By Jason Alderman

On Valentine's Day, people's emotions run all over the map - some are head-over-heels and want to shower their loved one with gifts, while others are despondent because currently they have no one special in their life.

Whatever your love status, one thing everyone needs to guard against at this time of year is scams.

Valentine's Day brings out the best - and worst - in human behavior. Our impulse is to be generous and search for the ideal gift. Internet thieves know this and coolly set traps for unsuspecting shoppers. And, not surprisingly, dating websites experience greater activity, along with a corresponding increase in relationship scammers.

Here are some of the more common Valentine's Day scams to avoid:

Electronic greeting cards are popular year-round, especially near holidays. Scammers count on you not paying attention when you receive an email with an innocuous subject line like, "Someone you know just sent you an e-card."

Unless you're certain someone sent you an e-card, never click on links or follow instructions to download software to open the message. Chances are you'll load a virus or malware onto your computer, dooming you to receive endless spam or even endangering your personal and financial information.

Valentine's Day is the busiest day of the year for florists. Since many people now order flowers online, these purchases are a common target for fraud. A few tips when choosing a florist:

  • Make sure the physical location, contact information and fees for the florist who's actually fulfilling your order are fully disclosed.
  • Pay by credit card so if there's a problem you can dispute it with your card issuer.
  • If you receive an email saying there's a problem with your order, call the florist to make sure it's legitimate; don't click on any links - they could be malware.

Beware of emails and social media ads touting great deals on other Valentine's themed gifts like chocolates, jewelry or lingerie. Unless you've previously done business with a company that legitimately has your email address, be skeptical. Watch out for minor typos in the web address - www.macys.comm instead of www.macys.com, for example.

It's no coincidence that dating websites are busier during the winter holidays and leading up to Valentine's Day. Lonely people's defenses are lowered, making them vulnerable to online romance scams. Before they know it, victims are conned into sharing personal or financial information, or lending money - money they'll never see again.

I'm not saying don't pursue love online at legitimate dating sites. Just watch out for these warning signs:

  • They want to move your conversations off the dating site immediately and use personal email or instant messaging - the better to avoid policing by the site's Webmaster.
  • Their online profile sounds too good to be true. That's because they've probably shaped it to reflect your stated preferences. Or, conversely, their profile may be suspiciously sketchy on details or their photos don't seem genuine.
  • They profess love very quickly, even before you've spoken or met.
  • They claim to be a U.S. citizen working overseas - often in the military.
  • They make plans to visit, but are suddenly prevented by a traumatic family or business event - one which your money can overcome.

Bottom line: Don't let your emotions get the better of your common sense when it comes to matters of the heart. For more tips on spotting and reporting online scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website (www.ftc.gov).

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an independent study has identified Illinois as having one of the most thriving private sectors in the nation. The report provides further evidence that the state is recovering steadily from the worst economic hardship since the Great Depression.

"We know that more jobs are needed and we are working to get them, but this report shows that our economy is getting stronger every day," Governor Quinn said. "We wouldn't see this business growth without our skilled work force, our great advantages in location and our culture of innovation."

The study by CareerBuilder and Economic Modeling Specialists Intl. found that Illinois ranks 3rd among the 50 states in growth of business establishments. According to the study, total establishments in Illinois rose by 18,000, or 5 percent, to 383,103, from 2009 to 2012.

The study found that for the three-year period through 2012, Illinois accounted for 14 percent of all net new business establishments in the country.

A copy of the report can be found at economicmodeling.com.

In his 2014 State of the State address, Governor Quinn laid out a five-year blueprint for jobs and economic growth in Illinois. The Governor's blueprint calls for three key things: creating more jobs, making early childhood education a top priority and building an economy that works for everyone.

Since recovery from the recession began in January 2010, Illinois has added 280,000 private sector jobs. Unemployment was at 11.3 percent at the height of the Great Recession and today it is at its lowest point in almost five years. Since last May, Illinois has led the Midwest in new jobs created. According to the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank, in the next six months Illinois is projected to have the best economic growth of the five largest states in America.

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(January 31, 2014) - Concordia University Wisconsin officials released the Fall Dean's List for the first semester of 2013-2014 academic year. To be eligible for the honor, students must achieve a minimum 3.50 GPA.

Among the area students named to the list were:

Ian Wallace, Freshman Accounting major from Davenport

Founded in 1881, Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 North Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, offers 49 undergraduate majors and is affiliated with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The school is located on 155 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline, only 15 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee.
Its another cold week! What better than ending this week with a Family Friday Night with Davenport Parks and Recreation! Join me, as we venture through that never-ending list of Pinterest crafts this Friday Night at Duck Creek Lodge from 6pm-9pm (Dinner is included!). This is a night for all ages as we get our Valentine's day Craftiness flowing. To register, go online to www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/parks and register under the Services, or call one of our Customer Service Representatives at 563.328.7275. Hope to see you there!

Residents Should Use Extreme Caution and Travel Only if Necessary; Check on Neighbors

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced measures being taken by Illinois state agencies to prepare for the additional snowfall that is forecast for the next several days. He also urged residents to follow recommended winter safety procedures, including being careful when shoveling and checking on neighbors during the snowy weather. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to keeping all Illinois residents safe and warm this winter.

"Our public safety workers have been up to the task to keep people safe during this extreme winter weather," Governor Quinn said. "As we prepare for another round of snow, I urge all motorists to drive with extreme caution and pay careful attention to others on the road."

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Tollway have their crews working around the clock to keep roads clear and passable. Motorists are urged to drive defensively and safely, travel only if absolutely necessary, slow down and buckle up. In addition, a new state law prohibits motorists from talking on all but hands-free mobile phones while driving.

Other roadway safety tips to remember:

·         Don't crowd snowplows - an operator's field of vision is restricted.

·         Allow extra time for travel during the winter months.

·         Watch out for black ice on roads that appear clear but can be treacherous. Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady areas - all are prone to black ice, which is often invisible.

·         Pull over and dial *999 for emergency roadway assistance.

Check travel and road conditions routinely before any trip. You can get road condition information by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368), Illinois Tollway information by calling 1-800-TOLL-FYI or online at www.gettingaroundillinois.com and click on the "winter road conditions" icon.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will continue to monitor the winter weather conditions throughout Illinois and stands ready to activate emergency state resources if necessary. IEMA also advises every household to have a disaster preparedness kit that will help residents stay safe for at least three days. The kits should include a battery-powered NOAA weather radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, extra medications and special items needed for babies, disabled or elderly family members and pets.

If you must travel, IEMA and IDOT recommend you equip your vehicle with an emergency supply kit to keep you safe in case you are stranded along the road. A vehicle preparedness kit should include a cell phone and charger, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, snack foods and water, blankets, extra warm clothing, gloves and hats, sand or kitty litter, shovel, windshield scraper, booster cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid and a tool kit. Always keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to help prevent the vehicle's fuel line from freezing.

Before you depart, check weather and road conditions along your route and provide your planned route to a family member or friend. If conditions are dangerous, postpone travel until road conditions improve. IEMA and the National Weather Service have developed a Winter Weather Preparedness Guide that contains many more tips about winter weather safety. The guide is available at the Ready Illinois website at Ready.Illinois.Gov.

Residents are urged to take advantage of the state's warming centers. These include the Illinois Tollway Oases, which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On weekdays, Illinois Department of Human Services offices throughout the state are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To find a warming center near you, call the IDHS hotline at (800) 843-6154 or visit KeepWarm.Illinois.gov.

The Illinois Department on Aging is encouraging relatives and friends to make daily visits or calls to senior citizens living alone. Older people are more susceptible to the cold, so seniors should set their thermostats above 65 degrees. Those particularly vulnerable are older people who take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition, or who have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Tips to staying safe and warm in winter conditions:

·         Dress in layers, both indoors and outdoors.

·         Keep active. Make a list of exercises and activities to do indoors when you can't get out.

·         Eat well and drink 10 glasses of water daily; stock up on non-perishable food supplies, just in case.

·         Keep extra medications in the house. If this is not possible, make arrangements to have someone pick up and deliver your medications.

·         Do not shovel snow or walk in deep snow. Plan now for someone else to shovel the snow. The strain from the cold and hard labor could cause a heart attack; sweating can lead to a chill and even hypothermia.

Additionally, shoveling snow is hard work and you should not shovel snow unless you are in good physical condition. Cold weather itself, without any physical exertion, puts an extra strain on your heart. Know your limits when shoveling snow. Rest frequently and pace yourself. If you become breathless, stop, go indoors and warm up before continuing. If you experience chest or arm pain or numbness, stop immediately and go indoors.

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Jones Previously Served as Associate Director of the Office of Management and Budget

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today appointed Candice Jones as the director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ). Jones has most recently served as Associate Director of the Governor's Office of Management and Budget and replaces Arthur Bishop, who has been named to head the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure the safety of all people and children in every community across Illinois.

"Candice Jones is dedicated to helping children and young adults get on the right track," Governor Quinn said. "I look forward to her continuing the progress that former Director Arthur Bishop has made towards ensuring that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential."

Jones has a long line of experience in the field of juvenile justice and at-risk youth. As an Associate Director of the Office of Management and Budget, she managed the public safety budget and supported the executive team's policy and planning. She also worked for years, driving juvenile justice strategy in Illinois and nationwide, as a Program Officer at the MacArthur Foundation. She has previously served as the Executive Director of the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission where she worked to accelerate reform. In 2012, Jones served as a White House Fellow, one of the country's oldest and most prestigious fellowship programs for leadership and public service.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve the people of Illinois, especially some of the state's most vulnerable youth," Jones said. "I am committed to continuing our progress in helping youth become productive members of society and reducing the numbers of those same youth returning to the Department's custody."

Jones holds a J.D. from New York University School of Law and a Bachelor's degree in African and African-American Studies and Political Science from Washington University in St. Louis.

Jones will be tasked with building on the significant progress made by Bishop, who served as the Director from 2011 until his transition this past week. Under Bishop's tenure as Director of the IDJJ, the population of youth in state facilities dropped to under 900 as of Jan. 1, 2014. Historically, the average population was 1,500.

Today's announcement continues the Governor's agenda to make Illinois government more accountable, transparent and effective.

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MOLINE, Ill. (January 31, 2014) - Vladimir Nikiforov scored the winning goal with 4:52 left in the third period as the host Quad City Mallards came from behind to defeat the Tulsa Oilers 2-1 Friday night.  With the victory, the Mallards (19-9-8, 46 points) extended their regulation unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1) while the Oilers (19-22-3, 41) suffered a third straight regulation defeat and saw their winless streak stretch to six games (0-5-1).

Nikiforov snapped a 1-1 tie with a wrist shot from the right wing circle after the Mallards' Jeff Lee had evened the score with a wrister from the left wing circle at 2:37 of the third.

The Mallards found themselves in need of a comeback after Adam Pleskach's breakaway power play goal gave the Oilers a 1-0 lead at 1:47 of the second period.

The Mallards return to action tomorrow night in Missouri against the Mavericks.  The Mallards next play at home next Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Allen Americans.  That game is a Winning Wednesday presented by T.G.I. Friday's.  If the Mallards win next Wednesday, each fan in attendance will receive a free ticket to the Mallards' next Wednesday home game courtesy of T.G.I. Friday's.  After the game fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's in Moline for a postgame party.

Tickets for next Wednesday night's game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

AT&T Adding New Technicians and Retail Workers in Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today joined AT&T Illinois to announce the communications company's plans to create about 200 new jobs across Illinois. The jobs include retail staff and technicians. With unemployment at its lowest point in almost five years, today's announcement is a part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create more jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"Illinois is a technology hub for the nation and we're thrilled that AT&T is creating 200 new jobs in our state," Governor Quinn said. "As Illinois' economy continues making a comeback from the worst recession since the Great Depression, AT&T's commitment to Illinois and our workers is another step forward."

"With these new jobs, Illinois and AT&T are moving forward together," AT&T Illinois President Paul La Schiazza said. "Through Project Velocity IP (Internet Protocol), AT&T has invested billions in Illinois over the past few years and through it we plan to invest even more in our wired and wireless broadband networks to help our customers get the most out of the internet economy of today and tomorrow. As consumer demand drives the transition to broadband communications infrastructure, modern policies are essential to allow Illinois to enjoy the full economic benefits of the broadband world."

The new jobs will be located in cities throughout Illinois, including Chicago, Aurora, Elgin, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Libertyville, Champaign and Springfield.  AT&T currently employs more than 14,000 workers in Illinois. Those interested in learning more about AT&T job opportunities or seeking to apply online can visit www.att.jobs.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 21 (IBEW 21) President - Business Manager Paul Wright said he is pleased to see AT&T creating more jobs in Illinois. "Our partnership with AT&T to get updates to Illinois' communication law solidifies our relationship and demonstrates our Union's commitment to work with AT&T to create more union jobs while bringing broadband communications to more customers in Illinois," Wright said.

"We're pleased to learn about these new Union job opportunities at AT&T," Linda Hinton, Vice President of Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 4, said. "These Union jobs are important to working families in Illinois."

AT&T invested nearly $4 billion in its wired and wireless networks in Illinois between January 2010 and July 2013. Through Project Velocity IP, AT&T is expanding its 4G LTE wireless network ? a superfast mobile broadband network ? to cover 300 million people by the end of 2014.

Since recovery from the recession began in January 2010, Illinois has added 280,000 private sector jobs. Unemployment was at 11.3 percent at the height of the Great Recession and today it is at its lowest point in almost five years. Since last May, Illinois has led the Midwest in new jobs created. According to the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank, in the next six months Illinois is projected to have the best economic growth of the five largest states in America.

In his 2014 State of the State address, Governor Quinn laid out a five-year blueprint for jobs and economic growth in Illinois. The Governor's blueprint calls for three key things: creating more jobs, making early childhood education a top priority and building an economy that works for everyone.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse? brand. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at

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The 52nd Annual Banquet of the Quad City Engineering & Science Council will be held on Thursday, February 20th at The Lodge Hotel and Conference Center (900 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa) beginning at 5:00 P.M. with networking social hour, silent auction, displays, dinner, Order of the Engineer Inductions, scholarship presentations to high school students, annual awards and keynote speaker Donald Bossi, President of FIRST (an acronym for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology, www.usfirst.org) .

 

The QCESC Annual Awards include Society of the Year, Junior and Senior Engineer and Scientist of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, STEM Teacher of the Year and STEM Volunteer of the Year.

 

This banquet is held during National Engineers Week (www.eweek.org), and everyone is cordially invited to attend this premier, annual event to celebrate, network and pay tribute to the great Engineering and Science Professionals and Educators we have in the Quad City Region.  This includes supporting the next generation of Engineering and Science Professionals through supporting students with outreach to provide them with real world experiences.

During the social hour, there will be be silent auction and a number of displays expected from technical societies, Colleges & Universities, and student displays including from Project Lead the Way along with student teams from each of the four, FIRST® Robotics programs supporting students age 6-18 (K-12) .

To pre-register, request to have a display or donate to the silent auction, visit our website: www.qcesc.org. Reservations and payment is due by Noon on Tuesday, February 18th. No late reservations will be allowed and we will not accept payment at the door.

Schedule of Events:

5:00 PM         Networking Social with cash bar with silent auction and displays

6:00 PM         Seating for dinner with opening remarks and pledge of allegiance

6:10 PM         Plated Dinner with Dessert

6:30 PM         Order of the Engineer 2014 Inductions (during dessert)

6:45 PM         Program with Awards and Scholarships

7:15 PM         Keynote Speaker:  Donald Bossi, President of FIRST

8:15 PM         End of the Event

Note:  The cash bar will be available throughout the event.

Keynote Speaker:  Donald E. Bossi, President,  FIRST Speaking On:  "How do you spell success? F-a-i-l-u-r-e"

As President of FIRST, successful technology executive Donald E. Bossi brings deep technical and management skills to the organization. Bossi, who has excelled in a 20-year career with several high technology companies, primarily in the fiber optics field, is now anxious to give back and help develop the next generation of innovators.

Starting his career as a research scientist, first at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and then at United Technologies Research Center (UTRC), Bossi was a part of an advanced project at UTRC which was acquired by JDS Uniphase (JDSU) and he moved to the new company. After a series of promotions at JDSU, he became Vice President and General Manager for JDSU Electro-Optics Products. The Division grew tenfold during his involvement there. Bossi next served as Group President of JDSU Active Components Group for two years, and then as Group President, JDSU Transmission Products Group for two years. In 2005, Bossi joined Technology Ventures Partners to work with their high-tech portfolio companies. While at the venture group, he served as the CEO of Aegis Lightware, Inc. and then as CEO of Inlet Technologies, positioning the company for a beneficial acquisition by Cisco. Most recently, Bossi served as the COO of CIDRA Holdings in Wallingford, Conn.

Bossi is the holder of four U.S. patents and author of numerous technical presentations. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and has completed executive education courses at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business. He served on the Boards of Directors of several privately held companies, and is also a member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering.

About FIRST®

Accomplished inventor Dean Kamen founded FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) in 1989 to inspire an appreciation of science and technology in young people. Based in Manchester, N.H., FIRST designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge, and life skills while motivating young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, and engineering. With support from over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies and more than $19 million in college scholarships, the not-for-profit organization hosts the FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC® ) for students in Grades 9-12; FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC® ) for Grades 7-12; FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL® ) for Grades 4-8; and Junior FIRST® LEGO® League (Jr.FLL®) for Grades K-3. Gracious Professionalism® is a way of doing things that encourages high-quality work, emphasizes the value of others, and respects individuals and the community.

For the 2013 - 2014 season, FIRST will reach 350,000 students in 80 countries supported by more than 130,000 volunteers and more than 3,5000 Sponsors which locally includes John Deere and Rockwell Collins.  In Iowa & Illinois, there are an estimated 12,000+ students participating on FIRST Teams.

Quad City Engineering and Science Council:

The Quad City Engineering and Science Council (QCESC) is an umbrella organization representing 36 technical societies in the Quad City area with approximately 5,000 associated members. The QCESC is non-profit and is actively seeking new society members as well as additional corporate sponsors.

The QCESC is in it's 52nd year of operation and annually sponsors events such as the National Engineers Banquet, the Engineering and Scientist of The Year Awards, scholarships to local high school students, the President's Reception for local Society President's and provides judges and volunteers for the local STEM activities including FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, Battle of the Bridges, QC Tech Challenge, Mousetrap Car Race, and the Kids Engineering Camp.

More information about the QCESC can be found at: www.qcesc.org

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This year's Daddy Daughter Dance is
Sunday, February 23 at 5:30 pm at the River Center in downtown Davenport.
This is a fantastic time for Dad's to spend with their daughter's.  It is a wonderful event to have some quality time spent having fun, dressing up, and dancing. Couples will be treated to a dinner buffet, crafts, dancing, and a chance to win prizes.  A professional photographer will be available to take couple's photos. Dads can be uncles, grandpas, step-fathers.  Sign up today for this special event!
You can register online and print your tickets (your receipt) at home by clicking below:
Or you can purchase tickets at the River's Edge, 700 W River Drive in downtown Davenport.  Our hours are 6am-10pm, Mon-Sat, and 8am-10pm, Sun.

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