Reporter for the Quad-City Times, Moline Dispatch, Rock Island Argus.
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Articles by Anthony Watt
Not a bird, not a plane, so what was the 1967 Quad-Cities UFO? Carl Petrick still wonders
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Derrick Nephew sentenced for 2024 murder of Omari Braxton
A Rock Island County judge has sentenced a man to 55 years in an Illinois prison for a 2024 fatal shooting. Derrick B. Nephew, 31, faced one count of first-degree murder in the killing of Omari Braxton, 21, which occurred about 4:45 p.m. on May 11, 2024, at the Maple Ridge Apartment Complex in the 3700 block of Fifth Street, Rock Island. A jury convicted Nephew on the murder charge in May after a four-day trial, Rock Island County court records show.
Derrick Nephew sentenced for 2024 murder of Omari Braxton
A Rock Island County judge has sentenced a man to 55 years in an Illinois prison for a 2024 fatal shooting. Derrick B. Nephew, 31, faced one count of first-degree murder in the killing of Omari Braxton, 21, which occurred about 4:45 p.m. on May 11, 2024, at the Maple Ridge Apartment Complex in the 3700 block of Fifth Street, Rock Island. A jury convicted Nephew on the murder charge in May after a four-day trial, Rock Island County court records show.
Reports of gunfire, or fireworks, prompt Bettendorf police response Monday Original
After receiving calls about possible gunfire Monday morning, the Bettendorf police responded to the area near Emerge church to investigate. When they investigated, officers found no evidence of a gun being fired, according to a news release from the city The calls started about 8:30 a.m. with some people saying shots had been fired and others saying fireworks had been set off, in the area of Golden Valley Drive and Tanglefoot Lane, according to the city release.
Rock Island County Sheriff's Office on scene of crash, portion of US 67 closed
Rock Island County deputies are dealing with a serious vehicle crash on U.S. Route 67 south of Milan. Authorities have closed the roadway southbound at 127th Avenue and northbound at 176th Avenue and are asking motorists to avoid the area, according to a Rock Island County Sheriff's Office release posted on Facebook at 10:36 a.m. Further details were not yet available, but the sheriff's office said more information would be released. Love Funny Wow Sad Angry
Moline officially launches South Slope wastewater upgrade
Moline on Tuesday officially launched its multiyear upgrade of its South Slope Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant's facilities, between 40 and 60 years old, are wearing out and it has become challenging for South Slope to keep up with changing standards and requirements, city officials have said. Moline has hired IHC Construction Companies to carry out the upgrade at a cost of about $113 million. The city held a ceremonial groundbreaking Tuesday morning at the plant, about 60 people attended.
Multiple charges filed after early morning fight at Davenport grocery store Original
Several people face charges Monday after what authorities described as a large fight at Hilltop Grocery & Spirits in Davenport. Police responded just after 1 a.m. Monday to the grocery store, 1312 Harrison St., to investigate a report of a disturbance, Scott County court records state. As a result of their investigation, authorities think at least two guns were fired and that the fight left one person unconscious.
Early morning fire damages one Rock Island home, threatens another
Rock Island firefighters battled an early morning house fire Monday. The flames also threatened a neighboring residence, according to a news release from the city. Firefighters responded around 2:43 a.m. for a fire in the 1600 block of 14th Street, according to the release. When they arrived, they found the 1 1/2-story home fully engulfed in flames, and a risk that the fire might spread to a neighboring residence. No one reported any injuries because of the fire, the release states.
Early morning fire damages one Rock Island home, threatens another
Rock Island firefighters battled an early morning house fire Monday. The flames also threatened a neighboring residence, according to a news release from the city. Firefighters responded around 2:43 a.m. for a fire in the 1600 block of 14th Street. When they arrived, they found the 1 1/2-story home fully engulfed in flames, and a risk that the fire might spread to a neighboring residence. No one reported any injuries because of the fire, the release states.
Davenport firefighters extinguish fire at West Locust Street Hy-Vee gas station
Davenport firefighters fought a fire at a Hy-Vee gas station on Wednesday. Firefighters responded about 2 p.m. Wednesday to in investigate a report that a cooler had exploded at the Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh, 2353 W. Locust St., according to a news release from the Davenport Fire Department. When they arrived, firefighters found smoke coming from the front of the business. The firefighters began fighting the fire and checking to see if anyone was in the building, the department said.
Several people injured, pets killed, during early morning fire in Davenport
An early morning fire in a Davenport home injured five people, two of them firefighters. The fire happened about 4:25 a.m. at a residence in the 2400 block of North Zenith Avenue, according to a news released issued by the Davenport Fire Department around 2 p.m. on Thursday. When firefighters arrived, they found heavy smoke and fire coming from the home. They also learned several people had escaped the burning residence, but that more people were still inside, the department release states.
Train hits fire department ladder truck strut during fire in Moline Thursday morning
A train on Thursday had a glancing collision with a Moline Fire Department ladder truck while the truck was deployed at a fire. The train struck one of the extendable struts used to brace the truck while it is deployed, Deputy Fire Chief Kris Johnson said. The locomotive also hit parts of the truck’s side and railing. “It didn't hit the truck, like the cab, per se,” Johnson said. “It was more all the stabilizers.” There were no injuries reported because of the fire or the collision, he said.
Moline approves allowing houses on smaller lots, with goal of spurring residential growth
Moline City Council has approved an ordinance designed to spark residential growth. Before the council vote Tuesday night, Moline's rules set the minimum lot size for one-family residential development at 6,000 square feet. Building homes on smaller lots could happen but required specific city permission and the developer had to meet specific criteria. The updated ordinance shifts the minimum to 2,000 square feet, Ald. Matt Timion, Ward 4, who introduced the proposal said previously.
Moline approves allowing houses on smaller lots, with goal of spurring residential growth
Moline City Council has approved an ordinance designed to spark residential growth. Before the council vote Tuesday night, Moline's rules set the minimum lot size for one-family residential development at 6,000 square feet. Building homes on smaller lots could happen but required specific city permission and the developer had to meet specific criteria. The updated ordinance shifts the minimum to 2,000 square feet, Ald. Matt Timion, Ward 4, who introduced the proposal said previously.
Moline approves allowing houses on smaller lots, with goal of spurring residential growth
Moline City Council has approved an ordinance designed to spark residential growth. Before the council vote Tuesday night, Moline's rules set the minimum lot size for one-family residential development at 6,000 square feet. Building homes on smaller lots could happen but required specific city permission and the developer had to meet specific criteria. The updated ordinance shifts the minimum to 2,000 square feet, Ald. Matt Timion, Ward 4, who introduced the proposal said previously.
Man accused of fleeing police
Authorities allege a Davenport man tried to flee the Iowa State Patrol during an attempted traffic stop early Tuesday, crashing into a residence while doing so. When they searched the vehicle after he was captured police also found a loaded revolver and enough meth to make investigators suspect it was not for personal use, according to authorities. Nathan A.
Man accused of fleeing police, striking Davenport house with vehicle
Authorities allege a Davenport man tried to flee the Iowa State Patrol during an attempted traffic stop early Tuesday, crashing into a residence while doing so. When they searched the vehicle after he was captured police also found a loaded revolver and enough meth to make investigators suspect it was not for personal use, according to authorities. Nathan A.
Police: Avenue of the Cities closure Monday was due to suspicion arrested man had a weapon Original
Police late Monday blocked off part of Avenue of the Cities in Moline while officers investigated whether an arrested man in a squad car had a weapon. The incident began about 10:51 p.m. in the 3400 block of Avenue of the Cities as an East Moline police officer drove the man to the Rock Island County Jail, according to the East Moline Police Department.
Bettendorf man charged for August collision that injured pedestrian Original
Scott County authorities have charged a Bettendorf man in relation to an August vehicle collision that seriously injured a pedestrian and killed a dog. Schuyler D. Moore, 59, faces a felony charge of serious injury by vehicle and a misdemeanor charge of operating while under the influence-first offence, according to Scott County court records. He has also been cited with failure to yield to the pedestrian’s right of way and operation without registration card plate.
Thomson union works to stop suicide among correctional officers
The union for correctional officers at Federal Correctional Institution Thomson donated $4,000 to help fund mental health support for its members and others. The American Federation of Government Employees Local 4070 announced Wednesday it had raised the money for The Gray Matters Collective to fund mental health support for correctional officers and their families in the local area. The collective is a nonprofit focused on mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
Whiteside County Sheriff's Office seeks stolen steer
Whiteside County investigators are looking for a steer they think has been stolen. Someone took the 1,400-pound animal from a farm between Morrison and Fulton, according to a news release from the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office. Authorities think the theft occurred within the last few days. Anyone with information is asked to contact sheriff's deputies at 815-772-4044 ext. 1, the release states. They can also contact the county chapter of Crime Stoppers at 815-625-7867. Love Funny Wow Sad Angry
Whiteside County Sheriff's Office seeks stolen steer
Whiteside County investigators are looking for a steer they think has been stolen. Someone took the 1,400-pound animal from a farm between Morrison and Fulton, according to a news release from the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office. Authorities think the theft occurred within the last few days. Anyone with information is asked to contact sheriff's deputies at 815-772-4044 ext. 1, the release states. They can also contact the county chapter of Crime Stoppers at 815-625-7867. Love Funny Wow Sad Angry
Moline City Council approves riverfront plan, initial presentation of capital plan
Moline City Council has approved a plan for its downtown riverfront. The demolition of the old Interstate 74 bridge and construction of its replacement has opened new space for potential development. The city’s plan, developed in collaboration with Renew Moline, provides proposals for what could be built there and how that region of the city might be organized. The plan divides the space at issue into several distinct areas.
Moline City Council approves riverfront plan, initial presentation of capital plan
Moline City Council has approved a plan for its downtown riverfront. The demolition of the old Interstate 74 bridge and construction of its replacement has opened new space for potential development. The city’s plan, developed in collaboration with Renew Moline, provides proposals for what could be built there and how that region of the city might be organized. The plan divides the space at issue into several distinct areas.
New phase of Moline's 7th Avenue project to begin; Arsenal viaduct project starting Original
The first phase of Moline's Seventh Avenue reconstruction project is expected complete on Sept. 2, opening the way for the second phase. At the same time, the replacement of the Rock Island Arsenal viaduct in downtown Moline is expected to begin. The Seventh Avenue project is focused on the stretch from 15th to 19th streets and includes updates to lighting, landscaping and utilities.
East Moline man arrested in Milan spa robbery
Milan police announced Monday an arrest has been made related to the robbery of a spa. Officers responded at about 11:45 a.m. on Aug. 11 to Ruby Spa, 530 10th Ave. W., to investigate a report of a possible robbery, according to a news release. Authorities think a man entered the spa, demanded money from an employee, then battered her. He then left with the employee's cell phone, according to the release. The release did not state whether the employee was injured or whether any money was taken.
Moline's South Slope wastewater plant upgrade to cost $113 million; 6% rate increases are proposed
Moline is about to begin a large-scale upgrade at its South Slope Wastewater Treatment Plant. The plant’s facilities, between 40 and 60 years old, are wearing out and it has become challenging for South Slope to keep up with changing standards and requirements, city officials have said. The project, at more than $100 million, will happen in phases over the next several years. On Friday, city staff gave a tour of the plant, which is just east of SouthPark Mall.
Moline gets a look at potential city hall remodel; preferred concept would cost $17.2 million
Moline aldermen got a look Tuesday at what a remodeled city hall might look like. Moline wants to improve the accessibility, functionality and sustainability of the building and is considering how to do so, according to city documents. A key element of the improvements would involve moving the city council chambers to the main floor. Moline hired Trivers, a design firm, to assist it with the project.
Moline gets a look at potential city hall remodel; preferred concept would cost $17.2 million
Moline aldermen got a look Tuesday at what a remodeled city hall might look like. Moline wants to improve the accessibility, functionality and sustainability of the building and is considering how to do so, according to city documents. A key element of the improvements would involve moving the city council chambers to the main floor. Moline hired Trivers, a design firm, to assist it with the project.
Colona Police Department chief to retire in October
Colona's police chief is expected to retire in October. The city said Monday that Michael Swemline has notified the administration of his intent to retire, with his last day being Oct. 21. "Chief Swemline has faithfully served our community for nearly 30 years with honor, professionalism, and dedication, and his retirement marks the conclusion of an extraordinary career in law enforcement," the city release states.
Colona fire chief to retire in September, deputy chief to take lead
Colona Fire Chief John Swan will retire on Sept. 10. Swan has served as chief for 37 years, according to a news release from the Colona Community Fire Protection District and Colona Fire Department. He will be replaced by Kirk Wyffels, the deputy fire chief, who will be sworn in Sept. 10. "Chief Swan's remarkable tenure has been marked by unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the Colona community and the advancement of the fire service," the release states.
Colona fire chief to retire in September, deputy chief to take lead
Colona Fire Chief John Swan will retire on Sept. 10. Swan has served as chief for 37 years, according to a news release from the Colona Community Fire Protection District and Colona Fire Department. He will be replaced by Kirk Wyffels, the deputy fire chief, who will be sworn in Sept. 10. "Chief Swan's remarkable tenure has been marked by unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the Colona community and the advancement of the fire service," the release states.
The Appleby investigation over time
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The Appleby investigation over time
Secure transaction. Cancel anytime. Have an account? Log In Account processing issue - the email address may already exist User information Username (Optional) This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely! * First name * Last name * Email Address Your email address will be used to confirm your account. We won't share it with anyone else. * Password Create a password that only you will remember.
LULAC cancels this year's Mexican Independence Day parade in the Illinois Quad-Cities
The Mexican Independence Day Parade & Fiesta planned for September in the Illinois Quad-Cities has been canceled, the League of United Latin American Citizens saidWednesday. LULAC Council 5285, based in Moline, encountered a number of unexpected issues while planning the event that led to its cancellation, the organization stated in a news release.
Milan police investigate robbery, possible battery at Ruby Spa Original
The Milan Police Department is investigating a Monday robbery at a spa. Officers responded at about 11:45 a.m. to Ruby Spa, 530 10th Ave. W., to investigate a report of a possible robbery, according to a news release. Authorities think a male subject entered the spa, demanded money from an employee, then battered her. He then left with the employee's cell phone, according to the release. The release did not state whether the employee was injured or whether any money was actually taken.
Moline aldermen hope to increase housing by easing zoning requirements Original
A vacant lot sits near the intersection of 25th Street and Fifth Avenue in Moline. On Friday, the grass that grows there was about shin-high with tufted tops that waved and rustled in the intermittent morning breeze. There was also a tree shading the east end of the open space, well-leafed and healthy looking. That was about it as far as the lot’s contents go — grass that could maybe use a bit of mowing and one happy tree. “I think you could build a lot of house here,” Ald.
Man faces attempted murder charge, accused of July shooting in Davenport
A Rock Island man faces an attempted murder charge in Scott County based on allegations he shot a person in the chest in July. The shooting happened about 8 p.m. on July 5, in the 5200 block of North Ripley Street in Davenport, according to court records. The wounded person, who was not described in detail, needed emergency surgery. In the same court case, along with attempted murder, authorities have also charged Vester L.
Two teens arrested during gun investigation Wednesday in Moline
A report of two people with a gun near the Moline Walmart led to the arrest of two teenagers Wednesday. The weapon recovered by officers during the investigation turned out to be a BB gun that closely resembled a real firearm, according to a news release from the Moline Police Department.
People escape Tuesday evening fire in Davenport home
A Tuesday evening fire damaged a Davenport home, though there were no reports of anyone hurt. Firefighters responded at about 5:41 p.m. to the 800 block of East Rusholme Street for a structure fire, according to a Davenport Fire Department news release. Someone who reported the fire told authorities in a 911 call that the fire was in the basement of the residence and that something might have exploded in the basement.
Moline man announces he is running for 71st State House District Original
A Moline man has announced his candidacy for Illinois’ 71st State House District in 2026. Kermit Thomas announced Monday his intent to run for the seat as a Democrat. Thomas, an Army veteran, has lived in the Quad-Cities since 2013, according to his news release. He has raised three children in Moline. Thomas is first vice president of the Rock Island County NAACP and has served as a pastor at Davenport’s Central Church of Christ since 2019, the release states.
Man accused of shooting co-worker in Rock Island in 2023 takes plea
An Arkansas man accused of shooting a co-worker in late 2023 in Rock Island has been sentenced to up to 18 years in an Illinois prison. The Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office alleged that on Dec. 28, 2023, Dante Beard shot his supervisor at Pak Source, 690 Mill St., after a discussion about Beard’s performance. At the time, authorities considered the wounded man’s injuries serious, but not life threatening.
Scott County Court records reveal more details of murder case against Kyontah L. Little Original
A man accused of robbing and killing a person and leaving his body in a car in Davenport made a first court appearance Tuesday. Kyontah L. Little, 19, of Davenport, faces one count each of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery, according to court records. He is one of two people charged in relation to a fatal shooting on July 22. Authorities have identified the victim as LC Ball Jr., 37, of Davenport.
Body found in Mississippi River identified as man who fell in near Campbell's Island
The Rock Island County Coroner’s Office has identified a man whose body was found Saturday in the Mississippi River. The body is that of Edward J. Fisher, 19, of East Moline, Coroner Brian Gustafson said Wednesday afternoon. Preliminary results of an autopsy indicate Fisher’s death is a presumed drowning. Gustafson also confirmed Fisher was the person who fell into the river from Kay Island on July 24.
Man accused of jumping into Rock River to escape police has been arrested
A man authorities say jumped into the Rock River from the U.S Route 67 Bridge in Rock Island to escape arrest is in custody. A Rock Island County Sheriff's Office deputy arrested Justin R. Whipple, 38, around 5:44 p.m. Monday in the area of Brittany Lane in Rock Island, according to authorities. He remained in custody early Tuesday afternoon at the Rock Island County Jail.
Multiple dogs dead, others rescued during Rock Island house fire Tuesday morning Original
Firefighters rescued multiple dogs from a Tuesday morning house fire in Rock Island. Someone reported around 6:28 a.m. that there was smoke coming from the house in the 2800 block of Sixth Avenue, Deputy Fire Chief Greg Marty said at the scene. When they arrived, firefighters found heavy fire coming from the front of the home. Crews searched the home and found no people, Marty said. They did find multiple dogs, both alive and dead.
Tuesday morning fire
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Who ran the Bix 7? Meet 13 people who ran the race through Davenport Saturday morning Original
Claire Pifer, 10, Bettendorf How many times have you run the Bix? It's her first time in the Quick Bix, but she’s run in the Junior Bix before. What do you think of the Bix as an event? “It’s fun and I feel like it’s just a way so everybody’s getting out of their house and doing different things.” How did you do this year? “Pretty good.” What was your biggest challenge? “Probably just going up hills and how steep they were.” What are you going to do after the race?
Search efforts continue for person who fell in Mississippi River near Campbell's Island Thursday
Authorities Friday morning resumed their search for a person who fell into the Mississippi River near Campbell’s Island on Thursday night. The incident began about 6:39 p.m. with a group of people on Kay Island — near Campbell’s, according to a news release from the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office. Several of the people fell into the river. All of them but one, a male, were rescued. The release did not identify the person.
Search efforts continue for person who fell in Mississippi River near Campbell's Island Thursday
A person fell into the Mississippi River near Campbell's Island, prompting a search Thursday night. Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts The incident began about 6:39 p.m. with a group of people on Kay Island -- near Campbell's, according to a news release from the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office. Several of them fell into the river. All of them but one, a male, were rescued. The release did not identify the person.
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