Quad City friends and neighbors invited to attend informative presentation 

DAVENPORT, IA (June 30, 2015) - Senior Star at Elmore Place is pleased to present a discussion on the 10 early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14 at 4500 Elmore Avenue, Davenport.

Jerry Schroeder, senior program specialist with the Alzheimer's Association, will discuss early symptoms of the disease including memory loss disrupting daily life, challenges in planning and problem solving, withdrawal from work or social activities and confusion with time or place.

"Our ongoing relationship with the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has been vital in addressing a proactive approach to living well," said Marc Strohschein, executive director at Senior Star at Elmore Place.  "We will continue to offer informative presentations and seminars to community seniors, their families and friends as discussions with an expert beyond online research are beneficial."

According to the Alzheimer's Association website, the early signs of Alzheimer's are often mistaken for typical age-related changes such as memory loss.  It's important to understand the difference between normal cognitive experiences for aging adults and the symptoms of this disease as individuals may have one or more of the early signs of Alzheimer's in varying degrees.  With early detection, individuals are able to explore treatment options and plan for future care and support.

Refreshments will be served at the free presentation.  Seating is limited, so please RSVP by July 13 to reserve your spot at 563.359.0100.

To learn more about Senior Star at Elmore Place and Senior Star's innovative approach to memory care, please call 563.359.0100 or visit the website at www.seniorstar.com.

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.

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.