17 Nov 2015

Iowa Biodiesel Leaders Hit the Hill to Urge Tax Incentive Reform

By Iowa Biodielsel Board

Iowa Biodiesel Board members ask Congress to extend incentive for two years

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Members of the Iowa Biodiesel Board are in Washington, D.C. today to urge Iowa's Congressional delegation to extend the incentive for biodiesel for two years, through 2016. They are also asking for a restructuring of the $1-per-gallon credit for biodiesel and renewable diesel.

Grant Kimberley, executive director of the Iowa Biodiesel Board, issued the following statement:

"Nowhere is the success of the tax credit more evident than in Iowa. Our state's 13 plants produced more than a quarter of a billion gallons of biodiesel last year, supporting jobs and economic development while replacing foreign oil and diversifying our fuel supply. The federal tax incentive has played a key role in enabling those plants to stay operating and profitable, benefiting all levels of our economy.

"Yet Congress has put our state's biodiesel producers in the unusual position of becoming high-stakes gamblers with their business decisions for the last several years. Congress has allowed the tax incentive to lapse four times in the past six years, including this year. Even though they have reinstated it retroactively each time, this unpredictable approach is no way for an industry to run.

"In addition to extending the current $1 per gallon tax credit for biodiesel for 2015 and through 2016, our industry leaders are asking Congress to restructure the incentive from a blender's credit to a producer's credit. This is critical because the current structure allows foreign biodiesel producers to take advantage of the credit if their fuel is blended in the U.S.

"It's just rational that we use our taxpayer money to stimulate domestic energy growth, like the impressive renewable energy industry Iowa has built, rather than subsidizing foreign producers with our tax dollars. That obviously wasn't the intent of Congress. Once again, we are grateful to Sen. Chuck Grassley for his leadership on this important energy issue."

Sen. Grassley, R-Iowa, has sponsored a bill that would correct the loophole in the existing program. According to the Joint Committee on Taxation, this reform would save U.S. taxpayers $90 million.

The farmers and producers have scheduled meetings with the entire Iowa delegation - Sen. Grassley (R), Sen. Joni Ernst (R), Rep. Rod Blum (R), Rep. David Young (R), Rep. Dave Loebsack (D), and Rep. Steve King (R).

Biodiesel - made from a variety of resources including soybean oil, recycled cooking oil and animal fats - is the first EPA-designated Advanced Biofuel to reach commercial-scale production nationwide.


The Iowa Biodiesel Board is a state trade association representing the biodiesel industry.

###

17 Nov 2015

A Thanksgiving Message from the General Society of Mayflower Descendants

By Lea Sinclair

On this November 26, 2015, as you carve the turkey, and look around the table at your loved ones, there are important lessons you can teach both young and old about our American Thanksgiving holiday.

When the Pilgrims traveled to America on the Mayflower, before coming ashore, they wrote a Compact, or an agreement, on how they would govern themselves. That document inspired the Founding Fathers as they drafted our United States Constitution. The Pilgrims are among the few colonists during the Colonial period who practiced self-governance.

The Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Indians wrote a treaty, once they made contact in New England, that allowed them to live together peacefully for fifty years. Plymouth Colony stood out admirably for its consistent attempt to treat Native Americans fairly in the courts, for paying Natives for land, and for allowing the courts to settle differences between the Pilgrims and Indians.

As you enjoy your delicious meal on our national Thanksgiving holiday, you are repeating a celebration the Pilgrims shared with the Native Americans in 1621, one year after they arrived in America. After gathering a bountiful harvest, a three-day Thanksgiving celebration was enjoyed with 90 members of the Wampanoag Tribe including Chief Massasoit. Their shared thanksgiving included food, games, and fellowship.

In honor of the 1621 celebration between the Pilgrims and Native Americans, on October 3, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday in November to be a day of "thanksgiving and praise."

Hopefully, discussing the Pilgrim story will create meaningful conversation around your table on Thanksgiving Day. There are some 10 million people in America who are Mayflower descendants so it is important that we not forget this unique American story. The Pilgrim story is about how we became who we are. The Pilgrim story is America's story.

###

About the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD)
The General Society of Mayflower Descendants is a lineage society that has some 30,000 members and welcomes anyone who researches and proves lineage to the Mayflower Pilgrims. In addition to genealogy research, our mission is to educate the public as to why the Pilgrims were important, how they helped shape western civilization, and what their story means today. For more information about the Pilgrims, visit www.TheMayflowerSociety.org.

governorgeneral@

17 Nov 2015

CORREA NAMED AMERICAN LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

By Marco LaNave

Becomes second player in club history to earn award; Conference call scheduled for tonight at 7:00 p.m. CT 

HOUSTON, TX - The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) announced the winners of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award tonight, naming Astros shortstop Carlos Correa the American League Rookie of the Year and Kris Bryant the National League Rookie of the Year.

 

Correa, who debuted on June 8 and was the youngest position player in the Majors this season, hit .279 (108x387) with 22 doubles, 22 home runs, 68 RBI, 14 stolen bases and an .857 OPS in his 99 games in 2015. Among AL rookies, Correa ranked first in home runs, slugging (.512) and OPS, while ranking second in RBI and on-base percentage (.345), and third in batting average (min. 400 PA). With 22 home runs this season, Correa set both the franchise rookie record for home runs and the franchise record for home runs by a shortstop.

The only rookie shortstop in Major League history to record more career homers than Correa prior to turning 21 was Alex Rodriguez (26HR). Correa also became one of 19 players in Major League history to record 22 homers before his age-21 season, a list that includes seven Hall of Famers.

Correa's success continued into October, as he became the youngest player in American League history to record a multi-homer game in the postseason, which he did in Game 4 of the ALDS. He also joined Joe DiMaggio (1936) and Mickey Mantle (1952) as just the third player in Major League history age 21 or younger to hit third in the starting lineup of a postseason game.

Correa becomes just the second player in franchise history to win the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award, joining first baseman Jeff Bagwell, who won the National League award in 1991. He also becomes the sixth Puerto Rico native to win the Rookie of the Year, joining Orlando Cepeda (1958), Benito Santiago (1987), Sandy Alomar (1990), Carlos Beltran (1999) and Geovany Soto (2008).

This award, in which Correa topped AL finalists Francisco Lindor and Miguel Sano, gives Correa a clean sweep of the major rookie awards this offseason, as he has already been named the Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year and the MLBPA Players Choice Award for the AL Most Outstanding Rookie.

Correa was one of three Astros finalists for BBWAA Awards as manager A.J. Hinch is a finalist for AL Manager of the Year and left-handed pitcher Dallas Keuchel a finalist for the AL Cy Young. The winner of the remaining BBWAA awards will be announced live on MLB Network this week with the Manager of the Year announced tomorrow (Nov. 17), the Cy Young on Wednesday (Nov. 18) and the Most Valuable Player on Thursday (Nov. 19).

Houston has picked up two national BBWAA awards in the same year just once, in 1986, when Scott won the Cy Young and Lanier won the Manager of the Year. The last time any Major League team had three individuals win three of the four BBWAA awards in a single season was in 1993 when the White Sox were represented by Gene Lamont (Manager of the Year), Jack McDowell (Cy Young) and Frank Thomas (MVP).

This announcement continues a busy award season for the Astros, as Hinch and his 2015 Astros have been named award winners and finalists for several major awards. A full list of offseason awards and recognitions involving 2015 Astros is below.

Jose Altuve

-Rawlings AL Gold Glove winner, second base

-AL Silver Slugger winner, second base

-MLBPA Players Choice Always Game Award

 

Jason Castro

-Rawlings AL Gold Glove finalist, catcher

 

Carlos Correa

-BBWAA AL Rookie of the Year

-MLBPAA Players Choice Award for AL Most Outstanding Rookie

-The Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year

Dallas Keuchel

-MLBPAA Players Choice Award for AL Most Outstanding Pitcher

-BBWAA AL Cy Young finalist

-Rawlings AL Gold Glove winner, pitcher

-The Fielding Bible Award, given to the best fielding pitcher in the Major Leagues

-The Starting Pitcher on the Sporting News AL All-Star Team

-Warren Spahn Award, given to the top left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball

A.J. Hinch

-BBWAA AL Manager of the Year finalist
17 Nov 2015

Governor Branstad orders halt to Syrian refugee resettlements by state agencies

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Governor calls for improved intelligence community review of process to ensure Iowans protected

 

(DES MOINES)  - Today, Gov. Terry Branstad ordered all state agencies to halt any work on Syrian refugee resettlements immediately in order to ensure the security and safety of Iowans. In light of the Paris attacks, resettlement of Syrian refugees in Iowa should cease until a thorough review of the process can be conducted by the U.S. intelligence community and the safety of Iowans can be assured.

It has been publicly reported that the Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, has expressed concern over the ability of the Islamic State to "infiltrate waves of Syrian war refugees flowing into Europe and potentially the United States."

In the past, the federal government has failed to be forthcoming and transparent with information on refugee resettlement and immigration issues. Openness and transparency on resettlement is paramount to the safety of Iowans. The federal government must assure that refugees have been properly screened and security protocols have been taken before being allowed in the United States.

"We have welcomed refugees from around the world into Iowa. We must continue to have compassion for others but we must also maintain the safety of Iowans and the security of our state," said Branstad.  "Until a thorough and thoughtful review is conducted by the intelligence community and the safety of Iowans can be assured, the federal government should not resettle any Syrian refugees in Iowa."

###

17 Nov 2015

Red Cross blood donation opportunities Dec. 1-15, 2015

By Theresa Kuhlmann

Give something that means something -  Give blood or host a blood drive


Nov. 16, 2015 - The American Red Cross encourages individuals and organizations to give something that means something this winter by making a lifesaving blood donation or hosting a blood drive.


Blood donations often decline from now to New Year's Day when holiday festivities pull people away from their donation appointments. Seasonal illnesses, such as colds and the flu, can also have a serious impact on blood donations


In addition, there are fewer blood drives during the winter months when many hosting organizations postpone drives while people are traveling for the holidays. Severe winter weather may also cause scheduled blood drives to be canceled.


Despite the busy holiday season and threat of extreme freezing weather, the need for blood remains steady. Organizations can help by hosting a blood drive during the winter months, and eligible donors are encouraged to make an appointment to give blood. Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, B negative, A negative and AB blood.


Visit redcrossblood.org to learn more about hosting a blood drive. To make an appointment to donate blood, download the free Red Cross Blood Donor App from app stores, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can now use the Blood Donor App to access their donor card and view vital signs from previous donations.


Upcoming blood donation opportunities:


Clinton County, Iowa

Clinton

12/12/2015: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Prince of Peace Catholic School, 312 S. 4th St.


Henry County, Illinois

Kewanee

12/9/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St.

12/10/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Wethersfield High School Key Club, 439 Willard St.

12/12/2015: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Kewanee Armory, 111 N. East St.


Lee County, Illinois

Ashton

12/1/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Mills & Petrie Building, 704 N. First St.


Dixon

12/1/2015: 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus Hall, 506 W. Third

12/10/2015: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Illinois Department of Transportation, 819 Depot

12/15/2015: 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First St.

12/15/2015: 1:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First St.


Mercer County, Illinois

Aledo

12/15/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., VFW Hall, 106 SW 3rd Ave.


New Windsor

12/10/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., New Windsor Presbyterian Church, 4TH and Walnut


Rock Island County, Illinois

Moline

12/2/2015: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., American Red Cross of Quad Cities, 1100 River Dr.


Whiteside County, Illinois

Fulton

12/8/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St.

12/9/2015: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Fulton High School, 1207 12th St.


Prophetstown

12/14/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St.


Rock Falls

12/2/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.

12/9/2015: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Rock Falls Blood Donation Center, 112 W. Second St.


Sterling

12/3/2015: 9:45 a.m. - 4 p.m., CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Rd.


How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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.
17 Nov 2015

A Blue New Year's Eve with... ERNIE PENISTON, HAL REED, ELLIS KELL & FRIENDS Plus special guest openers JULIANA & A SOUL PURPOSE

By Nikki Jones
DAVENPORT, IOWA -- Join us in the RiverCenter's Mississippi Hall for A Blue New Year's Eve, featuring Ernie Peniston, Hal Reed, Ellis Kell, and others! Juliana & A Soul Purpose will open.
Opener: 8:30 - 9:30pm: JULIANA & SOUL PURPOSE BAND
Main Act: 10 - Midnight: ERNIE PENISTON, HAL REED, ELLIS KELL & FRIENDS

Location:
RiverCenter's Mississippi Hall, Davenport, IA
$15 per person in advance, $20 at door
Thurs., Dec. 31st, 2015
Doors Open at 8 p.m.
17 Nov 2015

Let's Make Iowa Wealthy and Healthy - Engage Iowa Releases Research Policy Paper

By Engage Iowa Newsroom
(Cedar Rapids, IA)  Today, during a speech to the Cedar Rapids Rotary, Mayor of Cedar Rapids and Engage Iowa President, Ron Corbett, addressed two issues facing our state - the overall economic well-being of our state and the health of Iowa's rivers, streams and lakes.
In conjunction with the address, Engage Iowa released its first research policy paper.  The policy paper addresses the following:

Details the challenges Iowa faces because of our outdated income tax structure.
Outlines four potential income tax solutions that can dramatically make Iowa more competitive.
Addresses the need for a conservative alternative to help provide resources to see Secretary Northey's nutrient reduction plans implemented.

Corbett said, "Today, we have offered research-based, fact-based, pragmatic and conservative solutions to get Iowans talking about some big ideas.  We look forward to engaging all Iowans on these issues so we can have a real, meaningful discussion."
The Engage Iowa research policy paper can be found here: Engage Iowa Policy Paper

More information on Engage Iowa can be found at www.EngageIowa.org
17 Nov 2015

News from Senator Grassley's Office Nov 16, 2015

By Grassley Press

Grassley Honored as 'Champion for Children' for Leadership on Juvenile Justice Reform

 

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley received the Champion for Children Award by the Campaign for Fair Sentencing of Youth for his leadership on juvenile justice reform. The group commended Grassley for his work to eliminate life without parole sentences for crimes committed as children.

"It's an honor to receive recognition from advocates who truly understand and care about preserving fairness for youth who encounter the criminal justice system.  They are dedicated to giving a voice to this cause and ensuring balance in sentencing for juveniles," Grassley said.

Grassley led months of negotiations to craft the bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which advanced by a strong 15-5 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee in October. The bill includes a provision to make federal inmates who committed crimes as juveniles eligible for parole after they've served 20 years of their sentence. The provision is consistent with Supreme Court rulings that juveniles who receive life sentences must have the opportunity for parole.

The bill also allows nonviolent juveniles tried as juveniles in federal court to obtain sealing or expungement of their convictions in certain circumstances and limits the use of solitary confinement for juveniles held in federal prisons.

-30-

Iowan to Testify before Judiciary Committee on International Adoptions

Hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary On

"National Adoption Month: Stories of Success and Meeting the Challenges of International Adoptions"

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 226

10:00 a.m.

Panel I

The Honorable Michelle Bond

Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Consular Affairs

United States Department of State, Washington, DC

Panel II

 

Dr. Rick Wilkerson, Spencer, IA

Ms. Christine Hutchins, Cambridge, VT

Ms. Katie Horton, Alexandria, VA

 Ms. Nicole Craig, Green Bay, WI

 

-30- 
17 Nov 2015

History of Jewish Heritage Event Cancelled for Wednesday, Nov. 18

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Due to circumstances beyond the library's control, the Quad City Jewish Heritage presentation with Dr. Art Pitz at the Rock Island Main Library on Wednesday evening has been cancelled. No rescheduling date is available at this time.

For more the most recent updates on library programs, visit the library's online branch at www.rockislandlibrary.org, call 309-732-READ, or follow the library on Facebook or Twitter.

(end)

17 Nov 2015

Isabel Bloom to produce top design in Alcoa-sponsored high school sculpture contest

By Donna Young

Winner to be announced during Nov. 18 reception at Figge

Who: The media is invited to a reception to recognize 6 Scott and Rock Island County high school students who competed in the 2016 Village in Bloom bald eagle sculpture competition sponsored by Alcoa. Photo and interview opportunities will be available.

What: The reception will feature a display of all of the sculptures, light refreshments and a short presentation during which the winner will be announced. The winning sculpture will be molded, cast and finished by Isabel Bloom artisans as a fundraiser for the festival.

When: Wed. Nov. 18, 6-7:30 pm. A short presentation will begin at 6:30 pm.

Where: Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport.

Background: This is the 2nd sculpture competition for Village in Bloom, and the first sponsored by Alcoa. The 4th annual Village in Bloom Arts Festival will be held Sat. May 7, 2016. Founded to honor legendary artists Isabel and John Bloom, it features fine art, performing artists, free activities for children and families, and exhibits of Isabel and John Bloom's artwork.

High School Artists:

Payton Howard, Sherrard High School, 12th grade

Ariel Scott, UTHS, 11th grade

Reilly Moeller, Davenport Central High School, 12th grade

Lauren Amato, Davenport Central High School, 10th grade

Bailee Perion, Rock Island High School,10th grade

Amy VanFossen, Home School (Bettendorf) 12th grade

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar