The grand opening of the Fourth Street Lofts at 320 East Fourth Street in Davenport on Tuesday, January 23, marked the latest addition to central-city housing in the Historic Crescent Warehouse District. Developed by the Alexander Company of Madison, Wisconsin, the Fourth Street Lofts feature amenities - such as polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls, expansive, open floor plans, and large windows - that provide an urban housing experience in downtown Davenport. The first phase of Crescent Lofts Master Development, the Davenport Lofts, was completed in 2005 at a cost of $12.3 million and features 73 apartments. The total cost for the rehabilitation of the Fourth Street Lofts was $10.5 million. For more information, look at (http://www.crescentlofts.com) or call (563) 323-1871.

WQPT, the Quad Cities' PBS station, has announced that "Ready to Lead in Literacy," a series of public-service announcements produced and directed by Lora Adams and edited by Paul Magnuson, has won a prestigious CINE Golden Eagle award. Magnuson and Brad Mosier videotaped the project, with Dick Oberg shooting the still photography. This is WQPT's second CINE. The CINE Golden Eagle awards, distinguishing excellence in professional and amateur works, are recognized as symbols of the highest production standards in filmmaking and videography. The award was founded in 1957. CINE conducts two competitions each year, and the current one began in August 2006.

Sister Joan Lescinski, CSJ, Ph.D., has been chosen as the next president of St. Ambrose University. Currently the president of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, she will be the first woman to lead the university in its 125-year history. Lescinski, who is also a noted scholar in English literature, will take office in summer 2007, succeeding Dr. Edward Rogalski, who will retire after 20 years as the university's president. For more information on the university's next president, go to (http://www.sau.edu/newpresident).

The Waste Commission of Scott County, in cooperation with the City of Bettendorf, the City of Davenport, and Scott County, has produced the 2007 Garbage Guide, which will be delivered to residents' mailboxes over the next few weeks. The guide details solid-waste collection and processing for all 17 communities in Scott County. Solid waste includes garbage, recycling, bulky waste, electronic waste, yard waste, household hazardous materials, and home health waste. The guide also provides resources and information regarding storm-water, reuse, and beautification programs. For additional copies of the Garbage Guide, call the Waste Commission of Scott County at (563) 381-1300, or view it online at (http://www.wastecom.com).