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

Thursday, December 13th, 2018
	‘Worst we’ve ever seen’ – Rescued dog at Illinois shelter needs pain pills MONMOUTH, Illinois — A new animal shelter is seeing a lot of firsts, and one of them is a dog with a pain pill prescription. Wiar Rescue received two new dogs from Kirkwood Animal Control in Illinois, who malnourished and diagnosed with mange. Mange is a skin disorder caused by parasitic mites that mammals can get when their fur is in poor condition. “It’s the worst we’ve ever seen, and the worst the vet has ever seen,” Dan Porter, president of the rescue, said. Both dogs have the condition, but Mickey, the male dog, has it so bad that he needs pain pills. It’s unclear how the dogs got to be in this condition. Porter said this was the first time he’s seen a dog need pain pills for mange. “He’s literally bleeding from his skin,” Porter said. “He’s certainly malnourished.” Porter said the rescue had been active for 18 years, but they never had any facility. Porter took over four years ago, and with the help of the community, opened a first-time facility. Wiar Rescue has been open in their new facility in Monmouth for a month, but their grand opening is Saturday, Dec. 15 at noon. Their only funding comes from donations. The facility opening comes just in time for these two dogs. “These dogs would not have survived at the county animal control,” Porter said. “It’s not that they don’t care, they just don’t have the around the clock support that we do.” Porter expects Mickey to make a full recovery after two months of medical treatment.
	Closures coming to Government Bridge The Government Bridge across the Mississippi River between Davenport and Arsenal Island will be closed to all rail, pedestrian and vehicle traffic for the next three Saturdays.
	WATCH LIVE: Police say teen suspect killed at Indiana middle school A school spokeswoman says all students and staffers are safe following a shooting at an eastern Indiana middle school where police say a teenage suspect has died.
	Dartmouth College fires three professors following federal sexual harassment lawsuit Seven women are suing Dartmouth's trustees for $70 million in damages.
	Multiple emergency crews on scene in downtown Davenport TV6 has a crew at the scene and we will work to provide more information as it becomes available.
	Teen accused in deadly shooting at elementary school in 2016 pleads guilty 16-year-old Jesse Osborne appeared in front of a judge on Wednesday where he waived his right to a trial.
	Man arrested for failing to register as a sex offender in Whiteside County Deputies were assisted by Prophetstown Police and Mercer County Sheriff's Office.
	Mother flies to Mexico to find man accused of molesting her young son FORT COLLINS, Colo. - A mother from Colorado traveled to Mexico to find the man accused of sexually assaulting her son. Now months after the trip, the suspect entered a plea deal and could face up to 20 years in prison, according to KDVR. Andrew Vanderwal faces the sexual assault charges. He didn't show up to a court date in 2017, and that's when a mother says she took matters into her own hands. “I knew I had to do something," said Lydia Lerma, a mother of one of the victims. Vanderwal initially posted bond and then disappeared. Documents show his attorney couldn't get a hold of him. Lerma said, “Law enforcement basically had told me to cool my jets and to let them do their damn jobs.” Those words didn't sit well with Lerma, who at the time was the mother of a 6-year-old victim. Lerma shared her story online, it eventually led to a tip, which then led her on a journey to justice. “It was actually a family down in Mexico that saw my post and they reached out to me and figured that I had suffered long enough and I needed to know where he was," Lerma said. The original plan was to meet Mexican officials in person, present all her research, and have Vanderwal arrested. When the FBI advised her not to do that, Lerma still traveled to Mexico to lay eyes on her son's accused abuser. Lerma says she found him in a parking lot, in Mexico, with kids in his car. “The emotions were overwhelming," Lerma said, "There was part of me that wanted to jump out and grab him myself and handle the situation. There was part of me that wanted to kill him." Lerma also said, "All I could do honestly was cry. I sat on the floorboard of a rental car, and I was in the back seat and I just sobbed.” Lerma says she never approached Vanderwal, but did let the FBI know that she found him. A month after her visit to Mexico, the FBI arrested Vanderwal and brought him back to Larimer County. He took a plea deal and will be sentenced in March. Lerma said, “That man is a coward, he is an absolute coward.” Lerma says her son is the bravest little person she's ever met, and he's doing really well.
	Muscatine man pleads guilty to methamphetamine charges Officials say Wetzel proceeded to immediate sentencing and received a total sentence of 35 years.
	Outrage over a ‘Deadpool’ poster that mimics an iconic LDS painting of Jesus Christ SALT LAKE CITY - An online petition is demanding the removal of a Deadpool poster, calling it a form of religious discrimination, according to KSTU. A self-proclaimed anti-hero like Deadpool has no business being compared to Jesus Christ, according to the petition. “A movie character which is all about crude humor and satire and sarcasm. They would see it being as precisely the opposite of the kind of characters and virtues that Jesus embodies,” said Patrick Mason, chair of Mormon studies at Claremont Graduate University. The picture of 'The Second Coming' by Harry Anderson was commissioned by the church and is commonly seen in meetinghouses. “The Second Coming is an important part of LDS religious belief. The idea that Jesus will come to the earth again and that particular portrayal of it is one of the most beloved and produced images of the Second Coming," Mason said. "You see it in Latter-day Saint homes and churches all over the place." The online petition, which has more than 31,000 signatures, calls this Once Upon a Deadpool poster a form of religious discrimination. Mason, who's a member of the church himself, said anytime people use the sacred art of another group, they should do research and ask people in that community for their opinion. “If that wasn't done then I think it's a failure of research," Mason said. "If it was done and they're disregarding people's feelings then I think that`s another matter and that would be really unfortunate."
	Toyota recalls 70,000 vehicles in North America to replace airbag parts In the latest recall, Toyota will use inflators made by another company that utilizes a different chemical.
	Cannabis industry expert: 2018 big, 2019 could bigger for marijuana (Illinois News Network) — As big as 2018 has been for marijuana, one industry expert said 2019 is likely to be even bigger. Over the past year, Michigan and Vermont legalized recreational marijuana use, and Utah and Missouri approved medical marijuana programs. And the entire nation of Canada decided to allow people to use cannabis. David Goldstein, with the cannabis information company Potbotics, said 2018 was a huge year for marijuana. He said 2019 could be even bigger. “What I would like to see in 2019 is a de-schedulization,” Goldstein said. “From a Schedule One drug that says marijuana has zero health benefits. To either a Schedule Two or a Schedule Three.” The federal government considers marijuana to be a Schedule One drug, the same category as heroin. Schedule One drugs have “no currently accepted medical use in the United States, a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision, and a high potential for abuse,” according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Many prescription opioids, including some preparations of fentanyl, are classified as Schedule Two controlled substances. Goldstein said he’d also like to see the Justice Department clarify banking rules for marijuana businesses. As for the money to be made in states, Goldstein said there is a lot to be made. Which is good, because leaders in Illinois are eyeing legal marijuana as a way to pay for everything from potholes to pensions. Illinois’ incoming governor, J.B. Pritzker, has said legal marijuana could pay for new roads, or bridges, or social services. Chicago’s outgoing mayor, Rahm Emanuel, says government-approved-pot could pay for the city’s pension debt. Goldstein said there might not be that much money, but he said there will be a lot of money to go around. “When we look at scales up to 2025, expectations are that the U.S. market will be worth about $100 billion worth of cannabis sales,” Goldstein said. “That’s slightly below beer, and just north of coffee.” Goldstein said the market for legal marijuana will vary from state to state, as will the taxes. He said states are also looking to see which early legal marijuana state is doing it best, and which is the national model.
	Rick's Six: Drizzle, Davenport institution disappears, body dismemberment, and about that street closure A good Thursday to all. Drizzle, rain and fog are possible throughout the day. Here are the weather details from the National Weather Service.
	The Bend officially opens for business EAST MOLINE, Illinois- Wednesday, December 12 was a big day for the city, as The Bend, its first hotel, opened up. We had Breakfast With…the owner Dan Murphy and developer Mike VanDeHeede Thursday, December 13 on Good Morning Quad Cities. The Bend is two hotels in one, a Hyatt House and a Hyatt Place, at 111 Bend Boulevard. The building is on the former industrial space of Case, where the company used to make combines. The hotel has transformed the blighted, deserted factory space on the city’s riverfront. The 99-room Hyatt House is designed for extended stay and business travelers, featuring a full kitchen. They Hyatt Place includes 134 rooms for overnight stops and people attending weekend events.
	Warmest Temps Since Thanksgiving This Weekend We may be dealing with fog and a wintry mix tonight we will be rewarded with very warm and quiet weather this weekend.
Wednesday, December 12th, 2018
	Holiday budget busted? Here's how to get back on track Trying to outdo Santa this holiday season could get you on the credit card companies' naughty list.More shoppers are spending more money in more places this year, according to the National Retail Federation, and that could mean trouble when the January credit card bills come.A national survey found the average American who spent too much on holiday gifts last year racked up more than $1,000 in credit card debt. About a quarter of them said it would only take a month to pay off in full, but 30 percent said it could take almost half a year -- if not longer.This year, the hardest part of holiday shopping for Marcie Ordaz is just figuring out what to get her two teenage daughters. In the past, the budget was the issue."I did get caught in that vicious cycle of credit cards of just having to use them pay for every day things and before you know it it was like out of control," said the mom from Eldridge, IA. It's a problem many people face according to Consumer Credit of the Quad Cities CEO Brian Delaney. He said this month his office is pretty empty, but come January things get busy. "I like to say it's because people they're not looking to stop spending money. They want to kind of have their last hurrah perhaps," he said. "They're making those charges and then the bill comes and say, 'Oh my gosh, maybe I shouldn't have done this.'" Delaney said there's one easy way to stay out of the red: make a list and check it twice. "The more organized you are on the front end, the better things are going to come out," he said. "The less likely you are to see something that catches your eye and puts you over the limit."Decide who is getting what before you hit the stores and create categories of spending -- not everyone can get a big ticket item. Delaney said to also be wary of same-as-cash store credit card deals that don't charge interest for the first year. If you don't pay it off before the year is up, Delaney said all that interest gets tacked on to the next bill. If your spending does get out of hand a non-profit counseling service like, Consumer Credit, can help you take control by setting up a payment plan. Delaney said there are other perks like lower monthly payments and they could help stop your interest and late fees."By the time we're done it's like this great weight has been lifted," Delaney said.Ordaz said she had to take a hard look at her spending to clear out her debt."I had to really put myself on a budget," Ordaz said. Now she tracks her monthly budget with spreadsheets. It took her a couple years to start using credit cards again, but now she makes sure she stays within her means. "I know at the beginning of the year I turn around and pay them off and then I just start all over again," Ordaz said. Combining coupons and special offers is another way Ordaz makes the most out of her holiday shopping budget. She also swaps budget advice with The Quad Cities Mom Squad -- a Facebook group with 1850 members. With her budget in place and holiday shopping done, Ordaz said she's ready to sit back and watch her daughters open their gifts Christmas morning."[It's] less stressful. It makes it more fun," she said.
	Steamwheelers star Quinton Pedroza finds joy through substitute teaching Quad City Steamwheelers star Quinton Pedroza never thought he would be a teacher, and the opportunity is changing his life for the better.
	'Unbelievable': Davenport council members approve new commissioners despite pushback "This isn't a club, this isn't a fun game, these are human rights," says Davenport resident Cassandra Owens. Davenport's last city council meeting of the year... "It's not a personal attack on you but what you're doing is a personal attack on them and their families," says Laura Rodriguez, a Moline resident. Nothing short of contentious. Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch broke with typical protocol tonight by allowing the public to speak up before council voted on his nominees. "Violating the people of this town's civil rights. I'm using my white privilege to tell you that you better do something about it," says a Davenport veteran.A handful of neighbors say that the mayor's choice not to reappoint three commissioners is retaliation. "The mayor has chosen to force out some of his critics on the commission and replace them with some of his friends and political backers," says resident Evan Shank. They also say that the corporate candidates don't reflect the real community. "When your entire board starts to look alike, how can you say that they are representing the marginalized? There is no intersectionality on that board," Rodriguez says.Still, council members unanimously approved the commissioners.The mayor, largely silent during the days-long controversy, spoke only to Local 4 News Wednesday night. He insists the move is not a punishment for those who opposed his proposal in September to change the structure of the commission. "There was no retaliation at all. It was a matter of getting more people involved and finding more ways to better communicate," Klipsch says. He also says despite concerns, he's confident in his candidates."Everybody has some issues of conflict, whether it be your neighbor, whether it be somebody you go to church with, somebody you work with and in those cases the commissioner would recuse themselves from any decisions," says Klipsch. Despite the defeat, activists left their elected officials with one final message, chanting "Vote them out!" as they left council chambers.Five out of seven members of the Civil Rights Commission now come from business backgrounds. There is also no longer a commissioner that represents the disabled community.The mayor says his appointments still reflect racial and cultural diversity.
	Unborn child fatally shot, husband of mother charged A Chicago man has been charged with involuntary manslaughter of a child after a struggle over a gun left his pregnant wife critically injured and the unborn child dead.
	Volunteers, children help make 42nd annual MLK party a success ROCK ISLAND — The Martin Luther King Jr. Center was packed Wednesday night as the center held its 42nd annual Holiday Children’s Party.
	Mom says 1-year-old looked like he was ‘mauled by animal’ after daycare attack PASCAGOULA, Miss. – A 1-year-old boy is recovering after his mother said he was attacked by another child at a Mississippi daycare. WLOX reports that Letoye Sutter said it happened last week at a 24-hour daycare called Pooh and the Crew in Pascagoula. Sutter told WLOX over the phone that the woman who was watching the children at the time stepped away to light a fireplace, and when she came back, Dakota Hudson was covered in blood and was screaming. According to Sutter, one of the responding officers told her, “It looks like your son was mauled by an animal.” The child was taken to an emergency room, and police were called to file a report. According to police reports, no more than five children are under the care of the daycare. “It appears that everything they are doing is in compliance with the law and regulations of operating a daycare of that size,” said Capt. Doug Adams. “We have forwarded a report to DHS and also asked them to look into this. The state Department of Health is investigating and confirms that the facility is not licensed and has not applied for a license. But it also said not all facilities need to be licensed, depending on the circumstances. WLOX said it called the numbers listed for the daycare, but no one answered and messages were not returned. CNN contributed to this report.
	Del Monte recalls Fiesta Corn in 25 states over possible contamination WALNUT CREEK, Calif. – Del Monte Foods Inc. is recalling 62,242 cases of Fiesta Corn Season with Red & Green Peppers as a precautionary measure after the food wasn’t processed correctly – which could lead to deadly contamination. The recall effects 25 states and 12 international locations. Del Monte says in a news release , “These deviations were part of the commercial sterilization process and could result in contamination by spoilage organisms or pathogens, which could lead to life-threatening illness if consumed. It is important to note that there have been no reports of illness associated with these products to date.” The potentially under-processed products are 15.25-ounce (432g) cans with the following UPC number printed on the label: 24000 02770. The item will also have one of the following “Best if Used By” dates stamped on the bottom of the can: August 14, 2021 August 15, 2021 August 16, 2021 Sept 3, 2021 Sept 4, 2021 Sept 5, 2021 Sept 6, 2021 Sept 22, 2021 Sept 23, 2021 States included in the recall are: Alaska, Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. International locations: Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, El Salvador, Haiti, Guyana, Uruguay, Aruba, Panama, Saint Lucia, Suriname. If consumers have any product with the indicated UPC code and “Best if Used By” dates, they should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund or exchange. Consumers with questions may contact the company by calling the toll free hotline at 1-800-779-7035, Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Eastern Time or by visiting www.delmontefoods.com.
	Tips to prevent theft, stolen packages & danger during holiday shopping It's the most wonderful time of the year. Not only for you, but also for criminals. There are ways to avoid being hit by thieves during the holidays, according to Lt. Dan Knittle from the Rock Island Police Department. He encourages people to park closely to entrances where possible and in well-lit areas. Always lock your car and remove the keys regardless where your car is. Keep packages and personal belongings or items of value out of sight from outside the car.While shopping, Knittle encourages people to be alert and remain aware of your surroundings. With increased holiday traffic, you want to avoid becoming distracted by your phone and placing yourself in danger while in parking lots. You should also have your keys in your hand before you leave the building and be prepared to enter your car on your arrival; don't dig for keys in your purse or pocket.If you do go out of town over the holidays, make sure all your doors and windows are locked, including garage doors and car doors. Stop your mail or have a trusted neighbor pick it up and hold it for you. Have someone check your house, shovel the walk, turn on and off lights, and generally make it known that someone either is or has been there.No one wants a package stealer. Be sure to track your packages and make sure that someone is there when they are delivered. If someone can't be there when the packages will be delivered, request a signature so that the package won't be left if nobody is home. It is not a good idea to leave packages on your porch any longer than necessary.
	New Davenport VA clinic could cut down wait times, trips to Iowa City DAVENPORT, Iowa– Quad Cities veterans could soon get their health care more quickly. A new VA outpatient clinic is set to open in Davenport this coming spring. The new clinic is going in the former Jewel-Osco location off of Locust Street across from the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. It will entirely replace the nearly 30-year-old clinic in Bettendorf. All services and care will move to the new facility. “It’s gonna be really nice,” army veteran Edward Peve says. “We deserve it. Not just me, but all the veterans deserve it.” The new clinic will be twice the size of the current location. The Bettendorf location is too small for the number of patients and practitioners coming through the building. The Bettendorf VA has nearly 9,000 veterans receiving care with about 200 patients coming through every day, according to the clinic manager Cindy McGee. With more space, more services will be offered, including audiology, optometry, podiatry, and chiropractor and acupuncture care. That could mean fewer trips to the Iowa City VA clinic for specialized care. “That 45 minutes to an hour is a great burden, depending on what procedures or treatments or office visits (veterans) have to encounter,” McGee says. The new clinic will have a new look and updated layout. In the current clinic, patients have to walk throughout the building to visit different doctors and nurses during their appointment. They visit one room where a nurse takes their vitals. They’d go to another room to have blood work drawn. Then they’d go to another room for the actual exam. That involves a lot of walking, and it’s possible to get lost, McGee says. “With the new clinic, the veteran won’t have to travel. We’ll come to them,” McGee says. Veterans will stay in one room during their appointment in the new facility. It’s more efficient and could cut down on wait times in the lobby. There will be three times as many exam rooms in the new facility. “I think I can get (my health) taken care of a lot more, a lot better,” Peve says. There will also be dedicated women’s health exam rooms and “increased accommodation” for mental health care and physical therapy. The VA hoped to have the clinic open by February, but there have been some delays with the project. It’s expected to open sometime in spring 2019.
	Davenport council members approve three new civil right commissioners The Davenport city council has voted on three new civil rights appointees nominated by the mayor.
	Davenport aldermen confirm three new members to civil rights commission despite protest at City Hall Following a lengthy protest in City Hall on Wednesday night, Davenport aldermen widely approved a slate of mayoral appointees to join the city’s resident-led panel that reviews local civil rights complaints.
	Shots fired near east Kimberly road in Davenport Police say an argument between two groups led to a shoot-out from two cars. Police are looking for answers for those who were involved.No one has been reported injured. Two buildings were damaged from the shoot-out. The incident happened outside of the famous Dave's Bar-B-Que restaurant. Residents who heard the shooting were surprised it happened in what they say is a quiet neighborhood. One resident says she's seen worse. " i'm not afraid because well i have god in my life and i believe thats most of it. I've been at other places that probably would have been more insecure," says resident Mary Hayes. The Davenport Police Department is still investigating the case and are asking anyone with information to come forward.
	Attorney's interview with detective played in sex abuse, prostitution trial Longtime attorney Stephen Newport told a Bettendorf police detective in March that he did not know how a female client he was representing in a civil case had known about a medical device that had been implanted following treatment for…
	“Our Favorite Things” Watermark Corners Our Favorite Things Johnnie Jindrich's picks: Personalized stationery. Bonus, Watermark Corners can make it for you while you finish up your shopping! Yogi! This is a fun game... it's like twister without the plastic mat and turned up a notch. This deck of cards will get the whole family moving and laughing. This grill brush has been hard to keep in stock at Watermark Corners but they just ordered a bunch so hopefully you can snag one for the griller in your life. It's made with just two pieces of wire wrapped together so there's so way this will end in one of those grill brush horror stories we hear every now and then. Denise Hnytka's picks: The After Bra - This tank top is a miracle worker! It offers the support of a bra, without the shelf or wires. It’s meant for those times around the house when you don’t want to wear a bra. Now you can relax after a long day and still feel comfortably covered! Inside Out Umbrella - It opens in a way that feels backwards, but it keeps you out of the rain and dries without getting water all over! Chef Knife by Victorinox- America’s Test Kitchen picked this one as its top performing knife, bearing out ones that cost hundreds!
	Davenport home struck by gunfire after fight turns into shooting At least one Davenport home was hit by gunfire Wednesday night, according to police.
	BREAKING: Shots fired at least one person injured Davenport police are responding to a shots fired incident on Washington Street. a neighbor says they heard between 15 to 20 shots.
	Moline shooting victim considered ‘clinically deceased’ MOLINE, Illinois — The person who was injured in a shooting in Moline’s Florciente neighborhood is now considered “clinically deceased,” according to police. The shooting happened around 6:30 a.m. Sunday, December 9. One victim was hit by gunfire, Detective Michael Griffin said. That person was transferred to Iowa City where he was in “grave, critical condition.” On Wednesday, December 12, Detective Griffin confirmed that the victim’s organs were being prepared for donation. “Therefore, though the victim is declared clinically deceased he is not considered legally deceased,” said Detective Griffin. Police said the case was expected to transition into a homicide investigation, “which it has been treated as from day one.” An update was expected Thursday, December 13.
	City of Moline cashing in on video gambling boom Gambling machines in Moline could soon come with a hefty price tag.That's because city leaders are looking at upping the charges for machine owners. At Tuesday night's city council meeting, aldermen discussed a proposed ordinance that would charge the owners $1,000 per gaming machine. Video gaming terminals have been allowed in licensed establishments within Moline since 2012. As of now, each establishment is charged a $50 fee per machine. Most local establishments don't own the machines they host. Instead they lease the games from larger gaming companies. By charging the proposed $1,000 fee to those gaming companies, leasing the machines could become more expensive for local businesses. This latest ordinance comes in the wake of Moline's recent advertising ban for gaming parlors. On Wednesday, a few local restaurant owners said they don't support the ordinance, saying if gaming takes a hit in the city, so will their businesses.Moline Mayor Stephanie Acri tells Local 4 News the recent crack down on gambling is part of an effort to address the concerns of both neighbors and city leaders. "We are just looking to address the issue of gaming in Moline through this fee," said Mayor Acri. Laurie McNamee, owner of V.I.P's Bar and Grill in downtown Moline, says she's worried that an ordinance that is meant to regulate gaming parlors across the city is going to have more devastating affects on small businesses like local restaurants. "There has to be another way to go about getting the extra money that they're looking for than just adding another thousand dollars to each machine," said McNamee. "I think it's going to hurt the smaller businesses versus the gaming places themselves."While local businesses may not see the $1,000 fee directly, it could still make leasing the machines more expensive. "It would make some people decide if they want to keep the machines or not depending on the extra fees that they're throwing in for them," said McNamee. Nick Neppl, owner of Nico's Hispanic Cuisine in downtown Moline, says small gaming systems can make a big difference when it comes to paying the bills. "For me it helps pay the rent and pay off the loans, and the overhead on a restaurant is pretty high so every little bit adds up." McNamee says losing the machines could cost them thousands of dollars. "You're talking $40-50,000 loss right off the bat...that's what it's doing for a lot of small businesses that I've talked to other owners. That's how they're surviving." And for Neppl, it could even mean closing their doors for good. "If I have a slow month and I'm depending on these machines it could mean potentially that I shut down and I can't do business in Moline." And now they're worried a big win for the city could leave local businesses at a loss. If the ordinance is approved, Moline would gain around $155,000 in additional revenue each year. Mayor Acri says she'd like to see the addition funds go toward resurfacing and maintaining city streets.Local 4 News took a closer look at just how much the city has profited from machine owners in recent years.From January to October of 2016, Moline collected more than $142,000 in taxes from machine owners. In 2017, that increased to nearly $172,000. And during the same time frame this year, the city saw it's largest profit to date, collecting more than $247,000 in taxes from machine profits.Mayor Acri says the council plans to make a final decision at the next meeting, which is scheduled for December 18.
	Spirit Hollow opens Toptracer Range for year-round heated golf BURLINGTON, Iowa — Spirit Hollow Golf Course just opened a new driving range, powered by Toptracer, a ball-tracking technology to track golf balls using high tech cameras. The Shankapotamus Golf Academy at Lambo's opened on Monday. "We were trying to figure out some sort of amenity that our stay and play guests could use who come out here for golf in the summertime," Jim Wyffels, General Manager at Spirit Hollow said. "We also wanted something that people could do in the wintertime. Obviously, in the midwest, there isn't much to do in the winter and we wanted to be able to provide some sort of golf component and a great food and beverage and something for, you know, if you wanted to bring your kids out also." Wyffells says in the golf business, winter and early dark hours make for bad business because "You were pretty much done," he said. Now that Spirit Hollow has its Toptracer Range, however, golfers of all skill levels will be able to practice year-round. Golfers stand in seven heated bays overlooking the driving range and aim at custom-built flags. "No one else has the targets in the United States. We're the first ones and the targets are all LED let so at night it's very impressive at night," Wyffells said. Players use whatever club they want and know exactly where the ball goes by looking at each bay's tv screens that show the ball's path, yardage, carry distance, height at its apex, and hang time. The concept may remind people of Topgolf, which owns Toptracer. "Toptracer utilizes cameras. Topgolf has a chip in the golf ball so it's a completely different way to build it. It's tracking your golf ball, the technology is every bit as good and accurate. It's just the targets out there, you're not hitting into a target, you're hitting the ball and it's tracking it and it's responding with your information on the screens that we have." Wyffells said. Each bay has its own iPad from which people can order food and drinks from a brand new kitchen. The new range is adjacent to a brand new party space popular for events. There are bags games and shuffleboard. "We want to promote the Burlington residents and surrounding communities to come out and have something to do, something different to do, especially in the winter time," Wyffells said.
	Davenport school bus collides with pickup A Davenport Community District School District bus collided with a pickup Wednesday, but no injuries were reported.
	Costco gets high praise from national website weeks after opening Davenport location According to a national website Costco has the best company culture in the large business category (more than 500 employees).
	Superintendent Raso: Bettendorf will set new priorities for school upgrades The Bettendorf administration is preparing to move forward without its $30 million general obligation bond.
	Bettendorf Recreation Study Bettendorf is studying the future of some of its recreation facilities. And Thursday a consultant that's been working with the city will present its recommendations at two public open houses.
	Quad Cities shelter gives more than 20 rescue dogs and puppies a second chance DAVENPORT, Iowa -- More than 20 dogs facing euthanasia at an Oklahoma dog shelter were given a second chance when they arrived at a Quad Cities rescue center by van Wednesday morning. King's Harvest Pet Rescue in Davenport welcomed the puppies and adult dogs, getting them ready for adoption in time for the holidays. "We're really hoping we can turn this around for these dogs and get them into a home for Christmas," said assistant director Rochelle Dougall. "Which would just really be fun and wonderful and exciting for the new family and for the pups." The dogs came from the overflow facility at the Oklahoma shelter with no insulation and few resources to provide the animals with food and water. Dougall said their time at the shelter was running out. "They stayed there until their time was up, and then they would have been put down," she said. King's Harvest said the 22 dogs included five Yorkies, three Chihuahuas, two Miniature Pinschers and half a dozen other breeds of various ages. The pups will go to a foster home for a few weeks, while the older dogs are basically ready to be adopted into new home. As the dogs came into King's Harvest for processing, technicians reviewed their health records, made sure they were up to date on their vaccines, and gave them a flea bath.
	Wheel of Misfortune; Jerry Lee Clark II Each Wednesday on News 8 CrimeStoppers of the Quad Cities introduce the community to one of the area's most wanted criminals. On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, the "Wheel of Misfortune" landed on 47-year-old Jerry Lee Clark II. He's described as 6'1'' tall, 225 pounds, black hair, and hazel eyes. He is wanted by Silvis Police for five counts of Violation Order of Protection. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers. Tips leading to an arrest could be eligible for a $500 reward.
	Moline School Board Plans To Select Superintendent On Wednesday The Moline–Coal Valley school board plans to decide Wednesday night who will become the school district's next superintendent.
	Q-C public health projects receive grants Two Quad-City area organizations are among the recipients of the 2019 Community Grant Program from the University of Iowa College of Public Health and its Business Leadership Network.
	World War I documentary will be shown in Davenport, Moline Peter Jackson’s World War I documentary “They Shall Not Grow Old” will be shown in the Quad-Cities on Monday, Dec. 17 and Thursday, Dec. 27.
	Davenport police investigate shots fired, vehicle pursuit Davenport police are investigating a shots-fired incident that resulted in building damage and a vehicle pursuit.
	St. Ambrose University seeking city approval to expand McMullen Hall St. Ambrose University is looking for city approval to make a 60,000-square foot addition to McMullen Hall, a project university officials hope to begin this spring and complete before fall classes start in 2020.
	Iowa's largest advent calendar in windows of Davenport building Each day, a new design is installed and lit up on the south side windows.
	19-year-old Muscatine man charged with grandmother’s murder on her 66th birthday MUSCATINE, Iowa – 19-year-old Darian Lensgraf is in jail after being accused of stabbing his grandmother, Diana Lensgraf, on her 66th birthday. Lensgraf is charged with first degree murder after Muscatine Police found the victim dead in her home in the early morning hours of Dec. 12. Muscatine Police spent several hours at the home on the 2100 block of Breese Avenue that same morning. “Because we are on a dead-end road, there’s nowhere to run,” says neighbor, Jesus Ocampo. Officers ended up in Ocampo’s neighborhood after a strange 911 call made from a convenience store just blocks away from Diana’s house. There, a clerk made the call reporting a man with a bloody knife was in the store. “There was a person there, had blood on him, had a knife and was making statements about having killed somebody,” reports Alan Ostergen, Muscatine County Attorney. That’s where police found Darian who confessed he stabbed his grandmother to death. “It’s not everyday that we arrest 19-year-olds for killing their grandmothers,” Ostergen comments. Police aren’t saying what led up to the stabbing and that the grandson, Darian, doesn’t live in the victim’s house. “I wish there was a little more community support here or maybe this wouldn’t have happened,” Ocampo emphasizes. “We are neighbors, but we really aren’t.” Police are still trying to identify a motive for the murder. Darian is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Dec. 21.
	A Davenport institution disappears: Friends, family remember Cal & Bob's grocery store Growing up at his grandparents' grocery store, Cal & Bob's, Jimmy Gilland learned how to ride a bike, pop a cap off of a soda bottle, and how to build a makeshift pool table out of gumballs and Styrofoam cups.
	‘They think I’m dead’: Man kidnapped, strangled and left tied up in truck calls 911 CLEVELAND – A man who was kidnapped, tied up and left for dead in the back of a truck managed to call Cleveland police, according to WJW. "I need the police. I'm in the back of a truck," David Mitchell told the operator in 911 audio obtained by the news station. "They think I'm dead, but I'm not dead." Mitchell, his voice shaking with emotion, said he got jumped from behind off of East Boulevard and thrown in the back of a pickup with the bed covered. "I heard them talking," Mitchell said. "They were gonna dispose of my body. They think I'm dead.” He’d been tied up and even had a plastic bag over his head that was making it difficult to breathe. "They strangled me, and I passed out," Mitchell told the dispatcher. "And I woke up, and I heard them talking [about] what they were gonna do to me. Help me, help me." The caller gave police a description of where he’d been attacked, and police were able to find the truck. They also found Mitchell tied up inside just as he’d said. But that’s only part of the story. Authorities are still investigating the mystery behind what happened. A police report indicates Mitchell may know at least some of the people involved. He told WJW didn’t want to get into specifics and said he wanted police to get to the bottom of it. However, he did say how he managed to call 911 – using his smartwatch. What was going through his mind? "It was over. I thought it was over."
	2 laws making college more affordable take effect January 1st SPRINGFIELD, Illinois- Beginning January 1, Illinois law will force colleges to work with high schools to increase the availability of dual credit classes. The first new law requires public universities and community colleges to work with local high schools to ensure students are credited for their dual-credit courses taken in high school. The second law prohibits limiting the number of courses and credits a student may receive from dual credit courses. Dual enrollment classes allow students to earn college credit(s) when they are still in high school. Illinois Senate Education Committee Chair Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant stated: “Hands-on experience is the best way to prepare our students for a successful college experience, Dual-credit courses allow students to have the college experience with extra guidance and support.” “It’s the state’s duty to keep college costs affordable and work together in a bipartisan manner to help ensure our students are successful,”
	Man admits to stealing from area cemeteries MUSCATINE, Iowa — A Muscatine man admitted to stealing memorial vases from area cemeteries. Thomas Edgar Thornburg, age 44, pleaded guilty to first degree theft, second degree theft, and fourth degree theft, according to the Muscatine County Attorney, Alan Ostergren. Ostergren said Thornburg stole brass memorial vases from area cemeteries, passed checks on a closed account and pawned stolen merchandise. He was expected to be sentenced on February 8 at 9:45 a.m.
	Guilty plea in cemetery thefts A man pleaded guilty Wednesday to theft charges related to brass memorial vases that were stolen from numerous cemeteries.Thomas Edgar Thornburg pleaded guilty to theft in the first degree, theft in the second degree and theft in the fourth degree in Muscatine County District Court An investigation by the Muscatine Police Department showed that Thornburg stole brass memorial vases from numerous area cemeteries, passed checks on a closed account and pawned stolen merchandise. He will be sentenced February 8.
	Music festival planned at the soon-to-open Rust Belt in February A first-of-its-kind, three-day music festival will be among the first events held at The Rust Belt, the 4,000-person capacity music venue opening in February in East Moline.
	UPDATE: Man pleads guilty in Muscatine cemetery thefts 44-year-old Thomas Edgar Thornburg of Muscatine pleaded guilty to theft charges in connection with stolen brass vases from area cemeteries.
	New Christmas book will benefit Q-C no-kill shelter Bettendorf artist Maureen Broussalian will sign the third book in her Lady Louise series, “Adventures at the North Pole,” with author Karen Petit, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Bereskin Art Gallery and Academy, 2967 State St., Bettendorf.
	Coffee Break: Sunnybrook Assisted Living facility in Muscatine MUSCATINE, Iowa -- Ryan Jenkins took a Coffee Break at Sunnybrook Assisted Living in Muscatine, to learn about the facility.
	Moline School Levy Lower Property owners in the Moline School District will probably not pay higher taxes next year. This week, the school board gave its final approval to the 2019 tax levy.
	School bus crash closes part of Rockingham Road in Davenport DAVENPORT, Iowa — A crash involving a school bus has caused part of Rockingham Road to close. The crash happened Wednesday afternoon, December 12 at Rockingham and South Gayman Avenue. A truck appeared to be involved in the crash with the bus, which was from Davenport Community Schools. All the students were taken off the bus and parents were on scene to pick them up. Traffic was backed up around the area. The bus has been moved out of the way and the roadway was expected to open soon.
	Opioid crisis fast facts Experts say the United States is in the throes of an opioid epidemic, as more than two million Americans have become dependent on or abused prescription pain pills and street drugs. Opioids are drugs formulated to replicate the pain-educing properties of opium. They include both legal painkillers like morphine, oxycodone, or hydrocodone prescribed by doctors for acute or chronic pain, as well as illegal drugs like heroin or illicitly made fentanyl. The word “opioid” is derived from the word “opium.” During 2017, there were more than 72,000 overdose deaths in the United States, including 49,068 that involved an opioid, according to a provisional CDC count. More than 130 people died every day from opioid-related drug overdoses in 2016 and 2017, according to the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The number of opioid prescriptions dispensed by doctors steadily increased from 112 million prescriptions in 1992 to a peak of 282 million in 2012, according to the market research firm IMS Health. The number of prescriptions dispensed has since declined, falling to 236 million in 2016. The number dropped 10.2% in 2017 from 2016, according to IQVIA (formerly IMS Health). Common opioids: Opioids bind to receptors in the brain and spinal cord, disrupting pain signals. They also activate the reward areas of the brain by releasing the hormone dopamine, creating a feeling of euphoria or a “high.” Opioids such as morphine and codeine are naturally derived from opium poppy plants more commonly grown in Asia, Central America and South America. Heroin is an illegal drug synthesized from morphine. Hydrocodone and oxycodone are semi-synthetic opioids, manufactured in labs with natural and synthetic ingredients. Between 2007 and 2016, the most widely prescribed opioid was hydrocodone (Vicodin). In 2016, 6.2 billion hydrocodone pills were distributed nationwide. The second most prevalent opioid was oxycodone (Percocet). In 2016, 5 billion oxycodone tablets were distributed in the United States. The International Narcotics Control Board reported that in 2015, Americans represented about 99.7% of the world’s hydrocodone consumption. Fentanyl is a fully synthetic opioid, originally developed as a powerful anesthetic for surgery. It is also administered to alleviate severe pain associated with terminal illnesses like cancer. The drug is up to 100 times more powerful than morphine. Just a small dose can be deadly. Illicitly produced fentanyl has been a driving factor in the number of overdose deaths in recent years. Methadone is another fully synthetic opioid. It is commonly dispensed to recovering heroin addicts to relieve the symptoms of withdrawal. Addiction: Opioid use disorder is the clinical term for opioid addiction or abuse. People who become dependent on opioids may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the pills. Dependence is often coupled with tolerance, meaning that opioid users need to take increasingly larger doses of the medication for the same effect. About 11.4 million Americans misused prescription pain medicine in 2016 and 2017, according to the HHS. About 886,000 people used heroin. People who become dependent on pain pills may switch to heroin because it is less expensive than prescription drugs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that half of young people who inject heroin turned to the street drug after abusing prescription painkillers, also that three in four new heroin users start out using prescription drugs. The number of overdose deaths related to heroin increased 533% between 2002 and 2016, from an estimated 2,089 in 2002 to 13,219 in 2016. A drug called naloxone, available as an injection or a nasal spray, is used as a treatment for overdoses. It blocks or reverses the effects of opioids and is often carried by first responders. More data on overdose deaths Regulation and funding: In 2013, the cost of medical care and substance abuse treatment for opioid addiction and overdose was an estimated $78.5 billion, according to a report in the journal Medical Care. The 21st Century Cures Act, passed in 2016, allocated $1 billion over two years in opioid crisis grants to states, providing funding for expanded treatment and prevention programs. In April 2017, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price announced the distribution of the first round of $485 million in grants to all 50 states and US territories. In August 2017, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the launch of an Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit within the Department of Justice. The unit’s mission is to prosecute individuals who commit opioid-related health care fraud. The DOJ is also appointing US attorneys who will specialize in opioid health care fraud cases as part of a three-year pilot program in 12 jurisdictions nationwide. State legislatures are also introducing measures to regulate pain clinics and limit the quantity of opioids that doctors can dispense. Emergence of a crisis: 1861-1865 – During the Civil War, medics use morphine as a battlefield anesthetic. Many soldiers become dependent on morphine after the war. 1898 – Heroin is first produced commercially by the Bayer Company. At the time, heroin is believed to be less habit-forming than morphine, so it is dispensed to individuals who are addicted to morphine. 1914 – Congress passes the Harrison Narcotics Act, which requires that doctors write prescriptions for narcotic drugs like opioids and cocaine. Importers, manufacturers and distributors of narcotics must register with the Treasury Department and pay taxes on products 1924 – The Anti-Heroin Act bans the production and sale of heroin in the United States. 1970 – The Controlled Substances Act becomes law. It creates groupings (or schedules) of drugs based on the potential for abuse. Heroin is a Schedule I drug while morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone (Percocet, OxyContin) and methadone are Schedule II. Vicodin – a hydrocodone-acetaminophen combination – was originally a Schedule III medication but wasn’t recategorized as a Schedule II drug until October 2014. January 10, 1980 – A letter titled “Addiction Rare in Patients Treated with Narcotics” is published in the New England Journal of Medicine. It was not a study and looked at incidences of addiction in a very specific population of hospitalized patients who were closely monitored. However, it would become widely cited as proof that narcotics were a safe treatment for chronic pain. 1995 – OxyContin, a long acting version of oxycodone, which slowly releases the drug over 12 hours, is introduced and aggressively marketed as a safer pain pill by manufacturer, Purdue Pharma. May 10, 2007 – The federal government brings criminal charges against Purdue Pharma for misleadingly advertising OxyContin as safer and less addictive than other opioids. The company and three executives are charged with “misleading and defrauding physicians and consumers.” Purdue Pharma and the executives plead guilty, agreeing to pay a $634.5 million in criminal and civil fines. The three executives plead guilty on criminal misdemeanor charges and are later sentenced to probation. 2010 – FDA approves an “abuse-deterrent” formulation of OxyContin, to help curb abuse. However, people still find ways to abuse it. May 20, 2015 – The DEA announces that it has arrested 280 people, including 22 doctors and pharmacists, after a 15-month sting operation centered on health care providers who dispense large amounts of opioids. The sting, dubbed Operation Pilluted, is the largest prescription drug bust in the history of the DEA. March 18, 2016 – The CDC publishes guidelines for prescribing opioids for patients with chronic pain. Recommendations include prescribing over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen in lieu of opioids. Doctors are encouraged to promote exercise and behavioral treatments to help patients cope with pain. March 29, 2017 – President Donald Trump signs an executive order calling for the establishment of the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is selected as the chairman of the group, with Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as an adviser. July 31, 2017 – After a delay, the White House panel examining the nation’s opioid epidemic releases its interim report, asking rump to declare a national public health emergency to combat the ongoing crisis September 22, 2017 – The pharmacy chain CVS announces that it will implement new restrictions on filling prescriptions for opioids, dispensing a limited seven-day supply to patients who are new to pain therapy. November 1, 2017 – The opioid commission releases its final report. Its 56 recommendations include a proposal to establish nationwide drug courts that would place opioid addicts in treatment facilities rather than prison. February 9, 2018 – A budget agreement signed by Trump authorizes $6 billion for opioid programs, with $3 billion allocated for 2018 and $3 billion allocated for 2019. February 27, 2018 – Attorney General Jeff Sessions announces a new opioid initiative: the Prescription Interdiction & Litigation (PIL) Task Force. The mission of the task force is to support local jurisdictions that have filed lawsuits against prescription drugmakers and distributors. March 19, 2018 – The Trump administration outlines an initiative to stop opioid abuse. The three areas of concentration are law enforcement and interdiction; prevention and education via an ad campaign; and job-seeking assistance for individuals fighting addiction. April 9, 2018 – The US surgeon general issues an advisory recommending that Americans carry the opioid overdose-reversing drug, naloxone. A surgeon general advisory is a rarely used tool to convey an urgent message. The last advisory issued by the surgeon general, more than a decade ago, focused on drinking during pregnancy. May 1, 2018 – The Journal of the American Medical Association publishes a study that finds synthetic opioids like fentanyl caused about 46% of opioid deaths in 2016. That’s a three-fold increase compared with 2010, when synthetic opioids were involved in about 14% of opioid overdose deaths. It’s the first time that synthetic opioids surpassed prescription opioids and heroin as the primary cause of overdose fatalities. June 7, 2018 – White House announces a new multimillion dollar public awareness advertising campaign to combat opioid addiction. The first four ads of the campaign are all based on true stories illustrating the extreme lengths young adults have gone to get a hold of the powerful drugs. October 24, 2018 – Trump signs sweeping legislation into law that includes provisions aimed at promoting research to find new drugs for pain management that will not be addictive. It also expands access to treatment for substance use disorders for Medicaid patients. December 12, 2018 – According to the latest numbers from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, fentanyl is now the most commonly used drug involved in drug overdoses. The rate of drug overdoses involving the synthetic opioid skyrocketed by about 113% each year from 2013 through 2016.
	One child sent to hospital after school bus and pickup truck crash A crash between a school bus and a pickup truck on Rockingham Road sent at least one child by ambulance to the hospital.Most kids on the bus were not hurt.This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Local 4 News, Fox 18 News and OurQuadCities.com for updates.
	‘Sesame Street’ introduces homeless muppet For the first time, a resident of “Sesame Street” is experiencing homelessness — and the hope is that her story can help sweep the clouds away for the growing number of young children in the United States without homes to call their own. Lily, a 7-year-old bright pink Muppet, was introduced to the world in 2011. She was originally described as being food-insecure because her family lacked consistent access to food. Now, “Lily is the first Muppet we’ve created whose storyline includes that she is experiencing homelessness,” said Sherrie Westin, president of global impact and philanthropy for Sesame Workshop, formerly Children’s Television Workshop, which is the nonprofit behind “Sesame Street.” In new online videos, stories and resources, Sesame Workshop has expanded Lily’s storyline to include that her family has lost their home and now must stay with friends. This homelessness initiative launched Wednesday as part of Sesame Workshop’s Sesame Street in Communities program. “When Lily was first launched, she came out as part of the food insecurity initiative. So she’s not brand new, but this seemed like a really perfect extension of her story, so that we could use her to help children identify with,” Westin said. “With any of our initiatives, our hope is that we’re not only reaching the children who can identify with that Muppet but that we’re also helping others to have greater empathy and understanding of the issue.” Although her journey with homelessness will not appear in televised episodes of “Sesame Street” at this point, she will be in separate videos and materials in the initiative. “The goal is really to give service providers, parents, teachers tools in order to address homelessness with children, in order to talk about it and raise awareness of the issue from a child’s perspective and also to help children experiencing homelessness feel less alone,” Westin said. “I think we tend to think of homelessness as an adult issue and don’t always look at it through the lens of a child, and we realize that Sesame has a unique ability to do that, to look at tough issues with the lens of a child,” she said. ‘Humanizing the experience of homelessness’ A report released last year by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development revealed that homelessness is increasing across the country, with 553,742 people nationwide homeless on a single night in 2017, an increase of 0.7% from the previous year. About 1 in 20 children younger than 6 experienced homelessness in 2014 to 2015, according to a report released last year by the US Administration for Children and Families. During the 2013-14 school year, more than 1.3 million homeless children and youth were enrolled in public schools, according to the US Department of Education. However, in general, the exact number of homeless youth in America remains a mystery. “Numbers are always trouble,” said Megan Hustings, interim director of the National Coalition for the Homeless. The number of young people who have experienced homelessness varies depending on age, time frame and how homelessness is defined, but between 500,000 and 2.8 million youth are thought to be homeless within the United States each year, according to the Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs. Lily’s story as a Muppet serves as an example of how homelessness has become a growing issue in America, said Hustings, who has no relationship with Sesame Workshop. “It’s like, wow, we’ve gotten to this point where this era of homelessness has become so common and so entrenched that it begs a character on ‘Sesame Street’ to help children understand what they’re seeing in their communities,” Hustings said. “But we know that ‘Sesame Street’ is coming from a place of education and really wants to build awareness and understanding of all of our community members, despite differences, which is really amazing,” she said. Highlighting Lily’s experiences with homelessness can positively impact the way children today think about homelessness and people in poverty, said Rashmita Mistry, a professor of education at the University of California, Los Angeles, who is not involved in Sesame Workshop. “Young children quickly develop ideas about the homeless based on what they see, observe and hear. And, unfortunately, their perceptions lead them to form negative impressions about the homeless,” Mistry said. “Humanizing the experience of homelessness is especially important because families with young children and school-age children make up a sizable proportion of the homeless population, especially so in urban communities where there’s high cost of housing, a tight housing market and limited rent control along with low and non-sustainable wages,” she said. “Homelessness is also a much more varied experience than living on the streets and — as defined by the Department of Education — includes living in a car, a motel, a shelter and doubling up with friends. Yet this is a group we often do not talk about.” Other Muppets making a difference Since “Sesame Street” launched in 1969, it has established a reputation for inclusion with its characters. Just last year, the “Sesame Street” show introduced a resident named Julia, who has autism. Julia was already popular in digital form when Sesame Workshop launched its nationwide initiative “Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Children” in 2015, which offers resources for families on how to talk about autism and support the autism community. In 2002, “Sesame Street” in South Africa, called “Takalani Sesame,” introduced Kami, the world’s first Muppet with HIV. Kami, the 5-year-old yellow Muppet, is often shown laughing, playing and linking arms with her friends. Her storyline provides basic knowledge of HIV and destigmatization and teaches children how to cope with loss. At the time she was introduced, “one in seven children in South Africa was affected by HIV and AIDS. They were either infected themselves or had lost a parent,” Westin said. “We created the first preschool curriculum, and in that, we created a character so that Kami would help destigmatize HIV and AIDS, to help break down that culture of silence.”
	Radio station returns controversial ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ song to airwaves after listeners weigh in SAN FRANCISCO – A radio station in California has returned the song ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ to the airwaves. The station 96.5 KOIT pulled the song from rotation shortly after WDOK Christmas 102.1 in Cleveland did after complaints it is inappropriate in 2018. The call-and-response song written in the 1940’s includes a woman singing that she has to leave a man’s house as he tries to lure her to stay. In the song, the female sings “I really can’t stay,” to which the man responds, “but baby, it’s cold outside.” Other lyrics include the woman singing “say, what’s in this drink?” and “I simply must go… the answer is no.” According to a press release, after KOIT began its 100 percent Christmas music programming on Nov. 16, the station received complaints from listeners regarding the lyrics. On Dec 3, KOIT Program Director Brian Figula opted to place the song on hold while seeking further listener feedback. A poll was then conducted on the station’s website. “KOIT’s listeners have spoken, and the overwhelming message is they do want to hear Baby, It’s Cold Outside on our station, as they have throughout the years,” Figula said in the release. “More than seven out of every ten listeners who responded said although some lyrics of the song may reflect a different era and a different sensibility than today, still they love the tradition and history of the song, and want to hear it as part of their holiday season. At KOIT, we always listen carefully when our listeners take time to comment. In this case, it was very obvious what they wanted us to do.” Read some of the reactions from listeners in the comments below:
	Kotex tampon recall, reports of pieces left in bodies Kimberly-Clark corporation says it is recalling its "U by Kotex sleek tampons, regular absorbency" after reports of pieces being left in bodies. The tampons are being recalled in the U.S. and Canada
	Kotex tampons recalls, reports of pieces left in bodies Kimberly-Clark corporation says it is recalling its "U by Kotex sleek tampons, regular absorbency" after reports of pieces being left in bodies. The tampons are being recalled in the U.S. and Canada
	Nickelback added to Mississippi Valley Fair lineup Nickelback is coming to the Quad Cities, the Mississippi Valley Fair announced on Wednesday.Nickelback will be the August 3 grandstand act for the fair.The fair runs July 30 through August 4.Tuesday will be Dan + Shay.Thursday will be Jake Owen.Friday will be Tesla.Saturday is Nickelback.Sunday will be Brad Paisley. The Wednesday grandstand act has yet to be announced.EARLIER UPDATEThe Mississippi Valley Fair announced its 2019 concert lineup on Tuesday. The fair runs July 30 through August 4.Tuesday will be Dan + Shay.Wednesday is to be determined.Thursday will be Jake Owen.Friday will be Tesla.Saturday is yet to be determined and Sunday will be Brad Paisley. 2019 Mississippi Valley Fair grandstand lineup announced. Tuesday: @DanAndShay Thursday: @jakeowen Friday: @TeslaBand Sunday: @BradPaisley Wednesday and Saturday still TBA by @mvfair. pic.twitter.com/NzScyEk1o6— Local 4 WHBF (@Local4NewsWHBF) November 20, 2018
	Illinois hunter’s 51-point buck could be a new record JOHNSTON CITY, Illinois — A hunter could be in the running for harvesting one of the largest bucks ever shot in America. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources highlighted Keith Szableswki of Johnston City, Illiois who shot a rare buck during the first shotgun season. According to Farmweek, Szableswki landed a 51-point buck on private property in Williamson County in mid-November. The points were set to be officially scored by a panel of judges in July. Several reports show that the current record stands as a 47-point buck. Szableswki said his hunting resume includes a four-pointer, six-pointer and 11-pointer, reported Farmweek. The 51-pointer weighed almost 265 pounds.
	Health law sign-ups lagging as Saturday deadline is looming With just days left to enroll, fewer people are signing up for the Affordable Care Act, even though premiums are stable, more plans are available and millions of uninsured people can still get financial help.
	Two buildings damaged amid exchange of gunfire in Davenport, police say DAVENPORT, Iowa — Two buildings were damaged when two groups of people were shooting at each other, said police. Gunfire was reported in the area of 1100 East Kimberly Road on Tuesday, December 11 around 8:45 p.m., according to a statement from the Davenport Police Department. Investigators determined that two groups of people were involved in a dispute. Witnesses reported seeing two vehicles chasing each other as shots were being fired. One vehicle was described as a silver or grey sedan and the other as being a dark color. Police said they did find shell casings in the area and two buildings were damaged. There were no injuries reported. If you have any information, you are asked to call the Davenport Police Department at 563-326-6125.
	A Win and a Loss for School Funding Questions One school question was approved and one failed, in voting Tuesday in the Iowa Quad Cities.
	Tampons recalled over ‘quality-related defect’ Kimberly-Clark has announced a recall of a type of tampon after issues with the items falling apart upon removal, in some cases, leaving behind pieces inside women’s bodies. According to a press release, the recalled product is U by Kotex Sleek Tampons, regularl absorbency, sold throughout the U.S. and Canada. Kimberly-Clark calls the issue a “quality-related defect that could impact the performance of this product.” Retailers have been alerted to remove the lot numbers from shelves and post notifications in stores. The release states: “Kimberly-Clark has received reports from consumers of the U by Kotex® Sleek® Tampons, Regular Absorbency, unraveling and/or coming apart upon removal, and in some cases causing users to seek medical attention to remove tampon pieces left in the body. There also have been a small number of reports of infections, vaginal irritation, localized vaginal injury, and other symptoms.” The particular products included in the recall were manufactured between Oct. 7, 2016, and Oct. 16, 2018. They were distributed between Oct. 17, 2016 and Oct. 23, 2018. The products can be identified by looking for specific lot numbers on the bottoms of packages. For a full list of those lot numbers, click here. Anyone who may have the impacted products are asked to stop using them immediately and contact the consumer service team at 1-888-255-3499. U.S. health care professionals and consumers can report adverse reactions or quality problems by clicking here.
	Next weather system in sight to bring rain than snow… No big chill ahead Breezy at times today but we were able to get some glimpse of the sun as temperatures are peaking around the mid to upper 30s. With mostly fair skies and little wind if any tonight, some patchy fog can’t be ruled out in some sheltered areas as temperatures approach the mid 20s. Our next and only weather system for the rest of the week is still on track to arrive later on Thursday into Thursday night. The moisture still appears to be all rain though a brief mix in spots can’t be ruled out before the system departs before sunrise. The better coverage is expected to track along and east of the river. Farther west, and the coverage drops dramatically. After seeing partly sunny skies on Friday comes full sun for both Saturday and Sunday. Highs will range between 40 to 45 degrees this upcoming weekend… a trend that will continue through most of next week. Looking even further ahead, I do see one weather system that will track across parts of the country as we head toward Christmas Day. Will it have an impact on us is way too early, but something to keep an eye on. Chief meteorologist James Zahara Download the News 8 Weather App — for iOS, click here and for Android, click here Download the free News 8 App — for iOS, click here and for Android, click here
	Choc-a-block: Liquid chocolate leak envelops German street In a scene that could be straight out of a children’s book, around a ton of liquid chocolate flowed out of a factory and caked a street in a west German town on Monday. Firefighters said a storage tank overflowed at DreiMeister’s chocolate factory in Westönnen, a suburb of the town of Werl, running out of the gates and solidifying on the chilly sidewalk. “About a ton of chocolate ran out into the yard and from there onto the street, ” a spokesman for the Werl fire brigade said in a statement. “A ten-square-meter choco-pancake formed,” the statement added. Firefighters then worked to remove the chocolate, prying the “sweet danger with shovels and muscle power,” the brigade wrote. DreiMeister’s boss Markus Luckey told German newspaper Soester Anzeiger that if the spill happened closer to Christmas it “would have been a disaster.” Luckey added that the factory would be back in action on Wednesday. According to the paper, around 25 firefighters were on scene to help with the clean-up. A specialist company was brought in to assist after the incident and the brigade assured locals that a chocolate-free Christmas would not be “imminent in Werl.”
	Vitaminwater will pay you $100,000 to ditch your smartphone for a year ST. LOUIS – Do you think you could without your smartphone for a whole day? How about a whole year? Vitamin Water is willing to bet you can’t do it. The company unveiled a challenge for 2019 with an award of $100,000 to a person who can go without their smartphone for 365 days. You can enter the contest by sharing on Instagram or Twitter why you feel you’re up for the challenge, including the hashtags #nophoneforayear and #contest. Vitamin Water will choose one participant who will trade their smartphone for a 2000’s era calling-only phone. If the challenger makes it for six months they get $ 10,000, and if they make it for the full year they win a $100,000 The entry period starts Tuesday, December 11 at 8 a.m. ET and ends Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at 11:59 p.m. ET. You can enter up to four times. Vitamin Water didn’t go into detail about how they’ll monitor the contest but said lie detector tests will be involved. we tried to get Brandon to make this deal, but he is too busy – will you turn off your phone for a year instead? #NoPhoneForAYear #contest https://t.co/RVTF0gytnv pic.twitter.com/wFFTXl0PBX — vitaminwater® (@vitaminwater) December 11, 2018
	Cat Food Recall 9 Lives Cat Food is recalling some specific lots of their cat food as it may have low levels of thiamine or vitamin B-1.
	Turkey trouble – bird chases child down busy street GREEN BAY, Wisconsin — A video taken on a cellphone on Dec. 10 shows a kid running down a busy street away from a turkey in hot pursuit. The child, weighed down by a backpack and heavy winter clothes, barely stays in front of the angry fowl as they barrel down the bike lane. At one point, a driver intervenes, cutting in between the kid and the bird. “My first concern was that I didn’t want to see the kid run out in the road trying to get away from this and get hit by car,” Vanessa Miramontes, the driver, told WBAY. She said the turkey stared her down for a while before strutting around the side of her van and again speeding off after the child, who hadn’t stopped running. A turkey dubbed a “threat to public safety” Other cities around the U.S. have experienced similar poultry problems, according to WBAY. In Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, a turkey was named “Smoke” by residents after numerous sightings. The turkey stayed in the neighborhood when people started feeding it, but became a problem when it started blocking traffic. The police got involved, calling the bird a “threat to public safety.” It’s unclear if the two turkeys are related.
	Buildings hit during car chase with gunfire Two buildings were hit by gunfire Tuesday night after witnesses said two cars were chasing each other as shots rang out.Davenport Police responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 1100 E Kimberly Road around 8:44 p.m. Officers found several casings.A preliminary investigation revealed that a dispute occurred between two groups. The dispute escalated to shots being fired and witnesses described two vehicles chasing one another as the shooting occurred.The vehicles were described as a silver or gray sedan and a dark color vehicle. No injuries have been reported at this time.Two buildings were damaged as a result of the shots being fired. Detectives are following up on the incident. No further information is available at this time.Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Davenport Police Department at 563-326-6125 or submit an anonymous tip via the mobile app entitled “CityConnect Davenport, IA” or “CrimeReports by Motorola.”
	Noon update: Sunny and mild this afternoon Here's the afternoon forecast from the National Weather Service.
	US officials: China poses serious national security threat U.S. national security officials say China's cyberthreats and the theft of intellectual property from American companies pose large economic and national security challenges for the United States.
	Nova Singers present annual Christmas concerts in Davenport, Galesburg Nova Singers, under the direction of Laura Lane, will present performances of “A Nova Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, and 7:30 pm. Saturday, Dec. 15, at First Lutheran Church in Galesburg,…
	Public Open House for Bettendorf Parks Study The Bettendorf Parks Department is conducting a Feasibility Study to determine which facilities should be improved or replaced. And it wants to hear what you think.
	Correction Mike Fennelly was elected to succeed his father as Scott County treasurer. A story in Wednesday's editions inaccurately identified the incoming treasurer as Bill Fennelly.
	DAILY RECORD EAST MOLINE
	Davenport man charged with gang participation and being in possession of firearm Jackson is being charged with Criminal Gang Participation, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession with Intent to Deliver.
	Nickelback coming to Mississippi Valley Fair Nickelback will be the featured Saturday night grandstand act at the 2019 Mississippi Valley Fair.
	Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Wednesday morning's WVIK newscast for Dec. 12, 2018: Muscatine County jury convicts man of three counts of attempted murder University of Iowa's famous Jackson Pollock painting heads to South Carolina Augustana College upgrades campus planetarium in time for holidays Chicago mayor: increase state gas tax
	Nickelback joins lineup for 2019 Mississippi Valley Fair DAVENPORT, Iowa — Nickelback has joined the main stage lineup for the 2019 Mississippi Valley Fair. The rock band is set to play Saturday, August 3. The act was announced nearly a month after the rest of the lineup was announced. Here’s who’s playing at the 2019 Mississippi Valley Fair The fair runs Tuesday through Sunday, July 30 through August 4. Wednesday’s band was still to be determined.
	Watch: Robber uses excavator to rip out bank wall TONGALA, Australia — Investigators are asking for help catching a pair of bank thieves, one of which used an excavator to rip out the wall of a bank. The incident happened shortly before 3 a.m. on Dec. 12, according to a statement from Victoria Police. Security footage shows one man drive up in a white pickup truck followed by another driving an excavator. The construction vehicle stops in front of the bank, swivels toward the wall and extends the arm, smashing the bucket through the glass. Police say the pair stole several cash boxes before activating the alarm and driving away in the truck. It’s unclear how much was stolen. Tongala is a town located north of Melbourne in the southern Australian state, Victoria.
	Iowa county wants custody of animals taken from ‘puppy mill’ MANLY, Iowa (AP) — County officials in northern Iowa are trying to maintain custody of nine dogs and four cats that were taken from a commercial breeder accused of neglecting the animals. The Des Moines Register reports that court records describe overcrowded and filthy conditions at the Manly, Iowa property. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is caring for the animals and calls the operation a “puppy mill.” Officials seized 154 Samoyeds and four cats from the property last month. In several visits to the property, a Worth County sheriff’s deputy says he saw kennels covered with feces and mud and visibly skinny dogs with no water and little food. The owner denies animal neglect allegations, but says she struggled to maintain the operation after her husband’s 2017 death.
	Demolition for Tama building delayed BURLINGTON, Iowa -- Demolition of the historic Tama building in Burlington has been delayed. According to the Burlington Hawk Eye, the demolition was pushed back in order to hang on to millions of dollars in grant funding. The building has to meet specific state requirements to prove it's still historically relevant. The owner of a 122-year-old building in southeast Iowa that was damaged by a fire last summer said he planned to tear down the structure and build something new. Related: 911 call: “Oh, my God, I’m stuck in a building. Help me please.”
	Search expands for 3 missing at West Virginia coal mine CLEAR CREEK, W.Va. (AP) — Workers are removing water and pumping fresh air into a nonoperational coal mine in West Virginia as they search for three people stuck inside. The state Office of Miner’s Health, Safety and Training said Tuesday that a man who emerged on his own from the underground Rock House Powellton mine provided details about the location of the three, who he said were alive. The state said rescue teams explored the mine overnight, but came out Tuesday after oxygen reserves were depleted. No coal has been extracted from the mine for two years. State officials said the four people were reported missing late Saturday and an all-terrain vehicle they were believed to be riding was found near the mine in Clear Creek.

Thursday, December 13th, 2018

Wednesday, December 12th, 2018