HILLSDALE, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is opening his office in Port Byron to offer help with state programs and services as part of the city's annual Tug Fest.
"Tug Fest is a great thing for our community, and I want my office to be a part of that," Smiddy said. "Times are tough for a lot of people, and I invite residents to stop by while they're in Port Byron to see if I can help."
During Tug Fest, Smiddy will keep his office open late to help constituents navigate state programs. He'll be available on Friday, August 14, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. for everyone in the area as part of Port Byron's annual Tug Fest. The office is located at 201 N. Main St., Unit 2, in Port Byron.
"Many people don't know where to turn for help with state programs and services," Smiddy said. "I encourage anyone who has questions to take a break from Tug Fest and see what answers my office can help you find."
The open house is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.
For questions, please contact Smiddy's full time constituent service office at 309-848-9098.
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Week-Long Celebration and Contests Kick Off Monday, August 24th

DAVENPORT - In celebration of the completion of the new state-of-the-art Ascentra Credit Union branch at 1800 Brady Street in Davenport, the community is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, August 24 at 4:00 p.m.

Work began on the 3,400 square ft. structure in October 2014 and features a unique, modern design that has beautified the landscape and enhanced pedestrian access to the corner in the Hilltop Campus Village.

This brand new location will replace the nearby branch Ascentra merged with in 2013 and is located within walking distance from St. Ambrose University and Palmer College of Chiropractic.  The branch will provide much needed access to financial services for students and area residents such as Co-op Shared Branching - which allows credit union members to establish membership and use a nationwide network of over 5,000 credit union branches to conduct business as if they were at Ascentra.

"We're very excited to relocate our office to this new full service branch at a much more visible location," Ascentra Credit Union President & CEO Dale Owen says. "We look forward to further economic development in the Hilltop and playing a major role in further revitalization of the area.  We've been very pleased to work with the city staff, Mayor, City Council, the Design Review Board and the Hilltop Campus Village to help bring this project to completion."

The ribbon cutting will kick off a week-long celebration that allows people to stop by and register for a chance to win a 40" HDTV, a Go-Pro camera, Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, and a Fitbit workout band. A special social media Pay it Forward: Cash Stash will allow people to win cash by following clues on Ascentra's Facebook and Twitter pages.

About us:

Founded in 1950, Ascentra Credit Union, is Iowa's premier credit union with more than $340 million in assets and 10 branches serving the communities of Bettendorf, Clinton, Davenport, LeClaire, Muscatine, Iowa and Moline, Ill. Learn more about Ascentra Credit Union at ascentra.org. Follow Ascentra on Facebook and on Twitter @ascentra.

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The Quad City Women's Soccer Association is currently seeking women of all ages and abilities to fill in team rosters for our Fall league. Players must be at least 18 years old and graduated from high school.  Games are played one night a week and start at 6:00 P.M. Schedule, league rules and information can be found at our website at: www.qcwsa.com or find us on Facebook.

Currently in our 72nd season, the Quad Cities Women's Soccer League is an all inclusive Quad City-based recreational league of women soccer players of all skill levels who value camaraderie, team spirit, sportswomanship, physical fitness, fun, good soccer and a love of the game. In order to fulfill this mission, the league expects:

  • Basic knowledge and understanding of the game of soccer
  • Emphasis on fair play
  • Respect for fellow players and referees
  • Commitment to the team as evidenced by regular and on-time attendance
  • Friendly competition that realizes that the outcome of every game played is a smile and a handshake

Questions and more information, contact Chris Cournoyer at chris@ccx.net or 563-505-6703. For more information about our league, visit: www.qcwsa.com.

New position will focus on rescue and distribution of more food from retailers

 

Davenport, IA (August 11, 2015) - River Bend Foodbank announced a $55,000 grant from the Walmart Foundation to fund a new position, retail store donation coordinator, for the specific purpose of working with local and national retailers to secure more donated food.

The need for this position stems from the understanding that retail store donations are a critical component in being able to serve more people struggling with hunger. A staff person dedicated to working with retailers, both small and large, to rescue and distribute food that might otherwise go to waste will not only help build the capacity of the River Bend Foodbank but, ultimately, help better meet the ongoing local need. Bob Evans has been hired as River Bend Foodbank's retail store donation coordinator. Bob has 13 years' experience in food banking, having been a driver making retail pickups and as the manager of agency relations.

"We are thrilled that the Walmart Foundation has funded this new staff position and understands the value of food banks working hand-in-hand with local retailers to fight hunger," said Mike Miller, River Bend Foodbank Executive Director. "As a member of the Feeding America network, we have seen how securing retail store donations is a key driver to increasing our ability to secure more food for more people. With this grant, we'll be able to develop stronger relationships with our local retailers and do more for the people struggling with hunger in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois."

River Bend Foodbank is one of 15 Feeding America member food banks across the country this year to be awarded a grant for a retail store donation coordinator. The grant is designed to support the first year salary and benefits costs for the staff position.

While the position is funded through a Walmart Foundation grant, the new retail store coordinator will work with all retailers in the area in an effort to secure more food for the River Bend Foodbank. The coordinator also will help educate store personnel on the appropriate guidelines for donations through the food bank's retail donation program.

The funding for the position comes at a time of particular need, as food insecurity remains high throughout the country. According to the USDA, approximately 49 million people - including 16 million children - in the United States struggle with hunger. Here in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, 131,900 local residents are food insecure.

Through their longstanding commitment to fighting hunger, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation provide donations of both funds and food to Feeding America and its nationwide network of food banks. Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have set goals to provide four billion meals to those in need in the U.S. through 2020. River Bend Foodbank is one of Feeding America's 200 member food banks across the country and currently receives product donations from local Walmart stores. To learn more about the Walmart Foundation's commitment to fight hunger visit foundation.walmart.com.

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River Bend Foodbank is the largest hunger relief organization in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities, distributing more than 7.3 million meals annually to more than 300 charitable feeding programs throughout a 22 county service area in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. Childhood hunger programs include the Backpack Program which provides 2100 Quad City children with nourishing food to take home on the weekends during the school year, the Kids Café Program providing evening meals to children at three sites, the Mobile Food Pantries which directly feed thousands of families each month, and the school pantries which serve needy children and their families.

A community food drive will be coordinated by the LeClaire Civic Club during the Labor Day weekend, at its location at the start of the town's business district on Highway 67 or 127 North Cody Road.


On September 4th, the club will collect non-perishable items, and cash donations, from 5-7PM in its parking lot in the 100 block of South Cody Road.  Donors will be able to drive up, drop-off, and never leave their car.  Smith noted "it coincides with 'First Friday' in LeClaire, an evening when our downtown restaurants and businesses 'roll out the welcome mat to visitors.'"  The next morning, Saturday, September 5th from 9-11AM, will be a second collection time.  "We hope that while running errands, our friends and neighbors will see us and make a donation, too" said Smith.


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SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner signed SB 1304 today to create the Police and Community Improvement Act.

"Today we are taking steps to strengthen the relationship between our law enforcement officers and the public they protect with the Police and Community Improvement Act," Governor Rauner said. "As a society, we must ensure the safety of both the public and law enforcement. SB 1304 establishes new and important guidelines and training for police departments and their officers, while protecting the public by prohibiting officers from using excessive force.  I thank the legislators who sponsored this bill. It will have a lasting and positive impact on the people of Illinois."

Additional Background: Illinois is the first state in the country to pass comprehensive legislation that include procedures for police departments that utilize body cameras; establish reporting requirements for officers who make stops or arrests; crisis intervention and racial sensitivity training; and prohibits excessive force like choke holds.

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August 12, 2015, Bettendorf, IA - Workers from Bi-State Masonry have begun a $25,000 masonry and brick repair project at the historic Joseph Bettendorf Mansion that overlooks downtown Bettendorf. The grant from the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation was received by Rivermont Collegiate, the current owners, and is the first-phase in a total repair and restoration project that will cost an estimated $180,000. All funds are being privately raised and any company, group, or individual wishing to contribute should contact the school.

The 100 year-old structure built between 1914 -15 is listed on the National Historic Register and holds great significance in the Quad Cities community. It has served since 1972 as the home of Rivermont Collegiate (formerly St. Katharine's-St. Mark's) the only independent and religiously unaffiliated college prep school in the Quad Cities.

Contact Rivermont Collegiate at 563-359-1366. Visit www.RivermontCollegiate.org<http://www.RivermontCollegiate.org

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

 

Bill No.: HB 1490

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1530

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2543

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2705

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3172

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3304

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Vetoed

Effective Date: Immediate

Note: Veto message is below.

 

Bill No.: HB 3531

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3684

An Act Concerning Children

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3967

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 13

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 201

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 653

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1335

An Act Concerning Children

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1763

An Act Concerning Children

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016, except that Section 20 takes effect on June 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1775

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective Date: January 1, 2016

 

Veto Message for HB 3304:

 

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois House of Representatives

99th General Assembly:

 

Today I veto House Bill 3304 from the 99th General Assembly, which changes the composition of the Department of Children and Family Services Children's Advisory Board, for technical reasons.

 

The changes in House Bill 3304 are included in Senate Bill 13, which I signed into law.  House Bill 3304 is therefore moot.  I thank the sponsors of House Bill 3304 and Senate Bill 13 for their efforts.

 

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return House 3304, "AN ACT concerning state government", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

 

Sincerely,

 

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

 

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The River Bandits are the only team with two jerseys among the top 10; voting continues until Aug. 25

DAVENPORT, Iowa (August 11, 2015) - A pair of River Bandits one-time jerseys are among the leaders for the best specialty jersey in Minor League Baseball. In a field of 124 specialty jerseys in MiLB.com's Jersey Joust at MiLB.com/jersey, fans nationwide have ranked the team's 2014 Autism Awareness photo jerseys second overall and the 2015 Boy Scouts jerseys ninth overall, as of Tuesday morning.

The Jersey Joust contest runs until Aug. 25, and fans may vote online following the link at riverbandits.com or at MiLB.com/jersey. Fans may vote for their favorite jersey among randomly selected pairs, or follow the "Find A Jersey" or "View Leaderboard" links at MiLB.com/jersey to locate the River Bandits' jerseys and be taken to a jersey voting matchup that includes one of those jerseys.

On each night the River Bandits players wore the specialty jerseys, proceeds from an auction at Modern Woodmen Park went to benefit Quad Cities-area charities. Proceeds from the Autism Awareness photo jersey auction supported the Quad Cities Autism Center, and proceeds from the Boy Scouts jerseys went to benefit the Boy Scouts of America ILLOWA Council.

"Specialty jerseys and auctions are not just highlights on our promotional schedule, but are always among our favorite charitable activities," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "Those specialty jerseys are not only fun, they have already made a difference to people in the Quad Cities, and we encourage fans to celebrate that impact by voting for the Autism Awareness jerseys and Boy Scouts jerseys in the online Jersey Joust."

The River Bandits wore Autism Awareness photo jerseys Aug. 8, 2014, for the team's third annual photo jersey auction and fifth annual Autism Awareness Night at Modern Woodmen Park. The front of the jersey included a pattern of blue, red, and yellow jigsaw puzzle pieces, which are symbols of autism awareness. The jersey backs had numbers featuring fan-submitted photos of those affected by autism. The River Bandits' 2013 edition of the Autism Awareness photo jerseys and auction received a Golden Bobblehead Award for the Best Charity Promotion or Event in Minor League Baseball. This season, the River Bandits wore special caps for an in-game auction on Autism Awareness Night Aug. 7. The proceeds of the annual Autism Awareness Night auctions have benefited the Quad Cities Autism Center.

On June 19 this season, the River Bandits wore their first-ever Boy Scouts-themed jerseys for Boy Scouts Night June 19.  The torso of the jersey was tan on the front, and the back resembled a green Boy Scouts backpack, with numbers in the middle. The green sleeves included the Boy Scouts emblem and the American flag on opposite shoulders.

"Each year we work with our charitable partners to find creative ways to raise awareness and benefit the Quad Cities community, and our specialty jersey auctions give our fans a memorable way to support their neighbors in the Quad Cities," said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "It is a treat every summer to see our players wear unique jerseys, and see our fans meet and get autographs from the players whose jerseys they just bought for a great local cause."

The River Bandits and Modern Woodmen Park have been recognized several times nationally in recent seasons. This year, the team's name was voted as one of the top eight in all of Minor League Baseball in a Sporting News contest. In May, the team's logo was voted among the top eight - and the best in the Midwest League - in Baseball America's Logo Mania, and Modern Woodmen Park's R.I.A. Federal Credit Union Hon. Lane Evans Patriot Seats were voted the No. 2 Best Seats at any minor league ballpark in the country - and the top view of any ballpark at the Class-A and short season level - by fans on MiLB.com. In June, fans voted Modern Woodmen Park the "Best of the Ballparks" in a contest featuring all 30 Class-A ballparks at BallparkDigest.com.

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