03 Apr 2015

Governor Terry Branstad signs House File 395 into law

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad today signed the following bill into law:

House File 395: an Act relating to the regulation of pharmacy benefits managers and including effective date provisions.

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03 Apr 2015

US Coast Guard establishes diver specialty

By U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters Public Affairs

WASHINGTON - The Coast Guard announced Wednesday the establishment of the diver enlisted rating and corresponding chief warrant officer specialty.

About 50 enlisted personnel and three chief warrant officers will initially transition to the Diver (DV) rating and Diving (DIV) specialty, respectively.

The newly-minted divers received certificates signed by the commandant and the master chief petty officer of the Coast Guard at several locations throughout the service.

Divers support a variety of Coast Guard missions by servicing aids to navigation, conducting subsurface search and recovery, inspecting and maintaining Coast Guard vessels, and providing technical expertise with remotely operated vehicles, sonar equipment, and underwater imagery.

In addition to the new specialty, the Coast Guard is scheduled to establish Regional Dive Locker Pacific in Honolulu this summer. Divers will be stationed at one of three dive lockers or at other units throughout the country.

For more information on the history of the Coast Guard's diving program, please visit: http://www.uscg.mil/history/articles/CoastGuardDivingProgramCOTPSanFran.pdf

To view more imagery, please visit: http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2015/04/coast-guard-officially-stands-up-dive-rating/

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03 Apr 2015

Master Gardeners will offer a variety of informational session

By Amanda Heitz

Master Gardeners with Iowa State University Scott County Extension and Outreach have scheduled several spring classes at the Extension Office, 875 Tanglefoot Lane, Bettendorf. Master Gardeners are volunteers who use their research-based training and resources from Iowa State University to share information and ideas with others in the community.

If you would like to attend one of the sessions, please register by calling the Extension Office at 563-359-7577 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. The programs are one to two hours long and cost $5 each.

The classes are:

  • A Whirlwind Tour of European Gardens, 7 p.m. April 9 -- Master Gardener Kay Sigardson-Poor will take you on a visual tour of the Papal Gardens, Versailles, Buckingham Palace and more.

  • Tomato Tech: How to Grow Better Fruit (Vegetables?) 7 p.m. April 23 -- Patrick O'Malley, ISU Extension and Outreach Commercial Horticulture Field Specialist, shares techniques for growing a bountiful tomato crop.

  • Making Sense of Landscape Design, 7 p.m. April 30 -- Master Gardener Dan Mays provides tips for making your yard look better.

  • Birds, Blueberries, Butterflies and Natural Gardening, 7 p.m. May 7 -- Master Gardener Dick Sayles, president of the Quad City Audubon Society, shows how native plants attract beneficial insects and birds.


Please visit the Scott County Office's website at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/scott/ and find us on Facebook for updates.


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03 Apr 2015

Eastern Iowa 4-H Project Workshop

By Amanda Heitz

We invite 4-H Members and non 4-H Members, parents and volunteers to join us for a day of inspiration and exploration.  Youth participants may choose from the following workshops to learn introductory skills, explore topics as a 4-H Project Area, learn from experts and gain insight as to how to apply these skills in future professional, educational or hobby pursuits:  Communications, Food Science, FSQA, Horticulture, Leadership, Livestock Clinic, Photography, Visual Arts and Woodworking

It will be held Saturday April 25, 2015, from 8:30 am-2:30 pm at North Scott High School, 200 S. 1st Street, Eldridge, Iowa.

During this workshop, nationally renowned speaker, John Robinson (www.ourability.com) will kick off the event inspiring us to see the potential we have inside us all, how to be a leader and a contributing citizen, sponsored by CARGILL

Registration has been extended to April 17th!   A fee of $15 for 4-H members, $20 for non 4-H members and $5 for adults will be charged.

Download registration http://www.extension.iastate.edu/cedar/ or request a registration from daletac@iastate.edu or call (563) 263-5701.

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03 Apr 2015

Better Business Bureau of Iowa Presents Quad Cities 2015 Student of Integrity Award Winners

By Ryan Smith

Bettendorf, IA -  Please join us as we recognize our 2015 Business Integrity Award recipients as well as our 2015 Student Integrity Award recipients; honoring businesses and students that demonstrate superior ethics, reliability and trustworthiness. The Better Business Bureau of Iowa will present the winners at the BBB 75th Anniversary Luncheon, on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 11:45 am, taking place at Jumer's Casino & Hotel in Rock Island, IL.

"As Iowans we pride ourselves on integrity. For 75 years the BBB has been providing services that build consumer trust in our communities.  We consider it an honor to present this year's Integrity Winners and Student of Integrity Winners, they lead by example and embody the ideals of the Better Business Bureau." - Chris Coleman, President, CEO

Tickets for The Better Business Bureau of Iowa Integrity Award Luncheon can be purchased by phone at (563) 355-1705. Tables of 8 are available for $240.00.  Individual tickets are $35.00 per seat.  The public is encouraged to attend the event which starts at 11:45 a.m. For more information visit www.bbb.org/iowa

The Student of Integrity Awards program was established in 2001 to recognize and honor high school seniors who personify ethics and integrity.  The three Student of Integrity winners will each receive a $2,500 scholarship to the college or university of their choice.  The winners are:

  • Molly Kelly, West Liberty High School
  • Claire Hamilton, Columbus community High School
  • Guadalupe Chavez, Davenport West High School

Sponsors include :

Premier Sponsors: Quad City Bank & Trust

Premier Media Sponsor: WQAD TV8

 

General Asphalt Construction Company                MidAmerican Energy

Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center             Iowa American Water

Werner Restoration Services, Inc.               Creekside Vineyards Winery & Inn

Molyneaux Insurance

 

Brus Construction, LLC.  Bush Construction

D'Souza & Krutzfeldt-QC Dentistry                      DeWitt Bank & Trust Co.

Kaplan University              Rock Valley Physical Therapy

BBB is a nonprofit, non-governmental, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. All BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Reviews on more than 4 million businesses, 11,000 Charity Reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. BBB Serving Greater Iowa, Quad Cities and Siouxland Region was founded in 1940 and is one of 112 local, independent BBBs across North America.

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03 Apr 2015

ALL IOWA READS AUTHOR ROBIN OLIVEIRA AT MOLINE, BETTENDORF PUBLIC LIBRARIES

By Nicholas Depew

Robin Oliveira, author of the 2015 All Iowa Reads selection My Name is Mary Sutter, will appear to discuss her novel during two Quad City area appearances on Thursday, April 23.  Presentations will take place at noon at the Moline Public Library (3210 41st Street) and at 7 p.m. at the Bettendorf Public Library (2950 Learning Campus Drive).

Robin will share what inspired her to write this Civil War era novel, her research process, and the historical and fictional characters that bring her story to life.  She will also share her discoveries from her eight years of research and writing, including slides and photos of rare Civil War artifacts from the National Archives.

These events are free and open to the public.  Robin Oliveira's appearances are generously sponsored by Friends of the Moline Public Library and Friends of the Bettendorf Public Library.

# # #

03 Apr 2015

BANDITS ANNOUNCE ANOTHER DECORATED ROSTER

By Marco LaNave
Preliminary roster includes Astros' top 2014 draft signee, eight top-10 round picks, five 2014 All-Stars
DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 1, 2015) - Featuring the top position player and pitcher among the Houston Astros' latest draft class signees, the Quad Cities River Bandits will again have a talent-laden roster when the Midwest League season opens April 9. The Astros and River Bandits on Wednesday announced a preliminary roster that includes Houston's top 2014 draft signee - outfielder Derek Fisher - among eight top-10 round picks, as well as seven returning players, including Moline native infielder Thomas Lindauer.
Over the last two seasons, Quad Cities has graduated eight of the top nine and 15 of the top 30 prospects in the Astros organization, according to Baseball America. Five River Bandits from the last two seasons are already on the Astros' 40-man major league roster. Quad Cities is the only Class-A team to be represented by a current player in each of the last two All-Star Futures Games.
"The Astros have groomed some of baseball's best young talent at Modern Woodmen Park the last two seasons, including 8 of the top 9 prospects within the Astros organization, many of whom will be future stars," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "I'm excited for River Bandits fans to again have the opportunity to see the Major League stars of tomorrow here today at Modern Woodmen Park."
Houston's minor league system leads all major league organizations with four championships above the rookie level over the last three seasons, including the River Bandits' 2013 Midwest League Championship. Fifteen players on the River Bandits' preliminary roster played in 2014 for the short-season Class-A Tri-City ValleyCats, who won a third straight division title in 2014 and came within one win of a second consecutive New York-Penn League Championship. Five River Bandits - right-hander Ryan Thompson, catcher Jamie Ritchie, infielder Nick Tanielu, and outfielders Bobby Boyd and Derek Fisher - were 2014 New York-Penn League Midseason All-Stars.
Fisher, a Competitive Balance Round A selection (37th overall) in the 2014 First-Year Players Draft, is set to become the Astros' fourth straight top draft signee - following Carlos Correa (2012) and Mark Appel (2013) in 2013 and George Springer (2011) on a rehab assignment in 2014 - to play in the Quad Cities. After selecting first overall the last three seasons, Houston has the second and fifth overall picks in the June draft.
Seven other 2015 River Bandits were originally drafted in the first 10 rounds. They include the Astros' top two pitching signees from the 2014 draft, right-handers Daniel Mengden (fourth round) and Brock Dykxhoorn (sixth), as well as outfielder Bobby Boyd (eighth), left-hander Brian Radziewski (ninth), catcher Jacob Nottingham (sixth, 2013), right-hander Joe Musgrove (first supplemental round, 2012 by Toronto) and right-hander Kevin Comer (first supplemental round, 2012 by Toronto). MLB.com ranks Fisher (No. 11), Musgrove (No. 16) and Mengden (No. 22) among the Astros' top prospects entering the season.
Returning from appearances with the 2014 River Bandits are Lindauer, who became the first Quad Cities-native in 26 years to play for the Quad Cities Midwest League franchise, as well as Boyd, Comer, outfielder Ryan Bottger, left-handers Chris Lee and Albert Minnis, and right-hander Keegan Yuhl. Minnis and Lee were respectively the River Bandits Pitchers of the Month in July and August last season.
The roster is subject to change prior to the opening game at 7 p.m. April 9 at Dozer Park in Peoria, Ill. Tickets are still available for the River Bandits' home opener against the Clinton LumberKings at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at Modern Woodmen Park.
UP NEXT: Registration is still available at riverbandits.com/5k for the April 11 River Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. The race is at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 11. 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.
ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits ownership in 2014 made one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 105 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, Space Camp opened June 20; the new Drop'N Twist debuted in July; and the newly expanded 300-foot long zip line also reopened.
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03 Apr 2015

Classic Comedy Hits the Big Screen with 'Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks' this April

By Fathom Events
Fathom Events and Comedy Dynamics are set to bring "Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks" to select U.S. cinemas on Monday, April 27, 2015 at 8:00 p.m. local time. This Hicks performance, recorded at the Centaur Theatre in Montreal in 1992, showcases the extremely influential, hilarious and before-his-time comedian at the top of his game.   The event will include approximately 90 minutes of stand-up and special content from Hicks' Relentless special, plus it features a montage of unseen clips from previous standup routines narrated by his brother, Steve Hicks, as well as home videos from the Hicks family estate.
"Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks" will be shown at the following movie theaters in your area on April 27:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
For a complete list of theaters for "Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks," click here.
Tickets are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
Feel free to contact us for review tickets, more information on "Comedy Dynamics Presents: Bill Hicks," or any of Fathom's upcoming events.
For artwork/photos related to "Comedy Dynamics Presents" click here.
To view the official trailer, click here.
03 Apr 2015

Statement by Tammy Wawro, President of the Iowa State Education Association on the conference committee on Senate Files 171 and 172

By Randy Stalsberg

DES MOINES, IA (04/01/2015)(readMedia)-- While the conference committee on Senate Files 171 and 172 met today, it was no April Fool's joke. The Democrats' funding offer of 2.625 was simply inadequate and the Republicans' rejection of this offer further demonstrates their callous disregard for the health and well-being of Iowa's public school students.

Thousands of Iowans have spoken out on the issue of funding for our public schools. They have spoken in favor of increased funding. At this point, we are gravely disappointed that both parties have now failed to listen to their constituents.

We stand with parents, students and citizens of Iowa firmly and strongly in favor of 4 percent funding for Iowa's schools.

--00--

The ISEA is a professional organization made up of nearly 34,000 educators who are dedicated to supporting and protecting a quality public education for all Iowa students.

03 Apr 2015

Spring into action and donate blood with the Red Cros

By Ben Corey

(April 1, 2015) ?The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to make a difference in the lives of patients this spring by giving blood.

Donated blood is perishable and must be constantly replenished to keep up with the demand. Red blood cells, with a shelf life of only 42 days, are the most frequently transfused blood component, and are always needed by hospitals.

Eligible donors can give red cells through either a regular whole blood donation or a double red cell donation, where available. Double red cell donations yield twice the usual amount of red cells in a single appointment and are accepted at select donation locations. Double red cell donors must meet additional eligibility criteria, which will be determined at the donation appointment.

Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. Whole blood can be donated every 56 days, and double red cells may be donated every 112 days, up to three times per year.

To find a donation opportunity or make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Carroll County

Mount Carroll

4/17/2015: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m., United Methodist Church, 216 S. Main Street

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Clinton County

Clinton

4/18/2015: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Prince of Peace Academy Grade School, 312 South 4th Street


Goose Lake

4/20/2015: 12 p.m. - 6 p.m., Northeast High School, 3690 Hwy 136

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Henry County

Galva

4/24/2015: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Black Hawk College - East, 26230 Black Hawk Road

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Lee County

Dixon

4/21/2015: 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., Katherine Shaw Bethea Hospital, 403 E. First Street

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Mercer County

Aledo

4/21/2015: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., VFW Hall, 106 SW 3rd Ave.

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Scott County

Davenport

4/20/2015: 12 p.m. - 5 p.m., Christ's Family Church, 4601 Utica Ridge Road

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Whiteside County

Fulton

4/28/2015: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th Street

Rock Falls

4/22/2015: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St.

4/29/2015: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St.

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How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.


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