The Quad City International Airport declared last week that its parking lot has reached capacity and that limited overflow parking is available. The airport anticipates that parking will continue to be extremely limited over the next several weeks because of spring breaks occurring throughout the region. The airport authority is providing directional signage and personnel to assist people to overflow lots, and asks that signage and personnel directions be obeyed to nontraditional parking spots and overflow lots. It is suggested that passengers arrange to be dropped off at the airport by family or friends, or call for a taxi or shuttle service. 

The Mississippi Valley Blues Society has announced the lineup for the 2007 IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival. The organization will celebrate its 23rd annual festival with a lineup of blues legends and up-and-coming stars. More than 17,000 people are expected for the festival, which runs from Friday, June 29, through Sunday, July 1, in Davenport's LeClaire Park. The event is one of the longest-running blues festivals in the country. The complete schedule is available at (http://www.mvbs.org) . Headliners include Robert Randolph & the Family Band; blues-harp artists Mark Hummel, James Harman, and Paul Oscher; and Little Charlie & the Nightcats.

On Tuesday, February 13, the Illinois Housing Development Authority awarded $1.08 million to Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation for the HOME program. The award was scheduled to be presented at 1224 26th Avenue in Rock Island, the home of Dan Cibulka - a previous participant in the organization's home-buyer program. This is the largest single amount of HOME funding for the home-buyers' purchase and renovation program ever awarded to a sponsor in the state of Illinois. This is the seventh phase of funding for Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation.

After hearing a presentation by Superintendent Jim Spelhaug at its monthly board meeting, the Bettendorf Chamber of Commerce voted to support the proposed renewal of the Pleasant Valley Community School District Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL). The vote on renewal takes place on February 13. The Bettendorf Chamber's support was based on trends showing substantial residential growth within the district over the long-term, resulting in increasing enrollment. Such trends increase the need for the PPEL fund. PPEL is used to maintain buildings and grounds; to complete remodeling projects; to purchase or lease technology, vehicles, and equipment; and to support major capital-improvement projects such as building additions or new facilities.