Chicagoland Equipment & Supply (CES), a portfolio company of Cooper Management, LLC, and a leading supplier of equipment, supplies and service to the food industry, has acquired United Fast Food & Beverage Service, a leading supplier of equipment and service to convenience stores and fast-food restaurants. The transaction closed on January 5, and an official announcement was made to UFFB’s employees at the company’s Elk Grove headquarters the following day. The acquisition is a continuation of CES’ efforts to expand its equipment offering and service capabilities. Cook M&A (cookma.com)... Read More

UPDATED: With Illinois covid-19 infections, hospitalizations and average numbers dropping to new lows across the board, state residents are calling for an end to the statewide mask mandate and other restrictions, with some protesting and suing to end them — particularly in schools. The latest numbers from the Illinois Department of Public Health continue the trend over the past week of showing dipping cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, seeming to confirm what some officials have said, that the omicron surge has passed. “Over the last two years, I’ve said over and over that you don’t... Read More

As Illinois covid numbers plummet to new lows across the board, state residents are calling for an end to the statewide mask mandate and other restrictions, with some protesting and suing to end them — particularly in schools. The latest numbers from the Illinois Department of Public Health continue the trend over the past week of showing dipping cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, seeming to confirm what some officials have said, that the omicron surge has passed. There are 5,238 people are hospitalized with covid statewide, the lowest number since December 27, according to IDPH numbers... Read More

Illinois covid numbers slid down heavily, but officials say restrictions will still remain and the mask mandate is staying in place, prompting some Illinois residents to wonder when the restrictions will finally be lifted. On the side of good news, the number of cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities is continuing to move downwards, although to put things into perspective, the numbers remain high overall. Illinois Department of Public Health reported 9,462 new COVID cases — down heavily from last week’s averages over 20,000 a day — and 81 related deaths Monday. The seven-day... Read More

The Penguin Project of the Quad Cities will proudly present “The Little Mermaid JR.” on the Augustana College campus for two weekends this January. Journey “under the sea” with Ariel and her aquatic friends in Disney’s “The Little Mermaid JR.,” adapted from Disney’s Broadway production and the motion picture. In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home — and her fins — behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil... Read More

QuadCities.com is happy to partner with Quad City Animal Welfare Center, 724 2nd W. Ave., Milan! Interested in adopting a pet? Check out our Pet of the Week every Monday! Today’s Pet of the Week is Coco! The Quad City Animal Welfare Center Adoption & Education Center is located at 724 W. 2nd Avenue Milan, IL. Hours of operation are: Mon., Wed., Thurs., Fri., & Sat. from noon to 4:00 pm and closed on Sun., & Tues.  Read More

For the final production of the venue’s sensational 44th season, Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse will proudly stage the area debut of one of the funniest slapstick comedies of modern times: THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. Running at the Rock Island dinner theatre through March 12, this Tony Award-winning riot was described by the New York Times as “a knockabout farce” and is being brought to life by a spectacular team of professional talents. THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG will be presented on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:45 p.m., Sundays at 5:45 p.m. and beginning Feb. 16, Wednesday... Read More

WVIK, Quad Cities NPR, has named Jared Johnson as the new Station Manager. Johnson previously served as Director of Development and Community Engagement for the Quad Cities’ public radio station. Jay Pearce continues to serve as CEO and General Manager. “As we were worked with Public Media Company to strategize WVIK’s future, the need for someone to manage our finances and direct execution of our operational plan was emphasized,” said Pearce. “Jared has demonstrated his ability to develop impactful partnerships and enhance revenue streams. And, through ongoing professional development,... Read More

The most popular improv comedy show in Speakeasy history is back on January 22! Shots ‘n’ Giggles mixes adult beverages and improv comedy into one wild and crazy spectacle! What can possible go wrong with that combination? The talented improv performers are drinking along with the audience during the show. From toasts to shots to audience participation, there’ something new and fun each show! See you Saturday night – January 22 at 8pm! Reserve your tickets by calling 309-786-7733 ext 2 or online at. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 the day of the show.  Read More

Registration is still available via the Rock Island Public Library website calendar for the first Illinois Libraries Present virtual author visit on January 26 with Mexican-Canadian novelist Silvia Moreno-Garcia, best-selling author of Mexican Gothic and Velvet Was the Night. Rock Island Public Library is one of 200 statewide libraries joining forces in Illinois Libraries Present, a collaborative effort to bring virtual author events with best-selling and esteemed authors to area readers. At the first online event, Moreno-Garcia will discuss her new book, Velvet Was the Night, and her genre-defying... Read More