SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner today granted seven and denied 247 clemency petitions. About 1,000 petitions remain from previous administrations.

The 254 clemency petitions Governor Rauner acted upon today are part of dockets dating back to October 2010. This is the sixth set of petitions the governor has reviewed since taking office.  Each person granted clemency has recently undergone a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police's Law Enforcement Agencies Data System.

A granted clemency request for a pardon with expungement allows the petitioner to seek expungement of their conviction through the court system.

For additional information on the granted clemency cases, please contact Ken Tupy at the Prisoner Review Board at (217) 782-1610 or Ken.Tupy@illinois.gov.

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In letters to the relevant federal agencies, Sen. Chuck Grassley has pressed for the removal of unnecessary barriers to scientific research into the medical risks and benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of the marijuana plant that may help children with severe epileptic seizures and other conditions.  In June, at the request of Grassley and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) agreed to eliminate an extra layer of review for non-government funded cannabidiol research that it previously required its Public Health Service to complete.  Also at that time, at the senators' request, the Justice Department and HHS agreed to evaluate cannabidiol to determine whether it can be classified on a lower schedule than the entire marijuana plant, which may make research on it proceed somewhat more easily.

Today, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that it has agreed to a third request of the senators - to ease some of the regulatory requirements for those who are conducting Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved clinical trials on cannabidiol by permitting waivers that will let research proceed seamlessly if the researcher requires more CBD than was initially approved by the DEA.  According to the DEA, "These modifications will streamline the research process regarding CBD's possible medicinal value and help foster ongoing scientific studies."

Grassley is Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and the Caucus on International Narcotics Control.  Grassley made the following comment on the DEA's announcement.

"This is good news toward the progress on scientific research on cannabidiol.  Removing more barriers will help allow scientists to determine its potential medicinal value.  Right now, parents who are desperate to help their children live in uncertainty over cannabidiol.  Federal agencies should do whatever they responsibly can to help research proceed so these families can get answers."

The DEA's news release is available here.  Grassley's letters to the agencies are available here, here and here.

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley will hold nine town meetings in Iowa Jan. 6 through Jan. 8 as part of his annual 99-county meetings. 

With these meetings, Grassley will begin his 36th year holding meetings in every one of Iowa's 99 counties.  Grassley has held a meeting in every county, every year since he was first elected to serve in the U.S. Senate.

Jan. 6 through Jan. 8 Grassley will be in Grundy Center, Allison, Waverly, New Hampton, Calmar, Cresco, Osage, Manly and Clear Lake. 

 

"Representative government is a two-way street.  I'm one half of the process and the people of Iowa are the other half.  You can't have representative government without dialogue between elected officials and the people we represent," Grassley said.  "I appreciate the opportunity to hold town meetings, answer questions and take comments."

Grassley will be available for 15 minutes after each meeting to answer questions from local reporters.  These town meetings are open to the public and media.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To help combat the dangers of human trafficking, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, co-sponsored legislation that gets businesses to involved in informing the public about the availability of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center and takes effect on Jan. 1, 2016.
"This new law helps get the word out about the human trafficking epidemic and can help victims get help," Smiddy said. "Providing the public with information about the national anti-trafficking hotline can give victims extra help to get out of danger."
Illinois is a major transportation thoroughfare, offering an opportunity for spreading awareness about trafficking to travelers. Smiddy co-sponsored House Bill 2556, which requires some businesses in Illinois to post information about the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, a national anti-trafficking hotline. According to The End Demand Illinois, an anti-trafficking advocacy group, Illinois generated the fifth highest number of calls to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline, preceded only by New York, Texas, California and Florida. Smiddy worked with advocates to create this law help stop trafficking without placing an undue burden on businesses.
"Human trafficking victims and survivors should be aware of support and services to get help and stay safe," Smiddy said. "It is my hope that this legislation will protect victims from perpetrators of violent crimes."
For more information, please contact Smiddy's constituent service office at (309)-848-9098.
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Construction at Scott Area Recycling Center creates changes for residents

DAVENPORT, IA–Construction is ongoing at the Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Ave., Davenport. The Recycling Center remains closed as updates are made to accommodate new single-stream operations. In the interim, residents may continue to dispose of several items at the Carey Avenue campus:

  • • As of Monday, Dec. 28, household recyclables may be dropped off during daylight hours at the Recycling Center using the Carey Avenue entrance, which will reopen. (The Carey Avenue entrance has been closed since October) Drop-off recycling containers will be located in front of the Recycling Center (south side) rather than behind it, as in the past.

  • • Electronic waste, fluorescent bulbs, and full containers of medical sharps may be dropped off at the Electronic Demanufacturing Facility. Residents also may pick up new sharps containers at the facility, which continues to be accessible only from the north at East 59th Street. (It cannot be reached from the Carey Avenue entrance.)

The Household Hazardous Materials Facility located at Carey Avenue remains closed, including the drop-off area for used oil and oil filters. Residents may continue to drop off hazardous materials, including oil and filters, at the Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Ave., Buffalo. Appointments are no longer required to drop off materials from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. To drop off materials on a Saturday morning, residents must make an appointment online at www.wastecom.com or by calling (563) 381-1300 during business hours.

Waste Commission of Scott County (Commission) anticipates that the Scott Area Recycling Center will reopen as a single-stream facility in summer 2016 and extends its gratitude to residents and customers for their patience during this major project.

The Commission is an inter-governmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

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Quad Cities Firemen are taking their pants off for charity! Yep, you read that right! Some of the best firefighters in the Midwest have bared skin for the Quad City Firefighter Calendar that's raising money to end neurofibromatosis. Need we say more? All for a good cause; you can order yours here!

The maker movement in the Quad Cities is drawing widespread and well deserved attention. Mary Talbert, owner of Crafted QC was featured in the Quad City Times on Sunday highlighting the handcrafted items you can find at her shop. For those that are in a bind looking for last minute Christmas gifts, this place will have you covered!

Another place that can help you finish up your shopping is Major Art & Hobby and they have something for everyone of all ages. The store has been located at 2nd and Perry for 60+ years and is the Quad Cities oldest hobby store! They have models of automobiles, planes, military vehicles and a wide variety of electric trains! They also have a huge selection of RC cars, art and home decor! 

What's going up at 5th & Brady? Work is underway and this under-utilized parking lot will soon be transformed into a new apartment complex and Martin Luther King Jr. Interpretive Center! The project features 24 rental units, two retail spaces, and an adjacent plaza space. The projected is planned for a Fall 2016 completion date. Read more at Davenport Today.

Have you made your New Years Eve plans? Celebrate the New Year with a night filled with live music at the NYE Masquerade at the Renwick Mansion with The Dawn, Joe Marcinek Band featuring Bernie Worrell and Soap. Or catch The Old 57's and Smooth Groove at Rhythm City Casino's last NYE downtown! For a not so normal NYE, Me & Billy is throwing an epic Toga party or ring in the new year at Dam View Inn with DJ Joey Blaze!
For a complete list of the events this week and beyond, visit our event calendar.

See you downtown!
Future Events:
01/08 - Rude Punch
01/15 - Cornmeal

Update: Dec 24 - The driver of the 2000 Ford F150 pickup who was fatally injured on 12/22/15 was identified as  Paul H. Ostrand, 55, from Stockton, Iowa. The accident remains under investigation.

On December 22nd, at approximately 5:36 pm, Scott County Sheriff's deputies responded to the 5200 blk of 220th Street in rural Walcott in reference to a single vehicle accident rollover. Preliminary investigation by the Scott County Sheriff's Office Accident Response Team determined that a 2000 Ford F150 was traveling westbound in the 5200 blk of 220th Street when it left the road, entered the north ditch, struck a culvert, and rolled onto its top.

The male driver and sole occupant of the truck, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transported to Genesis Medical Center-East Rusholme Street, Davenport, where he was pronounced dead. The driver's name is not being released at this time pending further investigation.

The Scott County Sheriff's Office was assisted at the scene by Walcott Police, Iowa State Patrol, Walcott Fire, and Durant Ambulance.

"Getting the Love you Want" Couples Workshop to be held at Die Heimat Event Center in Homestead

A 20-hour intensive workshop for couples will be held Feb. 12-14, 2016 in Homestead. Jill Fein Baker, LCSW, of Chicago will be the presenter. She has many years of experience leading workshops using the Imago relationship theory as well as counseling couples in her private practice.

Die Heimat is hosting the event; providing comfortable and lovely space and a hot breakfast and lunch in its 16-room country inn. Workshop sessions will be conveniently held in the Next Door Event Center.

Jill is passionate about helping people grow, heal and restore connections in their lives. On her website, www.jillfeinbaker.com Jill states "in our natural quest to feel connected, we sometimes mistake enmeshment or symbiosis for real union or true love. A conscious love relationship allows for all parties to be aware of their profound connection while maintaining personal responsibility and opportunity. In its most sacred moments, this relationship allows each person to connect in a spiritual as well as emotional and physical way."

Marc and June Hershberger, owners and operators of Die Heimat Country Inn, are committed to providing an environment that nurtures growth opportunities for their guests during the weekend. They encourage couples to view the weekend as an investment in their relationship that will positively shape their future.  For more information and how to register see http://dieheimat.com/imago-couples-workshop/ or call 319-622-3937. Early bird discounts are available.

On December 21st, 2015 the Scott County Special Operations Unit served three residential search warrants in the City of Davenport as part of an extensive methamphetamine investigation. Based on information received from the public, agents established a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine using a common method called the "one pot meth lab." As a result of the investigation, nine arrests were made on 32 charges varying from possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine, and conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine. It should be noted that an arrest on criminal charges is an accusation that has not been proven in court.

The locations of the search warrants were: 1434 W. 15th St., 2023 W. 3rd St., and 1124 S. Stark St. all in Davenport. Drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine precursors, and methamphetamines in excess of 5 grams were located. Methamphetamines in excess of 5 grams is a class B felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. The "one pot meth lab" is a dangerous method of manufacturing methamphetamines in clandestine labs using chemicals commonly available to the public which become explosive or a fire hazard. The Davenport Police and Iowa State Patrol assisted in the search warrants.

Those arrested can be seen on the Scott County Jail inmate Listing at www.scottcountyiowa.com A list of the nine arrested are: Daniel Schafenberg, Joshua Cook, Harley Jenkins, Alexandra Wheeler, John Cannella, Tabitha KcKinley, Daniel Hinrichs, Jarald Burmeister, and Nichole Amerine.

The Scott County Sheriff's Office strongly encourages the public to provide authorities with information concerning illegal drug activity. Tips can be sent through the Sheriff's Office Facebook page or Crime Stoppers.

Cordova International Raceway
Cordova, IL
  • Drag Racing in the winter! The only track in the Midwest to be racing!
  • Every car is a race car...so open racing for anyone!
  • Gates open Jan. 1, 2016 at 11am, racing from noon-4pm
  • Street cars, trucks, and motorcycles are all invited to attend!
  • Heated Pit Café with food and Zoomies Bar will be open
  • Plus... Free aspirin at the gate and $1 Bloody Mary's (21+ and not racing)
Come visit us for a great day of wintertime racing!!
For more information contact:
Bobbi Jo - General Manager
Cordova International Raceway
19425 IL Rt 84 N
Cordova, IL 61242

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