UPDATED: After a lengthy question and answer session with American Water, I still think Rock Island selling its water and sewer would be a horrible idea, and I think the Rock Island mayor and city council needs to stop being disingenuous about stringing the idea along and put it aside. After I’d previously written on the subject, I was happy to hear from Karen Cotton, Senior Manager, External Communications, for Illinois American Water. I understand it takes a good amount of courage and initiative to contact someone who has expressed a contrary idea, particularly one going against a goal... Read More

The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce has hired three key new staff in recent months to help tell the story of the area and strengthen the local economy. Lindsay O’Brien is the new Coordinator, Marketing & Social Media. She supports the sales, marketing, communications and events of the Chamber through marketing, promotions, social media and multi-media creation. A native Quad Citizen, O’Brien earned a Graphic Design degree at St. Ambrose University. As a freelancer, she created content, campaigns and graphics for the entertainment industry, including musicians and shows such as “The Tonight... Read More

The Weed Science Team from the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture recently captured first place in the undergraduate division of the North Central Weed Science Society competition in July in Fargo, N.D. The team was made up of agriculture science majors junior Dustin Steinkamp, of Coatsburg, IL; senior Luke Bergschneider, of Franklin, IL; junior Jacob Johnson, of Geneseo, IL; and junior Stephanie Reiter, of Hebron, IL. The students are coached by WIU Agriculture Professor Mark Bernards. Steinkamp received first place in weed identification, while Bergschneider received first place... Read More

Western Illinois University’s Agricultural Education academic program was recently awarded the Region 4 “Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program” by the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE). Additionally, WIU alumnus Trent Taber ’15 was honored for having the “Outstanding Middle/Secondary Agriculture Program” at Cambridge High School in Cambridge, IL. Riley Hintzsche ’14 was in the running for the “Outstanding Early Career Teacher” award for his work at Streator High School, but was not selected. He was the Illinois state... Read More

Crafty Cat is slinking in Friday! It’s Alternating Currents Fest 2021‘s Art Extravaganza!! Crafty Cat Indie Art Fest will take place Friday, August 20, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, August 21, 10a.m.-4 p.m. at the Great Hall, RiverCenter, Downtown Davenport. It’s FREE to attend! #tagtheqc #craftycat #DowntownDavenportIowa #handmade #makersgonnamake #quadcities  Read More

Western Illinois University Sports Equipment Supervisor Parampal Singh has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for July. Singh came to WIU in 2017, starting in his current position. According to his nominator, Singh is “one of the kindest and most giving people” they know. “He has one mood – a good one,” said the nominator. “He is invested in his job, and the dedication he exhibits makes education a great experience for the students, faculty and staff of the kinesiology department.” Singh’s nominators also gave several... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – The new academic year at Western Illinois University will kick off with a virtual University Assembly beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 20. To adhere to social distancing protocols, the event will be livestreamed on WIU’s YouTube Channel. Invitations will be sent to select campus constituency group representatives to attend in person (masks are required, and social distancing measures will be in place). All members of the Macomb and the Quad Cities campuses are encouraged to watch the livestream. During the event, WIU President Guiyou Huang will discuss plans and priorities... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Group O today announced that it has been selected to join the Apple Impact Accelerator, a new program for minority-owned businesses that are creating environmental solutions focused on climate change, resource conservation and smarter chemistry. Group O is one of 15 businesses selected for Apple’s first Impact Accelerator cohort. “Like Apple, Group O recognizes the importance of environmental sustainability and advancing equality and economic prosperity,” said Group O CEO Gregg Ontiveros. “We continuously work toward reducing our carbon footprint and that of our many business... Read More

Ruth Lee loves to visit “Cloud Wine,” and a special family connection helped her create a great, intoxicating fundraiser for another place close to heart – the Rotary Club of Rock Island. A former club president and head of the auction committee, she has helped organized “On Cloud Wine,” a big California wine auction that will begin online at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18 and run through Sept. 2, with proceeds going to Rotary’s Frederick R. Houlton “Service Above Self” Scholarship Fund at Rock Island High School. “We never have done anything like this and it’s actually kind... Read More

Crafty Cat is slinking in Friday! It’s Alternating Currents Fest 2021‘s Art Extravaganza!! Crafty Cat Indie Art Fest will take place Friday, August 20, 5-8 p.m. and Saturday, August 21, 10a.m.-4 p.m. at the Great Hall, RiverCenter, Downtown Davenport. It’s FREE to attend! #tagtheqc #craftycat #DowntownDavenportIowa #handmade #makersgonnamake #quadcities  Read More