Happy Independence Day

Celebrate Independence Day

Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, marks the birth of the United States of America. On this day in 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, signaling the colonies’ freedom from British rule. It’s a time to honor the nation’s founding principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance—values that continue to inspire generations.

Across the country, families and communities come together to celebrate with fireworks, parades, cookouts, and patriotic displays. Whether you’re watching the night sky light up in red, white, and blue or simply reflecting on our shared history, the Fourth of July is a moment to appreciate the freedoms we enjoy and the spirit of unity that binds us as Americans.

Finley Hospital Warns of Rising E-Bike Injuries, Offers Safety Tips

With the return of warmer weather, more people are getting back outside and hitting the road on two wheels — and each year, an increasing number are opting for motorized bikes.

Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, include an electric motor to assist the rider with pedaling. This allows for higher speeds, longer distances and less exertion. They also increase the risk of injury.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) estimates e-bike injuries led to roughly 53,200 emergency room visits across the United States between 2017 and 2022, the most recent year with available data. Nearly half of those ER visits— about 24,400— happened during 2022.

Injuries are similar to normal bicycle injuries, including falls/crashes that create wrist, elbow, clavicle injuries or head injuries, but the e-bikes’ heavier frame and faster speeds can create more serious injuries.

“The major risk with e-bikes is how easy it makes it to go faster – it’s just a push of a button rather than manual pedaling, so that increases the risk and potential severity of injuries,” said Dr. Michael Banyasz, Medical Director of the Emergency Department at UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital.

The extra speed makes it easier to lose control of the e-bike for those who may be inexperienced, while the ease of use also allows older populations, who are more at risk of head bleeds or fractures, to enjoy biking again.

Here are some tips for e-bike safety:

• Always wear a helmet.
• Follow the rules of the road; Use trails or bicycle lanes whenever possible.
• Ensure high visibility by wearing reflective or bright clothing. At dusk or dawn, use lights, and consider not riding while it is dark outside.
• Keep up with routine maintenance to be sure your bike’s brakes and other components work properly.
• Don’t ride an e-bike if you’ve been drinking alcohol.
• Build up to higher speeds as you gain experience riding.
• Brake sooner than you would on a standard bike as the higher speeds require a longer stopping distance.

Celebrate Independence Day at Annual Audrey Hammer 4th of July Ice Cream Social

A Dubuque tradition returns to the Mathias Ham Historic Site this Independence Day with the annual Audrey Hammer 4th of July Ice Cream Social. In its 61^st year, the event takes place on July 4 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 2241 Lincoln Ave. in Dubuque.

UnityPoint Health – Finley Health Foundation Welcomes Rising New-Comer The Castellows to Annual Event

UnityPoint Health – Finley Health Foundation is pleased to announce rising stars, The Castellows, as the feature act for the annual Miracles on the Mississippi at Diamond Jo Casino.

The event, set for 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, will support mammography equipment and services at UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital. Tickets will include hors d’oeuvres, refreshments, and a live auction before the concert.

Neo-Traditional Country music trio, The Castellows, are bringing a literal meaning to the phrase, “family tradition.” The band comprised of sisters Ellie (lead guitar), Powell (banjo) and Lily (vocals), hail from small rural Georgetown, Georgia. The Castellows’ sound is traditional, yet modern. Authentic, yet harnessed. The common thread among the trio, is their masterful three-part harmonies which blend together to create one singular, almost angelic, voice. After signing a record deal in early 2023, their first major award-nomination was CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year at the 2024 CMT Music Awards.

“The Finley Health Foundation is proud to partner with the Diamond Jo Casino to bring amazing up-and-coming talent to Dubuque,” said Barbara Potts, Executive Director of the Finley Health Foundation. “Community members will have an evening to remember and the opportunity to support Mammography services at UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital.”

For more information, visit uph.link/DBQMiracles. Tickets may be purchased online, by contacting the Finley Health Foundation at (563) 589-2572 or via email [email protected].

Keep your trees healthy and hydrated this summer

Is your newly planted tree thirtsy? You may need to water trees planted in the spring or summer one to three times a week in the first few months after planting. Water early in the morning or evening so the tree roots have a chance to absorb most of the water and the sun can’t evaporate it away.

Check the moisture level in the soil near the tree’s trunk (four to six inches below the surface) at least once a week, and more often during hot, dry weather. If the soil feels moist or damp you can hold off on watering, if it is dry you need to water your tree. The soil should be moist, but not saturated after watering.

Newly planted trees need regular and consistent watering for optimal growth and health. A gallon of water is equal to about one inch of rainfall.

• Immediately after planting and mulching – 5-15 gallons, depending on container size
• Week 1 – 2 gallons of water per diameter inch of trunk daily
• Week 2 – 2 gallons per diameter inch 4-5 days per week
• Week 3 – 2 gallons per diameter inch 2-3 days per week
• Week 4 and thereafter – 2 gallons per diameter inch once per week
  

  Trees for Kids grant applications due August 22

  The popular Trees for Kids grant program is accepting applications through August 22 to plant trees in public areas of communities (park, community center, public school, etc.) this fall.

  Grantees can be awarded up to $2,500 to purchase trees and mulch. Youth are required to be engaged in the process, most often helping to plant the trees on site.

  Studies show trees planted around schools and in neighborhoods give youth increased levels of concentration, lower levels of aggression, lower levels of obesity and fewer symptoms of ADHD.

  Apply online today!

Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Species in Your Community

Iowa woodlands, wildlands and waterways draw hundreds of thousands of tourists and recreational users each year. Much of the spread of invasive species comes from people simply enjoying nature. Uninvited guests can hitch a ride on outdoor gear, shoes and clothes, travelling hundreds of miles in a single day.

Take these easy steps to stop the spread of invasive species in your community.

1. Verify that the plants you buy for your yard or garden are not invasive. Many non-native plants can become invasive. The Forest Invasive Species Guideincludes quick ID photos and common management techniques to control 19 invasive trees, shrubs and plants.
2. Look for spongy moth egg masses on all outdoor equipment when traveling from a spongy moth quarantined area.
3. Clean your boots before and after you hike in a new area to avoid spreading seeds. This is a common way garlic mustard and other plants are spread.
4. Do not buy or sell firewood from outside your county. Firewood can contain emerald ash borer, Sirex woodwasp, Asian longhorned beetle, oak wilt and many more pests. Plenty of firewood is available locally near state and county parks. Make sure to burn all of the firewood at the campsite and not leave it or transport to a new area.
5. Work with your Private Lands Forester for plans to make your forests more resilient to invasive species.

 Field of Dreams Movie Site to Host ESPN SportsCenter July 25 

Dyersville location chosen for the news program’s “50 States in 50 Days”

ESPN’s flagship program SportsCenter will feature the Field of Dreams Movie Site as one of its locations as part of its “50 States in 50 Days” nationwide tour. The news and information program will record segments and broadcast live from the famous Dyersville, Iowa location on July 25.

This marks the first time in 20 years that SportsCenter has undertaken a cross-country tour of this scale. The original 2005 SportsCenter Across America effort inspired this modern revival — now reimagined for a digital-first audience and reflecting ESPN’s commitment to both physical and digital fan engagement ahead of the company’s direct-to-consumer launch later this year. The Field of Dreams played host to the Iowa segment during that original tour.

This year, SportsCenter will visit during one of the Movie Site’s youth baseball tournaments and will share details from the site, from its history to ongoing updates.

The Field of Dreams Movie Site was originally the primary filming location of the film “Field of Dreams” and has since played host to millions of visitors. The Site features house tours, hosts baseball tournaments, and overnight stays in the house. Food and beverages are offered in The Dugout pub, The Stretch concession stand, and an ice cream stand featuring Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream.

Dubuque’s 2024 Water Quality Report Now Available

The City of Dubuque Water Department has published the annual water quality report for the Dubuque water supply. The drinking water met all state and federal water quality requirements and had no drinking water violations in 2024.

The complete report is available online at?www.cityofdubuque.org/2025waterquality

Printed copies of the Dubuque water quality report are available at several City of Dubuque facilities:

• City Hall, 50 West 13th St.
• Carnegie-Stout Public Library, 360 West 11th St.
• Housing and Community Development Department, 350 W. 6th St., Suite 312
• Intermodal Transportation Center, 950 Elm St.
• Multicultural Family Center, 1157 Central Ave.
• Water Distribution Office, 925 Kerper Ct.
• Water & Resource Recovery Center, 795 Julien Dubuque Dr.

The City of Dubuque’s Eagle Point Water Plant sources water from aquifers and produces an average of 6.5 million gallons of treated water per day. The treated water is distributed through more than 330 miles of water mains, that are controlled by 8,008 control valves. The City’s water supply is available to over 2,606 fire hydrants and to more than 23,880 service connections.

“Our water department staff takes great pride in delivering high quality drinking water to our community at an affordable cost,” said City of Dubuque Water Department Director Chris Lester. “Providing safe and reliable drinking water is a tremendous responsibility that we take very seriously.”

When compared to the other large cities in Iowa that soften their drinking water, Dubuque has the fourth-lowest rate, which translates to $43.74 per month for the average household, or simply stated, 65 cents per 100 gallons.

For additional information, please call 563-589-4291 or visit?www.cityofdubuque.org/water

Stonehill Communities Earns 2025 Bronze National Quality Award

Stonehill Communities Health Center has been recognized as a 2025 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) for its commitment to improving the lives of residents through quality care. This distinction is the first of three progressive award levels through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program. The Program honors providers across the nation that have demonstrated their dedication to enhancing the quality of care for our nation’s older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Matt Jahn, Administrator, is proud of the recognition. “The bronze award signifies Stonehill’s commitment to the continual emphasis on achieving the Quadruple Aim in healthcare delivery, which structures services around improved resident experience, population health, lower costs, and improving the care team experience. We know these goals help us provide high quality service to residents and their families.”

The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is a rigorous three-level process reviewed and evaluated by trained experts against a set of nationally recognized standards for organizational excellence. The standards of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program help organizations achieve superior performance over time to improve the quality of life and care of long term care residents.

Providers begin the quality improvement journey at the Bronze level, where they develop an organizational profile detailing among other elements their vision, mission, key customers, and key strengths and challenges. Bronze applicants must demonstrate the use of a performance improvement system. Trained examiners review each application to determine if a center has met the demands of the criteria. As a recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality award, Stonehill Communities may now move forward to the Silver – Achievement in Quality award criteria.

“Receiving this award marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards excellence,” said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair. “Congratulations to Stonehill Communities for this significant achievement. I encourage you to take some time to celebrate and continue striving for higher levels of quality and performance.”

The National Quality Awards will be presented during Delivering Solutions 24, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, October 6-9, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.

The 2025 National Quality Award Program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: HealthCap, McKesson, Rosie, Incite Workforce Solutions Powered by SnapCare, and Prevail by First Quality.

City Parks and Recreation Commission Accepting Name Proposals for New Park in South Pointe Neighborhood

The City of Dubuque Parks and Recreation Commission is accepting park name proposals for a new park to be built in the South Pointe neighborhood by South Pointe, L.L.C., the developer of the subdivision.

The park plan provided by South Pointe, L.L.C. includes playground equipment, swings, a picnic table, a park bench, and a bike rack. The developer has indicated the park is expected to be completed this fall.

The naming of the new park will follow the City’s Park & Recreation Facility Naming Policy, which states the proposed park names should generally fall within one of the following categories:

• Historic events, people, and places
• Individuals (living or non-living) or groups who have provided exceptional service to the City of Dubuque’s park system, recreation facilities, or the City as a whole
• Major donations, including land or other contributions for the improvement and/or expansion of the park or trails system
• Geographic location, such as naming in relationship to an adjacent street

The submission must contain at minimum the proposed name and reasons for the proposed name. In addition, proposals may be accompanied by documentation attesting to community support for the proposed name, including signed letters or petitions, as well as other supporting materials the nominator feels will assist in the review.

City of Dubuque Parks and Recreation Director Marie Ware will then evaluate whether the proposals comply with the naming policy, authenticate supporting documents, and prepare and forward the information to the parks and recreation commission for consideration. The commission will then individually rank the proposals and develop its recommendation to be presented to the city council for consideration.

Park name proposals may be submitted at www.cityofdubuque.org/planyourpark. Paper copies of the park name proposal form are available at the parks and recreation office located at 1157 Central Ave. To request a paper copy by mail, call 563-589-4263. The deadline to propose names for the park is Wednesday, July 16.

For questions or more information about the planning and development of the South Pointe neighborhood park, contact the City of Dubuque Parks Division at 563-589-4263.

Mud Lake Bluegrass Sundays Returns   July 6, July 20, Aug. 3, 2025

The Mud Lake Music Society in partnership with the Friends of Dubuque County Conservation announce the return of the Mud Lake Bluegrass Sundays Series. This popular event draws music performers from all around the country. – This Free music series began as an effort to bring bluegrass music to an outdoor setting by the Mississippi River in Dubuque. The Dubuque County Conservation Board and friends promotes the series that is staged at Mud Lake Park along the Mississippi.

The Mud Lake Music Society has presented over thirty groups and countless individual performers, for audiences up to 2,000 per show! Jim Zmudka, series organizer said, “We are pleased to offer this type of recreation for the Dubuque Community, and to promote the parks, Bluegrass music, and a great Iowa lifestyle. We started Mud Lake Bluegrass Sundays with three things in mind: family, music, and the Mississippi River.  “People really love it.” Zmudka, a Dubuque native, who worked in Nashville as the agent for Bill Monroe, the “Father of Bluegrass Music,” and has promoted the popular series since its inception.” It’s the perfect picnic atmosphere, and with all we’ve been through lately, we need more picnics!”

With a focus on audience involvement, each event kicks off with the “Pickers Pick-nic” starting at 12 noon and goes till 2pm. It’s the perfect setting to meet and play with other aspiring pickers. Guest instructors help with tuning, answer questions and then organize the jam sessions.

Then at 2pm the main stage fires up with a regional opening act, followed by a national touring act at 3:30pm. They entertain till approximately 6 pm.

“The Friends 0f Dubuque County Conservation are very supportive of our efforts to put these shows together.” Their goal is to educate and promote to people, all the activities and opportunities available at our county parks.” says Zmudka.  Asking attendees only for free-will donations, the Society’s goal is to raise enough money to cover costs and retain a small fund to continue Mud Lake Bluegrass Sundays the next year.

Camping spaces are available at Mud Lake Park, along with food concessions and special Mud Lake Bluegrass souvenirs (shirts , instrument raffles) No alcohol is served but visitors may bring their own coolers, and it is recommended that people bring lawn chairs. People are also encouraged to bring their own instruments and participate in the free music clinics prior to main stage acts.

Information on the musicians is available on Facebook at Mud Lake Bluegrass. Look them up and give them a listen. For further information please contact Jim Zmudka at Mud Lake Music (563)-590-4004 or Friends of Dubuque County Conservation at (563)556-6745 or drop us an email at [email protected]

Super line up this year! Don’t miss a show! This year’s performers are as follows;

July 6,  Greg Garing Band

Long time Bluegrasser and former fiddler for JImmy Martin, Greg Garing has put together some hot pickers from around the country to entertain us this year at Mud Lake.

The group features multiple Iowa state banjo champion Darrin Manson, Mandolin master James Horak, Bass fiddler Keli Kingery and of course Greg on fiddle and guitar.

July 20,  Bigtooth

After years of sharing festival bills and bumping elbows at open jams, Starr Moss, Trent Cuthbert, Michael Falk, Claire Kannapell and Paul Kienitz have joined forces to make their own brand of Bluegrass inspired music. Bigtooth, the culmination of this shared history, keeps one hand on the book of Bluegrass standards and the other on the songwriting pen. Count on a distinctive repertoire that intertwines traditional material and original compositions, delivered with precision, finesse, and style.

With a special performance by the Mississippi Acoustic Trio !Dubuque’s Longest running musical group. Entertaining for your pleasure for over 50 years. Come see the “Boy’s” Dave, Cricket and Denny play some bluegrass, folk. Americana and country in their inimitable classic style!

August 3  Dig Deep

Foot stomping rhythm, sing along harmonies and infectious mandolin and banjo picking. DIG DEEP brings a youthful hard edged twist to the Mud Lake stage. Their blistering, boisterous live performance takes folk and Bluegrass to a new fun place! Not your mom and dad’s Bluegrass! Be prepared to dance and have fun to this energetic high speed show

With special guests; Denny and the Folk-ups!

A grouping of our area’s best and favorite musicians! Denny Garcia-multi inst. AJ Steils- guitar, Tim Knauss-Bass, Tim Connelly-drums.

Multicultural Family Center Announces Karla Escobar as New Assistant Director

The Multicultural Family Center (MFC) is proud to announce the appointment of Karla Escobar as its new assistant director. Escobar assumed her new role on May 5, 2025, succeeding Sarah Peterson, who recently accepted a new opportunity.

Escobar brings over 15 years of dedicated service to community upliftment and empowerment. Her extensive background includes roles in servant leadership, community advocacy, and program development, making her an invaluable addition to the MFC team.

Prior to this appointment, Escobar served as the multicultural academic success coach at Southwest Tech College. Her career also includes impactful positions as a case worker supporting individuals with disabilities, a housing program manager for the City of Muscatine, and most recently, a housing financial specialist with the City of Dubuque. In her previous roles, she has assisted families in navigating services, accessing resources, and advocating for their needs with compassion and respect.

“Karla’s unwavering dedication to helping people and families reach their full potential aligns perfectly with the mission of the Multicultural Family Center,” said MFC Director LaMetra Murdock. “Her passion, leadership, and commitment to fostering welcoming and inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and supported will be instrumental in advancing our goals.”

Escobar’s experience extends beyond program management; she is a fluent Spanish speaker and a recipient of one of the City of Dubuque’s the 2023 SPIRIT Awards, recognizing her ability to deliver exceptional value and resourcefulness in service delivery. She emphasizes the importance of language as a vital tool for connection and understanding, especially for families within diverse communities.

As Assistant Director, Escobar will play a key role in developing programs, managing community outreach, supervising staff, and marketing the MFC’s initiatives. She is committed to creating and implementing culturally responsive programs that meet the needs of Dubuque’s diverse population and foster greater community engagement.

“I am honored to continue serving Dubuque through the Multicultural Family Center,” Escobar stated. “I look forward to collaborating with the MFC Board, staff, community partners, and residents to build a safe, inclusive space where every culture is celebrated and everyone feels they belong.”

The Multicultural Family Center, located in the Ruby Sutton Building at 1157 Central Ave., is a welcoming space dedicated to cultural exchange, learning, and celebration. The Center’s mission is to nurture a community where all individuals are valued, supported, and empowered.

Dubuque Gate & Pump Station Project Kicks-Off

The City of Dubuque held a project kick-off for the Dubuque Gate and Pump Station Flood Mitigation Project at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, at the Eagles Watch Audubon Overlook at the 16th St. Detention Basin. The public was invited to attend to learn more about the project.

The project is a phase of the Bee Branch Watershed Flood Mitigation Project. It involves the construction of a new stormwater pumping station on Kerper Blvd. and the decommissioning of the existing pump station system installed as part of the John C. Culver Floodwall/Levee system.

The new facility will include a new flood gate, four new 100,000 gallon per minute pumps (double the capacity of the existing facility), new electrical service, and the installation of back-up generators. The improvements will greatly enhance the system that conveys stormwater from the Bee Branch Watershed to the Mississippi River and protects the watershed from flooding during high river levels. The project also adds additional resiliency options as rainstorms increase in both rainfall amounts and intensity.

Portzen Construction was awarded the contract for the project with a bid of $26.6 million. Construction is expected to be substantially complete in March of 2027 and completed by July of 2027. The City of Dubuque secured $24,650,000 in state and federal grant funding for the project, including a $8.7 FEMA Community Project Granta and a $7.7 million US Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Recovery Grant. The remainder will be funded with stormwater utility fee revenue and a state revolving loan.

FINLEY HOSPITAL IS FIRST HOSPITAL IN IOWA TO INVEST IN FDA-AUTHORIZED GERM-ZAPPING ROBOT

There are a few team members in the Finley Hospital Environmental Services department who never take a day off, never get sick, and don’t even take breaks for lunch or to use the restroom.

First there was Kenny, then Abby, then Oscar, R2D2 and now Fin – they’re all LightStrike UV light devices used to aid in the fight against dangerous pathogens by zapping the germs with powerful UV light. Finley Hospital is the first facility in Iowa to invest in a LightStrike+ device, which is the first and only “Whole Room Microbial Reduction” medical device authorized by the FDA to be marketed and distributed in the United States.

“Finley Hospital is continually taking steps to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission to our patients, because providing quality care is at the center of everything we do,” said Pat Lehmkuhl, the hospital’s Infection Prevention Program Manager. “We’ve been incorporating these robots for quite some time as part of our room turnover process in addition to our standard cleaning protocol. We added the new FDA authorized LightStrike+ robot to our disinfection strategy because we want to ensure that we are doing everything we can to provide the cleanest possible environment for our patients and employees.”

Finley Hospital is an innovator in the use of UV technology as part of its disinfection strategy and the LightStrike robots are considered part of the hospital’s Environmental Services (EVS) team. In fact, germ-zapping has been common practice since Finley Hospital got its first LightStrike robot, Kenny, back in 2014. The newest, Fin, is a LightStrike+ robot. LightStrike robots use a xenon lamp to create high-intensity, broad-spectrum ultraviolet (UV) light that quickly reduces the number of pathogens on surfaces and helps break the chain of pathogen transmission from surfaces to patients and healthcare workers.

The robots are used to significantly reduce pathogens in inpatient rooms and surgical areas. With as fast as a 2-minute cycle-time for microbial reduction, the LightStrike+ device is built upon accumulated knowledge from more than a decade of best practices implemented at healthcare facilities, 193 patents, and industry leading technical and epidemiological expertise.

After standard discharge cleaning processes are complete, hospital Environmental Services team members wheel the LightStrike robot in the room, place it next to the bed, begin the automated system and exit the room. The robots report utilization to a cloud-based portal so hospital officials are able to track who is using the robot and where it’s being operated, which provides the hospital with important performance information to ensure cleaning protocols are followed.

“Every day at Finley Hospital we strive to deliver an exceptional experience to our patients and team members. Eliminating pathogens is a key component of providing a clean, safe environment of care,” said Anne Johnston, Finley Hospital’s Vice President of Operations.

To learn more about the Xenex UV light device, visit www.xenex.com.

PHOTO: Robot Training: Finley Hospital Environmental Services team members are trained on using the hospital’s newest cleaning robot, a Xenex LightStrike+. The machine is used to reduce the number of pathogens in inpatient rooms and surgical areas with UV light.

Dubuque Named One of the Best Cities for New College Graduates

Dubuque has once again been named one of the best cities for recent college graduates.

Dubuque is ranked #16 overall in the new rankings, compiled by human resources software company Checkr. Among “small” cities with populations of 200,000 residents or fewer, Dubuque ranked tenth. The ratings are based on several key factors related to employment, affordability, and social aspects. Dubuque’s position in the survey matches its position in a similar survey by SmartAsset last year.

Checkr’s ratings were largely based on seven metrics:

• Unemployment rate
• Labor force participation rate
• Income-to-rent ratio
• Percentage of renters paying less than 30% of income in rent
• Real personal income
• College grads as portion of the population
• College grads per entertainment establishment

Dubuque ranked second among the employment-related metrics and came in eighth within the categories related to affordability. Checkr described Dubuque as “ideal for those who want to avoid high rent and congestion while still enjoying a vibrant lifestyle with access to jobs and recreation.”

Among small cities, Dubuque was one of just two Iowa municipalities in the Top Ten.

Dubuque’s position in the overall ratings is higher than many regional cities including Omaha, Fargo, Sioux Falls, La Crosse, Ames, Indianapolis, and Green Bay.

The full rankings can be viewed at https://checkr.com/resources/articles/best-cities-for-new-college-grads-2025

Stonehill Communities receives certificate of achievement for post-acute care for stroke patients

Participating centers create confidence in the quality-of-care stroke patients receive during rehabilitation and recovery

Stonehill Communities has received a certificate of achievement for its participation in the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline Stroke post-acute care initiative to enhance guideline-based care for stroke patients, ultimately improving and prolonging lives.

Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability in the U.S. and approximately 795,000 people each year experience a new or recurrent stroke, according to the American Heart Association’s 2023 statistical update. Participation in the American Heart Association’s post-acute care initiative can help facilities support faster and more effective recovery from stroke through standardized coordination, adherence and implementation of evidence-based care.

Certificate of achievement recipients have committed to establishing a stroke-specific rehab program, providing stroke education to all staff members, implementing evidence-based protocols and policies, and continuous quality improvement.

Evidence-based rehabilitation and secondary prevention interventions improve recovery after stroke and reduce secondary complications. However, stroke rehabilitation expertise, processes of care, and educational resources vary among sites where post-acute care is delivered. The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, developed quality standards based on the Association’s 2016 Guidelines for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery to address these gaps.

The post-acute care initiative provides a framework for assisting facilities to improve care according to the American Heart Association’s rigorous science-based requirements for stroke rehabilitation, including program management, patient and caregiver education and support, care coordination, clinical management and quality improvement.

“Participation in this program benefits the patient and the facility by standardizing care practices,” said Madeline Pawloski, AHA Post-Acute Stroke Program Consultant. “When there are evidence-based processes during every phase of care, patients have the best opportunity for positive outcomes. This initiative helps patients and their loved ones know participating facilities follow these important best practices.”

Facilities participating in the post-acute care initiative receive a participation stipend and site-specific quality improvement support and process improvement ideas surrounding quality standards for stroke recovery, rehabilitation and secondary prevention. Facilities also have the opportunity to be part of a learning collaborative, working with experts in stroke rehabilitation to build tools and share and create best practices. Participation improves collaboration between post-acute care facilities and others involved in stroke care, including hospitals and outpatient providers.

“Stonehill Communities is committed to improving patient care by adhering to the latest guidelines,” Jen Takes, Co-Director of Nursing- Post-Acute Care . “The post-acute care initiative makes it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which studies show can help patients recover better. The end goal is to ensure more people in the Dubuque area can experience longer, healthier lives.”

Mission: Lifeline Stroke is the American Heart Association’s community-based initiative to develop systems of care to improve outcomes for stroke patients. The program launched in Iowa in July 2022 with the support of a $7.5 million grant from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. The goal of Mission: Lifeline stroke is to bring together hospitals, emergency medical services and first responders, rehabilitation facilities, communications and regulatory agencies, state and local government, and payers to forge a proactive system of stroke care that saves and improves lives.

City of Dubuque’s 2025 Asphalt Overlay Program Now Underway

The City of Dubuque’s annual asphalt overlay program is now underway and will improve just less than 10 centerline miles on 42 city streets or street sections during the 2025 construction season.

The program targets streets that would benefit from an asphalt overlay to extend the life of the existing pavement. The streets involved in the 2025 program will receive their first repaving in at least twelve years. The City of Dubuque Public Works Department manages the program which includes milling and/or grinding the existing pavement surface, recycling the old asphalt, and repaving streets for a safer and smoother ride.

Unlike street reconstruction projects, property owners are not assessed for costs associated with the asphalt overlay program. Instead, the program is funded with money collected from Iowa’s Road Use Tax Fund (gas and diesel fuel tax). The asphalt overlay program is part of the City’s yearly street maintenance activity, which is budgeted as $1.16 million for fiscal year 2026 and includes approximately $750,000 to bring curb ramps up to ADA compliance along the overlaid streets.

The following is a schedule outlining when individual streets are expected to receive a partial or complete asphalt overlay this construction season:

Phase One: May

• W. 32^nd St. (from Wildwood Dr. to 3155 W. 32nd St.)
• Kerry Ct.
• Killarney Ct.
• Breven Dr.

Phase Two: June

• Kehl Ct.
• Tomahawk Dr.
• Laurel St. (from S. Grandview Ave. to 815 Laurel St.)
• Cannon St.
• Mount Carmel Rd.
• Arrowhead Dr.
• Wallis Pl.
• Indian Ridge

Phase Three: June-July

• N. Grandview Ave. (from Delhi St. to Loras Blvd.)
• N. Grandview Ave. (from Atlantic St. to Clarke Dr.)
• N. Grandview Ave. (from Clarke Dr. to Kaufmann Ave.
• Rosedale Ave. (from N. Grandview Ave. to Asbury Rd.)
• St. Ambrose St. (from Clarke Dr. to Asbury Rd.)

Phase Four: July

• Cornell St. (from Loras Blvd. to W. 16^th St.)
• Montrose Ter. (from Loras Blvd. to W. 16^th St.)
• Fairview Pl. (from W. 16^th St. to W. 15^th St.)
• W. 15^th St. (from Fairview Pl. to Cornell St.)
• W. 16^th St. (from Montrose Ter. to dead end)

Phase Five: August-September

• Southgate Dr.
• Jenni St.
• Theisen St.
• Stetmore St.
• St. Joseph St. (from Stetmore St. to S. Algona St.)
• Cardiff St. (from W. 3^rd St. to Mazzuchelli St.)
• Mazzuchelli St. (from Cardiff St. to James St.)
• Langworthy St. (from James St. to Hill St.)
• James St. (from Langworthy St. to W. 3^rd St.)
• Wooten St. (from Hill St. to Medical Associates entrance)
• Clara Ct.

Phase Six: August-September

• Asbury Rd. (from John F. Kennedy Rd. to Carter Rd.)
• Woodland St.
• Chippewa Dr.
• Karen St. (from Evergreen Dr. to Carter Rd.)
• Lindale St. (from Evergreen Dr. to Carter Rd.)
• Kevindale St. (from Karen St. to Lindale St.)

Phase Seven: September

• S. Grandview Ave. (from U.S. 61/151 overpass to Carmel Dr.)
• Carmel Dr. (from S. Grandview Ave. to 1025 Carmel Dr.)
• Julien Dubuque Dr. (north from S. Grandview Ave. to dead end)
• Julien Dubuque Dr. (from S. Grandview Ave. to Inland Ln.)
• Twin Valley Dr. (from Rockdale Rd. to U.S. 61/151)
• Southpark Ct.
• Pinard St. (from E. 24^th St. to dead end)

The schedule of projects is available online at www.cityofdubuque.org/asphaltoverlay and will be updated as details are available.

Residents will be notified by mail prior to the start of the project with contact information and parking instructions. Normally, projects can be completed in one week and streets can be driven on soon after paving takes place and as soon as traffic control devices have been removed.

For more information, contact the public works department at 563-589-4250 or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/publicworks

Skin Cancer: What’s sun got to do with it? Thinking ahead to warmer days…

By Dr. Michael Wells, Midwest Medical Center

Summer is about spending time outdoors and enjoying the sunshine.

The sun’s warmth makes us feel good and many believe tanned skin gives us a “healthy glow.” The truth is that sun exposure carries risks. The non-life threatening skin changes include early wrinkling skin, sun spots (solar lentigos), and sagging. Most people receive 80% of their lifetime sun exposure by the end of the teenage years. A single serious sunburn can increase your risk for skin cancer by up to 50%, which may take up to 20 years to be recognized as skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and it is estimated that 1 out of 7 people in the U.S will develop skin cancer. More than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer (basal and squamous cell) diagnosed yearly are sun-related. Most non-melanoma skin cancers develop on sun-exposed areas of the body; like the face, ears, nose, neck, backs of hands. These types of skin cancer are curable if detected and treated early. They can be fast or slow growing, but rarely spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It accounts for less than 5% of total skin cancers, but causes 75% of all skin cancer deaths. However, it is very curable if detected and treated in its early stages.

A number of factors may put you at risk to develop skin cancer. The most obvious is significant sunburn(s) and chronic sun exposure. Avoiding sunburn in your teenage years can help reduce your risk by as much as 70%.  Heredity also plays an important role. You are probably at higher risk if there is a history in your family. Having light colored eyes, fair skin, and/or red or blond hair also places you at higher risk. Another risk factor is having multiple nevi or atypical moles, freckles, or birthmarks. Other factors such as altitude, latitude, and cloud cover play apart. Remember, you can get as much sun, if not more, on a cloudy day.

Monitoring for skin cancer is as easy as “A, B, C, D, E” = ASYMMETRY – If you draw a line through the middle of a skin lesion and the sides do not match; B O R D E R – the borders are irregular or jagged ; COLOR – the color is uneven shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue; DIAMETER (size) – it has changed in size significantly (greater than 6mm); and ELEVATION – it is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface. Other concerning signs are bleeding, fast growing, crusted skin, slow healing, and itching. The body does need some sun exposure to function properly; however, you need to practice sun safety. Most importantly, avoid significant sun exposure. Avoid peak sun hours, mainly 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; don’t use tanning booths or sunlamps. Also, wear protective clothing/hats/sunglasses, seek shade whenever possible, and wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Reapply sunscreen often when swimming or perspiring, even if the label states sweat or water-proof. Self-examinations are very important as well. Use a hand-held and full-length mirror to check every inch of your body. 

Become familiar with the appearance of your birthmarks, moles, and freckles. Checking yourself regularly helps you to get familiar with what is normal for you. Also, make a yearly skin check appointment with your doctor and if you notice any changes or find anything unusual, see your doctor right away. The earlier skin cancer is found, the better.

About Midwest Medical Center

Midwest Medical Center is a not-for-profit Illinois Critical Access Hospital serving northwestern Illinois, southwestern Wisconsin, and eastern Iowa. Its comprehensive services includehealth clinics, hospital and emergency care, fitness and rehabilitation programs, and senior care through assisted living and nursing home facilities. To schedule an appointment at Midwest Health Clinic, call 815-776-7381. www.MidwestMedicalCenter.org

Kerper Blvd. Lane Shift between East 16th St. and East 11th St.

Due to Dubuque Gate and Pump Station Mitigation Project, the southbound lanes of Kerper Blvd. will be shifted between E. 16th St. and E. 11th St. starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, May 12, until 5 p.m. on Friday, August 15.

Due to Dubuque Gate and Pump Station Mitigation Project, the southbound lanes of Kerper Blvd. will be shifted between E. 16th St. and E. 11th St. starting at 7 a.m. on Monday, May 12, until 5 p.m. on Friday, August 15.

Southbound traffic will be redirected into one of the typically northbound lanes, and traffic in each direction will be reduced to a single 11.5-foot wide lane.

Motorists will need to follow the posted detour and/or use a different route during this time. View a map of current closures/detours.

If you have questions regarding the closure/detour, please contact the City of Dubuque Engineering Department at 563-589-4270. Please note, closure dates and times are estimates and subject to change without notice based on weather and contractor schedules.

Dubuque Regional Airport Flights Changing to Morning/Evening Schedule

In a significant change to the daily flight schedule, the Dubuque Regional Airport, Denver Air Connection, and DBQ Air are thrilled to announce that Denver Air Connection will shift to an early morning departure and evening return between Dubuque and O’Hare International Airport in Chicago.

From May 16 forward, the outbound Denver Air flight will now depart at 7:00 a.m. from Dubuque, arriving at O’Hare at 7:55 a.m. The return flight will depart O’Hare at 5:00 p.m., and arrive back in Dubuque at 5:55 p.m. This schedule offers over 200 connections both outbound and inbound with the United Airlines and American Airlines networks, as well as a full day to do business in the Chicago area. The Denver Air Connection flights have jet bridge service to Gate L27 within Terminal 3 at O’Hare.

“A daily morning departure is great news for tri-state area travelers, especially business travelers,” said Dubuque Mayor and DBQ Air board chair Brad Cavanagh. “We’re grateful to Denver Air for offering this service and we continue to work with them on the possibility of a direct connection to Denver.”

Through its partnership with Denver Air Connection, the Dubuque Regional Airport began offering regular, daily commercial flights to O’Hare in November, more than two years after the service had been discontinued by American Airlines. Initially, the inbound flight arrived at Dubuque at 3:25 p.m., with the outbound flight to O’Hare arriving in Chicago at 4:50 p.m.

“A schedule with a morning departure and evening return was always our goal — and was reinforced by the feedback we received from our customers,” said Dubuque Regional Airport Director Todd Dalsing. “The schedule change will allow passengers more time in Chicago, if that’s their primary destination. For those connecting beyond O’Hare, this new schedule offers even more same-day connections to hundreds of destinations.”

Passengers who previously reserved arrival flights on or after May 15 will be contacted about the schedule change by the airline or retailer through which they purchased their tickets. The airline or retailer will provide options for adjusting their itinerary. Passengers with questions about their tickets can also contact Denver Air Connection customer service by calling 866-373-8513.

Denver Air Connection has interline ticketing and baggage agreements with both American and United Airlines. Passengers flying from Dubuque can book directly through Denver Air Connection, American, United, or their preferred online travel retailer, and connect to American and United’s worldwide network of destinations without an additional ticket or security check at O’Hare.

Old Highway Rd Paving

Project – Road open / travel restricted during the day
On Old Highway Rd from – Sundown Rd to Seippel Rd

04/16/25 UPDATE:

Starting on 04/21/2025: Contractor River City Paving plans to start milling then paving Old Highway Rd from the west side bridge on Old Highway Rd to Sundown Rd. Traffic will be restricted to one lane with flaggers and pilot cars for approx. 4-6 weeks, depending on weather.

Call for Applications from Visual Artists, Performers, Food Trucks, and Community Organizations for 46th annual DBQFest, August 2-3, 2025

The 46th annual DBQFest will take place on Saturday, August 2 and Sunday, August 3, 2025, in the heart of Dubuque’s historic downtown in Washington Park. This free, 2-day arts festival welcomes all to experience the arts, music, and culture through a juried art fair, live performances, food trucks, and other family-friendly activities.

DBQFest (Dubuquefest) is Iowa’s longest running art fair and festival, celebrating art, music, and culture since 1979. From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2025, DBQFest’s juried art fair will occur in Washington Park. Artists and makers working in all media and materials — jewelers, glassworkers, painters, textile artists, photographers, sculptors, potters, mixed media artists, and more – are encouraged to apply by midnight Monday, March 31, 2025. There is no application fee to apply at dbqfest.com/apply.

If accepted, visual artists are provided with a 10’x10’ outdoor booth location and are responsible for paying a $150 booth fee. Artists who are new to exhibiting and selling their work at professional art fairs can elect to apply for an emerging artist scholarship, waiving booth fees and providing an art fair tent free of charge. All juried artists are expected to be present both days of the festival.

DBQFest is also seeking applications from musical acts as well as individual or groups offering interactive or performative arts activities to perform during the festival. Selected applicants will be compensated for their time based on festival budget and applicant proposed fees. Stage performer and park activity applications are due by June 1, 2025 at dbqfest.com/apply. There is no fee to apply.

Applications are also sought from mobile food trucks to be set up throughout the festival on 6th Street between Bluff and Locust Streets. One or two-day options are available for food truck participation; one-day vendors are responsible for a $150 vendor fee with two-day vendors paying just $100 for a spot. Apply at dbqfest.com/apply by June 26, 2025 to be considered. There is no fee to apply.

DBQFest offers spaces for community booths to outreach and engage with DBQFest audiences. Community booths are reserved for non-profit organizations or community-focused groups that do not sell products but use their booth to provide information and interactive activities. Community booths are available on a first come, first-serve basis on a sliding scale of no cost up to $50 to be determined by the applicant organization. Applicant organizations are responsible for their own tent, table, chairs, etc. An application can be completed at dbqfest.com/apply.

DBQFest is a program of the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities are available. To get involved, visit dbqfest.com or contact the Festival Director at [email protected].

About the Dubuque County Fine Arts Society:

The Dubuque County Fine Arts Society (DCFAS) is a volunteer-driven 501c3 non-profit organization whose mission is to support artists and creatives by serving as a fiscal sponsor for collaborative, community-based arts experiences in Dubuque and its surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.dcfas.org.

Get Ready to Party at Party for the Planet at the River Museum!

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium will host the annual Party for the Planet on April 26 from 10 AM – 2 PM. General admission grants access to the day’s activities and visitors who bring canned food items will receive $5 off admission (one discount per transaction, unlimited number of canned items) All donations will benefit the Dubuque Food Pantry.

72nd Annual Dubuque County Fair July 22-27, 2025

The 2025 72nd Annual Dubuque County Fair is almost here, and it’s going to be a blast!
July 22-27, 2025 – mark your calendars and get ready to make unforgettable memories with us! 

All of this FREE entertainment during these days are included with the purchase of your gate admission into the fair.

For More Information about the Dubuque County Fair go to www.dbqfair.com