In case you missed it, at last week’s Eldridge Summer Festival, there was a small special event in Wiese Park. Eldridge Police Chief Andrew Lellig and Cpl. Jacob Costas officially introduced K-9 officer Marty to the community in a brief demonstration.

We were resting on a lazy Sunday afternoon when news broke about President Biden's monumental decision to suspend his presidential campaign. The only thing in my memory like it was LBJ's speech to the nation on March 31, 1968 in which he said, "I shall not seek, and I will not accept, the nomination of my party for another term as your president."

July 25, 1984:  “A Lil’ Bit of Country” was the theme of Walcott Day 1984, and a Dolly Parton lookalike contest was part of the fun.  City council member Jackie Huston was judged the winner.

"There is no more noble pursuit for any of us who live on this planet than protecting life. Anything less is uncivilized ..."

"What is missing in the parades is a marching band from our North Scott School. I have heard the band on numerous occasions at The Pit! You guys are great musicians and know how to spread the excitement, and talent ..."

"My God, I can’t imagine voting Republican knowing what they have become ..."

"A true Republican would accept his loss and congratulate the winner, and not declare an all-out war. Make no mistake Trump declared war on the U.S., Jan. 6, 2021 ..."

Last weekend was the biggest event of the summer at our house when our daughters, Anne Olson and Alisa Sleep, their husbands Matt and Joe and six grandchildren, three each from Urbandale, Iowa (Clara, Nolan and Ella Olson), and Verona, Wis. (Ava, Nora and Jacob Sleep) came for the Eldridge Summer Festival and Moonlight Chase.

July 22, 2009: Walcott police sergeant Jim Vaughan was hired as the town’s new police chief. He would replace Dave Kopatich, who recently took the chief’s position in Eldridge.

My 25th high school class reunion was this month. While some like to relive the memories of North Scott, the school experience was traumatic for many of us. I was the target of bullying and harassment on a consistent basis. Those weren’t glory days; they were hell. And yet, I had certain generally positive experiences (e.g., Lancer Productions, choir, some friendly classmates, and a handful of teachers who tried to establish a safe and affirming environment).

A funeral service for Barbara J. "Ma" Paaske, 91, of Eldridge, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 29, at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge.  Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 28, at the funeral home.

William Dale Homrighausen of DeWitt left his earthly home Saturday, July 20, 2024, to rejoin Shirley, his beloved wife of 35 years, parents, family and countless friends. He had reached age 99, living a wonderful, blessed life.

Danae L. Martin, age 39, a woman of boundless love, strength, and courage, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024, after a courageous battle with liver cancer.  A Celebration of Life will be held from 12 noon – 1:30 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Walcott American Legion, with food, memories and stories provided.  A time of sharing will begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the legion.  Burial of her cremated remains will take place in Durant Cemetery.  In honor of Danae’s memory and her unwavering love for Riley, memorials may be made to the family of Danae Martin, which will be directed to a trust fund for Riley’s education.

Patricia L. Burton, 88, a resident of Eldridge, left this world to join her Heavenly Father on Wednesday, July 17, 2024.  She was at home surrounded by her loved ones.

Sally Ann Puls, 85, of Eldridge, passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, at Fieldstone Memory Care DeWitt.

A Celebration of Life for Danae L. Martin, 39, will be held from noon - 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3, at the Walcott American Legion, with food, memories and stories provided. A time of sharing will begin at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the Legion. Burial of her cremated remains will be in the Durant Cemetery. The Bentley Funeral Home, Durant, is assisting the family with arrangements.

A funeral service for Patricia L. Burton, 88, of Eldridge, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 22, at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park.

Robert and Maureen Keppy of Weslaco, Texas, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a party in Siesta Village.

Lorna Mae Sawyer, 81, of the Kahl Home in Davenport, formerly of Princeton, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2024. Born on April 20, 1943, in Davenport, Lorna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

John Paul Romanick III, age 55, of Long Grove, passed away on Friday, July 12, 2024, surrounded by family, following a lengthy fight with cancer.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday the 20th of July, at the Runge Mortuary and Crematory on 838 E. Kimberly Rd. Davenport, IA 52807, (563) 391-6202. Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., service at 2 p.m., with lunch to follow. Memorials may be made to the family to later be distributed to John’s favorite charities.  Online condolences may be left at www.rungemortuary.com.

Phyllis Louise Rekemeyer, age 83, of Albia, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at the Monroe County Hospital in Albia, surrounded by her loved ones, under the care of Care Initiatives Hospice.  

Marilyn Joyce Erling, 90, formerly of Princeton, passed away peacefully at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf. Services to celebrate her life were held Friday, July 12, at 10 a.m. at The Runge Mortuary. Visitation was one hour prior to her service, at the mortuary. Her final resting place was in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may go to Empowering Abilities (HDC) or Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House.  Online condolences may be left at www.rungemortuary.com. 

A funeral service for Sally Ann Puls, 85, of Eldridge, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 19, at Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge. Burial will be in Allens Grove Cemetery, Donahue. Visitation will be Thursday, July 18, from 4-7 p.m. at the church, with additional visitation one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. The Runge Mortuary, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements.

A funeral service for John Paul Romanick III, 55, of Long Grove, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the Runge Mortuary, Davenport. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Saturday at the mortuary, and a luncheon will follow the service.

A memorial service for Lorna Mae Sawyer, 81, formerly of Princeton, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 19, at Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton. A memorial visitation will be held Thursday, July 18, from 4-7 p.m. at Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport.