DAVENPORT, Iowa-  “Can I tell them?”

Gulp.

On stage in front of hundreds of people, Donnie Wahlberg was about to spill a secret I’d been keeping for four months.

“Ummm, okay!”

It was, technically, my fault.

I’ve known for weeks that I would be interviewing Wahlberg before his appearance at a Gilda’s Club fundraiser. Wahlberg first became a household name in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s as a member of the boy band, New Kids on the Block. He went on to an acting career, now starring in “Blue Bloods” on CBS and a reality show about his family’s restaurant, "The Wahlburgers."  The band got back together in 2008.

One day it dawned on me that I might be able to talk him into doing something small to help announce my pregnancy. I thought it would be fun to ask him for a simple picture, pointing at my barely there belly with the caption, “There’s about to be a NEW kid on the block.” My husband was amused that he could get out of taking a picture and have who he considered a “better looking guy” take his place in our potential announcement.

When the day arrived, Donnie Wahlberg came into Genesis Cancer Center in a tailored blue suit and a shy grin on his face. He would talk briefly with staff members and then head down a hallway to meet with some patients getting treatment. In the hall, he ran into a 23-year-old mother facing cancer treatments. They chatted and he signed a throwback picture of the New Kids on the Block for her, then invited her to join him for the rest of his visit. She trailed behind him, beaming. It was clear he was very comfortable meeting new people but without any trace of ego.

I was all set for my interview with Donnie later in a private room, where I was all ready to ask him about the New Kids reunion, when he was bringing  a “Wahlburgers” to the Quad Cities and his secret favorite show, “The Bachelor.”

At the end of the interview, I asked him for my special picture. He suggested we try to do it as a selfie, but we couldn’t quite get the angle right. So we had my photographer Travis snap a few more. Donnie was on a pretty tight schedule, and he had to head to his next interview.

He left, saying, “Good luck with your baby!” and headed out the door.

I knew I would see him later that afternoon, as I introduced him on stage event for Gilda’s Club. For the past seven years, Gilda’s staff has invited interesting speakers from all across the entertainment world to come speak in the Quad Cities, from chef Curtis Stone, to celebrity dog trainer Caesar Milan, to journalist Joan Lunden. Donnie was planning to be on stage for about 45 minutes. I would introduce him to the crowd, and let him do his thing.

On stage, Wahlburg talked about his family, life on the road as a singer and actor, and why he came off a break from work to speak on behalf of Gilda’s Club. He finished by saying he hoped to spend the rest of his time answering audience questions.  I took my index cards loaded with questions onto the stage and got ready to start the Q and A session. As I approached him, Donnie asked if I had posted the picture yet.

“Nope, not yet,” I answered. I tried to send him a mental message… Not now!

But he pushed me. “You should post it soon!”

I didn’t know what to do. I knew we had a captive audience, so I hesitated.

He chimed in again, motioning to the crowd. “Can I tell them?” I responded “Um, okay!”

Donnie threw his arm on my shoulder and told the story, how I asked him for a picture pointing at my belly because I was expecting a beautiful baby! The slightly confused audience clapped and cheered as I stood there, pretty stunned myself. I think my only response was “September,” referring to my due date.

The coolest part was yet to come, when about a dozen people came up to me after the event to say "Congratulations" and wish me well. I can't tell you what a joy it's been sharing this news and finally getting to be an "out and proud" pregnant lady! I couldn't have planned it this way, but I am so thankful to Donnie Wahlberg, Gilda's Club, and all of you for giving me a memorable story to share with my sweet baby one day.

MOLINE, Illinois – Every week, an app on my phone tells me how big the baby is getting, from a poppy seed to a pumpkin. At 20 weeks, my sweet baby is now a banana. But much like meteorologists use the ‘real feel’ temperature to tell you it feels like 104 on an 85 degree day, I think baby apps need to do the same thing. Baby may be a banana, but my ‘real feel’ is a 20 ounce steak, baked potato and half a chocolate cake. Suffice it to say, I’m feeling pleasantly plump. But at the halfway mark in my pregnancy, that feels really darn good.

Baby Banana!

So here we are at the halfway point… That’s right, I’m a ‘we’. We is also my husband Turner, who as been such a champ over the past four months. He lets me sleep in, eat chocolate and puts up with a little extra moodiness on any given day.  We had the option of learning our baby’s gender this week, but we are opting to stay “Team Green” until baby is born. The ultrasound tech laughed as we both closed our eyes during the most recent appointment, remarking that there always seems to be one spouse sneaking a peek. But the surprise is important to us both. That also means are committed to coming up with at least 2 names and decorating a nursery that could be home to either a mini-D or a mini-T. Turner wants baby’s room decorated with the same art that was on his walls as a child, so stay tuned for our “fairy tale dragon” unisex nursery. I’m so excited to see it come together. For now, Mackey is just confused about the mess in the previously empty room.

Where are my toys?

I am so happy to say that I am feeling fabulous. Everyone says the second trimester is the best, because you’re over the morning sickness of the first three months but aren’t big enough yet to be uncomfortable like you are in the third trimester. I was lucky enough to have virtually no morning sickness and only very few uncomfortable days. The toughest part for me is getting dressed for work. I’m no longer trying to hide the fact that I’m pregnant. (A lot of you wondered what was up with the baggy blouses… ) Now I’m just trying to fit into clothes in general. I feel best in real clothes, not maternity wear, that’s one size bigger. This a-line Ann Taylor midi-dress is long, flowy and super comfortable, so I feel like a queen, or at least someone who maybe knows a queen.

I also found a favorite pair of maternity jeans. They’re from J. Crew, so a little pricey, but I think worth it for the quality and the fit. They’re called “toothpick jeans”, which I find particularly hilarious considering no toothpick has ever required an elastic waist. Overall, buying some new clothes is one of the fun decisions. The less fun ones are still to come… like thinking about birth plans, day cares and other scary mommy things.

As I think ahead to all the things my little one will need, I want to share a little plug for a local project that keeps newborn babies safe and swaddled.

From Trinity Health Foundation:

For only nine dollars, donors can give a newborn at Trinity Birthplace’s Bettendorf or Moline campuses a Halo Sleep Sack for use at home.  The wearable blankets swaddles babies in cotton that stays put while they sleep in order to help keep them from wiggling.  When used properly the sleep sacks help reduce the chance of babies becoming entangled in sheets and other covers that could obstruct their breathing. Halo Sleep Sacks are endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Donations may be made online at www.unitypoint.org/quadcities/donate-a-sleep-sack.aspx.  Gifts can also be given in honor of a loved one, and a donor card will accompany each sleep sack. For more information, contact the Trinity Health Foundation at (309) 764-7610.

Thanks to all who have been checking in and sending positive thoughts!

Feeling GREAT!

Read more:

How Donnie Wahlberg spilled the beans on Denise’s pregnancy

MOLINE, Illinois –

The best moment in my pregnancy so far came at 26 weeks. I had a routine doctor’s appointment, including an ultrasound. Everything was normal about that scan. I usually lay back and wait for the tech to tell me when it’s safe to look, because being Team Green, I’m always afraid of seeing, or not seeing something that will give me a clue about my baby’s gender. So there I am, counting ceiling tiles, when the tech remarked that the baby was in a great position and flipped on the 3D imaging. I looked down and suddenly my sweet baby’s face was there on the screen, clearer than I ever could imagine was possible. I could see two eyes, the cutest button nose and well-defined lips. It was so clear I could even see the baby’s “cupid’s bow” above the lip. Tears of joy dripped down my cheeks. I couldn’t believe I was seeing the face of this little person I have been caring for and dreaming of for the past 6 months. It caught me off guard and made my heart soar. I snapped this picture when I was alone in the room, and I feel like it captures exactly how I was feeling.

Two days later, I had a little bump in the road that involved a trip to the E.R. and a one night stay in the hospital. Thank goodness for my husband, my hero, who stayed by my side and made sure the doctors took good care of me. He still worries about me, but I am relieved to say I am back to feeling great. A few days after that little scare, I felt well enough to go on our already scheduled “baby-moon” down in Texas that involved a lot of great food and down time at the pool. We stayed at a beautiful condo along Lake Travis outside of Austin. It was just what I needed.

So here I am now in the third trimester. It feels a huge milestone for me, because I can’t believe how quickly time has passed since first sharing the news with you all back in April. It hit me that I have only about 11 weeks left to get my mind wrapped around the fact that Turner and I are about to be parents. And it’s getting more real every day, especially after we made big progress on the nursery over the weekend. The furniture is now in place, there are decorations on the walls, and the crib is assembled. It is truly a place we made together, with some art that came from Turner’s childhood bedroom, some fun pieces I had to have from Hobby Lobby, a beautiful bird house nightlight I scored off Etsy and a few other details I think might surprise you if you don’t know my husband. I can’t wait to show you all how it looks when it’s finished.

There will be much more to show you after next weekend, because I am having my first baby shower! My sister is hosting, and all of my family will be there. I can’t wait for everyone to celebrate! Let the countdown continue!

BETTENDORF -- Emmy Cuvelier is a Disney princess at heart. She grew up dreaming of one day wearing a crown. That's what she does as the reigning Miss Central Iowa. But she also lives the princess life by transforming into her favorite characters.

Cuvelier works for Little Princess Parties in Urbandale, Iowa. She was first cast as Ariel, the Little Mermaid, to appear at events like children's birthday parties. But her boss also lets her pursue a passion. She volunteers as a princess at places like the Genesis Pediatric Therapy Center in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Cuvelier showed News 8 the routine it takes to get into character. It all starts with creating a doe-eyed look, using dramatic eyeliner and fake lashes. The rest of the face is more natural, with a light pink blush on her cheeks. The secret to really becoming Ariel is coloring her eyebrows a bright shade of red to make her Ariel wig. She does that using a bright red lipstick.

Emmy Cuvelier's visit to the therapy center included a story time, a song, and a treasure hunt with a group of about six young children. She answers their questions about life under the sea and how she got King Triton to let her leave the water for the afternoon. (He knows humans are friendly, thanks to Prince Eric.)

Cuvelier spends about an hour with the kids before swimming off to her next adventure. She is working hard to get ready for the Miss Iowa pageant coming up later in June. She's competing for the second time and hoping to take home the title.

Season 20 Bachelor Ben Higgins will be visiting the Quad Cities in July during John Deere Classic week.

Related: Former "Bachelor" Ben Higgins talks "Bachelorette" with Denise Hnytka

He will be spending time on Tuesday, July 11 at the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley Golf Invitational. The event is the largest fundraiser of the year for the organization. Tickets for the golf portion are sold out, but you can meet Ben during the event's "After Party" at Short Hills Country Club. The "After Party" for guests 21 and older will include dinner, drinks, silent auction, and live entertainment. This year's special guest is country music star Cole Swindell. Eric Dodd and the Dirt Road Rockers will also perform. Tickets: $100 per person. Click here for information on how to get tickets.

You can also win the chance to be Ben's caddy at the John Deere Classic Pro-Am. He is golfing on Wednesday, July 12 at TPC at Deere Run. The auction is going on live, right now through July 6th. Click here to make your bid! The winner and a guest can walk with Ben inside the ropes at the ProAm. The prize also includes a two-night hotel stay and two tickets to the private John Deere Classic Charity concert at the Waterfront Convention Center that evening.

Ben told us how he got connected to the John Deere Classic and his chance to play in the ProAm. “I love golf. Literally my dream is to play in a ProAm.” He also explains that his golf game is “average,” despite the fact that he’s been playing since he was four years old.

Ben has been in the Quad Cities before and he's looking forward to his return.

“I’m excited to get back, I really am," Ben said. I don’t get a lot of free time. I am taking a week off of work to come to the Quad Cities and hang out for a few days. That’s not easy for me to do, but I am doing it because everyone there has been so nice to me, and welcoming and encouraging. I’m bringing my family this time, which I didn’t bring last year. I’m excited to do what I can to help these charities out, but when it comes down to it, to play a lot of golf.”

During a Skype interview, News 8's Denise Hnytka talked with former Bachelor Ben Higgins about Rachel’s season and the guys he is rooting for. “I like Dean; he came out as very vulnerable right away. I liked that about him, and a lot of the women love Dean right now,” he said. He’s also a fan of Kenny and Fred, even though Fred got eliminated after an awkward moment with Rachel.

Related: Ben Higgins is coming to the John Deere Classic and you can party with him

The one guy who isn’t right for Rachel? According to Ben, that’s Lee. “Lee is somebody I don’t want to watch,” Ben said. “Lee is a guy who I don’t appreciate anything he said, the way he treats people, his comments in the background. That to me is not fun.”

Ben also shared his feelings on the misconduct allegations that shut down filming of “Bachelor in Paradise.” An investigation by the production company found no misconduct, and the show is set to air as scheduled this summer. “I’m happy if the truth was told,” he said. “It’s a tough subject to talk about because I didn’t know any of the details at all.”

He also talked about the changes that may be coming to the show after the controversy. “I am going to watch this with a different eye now. You’re going to see the contestants be a lot calmer in how much they drink, because they are now aware of the repercussions.”

Watch More: Ben Higgins' upcoming trip the QC and his life now

Ben dives into his life now, talking about his new podcast with fellow member of Bachelor Nation, Ashley Iaconneti. So far, they’ve done 6 episodes of “Almost Famous.” “I’m a huge talker, he said. "And with podcasts, no one is telling me to stop talking.” He also shared the details of his new charity venture, Humanity and Hope United Foundation.

Ben said he's not ready to date yet after his split from Lauren, his pick from the show. He knows life has changed now, and he wants to take it slow before venturing back out into the dating world.

“I think it’s changed so much, I don’t know what it looks like.”

2017 is on track to set a record for most store closings. Credit Suisse estimates more than 8,000 stores could close by the end of the year. Already, 300 retailers filed for bankruptcy this year. That's 30 percent more than last year, and it's included giants like Payless, Gander Mountain and Gordman's. A majority of the businesses blame a change in the way people shop, with more money being spent online.

That trend was top of mind for Natasha Funderburk, as she set out on her new business venture. In health care for 12 years, she realized she was ready to make a big change. So she and her husband Chad launched Harper and Sky, a clothing boutique for women. They opted to keep the business exclusively online and skip the storefront.

Harper and Sky launched in May, with most items priced under $50. Natasha credits low overhead for her ability to offer quality designs at reasonable prices. Natasha relies on social media for much of the store's marketing. She uses locations in the Quad Cities for her photo shoots and employs local models.

"I want people to know we are based in a town that we love, with the people we love," she explained.

Online shopping now accounts for 8.5% of all retail sales. That's double what it was back in 2010.

DAVENPORT, Iowa — Davenport Police say one person was shot in an incident Monday July 3, 2017. Officers responded to a call in the 1300 block of Sturdevant Street around 3pm.

Police say the victim is being treated for injuries but is expected to make a full recovery. Investigators say they are checking surveillance cameras on nearby Washington Street for any clues that can help them. No arrests have been made.

EAST MOLINE, Illinois -- 150 golfers came out to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley on Tuesday, July 11. This is the 16th year for the golf invitational that's become the organization's biggest fundraiser of the year.

BGCMV supports 600 Quad Cities kids, ranging in age from 6-18 years old. It costs at least $1,000 per child to pay for the programs that support them each year. The organization is expanding with a fourth location next month coming to the old J.B. Young School in Davenport.

This year organizers invited Ben Higgins, star of ABC's "The Bachelor" to play in the outing. He was joined by country stars Cole Swindell and Eric Dodd.

"It's so much fun when you can play in a golf outing and support a good cause," Higgins said. "I love golf. It's cool to be accepted already, when you're supporting a charity that means so much to the Quad Cities."

Higgins will also play in the John Deere Classic ProAm during his visit.

EAST MOLINE, Illinois — Ben Higgins loves golf. That’s why he was thrilled to be invited to the Quad Cities to play in John Deere Classic ProAm. He appeared on Season 20 of the The Bachelor back in 2016, but life has only gotten busier for him. He talked with News 8’s Denise Hnytka about his life now, his experience on the show, and his take on relationships away from reality TV.

Ben's been on the road a lot recently. He lives in Denver, but he just spent 4th of July in Indiana with his family.

"It's getting to be a little exhausting," he said of his schedule. "But life is still good. I've been gone from Denver for three weeks. I'm sick of being gone from home, you know?"

But Ben still has time to catch new episodes of "The Bachelorette". He recaps the episodes during his weekly podcast "Almost Famous". Right now he says he's rooting for Dean to end up with Rachel.

"Dean is young," Ben said. "He didn't come in with a preconceived notion of being famous. He just signed up, and that's the attitude I had. I had no clue what the show was bringing me, then it happens and your life has changed. His life will change."

Ben ended up proposing to his pick on the show, Lauren Bushnell. The two announced their split back in May.

"My relationship with Lauren was so real," he said. "You come out of the show wanting to make this thing happen. My hope is for anyone coming out of the situation is to realize that it is unnatural. So the only thing you can do is make it reality as soon as possible."

He admits the whirlwind after the show made it tough to maintain his relationship with Lauren.

"You gotta listen well and communicate openly," he said. "The core to any relationship is communication and sometimes that gets lost when a thousand things are happening to you after the show. 'The Bachelor' is so weird. Everyone know it. It's not natural, but good things can come from it. Love can come from it. And that's the fun in it. You watch it to say, I hope this works. And if it doesn't, I get why."

Watch the full, raw interview here.

Catch the NEWS 8 TRIO every Tuesday and Thursday night on “News 8 at 6:30” for three great ideas to make your life better and more interesting.

Denise and Johnnie are back to show us 3 ways to bring the fair to you, with something sweet, something fried and something on a stick!

1. A must-have at the fair - funnel cakes! These are made with pancake batter.
2. Something to wet your whistle. What's sweeter than a donut milkshake?
3. Chocolate-covered bacon on a stick!

Join News 8's Denise Hnytka and Johnnie Jindrich every night for your top news, weather, health, and lifestyle ideas on "News 8 at 6:30".

CHICAGO --  American Idol auditions on Monday, September 11th attracted thousands of performers, but only a handful could get a callback to the next round. One of them is 19-year-old Harmoni Eiland from Eldridge, Iowa. She wowed the judges with her performance of "It's a Man's Man's World", earning her a return trip for the second day of auditions.

Eiland was one of two Quad City area performers in Chicago, after winning a "Front of the Line" pass at Quad Cities Idol in Rock Island last month. Bryce Reeg from Bellevue, Iowa also earned an audition pass. Reeg didn't make it to the next round, but he walked away smiling after some great feedback from the judges.

"It's something I would definitely try again, and you know, better luck next year," Reeg said.

Eiland is staying the night in Chicago, practicing for the next round. The judges asked her to prepare new, current song choices.

"At first it seemed like he was going to tell me to come back next year," Eiland said. "But then he said I'll put you through and come back with more songs, and I said I can do that!"

MOLINE, Illinois - Republican State Representative Jeanne Ives says she's challenging the Governor in the March primary because he betrayed the party. She says she started getting calls to get in the race after Governor Bruce Rauner signed the  expanding abortion coverage for women on Medicaid. She also says he surrendered to the Democrats by agreeing to what she considers a bailout of Chicago Public Schools.

"Governor Rauner betrayed our party and our values," Rep. Ives said. "He lied to us. He lied to people in the party about vetoing that bill. And he's basically Benedict Rauner at this point"

Rep. Ives met with News 8's Denise Hnytka during a visit to the Quad Cities. In an interview, Ives said she is not intimidated by getting into a race that could be the most expensive in state history. Governor Rauner has 65 million dollars in campaign cash on hand. But Ives says big money isn't a prerequisite to win the race.

"Campaigns are run differently right now," she said. "The Governor is going to spend a lot of money on consultants trying to convince people he is someone he is not. We know that they just want someone to stand up for them, and this guy hasn't done that."

Ives selected Rock Island County Board member and former state representative Rich Morthland as her running mate. She says he represents what she considers a "forgotten" part of the state, because it's outside Chicago.

Teachers on board the white bus hadn't gotten to finish their coffee that morning. The bus driver told them spills would make his floor sticky. The bus pulls up to a yellow building at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, and a loud voice gets on.

"Get off my bus!"

That voice belongs to a Marine Corps drill instructor. He skips over any pleasantries or greetings, demanding the teachers get off the bus and stand in lines on what are known as the yellow footprints.

"When you stand in these footprints, and you walk through these doors, you are part of a legacy that ties folks to who we are as Marines," explained LtCol. Jesse Sjoberg.

The teachers represent a large Midwestern region, one busload is from the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. The other bus is mainly teachers from Iowa, including two teachers from Muscatine High School and one from Moline High School.

The teachers are here to experience boot camp like a Marine recruit. There are some noticeable differences. None of the teachers get the signature Marine haircut, of course. LtCol. Sjoberg says the teachers are getting only 20% of the intensity that a recruit would get from the drill instructors. A recruit would come off the bus in darkness, meant to add to the mystique and chaos of the arrival.

Their next stop is the contraband room, lined with red cubbies. This is where recruits leave everything that ties them to their civilian life. No cell phones. No wallets. Nothing from home. The whole time the drill instructor is calling out commands. There are only three answers.

"Yes, sir."

"No, sir."

"Ay, ay, sir."

"When I say look at me now, you have some teachers looking this way and this way," explained SSgt. Trevor Woodruff. "But for a recruit, that means get your eyes on me. No ifs, ands, or butts."

This special News 8 series will explore the making of a Marine. Recruiting and training Marines is a key part of the organization's work. 17,000 recruits graduate every year from one of three training locations - MCRD San Diego, Parris Island, South Carolina and Quantico, Virginia.

The teachers will get 3 days worth of an experience that usually takes 12 weeks. After meeting their drill instructors, the teachers will get an idea of how physically tough it is to become a Marine. They're brought to a football field to take the Combat Fitness Test. It consists of a half mile sprint, ammo can lifts and a maneuver under fire obstacle course.

"One of our bigger challenges [of recruiting] is actually getting people who are able to do it," said LtCol. Sjoberg. "From a physical standpoint and a mental and moral standpoint. We are looking for a smart committed and fit individual. And that's hard to find nowadays."

The challenges of recruitment are exactly why teachers are here. While recruiters work in the schools, the Marines identified that teachers could also help educate interested students in their options after high school, including the military.

"We make Marines, we win America's battles, and we return good citizens back to our country."

The Marine Corps Band commands attention. Their dress blues are crisp, their steps are sharp, and the horns are perfectly shined. Then there's the sound - the power that sets the tone at parades, presidential ceremonies and even funerals. That's what you've come to expect from a military band. But the Marine Corps Band is more than patriotic marches.

Take for example, Sound Strike. Two guitar players, a drummer and a keyboardist make up the group that is versatile enough to play rock, country and a little Top 40. During an afternoon lunch performance, the Marines play a crowd-pleasing version of "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars.

"We try to evolve to keep things relevant culturally," explained GySgt. Fritz Kern.  "A lot of what we do is community relations, showing the population that we are more than war-fighters."

GySgt. Kern is proud to be a professional musician serving his country at the same time.

"Where else will you be paid to shoot weapons, work out and play music?"

In fact all Marine Band members are a rare combination of fight and forte. The ten Marine Bands across the Corps need more than 100 new members every year. The right candidate is hard to find. GySgt. Kern didn't find one in his three years as a recruiter.

"I was in the state of Florida," he said. "The state of Florida requirement for the All-State Band doesn't meet half the requirements that we do."

Only one in ten who auditions will pass. They have the same responsibilities as any other new recruit from the physical demands to the combat training, along with the musical talent.

Private Jonathan Mayanja is joining the Marine Band as a trumpet player. But he hasn't touched his instrument once during the entire time he's been in basic training. After graduation from boot camp, it will be another 6 months before he can officially join a band.

"The Marine Corps teaches you value and discipline, things that music also teaches you," Private Mayanja explained.

Facing these recruitment challenges, GySgt. Kern proposes a solution. He wants more middle schools to talk about the program. He says young musicians need more time to get up to Marine Band standards. Often band members are some of the oldest recruits, because they come to the Corps after earning Bachelor's and sometimes Master's degrees in musical performance.

Marines are made at Camp Pendleton in the mountains of southern California. Recruits spend three weeks there as part of their basic training. It all leads up to a 54 hour challenge known as the Crucible.

The test takes place in the mountains, where recruits simulate a combat situation. There are miles of hiking over rough terrain. Recruits are pushed further with limited food and sleep. It's meant to prepare them for whatever situation they may find themselves in, in battle or in a humanitarian role.

Sgt. Anthony Quinonez says recruits know that as the weeks pass that the Crucible is coming. They look forward to it, dreading it at the same time.

"I pretty sure everyone comes up here hesitant," he said.

At the end of February, Golf Company was in the middle of the Crucible. News 8 was granted rare access to one platoon, observing them as they visited a course called the "12 Stalls". This area is made up of 12 problem-solving stations. Each stall includes a mission care and obstacles, with a challenge ranging from getting a casualty out or getting medical supplies in.

The first stall was a break for the recruits. Their drill instructors ordered them to take off their boots, down to their bare feet. They wanted to make sure the recruits weren't hiding any injuries and were properly caring for any blisters. Recruits may keep quiet about problems, fearing medical time off that could bump them to another company. But it's important they be healthy for what comes next - a brutal mountain 9.7 mile hike that finishes with a 700 foot climb up a hill known as the Reaper.

Finishing that climb is a major accomplishment in the life of a recruit. It's when they officially earn the title "Marine" and are awarded their Eagle, Globe and Anchor emblem.

They train for 12 weeks to make their entrance. They walk in uniform as one onto the parade deck at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California.

The recruits of Company M, now officially Marines, are seeing their families for the first time in three months. It's graduation day.

The crowd is sorted by platoon, giving families the best shot at seeing their Marine. Thomas Bush from Selma, California brought binoculars to scan the crowd. He spots his son 19-year-old son Thomas or "TJ" in the front row.

"We're a real close family," Bush explained. "We've never had him away for any period of time. I was in there every day marking the calendar down. One day closer. One day closer."

Graduation is a regular celebration at MCRD. Ceremonies are held about 40 weeks out of the year and always on Fridays. In all, about 17,000 recruits will graduate this year.

The ceremony recognizes Marine Corps leadership, especially the drill instructors, tasked with making these Marines. The culmination is the final order from their drill instructor. Booming voices respond.

"Ay, ay Sergeant! Oorah!"

With that, these young men are released back into their mothers' open arms.

"I cried. I cried before I even got to her," said PFC Thomas Bush. Being able to give them a hug was pure joy. "I didn't want to let go of her."

His parents are bursting with pride at the sight of TJ in his uniform. He's lost 18 pounds over the last 3 months of training.

"That's all he's wanted to do since he was 9 or 10. Be a marine," remembers Bush, Sr. "He made it happen. I love that kid."

PFC Bush says the biggest change in him is how confident he feels.

"Everywhere you go, people will know you're a Marine just by the way you stand," he said. "It's awesome."

ALEXIS, Illinois – When Katie Dutton was pulled out of class that morning, her third grade teacher, Mrs. Shimmin was a little curious. But it all made sense about 30 minutes later, when Katie walked back in holding a plaque.

"Mrs. Shimmin you're my favorite teacher!" Katie exclaimed.

"So that's where you've been," Mrs. Shimmin replied, shocked. "Thank you, sweetheart."

Dutton nominated Mrs. Shimmin for WQAD News 8's "My Favorite Teacher" award, sponsored by Blackhawk Bank and Trust and Western Illinois University - Quad Cities. Her nomination letter was chosen out of all the entries. Jane Shimmin has taught third grade for 33 years at United North Elementary in Alexis.

Katie says Mrs. Shimmin teaches her favorite subject, science. Just that day, she says Mrs. Shimmin taught the class how snow geese use the Mississippi River in their migration. Katie says she always has little tricks that help her learn math.

"Mrs. Shimmin taught us tricks for multiplying, like 8 times 8 fell on the floor and picked it up as 64," she sang.

Katie also wanted to recognize Mrs. Shimmin for being kind and helpful.

"One time Mrs. Shimmin helped me when my shoelace was stuck on the chair," Katie said. "Mrs. Shimmin is so likeable, sweet and kind."

"She mentioned getting her laces stuck in the chair, and I remember that like it happened yesterday," laughed Mrs. Shimmin.

Katie's words of appreciation mean a lot to Mrs. Shimmin as she prepares to leave her teaching career, retiring after 34 years.

"I just love Katie, and I love teaching third grade," she said. "This just about brought me to tears."

Mary Nonnenmann cautiously walked up to her classroom at Jordan Catholic School in Rock Island, where Sister Clementia is standing in front of the class.

"Sister? I would like to give you this reward, because you're my favorite teacher," she said quietly.

Sister Clementia's cheeks turned bright red as she smiled brightly back at Mary. She accepted the plaque Mary was holding with a warm, "Thank you". Sister noticed the crowd forming in her room, while her students loudly cheered.

"Wow, there's a lot of people in here," Sister Clementia said.

Sister Clementia may be shy in front of strangers, but in front of her students she is right at home. She is comfortable enough to be vulnerable, letting them in on a personal part of her life when her father died last month.

"Yesterday their only homework was to go home and tell their parents they love them," she said. "They took it to heart. It was very beautiful."

Sister Clementia took time off to say goodbye to her father. But when she returned to work about a week later, she found colorful messages of love and support written on her classroom whiteboard. There was a bouquet of flowers and a stack of handwritten cards. The students had also raised money to gift her a palm cross with her father's name on it.

"When I called my dad to tell him I was teaching, he cried," she remembered. "It meant so much to him."

Sister Clementia spent years working as an accountant for her parish. She knew her true calling was in the classroom, and finally decided to speak up. Her superiors gave her the opportunity to teach religion for the first time this year at Jordan Catholic. As it turns out, the shy teacher who blushed when a crowd walked into her classroom is actually quite bold.

"At the beginning of class, Sister plays a song of the day," said Mary. "One class the song was Joyful Joyful from Sister Act 2, and she sang along to the entire song. It was hilarious."

The class demands a repeat performance. After some hesitation, she starts to rap.

Joyful, Joyful

Lord we adore Thee

An' in my life

I put none before Thee...

"I've fallen in love with teaching and the students and everything," said Sister Clementia.

Tony and Joanna Reynolds call Chris Minor a friend. They say they knew she was genuine the first time they welcomed Chris into their home, in the hours after their daughter Adrienne Reynolds was murdered in 2005.

"I remember the day it happened," Joanna recalled. "Chris was crying as she was asking us questions. She was crying right along side us asking questions."

Those questions, and so many others, were career defining for Chris Minor. She was the one to interview one of Adrienne's killers, Corey Gregory while he was in jail awaiting trial.

"You could have saved Adrienne`s life," she told Gregory. "Can you live with that?"

"I don`t know," he responded.

Chris has never given up on the case. Her last update aired in June, when Gregory had a hearing to ask a judge to reduce his sentence.

"That's why I'm disappointed she's retiring," Joanna said. "We got this deal coming up with Corey, and she won't be there to finish it."

There are other cases with loose ends, like the murder of Jone Knapton. Chris covered the story when it first broke in 2003. To this day, no arrests have been made. Chris also hopes for an answer one day in the disappearance of Trudy Appleby. Chris was the only reporter to ever talk to David Whipple, a man considered a key witness in the case.

Watching Chris' coverage from the bench, Chief Judge Walter Braud.

"She's that investigative reporter that if things aren't the exactly the way you want things to be, you better hope she doesn't show up," he said of her confrontational reporting style.

"She's part of us, and I always thought of her that way," said Judge Braud. "When she would show up with her camera crew, she was part of what we do. She's ours."

"I think she's the best I've ever seen," he added.