Articles by sarah hayden
Still haven't voted? Here are your options as the election nears Original
Still haven't voted? Here are your options as the election nears 1 of 4 People wait in a line to vote early at the Rock Island County office building Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in Rock Island. People wait in a line to vote early at the Rock Island County office building Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in Rock Island. People wait in a line to vote early at the Rock Island County office building Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in Rock Island.
Get the facts on voting by mail Original
Get the facts on voting by mail 1 of 2 Elizabeth Axel votes early at the Scott County Auditor's Office Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Davenport. Rock Island County Clerk Karen Kinney met with the Dispatch-Argus editorial board Sept. 27, 2018 The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand and necessity for mail-in voting this year. As a result, a record number of mail-in ballots are expected by election officials.
COUNTDOWN TO CAUCUS: Foreign policy a tangible topic on the campaign trail
Foreign policy was not one of the most pressing issues on the minds of Iowa Democrats throughout most of the past year. Then Republican President Donald Trump ordered a military strike that killed Iranian Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who the administration has said was planning attacks on U.S. interests abroad. Days later, Iran responded with missile strikes on military bases in Iraq that housed U.S. troops. No U.S. troops were killed in the response.
COUNTDOWN TO CAUCUS, THE ISSUES: Democrats debate if college should be free-for-all
Support for public education measures runs rampant through the expansive Democratic presidential primary field. The candidates have introduced a wide array of policy proposals designed to show their support for public schools, K-through-12 and beyond. One consistent point of agreement among the candidates is the need to install a federal education secretary with public school experience.
COUNTDOWN TO CAUCUS, THE ISSUES: Democrats debate if college should be free-for-all
Support for public education measures runs rampant through the expansive Democratic presidential primary field. The candidates have introduced a wide array of policy proposals designed to show their support for public schools, K-through-12 and beyond. One consistent point of agreement among the candidates is the need to install a federal education secretary with public school experience.
COUNTDOWN TO CAUCUS, THE ISSUES: Democrats debate if college should be free-for-all
Support for public education measures runs rampant through the expansive Democratic presidential primary field. The candidates have introduced a wide array of policy proposals designed to show their support for public schools, K-through-12 and beyond. One consistent point of agreement among the candidates is the need to install a federal education secretary with public school experience.
Hope Creek fined by Illinois Department of Public Health after patient injured in fall
Hope Creek Care Center has been cited for three license violations by the Illinois Department of Public Health and fined $2,200 for patient neglect. The county-owned nursing home, 4343 Kennedy Drive, was cited for an incident that occurred July 10 in which a patient was found on the floor after falling out of bed.
County takes action to sell Hope Creek
ROCK ISLAND -- County board members took the first step to sell Hope Creek Care Center on Wednesday during the committee of the whole meeting. Board members unanimously approved advancing the matter to the June 18 regular meeting, asking County Administrator Jim Snider to solicit RFPs (request for proposal) for the county-owned nursing home at 4343 Kennedy Drive if the board approves it next week.
Founders' tablets removed from Rock Island courthouse
ROCK ISLAND — The last remnants of the pioneers and families that contributed to founding the county and building its courthouse were removed from the historic structure on Thursday. The 12 founders' tablets, etched with the names of early settlers in Rock Island County, had been kept on display inside the courthouse since it opened in 1897.
Founders' tablets removed from Rock Island courthouse
ROCK ISLAND — The last remnants of the pioneers and families that contributed to founding the county and building its courthouse were removed from the historic structure on Thursday. The 12 founders' tablets, etched with the names of early settlers in Rock Island County, had been kept on display inside the courthouse since it opened in 1897.
Founders' tablets removed from Rock Island courthouse
ROCK ISLAND — The last remnants of the pioneers and families that contributed to founding the county and building its courthouse were removed from the historic structure on Thursday. The 12 founders' tablets, etched with the names of early settlers in Rock Island County, had been kept on display inside the courthouse since it opened in 1897.
Lawsuit dismissed, clearing way for demolition of Rock Island County courthouse
PEORIA — A lawsuit filed in an effort to halt demolition of the Rock Island County Courthouse has been dismissed. During a hearing Tuesday, Peoria County 10th Circuit Judge Jodi Hoos dismissed the case, saying Rock Island County is exempt from the Illinois State Agency Historic Resources Preservation Act. The hearing was moved to Peoria County to avoid conflicts of interest.
Lawsuit dismissed, clearing way for demolition of Rock Island County courthouse
PEORIA — A lawsuit filed in an effort to halt demolition of the Rock Island County Courthouse was dismissed Tuesday. During a hearing Tuesday, Peoria County 10th Circuit Judge Jodi Hoos refused dismissed the case, saying Rock Island County is exempt from the Historic Resources Preservation Act. The hearing was moved to Peoria County to avoid conflicts of interest.
Temp restraining order issued for courthouse
PEORIA — A temporary restraining order was granted Wednesday to delay demolition of the historic Rock Island County Courthouse. Peoria County 10th Circuit Judge Jodi Hoos ruled Wednesday the plaintiffs in a civil suit that was filed to stop the proposed demolition met the criteria required to issue the restraining order. The restraining order will remain in effect until the next hearing, which will address the issue of whether the suit should be dismissed.
Rosewood nursing home fined for patient neglect, abuse
MOLINE — Rosewood Care Center has been fined for incidents related to the abuse and neglect of patients. The 120-bed facility at 7300 34th Ave. was cited for three licensure violations, all of high-risk designation, and its fine for the incidents was therefore doubled to $2,200. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) fourth-quarter report, four patients reported verbal abuse and neglect, with two of them suffering residual emotional distress.
Rosewood nursing home fined for patient neglect, abuse
MOLINE — Rosewood Care Center has been fined for incidents related to the abuse and neglect of patients. The 120-bed facility at 7300 34th Ave. was cited for three licensure violations, all of high-risk designation, and its fine for the incidents was therefore doubled to $2,200. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) fourth-quarter report, four patients reported verbal abuse and neglect, with two of them suffering residual emotional distress.
Moline goal: Get rid of illicit massage businesses
Molice city leaders want to fight human sex trafficking by requiring massage businesses to be licensed. Moline City Council members on Tuesday advanced a resolution during the committee of the whole meeting that will require massage businesses to comply with the Massage Establishment code. The city lacks an ordinance governing massage establishments, but this will change if council members approve the resolution at the March 5 regular meeting.
East Moline hires Maxeiner as interim administrator
Former Moline City Administrator Doug Maxeiner has been hired as interim city administrator for East Moline. Maxeiner's employment was approved following closed session during the Feb. 4 city council meeting. He begins work on Monday. Maxeiner will replace former East Moline City Administrator Darin Girdler, who resigned Jan. 22 after city officials asked for his resignation. Maxeiner also resigned suddenly Jan.
Most Illinois Quad-Cities lawmakers oppose minimum wage increase
Most local lawmakers are opposed to Illinois' proposed minimum wage law, which would increase the $8.25 hourly rate to $15 incrementally over the next six years. The increase passed the Illinois Senate by a vote of 39 to 18 Feb. 7, and it was expected to pass the House Thursday and deliver a victory for Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who made raising the minimum wage a primary campaign promise. State Rep.
Most Illinois Quad-Cities lawmakers oppose minimum wage increase
Most local lawmakers are opposed to Illinois' proposed minimum wage law, which would increase the $8.25 hourly rate to $15 incrementally over the next six years. The increase passed the Illinois Senate by a vote of 39 to 18 Feb. 7, and it was expected to pass the House Thursday and deliver a victory for Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who made raising the minimum wage a primary campaign promise. State Rep.
Most Illinois Quad-Cities lawmakers oppose minimum wage increase
Most local lawmakers are opposed to Illinois' proposed minimum wage law, which would increase the $8.25 hourly rate to $15 incrementally over the next six years. The increase passed the Illinois Senate by a vote of 39 to 18 Feb. 7, and it was expected to pass the House Thursday and deliver a victory for Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who made raising the minimum wage a primary campaign promise. State Rep.
Most Illinois Quad-Cities lawmakers oppose minimum wage increase
Most local lawmakers are opposed to Illinois' proposed minimum wage law, which would increase the $8.25 hourly rate to $15 incrementally over the next six years. The increase passed the Illinois Senate by a vote of 39 to 18 Feb. 7, and it was expected to pass the House Thursday and deliver a victory for Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who made raising the minimum wage a primary campaign promise. State Rep.
Senator: Shutdown was big waste of resources
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said she is hopeful a deal will be reached on border wall funding and the government will remain open. The 35-day government shutdown, the longest in history, ended Jan. 25 after President Donald Trump agreed to reopen the government temporarily for three weeks while negotiations continue.
Senator: Shutdown was big waste of resources
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said she is hopeful a deal will be reached on border wall funding and the government will remain open. The 35-day government shutdown, the longest in history, ended Jan. 25 after President Donald Trump agreed to reopen the government temporarily for three weeks while negotiations continue.
Senator: Shutdown was big waste of resources
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said she is hopeful a deal will be reached on border wall funding and the government will remain open. The 35-day government shutdown, the longest in history, ended Jan. 25 after President Donald Trump agreed to reopen the government temporarily for three weeks while negotiations continue.
Senator: Shutdown was big waste of resources
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said she is hopeful a deal will be reached on border wall funding and the government will remain open. The 35-day government shutdown, the longest in history, ended Jan. 25 after President Donald Trump agreed to reopen the government temporarily for three weeks while negotiations continue.
Senator: Shutdown was big waste of resources
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., said she is hopeful a deal will be reached on border wall funding and the government will remain open. The 35-day government shutdown, the longest in history, ended Jan. 25 after President Donald Trump agreed to reopen the government temporarily for three weeks while negotiations continue.
Bustos hears effect of shutdown from federal employees
Hours before the Senate voted to temporarily reopen the government, U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, met with federal workers Friday morning at Thomson Village Hall who have been impacted by the 35-day shutdown. Bustos heard the stories of seven employees from Thomson Correctional Center, and how going more than a month without paychecks has affected them. Despite the shutdown, they are still required to work. "We have a family we're raising and we pay child support," Candace Mercer said.
Old Main cleared after non-toxic fog released
ROCK ISLAND — Old Main at Augustana College has been cleared after a refrigerant leak forced the building to close and staff and students to evacuate Monday. Augustana Director of Public Relations Ashleigh Johnston said the building would remain closed the rest of Monday, but students and faculty would be allowed a window of time to go in and collect any items they left behind. Johnston said classes would resume as scheduled today.
Hullon resigns from Hope Creek advisory board
EAST MOLINE -- Hope Creek Care Center advisory board president Jessey Hullon has resigned. Hullon has been president of the advisory board since its creation in May 2016. In an email sent Tuesday morning to Rock Island County Administrator Jim Snider, county board chairman Richard Brunk and board member Brian Vyncke, Hullon thanked them for the opportunity to serve on the board.
Hullon resigns from Hope Creek advisory board
EAST MOLINE -- Hope Creek Care Center advisory board president Jessey Hullon has resigned. Hullon has been president of the advisory board since its creation in May 2016. In an email sent Tuesday morning to Rock Island County Administrator Jim Snider, county board chairman Richard Brunk and board member Brian Vyncke, Hullon thanked them for the opportunity to serve on the board.
McCombie prefers being known as legislator
EAST MOLINE — State Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, says she has the work ethic, honesty and commitment to earn re-election.“I’m extremely transparent and open,” McCombie said. “I don’t think there is anybody who can outwork me. I am continuously working in my district.”McCombie will face Democratic candidate Joan Padilla in the Nov. 6 general election for the 71st District, which includes portions of Rock Island, Henry, Carroll and Whiteside counties.
As clerk, Russell Christ promises secure elections
EAST MOLINE -- Russell Christ said he has the experience and trust necessary to be the next clerk of Rock Island County. Christ, 68, is the Republican candidate for county clerk. He is opposing incumbent Democratic clerk Karen Kinney in the Nov. 6 general election. "I think we need a fresh, new look at what's going on in the county clerk's office," Christ said.
Echoes from Riverside Cemetery walk tells ghastly tales
MOLINE — The dead will come back to life Saturday during Riverside Cemetery’s annual historic walk, Echoes from Riverside.You’ll be dying to get in.With a theme of “Unfortunate Endings,” seven actors will dress as people buried in the cemetery who were killed in unfortunate and often grisly ways. The actors will tell the story of that person’s life and death while standing next to their grave. Cemetery Manager Todd Slater has overseen the cemetery since 1991.
Padilla wants to represent the under-served and working class in Springfield
EAST MOLINE — Joan Padilla believes in hard work and providing opportunities to middle-class families.“I know the middle class is the backbone of our communities,” Padilla said. “We need to be sure we protect those jobs.”Padilla is the Democratic state representative candidate for the 71st District, an area that includes sections of Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Whiteside and Carroll counties. She will face incumbent state Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, in the Nov. 6 general election.
Rep. Bustos wants to increase support for working-class families
EAST MOLINE — As a rising star in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, seems to have the momentum, support and financial backing to secure a fourth term in Congress.According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, Bustos has raised more than $3 million in her re-election bid. She is facing Republican opponent and Galena real estate broker Bill Fawell in the Nov. 6 general election.“The people I represent are here; they’re not out in Washington, D.C.,” Bustos said.
Moline hopes to convert methane gas into energy
MOLINE — The conversion of gasses created by human and animal waste into reusable energy may sound futuristic, but it’s a technology slowly being implemented in communities across the country.And if things go as planned, by 2021, Moline will be one of the many cities that turns methane gas from organic waste products into natural gas that can fuel vehicles, heat homes and cook food in households with gas appliances.City council members on Tuesday gave final approval to spending $98,618 for...
Rauner declares harvest emergency
Gov. Bruce Rauner has declared a harvest emergency for 2018. It is the second such declaration in Illinois’ history after Rauner announced a similar emergency in 2017.The declaration eases road weight restrictions for truckers and farmers transporting crops to market, processing or storage.The emergency, which will remain in effect from Sept. 10 until Dec.
Moline swears in 11 new firefighters on 9/11
MOLINE — Using the significance of the anniversary of Sept. 11, the city of Moline swore in 11 new firefighters Tuesday night, the most in the department’s history.“The opportunity presented itself and we couldn’t pass it up,” said Fire Chief Jeff Snyder. “It’s a special day in the public-safety realm of police and fire. We kind of hold this day as a sacred day for us.
Illinois Chamber names McCombie outstanding freshman representative
State Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, has been named Outstanding Freshman Representative by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.“This is an immense honor to be the only public servant from either chamber recognized as a freshman legislator,” McCombie said in a release. “I am very proud of my voting record in favor of job creation and retention.”The Illinois Chamber of Commerce rated McCombie a score of 100 percent for votes on pro-jobs bills in the General Assembly.
O'Brien honored for Rock Island utilities work
ROCK ISLAND — When public works utilities maintenance supervisor Patrick O'Brien heard he was being named Citizen of the Year in the employee category, he was humbled, thankful and surprised. "My crew, they do most of the work," he said. "I think a supervisor is only as good as the people working for them. "I believe I have a crew leader that is my equal, Nick Hartman," he said.
Pritzker responds to Rauner's claims he will raise taxes, bring corruption and fewer jobs
EAST MOLINE — Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker is hitting back at remarks made recently by Gov. Bruce Rauner on the campaign trail and through TV ads in which Rauner said Illinois will experience “higher taxes, more corruption and fewer jobs” if Pritzker is elected.Speaking Monday at the Rock Island County Democrats’ annual “Salute to Labor” picnic, Pritzker said Rauner has been “an utter and complete failure, and now he’s lying.
Pritzker energizes crowd at Dems 'Salute to Labor' picnic
EAST MOLINE — Illinois Democrats showed a united front Monday at the Rock Island County Democrats’ 51st annual "Salute to Labor" picnic, warning Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of the blue wave they say is about to sweep the state in the Nov. 6 general election.
Pritzker responds to Rauner's claims he will raise taxes, bring corruption and fewer jobs
EAST MOLINE — Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker is hitting back at remarks made recently by Gov. Bruce Rauner on the campaign trail and through TV ads in which Rauner said Illinois will experience “higher taxes, more corruption and fewer jobs” if Pritzker is elected.Speaking Monday at the Rock Island County Democrats’ annual “Salute to Labor” picnic, Pritzker said Rauner has been “an utter and complete failure, and now he’s lying.
Pritzker energizes crowd at Dems 'Salute to Labor' picnic
EAST MOLINE — Illinois Democrats showed a united front Monday at the Rock Island County Democrats’ 51st annual "Salute to Labor" picnic, warning Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of the blue wave they say is about to sweep the state in the Nov. 6 general election.
Pritzker energizes crowd at Dems 'Salute to Labor' picnic
EAST MOLINE — Illinois Democrats showed a united front Monday at the Rock Island County Democrats’ 51st annual "Salute to Labor" picnic, warning Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of the blue wave they say is about to sweep the state in the Nov. 6 general election.
Pritzker responds to Rauner's claims he will raise taxes, bring corruption and fewer jobs
EAST MOLINE — Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker is hitting back at remarks made recently by Gov. Bruce Rauner on the campaign trail and through TV ads in which Rauner said Illinois will experience “higher taxes, more corruption and fewer jobs” if Pritzker is elected.Speaking Monday at the Rock Island County Democrats’ annual “Salute to Labor” picnic, Pritzker said Rauner has been “an utter and complete failure, and now he’s lying.
Pritzker responds to Rauner's claims he will raise taxes, bring corruption and fewer jobs
EAST MOLINE — Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker is hitting back at remarks made recently by Gov. Bruce Rauner on the campaign trail and through TV ads in which Rauner said Illinois will experience “higher taxes, more corruption and fewer jobs” if Pritzker is elected.Speaking Monday at the Rock Island County Democrats’ annual “Salute to Labor” picnic, Pritzker said Rauner has been “an utter and complete failure, and now he’s lying.
Pritzker responds to Rauner's claims he will raise taxes, bring corruption and fewer jobs
EAST MOLINE — Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker is hitting back at remarks made recently by Gov. Bruce Rauner on the campaign trail and through TV ads in which Rauner said Illinois will experience “higher taxes, more corruption and fewer jobs” if Pritzker is elected.Speaking Monday at the Rock Island County Democrats’ annual “Salute to Labor” picnic, Pritzker said Rauner has been “an utter and complete failure, and now he’s lying.
Pritzker energizes crowd at Dems 'Salute to Labor' picnic
EAST MOLINE — Illinois Democrats showed a united front Monday at the Rock Island County Democrats’ 51st annual "Salute to Labor" picnic, warning Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner of the blue wave they say is about to sweep the state in the Nov. 6 general election.
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