17 Jul 2015

State Treasury Invests in Iowa's Economy

By Karen Austin

DES MOINES, IA (07/16/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald announced that, as a result of Tuesday's online auction, $100 million will be deposited in thirty-four banks across the state. The state will receive an average rate of return of 0.23% on these six-month certificates of deposit. "This was our most successful auction to date," Fitzgerald said. "This is the largest amount we have distributed at one time through this program."

Fitzgerald created the Invest in Iowa program in 1983 as a way to deposit state funds in Iowa financial institutions. The treasurer's office uses an auction format offering state deposits to Iowa banks six times a year, which allows the state to earn a competitive return on the funds while ensuring local banks have the money they need to keep the economy moving. The financial institutions hold the funds as CDs and use the money to make loans. Currently the Invest in Iowa program has over $262 million invested in Iowa banks

"Demand for funds has been great this year," Fitzgerald stated. "This is a reflection of the current market. I am glad this program is available to help facilitate lending around the state."

Invest in Iowa quarterly auctions are held on the second Tuesday of January, April, July and October. In response to growing interest in this program, two auctions offering one-year term CDs are also held throughout the year. The next auction is scheduled for August 18, 2015 at 10 a.m and will offer one-year term CDs. Each auction has an established minimum interest rate and a minimum bid. To learn more about the Invest in Iowa program, visit IowaTreasurer.gov, select "Invest in Iowa" under the "For Businesses" tab or contact the treasurer's office at 515-281-5368.

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17 Jul 2015

BANDITS PLAYOFF TICKETS GO ON SALE TODAY

By Marco LaNave
Ticket plan holders receive free playoff tickets with $100-per-seat renewal deposit for a 2016 package
DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 16, 2015) - The Quad Cities River Bandits' first-half Western Division Championship means fans have an early chance to get playoff tickets. Tickets for the River Bandits' 7 p.m. playoff home game Thursday, Sept. 10, against the Cedar Rapids Kernels at Modern Woodmen Park will go on sale Friday, July 17, via riverbandits.com and at the River Bandits box office.
To see the River Bandits 2015 playoff home games at Modern Woodmen Park - recently voted as the best ballpark in Ballpark Digest's Class-A Battle of the Ballparks - box seat tickets will be $9 each, while all bleacher and general admission tickets will be $5 each. Current ticket plan holders (12 games or more) receive free playoff tickets by making a $100-per-seat renewal deposit toward a 2016 ticket package. Ticket plan holders are guaranteed their regular season seats for the playoffs with a deposit by Aug. 14. Group area picnic pricing for 2015 playoff games is the same as regular season pricing, with full details available at riverbandits.com/groups. Suite rentals are $350 per game, which includes 16 tickets per suite.
"Our fans have shown unprecedented support for the River Bandits and Modern Woodmen Park this season, and we are delighted to give them an early opportunity to secure playoff tickets and cheer on the team with the best record in the Midwest League," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "With the excitement on the field and an award-winning ballpark, the playoff packages offer outstanding value to River Bandits fans!"
The River Bandits' first playoff home game is Game 2 of the best-of-three Midwest League Western Division semifinal against Cedar Rapids on Sept. 10. Further potential home playoff games are Sept. 11-12 and Sept. 19-21. This September will mark the 26th playoff appearance for the Quad Cities franchise, which has won six Midwest League Championships (1968, 1971, 1979, 1990, 2011, 2013).
"Already host to championship clinchers in two of the last four seasons, Modern Woodmen Park is again the place to be for the rest of the summer and into September with playoff baseball!" said River Bandits General Manager Andrew Chesser. "River Bandits fans can enjoy the unique combination of a top team, a top ballpark, and affordable, family-friendly entertainment for every game of the season and another River Bandits playoff run."
Only tickets for the Sept. 10 will become available before the playoffs. Tickets for each of the other five possible playoff games at Modern Woodmen Park will only be made available once the River Bandits advance in the postseason or the game has become necessary. Below is a full schedule of the possible 2015 home playoff games for the River Bandits:
Western Division Semifinal (best-of-three)
Game 2 vs. Cedar Rapids Thursday, Sept. 10 7:00 p.m. Modern Woodmen Park
Game 3 vs. Cedar Rapids (if necessary) Friday, Sept. 11 7:00 p.m. Modern Woodmen Park
Western Division Final (best-of-three)
Game 1 vs. 2nd-half qualifier Saturday, Sept. 12 7:00 p.m. Modern Woodmen Park
Midwest League Championship Series (best-of-five)
Game 3 vs. Eastern Division Champion Saturday, Sept. 19 Time TBA Modern Woodmen Park
Game 4 vs. Eastern Division Champion (if necessary) Sunday, Sept. 20 Time TBA Modern Woodmen Park
Game 5 vs. Eastern Division Champion (if necessary) Monday, Sept. 21 Time TBA Modern Woodmen Park
17 Jul 2015

USDA Announces Three New Centers of Excellence with a Consortium of 1890 Colleges and Universities

By USDA Office of Communications

New Centers to assist small farmers, develop a diverse workforce, and increase global food security

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is making a $1 million initial investment to support three Centers of Excellence with the Council of 1890 Colleges, building and strengthening USDA's historic partnership with 1890 Historically Black Land-Grant Colleges and Universities. Vilsack made the announcement during remarks at the Convocation commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act becoming law, creating the 1890 Land-Grant Universities.

"When Congress passed the act in 1890 creating additional Land-Grant Universities, they were creating access to economic mobility through educational opportunity for all. These schools have been instrumental in growing our nation into a multicultural economic power," said Vilsack. "The three new Centers of Excellence will build on this legacy of cooperation and success to help sustain our nation for the next 125 years and beyond."

These three new centers will serve as a consortium to increase coordination and collaboration between USDA and the 1890s schools. Each center will focus on a specific identified need:

  • Creating an integrated center to benefit Small Farms, Ranches and Forest Landowners in high poverty areas;
  • Establishing a virtual center to support the science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics (STEAM) pipeline of students and address the growing need for talented career candidates to meet future workforce needs; and
  • Satisfying the nation's need in the areas of international engagement and global food security to increase international cooperation, trade and development.

Secretary Vilsack said USDA would provide additional related funding through existing programs and agreements, and that the initial funding will help the 1890s schools improve their access to USDA programs and attract additional outside investment.

Over the past six years, USDA has partnered with 1890s schools in a number of ways to make a positive impact in the lives of underserved farmers, youth and communities. Some recent actions include :

  • Providing more than $132 million in funding to 1890s schools through 350 different awards across the entire department last year;
  • Continuing the 1890s Scholars program, currently assisting 55 Scholars in agencies throughout USDA with scholarships worth approximately $35,000 each, and permanently employing more than 600 Land-Grant University graduates through the program.
17 Jul 2015

Loebsack, Kinzinger Lead Bipartisan Effort to Increase Rural Communities' Access to Wireless Broadband

By Rick Martin

Bill would provide incentives for wireless carriers to make unused spectrum available for use by rural and smaller carriers in order to expand wireless coverage in rural communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) today introduced the bipartisan Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act. This bill would provide incentives for wireless carriers to lease unused spectrum to rural or smaller carriers in order to expand wireless coverage in rural communities. Both Congressmen serve on the Energy and Commerce Committee which oversees the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

"The future of economic development in Iowa and across the country depends, in large part, on access to the internet and mobility," said Congressman Loebsack. "I have met with many small businesses, farmers, and rural telecommunication companies who have stressed the importance of mobile internet access in rural areas. I am pleased to work with Rep. Kinzinger to introduce this legislation that will increase access to wireless broadband to help boost economic development, education opportunities and job growth in rural areas."

"The Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act promotes better utilization of spectrum to help rural America reap the full benefits of communications technology," said Congressman Kinzinger. "From small businesses trying to stay competitive in a global market or remote health clinics working to deliver expert telemedicine to underserved populations, expanding wireless coverage will help rural communities overcome the challenges they face. I am glad we could work together on this important legislation that will boost economic development in the 16th District as well as across the country."

The Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act would direct the FCC to establish a program that would provide a 3-year extension of the spectrum license to wireless carriers that lease unused spectrum to rural and smaller carriers, encouraging collaboration between companies to bridge service gaps in rural areas.

Click here for the text of the Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act.

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17 Jul 2015

Governor Branstad announces appointments to Iowa's boards and commissions.

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Governor Terry E. Branstad today announced appointments to Iowa's boards and commissions. The following individuals' appointments are effective July 16, 2015, unpaid, and are not subject to Iowa Senate confirmation:

 

Prison Industries Advisory Board:

Jennifer Foster, Des Moines

 

Mississippi River Parkway Planning Commission:

Martin Graber, Fort Madison

 

Consumer Advisory Panel:

Gary Clark, Huxley

Mary Hunter, Clive

 

Medical Assistance Pharmaceutical and Therapeutics Committee:

Linda Gehrke, Iowa Falls

 

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17 Jul 2015

Gov. Branstad issues disaster proclamation for Jefferson and Wayne counties

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) –Governor Terry E. Branstad yesterday issued a proclamation of disaster emergency for Jefferson and Wayne counties in response to recent severe weather.

The governor`s proclamation allows state resources to be utilized to respond to and recover from the effects of severe storms and flooding that significantly impacted the two counties beginning on June 20, 2015, and continuing.

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17 Jul 2015

Smiddy Meets with Opportunity Council; Renews Calls to Resolve State Budget

By Paul Ferrero
PORT BYRON, Ill. - After a meeting with members of the Tri-County Opportunities Council, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is urging Governor Rauner to resume good-faith budget negotiations after 25 employees at the Council were laid off in the absence of a state budget.
"The Tri-County Opportunities Council helps countless families across the region navigate the confusing network of red tape that too often accompanies accessing critical services, and the value of these dedicated professionals to our community is immeasurable," Smiddy said. "I want everyone to recognize the value of the service these men and women provide, and work with me to craft a compassionate spending plan that ensures community action agencies like Tri-County can continue to serve the people of Illinois."
Smiddy learned of layoffs at the Tri-County Opportunities Council during a meeting with Terri Lawrence, who is the director of the organization. The Tri-County Opportunities Council serves the nine counties of Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark, and Whiteside. Approximately 2,100 residents participate in the various programs the Council helps administrate, including Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Weatherization and Housing Programs, home cooling aid and Childcare Assistance. Each of these programs has seen dramatic decreases to the state funding it depends on and has been forced to eliminate services for residents and/or lay off workers.
"These programs represent relatively small items in the state budget, but have enormous impacts on thousands of families right here in our communities," said Terri Lawrence, director of the Tri-County Opportunities Council. "It's the people most in need that are suffering from an absence of a budget and without dependable state support; we simply will not be able to give residents the service they need. I want to thank Representative Smiddy for taking the time to investigate the impacts of this funding shortage, and I urge the Governor and the General Assembly to find a way to restore these programs that are so vital to our community."
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17 Jul 2015

Davenport Community Advisory Panel to Receive Update on Traffic Stop Data on July 28th

By Lattrice Lacy

On July 28, 2015, St. Ambrose University Professor Chris Barnum will be releasing the analysis conducted by his research team of the 2014 traffic stop data collected by the Davenport Police Department.

The members of the Davenport Community Advisory Panel which includes representatives from the Davenport Civil Rights Commission, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), NAACP, Quad City Interfaith and other community members entered into a partnership with the Davenport Police Department in 2011 to conduct a racial profiling traffic study. The purpose of the study was to determine whether racial disparities exist with the City of Davenport's law enforcement interactions and to come up with measures to address the disparities. The Davenport Police Department began collecting data regarding the race of all drivers involved in traffic stops in 2011.

In 2011, the City of Davenport hired Christopher Barnum, Professor of Criminal Justice at St. Ambrose University, and his research team to review traffic stop data collected by the Davenport Police Department. Professor Barnum began the study by calculating a baseline of the race of drivers in the observation zones throughout the City of Davenport and to compare the baseline data with the traffic stop data collected by the police department. Professor Barnum and his research team released the analysis of the 2013 collected data in June 2014.

On Tuesday, July 28th, Professor Barnum will provide an analysis of the 2014 data.

The Davenport Community Advisory Panel will continue to work together with the Davenport Police Department to help evaluate the data and to ensure that race is not considered in policing interactions.

The briefing gets underway at 1PM, Tuesday, July 28th, at LULAC, 4224 Ricker Hill Road.

Questions regarding this release should be directed to Latrice Lacey, Davenport Civil Rights Commission Director, 326-7888 or Don Schaeffer, Davenport Police Chief, 326-7778.

17 Jul 2015

Governor Surveys Tornado Damage

By Catherine Kelly

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner will survey the tornado damage in Tazewell and Warren Counties today. He will visit Delavan in Tazewell County and Cameron in Warren County, where he will hold a media briefing.

 

What: Governor Surveys Tornado Damage

Where: Delavan Fire Department

416 Pine Street, Delavan

Date: Friday, July 17, 2015

Time: 10:30 a.m.

 

What: Governor Surveys Tornado Damage and Holds Media Briefing

Where: Central Warren Fire Protection District - Cameron Fire Station

654 Railroad Street, Cameron

Time: Governor Arrives - 12:30 p.m.

Media Briefing - 1:15 p.m.

 

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17 Jul 2015

BANDITS' LATEST ADDITIONS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

By Rick Martin

In Quad Cities debuts, Elieser Hernandez goes 3 1/3 shutout innings, Drew Ferguson has winning hit

GRAND CHUTE, Wis. (July 15, 2015) - Quad Cities River Bandits designated hitter Sean McMullen and left fielder Drew Ferguson each went 2-for-4, with the former hitting a one-out triple in the top of the 10th inning and scoring on the latter's first Midwest League RBI for a 2-1 win over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium Wednesday night.

Despite being outhit, 11-6, the River Bandits (12-8 second half, 57-31 overall) improved to 30-13 on the road, including a 6-3 record in road extra-inning games. They have won their first seven games with Wisconsin (6-13, 29-60) and are 8-6 in 14 extra-inning games - their most since 2010.

Center fielder Bobby Boyd stole three bases Friday, marking the first time since Chan-Jong Moon stole four bases May 28, 2014, that a River Bandit stole three bases in a game. He led off the game against left-hander Kodi Medeiros with a single to left field, and after All-Star catcher Jamie Ritchie flied out to center field, Boyd stole second and third bases in a three-pitch span with shortstop Alex Bregman batting. Bregman grounded out to second base to score Boyd, as Quad Cities scored in the first inning for a sixth straight game.

Taking the mound with a 1-0 lead, right-hander Joshua James worked around singles in each of the first two innings, but Wisconsin tied the game in the third inning. Left fielder Mitch Meyer began the rally with a leadoff walk. After center fielder Brandon Diaz flied out, Meyer stole second base and went to third base on a single by shortstop Blake Allemand. Designated hitter Dustin DeMuth then hit a game-tying single to right field but was thrown out in a rundown, and James stranded the go-ahead run at third base with an inning-ending strikeout.

James allowed seven hits but lasted 4 2/3 innings, holding Wisconsin to one earned run while walking one and striking out two batters. His 2.43 ERA and .220 opponents' batting average through Wednesday both rank third in the Midwest League. After DeMuth hit a two-out double in the fifth inning, right-hander Elieser Hernandez made his Midwest League debut by relieving James and retiring All-Star catcher Carlos Leal on a flyout to preserve the 1-1 tie. Hernandez retired the first six batters he faced, including four in a row on strikeouts before back-to-back, two-out singles by Diaz and Allemand in the sixth inning. He then fanned DeMuth to end the frame.

After Medeiros went three innings for Wisconsin, right-hander Jon Perrin went two scoreless innings, and right-hander Angel Ventura (3-4) set down 12 of the first 13 batters he faced. McMullen's seventh-inning single marked the visitors' only baserunner in the sixth through ninth innings, and McMullen and Ferguson were the only two River Bandits to reach base after the third inning, with each doing so twice.

Hernandez scattered three hits and no walks with five strikeouts in 3 1/3 scoreless innings, before right-hander Ryan Thompson (3-2) pitched the ninth inning. Timber Rattlers second baseman Tucker Neuhaus hit a leadoff single, but pinch runner Gregory Munoz was caught stealing by Ritchie throwing to Bregman to end the ninth inning. Thompson pitched a perfect 10th inning to finish the win.

After pitching four scoreless innings, Ventura allowed the deciding rally with one out in the 10th inning. McMullen hit a drive into the right-center field gap that made him the team's first baserunner at third base since the first inning. With the infield in, Ferguson lined a go-ahead single past Ventura into center field. Ferguson became the second River Bandits left fielder this season to collect the game-winning RBI in his Midwest League debut for a 2-1, series-opening win at Wisconsin. Jason Martin accomplished the same feat May 1.

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