Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa today made the following comment on the National Treasury Employees Union's opposition to the use of private contractors to collect tax debt.  The provision is part of the proposed highway bill in the Senate.

"The IRS union is already opposing the use of private contractors to collect taxes that's part of the proposed highway bill.  Meanwhile, the IRS just had one of the worst filing seasons for customer service on record, according to the agency's own taxpayer advocate.  The number of 'courtesy disconnects skyrocketed' this last filing season.  That means the IRS hung up on callers because it couldn't handle the calls.  The private contractors would take on accounts involving taxes that are due and owed that are just sitting dormant right now.  The IRS isn't even pursuing them.  It seems unlikely to do so any time soon when it has trouble answering the phone from people who are trying to pay their taxes.  It's hard to see the logic for the resistance."

FAYETTE, IA (07/22/2015)(readMedia)-- Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the names of its May 2015 graduates, followed by the degree earned.

Sarah Brennan of Davenport, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Shawn Cotton of LeClaire, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Sara Ehrecke of Davenport, IA, graduated with a Master of Business Admin in Organizational Devel Emphasis.

Haylie Franklin of Muscatine, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise/Sport Studies.

Elizabeth Guy of Le Claire, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

Jann Hebrank of Eldridge, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Cody Hobson of Bettendorf, IA, graduated with a Master of Business Admin in Organizational Devel Emphasis.

Ram Marme of DeWitt, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Jesse Pennock of De Witt, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Admin.

Traci Schmidt of Blue Grass, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science.

Kathryn Troendle of Bettendorf, IA, graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Human Services.

About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 5,800 students--nationally and internationally--at its Fayette campus, 25 U.S. education centers, as well as centers in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.

 

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

 

Bill No.: HB 163

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 1531

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2731

An Act Concerning Public Aid

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3311

An Act Concerning Public Aid

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3721

An Act Concerning Veterans

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 4007

An Act Concerning Safety

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 57

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 82

An Act Concerning Education

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 751

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1308

An Act Concerning Civil Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1389

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1688

An Act Concerning Vital Records

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

 

 

Bill No.: HB 341

An Act Concerning Health

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 1361

An Act Concerning Housing

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 2554

An Act Concerning Revenue

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2556

An Act Concerning Human Trafficking

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 2763

An Act Concerning Insurance

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3587

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3704

An Act Concerning Courts

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: HB 3766

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: HB 3910

An Act Concerning Regulation

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 43

An Act Concerning State Government

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1253

An Act Concerning Public Aid

Action: Signed

Effective: January 1, 2016

 

Bill No.: SB 1312

An Act Concerning Utilities

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Bill No.: SB 1448

An Act Concerning Government

Action: Signed

Effective: July 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 1588

An Act Concerning Criminal Law

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediate

 

Kane County wins series opener in meeting of Midwest League's two best overall records
GENEVA, Ill. (July 21, 2015) - The Kane County Cougars overcame a 5-1 deficit by tallying five runs in the fifth inning and three more in the sixth inning to defeat the Quad Cities River Bandits, 9-5, in the opener of a series featuring the teams with the two best overall records in the Midwest League at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark Tuesday night.
River Bandits left fielder Jason Martin tied a career high with four hits and helped the River Bandits (15-11 second half, 60-34 overall) tally 14 hits to the Cougars' 12, but the visitors missed a chance to move 28 games above .500 overall for the first time since the end of the 2010 season. Quad Cities also allowed its highest run total by an opponent since July 1 and both trailed and lost a game by at least four runs for the first time since July 7. Kane County (22-4, 58-36) won for the first time in four home games this season against Quad Cities.
The River Bandits left 11 runners on base, including at least one in seven different innings. In the first inning, Martin hit a one-out single to right-center field, and shortstop Alex Bregman walked, before right-hander Chris Oliver retired the next two batters. The Cougars then quickly scored against River Bandits right-hander Joshua James (2-2), who began the bottom of the first inning by hitting right fielder Chuck Taylor, walking shortstop Ildemaro Vargas and allowing an RBI single to left-center field by All-Star second baseman Cody Regis.
Trailing 1-0 in the second inning, the River Bandits began with three straight singles to the right side by designated hitter Sean McMullen, first baseman Ryan Bottger and catcher Trent Woodward. With the bases loaded, second baseman Kristian Trompiz hit a fly ball to left fielder Victor Reyes, who threw out McMullen trying to score the tying run. With two outs, center fielder Bobby Boyd hit a game-tying RBI single to center field, Martin hit a go-ahead single to right field, and Bregman walked to reload the bases. Oliver then hit All-Star third baseman Nick Tanielu with a pitch and walked right fielder Drew Ferguson to force in two more runs for a 4-1 score. The four earned runs were charged to Oliver, who allowed six hits and three walks without a strikeout in 1 2/3 innings. Right-hander Nick Baker (7-1) entered to get McMullen on a bases-loaded groundout, beginning a 3 1/3-inning outing. Baker only allowing the last Quad Cities run in the fifth inning, when McMullen singled, went to third base on Bottger's single and scored when Woodward grounded into a fielder's choice.
Trailing 5-1 in the fifth inning, the Cougars began with four straight hits off James. Third baseman Joe Munoz hit a leadoff single, left fielder Victor Reyes doubled down the third-base line, Taylor hit a two-run single to right-center field, and Vargas beat James covering first base on an infield single. Regis' slow groundout to Tanielu allowed both runners to advance, and they both scored when All-Star first baseman Marty Herum grounded to Bregman, whose throw skipped past first base, allowing Herum to reach second base. In a 5-5 tie, All-Star center fielder Colin Bray reached on a bunt single that stayed on the third-base line and sent Herum to third base. James was removed for right-hander Brock Dykxhoorn, who made his first appearance since winning a gold medal with Team Canada in the Pan Am Games. Catcher Michael Perez grounded into a fielder's choice by Trompiz but beat the relay to first base, scoring Herum for a 6-5 Kane County lead. James was charged with a career-high six runs - four earned - on eight hits and two walks with two strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.
The Cougars widened the lead against Dykxhoorn with a two-out rally in the sixth inning. Taylor walked, and Vargas put a bunt single toward Tanielu, who threw past first base, allowing Taylor to score and Vargas to reach third base. Regis, Herum and Bray followed with singles, adding two runs for a 9-5 Kane County lead. The River Bandits' largest threat to answer came in the seventh inning against right-hander Jose Martinez, who hit Tanielu, allowed Ferguson's infield single and walked McMullen to load the bases with no outs. Right-hander Jency Solis entered to retire Bottger on a lineout to a diving Regis, and get Woodward to ground into a double play.
The River Bandits continue their series in Kane County at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, when River Bandits right-hander Christian Powell (2-1) is scheduled to face Cougars right-hander Brad Keller (5-8).
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.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: With the installation of the Ferris Wheel, the River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931, and this year the club is matching that effort by opening three new areas. A two-tiered special group deck immediately behind and overlooking the corn field opened in June. A new 11,000-square-foot concourse expansion down the third-base line will open in July. Finally, the club is expanding the children's play area by an additional 5,500 square feet down the right-field line. New rides will be announced upon completion of these new areas.
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'In the Arms of God' shares true stories from author's experiences with God

 

BELLA VISTA, Ark. - Author Ira E. "Ed" Delk believes that whenever he has needed help, God has intervened in his life and been a constant presence. In his new memoir, "In the Arms of God: A Testimonial" (published by WestBow Press), Delk shares his experiences to showcase how God truly does work in mysterious ways.

 

"In the Arms of God" traces Delk's life from childhood to the present. The fifth child in a family of nine children, Delk enlisted in the Air Force and served during the Korean War. When he returned, he earned a J.D. from the University of Iowa and practiced law for 32 years before getting an MBA. When he retired, he and his wife moved to Arkansas.

 

Throughout these events, Delk says that in order to save his life or change his direction, God intervened in his life. In one example, Delk's physician, who usually prescribed pain medication for regular pains, changed his usual routine and ordered an x-ray on Delk's lower back. The x-ray found an aortic aneurism.

 

This event inspired Delk to look back on his other life experiences and see God' work. Through his book, Delk hopes to illustrate that God is present and relevant to daily life. He also hopes to encourage readers to examine how God has affected their own lives.

 

"In the Arms of God"

By Ira E. "Ed" Delk

Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 52 pages | ISBN 9781490881805

E-Book | 52 pages | ISBN 9781490881799

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

Ira E. "Ed" Delk served in the Air Force during the Korean War. He practiced law for 32 years in Sioux City, Iowa, and earned an MBA. He retired as senior vice president and general counsel of Midwest Energy Company. He has previously published "The Second Time Around," "Tess's Tale," "Deadman's Run," "The Plight of the Common Man" and "The View from the Hilltop." More information is available at www.eddelkauthor.com.

 

and follow @westbowpress on Twitter.

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The Mississippi Valley Blues Society presents the Golden State/Lone Star Revue with Mark Hummel, Little Charlie, and Anson Funderburgh at The Muddy Waters, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf, IA on Monday, July 27.

Larry Davison and Charlie Hayes will start off the night of blues at 5:00 p.m. and the trio of masters will take the stage starting at 6:30 p.m. The cost to see these performances will be $20 if you are a Mississippi Valley Blues Society member, or $25 if you have not joined the Blues Society (applications will be available at The Muddy Waters door). Rolling Smoke will be cooking up BBQ and will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Mississippi Valley Blues Society.

The Golden State/Lone Star Revue consists of five remarkable musicians from the Golden State of California and the Lone Star state of Texas who all love the blues, know the blues, and rock the blues like a barefoot lady dancing her heart out under the moon.

Mark Hummel and his harmonica have been steadily on the road since 1984, and he has released 17 albums and CDs since starting out. His latest is a Little Walter Tribute called Remembering Little Walter on Blind Pig Records with legendary harmonica players Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Boy Arnold, Sugar Ray, and James Harman. Mark was nominated for Blues Music Awards three years in a row for "Best Harmonica."  He has been performing and producing the Blues Harmonica Blowouts in California since 1991 and has performed at multi-artists events with the top players in the genre all across the planet.

"Little Charlie" Baty is the former leader and masterful guitarist from Alligator Records recording act Little Charlie & the Nightcats. Charlie and the Nightcats recorded 12 albums on Alligator and have been one of the West Coast's most successful blues acts, touring the globe for over 25 years. They've played every major Festival you can think of and every blues joint from Maine to Spain. Guitar World declares, "Baty's straight blues playing is eye-popping...he stretches solos to the breaking point, skittering on the edge, where one wrong note will bring the whole thing crashing down."

Anson Funderburgh is a native of Texas, and has spent the majority of his adult life playing the blues. Anson has earned the respect of artists like Delbert McClinton, Boz Scaggs, Jimmie & Stevie Ray Vaughan and Ronnie Earl. Over the years, these musicians have called on Anson to lend his tremendous guitar talents to their projects. Funderburgh recorded with the Fabulous Thunderbirds on their Butt Rockin' album, and went solo in 1981, when the New Orleans-based BlackTop label released Talk to You by Hand, the label's first release. After releasing nine albums on BlackTop, in 1999 Funderburgh changed record labels with the release of Change in my Pocket for Bullseye Blues, a CD which won several W.C. Handy Awards. "Funderburgh remains a musician's musician. He'll explode into a fiery and melodic solo, and then seamlessly recede into a song at just the right moment to propel the rhythm...he makes sure the songs both breathe and burn." --- Blues Revue.

Rounding out the Golden State/Lone Star Revue are RW Grigsby on bass and famed Texas drummer Wes Starr. Between these two old Rome, GA cronies, they've played with a who's who of famed musicians: Omar & the Howlers, Jr. Brown, Jimmy Vaughan, Asleep At The Wheel, Gary Primich, Kim Wilson, Mike Morgan, Carlene Carter, Hal Ketchum, Earl King, James Cotton, and many more.

This event is being presented by The Mississippi Valley Blues Society. The objective of the Society is to educate the general public about the native art form of blues-related music through performance, interpretation and preservation, thus enhancing appreciation and understanding.

NOTRE DAME, Ind. (July 21, 2015) - Saint Mary's College named the following students to the Dean's List for the spring 2015 semester:  Rachel Moore and Caitlin Poster, both of Davenport.

To earn academic honors at Saint Mary's, a student must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have at least 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes, and no grades lower than a C.

About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary's College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women's liberal arts college offering five bachelor's degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. In the fall of 2015 Saint Mary's College will begin to offer two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary's College seeks, according to its mission statement, to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary's College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2015 published by U.S. News & World Report.

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July 21, 2015,  Davenport, IA: "Meditation affects the brain physically, science is revealing this more and more," states Joe Gauthier, Resident Teacher at Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center in Davenport, Iowa,  "More importantly is the affect meditation has on our state of mind, changing it from a negative state to a positive state."

Beginning August 13th, Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center in Davenport, Iowa will present a 4-week Series titled The Basics of Meditation. In this series learn everything you need to know to start meditating and gain in-class practical meditation experience. Series topics will include : How to Meditate, Why Learn to Meditate, The Benefits of Meditation, Ways to Meditate, Breathing Meditation & Transforming Meditations.

Through practicing meditation we can improve both our physical and mental well-being. Meditation is a powerful way to overcome stress and cultivate a calm and relaxed mind, making everything we do more satisfying and enjoyable. Everyone can benefit from meditation and the public is invited to attend this Series.   
Thursday evening class dates are August 13th , 20th , 27th & September 3rd at Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Center, 502 1/2 West 3rd Street, entrance on Scott Street in Davenport, IA.   Cost is $10 per class or $30 for the series (no cost with class card). This series is open to the public.  For more information or to register call (563)322-1600 or email info@meditateiniowa.org, or visit www.MeditateInIowa.org.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- July 21, 2015 -- Genesis Medical Center, Davenport has been rated as the top community hospital in Iowa for the second consecutive year by U.S. News Media & World Report's 2015-16 Best Hospitals ratings.


Genesis Medical Center, Davenport was recognized as "High Performing'' in three Common Care measures.  Genesis was rated as "High Performing'' in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure and hip replacement.


The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, an academic center, was rated No. 1 overall in Iowa. Genesis Medical Center, Davenport shares the No. 2 overall rating in Iowa with Alegent Creighton Mercy Hospital in Council Bluffs.


"The important message from the high Iowa rating for the second consecutive year is that Genesis Medical Center, Davenport is consistently providing high quality care,'' said Doug Cropper, President and CEO, Genesis Health System. "We want patients to expect a high quality of care and excellent patient outcomes when they are Genesis patients.


"This is a tribute to the quality and safety of care provided by our doctors, nurses and everyone who is part of the patient experience at Genesis.  In these Common Care conditions ... treatment of COPD, heart failure and hip replacement ... Genesis Medical Center, Davenport met high standards for patient safety and survival.


"Patients have better access than ever before to information about safety and quality of care at hospitals.  Information in the hands of our patients is a valuable tool.  We value their research and evaluation of Genesis."


Of the 4,665 hospitals that were considered as possible Best Hospitals for Common Care, only 16% achieved a "High Performing'' rating in any of the five procedures being evaluated.


Genesis Medical Center, Davenport was the only Quad Cities hospital receiving a "High Performing'' rating in any of the five Common Care procedures.


U.S. News also evaluates hospitals in 16 adult specialties and 10 pediatrics specialties.  In most specialties, U.S. News ranks the nation's top 50 hospitals. Only 3 percent of the nearly 5,000 hospitals that were analyzed for "Best Hospitals 2015-2016'' were nationally ranked in even one specialty.


The 2015-2016 national top five were: 1. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston; 2. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Mn.; 3. Tie, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore and UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles; 5. Cleveland Clinic.


"This annual report by U.S. News is considered to be an objective, credible resource for how hospitals are caring for patients,'' Cropper added.  "The next step for Genesis is to make the highly selective honor roll of hospitals ranked in the top 50 nationally in at least one specialty.  We're getting closer to that goal.''


U.S. News publishes Best Hospitals to help guide patients who need a high level of care because they face particularly difficult surgery, a challenging condition, or added risk because of other health problems or age.  Objective measures such as patient survival and safety data, the adequacy of nurse staffing levels, and, other data largely determined the rankings in most specialties.


The regional hospital rankings complement the national rankings by including hospitals with solid performance nearly at the level of nationally ranked institutions. The regional rankings are aimed primarily at consumers whose care may not demand the special expertise found only at a nationally ranked Best Hospital or who may not be willing or able to travel long distances for medical care. The U.S. News metro rankings give many such patients and their families more options of hospitals within their community and in their health insurance network.


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Coralville, IA - July 21, 2015 -  West Music is proud to announce their recent recognition as a Give Back Iowa Challenge Winner, in conjunction with the Employer Volunteer Initiative (EVI) Advisory Council. West Music was recognized by Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds at a reception held today at West Music Coralville, which included remarks from the Lieutenant Governor as well as West Music President, Robin Walenta.  West Music won in the medium-sized company category with 659 volunteer hours reported in a six-week time frame.

"One of West Music's core values as a company is "Cultivate Community' and our associates have embraced that core value.  We all share in the commitment to cultivate stronger, healthier communities through volunteer service. Throughout this challenge, our scope was wide and our reach was far, covering the entire eastern half of the state from Des Moines to the Quad Cities, from Decorah to the southern borders - participating in many social service events, regional community festivals, and fine arts advocacy." remarked Robin Walenta, West Music President and CEO.

The Give Back Iowa Challenge, a new initiative from the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, served as a campaign to encourage employees to volunteer and log their hours as part of a six-week challenge, April 14-May 31, across the state of Iowa.  Winners were selected in three categories based on the highest average number of volunteer hours per employee. In its inaugural year, the Give Back Iowa Challenge had 50 participating organizations representing 48,686 employees in Iowa that logged 41,702 volunteer hours impacting Iowa communities.

About the ICVS (or Volunteer Iowa)

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and its partner agencies work with organizations and individuals on three main fronts.  The first is to help agencies develop quality programs that use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions and address Iowa's greatest areas of need.  The second is to help engage Iowans in their communities by promoting service and expanding the volunteer base.  Finally, the third area of work is to connect individuals with appropriate service opportunities by building the volunteer infrastructure.  More information is available at www.volunteeriowa.org.

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