I’ve written about this before, but “The Little Mermaid” is not my favorite Disney story. For starters, the source material, as with most things Hans Christian Andersen, is horrifying. And I’ve always sort of been put off by Ariel’s willingness to give up a part of herself that she values so much, all for a guy she knows virtually nothing about. more

Imagine you're in your second month in a new job with a state-wide organization and the "big boss" pays a visit. That's what happened to new Scott County ISU Extension Director Samantha Culver last Wednesday when Iowa State University president Dr. Wendy Wintersteen and new vice president for Extension and Outreach Jason Henderson dropped in at the Scott County Extension Office in Bettendorf. more

July 31, 1974: The Iowa State Highway Commission affirmed that construction of Freeway 561 north from Davenport to DeWitt was on its five-year plan. The schedule said right-of-way acquisition was planned near Eldridge from 1975-76, with construction expected to begin in 1977. more

"This election is about keeping or losing our democracy. A man of advanced age with clear mental problems is not one to give the job of leading the most powerful nation on earth ..." more

"We need lawmakers at the state and federal levels who will work to expand worker protections and stand with labor unions who seek to make working conditions safe for all. Before you vote this November know which candidates will support child labor protections and vote accordingly ..." more

"Greg’s honesty models trust, vulnerability, and a hope for our community’s capacity to grow. Greg offered not only a testimony of pain, but also concrete actions that NSHS’ teachers, parents, and students can take to better support all young LGBTQ+ youth—and any young people who are singled out for being different ..." more

In case you missed it, at last week’s Eldridge Summer Festival, there was a small special event in Wiese Park. Eldridge Police Chief Andrew Lellig and Cpl. Jacob Costas officially introduced K-9 officer Marty to the community in a brief demonstration. more

We were resting on a lazy Sunday afternoon when news broke about President Biden's monumental decision to suspend his presidential campaign. The only thing in my memory like it was LBJ's speech to the nation on March 31, 1968 in which he said, "I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president." more

July 25, 1984:  “A Lil’ Bit of Country” was the theme of Walcott Day 1984, and a Dolly Parton lookalike contest was part of the fun.  City council member Jackie Huston was judged the winner. more

"There is no more noble pursuit for any of us who live on this planet than protecting life. Anything less is uncivilized ..." more

"What is missing in the parades is a marching band from our North Scott School. I have heard the band on numerous occasions at The Pit! You guys are great musicians and know how to spread the excitement, and talent ..." more

"My God, I can’t imagine voting Republican knowing what they have become ..." more

"A true Republican would accept his loss and congratulate the winner, and not declare an all-out war. Make no mistake Trump declared war on the U.S., Jan. 6, 2021 ..." more

Last weekend was the biggest event of the summer at our house when our daughters, Anne Olson and Alisa Sleep, their husbands Matt and Joe and six grandchildren, three each from Urbandale, Iowa (Clara, Nolan and Ella Olson), and Verona, Wis. (Ava, Nora and Jacob Sleep) came for the Eldridge Summer Festival and Moonlight Chase. more

July 22, 2009: Walcott police sergeant Jim Vaughan was hired as the town’s new police chief. He would replace Dave Kopatich, who recently took the chief’s position in Eldridge. more

My 25th high school class reunion was this month. While some like to relive the memories of North Scott, the school experience was traumatic for many of us. I was the target of bullying and harassment on a consistent basis. Those weren’t glory days; they were hell. And yet, I had certain generally positive experiences (e.g., Lancer Productions, choir, some friendly classmates, and a handful of teachers who tried to establish a safe and affirming environment). more

"We want to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped us make the 39th Annual Moonlight Chase and the Eldridge Summer Festival a huge success, even in the blazing heat ..." more

"The Iowa labor law of 2023 should never have been passed and any attempt to justify or defend it is clear foolishness.  The fools are the Iowa legislators who voted for the bill and governor who signed it ..." more

"A special tribute to Kathy Fox for her 1972 unusual, ingenious preschool idea. This preschool has served over 1,000 students ..." more

"In November, please vote to reverse the Iowa abortion ban. Vote for Democratic legislators ..." more