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Local news in and around East Dubuque, IL

TelegraphHerald.com · East Dubuque, IL

Michael Sullivan

EAST DUBUQUE, Ill. — Michael “Mike” Sullivan, 75, of East Dubuque, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, November 9, 2026, at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center. Mike was born on December 13, 1950, in Dubuque, IA, the son of Francis and Margaretta “Bip” (Sendt) Sullivan and remained a lifelong resident of the area he loved. Mike served in the military and was stationed in Colorado Springs. After his service, he built a career of 51 years at Flexsteel in Dubuque, working with the quiet reliability and loyalty that marked everything he did. In the East Dubuque community, he coached hundreds of kids and refereed for over 25 years, earning the respect and affection of countless players, parents, and coaches who came to know him.

The Vidette · East Dubuque, IL

Redbird softball signs trio of players for 2028 season

The Illinois State softball team has signed a trio of new players from 2027’s high school class in anticipation of the 2028 season. The first player ISU has added to the team is Hayden Pfeifer, a right-handed pitcher and infielder from Seneca High School in Mazon, Illinois. Pfeifer led her school to a runner-up finish in the 2026 Illinois Softball Tournament. She’s official ✍️ Welcome to Normal, @HPfeifer2027! https://t.co/omshgclOy1 Pfeifer finished her most recent campaign with a 21-1 record on the mound and a 1.21 ERA. In addition, Pfeifer punched out 241 batters. At the plate, Pfeifer hit 13 home runs and completed 2026 with a .479 batting average. The second player the Redbirds have brought on is Gracie Ahrens, who bats left and throws right, from East Peoria Community High School in East Peoria, Illinois. Ladies and gentlemen, we got her 👏 Welcome to Normal, Gracie!

Iowa Public Radio · Dubuque, IA

Nearby: Dubuque, IA

Dubuque becomes the latest Iowa school district to downsize as it faces budget pressure

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Students at Dubuque’s public schools will enter a consolidated district in 2028. The Dubuque Community School District Board of Education approved a plan Monday to close two middle schools and restructure its high schools as the district looks to cut $17 million from its budget by the 2030-2031 fiscal year. It’s the latest and most dramatic cost-saving measure the district has taken in recent years, as declining enrollment and low state funding are pressuring its $170 million budget. “We've been looking at multiple things to say, ‘How can we be more efficient,’ and we've been doing that since 2015, 2016, and we're getting to the point where we have to look at our footprint,” Superintendent Amy Hawkins said at Monday's meeting. The plan closes the Jefferson and Washington Middle Schools. Hempstead High School will serve grades 8-9 and Senior High School will serve grades 10-12. It takes effect in Fall 2028.

The Simpsonian · Dubuque, IA

Nearby: Dubuque, IA

Simpson women’s soccer captures first A-R-C tournament title since 1999

Simpson College women’s soccer is returning to the NCAA Tournament after claiming the American Rivers Conference, or A-R-C, tournament title for the first time since 1999. The Storm secured the title with a 2-0 win over the University of Dubuque on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Dubuque, Iowa. The title is the second in program history and caps a postseason run that included victories over Wartburg College and Loras College. Simpson will make its fourth NCAA Tournament appearance and its third in the last four seasons. The NCAA Division III selection show on Monday, Nov. 9, announced that the Storm will travel to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, to compete in the first round of the tournament. They will play Hope College on Friday, Nov. 13. Simpson opened the conference tournament Oct. 31 with a 1-0 victory over Wartburg at Buxton Stadium. Savannah Schneider scored in the 18th minute off an assist from Abby Bell.

KCRG · Dubuque, IA

Nearby: Dubuque, IA

Dozens displaced after Dubuque fire

DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) - Dozens of people are without a home Sunday morning after an apartment fire in Dubuque left people in twenty units displaced. Crews were called to the fire on West 17th Street -- at a three-story, 30-unit complex. The fire happened Saturday evening - crews arrived at 6:20 p.m. and had the fire under control by 6:27 p.m. Several residents were evacuated -- one dog was rescued from a balcony. Roughly six to ten dogs were reunited with their owners in total. The Red Cross is assisting the people who were displaced with shelter assistance. The damage is estimated to be about $580,000. Two people and one firefighter were left with minor injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Copyright 2026 KCRG. All rights reserved.

North Park University Athletics - Official Athletics Website · Dubuque, IA

Nearby: Dubuque, IA

No. 16 Dubuque Sweeps North Park in Season Finale - North Park University Athletics

DUBUQUE, Iowa -- The North Park Women's Volleyball team closed the 2026 season Friday evening with a 3-0 loss to No. 16 Dubuque at the Stoltz Sports Center. The Spartans claimed the match by scores of 25-21, 25-14, and 25-18 to finish the regular season at 25-5, while North Park concluded its campaign at 9-19. Senior middle blocker Meg Rothermel led the Vikings with eight kills on a .412 hitting percentage while adding two solo blocks for a team-high 10 points. Junior outside hitter Maya Huelsman contributed six kills, senior setter Kendal Britton tallied 25 assists, and junior libero Xenia Gonzales paced the defense with 14 digs. Dubuque was led by Delainey Winkel and Halee Clare, who each recorded 11 kills. Alexis Kammerer directed the Spartan offense with 37 assists and three service aces. North Park battled throughout the opening set and erased a three-point deficit midway through the frame.

The Waterways Journal · Bellevue, IA

Nearby: Bellevue, IA

Museum Honors Putmans With Barge Theater Name

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque, Iowa, has renamed its barge theater the Capt. Jeremy & Julie Putman Barge Theater, honoring Riverview Companies owners Jeremy and Julie Putman for their dedication to the Mississippi River and their continued support of the museum. The naming was announced November 6 during the museum’s annual Captain’s Ball, where Riverview Companies was a major event sponsor. Jeremy Putman, president of Riverview Companies, serves on the boards of both the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium and the National Rivers Hall of Fame. The Putmans bought Riverview Boat Store in Bellevue, Iowa, in 2003, and they have since expanded to two grocery supply stores, Riverview Tug Service and Riverview Marine Repair, serving the commercial marine industry from the Upper Mississippi River to the Louisiana Gulf Coast. “The Mississippi River has been a huge part of our lives, both personally and professionally,” Jeremy Putman said.