Lee Enterprises – owner of the Quad City Times and 48 other media properties – today (6/26) announced it has agreed to a five-year deal to manage Berkshire Hathaway's newspapers and digital operations in 30 markets.

Davenport-based Lee would be paid $5 million a year by GH Media, plus "a significant percentage of profits over benchmarks," according to the company's news release.

Lee stocked jumped 62 cents, nearly 26 percent, to $3.03 per share in early morning trading.

When the new Devils Glen Bridge across Spencer Creek was dedicated in late 2016, the city of Bettendorf was wise to provide directions for the news media and officials invited to the event.

"At the roundabout, head north on Middle Road, continue under I-80. At approximately ½ a mile past I-80, veer left onto Indiana Road. Follow Indiana Road past Hidden Hills Golf Course," the release stated. "The bridge over Spencer Creek is shortly after that. *Not accessible from Utica Ridge Road at this time due to Davenport’s road construction project."

It's also likely those who attended the dedication haven't crossed the bridge since that ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

A 109-unit hotel with a new all-suite extended stay concept would be built on the site of the old Jumer's Lodge in Bettendorf if the developer gets a 10-year, 100 percent Tax Increment Financing (TIF) rebate from the city.

The new development would be anchored by a Home2 Suites by Hilton, an extended stay brand that offers a full kitchen in each unit, free breakfast and welcomes pets. Hilton has one other Home2 Suite hotel in Iowa located in Coralville.

Lee Enterprises – owner of the Quad City Times and Dispatch-Argus newspapers – today (5/3) reported lower revenues and earnings for the second quarter despite "strong performance in digital retail."

Second quarter earnings were $2.5 million, 4 cents per share, for the quarter ended March 25, compared with $6.4 million, 11 cents per share, for the same period a year ago, according to the company news release.

Sewage overflows in Davenport have fallen from 104 in 2016 to 18 last year thanks to wastewater system improvements in Bettendorf and Davenport mandated under a 2013 consent order with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

In Bettendorf, only two SSO's (sewage system overflows) were reported in 2017, and none have been recorded as of March 30 this year.

The federal district court decision ordering the removal of lemurs and tigers from the troubled Cricket Hollow Zoo near Manchester, Iowa, last October was upheld today (4/11) by the U.S. 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The federal appellate court in St. Louis ruled that Lisa Kuehl, Tracey Kuehl, Nancy A. Harvey, John T. Braumann and the non-profit animal rights group, the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), had legal standing to file the lawsuit to stop the mistreatment of the animals under the Endangered Species Act.

Bettendorf residents may be only a sideyard setback variance away from getting their own Dunkin' Donut Shop.

Developers have asked the Bettendorf Board of Adjustment for a variance to a 25-foot buffer yard at 3592 Middle Road, just east of the Taco Bell restaurant. The board will consider the request at its Thursday (4/12) meeting.

Bettendorf's already busy Middle and Devils Glen Road corridor would get yet another gas station – a 16-pump Kwik Trip – and a standalone Starbuck's Coffee shop if recommendations by the city's planning and zoning commission are approved by the city council.

The city council will consider both developments at its Tuesday (4/3) meeting.

Bettendorf is expected to take the first step this week in developing a plan to replace the city's aging fitness facility, pool and community center.

Proposals have been received from four recreational planning consultants and the city's park board is expected to award the contract at a special meeting Thursday (3/22).

All four proposals would cost approximately $100,000 and lead to creation of a recommendation on the future of the Life Fitness Center, Splash Landing Aquatic Center and the Herbert D. Goettsch Community Center.