I’ve written about this before, but high school has changed a lot since my day.

In honor of North Scott's graduation on Sunday, we present a favorite Impressions column of Bill Tubbs', originally published May 15, 1974.

May 22, 1985: As several area communities made plans to mark Memorial Day, Elmer and Dorothy Gronewold of Donahue were remembering their son, Larry, who was killed in Vietnam in March of 1968. While the Gronewolds said they had always paid tribute to deceased family and friends on Memorial Day, the event became more poignant to them after they became a Gold Star family. The American Legion Post in Donahue was named after Larry.

Almost two weeks after our scheduled finish, the legislative session officially concluded. It was a busy end to the session as we worked on several major issues and priorities to finish the year.

"The Honor Flight of the Quad Cities doesn’t just take veterans on a trip—it brings them closure, honor, and the recognition they deserve ..."

"The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Meals on Wheels are critical programs that alleviate food insecurity and improve mental health outcomes for low-income individuals ..."

"... I want to remind everyone of the Maysville Fire Department block party on June 7, noon till 11 p.m. ..."

May 14, 1975: Construction work halted at the site of the future North Scott Junior High after Local 111 of the Iron Workers Union went on strike. All other unions working on the project decided to honor the strike until the iron workers had a new contract with the Quad Cities Builders Association. District officials said they were concerned, because construction on the project was scheduled to be completed by the end of July or middle of August so students could begin the school year there. Superintendent Melvin Heiler was exploring several options, from delaying the start of school at all levels, postponing just seventh and eighth grade, starting the junior high students at the high school in extremely overcrowded conditions, or splitting shifts at the high school until the junior high could open.

Rest assured, Iowa. Republicans in Des Moines have heard your concerns about high prices, and they’re doing something about it.

"Just like Trump’s import taxes, sales taxes fall the hardest on those who can least afford them. Inflicting pain on the least fortunate while continuing to cut revenue is immoral ..."

A Celebration of Life for Micheal Wayne Reedy, 75, of Eldridge, will be held from noon - 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at the Dixon American Legion. A family burial will be held in the Dixon Memorial Cemetery at 11 a.m., prior to the Celebration of Life. Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation.

A funeral service for Ann Cecelia Kuehl, 83, of Eldridge, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 24, at Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge. Burial will be in the Durant Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, May 23, from 4-7 p.m. at the church. Chambers Funeral Home of Eldridge is assisting the family with arrangements.

A funeral service celebrating the life of David Lee Hotchkiss, 81, of Eldridge, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 29, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Davenport. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and burial will be in Sugar Creek Cemetery, Preston. The Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Nancy Kerns (née Power), a cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away on April 23, 2025.

Arlouine “Cass” Needham, age 84, of Walcott, passed away Monday, May 5, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.  A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 31, at The Bethel Global Methodist Church, Sigourney, with Reverend Doug Cue officiating.  A memorial gathering will be held from 10-11 a.m., prior to the service at the church.  Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com. 

Mark J. Burgmeier, 69, of Princeton, died May 8, 2025, at his home.

A funeral service for LeRoy F. Stoltenberg, 80, of Davenport and Brownsville, Texas, was held at noon on Monday, May 12, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport. Visitation was two hours prior to the service on Monday at the church. Per his wishes, his ashes will be spread on the Island of Moloka’i, Hawaii. Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport, assisted the family with arrangements.

A funeral service for Mark John Burgmeier, 69, of Princeton, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, May 16, at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be Thursday, May 15, from 4-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

A memorial service for Arlouine "Cass" Needham, 84, of Walcott, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at The Bethel Global Methodist Church, Sigourney. A memorial gathering will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Bentley Funeral Home, Durant, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Betty (Elizabeth Ann) Hoag, 80, has been called to her heavenly reward on April 26, 2025, after her second courageous battle with cancer.

Sally S. Tobin, 75, of Eldridge, died peacefully, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Grand Haven Retirement Community, Eldridge, following a courageous battle with cancer.  She was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her passing.

A Memorial Mass for Sally Sue Tobin, 75, of Eldridge, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 14, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Long Grove. Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 13, from 4-6 p.m. at the church. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to Mass at the church. Please dress casually, preferably in your Iowa Hawkeye attire and a favorite pair of shoes. The Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Galen Allen “Al” Moore, 78, of Eldridge, formerly of DeWitt, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Fieldstone of DeWitt.

Marcia Ann Golinghorst, age 77, of Walcott, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at Fieldstone of DeWitt.  A visitation was held from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, April 27, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport.  A funeral service was held at 4 p.m., following the visitation at the church.  Cremation rites were accorded following the funeral service.  A Celebration of Life was held from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, April 27, at the Walcott American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Walcott, Maysville or Dixon Fire Departments.  Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.

Diane E. Sievers, age 62, of Dixon, passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Genesis East Medical Center, Davenport. A visitation was held from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, April 24, at Faith Lutheran Church in Calamus.  A funeral service was held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 25, at the church.  Burial took place in Dixon Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to Dixon Fire Department, Dixon American Legion or Faith Lutheran Church.  Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.