Steve Tappa
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Steve Tappa was a sportswriter at The (Moline) Dispatch and The Rock Island Argus from Jan. 1989-Nov. 2019. He now broadcasts for MC22-TV & QCSportsNet.
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Articles by Steve Tappa
Throwback Thursday: Before the NFL, the Quad-Cities built a football legacy Original
Before Friday night lights, before the Steamwheelers and even before the NFL, a fierce football rivalry between Moline and Rock Island helped shape Quad-Cities football history. According to this Quad-City Times story from 2000, a fan riot after a 1911 high school game inspired the creation of the Moline Indians and Rock Island Independents. Less than a decade later, the Independents became one of the founding members of what would become the NFL.
Rocky's Carr among local hoopsters leading college signings charge
High school basketball takes center stage nationally today when the NCAA's early signing period opens to start the annual flood of top recruits accepting scholarships from the colleges of their dreams. The Quad-Cities shares in that spotlight this year, too, with no fewer than six local hoopsters lined up to ink with schools over the next week.
Local charities benefit greatly from JDC’s ‘Birdies’
Quad Citian Lonnie Jones overcame the desperation of homelessness to become universally celebrated last fall in the PGA Tour’s “100 Faces Across Fairways” publication. That success story came thanks to the help he received from Davenport’s Humility Homes and Services, Inc. However, any of nearly 500 local nonprofits could paint a heartwarming picture of the many benefactors of the John Deere Classic (JDC) and its charitable arm, Birdies for Charity.
JDC offering different 4th of July fireworks
Caitlin Clark. Blake Shelton. Darius Rucker. While last summer’s star-studded John Deere Classic was a tough act to follow, the local PGA Tour stop again is offering plenty of extra bang for this year’s bucks spent on tickets and sponsorships. Grammy Award-winning country music star Lainey Wilson and iconic alternative rockers Counting Crows are the featured performers in this year’s “Concerts on the Course” series, which follows tournament play the final two rounds of the July 1-7 event.
Bandits celebrates stadium award with free admission April 21
Dave Heller has a party planned — and the entire Quad Cities area is invited. The longtime owner of the Quad Cities River Bandits announced Thursday morning, April 11, that Sunday, April 21, is a Free Admission Day at Modern Woodmen Park. Palmer Chiropractic Clinics is partnering with the local minor league baseball team to […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Malibu Jack’s: ‘Fun’s up!’
Walking through rows of arcade games – and seeing the celebratory lights, bells and whistles on the dizzying array of options – the term “Casino for Kids” effortlessly pops into one’s head. However, Malibu Jack’s in Bettendorf offers so much more than slot machines for the younger generation. The Quad Cities’ newest amusement center also […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
QCBJ Newsmakers: From concerts to Clark-2023 best JDC ever?
This story is part of the QCBJ’s Newsmakers edition. This year-end wrap-up from the staff of the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal includes some of the biggest stories we brought you in 2023. It’s also a tradition by our parent company, Corridor Media Group, based in North Liberty, Iowa. This story was originally published in […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
QCBJ Newsmakers: MLB tabs TBK Complex as training partner
This story is part of the QCBJ’s Newsmakers edition. This year-end wrap-up from the staff of the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal includes some of the biggest stories we brought you in 2023. It's also a tradition by our parent company, Corridor Media Group, based in North Liberty, Iowa. This story was originally published in […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
QCBJ Newsmakers: ‘Fiber for Farms’ progresses at different speeds
This story is part of the QCBJ’s Newsmakers edition. This year-end wrap-up from the staff of the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal includes some of the biggest stories we brought you in 2023. It's also a tradition by our parent company, Corridor Media Group, based in North Liberty, Iowa. This story was originally published in […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
New Catholic school, church building 'Arc’ to Bettendorf’s future
From growing up in the Diocese of Davenport, Andy Craig was aware of the parochial rivalry between Bettendorf’s two Catholic churches, Our Lady of Lourdes and Saint John Vianney. So the president of Scott County Catholic Schools (SCCS) admits having serious doubts in July 2020 when heading into the first committee meeting about a new […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Bison Bridge not part of new I-80 span plan
Hopes for a local tourist attraction called the Bison Bridge were officially trampled Wednesday, Nov. 15. During an online public meeting to discuss plans for a new Interstate 80 Mississippi River Bridge, the Illinois and Iowa Departments of Transportation jointly shot down the novel idea of repurposing the existing Fred Schwengel Memorial Bridge into a […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
QC Sports Initiative shoots to get underprivileged youth in the game
Tim Harrington could only see a younger version of himself when approached with a vision for better serving at-risk and underprivileged local youth athletes. The former Davenport North High School and St. Ambrose University basketball player shuddered hearing Doug Kratz, the owner of the TBK Bank Sports and Entertainment Center, talk about kids turning away […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
Local golf on course for more growth?
University of Iowa Hall of Fame golfer Sean McCarty has qualified for three major championships and played in 11 PGA Tour events overall during a nearly three-decade pro career. However, the 11-time Iowa PGA Section Player of the Year felt a bit unprepared for an end-of-October appearance in the PGA Senior Professional National Championship in […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Local golf on course for more growth?
University of Iowa Hall of Fame golfer Sean McCarty has qualified for three major championships and played in 11 PGA Tour events overall during a nearly three-decade pro career. However, the 11-time Iowa PGA Section Player of the Year felt a bit unprepared for an end-of-October appearance in the PGA Senior Professional National Championship in […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Bettendorf celebrates new roundabouts, 'gateway' reopening
A persistent rain failed to dampen community pride Wednesday evening, Oct. 18, when the City of Bettendorf reopened a portion of the renovated intersection at Middle Road and Forest Grove Drive. A small crowd of citizens, city officials and other invited dignitaries cheered loudly when a front loader from the project’s contractor, Valley Construction, drove […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
JDC memories sweet for this Barry
The John Deere Classic is so much more than a golf tournament to Barry Cronin. In many ways, the local PGA Tour stop has been a lifesaver for the 68-year-old Chicago media veteran, with the latest and greatest example coming in 2016. “I had cancer,” said Mr. Cronin, the JDC’s media relations director since 2000. […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
JDC success story includes sponsors that also volunteer
Beth Lokenvitz originally began volunteering at the John Deere Classic in the early 2000s to help her son fulfill requirements to become an Eagle Scout. Nearly two decades later, the Moline native remains active at the local PGA Tour stop and for the last two years, she has also involved fellow employees and the Davenport […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
From concerts to Clark: 2023 best JDC ever?
The John Deere Classic has never released attendance figures or concession stand numbers. Instead, proof of the local PGA Tour stop’s success is measured annually by the lone metric that matters: the fundraising dollars generated for the Birdies for Charity program by the golf tournament. While the 2023 total is months away from becoming public, […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
John Deere Classic champ flirts with record & disaster
SILVIS – Josef “Sepp” Straka almost claimed a piece of PGA Tour history Sunday, July 9, at the 52nd annual John Deere Classic. Instead, the 30-year-old Austrian-born, Georgia-raised golfer nearly realized disaster in the final round of the $7.4 million Quad Cities PGA Tour stop. Mr. Straka sat at 11-under for the day through 14 holes to flirt with the magic score of 59 strokes – something done only twice before in the final JDC round by a PGA tournament winner.
Pedigreed pursuers chasing surprise JDC leader
SILVIS – Brendon Todd’s new caddy embarrassingly dropped his bag Saturday on the 15th hole at TPC Deere Run. Besides sharing a good laugh with anyone watching – including a worldwide TV audience on CBS — the 37-year-old Pittsburgh native responded by dropping a surprise himself at the 52nd annual John Deere Classic. With three birdies on the back nine holes – including the bag-dropping 15th – Mr. Todd surged into the lead at the $7.4 million local PGA Tour stop.
Another big breakout brewing at JDC
SILVIS – Jordan Spieth is undeniably the poster boy – having contended for the rarest of sports feats, pro golf’s “Grand Slam” in 2015, while also winning the John Deere Classic for a second time in three summers.
Another Swede steals the JDC’s first-round show
SILVIS – Swedish import Ludvig Aberg was the first interview subject for the assembled press this week in the John Deere Classic’s Media Center. The 23-year-old PGA Tour rookie earned that honor for more reasons than making his first three cuts since turning pro last month – or sitting in title contention last weekend at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit.
Golf and country music fans reminded of JDC ins and outs
SILVIS – The first note has yet to play, but already the new “Concerts on the Course” series is delivering sweet music to the ears of John Deere Classic officials. It also sounds great to the nearly 500 local charities that received a record $13.9 million in proceeds from last year’s local PGA Tour stop. “Ticket sales are going really well,” said Tournament Director Andrew Lehman of the uptick in demand mere days before the first show Saturday that will follow the third round of golf action.
Caitlin Clark stars Wednesday at JDC
SILVIS – The biggest draw in women’s college basketball also will be the main golf attraction Wednesday at the John Deere Classic. University of Iowa star Caitlin Clark — the reigning National Player of the Year after leading the Hawkeyes to a national runner-up finish — is participating in both of the traditional pre-tournament events […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
PGA prepared if air becomes concern at JDC
SILVIS — Andrew Lehman has his fingers crossed. The John Deere Classic’s first-year tournament director can do little else with Canadian wildfires thousands of miles away threatening America’s sports landscape this past month as smoke-filled air drifts south. “There’s nothing we can do to control it,” Mr. Lehman said ahead of the 52nd annual local PGA Tour stop teeing off this week at TPC Deere Run. “But the PGA Tour does have guidelines that are in place,” in case the problem crops up, he added.
‘Huge undertaking’ for JDC’s Magic City to come alive
SILVIS – Pristine greens and flawless fairways are only part of what worldwide TV viewers see annually from the John Deere Classic. Skyboxes, chalets and hospitality tents housing the cheering fans also serve as the backdrop at the local PGA Tour stop’s finishing holes.
John Deere Classic credits new playoff format for deep JDC field
Andrew Lehman remembers as a young tournament staffer the electricity heading into 2012’s John Deere Classic. Future U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker was bidding for a historic four-peat. But the field included so much more than his predecessor as the local PGA Tour stop’s champ — current Cup captain Zach Johnson, the 2007 Masters […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
John Deere committed to making JDC even better
When Deere & Co.’s leadership met earlier this year, CEO John C. May asked a question in hopes of improving the future. “What can we do to make the John Deere Classic more like that?” Mr. May wondered after watching the raucous final day of play at a fellow PGA Tour stop – the legendary […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
QC Air Show performance dream come true for local native
Growing up a mile from the Davenport Municipal Airport in the neighborhood behind North High School, Sam Larson had a vantage point to keep his eyes on the skies and imagine big dreams. “There's a big water tower there that actually looks down at the airport. And so, when it was time for the Quad […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Celebrate Birdies for Charity anniversary with a donation
Same as any Quad Citizen born in the 1990s or later, Micaela Booth grew up never knowing a time without professional golf’s John Deere Classic and the tournament’s seminal Birdies for Charity (BFC) fundraising program. “The billboards, the commercials, the donor pamphlets – they seemed to be everywhere,” recalls Ms. Booth, a 32-year-old Sherrard High […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
Deere extends its John Deere Classic title sponsorship
Defending champion J.T. Poston commanded the stage for much of Monday morning, June 5, during the John Deere Classic’s annual media day kickoff at Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel in Rock Island. However, the true champion of the local PGA Tour stop — Deere & Co. — ended up stealing the show with a […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
The Quad City Air Show’s return flight is June 24-25
Lori Hopper laughs now at the memory of asking other kids growing up in Davenport what they did all summer. Instead of joining her friends for the usual trips to the neighborhood pool or park, Ms. Hopper remembers as young as age 6 answering phones and selling tickets in the Eldridge office of another of her father Ken’s babies: the Quad City Air Show.
'Field of Dreams' Project Heaven is $12 million closer to reality
Major League Baseball is not returning this summer to the tiny northeast Iowa town of Dyersville — a mere 90 minutes north of the Quad Cities. However, much more is coming out of the fabled corn stalks in the near future at the site of the iconic baseball film, "Field of Dreams." Based on the success […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Railroad overpass part of joint Bettendorf-Riverdale study
Following a breakfast meeting last year with a railroad vice president, Riverdale Mayor Anthony Heddlesten’s mind began steaming toward a solution to a perplexing problem. After all, his day job involves fixing issues for communities as the chief of the civil and environmental engineering department for the Rock Island District of the U.S. Army Corps […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
Bettendorf seeks D.C. funding to help mitigate rail merger impact
The federal government is a major funding source Bettendorf Mayor Bob Gallagher hopes to tap for a proposed railroad overpass if the project is found feasible on the Riverdale-Bettendorf industrial border. In fact, Mr. Gallagher planned to introduce the item to the local congressional delegation during this week’s visit (March 25-30) to Washington, D.C. Mr. […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
Contested railroad merger approved despite debate, delay
The tripling of freight train traffic on the Iowa Quad Cities riverfront received a delayed and hotly debated go-ahead Wednesday, March 15, from federal regulators. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB) finally put its stamp of approval on the long-discussed $31.6 billion merger of the Canadian Pacific (CP) and Kansas City Southern (KCS) railroads. The […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
BREAKING: MLB tabs TBK Sports Complex as training partner
A chance meeting on the set of a hit Adam Sandler movie has the Quad Cities prepared for a home run of its own beginning next month. While the grand opening date awaits completion of renovation work now underway, Major League Baseball’s youth baseball and softball training partner EL1 Sports is poised to open its […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Western Illinois rural broadband receives boost
High-speed internet connectivity in Western Illinois took a step in the right direction last week. An $18 million ReConnect Program grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) was awarded to McDonough Telephone Cooperative to help deliver broadband access to rural communities in Hancock, Henderson, McDonough and Warren counties. U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17) made the announcement during a media conference Friday, Feb.
Middle/Forest Grove intersection closing Feb. 21 for final phase work
The final phase of the $11.5 million reconstruction of Bettendorf’s Forest Grove Drive will begin Tuesday, Feb. 21 in front of the TBK Bank Sports Complex. The intersection of Forest Grove Drive and Middle Road is closing that day to allow Valley Construction crews to begin the final leg of the project, the City of […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Forest Grove, sports complex projects progressing
Billed as the largest Bettendorf Public Works Department project ever, the $11.5 million reconstruction of Forest Grove Drive is nearing the final phase of roadwork in the area of the TBK Bank Sports Complex. Marked by a roundabout soon to be under construction, the reimagined intersection of Forest Grove and Middle Road is the centerpiece […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
A local look at broadband internet progress in the Corridor
Home Innovation A local look at broadband internet progress in the Corridor In the Corridor, three local Internet Service Providers report exciting developments and improvements to their broadband internet offerings. The future is now at South Slope From 3,063 residents in 1990, the once small Iowa town of North Liberty has swelled to over 23,000 citizens – increasing in population by 10% just over the last three […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More?
‘Fiber for Farms’ focus for local providers
Bill Bodine borrows a lyric from a Van Halen song to describe the state of modern-day farming. “The simple life ain’t so simple anymore,” said Mr. Bodine, the director of business and regulatory affairs for the Illinois Farm Bureau. “I don’t know if you’ve been in a combine cab lately, but city dwellers may not […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
New QC lawmaker introducing bill limiting train lengths
Former Bettendorf Alderman Scott Webster, now a freshman Iowa state senator on the transportation committee, plans to introduce a bill this week to offer some measure of relief to train-affected Iowa small towns such as Camanche and Princeton. The proposed legislation would limit the length of a freight train operated in the state to 8,500 […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Mark Harvey’s homecoming trip through communications history
ELDRIDGE — Mark Harvey’s homecoming in November came with one great regret. Hired to return to his roots with Central Scott Telephone & CS Technologies, the 48-year-old was unfortunately unable to share the celebration as the president and CEO of the 120-year-old local company with one of his predecessors. Mr. Harvey’s dad, W. Norman Harvey, […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Environmental report delays CP railroad merger decision
The three smallest Mississippi River communities in the Iowa Quad Cities area received a bit of a reprieve last week. The Surface Transportation Board (STB), the American regulator for railroads, delayed by at least a month its expected Jan. 19 decision on the proposed $31 billion merger between Midwest railway giants Canadian Pacific and Kansas […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
Freshman Quad Cities lawmaker to introduce bill limiting train lengths
Former Bettendorf Alderman Scott Webster, now a freshman Iowa state senator on the transportation committee, plans to introduce a bill this week to offer some measure of relief to train-affected Iowa small towns such as Camanche and Princeton. The proposed legislation would limit the length of a freight train operated in the state to 8,500 […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
John DeDoncker steps back at TBK but not away from QC
While bringing to life a TBK Bank precursor from a failing small financial institution in nearby Savanna, Illinois, Doug Kratz recalls noticing a charismatic young lawyer representing the other side. His partner and fellow THE Rock Island Bank alum Perry Hansen later agreed they had just identified their first president of what then was THE […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more. Learn more in our subscriber FAQ.
Local look at ‘Fiber for Farms’ progress
In the Quad Cities, three major rural areas report major improvements to current broadband internet offerings. Future is now in North Scott Central Scott Telephone, Eldridge, plans to finish construction of a fiber-to-the-home upgrade in early 2023 to its growing base of operations. Once that work is completed, the 120-year-old company’s aggressive improvement plans move […] Already a subscriber? Log in Want to Read More? Get immediate, unlimited access to all subscriber content and much more.
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