Marines Launch 2005 Toys For Tots Campaign - U.S. Marines are famous for being some of teh best fighting men and women anywhere in the world but, this time of year, they look forward to playing Santa Claus. Leathernecks at the Rock Island Arsenal are getting ready for this year's Toys For Tots program, looking for families who can't afford Christmas presents for their kids. You can make a Marine smile by donating new, unwrapped toys to help them make sure every Quad City child wakes up to a special personal gift this Christmas morning.
If you would like to register your family for Toys For Tots, visit 2500 River Drive in Moline Wednesday through Friday from 9am-5pm between November 5th and Decemeber 10th. On Saturdays, the hours are 9a-12n. Call 309-797-9276 for more information.
Lawmaker Seeks Funding for Avian Flu - An Iowa lawmaker renewed his push on Wednesday to get federal funding to fight a possible outbreak of the Avian Flu. Iowa Senator Tom Harkin announced an amendment that would release money to prepare for a potential outbreak. Harkin says the amendment to the labor appropriations bill would help stockpile vaccines and anti-viral drugs, to make state and local health departments stronger. Bird flu is a virus passed from birds to people but experts say it won't be long before the disease can be passed from person to person.
"There's no question that the United States is now woefully unprepared for a mor outbreak of human to human transmitted Avian Flu," said Harkin on Wednesday.
Senator Harkin says an outbreak of bird flu in China, Viet Nam or Cambodia could trigger a worldwide health crisis in a matter of weeks.
Student Injured in School Accident - A North Scott High School student was hit by a car in front of the school on Monday afternoon. Eldridge police way the student was crossing the street and was hit by a driver who had just pulled out of the school's parking lot. The accident happened just after 3pm. The injured student, whose name was not released, was taken to a local hospital and later moved to the University of Iowa Hospitals.
Police 'Dragging' Suspect Behind Bars - The man police say dragged a Davenport police officer behind his truck on Saturday night is in jail. David Meyers of Dyersville, IA was arrested on several charges including assaulting a police officer. Officers were investigating reports of prostitution in downtown Davenport Saturday night when they say they watched a woman get into Meyers' truck. When police approached Meyers, they say he drove off, dragging an officer behind his vehicle. The office was thrown from the truck when Meyers made a turn. The trooper wound up with some scrapes and bruises but wasn't badly hurt. Meyers is in the Scott County Jail.
Students Celebrate Red Ribbon Week - Some smart, young Rock Island students decided to celebrate Red Ribbon Week by saying "no" to drugs. Rock Island police chief John Wright joined Mrs. Maxwell's 3rd and 4th grade students at Audobon School - fittingly at a school named for a man who loved plants - where they planted red tulip bulbs along the front of the building. The kids say when the tulips bloom next spring, the flowers will be one more reminder of their promise to avoid drugs. Chief Wright is one of the many volunteers expected to get involved during "Adopt A School Week" at Rock Island schools.
More Jobs for the State of Illinois - The Illinois Department of Employment says the state gained about 67,000 new jobs over the last year. For the month of September 2005, Illinois unemployment stood at 5.7%, the lowest rate since May. And officials say that September broke a record with a total of 5.9 million people at work, the most since November 2002.
Cougars On The Loose in the QCA? - A team of scientists in Illinois are prowling for clues to prove whether or not cougars are migrating to the midwest. The last confirmed cougar in Illinois was last December when a New Boston man found a dead animal in a field not far from his home. There have also been dozens of reported sightings. The giant cats are usually found in the Dakotas and in the mountains of Colorado. Wildlife experts are now working to pinpoint exactly how many of the cats may be in Illinois.
Enrollment Drops in Iowa's Public Schools - A report prepared by the Iowa state education department shows Iowa's public school enrollment down by 134 students. Officials say this is the 9th year enrollment has declined but still consider the numbers to be fairly stable. Nearly 60% of Iowa's public school districts reported a drop in enrollment. Des Moines had the largest drop in students last year. A new study should be out by early next year.
Oregon Man Wins Powerball - A man in Medford, Oregon is apparently $340 million richer. Landscape contractor Steve West claims he's the big winner in Saturday's Powerball jackpot and it was the first time he played the game. West hasn't cashed in yet and he's not telling where he bought the ticket. The family plans to make an announcement on Tuesday at the Oregon lottery headquarters. The Powerball jackpot was officially re-set to $15 million.
School Gets Head Start on Bus Safety - An East Moline elementary school got a head start on National School Bus Safety Week. The national awareness week starts on October 24th but this week, some Redgewood Elementary School kids got some early safety lessons. The superintendent joined forces with law enforcement, the state's attorney and the school bus training company. They want to remind drivers that school bus safety helps keep our kids alive and well.
"Here in Rock Island County, we have approximately 10,k000 students that are being driven back and forth in the safety of about 180 buses, 200+ bus drivers, everyday," said Joe Vermeire, "accounting for some 2.25-million miles of driving."
