Arts Alley, the public alleyway at 1719 2nd Ave. in Downtown Rock Island, will undergo a major facelift thanks to a $267,181 grant award to the Quad Cities Chamber and City of Rock Island from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).   “These types of statewide grant programs are extremely competitive, so it’s exciting to see the State of Illinois recognize and support our ongoing efforts to revitalize Downtown Rock Island through this award,” said Jack Cullen, Director, Downtown Rock Island for the Chamber. “Arts Alley is a unique but underutilized shared... Read More

On Tuesday day, May 17, the district held a Retirement Tea to celebrate and recognize all the retirees. Their years of service totals to more than 350 years of experience. Certified Staff Suzanne Rakestraw – Elementary Teacher / Denkmann – 34 years Susan Magerkurth – Special Education Teacher / RIHS – 33 years Pam Winstein – Elementary Teacher / Earl Hanson – 33 years Leigh Bowman – T&L Specialist / District – 30 years Lisa Lack – PE Teacher / RIHS – 29 years Dennis Weiss – Principal / Eugene Field – 29 years Thomas... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced nearly $2 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Skip-A-Long Family and Community Services in Moline for Early Head Start programs. Congresswoman Bustos is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees HHS. Head Start promotes school readiness for young children from underserved families by providing programming to enhance their cognitive, social and emotional development from birth to age five. “A strong, early education is key to a child’s foundation and success later... Read More

Are you the parent of a child looking to play soccer, or one who plays and is looking for a great team? Want to be a part of an awesome, family-friendly environment with great, experienced coaches? Want to also pay the LOWEST FEES in the Quad-Cities for uniforms and team costs? You’ll want to check out Quad City Strikers! Calling all 2017, 2016, and 2015 future Striker Players! We will have a free get to know the club event on June 9, 5:30-6:30. Check in 4:45-5:30. Please register in advance to help us know numbers for this event. In the fall, 2017-2016 players will play academy... Read More

The INCubatoredu Entrepreneur and Enterprise Class at Rock Island High School pitched their business models to 5 “sharks” at FINAL PITCH event on Wednesday, May 11 in the Rock Island High School INCubatoredu classroom. Seven entrepreneur projects vied for three awards: Best Pitch Award, Best Business Potential Award, and Best Business Model Award. Teams/Individuals Luxury Lockers: Aden Farrell and Joe Thompson Fracture Sound: Nathan Krug Pocket Coach: App based program to help coaches connect with students and parents. App organizes practices and schedules and acts as a communication... Read More

The Moline-Rock Island Quad-Cities were ranked among the best places to live in Illinois — second best behind Peoria — and among the best places to live in the United States, according to U.S. News & World Report magazine’s annual report of the Top 150 places to live in the U.S., based on affordability and relatively clean air. The publication’s list, released this morning, of its Best Places to Live, had Illinois cities Peoria, Moline-Rock Island, Chicago and Rockford among its top spots to call home. While it wasn’t on the list last year, Moline-Rock Island... Read More

Esperanza Legal Center will host a free Naturalization Workshop at the Moline Public Library, Saturday, June 11, 11am to 4pm. Information will be provided by volunteers and led by Carolyn O’Connor, Immigration Legal Specialist (DOJ Accredited). The application process is simple with the help from Esperanza Legal Center’s experts. Volunteers speak Spanish and other languages may be available. For more information, please call 309-732-0047.  Read More

The Rock Island-Milan Education Foundation (RIMEF) will award a record $137,200 to the Class of 2022 at its Austin Academic Achievement Awards and RIMEF Scholarships Night on May 11, 6:30p.m. in the RIHS Auditorium. 58 accomplished Rock Island High School (RIHS) seniors will receive $35,000 in Austin Academic Achievement Award (AAAA) scholarships and $102,200 RIMEF Named scholarships at the annual ceremony. AAAA Departmental Award Scholarships are selected by teachers within 10 individual academic areas. 1st place students in each area will receive $2,000 and 2nd place will receive $1,500. Awards... Read More

The Quad City Botanical Center has begun construction on a new Ability Garden. Construction is expected to last about 8 weeks. The new Ability Garden concept plan was designed by Eric Hornig of Hitchcock Design Group and will be constructed by Outdoor Innovations. This concept plan will be referenced throughout the construction process, as the entire garden will be custom built throughout all the steps to ensure appropriate mobility. Ken Hoffman of Outdoor Innovations will be using modern design techniques and appropriate materials that include neutral color stone and softer stone material. Plants... Read More

The Creation Studio at the Bettendorf Public Library houses a myriad of maker tools available for public use. On Tuesday, May 17th, the Library will host a workshop intended to introduce an available tool to creators. Creation Studio Tool Training: Sewing machines is a limited-sized workshop open to participants aged 16 and older which will cover the basics of using the Studio’s Brother CS6000i sewing machines. The event will start at 6:30 PM and is free. Registration is required to attend and can be made by visiting http://events.bettendorflibrary.com/event/6552496 or by calling 563-344-4175.... Read More