09 Oct 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 10/09/2015

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER NETWORKING

October 13th - Bierstube, LeClaire - Lunch, noon. Everyone Welcome!

 

RIBBON CUTTING!

November 6th- LeClaire River Retreat Guest Condo - Time tbd. - Stephanie Graham, owner. 215 1/2 Cody Road, LeClaire. leclaireriverretreat@gmail.com, www.leclaireriverretreat.com A modern, chic and newly updated condo with accommodations for up to six guests. Enjoy a beautiful open floor plan featuring a great room with hardwood floors and gas fireplace, kitchen with granite counter tops and stainless appliances, two walls of windows to enjoy the riverfront view, private entrance, an enclosed garage, and a private deck. Our lovely location is in the heart of historic downtown LeClaire, IA overlooking the Mississippi River. This luxury condominium is available for overnight, weekend, weekly, or monthly rental. Also available for group parties such as baby showers, bridal showers, and the like. 563-484-1555

 

CALENDAR

October 1st-31st - Food for Fines: It's back! LeClaire Community Library will take food donations to pay off late fees/fines for all of October. All donations will benefit the Hope Church Food Pantry. For a full list of acceptable donations, and for more information, please visit the www.leclaire.lib.ia.us or contact Library Director Jillian Aschliman at jaschliman@leclaireiowa.gov or (563)289-4242, ext. 4

 

October 10th - Cars & Coffee in LeClaire - 9-11a.m. Last gathering of the season! Bring your favorite ride and join them on the beautiful riverfront in LeClaire for an "all are welcome" social gathering.

October 11th - Apple Fest on the River 11a.m.-4p.m. Fun, family event that features apples, apple cider and a variety of homemade food items including pie, strudel, scones, and cupcakes. Huge truckload of pumpkins and gourds. Vendors include kettle corn, wide variety of unique craft and gift items. The LeClaire Lions Club will be selling Chili, Brats, Hot Dogs, Chili Dogs, and Pork Chop Sandwiches. The QC Antique Car Club will be displaying their cars, and there will be a "Kids Only" area for a small fee that includes face painting, beanbag toss, other children's games, and a jump house. Specialty items related to Apple Fest will be available at downtown businesses along with wonderful fall shopping, dining, and touring. For more information, contact boehlb@hotmail.com.

October 11th - Wide River Winery - Live Music for Apple Fest Jordan Danielsen 2-5pm

 

October 11th - Dogtoberfest at Bierstube 2-5:30pm Free doggy bags to the first 150 dogs. Raffle items, auction, and food and beverages will be available for purchase. Proceeds go to Crow Creek Dog Park. Free admission. 563-289-2121.

 

October 12th - Tourism Brainstorming Session 5:30-7:30pm at Holiday Inn Express, 1201 Canal Shore Drive. Snacks will be served. Residents, business owners, and volunteers are invited to attend this brainstorming session designed to help the Tourism Board and LeClaire Marketing Alliance determine its marketing priorities for the future and a course of action to keep LeClaire's momentum moving forward. Contact Cindy at info@visitleclaire.com for more information.

 

October 13th - Chamber Networking - Bierstube lunch, noon. Everyone Welcome!

October 14th - Bible Study at Jones St. Java House, 204 Jones St., LeClaire. 6:30-8p.m. The public is invited to join a free, 6-week course on "How to Study the Bible." Rev. Dr. Kerrin Kirkpatrick of Asbury United Methodist Church will lead the study on Wednesday nights from Oct. 14 - Nov. 18, 2015. Please bring your Bible (or one will be provided) and invite a friend. All are welcome! Information: contact Pastor Kerrin at 563-355-5218, ext. 204

October 15th - LeClaire Community Library - TAG:  Teen Advisory Group (TAG) meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30pm. All are welcome, and don't forget?your attendance earns you Service Learning Hours!

October 17th - Blue Iguana Celebrates National Sweetest Day! We'll have a special desert on the menu. Bring your sweetest in for a special treat.

October 17th - Trivia Night in LeClaire at the LeClaire Civic Center (127 S. Cody Road) benefits the Buffalo Bill Museum.  Tables of 8; $10 per person. Mulligans and refreshments are available for purchase. Participants may bring snacks, wine, beer and soft drinks. Doors open at 6:30pm; Trivia starts at 7pm. Door prizes; 50-50 raffle. For reservations, call: 563-349-4403 or email smith5grand@gmail.com

October 19th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall - 8a.m.

October 24th - Annual Witch's Walk Free Family Fun on the Levee! Registration for the Witches' Walk & Costume Parade begins at 11:30am. Parade starts at 1pm. Rain date October 31st. Businesses are invited to hand out candy, create photo opportunities for families (use #witcheswalk2015 and #yourbusiness), give financial support for prizes and activities. To donate candy, prizes or for activities, or to volunteer, contact April, 920-287-8851, or Jenna, 717-580-1101.

October 24th - Blue Iguana - Witches Walk - Stop by for a special treat!

October 30th - Snow Masonic Lodge #44 will be Recognizing and Honoring Le Claire's Firefighters and Police Officers at a dinner beginning 6:30 pm in our lodge dining room at 113 S. Cody Road.  Public is invited.  Cost is $7.00 for dinner which will include ham, au gratin potatoes, green beans, rolls, dessert and a beverage.

SAVE THE DATE

November 1st - Blue Iguana - Day of the Dead Celebration!

 

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire!

 

FYI

Looking for Strolling Santas and Other Characters for Christmas in LeClaire! Volunteers for Friday evening after 4 p.m. Sat. from 11 until 7pm and Sunday from 12 noon until 3pm. Great Costumes and goodies to pass out provided! Just bring your Holiday Spirit and Smile to show everyone our community's spirit and zest for fun!  Call Kim and leave message - 563-289-5699. 4 to 6 women and 8 to 12 men needed for short shifts and longer periods to stroll and be on the trolley!

Bible Study at Jones St. Java House, 204 Jones St., LeClaire. 6:30-8p.m. The public is invited to join a free, 6-week course on "How to Study the Bible." Rev. Dr. Kerrin Kirkpatrick of Asbury United Methodist Church will lead the study on Wednesday nights from Oct. 14 - Nov. 18, 2015. Please bring your Bible (or one will be provided) and invite a friend. All are welcome! Information: contact Pastor Kerrin at 563-355-5218, ext. 204.

Unique Recycled Creations & Gifts - now retailers for American Paint Company. We carry quarts, pints and samples of the chalk, clay and mineral based paint, plus waxes, top coat finish, American grit, MICA , glaze and brushes, so basically the whole line, plus their new line of paint that just came out this week, The Bold and beautiful collection.

Isabel Bloom - Stop by to see the wonderful sculpture designs we have in-store for home decorating, Halloween and gift-giving! Best of all, our Gourds and Pumpkins will last for years to come! Don't forget about our spooktacular Ghosts, Bats and Skulls - bound to be your seasonal favorites! If you haven't shopped Isabel Bloom lately, you don't know what you are missing!

Faithful Pilot On-Going Events · Mondays - Half Priced Martinis · Tuesdays - $5 House Made Margaritas, $3 Guacamole, and $3 Street Tacos · Wednesday - Half Priced Bottle of Wine Night with Chef prepared feature share plates and Live music from 6-8pm. · Saturday - Saturday Brunch 11am-2pm

LeClaire Community Library - TAG:  Teen Advisory Group (TAG) meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30pm. All are welcome, and don't forget?your attendance earns you Service Learning Hours!

 

Steventon's has Prime Rib on the first Saturday of each month.

Bierstube of LeClaire would like to offer all LeClaire Business Employees 10% food items!  Voted #1 Rueben in the QC!  We make our own sausages! Check out our daily specials and lunch features! New late night menu, Fri-Sat, 9pm to midnight!

 

Reusable Usables - Every Sunday at 1:30 RU features "Re-purposed Sunday Art" with a new re-purposed project each week!

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. You will be contacted with confirmation of being included in the agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes for families in need, will hold their 10th Anniversary Mr/Ms Habitat fundraiser on Saturday, October 10, at 5:30 p.m. at St. Ambrose University Rogalski Center. Chamber member, Kathy Anderson, asks that you consider getting involved. You can help by donating items for a LeClaire Basket for the silent auction, sponsoring a table or attending the event. Tickets are $50 per person or $500 for a table of eight person. Please contact Kathy by September 28 at 563-650-8137 or 563-289-1487 or andersonkathleenm@sau.edu to donate items for the LeClaire Basket and she will be happy to pick them up.  To purchase tickets for the event, contact Dougal Nelson at 563-359-9066 or dougal.nelson@habitatqc.org.

The Ascentra Credit Union Scholarship Competition announces another round of scholarships for area students.  A total of $10,000 in scholarships are made available to Ascentra members planning to further their education starting the 2016 - 2017 school year.   The ten scholarships will be awarded to students as follows: Five $1,000 scholarships for high school students planning to enter college. Five $1,000 scholarships for members age 19 or over, considered non-traditional or continuing education students. The scholarship entrants will be judged on a 500 word essay on the topic, "How do you plan on using your education to improve your community?"  All entries are judged on their essay, resume, awards, extracurricular activities, volunteer services and work experience.  Deadline for the Ascentra Scholarship Competition is March 1, 2016.  Applications and official rules may be picked up at any of our branches or found online at www.ascentra.org/scholarships. There members can find information on other scholarships.

Milestones Area Agency, which serves meals to the elderly at the First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and delivers meals to homebound seniors, is looking for someone to help deliver meals on Mondays, from 11 am to 12 noon. You would receive training in August and begin in September. This is a quick job that is deeply appreciated by those receiving the meals and their families. Could you help two or more Mondays a month? If so, call Heide at 563-289-3646.

Pick up the LeClaire information guide at the LeClaire Information Center. It has many photos and great information for everyone including residents, potential residents, visitors, realtors, relocation personnel, schools, and more! Summer hours have started: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 1-4pm. 122 N. Cody Road. LIC Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Property for Rent - 1405 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. 2,500 SF newly constructed office/retail space. Co-Tenant Snap Fitness. Owner will subdivide space. Private parking lot. ADA compliant. Contact: Meg Halligan, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, mhalligan@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000 Website Link: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7032508

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

Commercial Property Available Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

October 10th - Cars and Coffee in LeClaire - LeClaire Levee

October 11th - LeClaire Apple Fest - 11am to 4pm on the LeClaire Levee.

October 24th - Witch's Walk (rain date October 31st)

November 28th - Small Business Saturday

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

October 13th - Bierstube - Lunch - noon

November 10th - Riverview Roadhouse - Lunch - noon

December 8th - Subway, LeClaire - Lunch - noon

08 Oct 2015

Aiden Landman Joins Mickle Communications as Director of Brand Strategy

By Mark McLaughlin
IA/IL QUAD CITIES - Aiden Landman has joined Mickle Communications as Director of Brand Strategy. Previously, Landman served as Director of Young Professionals of the Quad Cities, an initiative of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce. "In my new position, I will bring clients a new way of looking at marketing and branding," said Landman.
Landman was born in Morrison, IL. He graduated from Augustana College with a degree in Political Science. He noted that during his time with Young Professionals of the Quad Cities, his greatest achievement was bringing Uber to the Quad-Cities. Landman lives in downtown Davenport with his partner Chelsea.
"We are happy that Aiden has joined our team," said Mike Mickle, President of Mickle Communications, a marketing and video production firm based in Davenport, IA. "He is known as an innovator and community leader in our area and we look forward to working with him."
Mickle Communications is also the parent company behind QC Family Focus, a Quad-Cities area family magazine, and I-80 Productions, which produces reality shows and other video projects.
For more information on Mickle Communications, call (563) 940-7875 or email mike@micklecommunications.com.
08 Oct 2015

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 10/8 - 10/15/2015

By QC Chamber

Seven of the most incredible illusionists on Earth make a stop on the Adler stage this Monday! The Illusionists - Witness the Impossible has shattered box office records across the glove and dazzles audiences of all ages. This show is not to be missed!

Friday night you can catch Aaron Kamm & The One Drops in the Redstone Room and local singing sensation Alyx Rush will be performing on the Community Stage Saturday night. While we are talking about music - did you see who our newest neighbors are downtown? Please join us in congratulating & welcoming DAYTROTTER to their new space in downtown Davenport! 

Plan to visit downtown next week for the first ever Third Thursday! Take a self-guided tour of downtown Davenport's growing shopping scene and discover unique and locally owned shops during this monthly event from 5 - 9 pm. Take advantage of a variety of Third Thursday specials being offered by participating businesses.

Oh So Sweet is inviting you into their shop for a cozy evening by the fireplace with your favorite fall cupcake flavors and a chance to win a dozen! Crafted QC will have Moline metalsmith Ann Hartley showcasing her current line of jewelry. Salon Luce is offering 20% off for retail purchases and any future appointments booked that day. And for those wanting to get creative, head to Bereksin Fine Art Gallery for a community drop in Life Drawing Class. There's much more going on downtown for Third Thursday - visit our website for a full list of Third Thursday exhibits, events and specials.
Fall is a great time of year to head to the Farmer's Market. Fresh local apples and homemade caramel make for a tasty treat. This Saturday, enjoy a petting zoo! Make sure you peruse the breakfast at Fresh Deli, too.  You can count on your meal being made primarily from locally grown fruit, vegetables and raised meats.
Looking for a fun, hands-on experience with your friends, check out L&D15's hands-on exploration of silkscreening. Learn from facilitator David Balluff, who previously worked at The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh as an Artist Educator. Choose between postcard making, an underpainting activity, or print your own t-shirt!

There's been a number of fantastic articles lately showcasing residential growth in QC downtown neighborhoods. Downtown Davenport has long been a leader in this effort, and we're happy to see our neighborhood featured in so much good press lately.  Click here to see what the buzz is all about.

For a complete list of the events this week and beyond, visit our event calendar.

Future Events:
10/31 - Halloween Parade
08 Oct 2015

JS Bach with Elisabeth Wright on Saturday in Moline opens the 2015 Black Hawk Chamber Music Festival

By Jeffrey Cohan

•  2015 •
Black Hawk
Chamber Music Festival

ELISABETH WRIGHT • harpsichordist
JEFFREY COHAN •, baroque flute

This Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 PM
First Congregational Church in Moline

www.bhcmf.org/quadcities

Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 7:30 PM
BAROQUE AND BACH at First Congregational Church in Moline at 2201 - 7th Avenue. Please call (309) 762-0787
Elisabeth Wright ~ harpsichord
Jeffrey Cohan ~ baroque flute

08 Oct 2015

Drama Dolls Combines Dark Humor and Psychological Thriller

By Jason Tanamor
What would you do if your spouse died unexpectedly?
Rock Island author Jason Tanamor's new novel, "Drama Dolls," answers that question.
The novel is an intimate dark tale about loss and obsession, survival and grief, and the desiring need to take control of one's own life.
Fans of Tanamor's previous novel, "Anonymous," which received a Starred Review from Publishers Weekly, will love this new psychological thriller which revolves around Jeffrey's bizarre, yet disturbing, world.
"I saw a documentary about grown men who dressed up as dolls. They ventured out in public, running their errands, basking in the attention given to them," Tanamor said. "The dolls thought they were beautiful. The perception by the bystanders was the opposite. The dichotomy was amazing to see. I thought, 'How disturbing!'"
The critically acclaimed author then wondered why a person would go to extreme lengths for attention. Was it insecurity? Was it selfishness? Or, was it something else? "Something triggered this. Maybe something traumatic happened. Like a spouse dying. I love my wife dearly and would probably act out in unnatural ways if she died," said Tanamor. "I mean, let's face it, this is me we're talking about."
Thus, a novel was born.
The storyline, which combines both aspects of the documentary and the "what if?" question, resulted in a fast paced suspense thriller that will surprise readers in the end. In the novel, the sudden death of Jeffrey's wife causes him to grieve the five stages in unnatural ways. He trades in his Toyota Corolla for a Corvette, smokes pot with the neighbor kid, and dresses up in cheerleader outfits with his pals William and Lena in order to feel young and beautiful.
William and Lena agree to do whatever it takes to help Jeffrey during his grief, even when it means committing minor crimes such as burglary. All is kosher until William notices a downward change in Jeffrey. Distraught by memories of his wife, and despite William's and Lena's best efforts, Jeffrey begins to slowly derail into a dark place that only he could get out of. An internal battle with his emotions and himself, Jeffrey takes matters into his own hands to pull through.
"I love stories where the protagonist experiences something tragic," Tanamor said. "When the main character feels, or lives, something that is dark and disturbing, the reader knows, from seeing the character living out on the page, that he has survived another day. This gives the reader hope that he will be fine."
"Drama Dolls" is available at Amazon (www.amazon.com/Drama-Dolls-Suspenseful-Fast-paced-Exhilarating-ebook/dp/B0163GVZJY) in paperback for $12.95 and digitally for $2.99. Similar authors are Chuck Palahniuk, Gillian Flynn, and Charles Bukowski.
RIYL Chuck Palahniuk, Gillian Flynn, and Charles Bukowski.
Visit Jason Tanamor on the web at http://www.tanamor.com
08 Oct 2015

Gerrymandering in EB-5 Program Flies in the Face of Congressional Intent

By Grassley Press

Prepared Floor Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa

Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee, United States Senate

EB-5 Regional Center Investment Program Targeted Employment Areas

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Mr. President,

I want to talk today about an immigration program, known as the EB-5 Regional Center Investment Program, and the serious concerns I have about continuing this program without reforms.  The program was just extended in the continuing resolution to keep the government funded, but I want to talk about the changes that need to be made before, and if, it is extended again.

The EB-5 program was created by Congress in 1990.  A foreign national can invest one million dollars in a new commercial enterprise that creates 10 full-time jobs, and in turn, receive lawful permanent residence and then citizenship.  The required investment amount is only $500,000 if the investment is made in a "Targeted Employment Area," defined to be a rural area or an area with high unemployment.

The EB-5 Regional Center Program allows investors to pool their investments for a project.  And, they can meet the job creation requirement by providing evidence of indirect jobs.

In previous speeches on the floor, I have talked about the national security and integrity issues associated with the program.  I have detailed the risks and expressed concern about the lack of oversight by the administration.

Today, I want to focus on one particular abuse of the program and how it's not fulfilling the intent of the law.

Perhaps the greatest violation of Congressional intent that has evolved over the years is the manner in which so much of the investment money coming into Targeted Employment Areas has been directed towards lavish building projects in well-to-do urban areas.

Four -star hotels and commercial office buildings are being built with foreign investment dollars in affluent urban neighborhoods rather than high unemployment and rural areas, which Congress intended to benefit.

This has been done by "gerrymandering" the boundaries of the Targeted Employment Area to include, at one end, the affluent census tract in which the building project is located, and at the other end, perhaps many miles away, a census tract with high unemployment.

One of the most notorious examples of this gerrymandering to push the boundaries is the Hudson Yards project, a group of luxury apartment buildings and office towers in mid-town Manhattan.

Even the Wall Street Journal, which never met a business project it didn't like, reported on how this program has been abused.

The Wall Street Journal explained how the Hudson Yards project qualifies for the lower investment threshold, despite the affluent mid-town location of the project, because the boundaries of the Targeted Employment Area were manipulated to include a public housing project in upper Manhattan.

Another project that flies in the face of congressional intent is located in lower Manhattan near Wall Street.  As the New York Times reports, the Battery Maritime Building has been classified as being located in a Targeted Employment Area based on a gerrymandered area that "snakes up through the Lower East Side, skirting the wealthy enclaves of Battery Park City and TriBeCa, and then jumps across the East River to annex the Farragut Houses project in Brooklyn."

In other words, the developers did everything they could to include the Farragut Houses project --- which is a public housing community - to come in at the lower investment level.

The New York Times went on to say that, "the small census tract that contains the Farragut Houses has become a go-to area for developers seeking to use the visa program: its unemployed residents have been counted toward three projects already."

Watchdog.org, a national watchdog group that has followed abuses of the program closely for years, has also identified another problematic gerrymandered Targeted Employment Area.  They reported that a 21-story residential building project that included trendy restaurants and shops was built with foreign investments, despite its location in an upscale neighborhood with 0.8 percent unemployment.

These are just a few examples.  Yet, they point to the clear problem with this program.  When it was created by Congress, we set two different investment levels, and clearly tried to steer this foreign capital to high unemployment and rural areas.  That's not happening.

The Wall Street Journal reports that at least 80 percent of program money is going to projects that wouldn't qualify as being in Targeted Employment Areas without "some form of gerrymandering."  Meanwhile, the Journal adds, people wanting to raise money for projects in rural areas and low-income parts of cities say they find it increasingly hard to compete.

Even the Washington Post has become fed up with the way in which the intent of Congress has been violated.  In a September 6 editorial, after discussing the program's numerous economic and integrity failings and suggesting that the program lapse, the Post writes: "The EB-5 program is supposed to favor distressed economic areas, but the definition of a needy zone has been stretched to include nearly the whole country, including hot downtown real estate markets."

I ask unanimous consent to include the articles I referenced in my remarks.

Let me end by saying again that the program is in need of reform.  In June, Senator Leahy and I introduced S. 1501, a bill that would substantially reform the program by improving program oversight, addressing national security vulnerabilities, and restoring the program to its original intent.

I hope my colleagues will take an opportunity to understand how the program is being used and abused, and review the proposal that Senator Leahy and I have put out.

I yield the floor.


08 Oct 2015

Senators Push New Bill to End Sanctuary Jurisdictions

By Grassley Press

Legislation would withhold federal funding from cities, states that ignore federal immigration laws and harbor criminal immigrants

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A coalition of U.S. senators introduced the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act, which would withhold certain federal funding from sanctuary states or cities that fail to comply with Department of Homeland Security issued detainer requests for people in the country illegally. The bill would redirect these funds to states and localities that follow the law. Cosponsors of the bill include Sens. David Vitter, Pat Toomey, Chuck Grassley, Ted Cruz, Ron Johnson, John Cornyn, Dan Sullivan, David Perdue, Johnny Isakson, Marco Rubio and John Barrasso.

"This is a fair and appropriate approach for Congress to take in response to the thousands of federal immigration detainers being ignored and the need to keep illegal immigrants who have previously committed felonies off the streets.  We've seen far too many people hurt because of sanctuary policies - whether aided by the Obama administration or the fact that our state and local governments are afraid of getting sued.  The families of these victims deserve better of their government," said Chairman Grassley.

"There is absolutely no reason that any U.S. city should be allowed to ignore our nation's immigration laws and provide a safe harbor for illegal immigrants. Our legislation will stop sending sanctuary cities federal taxpayer dollars, so hopefully they get a clue," said Sen. Vitter. "Three months ago, Kate Steinle was murdered in San Francisco by an illegal immigrant who should have never been walking the streets in the first place. In the time since Ms. Steinle's death, we have seen similar murders and other terrible acts of violence against law abiding citizens across the United States - it is outrageous that the policies allowing these crimes to happen have not changed.? We need to send a loud and clear message to any sanctuary cities that their dangerous policies are not acceptable."

"As a father, I cannot imagine the pain of Kate Steinle's father, watching his daughter die in his arms while she begged him to help her," said Sen. Toomey. "Sadly, Kate's family is not alone. The U.S. Senate has heard testimony from family after family, detailing how they have lost loved ones because sanctuary cities put criminals back on the street. The people of America deserve better. The Obama Administration has forbidden the Department of Homeland Security from removing illegal immigrants unless they have been convicted of serious crimes or have repeatedly flouted the nation's immigration laws. Thus, when a sanctuary city thwarts DHS, that city is almost certainly releasing someone who poses a serious danger to the community. This should not be a partisan issue. Even the Obama Administration has determined these individuals pose a threat to America. I am pleased to join my colleagues to give the federal government the tools to protect Americans from dangerous, criminal illegal immigrants."

"In light of the threat criminal aliens pose to the safety and security of our communities, we can no longer allow states and municipalities to take federal taxpayer money while turning a blind eye to the illegal aliens in their midst.  What happened to Kate Steinle is heartbreaking," said Sen. Cruz. "And the heartbreak is even more tragic given the circumstances. Clearly, our laws are not adequately deterring those who have already been deported from illegally reentering the country.  I'm proud to join with my colleagues in sending the message that defiance of our nation's laws will no longer be tolerated. Of course, stiff penalties alone will not suffice. Congress must hold this Administration accountable for its failure-if not its outright refusal-to enforce federal immigration laws and ensure the safety and protection of the American people."

"As chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, I have focused on ensuring our borders are secure and that our communities are safe.   At a recent committee hearing, an official from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) testified that ICE was unable to deport Kate Steinle's murderer because San Francisco did not honor the ICE detainer.  In fact, the criminal alien admitted that he went to San Francisco because of its lenient immigration enforcement policies. Sanctuary jurisdictions that do not cooperate with the enforcement of federal immigration laws or do not honor federal immigration detainers should not receive federal funding. Moreover, legislation should be passed that provides liability protection to jurisdictions that honor federal detainers and hold aliens until ICE can pick them up.  This is necessary, as recent court decisions have led many jurisdictions to release criminal aliens due to liability concerns.  The Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act provides these important reforms, making communities safer and bringing the country closer to a secure border. I am pleased to support this effort and encourage quick action on the Senate floor," said Sen. Johnson.

"Sanctuary cities are inviting illegal activity and violent crime into our country and this must stop now," said Sen. Perdue. "The family of Kate Steinle and thousands of other innocent Americans should not be victimized by these cities' dangerous policies. It is irresponsible for the Obama Administration to allow sanctuary cities to harbor illegal criminals and thwart federal immigration laws. We will use every tool at our disposal to make sure these cities enforce our nation's laws."

"So-called 'sanctuary cities' undermine the rule of law, and they are simply unacceptable," said Sen. Isakson. "Our immigration laws must be followed, and they must be enforced. I stand in full support of cities and local communities who do both, and I will continue working to hold those who choose not the follow the rule of law accountable."

"Kate Steinle's murder tragically exposed the dangers of an inconsistent and ineffectual immigration enforcement policy, which encourages flagrant violations of our laws. We need to fix our broken immigration system, but we can't do it as long as the belief persists that our immigration laws can be violated without any consequences," said Sen. Rubio.

In efforts to curb formation and/or continuation of sanctuary cities, this legislation:

  • Defines a sanctuary jurisdiction as a state or locality that prohibits its law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal immigration officials, even if they wish to do so;
  • Provides transparency by requiring the Department of Homeland Security to publicly list which jurisdictions are deemed sanctuary jurisdictions;
  • Withholds certain federal funds and grants from sanctuary jurisdictions;
  • Requires that those withheld funds are re-allocated and made available to other state and localities jurisdictions that allow their local law enforcement to cooperate with federal officials;
  • Confirms that local law enforcement have the legal authority to cooperate with federal immigration officials if they wish, while protecting individuals' civil rights and preserving individuals' ability to sue for violations of civil and constitutional rights.
  • Kate's Law: Establishes a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years for illegal immigrants who are convicted of re-entering the U.S. after being convicted of an aggravated felony or being convicted of having illegally re-entered the U.S. twice prior.

Currently, there are approximately 170,000 convicted criminal aliens who have been ordered to be deported, but remain at large in the United States. Over 200 cities currently provide safe-haven as sanctuary cities.

The legislation is supported by National Association of Police Organizations, the National Sheriffs Association, and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, International Union of Police Associations.

-30-
08 Oct 2015

ISU Extension and Outreach Scott County Calendar, mid-Oct thru mid-Nov 2015

By Amanda Heitz

October 21, 2015    Roadside, Forest, and Aquatic Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 am

October 27, 2015    Extension Council Meeting, Scott County Extension Office, 7 pm

October 29. 2015    Mosquito and Public Health Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 am

November 6, 2015    Pesticide Applicator Testing, Scott County Extension Office, 10-2 p.m

November 11, 2015    Ornamental & Turf Applicators Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 a.m.

November 17, 2015    Fumigation Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 a.m.

November 18, 2015    Commercial Ag Weed, Insect, and Plant Disease Mgmt Pest Management, Scott County Extension, 9-11:30 a.m.

Visit our events calendar at our web site:   http://dbs.extension.iastate.edu/calendar/

08 Oct 2015

YARD AND GARDEN: PROPERLY OVERWINTERING PLANTS

By Angela Orr

AMES, Iowa - Part of living in Iowa is dealing with winter and its effects on landscapes. That means taking precautions to ensure that certain plants can survive winter's harsh blast by overwintering them. Specific steps must be followed to ensure overwintered plants will return to prominence next spring.

Here are some tips from Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists on how to best overwinter plants. To have additional questions answered, contact the ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or hortline@iastate.edu.

Will cannas survive the winter outdoors in Iowa?

Cannas are perennials. However, they are not winter hardy in Iowa. Cannas must be dug in fall and overwintered indoors. Other tender perennials include tuberous begonia, dahlia, caladium, and gladiolus.

How do I overwinter cannas?

Cut back the plants to within four to six nches of the ground a few days after a hard, killing frost. Then carefully dig up the canna clumps with a spade or garden fork. Leave a small amount of soil around the cannas. Allow them to dry for several hours. Afterwards, place the cannas in large boxes, wire crates, or mesh bags. Store the cannas in a cool (40 to 50 degree Fahrenheit), dry location.

How do I overwinter tuberous begonias?

Carefully dig up the tuberous begonias within a few days of a killing frost. Leave a small amount of soil around each tuber. Cut off the stems about one inch above the tubers.  Place the tubers in a cool, dry area to cure for two to three weeks. After curing, shake off the remaining soil. Place a layer of peat moss, vermiculite or sawdust in a small cardboard box. Lay the tubers on the storage medium, then cover the tubers with additional peat, vermiculite or sawdust. Store the tubers in an area with a temperature of 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do I overwinter dahlias?

Cut back the plants to within two to four inches of the ground within three or four days of a killing frost. After cutting back the plants, leave the dahlias in the ground for an additional six or seven days to "cure." Then carefully dig up the dahlias with a spade or shovel. Gently shake off the soil, then cut the stems back to the crown. (The dahlia crown is located at the base of the stem where the tuberous roots are attached.) Carefully wash the dahlia clumps to remove any remaining soil. Allow the dahlias to dry for 24 hours. When dry, place the dahlia clumps upside down in cardboard boxes and cover them with vermiculite, peat moss, or wood shavings. Store the dahlias in a cool (40 to 50 degree Fahrenheit), dry location.

How do I overwinter caladiums?

Carefully dig up the caladiums after the first fall frost. After digging, place the plants in a cool, dry location for one to two weeks to cure. After curing, cut off the dry foliage. Place a layer of peat moss, vermiculite or sawdust in a small cardboard box. Lay the tubers on the storage medium, then cover with additional peat, vermiculite or sawdust. Store the caladiums in a cool (60 to 65 degree Fahrenheit), dry location.

How do I overwinter gladiolus bulbs?

Carefully dig up the plants with a spade in fall. Gently shake off the soil from the bulb-like corms. Then cut off the foliage one to two inches above the corms. Dry the corms for two to three weeks in a warm, dry, well-ventilated location. When thoroughly dry, remove and discard the old dried up mother corms located at the base of the new corms. Remove the tiny corms (cormels) found around the base of the new corms. Save the small corms for propagation purposes or discard them. Place the corms in mesh bags or old nylon stockings and hang in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Storage temperatures should be 35 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
08 Oct 2015

NORTH AMERICAN DAIRY SHEEP SYMPOSIUM IS NOV. 5-7 IN MADISON

By Angela Orr

MADISON, Wis. - The annual Dairy Sheep Association of North America Symposium will be held in Madison, Wis. on Nov. 5-7 with a pre-symposium sheep milk cheese-making course on Wednesday, Nov. 4.

For 21 years, dairy sheep producers from Canada, Mexico, Europe, Central and South America, New Zealand and the United States have attended the symposium. Register soon as important deadlines are fast approaching: Saturday, Oct. 3 for reduced rates on hotel reservations and Friday, Oct. 16 for early symposium registration at a reduced rate.

"The goal of the symposium is for all producers of all breeds to attend and learn about industry standards," said Daniel Morrical, professor and extension sheep specialist in animal science at Iowa State University. "The new director of the National Sheep Improvement Program, Rusty Burgett will be on hand to give his advice on ruminant nutrition and new adaptations for feeding dairy sheep."

According to Morrical the latest dairy management ideas and farmstead cheese production of sheep's milk will be highlighted during the two days of lectures on Nov. 5-6. Twelve presentations by 16 animal scientists, dairy sheep producers, veterinarians, and sheep milk cheese makers and marketers will be held at the Pyle Extension Conference Center, University of Wisconsin, 702 Langdon Street, Madison. There also will be opportunities for participants to taste a variety of cheeses, network with peers and tour trade show exhibits.

A sampling of topics and presenters includes:

  • Experiences with rearing lambs that do not nurse a ewe and adaptations for feeding dairy sheep - Rusty Burgett, National Sheep Improvement Program director, Ames, Iowa

  • Milking machine basics and special considerations for small ruminants - Dr. Doug Reinemann, extension dairy equipment specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison

  • Impacts on non-GMO labeling on artisan cheese production - Cathy Strange, Global Cheese Buyer, Whole Foods Market, Austin, Texas

  • Best practices for raising lambs on milk replacer - Dr. Tom Earlywine, Land O'Lakes, St. Paul, Minn.

  • Principles of dairy nutrition - Dr. Michel Wattiaux, University of Wisconsin-Madison

On Saturday, Nov. 7, the last day of the symposium, field day tour buses will take participants to Cedar Grove Cheese in Plain, Wis., operated by Master Cheesemaker Bob Wills and to Hidden Springs Creamery in Westby, Wis., where participants will visit the modern dairy sheep farm and artisan cheese plant operated by Dean and Brenda Jensen.

The pre-symposium sheep milk cheese-making course will be offered on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Center for Dairy Research on the UW-Madison campus for symposium participants and DSANA members for an extra fee.

The complete program and registration and hotel information can be accessed at the DSANA website (www.dsana.org) or the University of Wisconsin-Madison Sheep and Goat Extension website (http://fyi.uwex.edu/wisheepandgoat/) or by contacting Bill Halligan, DSANA Treasurer, P.O. Box 96, Bushnell, NE 69128 (308-235-5900, bill.halligan@hotmail.com) or Dave Thomas, UW-Madison, 1675 Observatory Dr., Madison, WI 53706 (608-263-4306, dlthomas@wisc.edu).

Additional contact
Dave Thomas, Extension Sheep Specialist, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 608-263-4306, dlthomas@wisc.edu

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