If higher gas prices have got you down, you need go no further than the North Scott High School Fine Arts Auditorium for an evening – or afternoon – of pure fun.

July 2, 1997:  Lancer Productions brought the house down with its production of “Schoolhouse Rock Live” at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Neb., performing for more than 3,000 people from around the world.

Iowans’ ability to stay informed about what’s happening in the state legislature took another body blow recently – and lawmakers aren’t even in session.

QUESTION: How much time does a government body have to produce a requested record?

"We know that abortion goes hand in hand with unwanted pregnancies. So, how do we, as a society, lessen unwanted pregnancies ..."

"My topic is abortion, where we should be considering, calmly and courteously, the problem of two rights: the right of a woman to decide what should be done to her body and the right of a child to be born ..."

"Justice Thomas welcomes the protection provided to his interracial marriage by the Constitution but would deny the very same Constitutional protection to same sex-marriage spouses ..."

"So began the saga of the golf course that is an icon of Eldridge and a shining asset to its residents ..."

"... If an attractive community like Eldridge wants to retain its small-town appeal beyond its facade, then its citizens need to slow down and think about how their actions affect others ..."

"Plastic creates toxins during production, use, and disposal. Current recycling rates are abysmal, at 6 percent last year, resulting in 94 percent ending up in landfills or as litter in our streets and waterways ..."

Dean and Pam Engelbrecht of Davenport will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a family trip to Branson, Mo.

Delmar A. Gilbert, 88, of Eldridge, was born Dec. 7, 1933, in Dixon, the son of Arnold and Florence (Reese) Gilbert.  He was united in marriage to Eljean Arp.  She preceded him in death in 1997.  Delmar was united in marriage to Alberta (Porter) Fahrenkrog on Nov. 1, 1998, in Davenport.

Loretta Jean (Lynde) Ried, 82, of Eldridge, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022, at her home.

A funeral service for Loretta Jean (Lynde) Ried, 82, of Eldridge, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 29, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Eldridge. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery. Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Loretta and Richard Hartz of LeClaire will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a gathering and light luncheon. Friends and family may call beginning at 1 p.m. July 23 at Huckleberry Park, 501 Huckleberry Lane, right by the water tower in LeClaire. There is a playground for the young ones. No gifts, please.

Frederick W. Bartels, 84, Bettendorf, formerly of Bryant, passed away at Unity Point-Trinity Hospital, Bettendorf, on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Cremation rites have been accorded by Carson & Son Funeral Home, Maquoketa. A memorial gathering will be held Friday, June 24, from 5-8 p.m. at Ascension Lutheran Church, Goose Lake. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 25, at 10:30 a.m., also at Ascension Lutheran Church. Burial will take place at Buckhorn Cemetery, rural Maquoketa, at a later date.

Michael Norman Mohr, 68, of Eldridge, passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022, unexpectedly while working. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 20, at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Eldridge. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 19, at the Runge Mortuary. There will be a private burial, where he will be laid to rest at Davenport Memorial Park. Memorials may be made in his name to Cornerstone Baptist Church or to the family. Online condolences maybe expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.

Mary Margaret Mahoney, 98, of Walcott, died Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Courtyard Estates of Walcott. Per her request, cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 22 (today), at Allens Grove Cemetery. Those wishing to attend, please meet at Weerts Funeral Home at 1:15 p.m.

Delmar A. Gilbert, 88, of Eldridge, died Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at the Davenport Lutheran Home. No services or visitation will be held. Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dale Arentson A funeral service for Dale Martin Arentson, 100, of Eldridge, was held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Eldridge. Visitation was Monday from 10 a.m. …

Wayne Meyer of Eldridge is celebrating his 90th birthday on June 22 with a family dinner. Wayne grew up on a farm on Buttermilk Road and has lived in Eldridge most of his life. He retired as a …

Dorothy M. PietscherDorothy M. Pietscher, 87, of Camanche passed away Sunday, June 12, 2022 at her home in Park Vista Retirement Community in Camanche. Funeral Services will be 11:30 a.m, Friday June …

Marilyn Stark Marilyn Jean Stark, 92, of West Branch, formerly of Davenport, passed away Monday, June 6, 2022, at Crestview Specialty Care in West Branch.  Services were Thursday, June 9, at …

A funeral service for Dale Martin Arentson, 100, of Eldridge, will be held at 12:30 p.m. Monday, June 13, at Cornerstone Baptist Church, Eldridge. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. - noon on Monday at the church. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. The Runge Mortuary, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Jim Belk of Long Grove will celebrate his 90th birthday with an open house on June 11. All friends and relatives are invited to call starting at noon at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 775 E. LeClaire Road, Eldridge. No gifts, please.