Rock Island Line

Annika O'Melia

Dedicated with love to Rock Island, IL - a podcast that features the voices of local residents, artists, builders, and changemakers. Through candid conversations, it explores the challenges the city faces, the dreams its people hold, and the ideas that can move Rock Island forward. Our very own community think tank — rooted in empathy, driven by dialogue.

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20 episodes
Updated July 17

Episodes20

Newest first

July 17 · 1 hr 42 min
Atticus Garrison: Watching the Watchers
Host Annika O'Melia sits down with Atticus Garrison — Blackhawk College librarian, digital literacy advocate, and returning friend of the show — for a close look at the 21 Flock Safety license plate reader cameras now watching the edges of our city and listening to the sounds of our city. Atticus walks us through what these ALPR cameras actually do, how the Rock Island Police Department has worked to manage them responsibly, and why his deepest concerns lie not with our local department but with the vendor, Flock Safety, and the nationwide surveillance network it's building. From AI-powered "search by description" to person-tracking tools like Nova, from security failures to cross-jurisdictional access, it's a clear-eyed, fair-minded conversation about a technology quietly reshaping public life in Rock Island — and a reminder that the city's Flock contract is coming up for renewal. 📖 This episode's book recommendation: Blood in the Machine: The Origins of the Rebellion Against Big Tech by Brian Merchant. 📝 Read Atticus's full companion piece, "Always Watching: Flock Cameras in Rock Island," here: https://www.rockislandline.com/post/always-watching-flock-cameras-in-rock-island 🎵 Episode music: "Different Times" by Jett Everett, licensed via Epidemic Sound. This episode description written with the support of Claude.
March 31 · 2 hr 35 min
Dr. Jane Simonsen: Called to Reckon
In this episode of Rock Island Line, Annika sits down with Dr. Jane Simonsen, professor of history and gender studies at Augustana College and co-author and editor of Called to Reckon: Replacing History and Reclaiming Mission at a Midwestern College. Their conversation explores what it means to truly "reckon" with history—both as individuals and as institutions rooted in a specific place. Together, they examine the deep and often overlooked history of the land Augustana calls home, focusing on the Sauk and Meskwaki, the life and legacy of Black Hawk, and the profound transformations that took place in the early 1800s. Dr. Simonsen brings both scholarly expertise and thoughtful perspective to discussions about how history is remembered, interpreted, and sometimes misrepresented. They also talk about the role of local historian John Hauberg in shaping regional narratives and preserving the legacy of Black Hawk. The conversation expands into broader themes of women's history and women's rights, Native American representation, and the responsibility of institutions to revisit their own pasts with honesty and care. At its core, this episode is about place, power, and the stories we choose to tell—and retell—about where we live. 📚 Episode Resources Black Hawk's Autobiography (1833) The Autobiography of Black Hawk Called to Reckon: Replacing History and Reclaiming Mission at a Midwestern College Called To Reckon publisher site These sources provide additional context on Black Hawk, local historical interpretation, and the work of reckoning with institutional history. Check out RockIslandLine.com. Music by Jett Everill from Endemic Sounds.
March 10 · 1 hr 17 min
Marisa Cantu: Caring for Community
n this episode of Rock Island Line, Annika sits down with Marisa Cantu for a wide-ranging conversation about community, service, and life in Rock Island. Marisa reflects on growing up in Rock Island and the powerful influence of her father in shaping her commitment to service and mission-driven work. She shares what it was like growing up—and now raising her own children—on the Half, and how those experiences have shaped her view of neighborhood, belonging, and civic life. The conversation also explores Marisa's work with the Community Caring Conference (CCC), which is entering its 50th year serving the region, as well as her efforts to help reorganize and energize neighborhood block associations across Rock Island. Annika and Marisa also discuss police–community relations and the importance of building trust and connection between residents and local institutions. Before the conversation begins, Annika shares an update on recent reporting at Rock Island Line, including the first article in a new series examining questions and concerns surrounding the Rock Island–Milan School District. The first piece explores district finances and staffing, investigating a widely repeated claim that administrative spending has grown at the expense of classroom instruction. You can read the article and explore additional stories and fact sheets at: https://www.rockislandline.com Future articles in the series will examine discipline policies, state-level changes affecting Illinois schools, and how Rock Island compares to neighboring districts. As always, thank you to the many community members who have reached out with questions, perspectives, and information as this work continues. Music: "Different Times" by Jett Everill
February 19 · 2 hr 13 min
Deb Kuntzi on Preserving Hauberg Estate
In this episode of Rock Island Line, I sit down with Deb Kuntzi, the Executive Director of the Hauberg Estate — a local treasure that has been a cultural and architectural jewel of our community for more than a century. Built between 1909 and 1911 in the Prairie style and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Hauberg Estate was once the private home of Susanne Denkmann and John Hauberg and later became a civic center donated to the city by the Hauberg family. In recent years, Deb has led the nonprofit Hauberg Estate in restoring and reimagining this historic mansion and its Jens Jensen–designed gardens for future generations to enjoy. Deb's love of historic preservation, her deep commitment to community, and her own passion for volunteering shine throughout our conversation. We talk about the effort to acquire, save, and restore the Hauberg Estate when it faced potential sale, and how that effort has birthed ongoing restoration, vibrant programming, and community engagement that makes the estate a gathering place for Rock Islanders. We also dive into what's planned for the future — from garden restoration and carriage house improvements to educational events, tours, and cultural programming that bring history alive and build community bonds. Deb shares insights about why preserving places like the Hauberg matters, how volunteers and donors have been essential, and why historic preservation can be a catalyst for connection and pride in our city. This is a lively and informative conversation about roots, revitalization, and the joy of watching a community's past become part of its present and future. You can learn more about Hauberg Estate and support preservation at www.haubergestate.org and I hope you'll take the time to check it out. Rock Island Line is produced by me, Annika O'Melia. Theme music is Different Times by Jett Everill. You can find past episodes, writing, and more about the project at www.rockislandline.com Thanks for listening — and I'll see you down the line.
January 14 · 2 hr 15 min
Aubrey Barnes: Rock Island's Poet
My first guest of Season Two is Aubrey Barnes, also known as Mister Aubs. I wish I could nominate him for Rock Island's Poet Laureate. Aubrey is a nationally recognized poet, writer, and educator from Rock Island, and the founder of Young Lions Roar — a youth-centered arts and empowerment collective that uses poetry, performance, and creative writing as tools for liberation, healing, and social change. Aubrey is also a co-creator of THE HALF, a powerful stage production developed with Curtis Lewis through Journey Live Productions. The play examines life on 14½ Street in Rock Island, exploring memory, place, identity, and what it means to grow up — and stay — in a neighborhood that holds both pain and pride. I invited Aubrey on after reading his poem Rock Island Sounds Like. The opening lines reference the sound of the descendant trains — the very sound this podcast is named for — and I knew immediately I wanted to sit down with him. In this conversation, we talk about poetry and creativity, education, mental health, politics, policing in America, and what it means to remain human inside complicated systems. It's expansive, honest, and grounding — exactly the tone I want this season to hold. You can learn more about Aubrey and his work at misteraubs.com, and I hope you'll take the time to check it out. Rock Island Line is produced by me, Annika O'Melia. Theme music is Different Times by Jett Everill. You can find past episodes, writing, and more about the project at www.rockislandline.com Thanks for listening — and I'll see you down the line.
Nov 4, 2025 · 2 hr 33 min
Annika's Rock Island Story with Jessica Youngblood Kirkpatrick
In this heartfelt season finale of The Rock Island Line, host Annika O'Melia sits down with her dear friend, Jessica Youngblood Kirkpatrick — but this time, the roles are reversed. Jessica interviews Annika about her own Rock Island story, tracing deep family roots that stretch through generations of Rocky and Augie graduates. What begins as a conversation about hometown heritage quickly opens into a reflection on the season itself — the inspiring guests who are helping drive Rock Island forward, the sense of gratitude Annika feels for the work being done across the city, and her growing frustration, at times, with the process of community engagement. Jessica and Annika explore how much of Annika's own voice, curiosity, and convictions have shaped The Rock Island Line. From her passion for policy and civic life to her growing engagement with issues of human rights, safe housing, and dignity for all, Annika shares how the podcast has become not just a storytelling platform, but a space for advocacy — and how she's learning to embrace taking positions on the issues that matter most. Woven with warmth, honesty, and friendship, this conversation brings the season full circle — grounding the show in the people, history, and hope that make Rock Island home. A special thanks to Jessica Youngblood Kirkpatrick for decades of friendship, support and love. May everyone be so lucky as to have a friend like Jess. To learn more about Rock Island Line, head to www.rockislandline.com While this is the last regularly scheduled episode of the season, be on the lookout for pop-up episodes. 🎵 Music Credits Intro/Outro music: "Different Times" by Jett Everill — licensed via Epidemic Sound
Oct 28, 2025 · 2 hr 38 min
Matthew Claude on learning, teaching, and thinking in Rock Island
In today's episode, Annika talks to Matthew Claude. Matthew grew up in Rock Island, graduated from Rock Island High School, and taught at Rock Island Academy for five years, with his first year of teaching occurring in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matthew and Annika discuss Rock Island, education, teaching, learning, poverty, policy, unions, capitalism, and more in this fast-paced conversation. Enjoy! To learn more about Rock Island Line, head to www.rockislandline.com 🎵 Music Credits Intro/Outro music: "Different Times" by Jett Everill — licensed via Epidemic Sound
Oct 21, 2025 · 2 hr 10 min
Rock Island as a Place for All People with Rev. Jennifer Ohman-Rodriguez
In this conversation, Annika sits down with Rev. Jennifer Ohman-Rodriguez, Lead Pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Rock Island, Illinois. Jennifer's journey to ministry weaves together deep-loss, creative renewal, and a profound commitment to embodied worship and public faith. She opens up about relocating to Rock Island, the sudden and tragic loss of her husband (Anthony D. Rodriguez) in 2016 and how that grief transformed daily life for her and her two sons. Drawing on her background in early childhood education and music, she brings into her pastoral vocation a lived understanding of trauma, resilience, and recovery. You can find Jennifer's book, A Time to Mourn A Time To Dance at: https://chalicepress.com/products/a-time-to-mourn-a-time-to-dance?srsltid=AfmBOoreQlRunWtKJ7BCMj7CI7uFahOhKRnifRbJ4qeDh_QK-dL1UQk_ We explore how she practices "embodied worship" — worship that engages body, story, heart and community — and how she sees the role of the Church in today's fractured public sphere. Jennifer discusses how faith intersects with politics, social justice and the larger world, and how congregations might offer a space for healing, truth-telling and action. Whether you're curious about how one leader lives faith in the gray places of loss and hope, or how a local church might become a force for healing in a city like Rock Island — this episode offers insight, vulnerability and a vision for what public theology could look like when grounded in real life. Music credits: "Different Times" by Jett Everill - licensed via Epidemic Sound Stay connected: Visit rockislandline.com to learn more about Rock Island Line
Oct 14, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Brother Heinz: From Germany with Love
In today's episode, Annika talks to Heinz-Georg Drensler, her father's "brother" from Germany. Heinz was a foreign exchange student at Rock Island High School in 1964/65 and has loved Rock Island and his American family ever since. Heinz was in town last week for Rocky's 60th Class Reunion and stopped by the studio to reflect on his journey to Rock Island from Germany, his American experience, and his view of America from abroad. This is a fast, fun conversation! Check out www.rockislandline.com for more stories, articles, and interesting tid bits.
Oct 7, 2025 · 2 hr 36 min
Rev. Dwight Ford: The Critical Role of Anti-Poverty Work in Rock Island
Reverend Dr. Dwight Ford is widely known as "The People's Pastor" — an innovative leader, author, and public theologian committed to impoverished communities and eliminating the causes of poverty. Rev. Ford served six years in the United States Marine Corps, including tours in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where he was ranked among the top ten percent of enlisted Marines. After his military service, he earned a B.A. in Business Management & Leadership from Western Illinois University, a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School, a Master of Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Leadership from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, and a Doctorate in Divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Today, Rev. Ford serves as Chief Executive Officer of Project Now in Rock Island, IL, admnistering programs such as utility assistance, Headstart, weatherization, meals for seniors, rental assistance, and homelessness services. He is also the pastor of Grace City Church and travels the country as a preacher, public speaker, and consultant on church and community transformation. His book Never Easy, Always Necessary challenges Christians to reimagine service and justice in times of crisis. In this episode of Rock Island Line, host Annika O'Melia sits down with Rev. Ford to explore his journey and his decades-long commitment to serving those society often overlooks. Together, they unpack the controversy around Project NOW's Lift Now Shelter, which provided emergency refuge for people experiencing homelessness this past winter but became a flashpoint for local debate. They also discuss the City of Rock Island's proposed Social Services License Ordinance, which would impose new limits and licensing requirements on agencies serving the unhoused. What does this debate reveal about Rock Island's identity and values? How should a city with a high poverty rate balance compassion, safety, and economic development? And what role can faith and community leadership play in guiding policy? To learn more about Project Now, head to https://www.projectnow.org/index.php To learn more about Rock Island Line, head to www.rockislandline.com 🎵 Music Credits Intro/Outro music: "Different Times" by Jett Everill — licensed via Epidemic Sound
Sep 30, 2025 · 1 hr 57 min
Holly Sparkman: Art, Community & Storytelling in Action
In this episode of Rock Island Line, Annika sits down with Holly Sparkman — longtime community leader, storyteller, entrepreneur, and do-er— to explore her life in Rock Island. We talk about: Holly's path to Augustana College, which rooted her in Rock Island Her journey in the art world, from opening art galleries to being a member of the Art Guild Holly's time working with Renaissance Rock Island to create an arts and entertainment district in downtown Rock Island Holly's role as Director of Communications/Marketing Director with the Rock Island Milan School District Her involvement with Friends of Longivew and the revitalization of Hauberg Holly's role with the YWCA and the local Illinois Film Office Holly shows up for Rock Island and I think you will enjoy this conversation. To learn more about Rock Island Line, head to www.rockislandline.com 🎵 Music Credits Intro/Outro music: "Different Times" by Jett Everill — licensed via Epidemic Sound
Sep 27, 2025 · 7 min
9.22.25 Rock Island City Council Meeting
Description: In this Rock Island Line update, Annika breaks down the September 22nd Rock Island City Council meeting in 10 minutes. Key takeaways: Housing & Redevelopment: The city officially dissolves the stalled 1st Street TIF and backs a new Northwest Industrial TIF, while supporting Community Home Partners' Valley Homes senior housing project. Homeless Services & Community Innovation: The Third Place QC shares its vision for a daytime drop-in space to help unhoused residents stabilize and connect with housing and healthcare. Urban Agriculture Rules: Council advances a comprehensive ordinance setting standards for front-yard gardens, vacant-lot farms, and small-scale livestock. Downtown Development: New rezonings pave the way for new development and other adaptive reuse projects. City Priorities: Conversations about better incentive policies, improved public communication, and supporting local small business owners. Plus: proclamations for Hispanic Heritage Month and the Marching Avenir Highsteppers, big ARPA-funded projects, and new events coming to town. Listen in for the pulse of Rock Island — the moves shaping housing, food, business, and community life right now.
Sep 23, 2025 · 2 hr 21 min
Antaeus Simmons: Creating Safety as Key to Human Development
On today's episode, Annika sits down with Antaeus Simmons, founder of UTH Riders Foundation, or "Under the Helmet." Antaeus outlines his work on promoting safety, whether that's road safety, providing gun locks, working to reduce gang violence, "Stop the Bleed" community safety trainings, or summer programming for kids promoting safety, academic excellence, and athletics. Building a safer community is at the heart of everything Antaeus does. You can learn more about UTH Riders Foundation here: https://uthridersfoundation.org/ If you are enjoying the podcast, please like, subscribe, and leave a positive review. You can read articles and learn more about Rock Island Line at www.rockislandline.com. 🎶 Music featured in this episode: "Different Times" by Jett Everill, licensed through Epidemic Sounds. Listen on Epidemic Sounds.
Sep 16, 2025 · 3 min
Mini Episode Check-In
Today's episode is a quick check-in to announce I'm taking the week off and will have a new episode out next week. In the meantime, I'm asking for feedback. What do you like? Who should I interview? What do you dislike? Email me at annika@rockislandline.com Thank you for loving Rock Island and for listening. See you next week on the Rock Island Line.
Sep 15, 2025 · 6 min
9.8.25 Rock Island City Council Meeting
Today's episode covers the 9.8.2025 Rock Island City Council Meeting. You can view the agenda and details and find a link to watch the meeting here: https://rockislandil.portal.civicclerk.com/event/601/overview Here's an overview of items addressed at the meeting: 📜 Proclamations recognizing: Bill Bell Jazz & Heritage Festival Day National Suicide Prevention Month Ivory Clark Remembrance Day 📸 Winners announced for the Rock Island Block Letters photo contest 🏙️ Downtown Alliance presents and council approves new Downtown Rock Island branding 🎤 Public comment dominated by calls for Rock Island to divest from corporations linked to Israel's war in Gaza 💰 Second-quarter financial report shows: Revenues & expenditures near benchmarks $3.2M General Fund deficit midyear, but reserves remain strong Use tax lagging, sales and income taxes ahead of budget Ongoing deficits at Sunset Marina and Parks & Recreation 🗳️ Council actions: Closed First Street TIF by transferring funds from Century Woods TIF Approved settlement agreement with contractors Awarded towing contract to Kendall Towing of Milan Approved updated meeting time (5:45 p.m. start going forward) Amended Quad Cities Marathon race permit 🌱 Alderman Swanson asks to bring urban garden ordinance back sooner for consideration ⚓ Port Master Plan steering committee to hold first meeting this week Music Credit: "Different Times" by Jett Everill, licensed through Epidemic Sounds Visit www.rockislandline.com to learn more!
Sep 9, 2025 · 2 hr 1 min
Demetrius Johnson: The Green Store and So Much More
In today's episode, Annika sits down with Demetrius Johnson. Demetrius grew up in Rock Island's Arsenal Courts (now known as Century Woods) in a large Rock Island family. Demetrius and his wife, Chanda, now own the Green Store, a corner convenience store located across the street from Century Woods, and strive to be a positive presence in the community. Demetrius explores his journey through young adulthood, the transformative power of fatherhood and his wife on his life, and how he's become a parent and community member he would have looked up to as a kid. I encourage you to follow Demetrius on social media as he tells the stories of people who live in the Century Woods neighborhood. As he says, "there are some people here I want the world to know." Facebook: Demetrius Johnson Instagram: demetrius72 TikTok: demetriusjohnson260 If you like the Rock Island Line, check out the website at www.rockislandline.com Thank you for loving Rock Island.
Sep 2, 2025 · 2 hr 9 min
Alan Carmen: Preserving the Best of Rock Island
In today's episode, Annika sits down with Alan Carmen. Alan Carmen is a longtime Rock Island public servant and planner. He spent decades with the City's planning and redevelopment team—helping craft Rock Island's landmark 1984 historic preservation ordinance and guiding neighborhood and downtown projects—then served as Rock Island Township Supervisor from 2013 to 2021. Today, he continues his civic work on the Rock Island Preservation Commission and is active with the Rock Island Preservation Society. Alan brings a practical, people-first lens to growth, preservation, and how local government can work better for residents—perfect for this Rock Island Line conversation. While Alan has focused on preserving historic buildings through his work with the city and on the preservation commission, he is also concerned with protecting the best of Rock Island, including: Staying connected to one another while we face tough challenges The ability to do "more with less" as a city government Adapting to demographic and economic change Small neighborhoods with unique identities And challenges us to consider the importance of a city having a clear vision for the future and how city policy affects its people. Alan also provides historical context to my involvement with Century Woods. 🎶 Music featured in this episode: "Different Times" by Jett Everill, licensed through Epidemic Sounds. Listen on Epidemic Sounds ✨ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Rock Island Line for more conversations at the crossroads of community, history, and hope.
Aug 29, 2025 · 6 min
8.25.25 Rock Island City Council Meeting
Today's episode covers the 8.25.2025 Rock Island City Council Meeting. You can view the agenda and details and find a link to watch the meeting here: https://rockislandil.portal.civicclerk.com/event/613/overview 🏛 Council Actions & Votes Meeting structure change – Approved an amendment to city code: Regular council meetings now start at 5:45 PM with presentations and one public comment period (no more separate study sessions). Passed unanimously. Homelessness Services Moratorium – Amended to expire Oct. 13, 2025 (instead of Nov. 24). Applies only to new facilities (does not shut down existing providers). Passed 6–1, with Alderman Linda Barnes voting NO. Highway closure – Approved for 5th Ave (US-67) on Oct. 4, 2025 for City Open House. Redevelopment Agreement – Approved with SAL Community Services. Handicap parking ordinances – Approved for 2027 34th St. and 619 44th St. Consent Agenda – Approved (minus item G, later passed separately). Claims – Approved payments to JC Dillon ($11,213) for sewer repair & Langman Construction ($180,842) for Sunset Marina dredge pit. Strategic Planning – Approved contract with Northern Illinois University Center for Governmental Studies. Finance Agreement – Approved $14,000 lease/subscription with DebtBook. Fire Station System – Approved 5-year service agreement with Honeywell/Raycom ($62,970). Sunset Marina lease – Approved agreement for marina apartments. Tobacco License Request – Denied a new license (cap already exceeded). Budget Adjustments – Approved: MLK Activity Fund (+$66,738) MLK Center Fund (+$225,000) Sunset Marina Fund (+$1.41M). Closed Session – Entered to discuss pending or imminent litigation.
Aug 26, 2025 · 2 hr
Robb McCoy on Faith and Community in Today's World
🎙️ In this episode of Rock Island Line, host Annika O'Melia sits down with Robb McCoy, pastor of Two Rivers United Methodist Church in Rock Island, co-host of the long-running podcast Pulpit Fiction, and known to many online as FatPastor (find him on Facebook and Instagram). Together, Annika and Robb explore: The role of faith in challenging times Why community matters more than ever How Jesus might respond to the struggles and divisions of today Robb's deep compassion and candid reflections invite us to imagine a church and a city rooted in love, connection, and hope. 🎶 Music featured in this episode: "Different Times" by Jett Everill, licensed through Epidemic Sounds. Listen on Epidemic Sounds 📌 Follow Robb: Facebook: FatPastor Instagram: @fatpastor Pulpit Fiction Podcast: pulpitfiction.com ✨ Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Rock Island Line for more conversations at the crossroads of community, history, and hope.
Aug 19, 2025 · 1 hr 50 min
Christie Adamson: The Third Place
Homelessness is rising nationwide—and here at home. When Christie Adamson, co-founder of The Third Place, envisioned opening a daytime drop-in center downtown, she expected hard work—not the controversy that followed. In this conversation, Christie shares why she loves Rock Island, what it's like to live and work downtown with her husband and daughter, and how a proposed moratorium on homelessness services sparked tougher questions, deeper neighbor-to-neighbor conversations, and lots of community support. In this episode: What a "third place" is and why downtown needs one Myths vs. realities of homelessness and daytime services Living downtown as a family—and choosing to stay invested Turning conflict into connection, collaboration, and care Learn more / get involved: The Third Place QC on Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/thethirdplaceqc/ If you enjoy the show, follow Rock Island Line, rate, and share with a neighbor. Learn more at: www.rockislandline.com Music by Jett Everill with Epidemic Sound.