SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Second Vice President Keith Turney has received appointments to two groups that will help chart the future of law enforcement in the nation and in the state of Illinois. Turney will serve on the National FOP Legislative Committee and on the Illinois Commission on Police Professionalism. Both appointments are effective immediately.

"Keith is the definition of police professionalism and these two appointments recognize his dedicated and untiring service to the law enforcement community," said Illinois FOP President Chris Southwood. "It's an honor that one of our own will be an integral part of charting the future course of law enforcement in our state and nation."

"I feel honored by these appointments that will allow me to represent the interests of the Illinois FOP on the state and national level," Turney said. "It is vital that the men and women who protect and serve the public in one of the nation's most dangerous and challenging professions have an effective voice at all levels of government."

National FOP President Chuck Canterbury named Turney to the five-member FOP Legislative Committee for 2015 - 2017. The committee monitors and drafts federal legislation concerning all aspects of law enforcement, from working conditions to training to citizen interaction. The members also communicate with federal elected officials about matters that pertain to law enforcement.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner appointed Turney to serve on the Illinois Commission on Police Professionalism. The Commission, whose members are not paid, was created by the Police Reform Omnibus Act passed by the Illinois General Assembly this past May. The Commission will review current training, duties, identification, and other matters pertaining to law enforcement officers, and submit a report and recommendations to the General Assembly and Governor by January 31, 2016.

Turney is currently the Second Vice President of the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge and has served as a Field Representative for the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council for the past five years. Before joining the FOP Labor Council,Turney had a 31-year career with the Joliet Police Department, the fourth largest in the state of Illinois, retiring as a commander.

The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FOP is the most respected and most recognized police organization in the country. The Illinois FOP, chartered in 1963, is the second largest State Lodge, proudly representing more than 32,000 active duty and retired police officers - more than 10 percent of all FOP members nationwide. Visit www.ilfop.org for more information.

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The Illinois Korean  Memorial Association has published a booklet, " A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE KOREAN WAR". It has a tear proof cover, actual headlines, photos from Department of Defense, peace talks, maps, American Commanders & more, all from 1950-53 era.  A must for any teacher who wants to hold a class, or a student who wants to write  a paper on the Korean War. To receive a copy, send $10 check or money order to Illinois Korean Memorial Association, P.O. Box 8554, Springfield, Illinois 62791.  100% of all funds go to the book project to send this booklet to Illinois schools & libraries at no charge.

CITY COUNCIL VACANCY

Due to the results of the recent City elections a vacancy will occur on the City Council effective as of January 1, 2016. At this time the LeClaire City Council intends to fill this vacancy by appointment.

All persons interested in being appointed to this vacancy and to be considered for such must submit a standard City committee membership application form (available at City Hall or on the City' website, "Board & Committee Membership Application", along with a general letter of interest (resume) to the City Clerk at 325 Wisconsin Street, LeClaire, Iowa 52753 by the close of business (5:00 p.m. local time) on Thursday, December 31, 2015. Notice is further given that this appointment shall be for the period until the next pending election (November 8, 2016). Prospective candidate/applicants review and interviews have been tentatively set by the City Council for their Committee-of-the-Whole meeting to be held on Monday, January 4, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.  This appointment is expected to be formally considered at the Council meeting to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 18, 2016. The electors of the City of LeClaire have the right to file a petition requiring that the vacancy be filled by a special election. A valid petition requesting a special election to fill the vacancy must be filed with the LeClaire City Clerk within fourteen days after the publication of the official "Notice of Vacancy" or within fourteen days after the appointment is made, whichever is later. If you have any questions, please contact the LeClaire City Clerk's office at 563-289-4242.

 

CALENDAR

November 21st - Annual Community Thanksgiving Meal - LeClaire Fire Station 5:00pm. Everyone is welcome to come and eat and enjoy the fellowship! Come and get to know your neighbors. More information please Contact Jenna Graff - 717-580-1101

 

November 20th, 21st, 22nd - Enright's Le Claire Super Wash Annual Holiday Promotion to Kick Off Holiday Token Sale! Free carwashes 11:00-5:00, Friday and Saturday, the 20th and 21st! Automatic carwash tokens on sale 5 for $20, each token a $6.50 value. Tokens may can be purchased with cash, check, or credit card and make Great Holiday Gifts! Sign up to win carwashes and the "Blue Super Wash Wagon".   Weekly winners posted on our reader board.  Attendants on duty 8:30-10:00, Monday thru Friday and 8:30 to 3:00, on weekends. All attendant hours are subject to weather.

November 23rd - Economic Development Meeting - City Hall - 8a.m.

November 23rd - The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits - New Menu Launch! Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

November 28th - Small Business Saturday Support the local economy by shopping LeClaire's small businesses. Fun scavenger hunt will be offered with chance to win a prize. More information to come. #LeClaireShopSmall

 

December 3rd - Local Photographer Burt Gearhart will present "Seasonal Scenery of LeClaire" at the LeClaire Community Library 6:30pm "All-ages" slide presentation and lecture. Prints of Bald Eagles, rural scenery, the Mississippi River, and historic beauty of LeClaire on display. Free, seating is limited. http://www.leclaire.lib.ia.us/archive/2015/12/seasonal-scenery-of-le-claire

 

December 4th - First Friday - 5:30-8pm.

Fun food and cocktail sampling at the Mississippi River Distilling Co.

Wine tasting at Wide River Winery

Live music at 7:30pm at The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits with Bobby Ray Bunch

Restaurant specials, and some shops open late!

 

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire!

With crafts, Silent Auction, baked goods, cookie decorating and great shopping at all our unique shops and good food at the restaurants, you're sure to find the perfect gift for those special people in your lives. There's something for everyone at Christmas in LeClaire, brought to you by WQAD.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, December 4th

9-5 - Buffalo Bill Museum Tours - Adults $5, Seniors $4, ages 6-16, $1

10-5 - Masonic Lodge - Cookie Sale, Lunch and Crafts.

10-8 - LeClaire Civic Center - Crafts, Silent Auction, Baked Goods & More. Author Blake Ross will be selling books and prints.

10-8 - Riverside Foursquare Church - Bake Sale & Family Activities. Decorate your own Cookie! FREE coffee and hot chocolate. Warming station.

5-8 - Unique Creations & Gifts - Kids make reindeer food.

5:30-8 - Mississippi River Distilling Company - First Friday Open House. Free cocktail and food samples.

5:30-8 - Santas from Around the World Strolling Through Downtown LeClaire

Saturday, December 5th

8-10 - Breakfast with Santa at Happy Joe's! Sponsored by Happy Joe's and Black Hawk Bank & Trust. Kids - $4.50, Adults - $8.50. Visit with Santa until 11:30.

9-5 - Buffalo Bill Museum Tours - Adults $5, Seniors $4, ages 6-16, $1

10-5 - Masonic Lodge - Cookie Sale, Lunch and Crafts.

10-8 - LeClaire Civic Center - Crafts, Silent Auction, Baked Goods & More. Author Blake Ross will be selling books and prints.

10-8 - Riverside Foursquare Church - Bake Sale & Family Activities. Decorate your own Cookie! FREE coffee and hot chocolate. Warming station.

10-12 - Santas from Around the World Strolling Through Downtown LeClaire

10-3 - Masonic Lodge - Kids can explore "The Miracle of Jesus", sponsored by PPALS Ministry, the Lutheran and Presbyterian Churches of Princeton and LeClaire. Children's activities include games, crafts, food, storytelling and Bethlehem Marketplace booths.

10-4 - LeClaire Civic Center - Luke Travers creates Wooden Shoes

10-4 - LeClaire Civic Center Parking Lot - Chainsaw Carver

11-2 - Antique Archeology - Visit with Mrs. Clause and get a candy cane!

11-4 - LeClaire Civic Center Parking Lot - Santa's Gift Shop. Kids use "Christmas in LeClaire $"!

11-7 - FREE Trolley Rides with designated stops throughout downtown LeClaire.

11- 8 - Unique Creations & Gifts - Kids make reindeer food.

12-5 - Unique Creations & Gifts - Kids get picture with Elf on the Shelf.

12-3 - Mississippi River Distilling Company - WQAD Selfie Set on the patio.

2-4 - Granite Xact - Face Painting and Balloon Artist

2-4 - Santas from Around the World Strolling Through Downtown LeClaire. Stop at Best Days Photography and the kids can have their picture taken with one of the Strolling Santas. There will be a free download so you can print their pictures!

5:30-8 - Mississippi River Distilling Company - First Saturday Open House. Free cocktail and food samples.

Sunday, December 6th

10-4 - LeClaire Civic Center - Crafts, Silent Auction, Baked Goods & More. Bidding for Silent Auction closes at 2PM. Author Blake Ross will be selling books and prints.

10-4 - LeClaire Civic Center - Luke Travers creates Wooden Shoes.

11-4 - LeClaire Civic Center Parking Lot - Santa's Gift Shop. Kids use "Christmas in LeClaire $"!

11-4 - FREE Trolley Rides with designated stops throughout downtown LeClaire.

11-4 - Unique Creations & Gifts - Kids make reindeer food.

12-5 - Buffalo Bill Museum Tours - Adults $5, Seniors $4, ages 6-16, $1

1-3 - Santas from Around the World Strolling Through Downtown LeClaire.

December 5th - Star Gifts for Kids Trivia Night - Leclaire Fire Station Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person. All proceeds go to Star Gifts for Kids! You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun, the raffles and to support this great cause! Contact Barry Long to reserve a table - 563-949-6969 or bal400@aol.com

December 8th - Chamber Networking Lunch - Subway noon. Everyone Welcome!

December 12th - Princeton Community Center - Open House and Christmas at the Center! For All Ages! 6-8:30 P.M. An evening featuring Santa, children's activities, music, refreshments and beautiful holiday decorations. Invite your family and neighbors to meet you at the center for a special evening of good fellowship!

December 20th - Celebrate Christmas at Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton Sunday School Christmas Program - 4 p.m. Children ages 4-12 will perform a Christmas pageant followed by Christmas cookies and punch.

December 22nd - Blue Christmas Worship Service - Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton 7 p.m. This contemplative service is especially for those grieving and for all who find Christmas to be a difficult time. A time of fellowship will follow the worship service.

 

December 24th - Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship - Zion Lutheran Church, Princeton. 5 p.m. This traditional Christmas service is for all who enjoy singing Christmas carols and hearing the good news of Christ's birth.

SAVE THE DATE

January 30th, 2016 - LeClaire Chamber Annual Awards Dinner - Davenport Country Club

 

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!

It's not too early to reserve the LeClaire Civic Center for your holiday party! Go to www.leclairecivicclub.org for details or call 563-639-4621. Half- and full-day rentals; furnished kitchen; large screen television.

To help support their endowment fund, the Friends of the Library have partnered up with Isabel Bloom to create the Green Tree Wall Plaque, on sale for $24, with part of the proceeds going toward the LeClaire Community Library's endowment. If you are interested in purchasing one of these plaques, please contact Becky Pilger at bekpilg71@aol.com or find them at the Library. Those who make a $1000 donation or more to the Library's endowment will receive a complimentary plaque as a thank you for supporting the library. These plaques are available at the Library and at the LeClaire Isabel Bloom store in LeClaire.

Blue Iguana Homemade soups are back! Make sure to ask about our soup of the day.

Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center - Coming in January - All Ages PLAY Cafe where you can "Play..Gather..Create" with friends, neighbors and family.  Play Cafe will be open two Saturdays or more each month starting in January.  Details on our website.

Reusable Usables will be offering some amazing new classes and events in our new studio space, facilitated by talented local artist.  Looking for people like you to share your passion and teach a class/workshop in our new studio. visit www.reusableusables.org

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

The Moline Public Library's "The Grrreat Tiger Tales Reading Challenge" sponsored by Ascentra Credit Union was held Saturday, Nov. 14 at the library. Moline first graders were rewarded for reading 10 books in one month.  Students reaching their goals enjoyed a pizza party at the library.  Each student was recognized by name, awarded a certificate of achievement and given a stuffed tiger provided by Ascentra Credit Union.  Each class then poses for a picture alongside Ascentra mascot Jumpin' George.  "It's a great feeling seeing over 300 first graders excited about reading," says Alvaro Macias, Ascentra Credit Union Community Development Manager.  "When they are recognized by name in front of their family and a large audience, the students are seeing the importance and rewards of reading." The Moline-Coal Valley School District, Moline Public Library and Ascentra Credit Union have worked together to promote the love of reading to Moline's first graders since 2009.

 

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!

November 28th - Small Business Saturday

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire

January 30th - LeClaire Chamber Annual Awards Dinner

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

December 8th - Subway, LeClaire - Lunch - noon

Grassley to Receive Award in Cedar Falls for Work to Protect Seniors

WASHINGTON?Sen. Chuck Grassley will receive the Guardian of Seniors' Rights award from the 60 Plus Association on Friday, November 20, for his work to create financial stability for seniors through tax reform.

The 60 Plus Association will present Grassley with the award at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls.  Following the award presentation, Grassley will meet with Western Home Communities employees and answer questions.

"I'm honored to receive this award.  I've worked in the Senate to advance retirement security, going back to my work as chairman of the Aging Committee, continuing as Finance Committee chairman, where I led the committee's work on enacted provisions that improved qualified retirement accounts.  This included increasing and indexing to inflation the amounts that can be contributed to IRAs and employer defined contribution plans, such 401(k)s, as well as allowing individuals over the age of 50 to make 'catch-up' contributions to increase their retirement income security.  The catch-up provisions were designed to be especially helpful to women, whose time out of the workforce affected their employment-based retirement savings.  Pro-savings and pro-growth tax policy continue to be a high priority for me as a lawmaker. Going forward, the right kind of comprehensive tax reform would increase financial security for everyone by keeping tax rates low and fair and giving certainty to the tax code from year to year, so taxpayers know what to expect and can budget accordingly," Grassley said.  

Sen. Chuck Grassley today made the following comment on President Obama's nomination of Swati Dandekar of Marion, Iowa, as United States Executive Director, Asian Development Bank, with the Rank of Ambassador.  The White House announced the nomination today.

"Swati Dandekar has served Iowa in many ways over a long period of time and demonstrated a gift for building relationships that lead to productive dialogue and initiatives.  I've no doubt she will take on this new responsibility with the same sort of dedication and resourcefulness.  The President has made a good decision in selecting Swati Dandekar to represent the United States in this capacity."

Iowan receives White House nomination for Asian Development Bank

From the White House:

Swati A. Dandekar, Nominee for United States Executive Director, Asian Development Bank, with the Rank of Ambassador

Swati A. Dandekar is a former Iowa state legislator and member of the Iowa Utilities Board.  Ms. Dandekar served on the Iowa Utilities Board from 2011 to 2013.  Prior to joining the Utilities Board, Ms. Dandekar served in the Iowa State Senate from 2009 to 2011 and in the Iowa State House of Representatives from 2002 to 2008.  From 2000 to 2003, she was a member of the Vision Iowa Board of Directors.  Ms. Dandekar also served on the Linn-Mar Community School District Board of Education from 1996 to 2002 and was a member of the Iowa Association of School Boards from 2000 to 2002.  Ms. Dandekar received a B.S. from Nagpur University and a Post-Graduate Diploma from Bombay University.

Setting the Record Straight on Sourcing for State Department Inquiries

Nov. 20, 2015

Democratic staff for the Senate minority leader and Democratic operatives appear to be circulating a false, misleading timeline with reporters suggesting incorrectly that a former staffer for Sen. Chuck Grassley is the "confidential source" for one of many Grassley inquiries into State Department personnel practices.  The former Grassley staffer was not the source.  The source, in fact, was well-known to bipartisan, bicameral staff who met with him jointly, along with Grassley staff.  Redacted emails showing the extent of knowledge of the source's identity and attempts to schedule a joint interview with him are available here.  A comment from Grassley's office in response to comment from staff for the Senate minority leader about "fishy" coincidences regarding the former Grassley staffer follows.

"What's 'fishy' is that the minority leader is engaging in vague implications rather than gathering the facts directly from his colleagues.  Senator Grassley has been seeking answers from the State Department on its use of the Special Government Employee designation since June 2013.   The Special Government Employee designation is an exception to criminal conflict of interest statutes and can be used as a means of avoiding conflict of interest rules that normally apply.  How that specific designation has been used by the department is a matter of public interest, and the laws at issue are within the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee.

"Senator Grassley has pressed the State Department for complete responses and added inquiries as new information came to light, such as whether the use of private email interferes with Freedom of Information Act compliance.  FOIA is also in the Judiciary Committee's jurisdiction, and the flood of FOIA litigation created by former Secretary Clinton's unusual email arrangement demands the attention of the committee and the State Department's Office of Inspector General.

"The information in Senator Grassley's July 30, 2015, letter was based on a confidential source who is well-known to staff for senior Democrats in the House and the Senate, not from a former Grassley staffer. If the minority leader wants to know where the information came from, there is no need for public speculation.  He merely needs to speak to staff for Ranking Member Leahy or Ranking Member Cummings because their staff members were present for the meeting with the source.  The source's attorney was also present.  The attorney happens to be a former staffer for Senator Feinstein.  So there's no mystery.  Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill know exactly where the initial information came from, and they also know that it was later corroborated by documents provided by the State Department itself.

"Senator Grassley's relationship with the State Department inspector general's office is no different than that of any other inspector general's office.  He respects their independence, supports their work, and appropriately seeks information from them to assist in his oversight of the executive branch.

"Regarding State Department nominees, the Senate recently confirmed 652 State Department nominees, including 20 who had been subject to Grassley holds.  Senator Grassley retains his hold on only three nominees over the State Department's stonewalling of his inquiries since June 2013.  He was forced to escalate his holds to an under secretary nominee over the agency's poor responsiveness.   Senator Grassley has been completely transparent about his holds and the reason for them."

Grassley's Nov. 19 statement on his holds on State Department nominees is available here.  His previous hold statements are available here and here.  Grassley's response to the Senate minority leader's floor speech about his inquiry is available here.

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