15 Jul 2015

Hearing scheduled on Impact of Administration's Misdirected Immigration Policies

By Grassley Press

Senate Judiciary Committee to Hold Hearing on the Impact of Obama Administration's Misdirected Immigration Policies

Victims' families invited to testify

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley today announced that he will convene a hearing to explore the ramifications of the Obama administration's lax enforcement of immigration policies and the impact it's having on the families of victims of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.

The hearing will be held on Tuesday, July 21, at 10 a.m. (ET), and can be seen live on the Judiciary Committee's website, judiciary.senate.gov.

Grassley said that he has invited family members of victims to testify.  He has also asked the Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Sarah Saldana, and the Director of Citizenship and Immigration Services Leon Rodriguez to testify.

"Congress has a constitutional responsibility to conduct oversight of the executive branch of government to make sure the laws are being faithfully executed and carried out as intended.  Little oversight has been done by the previous majority to ensure the administration is exercising sound judgment and acting within the immigration laws.   It's clear they have taken far too much liberty and are essentially trying to write the laws themselves," Grassley said.  "This hearing is intended to highlight how misguided the Obama administration's lax enforcement policies are and how these policies are putting Americans in harm's way."

Last week, members of the Judiciary Committee pressed Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to rethink his department's immigration priorities.  Grassley also asked Johnson and Attorney General Loretta Lynch to take action to reverse "sanctuary city" policies and restore programs that promote collaboration between local and federal officials.

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15 Jul 2015

Iowa State Fair Offers Entertainment and Activities Just for Kids

By Lori Chappell

DES MOINES, IA (07/13/2015)(readMedia)-- There's no better place to be a kid than at the Iowa State Fair. Kids' activities and entertainment, all free with admission, can keep families busy all 11 days of the Fair. Whether it's jumping into a hands-on Blue Ribbon Kids activity, becoming a farmer at Little Hands on the Farm or watching unforgettable entertainment, "Nothing Compares" to the Iowa State Fair, set August 13-23.

The Kids' Zone - a special area packed with games and entertainment - is assembled with young Fairgoers in mind. Go sailing every day at 11 a.m., 2 and 5 p.m. on a comedy treasure cruise with SwashChucklers as they search for the map to the long-lost Cursed Treasure o'the Spanish Main. Try out your green thumb at Little Hands on the Farm or learn about Iowa's agriculture at Seed Survivor.

Before you leave, make sure to visit the Blue Ribbon Kids tent for fun Fair-themed activities every weekday. Blue Ribbon Kids, the Fair's special club for ages 10 and under, allows children to experience the Fair from a unique perspective. Blue Ribbon Kids members get to be part of the action during special Club activities every morning at 10 a.m. These 30-60 minute activities are located in the Kids' Club tent in the Kids' Zone, north of the Animal Learning Center. Membership is free and children can sign up between 9 and 9:30 a.m. for any club event or download a form at iowastatefair.org/just-for-kids/blue-ribbon-kids-club and bring it along.

Schedule of Blue Ribbon Kids Events:

Thursday, August 13 - Make and Take T-shirt Day at Kids' Club

Friday, August 14 - Turkey Day at Kids' Club

Monday, August 17 - Happy Birthday Fairfield and Rosetta

Tuesday, August 18 - Kids in the Kitchen Day at Kids' Club

Wednesday, August 19 - Kids' Club Gives Back

Thursday, August 20 - Iowa State Fair History Day at Kids' Club

Friday, August 21 - Llama Day at Kids' Club

Fun Forest Stage:

The Fair's family-friendly Fun Forest Stage is nestled in 1.5 acres of fun, located east of the John Deere Agriculture Building. All shows are ASL interpreted, courtesy of the Deaf Action Center and the Iowa State Fair.

Dale Jones: The One Handed Comedy Juggler astounds audiences with his world-class original comedy along with his juggling. Shows begin daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

The Rubber Chicken Show starring Greg Frisbee, a comedian, juggler and escape artist. He keeps the audience on their toes by juggling while his hands are on fire, escaping from a straight jacket and launching a rubber chicken from a cannon. This family-friendly event is sure to entertain. Shows begin daily at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Grounds Attractions:

The Red Trouser Show offers a high-end street theater production full of acrobatic tricks and hilarious stunts. This professional and highly skilled duo uses fire, juggling and illusions to provide a unique and visible attraction that leaves awe-stricken audiences laughing. Shows daily at Noon, 3 and 6 p.m. on Expo Hill.

Bandaloni gives musical entertainment a funny facelift as he belts out familiar family favorites while playing guitar, harmonica, tambourine, high-hat, kick-drum, snare and more - all at the same time! Strolling daily at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

Hedrick's Petting Zoo is the ideal place where fairgoers can get up-close-and-personal with zebras, kangaroos, camels and more in a safe and fun environment. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. north of Gate 11.

Oscar the Robot, along with his partner, Jack Prather, provide laughter and memories at all of their performances. This dynamic team is informing and entertaining for all age groups. Oscar is sure to provide an unforgettable spark of energy to your Fair experience. Shows daily at Noon, 2 & 4 p.m.

More Entertainment:

In addition to feeling the squish of grapes between your toes during the Grape Stomp (daily, 11 a.m., 2, 3, and 6 p.m.), more Grape Getaway kids' activities will be held daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in a tent located by Grandfather's Barn.

No matter what your age, fun will be had by all on Iowa Park and Recreation day, Thursday, August 20. Participate in bubble gum blowing (9 a.m.) and the pie eating contests (10:30 a.m.) on the Anne and Bill Riley Stage or try your hand at the Big Wheel Races (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.), arts and crafts (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and scavenger hunts (1 p.m.) on the Grand Concourse.

Stop by the William C. Knapp Varied Industries Building Atrium for the return of Sandscapes, a team of national, international and world champion sand sculptors, and watch them construct an agriculture-themed masterpiece. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

# # #

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.

15 Jul 2015

MUNGER: STATE PAYROLL PROCESSING COMPLETE FOR JULY 15

By Rich Carter

Employee pay continues uninterrupted

CHICAGO - Illinois Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger on Monday announced that her office has finished processing payroll for July 15, ensuring that all state employees will receive their scheduled paychecks without interruption.

The action comes after a St. Clair County Court last week granted Munger's request to pay all state employees in order to comply with the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and avoid potential fines totaling three times the amount of missed payrolls.

"Paying all state employees is the right, legal, and fiscally responsible thing to do and I appreciate the Court's authorization to move forward," Munger said. "We are simply compensating workers for services they are already providing the state and ensuring that we are in compliance with federal law. To do otherwise would not only cause hardship to tens of thousands of employees and their families, but also make the state vulnerable to staggering penalties that we cannot afford."

The Fair Labor Standards Act requires the state pay "covered" employees at minimum wage or face fines from the federal government. However, Illinois' antiquated payroll systems make it impossible to swiftly determine which of the state's 65,000 employees fall under the designation. Even when the respective employees are identified, the antiquated systems require Comptroller's Office personnel to manually enter tens of thousands of reductions in pay rate and corresponding changes in deductions and benefits.

Given those realities, Munger and the Governor's Office of Central Management Services last week asked the Court to allow the state to run full payroll to ensure compliance with the federal law. A Cook County Court initially directed the state to pay only minimum wage for "covered" employees but that decision was later stayed by an Appellate Court. On Thursday, a St. Clair County Court granted Munger's request to run full payroll, giving her the Court Order she needed to legally move forward.

"While the legal process will continue to play out, I am confident that the Court will ultimately see that paying all state employees is the best and only way to protect the state from significant federal fines," Munger said. "At the same time, it provides welcome relief to workers across the state, including those on the front line in serving our communities and most vulnerable residents."

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15 Jul 2015

Long Standing Iowa Blues Festival Cancelled

By Kristy Bennett
The Mississippi Valley Blues Society (MVBS) regrets to announce that due to financial challenges, the 2015 Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, planned for LeClaire Park, Davenport, Iowa, September 5 and 6, has been cancelled. The MVBS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, had started the festival over 30 years ago to create a live music festival to expose the regional area to the native art form of blues-related music, and to raise awareness and funds for blues education programs. Since then, MVBS has presented over 1000 local, regional, and nationally known acts, and has become an award winning, top Blues festivals in the country.

According to MVBS President, Steve Heston, "We are not able to proceed with a major event this year, so we will instead concentrate on continuing our existing programs, look to build funding, and possibly hold a festival in 2016."

Some of the current programs of the MVBS include an active Blues in the Schools educational program that reaches over 7,500 students annually, as well as our Concert Series that brings live blues to the Quad Cities, and our radio shows on KALA. The MVBS has one of the most active Blues Education programs of any Blues Society in the country. Each year, the Blues Society plans and coordinates 4-9 weeks of Blues in the Schools programming. This includes 4-5 week-long artist residencies and one month-long summer residency. Performances are free, and expose a wide segment of our community to blues-related music and the rich history and heritage of that music.

"We are saddened to have to make this decision; however, if we take this opportunity to re-group and are able to gain some financial support, we can come back next year with some world-class musicians playing the blues."

# # #
15 Jul 2015

Davenport Public Library to host annual Bix Porch Party

By Davenport Public Library

Head downtown on Thursday, July 30th, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM where folks will be dancin' in the street! Don Estes and the Prairie Ramblers, with the help of Butch Bos of Bos Sound, will be playing live jazz for our 28th annual Bix Porch Party at the Main Street Library (321 Main Street). Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets as we block off Main Street for some good old-fashioned fun.

While you are enjoying the live music, kids can enjoy FREE face painting  from LoonE Lori and balloon animals courtesy of magician and balloon entertainer T.J. Regul!  And if you get hungry, the Teen Volunteer Council will be providing hot dogs and lemonade at bargain prices, and the proceeds will go toward enriching the teen experience at the Davenport Public Library.

Stop inside the Library afterwards and visit the Richardson-Sloane Special Collections Center to learn more about Bix Beiderbecke and see the display of Bix Jazz Festival posters.

This FREE event is for people of all ages! For more information, call (563) 326-7832 or visit www.davenportlibrary.com.
15 Jul 2015

Texas Turns Up at TLP in 'Greater Tuna'

By Rick Martin

MOUNT CARROLL, IL - Timber Lake Playhouse continues its summer season with the hilarious theatre phenomenon Greater Tuna. Long before Jeff Foxworthy, Larry the Cable Guy and the Blue Collar Comedy tours captured the nation's funnybones, Greater Tuna was selling out theatres with its characters who populate the town of Tuna, Texas. In just under two hours, two actors play twenty residents of one town on the day they're mourning the corrupt Judge of Tuna--where the Lions Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies.

TLP favorites Cody Jolly (who just completed a run as Captain Hook in Peter Pan) and Matt Webb (who starred opposite Jolly in Young Frankenstein and Spamalot) play a pair of clueless radio disk jockeys, a questionable sheriff, a used-weapons store owner, a religious "scholar" who studies "segregation in the scriptures," an animal rights advocate, an undertaker, Baptist "smut snatchers," a cliché-laden preacher, all five members of the Bumiller family and more. Chicago director Stephen Schellhardt stages the antics of the fictional third smallest town in Texas.

Joe Sears, Jaston Williams and Ed Howard wrote the comedy in 1981. Sears and Williams also starred in the original production. The two met while working in Texas and decided to put together a show based mostly on real-life people they'd known living in Oklahoma and San Antonio.  Since 1981, they've written three additional Tuna plays that have been performed around the world at such wide-ranging venues as dinner theatres, Shakespeare festivals and the White House. The show was also recorded and presented as an HBO special event.

Director Schellhardt says of the play, "For me, what makes Greater Tuna unique is that all of the town's residents - male, female, young and old - are played by two exceptional performers. This is no small feat. The skills of Cody Jolly and Matt Webb surpassed all my expectations. These remarkable, versatile actors have gone to great lengths to breathe life into all the eccentric citizens of Tuna, Texas. It's been truly astounding to watch them work."

Great Tuna opens Thursday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue Friday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 18 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 19 at 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, July 22 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 25 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening July 30th, TLP will present the new musical Big Fish, based on the Tim Burton film and the novel of the same name. Karl Hamilton returns to TLP to star as Edward Bloom, a teller of very tall tales that come to life on stage. The show has been called "Remarkable and essential for everyone who loves musicals," "breathtaking from start to finish," and "a dream musical." Artistic Director James Beaudry directs and choreographs the romantic comedy.

Tickets for all TLP mainstage show are $25 with discounts for seniors, active duty military and students. For reservations, call the box office at 815-244-2035 or visit www.timberlakeplayhouse.org. TLP is located at 8215 Black Oak Road in rural Mount Carroll, Illinois.

This program is partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

15 Jul 2015

BETTENDORF ROTARY CLUB ANNOUNCES 2015-16 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

By Fred Anderson

The Bettendorf Rotary Club announces its officers for 2015-2016. The gavel was passed from Sharon Sarver to Kevin Kraft who will serve as President of the club for the next year.

Kraft is a senior vice president of investments at UBS Financial Services where he works to help families, business owners and executives chart a comprehensive path to achieve their financial goals.  Prior to his work in financial services, Kraft spent 14 years as a newspaper reporter and editor, including a stint as the city editor at the Quad City Times.  He is an avid cyclist who enjoys traveling with his family.  Kevin and his wife, Sue, reside in Bettendorf and have four grown children and six grandchildren.   

Here is the complete board roster for the 2015-2016 Rotary year:

President: Kevin Kraft

President-Elect: Jonna Schuler

Club Service Director: Tim Lane

Community Service Director: Bill Daley

Vocational Service Director: Ryan Bell

Youth Service Co-Directors: Dr. Jim Spelhaug and Dr. Theron Schutte

Rotary Foundation Director: S.K. Nanda

Immediate Past President & Vice-President: Sharon Sarver

Executive Secretary: Johanna Smith

Treasurer: Laurie Dobesh

The Bettendorf Rotary Club (www.bettendorfrotary.com), chartered on May 22, 1957, has more than 100 members fulfilling the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" in a variety of local, regional, national and international ¬community volunteer projects.

Bettendorf Rotary Club is part of Rotary International (www.rotary.org), founded in 1905 by Paul Harris, a Chicago businessman and University of Iowa alumnus. The international organization, now based in Evanston, IL, has more than one million members participating in 32,000 clubs located in more than 200 countries.

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15 Jul 2015

AFSCME IOWA COUNCIL 61 PRESIDENT DANNY HOMAN AND 20 LEGISLATORS FILE SUIT REGARDING GOVERNOR BRANSTAD'S ILLEGAL CLOSURES OF MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTES

By Randy Stalsberg

DES MOINES -AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan and 20 legislators have filed suit in the Iowa District Court for Polk County regarding Governor Branstad's illegal closure of the Mt. Pleasant Mental Health Institute and Clarinda Mental Health Institute. The legislators taking part in the suit are Senator Rich Taylor, Representative Jerry Kearns, Representative Mark Smith, Senator Thomas Courtney, Senator Janet Petersen, Representative Bruce Hunter, Representative Curt Hanson, Senator Tony Bisignano, Senator Herman Quirmbach, Senator Dick Dearden, Representative Art Staed, Representative Ako Abdul-Samad, Representative Jo Oldson, Representative Ruth Ann Gaines, Representative Sharon Steckman, Representative Todd Taylor, Representative Mary Gaskill, Representative Kirsten Running-Marquardt, Representative Timi Brown-Powers, and Representative Dave Jacoby.

The lawsuit, which was filed against Governor Terry Branstad and Director Charles Palmer, seeks to compel the governor and his administration to comply with Iowa law and reopen the Mt. Pleasant and Clarinda Mental Health Institutes.

"Iowa law clearly states that the State of Iowa shall operate Mental Health Institutes in Mt. Pleasant and Clarinda. This was the law when the governor announced his decision to close these facilities. This was the law when the legislature passed, with bipartisan support, the funding to keep these facilities open. This was the law when he closed these two facilities. It is still the law today," said AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan.

"No one is above the law. That includes the governor. We are filing this lawsuit to hold him accountable for breaking the law," added Homan.

"I am pleased that 20 legislators are joining with me in filing this lawsuit. We are proud to stand together in support of the rule of law and mental health services," added Homan.

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15 Jul 2015

Vehicle / Pedestrian Accident

By Major Thomas B. Gibbs

UPDATE: The following is an update to the accident from July 13, 2015 in the 1400 block of West Front Street in Buffalo, IA.

The female who was struck in the accident has been identified as Vicki Lynn Bitner. 53 year old white female from Davenport, IA.

On scene investigation showed a black Chevy pickup was traveling west on West Front Street. The pickup struck a white 53 year old female in the westbound lane of travel near the center line. The pickup truck's driver, Bruce Treur (white male, 45 year old from Bettendorf) attempted to avoid striking the female by maneuvering the vehicle to the shoulder. After the vehicle had performed an evasive maneuver in an attempt to avoid striking the female, the pickup truck made contact with the female on the driver's side front headlight and quarter fender along with the driver's side mirror. The truck then attempted to correct its self, causing it to spin around and come to a stop.

The truck then returned to the area of accident and called 9-1-1. The name of the victim is being held pending family notification. She is currently in serious critical condition.

At this time no charges or citations have been filed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

On July 13, 2015 at approximately 04:25 AM, a call came into the Scott Emergency Communications Center (SECC) of a person being struck by a vehicle near the 1400 block of West Front Street (HWY 22) in Buffalo, IA.

1400 West Front Street, also known as Highway 22, is located in Buffalo, IA near Buffalo Shores entrance. The area of this accident is a two lane divided cement road which is unlit with a speed limit of 55 MPH.

A vehicle traveling west on West Front Street stuck a 53 year old white female from Davenport, IA in the roadway near the 1400 block. The female was flown by Med Force helicopter to the University of Iowa Hospital in critical condition.

All names are being held pending family notification and further investigation.  This accident remains under investigation.

Detective Sean Thompson 82-19
Scott County Sheriff's Office Accident Investigator.

15 Jul 2015

Making Summer More Energy Efficient

By Steve Burke

By Nathaniel Sillin

It's expected to be a hotter summer this year, but don't confine your money-saving efforts to the thermostat.

The warm months can be the best time to focus on cutting year-round energy costs (http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/steo/report/electricity.cfm). Free of snow, ice and wind, it's easier to spot problems, do repairs and budget for energy-efficient appliances and fix-up projects that can save considerable money in the future.

Your first step should be better tracking and analysis of the energy you buy. The most common sources of energy spending are home utilities and fuel costs for vehicles. However, if you own a vacation home, operate a business within your residential space or have different vehicles for land or water, see if you can separate those numbers so you can more clearly identify usage patterns month to month and find ways to cut back.

Think about an energy audit. Whether you do it yourself or pay for the services of a certified professional summer is the best time to do a basement-to-rooftop energy audit (http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/professional-home-energy-audits). Some utility companies have home energy audits online so you can see where your energy is going. Prospective homeowners might make an energy audit part of their home inspection process. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, in 2014, the average American spent 60 percent of their energy dollars heating rooms and water. Another 16 percent goes to lighting, cooling and food refrigeration. The remainder - nearly a quarter of total home energy uses - covers all miscellaneous energy use in the house.

Then focus on the thermostat. In the summer, confine heavy air conditioning use to the hottest nights, and the rest of the time, try to set the thermostat a little higher than you do now. For example, the U.S. Energy Department says that setting your air conditioning to 78 degrees instead of 72 can save between 6-18 percent on your summer cooling bill. Before you spend money on a programmable thermostat or convert your real-time utility billing to a budget plan, note that some research questions their value (https://today.duke.edu/2015/04/autopay). First, see how much you can save by shutting off vents and doors and drawing curtains in unused rooms and spaces. If you don't have pets, you may consider setting your thermostat significantly higher than 78 before you leave for work.

Lights out. We've all been admonished to turn off the lights when we leave a room, but there are other things we can do to capture random, or "vampire," energy waste. Sensors, dimmers and timers can reduce lighting use, and installing power strips can keep computers, microwaves, cable boxes, DVRs and high-end TV sets from sucking energy even when they're not turned on. Unplugging between uses works too. Also, swapping conventional incandescent bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) can provide lighting that lasts longer and saves money on replacements.

Check for tax credits and rebates. Make a call to your tax professional, check the Internal Revenue Service's website (http://www.irs.gov/uac/Form-5695,-Residential-Energy-Credits) and EnergyStar.gov for news on residential energy credits for specific replacement appliances and energy-saving improvements to your home. Keep in mind that Congress traditionally acts late each year to renew old credits or to approve new ones.

Consider energy-smart landscaping. Keep in mind that well-placed trees and shrubs can shield a home from the sun and the elements year-round and potentially save 25 percent on energy costs annually.

Cars, gas, and public transportation. If you drive, consolidate errands, fill up your tank at cheaper times and consider smartphone apps to find low gas prices for commuting and vacation use. And if you don't regularly use public transportation, start testing it during the summer. The additional walking most people do when they take public transportation has health benefits as well.

Bottom line: This summer, don't just try to keep cool. Save money by changing your year-round energy behavior.

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