Western Illinois University Alumnus Mark Scherer has been named the assistant athletic director for development within Western Illinois University’s Foundation and Development Office, effective Jan. 24. Scherer had previously served as an agent trainee and sales associate for State Farm since October 2021. Before joining State Farm, he was the head men’s basketball coach and athletic fundraiser at Millikin University from May 2017-May 2021. Scherer has also served as the director of development at Illinois State University, director of development/interim athletic director at Eureka... Read More

“We’re getting our community meetings back together with the next Listening Post. We’ll make sure there is an online option as well but this will be at the public library. Come share with us what’s working and what needs work in our community.” -Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati Learn more here: https://facebook.com/events/s/listening-post/943672589663919/  Read More

Gildas Club Quad Cities is presenting a week of activities for World Cancer Day this week. The schedule is as follows: Tuesday: Team up to Focus on Your Health – Sign up for a 21-day health challenge: worldcancerday.org/21DayChallenge  Wednesday: We Walk Together as Community is Stronger than Cancer. Walk the pond at Trinity Moline, 3:30-4:00P Thursday: Join us and local artist, Gaye Shannon Barrett, for an art project brought to us by Living Proof Exhibit. Friday: National World Cancer Day: Join us for Coffee & Community with a light continental breakfast. RSVP Required. Saturday: Join... Read More

The 2022 Illinois 5Essentials Survey is available for teachers, parents, and students. The survey will be open on January 11 and close on March 11, 2022. The 5Essentials Survey identifies five indicators that lead to improved outcomes for all students, including improved attendance and larger test score gains. The five indicators that positively affect school success are: Effective Leaders, Collaborative Teachers, Involved Families, Supportive Environments and Ambitious Instruction. More information about the 5 Essentials on the Illinois State Board of Education website https://www.isbe.net/Pages/5Essentials-Survey.aspx 2021... Read More

West Hartford, CT artist Kasey Ramirez will have her solo exhibition, “Remnants,” on display through Feb. 18, at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery. A virtual reception for the artist will be held at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3. The Zoom link can be requested by emailing TA-Hennings@wiu. Born in New Brunswick, NJ, Ramirez received an MFA in printmaking from Indiana University, and a BFA in illustration from the Rhode Island School of Design. She is now an assistant professor and head of printmaking at the Hartford Art School. Her work has been exhibited at the International... Read More

“Wonderful is how I would describe him,” said student Sidney Stiers when asked about her teacher and mentor in the field of agriculture, Western Illinois University alumnus Kent Rigg. Stiers was recently selected as a runner-up in the 29th annual GROWMARK essay contest. This year’s theme was, “What, in your opinion, has changed for the better in the agricultural industry as a result of the pandemic?” She was awarded $500 and her FFA program was awarded $300. Rigg, her FFA advisor at Williamsfield High School, is a 2001 graduate of the WIU Agriculture Education Program. “My... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University Admissions and Records Coordinator Sheryl Harty has been named the Al and Elaine Goldfarb Civil Service Employee of the Month for January 2022. Harty was hired at WIU in June 2013 as an admissions records representative in Graduate Studies and was reclassified by audit to admissions records officer in Graduate Studies in July 2015. In January 2020 her title was changed to admissions records supervisor and, in July 2021, she was reclassified by audit to her current position. According to Harty’s nominators she is “enthusiastic, patient,... Read More

On Monday, January 17, the 39th Annual Memorial Service and Awards Celebration were held virtually. The celebration is held every year to honor the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Rock Island High School senior Jaylin Randle was awarded the M.L. Lockhart Scholarship. Rock Island High School senior Joshua Briggs won the Black Hawk College Commitment to Diversity Scholarship. He was awarded for his commitment to diversity, to culture, and his commitment to excellence. Rock Island Center for Math & Science 6th-grader Chelsie Thomas won the Youth Expression Contest. Chelsie got... Read More

We’ve extended the deadline for our next film project to February 1st so your students can make movies with Fresh Films every Thursday starting February 3rd! Teens who join the Fresh Films Weekly Filmmaking program will create various film projects that will help prepare them for future job & education opportunities in media. They will learn film techniques, leadership and time management skills and they will leave the program with new media projects that they can add to their portfolios. We think your youth are going to love this program so we have included an email below that you can... Read More

In one week, several RIMSD#41 students will be performing at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State conference. Back in November 2021, 11 Rock Island High School Students were chosen to perform at the Illinois Music Education Association.  It won’t just be students representing the district though, two of our staff were selected to accompany students on a piece. A major honor considering only selected teachers from across the state are invited to play. Orchestra teacher Madison Penn will be playing the violin and accompanying the All-State Honors Choir on a Mozart piece... Read More