SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner took action today on the following bills:  

Bill No.: HB 3389  

An Act Concerning Local Government  

Action: Signed  

Effective: Immediate  

  

Bill No.: HB 3527  

An Act Concerning Education  

Action: Signed  

Effective: Immediate  

  

Bill No.: SB 1102  

An Act Concerning Government  

Action: Signed  

Effective: January 1, 2017  

  

Bill No.: SB 1249  

An Act Concerning Regulation  

Action: Amendatory Veto  

Note: Veto Message Below  

  

Bill No.: SB 1334  

An Act Concerning Regulation  

Action: Signed  

Effective: Immediate

Bill No.: SB 1672

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016 

Bill No.: SB 1854

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Amendatory Veto

Note: Veto Message Below

Veto Message SB 1249

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

Today I return Senate Bill 1249 with a specific recommendation for change.

Senate Bill 1249 requires the Office of the Governor to examine the need for and financial strategies to improve the State's mental health systems and report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by January 15, 2016. The State already has undertaken several initiatives in order to study the current landscape for mental health services in Illinois and work to improve the effectiveness of such services. These efforts include using a $3 million State Innovation Model grant from the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to focus on redeveloping the State's mental and behavioral health programs, as well as developing the State's five-year health care priorities and goals through completion of our federally-mandated State Health Improvement Plan. Both of these efforts will be completed late next spring.

Aligning the timing of the report required by Senate Bill 1249 with the completion of this other work will allow us to optimize resources by coordinating our research efforts, leading to a more comprehensive set of recommendations to improve mental health services in Illinois.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(e) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1249, entitled "AN ACT concerning regulation", with the following specific recommendation for change:

On page 3, line 15, by replacing "January 15, 2016" with "May 31, 2016".

With this change, Senate Bill 1249 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

Veto Message SB 1854

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois House of Representatives,

99th General Assembly:

Today I return Senate Bill 1854 with a specific recommendation for change.

Among other changes, Senate Bill 1854 would allow the North Shore Water Reclamation District Board of Trustees to increase its own compensation. The State of Illinois is facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis, and all levels of government should make every effort to rein in spending. Under these circumstances, statutes should not be changed to allow elected officials to give themselves raises. I recommend that portion of Senate Bill 1854 be deleted.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(e) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1854, entitled "AN ACT concerning local government", with the following specific recommendation for change:

On page 15, line 19, by deleting "Notwithstanding"; and

On page 15, by deleting lines 20 through 25; and

On page 15, line 26, by deleting "in compensation is adopted by the board.".

With this change, Senate Bill 1854 will have my approval. I respectfully request your concurrence.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

941 receive degrees at the end of Iowa State's 2015 summer term

AMES, Iowa (August 25, 2015) - Iowa State University awarded a total of 941 degrees at the end of the 2015 summer term. Of the students receiving degrees, 595 were awarded bachelor's degrees, 249 master's degrees and 97 doctor of philosophy degrees.

Of the students receiving bachelor's degrees, 80 graduated "With Distinction" (cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude).  

(EDITORS: Graduates from your area are listed below).

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HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, DEGREE, MAJOR(S), HONORS (if listed)

Davenport, IA 

Kelly Abdelmassih, Doctor of Philosophy, Hospitality Management
Erik Day, Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science (AGLS), Geology, Magna Cum Laude
Kelsey Regan, Master of Science, Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Sustainable Agriculture
Angela Scott, Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology and Health
Tan Thai, Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Studies

Muscatine, IA 

Marvin Smith, Master of Education, Education

State sells remaining surplus aircraft for over $2.5 million  

$3.5 million net for taxpayers  

   

SPRINGFIELD - The State of Illinois successfully sold the State's five remaining surplus aircraft for more than $2.5 million as part of continued efforts to reduce the State's aircraft fleet, the administration of Governor Bruce Rauner announced today.

"The successful sale of the state's surplus aircraft is some much needed good news for taxpayers," Governor Bruce Rauner said. "In addition to earning $2.5 million on the sale of the aircraft, the State of Illinois achieved significant savings by avoiding more than $1 million in State resources on upcoming inspections and repairs for unneeded aircraft."

The sale comes after three previous attempts by the Department of Central Management Services to sell the aircraft failed to sell all the aircraft. In April of 2014, nine of the State of Illinois' 21 aircraft were ordered to be sold. Following three consecutive auctions, spanning six months and two weeks, 5 of the State's 9 surplus aircraft remained to be sold, including the 3 most expensive aircraft.

After consulting with internal and external aviation experts to generate ideas on the best approach to selling the aircraft, several new ideas emerged: better promotion of any future aircraft auctions, factor in costs associated with upcoming repair and inspection requirements, and re-evaluate pricing recommendations. Upcoming inspections and repairs, estimated at more than $1 million, weighed into the new recommendations.

With a new sales plan in place, the aircraft sale was launched on July 2, 2015, and ran through August 3, 2015. When the auction closed, each of the five aircraft received multiple bids, including the following high bids: 2000 Beechcraft King Air for $1,785,050.00; 1991 Sikorsky Helicopter for $515,161.00; 1979 Cessna C337H for $56,000.00; 1986 Cessna C182R for $54,161.00; and the 1985 Cessna C421C for $181,140.00. All highest bidders were requested to submit a best and final offer. As a result the bid proposal, the 1979 Cessna C337H increased by nearly $1,000. After the auction closed, the high bid for the 2000 Beechcraft King Air was withdrawn, and the aircraft was awarded to the next highest bidder for $1,700,000.00. CMS benchmarked all bid proposals against industry standard pricing references to ensure maximized returns. 

The new sales plan helped maximize the return on investment for Illinois taxpayers, pushing total revenues from the sales of the aircraft to more than 90% of the estimated average value, for a total value of more than $2.5 million. 

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WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley is encouraging Iowans interested in attending the outdoor simulcast of Pope Francis' address to Congress on Thursday, Sept. 24, to contact his office for tickets.  Grassley will receive 200 tickets for the simulcast on the West Front grounds of the U.S. Capitol.   

  

"It's an historic event, and my wife Barbara and I will attend," Grassley said.  "I encourage any Iowans who'd like to make the trip to contact my office for tickets."  

  

Grassley said that if the number of tickets requested by Iowans exceeds 200, the tickets will be distributed by lottery.  Iowans interested in tickets should contact Grassley's office at 202/224-3744.  

  

The Pope will speak to Congress inside the Capitol in the House of Representatives' chamber.   He will be the first Pope ever to address a joint meeting of Congress.

More information is available here

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The Quad Cities Standing
United Against Hate
5 pm Sunday, August 30th
LeClaire Park - East Side at Landing, Davenport Music by Kayla Jean
Leach Park - Under I-74, Bettendorf Music by Boogs Malone
Butterworth Park - Across from W.I.U., Moline Music by Moline Boys Choir
Sunset Marina Park, Rock Island Music by Alicia Ann
Feel free to bring homemade signs and U.S. flags!

ANNOUNCEMENTS - 08/26/2015

 

TWILIGHT DINNER CRUISE

Get your tickets now for the September 19th, Twilight Dinner Cruise sponsored by the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a prime rib dinner and three hour cruise. Board at 4:30pm; cruise leaves promptly at 5pm. Cost is $45 per person. Purchase tickets at LeClaire, Iowa banks - First Central State Bank or Blackhawk Bank & Trust. Call Debbie at 563-289-2265 for more information.'

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

G&H Mowers, LLC - Sales and service of new and used lawnmowers and snow-throwers. Sales and service of generators. 2297 Hwy 30, Grand Mound, IA 52751 gmtparts@gmtel.net 563-847-1996

 

Riverbend Retro - Mid-Century Modern and Danish-Modern furniture and home décor. Vintage clothing and accessories, vinyl records and electronics. 106 S. Cody Road, LeClaire, 52753. Facebook.com/RiverbendRetro 563-579-2615

 

CALENDAR

August 28th - Wide River Winery Live Music HC Wallace 5-8p.m.

 

August 28th - Steventon's Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck Louis Knudsen - 6-9pm

 

Through August 31st - Isabel Bloom Stop in and pick up the new fall flyer and Save $10 on our set of 3 Gourds!

 

September 4th - First Friday in LeClaire

Mississippi River Distilling Co. - Signature cocktails, food samples and Iowish Cream!

Wide River Winery - Live Music The Old 57s - 5-8pm

Some shops open late!

 

September 4th - LeClaire Civic Club Community Food Drive for non-perishable items, and cash donations, from 5-7p.m., parking lot in the 100 block of South Cody Road.  Donors will be able to drive up, drop-off, and never leave their car.

 

September 5th - LeClaire Civic Club Community Food Drive for non-perishable items, and cash donations, from 9-11a.m., parking lot in the 100 block of South Cody Road.  Donors will be able to drive up, drop-off, and never leave their car.

 

September 8th - Chamber Networking Event, Steventon's 5:30-7p.m. Everyone Welcome!

 

September 11th - Wide River Winery Live Music - Whoozdads 5-8p.m.

 

September 12th - The LeClaire Civic Club will be holding a Rib Eye Steak Dinner 4-7PM, 127 S. Cody Road in downtown LeClaire.  Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door.  More information:  563-639-4621.   Supports community programs, and operation of the LeClaire Civic Center.

 

September 18th - First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Night for Nepal Gala to benefit victims of the recent earthquakes in Nepal.  The First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire and the Quad City Nepalese Society (QCNS) are partnering, 4:30-8:30 pm. Nepalese native dance and music and American desserts. $10 per person; $5 for children, 8 years and under. Carnival games for the children (4:30-6:30 pm), live auction and silent auctions. There is desperate need in Nepal since the earthquakes and aftershocks in April and May, 2015. We are accepting donations for the auctions and financial contributions to our Nepalese relief fund. Come, bring your friends and enjoy a fun evening for a good cause.

 

September 18th - Wide River Winery Live Music Jordan Danielson 5-8p.m.

 

September 19th - Twilight Dinner Cruise sponsored by the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a prime rib dinner and three hour cruise. Board at 4:30pm; cruise leaves promptly at 5pm. Cost is $45 per person. Purchase tickets at LeClaire, Iowa banks - First Central State Bank or Black Hawk Bank & Trust. Call Debbie at 563-289-2265 for more information.

 

September 19th - Trivia Night in LeClaire, LeClaire Civic Center - Benefits the LeClaire Community Library.  Tables of 8; $10 per person.  Mulligans and refreshments available for purchase.  Participants may bring snacks, wine, beer and soft drinks.  Doors open at 6:30PM; game starts at 7PM.  Door prizes; 50-50 raffle.  Reservations:  563-639-4621 or 563-349-4403.

 

September 25th - Wide River Winery Live Music Pieces of Candy 5-8p.m.

 

September 26th - Oktoberfest Celebration in Colona. 2-7pm. Enjoy Bierstube food and beer.

 

September 28th - Economic Development Meeting - Cancelled

 

SAVE THE DATE

October 11th - 11am-4pm: Apple Fest on the River

 

October 11th- Dogtoberfest at Bierstube, LeClaire 2-5:30pm

 

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

 

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

October 24th - Foursquare Riverside Church Please join us on the levee for Le Claire's annual Witches Walk on Saturday October 24th (rain date 31st). If you would like to donate or help with this event please contact. Jenna Graff?, graff.jenna@gmail.com (717)580-1101 or Riverside Church, connect@riversidefoursquare.org, (563)-289-7712

 

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!

 

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!

 

Expressions in Threads - The Row by Row Experience is a nationwide event that runs from June 21st through September 8th in which participating shops create a unique quilt row created by each, individual shop, based on a central theme, this year's them is water. Customers can travel to participating shops like Expressions in Threads and collect the row we've created, along with our shop's license plate, specially designed for the Row by Row event. For more information, go to: http://www.expressionsinthreads.com/module/events.htm?year=2015&month=Jun&day=22&eventId=803020

 

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

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 Lease - 1,000 sq. ft. property at 521 N. Cody Rd. Built in 1895, once housed a grocery store, now decorated in period style and ready for a shop owner to take advantage of the busy location, just a short walk from the business district and midway between two antique shops. Space includes a small kitchen area and a 1/2 bath, with off-street parking area. Water and sewer included. $1200/month. Contact John or Deb Wernick: 309-314-7702 or 309-314-2800

 

House for Rent 926 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Ia.  Available September 1st.  $1100/ month.  Charming farmhouse on acreage with beautiful river view.  2 bedroom possible 3rd.

Lawn mowing, and snow removal provided. Walking distance to Slagle's grocery store.  Contact Penny Molumby 563-210-5662.

 

The shop building with upstairs apt. at 123 S Cody is for sale. For information please call D.R. Peterson at 563-289-5958.

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. Description: 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!

August 29th - Vettes on the River - LeClaire Levee

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

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

December 4th-6th - Christmas in LeClaire

 

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

September 8th - Steventon's - Evening Event - 5:30p.m.

October 13th - Bierstube - Lunch - noon

November 10th - Riverview Roadhouse - Lunch - noon

December 8th - Subway, LeClaire - Lunch - noon

Davenport, IA/August 21, 2015 - Rudy's Tacos is raising money to provide more free prostate screenings for the Quad Cities Area and to educate their customers about this disease. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men. It's also the second leading cause of cancer related deaths in men, but with early detection it can often be treated successfully.

Prostate cancer awareness is something that is very important to Rudy's Tacos. Rudy Quijas, founder of Rudy's Tacos, passed away at the age of 55 from prostate cancer. "My father wanted us to promote early prostate testing. That way other families could avoid the premature loss of a loved one. As we know, prostate cancer is very manageable if it is detected EARLY," says Kevin Quijas, co-owner of Rudy's corporate.

This year Rudy's is donating the money received throughout this campaign to Us Too Greater Quad Cities.  This local prostate cancer support group advocates and supports prostate cancer patients and their families here in the Quad Cities.

Us TOO performs prostate cancer blood screenings throughout the year with their partner, Metropolitan Medical Laboratory.  You qualify for a prostrate screening if you are a man between the ages of 50 and 70 with no history of prostate cancer, have a family history of prostate cancer or an African American man between the ages of 40 and 70 and you are not currently under the care of a urologist.

Whatever money you can donate to this cause will go directly to help the men and their families suffering from this cancer, as well as provide free prostate cancer screenings.   One in six men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime and one in thirty six will die of this disease. Don't become a statistic, get screened!

Rudy Quijas had the opportunity to do a lot for this community, even though his passing was so early. He was an Air Force Veteran and a member of the East Davenport Turners, Elks Lodge 298 and Davenport Moose Lodge. Rudy Quijas sponsored many athletic events and teams including Little League and softball teams, the Rudy's Golf Tournament, Mexican American traveling basketball and fast pitch softball teams. He enjoyed golf, family events and entertaining friends.

About Rudy's Tacos: Rudy's Tacos was founded in 1973 by Rudy and Marilyn Quijas. This first restaurant located at 2214 East 11th St. in the Village of East Davenport, seated 15-20 people. By 1977 the business had out grown the tiny building and the new larger building opened for business in the summer of 1977.  Since the late 70's Rudy's has grown to include 11 other locations in both Iowa and Illinois.

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BOSTON – Even though 52 percent of likely Iowa Democratic presidential caucus voters say that the persistent controversy over Hillary Clinton's email would hurt her in a November general election, they are backing her by a 34-point margin over her closest Democratic rival, according to a Suffolk University poll.

Clinton (54 percent) overwhelmed a field that included Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders (20 percent), Vice President Joe Biden (11 percent), former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (4 percent), and former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb (1 percent), while other candidates, including former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee, received less than 1 percent. Nine percent of likely Democrats were undecided.

"There is a fierce loyalty to Hillary Clinton among likely Democratic caucus-goers in Iowa," said David Paleologos, director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston. "Despite reports suggesting her vulnerability, these Democratic voters say they don't believe she broke the law. They are sticking by her in large numbers, even though a majority believes the email scandal will hurt her in the general election."

Potential Biden candidacy

The poll tested Joe Biden's potential entrance into the Democratic fray, even though he has not reached a decision and plans to make a formal announcement of his intentions in a few weeks.

"Biden's modest early support despite a favorability rating of more than 87 percent shows a lack of organization and funding, as he is not officially a candidate," said Paleologos.

If Biden opts out of the race, his Iowa Democratic supporters would split 39 percent to Clinton, 29 percent to Sanders, and 18 percent to O'Malley, according to the poll's subset of second-choices for the Democratic nomination.

Women keen on Clinton

Clinton's strongest support was with women, who put her ahead by 43 points, 58 percent to Sanders' 15 percent and Biden's 13 percent.

"Historically, Democratic caucuses and primaries turn out a disproportionate amount of women, and Clinton is making the gender advantage work to her advantage," said Paleologos.

State Department email issue

Fifty-two percent of Democratic voters said the email issue will hurt Clinton if she becomes the Democratic nominee, while 36 percent said it will not. Voters who prefer Clinton were split, with 44 percent saying the email question will hurt her and 44 percent saying it will not.

Asked if Clinton broke the law by using personal email while serving as Secretary of State, 9 percent said she did, while 76 percent said she did not, and 15 percent weren't sure.

On the issue of honesty and trust, however, Sanders (32 percent) edged Clinton (29 percent) and Biden (18 percent). When voters were asked "which candidate best understands the problems facing people like you," Clinton (39 percent) led Sanders (32 percent), and Biden (10 percent).

When non-Clinton voters were asked what is holding them back from supporting Clinton, 18 percent indicated that they "liked another candidate better." Other responses included:

"untrustworthy/dishonest" (9 percent)
"email controversy" (9 percent)
"has a lot of baggage/issues" (5 percent)
"views on issues" (4 percent)
"she's a Clinton" (3 percent)
"won't make it" (3 percent)
"Wall Street/corporate" (3 percent)
"need change" (2 percent)
"not progressive enough" (2 percent)
"bad publicity/news" (2 percent)

Minimum wage

The poll showed overwhelming support for raising the minimum wage in increments to $15 per hour by the year 2020, with 85 percent of Democrats in favor and 11 percent opposed. A majority of Democratic voters (54 percent to 34 percent) would support an increase to $17.50 per hour by the year 2020, but they rejected raising the minimum wage to $20 per hour (51 percent to 34 percent).

Methodology

The statewide survey of 500 likely Iowa presidential caucus voters was conducted August 20-24 using live telephone interviews of Democratic primary voter households where respondents indicated they were very or somewhat likely to attend their local presidential caucuses. The margin of error is +/-4.4 percentage points at a 95 percent level of confidence. Marginals and full cross-tabulation data are posted on the Suffolk University Political Research Center website: www.suffolk.edu/SUPRC. For more information, contact David Paleologos at 781-290-9310, dpaleologos@suffolk.edu.

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Suffolk University, located in historic downtown Boston, with an international campus in Madrid, is a student-centered institution distinguished by excellence in education and scholarship. Suffolk University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in more than 90 areas of study. Its mission is to empower graduates to be successful locally, regionally and globally

Mount Prospect, IL - As college students return to campuses across the nation, the nonprofit Illinois Fire Safety Alliance (IFSA) recommends parents discuss the importance of fire safety with their children for the time they are away from home.

"Whether your child is living on campus, off campus or in Greek housing, it is best to not make any assumptions about his or her fire safety," states Philip Zaleski, Executive Director of the IFSA. "Give yourself peach of mind by being proactive. Find out which fire safety features are present in his or her building and establish fire prevention measures and a plan of action in case of a fire."

September is designated as national "Campus Fire Safety Month" since the beginning of the school year is typically the worst time for campus-related fires. For each of the last 10 years, Illinois governors have issued proclamations to recognize the importance of "Campus Fire Safety Month."

According to The Center for Campus Fire Safety, from 2000 to 2015, 89 fires killed 126 people on college campuses, in Greek housing, or in off-campus housing within three miles of campuses. The National Fire Protection Association reports that U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 3,870 structure fires in dormitories and Greek housing from 2009 to 2013. Fires are most common in the evening hours and on weekends. Cooking equipment accounts for 86 percent of those structure fires.

The IFSA offers the following fire prevention and safety tips to students and parents:

  • Check for working smoke alarms and fire sprinklers. They should be in living spaces, as well as community areas (lobbies, hallways, bathrooms, etc.). If you are not sure if they are present, ask a school official to point them out.

  • Determine a fire escape plan. Find out where one is posted and review it. If no plan is posted, create one. There should be two routes of escape.

  • Practice fire drills twice per year. On-campus already should require drills, but a plan also should be established for off-campus and Greek housing.

  • Keep exits clear. Make sure there is a safe path of escape.

  • Practice kitchen fire safety. Do not cook when tired or leave cooking unattended. Unplug appliances in case of a fire. Do not use water to put out grease fires.

  • Do not use candles. Battery-operated flameless candles are better alternatives.

  • Do not overload electrical outlets/extension cords. Circuits can overheat and catch fire.

  • Turn off electronics and appliances. When leaving a room, hit the "off" switch on devices.

  • Clean clothes dryer lint. Before and after using a clothes dryer, be sure lint trap is clear.

Keep smoking outside. Also, dispose of smoking materials in ashtrays, not garbage receptacles.
An afternoon with other Bernie Sanders backers in support of progressive Iowa causes PLUS free Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Iowa sweet corn, and live music sounds like a pretty unbeatable combination to me. I hope you can join us at the Progress Iowa Corn Feed on Sunday, August 30 in Des Moines.

Ben and Jerry themselves will be there, as well as many other progressive Iowa leaders. Click here to see the whole lineup and get your ticket!

Tickets for the event are $30 each, and all of the proceeds will help Progress Iowa continue their work advocating for a stronger middle class, first-class public schools, and fairness for all Iowans under the law.

Since its founding in 2012, Progress Iowa has established a community of more than 60,000 progressive grassroots activists like you. They've worked to achieve legislation for expanding Medicaid, increasing the minimum wage, and protecting the environment for future generations of Iowans.

The Progress Iowa Corn Feed will be a great chance to get together with other Bernie supporters to talk about how we can make a difference in advancing our state's strong tradition of shared progressive values while sharing some Ben & Jerry's ice cream with Ben and Jerry!

When Iowa progressives stand up for what we believe in, we can make a big impact on local politics. I hope you can make it!

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