Rock Island Public Library has changed its policies and procedures to adapt to the changing times with covid. RIPL remains open for Grab and Go, Curbside, and Online services. Only quick browsing, material checkout, returns, and limited-time public computer/WiFi reservations are allowed. Tables, chairs, and extended visits are not available. A maximum of one-hour per person, per day is available for either computer or inside WiFi appointments. All library events continue to be offered virtually or on a take-home method. The Mobile Library continues its routes, but there is no on-board entry. Staff... Read More

QuadCities.com is offering a series of features running today between 2 and 5 p.m. showcasing local businesses in advance of Small Business Saturday.  Lagomarcino’s in Moline and the Village of East Davenport has long been a sweet destination for Quad-Citians, and now it’s getting recognition statewide for its terrific treats. The Illinois Office of Tourism has an annual Illinois Made Holiday Gift Guide, featuring one-of-a-kind products by small businesses around the state – including the iconic Lagomarcino’s in downtown Moline. All products featured in this year’s gift guide... Read More

QuadCities.com is offering a series of features running today between 2 and 5 p.m. showcasing local businesses in advance of Small Business Saturday. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind item to cherish this holiday season, with the personality and charm of a watermark, you’ll want to check out  WaterMark Corners, a 21-year-old gift shop at 1500 River Drive, Moline. Amy Trimble, co-owner of the store, says she historically does half of their entire year’s business in the fourth quarter, between October and December, and a full 25 percent of their revenue is typically in December... Read More

This is the first part of a multi-part series on local businesses heading into the holiday season. All the stories will be dropping on QuadCities.com between 2 and 5 p.m. today. Please shop local this holiday season and support our local businesses! With the economic and health devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the holiday shopping season is more important than ever for independent Quad-Cities businesses. The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce is promoting its recent “Keep It QC” campaign, to urge local residents to keep their consumer dollars in the regional economy. “The past year... Read More

Partly due to the impact of Covid, Crust Stone Oven Pizza announced Tuesday it will close permanently in less than two weeks. “It has been our distinct honor to serve the Quad-Cities, and specifically, Bettendorf community for the past 8+ years,” the restaurant at 2561 53rd Ave., Bettendorf, posted on Facebook. “We have shared celebrations, momentous events, difficult times and precious memories together.” “Your kindness and support have filled our building with laughter and love. Sadly, however, Covid-19 has affected us all. The downturn in business and issues with our lease have become... Read More

The following first-person testimonial about her experiences was written by Cara Crumrine, RN for UnityPoint Health As an intensive care nurse at UnityPoint Health, I’ve seen fellow medical personnel in my life putting out scary memes and begging posts asking people to help them. I’ve seen other community members speak about how it’s not right or fair to have government officials interfere in their livelihood. I’ve seen these comments, plus countless more, and decided it’s time to speak up. This is hard. I haven’t been in a situation where I watch the world I’ve built with hard work... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Genesis Health System Hospital has begun administering the recently approved monoclonal antibody treatment known as Bamlanivimab for targeted, high-risk COVID-19-positive patients in Scott County and the surrounding areas. “With the surge taking place in Iowa right now and being a national hotspot for COVID, the timing is good and this gives us a little more ammunition in our fight against the virus in our community,” said Kurt Andersen, M.D., Senior Vice President of Physician Operations and Chief Medical Officer. “This could reduce the need for hospital stays and trips to... Read More

Kevin Maynard was as busy as a Christmas elf last Friday afternoon, as he distributed sugar cookies in the area to help promote the 35th-annual Festival of Trees. In fact, the Quad City Arts executive director dressed as an elf to deliver the Olde Towne Bakery treats (topped with the Festival logo) to his home-based co-workers and other Festival supporters. Among Maynard’s cookie run was for Kelly Oberhardt of KONE Spares (a team of the local KONE company), who covered the cost of her cookies and she matched donations of her team – raising a total of about $500 for Festival of Trees. “Things... Read More

Despite federal health officials urging people to stay home, millions of people will fly during Thanksgiving week, including many through the Quad City International Airport, Moline. More than 1 million air travelers passed through security checkpoints at U.S. airports Nov. 20 and 22 for only the second and third time since the pandemic began, according to the Transportation Security Administration. Sunday was the single-busiest day at airport checkpoints since March. Saturday, the travel numbers neared a million, bringing the three-day total to more than 3 million passengers. The surge in... Read More

Rock Island County is at a “crisis point” in regard to covid-19 cases, according to health department officials. Currently, a record 92 patients are in Rock Island County hospitals with COVID-19. In addition, the health department reports 114 additional cases. The total number is now 7,783. “This is a jump of 16 patients (in area hospitals) from Sunday to Monday,” said Nita Ludwig, administrator, Rock Island County Health Department. “We know our hospital systems sounded alarms earlier this month when the number of patients was lower. Now, we are at a crisis point with... Read More