14 Aug 2015

Smiddy Votes to Pass Federal Funds to Those in Need

By Paul Ferrero
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - To reduce the pain resulting from the absence of a full year's state budget, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, voted to pass legislation on Wednesday passing over $4 billion of federal money to Illinois' most vulnerable residents.
"Much of the aid that many families need is available as a result of our partnerships with the federal government, and this funding shouldn't be held up due to Illinois' current budgeting problems," Smiddy said. "There is more work to be done to craft a fiscally responsible budget that helps those in need, but passing these federal dollars on to our most vulnerable will help reduce the suffering caused by the current budget dispute."
Smiddy voted to pass Senate Bill 2042, which spends $4.8 billion of federal funds on services in Illinois, including disaster relief, school funding grants, elder abuse prevention, community services for developmental disabilities, and domestic violence victim services. This bill is expected to receive the support of the Senate and the governor to become law.
Smiddy also approved an amendment that contained additional dollars to support heating and cooling assistance for low income families, home delivered meals for seniors, breast and cervical cancer screenings, support for veteran's homes and other vital services. Many of these programs have not been able to serve those in need as a result of Illinois' lack of a state budget. However, the governor and House republican members refused to support this money, and the final bill did not include it.
"The first step to any compromise is finding common ground, and I appreciate the collaboration we reached to release billions of dollars in federal money that many people depend on," Smiddy said. "In the process, however, many Illinoisans were still left by the wayside. People are in desperate need, and I will continue working to meet the basic needs of children, homebound seniors, cancer survivors and working families even if not everyone agrees they are a priority."
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14 Aug 2015

Grassley on Social Security's 80th anniversary

By Grassley Press

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the 80th anniversary of Social Security.  Grassley is the former chairman and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has legislative and oversight jurisdiction of Social Security.

"Generations of Americans have been protected against poverty, thanks in large part to this social safety net signed into law 80 years ago.  Social Security is one of the three legs of the retirement savings stool, along with personal savings and pensions.  Social Security's structure hasn't changed in 80 years, but the demographics have changed.  The worker to retiree ratio has declined significantly.  This presents a challenge, especially with baby boomer retirement.  Congress has an obligation to find bipartisan solutions to strengthen and improve Social Security for generations to come.  We also have an obligation to fight fraud.  Every dollar that goes to waste, fraud and abuse robs the program and beneficiaries."
14 Aug 2015

Former Congressman Jim Leach Joins Iowa Pays the Price

By Brad Anderson
Iowa Pays the Price bipartisan Steering Committee expands across the state
DES MOINES, Iowa - Today, "Iowa Pays the Price," a non-partisan organization highlighting the need to reform the issue of money in politics, is proud to announce former Iowa Congressman Jim Leach has joined the organization as a co-chair.  

Leach served as a Republican member of Congress from 1977 to 2007 and currently serves as a visiting professor of law at the University of Iowa.  Since leaving Congress he has expressed particular concern about the Supreme Court ruling referred to as "Citizens United" which he believes misreads American history and misunderstands our Constitutional heritage.  "In a linguistic gyration," Leach notes, "the Court holds that 'money' is 'speech' and that inanimate corporations have 1st Amendment rights to infuse in the political process unconstrained levels of funds.  Because the powers granted corporations by the Court now exceed the rights and capacities of individual citizens, the nature of the individual rights centered democracy that our founders envisioned and that successor generations refined is in transition," Leach contends.  "The case for reversing the corporatism that has taken hold and restraining the egregious role of money in politics is compelling.  'Iowa Pays the Price' is helping lead the way."

Iowa Pays the Price continues to gain momentum on both sides of the aisle across the state.  In addition to Congressman Leach's joining our organization we are pleased to announce our bipartisan, statewide steering committee made up of activists and leaders across Iowa who believe there is too much money in politics and the time has come for meaningful election reform.  

IOWA PAYS THE PRICE STEERING COMMITTEE:

•    Myrna Beeber (R-Guthrie): Myrna is a longtime GOP activist from Guthrie County. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Guthrie County GOP Central Committee and resides in Yale, IA.

•    Randall Ericksen (R-Buena Vista): Ericksen is longtime resident of Buena Vista County.  He currently serves as the County Chair for the Republican party.   Before retiring, he worked for a marketing firm as the political advisor for many local and national campaigns.

•   Laura Hubka (D-Howard): Laura is a Navy veteran and ultrasound technologist living in Riceville with her husband Kenny. Laura is Chair of the Howard County Democrats and Vice Chair of the Tri-County Democrats. She is also Co Chair of Iowa Veterans Outreach at Democratic National Committee.

•   Marlon Mormann (R-Polk): Mormann is a lifelong conservative Republican and 2012 precinct organizer for Mitt Romney.  Mormann earned his J.D. from the University of Nebraska and is a former unemployment judge who is now in private civil practice in Des Moines, Iowa

•    Penny Rosfjord (D-Woodbury): Penny is the chair of the Woodbury County Democrats and serves on the Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee.  She is a medical secretary for Mercy Medical in Sioux City, where she lives with her husband Jim. 

•    Steve Sovern (D-Linn): Sen. Sovern has been a champion for campaign finance reform since his days in the Iowa Senate. Since that time, he has worked as a successful professional mediator. Sovern is involved in many organizations in his home city of Cedar Rapids.

•    John Stone (D-Cerro Gordo): John is the chair of the Cerro Gordo County Democrats. He is a lifelong resident of Mason City, where he has been involved in the community and in politics nearly his whole life.

•    David Yansky (R-Johnson): David is active in the political arena and is currently serving in the roll Co-Chair of the Johnson County Republicans and member of the Republican 2nd District committee. Dave is currently employed with a high tech firm in Cedar Rapids as a manager but with Diane also share a lucrative hobby that turned into a business - buying older homes in disrepair and rebuilding them into nice homes for families.  

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14 Aug 2015

September MRA Training Events

By Kathy Riley

MRA - The Management Association, 3800 Avenue of the Cities, Suite 100 in Moline, Illinois has several training events planned in September.

September 3 & September 17: 8 AM - 4 PM, Principles of Leadership Excellence Series: Module 3 - Culture, Motivation, and Aligning Goals with Strategies. The goal of the Principles of Leadership Excellence Certificate Series (PLX) is to provide you with opportunities to learn the skills, behaviors, and knowledge needed for effective, successful leadership.  Cost is MRA Members: $495  Nonmembers:$655 (Pricing also available if you sign up for the entire 6 module series).

September 10 & September 11: 8 AM - 3:30 PM, FMLA Administration in the Real World - A Method to the Madness.  This is the premier course for those responsible for FMLA Administration and teaches the full leave life cycle from when an employer learns of the need for leave through the employee's return to work.  Cost is MRA Members: $460  Nonmembers: $665.

September 10: 8 AM - 4 PM, Administrative Professionals Certificate Series: Leadership Skills for the Administrative Professional.  Learning professional skills to be more effective in the workplace.  Participants explore their individual communication style and ways to improve their communication, problem solving and interpersonal skills.  Cost is MRA members: $250 Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 4 module series).

September 18: 8 AM - 3:30 PM, Meeting Facilitation Skills.  A good meeting facilitator has the skills to make ordinary group meetings dynamic and productive.  In this program participants practice using skills and tools that help keep meetings on track and groups moving forward.  Cost is MRA members: $250  Nonmembers: $340.

September 22: 8 AM - 4 PM, Frontline Leadership Certificate Series: Motivation and Trust Building.  Group leaders learn how to meet the demands of leading work, while doing work.  This program gives participants a practical understanding of basic leadership skills, work values, organizational responsibility, and trust building.  Cost is MRA Members: $250  Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 5 module series).

September 24: 8 AM - 4 PM, Emotionally Intelligent Leader.  Participants in this program learn critical skills necessary to effectively understand and use emotion constructively in the workplace.  Cost is MRA Members: $275  Nonmembers: $360.

September 24: 8 AM - 4 PM, Administrative Professionals Certificate Series: Juggling Multiple Priorities for Administrative Professionals.  Time cannot be managed. Time is uncontrollable; therefore, you can only manage yourself and your use of the time you have.  Identify time stealers and learn how to pinpoint where you need to take control by dealing with procrastination, interruptions, and stress.  Cost is MRA members: $250 Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 4 module series).

September 29: 8 AM - 4 PM, Frontline Leadership Certificate Series: Communication Skills.  This workshop helps group leaders become more effective communicators with both their workers and their supervisors.  Participants gain effective listening skills and the ability to give and receive feedback.  Cost is MRA Members: $250  Nonmembers: $340 (Pricing is also available if you sign up for the entire 5 module series).

To register for any of these courses, or for more details, contact Kathy Riley at 309.277.4186 or at Kathy.riley@mranet.org.  You can also find training information on our website at www.mranet.org/Training-Events.


14 Aug 2015

SUBJECT: MRA/ASSE Annual Safety Conference

By Kathy Riley

MRA brings safety training to the Quad Cities in partnership with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE).  Engage in the latest safety topics and select specific sessions with tracks focused on manufacturing, construction, and small business.

On Friday, October 2, 2015 from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM, the MRA Safety Conference will be held at the i-Wireless Center located at 1201 River Drive in Moline, Illinois.

Cost is: Early Bird Registration until August 25, 2015 MRA/ASSE Members: $125 Nonmembers: $175.  After August 25, 2015, MRA/ASSE Members: $175 Nonmembers: $200.  Registration includes Vendor Fair, Keynote Speaker, Breakout sessions and Breakfast and Lunch.

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities are also available.

For more information or to register, contact Kathy Riley, MRA Member Relations Coordinator at 309.277.4186 or at Kathy.riley@mranet.org or go to our website at www.mranet.org/Training-Events/Conferences-Special-Events/Safety-Conference.

About MRA-The Management Association
Founded in 1901, MRA-The Management is a not-for-profit employer association that serves more than 4,000 employers throughout the Midwest, covering 800,000+ employees. As one of the largest employer associations in the nation, MRA helps its member organizations thrive by creating powerful teams and safe, successful workplaces. MRA conducts more than 2,000 learning events each year. Members of MRA also receive access to expert guidance, best practices, professionally facilitated roundtables, essential tools, and dozens of business services in the areas of human resources and training. MRA is headquartered in Waukesha, Wis., and has regional offices in Palatine, Ill.; Moline, Ill.; and Plymouth, Minn. To learn more and to become a member of MRA, visit www.mranet.org.

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14 Aug 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 08/14/15

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

CALENDAR

Register now to take part in the 2015 Tug Fest 5K and 1 Mile Color Fun Run! When: August 15; Time: 8am; Where: Race starts and ends at Pleasant Valley Jr. High. There will be water stations on the race course and food and refreshments provided by Slagle's after the race.  Awards for top finishers. Early registrants receive a free T-Shirt! Find race registration information at www.tugfest.com

 

August 13th-15th - Tug Fest! Carnival wristband night on Thursday. Parade and huge fireworks display on Friday evening. Saturday morning there is a 5K Run/1Mile Color Fun Run and kids' tug is at 11am. The main event, tug-of-war across the Mississippi River between LeClaire, Iowa and Port Byron, Illinois, is from 12:30-3:00pm on Saturday. Details can be found at www.tugfest.com

 

August 13th - 16th - Blue Iguana $2.50 cans through Tug Fest!

 

August 13th - Ribbon Cutting - Abundant Health Chiropractic 878 Middle Creek Rd, Bettendorf. 11:30a.m. - Everyone Welcome!

 

August 14th - Wide River Winery Live Music Pieces of Candy 5-8p.m.

 

August 14th - Steventon's Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck - Lewis Knudsen - 6-9pm

 

August 19th - Buffalo Bill Museum featured on American Pickers History Channel 8p.m. The Pickers made a donation to the Museum, and this will be featured on the show!

 

August 21st - Movies in the Park to benefit LeClaire Youth Baseball & Softball. Join us for one last summer's night of fun with dinner and movies with family and friends! Gate opens at 6pm at Veteran's Memorial Field on N. 3rd Street in LeClaire. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be open serving Happy Joe's Pizza. No outside food or drinks allowed. Meet Happy the Dog from Happy Joe's. There will be a 50/50 Raffle and "Minute to Win It" games. The first movie, "Sandlot," will start at dusk with a 15 minute intermission followed by "Jurassic Park." Free admission; donations accepted. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LeClaire-Youth-Baseball-Softball/1585779614981545?fref=nf

 

August 21st - Wide River Winery Live Music The Ripplers 5-8p.m.

 

August 21st - Steventon's Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck - Jordan Danielson - 6-9pm

 

August 22nd - LIVEFIT WITH LUPUS 2nd Annual Golf Outing 1pm - Palmer Hills, Bettendorf. $78 ($68 before Aug 1) includes cart, prizes, t-shirt, dinner following outing Contact Marcia@livefitwithlupus.org or getmeregistered.com

 

August 22nd - MS Golf Outing - Hidden Hills Golf Course. 1pm. $70 person/ 4 person team.

Registration Includes: 18 holes of golf with cart, tee package with sleeve of Wilson golf balls, a koozie, a commemorative tee shirt,  participation in flag events with prizes and a scoring/awards party.  Dinner buffet and two complimentary drinks at the Bierstube following completion of play.

 

August 23rd - Buffalo Bill Museum 1pm dedication of the 1939 Chris Craft display donated by the Suiter family in the River Pilot's Pier. Refreshments will be served.

 

August 24th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall 8a.m.

 

August 26th - Princeton Community Center - An Afternoon of Euchre beginning around 12:30 p.m.  Anyone interested in lunch can meet at 11:30 a.m. and we will order from Go Fish. Event co-sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church. Coffee and dessert included. No fee to play.

 

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 an pick up the new fall flyer and Save $10 on our set of 3 Gourds!

 

SAVE THE DATE

September 4th - First Friday in LeClaire

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

 

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 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 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. Live music from Austrian band. Join us at the Bierstube for our Oktoberfest & for more food, beer & live music! 8-11pm

 

September 28th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall 8a.m.

 

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!

 

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

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

August 13-15 - Tug Fest

October 11 - LeClaire Apple Fest 11am to 4pm on the LeClaire Levee.  More to come!

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

14 Aug 2015

Just Announced - Darius Rucker

By Stephani Nagle
SOUTHERN STYLE TOUR
DARIUS RUCKER WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
DAVID NAIL
A THOUSAND HORSES
Saturday, November 14
iWireless Center
TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 AT 10AM!
Ticketmaster Outlets | iWireless Center Box Office | 800-745-3000
14 Aug 2015

TINCAPS DELIVER FIRST SWEEP OF RIVER BANDITS

By Marco LaNave
Quad Cities has season-high four straight losses after its first consecutive shutout defeats in four years

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (August 13, 2015) - Three Fort Wayne TinCaps pitchers combined for the team's second straight shutout of the Quad Cities River Bandits, who lost their season-high fourth straight game while being swept for the first time this season with a 3-0 defeat at Parkview Field Thursday night.

Following a 12-game winning streak that matched their season high, the River Bandits (29-17 second half, 74-40 overall) have lost four straight games for the first time since Aug. 12-15, 2014. Until Fort Wayne (29-17, 61-53) won its 10th straight home game Thursday - and sixth straight over Quad Cities dating back to 2014 - the River Bandits had not been swept in a series since Kane County swept three straight over the visiting River Bandits Aug. 12-14, 2014. The TinCaps pitched their final 23 innings of the series without allowing a run, dealing Quad Cities consecutive shutout losses for the first time since going scoreless in a doubleheader in Peoria April 20, 2011.

TinCaps right-hander Dinelson Lamet (4-6) allowed two walks and a single in the first inning, but catcher Jose Ruiz threw out center fielder Jason Martin on a steal attempt, and Lamet got second baseman Jose Fernandez to pop out with runners at first and third bases to end the inning. Martin and left fielder Bobby Boyd hit consecutive singles to begin the third inning, but Lamet struck out the next two batters, and Ruiz threw out Martin trying to steal third base to end the inning.

In a scoreless game with two outs in the bottom of the third inning, TinCaps center fielder Michael Gettys hit a drive over Martin in center field. The ball lodged at the bottom of the wall gave Gettys enough time to circle the bases ahead of the relay throw from Fernandez. The inside-the-park home run was the first run right-hander Agapito Barrios (1-1) allowed in the Midwest League and the first home run he allowed since Aug. 16, 2013, in the Gulf Coast League.

Quad Cities put a runner in scoring position in each of the first eight innings and six of the first seven. In the fourth inning, Fernandez and right fielder Ramon Laureano hit consecutive singles, but Lamet cut off a throw from Gettys and threw out Laureano at second base before retiring the next two batters. With two outs in the fifth inning, Boyd walked and went to third base on designated hitter Drew Ferguson's single, before Lamet struck out first baseman Bryan Muniz. Lamet scattered six hits and three walks with seven strikeouts in five innings.

Barrios went six innings for a second straight start and allowed two earned runs on five hits and one walk with four strikeouts. He allowed the second TinCaps run in the fifth inning. With one out, Ruiz tripled off the right-field wall, and scored on a single high off the right-field wall by left fielder Edwin Moreno. Laureano, who crashed into the wall attempting to catch Ruiz's triple, played Moreno's hit off the right-field wall and threw to shortstop Kristian Trompiz at second base to retire Moreno.

TinCaps right-hander Nick Monroe began the sixth inning and worked around a sixth-inning walk before allowing a seventh-inning, two-out single to Boyd and walk to Ferguson. With the tying run at first base, left-hander Kyle McGrath struck out Muniz to end the seventh inning and went on to face the minimum over the final 2 1/3 innings for his second save. The TinCaps' final run came in the seventh inning off right-hander Riley Ferrell, as third baseman Luis Tejada hit a leadoff single to center field and scored when first baseman Trae Santos singled to right field, and Laureano's throw to third base skipped into the third-base dugout.

The River Bandits begin their final regular season interdivision series at 6 p.m. Central on Friday in Lake County. River Bandits right-hander Elieser Hernandez (2-1) is scheduled to face Captains left-hander Anderson Polanco (7-6) in the opener of a three-game series.

14 Aug 2015

Illinois community college system marks 50th anniversary

By Matt Berry

Gubernatorial proclamation declares 2015-2016 as "The Year of the Community College"

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois community college system is 50 years old! State legislators and higher education leaders celebrated this half-century of achievement on August 12 at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, birthplace of the nation's community college movement.

"The Illinois community college system is not the education of yesterday, but it's the education of tomorrow," said Dr. Karen Hunter Anderson, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board. "The system is one of the largest community college system in the country and without question the best system in the world."

"We don't offer shop classes or teach key punch anymore. We teach nanotechnology and photon therapy," she said. "We partner with local business and industry to develop skills that will be necessary for jobs of the future."

Dr. Anderson also presented a proclamation from Gov. Bruce Rauner declaring July 15, 2015 through July 15, 2016 as "The Year of the Community College" in honor of the Illinois system's 50 years of student success.

Since July 15, 1965, when the Illinois Public Community College Act was signed into law, the system has expanded across the state into 39 community college districts and 48 campuses. Illinois community colleges now serve approximately one million people each year.

State Sen. Pat McGuire, chair of the Illinois Senate Higher Education Committee, also congratulated the Illinois community college system on its 50th anniversary. He encouraged parents and students to "take our focus off selectiveness and focus on effectiveness" in education.

"So you know what? For my money, those exclusive joints on the East and West coast that send their graduates to Wall Street, let them be as smug and as self-satisfied as they want," said Sen. McGuire. "I'm sticking with Joliet Junior College and Illinois's other community colleges."

State Sen. Michael Hastings noted that he was proud to come from a family of Illinois community college graduates. "The opportunities you get at a community college are unbelievable," he said. "Not only are student trained for the future, but they graduate without high student-loan debts."

Illinois Community College Trustees Association president Andrew Bollman commented that  "Over the past 50 years, community colleges have strengthened this state and nation by providing workers in all fields of study, from healthcare and law enforcement to alternative forms of energy.

"Our community college graduates have contributed billions to the economy and tax roll. But, most importantly, our graduates have bettered this society with their increased knowledge and responsibility to the community," said Bollman, a graduate and former student trustee of Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon.

JJC president Dr. Debra Daniels said that as the nation's first public community college, Joliet Junior College was honored to host the launch of the 50th anniversary observance of the Illinois Public Community College Act.

"Together the Illinois community colleges educate and train the workforce for our communities, which is necessary to the economic health of our state," said Dr. Daniels. "We, at JJC, are proud to be a part of the Illinois community college system."

JJC student Eric Wilhelmi shared how he grew from an uninterested high school senior to president of the college's Student Government Association. "This place has just been riddled with opportunities," said Wilhelmi, who described his experience at JJC as "transformative."

"I was told this was going to be a springboard to my future but I would not insult my institution like that. To call it a springboard would imply it is something that's beneath you, that's something that you put your feet on, but this has been a first class ticket to a future," he said.

Organizations participating in the 50th anniversary observance include the Illinois Community College Board, the Illinois Community College Trustees Association, the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents, the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators, the Illinois Community College Faculty Association, and the National Council of Public Relations and Marketing.

For more information, contact:

Matt Berry, Illinois Community College Board, (217) 785-7411, matt.berry@illinois.gov

Kim Villanueva, Illinois Community College Trustees Association, (217) 528-2858, kvillanueva@communitycolleges.org

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14 Aug 2015

News from the Iowa State Fair 8/13/2015

By Mindy Williamson

Little Dancers, Singers and Piano Players Top Iowa State Fair Talent Search

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2015)(readMedia)-- Five talented Sprout division acts (ages 2-12) have advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley's 56th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 20, Friday, August 21, or Saturday, August 22.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines of the acts are:

Lucy Gannon, 8, West Des Moines, Piano Solo

Joey Kelley, 12, Fort Dodge, Vocal Solo

Macy Wiley, 11, Creston, Morgan Driskell, 10, Creston, Nevaeh Kuhlman, 10, Creston, Clog Trio

Lily Leding, 9, Clinton, Vocal Solo

Adysen Miller, 10, Des Moines, Jaden Miller, 12, Des Moines, Jazz Dance

Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the competition. Two Sprout acts will be crowned champions every day of the semi-finals. The six winning acts will perform in the talent-packed championship set for Sunday, August 23, at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor KCWI.

Each of the six Sprout Champions will receive a prize of $250 after the Championship Show. More than $16,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined. This year's contest is sponsored by Hy-Vee.

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Stars Shine on First Day of Talent Search at Iowa State Fair

DES MOINES, IA (08/13/2015)(readMedia)-- Five talented Senior division acts (ages 13-21) have advanced to the semi-final round in Bill Riley's 56th annual Iowa State Fair Talent Search. Each act will perform again on Thursday, August 20, Friday, August 21, or Saturday, August 22.

The names, ages, hometowns and routines are:

Kilie Akers, 15, Mediapolis, Tap/Acro Dance

Hanna Bird, 19, Emmetsburg, Vocal Solo

Jonathan Wolf, 17, Ames, Violin Solo

Maddie Barnes, 16, Urbandale, Nick Rice, 18, Urbandale, Lyrical Dance

Kaeli Verbrugge, 15, Eldridge, Contemporary Dance

Acts competed statewide to qualify for competition in this year's Talent Search. The championship round will take place on Sunday, August 23, at 1:30 p.m. on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage sponsored by Pepsi with media sponsor KCWI. Bill Riley, Jr. is once again hosting the show.

The first-place winner will receive a prize of $8,000. The second and third-place winners will be awarded $4,000 and $2,000, respectively. More than $16,000 will be awarded to the Senior and Sprout divisions combined. This year's contest is sponsored by Hy-Vee.

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