Wednesday morning I was caught in a shower of walnut leaves: yellow, spotted, starting to curl. A gentle breeze had sent them pirouetting down through the cold morning air. The tree reaches over my garage, dropping pollen, leaves twigs, and fist-sized green walnuts. I had never paid it much attention.

Oct. 14, 1976: Members of the North Scott Education Association said they were “shocked” and unhappy after their proposal for their 1977-78 contracts was made public at a school board meeting. Board member Ned Mohr made the announcement after the contract negotiator said he felt it would be all right for the public to know what the NSEA was requesting.

The State of Iowa and our county auditors have a reputation for always holding a professionally conducted election process and I have every confidence that this year’s midterm election will be conducted as honestly, fairly, and efficiently as it has in the past.

As Iowa heads toward the Nov. 3 general election, our priorities are clear: protect the integrity of our elections and ensure every eligible Iowan has the opportunity to vote.

"Concerned Citizens of Scott County Iowa want to remind our neighbors that we are still working hard to fight Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) Docket No. GCU-2026-0001, In re: Central Iowa Power Cooperative – Proposed Hickory Grove Generating Station ..."

"Trump is panicking about losing. He is sending $90 checks, $500 checks, and promising a $15 billion steel plant for SE Iowa. In a one-day session, the legislature rushed through a $1.36 billion tax-incentive package ..."

"MAGA Republicans don't want to discuss inflation, health care, the economy, or jobs. Why? Because they have a losing record on these issues, they have no policies to address these issues, and it is easier for them to attack others ..."

"Mariannette Miller-Meeks is a true Iowan whose primary focus is making Iowa stronger and better. I strongly support her reelection ..."

"The city has had a logical, realistic choice for months. They could have accepted the EVFC proposal which is what the residents wanted. But instead, they chose not and instead they followed the bad advice their attorney has been giving them that a 28E agreement is the only way forward ..."

"Our children’ s education is our future. Please, elect Pickup and Zimmer, it might be the most important vote you can make ..."

Tracy Joy Regan Brinkmeyer, age 46, of Orono, Minn., passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn.

Randy George Claeys, 38, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in Bettendorf. A celebration in honor of his life was Friday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. at The Runge Mortuary. Visitation was Thursday, Oct. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the mortuary. Interment was at the National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Randy’s family.

Alan Clayton “Tater” Kent, 79, of McCausland, passed away at his home on Oct. 2, 2026.

Funeral services for Viola Faye Spinsby, 92, of Davenport, were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf. Burial followed at Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire. Family greeted friends on Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mark Alan Beitel, age 64, of rural Stockton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  Burial of his cremated remains will take place at a later date next to his parents in the Walcott Cemetery. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at the Walcott American Legion on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 11 a.m. Memorials can be made to the Walcott American Legion Post #548, Walcott Legion’s Auxiliary and Walcott Fire Dept. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.

Richard A. Rekemeyer, 80, of Maquoketa, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Mercy One Genesis East Campus, Davenport.

Patricia Ann Bruner, 91, passed away at home on Sept. 23, 2026. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held Oct. 18 at the Crane & Pelican in LeClaire.

A funeral service for Viola Faye Spinsby, 92, of Davenport, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf.  Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire. Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 12, from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home.

A celebration of life for Randy George Claeys, 38, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at the Runge Mortuary, Davenport. Interment with military honors  will be in Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, Oct. 8, from 4-8 p.m. at the mortuary.

Jack Bergert Sr. will celebrate his 90th birthday on Saturday, Oct. 24. All friends and relatives are invited to join him from noon – 4 p.m. at DeWitt United Methodist Church, 222 12th St., DeWitt. Lunch will be provided.

Janet “Jan” Nelson passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, in DeWitt.

Jamie Peterman, 39, passed away on Sept. 22, 2026, leaving behind family, friends, and countless others whose lives were touched by her kindness and enormous heart. A celebration of Jamie’s life will be held on Oct. 10, from 1-5 p.m. at the McCausland Fire Station. The address to the fire station is 307 N. Salina Street, McCausland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sophia and Emma Dexter Educational Fund.

Jack Steven Davis, devoted father of Trudi Davis, Becky Rosazza, Bridgette Davis, and Margaret Davis, and son of the late John J. Davis and Blondena L. Ward, died on Sept. 24, 2026. Born on Aug. 29, 1949, Jack was a proud graduate of the North Scott High School Class of 1967. Jack was married first to Dot Kohler and later to Cindi Davis, with whom he remained friends long after their divorces. Jack took pride in being a dad and grandfather, and in his work as both a union meat packer at Oscar Mayer and later a custodian at St. Ambrose University. Jack’s work ethic and commitment to providing for his family were admirable.

Ralph J. Tuftee, 71, of Eldridge passed away on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, at Mercy One Genesis, Davenport.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Jane (Goethals) Remley, 94, of Eldridge, formerly of Davenport, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Davenport. Visitation will be two hours prior to Mass on Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements.