Good morning, Dubuque.

Dubuque County Conservation partnered with a contractor to build a new dock at Heritage Pond off Highway 52 North for non-motorized boats—canoeists and kayakers can now launch from the site while local fishermen share the water.

Dubuque and Key West fire crews responded at around 12:15 p.m. Monday to a fire at 9442 Noonan Street in Table Mound Mobile Home Park—fire spread to the residence but was quickly contained with no injuries and about $15,000 in damage.

Employers in the Dubuque Times publication area filed 21 H-1B petitions in 2024 and all cases were approved per USCIS data.

Infoweb Systems, Inc. submitted seven petitions – the most among local employers, and the area saw a 23.5% increase from 2023.

The Iowa House passed a bill Tuesday to limit cell phone use in schools—sending it to Governor Kim Reynolds for his signature.

If signed, schools will soon require rules to keep phones away during class time to cut digital distractions.

An environmental review has delayed building the railroad overpass on 14th Street in Dubuque—pushing construction to 2027 and 2028.

Last night the City Council voted to extend the planning period for the federal RAISE grant from July to December 2028—ensuring further review of the project.

Today, Iowa lawmakers passed a bill that limits cell phone use in classrooms to reduce distractions after it cleared the Senate.

Governor Kim Reynolds said she looks forward to signing the measure as it heads to her desk.

The Dubuque Parks & Recreation Commission voted yesterday to recommend that the City Council maintain the pet ban in parks such as Eagle Point and Murphy Parks because some pet owners did not follow leash laws or clean up after their pets (the ban currently allows only leashed dogs and cats) and the recommendation will be reviewed in May (when City Council will vote on it).

Federal layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have raised fears that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program—helping over 6 million Americans with their utility bills—may face funding shortfalls as nearly $380 million for summer cooling remains undisbursed. HACAP in Dubuque is accepting applications through April 30th and says its operations in nine eastern Iowa counties are not impacted by the reductions.

Meredith Gaudreau, widow of former Dubuque Saints hockey player Johnny Gaudreau, welcomed their third child Carter Michael on April 1; he weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces and measured 20.5 inches—matching his late father's birth size.

Johnny Gaudreau played 11 NHL seasons before he and his brother Matthew were killed in a bicycle accident on Aug. 29, 2024.

ADHD, Autism and Sensory Workshop for Parents

6:15-7:30 p.m. — Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom — Free tickets required — Discover practical support for parents navigating ADHD, autism, and sensory issues in children.

Dubuque's Largest Flea Market and Garage Sale

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Tri-State Independent Blind — Free admission — Explore over 100 tables of treasures ranging from crafts to collectibles.

St Catherine Chicken & Ham Dinner

11 AM – 3 PM — Happy's Place — $15 adults, $5 kids — Enjoy a delicious chicken dinner with sides, games and a bake sale in Dubuque.

Sesame Street Live! in Dubuque

6-7:30 p.m. — Five Flags Center — Tickets required — Elmo and his friends bring music and fun to the stage in an engaging live performance.

Community Easter Egg Hunt

10:00-11:30 a.m. — Allison-Henderson Park — Free — Enjoy a delightful Easter Egg Hunt featuring golden egg giveaways and fun activities for kids.

Cupping with Silicone Cups Workshop

9 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Zeal Salon Spa & Academy — Registration required — Enhance your massage practice with effective silicone cupping techniques for pain relief and improved mobility.

RaeLynn Live Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Mississippi Moon Bar at Diamond Jo Casino — Cheap tickets available — Experience RaeLynn's electrifying performance in an intimate setting.

Vintage Torque Fest 2025

May 2-3 — Dubuque County Fairgrounds & Event Center — Tickets required for entry — Celebrate vintage lifestyle with classic cars, live music, and good food, all for a great cause.

Dubuque Dances with the Stars 2025

6-10 p.m. — Mississippi Moon Bar at Diamond Jo Dubuque — Tickets required — Experience a dazzling evening of dance showcasing local talent for a good cause.

Swan Lake Ballet Performance

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Heritage Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the timeless beauty of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake performed by the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and Heartland Ballet.