Three Western Illinois University students were honored on December 4 by GoWest/McDonough County Transit for their work as GoWest security officers. • Officer Alexander Betinis, a freshman Biology Science major, of Maywood, IL, received the Guard of Semester award and was promoted to corporal. • Officer Ian Thomas, a freshman Forensics Chemistry major, of Dixon, IL, passed his probationary period. • Officer Sam Graeser, a freshman LEJA major, of Divernon, IL, passed his probationary period and received the Guard of Semester award. “I’m very proud of the Go West Security team and... Read More

ROCK ISLAND MILAN SCHOOL DISTRICT 41 HAS NAMED ITS COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE MONTH! Congratulations to the 2 Rivers YMCA-Nourish Programs for being chosen as the winner for November! Their nomination stated, “The service that they provide to us benefits not only the district, but more importantly the students, families, and the larger community. We appreciate how they go out of the way to service all of our out-of-school programs throughout the school district both during the year and throughout the summer! Without the Nourish Program, we would not be able to ensure the fidelity we have... Read More

MOLINE–On Thursday evening, The John Deere Foundation and River Bend Food Bank jointly hosted a celebration at The John Deere Pavilion to celebrate the conclusion of a 2-month long fundraising campaign. The match campaign, titled “Plowing a New Path to End Hunger,” began in August 2023 with a pledge from The John Deere Foundation to match community donations raised by River Bend Food Bank up to $650,000. This investment, combined with matching community donations, would allow River Bend to purchase an additional 6.5 million meals, closing the meal gap in Scott, Rock Island, and Dubuque Counties.... Read More

The impending Winter Storm Warning for the Quad-Cities region is the perfect time to review Winter Safety Tips. A winter storm can mean extended interruptions of power and heat in your home. Here are tips from Genesis emergency department physicians and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stay safe and comfortable in severe winter weather. Hypothermia Overexposure to cold temperatures or cold water can be deadly. Here are some tips for treating overexposure: Warning signs: Confusion or sleepiness; slowed, slurred speech, or shallow breathing; weak pulse or low blood pressure; a behavior... Read More

The Atlas Collective bookstore and coffee bar is open at at 1801 5th Avenue, Moline, Illinois. “The Atlas Collective is my passion project, and I am so excited to see it come to fruition,” said Kara Taghon, founder, CEO, and leader of the Atlas Collective team.  “TAC offers a cozy, safe, joyful place where people of all walks of life can gather and grow.”  The Atlas Collective offers a “third space” gathering place – one that is not your home or workplace, but rather a social surrounding that gives a sense of place.  The Atlas Collective’s inclusive, stress-free atmosphere is... Read More

Gray Matters is ready to launch the First Responders Gray Matters Chapter! Thank you Det. Michael Griffin from the Moline Police Department for being the first to step up and speak out about first responder mental health. You are an advocate for us and we are very grateful for your voice today. Thank you! Our First Responders Gray Matters first meeting is January 9 from 6-7 pm at the East Moline Public Library. All QCA first responders and those connected to first responders are welcome to attend! January 9, 2024 from 6-7 p.m. East Moline Public Library Geraldine A. Baecke Meeting Center... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – – The Western Illinois University Libraries have introduced the Resident and Visiting Fellows Program in collaboration with the WIU Center for Undergraduate Research (CUR). This program invites both WIU faculty members and scholars from other universities to establish a formal partnership with WIU Libraries for a semester or summer, engaging in focused research. Fellows will also contribute to the development of WIU Libraries’ collections. In addition, scholars will lead workshops on research methods to guide undergraduate students in scholarly research. This... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) visited Savanna Industrial Park to meet with leaders from the JoCarroll Local Redevelopment Authority and Upper Mississippi River International Port District to discuss proposed developments on the property.    “I’m excited to be working with local leaders to help deliver historic investments to Northwestern Illinois that will create jobs and boost economic development,” said Sorensen. “I look forward to bringing what I’ve learned back to Washington, so these projects can get the support they need to thrive.”    “The Jo-Carroll Local Redevelopment... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Going back to its roots as a normal, or teaching, school, Western Illinois University has established the Arlington & Arlene Seymour Center for Rural Education, Advocacy, Policy and Research – the first center of its kind in Illinois and one of a few in the United States – to honor the commitment and dedication of two lifelong educators. In November 2020, the Illinois Board of Higher Education approved WIU as the site for the state’s rural education center. The center, housed within the School of Education in the College of Education and Human Services, is made... Read More

Rock Island Police Department and Rock Island Fire Department took part in the annual Police and Firefighters for Christmas event Friday at Walmart. The officers and firefighters were paired up with 40 children chosen by the Rock Island-Milan School District to go shopping for gifts for their loved ones. When shopping was done, the presents were transported back to the Police Department where elves wrapped the gifts while the kids enjoyed a holiday meal. #rockisland #Christmas  Read More