Quad Cities PBS station WQPT ended analog transmission ahead of the June 12 nationwide shutdown due to equipment failure. The station's channel-24 transmitter failed last week. According to General Manager Rick Best, the last time this problem occurred three years ago, it cost nearly $20,000 to make the repairs. The early shutdown affects over-the-air viewers still using an antenna who haven't installed a digital converter box or purchased a digital TV. The station's newer digital transmitter continues to provide WQPT to cable systems and those viewers able to receive an over-the-air digital signal.
The Illinois Senate last week passed the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act, also known as Senate Bill 1381, by a vote of 30-28. The legislation would allow seriously ill patients with diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, and multiple sclerosis to use marijuana if recommended by their doctor. If this legislation becomes law, patients with a state-issued ID card will be allowed to possess up to six plants and 2 ounces of usable marijuana. Senate Bill 1381 now moves to the House for consideration; its Human Services Committee approved a companion bill in March.
Blossoms at Butterworth will be held on Sunday, June 28, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Butterworth Center (1105 Eighth Street in Moline) and Deere-Wiman House (817 Eighth Street in Moline). The event offers traditional summer fun for all age groups in a nostalgic garden setting. With the exception of food concessions, all activities and entertainment are free. For more information, call (309)743-2701 or visit Butterworthcenter.com This year, Blossoms doubles as the grand opening of the Education Center at the Butterworth House. The former Butterworth Center Garage has been renovated and includes a welcome center with display area, small auditorium, kitchen facilities, and large meeting room.
Just Kids Early Care & Education Centers in Milan will host a Trivia Night Fundraiser at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at the Milan Community Center (2701 First Street East). Teams may register online at JustKidsInc.org or by calling Lisa at (309)787-6303. The cost is $80 for a table of eight and can be paid the night of the event.
Several programs in Iowa have received a total of $1.3 million in AmeriCorps funding from the Corporation for National & Community Service as part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. Habitat for Humanity of Iowa received $328,644; the Iowa Department of Natural Resources received $646,377 for the Keepers of the Land Program; and the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service received $321,609.
Two area retailers have been recognized by Produce for Better Health Foundation for their efforts to encourage shoppers to increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. Schnuck Markets and SUPERVALU, parent company of Jewel-Osco Stores, were among four retail supermarket companies named "Fruits & Veggies -- More Matters Retail Role Models" by the Wilmington, Delaware, foundation. For more information, visit FruitsAndVeggiesMoreMatters.org.
This summer, St. Ambrose University is offering students who will be entering the seventh or eighth grade the opportunity to explore health-care careers in a day-camp format. Health Careers Adventure Camp will be held from July 20 to 24 and will feature daily activities in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech and language pathology, social work, exercise science, chiropractic, and dentistry. Applications, which include a student essay and teacher reference, must be received by July 6. The form and instructions may be found at SAU.edu/healthcamp.
The Davenport Public Library's Summer Reading Program will run from June 13 to August 8. Children, teens, and adults can register and pick up a reading log at either Davenport Public Library location (321 Main Street or 3000 North Fairmount Street). For a schedule of events, visit DavenportLibrary.com.
Patrons can purchase the Putnam Museum & IMAX Theatre's Reel Deal card for $25 to receive unlimited movie admissions (one ticket per showtime) through August 31. For more information, call (563)324-1933 or visit Putnam.org.
A new business will debut at the Sturgis on the River motorcycle rally, held June 18 to 20 in Davenport: Biker Britches, offering a variety of panties, boxers, and T-shirts with custom graphic designs capturing the spirit of riding a bike.
