Voters weren’t looking at names on Election Day. They were looking at parties, and they were looking for change.

Nov. 14, 2001: Eldridge voters turned out in record numbers, calling for change at city hall and roundly rejecting a proposal for an outdoor aquatic complex. Mayor Larry Rauch was defeated by newcomer Frank Wood, and council member Marc Brandt was voted out. Newcomers Steve Mohr and Mike Webber were elected to four-year seats. There was also set to be a run-off for a two-year council seat – although Brian Dockery garnered the most votes on Election Day, he did not earn a majority. He would face off against incumbent Tom Knapper on Dec. 4. Meanwhile, 63.36% of Eldridge voters sided against the pool, which surprised supporters of the proposal. Based on a phone poll, they’d been confident of victory. A record 1,250 residents showed up to the polls on Election Day.

"It will take a while for the dust to settle after the midterms. Two things we all can agree on: there were too many political ads, and our tax dollars shouldn’t subsidize the world’s richest companies building data centers ..."

This letter is abridged from the IUC’s online filing system, which is public record.

This letter is abridged from the IUC’s online filing system, which is public record.

This letter is abridged from the IUC’s online filing system, which is public record.

I got to thinking this morning about the word “community.” This is a word I try to avoid, even though I work for a “community newspaper.” The Associate Press Stylebook, a standard reference for journalists, does a decent job explaining why. It advises:

Nov. 4, 1976: There would be a run-off in Eldridge, as none of the three candidates running to fill a vacancy on the city council earned a majority on Election Night. Gary Ewoldt and Frank Pancratz advanced to the run-off, with just nine votes separating them in the official Election Night tally.

"Local city government should always be transparent, especially with public records ..."

"A very smart man told us a long time ago that Democrats and the Left only have 'one playbook,' and what they have done for public schools they want to do for everything. They have a history of failure ..."

For Quentin Russell Coffman, every book opened a door, and every conversation offered another way to discover the world. He brought that curiosity, along with a generous spirit and a deep belief in people, to the many lives he touched.

Bill R. Burton, 89, of Eldridge, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026.

Rodney Charles Gipson, 64, of Davenport, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, surrounded by his beloved family, following complications from strokes.

Jeffrey L. Harry, age 73, of Monee, Ill., passed away on Nov. 2, 2026.

Bonnie Keller (daughter of Walter and Elizabeth Keller), born Aug. 20, 1956, 1974 North Scott graduate, died Oct. 16, 2026, in Fresno, Calif. Obituary can be viewed at www.farewell.com.

A visitation and service celebrating the life of Quentin Russell Coffman, formerly of Eldridge, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, at Eldridge United Methodist Church.

A memorial service celebrating the life of Rodney Charles "Rod" Gipson, 64, of Davenport, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. In honor of Rod's love for classic cars, family and friends are invited to drive their classic cars to the funeral home on the day of the service (weather permitting!). Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

A funeral service for Bill R. Burton, 89, of Eldridge, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Guess who is celebrating a birthday?  

Carolyn K. Carstens, 86, of LeClaire, passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026, at The Summit in Bettendorf.

Celebrating a milestone!

Dick Cole will celebrate his 90th birthday with a cake birthday party on Sunday, Nov. 8. All friends and relatives are invited to join him from 1-4 p.m. at the Long Grove Community Center, 114 N. First St., Long Grove. Dick would love to see you there! No gifts, only your presence.

James Dennis “JD” Marken, 86, of Eldridge, formerly of Savanna, Ill., passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 13, 2026, with family and his beloved cat “Kitty” at his side.

Robert Mark Tomsche was born on Dec. 27, 1955, in Wells, Minn.  He passed away on Oct. 19, 1926.

Bruce Mohr passed away June 28, 2026, in Cañon City, Colo., of cancer with his family nearby.