Purple crocus sprout from a bed of dead leaves as spring weather arrives.

Former Jumer's Lodge site targeted to become new Home2 Suites by Hilton if tax rebate plan approved

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 reports lower revenues, earnings in 2nd quarter

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.

Iowa QC sewer system upgrades on schedule and reducing sewage overflows, consultant reports

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.

U.S. appellate court upholds decision to remove lemurs, tigers from troubled Cricket Hollow Zoo

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 may get its own Dunkin' Donut shop

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.

More coffee and gas stations targeted for busy Bettendorf Middle and Devils Glen corridor

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 looks to spend $100,000 for study to map future of fitness facility, pool and community center

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.

Bettendorf City Council planning to maintain same tax rate, but higher assessments would increase residential property taxes by 5 percent

Bettendorf aldermen are expected to approve a new budget Tuesday (3/6) which maintains the existing tax rate thanks to higher residential property assessments and a successful early retirement offer projected to trim the city payroll by $730,000 annually.

The council already has approved the first reading of fee increases for solid waste (5 percent), storm water (8.5 percent) and sewer (7 percent) services.

Rivermont returning to Bettendorf plan commission with a modified classroom/dorm building proposal

Rivermont Collegiate officials are returning to the Bettendorf Planning and Zoning Commission today (2/21) with a slightly modified plan to build a 4-story classroom and dormitory building.

This time, however, the private school won't need to seek a land use change or rezoning to accommodate the expansion.

City planners now say the building is an "accessory use" for the property, which doesn't necessitate either a land use change or rezoning of the property.

Facing a projected $912,000 budget deficit in coming year, Bettendorf officials recommend 10% increase in residential property taxes

Calling it a "perfect storm" that created a $912,000 projected budget shortfall, Bettendorf city officials are recommending the council hike property taxes 10 percent in the coming year, plus increase stormwater fees 8.5 percent, sewer fees 7 percent and solid waste fees 5 percent.

The increase in property tax would mean the average resident with a home assessed at $215,000 would pay approximately $147 more annually. The higher sewer, stormwater and solid waste fees for an average user of those services would see an approximate annual increase of $31.

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