19 Feb 2013

NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR 2013 IOWA FARM ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER AWARDS

By Dustin Vande Hoef

2nd annual recognition highlights farmers serving as local leaders in environmental stewardship

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today were joined by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey and Director Chuck Gipp from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to announce that nominations are open for the 2013 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards.

Nominations are due by June 15, 2013 and the nomination form can be found here.

"These awards are an opportunity to recognize the many farmers that are taking significant voluntary steps to protect the soil and improve water quality here in Iowa," Branstad said.  "Iowa farmers take great pride in caring for the soil and water, and we want to lift them up as examples for other farmers to follow."

"Iowa is fortunate to be at the forefront in agriculture and to keep our leadership position we must protect and conserve our state's natural resources and fertile soil for future generations," Reynolds said.  "Agriculture plays a critical role to Iowa's global competitiveness and economic status."

The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa's farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.

It seeks to recognize the exemplary voluntary actions of farmers that improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state while also encouraging other farmers to follow in their footsteps by building success upon success.

Farmers that are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and adopted best management practices throughout their farming operation.  As true stewards of the land, they recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to citizens of Iowa and residents even further downstream.

"A critical component of the recently revealed Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy is to increase the amount of voluntary, science-based conservation practices that are on the landscape," Northey said.  "Recognizing farmers who are taking the lead in conservation is a way to encourage others to consider adopting some of the same practices on their land."

An appointed committee of representatives from both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair.

The award was created in 2012 and 67 Iowa farm families were recognized during the inaugural award ceremony at the Iowa State Fair.  Winners receive a certificate as well as a yard sign donated by Monsanto.

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19 Feb 2013

Loebsack, Bustos to Tour Mandus Group

By Joe Hand

Lawmakers to discuss possible impact of sequestration on the QC economy

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced today that they will tour the Mandus Group to get an overview of their business and a tour of the facility, TOMORROW, Tuesday, February 19th. Loebsack and Bustos will also discuss the impact that arbitrary, across the board spending cuts know as sequestration could have on the Quad City region.  Media are invited to join the tour and the members will hold an availability following.  Details follow.

Tour of Mandus Group and Media Availability

WHO Congressman Dave Loebsack

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos

WHERE Mandus Group

2408 4th Avenue

Rock Island, IL

TIME Tour begins at 11:30am

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19 Feb 2013

Personal Finance Article: Should You Hire a Tax Preparer?

By Steve Burke

By Jason Alderman

The U.S. tax code grows more complicated every year and currently spans thousands of pages - even government experts can't agree exactly how long it is. So it's not surprising that millions of Americans hire professional tax preparers to complete their returns.

Relinquishing the onerous task of calculating your taxes to a professional may save you time and give peace of mind - they know more about tax law than you do, right? But remember: You're still legally responsible for all information on the return. So if the preparer makes a mistake or intentionally defrauds the government, you'll be on the hook for any additional taxes, interest and penalties - even possible prosecution.

The IRS notes that although most tax return preparers are professional, honest and serve their clients well, taxpayers should use the same standards for choosing a preparer as they would for a doctor or lawyer, and be on the lookout for incompetence and criminal activity.

There are several basic types of tax preparers: certified public accountants, IRS-designated enrolled agents, tax attorneys, storefront agents (think H&R Block) and self-employed preparers.

The first three types must meet their own licensing agency's continuing education and licensing requirements and are bound by ethical standards; they're also the only professionals authorized to represent you before the IRS on all tax matters, including audits, collection and appeals. Others may only represent you for audits of returns they actually prepared. Always ask whether they belong to any professional organizations with continuing-education requirements.

Here are tips for choosing the right tax return preparer:

  • Request an initial free consultation at which you can share last year's return and discuss how your situation has changed.
  • Ask how their fees are determined - some charge by the number of forms (schedules) filed, others by the hour. You might pay anywhere from $100 to many thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity of your situation, where you live, the agent's credentials, etc.
  • One good way to get a sense of fees is to ask what they would have charged to complete your last year's return.
  • Be wary of tax preparers who claim they can obtain larger refunds than other preparers. No one can estimate your refund without first reviewing your financial information.
  • Avoid preparers who base their fee on a percentage of the refund.
  • Consider whether the individual or firm will be around to answer questions about the return months or years after it's been filed.
  • Check their credentials and find out if any complaints have been filed with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Reputable preparers will ask to see receipts and will ask multiple questions to determine whether expenses qualify for deduction.
  • Ask whether your return's preparation will be outsourced, which means your personal information could be transmitted electronically to another firm, possibly outside the U.S.
  • Ask about their experience with IRS audits and what their fees would be to represent you in an audit.
  • Ask their policy for reimbursing you for fines, penalties and interest if it turns out your owe back taxes on a return they prepared - many have insurance for that purpose.

And finally, don't muddy the waters by linking your tax-return fee to buying another product the preparer may be trying to sell, such as a refund-anticipation loan or check, retirement savings account or insurance policy.

Jason Alderman directs Visa's financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

19 Feb 2013

RED IS FOR RAGE - Second novel in THE COLOR OF EVIL series.

By Connie Wilson
Check www.RedIsforRage.com for more information on Connie (Corcoran) Wilson's new E-book release, second in THE COLOR OF EVIL series, which will be out in paperback at the end of March with a book signing at The Book Rack in Moline, Illinois, on April 27th.
A book signing was held in Sydney, Australia at the Galaxy Bookstore (131 York Street) on February 7th and another will be held at the Book Cellar in Chicago on Wednesday, February 20, at 7 p.m.
THE COLOR OF EVIL (www.TheColorOfEvil.com) won the E-Lit Gold Medal (Jenkins group), the Silver Feather from the Chicago chapter of the Illinois Women's Press Association, and is on the Preliminary Ballot (10 finalists) for the Bram Stoker (R) Award in the Young Adult Novel category.
Read more about Connie (Corcoran) Wilson's other published works at her website (www.ConnieCWilson.com) and at the links above. The book is available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
19 Feb 2013

Moline's Speech team got first in state!

By M. McNeil
encore.jpg
For the second time in two years Moline High School's Encore! acting troupe/speech team got first place in the Illinois High School Association State Finals held this weekend in Peoria for its PIR--Performance in the Round.  The name of the performace was "The Starcatcher".

Cast members include : Alejandro Raya , Christian Frieden , Clare Van Echaute , Jennie White , JJ Schrick , Josef Pautsch, Matthew Hayes, Micah SantAmor Bernas, Peter Condit, Sadie Buckles, Taylor Romeo

The award winning team will be performing this Friday at the MHS cafeteria at 7:30 pm.  The high school's "Dessert Theatre" will also showcase other acts--both sectional and state performers.
19 Feb 2013

THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY FAIR FINALIZES GRANDSTAND ATTRACTIONS

By Phil Roberts
Davenport, Iowa (Feb. 17, 2013) - The contracts are signed and the grandstand lineup is set for this year's 94th annual
Mississippi Valley Fair (mvfair.com), being held July 30 to Aug. 4 at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St.

Here are the attractions:
Tuesday, July 30: Toby Keith
Wednesday, July 31: Uncle Kracker
Thursday, Aug. 1: Dwight Yoakam
Friday, Aug. 2: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Saturday, Aug. 3: Diamond Rio
Sunday, Aug. 4: Jake Owen

Many new and different grounds attractions also will be featured again this year, according to MVF general manager Bob Fox. They'll be announced in the next few months.

Fox noted there is no price increase this year for Fair Fun Cards, which are good for grounds admission and are the only way to be admitted into the grandstand. They're being sold now at the fair office for $40 each. The price goes to $45 after July 6.

Call (563) 326-5338 for more information.
19 Feb 2013

Feb. 21st. 2013 " Water: The Primary Excitant" by Michael Grady. I.S.E.

By Narveen Aryaputri
At the absolute moment of creation ex nihilo (out of nothing), excidents resulted from the ontological explosion caused by a "may-be" response made by every human person.

The primary excident, that which we, and the Earth are made of in precisely given quantities of percentage, is water.

Along with molecules to monkeys, water stands out as the primary subpersonal (partial) being, as developed by God's infinitely loving activity of compassion on us human maybe-sayers.

An original presentation by Michael Grady, who will also give a presentation on how to activate water from a passive to more active state, which harkens back to the pristine beginning and memory of creation ex aliquo (existence).

About the presenter :
Michael Grady has been an Independent Scholar at the Institute since 2004. He lives in Davenport with his wife Lina Grady, and three teenage girls. He has been an export consultant for American food products exporting American wild caught fish to Asia and Eastern Europe. Mike has spent some time in Denmark, and is a recent grandfather to Ingrid, 8 months old living in Copenhagn with his son Christian Norgaard Larsen and Stina.

Currently, Mike is in North Dakota where he has established a work residency and staffing company to supply the staffing demand for the Bracken oil fields. His wife , Lina is an expert and a consultant in Traditional Feng Shui.

Independent Scholars Evenings. 7.00 p.m.
Thursday.
1530 Fifth Avenue. Moline. Illinois 309-762-9202
Doors open at 6.30 p.m.
Free and open to the public.
Dress code: business casual.

Elevators are located through the 16th Street entrance.

The Institute for Cultural and Healing Traditions, LTD is a 501(c)3 at State and Federal level organization under US laws since 1996.

Please visit www.qcinstitute.org to see our archives
19 Feb 2013

German For Travelers language classes

By Kelly Lao
Guten Tag! German for Travelers language classes at GAHC every Thursday in April, 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th. Classes are from 5:30-6:30 taught by Eileen Williams-Jackson. Preregistration and payment due in advance, no refunds after first class. Registration due by April 1st! $40 members and $50 non-members
Get more information
Register Now!
I can't make it
For more information or to register over the phone, call Kelly at 563-322-8844!
When
Thursday April 4, 2013 at 4:30 PM CDT
-to-
Thursday April 25, 2013 at 6:30 PM CDT
Add to Calendar

Where
German American Heritage Center
712 W Second Street
Davenport, IA 52802
19 Feb 2013

Gallery Talk at the GAHC

By Kelly Lao
Davenport, IA- The German American Heritage Center announces a curator led Gallery Talk for
its brand new exhibit Eye of the Beholder: The Photography of Bradley W. Schaupp on Sunday,
February 24th at 1pm.

Exhibit curator Christine Powers will lead a discussion on the photography of her grandfather,
Bradley W. Schaupp and the images he captured over a lifetime. Educated at the famed Fred
Archer School of Photography, his works range from portraiture to nature and still life.

This event is free with museum admission, $5 Adults, $4 Seniors, $3 Children and free for
members. For more information call 563-322-8844 or email kelly.lao@gahc.org. The German
American Heritage Center is located at 712 W 2nd St. Davenport, IA, at the base of the
Centennial Bridge.
19 Feb 2013

Governor Quinn Encourages Working Families to Apply for Earned Income Tax Credit

By Erin Wilson

Newly-Doubled Tax Credit Puts More Money in the Pockets of
Working Families

CHICAGO - February 16, 2013. Governor Pat Quinn today encouraged working families across Illinois to learn about how they can apply for newly-expanded tax relief and highlighted no-cost tax preparation services they should take advantage of. The governor continued his drive to get the word out about Illinois' newly expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) at Truman College, which serves as a tax assistance center organized by the Center for Economic Progress (CEP).

Governor Quinn fought for and signed legislation in 2012 that doubles the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) over the next two years, which is expected to save working families an extra $105 million a year. The same legislation also benefits all taxpayers by improving the value of the personal exemption by indexing it to inflation. Today's event is part of the governor's effort to drive economic growth and support working families across Illinois.

"Empowering working families is essential to growing the Illinois economy," Governor Quinn said. "We want to make sure to get the word out about how eligible people can apply for the tax relief they deserve."

The EITC is uniquely pro-growth and pro-family. Available only to workers who are earning income, this tax credit provides incentive to work as well as much-needed tax relief to the lowest-income families. The EITC also generates local economic growth by increasing consumer spending. A 2006 Brookings Institution study found that every dollar a family saves through this tax credit translates into $1.58 of activity in local economies and can help businesses avoid layoffs, hire employees and pave the way for future growth.

The law also improves the value of the standard personal exemption for all taxpayers in Illinois and ties its continued growth to the rate of inflation. The personal exemption will increase by $50 (to $2,050) in tax year 2012, and the value of the exemption will be indexed to the cost of living adjustment each tax year thereafter. The personal exemption change benefits all taxpayers, regardless of income.

Governor Quinn launched EITC.illinois.gov last month to help more eligible families receive tax relief and take advantage of tax preparation assistance.

How to Benefit from the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

To benefit from Illinois' EITC, also known as the Earned Income Credit (EIC), taxpayers must include it on their tax returns. The not-for-profit Center for Economic Progress (CEP) estimates that between 10 and 20 percent of eligible taxpayers did not file for EITC last year.

To help working families achieve the maximum savings on their taxes, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) partners with the Center for Economic Tax Counseling Project to provide free tax preparation assistance at tax assistance centers across the state. The services are provided free of charge to families making less than $50,000 annually and to individuals with yearly incomes under $25,000. More than 25,000 Illinois taxpayers filed returns through the program in the 2011 tax season, with more than $45 million in state and federal tax refunds returned to clients.

DHS also funds the Tax Assistance Program (TAP) which has nearly 20 locations in Chicago and the suburbs. TAP recruits tax professionals to volunteer to assist low-income families. DHS also works with its clients and those who found jobs and have left DHS programs to educate them about tax preparation programs and ways to ensure they receive the maximum refund on their tax returns.

A list of locations across the state that offer free tax assistance to eligible individuals is attached.

For more information on the Tax Counseling Project, contact the Center for Economic Progress in Chicago at 312-630-0273, or call the toll-free statewide number at 888-827-8511. For information on the Tax Assistance Program call 312-409-1555 or 312-409-4318 (Spanish). Details are also available on the DHS website at www.dhs.state.il.us and the Department of Revenue website at www.revenue.state.il.us.

Information about filing federal taxes online can be found at www.irs.gov.

 

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