Alternative Media
Mannix! Attack, Little Village Magazine
Karlee Mannix, Iowa City resident and UI alum keeps busy with her band and her artwork — her two passions.
Laughing Matters, Little Village Magazine
Iowa knows how to laugh and with the resurrected Penguin’s Comedy Club in Cedar Rapids, the chuckles show no signs of stopping.
Birthing Medusa, Little Village Magazine
Playwright Barbara Lau wrestles the issues of teenhood and frustrated parents in her production “Raising Medusa.”
Reviewing Medusa, Little Village Magazine
A successful production that touches all ages in attendance.
Lookin’ for Laughs, Little Village Magazine
Iowa comedian Joel Fry prepares to organize Iowa’s first comedy festival to get Iowa — and the Midwest — on the map for stand-up.
The N.E.W. Way, Little Village Magazine
Women in Iowa City won’t just sit back and be another statistic, so they’re joining forces to level out the gender gap in politics, community organization and non-profits.
Big Bonds, Little Village Magazine
Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Johnson County need volunteers — and it’s more than beneficial for the kids involved, but the “bigs,” too.
Bookmarked for Recognition, Little Village Magazine
Local artist/writer/painter/puppeteer Lauren Haldeman is one of nearly 30 artists in Iowa City chosen to design on of Iowa City’s massive “books” for the BookMark project, cementing Iowa City’s status as an International City of Literature.
On the Table, Little Village Magazine
Table to Table, an Iowa City food rescue organization, reaches a milestone – rescuing more than 1 million pounds in a fiscal year.
Live United: Quad-City Times profiles featuring volunteers in the QCA (5-day package)
Live United: Q-C couple donates time to Habitat, Ed and Judy Connelly, of Bettendorf, have been married for 45 years and spend their weekends building homes — together.
Live United: Mother of 3, Deere employee finds time to volunteer, Nicole Thomsen’s life has not always been smooth sailing. Abandoned in Korea at the age of two and adopted by an American family at three, she finds time in her life to “give back” after seeing her life turn out fortunate.
Live United: Hurricane Katrina struck close to home for Q-C volunteer, Drucilla Johnson of East Moline started volunteering late in life, particularly when her niece was affected by Hurricane Katrina’s wrath in 2005.
Live United: Q-C man retires from Intouch, goes back as volunteer, J.D. Hurt devotes his life to the place he used to work, walking around with a guitar, singing songs and keeping residents and visitors at Intouch Adult Day Services company.
Live United: Unity Way youth council spreads volunteer mission, The young people who make up the UW Youth Council show it’s cool to volunteer and give teens in the Q-C a voice.
Newspaper:
Call us anything but bad moms, Muscatine Journal
Three young women discuss the perils and beauty of teen motherhood, along with the social stigmas that come along with it.
Their lives are forever changed, Muscatine Journal
Teen motherhood in Muscatine, Iowa is on the rise, with an average of 23 preganancies a year. Local authorities talk about the increase and how to stop it.
Volunteers breathe new lift into the living land, Muscatine Journal
Volunteers for the Great Mississippi River Clean-Up — taking place across 5 states on June 19, 2010 — help out along Muscatine’s Mississippi River shores…with kids being the likely participants.
Police chief restarts street crimes unit, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine Police Chief Gary Coderoni presents a plan to bring back a street crimes unit and curb gang-related activity on Muscatine streets.
County health rankings show Muscatine has room to improve, Muscatine Journal
Public Health director Mary Odell presents startling stats about Muscatine’s health and future.
Awards are music to their ears, Muscatine Journal
Louisa-Muscatine High School and Columbus Junction Community High School compete in music competitions in St. Louis.
Police, residents meet to combat crime in Muscatine neighborhood, Muscatine Journal
In a standing room only meeting, members of the Fourth Street Park neighborhood have their first meeting as the newest group of Muscatine’s Safe Streets Program.
3 arrested for possession of meth-making materials, Muscatine Journal
Three arrested for materials to manufacture meth for use and distribution.
From little stones come large ripples, Muscatine Journal
Members of Muscatine’s Rebuilding Together help fix-up playgrounds and the homes of senior residents — just because they want to.
A new kind of retaliation, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine Safe Streets encourages Fourth Street Park neighborhood to take an interest in their environment and stand up to gang violence.
Go with the flow, Muscatine Journal
The Muscatine Landfill seeks out ways to increase profits and stay out of the red.
‘He’s always there for us’ — Friends and family remember beloved Muscatine man, Muscatine Journal
Family and friends of Otto Parker Jr. remember a Muscatine man who devoted his life to his kids, grandkids and being a patriotic citizen.
Gang activity has residents concerned for safety, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine residents react to a gang-related shooting with fear for the safety of their homes, families and friends.
Garbage in, garbage out: Volunteers work to turn litterbugs’ trash back into a river, Muscatine Journal
Volunteers in Louisa County make Earth Day a top priority for the Iowa River, where they clean up tons of trash from tires to refrigerators.
Serving those who served, Muscatine Journal
The Muscatine County VA Commission finds ways to help veterans in the area who need health care, transportation and a little help in tough times.
Fifteen organization join forces to promote Mississippi River tourism, Muscatine Journal
Counties in Iowa and Illinois find ways to market the Mississippi to increase opportunities for tourism.
MHS grad directs first feature film, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine native Brad Hansen directs a feature film that resonates with any John Hughes fan.
See Jane Run. Run, Jane, run, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine resident Judi Wiegle struts her stuff — well, her dog Jane does — at the AKC Agility Competition.
Want to avoid a nuisance complaint from the city? Pitch in, pitch out and clean up, Muscatine Journal
City inspectors let people know what to expect this spring: Garbage. So pick it up.
Kids learn about U.S. Census in fun ways, Muscatine Journal
Musser Public Library shows kids how important the Census is…and why counting matters for almost everything.
Muscatine will be ‘the next best thing’ this weekend, Muscatine Journal
Stand-up comedian Mike Trainor comes to Muscatine and shares updates about his new show: The Smoking Gun: America’s Dumbest.
Obama sells Iowa City crowd on health bill, Muscatine Journal
President Barack Obama returns to Iowa, where his campaign for health care reform kicked off, after a historic vote in Congress to approval health care reform and provide insurance for those without it.
Many area residents get active in politics, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine residents share their inspiration for backing Barack Obama and the excitement of having him return to Iowa — as president.
The homestretch: Jayne house finally gets new home away from its old home (last in serial), Muscatine Journal
After two days of anticipation and slow moving, the Henry Jayne house finally gets plotted on Iowa Avenue in Muscatine, and with a descendant of Henry Jayne in attendance.
An uphill battle (serial), Muscatine Journal
Moving crews encounter a couple of obstacles when moving the old Henry Jayne house in Muscatine.
Historic move: Crews begin moving Henry Jayne house (serial), Muscatine Journal
Crews from Jeremy Patterson’s House Movers in Washington, Iowa (and TV crews from TLC’s “Heavy Haulers” get on-site in Muscatine to move a century-old mansion.
Muscatine County has options for those who are underinsured or struggling, Muscatine Journal
In a time when job loss is plenty and insurance is hard to come by, local entities have options for those needing health care alternatives.
Making a greater outdoors: Students take time to put nature first in Louisa County, Muscatine Journal
Students with AmeriCorps come to Louisa County for an 11-week program to help improve Iowa’s natural habitats.
Exhibit shows healthy eating habits, Muscatine Journal
Musser Public Library encourages kids to play with their food — and get to know it a little better.
Showing their true colors, Muscatine Journal
Mr. N’s Haiti Crew puts together a campaign to help children and orphanages ravaged by the Haitian ‘quake in January.
Jayne House gets rollin’, Muscatine Journal
The century-old Henry Jayne house gets a new home, and a TV show.
Heavy on the metal, Muscatine Journal
Iowa-born artist Steve Gerberich comes back to his home state to share his movable found-object art at the Muscatine Art Center.
Iowa pair takes message to heart: We can help, Muscatine Journal
Iowans join forces to help aid Haiti after its detrimental earthquake in January 2010.
At ease, soldier: Civil War Memorial statue at Muscatine County Courthouse laid to rest, Muscatine Journal
After over a century of standing tall on the Muscatine Courthouse lawn, the Civil War soldier was removed for an upcoming replacement and revised name plates.
Gray can bring on a case of the blues, Muscatine Journal
Winter blues take on a new meaning, and it can be hazardous to your health.
The price of saving lives, Muscatine Journal
A new initiative to add paved shoulders along northbound U.S. Highway 61 can increase survival rates for those in accidents, and bring down tax dollars.
Historians study roles of Muscatine residents in Civil War black infantry, Muscatine Journal
Nearly 150 years after the start of the Civil War, historians are still piecing together the meaning of the black infantry from Iowa and how they shaped history.
A house becomes a home for a Louisa County family, Muscatine Journal
A Wapello, Iowa family received the 10th Habitat for Humanity house from the Louisa County chapter.
Photographer: All women can look beautiful, Muscatine Journal
Laura Schroeder loves her job…making fellow women look gorgeous and feel good about their bodies.
Lt. Gov. visits HON, Muscatine Journal
Iowa Lt. Gov. Patty Judge visits the HON headquarters in Muscatine as part of she and Gov. Culver’s initiative, “Moving Iowa Forward.”
Tax increase shrinks, could fall more, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine City Council whittles down the tax increase for citizens.
Muscatine Toyota says no need to panic, Muscatine Journal
After a mass recall of Toyota’s most popular models, Muscatine Toyota tells everyone to chill out.
Redwall books come to life, Muscatine Journal
City organization join forces to bring to life a children’s classic series, “Redwall.”
Communication, coordination help with search for missing woman, Muscatine Journal
A missing 94 year old woman sends the community and family members into panic, but she was found safe and sound…on a porch.
‘History got lost,’ Muscatine Journal
Muscatine historian Lee Miller chases down over 60 names of Muscatine County residents who served in the Civil War.
Board of Supervisors against $50 million for state patrol, Muscatine Journal
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors opposed Gov. Chet Culver’s proposal to remove monies from the Road Use Tax Fund, which repairs damaged highways and roads across the state, to help fund the Iowa State Patrol.
…When Iowa freezes over, Muscatine Journal
Safety tips for cold, brrrr-lustery weather in Iowa.
Right-light cameras bring out colorful opinions, Muscatine Journal
The Muscatine City Council’s decision to move forward with red-light cameras spurs debate, anxieties in Muscatine residents.
Smiles all around in Letts, Muscatine Journal
Iowa’s Lt. Gov. Patty Judge makes a stop in Letts, Iowa for recognition of $400,000 from the I-JOBS grant.
Fruitland residents plan farewell reception for Brockert, Muscatine Journal
Bill Brockert, Fruitland mayor for 15 years, stepped down after bringing needed changes, smiles and post-tornado recovery to his small town.
We’ve only just begun, Muscatine Journal
The snowiest December on record hits Muscatine, and area businesses brace for a rush.
Budget cuts leave Human Resources staff a little short handed, Muscatine Journal
The economic woes haven’t stopped with human services, where many are juggling extra caseloads to help those in need.
Friends of the Old Barn get to use cottage, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine organization Friends of the Old Barn fought for a cottage and promised renovation. The Board of Supervisors smiled and said, ‘OK.’
Crossing over, Muscatine Journal
A Bluegrass Mass comes to Muscatine with folk music and flair.
County: Where can we trim?, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine County department heads get together to find solutions to budget woes.
‘Honey, my car broke down,’ a lure for proposal, Muscatine Journal
A man proposes to his wife with a little white lie.
Supervisors plan next move for attorney position, Muscatine Journal
The Muscatine County Board of Supervisors is set to form a committee examining the role of attorney Gary Allison and whether or not the position should be full-time.
O’Brien sees a bright future, Muscatine Journal
Mayor Dick O’Brien was elected to his eighth term as Muscatine’s mayor on Nov. 3, 2009. Now he looks ahead for the city.
Allison argues to keep county post part-time, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine County attorney Gary Allison defended his part-time position to the Board of Supervisors, who would like to see it become a full-time gig by November 2010.
Locked and Loaded: Area gun manufacturers and retailers catching up with demand, Muscatine Journal
After the election of Pres. Barack Obama, people stocked up on guns and ammo, afraid it would be quickly taken away. Now gun retailers are working to regain stock.
Poe, Einstein comes to life at library, Muscatine Journal
Actor Duffy Hudson plays dress-up every day — as Albert Einstein and Edgar Allan Poe.
White House flag flies at care center, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine resident Dick Garmon, 83, recently received an American flag on a World War II honor tour — and donated to his wife’s nursing home.
Muscatine candidate forum taps key issues, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine City Council and mayor canddiates gathered for a forum, fielding questions from the audience in regards to their candidacy and platforms.
Vaccines go quickly, Muscatine Journal
H1N1 vaccines in Muscatine are trickling to the public, starting with children ages 2-5 at a recent clinic. Of the 500 doses on hand, over half was gone in an hour…followed by a lull.
City happy with new hire, Muscatine Journal
The Muscatine City Council appointed Gregg Mandsager of Lebanon, N.H. as the new city administrator, and city officals are thrilled with the innovative ideas he’s bringing along.
From 15 minutes of fame to a legacy that will lost longer, Muscatine Journal
Drummer T. Scot Halpin of Muscatine died in 2008, leaving behind a short stint as backup drummer for The Who and a whole collection of art, inspiration and stories.
Prescription vouchers begin in Muscatine, Muscatine Journal
Muscatine residents can now take advantage of a $500K lawsuit from the Iowa Supreme Court. Prescriptions as low at $3 will be available for certain illnesses.
Rugby team taking donations for tsunami victims, Muscatine Journal
Over half of the Pearl City Rugby team is from Samoa and American Samoa, and want to help their hurrican-ravaged brethren the best they can from so far away.
Four vie for Muscatine city administrator, Muscatine Journal
Four eligible candidates have been selected to interview for Muscatine city administrator. The position comes after a five-month vacancy since the departure of long-time adminstrator, A.J. Johnson, now serving in Urbandale.
River council will open possibilities, Muscatine Journal
The creation of a new partnership — the Mississippi River Partnership Council — will provide 10 Iowa counties various opportunities for economic development along one of the world’s largest rivers.
Flaming Prairie Park takes cues from the environment to provide playground, Muscatine Journal
It’s not just a campground anymore. A natural playground is the new addition to Flaming Prairie Park in Louisa County, Iowa.
Wilton resident starting organziation for service dogs, interested owners, Muscatine Journal
For someone like Trisha Baker, 31, who has seizures, a service dog was the only choice to help her lead a healthier life. Now she wants others to have the same opportunity.
Makeover coming for Muscatine Care Center, Muscatine Journal
The Muscatine Care Center will be renamed All-American Care of Muscatine, and repainted to resemble the White House.
Muscatine City Council will discuss plan to adjust pay scale, Muscatine Journal
A succession-retention plan, in the works for several years, will be discussed at Muscatine’s November in-depth City Council meeting.
USDA officials, local groups encourage rural development, Muscatine Journal
Members of the USDA visited the Muscatine Agricultural Learning Center to discuss the value and importance of rural outreach
Poet tells students to go with the flow, Muscatine Journal
Mary Swander, the poet laureate of Iowa, visited Muscatine middle schoolers to create lyrics to a song that will be written and performed by the middle school orchestra. The subject: The great Mississippi River.
Outdoor club gives women the chance to adventure together, Quad-City Times
The Quad-City Women’s Outdoor Club provides great opportunities for women to enjoy the outdoors without the competitive edge.
FamilyResources launches fundraising campaign, Quad-City Times
The economic downturn has drastically effected community services, like Family Resources in the Q-C. They have launched a fundraising campaign for the first time in its history.
Carbon Cliff unveils scrap metal art project, Quad-City Times
The Village of Carbon Cliff unveils the mix of old and new — the new improvements to the water treatment plant and sculptures made out of old metal from the former plant.
Boat business is still booming in QC, Quad-City Times
Local boat retailers are either changing paths for sales or providing more maintenence — but all still managing to stay afloat during tough economic times.
Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame to induct Long Grove couple, Quad-City Times
Long Grove residents John and Claudia VenHorst have been donating their time for over three decades to 4-H and its mission to help teach economics and responsibility to young Iowa farmers
Environmental Club students pitch in to clean up, Quad-City Times Davenport Central High School students join forces to help clean-up the Quad-Cities one event and one piece of trash at a time.
Father, fresh off deployment, surprises special needs son, Quad-City Times
Sgt. Nolan Anderson surprises 10-year-old son, Riley, after daycare at Hand-in-Hand, a facility in Bettendorf, Iowa for special needs children.
Annual event to showcase Drake athletic director, Quad-City Times
Young Women of Achievement Awards joins the forces of Girl Scouts and The Women’s Connection to recognize young people in the QC community, with special guest Sandra Hatfield Clubb of Drake University.
Knitting group ties generations, Quad-City Times
A summer knitting group at an Eldridge, Iowa library is finding connections being made across generations and the younger are eager to pick up the needles.
BEST program continues funding, reaching out to kids, Quad-City Times
Family Resources, Inc. in the QC survives tough budget cuts and continues their outreach programs for children with behavioral or social problems in day care and learning facilities.
Costumes abound during Bix 7 race, Quad-City Times
The annual Quad-City Times Biz 7 race drew thousands of participants and spectators to downtown Davenport again, and the costumes this year just got better.
StarrMatica reaches children, families, Quad-City Times Business Journal
It was a problem that needed a solution, so Emily Starr of Clinton decided to do something about: Create child, teacher and family-friendly software to help students learn faster.
Shop owner offers Rx for scrubs, Quad City Times Business Journal
Entrepreneur Becci-Day Streets of Clinton had enough of low-quality and ill-fitting scrubs. So she opened her own store.
Kids from military families bond at Camp Abe Lincoln, Quad-City Times
To help youngsters with the struggle of a parent overseas or moving place-to-place, Camp Abe Lincoln in Buffalo, Ia. provides opportunities for kids and counselors to bond.
YMCA aspires to give more kids opportunities, Quad-City Times
Economic woes have made funding tight for summer camps through the YMCA in the Quad-Cities, currently $40,000 short of their annual goal to help kids in need.
Operation Dry Water: Keeping the river safe, Quad-City Times
For Iowa Department of Natural Resource conservation officers Ed Kocal and Paul Farrar, a weekend on the river isn’t about fun — it’s about safe boating.
Davenport man’s car has star appeal in new Dillinger film, Quad-City Times
John Brewer is one proud…car owner. His 1933 Nash Advance 8 is starring as a “lead car” in Johnny Depp’s new movie, “Public Enemies.”
Women’s shelters seeking donations, Quad-City Times
Quad-City women’s shelters are seeing an increased need for women’s and children’s clothing. Summer months are typically busier, but the economy has made things tight, too.
Performers, audience find joy in air show, Quad-City Times
Aerobatic pilots, spectators and more attend the annual Quad-City Air Show, a hugely popular event held at the Davenport/Mt. Joy Municipal Airport.
Kids Against Hunger effort expands to Quad-Cities Quad-City Times
Students at Harrison Elementary School in Davenport worked together to bag packages for starving children overseas.
Hand in Hand gives families a leg up, Quad-City Times
Deb Anderson is a single mom — for now. She’s raising her 10-year-old son, Riley, a boy with Down syndrome, while her husband fights overseas in Afghanistan.
SAU student displays Habitat for Humanity show, Quad-City Times
SAU senior and now graduate Katie Payne, 22 of Bloomington, Ill., did a media and marketing project around Quad-Cities Habitat for Humanity.
Couple gets married on airplane, USA Today
For Mike Nass and Wendy Forseen, a traditional wedding was out of the picture — so long as Nass could find a plane.
Gayle Roberts breaks glass ceiling, Quad-City Times
Roberts is the only female president of an international engineering firm — so how did she get there?
Island culture, Quad-City Times
A group of Q-C Polynesians infuse culture with classes — spreading their dance, food and skills to fellow citizens.
Celebrating 125 years, Quad-City Times
Zion Lutheran Church has over a century of serving the city of Clinton. But now, three women lead the ministry.
VW club members enjoy driving ‘lost artifacts,’ Quad-City Times
Quad-City residents cruise their Volkswagons in style — driving antiques down winding Iowa roads.
Happy trails, Quad-City Times
The Integrated Roadside Vegetation Management program at UNI is spreading the good wealth of natural Iowa prairie to the 99 counties, brining not only fresh vegetation and beautiful blooms but needed road repair.
With technology always changing, how do you keep up?, Quad-City Times Business Journal
It’s not easy keeping up with changing technology — so how do local professionals utilize the options available?
Obama impresses Clinton audiences, Quad-City Times
Barack Obama, D-Ill., made a stop in Clinton, Iowa during the early days of his campaign.
Wild Rose Casino breaks ground in Clinton, Quad-City Times
Clinton loses its riverboat but brings a cutting-edge casino to town.
Senior worker’s ‘attitude determines his altitude,’ Quad-City Times Business Journal
Paul Burden, 89, continues to work with his head held high.
Clinton, Iowa, car dealer takes wheel of national association, Quad-City Times
John McEleney takes helm of NADA in height of auto crisis.
Smoking ban opponents rally at Clinton fundraiser, Quad-City Times
Local bar owners fight the ban to ban smoking in drinking establishments, so far to no avail.
Flood of 2008: Iowa City tells Q-C residents to stay away, Quad-City Times
Though the information quickly changed after this post, DOT officials suggested alternate routes for Q-C residents en route to Iowa City.
Online:
Don’t Be Fooled: Good Journalism is Not Dying, it’s Merely Changing Formats, FICRY.com – The Financial Crisis News Source
As a journalism master’s degree holder, I defend the idea of journalism school and the benefit of newswriting skills for students — for any field.
Degrees of Green, University of Iowa School of Journalism
This master’s seminar project highlights the innovative movements in the state of Iowa to living a greener life.
**For more clips or information about my articles, please e-mail me at erin.tiesman@gmail.com**
Photography:
News Photography Various photography from assignments with the Quad-City Times and freelancing.
Police Women (photodocumentary) A 15-week photo documentary of local police women in eastern Iowa.
