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Published in The Dispatch • The Rock Island Argus on April 5, 2026
By Tom Martin
TOM MARTIN love this newsroom. That's I why leaving it will be so difficult.
After a little more than three years as executive editor, I will step down April 10.
It's been a privilege to lead the newsroom for such reputable publications as the Quad- City Times and Dispatch-Argus. It was difficult to go anywhere in the Quad-Cities without running into someone who had worked for one of these esteemed newspapers. And the list of journalists who've passed through these publications is long and storied.
The journalists I've worked with the past three years —some who are still here and others who have moved on — have made my time here rewarding. The talent here is exceptional, and let's call the culture "spirited."
From all of us dressing like Tom Loewy on Halloween, to one particular staff member making Christmas tree ornaments out of the staff pictures (reindeer, elves and Santas), we've made some memories. The Secret Santa gift exchange is my favorite newsroom tradition.
We do a lot of living in our workplaces. It helps to have kind, caring and fun coworkers.
The reporters have pulled down incredible stories, including the coverage of the downtown Davenport fatal building collapse, our series on people living on the Last Rung, our series on why Iowa shifted politically conservative, coverage of a double homicide in Davenport, the arrest in the Trudy Appleby killing and story after story of the people of the Quad-Cities. A good newspaper reflects its community, and this newsroom strives for that.
The current staff includes Connor Wood, Grace Kinnicutt, Laura Yeater, Sarah Watson, Cesar Toscano, Nina Baker, Gretchen Teske, Tom Loewy, Tom Geyer, Katelyn Metzger, Maya Marchel Hoff, Tom Johnston, Nick Keeley, Joshua Crawford, Ethan Petrik and Ben Hutchens.
Among the long-timers I got a chance to work with were Tony Watt, Barb Ickes, Matt Coss, Jon Gremmels and the late Steve Batterson. Some of the others who were here for briefer, but impactful, spells include Olivia Allen, Gannon Hanevold, Roy Dabner, Brooklyn Draisey, Bethany Kalmbach, Dave Hotle and Dave Selvig.
All of these people deserve more than a mention. They've put themselves into their work and made an impact on readers as well as each other.
I have a history with some of the current staff members. I guess that happens when you're in the business long enough.
Tom Loewy and I have worked together for nearly 20 years. Most of those years were at The Register-Mail in Galesburg, but the last three were here in the Quad-Cities. Tom is absolutely the best interviewer and storyteller I've worked with in my 35 years as editor in five different newsrooms. The high point of my career was announcing Tom (known simply as "Loewy" in the newsroom) as the recipient of the Illinois Reporter of the Year in 2025. In a surprise to me, he announced that I'd been named Illinois Editor of the Year.
Justin Conn is the regional sports editor over the Quad-Cities newspapers. We go way back, to the Macomb Journal in 1998. I hired Justin as a news reporter there, and I later hired him for sports in Galesburg. And now I work with him in the Quad-Cities. Justin is one of my favorite journalists and people. He brings a vibrancy to everything.
Connor Wood is managing editor here, but I first met him at Knox College. I was serving as adviser for the student publication (The Knox Student) and Connor was the editor in chief. I was knocked about by him then and had a chance to hire him as associate managing editor and then managing editor when Barb Ickes left after an incredible career. Connor mostly works behind the scenes, but he is amazing at assigning, organizing, editing, sleuthing public documents and working oneon-one with reporters. He will continue to excel here.
And my editorial board members deserve a little recognition. Quad-City Times President Rob Cravaritis, Wood, John Wetzel and Tyla Sherwin-Cole meet with me every week to guide the editorials for the Sunday edition. I'm the writer, but I couldn't do it without them. In addition, John Wetzel has served on the editorial board for decades. Always a professional, John comes in with a list of topics every week. He's an institution.
Finally, I need to thank readers for putting up with me. My No. 1 goal was to inspire the staff to find and tell better stories. Exclusive stories, compelling stories, stories that provide context, that help readers see and understand more of their community. Understanding can dissolve division. I hope we've made a difference over the past three years.
A piece of me will be here always.
The staff and leadership here will continue to push forward. My departure will not change that.
It's been an honor to serve you.
Tom Martin is executive editor at the Quad-City Times and Dispatch-Argus. Contact him at tmartin@qctimes.com.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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