02 Apr 2014

Specialized Illinois National Guard unit to mobilize for Afghanistan

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Nearly 20 Soldiers mobilize April 5 as part of an embedded training team

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/02/2014)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony is scheduled for 16 Soldiers who will deploy to Afghanistan as part of an embedded training team. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A13 will be April 5 at 9 a.m. at Camp Lincoln, 1301 N. MacArthur Blvd. in Springfield, Ill.

The BEST Soldiers have conducted more than 24 days of pre-mobilization training at Joint Base McGuire Dix Lakehurst, N.J. and will spend an additional 40 days training in Poland before deploying to Afghanistan. Following the training, the Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan for a six-month mobilization. The unique mission allows Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.

"Our 20-year partnership with Poland is the strongest National Guard State Partnership Program in the nation," said Brig. Gen. Daniel Krumrei of Springfield, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Illinois Soldiers and Airmen are instrumental in developing secure international relationships, while broadening their experiences and developing their military skills."

News media attending the event should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the ceremony and are asked to contact Public Affairs at 217-761-3569 to gain access to Camp Lincoln.

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02 Apr 2014

2014 Fellowship of Christian Athletes Fundraiser

By Casey Bjustrom

"One coach will impact more young people in a year than the average person does in a lifetime. So who's coaching the coaches? " - REVEREND BILLY GRAHAM

You are invited to the 2014 Fellowship of Christian Athlete Fundraiser

Our new and exciting format is designed to entertain as well as inform our audience on the impact FCA is making and how people, like you, can make a difference in the lives of student-athletes throughout the Quad Cities and Surrounding Areas.

When: Thursday, April 10th

Time: 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Doors Open at 6:00 p.m. Get there early to purchase raffle tickets & view prizes

Where: Stoney Creek Inn • 101 18th Street Moline, IL 61265

Refreshments & Snacks Will Be Served • Business Casual Attire

The night will include a Live & Silent Auction, Testimonies, Interviews, Awards, and Guest Speaker Aaron Kampman.

Aaron is a retired American football defensive end and outside linebacker who played ten seasons in the National Football League. He played college football for the University of Iowa. He was drafted by Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and also played for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Here is your chance to make a difference today!

Sign up to be an Automatic Monthly Partner from now until April 10th and your name will be placed into a drawing for a TOSHIBA 40" HD LCD TV

Reserve your seats today by contacting Connie at CHelm@fca.org or 309.762.8871

02 Apr 2014

Silvis Passes Landmark Resolution

By Caryn Unsicker

SILVIS, IL - April 1, 2014 - The Silvis City Council tonight joined over 200 cities and 16 States nationwide in a growing movement to amend the US Constitution to limit the amounts of money that big corporations and individuals can donate to influence the political process.  Silvis Alderwoman Caryn Unsicker introduced the idea of a resolution to Mayor Tom Conrad, who agreed that too much money was being injected into our political process and gave her permission to address the full council in March.  The result was agreement by the council that money is threatening to destroy our democracy.

Ms.Unsicker cited the City of Coralville, Iowa, as well as school board, county board, and state elections where money is being infused by outside sources, often anonymous, to influence elections in favor of one candidate or another.  Illinois was the 14th State to adopt a similar resolution, SJR 27, which was sponsored by a Democrat and two Republicans.  Ms.Unsicker said that members of both parties are sick of all the pressure from outside sources.  It puts a lot of pressure on them to vote a certain way or risk being outspent and therefore, probably defeated, come election time.

So this evening, Silvis joined the growing list of cities in Illinois, including Galesburg, Champaign, Evanston, Chicago, Lisle Township, Oak Park, Cunningham Township, Warrneville, Carbondale, Avon Township, Warren, and Kane County, and Dubuque, Buffalo, and Waterloo, in Iowa, in an effort to keep our elections free and to give all Americans - not just the wealthy -  a voice in the political process.

If you would like more information, you may contact Caryn Unsicker at 309-912-6632.

02 Apr 2014

Narcisse vs Iowa Secretary of State

By Paul Smith

by Alfredo Parrish

Having been nurtured by some of our country's greatest advocates of voter enfranchisement, I am deeply disappointed with the two recent rulings of the district and Iowa Supreme Court denying Mr. Narcisse an opportunity to appear as a candidate for Governor in the Democratic Primary.  Iowa's history of enfranchisement is a cornerstone of its uniqueness.  Rules and procedures that are not equally applied to all candidates seeking office diminish the process. It creates cynicism that will weaken a vibrant democratic process.

Although, the judicial system denied Mr. Narcisse a place on the Democratic Primary ballot, it is encouraging that recognition was given to the importance of his claim by considering and deciding his case promptly.

Mr. Narcisse, in his law suit asked to court to consider a fair and impartial review of a candidate's nomination papers, an equitable rule for all candidates and distinguishing technical violations from substantive ones.  Mr. Narcisse's law suit pointed to clear deficiencies in the nomination process that will lay the groundwork for needed improvements.

02 Apr 2014

Braley Statement on Budget from Congressman Paul Ryan

By Kirsten Hartman

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement on the latest budget from Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.):

"I opposed previous attempts to dramatically transform the Medicare program in Congressman Ryan's previous budgets, and I continue to oppose those efforts now. The Medicare system has provided generations of Iowans with high-quality care. Our current and future retirees have been made a promise and they've been paying into the system for decades based on that proimse?and that promise is one we should keep."

Braley has previously voted against attempts to dramatically alter the Medicare program contained in Ryan's previous budgets.

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02 Apr 2014

THE QCSO PREMIERE OF MAHLER'S SYMPHONY NO. 3

By Jared Johnson

Davenport, IA-The Quad City Symphony Orchestra is set to finish with possibly one of the grandest season finales possible with Mahler's Symphony No. 3. Mahler himself described his Third Symphony as being "...of such magnitude that it actually mirrors the whole world." This will be the QCSO premiere of Mahler's Third Symphony, which requires a massive orchestra, a women's choir, a children's choir, and a mezzo-soprano soloist. Filling these roles will be the Quad City Symphony Youth Choir led by Mary Tallitsch in their Masterworks debut, as well as a women's choir led by Jon Hurty and comprised of members from Quad City Choral Arts, the Augustana Choir, the Handel Oratorio Society, the Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble, and the Pleasant Valley High School Women's Choir. The Quad City Symphony Orchestra will also be joined by Mezzo-Soprano Adriana Zabala. The concert will be performed on April 5 and 6. Saturday evening's concert is at the Adler Theatre in Davenport at 7:30 p.m., and followed on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Centennial Hall in Rock Island. This concert is sponsored by Trissel Graham & Toole, a division of Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.

The unique power and appeal of Gustav Mahler's music comes from many things, but chief among them is Mahler's ability to combine elements of common everyday life with the most sublime and transfigured personal statements. It is this remarkable contradiction that makes Mahler such an enigma and such a fascinating musical personality. His own personal strengths, weaknesses, and demons all found expression in his music and offer listeners extraordinary insight into the man, and also the universal human condition. For the Third Symphony Mahler envisioned capturing Nature in its totality in his music. This is Nature in a pantheistic sense, one that celebrates the emergence of summer out of winter and examines what one can learn from meadow flowers, from forest creatures, from the night, from angels, and from spiritual love. With these broad categories defined, Mahler set about composing six movements to explore each of these areas. Along the way the symphony's performing forces grew to encompass an expanded orchestra, solo alto voice, and both women's and children's choruses. Although he completed the symphony in 1896, the work waited until June 1902 to receive its first performance, a highly successful presentation in the German city of Krefeld with Mahler conducting. With the success of his Third Symphony, Mahler soon set out on a conducting tour, performing the Third as part of concert presentations in Heidelberg, Mannheim, Prague, Cologne, and Leipzig. Yet today, the Third is infrequently performed, chiefly because of its sizable production requirements.

On Friday, April 4, Music Director Mark Russell Smith will lead Inside the Music, this time at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island at 12:00 noon. This luncheon is hosted by Volunteers for Symphony. Inside the Music is a great place to grab a bite to eat for lunch and get the inside scoop on the upcoming performances. This is also a great opportunity for music lovers throughout the Quad Cities to meet the guest artists in person. The luncheon is just $15 and reservations can be made at www.qcsymphony.com or by calling 563.322.QCSO (7276).

Also on Friday, students are invited to sit in on a dress rehearsal and get the inside perspective through Students@Symphony. During a break in the rehearsal, the students will have an opportunity to meet Mark Russell Smith, as well as mezzo-soprano Adriana Zabala. This program is open to any secondary or elementary student and supervising adults. Students should arrive at 7:30 p.m. and pre-register online at

Smith and Zabala will also be available during Concert Conversations, held in the concert hall an hour before each of the weekend's concerts. At Concert Conversations the audience is given a quick overview of the program they are about to experience. This look into the background of the concert's repertoire is led by Kai Swanson and has become and audience favorite.

Finally, after the Saturday night performance, the entire audience is invited to mingle with the guest artists and many of the musicians of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra in the lobby of the Hotel Blackhawk at Afterglow. The evening includes free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, and always remarkable repartee.

 

EVENT LISTING

 

Inside the Music Luncheon

Friday, April 4, at 12:00 noon

Reservations: $15

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Quad City Botanical Center, Rock Island

 

Students@Symphony

Friday, April 4, at 7:30 p.m.

Registration: FREE

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Adler Theatre, Davenport

 

Concert Conversations

Saturday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m.

Adler Theatre, Davenport

Sponsored by Rich James, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

 

Masterworks VI

Saturday, April 5, at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$55

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Adler Theatre, Davenport

Sponsored by Trissel Graham & Toole, a division of Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.

 

Afterglow

Saturday, April 5, immediately following the concert

Hotel Blackhawk, adjacent to the Adler Theatre/RiverCenter

 

Concert Conversations

Sunday, April 6, at 1:00 p.m.

Centennial Hall, Rock Island

Sponsored by Rich James, Wells Fargo Financial Advisors

 

Masterworks VI

Sunday, April 6, at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: $10-$40

Contact: www.qcsymphony.com or 563.322.QCSO (7276)

Centennial Hall, Rock Island

Sponsored by Trissel Graham & Toole, a division of Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, Inc.

 

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02 Apr 2014

Upcoming Red Cross Blood Drives - April

By Marvin Whittaker

PEORIA, Ill. (April 1, 2014) – With the arrival of spring comes sunnier days, warmer temperatures and a chance at a fresh start. The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to make blood donation part of their spring ritual and help support patients like 5-year-old Nathan Pennington.

In April of last year, Nathan was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer called medulloblastoma. Nathan has received several blood product transfusions to help sustain his life following surgery to remove the tumor and currently receives periodic platelet transfusions as he continues his recovery.

"Nathan wouldn't be here without lifesaving blood donors - it's as simple as that," said Corey Pennington, Nathan's father. "Our family will always be grateful to all the blood donors who make sure patients like Nathan have the blood they need."

Make a difference this spring by rolling up a sleeve for patients in need. Visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Carroll County

April 25 from 1-6 p.m. at Carroll County Farm Bureau, 811 S. Clay St. in Mount Carroll, Ill.

Clinton County

April 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at LyondellBasell, 3400 Anamosa Road in Clinton, Iowa

April 30 from 12-6 p.m. at Northeast High School, 3690 Hwy. 136 in Goose Lake, Iowa

Lee County

April 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First St. in Dixon, Ill.

April 21 from 1:30-6 p.m. at Carlson Acupuncture & Chiropractic, 115 N. Galena in Dixon, Ill.

April 21 from 3-6 p.m. at Dixon Moose Lodge, 889 Shop Road in Dixon, Ill.

Whiteside County

April 16 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

April 17 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Halo Branded Solutions, 1980 Industrial Drive in Sterling, Ill.

April 22 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St. in Fulton, Ill.

April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

April 24 from 4-7 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

April 30 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

 

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01 Apr 2014

Iowa Supreme Court News Release

By Iowa Judicial Branch

Iowa Supreme Court Justices to meet with Toledo Area Students

Des Moines, April 1, 2014?On Wednesday, April 9 at 1:15 p.m., Iowa Supreme Court Justice Brent Appel will meet with students during Tama County Government Day at the Reinig Center, 1007 Prospect Drive, Toledo. On Thursday, April 10, members of the Iowa Supreme Court will visit six Toledo area high schools to meet with students and discuss the role of the courts. The justices will visit West Marshall High School in State Center, North Tama High School in Traer, Marshalltown High School in Marshalltown, Benton High School in Van Horne, East Marshall High School in Le Grand, and South Tama High School in Tama.

High School visit schedule for Thursday, April 10, 2014

Justice Edward Mansfield will visit West Marshall High School at 8:30 a.m.

Justice Bruce Zager will visit North Tama High School at 9:00 a.m.

Justice Daryl Hecht will visit Marshalltown High School at 9:25 a.m.

Justice Thomas Waterman will visit Benton High School at 9:50 a.m.

Chief Justice Mark Cady will visit East Marshall High School at 9:50 a.m.

Justice David Wiggins will visit South Tama High School at 10:00 a.m.

In addition to the school visits, the supreme court will hold a special session in Toledo on Wednesday evening April 9, in the Wieting Theatre, 101 South Church Street. During the special session, the court will hear oral arguments in two cases. The session begins at 7 p.m. As always, oral arguments are open to the public. A public reception with the justices in the Toledo Community building located next door to the Wieting Theatre will follow the oral arguments.

Special Session

Wednesday, April 9, at 7:00 p.m.

Wieting Theatre

101 South Church Street

Toledo, Iowa

The Iowa Supreme Court will hear lawyers argue in two cases:

State of Iowa v. Nathan Olsen, No. 13-0832

After a hunting trip in Iowa, Defendant Nathan Olsen was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm based on a deferred judgment Olsen received from the State of Wisconsin. Olsen argues the district court should have dismissed the Iowa charge because his deferred judgment from Wisconsin did not involve a guilty plea or finding of guilt against him. A question before the court is whether Olsen's Wisconsin deferred judgment constitutes a felony under Iowa law for purposes of violation of Iowa Code section 724.26.

Hussemann v. Hussemann, No. 13-1082

The Iowa District Court in this case gave effect to an out-of-state postnuptial agreement and denied the widow the right to take an elective share of her deceased husband's trust as provided in Iowa Code section 633.238. The postnuptial agreement was valid under Florida law where the parties entered into the agreement. A question before the court is whether the parties' freedom to contract outweighs Iowa's public policy against postnuptial agreements.

For more information about the oral arguments

Attorneys' briefs for the two cases and a guide to oral arguments are posted on the Iowa Judicial Branch website at:

http://www.iowacourts.gov/About_the_Courts/Supreme_Court/Offsite_Oral_Arguments_Toledo/

Note to news media

News media are invited to attend the oral arguments. Court rules apply regarding still camera, video camera, and audio recording devices used during the oral arguments. Information on expanded media coverage is available on the Iowa Judicial Branch Website at: http://www.iowacourts.gov/For_the_Media/Expanded_Media_Coverage/ .

Chapter 25 of the Iowa Court Rules regarding cameras and other electronic devices in courtrooms is available on the Iowa Legislature website at https://www.legis.iowa.gov/DOCS/ACO/CR/LINC/12-31-2012.chapter.25.pdf. Internet Explorer 9 or higher is required to view this page of the Iowa Legislature website. Mozilla, Firefox, or Google Chrome will also work.

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01 Apr 2014

City Circle Acting Company Presents Jesus Christ Superstar April 4-13

By Emil Rinderspacher

City Circle Acting Company of Coralville will present the rock operaJesus Christ Superstar April 4-13 at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts. Performances are April 4,5,11,12 at 7:30 pm andApril 6 and 13 at 2:00 pm.

With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Lyrics by Tim Rice,Superstar is based loosely on the Gospel's account of the last week of Jesus' life as seen through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. City Circle's production is true to the show's original rock album roots and is set in the present day and staged with the look and feel of a rock concert including large video screens on either side of the stage. 

Directed by Liz Tracey, the show features a talented cast of 52 actors, 11 musicians, and a technical and production team of 20.

"You don't have to be a religious person to enjoy this show," says Esack Grueskin who plays Jesus, "It's not about Jesus the God, but rather, it focuses on Jesus the human. I love this show for that reason. It is relatable to everyone, not just the religious."

During the performances of Jesus Christ Superstar, City Circle will be collecting donations for the Coralville Ecumenical Food Pantry.

Tickets to the show are $12-$27 and can be purchased online athttp://www.coralvillearts.org/ or by calling 319.248.9370 or in person at the CCPA box office at 1301 5th Street and at the Coralville Recreation Center at 1506 8th Street. ASL interpreters will be translating the performance on Sunday, April 6 at 2 PM. Please call 319.248.9372 to request seating in the ASL section.

01 Apr 2014

DEADLINE APPROACHING: Loebsack Encourages Students to Submit Artwork for 2014 Congressional High School Art Competition

By Joe Hand

Original art pieces by local high school students due April 11th

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today reminded students and teachers in Iowa's Second District that the deadline to submit original artwork for the 2014 Congressional Art Competition is quickly approaching. All artwork MUST be received by 11:59pm on Friday, April 11th. The annual competition is hosted by the United States House of Representatives to recognize talented young artists from across the nation. The winning student from each district is invited to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception held in their honor and will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

"I am looking forward to seeing all of this year's great submissions," said Loebsack. "With the deadline quickly approaching, I encourage all students to start finalizing their art pieces. If any art teachers or parents in the Second District have questions, please call my Iowa City office for additional information."  

This year, to make submission of art work easier and to open the contest to as many students as possible, the winner of the contest will be chosen by the public through online voting. The submission process has also been streamlined. Details on how to submit art work are available by clicking here to visit Loebsack's website. All entries must be submitted no later than Friday, April, 11th at 11:59pm. For additional details about the competition, students should contact Dave Leshtz at 319-351-0789 or by email at david.leshtz@mail.house.gov.

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