Original works by local high school students now due April 10th  

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that high school students in the Iowa's Second Congressional District may now submit their original artwork to be considered for the 2015 Congressional Art Competition. The annual competition is hosted by the United States House of Representatives to recognize talented young artists from across the nation. The winning student from each district is invited to Washington, D.C. to attend a reception held in their honor and will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Due to local schools schedules, the deadline for entries to be received has been extended to April 10th.  

"The vast amount of talent that Iowa's students display year after year continues to amaze me. The creativity of our talented young artists demonstrates that the arts are thriving in Iowa," said Loebsack. "For a young artist, having your artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol is quite a remarkable accomplishment. I look forward to seeing this year's entries and meeting the winning student."

Once again, to make the contest as easy as possible and open to as many students as possible, this year's winner will be chosen by the public through an online vote. Details on how to submit art work are available by clicking here to visit Loebsack's website. All entries must be received no later than Friday, April, 10th at 11:59pm. The artist of the winning piece will receive two round trip tickets to Washington, D.C. to attend the reception and unveiling of their artwork in the Capitol (all other expenses must be covered by the winner). For additional details about the competition, students or teachers should contact Jared Mullendore at 563-323-5988 or by email at Jared.Mullendore@mail.house.gov.

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Former U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich will keynote a Working Families Summit scheduled for May 16 in Ames.

National labor leaders also will speak, including Larry Cohen, president of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), others to be announced.

The summit is designed to put higher wages and other working family issues in the forefront of public debate in advance of the 2016 Iowa precinct caucuses.

"We can help to shape the presidential debate for 2016 to focus more on issues related to working families," said Ken Sagar, president of the Iowa Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO.

"I want to see broader understanding of the number of issues from raising wages, to supporting families, to protecting civil rights, so that we all understand each other's issues and can support each other."

While the event will be promoting critical issues for the presidential campaign, no presidential candidates will be speaking at the event ? though all are welcome to attend.

"This will be a great opportunity for presidential candidates to hear the concerns about concrete issues facing Iowa's working families," Sagar said.

The summit will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus. More information about the agenda and arrangements will be provided in the coming weeks.

Sponsors so far include : the AFL-CIO along with many Iowa labor and advocacy organizations focused on concerns for working families in Iowa: the Iowa Federation of Labor; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Communications Workers of America (CWA); Iowa Postal Workers Union (APWU); Progress Iowa, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); Iowa State Education Association (ISEA); Iowa Citizens Action Network (ICAN); Americans for Democratic Action (ADA), Laborers International Union of Northern America (LIUNA); Iowa Alliance for Retired Americans (ARA); Iowa Policy Project; Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa; Iowa Community Action Association; and the American Friends Service Committee.

Members of the public are welcome.

Facebook Page - Working Families Summit

http://progressiowa.org/sections/progress-report/551467d275c9a121d7000003

 

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Davenport, Iowa (March 30, 2015) - Opening Saturday at the Figge Art Museum in the fourth floor gallery is the University of Iowa Art Faculty Biennial exhibition.

Curated by University of Iowa Museum of Art (UIMA) Museum Director Dr. Sean O'Harrow, the UIMA will kick off the spring season with this annual exhibition featuring the recent work of world renowned UI Studio Arts professors including: Eliza Au, Isabel Barbuzza, Peter Chanthanakone, Monica Correia, John Dilg, Laurel Farrin, Sue Hettmansperger, Anita Jung, Sarah Kanouse, Michele Lauriat, Amanda Lechner, Steve McGuire, Daniel Miller, Virginia Myers, Jeff Rich, Ronald M. Rozencohn, James Snitzer, Margaret Stratton, Serina Sulentic, Serhat Tanyolacar, Breanne Trammell, Josh Van Stippen, Susan Chrysler White, Rachel Williams, Jon Winet and Kee-Ho Yuen.

As a direct reflection of the range of medium taught in the Studio Arts program, the pieces and installations on display will include works of paint, sculpture, inter-media, mixed-media, metal arts, photography, 3-dementional design and graphic design. This year, works by the fellows of the Grant Wood Colony will also be included.

A free public reception celebrating the opening of this exhibition as well as the Eye on UI: Brodsky, Dorfman, Kipniss, Lanyon exhibition will take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 with light appetizers and a cash bar. Free and open to the public.

University of Iowa students, faculty and staff receive free admission to the Figge with their UI ID cards; UIMA members get in free with their UIMA Membership cards.

The exhibition will be on display April 4 - May 31, 2015.

Companion Programming:

Dancers in Company Performance

6 p.m. Thursday, April 9

Free Admission
Dancers in Company consists of twelve dancers, undergraduates and graduate students from the University of Iowa. The group will return to the Figge for a performance in the lobby as part of a night that celebrates the artistic traditions at the University of Iowa. Presently, the company is directed by Charlotte Adams. Sponsored by the River Cities' Reader.

Artist Talks

7 p.m. Thursday, April 9
Free Admission
University of Iowa faculty from the School of Art will speak about their pieces included in the exhibition University of Iowa Art Faculty Biennial (April 4-May 31).

About the Figge Art Museum

The Figge Art Museum is located on the riverfront in downtown Davenport at 225 West Second Street. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday and Sundays noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays the museum is open until 9 p.m. Admission to the museum and tour is $7. Admission is free to Figge members and institutional members, and free to all on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. To contact the museum, please call 563.326.7804, or visit www.figgeartmuseum.org.

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A representative from the United States Patent and Trademark Office will give a presentation at the Davenport Public Library Eastern Avenue Branch (6000 Eastern Avenue) on Monday, April 6th at 6:00 pm.  The presentation will be on trademarks, including information about the following topics: how trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names, and business name registrations all differ; why it is important for any new business to select a trademark that will be both federally registrable and legally protectable, highlighting factors critical when choosing a mark; information on what the USPTO does in the federal registration process and how to avoid "scams", and more.

Please note: Pursuant to Iowa state law and City of Davenport Administrative policy, e-mail communication to and from this address may be subject to public disclosure.

CHICAGO - Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has made appointments to two cabinet-level positions. The appointments include the Illinois Lottery, the Illinois Department of Aging and the Illinois Human Rights Commission.  

Name: B.R. Lane   

Position: Illinois Lottery Superintendent  

Governor Bruce Rauner announced he has selected B.R. Lane to become the next Superintendent of the Illinois Lottery. Lane's experience in the gaming industry and with regulatory matters in the public and private sectors make her uniquely qualified for the position.   

For nearly five years, Lane was the Manager of Regulatory Compliance at International Game Technology, a leader in computerized gaming equipment. Lane managed compliance in development and distribution of casino content and oversaw corporate gaming licenses. Lane also negotiated favorable regulatory treatment of a new gaming system in select markets, which generated $4 million in savings for the company, its affiliates and subsidiaries.   

Most recently, Lane was the Interim Director of the Gary/Chicago International Airport. She oversaw the entire organization to ensure compliance in the highly regulated aviation industry. In this role she was responsible for the competition of capital projects, business and legislative affairs, stakeholder relationship management and regulatory integrity.   

Prior to her work with the airport, Lane was the Chief of Staff for the City of Gary, Indiana. She oversaw all city departments from legal and finance to public safety. She negotiated a lengthy legal dispute with a casino interest, which resulted in $13 million to the city. She also developed and managed organizational key performance indicators to drive operational efficiency.    

Lane is a graduate of Morgan State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in English. She earned a law degree from Harvard Law School and an M.B.A from the University of Memphis.     

   

Name: John Holton  

Position: Director - Department on Aging     

Governor Bruce Rauner has selected Director John Holton to continue leading the Department of Aging. He has served as the agency's director for the past three years.     

Holton's work for Illinois dates back to 2007, when he began working for the Illinois Department of Human Services. For three years, he was the Associate Director in the Division of Mental Health. Prior to that, he studied public health in Chicago's neighborhoods when he served as a site director for Harvard University School of Public Health's project on human development.     

Holton holds a Ph.D. in Human Development from Pennsylvania State University, a master's degree in Urban Education from the University of Hartford and a bachelor's degree from Howard University.     

   

Name: Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias  

Position: Chairman - Illinois Human Rights Commission    

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias to become the Chairman of the Human Rights Commission. Bombela-Tobias is the former Director of the Illinois Department of Human Rights. She was the first Hispanic to hold the position and the first Hispanic to hold a cabinet-level position.    

For more than 35 years, Bombela-Tobias has worked to improve diversity and treatment of minorities. She is currently a principal of the Global Diversity Solutions Group, which specializes in diversity consulting and multi-cultural workforce dynamics. Prior to this, she was the Director of Central States for SER - Jobs for Progress, the nation's largest Latino direct services organization.     

Before Bombela-Tobias' work in the private sector, she served the people of Illinois for 20 years in a variety of roles. Her most notable contribution was instituting the Minority and Female Business Enterprise Program. In addition to becoming the first Hispanic to lead the Illinois Department of Human Rights, she also worked for the Illinois Department of Central Management Services and the Illinois Department of Personnel. Bombela-Tobias was also the Special Assistant to the Governor for Hispanic Affairs under Governor Jim Thompson.

 

Bombela-Tobias has a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas-El Paso. She lives in Chicago.

 

 

 

Name: Hamilton Chang

Position: Commissioner - Illinois Human Rights Commission

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Hamilton Chang to the Human Rights Commission. He is the Vice Chair of U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk's Asian-American Advisory Committee and has been recognized in the Chinese community for his contributions.

 

Chang has more than 25 years of experience in finance and management. He led groups specializing in risk management. He is currently the Managing Partner of Ballparks of America-Branson, which is a youth baseball facility for 10-12 year olds. He also serves as a Trustee for New Trier Township.

 

Chang earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a master's degree from the University of Chicago.



Name: Duke Alden

Position: Commissioner - Illinois Human Rights Commission

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has appointed Duke Alden to the Illinois Human Rights Commission. His experience in business and involvement with a number of non-profit organizations make him well-suited for the position.

 

Alden is extremely active in the Chicago community and currently is the Chairman of the Howard Brown Health Center, which works to eliminate disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. He has also worked with Vital Bridges, an organization that helps men and women impacted by AIDS/HIV, and for CARPLS, which provides legal services to people who could otherwise not afford them.

 

Alden is currently the global leader of Information Governance for Aon. He oversees risk assessment and policy development to drive business efficiency, mitigate risk, and reduce spending. Prior to joining Aon, Alden was a strategy consultant for Huron Consulting Group where he assisted some of the world's largest companies in the areas of discovery strategy, process design and cost-savings.

 

Alden earned his bachelor's degree from Missouri State University and his law degree from Tulane University. He lives in Chicago.

 

 

 

Name: Nabi Fakroddin

Position: Commissioner - Illinois Human Rights Commission

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed Nabi Fakroddin to the Illinois Human Rights Commission. Fakroddin has served on the commission since 2010.

 

Fakroddin is a licensed professional and structural Engineer. He is past president of the Illinois Engineering Council and the Illinois Association of County Engineers. He is a member of the St. Charles Zoning Board of Appeals and a former member of the Western Illinois Regional Manpower and Planning Commission.

 

Fakroddin is the recipient of numerous awards, including American Public Works Association's Top Ten Public Works Leaders in the U.S. and a Distinguished Service Award from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

Fakroddin earned his bachelor's degree from Indiana Technical College. He lives in St. Charles.

 

 

 

Name: Robert Cantone

Position: Commissioner - Illinois Human Rights Commission

 

Governor Bruce Rauner has reappointed Robert Cantone to the Illinois Human Rights Commission. He has served on the commission since 2011.

 

Cantone is an attorney focusing on personal injury claims on behalf of people who have been injured due to motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall accidents, construction accidents, product defects and medical malpractice. Additionally, he has acted as an arbitrator for the Cook County Mandatory Arbitration program since 1990. He is also a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Illinois State Bar Association and the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association. 

Cantone earned his bachelor's degree from DePaul University and his law degree from Lewis University College of Law He lives in Orland Park.

 

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KWQC-TV6 swept the 2015 February ratings period, winning total Households in all Monday through Friday newscasts, which include Quad Cities Today, News at Noon, 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., and 10 p.m.  

In the key demographic sought by advertisers - Persons 25-54 - Quad Cities Today, KWQC News at Noon, and KWQC News at 10 posted ratings that more than double other newscasts in the market.   

Wheel of Fortune continues to be a ratings stalwart in prime access winning both total Households and Persons 25-54.

"These ratings are strong evidence of what we already knew - KWQC is the station people in the Quad Cities rely on to get their news," said KWQC-TV6 News Director Rich Kurz.  "We're honored to have earned the trust of our viewers, and we'll keep working our hardest every day to reward that trust."

 

While network morning shows are in a tight battle for ratings nationally, NBC's Today continues to be the network morning show of choice in the Q.C.A., winning not only total Household ratings but the key demographics of Persons 25-54 and Women 25-54 as well.

The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon rounds out KWQC-TV6's broadcast day winning both total Households and Persons 25-54 by more than double other network late shows on at that time.

About Media General
Media General, Inc. is one of the nation's largest multimedia companies that operates or services 71 television stations in 48 markets along with the industry's leading digital media business. We offer consumers and advertisers premium quality entertainment and information, content and distribution on every screen. Our robust portfolio of broadcast, digital and mobile products informs and engages 23% of U.S. TV households and 43% of the U.S. Internet audience.

Media General has the industry's largest and most diverse digital media business with a growing portfolio that includes LIN Digital, LIN Mobile, HYFN, Dedicated Media, Federated Media and BiteSizeTV. We deliver integrated digital marketing solutions utilizing our comScore Top 15 Video and Top 25 Display market share, as well as the latest in content marketing, video, display and mobile advertising solutions, social intelligence and reporting across all screens.  With unmatched local-to-national reach, Media General is a one-stop-shop for agencies and brands that want to effectively and efficiently reach their target audiences on all screens.  Media General trades on the NYSE under the symbol "MEG." - See more at: http://mediageneral.com/press/2014/dec30_14.html#sthash.hzEFEq1n.dpuf

DES MOINES, IA (03/27/2015)(readMedia)-- Tickets for the much-anticipated Iowa State Fair Grandstand shows will go on sale Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2015 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

In addition to the previously-announced star-studded line-up, ROCK-A-THON starring: Dee Snider, Dokken, Warrant, Firehouse and Eddie Trunk will take the Grandstand Stage Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. The rock festival's array of performers include leading front man Dee Snider of the heavy metal band Twisted Sister, and multi-platinum pop-metal band Warrant.

Print at home discounted admission tickets are on sale now at www.iowastatefair.org. Fairgoers can purchase gate admission tickets online and print their own tickets at no extra charge. Fairgoers can also purchase punch cards online and have them mailed to them directly for a nominal fee.

Tickets for all concert and track events will go on sale Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000. All concert events are reserved seating; track events are general admission. Beginning July 6, the Fair's Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday for walk-up orders only (assuming tickets remain; no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include Fair admission. Gate admission must be purchased separately.

A complete listing of event dates, times and ticket prices follows:

2015 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up presented by U.S. Cellular

  • Thursday, Aug. 13 Casting Crowns with special guest for KING & COUNTRY 8 p.m. $32
  • Friday, Aug. 14 Justin Moore with special guest Easton Corbin, 8 p.m., $35
  • Saturday, Aug. 15 Def Leppard with special guests Styx and Tesla, 7 p.m. $53
  • Sunday, Aug. 16 REBA with special guest Caroline Kole, 8 p.m., $45
  • Monday, Aug. 17 Carrie Underwood with special guest Michael Ray, 8 p.m., $60
  • Tuesday, Aug. 18 To Be Announced
  • Wednesday, Aug. 19 Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today, 2 p.m.; $20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under
  • Thursday, Aug. 20 Alabama and special guest Chris Janson, 8 p.m., $40
  • Friday, Aug. 21 To Be Announced
  • Saturday, Aug. 22 Meghan Trainor with special guest to be announced, 8 p.m., $40
  • Sunday, Aug. 23 ROCK-A-THON starring: Dee Snider, Dokken, Warrant, Firehouse and Eddie Trunk, 6 p.m., $30

"Nothing Compares" to the 2015 Iowa State Fair, August 13-23. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at www.iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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Comptroller directs staff to make payments immediately

CHICAGO - Illinois State Comptroller Leslie Munger issued the following statement Friday following passage of legislation Thursday to plug the $1.6 billion state budget shortfall:

"The state's budget shortfall has caused significant hardships for child care providers, many of whom have gone more than six weeks without promised state payments for their services. We are working closely with the Department of Human Services to expedite payments so these providers can continue to provide vital services for children."

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HILLSDALE, Ill. - To help senior citizens have easier access to state programs and services, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is inviting seniors to use his office and staff as a resource to apply for the Illinois Department of Aging Benefit Access Program.
"Seniors in our community that are eligible for state benefits may lack the resources or technical skills to fill out the online application," Smiddy said. "I invite seniors in the community to utilize my office as a resource to complete the application for this helpful program."
The Illinois Department on Aging sponsors the Benefit Access Programs for seniors and disabled persons. The program offers accepted applicants free rides on public transportation and discounts on license plates with the Illinois Secretary of State. To be eligible for the program, applicants must be 65 years or older or be sixteen years or older and disabled, below the low income requirements and living in Illinois. Applicants should bring their Social Security number when applying for the program. Residents can call Smiddy's office and make an appointment on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The office is located at 201 N. Main St. Unit 2 in Port Byron.
"The Benefit Access Program offers seniors and disabled persons an opportunity to offset income limitations to their mobility," said Smiddy. "I believe their ability to access this program should not be limited by their access or skills with technology."
Eligibility for the program is good for two years under the program. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call Smiddy's full-time constituent service office at 309-848-9098.
PEORIA, IL--Today former U.S. Representative Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) announced his full support for Illinois State Senator Darin LaHood (R-Peoria) in his run for Congress to represent the Illinois 18th District.
"Darin LaHood is a principled conservative, a man of great character, and a true statesman. There is no doubt in my mind he will be an excellent representative in Congress for central Illinois," Schilling said. "Darin understands the challenges we face as a nation. As a State Senator, Darin worked to rebuild the middle class and promote policies to strengthen our economy and improve the lives of all Illinoisans.

"Darin will put the dignity of the human person at the center of his agenda in Washington. From protecting the innocent unborn to promoting working families, Darin will always do the right thing.
"Darin's conservative values are right for the Illinois 18th District and right for America. I'm proud to support him?he's done great things for the State of Illinois?and I look forward to seeing him take on a new challenge in Washington, D.C."
Bobby Schilling (R-Colona) was born and raised in Rock Island, Illinois. He has been married to his wife, Christie for 28 years and together they have 10 children. Schilling represented the Illinois 17th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2011-2012, serving on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Agriculture Committee, and the House Small Business Committee.

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