MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (May 6, 2026) — After a career spent raising funds for major strategic initiatives, Kellie Kohler Esters, a 1986 graduate of Monmouth College, felt it was only fitting that her alma mater was included.

"I think it's important to lead by example and inspire other alumni to consider supporting initiatives that are important to them," said Esters, who has retired after a 37-year career and lives in Sun City West, Arizona.

DAVENPORT, IOWA (May 6, 2026) — Progressive Action for the Common Good (PACG) is hosting the annual Earth Day Every Day Fair again this year with the Freight House Farmers Market.

Come help us celebrate our amazing planet and learn more about local environmental, conservation, and educational organizations.

This free, family-friendly event is also sponsored by Living Lands and Waters and WVIK.

BETTENDORF, IOIWA (May 6, 2026) — The Bettendorf Community School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Meals will be provided, at a first-come/first-serve basis, at the sites and times as follows:

CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (May 6, 2026) — At Coe College, hands-on research starts on day one, and the 2026 Student Research and Discovery Symposium is the moment to deliver the results. Kohawks shared ideas, challenged perspectives, and learned from one another in a space built for discovery.

Nearly eighty Coe College students gathered to present research and perform creative works during the 2026 Student Research and Discovery Symposium, including:

Sarah Giese of Bettendorf