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

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Beginning in the Fall 2020 semester, the Western Illinois University College of Business and Technology will offer an online human resource management degree. WIU is one of very few schools in the state to provide this offering. The new option for students expands flexibility to take classes online, join remotely during live lectures, watch recorded lectures or combine online learning with face-to-face classes on the Macomb or Quad Cities campuses. In addition, all curriculum is aligned with the educational guidelines put forth by the Society for Human Resource Management. “The... Read More

MACOMB, IL – Students in Western Illinois University’s Speech Pathology and Audiology program got a recent boost with the donation of 100 protective face shields by the Wahl Clipper Corporation in Sterling, IL. The donation was sought by company employee Jody Dirks, the mother of Erica Armstrong, a graduate student in WIU’s speech pathology program. “Wahl is a family owned company, which really cares about their employees and community,” said Dirks. “They made and donated these shields to local hospitals and emergency workers in the area. I asked if I could get some... Read More