01 Jul 2015

Governor Takes Bill Action June 30, 2015

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

Bill No.: HB 4166

An Act Making Appropriations

Action: Line-Item Veto

Effective: July 1, 2015

A copy of the veto message is below.

To the Honorable Members of

The Illinois House of Representatives,

99th General Assembly:

Today I approve House Bill 4166 from the 99th General Assembly, which re-appropriates funds for previously approved road construction and other capital projects, except for certain vetoed items identified below.

Continued investment in our public infrastructure is critical to economic development.  We must maintain the infrastructure that has made Illinois a major transportation hub for the world economy. This bill enhances mobility, helps to maintain our State's competitive advantage, and supports construction and permanent jobs across Illinois.

Our taxpayer dollars, however, could go further. We need truly competitive bidding to maximize the value of our resources, particularly during this time of fiscal crisis. State laws like the Prevailing Wage Act and the Project Labor Agreements Act are barriers to entry and inflate construction prices. We need to reform the way we spend taxpayer dollars in order to deliver the most value to our residents and businesses.

We must also ensure that our limited taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, and that we prioritize funds for critical deferred maintenance. In light of the General Assembly's unbalanced budget and the need for additional savings, I am vetoing earmarks, including Capitol building renovations, in order to make those funds available for other priorities.

01 Jul 2015

Figge Executive Director Elected to AAMD

By Natalie Dunlop

Davenport, Iowa (June 30, 2015) - Figge Art Museum Executive Director Tim Schiffer has been elected to membership in the Association of Art Museum Directors.

The Association of Art Museum Directors, representing 244 art museum directors in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, aids its members in establishing and maintaining the highest professional standards for themselves and the museums they represent. It serves as a forum for the exchange of information and the exploration of ideas, and as a voice with which museum directors may express their joint perspectives and those of their institutions.

Membership in the Association is based on the qualifications of both the individual director and the specific art museum. The applications are reviewed by the Membership Committee and recommendations are made to the Board of Trustees, with election to membership made by that body.

Schiffer said he is honored to become a member of this exclusive organization. "Membership in the AAMD will enable me to represent the Figge with leaders of the most prominent art museums across North America, and will keep us in touch with new ideas and best practices in the museum world," he added.

Further information about AAMD is available at www.aamd.org.
01 Jul 2015

Gov. Branstad names Ryan Wise Education Director

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Wise's appointment is effective July 1 as current director Brad Buck departs to become Cedar Rapids School District Superintendent

 

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced that he has named Iowa Department of Education deputy director Ryan Wise as the new director of the department. Wise, 39, will take the position on July 1, 2015, as current director Brad Buck transitions to a new position as the superintendent of Cedar Rapids schools. A photo of Wise can be found here.

"World-class education begins in the classrooms across Iowa, but having a leader as the state department's director is critically important as we work to again make Iowa the leader in education," said Branstad. "Ryan Wise has displayed exceptional leadership in the implementation of Iowa's innovative, new Teacher Leadership and Compensation System and I am confident that he will continue leading the Iowa Department of Education in the right direction as we work to provide a globally competitive education for every child in Iowa."

Wise has served as deputy director at the Iowa Department of Education since September 2013. He has led the implementation of Iowa's Teacher Leadership and Compensation  system (TLC), including designing and executing the application and selection process, facilitating multiple statewide coordination teams, creating a principal support system and leading Iowa's Commission on Educator Leadership and Compensation. In addition, Wise has served as the liaison between the Department and the Iowa State Board of Education, and has been the representative on the Iowa High School Athletic Association board of control and on the Governor's Council for National Service.  He is also the administrator for the Department's division of policy and communications.

"Though times have changed significantly since the one-room schoolhouses dotted Iowa's landscape, our state's commitment to providing every child a high-quality education has remained constant," said Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Dr. Wise understands that modern education means looking at innovative teaching methods and preparing children for the careers of tomorrow. He has shown his commitment to rewarding exceptional Iowa teachers through the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System and will be a great asset as the next director of the Iowa Department of Education."

Wise earned his undergraduate degree from Creighton University. He earned a Master of Public Administration from University Nebraska Omaha in 2008. He earned a doctorate of education leadership from Harvard University in 2013.

"I admire the Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's commitment to providing every child in Iowa with the world-class education they deserve," said Wise. "It has been a privilege to lead the implementation of the Teacher Leadership and Compensation System that rewards great teachers.  I am now eager to accept a new challenge of leading the Iowa Department of Education at this critical juncture when we continue putting in place the transformational education reforms signed by Governor Branstad in 2013."

Wise has made improving education his mission for his entire career. He was managing director for growth strategy and development for Teach for All from 2008-2010. He was the executive director of Teach for America in South Dakota from 2003-2008, where, among other achievements, he worked with both public and Bureau of Indian Affairs grant schools on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud Reservations to improve educational opportunities. He spent the first five years of his career as a history teacher at Omaha Central High School in Omaha, Neb., and Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, Miss.

Ryan and his spouse, Sacha, reside in Des Moines, Iowa. They have two children, Weston and Graham. The appointment is subject to Iowa Senate confirmation.

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01 Jul 2015

Genesis Hosts CarFit® Education Events

By Craig Cooper
DAVENPORT, Iowa - June 30, 2015 - Genesis will offer four CarFit® events for older drivers in July and August.

CarFit® is a national educational program offering older adults the opportunity to evaluate how well their personal vehicles "fit" them.  Health professionals work with older drivers and review 12 key areas to ensure they "fit" their vehicle properly for maximum safety.  A CarFit® check takes approximately 20 minutes to complete.

CarFit® is not a driving test or driving evaluation.

The CarFit® events schedule includes:

July 17 - Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, 801 Illini Drive, Silvis, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

July 24 - Arnold's Automotive, 2500 52nd Ave., Moline, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

August 6 - Church of the Open Door, 816 13th Ave. North, Clinton, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

August 21 - Genesis Medical Center, 1227 East Rusholme Street, Davenport 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Older drivers are statistically among the safest drivers because they're more likely to wear their seatbelts and less likely to speed or drink and drive. However, they are also more likely to be seriously injured in a crash because their bodies are more fragile.

"Older drivers can improve their safety by ensuring their cars are properly adjusted for them," explained Gretchen Cluff, an occupational therapist at Genesis and a Certified Driving Rehabilitation Specialist.  "A proper fit in their car can greatly increase not only the driver's safety but also the safety of others.

"Once seniors arrive for their check, they will be asked basic information and then we will evaluate how they fit in their car. For example, are they sitting too close to the airbag?  Are their mirrors adjusted appropriately to maximize their view?  Is their seat in the best position to reach the brake and gas pedals?

"We can only make recommendations.  We can, however, provide the senior drivers with important information that could increase their driving safety."

Three examples underscore the importance of road safety to the CarFit® program:

  • Knowing how to properly adjust one's mirrors can greatly minimize blind spots for drivers when changing lanes.

  • Good foot positioning on the gas and brake pedals is important. Drivers who reach with their toes to press on the pedals can cause fatigue in their legs and slow reaction time.

  • Drivers run a risk of serious injury if they are sitting closer than 10 inches from the steering wheel.

CarFit® events have shown that more than one-third of seniors had at least one critical safety issue.  One in 10 sat too close to the steering wheel, and 20 percent did not have a line of sight at least 3 inches over the steering wheel.

To reserve a time for an evaluation at the CarFit® event on Friday, call (563) 421-1480.

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01 Jul 2015

British Soccer Camp at Davenport Parks & Recrreation

By Ryan Merritt

British Soccer Camps

July 27th to 31st

Two sessions available: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM or 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Davenport Soccer Complex (Division & 89th St)

Go to www.challengersports.com for more information.

The BEST Soccer Camp in the Country right here in Davenport, IA!
01 Jul 2015

MISSOURI S&T SPRING HONORS LIST

By Missouri S&T Marketing
ROLLA, Mo. (June 30, 2015) - Missouri University of Science and Technology announces the names of students who made the honor list for the Spring 2015 semester.

To be included on the honor list, students must have carried a minimum of 12 hours and had grade point averages of 3.2 or above out of a possible 4.0.

Founded in 1870 as the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, Missouri S&T is a public research university of 8,600 students and is part of the four-campus University of Missouri System.

For more information, visit www.mst.edu or contact the admissions office at 800-522-0938.

-30-

HOMETOWN; NAME, LEVEL, MAJOR

Bettendorf, Iowa

- Shelby Kathleen Michaelis, senior, architectural engineering

Moline, Illinois

- Mackenzie Flynn Kelly, freshman, engineering
01 Jul 2015

Announcing the Greater Amana Area Art Show

By Executive Director

The Amana Arts Guild plans an Open House for Thursday July 9, 5-7:00pm for the start of the Greater Amana Area Art Show exhibit.  This show and sale will feature recent works in all media by local area artists.  Visit with the artists and view the new art work.  This exhibit will be at the Arts Guild Gallery from July 9 through September 7.

The Amana Arts Guild is open daily except closed on Tuesdays.  Gallery hours are 10:30am - 4:30pm.  Sunday hours are 11am - 4pm.  The Arts Guild is located one block north of Hwy 220 in High Amana.
For more information call 319-622-3678 or e-mail amanarts@southslope.net.
01 Jul 2015

Central Iowa Building Trades volunteers complete handicapped pier, fishing house restorations at Lake Ahquabi State Park

By Jess Levens

FRANKLIN, Tenn. – As part of the Union Sportsmen's Alliance's (USA) Work Boots on the Ground conservation program, members of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) District Council 81 and the Central Iowa Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC) volunteered their time and trade skills to complete a large-scale restoration of a handicap-accessible fishing pier and fishing house at Lake Ahquabi State Park in Iowa June 6.

To complete the restoration, approximately 60 volunteers spent more than 800 man hours painting and staining the pier and fishing house, repairing the fishing house roof and replacing the old doors and windows. This project also included pouring a concrete pad and walkway at a picnic area and replacing the plumbing, lighting and wiring in the restroom facility. While the bulk of the materials were purchased by funds previously raised at the 2015 Iowa Conservation Dinner, the volunteers also used approximately $2,300 worth of donated materials.

"These projects are valuable to the park in many ways," said Park Manager Josh Shipman. "They help the staff maintain heavily-used facilities, such as our fishing pier, while providing years of future use for anglers and other park users. By having skilled union members do the work, we are saving lots of money and time that can then be devoted to other areas of the park, while ensuring the work is done properly and professionally."

The union volunteers are equally happy about the project, according to IUPAT District Council 81 Business Manager Robert Gilmore.

"The lakes, parks and campgrounds are used by all Iowans, and by volunteering to repair or restore them, we are giving back, not only to our families, but we are ensuring these resources can be enjoyed for many more generations of Iowans," said Gilmore. "When we complete projects in the community, it reinforces the understanding that conservation, public land use and clean water are important to every citizen. That allows us to build bridges and foster working relationships."

The Central Iowa BCTC also plans to demolish an unused building and haul away the rubble later in the year, pending permits.

Through the USA's Work Boots on the Ground program, union members volunteer their time and trade skills to projects that conserve wildlife habitats, educate future generations of sportsmen and women, improve public access to the outdoors and restore America's cherished parks. For more information about Work Boots on the Ground, email USA Conservation Manager Ty Brown at tyb@unionsportsmen.org or call him at 615-831-6751.

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01 Jul 2015

Judy Bradshaw named Director of Iowa Law Enforcement Academy

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced he has named current assistant director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Judy Bradshaw as the director of the academy effective tomorrow, July 1, 2015. Bradshaw, 56, was appointed as current director Arlen Ciechanowski retires from the Academy effective at close of business today.

"The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy serves the important role of training Iowa's peace officers and preparing them for their career of service," said Branstad. "I believe Judy Bradshaw possess the leadership, knowledge, temperament and communications skills to effectively lead the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy."

The ILEA was created by an act of the Iowa Legislature in 1967 with its purpose being to upgrade law enforcement to professional status. The specific goals were to maximize training opportunities for law enforcement officers, to coordinate training and to set standards for the law enforcement services.

"In interviewing Judy Bradshaw, I was impressed to learn more about her ability to bring individuals of diverse backgrounds together to better serve the community," said Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Judy Bradshaw's career of distinguished service and her years of law enforcement experience make her an ideal choice to lead the training of the next generation of Iowa peace officers."

The ILEA, in addition to maximizing training opportunities for all Iowa's peace officers, is responsible for providing basic and in-service training for all county and city jailers and Iowa telecommunication specialists.

"I appreciate the confidence Governor Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Reynolds have placed in me as I transition into my new role of director of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy," said Bradshaw. "Our role at the academy is to prepare men and women to protect Iowans and I look forward to the opportunity to assist in teaching future peace officers best practices to effectively serve their communities."

In her 35 years of law enforcement - most with the Des Moines Police Department - 27 years have been within management. She is a graduate of Ankeny High School and Drake University. She has a Master's Degree in Public Administration. For 10 years, Bradshaw taught Criminal Justice Studies at Grandview University and Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC).

The governor's appointment of Bradshaw is subject to Iowa Senate confirmation. For more information on ILEA, please visit https://ileatraining.org.

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01 Jul 2015

Monopoly Sculpture to Accompany Butter Cow at 2015 Iowa State Fair

By Mindy Williamson

DES MOINES, IA (06/30/2015)(readMedia)-- A stop in the Agriculture Building is a must do for most fairgoers and this year there will be some old favorites and new attractions. the world-famous Iowa State Fair Butter Cow will be featured alongside a sculpture celebrating the 80th anniversary of Monopoly, one of the world's most beloved family board games, at the 2015 Fair.

The classic fast-dealing property trading game was first commercially sold in the 1930s and has remained a popular game around the world. Monopoly is locally licensed in more than 103 countries and printed in more than 37 languages. In 2015, it will be sculpted entirely in butter by the talented Sarah Pratt and fairgoers can see their favorite Monopoly pieces come to life alongside Monopoly's iconic character, Rich Uncle Pennybags.

In addition to the two butter sculptures, It Takes An Iowan will debut nearby as an interactive exhibit focusing on Iowans as leaders in the ongoing effort of providing food for the nation and the world. Highlighting the advancement of technology to better produce food, as well as education and agriculture around the world, stop by It Takes An Iowan to learn how Iowans are leaders in areas such as agriculture, education, communication, legislation and much more.

Other great agriculture exhibits and demonstrations include giant pumpkins, jumbo fruits and vegetables, the Discovery Garden, daily stage presentations and more. All exhibits will be on display in the 111-year old John Deere Agriculture Building 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily during the Fair. Make sure to "Find A New Path" to the John Deere Agriculture Building's 40 degree cooler to see this year's butter sculptures and other great Agriculture exhibits during Fair Tour, August 13-23.

# # #

Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment and achievement. "Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23, 2015. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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