05 Jun 2015

"Fill the Truck" Food Drive for Christian Care

By Marilyn DeMay

Christian Care Needs Your Help Feeding the Quad Cities Community

Rock Island, IL, June 2015 -Last year, Christian Care served almost 60,000 meals to hungry residents of the Quad Cities. Every meal served is made possible by food and financial gifts provided by generous organizations and members of the Quad City community. Right now, Christian Care needs your help to continue offering those meals at their community meal site.  Their food is in short supply and the cupboards are bare!

On Saturday, June 20, Christian Care, in partnership with Jewel Food Store, will host a "Fill the Truck" food drive from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Jewel Food Store located at 2010 - 1st Street, Moline, in City Line Plaza. Jewel will provide shopping bags with a list of needed items attached.  Christian Care will have a truck standing by to collect all donations and deliver them to their shelters.

Community members wishing to take an active role in stocking the pantry at Christian Care may host a food drive through their church, organization or social group. Donations are also accepted seven days a week at Christian Care's Rescue Mission, located at 2209 3rd Avenue in Rock Island.  For more information, call 309-786-5734. Please partner with Christian Care and Jewel and help feed the needy of the Quad Cities community.

Christian Care's services are available in the Quad Cities to a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Through their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?they provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to anyone in need. They serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illness. Their vision is to transform lives. By providing safe shelter, support and resources, Christian Care empowers both the homeless and survivors of domestic violence to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives.
05 Jun 2015

Caitlin Elizabeth Nichol from Walcott, IA Participates in Commencement at Augustana College, SD.

By Kelly Sprecher

SIOUX FALLS, SD (06/05/2015)(readMedia)-- 376 students participated in the Augustana College Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 23, held at the Sioux Falls Arena.

Caitlin Elizabeth Nichol from Walcott, IA (52773) was recognized during the Commencement ceremony.

The ceremony's speakers included:

  • Don Jacobs, market manager and vice president for Townsquare Media, who spoke on "Wisdom You Need To Know From King Solomon, Bruce Lee and Winnie The Pooh." Jacobs has nearly 40 years of experience in broadcast media, sales and marketing.
  • Lance Shaull, class of 2015, who spoke on "Try and Try Again." A biology major from Tea, South Dakota, Shaull is the recipient of the 2015 Covenant Award for Service.

About Augustana

Founded in 1860, Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D., is a selective, residential, comprehensive college of the Lutheran Church. Committed to enriching lives and fostering development, Augustana combines a foundation in the liberal arts with professional skill and advanced study, leading the Templeton Guide to include the College among those that inspire students to lead ethical and civic-minded lives. With more than 1,830 students from 35 states and 42 countries, Augustana is featured among "America's Top Colleges" by Forbes; was ranked among the top baccalaureate colleges in the nation for its efforts to advance social mobility, research and service by Washington Monthly; has been named a "Best Midwestern College" by The Princeton Review; and is identified in Peterson's "440 Great Colleges for Great Students."

05 Jun 2015

AMERICAN PICKERS To Film In Le Claire, Iowa

By Randi Rosenthal

Le Claire is excited to welcome Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and Antique Archeology to the area. The team will film episodes of their hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout Iowa. Filming will begin next month.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique 'picking' on History. This hit show follows two of the most skilled pickers in the business, Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they embark on an epic road trip across the U.S. in search of America's most valuable antiques from motorcycles, classic cars and bicycles to one-of-a-kind vintage memorabilia. Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle America, restore forgotten relics to their former glory, and learn a thing or two about American history along the way.

Filming is scheduled to start next month.  AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore what you may have. They are on the hunt for interesting characters with interesting and unique items.  Some of what they look for: vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, vintage musical equipment, vintage automotive items, early firefighting equipment, vintage clothing, pre-50's western gear.

AMERICAN PICKERS is produced by Cineflix Productions for History. New episodes air Wednesdays at 9pm ET on History.

If you have a large collection or want to refer someone to Mike and Frank, email: your name, number, address and description of the collection and photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com , or call 1-855-old-rust.
05 Jun 2015

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Friday Announcements - 06/05/2015

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME NEW MEMBER!

Dr. Sinan Gocmen - Abundant Health Chiropractic - 878 Middle Road, Bettendorf, IA. It's the mission of Abundant Health Chiropractic to improve the face of health in the Quad Cities one person, one family, one community at a time. info@getabundanthealth.com www.getabundanthealth.com

CHAMBER NEWSLETTER

The June 2015 issue has been sent to all homes and businesses in the 52753 zipcode area and can be seen online at www.leclairechamber.com

CALENDAR

June 5th - Jones St Java House will upgrade your coffee to the next size when you purchase a wrap or breakfast sandwich on!

June 5th - First Friday in LeClaire - 5-8p.m.

* Antique Archaeology open until 6pm

* Artswork open until 7pm

* Aunt Hattie's open late

* Blue Iguana - Salsa night!  Stop in and try the new blue agave infused lager, Oculto!

* Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits - Live Music - Bobby Ray Bunch - 7:30. Restaurant Specials.

* Grasshoppers will be open late

* Isabel Bloom open until 7pm

* Jones St Java House open until 7pm

* LeClaire Community Library will be selling the newly released Isabel Bloom's Green Tree LeClaire, Iowa piece at the MRDC plaza for First Friday

* Mississippi River Distilling Company open until 8pm. Fun food and cocktail sampling and the release of this year's batch of Pride of the Wapsi Strawberry Vodka!

* Steventon's - The Kerry & Rich Acoustic Duet will be out on the deck, kicking off our Sunset Concert Series, 6-9 pm.

* Unique Recycled Creations open until 7pm with goodies

* Wide River Winery Tasting Room open until 8pm - live music by H.C. Wallace - 5-8p.m.

* Restaurants and many other shops open late!

June 5th-6th - LeClaire Community Library will be selling the newly released Isabel Bloom's Green Tree LeClaire, Iowa piece at the MRDC plaza for First Friday and Farmers Market. Cost is $24 with all proceeds going to the Library Endowment Fund.

 

June 5th-6th - City Wide Garage Sales Garage Sale Guides will be available online at www.visitleclaire.com, at the LeClaire Information Center (122 N. Cody Road), LeClaire Community Library, and LeClaire City Hall

June 12th - Wide River Winery Live Music - 5-8p.m. Lewis Knudsen

June 12th - Steventon's - Live Music Tucker & Douglas 6 - 9pm.

June 12th - Bierstube - Karaoke 9pm-1am. Special Late Night Menu until 1a.m.!

June 13th - Kid Picker's Flea Market Mike Wolfe, creator and star of HISTORY's® series "American Pickers" and proprietor of landmark Antique Archaeology, is hosting Iowa's first KID PICKER FLEA MARKET 10am to 4pm at the Le Claire Levee.  The event, designed by Wolfe to continue to encourage kids to collect, learn about, buy and sell their picks, is open to vendors ages 7 to 13 and to shoppers of all ages, and will be filmed by the "American Pickers" television crew for a Season 7 episode of the network's hit show. Kid Pickers and their families, along with the general public, are invited to the Levee, just steps away from downtown Le Claire and the original Antique Archaeology store, to share and shop.  There will be live music throughout the day, and the opportunity to see Wolfe, along with co-stars Frank Fritz and Danielle Colby as they meet and talk with the young Pickers. The Twilight, a Mississippi riverboat, will be hosting the Kid Pickers on a sunset cruise at the end of the day.  Tickets are also available for friends and families. Event information:  Emily Gwin - emilyantiquearchaeology@gmail.com

 

June 13th - The Twilight Riverboat will be offering 1-½ hour sightseeing cruises to compliment the Kid Picker's Flea Market. Cruises depart at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Board 15 minutes prior. $15 per adult / $9 kids 10-4 / 3 years and under free. Cash bar will be available; no food. You can reserve your spot through their website, over the phone, or that day at their boat dock. http://www.riverboattwilight.com/ 800 331-1467 Visit Le Claire for the Kid Picker's event and spend some time on the river while you're at it!

 

June 13th-21st - Buffalo Bill Museum is participating in Quad Cities' Museum Week. It started with an idea, and now nineteen Quad Cities museums are partnering to create an entire week of fun activities, special events and exhibits to showcase the vibrant history of our region. LeClaire's own Buffalo Bill Museum will hold Guided Tours of the Lone Star Steamboat (admission charged) June 13, 14 and 20, 21, Noon to 5 p.m.

June 14th - Buffalo Bill Museum will be partnering in a "Cody Trail Passport" program, noon-5p.m., admission charged. Enjoy a special, self-guided tour of four fascinating Iowa historic sites along the Cody Trail. Pick up a "Cody Trail Passport Self-Guided Tour" at any of the participating locations to plan your driving adventure. The tour includes the Buffalo Bill Museum in LeClaire, Buffalo Bill Cody Homestead in Princeton, and the Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village and Alexander Brownlie Sod House in Long Grove. Have your passport stamped at each location for a chance to win a gift basket filled with souvenirs from all four historic sites. Drop fully-stamped passport in an entry box at any location. For more information, contact the Buffalo Bill Museum, 199 N. Front Street, LeClaire, www.buffalobillmuseumleclaire.com Phone 563-289-5580.

June 14th-18th - Come explore Camp Kilimanjaro and the book of Proverbs at Asbury's Vacation Bible School (VBS), each evening Sunday, June 14 through Thursday, June 18, 5:30-8:30pm. A meal will be served at 5:30pm with VBS beginning at 6pm. Online registration for children and volunteers: https://answersvbs.com/vbs/asburyumc/ An adult VBS is also being offered at 6:30pm on the same evenings; adults are welcome to join us for the 5:30pm meal, too.

June 18th - Wide River Winery - Painting in the Courtyard 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.  "Spring Night Owl."  Complimentary souvenir wine glass, glass of wine, and small bites - $42. Price includes an artist led painting on a 16" x 20" pre-sketched canvas and all supplies. To register visit www.uncorkedpaintwinedesign.com Seating in limited!

 

June 19th - Wide River Winery Live Music - 5-8p.m. Whoozdads?

June 20th - All We Need Is Love Music Festival LeClaire Pavilion and several downtown businesses - Live Music and more!

June 20th - The 8th Annual John Boesch Memorial Golf Outing at the Olathea Golf Course to benefit the Buffalo Bill Museum. 18 hole, four-person, best ball tournament with 9am shotgun start. $65/person includes cart, lunch, prizes at every hole, and free photo. There will be Mulligans available for purchase, a cash award on two flights, and a $10,000 hole-in-one prize! Don't golf? You can enjoy lunch for $7 and bid on all the great silent auction items. Contact Olathea at 563-289-4653, Packy Huettman at 563-289-5971, or Steve Suiter at 563-370-2386 for reservations.

June 20th - Blue Iguana Opening Early at 10:00 for Cars & Coffee

June 20th - Blue Iguana Sangria Saturday! ($4 pints / $14 pitchers)

June 21st - Bierstube Father's Day Brunch 7am- 1pm. Lunch menu at 11am. Adults (13+)- $13.95.  6-12 years old- $7.95. Kids 5 and under FREE. Bottomless mimosas available for $8 during breakfast!

June 21st - Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits - Father's Day Beer and BBQ Event. $15 for a sampling of beers and BBQ. From Noon-2 enjoy the perfect gift for Dad, Beer and BBQ! Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

June 21st - Steventons Father's Day Brunch 10am-2pm. Please call ahead for reservations. 563-289-3600.

June 22nd - Economic Development Meeting - City Hall - 8a.m.

June 22nd - Expressions in Threads - singer/songwriter AnnMarie Rowland performing and hosting a show-and-tell to kick off the nationwide Row by Row Experience. 11:00 a.m. AnnMarie Rowland's performance will appeal to all those who love quilts. There is no charge, but in order to have a guaranteed seat, customers must call and reserve their spot. 563-289-1447. For more information, go to http://www.expressionsinthreads.com/module/events.htm?year=2015&month=Jun&day=22&eventId=803015

June 23rd - An Afternoon of Euchre at the Princeton Community Center. Meet at 11:30 to order lunch from Go Fish! or just arrive by 12:45 for Euchre. Coffee and dessert provided. We play until 3:00p.m.  Bonnie Sparks-Gray 563-332-5951 for more information. Sponsored by Zion Lutheran Church and others.

June 26th - Wide River Winery Live Music - 5-8p.m. Black Velvet Band

June 26th - Bierstube - Karaoke 9pm-1am Special Late Night Menu until 1a.m.!

 

June 27th - French Market Day

 

June 28th - Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits - Wine Tasting 3-5pm - 15 wines for $15.00

 

SAVE THE DATE

 

July 18th - LeClaire High School Reunion For All Who Attended LeClaire Township Schools before 1960. Pleasant Valley Community School District High School Cafeteria, Belmont Road, Bettendorf, IA. Doors open 3p.m. Buffet Dinner, 5-7p.m. Program 7p.m. Commemorative T-Shirts - $10.00. $18 per person. Reservations Required. Guests Welcome! Contact Marie Spinsby, 563-289-4588.

 

FYI

 

Expressions in Threads - The Row by Row Experience is a nationwide event that runs from June 21st through September 8th in which participating shops create a unique quilt row created by each, individual shop, based on a central theme, this year's them is water. Customers can travel to participating shops like Expressions in Threads and collect the row we've created, along with our shop's license plate, specially designed for the Row by Row event. For more information, go to: http://www.expressionsinthreads.com/module/events.htm?year=2015&month=Jun&day=22&eventId=803020

LeClaire Riverfront Farmers' Market - Every Saturday, 3-6p.m.

Another round of $10,000 was awarded to area students to help pay for their college costs as part of the Ascentra Credit Union Scholarship Competition.  There were five $1,000 scholarships available for high school students planning to enter college.  The other five $1,000 scholarships were for members age 19 or over, considered non-traditional or continuing education students. All entries are judged on their essay, resume, awards, extracurricular activities, volunteer services and work experience.  The competition is announced every October with the deadline in March of the following year. Official rules may be picked up at any of our branches or found online at ww.ascentra.org/scholarships.

Bierstube -

Summer Kitchen Hours

Sunday- 7am-10pm

Monday- Thursday 10:30am-10pm

Friday- 10:30am-12am

Saturday- 7am-12am

Karaoke every 2nd & 4th Fridays from 9pm-1am.

New Late night Happy Hour 9pm-1am!

Late night Menu available 9pm-12am!

 

Blue Iguana has new weekly drink specials:

Margarita Mondays - $2 Off Margaritas

Iguana Tuesdays - $4  Wanna Iguanas

Wednesday Wells - $3 Well Drinks

Thirsty Thursday - $4 MRDC Feature Drink

Feature Friday - $4 Featured Drink

Sangria Saturdays - $4 Pints/$14 Pitchers

Draft Sunday - $1 Off Draft Beers

 

Join Crane & Pelican Café every Thursday evening from 5-9pm for Sliders & Suds. For $10, you get three gourmet sliders with their house made chips, and for $5 you get three 8 oz. sample pours of beer!

 

Faithful Pilot - May, June, July, and August Specials - And Come Check Out Our New Menu!

Mondays - Half Priced Martini's

Tuesdays - Tequila Tuesday $5.00 unique, and interesting tequila cocktails for $5.00

Wednesday - Half Priced Bottle of Wine Night

Thursday - $1.00 Oysters & Buckets of Beer on the patio

Saturday - Saturday Brunch 11-2 - yes Brunch is back at The Pilot on Saturdays!

Sunday - reserved for wine tastings and private events.

 

Go Fish Marina Bar & Grill Summer Dinner Specials have started! Monday: Burger Baskets Tuesday: Tacos - Wednesday: 50 cent Wings - Thursday: BBQ Ribs - All day Sunday: Jumbo Peel 'n Eat Shrimp

 

Jones St. Java House has fresh, tasty wraps for lunch in addition to morning pastries, coffee, tea, and other beverages.

 

Princeton Community Center The fourth Wednesday of each month through October we will have An Afternoon of Euchre beginning around 12:30 p.m.  Anyone interested in lunch can meet at 11:30 a.m. and we will order from Go Fish (lunch is on their own) and have it delivered to the Center with Euchre to start after that. Zion Lutheran co-sponsors the event.  There will be coffee and dessert included.  There will be no fee to play, just enjoy a fun afternoon near the Mississippi.

 

The Ascentra Credit Union Foundation will host its first fundraising event with the Inaugural Paul Lensmeyer Golf Outing on Sept. 28, 2015 at the Rock Island Arsenal Golf Club. The event will include a four-person scramble, box lunch and awards reception following the golf outing. Register now by visiting following the golf outing link on the foundation website located at www.ascentra.org/foundation.  Following the link, people can register to golf and companies may also partake in special sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, please contact Event Coordinator Ally Herr at 563-344-2279 or email mktg@ascentra.org.

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month, 8a.m. at LeClaire City Hall.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

 

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Wednesday evening program: Halftime! For kids, 5-11 years old. It's half way through the week - and it's a time of fun for the kids. We meet from 5:30-7pm, every Wednesday - there is school, through May 6. We serve dinner, play games, have a lesson and a craft. Have your child join us for a week or two to see what we are doing. We are located across from Bridgeview Elementary School, at 200 South 12th street. For more information, call Pastor Melody at 563-381-7777.

Pick up the new LeClaire information guide at the LeClaire Information Center. It has many photos and great information for everyone including residents, potential residents, visitors, realtors, relocation personnel, schools, and more! Summer hours have started: Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 1-4pm. 122 N. Cody Road. LIC Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

PROPERTY LISTINGS

 

Riverview Apartment for Rent - Downtown LeClaire. One Bedroom. $1250/month. Call 563-940-3742 for more information.

Commercial Property for Rent - 1405 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. 2,500 SF newly constructed office/retail space. Co-Tenant Snap Fitness. Owner will subdivide space. Private parking lot. ADA compliant. Contact: Meg Halligan, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, mhalligan@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000 Website Link: http://www.ruhlcommercial.com/Page/Property.aspx?mls=7032508

Commercial Property for Sale 613-617 N Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Contact Jeff R. Heuer, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jheuer@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5107.

Commercial Property for Sale Cody Road, LeClaire IA 52753. Description: contact John G. Ruhl, NAI Ruhl Commercial Company, jruhl@ruhlcommercial.com, Office: 563-355-4000, Direct: 563-823-5126.

Commercial Property Available Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

LECLAIRE EVENTS COMING UP!

June 5th-6th - City Wide Garage Sales

June 13th - Kid Picker's Flea Market

June 20th - Cars & Coffee on the LeClaire Levee

June 20th - All We Need Is Love Music Festival

June 27th - French Market Day

Tug Fest - August 13-15

CHAMBER NETWORKING EVENTS - EVERYONE WELCOME!

June 9th - Big Dave and Holly's - Lunch - noon

July 14th - Blue Iguana - Lunch - noon

05 Jun 2015

WHITECAPS HOMER TO OVERCOME BANDITS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities has magic number to clinch a playoff spot reduced to seven by Burlington loss Thursday

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. (June 5, 2015) - The Quad Cities River Bandits held a 2-0 lead until the bottom of the sixth inning Thursday, when the West Michigan Whitecaps rallied to tie the game on a solo home run by designated hitter Mike Gerber, and Whitecaps third baseman Zach Shepherd hit a go-ahead home run leading off the seventh inning of his team's 3-2 win at Fifth Third Ballpark.

Despite the loss, Quad Cities (37-17) kept the best record in professional baseball and a two-game lead in the Midwest League Western Division over second-place Cedar Rapids (35-19). With a loss by third-place Burlington (27-27) on Thursday, the River Bandits' magic number (combination of Quad Cities wins and losses by the Western Division's third-place team) to clinch a first-half playoff spot is seven.

The River Bandits opened the scoring in the second inning against Whitecaps right-hander Fernando Perez. Catcher Jacob Nottingham and third baseman Nick Tanielu - both named starters for the Western Division All-Star team Thursday - hit consecutive singles to right and left-center field, respectively. Second baseman Kristian Trompiz lifted a single into shallow center field, scoring Nottingham for a 1-0 River Bandits lead. Perez ended the inning by getting designated hitter Sean McMullen to ground into a double play and right fielder Ramon Laureano to ground out.

In the fourth inning, Nottingham again singled to right field against Perez with one out. Tanielu promptly singled to right field, and Trompiz walked to load the bases. McMullen hit a sacrifice fly to center fielder Derek Hill on the warning track to score Nottingham for a 2-0 lead. Perez only allowed one hit - a single by center fielder Bobby Boyd, who was thrown out trying to stretch it to a double - in the rest of his outing, and faced the minimum in four of his six innings pitched. He was charged with two earned runs on six hits and one walk with five strikeouts for West Michigan (27-27).

River Bandits right-hander Brock Dykxhoorn worked around back-to-back first-inning, two-out out singles by Gerber and second baseman Joey Pankake by striking out first baseman Will Kengor. Dykxhoorn then went on to face one over the minimum in the second through fifth innings, allowing one walk and another base runner on an error by shortstop Mott Hyde.

Dykxhoorn began the sixth inning with a 2-0 lead, but Hill led off with a triple down the right-field line and scored on a sacrifice fly by right fielder Ross Kivett. Gerber then drove his team-high fifth home run down the right-field line to tie the game, 2-2. It ended Dykxhoorn's outing after allowing two earned runs on four hits and one walk with six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.

Right-hander Eric Peterson (2-1) recorded the final two outs of the sixth inning, but he allowed Shepherd's third home run of the season to lead off the seventh inning and give West Michigan the lead for the first time in the series. Peterson completed 1 2/3 innings, allowing one earned run on two hits with two strikeouts. River Bandits right-hander Ryan Thompson pitched a scoreless eighth inning with one strikeout.

The Whitecaps bullpen kept the lead to the end of the game. Right-hander Gage Smith (1-1) worked 1 2/3 innings, beginning with a perfect seventh. He allowed a leadoff single to Boyd in the eighth inning for the only Quad Cities base runner after the fifth inning. Boyd reached third base after a sacrifice by left fielder Jason Martin and groundout by first baseman Jamie Ritchie, but right-hander Joe Jimenez struck out Hyde to end the inning. In the ninth inning, Jimenez struck out Nottingham, got Tanielu to pop out at home plate and retired Trompiz on a flyout to left field for his fourth save. A day after matching a season high with eight extra-base hits, Quad Cities managed singles for all seven hits against West Michigan pitchers on Thursday.

The River Bandits conclude their series in West Michigan with a rubber match at 6 p.m. Central on Friday. River Bandits right-hander Joshua James (1-1) is scheduled to face Whitecaps right-hander Spenser Watkins (0-0) in the series finale.

05 Jun 2015

FOUR RIVER BANDITS NAMED MWL ALL-STARS

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities leads all Western Division teams with three starters for June 23 game at Dozer Park in Peoria

DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 5, 2015) - Three Quad Cities River Bandits were selected to start the 2015 Midwest League All-Star Game, and one was named as a reserve for the Western Division in the June 23 game at Dozer Park in Peoria, Ill., the Midwest League announced on Thursday. Quad Cities was the only Western Division with multiple players named as starters.

River Bandits catcher Jacob Nottingham, second baseman Mott Hyde and third baseman Nick Tanielu were selected by Western Divison field managers to start the 51st Midwest League All-Star Game. River Bandits right-hander Austin Chrismon was named as a pitcher. The four All-Stars are the most to represent Quad Cities since 2012. The last time Quad Cities had three players start an All-Star Game was 2006, when Bryan Anderson, Colby Rasmus, and Randy Roth all represented the club in the Western Division starting lineup.

Nottingham, 20, was the youngest starter named to the Western Division roster. A sixth-round pick by the Houston Astros in the 2013 First-Year Players Draft out of Redlands (Calif.) High School, Nottingham leads the Midwest League with a .590 slugging percentage and .988 on-base-plus-slugging (OPS), and leads all Astros minor leaguers with a .342 batting average. He is tied for the league lead in extra-base hits (23), tied for second in total bases (95), is third in batting average, and is tied for fourth in home runs (eight). Through Wednesday, he led all Midwest League catchers with a .996 fielding percentage and a 59.1 percent rate (13-for-22) in catching attempted base stealers. Nottingham is currently ranked as the No. 25 prospect in the Astros organization by MLB.com. He leads the River Bandits with 33 RBIs and was named the Quad Cities Player of the Month for May, when he led the team with a .355 batting average, four home runs, 13 extra-base hits, 20 RBIs, a .591 slugging percentage and .997 OPS.

Hyde, 23, was the Astros' 26th round pick in the 2014 draft out of Georgia Tech University. The Resaca, Ga., native is tied for second in the Midwest League with 16 doubles and leads all Western Division second baseman with 31 runs, 27 bases on balls, a .387 on-base percentage and .801 OPS. He is the only River Bandit this season to win Midwest League Player of the Week, which he won for April 27-May 3, when he was 11-for-22 with four doubles, one triple, three RBIs, five runs scored, four walks and no strikeouts in six games. Hyde has played a team-high 47 games through Thursday, starting 28 games at second base, 10 at shortstop and eight as the designated hitter for Quad Cities this season.

Tanielu, 22, was the Astros' 14th round pick in the 2014 draft out of Washington State University. The Huntsville, Ala., native is 14th in the Midwest League and ninth among Astros minor leaguers with a .307 batting average. He leads Quad Cities in batting average on the road (.333), with runners on base (.419) and with runners in scoring position (.457). Tanielu is second to Nottingham on the River Bandits team in batting average, RBIs (25) and hits (50) this season. Tanielu has started 40 games at third base, one at first base and two as a designated hitter for Quad Cities. He was the MVP of the New York-Penn League All-Star Game in 2014, when he started as a designated hitter and went 3-for-3, including a hit to drive in the only run for the North All-Stars in what ended as a 1-1, nine-inning tie.

Chrismon, 22, became the first player ever drafted out of Christopher Newport (Va.) University when he was taken by Houston in the 26th round of the June 2013 draft. The Newport News, Va., native is 4-1 with two saves in 10 games (six starts) this season and ranks third among qualifying Astros minor leaguers and ninth in the Midwest League with 1.07 walks-plus-hits per inning pitched (WHIP). He is also fifth among Astros minor leaguers in ERA (2.93) and opponents' average (.251). He also leads Quad Cities in innings pitched (46) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (6.00) this season.

The Western Division will be led in the All-Star Game by the Peoria Chiefs field staff, including Chiefs manager Joe Kruzel, who was the River Bandits hitting coach from 2008 to 2012.

Through Thursday, Quad Cities was 37-17, a mark that gave the club the best record in all of professional baseball.

UP NEXT: Modern Woodmen Park is hosting a Father's Day Cookout for the 1:15 p.m. game Sunday, June 21. Call 563-324-3000 to order a package that includes a game ticket and access to the all-you-can-eat buffet in the Budweiser Champions Club. The day includes a Mega Mini-Fridge Giveaway presented by Budweiser and 7G Distributing and is a Family Sunday presented by B100 and ESPN 93.5. 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.

05 Jun 2015

Jennifer Hurst of Davenport Graduates from The University of Scranton

By Stan Zygmunt

SCRANTON, PA (06/04/2015)(readMedia)-- Jennifer L. Hurst of Davenport was among the more than 930 bachelor's and associate's degree recipients at its undergraduate commencement on May 31 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre. Scott R. Pilarz, S.J., the 24th president of The University of Scranton and current president of Georgetown Prep in Washington, D.C., served as the principal speaker. He received an honorary degree at the ceremony, as did University alumna Karen L. Pennington, Ph.D., '76, G'83, vice president for student development and campus life at Montclair State University, New Jersey. Graduates of the Jesuit university included two recipients of prestigious Fulbright scholarships for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Hurst earned a Bachelor of Science degree in human resources studies from The University of Scranton.

In an address peppered with quotes from rock stars and poets, Father Pilarz told graduates of the 'wisdom' their Jesuit education provides.

"I use the word wisdom quite deliberately when I am talking about the kind of education you have received here," said Father Pilarz, who used a scene from the 1980 film "Atlantic City" to illustrate the difference between "information" and "wisdom."

Father Pilarz also acknowledged the important role parents and faculty played in providing the graduates with the "precious gift" they have received: "the gift of a Catholic and Jesuit education at The University of Scranton."

"In their sacred work the faculty are released - and they release you - from 'straight lines, blocks, boxes and binds of thought' into a liberating appreciation of meaning, true significance and wisdom. In their sacred work, they point beyond themselves to the wisdom that life is best lived not in the promotion of self but generously in the service of others," said Father Pilarz.

Members of the Scranton's class of 2015 represent 16 states, including Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington. Undergraduate majors with the most graduates are biology, nursing, exercise science, health sciences - occupational therapy, psychology and accounting.

05 Jun 2015

MIDWEST LEAGUE ANNOUNCES 2015 ALL-STAR ROSTERS

By Marco LaNave
South Bend, IN (6/4/15) --- Richard A. Nussbaum II, President of the Midwest League of Professional Baseball Clubs, Inc., is pleased to announce the 2015 All-Star Game Rosters. The All-Stars were nominated and selected by the Field Managers of the Midwest League. The Peoria Chiefs are hosting the 51th MWL All-Star Classic on June 23, 2015 at Dozer Park, Peoria, Illinois.

The Field Staffs and rosters for the All-Star Classic will be:

Western Division - Peoria Chiefs

§  Joe Kruzel, Manager

§  Dernier Orozco, Pitching Coach

§  Jobel Jimenez, Hitting Coach

§  Brian Pruitt, Coach

§  Brent Neuharth, Athletic Trainer

§  Kevin Schmalzried, Strength and Conditioning Coach

2015 WESTERN ALL-STAR ROSTER

POSITION

STARTERS

HT

WT

B/T

DOB

CLUB

HOMETOWN

27

C

Jacob Nottingham

6-3

227

R/R

4-3-95

Quad Cities

Redlands, CA

33

1B

Trey Vavra

6-3

205

R/R

9-17-91

Cedar Rapids

Menomonie, WI

3

2B

Mott Hyde

5-10

188

R/R

3-10-92

Quad Cities

Resaca, GA

30

3B

Nick Tanielu

5-11

215

R/R

9-4-92

Quad Cities

Huntsville, AL

4

SS

Oscar Mercado

6-2

185

R/R

12-16-94

Peoria

Tampa, FL

7

OF

Caleb Adams

5-10

185

R/R

1-26-93

Burlington

Texarkana, TX

17

OF

Estarlyn Morales

6-3

180

R/R

10-28-92

Clinton

Santo Domingo, DR

8

OF

Colin Bray

6-3

197

S/L

6-18-93

Kane County

Mobile, AL

35

DH

Sandber Pimentel

6-3

220

L/L

9-12-94

Beloit

Santo Domingo, DR











RESERVE PLAYERS





11

C

Carlos Leal

5-11

192

L/R

7-13-91

Wisconsin

Guaynabo, PR

14

INF

Marty Herum

6-3

214

R/R

12-16-91

Kane County

St. Paul, MN

4

INF

Andrew Daniel

6-1

195

R/R

1-27-93

Burlington

San Diego, CA

18

INF

Cody Regis

6-2

222

L/R

6-8-91

Kane County

Tucson, AZ

13

INF

Yairo Munoz

6-0

180

R/R

1-23-92

Beloit

Nagua, DR

2

INF

Jake Yacinich

6-2

195

L/R

3-2-93

Burlington

Des Moines, IA

3

OF

Natanael Delgado

6-1

170

L/L

10-23-95

Burlington

Los Cacaos, DR





























PITCHERS





25

P

Brett Graves

6-1

195

R/R

1-30-93

Beloit

St. Charles, MO

40

P

Jeremy Rhoades

6-4

225

R/R

3-12-93

Burlington

Wheaton, IL

20

P

Jared Wilson

6-4

206

R/R

4-26-90

Cedar Rapids

Cypress, CA

25

P

Cam Booser

6-4

225

L/L

5-4-92

Cedar Rapids

Tacoma, WA

7

P

Felix Jorge

6-3

180

R/R

1-2-94

Cedar Rapids

Santiago, DR

35

P

Trevor Hildenberger

6-2

208

R/R

12-15-90

Cedar Rapids

San Jose, CA

45

P

Lukas Schiraldi

6-6

210

R/R

7-25-93

Clinton

Austin, TX

23

P

Cody Geyer

5-10

235

R/R

5-4-92

Kane County

Deland, FL

6

P

Ethan Elias

6-3

180

R/R

4-27-93

Kane County

Saskatoon, SK

25

P

Markus Solbach

6-5

205

R/R

8-26-91

Kane County

Dormagen, Germany

32

P

Daniel Poncedeleon

6-4

200

R/R

1-16-92

Peoria

La Mirada, CA

33

P

Austin Gomber

6-5

215

L/L

11-23-93

Peoria

Winter Garden, FL

36

P

Luis Perdomo

6-2

160

R/R

5-9-93

Peoria

Santo Domingo, DR

38

P

Austin Chrismon

6-3

255

R/R

9-16-92

Quad Cities

Newport News, VA

34

P

Cy Sneed

6-4

215

R/R

10-1-92

Wisconsin

Dallas, TX

 

Eastern Division - Lake County Captains

§  Shaun Larkin, Manager

§  Steve Karsay, Pitching Coach

§  Larry Day, Hitting Coach

§  Matthew Beauregard, Athletic Trainer

2015 EASTERN ALL-STAR ROSTER


#

POSITION

STARTERS

HT

WT

B/T

DOB

CLUB

HOMETOWN

9

C

Cael Brockmeyer

6-5

235

R/R

10-8-91

South Bend

San Diego, CA

44

1B

Rowdy Tellez

6-4

250

L/L

3-16-95

Lansing

Elk Grove, CA

15

2B

Jace Conrad

5-11

200

L/R

12-15-92

Bowling Green

Lafayette, LA

18

3B

Zach Shepherd

6-3

200

R/R

9-14-95

West Michigan

Sydney, AUS

7

SS

Gleyber Torres

6-1

175

R/R

12-13-96

South Bend

Caracas, VZ

22

OF

Anthony Alford

6-1

210

R/R

7-20-94

Lansing

Columbia, MS

24

OF

Charcer Burks

6-0

170

R/R

3-9-95

South Bend

Houston, TX

13

OF

Michael Gerber

6-2

195

L/R

7-8-92

West Michigan

Naperville, IL

14

DH

Ryan McBroom

6-3

230

R/L

4-9-92

Lansing

Fredericksburg, VA











RESERVE PLAYERS





14

C

Nick Ciuffo

6-1

195

L/R

3-7-95

Bowling Green

Mount Pleasant, SC

16

INF

Casey Gillaspie

6-4

250

S/L

1-25-93

Bowling Green

Omaha, NE

11

INF

 Michael Ahmed

6-2

195

R/R

1-20-92

Great Lakes

Springfield, MA

10

INF

Claudio Bautista

5-10

170

R/R

11-29-93

Lake County

Nizao, DR

2

INF

Grant Kay

6-0

190

R/R

5-29-93

Bowling Green

Omaha, NE

5

INF

Coty Blanchard

6-0

185

R/R

12-16-91

Bowling Green

Fort Payne, AL

10

OF

Nick Torres

6-1

220

R/R

6-30-93

Fort Wayne

Lakewood, CA





























PITCHERS





31

P

Brent Honeywell

6-2

190

R/R

3-31-95

Bowling Green

Carnesville, GA

3

P

Hunter Wood

6-1

175

R/R

8-12-93

Bowling Green

Rogers, AR

6

P

Chris Pike

6-0

185

R/R

11-11-92

Bowling Green

Southampton, NY

20

P

Brian Hunter

6-3

205

R/R

7-16-93

Dayton

Port Jefferson Station, NY

25

P

Tejay Antone

6-4

220

R/R

12-5-93

Dayton

Mansfield, TX

35

P

Tyler Mahle

6-3

193

R/R

9-29-94

Dayton

Westminster, CA

13

P

Thomas Dorminy

6-0

190

L/L

6-1-92

Fort Wayne

Lutz, FL

38

P

J.D. Underwood

6-2

215

L/R

9-2-92

Great Lakes

West Palm Beach, FL

44

P

Grant Holmes

6-1

215

L/R

3-22-96

Great Lakes

Conway, SC

24

P

Justus Sheffield

5-10

196

L/L

5-13-96

Lake County

Tullahoma, TN

23

P

Shane Dawson

6-1

200

R/L

9-9-93

Lansing

Drayton Valley, AB

26

P

James Farris

6-2

220

R/R

4-4-92

South Bend

Columbus, ON

38

P

Jeremy Null

6-7

225

R/R

9-27-93

South Bend

Claremont, NC

27

P

Joe Jimenez

6-3

220

R/R

1-17-95

West Michigan

San Juan, PR

32

P

Spencer Turnbull

6-3

235

R/R

9-18-92

West Michigan

Madison, MS









05 Jun 2015

Governor's Office Statement on Workers' Compensation Vote

By Rick Martin

"Unsurprisingly, Speaker Madigan and the politicians he controls again ignored compromise reform proposals and instead voted to protect their special interest allies. This proposal ignores the most important reforms we need for our worker's compensation system, and in another instance, could actually undermine previous reform efforts. Sadly, instead of taking steps to make Illinois more competitive and job-friendly, this is another example of the Speaker and his allies putting politics ahead of the people. Illinois needs real reform."

BACKGROUND

Causation:

·         Under the Governor's proposal, an employer is responsible for an injury if the major contributing cause of the injury was work-related.

·         The Speaker's proposal does not raise the standard of causation, which is the lowest in the nation. Under the Speaker's proposal, the employer is still 100% on the hook for injuries that are primarily caused outside of the workplace.

Repetitive Injuries:

·         The Governor's proposal recognized that certain medical conditions or disabilities are the result of years of hard work, repetitive injuries. Therefore, under the Governor's proposal, an repetitive injury is compensable if the major contributing cause is occupational - even if that injury occurs over multiple employers.

SPRINGFIELD - The following statement is attributable to Lance Trover, Director of Communications:

The Speaker's proposal still leaves employers on the hook for repetitive injuries that are largely caused outside of the workplace. The proposal permits a current employer to seek to recover a "pro rata share" from previous employers, but that fails to take into account where an employee is largely responsible for the injury. For example, if an injury is caused 10% by the current job, 10% by a previous job, and 80% by personal habits (e.g. running, past athletics, etc.), the current and previous employer would still together be responsible for 100% of the injury.

·         The Speaker's proposal does not include any requirement to show how the worker's employment significantly contributed to his or her injury.

·         The Speaker's proposal will drive up defense costs and be difficult to administer.  It forces employers to go back and bring a separate case for contribution against other employers.

Traveling Employee

·         The Speaker's proposal only seeks to codify one factor from the Supreme Court's Venture-Newberg decision.  It does not mention the other factors we proposed: that travel must be necessary for the performance of job duties and the employer must furnish the transportation/employee must receive reimbursement.

·         By failing to codify all factors considered by the Supreme Court in Venture-Newberg, the General Assembly is sending conflicting messages to arbitrators on the authority of this case, opening the door for more inconsistent judgements.

Other:

·         No cuts to the medical fee schedule.

·         No changes to the use of the AMA Guidelines.

·         No mention of credits for person-as-whole injuries.

###
05 Jun 2015

Notes & News from Senator Grassley's Office

By Grassley Press

PATENT Act Clears Committee with Overwhelming Vote of Support

WASHINGTON - The Senate Judiciary Committee today overwhelmingly passed the PATENT Act by a vote of 16-4.  The bill was cosponsored by Chairman Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member Patrick Leahy, and committee members John Cornyn, Chuck Schumer, Orrin Hatch, Amy Klobuchar and Mike Lee. 

The bipartisan PATENT Act takes concrete steps to stop abusive patent litigation practices and prevent bad actors from further undermining the system that has made the United States one of the most dynamic and innovative countries in the world.

The cosponsors said that there remain a few outstanding issues.  In the Manager's Amendment, there is placeholder language for amending claims in the Patent and Trademark Office's proceedings.  Negotiations are ongoing regarding this provision.  Another issue is in regards to a proposal by the life sciences community concerning the applicability of the Patent and Trademark Office's post grant proceedings to patents that are subject to the Hatch-Waxman Act and Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act processes.   The cosponsors have agreed to work on these issues as the bill proceeds to the Senate floor.

"Abusive patent litigation is a threat to our economy and costs consumers and businesses billions of dollars each year.  Too often, small business owners are being targeted for doing nothing more than using off-the-shelf products.  These types of frivolous lawsuits cost them millions of dollars and force them to settle despite having a strong defense," Grassley said.  "This bill is the product of hundreds of hours of discussion among stakeholders, administration officials and senators.  It's a real effort to address concerns from all sides.  I look forward to continuing the debate on the Senate floor."

"When businesses are threatened with patent suits just for using a scanner they purchased, or website owners face threats simply for using basic software in e-commerce, the patent system is not working as intended.  After two years of hard work, I am proud that the Judiciary Committee came together to support the PATENT Act by a wide bipartisan vote. The bill we approved today achieves a strong balance and brings needed improvements that will ensure the U.S. patent system remains the envy of the world. I look forward to the bill's consideration in the full Senate," Leahy said.

"This legislation will protect entrepreneurs and innovators in Texas and across the country from abusive patent assertion practices that have burdened America's private sector for far too long," said Cornyn. "These sensible reforms are the best way to protect access to justice for plaintiffs with legitimate claims of infringement, and to deter those who seek to game the system."

"This is a critical step forward in leveling the playing field to fight back against patent trolls that are sucking the life out of our innovators. I hope that this balanced and bipartisan bill will move quickly to the floor," Schumer said.

"I am pleased that the Judiciary Committee is moving forward with the PATENT Act. The fundamentals of this bill are very good, with important, commonsense litigation reforms that include fee shifting, heightened pleading standards, demand letter reforms, and a mechanism to ensure recovery of fees against shell companies. This bill is crucial for Utah businesses and families that depend on our innovation economy. There is still work we must do to strike the right balance on IPR reform, and I am committed to work through all remaining issues to ensure that innovators in every sector and industry are protected from patent trolls," Hatch said.

"Today's action in the Judiciary Committee demonstrates a bipartisan commitment to cracking down on the patent trolls that stifle innovation and cost our nation millions," Klobuchar said. "Minnesota has one of the highest rates of patents per capita in the nation, and this legislation also makes important improvements to the patent review process so that legitimate patent holders can better protect their patent rights, which are vital to innovation and competition."

"I am very proud of the work everyone has done on this essential legislation," Lee said. "This bill protects small businesses and startups from abusive patent trolls in a manner that also honors the legitimate concerns of patent holders. I will continue to work hard to ensure a balanced approach, and I look forward to seeing this bill on the Senate floor." 

A copy of the bill text that was debated in the Judiciary Committee today can be found here.  To watch the proceedings from today's meeting, click here.

-30-

Fake takeover bids, SEC names suspected culprit

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa last week expressed concern to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) about the security of a public filings database after the database apparently was used for fake company takeover bids involving Avon and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.  The SEC today named a Bulgarian man as being an architect behind the hoaxes that fraudulently drove up share prices.  Grassley made the following comment on today's news.

"It's reassuring that the SEC found the person it thinks was responsible in these cases.  But I'm still concerned about whether there are systemic problems that could lead to this happening again.  Catching someone after the fact means the damage to the markets already has been done.   I look forward to the SEC's response to my inquiry."

Grassley's letter to the SEC last week is available here.

Judiciary Committee Leaders Introduce Legislation to Reform the EB-5 Regional Center Program

 

WASHINGTON - Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley and Ranking Member Patrick Leahy have introduced legislation to reauthorize and reform the EB-5 Regional Center program.

The Immigrant Investor Program, or EB-5, provides visas for foreign nationals who invest a certain amount of capital in the U.S. economy and create jobs.  The EB-5 Regional Center program allows for a certain number of those visas for foreign investors to pool their capital in centers that fund U.S. projects and commercial enterprises.

"The EB-5 regional center program was created to benefit American communities through investment and job creation.  In many instances the program has helped combat a stagnant economy.  At the same time, though, we've seen too many occasions where national security has been put at risk and job creation has taken a back seat.  Our bill strengthens oversight, ensures greater accountability and transparency, discourages fraud, and provides a higher priority for national security.  I'm pleased to work with Senator Leahy on these much needed reforms, which will be the basis for reauthorization," Grassley said.   

Grassley has conducted extensive oversight of the program over the last several years and was instrumental in alerting authorities about allegations brought forward by whistleblowers. Those worries stem from the fact that other federal agencies, including the FBI, had raised national security concerns with the approval of several EB-5 regional centers and visas for foreign investors, as well as allegations from the whistleblowers who said that requests from politically influential people were being expedited.

The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General substantiated the allegations of special access and favoritism for politically connected people.  In addition, a Government Accountability Office report due out this summer is also expected to raise questions about the economic impact and the department's ability to assess risks.

The bipartisan bill introduced today helps address some of those concerns.  It bolsters the Department of Homeland Security's authorities to administer the program, and provides investors with greater protections and more information about their investments.  It also increases transparency and oversight and provides DHS the ability to proactively investigate fraud, both in the United States and abroad, using a dedicated fund paid for by certain program participants. The bill would also raise the amount of investment required and help to restore the program to its original intent, by ensuring that much of the capital generated and jobs created occur in rural areas and areas with high unemployment.

The American Job Creation and Investment Promotion Reform Act

 

  • Provides increased authority to Homeland Security to deny or terminate regional centers or visas where there is fraud, criminal misuse, or a threat to public safety or national security;
  • Requires background checks of regional center and project developer principals;
  • Requires the Department of Homeland Security to vet EB-5 projects earlier in the process, before foreign nationals apply for visas or invest in projects;
  • Enhances the Department's ability to investigate the source of funds from foreign investors and limits the use of loaned or gifted funds;
  • Requires increased disclosures to investors regarding business risks and conflicts of interest, and compliance with securities laws;
  • Establishes an "EB-5 Integrity Fund" in which regional centers would pay an annual fee to be used by the Department of Homeland Security to conduct audits and site visits to detect fraud and monitor compliance.
  • Strengthens the definition of "Targeted Employment Area" (TEA) so more investment goes to areas with high unemployment and rural areas, as Congress originally intended;
  • Raises the investment threshold to $800,000 for TEAs and $1.2 million for non-TEAs;
  • Requires for the first time that foreign investors prove the creation of direct jobs, in addition to verifiable indirect jobs, before they're able to adjust to permanent residence.
  • Sets standards for Homeland Security employees to prevent preferential treatment and enhances transparency of how decisions regarding applications are made.

-30-

DoJ inspector general releases misconduct investigative report, more to come

The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General today noted that it is now posting certain investigative summaries on its website.  The Office of Inspector General said, "These summaries will relate to cases of administrative misconduct involving:  (i) members of the Senior Executive Service and employees at the GS-15 grade level or above, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys, in which the OIG found misconduct and no prosecution resulted; or (ii) high-profile investigations, or where there may otherwise be significant public interest as determined by the OIG."  The first summary, involving misconduct by a U.S. Marshal, is available here. Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Judiciary Committee, made the following comment on this development.

"I commend Inspector General Horowitz for leading by example as chair of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency.  This ought to be standard operating procedure for every inspector general.  Their work is too important to keep secret.  Investigative reports ought to see the light of day so agencies will have to answer for misconduct by senior officials.  More disclosure makes it harder for agencies to ignore an embarrassing report.  Agencies that aren't doing their jobs or have employees who waste the taxpayers' money ought to be flushed out of the shadows.  The same goes for inspectors general who aren't aggressive or productive enough.  Transparency brings accountability."

Grassley has long worked toward supporting agency inspectors general in their work, including seeking information from each inspector general on open and unimplemented recommendations and agency attempts to interfere with independence.  He is a lead sponsor of the Inspector General Empowerment Act (S. 579), which passed out of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in March and awaits full Senate consideration.  The bill's provisions include requiring more disclosure of inspector general investigations involving employees at the GS-15 rate of pay and above where misconduct was found but no prosecution resulted, including the agency's handling and whether it was referred to the Department of Justice, and reports that were authored by the Office of Inspector but not made available to the public.

More Detail Needed on FBI Surveillance Program

In recent weeks, there have been reports of Americans across the U.S. spotting small single-engine aircraft circling above their neighborhoods. That would make anyone a bit uncomfortable if you don't know what they are up to.

This week, the media confirmed what some have suspected?that those planes were being used by the F-B-I to conduct surveillance. An investigation by the Associated Press uncovered more than 100 flights over at least 30 cities and towns in 11 states and Washington, D-C.  This is all in a 30-day stretch.

These planes are registered to several shell companies so that they would not be traced back to the F-B-I.  And they may be equipped with high-tech devices that allow them to monitor activities on the ground, including people who are not the target of their operation.  Often this is done without a court order.

It's not a secret that the F-B-I uses planes to find and catch criminals.  But we don't know what technology they are using to conduct surveillance, and what they are doing with information on people who have nothing to do with their operation.  The F-B-I should be transparent about what policies are in place to protect the privacy of innocent Americans and guarantee that the program is not being abused.

So, on Monday, I asked the F-B-I for more details on the scope and legal authority of this program.  It's important that federal law enforcement personnel have the tools they need to catch criminals and keep us safe.  However, we need to make sure that safeguards are in place to protect the privacy and civil liberties of those who are not the intended target

Carper, Murkowski, Heinrich, Cassidy, Coons, and Grassley Introduce Bill to Help Reduce Obesity

Bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at lowering health costs, preventing chronic diseases and increasing Medicare coverage of obesity treatments

WASHINGTON - Today, Sens. Tom Carper (D-Del.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) introduced legislation to help lower health care costs and prevent chronic diseases by addressing America's growing obesity crisis. The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act gives Medicare beneficiaries and their health care providers additional tools to reduce obesity by improving access to weight-loss counseling and new prescription drugs for chronic weight management, among other provisions. An identical bill (H.R. 2404) was introduced in the House last month by Reps. Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.) and Ron Kind (D-Wis.).

Health care costs related to obesity total nearly $200 billion each year. Furthermore, nearly 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese, and 42 percent of Americans are projected to become obese by 2030. Obesity increases the risk for chronic diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

"Seven in 10 adults struggle with obesity and being overweight, and more than a third of children are overweight or obese. These facts demand that we do more to combat the obesity epidemic," Sen. Carper said. "If we continue to stand idly by while more and more people become overweight and obese, for the first time in our country's history our children will live shorter lives than their parents. The federal government must have a robust strategy for reining in obesity and ensuring that our vital health care programs, like Medicare and Tricare, provide Americans with every available treatment and tool for reducing obesity's physical, social and financial costs."

"As the statistics of obesity continue to grow in our country, and even more so in Alaska, we must improve how we treat and inform Americans to raise their quality of life and help prevent severe long-term conditions down the road," Sen. Murkowski said. "America's obesity problem has morphed from a national nutritional and fitness concern to an economic crisis, becoming a growing financial drain as more and more medical attention is required. By providing children with healthier options now, we can improve their quality of life as adults and avoid these preventable expenses in the future."

"Obesity is a complex chronic disease that affects the health and wellbeing of millions of Americans," Sen. Heinrich said. "This legislation would give patients access to a full range of safe and effective tools that would empower them to improve their physical and mental health."

 

"As a doctor, I've seen how obesity can affect a person's physical health and mental wellness," said Sen. Bill Cassidy M.D. "There are treatments and services available to treat obesity, but we must work together to make the effective treatment of obesity a priority. This legislation will lower health costs and most importantly give patients access to the proper tools for better health."

 

"As a nation, we have too often overlooked the growing crisis of obesity among Americans, leading to severe consequences for the health of our children, families, and our economy," Sen. Coons said. "This bipartisan legislation will ensure patients have access to the right information, counseling, and resources they need to improve their health and wellbeing.  By improving access to critical resources that address this epidemic now, we can help reduce the prevalence of obesity and cut our nation's health care costs in the future."

 

"Medicare should reflect the modern practice of medicine," Sen. Grassley said. "Supports, treatments and prescription drugs that are helpful to both beneficiaries and taxpayers should be available."

 

The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act would, among other provisions:

  • Allow Medicare to cover additional obesity treatments such as new, FDA-approved prescription drugs for chronic weight management, already covered by the Veterans Health Administration, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and the Indian Health Service.
  • Give CMS authority to improve Medicare beneficiary access to benefits for intensive behavioral counseling by allowing additional types of providers to offer this service.  Fewer than 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries have taken advantage of this benefit, even though 13 million seniors are obese.

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Senators Grassley, Ernst urge Agriculture Committee Chairman to Hold Hearing on Federal Government's Response to Bird Flu

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a letter sent today, U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA)  and Joni Ernst (R-IA) urged Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairman Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) to hold a hearing on the federal government's response to the ongoing outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Senators Grassley and Ernst stressed the critical, timely nature of this issue, citing the devastating impact of the disease on Iowa poultry farmers and producers, and the need to address federal actions taken once the outbreak has been contained.

"Due to the sheer size and scope of this outbreak, we have heard from countless folks in Iowa who are concerned about the lack of certainty caused by this situation - many of whom just want to find resolution to this tragedy and get back to work," the Iowa Senators wrote.

"As you know, it is critical for the vitality of our agricultural economy that key stakeholders - producers, ancillary industries, community leaders, and government officials - have the tools and lines of communication available to work with one another to overcome challenges such as HPAI," the Iowa Senators added. "A hearing would provide an opportunity to bring these leaders and stakeholders together to review what has happened, identify what response procedures have worked, what has not worked, and set the stage to ensure we are better prepared in the future."

Full text of the letter can be found here.

Senators Grassley and Ernst urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to properly deploy resources to address the avian flu situation in a letter to Secretary Tom Vilsack last month, following a letter to the USDA sent by the entire Iowa Congressional delegation in April.

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