median, where it struck a cable barrier before spinning around. TUESDAY, MARCH 17 9:41 p.m. — Thomas Christopher Rangel, 60, Davenport, was charged with driving while license denied or revoked, following a traffic stop near Walcott and High streets, Dixon. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 2:25 p.m. — Barry Lee Wallace, 53, Buffalo, was charged with driving while barred (habitual offender) and operating a vehicle without an interlock and cited for driving with suspended/denied/revoked license or registration and defective or unauthorized muffler system, following a traffic stop near 110th Avenue and 140th Street, Davenport. THURSDAY, MARCH 19 8:03 p.m. — Fredrick Lashant Nichols, 40, Davenport, was charged with OWI – 1st offense and possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) – 1st offense, and cited for no valid driver’s license, following an incident near West 61st Street and Western Avenue, Davenport. 9:53 p.m. — Demond Thomas Wooten, 51, Davenport, was charged with contempt – violation of a no contact or protective order, following a traffic stop near West 3rd and Gaines streets, Davenport. FRIDAY, MARCH 20 1:24 a.m. — Keithvonte Latroy Simmons, 33, Davenport, was charged with driving while barred (habitual offender) and cited for violation of financial liability coverage and operation without registration, following a traffic stop near West Locust and Sturdevant streets, Davenport. 9:58 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 700 block of West Walcott Road. 6:08 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance on Park Avenue Court. 7:50 p.m. — Deputies responded to a vandalism complaint near Brady and East 35th streets. 8:36 p.m. — Deputies responded to a fireworks complaint in the 8100 block of 119th Street. 8:57 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 5700 block of Elmore Avenue. 8:57 p.m. — Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the 100 block of South Main Street. SATURDAY, MARCH 21 12:46 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage near 8th and State streets. 1:26 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 2200 block of Valley Drive. 2:47 a.m. — Tatiana Aneisha Love, 30, Davenport, was arrested on an outstanding interstate warrant, following a traffic stop near West 53rd and Sheridan streets, Davenport. 3:33 a.m. — Cortez Matthew Brown, 22, Davenport, was charged with operating a vehicle without an interlock and possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) – 1st offense, following a traffic stop on East 53rd Street, Davenport. 4:52 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1600 block of Washington Street. 5:13 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem near West 10th and North Division streets. 9:00 a.m. — Deputies began a death investigation in the 27300 block of 94th Avenue. 10:12 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 3500 block of North Plainview Road. 11:02 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 18800 block of 270th Street. 3:57 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 100 block of 3rd Avenue. 4:39 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a robbery/carjacking in the 300 block of West Kimberly Road. 4:48 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 100 block of 3rd Avenue. 10:13 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury in the 2500 block of West 76th Street. 10:59 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance on Park View Drive. SUNDAY, MARCH 22 12:34 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of West Sheridan Drive. 12:41 a.m. — Zachary Douglas Anderson, 29, Buffalo, was charged with interference with official acts and public intoxication – 1st offense, after deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 600 block of West Front Street, Buffalo. 12:54 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 8200 block of Northwest Boulevard. 1:23 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury in the 5600 block of Valley Drive. 2:35 a.m. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the 3500 block of Wisconsin Street. 2:48 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 300 block of West Kimberly Road. 7:21 a.m. — Ashley Lynn Simmons, 39, Davenport, was charged with driving while barred (habitual offender) and cited for operating a non-registered vehicle and violation of financial liability coverage, following a traffic stop near West 50th Street and Welcome Way, Davenport. 10:53 a.m. — Lisa Kathryn Grace Hoft, 48, Davenport, was charged with OWI – 1st offense and cited for failure to maintain control, an open container violation, violating a one-way traffic designation and failure to obey a traffic control device, following a traffic stop near Brady Street and Frontage Road, Davenport. 4:25 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near 140th Street and Coonhunters Road. 7:03 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near West Locust Street and North Lincoln Avenue. 10:09 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 4800 block of State Street, Riverdale, where a vehicle driven by Camille Renae Kingrey, 19, Bettendorf, struck a dog that entered the roadway. 10:39 p.m. — Matthew David Schoenhoft, 28, Bettendorf, was charged with OWI – 1st offense, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) – 1st offense, possession of a controlled substance (cannabidiol) – 1st offense, unlawful possession of prescription drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia, and cited for speeding, following a traffic stop near Intestate 74 West and the Middle Road exit, Bettendorf. MONDAY, MARCH 23 9:00 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 11800 block of 95th Avenue, Blue Grass. A vehicle driven by Dana Ellen Petersen, 34, Blue Grass, lost control on a gravel road. The vehicle left the roadway and went into a ditch. Petersen was cited for failure to provide proof of insurance. 9:13 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 2300 block of West Locust Street. 9:49 a.m. — Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the 400 block of Main Street. 2:54 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident near State Street and 245th Avenue, Bettendorf. A vehicle driven by Jonathan David Turnage, 70, Tipton, crossed a set of railroad tracks and a train struck the trailer his vehicle was hauling. Turnage was cited for failure to properly stop at a railroad crossing. 3:02 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 200 block of West 53rd Street. TUESDAY, MARCH 24 4:52 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage. 8:08 a.m. — Deputies responded to a vandalism complaint in the 11800 block of 95th Avenue. 11:08 a.m. — Deputies responded to a fraud complaint in the 500 block of Belmont Road. 4:13 p.m. — Iyona Mae Euring, 18, Davenport, was charged with domestic abuse assault – 1st offense, after deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 14100 block of 113th Avenue, Davenport. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 12:33 a.m. — Mark Anthony Davis, 51, Davenport, was charged with possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) – 1st offense and possession of drug paraphernalia, following a traffic stop in the 6500 block of Brady Street. 1:57 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1500 block of West Locust Street. 2:06 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 2500 block of North Fairmount Street. 9:00 a.m. — William Holley, 32, Davenport, was charged with 2nd degree attempted burglary, following an incident in the 21400 block of Scott Park Road, Davenport. 9:03 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 600 block of Belmont Road. 10:33 a.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue. 12:51 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check. 1:52 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 4700 block of Brady Street. 8:52 p.m. — Deputies responded to a weapons complaint in the 10100 block of 298th Street. THURSDAY, MARCH 26 6:27 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near 257th Street and 252nd Avenue. 8:06 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 25600 block of 291st Street. 9:24 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury. 10:09 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a bomb threat in the 3500 block of West Locust Street. 10:12 a.m. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the 1600 block of Lincoln Road. 10:15 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance near East 3rd Street and Pershing Avenue. 1:46 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem on Cherokee Court. 1:51 p.m. — Stefanie Marika Mucha, 43, Blue Grass, was charged with eluding and cited for driving while license denied, suspended, cancelled or revoked, following a traffic stop near 81st Avenue and Coonhunters Road, Blue Grass. 3:31 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a robbery/carjacking in the 100 block of South Sturdevant Street. 8:20 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 100 block of West Spring Street. 9:50 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1400 block of Glenwood Drive. FRIDAY, MARCH 27 2:32 a.m. — Zachary Michael Bowers, 35, Buffalo, was charged with OWI — 1st offense, possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) — 1st offense and cited for an open container violation, following a traffic stop near Ricker Hill and Blue Grass roads, Davenport. 2:47 a.m. — Mikekayla Keithtara Williams, 36, Davenport, was charged with driving while barred (habitual offender), possession of a controlled substance (cannabidiol) — 1st offense and cited for an open container violation and violation of financial liability coverage, following a traffic stop in the 900 block of Middle Road, Bettendorf. 6:41 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 4600 block of 295th Street, where a vehicle driven by Karissa Lynne Lantzman, 36, Tipton, struck a deer that entered the roadway. 10:58 a.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 600 block of Belmont Road. 11:13 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 600 block of Belmont Road. 11:54 a.m. — Raymond Lee Brewer, 42, Davenport, was charged with driving while barred (habitual offender), following a traffic stop near East 55th and Brady streets, Davenport. 12:44 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 6500 block of Harrison Street. 1:17 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 7100 block of Cedar Street. 1:53 p.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 600 block of Belmont Road. 2:23 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury. 2:51 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near Great River Road and 278th Avenue. 3:55 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 4000 block of 53rd Avenue. 3:57 p.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue. 5:17 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a juvenile problem in the 100 block of West Meuse Street. 5:29 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 17900 block of Spencer Road. 5:47 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem near 140th Street and 115th Avenue. 5:52 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance near Chestnut and 4th streets. 6:08 p.m. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the 14100 block of 113th Avenue,. 7:19 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 3600 block of East 53rd Street. 8:59 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check near 200th Street and 110th Avenue.

View the Eldridge Police report from the April 1 NSP!

MONDAY, MARCH 23 8:47 a.m. — Report taken for harassment in the 300 block of North 3rd Street. 5:39 p.m. — Marcus Hahn, 26, of Davenport, was cited for no insurance and operating a non-registered vehicle, following a traffic stop near Slopertown Road and South 1st Street. TUESDAY, MARCH 24 8:42 a.m. — Complaint of a disabled semi on Highway 61. Handled by officer. 8:45 a.m. — Report taken for an accident between two vehicles in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 3:56 p.m. — Assisted another agency with a traffic stop near South 1st Street and East Blackhawk Trail. 4:34 p.m. — Karla Denney, 54, of Davenport, was cited for operating a non-registered vehicle, following a traffic stop near South 1st Street and East Fisher Court. 5:15 p.m. — Kaitlyn Beckhart, 32, of Davenport, was cited for operating a non-registered vehicle, following a traffic stop near South 1st Street and West Slopertown Road. 6:17 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 1000 block of West Pinehurst Drive. 8:49 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle on Highway 61. Handled by officer. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 12:53 p.m. — Complaint of juveniles playing loud music in the 100 block of South 3rd Avenue. Handled by officer. 1:19 p.m. — Report taken for an accident between two vehicles in the 300 block of West LeClaire Road. 3:41 p.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle in the 1000 block of South Buttermilk Road. The vehicle was towed. Handled by officer. THURSDAY, MARCH 26 10:09 a.m. — Complaint of a juvenile problem in the 200 block of South 1st Street. Handled by officer. 5:35 p.m. — Report of a parking complaint in the 200 block of West Torrey Pines Drive. Handled by officer. 8:20 p.m. — Complaint of a vehicle being repossessed in the 100 block of West Spring Street. It was a civil issue. Handled by officer. 8:31 p.m. — Complaint of a disturbance in the 300 block of West Heather Glen Drive. Handled by officer. FRIDAY, MARCH 27 2:13 a.m. — Report of a noise complaint in the 900 block of South 8th Street. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 8:47 a.m. — A juvenile was cited for person under 21 using tobacco/vapor product – 1st offense, following an incident in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 11:35 a.m. — Report of a parking complaint in the 500 block of South 5th Street. Handled by officer. 11:42 a.m. — Zachary Elder, 36, of Davenport, was cited for operation without registration, following a traffic stop near West LeClaire Road and North Buttermilk Road. 2:03 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 400 block of South 14th Avenue. 5:45 p.m. — Complaint of juveniles running into the street in the 100 block of South 4th Avenue. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 9:28 p.m. — Benson Blanchard, 18, of DeWitt, was arrested for disorderly conduct and 4th degree criminal mischief, following a report of a domestic disturbance near East Blackhawk Trail and Highway 61. SATURDAY, MARCH 28 12:51 a.m. — Assisted another agency with a traffic stop near North Scott Park and East LeClaire roads. 1:34 a.m. — Complaint of a domestic disturbance in the 300 block of West Donahue Street. Handled by officer. 2:22 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 300 block of Dammann Drive. 6:31 a.m. — Complaint of construction noise near North 4th Avenue and East Donahue Street. Handled by officer. 4:37 p.m. — Assisted another agency with a traffic stop in the 200 block of East LeClaire Road. 5:28 p.m. — Complaint of suspicious activity in the 600 block of East LeClaire Road. Handled by officer. 10:59 p.m. — Complaint of a vehicle on fire on Highway 61. The call was turned over to the fire department. Handled by officer. SUNDAY, MARCH 29 1:16 a.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of South 3rd Avenue. Handled by officer. 10:37 a.m. — Assisted another agency with a report of a two-vehicle accident in Highway 61. 11:21 a.m. — Complaint of a subject burning items during a burn ban in the 600 block of South 2nd Street. Handled by officer. 5:49 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 100 block of West Pinehurst Drive. 7:08 p.m. — Complaint of a carbon monoxide detector going off in the 400 block of East Donahue Street. The call was turned over to MidAmerican Energy. Handled by officer. 10:24 p.m. — Assisted another agency with a traffic stop on Highway 61.

Registration open for 2026 Crop Scout School

People new to crop scouting, as well as those wanting to refresh their knowledge and skills, are invited to the 2026 Crop Scout School. Attendees may choose from two dates and locations this year: • May 20 at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm, located at 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville. • May 26 at the Field Extension Education Lab, located at 1928 240th Street, Boone. “The Crop Scout School serves as a foundational course for beginners and a refresher for experienced crop scouts, providing essential information for effective and efficient crop scouting,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, field agronomist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “The educational sessions, hands-on practice out in the field and field guide publications make this an exceptional value for those wanting to increase their knowledge and toolbox of resources to be better growers or crop scouts.” Check-in at each location begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information and to register, visit the 2026 Crop Scout School website.  Pre-registration is required, and walk-ins will not be accepted. Registration for the May 20 Crop Scout School at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm closes May 15. Registration for the May 26 Crop Scout School at the Field Extension Education Lab closes May 21. Each location is limited to 60 participants. The $150 registration fee includes printed and digital publications, lunch and refreshments. Topics include: • Crop scouting tips and tricks • Corn and soybean staging • Crop disease identification • Weed identification • Insect pest identification • Other crop issues and challenges (nutrient deficiencies, herbicide injury, etc.) • Field sessions covering stand assessments, herbicide injury plots and other in‑field diagnostics Publications and resources included with registration Soybean Diseases and Corn Diseases booklets – a combined 88 pages of full‑color images and descriptions covering major soybean and corn diseases in Iowa and the north-central region, including life cycles, diagrams and foliar estimation charts Field Crop Insects – descriptions and photos of over 55 pest and beneficial insects, with information on life cycles, scouting, injury symptoms and management Corn and Soybean Field Guide – a 236‑page reference featuring updated images, diagrams and tables on crop development, disease and insect identification and production considerations to support field scouting Digital Weed Identification Field Guide (2nd Edition) – 108 pages with 35 illustrations and over 250 photos of common Iowa weeds, including updated herbicide resistance information and new Palmer amaranth content For more information on the Crop Scout School at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm, contact Vittetoe at rka8@iastate.edu or 319-653-4811. For more information on the Crop Scout School at the Field Extension Education Lab, contact event planner Rebekka Van Alstyne at rjvan@iastate.edu or 515-294-4008.

Lancer soccer reloads for 2026

North Scott’s three varsity captains were all in agreement: this is not a rebuilding year. Far from it. This is a “run it back” year. And they are not shy about their intentions to run it all the way to the top. North Scott’s girls’ soccer team had its four-year streak of state tournament berths snapped last season in overtime of the regional final. With a solid core remaining intact, the Lancers know what they are capable of. “This is a group to keep an eye on, because I think we’re going to make some big moves this year,” Lancer sophomore captain Reese Barnett said. “This is a really talented group. I think this group is really special, and we have plans for big things coming up.” It’s hard to disagree. With high-level talent all over the field, there is a lot to like with the 2026 Lancers. This year’s 19-girl roster is buoyed by six seniors, two juniors, seven sophomores and four freshmen. Still with a majority-underclassman roster, connection and communication are of utmost importance to this group. “We’re all so young; it’s good to get to know everyone. We’ve had a really good offseason, so now we’re putting it all together,” senior captain Bella Mohr said. “Our big thing is communication. I love to hear not only the upperclassmen talk, but I love seeing an underclassman talk to me on the field. That is really scary sometimes, and we’re seeing a lot of different people talking.” “I remember my freshman year," junior captain Nora Barnett said, "I struggled to put myself out there and get connected with the team because I was really nervous. Everyone is trying to get connected.” The connection, they think, will translate onto the field. Nora Barnett added, “You’ll see a lot in high school, people want to play big. That can just gas you out by the end of the game. We do really well connecting up from the back to the front.” With such a young roster, there is a need to discover which puzzle pieces fit where. This led to coach Dion Ayers digging into his bag of tricks early this preseason. “We have a brand-new formation, never played it before, a 3-5-2. I haven’t even coached it in a match to be honest with you, not even in club ball,” he said. “We’re trying to have more flexibility in our attacking. We feel this formation will allow that.” Goals were hard to come by last season, with North Scott averaging just 1.8 per match, the third-lowest in the Mississippi Athletic Conference. The Lancers are responding to the issue in two ways. One is the new formation. The other is the return of another goal scorer. Forward Kenzie Moeller is back for her senior season. She scored seven goals in each of her freshman and sophomore seasons, and combined for 10 assists in those two years. Pairing her with Reese Barnett, who scored 13 goals in her freshman campaign, makes for a two-headed monster. “Having (Moeller) and Reese up top together will be very dangerous,” Ayers said. “(Moeller) was so nervous getting her foot back on the ball, but she’s looked really good in our practices and scrimmages. She hasn’t played in a year and a half, but it’s like riding a bike. We’re taking it slowly as we go, but it’s been good.” North Scott has just four players designated as forwards, with junior Saeler VenHorst and freshman Sawyer Koberg adding to the talent pool. “They might even filter into that offensive middle a bit. All four of those kids give us some creativity on the ball,” Ayers said. “I think last year, Reese felt she was on an island at times. This year, with some of the other pieces that we have, opposing defenses might have to really think about how they attack us.” Last season’s No. 2 goalscorer, sophomore Camryn Jones, will move into the midfield, which is where Ayers said he ideally wanted to play her last season. She will join Mohr and senior Mallory Deutmeyer in this position. “Then, we’re going to incorporate Ellie Wilske and Tannar Schild, both freshmen, both sound on the ball and technically savvy,” Ayers said. “They are little, but they have that dog in them.” North Scott has options for its outside flanks, including senior Chloe Dorr and sophomores Natalie O’Flahrity, Lydia Schnorrenberg and Julia Solis. For the team’s struggles scoring last season, it made up for it on the defensive end, allowing only 1.2 goals per game. The team will only have three on the back line in its new formation, but they are three of the team’s best. Sophomore Delaney Hill was first team all-MAC last year, senior Allie Moeller was second team all-MAC, and senior Paige Coon was an honorable mention. “Three great, strong girls to have. We’ll put the speed in the middle with Delaney, and then put our strong horses on the outside,” Ayers said. The Lancers also have an all-district goalkeeper in Nora Barnett, who is entering her third year between the pipes. She has led the MAC in saves in each of the past two seasons. In an ideal world, that doesn’t happen again, because of how strong the rest of the team will be in preventing the ball from getting to her in the first place. Barnett won the goalkeeper job in the middle of her freshman season and has grown into the role ever since. “I think she feels she is one of the leaders in the back," Ayers said. "As a freshman and sophomore, sometimes it’s hard to tell the upperclassmen what to do. I think she now feels total comfort doing that, which is great, because that’s all in the growth of who she is.” With the Nora and Reese Barnett on the ends of the field, and Mohr in the middle, North Scott’s captains span the length of the field. “From the back line, to the midfield, to the top, it’s nice when our captains are spaced out,” Ayers said. “I think this is the first time I’ve had sisters as captains. And Bella is one of the most positive people you’ll ever meet in your life… We are excited to get everybody back and see what we’ve got.” The preseason 2A No. 6 Lancers will get tested right out of the gate when 2A No. 15 Independence comes to Eldridge on Friday. These two squads have played four times since 2024. North Scott is 2-1-1, but the one loss ended its season last May. Right after that, on April 7, is a trip to TouVelle Stadium and perennial Class 3A power Bettendorf. The Bulldogs are the preseason 3A No. 10. Then, on April 9, there is a big nonconference matchup at 3A No. 8 Iowa City Liberty. The Lightning went 14-2-2 last season. A fast start will be important for this group with five of the team’s first seven regular-season games at home. North Scott will have three weeks of exclusively road games from the end of April to the middle of May. The Lancers will end its regular season at home with marquee MAC matchups against Pleasant Valley (May 12) and Davenport Assumption (May 19). North Scott has not won a conference championship since 2017. The girls want that, and a whole lot more. “We are aiming for a state title, we are aiming for a MAC title. We want it all,” Reese Barnett said.

Try new cuisine on QC Restaurant Week April 6 - 12

Explore the Quad Cities' wide variety of restaurants during the 14th annual QC Restaurant Week, April 6-12. Over 80 restaurants will take part in the celebration showcasing the region's local favorites and encouraging diners to try something new. Outstanding hospitality professionals will be celebrated during the week through the Restaurant Stars program. Winners will be surprised [...]

Track season gets off and running

North Scott’s boys’ track team fired the starting gun on the 2026 season last Tuesday (March 24) for the Lancer Early Bird. The scarlet and silver tied for third at their first of two home meets to begin the year, scoring 38 team points and getting their feet wet in outdoor events. “I was happy at the end of the night,” Lancer coach Joe Greenwood said. “I didn’t put together a loaded-up lineup because I wanted to get everybody some competition and not overwork them on the second day back from spring break. We talked about going out and competing to the best of our ability, and I felt like our kids did that.” Western Dubuque won the meet with 80 team points, followed by Bettendorf at 71. Clinton and North Scott both posted 38 points, while Davenport Central (26), Burlington (19) and Davenport North (4) lagged behind. Three Lancers found individual wins on Tuesday. Senior Behren Radech got the good vibes humming by starting the meet off with a win in the discus. He hit a personal record by two feet, 146’ 2”, and he needed every inch to best Western Dubuque’s Charlie Ernzen, who hit 145’ 1”. Radech also finished fifth in the shot put, throwing 47’ 06.50” in the circle. “It was for sure a good start for him in the discus,” Greenwood said. “He’s been throwing OK in the shot. If you ask him, he’s not real happy. He has pretty high expectations of himself. I think he had a pretty good showing overall.” Junior Trey Feist was North Scott’s leader in the shot put at both the Lancer Early Bird and Thursday’s Pleasant Valley Spartan Invitational. Feist threw 50’ 01” on Tuesday and upped it to 51’ 01” on Thursday. The latter is his new personal record in that event. “He’s a kid that I don’t know has totally scratched the surface. This early-season success is proof of that,” Greenwood said. “He’s such an explosive, athletic kid. Typical people, when they see a great big kid, they say he’s got to be a good thrower. There’s a little bit of truth to that. But if you can get a big kid who is athletic, that’s what it’s all about right there. He’s a good kid, works hard at it, and he’s starting to come along in the discus. He didn’t focus a lot on that last year. He ticked that up again. It’s exciting there as well.” On the track, senior Nolan Reese picked up a win in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 56.33 seconds. He put on a similar show at the Spartan Invite, taking second place in 56.86 seconds. “(Tuesday was) a pretty big PR for him. I think it was a full second,” Greenwood said. “The 400 hurdles, in my estimation, is the hardest race in track. And that’s his race. That’s what he likes running the most. He’s looked pretty good this early spring so far, and I’m excited to see where he can go.” The other winner from Tuesday was junior Parker Hamly in the 1600-meter run. He cleared the field by three seconds and hit a big PR himself at 4:53.49. It is a big momentum and confidence-booster for Hamly, who missed most of last season due to injury. “He took control of that race and ran pretty well, so I was happy for him,” Greenwood said. While he didn’t win an event, senior Sam Dickman had himself a great opening night. He took third place in the 200-meter dash (23.28 seconds), the long jump (20’ 00”) and as part of the 4x200-meter relay crew with sophomore Landon Gronewold, sophomore Evan Kuhn and junior Dylan Kelsey (1:35.07). “He was joking about the fact that he was in three events and got three thirds. I was told not to put him in four events, because that would not be good for him,” Greenwood said. “He’s a kid that you know what you’re going to get. He gets himself ready to compete and goes out and does it. He’s a really good role model for all of our young sprinters.” North Scott also took a runner-up finish in the sprint medley relay featuring junior Vincent Hugaert, senior Ayden Tschopp, junior Renan Lewison and senior Koen Krambeck. Their time of 1:42.47 was faster than all but one Lancer sprint medley relay race from last spring. “Especially early in the season, we don’t set our relays, but they’ve had some success,” Greenwood said. “Koen ran a lifetime best in the 400 leg. He’s fought through a lot of injuries in his career, and we’re excited to see what he can put together here. Definitely a good way to start out that meet.” While Tuesday’s meet provided a lift, North Scott didn’t stay there on Thursday. The team finished in eighth place at the Spartan Invite, scoring 56 team points. It was well behind the top three schools of Pleasant Valley (176), Western Dubuque (108) and Dubuque Senior (98). “Thursday wasn’t one of our better nights, weather-wise. I felt we let the weather get to us a little bit,” Greenwood said. “We talked about that, and our point of emphasis this week is to control what we can control. Hopefully, we’ll come out (next Tuesday) and have a better night. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone continue to improve and develop. We had a few injuries this week that set us back a little bit. It’s balancing all of that as well. It’s just trying to figure out where everybody is, getting to know what everybody can do, and then figuring out lineups for meets coming up here.” On Saturday, North Scott heads to Bettendorf for its first coed meet of the season. Of note, it is no longer the “A-B-C” format of years past — it is a traditional track meet beginning at 10 a.m. North Scott hosted its annual Deac Ryan Relays meet on Tuesday with a stacked 12-school field. Of note here, it will not be North Scott’s last home meet of the season. On Tuesday, North Scott received the good news that it was awarded host duties for the May 14 coed state qualifying meet. This marks the third time in four years the Lancers will run the penultimate meet inside their friendly confines. “That’s a meet we definitely want to run at home. Obviously, our kids feel comfortable running at our place,” Greenwood said. “It’s a challenge, a big undertaking, to do that. You not only have to work on your track stuff, but you have to work on the running-of-a-meet stuff. That adds extra to our plate, but I’m more than willing to do that to help our kids be successful.”

Domino, the warty frogfish, is the first of its kind to be raised in captivity

Scientists say the little fish may hold broader lessons for raising other marine species in captivity.

North Scott archery takes on state

North Scott’s archery team shot in Des Moines this past weekend for the 2026 Iowa Bullseye Championships to close out its season. While no Lancers posted a top 10 score to qualify for Nationals, many Lancers shot elite scores for their gender and grade divisions. The high school boys’ team was led by junior Anthony Vatnsdal, junior Aaron Raleigh and sophomore Mason Burnett. Vatnsdal posted a 284 score (out of a possible 300), which was the top mark on the team. He ranked No. 39 out of the 636 high school boys who shot at the tournament and No. 50 out of all 1,564 competitors at state. Raleigh shot a 282, ranking No. 57 among high school boys and No. 74 overall. Burnett scored a 281, positioning him No. 77 among high school boys and No. 101 overall. Senior Zoe Schwien was the top-scoring Lancer high school girl with her 276. This put her No. 88 among the 535 high school girls in the competition, and No. 112 out of the nearly 1,100 girls at state. Freshman Anna Heiting shot a personal-best 272 at state, a mark that was matched by fellow freshman Vivian Oshann. At the junior high level, eighth-grader Zeke Wiggins shot a personal-best 272, which put him No. 75 of all middle school archers. Oliver Bendickson had the next-best score with a 266, followed by Caleb Skrzyniarz at 256. As a team, North Scott finished No. 11 out of 44 high schools at state. The top two scores at state were 294s shot by Collin Akers of Nodaway Valley and Ava Boldt of South Tama. The cutoff score to qualify for Nationals was 290 for high school boys and 287 for high school girls.

EPA increases biofuels in new Renewable Fuel Standard

New U.S. Environmental Protection Agency goals call for an all-time high volume of biofuels to be blended into gasoline and diesel, the agency said in a Friday news release following President Donald Trump’s announcement at the White House. The EPA’s Renewable Fuel Standard for 2026 and 2027 will set the volume of biofuels at the highest level in the program’s 20 years, the agency said in a statement released shortly after Trump touted the move in a speech to farmers gathered at the White House South Lawn. The president framed the new standards as a move away from regulations based on radical environmentalism. “What they’ve done to you — and the country, what they’ve done to the country — is just incredible,” he told the farmers. “The environmentalists, I mean, they are terrorists. They were terrorists.” Trump added that the standards will generate over $10 billion of rural economic benefit in rural areas and create an estimated 100,000 jobs. Biofuels are primarily produced from corn and soybean crops, with corn-derived ethanol by far the most common biofuel in the country. Trump and top administration officials said the new standards would help provide more domestic energy sources. The standards would reduce the demand for foreign oil by approximately 300,000 barrels per day, the EPA release said. “For 20 years, this program has diversified our nation’s energy supply and advanced American energy independence,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in the release. “EPA is proud to deliver on this mission and to do so at historic levels.” The standards will require a roughly 60% increase in biofuel and renewable diesel production over 2025 levels, the EPA estimated. That production would translate directly to a major economic boost for farmers, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said. “With President Trump and Administrator Zeldin’s leadership, these historically high volumes are expected to create a $3 to $4 billion dollar increase in net farm income,” she said in the EPA release. While biofuels groups commended the new standards, the Fueling American Jobs Coalition, an advocacy group that represents independent oil refiners, said the goals were “too aggressive” and did not reflect what could realistically be blended into transportation fuels. “Unfortunately, with today’s announcement, it’s clear that our efforts to advocate for achievable volumes were ignored, and this will now likely result in even higher prices at the pump for consumers,” the group said.

Researchers connect environmental issues with cancer rates in new report

Researchers and public health experts are urging lawmakers to turn knowledge of Iowa’s cancer crisis into action, with a new report detailing Iowans’ risks of exposure to different carcinogens and offering first and future steps to mitigating dangers. The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement and the Iowa Environmental Council released a report Wednesday into the environmental factors impacting Iowa’s high — and rising — cancer rates, including pesticides, per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), nitrate and radon. Presenters said during a news conference the report goes beyond the topics seeing the greater focus, like personal behaviors and decisions leading to greater cancer risks, and filling the gaps in knowledge that have stopped forward momentum before now. “Here’s the bottom line — Iowa’s cancer crisis is not inevitable. We can do better, and we must,” said Sarah Green, executive director of the Iowa Environmental Council, during the press conference. “Yes, individual choices matter, but the responsibility cannot fall on Iowans alone. This is a moment for leadership, a moment for policymakers to act with urgency to prioritize prevention, strengthen protections and reduce the environmental risks that are making people sick, because the cost of an action is measured in lives, and Iowans have waited long enough.” Iowans’ interest drives information synthesis Harkin Institute Wellness and Nutrition Policy Director Adam Shriver said in an interview it was a conference on public health and agriculture hosted by the institute more than a year ago that launched this collaboration with the Iowa Environmental Council. After concerned citizens and donors approached both the Harkin Institute and Iowa Environmental Council about the state’s cancer levels, Shriver said the two organizations decided to team up and take a “deep dive” into the topic. Colleen Fowle, water program director at the Iowa Environmental Council, said in an interview people pointed out that while lifestyle factors were part of discussions on Iowa’s cancer rates, environmental risk factors were “left out of the equation.” Iowa has held the rank of second-highest cancer rates in the country for three years now, Shriver said, and is one of only two states where cancer rates are rising rather than falling. Richard Deming, an oncologist and founder of nonprofit Above + Beyond Cancer, said during the press conference cancer is the second-leading cause of death in Iowa, and lung cancer alone causes 1 in 4 cancer deaths in the state. “I think that’s what really spurred on so many people in the community to feel like someone needs to take a closer look at what’s really unique about Iowa and what makes us different from what’s happening elsewhere in the country,” Shriver said. While this report is not connected to work being done in the Key Drivers of Cancer in Iowa Project, led by the University of Iowa and supported by the state government, it does reference the project’s interim report released in February. The interim report stated that “while demographic characteristics and behavioral risk factors explain a large proportion of Iowa’s high cancer incidence rate, there are still other factors contributing to the higher rates of these cancers observed in Iowa.” Report finds environmental cancer connections According to the report, the five most common cancers in Iowa — breast, prostate, lung, colorectal and skin melanoma — have connections to the environmental risk factors detailed in the report. A majority of the cancer types associated with pesticides, PFAS, nitrate or radon are also seeing increases in Iowa. Iowa is “on the high end” of every one of the exposures in the report, Fowle said, confirmed by Iowa Environmental Council Senior Director of Policy and Programs Kerri Johannsen during the press conference. Iowa has more than 4,000 concentrated animal feeding operations, which is about 2.5 times the number in the next-highest state. The Des Moines and Raccoon rivers are among the top 1% of U.S. rivers for nitrate concentration, 80% of which comes from agricultural sources. PFAS have also been found in 94% of Iowa surface waters and in 30% of groundwater sources, the report stated. The state is also an outlier for its use of pesticides, the three most popular identified in the report as glyphosate, acetochlor and atrazine. The pesticides are associated with higher risks of developing bile duct, bladder, breast, colorectal, kidney, lung, ovarian, pancreatic and pharyngeal cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukemia. A recent report from Food & Water Watch found that a majority of the counties in the top 20% for glyphosate application have higher non-Hodgkin lymphoma rates than the national average. Johannsen said both acetochlor and atrazine have been banned in the European Union but see the highest use in Iowa out of all U.S. states, and “pound for pound, the amount of glyphosate applied in Iowa is the highest of any pesticide applied in any state.” “We’re really being exposed to a cocktail of pollutants, which then it just creates a whole other level of complication,” Fowle said. “If we know there’s some associations with an individual pollutant, that’s concerning, but the fact that Iowans are exposed to multiple pollutants that have association with cancer, it just becomes so much more complex and concerning.” Forging further protections Johannsen said during the press conference recommendations from the report range from enforcing laws already on the books, like federal drinking water regulations, to solidifying funding for natural resources and environmental monitoring and using resources to tackle the amount of chemicals used in the state. Many of the recommendations require collaboration between the Legislature, state and federal agencies, universities and foundations. Personal actions individuals can take to mitigate their risks are also included in the report. “In order for there to be lasting and durable change, what we need is for more people to come to the table for that discussion about the solutions. We need solutions that are going to work for the people who know the environment and the people who know the public health and the people who know about agriculture and those processes,” Johannsen said. “So we hope this is a starting point and a menu of things that can be the subject of a deeper conversation between everybody involved.” While presenters said they appreciate efforts at the Statehouse to pass legislation on mitigating radon in new Iowa homes, they’re disappointed to see moves from lawmakers that would lead to less action from the state instead of the more action the public wants to see, such as shielding companies from liability relating to illnesses caused by their products and refusing to fund water quality tracking across Iowa. Shriver said during the press conference that for the people who say there still needs to be more understanding of the problems surrounding cancer rates in Iowa, this report provides all the facts they could need. He also finds it interesting that the people who say they need more information on the topic aren’t trying to save the water quality monitoring system that currently provides necessary data. “There’s a little bit of a discord in my mind between this idea that we don’t fully understand the problem, but also doing steps that are kind of actively going backwards in terms of … the amount of information we have available,” Shriver said. Matt Russell, executive director of the Iowa Farmers Union, also spoke during the press conference, saying that the organization has been part of the process to create the report and continues to participate in these efforts because its members face the same risks as other Iowans. While the Farmers Union supports use of pesticides and fertilizer and is not against animal, crop and biofuel production, Russell said “it’s clear that we need to change” and the whole state needs to come together to make those changes. With the report public, Fowle said people should expect to see more from the organizations in the form of a website showcasing the people and stories the research team gathered during listening sessions held in 2025. The original plan was to combine the information they synthesized from existing research and literature with results from the listening sessions, but Fowle said the amount of information they had and the fact that a report wasn’t the best way to share Iowans’ stories led to the split. The listening sessions also helped guide which sections to include in the released report, Fowle said. It was also announced during the press conference that those involved in the report will hit the road again this year to talk to Iowans about what they should do next. “I think there is an important tie in, in that everywhere we went in Iowa, people expressed concern about agricultural exposures and drinking water,” Shriver said. “And I think the findings of this peer-reviewed literature that we looked at really reinforced that people were right to be concerned about those issues.”

UnityPoint Health Trinity Muscatine hosting open house

UnityPoint Health – Trinity Muscatine Public Health is marking National Public Health Week with an open house to highlight the services it offers to keep area residents healthy. The open house will be on Tuesday, April 7 from 2 - 4 p.m. at Trinity Muscatine Public Health, 1609 Cedar Street. Guests can meet the public [...]

Illinois farm organizations lobby for estate tax relief

The proposed Family Farm Preservation Act would raise the estate tax exemption for qualified farmland heirs from $4 million to $6 million.

Much-needed rain for the Quad Cities with some stronger storms

After kicking off the week with record warmth, strong to severe storms moved across Iowa and Illinois Monday night and early Tuesday. More wet weather is in the forecast through Saturday. It'll be warm again today and then much cooler Wednesday. We warm back up late week. Here's your complete 7-day forecast.

Former Alex Jones employee says: 'It was nonsense, it was lies'

Josh Owens spent four years as a video editor and field producer for Jones' Infowars media company. "It was all about making things look cinematic," he says. Owens' memoir is The Madness of Believing.

Gas crosses $4 a gallon in U.S. for the first time in 3 years

The war with Iran has driven up gas prices at a time when affordability is high on people's minds.

Gas crosses $4 a gallon in the U.S. for the first time in 3 years

The war with Iran has driven up gas prices at a time when affordability is high on people's minds.

6 books named finalists for the 2026 International Booker Prize

The shortlisted titles include novels and novellas from authors and translators spanning four continents, with stories that range from Japanese-controlled 1930s Taiwan to the streets of Tehran in 1979.

Repairs will continue on 2nd Avenue Bridge, Clinton

The City of Clinton will resume work on Wednesday, April 1, to complete the remaining bridge repairs on the 2nd Avenue South bridge, about 2.3 miles west of Mill Creek Parkway, a news release says. The remainder of the project is expected to last approximately three weeks, weather permitting. During this period, access to Branden [...]

Support Safer Foundation in its 50th anniversary in the QC

Safer Foundation marks 50 years of service in the Quad Cities. Since 1976, the organization has worked to eliminate barriers to successful reentry for individuals with arrest and conviction records, a news release says. Safer Foundation has been a trusted community partner in helping justice-involved individuals build meaningful, stable lives through employment support, education, and [...]

University of Northern Iowa expanding AI offerings

Jon Diaz will share more about the two new programs This Week on News 8, which airs on Sunday.

Official Rules for the Lawn Mower Giveaway 2026

Official rules for this sweepstakes

'The Keeper' is a grand finale to Tana French's Cal Hooper crime series

Set in a quaint Irish village, The Keeper follows The Searcher and The Hunter, and solidifies the crime series' status as a contemporary classic.

Hammond-Henry Hospital adding new housing for medical students and physicians

A new Hammond-Henry Hospital outbuilding will provide temporary housing for medical students and physicians, garage bays and extra storage.

Quad-Cities petition targets Flock Safety cameras, citing surveillance fears

Automated license plate readers have become a cause for concern with one Quad-Cities resident who is seeking to remove them from the area.

ALPRs under strict guidelines, help solve crimes, Quad-Cities police say

"It has helped solve crimes that may have otherwise been unsolvable and also has led to the quick capture of offenders," East Moline Chief Jeff Ramsey said.

Gretchen at Work: From wool to woven at Leaf Livestock Wool Co.

"Essentially, my story is one thing led to another, and here we are, 10 years later, selling out every mill run," said Anne Sammons, of Leaf Livestock Wool Co. in Geneseo.

Iran hits oil tanker off Dubai as fighting continues on all fronts

Iran attacked and set on fire a massive Kuwaiti oil tanker off Dubai overnight, as Gulf states increasingly suffer the fallout from the war.

Trump tells Europe 'get your own oil,' Iran hits oil tanker off Dubai

Iran attacked and set on fire a massive Kuwaiti oil tanker off Dubai overnight, as Gulf states increasingly suffer the fallout from the war.

St. Raphael's Seminary

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Few colleges have had a more auspicious beginning than St. Raphael's Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. It was dreamed,…

In a town close to the farmworker movement, some struggle to process Chavez allegations

March 31 is Cesar Chavez's birthday, and a longtime holiday. In the wake of sexual assault allegations against him, residents in the farming town of Delano are conflicted about how to remember him.

Special Weather Statement until TUE 5:00 AM CDT

Strong Thunderstorm Bringing Nickel-Size Hail to Southwestern Areas Early Morning

Born out of the Civil Rights era, the EEOC pivots toward protecting white people

Andrea Lucas, the Trump-appointed chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, has set a new agenda for an agency that long prioritized vulnerable and underserved workers.

Babies are an afterthought in the birthright citizenship case, advocates say

An end to birthright citizenship would mean a new layer of bureaucracy for all babies born in the U.S., and could cause delays for health insurance and other benefits.

The final batch of World Cup tickets is about to go on sale. Here are 5 things to know

FIFA is kicking off its last sales for World Cup tickets on Wednesday. From prices to why FOMO is working against you, here's what you need to know.

Special Weather Statement until TUE 4:00 AM CDT

Strong Thunderstorm Bringing Nickel-Size Hail Early Morning

Army reviewing after helicopters hovered alongside Kid Rock's swimming pool as he saluted

The Army has launched an administrative review after two AH-64 Apache helicopters on a training run hovered near the hillside home of Kid Rock as the outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump saluted their crews.

Airport cleared to be renamed for Trump as he unveils design for skyscraper library

A Florida airport was cleared to be renamed after President Donald Trump on Monday, hours before the president revealed plans for a Miami skyscraper planned to house his presidential library.

Women's Final Four is set, and it is a repeat of last season's

No. 1 seeds UConn, UCLA, Texas and South Carolina are in the Final Four for the second straight season, just the second time the same teams have reached the sport's final weekend in consecutive years.

Thieves steal paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse from a private museum in Italy

Thieves made off with three paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse worth millions of euros from a museum near the city of Parma in northern Italy.

Davenport man facing drug, firearm charges after search

He is in the Scott County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

Davenport man facing drug, firearms charges after search

He is in the Scott County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

Iowa Army Ammunition Plant reopens

The closure began on March 12, after officials discovered lead azide on the site which required disposal.

Sherrard student attending West Point Academy; 1st in 40 years for the school

For the first time in 40 years, a senior from Sherrard High School will begin their next chapter of their life at West Point Academy. Ava Egel will start cadet basic training in June after she graduates this spring. The last Tiger to do that was the person behind the signature at the bottom of [...]

Grassley discusses partial government shutdown, Iran war impacts during Eldridge visit

Sen. Chuck Grassley visited LMT Defense in Eldridge, where he spoke about the ongoing partial government shutdown and local impacts from the Iran war.

Moody's, S&P Global reaffirm City of Davenport's credit ratings

The City of Davenport’s strong credit ratings have been reaffirmed by both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s, reinforcing the city’s long -term financial stability, a news release says. The city’s S&P rating is AA and stable, and Moody’s reaffirmed its Aa2 rating, also with a stable outlook. City leadership met with both agencies to deliver [...]

Permanent aid for child care workers heads to governor’s desk

House File 2514, which passed the Senate unanimously Monday, makes the Child Care Assistance (CCA) pilot program established in 2023 permanent.

Tickets on sale for Friends of Trinity’s Annual Spring Garden Party

Gather your friends, dust off your favorite spring hat and welcome the season in style.

Sinkhole repairs underway in Kewanee after collapsing under garbage truck

It's not the first sinkhole the city has seen in recent months. Public works said that the incidents are isolated, and it doesn't appear to be systemic.

Moline man Danny Fleener completes his 50th marathon in 50th state

Fleener completed his challenge with the Revel Mt. Charleston Marathon in Nevada.

Large hail possible around Quad Cities Monday night

There's a chance for some strong storms Monday night in the Quad Cities - especially after 9 p.m. The biggest threat comes from large hail and frequent lightning. As far as the timing goes, best chance is from 9 until 3 a.m. We also have a chance for some heavy rain this week in the [...]

Businesses feel construction crunch in East Moline downtown revitalization

Construction continues in East Moline as the city continues its work to breathe new life into its downtown.

Joh's Cafe opens in downtown Moline with focus on family, supporting veterans

The family- and veteran-owned business serves coffee, energy drinks and snack items. For Lindsey and Mark Johanson, it's a dream come true.

Davenport’s strong credit ratings reaffirmed, officials say

Davenport retains its strong fiscal standing with reaffirmed high credit ratings from S&P and Moody’s, signaling financial stability as the city prepares to finalize its 2027 budget.

Sen. Chuck Grassley visits Eldridge's LMT Defense

Grassley spoke about the ongoing DHS shutdown and the war in Iran.

Davenport teen receives 10-year prison term in crash that killed motorcyclist

He had pleaded guilty to homicide by vehicle in connection with the death of John C. Coons in August of 2025.

Moline Police Department plans to step up distracted driving enforcement in April

The Moline Police Department has a message for drivers, “put the phone away or pay.”

Grassley, in Eldridge, says leaders should 'under-promise and over-deliver' on Iran war

Chuck Grassley, Republican U.S. senator from Iowa, told employees at LMT Defense, an Eldridge weapons manufacturer, that he hopes the Iran war ends soon.

Road closures in the area

Construction projects are underway in the Quad Cities and Bureau County.

Illinois politics latest: Higher ed funding, Bears stadium latest, prescription drug price board

Every Monday on The Current, during the legislative sessions, we break down the top stories from Des Moines, Iowa, and Springfield, Illinois.