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John Deere Distancing Itself From Diversity And Inclusion
(Moline, IL) -- John Deere is distancing itself from diversity and inclusion. In a social media post, the agricultural equipment manufacturer says they won't participate in cultural awareness events, are removing socially-motivated messages from company materials, and affirming diversity quotas and pronoun identification are not company policy. Last week, a...
Quick work by staff averts ‘catastrophe’ at KHS
Even before Tuesday’s EF-1 tornado tore through Kewanee, school district employees were dealing with the aftermath of a storm that damaged the roof at Kewanee High School. “We had a catastrophe,” Supt. Rebecca Baney told the Kewanee School Board at its meeting Tuesday. During Sunday’s late-night storm, Baney...
NWS Confirms Three Tornadoes In Quad Cities Area
The National Weather Service is confirming that three tornadoes hit the Quad Cities area Monday night. Tornadoes touched down in Davenport, near Taylor Ridge in Rock Island County, and Kewanee. The funnel clouds were spawned by a powerful line of wind-producing storms known as a derecho. The storms led to downed trees and damage to homes, two grain elevator bins, and utility poles.
Redevelopment of Beck’s Underway
Demolition is underway at the Beck Oil gas station on the north end of Monmouth at the intersection of Highway 34 and Highway 67. Along with the redevelopment of the current property, Beck Oil intends to purchase adjoining land for a diesel fuel and semi truck parking facility, which will then be annexed into the City of Monmouth, creating a new North Commercial TIF District, explains City Administrator Lew Steinbrecher:
Kewanee police blotter for July 16
Police responded to a report of criminal trespass to real property at Sixth and Walnut streets. Police responded to a report of a suspicious person in the 400 block of Franklin Street. A domestic disturbance was reported in the 200 block of Payson Street. Police responded to a report of...
Recognize, Intervene, Support: The Path to Better Mental Health
One in five Americans have a mental illness or substance use disorder, yet many are hesitant to seek help or unsure of where to turn. Recognizing mental health and substance use can be challenging, which is why education is vital, explains Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at Bridgeway, Stacy Brown:
Two have announced plans to run for Peoria mayor next year
Editor's note: Rita Ali was the first Black woman elected to an at-large council seat in Peoria. An earlier version of this story contained incorrect information. Peoria Mayor Rita Ali is running for reelection and will have at least one opponent from within the Peoria City Council. ...
Illinois Derecho Causes Tornado in East Peoria, Morton
East Peoria, IL – A tornado has been confirmed from Monday night’s derecho, affecting areas of East Peoria and Morton. The National Weather Service (NWS) Central Illinois office reported the tornado began in East Peoria, tracked through northern parts of Morton, and lifted north of Mackinaw. Rated an EF-1, the tornado had peak wind speeds of 95 mph.
WIU faculty union: Layoffs of tenured faculty coming
Another round of budget cutting is looming at Western Illinois University, and this time it could include tenured and tenure-track faculty. Tri States Public Radio obtained a copy of an email sent by Merrill Cole, President of the WIU Chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois. The union represents faculty members.
Coal City to remain without power for the foreseeable future
Jul. 16—The Village of Coal City said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that while the village was spared the worst of the storm damage as far as property and public health damage, it will be without power for the foreseeable future until the main feeder line is repaired. ComEd needs specific crews for this line, and it's not possible to predict a timeline for when power will be restored. This ...
Longtime community leader Sonja Reece named Normal Citizen of the Year
It was a who’s who of notable Normalites at a reception Tuesday at Heartland Community College, where Mayor Chris Koos announced longtime community leader Sonja Reece as this year’s Normal Citizen of the Year. Reece has played many roles in the community, among them serving on the town...
International children's swimming school to open newest location in Peoria
Aqua-Tots Swim School is bringing its world-renowned programs to the greater Peoria area. The swim school franchise announced last week it will open a location at 7713 Orange Prairie Road in Peoria near The Shoppes at Grand Prairie. The school has more than 150 locations worldwide, including three in Illinois: Peoria, Wheaton and Orland Park.
Bloomington tells homeless people sleeping along Constitution Trail to relocate
Around 100 people in Bloomington-Normal are unsheltered, according to estimates from a McLean County Housing Coalition. The City of Bloomington is dispersing roughly 40 of them who’ve been living in tents along Constitution Trail, said Director of Community Outreach Steve Tassio with Home Sweet Home Ministries' homeless shelter [HSHM].
National Weather Service in Far, Remote Northern Michigan Took Over Warning Chicago as Illinois Forecasters Hunkered Down During Tornado Outbreak
The National Weather Service is the government agency we all rely upon for up-to-the-second information particularly in emergency situations like severe thunderstorms and tornado outbreaks. But what happens when NWS forecasters are in the line of fire for a storm? That was the situation facing the NWS office in Chicago last night (July 15, 2024) as a summer storm spawned a tornado outbreak across the region.
Winnebago principal’s personal experience inspires Illinois school’s cardiac safety law
WINNEBAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — This Fall, all schools in Illinois will be required to have a plan in place in the event of a cardiac arrest on school grounds. A Winnebago principal advocated for the law after it happened to her, and now her school is one of three Heart Safe Schools in the state. […]
How law enforcement protects politicians in the Quad Cities
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KWQC) - Over the years, political candidates and Presidents have visited the Quad Cities. We wondered how local law enforcement coordinates with the Secret Service to keep them safe. The Davenport Police Department said it’s dedicated to a collaborative approach with it’s local, state and federal partners, which...
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