KALA News Today Headlines – Oct. 31, 2019
QUAD CITIES (KALA) — Snow emergencies, flood updates, and interviews with the Davenport mayoral candidates are today’s KALA News Today Headlines.
It’s a snowy Halloween, with several inches falling last night. Public Works crews in the Quad Cities are working to clear snow from the streets. Snowfall is expected to continue through noon today.
In Davenport, a snow emergency is in effect until 7 p.m. tonight. Parking is prohibited on marked snow routes until then. The City of Rock Island also declared a snow emergency. That remains in effect until snow is cleared from marked routes. In both cities, cars parked on marked snow routes will be towed.
Although flooding remains a concern in Davenport, the Mississippi is expected to finally fall below flood stage by the end of this week. Forecasters predict this will happen on Sunday. Davenport Parks and Public Works are working to re-open Credit Island this week. Crews have already removed the temporary flood wall at Modern Woodmen Park.
Next Tuesday, the City of Davenport chooses its next mayor. Current mayor Frank Klipsch is not seeking re-election. Two current aldermen are fighting for his spot.
7th Ward Alderman Mike Matson says he has the experience needed to get things done as soon as he is sworn in.
“I’ve been on the City Council for 12 years, served in the army 20 years, [I] teach at Davenport Central now my 17th year, I’ve been the Public Safety Chairman, I’m currently the Finance Chairman, [I’ve] served on some commissions for the county and have a great relationship with our state elected officials,” Matson said.
Matson says he’s running on a platform of public safety.
5th Ward Alderwoman Rita Rawson says her focus is population growth in Davenport. She says she knows how to work with people to get things done.
“I’m very much a goal-oriented person of, ‘here’s a problem, let me throw out my thoughts to everybody, see what everybody thinks,’ and then what are the steps we need to take to get to a solution,” Rawson said. “So, you know, running for mayor, for me, was the natural next step.”
Election day is Tuesday, November 5th. Three school board spots and several alderman positions are also on the ballot.
It’s Halloween! So here is a collaborative list of tips and reminders for a fun, safe night tonight:
- Kids: Always go with a parent or trusted adult, and don’t go into the home of someone you don’t know. Use the sidewalks to cross the street, especially out in the snow
- Parents: Keep an eye on your kids, have set places to meet if you get separated, and use flashlights or glow sticks for visibility. Also, be careful crossing the streets, and check your kids’ candy before they eat it
- Registered sex offenders: Do not try to pass out candy
- Motor vehicles: There will be a lot more pedestrian traffic today, so slow down, especially with the winter weather.
- Please don’t drink and drive. Have a designated driver or Uber home.
- Keep an eye out for kids walking between parked cars or entering and exiting driveways or alleyways. Don’t have distractions like your phone or loud music.
Other tips and reminders:
Costume Safety
- Choose a costume made of flame retardant material.
- Costumes should be short enough so children do not trip/fall.
- For better visibility add reflective tape to costumes and bags.
- Masks should fit securely so it does not hinder visibility.
- If using face paint, make sure it is nontoxic and hypoallergenic.
- Knives, swords, and props should be made of flexible material.
Trick-or-Treating Safety
- Children should be well supervised by an adult.
- Parents should be aware of their child’s route. Plan ahead.
- Carry a flashlight, glow stick, or have reflective costumes.
- Stick to well-lit houses in familiar neighborhoods.
- Follow traffic signals and rules of the road.
- Avoid taking shortcuts across backyards/alleys.
Candy Safety
- Parents should inspect all candy. Throw out any that are homemade, unwrapped, or appear to have been tampered with.
- Parents of young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys.
- Children shouldn’t eat candy before parents have a chance to inspect treats. To help prevent this, give them a snack or light meal.
- Wash fresh fruit thoroughly and inspect for small punctures. Cut fruit open before giving to children.
General Safety Tips
- Homeowners should remove obstacles from the yard, restrain pets, and have a well lit home.
- Provide treats that are individually wrapped or offer kids non-food treats such as stickers, coupons, or erasers.
- Artificial lights/candles are a safe alternative to real candles.
KALA News Today airs live Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m.