The Black Box Theatre in downtown Moline will open the dramedy “I and You” by Laura Gunderson on July 15. The plot: One afternoon, Anthony (Michael Alexander) arrives unexpectedly at classmate Caroline’s (Adrienne Jane) door bearing a beat-up copy of Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass, an urgent assignment from their English teacher. Homebound due to illness, Caroline hasn’t been to school in months, but she is as quick and sardonic as Anthony is athletic, sensitive, and popular. As these two let down their guards and share their secrets, this seemingly mundane poetry project... Read More

Western Illinois University emergency management students, along with professional emergency personnel and educators, have the benefit of hands-on training and numerous other learning opportunities as a result of a collaborative partnership between the WIU GIS Center, WIU School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA)‘s emergency management degree program and the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute (ILETSBEI) based at WIU. Recently, a hands-on (drone) sUAS Flight Operations Course was held on the WIU-Macomb campus, where participants learned... Read More

The Quad Cities International Airport has received more than $13 million in federal relief and safety upgrade funds in the last few weeks. The Federal Aviation Administration awarded $8.57 million to the Moline airport for construction on taxiways and runway 5/23. This project will eliminate the intersection of three runways which will increase safety and efficiency, and reduce risk for aircraft operations. The Q-C Airport is among a small number of airports in the U.S. with three runways intersecting at a single point. The 5,000-foot runway will be shortened by 2,000 feet and taxiways will be... Read More

From July 2-August 31, 2021, Quad City Arts’ Art at the Airport presents paintings by Ann Kauff of Arlington Heights, IL with woven tapestries by Kara Fedje of Davenport, and ceramic sculpture by Will Van Dyke, of Evanston, IL. Ann Kauff presents Rooted in Place: Farms, Barns, and Bungalows, a series born out of residencies through the Fields Project in Oregon IL, that embedded artists in the everyday life of farm families. This residency deeply impacted her work. She was drawn to the simple shapes of barns, and how firmly they were rooted in their environment. With the advent of the pandemic... Read More

A Western Illinois University junior music education major is transitioning the lessons from her academic experience into leading a children’s theatre production. “The Odd Kingdom” was written by and is being directed by Racquel Rawlins, of Beardstown. Rawlins said the park district’s program director asked her to stage a children’s production this summer because of her experience leading a choir for young girls in the area. “I had directed shows previously to raise money for the opera house,” she said. The show, which includes 14 area children ranging... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – As the “to mask or not to mask” debate rages on amidst the ongoing pandemic Western Illinois University Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) Professor Dean Alexander, who also leads WIU’s Homeland Security Research Program, and LEJA Professor Christopher Bitner have researched the challenges of mask enforcement. Their work was recently published in the June issue of Security magazine. In May 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a significant change in its COVID-19 mask mandated policy. Namely, the CDC stated that... Read More

Today’s breakfast was an impromptu stop at Meli’s Pancake House, 1320 5th Ave., Moline. I didn’t expect to find a classic diner when I went in, however I’m always up for surprises. This isn’t your usual Mom and Pop breakfast place, it’s something more. While the menu is full of the regular staple items, it offers a comfort in knowing anything you choose will be amazing and fit for your needs. Whether a giant stack of fluffier than life pancakes or a perfectly cooked steak and eggs, the staff is there to make sure you’re happy. The decor and feel gives tribute... Read More

If you’re a golfer, or a huge golf fan, I don’t need to tell you that the John Deere Classic is going on in the Quad-Cities this week, and that TODAY is the last day to check it out! If you’re neither, well, consider yourself placed at the tee for this hard-hitting (and long driving) information. Yup, the JDC is celebrating its 50th year for one more day, all day today, at TPC Deere Run, 15623 Coaltown Rd., East Moline. For more information on tickets and the event, see www.JohnDeereClassic.com.  Read More

A Western Illinois University School of Agriculture alumna has been chosen to attend a 10-day training at Texas State University (TSU) to bring more detailed agriculture mechanics skills to her high school students in Chester, IL. Emily Millburg, a 2019 graduate with a degree in agriculture education, is in her second year as an agriculture teacher at Chester High School near St. Louis, MO. Between July 25-Aug. 5, Millburg will attend the Agriculture Mechanics Academy at TSU, which will include training in small gas engines, electricity and welding. “The Academy is geared toward providing... Read More

Hey, how about a pizza? You really can’t beat a great ‘za for comfort food in jenky times. In eras of uncertainty, there’s really nothing more certain that the delicious combo of malty crust, tangy sauce, gooey cheese and fresh toppings. Got your attention? You’re darn right we do. Now what you gonna do about it? Call up for some fresh pie? Good thing for you QuadCities.com offers you a list of local restaurants, bars and cafes that are going above and beyond to offer the community options to still get their favorite dishes – and here’s your list of pizza joints available for carry-out,... Read More