24 Jul 2015

Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Nebraska Gov. Ricketts hold last chance rally for rural America to support the RFS

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Midwest leaders including Nebraska Governor, Iowa Lieutenant Governor, Nebraska Farm Bureau and Novozymes encourage rural community to make their voice heard in support of biofuels before July 27 EPA comment deadline.

(BLAIR, Neb.) - Today Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and Iowa Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds joined Nebraska Farm Bureau President Steve Nelson and Novozymes General Manager Kyle Nixon at the company's enzyme plant in Blair, Nebraska to express the potential economic impact on Nebraska and Iowa of the pending EPA proposal to slash billions of gallons from America's Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). If enacted, it would threaten thousands of jobs and the billions of dollars of investments by ethanol producers and technology providers in Nebraska and Iowa.

"Agriculture is Nebraska's number one industry, and ethanol is one of the key agricultural growth industries that have added billions in revenue and thousands of jobs over the past decade to our state," said Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts. "These efforts were undertaken in expectation that such efforts would meet the commitment of this nation to renewable fuels established by the Renewable Fuel Standard. Nebraskans have cause for concern because the EPA's proposal to slash billions of gallons of biofuels from the RFS has the potential to negatively impact the future growth of our state. The RFS is an achievable and ambitious target and must be maintained."

According to a 2015 economic analysis by Fuels America, the RFS is driving $184 billion in economic activity and more than 850,000 jobs with $46 billion in wages across America. This is the result of years of investment by the biofuel sector to bring clean, low carbon renewable fuels to market.  This activity creates a ripple effect as supplier firms and employees re-spend throughout the economy.  The local impact for Nebraska is $11.1 billion and nearly 40,000 jobs.  Likewise, the impact for Iowa is $19.3 billion and 73,000 jobs.

"A robust Renewable Fuel Standard creates quality careers, increases family incomes, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, provides sustainable renewable energy, and fosters growth in the biofuels and agricultural industries," said Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Those of us in America's Heartland know the importance of a strong Renewable Fuels Standard and we hope as more supportive comments arrive before the July 27th deadline, the EPA will reverse course and partner with us to continue growing America's renewable energy sector through a strong Renewable Fuel Standard."

Today, the United States creates 14 billion gallons of home-grown biofuels for our cars, trucks and our growing military needs--more than we import from Saudi Arabia. The group that will likely feel the impact of this proposal the most is America's farmers.

"EPA's decision to not follow the intent of Congress when it developed the RFS2 in 2007 is highly disappointing to all of agriculture. Renewable fuels, more specifically corn based ethanol, has been a tremendous success story for the nation as a whole as well as to Nebraska's rural economy. The RFS has reduced our country's dependence on foreign crude oil, reduced air pollution, increased farm incomes and has provided good paying jobs within rural America. EPA's proposal is a step in the wrong direction and ignores the benefits ethanol and biofuels have provided," said Steve Nelson, president of the Nebraska Farm Bureau.

Novozymes has played a leading role in the development of the existing biofuels industry and the growing advanced biofuels industry. Enzymes from its Blair, Nebraska plant allow agricultural products like corn starch and corn stover to be converted into conventional and advanced biofuels. The enzyme plant has helped realize two of the Obama Administration's key goals for renewable energy; creating short-term construction and long-term professional jobs; and helping move the U.S. away from foreign oil and towards homegrown renewable fuel, energizing the economy and increasing domestic security.

"The RFS is not just a policy it's how we live our lives. Today Novozymes has 127 full time employees in Nebraska and Iowa--jobs that were created in large part, due to the RFS," said Kyle Nixon, Novozymes General Manager. "We care deeply for our communities and want to see benefits like jobs, worker training and tax revenues continue to grow."

Highlights of Iowa leaders' engagement on the RFS include :

  • State and Federal elected officials, including Gov. Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds, participated in a "Defend the RFS" event.
  • Gov. Branstad traveled to Washington, DC, joining a group of Iowa farmers and biofuels producers, to testify at the Federal government's only public hearing and met with EPA Administrator McCarthy.
  • Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Secretary Bill Northey and the entire Iowa congressional delegation sent a joint letter to Federal leaders advocating for the many benefits that flow from the RFS.
  • Gov. Terry Branstad and Gov. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.) penned an op-ed in support of a strong Renewable Fuel Standard.
  • Gov. Terry Branstad brought together a bipartisan group of six governors to sign on to a letter to President Barack Obama, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing their support for a strong RFS.
  • Leaders from across the Midwest joined Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds for their "Hearing in Heartland," which was open to all interested citizens; 83 panelists from across the Midwest Region spoke from the heart about the importance of the RFS to their livelihoods and a healthy rural economy while only two individuals expressed opposition to a robust RFS.
  • Gov. Branstad, in his Condition of the State address, called on the Iowa Legislature to pass a resolution in support of a robust RFS. The Legislature unanimously passed bicameral, bipartisan resolutions calling for the EPA to reverse course and support a strong RFS. View the resolutions: House Resolution 101 | Senate Resolution 101
  • State of Iowa leaders submitted formal comments to the EPA with current data and analysis that provides Federal leaders the opportunity and obligation to revise their initial volume obligations upward.
  • Gov. Branstad testifies in support of a robust RFS before the EPA's hearing in Kansas City.
  • Lt. Gov. Reynolds submits written testimony to the EPA in support of a robust RFS.

About Novozymes

Novozymes is the world leader in biological solutions. Together with customers, partners and the global community, the company improves industrial performance while preserving the planet's resources and helping build better lives. As the world's largest provider of enzyme and microbial technologies, its bioinnovation enables higher agricultural yields, low-temperature washing, energy-efficient production, renewable fuel and many other benefits that we rely on today and in the future. www.novozymes.com
24 Jul 2015

Duck Creek Family Dental to Host Ribbon Cutting Open House

By Sarah Lueken
Bettendorf, IA. - To celebrate the opening of their brand new dental office, Tiffanie Smith, DDS, and team at Duck Creek Family Dental will be hosting a ribbon cutting open house on Thursday, August 13th.

The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 11 am at the Duck Creek Family Dental Office, located at 888 Middle Road in Bettendorf, across from the new Starbucks. Those attending will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Smith and her team and tour the newly opened full-service dental practice.

Refreshments also will be served. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call Duck Creek Family Dental at 563-293-2503.

Duck Creek Family Dental officially opens on August 3rd, 2015. Dr. Smith and her dental team offer a wide variety of dental services, including Invisalign, dentures, dental implants, root canal therapy, and general dentistry for the entire family.

About Duck Creek Family Dental
Dr. Smith and team are proud to serve the Bettendorf community, providing first-class general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry and outstanding patient service. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 563-293-2503 or visit www.DuckCreekFamilyDental.com.

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24 Jul 2015

Living Lands & Waters Annual Barge Party is Underway

By Natalie Linville-Mass

Rock Island, IL/August, 2015 - Living Lands & Waters' (LL&W) 2015 Barge Party is coming up Thursday, August 7th from 5:30pm-9:00pm!  This event serves as a thank you to sponsors and supporters for their continuous dedication to helping LL&W thrive.  The night's festivities start with a fish fry & shrimp boil, a silent art auction, a cash bar, a meet and greet with the crew, and a wine pull! Of course, it wouldn't be a true celebration without live music! This year's lineup includes two local acts; Justin Morrisey and The Dawn, as well as Memphis native, Mara Daniele.

Thursday, August 6th - 5:30PM-9:00PM

Schwiebert Riverfront Park - 1801 1st Avenue - Rock Island, IL

Tickets are now on sale at www.bargeparty.org!  Individual Tickets are $50 each.

Print your ticket or show your digital receipt at the check-in table! Seating is limited. Reservations required by July 31, 2015. Tables are no longer available for purchase.

Living Lands & Waters is still searching for artists to donate pieces for their silent art auction. To learn more, or to enter pieces, visit bargeparty.org.

Public parking is available on surrounding streets and lots, in the Modern Woodmen Lot, and in a Free Parking Garage located on 3rd Avenue and 17th downtown Rock Island. Handicap Parking is available on the entrance of the park.

About Living Lands & Waters - Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of America's major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown to an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats.  LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a- River-Mile programs and the Million Trees Project.  

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24 Jul 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 07/24/2015

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce
ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 07/24/2015

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBER!

Hope Golick - Keller Williams Realtor 1225 E. River Dr., Davenport, IA. 52803. Licensed in Iowa and Illinois.  hopegolickrealtor@yahoo.com - 563-357-6145

QC TIMES READERS' CHOICE AWARDS - TIME TO VOTE!

That time of year is here again! Take a few moments to vote for your favorite LeClaire businesses! LeClaire has been fortunate to have been voted the Best Place to Take Out of Town Guests for 3 years running, and so many of our Shops and Restaurants have been recognized in many categories! VOTE and keep that trend going!

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

 

Now thru July 27: Please vote for LeClaire for the "Best Place to Take an Out-of-town Guest." If you enjoy visiting or living in LeClaire, please vote for us.Click this link: http://qctimes.secondstreetapp.com/l/QuadCity-Timess-Voters-Choice-2015/Ballot/Travel and scroll all the way to the bottom to find our nomination. You will find many other LeClaire businesses under various categories to vote for, too!

 

Now - Isabel Bloom - just one week left to purchase our Limited Edition Star Tree! Earn a $10 Voucher to use on your next purchase. Offer expires 7/31/2015.  Voucher is valid through 8/9/2015.  Stop in and get yours today!

 

July 23rd - 25th - Expressions in Threads Fabriganza - Our largest sale of the year! LeClaire Civic Center. July 23rd - special pre-sale event. Admission $20.00, proceeds go to SERVHAITI. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6:00 PM with shopping at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. July 24th - sale is open to all 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM July 25th - sale is open to all from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Sale includes special fabric groupings at $6.00/yard, double wides at $10.00/yard and fabric from Moda, Quilting Ttreasures, Red Rooster, Benartex and more. Link to July calendar with the Fabriganza dates listed http://www.expressionsinthreads.com/module/events.htm?month=7&year=2015

July 26th - Sunday Wine Tasting - Faithful Pilot Café' & Spirits $15 - 15 Wines - Small Bites. 3-5 pm. Wines from all over the country. Chris Griffin, from Dimitri WInes will be pouring and educating you on all your wine needs. 563.289.4156

July 24th - Wide River Winery - Live Music in the Courtyard - The Old 57's - 5-8p.m.

July 24th - Steventon's Sunset Concert on the Deck Live Music - Kerry & Rich Acoustic Duo - 6-9p.m.

July 27th - Economic Development Meeting City Hall - 8a.m.

July 30th - LeClaire Community Library - Behind the Scenes at Isabel Bloom 6:30 p.m. Hosted by the Green Tree Library Endowment Committee. Isabel Bloom artist, Donna Young, will present to share a rare glimpse into the handcrafting process of how an Isabel Bloom sculpture is made, followed up with a Q&A session with Ms. Young. Proceeds from the sale of the Green Tree Plaque will go towards an endowment which helps support future library building improvement projects, special events, and more.  Anyone who purchases a Green Tree Plaque during the month of July will be entered into a drawing to win a "Charlie's Smile" statue, signed by American Pickers star, Mike Wolfe. The winner will be announced at the July 30th event. Green Tree Plaques are available for purchase at LeClaire Community Library (323 Wisconsin Street) or at the LeClaire Isabel Bloom storefront (103 S. Cody Street).

July 30th - Ribbon Cutting - Abundant Health Chiropractic - Dr. Sinan Gocmen. Bettendorf. More information to come.

July 31st - Wide River Winery - Live Music in the Courtyard - H.C. Wallace - 5-8p.m.

July 31-Aug 2 - Princeton Days City Wide Activities!

July 31sty - FREE MOVIE NIGHT Zion Lutheran Church 204 Great River Road, Princeton - free lawn games and movie night for kids 7:00 -- 9:30 p.m. in conjunction with Princeton Days. Snacks and drinks will be provided while the children view the movie "Up". Join the fun while Mom and Dad spend time with friends on the River.

 

August 1st - Steventons is closed for a private party.

 

August 7th - First Friday in LeClaire 5-8pm

The Green Tree Brewery is opening and will be participating in First Friday.

Mississippi River Distilling Co. Fun food and cocktail sampling and Cody Road Barrel Aged Boetje's Mustard is back! Limit 2 jars per customer.

Wide River Winery Wine tasting with live music by Lewis Knudsen from 5-8pm.

The Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits Live music, 7:30pm with Jordan Danielsen & Jef Spradley.

Steventon's Sunset Concert on the Deck - 6-9p.m. - Acoustic Project

Restaurant specials and many shops open late.

 

August 8th - 9th - The Princeton Players will be performing at the Princeton Community Center upper level theater on August 8th at 6:00 p.m. and on August 9th at 1:00 p.m.  There will be a one-act comedy play titled The Rehearsal, preceded by the High School Rock Group VanderVeer on the 8th, and the No Name High School Rock Group on the 9th.  Hot dogs, chips and drink will be available at the beginning of each performance and included in the ticket price of $12 for adults and teens and $7 for children 12 and under ($10 and $5 for Show only).  Concessions will also be available and separately priced.  Seating will be restaurant style rather than theater seating for this performance.  Tickets will be available at the door.

August 10th-11th - National Geographic Mississippi River Geotourism Community Outreach Meetings Jim Dion, Director of Tourism Projects, National Geographic Society, will return to the Quad Cities for a series of community outreach meetings, as a follow-up to the original meeting held here March 9-10. The community outreach meeting schedule follows:

Monday, Aug. 10, 5:30 p.m, LeClaire City Hall, 325 Wisconsin Street, LeClaire, Iowa

Tuesday, Aug. 11

8 a.m., Rogalski Center, Saint Ambrose University, Davenport, Iowa

11 a.m., Bier Stube, 415 15th Street, Moline, Illinois

1:30 p.m., Establishment Theatre, 220 19th Street, Rock Island, Illinois

3:30 p.m., Isle Center, Isle Casino Complex, 1777 Isle Parkway, Bettendorf, Iowa

Each meeting will last about 90 minutes and will inform local residents and businesses about the National Geographic Mississippi River Geotourism Project. Special emphasis will be given on participation in the project and adding content to the geotourism website. Residents are invited to nominate local businesses, landmarks, attractions, activities, events and local foods by November 1, 2015 at mississippiriver.natgeotourism.com The completed website is set to be launched in August 2016. To RSVP or for more information, contact: Joe Taylor at jtaylor@visitquadcities.com or (309) 736-6820

 

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 14th - Steventons Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck - Lewis Knudsen - 6-9pm

August 21st - Steventons 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 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 28th - Steventons Summer Sunset Concert on the Deck Louis Knudsen - 6-9pm

SAVE THE DATE

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.

 

FYI

The Green Tree Brewery is opening August 7, and will be participating in First Friday. 309 N. Cody Road. https://greentreebrewery.com/

 

The following represent the recipients of the donations from the LeClaire Lions Club: LeClaire Police Department (purchase first body camera for the LeClaire Officers), LeClaire Fire Department, LeClaire Library, Buffalo Bill Museum, Princeton Fire Department, Camp Courageous, $1,000 college scholarship to PV senior, $500 puppy program - Leader Dog Program, Pleasant Valley Choral Department, and Cards for Troops. The Club also sponsors a Community Blood Drive and performs free vision screenings for all pre-school children at Bridgeview Elementary School. We thank all the LeClaire residents for their support over this past year.  We look forward to seeing everyone at the LeClaire Apple Fest on the levee in LeClaire on October 11, 2015.

 

Kiddie Karrasel, LeClaire - We are enrolling for Fall Pre-K for 4 year olds. Must be four by September 15. Extended care option available. 563-289-3946 www.kiddiekarraselacademy.com

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

Isabel Bloom Their birds are back! Purchase two or more birds and save 10%. Save $30 on the complete set of seven! Save $10 on their Heart of America Isabel Bloom Green Tree Plaque. 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. www.leclairelibrary.org

 

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

 

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire - Coming this fall: "A Nite for Nepal!" Watch for more info.

Princeton Community Center The fourth Wednesday of each month through October we will have 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 (lunch is on their own) and have it delivered to the Center with Euchre to start after that. Zion Lutheran co-sponsors the event.  There will be coffee and dessert included.  There will be no fee to play, just enjoy a fun afternoon near the Mississippi.

 

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

Pick up the new 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

 

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

 

Riverview Apartment for Rent - Downtown LeClaire. One Bedroom. $1250/month. Call 563-940-3742 for more information.

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 1st - Heartland British Auto Fest - LeClaire Levee

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!

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

August 11th - McDonald's - Breakfast - 8a.m.

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

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24 Jul 2015

Vino Fun Found Here

By Creekside Vineyards Winery & Inn
Creekside Vineyards 2015 Awards
MidAmerican Wine Competition Medal Winners
2013 Blushing Bonnie, Moonbeam, Front Porch, & Blossom
Click HERE to learn more!
HyVee Wine Tastings Today from 4-6pm!
Stop by for a tasting July 24th, meet our newest staff members, &
take home some vino for your Friday Night meal!
Meet Kelsey @ Rock Island HyVee
Meet Chelsea @ Moline Avenue of the Cities HyVee
Enjoy your Weekends...in Style
Serving Up "Fresh Air, Fresh Ideas, & Flavorful Wines"
View Events Calendar HERE!
Coal Valley: Wine Terrace: Sat-Sun, 1-6pm ~ Inn Open Year Round by Reservation
Preemption: Tasting Room, Tues-Sun, 1-6pm
7/25: 3-6pm: Winederful Music: Sarah Allner
Sarah is an Orion IL native whose folk originals, siren-like vocals and beautiful smile bring her back to Creekside for her 3rd season. 
Free concert with $10 purchase
(ps: congrats to Sarah and her husband who are expecting child #2 in August; we so excited to hear Sarah this weekend and again in September... (with and without the little bun in the oven!)
7/26: 2-4:30pm: Wine & Recre8 Painting Class
Online Registration closes today @ 2pm!
Join this Davenport IA studio's fun and creative instruction while enjoying the view, some vino, and friends.
Register online 48 hours in advance at Recrea8; in the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified by 11am the day of the class of any schedule changes; check creeksidevineyards.com for updates
$40 includes materials, instruction, & a glass of wine
Winery & Tasting Room:
1667 Highway 67 Preemption IL
1-6pm, Tues-Sun (May-Oct)
1-6pm, Wed-Sat (Nov-April)

Inn Open Year Round by Reservation
24 Jul 2015

BANDITS DROP THEIR FIRST ROAD SERIES OF 2015

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities loses rubber match at Kane County in its quickest nine-inning road game in seven years

GENEVA, Ill. (July 23, 2015) - The Kane County Cougars broke a 2-2 tie in the bottom of the eighth inning, drawing three walks before a two-out, bases-loaded popup by shortstop Ryan Gebhardt went off the glove of center fielder Bobby Boyd, leading to the go-ahead runs in a 5-2 win over the Quad Cities River Bandits, who lost their first road series of the season at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark Thursday night.

One night after their longest game in five seasons, the River Bandits (16-12 second half, 61-35 overall) played their quickest nine-inning road game in seven years. At one hour, 59 minutes, Thursday's game was the shortest nine-inning road game for the team since a 4-0 loss at West Michigan on May 4, 2008. Kane County (23-5, 59-37) played in its first series rubber match since June 12 but dealt Quad Cities its first loss in 16 road series this season and 18 road series since losing two of three in Cedar Rapids Aug. 18-20, 2014.

Cougars right-hander Ethan Elias and River Bandits right-hander Justin Ferrell dueled to a scoreless tie until the bottom of the sixth inning. Ferrell did not allow a hit until two outs in the fifth inning, but he began the sixth inning by allowing three in a row. Cougars left fielder Quinnton Mack doubled down the left-field line and went to third base when right fielder Chuck Taylor singled to right field. Center fielder Victor Reyes then grounded the first pitch he saw into left field for an RBI single, giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead. Designated hitter and All-Star Cody Regis grounded into a fielder's choice to put runners at first and third bases, before All-Star first baseman Marty Herum grounded to shortstop Alex Bregman, who stepped on second base and made a leaping throw to first base for an inning-ending double play. Ferrell was charged with one earned run on four hits with one walk and one strikeout in six innings.

Elias went six shutout innings, allowing three hits and two walks with five strikeouts, before right-hander Wei-Chieh Huang (5-1) began the seventh inning. Huang allowed a leadoff single by designated hitter Drew Ferguson, who extended his career-high six-game hitting streak. But Huang picked Ferguson off first base to end the inning.

In the bottom of the seventh inning, River Bandits right-hander Jorge Perez (1-2) got the first two outs. Then Gebhardt singled to center field, went to second base on a passed ball by catcher Trent Woodward and reached third base on a wild pitch, before catcher Elvin Soto hit an RBI single to right field for a 2-0 lead.

Quad Cities rallied to tie the game in the eighth inning against Huang. Boyd tripled on a fly ball over the head of Taylor in right-center field, and left fielder Jason Martin followed by grounding an RBI triple off Herum's glove down the first-base line. Bregman then lifted a sacrifice fly to Taylor to score Martin for a 2-2 tie, but it began a string of five batters Huang retired in order to finish the game. Huang went three innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits and no walks with three strikeouts.

Perez began the bottom of the eighth inning by walking Reyes, who went to second base on Regis' sacrifice. Perez also walked Herum, before second baseman Henry Castillo grounded out to first base, advancing two runners into scoring position. Perez then walked third baseman Joe Munoz to load the bases. Gebhardt hit a first-pitch popup to shallow right-center field, where Boyd and right fielder Ramon Laureano both raced toward it, but the ball deflected off Boyd's glove and dropped between them, allowing both Reyes and Herum to score. On the next pitch, Soto lined an RBI single to right field to score Munoz and extend the lead to 5-2. Perez finished the inning but was charged with four runs - one earned - on four hits and three walks with one strikeout in two relief innings.

The River Bandits open a three-game series in Burlington against the Bees (11-17, 46-51) at 6:30 p.m. Friday. River Bandits right-hander David Paulino (2-2) is scheduled to face Bees right-hander Justin Anderson (6-7) in the series opener.

UP NEXT: Vote now until Monday for the Quad Cities River Bandits in the Quad-City Times Readers' Choice Awards. The River Bandits are up for Best Entertainment Venue, Best Family Entertainment, Best Place for a Kid's Birthday Party, and Best Place to Take Out of Town Guest. Individual tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office and online at riverbandits.com. Ticket plans of 12 to 70 games - which include free parking, reserved seats, merchandise discounts, and guaranteed giveaways - are available by calling 563-324-3000.
24 Jul 2015

News from Senator Grassley's Office July 23, 2015

By Grassley Press

Red Cross on Haiti earthquake relief, response to Grassley, remaining questions

Sen. Chuck Grassley has received a response from the American Red Cross related to his inquiry on spending on earthquake relief in Haiti.  He made the following comment on the response.

"I still have a lot more questions for the Red Cross.  It's unclear why the Red Cross enters into contracts with other organizations stipulating that details of grants can't be disclosed to the media or donors.  Who's driving the lack of disclosure, the Red Cross or the grant recipients?  What's the rationale for it?  It's hard to see how disclosing the dollar amounts given from the Red Cross to the individual organizations and how those organizations spent the money would harm anyone.  I look forward to an explanation.  I have other questions about the spending numbers and how they add up and the overhead costs for both the Red Cross and the grantee organizations.  Also, I'd like to see more details of the results achieved from each of the partner organizations.  Transparency and accountability are important for any spending in the public interest.  With that in mind, I'll continue to ask questions on behalf of the donating, taxpaying public."

The Red Cross' responses to Grassley's questions are available here, excluding the details of partner organizations.

 

Iowa Congressional Delegation Adds Support for Disaster Declaration Request

WASHINGTON– Led by Sen. Chuck Grassley, all members of the Iowa congressional delegation have added their support for Gov. Terry Branstad's request for a federal declaration of a major disaster for the state as a result of severe weather during that occurred during the period of June 20, 2015 and June 25, 2015.  The letter was signed by Grassley, Sen. Joni Ernst, and Reps. Steve King, Dave Loebsack, Rod Blum and David Young.

"The Governor determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the State and affected local governments to handle effectively and federal assistance is needed," the members wrote.

Severe weather that produced damaging winds, tornadoes, heavy rains, hail and thunderstorms resulting in flooding impacted 19 counties.

The counties included in the request for Public Assistance were: Allamakee, Appanoose, Butler, Clayton, Dallas, Davis, Des Moines, Guthrie, Howard, Jefferson, Lee, Lucas, Marion, Mitchell, Monroe, Warren, Wayne, Winneshiek, and Wright.

The text of the letter is below. A signed copy of the letter can be found here.

 

Goodlatte & Grassley Press for Information About Dangerous Federal Inmates Awaiting Release

Sentencing Commission amendment allows for the release of thousands of federal inmates this November

Washington, D.C. - House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) pressed Attorney General Loretta Lynch for information about the thousands of federal prison inmates who will be released in November as a result of the U.S. Sentencing Commission's decision to lower federal sentencing for all drug trafficking and distribution crimes. Those expected to be released include inmates with violent criminal histories, who have committed crimes involving assault, firearms, sodomy, and even murder.

In early 2014, the Sentencing Commission promulgated Amendment 782, which imposed a two-level reduction in the base offense levels for all drug trafficking and distribution offenses, including trafficking offenses that involve drug quantities substantial enough to trigger mandatory minimum sentences.  The Commission made those reductions retroactive, applying them to all inmates in the Bureau of Prison's custody who are serving a sentence for a drug offense. Over the past year, thousands of federal inmates have filed motions with their courts of jurisdiction for sentence reductions.

In their letter to Attorney General Lynch, Chairmen Goodlatte and Grassley note that their concerns about violent offenders being released were ultimately ignored by the Sentencing Commission. They request that Attorney General Lynch provide the House and Senate Judiciary Committees with detailed information about the federal inmates who will be released on November 1 or thereafter.

Below is the text of the letter. A copy of the signed letter can be found here.

 

Senate Passes Protections for Whistleblowers of Antitrust Crimes

 

WASHINGTON - The Senate has unanimously passed legislation to extend whistleblower protections for employees who provide information to their employer or the Department of Justice regarding criminal antitrust violations. The Criminal Antitrust Anti-retaliation Act was introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy.

"Violators of antitrust laws put businesses and our economic wellbeing at risk, so whistleblowers who call attention to violators should be praised, not punished. Unfortunately, these folks often face retribution at work for their efforts to correct misconduct.  The Criminal Antitrust Anti-retaliation Act protects these individuals from workplace retaliation and  abuse. It may also serve as a deterrent of future misconduct.  I'm grateful for the work of my colleagues to move this bill forward and urge my colleagues in the House of Representative to take action to shield these whistleblowers from reprisal," Grassley said.

"I applaud the Senate for passing bipartisan legislation that will protect employees who blow the whistle on criminal antitrust violations.  Whistleblowers play an important role in alerting the public, Congress, and law enforcement agencies to wrongdoing in a number of areas. By protecting those who would blow the whistle on criminal antitrust behavior, our bill will help facilitate the reporting of violations that ultimately affect consumers.  I urge the House to pass this bipartisan legislation," Leahy said.

The Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act establishes protections for whistleblowers who assist in criminal antitrust cases by prohibiting employers from retaliating against an employee who provides information to the employer or the Justice Department regarding conduct that violates the criminal antitrust laws.  The bill allows an employee who believes he or she is the victim of retaliation to file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor, and provides for that employee to be reinstated to their former status if the Secretary finds in their favor.  Grassley and Leahy authored similar whistleblower statutes as part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002.

The Senate unanimously passed a similar version of the legislation last Congress.  The legislation is based on recommendations from a Government Accountability Office report released in July 2011.  The Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

-30-
24 Jul 2015

Creighton University Announces Spring 2015 Dean's List

By Cindy Workman

OMAHA, NE (07/23/2015)(readMedia)-- The following students from your area were named to Creighton University's Spring 2015 Dean's List. Full-time students who earn a 3.5 grade-point average or better on a 4.0 scale are eligible for the Dean's List.

Samantha Staver of Bettendorf (52722), a senior in the College of Nursing

Thomas Bush of Davenport (52807), a sophomore in the Heider College of Business

Allison Hanser of Davenport (52807), a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences

James Huiskamp of Davenport (52803), a sophomore in the Heider College of Business

Katherine Huiskamp of Davenport (52803), a junior in the Heider College of Business

Christina Laubenthal of Davenport (52807), a junior in the Heider College of Business

Andrew Wilson of Eldridge (52748), a junior in the College of Arts and Sciences

Molly McPherson of Moline (61265), a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences

Morgan Harris of Muscatine (52761), a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences

Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., enrolls 4,000 undergraduates and 4,000 graduate and professional students among nine schools and colleges. No other university its size offers students such a comprehensive academic environment with personal attention from faculty-mentors. Jesuit and Catholic, it affords incomparable interprofessional education, bridging health professions programs with law, business and arts and sciences- all on one walkable campus. Creighton has been top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report for 20 years
24 Jul 2015

Governor Takes Bill Action 7/23/2015

By Catherine Kelly

 

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

 

Bill No.: HB 95

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2788

An Act Concerning Insurance

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2797

An Act Concerning Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2814

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3133

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3241

An Act Concerning Land

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3359

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3375

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3384

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3512

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 4107

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 547

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 679

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 920

An Act Concerning Local Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1388

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1424

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1548

An Act Concerning Revenue

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1589

An Act Concerning Transportation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1761

An Act Concerning Finance

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1893

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Vetoed

 

 

Veto Message for SB 1893:

 

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois Senate,

99th General Assembly:

Today I veto Senate Bill 1893 from the 99th General Assembly, which repeals Section 3c of the Disabled Persons Rehabilitation Act, for technical reasons.

Senate Bill 1893 contains identical language to House Bill 4107, which I signed into law. Senate Bill 1893 is therefore moot. I thank the sponsors of Senate Bill 1893 and House Bill 4107 for their efforts.

Therefore, pursuant to Section 9(b) of Article IV of the Illinois Constitution of 1970, I hereby return Senate Bill 1893, entitled "AN ACT concerning State government", with the foregoing objections, vetoed in its entirety.

Sincerely,

Bruce Rauner

GOVERNOR

 

 

###
24 Jul 2015

Loebsack, Mullin Bill Grants Flexibility to Manufacturers and Consumers

By Joe Hand

Loebsack, Mullin Bill Grants Flexibility to Manufacturers and Consumers

WASHINGTON - Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congressman Markwayne Mullin (OK-02) introduced a bill Wednesday to give manufacturers and consumers more flexibility when it comes to providing and accessing product warranty information. The bipartisan E-Warranty Act of 2015 (H.R. 3154) gives manufacturers the option of fulfilling their warranty notice requirements by posting the information on their website.

Following introduction, the bill passed out of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade unanimously.

"This bipartisan legislation is a commonsense update to our nation's decades old warranty requirements. The bill would allow manufacturers to post warranty information online and give consumers easy access to written warranties," said Loebsack. "I am pleased the E-Warranty Act has been approved by the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade and look forward to it moving through the House."

"Warranty requirements ensure consumers get important information when they purchase a product, but our federal warranty regulations were developed nearly forty years ago," said Mullin, a second-term lawmaker who serves on the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade. "The world has changed since then, and our ability to compete on a global stage depends on our laws keeping pace with innovation."

If manufacturers choose to meet their warranty notification requirements by posting the information on their website, it must be in an accessible, conspicuous digital format. Manufacturers must also provide consumers with information on how to access the online warranty and obtain a paper copy, either by including instructions on the product packaging or in the product manual.

The bill makes no changes to the rules regarding the content of warranty information.

H.R. 3154 is the U.S. House of Representatives companion bill to U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Bill Nelson's (D-Fla.) S. 1359, which passed the U.S. Senate unanimously on July 9, 2015. The bill will now move to the full House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.

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