The deadline is quickly approaching to be a part of the Final Phase of the Western Illinois University Alumni Plaza brick project. The last date to purchase a brick, which will be installed in July, is Monday, June 15. More than 750 donors, representing 31 states have already placed about 800 bricks in the plaza, raising more than $110,000. The plaza is a brick patio, just north of the anchoring the North entry to the University Union. Once the project is complete, it will adjoin a Mascot Memorial Plaza, paying tribute to WIU’s live mascots, “Rocky” and “Ray.” The... Read More

Well, fingers crossed, this past weekend began the grand re-opening of society after the covid quarantine. In some states, like Illinois, we’re not entirely 100 percent back to normal, but it’s certainly stepping in that direction. On the Iowa side, it’s full boar, all in, back to the way it was, and, again, fingers crossed that we stay that way. People are squirrelly and jacked up like spider monkeys on Mountain Dew after months of being in lockdown on social distancing protocols, and as such, it’s probably going to be a wild couple of weeks. But, as always, it’s... Read More

It’s that time of year…time for EMSSC Competitive Soccer tryouts for the Fall 2020/Spring 2021 season! EMSSC’s competitive program is for those athletes with advanced skill and high ambition for the sport.  The program teaches advanced soccer skills, teamwork, patience, and respect on and off the soccer field. For more information about the competitive program or to register for tryouts, head to https://www.emssc.org.  Read More

MACOMB, IL – As Western Illinois University transitions into its summer course sessions, its faculty continue to reach students through alternative methods, extending beyond traditional coursework to reach more people. Educators across the University’s various academic schools and departments have worked together, collaborating to make each student’s educational opportunity a valuable one. In the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, as in other WIU offices, professors have shared teaching and research ideas, including helping each other adjust to the technology needed... Read More

Join the German American Heritage Center and Museum on Sunday, June 7th for “20 Germans You Didn’t Know You Knew,” presented over zoom by Kelly Lao, Executive Director of the GAHC. From the food we eat to the clothes we wear, our lives have been shaped by the discoveries and creations of German and German Americans. Some left their homes to further their careers while others created their life’s work in the kitchen. In this presentation you will learn about 20 Germans whose work has likely touched your life. These are 20 Germans you didn’t know you knew. A zoom link... Read More

After 11 weeks being closed due to the coronavirus, the Putnam Museum & Science Center is taking longer to reopen than many other Iowa businesses and organizations, in order to present a new visitor experience. The 153-year-old Davenport institution, at 1717 W. 12th St., has been closed since March 16, and is planning to reopen for small summer camps July 6, for members July 8 to 12, and to the general public July 15, with new safety precautions. Putnam president/CEO Rachael Mullins says the summer camps July 6-8 will be limited to just 10 kids each, to allow for more social distancing. When... Read More

Rock Island Public Library is rockin’ it with activities for families this summer! The library sent out a massive list of events and other cool stuff, and here are all the details: Children’s Events: Registration required for most programs, so we can contact participants with links, videos, and instructions on kit pick-up, if applicable. Each kit will contain supplies and instructions. Register via our online calendar at www.rockislandlibrary.org or call our Children’s Room phone at 309-732-7360. Absolute Science: VIEW on demand. By special arrangement with our friends at Absolute... Read More

Camp Hertko Hollow, which offers annual camps to children with diabetes, has decided to cancel its summer season of programs in lieu of the covid-19 threat. The camp released the following letter via e-mail: Dear Friends of Camp Hertko Hollow, In light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and in the interest of the health and safety of all campers, volunteers and staff, Camp Hertko Hollow has made the very difficult decision to cancel our upcoming summer sessions. After careful deliberation and review of the health and safety guidelines provided by the government, CDC, American Camp Association,... Read More

MACOMB, IL – A Western Illinois University alumnus has partnered with a WIU faculty member to co-author their second children’s book, which will be released later this year. “The Adventures of Darrius; The Hall Monitor,” follows the pair’s first book together, “Princess and the Power of Melanin,” which has a goal of combating bullying, colorism and uplifting young girls around the world. Alumnus Jeremy McCool received his bachelor’s degree in broadcasting in 2015 and his master’s degree in communication in 2017. He is currently working on his doctoral... Read More

MACOMB, IL – A student of Western Illinois University Assistant Professor of Voice Penelope Shumate was recently one of only 14 singers in the United States chosen to compete in his division in the upcoming National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) vocal competition. Joshua Pitt, a sophomore vocal performance and music education major, of Racine, WI, initially won first place in the regional NATS vocal competition in Fall 2019. He won the award in the Lower Classical Tenor/Baritone/Bass Division to be eligible to compete at the national level. Because of the coronavirus, Pitt competed... Read More