Scott Community College is building a new science addition featuring a large, high-tech lecture hall with comfortable seating; updated lab facilities; and full multimedia classrooms and labs. The building will house the college's chemistry, physics, and physical-science classes. Construction began this winter on the south end of the campus. It is expected that construction will be completed in October, and classes will be offered in spring 2010. This project is one of three capital-improvement projects planned on the Scott Community College Belmont Road campus in Bettendorf. Other improvements include a second college entrance and a renovation/addition to the Applied Technologies building.

The campaign to win voter approval of an education-funding initiative last week announced its campaign committee and a new Web site at KidsFirstIL.org. If approved by a majority of Rock Island County voters on April 7, the sales-tax revenue generated would be spent exclusively on school-facility improvement projects; no dollars could be used for salaries or personnel costs. Items excluded from the 1-percent sales-tax increase would include groceries, cars, medications, medical supplies, boats, recreational vehicles, and farm equipment and parts.

 

The Augustana Sights & Sounds exhibit at the Bucktown Center for the Arts, 225 East Second Street in Davenport, featured a high-school photography contest. Winners included Kimberly Center East High School's Erin White (third place), James B. Conant High School's Jackyn Rahn (second place), and Davenport Central High School's Maura Warner (first place). The exhibit will be on display through February 26; for a sampling of featured photographs, click here.

 

Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation has announced that applications will be accepted through February 27 for the Single-Family Owner-Occupied Rehab program. A minimum of six households will be assisted. In 2008, the organization received $620,000 from the Illinois Housing Development Authority to rehab 15 homes over a two-year period. To apply, pick up an application at 120 16½ Street in Rock Island or visit LiveRI.com.

 

The Mediation Center of the Quad Cities has received a $7,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend. The funding will provide assistance to area families about to lose their homes to foreclosure. The Mediation Center of the Quad Cities will provide assistance to residents of Cedar, Clinton, Jackson, Johnson, Muscatine, and Scott counties in Iowa and Carroll, Henry, Knox, Rock Island, Mercer, and Whiteside counties in Illinois. Persons facing foreclosure who would like to know more about mediation assistance may call (563)445-0557 or visit FamRes.org/QCmcqc.

 

This year's Augustana Habitat for Humanity Chapter is willing to work to raise money for its annual spring-break trip, at which members will be building a house in Texas. If you need painting, babysitting, grocery-shopping, help moving, or any other odd jobs done, consider hiring Habitat members to do the work. Contact Ben Zimmerman at benjamin-zimmerman@augustana.edu or call (708)214-6078 to set up times.

 

Illinois Representative John Bradley (D-Marion) has introduced the Family & Personal Protection Act, which would set the standards for issuing concealed-firearms permits for private citizens and exempt them from certain firearms laws. The bill, House Bill 245, was introduced on January 20 and is currently in the Rules Committee. For more information, visit TinyURL.com/ckzdzj.

 

HomeCare Elite recognized Genesis VNA & Hospice in the top tier of agencies on measures of quality, improvement, and financial performance. Genesis VNA & Hospice was the only home-health agency in the Quad Cities to be selected. Genesis VNA and hospice services can be arranged through your physician or by calling (563)421-5500.

 

The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities recently joined with other organizations to help with the difficult situation being faced by both the Jewish and non-Jewish residents of Postville, Iowa, in the aftermath of the May 12 immigration raid on Agriprocessors. Contributions to the QCA Postville Relief Fund will be forwarded to relief organizations in Postville. Send tax-deductible donations to QCA Postville Relief Fund, c/o Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities, 2715 30th St., Rock Island IL 61201.

 

The Moline Public Library is forming an American Civil War book discussion group. The first book will be Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James McPherson and will be discussed in three parts on March 12, April 9, and May 14 at 6:30 p.m. You may register at the second-floor reference desk at the Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street), or phone (309)736-5737 for more information.

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