26 Jul 2013

Summer research prepares Augustana students for life beyond college

By Keri Rursch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (07/25/2013)(readMedia)-- This summer nine Augustana students are participating in full-scale scientific research projects under the guidance of their faculty advisors, gaining experience to utilize in graduate school and careers after college. Each summer research project is funded through an Augustana Summer Student Research Fellowship.

A Clinton, Iowa, student, Hiba Ansari is working alongside Dr. Mamata Marme', advising coordinator and instructor in the business administration department. Ansari is a senior majoring in business administration-management.

Inspired to do a project on the Quad-Cities Muslim population, Ansari is combining the disciplines of geography and business statistics to initiate new programming to match the Muslim community demographics. Dr. Marmata Marme' encouraged Ansari to attach her interests to a relevant community matter; she chose the Muslim population in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, which is rapidly growing without accurate count or accommodation of demographic changes. Among her goals are to renew the contact directory of Quad-Cities Muslims and help initiate new programming such as camp retreats and other refugee integration efforts.

For a photo of Ansari, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisyhoang/9357418633/

A Davenport, Iowa, student, Jimmy Wiebler is working alongside Dr. Tim Muir, assistant professor in the biology department. Wiebler is a senior majoring in biology.

Jimmy Wiebler has been collaborating for more than a year on a research project with Dr. Tim Muir. They are studying the cold-conditioning response in Vertebrate Ectotherm. Specifically, Wiebler and Dr. Muir will work to determine the thermal dynamics necessary to elicit the cold-conditioning response in hatching painted turtles by changing the duration at which they experience a subzero temperature before a subsequent cold-shock. This research project will allow Wiebler to discover something new about animal physiology and how it has adapted to withstand such extreme environmental conditions. Wiebler suspects that turtles possessing the highest levels of brain and liver glucose will be the most cold-hardy. In working with Dr. Muir, he said, "I have been able to learn many of the generalized techniques useful to a biologist, as well as some tricks of the trade I wouldn't find in any textbook.". This project will be combined with a complementary project from last year led by Manisha Kumar '13, and ultimately will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

For a photo of Wiebler, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisyhoang/9357418743/

To encourage students to immerse themselves in their subject matter and engage in hands-on practice, Augustana College provides students of all disciplines opportunities through the Summer Student Research Fellowships. The program encourages research or artistic projects under the guidance of a faculty member. Students may apply for a maximum stipend of $3,000, plus additional funding for project expenses. Students' contributions to these projects can inspire them to conduct even more cutting-edge research in their later years of study, and also direct them to the post-graduate field of study they would like to pursue.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana College is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 146 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

26 Jul 2013

The Salvation Army Announces STUFF THE BUS In Participation with First Day Project

By Holly Nomura

Quad Cities, USA: The Salvation Army, Wal-Mart and Johannes Bus Service will host the Third Annual Stuff the Bus Event at all four Quad Cities area Wal-Marts.

DATE: Saturday, July 27, 2013

TIME: 10am - 6pm

PLACE: All four Quad Cities area Wal-Marts

The First Day Project unites Quad City area school supply drives to meet the needs of students who require help in obtaining school supplies. Nearly 20,000 students in Quad City schools are from families with incomes low enough to be eligible for Free & reduced fee waivers for school meals and fees. Some of Quad City area schools have an average as high as 60% of students qualifying for Free & Reduced. The First Day Project will supply thousands of Quad City students with the items they need to start their school year with confidence.

Shoppers are encouraged to purchase school supplies and bring them to the school bus so that our community's low-income, homeless, or needy children will be prepared on the first day of school. Items needed include backpacks, dry erase markers, loose-leaf paper, spiral notebooks, colored and regular pencils and pencil boxes, pocket folders, pens, crayons, glue sticks, tissues, scissors, erasers, washable markers, watercolor paints and hand sanitizer.

Monetary contributions can also be sent to the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, 852 Middle Road, Suite 100, Bettendorf, Iowa, 52722. Donate Online: Go to www.cfgrb.org and click on "donate now." Donations can be designated to a particular school district if noted on the check.

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26 Jul 2013

MISSISSIPPI RIVER DISTILLING COMPANY WINS IOWA FARM BUREAU RENEW RURAL IOWA ENTREPRENEUR AWARD

By Laurie Johns

Le Claire Brothers' Innovation, Creativity Lead Local Distilling Industry Growth In Iowa

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA - July 25, 2013 - A love of distillery and Iowa agriculture brought two brothers to Le Claire, Iowa, to tap into a new and growing industry in Iowa: a "grain to glass" small batch fine alcohol distillery.   Although Iowa is not the number one alcohol-consumption state in the nation, it is now the number one alcohol production state in the U.S.

Ryan and Garrett Burchett are owners, distillers, bartenders, tour guides and even cash register attendants at their Mississippi River Distillery.  The business is the July winner of the Renew Rural Iowa Entrepreneur of the Month award.  The Burchetts left separate careers in road construction and television meteorology to form their business just three years ago.  Their unique skills and personable styles quickly helped the company grow.  "We're in 12 states and will be in 16 by the end of the summer. We're hoping by the end of the year to be in 20.  There's tremendous interest in craft distilling in this country.  It's a business that's still in its infancy and there are a lot of them coming into business right now, but very few of them have aged whiskey ready to go. We have that.  We aren't interested in being the next coast-to-coast brand; it's our connection, our ties to the Mississippi River and our connection to Iowa agriculture that we want to celebrate," says Ryan Burchett.

Local farmers and business leaders agree the Burchett business brings many benefits to the community.   Scott County Farm Bureau President Mike Holst recognizes the brothers' ability to not only attract tourists but to also connect them with their locally-produced product.  "People today want to have a closer tie to agriculture and this company is helping deliver that, even on their labeling."  Each bottle is marked with a hand-written code, indicating the batch and bottle number.   Burchett agrees that connection is a fascination for customers.  "It will tell you the name of the farmer that grew the grain, the day that it was mashed, distilled, and bottled, who helped us bottle it, even what equipment we blew up on that batch while trying to perfect it; the whole story of what went into that bottle is part of the package," says Burchett with a laugh.

Despite having just two other full-time employees, the company has seen great success in the first few years of operation and they give credit to a group of  300 dedicated volunteers, who help Mississippi Distillery take the product from "barrel to bottle."  Their company spirits have won awards including the Silver Medal for Taste in 2011 for their River Rose Gin and the Silver Medal Top Ten in the Nation for their River Barron Artisan Spirit.

Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an IFBF initiative supporting a diverse array of new and existing businesses through education, mentoring and financial resources. Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Business Developer, Sandy Ehrig, invites you to learn more about how Renew Rural Iowa can help your business grow by visiting with them at Farm Bureau Park during the State Fair on August 15th.                         

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About Iowa Farm Bureau

The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation is a grassroots, statewide organization dedicated to helping farm families prosper and improve their quality of life.  More than 153,000 families in Iowa are Farm Bureau members, working together to achieve economic growth, educational improvement, and environmental quality in their communities.  For more information about Farm Bureau and agriculture, visit the online media center at www.iowafarmbureau.com.

26 Jul 2013

Human Trafficking: Not Just a Man's Profit

By Rick Martin
With $32 Billion for Grabs Annually, More Women are
Profiting from the Subjugation of Children & Other Women

As terrible as human trafficking is for each subjugated person throughout the world, Sharon Buchbinder says women and children are especially vulnerable.

"Forced labor, organ harvesting and the soul-destroying, commercial sex industry often feature men as vicitms; however, it is the commercial sex industry that accounts for approximately 75 to 80 percent of human trafficking, which predominately targets women and girls," says Buchbinder, an award-winning, multi-published novelist who recently published "Obsession," (www.sharonbuchbinder.com), which deals with international kidnapping.

"There are more than 27 million slaves worldwide, according to the United Nations, generating an estimated $32 billion in profits, most of which are earned on the backs of young women, yet more and more case findings are uncovering women as ringleaders and operators of trafficking syndicates," she says.

Buchbinder reviews some recent cases:

• A Saudi Arabian princess charged in Los Angeles: Meshael Alayban faces one felony count of human trafficking after being accused of holding a domestic servant against her will at her condominium in Irvine, Calif. Alayban is one of the wives of Saudi Prince Abdulrahman bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz al Saud. A female servant, originally from Kenya, escaped and flagged down a bus, after which she told her story to local police. The woman says she was promised weekends off and a good wage but was forced to work 16-hour days, seven days a week and was paid only $220 a month. Alayban faces a maximum sentence of 12 years if convicted. She is being held in the Orange County jail in lieu of $5 million bail.

• United Nations study shows females traffic more sex workers than men in developing countries: Using data from 155 countries, the UN's first international report attempting to calculate the scope, nature and patterns of human trafficking found a disproportionately high number of female perpetrators selling other women into slavery. The report uncovered an alarming trend: women who were once victims of the sex trade often develop into ringleaders of the illegal, underground sex industry. Researchers cite money, poverty and a skewed psychological perspective for possible reasons for this phenomenon.

• Woman recently sentenced to more than seven years in a federal prison for trafficking a 16-year-old in three different states: Jessica Loren Posey was sentenced earlier this year to serve time for transporting a juvenile girl to Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio for the purpose of prostitution. According to a U.S. attorney, Posey met the girl at a party and coerced her to engage in sex for money. Posey, 25, marketed the girl using uploaded pictures on various pornographic websites, and she arranged meetings at hotel rooms, driving the girl there.

"In America, we often think of slavery as a problem of the past; in reality, however, there are more human slaves in the world today than ever before in history, with roughly 27 million people are held as slaves worldwide," Buchbinder says. "Unfortunately, this is likely to be a persistent problem - a human trafficker can potentially earn 20 times the amount paid for a girl, which can be worth a quarter million dollars. Unlike drugs and guns, girls can be used over and over again."

About Sharon Buchbinder

Sharon Buchbinder is an award-winning author published in contemporary, erotic, paranormal and romantic-suspense genres. After working in health care delivery for years, Buchbinder became an executive, a health care researcher and an academic in higher education. Despite enjoying the good life with a good career, her supportive husband and an amazing son, the itch to write kept beckoning her. She credits much of her success to the kindness of family, friends, critique partners, Romance Writers of America and Maryland Romance Writers.

26 Jul 2013

Todd Zachary, new Headmaster at Rivermont Collegiate, has plans for big changes!

By Brittany Marietta
·         Enhanced STEM programs
  • Introduction of Singapore Math
  • Interactive Science for all students, Junior Kindergarten - 12th Grade
  • Expanded technology suite in every classroom
  • Greater collaboration with local colleges and universities

Don't miss the opportunity to explore what's in store for the brightest young minds in the QCA - to arrange an interview with Mr. Zachary, contact Brittany Marietta at (563) 359-1366 ext. 308 or marietta@rvmt.org. 

"Rivermont's future continues to shine brightly!  Our steadfast vision is to provide exceptional education to the entire Quad Cities region.  We embrace today's global landscape and prepare our graduates for the world beyond our campus.  We are Rivermont Collegiate of the Quad Cities - proud of our rich heritage yet eagerly embracing our community's future." - Todd Zachary
26 Jul 2013

2013 Iowa State Fair Set to Debut In Two Weeks

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/25/2013)(readMedia)-- "Happiness Is" being just two weeks away from the debut of the 2013 Iowa State Fair. Don't miss out on everything the Fair has to offer including half a million dollars in free stage entertainment, delectable foods, livestock galore and more. "Nothing Compares" to Iowa's largest 11-day celebration set August 8-18.

Fairgoers can enjoy their favorite activities all day. The free entertainment line-up is filled with rising stars and annual favorites. The Fair's five free stages, all free with gate admission, will feature a wide array of music genres with acts like Foghat, The Henningsens, Building 429, Jerrod Niemann and more. The Budweiser Stage has also found a new home and will be located directly west of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center. The stage will feature rock stars like Blue Öyster Cult, Skid Row, L.A. Guns and more.

Eighteen new foods will debut at this year's Fair including sweet treats like a strawberry smoothie and deep fried brownie on-a-stick as well as hearty snacks like a shrimp corndog, bacon wrapped riblet on-a-stick and Cajun cheese curds. These foods join the nearly 200 food stands with more than 60 delectable items served on-a-stick.

The Fair also boasts one of the world's largest livestock shows, with more than 5,570 exhibitors and 23,600 entries ranging from chickens and pigeons to llamas and hogs as well as 10 different breeds of horses.

Thrill rides located west of the Varied Industries Building offer Fairgoers even more exciting experiences with the Area 51-Scare Zone, Crazy Mouse rollercoaster and Turbo Trampoline.

Be sure to enjoy the view as you experience the Fair's zipline, located west of the Jacobson Exhibition Center. Leap from the 28-foot tower and fly 130 feet across the grounds.

Don't forget about those other Fair favorites including the Butter Cow, over 45 contests to participate in and watch, the state's largest art show and the largest foods department of any state fair. Be sure to check out the Fair's great line-up of kids' activities from family friendly stage entertainment to hands-on agriculture education in the Animal Learning Center.

A complete listing of Fair activities is available at iowastatefair.org.

"Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair set August 8-18, 2013. Save money on advance admission tickets now through August 7 (while supplies last). For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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26 Jul 2013

Attend Tracing Your Jewish Roots from German-Speaking Europe with Fran Luebke

By Kelly Lao
Join Fran Luebke as we spend an afternoon exploring the intricacies of tracing your Jewish roots in German-speaking Europe!

This workshop will provide an overview of resources and research techniques that address the unique challenges faced by genealogists looking for their Jewish ancestors from German-speaking Europe. The Workshop will cover sources that are available online and those that are not, focusing on specifically Jewish records such as name change documents, Matrikel lists, cemetery records, and "Schutzgeld" tax documents. As more Jewish records become available to the public, a successful family researcher needs to be a good detective and follow many leads.

Fran Loeb Luebke has a Masters degree in history and has been tracing and tracking her own ancestors for over 35 years.

Click on the link below to register or RSVP.

If you would like assistance in registering, call Kelly at 563-322-8844.

This workshop is $25 for Members and $35 for Non-members. Pre-registration is required so sign up today!!!
Get more information
Register Now!
I can't make it
We are excited to be hosting this workshop and hope to see you there!
When
Sunday October 13, 2013 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM CDT
Add to Calendar

Where
German American Heritage Center
712 W Second Street
Davenport, IA 52802
Driving Directions
26 Jul 2013

August Fun in LeClaire, Iowa

By Cindy Bruhn

There are plenty of fun reasons (in addition to the great shops, restaurants and attractions) to come to LeClaire, Iowa in August. Between events such as First Friday, a car show, craft show, the Tug Fest and live music every Friday, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

On Friday, August 2nd, "First Friday" kicks off the month with food and drink samples at Wide River Winery and the Mississippi River Distilling Co. Enjoy live music outdoors at Wide River Winery by Patchy Fog from 5-8pm, at Grasshoppers by Acoustic Friends from 6-8pm and at the Faithful Pilot Café by The Matriarchs from 7-9pm. Many shops stay open late, and LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals offers free appraisals until 7pm. Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium and Razzleberries Fine Gifts offer a sweet treat while supplies last. Dine at one of the many restaurants that LeClaire has to offer then join in the fun with Karaoke at Sneaky Pete's at 9pm and you will have a wonderful evening! For more information: www.visitleclaire.com

On Saturday, August 3rd, come on out to LeClaire to see British cars at the Heartland British Autofest from 9am - 3pm on the Levee. This event was previously held in the Village of East Davenport. For more information: www.qcbac.home.mchsi.com/

Also on Saturday, take in a craft show at the LeClaire Civic Center from 9am-3pm.

Sunday, August 4th, treat yourself to brunch or lunch in LeClaire and then take in the live music at Wide River Winery featuring Jordan Danielson from 2-5pm while enjoying your favorite bottle of wine.

Be sure and join us for Tug Fest 2013 in LeClaire, Thursday-Saturday, August 8-10. Just some of the fun includes a carnival, food vendors, live music, parade and the greatest fireworks over the Mississippi River on Friday evening, 5k run on Saturday morning, and the feature of the fest - a tug-of-war across the Mississippi River from 12:30-2:30pm on Saturday. Even the kids can get in on the action at 11am on Saturday with a Children's tug-of-war. Admission is free on Thursday; $5 on Friday and Saturday; children under 12 are free. Find all the details at www.tugfest.com

There will be live outdoor music the remaining Fridays of the month at Wide River Winery from 5-8pm. The schedule is as follows: August 9th The Whoozdads; August 16th Pieces of Candy, August 23rd Dan Peart; and August 30th our own Mississippi River Distilling Co. co-owner, Ryan Burchett and the Moonshiners. For more information: www.wideriverwinery.com

The Faithful Pilot Café's monthly brunch offering is on August 18 with seatings at 10am and 12:30pm. Pick your favorite "first", "garden" and main entreé from their special brunch menu. For reservations call 563-289-4156. For more information: www.faithfulpilot.com.

LeClaire, Iowa is located at a point where the Mississippi River makes a sharp bend to the southwest. LeClaire's historic bond with the river and the bold men who tamed the Upper Rapids is still visible in the homes and buildings they left behind. On May 7, 1979, their homes were recognized as part of the nine-block Cody Road Historic District listed on the National Register of Historic Places. LeClaire's other attractions include the Buffalo Bill Museum/Lone Star Stern Wheeler, Mississippi River Distilling Co., and Antique Archaeology, home of the American Pickers.

For more information on LeClaire visit www.visitleclaire.com.

26 Jul 2013

Dairy Beef Feeding for Profit

By Amanda Heitz

Feeding dairy steers has been common on northeast and east central Iowa farms and others are looking at dairy steers with supplies of feeder cattle being low.

An educational conference on feeding dairy steers will be the focus of two Extension programs in NE Iowa, August 6 at Monticello and August 7 at Cresco.

Dr. Lee Schultz, ISU Extension Livestock Economist will discuss the current feeder calf availability including both beef and dairy calves, as well as share his outlook on the fed cattle market and profitability in the feedlot industry. Dr. Dan Loy, ISU Beef Specialist, will discuss the use of growth promoting technologies such as implants, ionophores and beta-agonists in dairy beef steers and their impacts on marketing options.

The keynote speaker will be Dr. Steven Rust from Michigan State University, speaking on their research and experience in feeding Holstein steers for the beef market. His research includes feeding systems, rations, and housing for Holstein beef steers. Another featured speaker will be Shawn Walter from Professional Cattle Consultants (PCC) at Hydro, Oklahoma. Shawn will share some of their closeout and performance data comparing Holstein to beef cattle. PCC has over 35 years of feedlot data with over 120 million head of cattle in their database, and they currently represent over 2.5 million head of feeding capacity from more than 100 feedyards. Dr. Darren Katzung, DVM, with Southwest Vet Services in Wisconsin, specializing in dairy calf health and will share his experiences with calf health and its impact on feedyard performance. A panel on marketing fed dairy beef will discuss the options and preferences of packers.

Both programs will begin at 9:15 am and conclude at 3 pm. The August 6 session will be at the Jones County Extension office in Monticello, and the August 7 session will be at the Howard County Fairgrounds in Cresco. Registration for the event is $20 to cover the lunch and materials. Sponsors helping defer speaker expenses include Merck Animal Health, Big Gain Feed, Iowa Beef Center, Innovative Ag Services, Silver Edge Coop, Cargill Feeds, C US Bank and Cresco Bank & Trust. To register for the program in Monticello contact Denise Schwab at the Benton County Extension office 319-472-4739 or dschwab@iastate.edu or for the Cresco meeting contact Sue Barnes at the Howard County office 563-547-3001 or skbarnes@iastate.edu. Please call by August 2 to ensure adequate meals.

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25 Jul 2013

MCCULLERS HELPS BANDITS KEEP EDGE TO DOWN BEES

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities wins consecutive games for first time in more than two weeks

BURLINGTON, Iowa (JULY 24, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Lance McCullers struck out six batters in five innings to earn his first win since June 23, and center fielder Teoscar Hernandez hit his team-leading eighth home run to help the visitors to an 8-5 victory over the Burlington Bees at Community Field Wednesday night.

Seven players combined for nine hits to help Quad Cities (17-13 second half, 55-44 overall) win back-to-back games for the first time since July 6-7 in Kane County and score at least seven runs in consecutive games for the first time since July 2-3 at home against Clinton.

In the opener of a three-game series, Burlington (12-19, 38-58) took the lead in the first inning against McCullers (5-5). Bees third baseman Sherman Johnson drew a leadoff walk, and first baseman Wade Hinkle hit his 10th home run to give his team a 2-0 lead. McCullers has allowed a home run in each of his last three starts, while Quad Cities' opponents have homered in seven straight games.

The River Bandits answered quickly against right-hander Pat Lowery (3-6) in the second inning. Designated hitter Bobby Borchering and first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki drew consecutive walks and advanced one base each on a wild pitch - the first of five thrown by Bees pitchers in the game. Third baseman Rio Ruiz then drove both runs home with his first triple of the season to right-center field. Another wild pitch brought in Ruiz for the go-ahead run. Catcher Roberto Pena then singled, and right fielder Dan Gulbransen grounded into a fielder's choice. Two batters later, Hernandez hammered a Lowery offering over the left-field fence for a 5-2 Quad Cities lead. The five-run frame was the River Bandits' largest since a five-run ninth inning against Cedar Rapids on June 13.

McCullers held the lead by tossing four straight scoreless innings to finish his outing. He gave up a walk in the second inning but erased it on a double play. The Bees loaded the bases in the third inning on a hit batter and two walks, but McCullers got a strikeout that started a string of seven consecutive outs through the end of the fifth inning. His six strikeouts gave him 101 this season, making he and teammate Vincent Velasquez (102) the only Midwest League pitchers with 100 this season.

The teams traded pairs of runs in the seventh inning. Pena doubled and scored on a single by Gulbransen. Second baseman Austin Elkins later doubled on scored on a play that included a wild pitch and a throwing error by Bees catcher Zach Wright. In the bottom of the inning, right-hander Juri Perez gave up a single and three walks that led to two runs. Right-hander Gera Sanchez pitched two scoreless innings for the Quad Cities bullpen. The River Bandits scored a run with the help of two ninth-inning errors, while the Bees had three hits for a ninth-inning run against right-hander Jordan Jankowski.

Wednesday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Thursday, July 25. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Thursday, July 25. The River Bandits and Bees continue their series at 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Quad Cities right-hander Mark Appel (0-0) will make his third Midwest League start against Burlington left-hander Tyler DeLoach (4-2).

UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is a nominee for the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, and fans can vote once per day at 10Best.com until the winner is announced Aug. 14. The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park Tuesday, July 30. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at  563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is planned for next spring, along with a carousel and other new games and attractions. This season, the team just unveiled a new 300-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, a Mediacom Frog Hopper, and a number of new bounce houses . The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans can see the first team in Minor League Baseball history with back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks - 2012 top pick Carlos Correa and 2013 top pick Mark Appel, as well as 2012 first-round draft choice Lance McCullers. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, the second half of this season is one every fan will not want to miss!

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