The Rock Island Rockswrestlers took 7th out of 26 teams at the Mahomet-Seymour Tournament this week. Battling it out with state ranked wrestlers in all 3 classes of IL, and MO, the following Rocky wrestlers placed in the top 8: Sammy Niyonkuru 3rd, Truth Vesey 3rd, Daniel McGhee 3rd, Amare Overton 3rd, Steven Marquez 2nd, Andrew Marquez 2nd, and Eli Gustafson 4th.  Read More

Congratulations to the students and directors selected to the 2023 South East Iowa Band Association (SEIBA) Honor Band! The Festival is sponsored by the South East Iowa Band Association and is a one-day event, held at the University of Iowa School of Music. Our musicians will travel to Iowa City and participate in a full day of rehearsal and performance on Saturday, January 21st. Students selected include: Sudlow Jude Elliott, 8th Grade, Bb Clarinet Maya Gibson, 8th Grade, Bb Clarinet Spencer Hall, 7th Grade, Tenor Sax Manny Leveridge, 8th Grade, Percussion Natalie Sharp, 8th Grade, Bb... Read More

The Bettendorf Public Library is hosting free musical programs designed to introduce listeners to the beauty of classical singing. From January through May, Opera Quad Cities will be offering monthly introductory experiences with classical singing. On Thursday, January 12th at 7:00 PM, the series kicks off with “Operatic Comedy” and will guide attendees through the context and poetry of opera and art songs. Registration is not required for this free program which will be held at the Bettendorf Public Library located at 2950 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf.  The mission of Opera Quad Cities... Read More

Governor Kim Reynolds today announced a second round of grant awards targeted at supporting child care slots through meaningful business incentives. A total of $443,234 will be awarded through Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to support five projects involving 11 participating businesses that will help create 77 new child care slots. The grant will help increase flexibility in how child care slots can be supported or expanded through employer-sponsored child care. Employers will partner with local and regional child care centers to increase... Read More

A feature-length documentary, which included an interview with Western Illinois University Film Professor Richard Ness, was recently awarded a Mid-America Emmy. “Jean Seberg: Actress • Activist • Icon” was produced by Garry McGee, of McMarr, Ltd., who is one of Ness’ former students, as well as Kelly and Tammy Rundle, previous Emmy winners from Fourth Wall Films. The Mid-America Emmy was awarded in the Historical Documentary category. Ness was interviewed as part of the film, and also served as the film historian on the project. At age 17, Seberg, an Iowa native, was chosen... Read More

Renew Moline has announced the selection of Bush Development as its partner to give new life to 1701 5th Avenue in Moline. The property was formerly the headquarters of the Riverstone Group and includes a two-story 35,064-square-foot building and a parking lot directly north of the building. The Riverstone Group donated the property to Renew in August 2022 to spur new life and economic development into downtown Moline. The Executive Committee of Renew Moline’s Board of Directors approved the selection of Bush Development at its  January 11, 2022 meeting. “Renew Moline is pleased to announce... Read More

Stay at home vacationers and retirees will not want to miss the Bettendorf Public Library’s Community Connections event on Thursday, January 19th at 1:30 PM. The program will feature veteran journalist Jonathan Turner as a knowledgeable and friendly guide to all that is great about the Quad Cities. Mr. Turner will be discussing his new book “100 Things to Do in the Quad Cities Before You Die” at the event which will be held at the Bettendorf Public Library located at 2950 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf. Community Connections is a monthly program series that highlights local interests and... Read More

One of Project NOW’s newest fleet additions is literally a life saver. Project NOW’s new refrigerated box truck began hitting the streets last fall to help those facing food insecurity. The truck, which is grant funded, is being used as a mobile food pantry—providing food to areas that have been defined as “food deserts.” Those areas include the west end of Rock Island, the Floreciente neighborhood, East Moline, and Silvis. According to our Community Services Director, Ron Lund, we have already provided 40 tons of food (80,000 pounds) in the community through pop ups, drive-throughs,... Read More

Blue Cat Brewing Company, a staple in downtown Rock Island for almost three decades, closed on New Years Eve 2022. It’s safe to say this decision was not made due to poor beer quality. The classic brew pub was awarded six awards in this year’s World Beer Championship, an award for each beer they entered. In a statement made by their Brewmaster, Charlie Cole, in a Facebook post in December; the brewery cited lack of restaurant management and damage from burst water pipe as their reason for closing. The statement also included that they are unaware if this closure is temporary or permanent. The... Read More

Coming off a weekend sweep of the Vermilion County Bobcats the Storm returns to actionon home ice Thursday and Friday to battle the Peoria Rivermen.Thursday is the Storm’s first ever School Day Game. More than 3000 kids from across the QCA will bebussing to Vibrant Arena and cheering on the Storm. Puck drop is 10:30 AM. During the gameeducational videos featuring Storm players will run on the video board and all students will receive a baglunch.Friday is Nickelodeon Night featuring Baby Shark! Specialty Baby Shark jerseys will be worn during thegame and auctioned online and Baby Shark music and... Read More