MACOMB, IL – Despite classes at Western Illinois University being moved from campus to computer, a group of students studying in the health sciences area are helping on the front lines to complete their required practicums. Working at both local and statewide care centers students have been helping in health services management, public health (both graduate and undergraduate students) and social work. Before Alexis Clark received her degree in health services management in May, she completed an internship with WIU’s Beu Health Center. She said the pandemic greatly impacted her duties at... Read More

Join the German American Heritage Center & Museum for a virtual program on Sunday, July 12th at 2 p.m. Colonial Germans & the American Revolution will be presented by the GAHC’s Assistant Director. When did the earliest Germans arrive in America? Did Germans fight in the American Revolution? Why do we celebrate German American day on October 6th? What were some of the earliest German-American communities like? Learn the answers to these questions and explore early German-American history in this virtual presentation! This presentation will be recorded and emailed no later than 2 p.m.... Read More

MOLINE (BHC) — Black Hawk College will launch its new women’s soccer program with a familiar face. Abbie Metz, a Black Hawk College grad, has been tapped to lead the team that will begin competing in Fall 2021. On Aug. 1, she will become the Braves’ first-ever women’s soccer head coach. “I look forward to working with her on building the program from the ground up,” said Arnie Chavera, interim athletic director. Metz currently is the academy director and head coach for PLD Sports – Sporting Iowa East at the TBK Bank Sports Complex in Bettendorf. She has nearly two decades of experience... Read More

Just as last year was unusual for the Quad City Arts Metro Arts Youth Apprenticeship Program, this summer also is unique. ​ Far fewer students – ages 15 to 21 – are participating, in fewer projects, and they are wearing face coverings and are social distancing, as is the current practice. That does not mean that the two outdoor murals and improvisational comedy being created over the past five weeks are any less meaningful, important or impressive. “Every Metro Arts site has a collection of masks available, if the student either doesn’t have one or has forgotten theirs that day, so we... Read More

MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University Department of Broadcasting and Journalism has launched a new website to highlight alumni in on-air positions. The site, located at wiu.edu/cofac/bcj/careers/index.php, showcases “Breaking News with BC & J Alumni” who are working at radio and television stations locally and around the country. “The Department of Broadcasting and Journalism is proud to highlight and celebrate some of our students working on-air in the media,” said William “Buzz” Hoon, interim dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication.... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University’s virtual summer orientation experiences have taken place throughout May and June, and another session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15. Incoming new first-year students on the Macomb campus who have not yet attended a virtual summer orientation can sign up for the July 15 event by logging into their STARS account. During virtual summer orientation, students meet their orientation leaders and begin to learn how to be a successful student at WIU. New students will continue to have opportunities to engage with staff and have opportunities... Read More

MACOMB, IL – For the third year in a row, the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture is partnering with the Illinois Corn Marketing Board (ICMB) to provide programming for high school agriculture classes across the state. Through the Soil Health Bucket program, 90 schools receive a five-gallon bucket of supplies for evaluating soil functions and a comprehensive curriculum for engaging students in employing the interacting impact of soil type and soil management. Topics covered in the curriculum include water filtering and storage, nutrient provision and cycling and conversion of crop... Read More

MACOMB, IL – In the spirit of a community working together, one Macomb business is producing 1,000 cloth face coverings to be distributed across the Western Illinois University campus as the University prepares to open for the Fall 2020 semester. WIU is doing business with Jeff Clayberg, owner of the Attic II, on West Jackson Street in Macomb, to produce the face coverings. “We are lucky to have Jeff and his team at the Attic II so close to the University during such unprecedented times,” said Joe Roselieb, executive director of Auxiliary Services and Risk Management at WIU. “Any... Read More

Rock Island-based Quad City Arts was the only organization in the immediate Q-C to earn funding Wednesday from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act grant. Like most of the 855 organizations funded nationwide, the regional nonprofit will get $50,000, on top of a previously approved $30,000 NEA grant last month that was unrelated to Covid-19 relief. Quad City Arts this spring did get Covid-19 relief funding through the federal Paycheck Protection Program, executive director Kevin Maynard said Thursday. Part of the criteria for new funding... Read More

You can help make a child’s first day at school a lot more special by helping The First Day Project. Over 25,000 kids receive free or reduced lunches, and therefore they qualify for free school supplies through the project, which relies on the generosity of locals in the community to help out. The First Day Project used to partner with the Postal Service to collect the school supplies but three years ago they Postal Service stopped the program and United Way stepped in to help. “In the past, we worked mainly with our business community to collect the items but the need is too great... Read More