Jodi Hansen’s path has wound from Muscatine to France to “The Jerry Springer Show” to MTV to PBS and back home again, and while every stop has been eventful and intriguing, one thing she’s learned is that there’s noplace quite like home. Born and raised in the Pearl City, Hansen is currently the director of the Muscatine Convention and Visitors Bureau, and has been a part of the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce team since she returned to her old stomping grounds in 2012. Her passion for Muscatine is obvious and palpable. She’s worked to promote greater livability and accessibility... Read More

Former Beatle George Harrison once said that the ukulele was the only “real, true instrument,” and the Muscatine Area Ukulele Group is doing their best to make that Traveling Wilbury proud. Founded in 2015 by musician Chris Sample, the organization of amore for the guitar’s wee little brother is a fusion of people in and around the Muscatine and Illinois City area who want to learn about and enjoy the ukulele. They meet at the Musser Public Library, 304 Iowa Ave., Muscatine, on the first and third Tuesday of each month, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. “I’ve been playing the ukulele for about six... Read More

Looking for different dragons to slay than just the ones offering bad pickup lines? A local science-fiction and curio shop is looking to offer “more than just bars and church events” in the area on weekend nights, boasting a slate to ultimately include gaming, trivia nights, dungeons and dragons, Magic and more. Dickens’ Curiosity Shop, 207 W. 2nd St., opened in 2017, and since then has been expanding its universe of collectibles, books and art items for sale on its shelves. Along with that growth has come an expansion of the store’s place in the local entertainment galaxy. “We’re... Read More

Robots are taking over the streets of Muscatine! No need to worry, it’s not as if alien decepticons are plotting to conquer the city, it’s just two new automated garbage trucks that are prowling the pathways with their robot arms muscling up the refuse. The first of the two was unveiled in December 2015, the second in February 2017, making up two of the five trucks in use for Muscatine. The other three still use the tried-and-true method of human garbage people hanging off the back of the truck, chucking trash into its waiting maw. But this new means of technology means that those far riskier... Read More

Celebrate life and help spread Organ Donation Awareness in Muscatine this weekend! The 9th Annual Jessica Peine Memorial Ride and Music Festival returns this Friday Sep 20 and Saturday Sep 21, which helps spread Organ Donation Awareness and supports Jessica Faye’s Closet. This year’s event is being held in honor of Organ Donors Austin Gainuss, Nick Hartman and Devin Estabrook. The fun kicks off on Friday night with live music at Missipi Brewing Co. (107 Iowa Ave. Muscatine). Admission is just $5.   Friday Night’s Lineup: 6 – 6:45 p.m.      Vann Britt 7 – 7:45 p.m.     ... Read More

There’s a robust family atmosphere that fills Sal Vitale’s and Sons, with the same richness and flavor of their delicious Italian food. The authentic Sicilian restaurant at 1010 Park Ave has been a family tradition since opening in 1984, said owner Salvatore Vitale, and given how the amiable Salvatore beams with jocularity and pride when speaking about it, it’s easy to see how it’s become so popular. “It’s all about the quality, and the situation is, absolutely nobody has the products and the ingredients we have,” Vitale said, proudly. “Everyone has quality ingredients, but we’ve... Read More

You’ll find quaint, cute, fun and funky products more folksy than a dropped “g” at Rustic Pickin’s, a new store that just moved from its old Park Avenue locale to new digs at 225 E. 2nd St., in Muscatine. The location specializes in the suddenly hot market for repurposed items, furniture, housewares and the like. As owners Jackie Petty and Melissa Lowrey put it on their Facebook page, “We use old, forgotten ‘junk’ in unexpected ways. Come to our next show to see what we’re all about.” So, what are they all about? “We’re all about repurposing different materials into new... Read More

Spend your Saturday afternoon with some cartoons! Tommy’s Movies for Littles will be transforming Sunrise Galleries (114 E 2nd St. Muscatine) into a Saturday Kartoon Karnival this Saturday May 18. Come enjoy old-fashioned Saturday Kartoon Karnival Matinee with Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Superman, Daffy Duck and more! Tommy and his staff will be serving up fresh popcorn, candy and soft drinks. Tickets are just $5 at the door. Showtime is at 2 p.m. and seating is limited. So get there early! For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2472033686179842/.  Read More

Come spend a magical evening filled with fun and memories, while helping raise funds for local children! Muscatine Salvation Army is hosting their Annual Dinner and KidZone Fundraiser this Friday May 17 at Geneva Golf & Country Club (3100 Bidwell Rd. Muscatine). Doors open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. This year’s event will include fun and exciting additions that will help ensure Muscatine kiddos have a great summer camp experience. There will be entertainment including illusions and magic from TB Mentalism, information from Camp Director, Eric Yerington as well as testimonials... Read More

Calling all Young Professionals in Muscatine, it’s time to Kick-Off the Summer! The Young Professionals Network (YPN) will be hosting a Kick-Off the Summer party at Pete’s Tap (1820 Angle Street Muscatine) this Thursday May 16 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Come enjoy the outdoors, wings, yard games and of course – networking with other young professionals! YPN will be providing door prizes and every person in attendance receives a drink ticket! In addition to having some outdoor fun, YPN will be collecting items for Flickinger Learning Center. Items needed include Back to School items, office supplies... Read More