13 Jan 2015

Gov. Quinn's final actions as Governor of Illinois

By Katie Hickey and Dave Blanchette

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Monday, January 12, 2015**

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bill:

 

Bill No.: SB 3028

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Clarifies certain provisions of the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

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Governor Pat Quinn Takes Clemency Action 

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today granted 43 and denied 119 clemency petitions. As part of today's final grants, Governor Quinn granted four immediate commutations, reduced the sentences of two other petitioners and granted his second pardon based on innocence.

The 162 clemency petitions acted upon today by Governor Quinn are part of dockets dating back to 2003. Each person granted clemency has recently undergone a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police's Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS).

A granted clemency request for a pardon with expungement allows the petitioner to seek expungement of their conviction through the court system.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn acted on 4,928 clemency petitions - more than any other Illinois governor. Governor Quinn has granted 1,795 and denied 3,133 petitions during his governorship.

For additional information on the granted clemency cases, please contact Ken Tupy at the Prisoner Review Board at (217) 782-1610 or Ken.Tupy@illinois.gov.

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Governor Quinn Vetoes Bobcat Hunting Bill

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today vetoed House Bill 4226, which would have allowed bobcat hunting in Illinois. The Governor issued the following statement:

"We all have a responsibility to protect and maintain Illinois' wildlife. Allowing people to hunt bobcats in Illinois violates that responsibility.

"Habitat loss and trophy hunting put bobcats on the threatened species list in 1977, and it was only recently that the bobcat population recovered enough to be removed from this list.

"Today I veto this bill because bobcats are a valuable part of Illinois' ecosystem and continue to need protection."

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Governor Pat Quinn Takes Clemency Action 

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today granted 232 and denied 262 clemency petitions. As part of today's grants, Governor Quinn issued his first pardon based on innocence. After inheriting more than 2,500 cases that built up during the previous administration, the Governor continues to make significant progress acting on clemencies.

The 494 clemency petitions acted upon today by Governor Quinn are part of dockets dating back to 2003. Each person granted clemency has recently undergone a criminal background check through the Illinois State Police's Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS).

A granted clemency request for a pardon with expungement allows the petitioner to seek expungement of their conviction through the court system.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has acted on 4,766 clemency petitions - more than any other Illinois governor. Governor Quinn has granted 1,752 and denied 3,014 petitions during his governorship.

For additional information on the granted clemency cases, please contact Ken Tupy at the Prisoner Review Board at (217) 782-1610 or Ken.Tupy@illinois.gov.

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Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action  **Friday, January 9, 2015**

 

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

Bill No.: HB 1022

An Act Concerning: State Government

Creates the Task Force on Sustainable Transportation Funding.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4530

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Provides Tax Increment Financing extensions for the Village of Lake Fox, the City of Fairfield and the City of Mt. Sterling.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 4899

An Act Concerning: State Government

Authorizes the transfer of the Sangamon Valley Bike Trail to Sangamon County.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

 

Bill No.: HB 5537

An Act Concerning: Education

Clarifies the Illinois State Board of Education's power to intervene in certain school districts and identifies interventional processes for deficient school districts.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5878

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Updates the small purchase procurement threshold for Pace, RTA, CTA, Metra and downstate transit systems.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 6291

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Provides a Tax Increment Financing extension for the City of Batavia.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 726

An Act Concerning: Liquor

Provides an exemption to the rule prohibiting liquor license for an establishment within 100 feet of a church.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1431

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Provides a Tax Increment Financing district extension for the Village of Lake Zurich.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1680

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Allows loans obtained under a low interest home improvement loan program to be used for necessary repairs after flooding.

Action: Signed

Effective: June 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 1842

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Provides a procedure for the discontinuation of a specific type of mass transit district.

Action: Signed

Effective: June 1, 2015

 

 

Bill No.: SB 2677

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Allows counties to receive reimbursement for improvements to property and mobile homes made in the interest of public safety and welfare.

Action: Signed

Effective: June 1, 2015

 

 

Bill No.: SB 2915

An Act Concerning: State Government

Requires the Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue and the Illinois Attorney General to share information to enforce the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2933

An Act Concerning: Public Employee Benefits

Authorizes the creation of a health reimbursement arrangement to allow retirees and former employees of the CTA to access their contributions to the Retiree Healthcare Trust.

Action: Signed

Effective: June 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2979

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Establishes requirements for certain travel insurance business entity licenses and sets forth the criteria for the selling and dissemination of information on travel insurance.

Action: Signed

Effective: June 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3171

An Act Concerning: Public Aid

Amends certain provisions regarding payments for bed reserves in nursing and specialized mental health rehabilitation facilities.

Action: Signed

Effective: June 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3265

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Clarifies which 9-1-1 systems are eligible for additional funding provided by Public Act 98-634.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 3341

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Addresses a stacking issue between referendum and non-referendum bonds when calculating the McHenry County Conservation District's debt limit.

Action: Signed.

Effective:  June 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 3366

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Codifies practices for computing the retaliatory tax for insurers.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

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Governor Quinn Announces $400 Million in Affordable Care Act Funding to Support Illinois Hospitals; Governor Also Issues Executive Orders to Prevent Pregnancy Discrimination and Ensure Implementation of Affordable Care Act

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced $400 million in federal Affordable Care Act funding for hospitals across Illinois. The Governor traveled to Washington D.C. last month to personally advocate for the funding, which will help cover the cost of healthcare for more than 500,000 people. In addition, the Governor today issued two executive orders that fight pregnancy discrimination and ensure the state continues to enroll individuals in the healthcare marketplace.

Today's announcements are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure that all people have access to quality healthcare and improve the health and well-being of the people of Illinois.

"These new federal funds will help hospitals across Illinois as they provide critically-needed care for the more than half a million people who are now covered by the Affordable Care Act," Governor Quinn said. "I am also signing two executive orders today that will protect pregnant women in the workplace and ensure Illinois continues its work to enroll people in the Affordable Care Act."

"We thank the Obama Administration and our federal counterparts for bringing the negotiations that made these payments possible to a favorable conclusion," Illinois Department of Healthcare and Families Services (HFS) Director Julie Hamos said. "We are very excited for our partners in the hospital community. HFS expects payments to begin in mid-February, with initial payments to include retroactive amounts due."

The funding was the direct result of bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 741, which Governor Quinn signed into law earlier this year. The agreement with federal healthcare officials allows HFS to increase hospital inpatient and outpatient supplemental payments by $400 million in the current fiscal year to recognize new hospital volume for beneficiaries newly enrolled under the ACA.

Illinois has enrolled more than 800,000 people in healthcare coverage as a result of the ACA through the efforts of Get Covered Illinois. To date, more than 536,000 people have enrolled in the expanded Medicaid program under the ACA. An additional 217,000 people were enrolled in the first year of the Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace. With enrollment for year two of the Marketplace now underway, more than 121,000 people have enrolled or re-enrolled in a healthcare plan in the first month of enrollment through December 15.

In addition, the Governor today issued an executive order to ensure that the state fully complies with the landmark pregnancy discrimination law he proposed, passed and signed into law last year. The order requires state agencies to conduct a comprehensive review within 30 days to determine if their internal policies fully comply with the new law. If any problems are found, the policies are required to be rewritten within 60 days.

The Governor also issued an executive order to ensure that the state continues enrollment in the federally-facilitated Health Insurance Marketplace and Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. The order requires data be issued weekly to a public website to reflect progress by the state in the enrollment process. The order also requires the HFS to distribute a robust plan to promote enrollment in the ACA and Medicaid coverage, especially focusing on people of low-income and people with disabilities.

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Strengthen Democracy; Bills Expand Early Voting, Make Same-Day Registration Permanent and Set Special Election to Fill Comptroller Position in 2016

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to expand democracy in Illinois and bring it into the 21st century. The new laws make same-day voter registration permanent, expand early voting and set a special election on Nov. 8, 2016 to allow voters to fill the statewide position of Illinois Comptroller. Today's actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to increase participation in our democracy and ensure that every voice is heard in Illinois.

"Our democracy works best when everyone has an opportunity to participate," Governor Quinn said "These new laws modernize our election process, make same-day voting permanent and help ensure that the people have the power to choose our statewide officials."

Sponsored by State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) and House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), Senate Bill 172 extends grace period registration through Election Day, allowing voters to register on the day of the election, and expands the number of early voting days and locations. The law will increase opportunities to vote for individuals whose work schedules prevented them from taking advantage of previous voting hours. The law also expands registration and voting opportunities for college students, requiring state universities to offer same-day registration and early voting.

Same-day registration and voting were first implemented as a pilot program during the 2014 General Election and are being made permanent by the new law, which goes into effect June 1, 2015.

The Governor today signed House Bill 4576, sponsored by House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago), to allow voters the opportunity to fill statewide positions of Illinois government in the case of a vacancy. The law is the result of the sudden passing of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka this past December. A special election will give voters the opportunity to choose their Comptroller in the next statewide election on Nov. 8, 2016. The law excludes the statewide offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor and takes effect immediately.

Governor Quinn has long been a champion of expanding voting rights and opportunities. In 2013, Governor Quinn increased access to democracy across Illinois by giving 17-year-olds the ability to vote in primary elections if they are 18 years old by the general election date. Governor Quinn advocated for and signed legislation allowing Illinois residents to register to vote online, a policy originally proposed in the Governor's 2013 State of the State Address. In 2011, Governor Quinn signed the state's first voting rights act. The Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2011 protects the voting rights of racial and language minority communities throughout Illinois and encourages public participation in the redistricting process.

Throughout his life, the Governor has worked to harness the power of everyday people to create change. In 1976 he led the largest petition drive in state history, ending the century-old practice of allowing Illinois legislators to collect their entire salary on their first day in office. In 1980, he organized the Cutback Amendment to reduce the size of the Illinois General Assembly ? the first and only Illinois constitutional amendment ever adopted by citizen initiative. He helped launch the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) in 1984 to protect citizens from unfair utility rates, saving more than $10 billion dollars for everyday people.

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13 Jan 2015

Pop Open a Good Book with Winter Reading Contests at the Rock Island Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Pop open a good book this winter, and you could enjoy both a cozy read and the opportunity to win prizes from the Rock Island Public Library. The library's winter reading contests for children, teens and adults run Saturday, Jan. 17 to Feb.28.

Pop Open a Good Book contest reading logs and forms are available at all Rock Island Library locations starting Jan. 17. Readers of all ages can also now track their reading online with the library's new reading program software. To get started, look for the Winter Reading link on the library website on Jan. 17.

Children from pre-school to 6th grades win prizes for reading either 16 picture books or four chapter books. Kids get a prize when they pick up their Pop Open a Good Book log, and earn a book and sticker when they complete the program. Children can also play the Wandoo Reader online game, which awards players pieces of an online robot for minutes spent reading.

The library will kick off Winter Reading with a free family movie and popcorn at 1:00 pm on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street. The 1984 classic movie features a town taken over by mischievous monsters after a young man ignores the pet shop owner's instructions, which include "never, ever feed mogwai after midnight." It is rated PG.

Other special children's events offered during Winter Reading include pop up card crafts on Feb. 3, 4 and 5 for grades K - 6; a Winter Reading dance party on Feb. 12 with children's musician Jeannie B!, a kid's book club discussion on Feb. 16 with three books nominated for the 2015 Illinois Bluestem Book Awards, and a special "Blizzard Bash" on Feb. 21 with indoor snowball battles, winter obstacle courses and snow crafts. Check the library website for times and locations.

Adults ages 18 and up can participate in the reading program by completing one entry form for each adult book, eBook or audiobook completed during the challenge. Entries will go into a grand prize drawing for an Apple iPad mini, Google Nexus 7, Amazon Fire HDX 7, or Samsung Nexus. Additional prizes include $25 gift cards to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Best Buy and Regal Theaters, and $15 gift certificates to Cool Beanz coffeehouse.

Teens ages 12 to 18 can also participate by filling out one entry form for every book or magazine read during the challenge. Grand prize drawings for teens include a computer tablet and gift cards.

Events for adults during the Winter Reading period include local history programs, including a Jan. 27 presentation on the life and crimes of gangster John Looney, and a Feb. 25 program on restoration work needed on the Rock Island Courthouse's Civil War monument. Additional programs include a wide variety of technology training programs on downloading eBooks and using various types of tablets and smartphones.

Teens can choose from programs this winter that include an Anime Night on Jan. 22, a "Tape it to Make it" duct tape craft on Feb. 5, a Teen "un-valentines" party on Feb. 10, and a Teen Science Cafe with hand-on projects on Feb. 19.

Events are free and open to all, regardless of participation in the winter reading contest.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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Calendar of library programs: http://rockislandlibrary.evanced.info/signup/eventcalendar.aspx

Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.

13 Jan 2015

Gov. Branstad names Roxann Ryan as acting commissioner of Iowa Department of Public Safety

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today named Roxann Ryan the acting commissioner of the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS). The appointment as acting commissioner comes as DPS commissioner Larry Noble today retires. A photo of Roxann Ryan can be found here.

"I thank Commissioner Larry Noble for his distinguished service to the state and am pleased Roxann Ryan has agreed to serve as the acting commissioner," said Branstad. "I'm confident in her ability to lead the department in this role."

Roxann Ryan earned a Bachelor's Degree in Economics from Iowa State University, a law degree from University of Iowa and a PhD in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska Omaha. Ryan served in the Iowa Attorney General's Office from 1980-2004 in the criminal division. Ryan joined the Iowa Department of Public Safety in 2006 has served as a criminal intelligence analyst, in-house counsel and administrative rules coordinator. Additionally, she taught criminal justice for two years at Simpson College.

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13 Jan 2015

New Director Joins Iowa City VA Health Care System

By Jon Pruett
Iowa City – The Department of Veterans Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Judith Johnson-Mekota as the new Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System.

"We are excited to bring Ms. Johnson-Mekota on board as the new Director of the Iowa City VA Health Care System," said Ms. Janet Murphy, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 23) Director. "Her sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the health care system, the employees, volunteers, and most importantly, for the Veterans we are honored to serve. We anticipate she will arrive at the Iowa City VA medical center February 8 to begin her appointment."

Ms. Johnson-Mekota holds a Master Degree in Nursing Administration from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa and an undergraduate degree in Nursing from Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Ms. Johnson-Mekota has served more than 20 years in health care leadership positions within VA, most recently as Director, VA Central Iowa Health Care System.

The Iowa City VA Health Care System provides health care to more than 40,000 Veterans with an operating budget of about $182M - to include ten Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). With 1,100 employees, the system covers 32 counties in eastern Iowa and 16 counties in western Illinois.

It is a teaching hospital providing a full range of patient care services with state-of-the-art technology, as well as education and research. Comprehensive health care is provided through primary care and long-term care in areas of medicine, surgery, psychiatry, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, oncology, dentistry, geriatrics and extended care.

Ms. Johnson-Mekota has an exceptional background and possesses the leadership, knowledge, and skills necessary to successfully lead the Iowa City VA Health Care System into the future.

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13 Jan 2015

A CALL TO ACTION AGAINST VIOLENCE!

By Ginger Busby

Come hear Apostle Jonathan Byrd speak on violence and destruction!

WHEN: Friday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Center located at 1411 Brady Street in Davenport

COST: No charge, but a free-will offering will be accepted.

Apostle Jonathan Byrd is the founder of The Mighty X-Men Program for men and women who have been incarcerated. This program has been successful in the Rockford, Illinois, area. He also is the Pastor of The Faith Center in Rockford.

We invite all those who love our community and desire to alleviate the violence and destruction that is plaguing our families and neighborhoods.

We believe all will be blessed who come!

12 Jan 2015

Beat Cabin Fever with Winter fun in LeClaire, Iowa!

By Cindy Bruhn

Friday-Monday, January 16-19: Be a Tourist in Your Own Backyard!

Come on out to LeClaire, Iowa, January 16-19 and "Be A Tourist In Your Own Backyard!" Bierstube, Blue Iguana, Steventon's, Buffalo Bill Museum, Holiday Inn Express, and Mississippi River Distilling Co. will have specials that you can enjoy. Find more details and coupons here: http://www.qcbeatourist.com

Saturday, January 17: Trivia Night at the LeClaire Civic Center, 127 S. Cody Road. Doors open at 6:30pm; Trivia starts at 7pm. 8-person teams; $10 per person. Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes. Mulligans are 10 for $10. Each team may bring its own snacks, beer, wine, and soft drinks. Pork roast dinner available to "take and go" or "stay and play." Call Debbie at 563-349-4403 or email Smith73075@aol.com to reserve a table.

Sunday, January 18: Dress for Success Charity Wine Tasting at Faithful Pilot beginning at noon. Bring in a gently used dress for women who need to "dress up" for job interviews and receive $5 off wine tasting of a selection of their wines. They will also be open noon-5pm for lunch. Call 563-289-4156 for reservations.

Sunday, January 18: Bald Eagle Day. Learn about the area's bald eagles at the Medic EMS building, 107 N. Cody Road, LeClaire, Iowa. At 1:30pm, wildlife photographer, Burt Gearhart, will give an all-ages slide presentation and lecture that will reveal many interesting discoveries about Bald Eagles and their everyday lives in Iowa. See eagles diving for fish, eating while flying, flying with icicles on their toes and much more. Learn to distinguish between immature and mature eagles, what they eat, and why they winter in the area. Attendees will learn about this incredible wildlife opportunity to view and photograph the annual winter gathering of Bald Eagles along the Mississippi River north and south of LeClaire.

At the conclusion of the presentation, join Burt at Lock & Dam 14 to view and photograph the Eagles of LeClaire.

Burt's prints that celebrate Bald Eagles, the Mississippi River, and the historic beauty of LeClaire will also be on display. This program is free and open to the public.

Also that day, The Faithful Pilot Café and Spirits will be open noon-5pm for lunch with a great view of the bald eagles soaring above. Isabel Bloom will have a drawing for a free Eagle sculpture. Bierstube's Bald Eagle Day special on January 18 is 10% off your bill, excluding alcohol.

El Rio Spa & Wellness, 1000 Stagecoach Road, has January specials! Free Trial Fitness Class and Free Consultation with our Fitness Manager. The Café has 20% off Salads. Come tour El Rio Spa & Wellness and enter your name in a drawing for a chance to win a "Spa Product Package". Drawing will be on the "Be A Tourist In Your Own Backyard" weekend. www.elriospa.com

January - April: Join the 2015 LeClaire Cocktail Cruise with Mississippi River Distilling Co.! From January to April, eight different bars and restaurants will have a showcase MRDC cocktail. You can go try each one and get your cocktail "passport" stamped for chance to win monthly prizes. Plus, during First Friday, with any bottle sold, get a coupon for a free showcase cocktail! Pick up your passport today at Mississippi River Distilling Co., 303 N. Cody Road. Find all the details here: www.LeClaireCocktails.com

renee grae gallery, 101 S. Cody Road, has introduced their newest artist, photographer Thomas Bertilsson. Born in Sweden, Thomas Bertilsson moved to Minnesota in 2001. His photography focuses mostly on landscape, large bodies of water and their allure, the beauty of shorelines, and the mystery and magic of the woods. In the last decade he has focused on creating interesting and involving photographs, always with a handmade finished print in mind. Thomas' featured work will be kicking off their extended winter group exhibition. Their biggest exhibition to date, this show features over 175 original pieces of art by all of their local and regional gallery artists. They will also be turning the gallery into a working studio during winter business hours. They will be bringing in their studio supplies and creating new works all winter. Stop in to see artists at work! Winter hours are Wednesday 11am-4pm; Friday 11am-4pm; Saturday 11am-5pm. www.reneegraegallery.com

Check out the Wide River Winery Inn, 106 N. Cody Rd., above the Wide River Winery Tasting Room for a fun winter get-away! They have a reduced winter rate of $119 during the months of January and February. The fully furnished apartment sleeps four adults. Why not plan a weekend to look for the Bald Eagles or enjoy the shopping and charm of LeClaire? For more information, contact Cecilia 954-242-6878. www.wideriverwinery.com

Details on all LeClaire events can be found at: http://www.visitleclaire.com/events.html

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12 Jan 2015

4 Misconceptions That Won't Help When You Hit the Slopes This Season

By Rick Martin
Common Errors to Avoid from Sought-after Instructor & Keynote Speaker

As the season gets underway and skiers of all levels journey to the snow capped mountains, chances are that a great many of them will do some things that won't help their cause, says world-class ski instructor Chalky White.

"You can boil down skiing to a few basic principles, but like any sport, there are many finer details that matter, and with an activity like skiing, the details can mean the difference between a safe ski trip and a hazardous one," Chalky says.

"Skiing is a truly wonderful sport; it changed my life! I hate to think that there are beginners who may be steered away from it due to avoidable mistakes. And, there are those who've become decent skiers - they love the sport and they continue skiing each season - but they're held back by questionable technique and inaccurate practice."

Due to the popularity of his Amazon, in-category, No.1 bestselling how-to book, "The 7 Secrets of Skiing," Chalky was able to craft a new program for business professionals and celebrities called Ski the World with Chalky White, (www.the7secretsofskiing.com).

Chalky reviews four common mistakes skiers make on snow-capped slopes.

•  "I'm too old to be a great skier, so I'll just wing it." Some people are raised on the slopes, carving up the snow at age 6 and entering competitions at age 8. Most folks, however, have average natural ability and aren't raised on skis. But, as I was they can, if accurately trained, become very competent skiers.

If you're completely new to skiing, take the time to learn some basics - preferably with a qualified instructor. The most important fundamental to learn is balance, as applied to skiing; all sports rely on balance to some extent, and for skiing it all starts there!

•  "I can be great if only I can overcome my fear." Indeed, hurling one's body down what they perceive to be a steep slope of slippery snow takes courage. It makes sense to have butterflies at the top of a slope, but overcoming nerves alone won't make you great.

Some skiers, even a few new to the sport, have little fear when skiing - but that's often because they've practiced and have undergone sound training. The more adept you become as a skier, the more fear-based emotion is pushed to the "back-burner" and is, as practice continues, largely replaced by new-found confidence and more fun.

•  "I'm beyond the basics." Ninety-five percent of skiers, including some professionals, do not fully appreciate and utilize the power of balance - at least not consciously. Many simply believe they are fully balanced, but this is often delusional and maybe arrogant thinking. The best advice is to be a constant student, which means consistent vigilance toward one's balance.

A great skier is one who can consistently recover following balance losses. You may be frustrated that you lost balance at all. However, the ability to recover with ease is a sign that you are well-balanced.

•  "I don't want to pre-release from my ski bindings; my gear seems okay." Just as it is silly to think that gear alone will make you a good skier, so too is the idea that gear doesn't have specific requirements. Most vitally, you'll want to make sure ski bindings - a device that connects a ski boot to a ski - adhere to the right D.I.N. (German for "Deutsche Institut Fuer Normung") standard. If your bindings are accurately set to suit your age, ability and weight, and if you are skiing with proper technique, you will probably not pre-release from them. But if you make a mistake serious enough to merit a release from attachment to your skis before falling, then chances of injury are dramatically decreased. Some skiers tamper with these professional standards to prevent release, which can be extremely dangerous.

Other important facets include boots - the most important gear item for technique - and ski poles, which should be the correct length.

I have heard far too many disturbing stories due to the inaccurate setting of the binding alone. Too many of my friends, and the general skiing fraternity, have experienced broken legs. Don't be one of many skiers, experts included, who neglect the binding setting. Get your skis' bindings regularly checked by a professional, and don't tamper with them!

About Chalky White

For many years, Chalky White has been a professional ski instructor who is highly regarded for being able to help develop the skill of balance for skiers of all levels, including experts. Through his business, Seven Secrets International Ski Services LLC, he has taught students in the Alps, New Zealand and the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, where he remains a longtime member of the esteemed Vail and Beaver Creek Ski School. Since 2011, his book, "The 7 Secrets of Skiing," (www.the7secretsofskiing.com), has been at or near the No.1 for ski books on Amazon. Chalky is a sought-after inspirational/motivational speaker.

12 Jan 2015

Rock Island Libraries Closed Monday, Jan. 19

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: All locations of the Rock Island Public Library will be closed Monday, Jan. 19 so that staff can attend an in-service training day.

The one-day closing affects the Main Library location at 401 19th Street, the 30/31 Branch at 3059 30th Street, and the Southwest Branch at 9010 Ridgewood Road.

For January only, the library's 30/31 Book Club will meet at the Hauberg Civic Center, 1300 24th Street, on Monday, Jan. 19 at 6:30 pm. Members will discuss "Emma" by Jane Austen. Library book club discussions are open to anyone who has read the selected book.

For more upcoming library events, visit library locations or the website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow Rock Island Library on Facebook or Twitter or call 309-732-READ (7323).

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12 Jan 2015

STEM Council names five Iowa STEM CAPS Programs

By Angel Mendez

Centers for Advanced Professional Studies will serve as models across the state

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa - The Iowa Governor's Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Advisory Council took a major step in bringing innovative STEM education solutions to Iowa last month by naming five winners of a competition to build Iowa STEM Centers for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) programs.

The STEM Council committed this year to identifying the most successful models known to connect schools with community-based business and industry to drive an understanding of how STEM concepts learned in school apply to careers. After studying various STEM schools across the country, the CAPS model of the Blue Valley School District of Overland Park, Kan., was determined by STEM Council leaders to be the closest to what Iowa seeks. Rather than a central destination, the Iowa team favored a "satellite" version being implemented by a consortium of districts in the North Kansas City region.

Iowa STEM CAPS programs will unite businesses and education for the organic development of STEM programs matching their local industry strengths, challenges and resources. Students at Iowa STEM CAPS sites will learn at business and industry sites or at an industry site located on a school campus.

"The STEM CAPS satellite model will allow students to experience the industry or business environment firsthand," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, co-chair of the STEM Council. "That experience is vital to prepare students for STEM success in college or career training after high school, and it allows business and industry to introduce students to outstanding career opportunities."

The STEM Council Executive Committee voted unanimously in December to award and support five competitively-selected school partnerships, bringing to the table a total cost-share commitment of $773,509. The $150,000 STEM Council investment is divided up among these five applicants that includes funding for professional development:

  • Bettendorf/Pleasant Valley;

  • Cedar Rapids/College Community (or Iowa BIG);

  • Kirkwood CC/University of Iowa/Clear Creak Amana/Iowa City/Regina/Solon/Tipton/West Branch/West Liberty;

  • Northeast; and

  • Rock Valley (or Rocket Manufacturing).

"These programs will unite local businesses and educators into a collaborative STEM environment, which is a key priority of the STEM Council," said Vermeer CEO Mary Andringa, co-chair of the STEM Council. "These partnerships represent a wonderful new paradigm for education that may ultimately shape the future of our state's economic development."

Each selected program submitted in-depth proposals, considering factors like education driven by business and industry need, rigorous, relevant and dynamic STEM curriculum and authentic partnerships. Their Iowa STEM CAPS models bring various strengths in community partnerships, district demographics and program focus.

During spring 2015, the STEM Council will hold professional development opportunities for potential and current districts and business and industry partners to learn more about Iowa STEM CAPS and strengthen statewide networks.

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About the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council

Established in July 2011 via Governor's Executive Order, the Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council is a public-private partnership of educators, companies, and Iowa students and families addressing policies and programs designed to improve Iowa's educational system focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The Council works to engage and prepare students for a career-ready workforce path, regain our State's historic leadership position in education, and provide a vital competitive economic advantage now, and for the future, to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The 47-member Council is chaired by Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Vermeer Corp. CEO Mary Andringa. For more information, visit www.IowaSTEM.gov.

12 Jan 2015

Loebsack Statement on the Keystone Pipeline Vote

By Grassley Press

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after the House voted on the Keystone Pipeline.

"I have long subscribed to the belief that the best course of action regarding energy policy is to move from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy as quickly and as feasibly as possible. I understand the concerns about the potential impact of the Keystone XL pipeline proposal. At the same time, any decision such as the one regarding Keystone is hardly a simple or easy one to make. Environmental concerns are important, but so are other factors.

"In my mind, one of the most important reasons is the infrastructure jobs that will be created due to the construction of the pipeline. I am fully aware of the short-term nature of the 40,000 plus jobs that will be created by this project. But I cast my vote today in favor of creating these jobs that can't be shipped overseas and for the countless hardworking men and women who put their hard hats on every morning so that they can put food on the table and help their children pay for college. We have seen Wall Street recover, yet working folks across Iowa and America continue to wait their turn. Our focus must continue to be on improving the economy, getting Americans back to work, and moving our country forward. It is unfortunate that Republicans have refused to move any comprehensive jobs legislation to keep jobs from going overseas.  A good first start would be an immediate consideration of a long-term transportation bill so American workers can get back to work and the U.S. economic recovery can be further enhanced.

"Additionally, today's vote marks only the beginning of the work Congress must do on energy policy during the next session and in the years beyond.  First, we must do all we can to reduce carbon at its sources and ensure that polluters bear the costs of their action.  This can be done by imposing a carbon fee on the pollution emitted by the use of fossil fuels, with the revenue generated returned to households.  We also must extend the Production Tax Credit to continue to spur the generation of wind power, extend the Investment Tax Credit to incentivize the development of solar power, and continue other policies to enable the increased use of other renewable forms of energy. These policies will both protect our environment and create hundreds of thousands of jobs across America. These efforts will continue to move our nation on a path that practically and affordably moves us farther from reliance on fossil fuels and towards significantly more use of renewables."

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