"Thank you to the cast, crew, and all who contributed. So much talent, and to think these are but high schoolers ..." more

When I was 8, I asked for my parents’ permission to compete in the Little Miss category of the Miss Iowa Scholarship Organization. They agreed despite their confusion at my interest, as I was an incredibly bashful child. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I remember being scared to death and practically running off the stage for almost every phase of competition. As you can imagine, I did not walk away with the title. more

April 25, 1973: Record rainfall, combined with heavy snow melt to the north caused the Wapsipinicon River to flood, cresting at a record 12.74 feet at Highway 61. The highway was briefly closed as 18-24 inches of water covered the roadway. A portion of the highway was washed out, and the Iowa Highway Commission maintenance department said it would take 1,000 tons of rock to rebuild the grade of the road. Highway 67 at the Folletts crossing north of Princeton was also briefly closed due to flooding. Meanwhile, the Mississippi River was expected to crest at 19.5 feet at Lock & Dam 15, and at 12 feet in LeClaire. more

One Sunday afternoon in March, Linda and I were minding our own business when we heard the backup generator kick in. That would be the backup generator which we paid Koehler Electric to install at our home in January 2021, the earliest available time after the August 2020 derecho. more

They say good things come to those who wait. more

The Iowa Board of Regents has settled 2023-25 contract negotiations with the state’s public university unions, ending with a 3 percent base wage increase with United Faculty, SEIU, and the Campaign to Organize Graduate Students. more

Republican senators advanced a new traffic camera bill that they said would allow local governments to use the technology to address real safety concerns while putting some limits on using cameras to generate revenue. more

A funeral service for Henry K. “Hank” Ross, 94, of Bettendorf, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, in the chapel at Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport. McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf, is assisting the family with arrangements. more

Randall “Randy” Geurink, age 64, of Muscatine, formerly of Durant, died due to complications from Stage IV Lung Cancer on Jan. 20, 2023, while on vacation in Mission, Texas. more

A Celebration of Life for James “Jim” Lorenz, 81, of Foley, Ala., formerly of Davenport and Long Grove, will be held at the Blue Grass Community Center, 232 E. Orphed St., on Saturday, May 20, starting at 1 p.m. All who knew Jim are invited. more

Phyllis A. Knoche, age 93, of Durant, passed away Thursday, April 20, 2023, on her 93rd birthday, surrounded by her loving family.  A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 26 (today), at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 27, at the funeral home.  Burial will take place in Durant Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to the Tri-County Community Club or a charity of your choice.  Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com. more

A walk to celebrate Autism acceptance will be 9-11 a.m., Saturday, April 29, at Augustana College PepsiCo Center, 1025 30th St., Rock Island. more

Eldridge United Methodist Church hosts its annual rummage sale Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the church, located at 601 S. 2nd St. more

A representative of Sen. Joni Ernst will hold office hours on Thursday, May 18, at Eldridge City Hall from 10-11 a.m. more

Cornbelt Running Club returns to Lancer Stadium May 6, for its annual 24-hour race, the. Longest-running timed event in the United States. more

Blessings Boutique, 215 W. Mayne St., Blue Grass, holds its sale 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., during Blue Grass City Wide Sale, Friday, April 28, and Saturday, April 29. more

Donahue American Legion Post 532 will hold its annual consignment sale on Saturday, April 29, at Donahue Sportsmen’s Park, Donahue. more

DuTrac Community Credit Union and First Community Trust will host a webinar from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 2. more

The Pregnancy Center’s 37th Annual Walk for Life is April 29. The event will take place at The Pregnancy Center’s office at 240 N. Bluff Blvd. in Clinton more

A robust farm economy, soil health and land values are topics that will drive discussion at the 95th annual Soil Management and Land Valuation Conference May 17 in Ames. more