17 Feb 2015

Gov. Rauner establishes Local Government Consolidation and Unfunded Mandate Task Force

By Catherine Kelly

Sanguinetti to chair task force

ELMHURST - Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner today signed Executive Order 15-15 creating the Local Government Consolidation and Unfunded Mandate Task force.  Lt. Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti will chair the task force, which is charged with finding efficiencies and encouraging streamlining of local government functions.

"Illinois leads the nation with nearly 7,000 units of local government," Rauner said. "Many of these unnecessary layers of government are why hardworking families end up paying some of the highest property taxes in the nation."

Task force members will be appointed by the Governor, and include representatives of units of local government, school districts, and the General Assembly from throughout Illinois.

The task force is required to submit its findings to the Governor and General Assembly by December 31, 2015, upon which time it will be dissolved.

Governor Rauner was joined today by DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, whose ACT Initiative is saving DuPage County millions of dollars throughout the next 20 years.

"We need to lessen the burden of unfunded mandates imposed by the state on local governments while also encouraging streamlining of local government functions in order to save taxpayers money," Rauner added.

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16 Feb 2015

Governor Rauner announces new head of DCEO

By Lance Trover

CHICAGO -- Governor Bruce Rauner announced today he has selected Jim Schultz, 55, as Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Schultz's experience in agribusiness and as a banking entrepreneur gives him the breadth of knowledge to develop and support businesses across the State of Illinois. He will bring 30 years of experience to the position.

 

Schultz is currently the chairman of Open Prairie Ventures, Inc., a company he founded in 1997. Open Prairie provides private equity services and manages more than $135 million in fund commitments.

 

Prior to founding Open Prairie Ventures, Schultz was the chairman and CEO of Telemind Capital Corporation. The company provides merger and acquisition guidance, and financial consulting services to businesses. Schultz assisted clients in a number of industries, including: software development, banking, manufacturing, retail, healthcare and entertainment.

 

Schultz earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Southern Methodist University in 1980. He holds a law degree from DePaul University and an MBA from Northwestern University.

 

Experience:

?     Open Prairie Management, LLC., Founder and Chariman of the Board (1997-Present)

?     Telemind Capital Corporation, Chariman/CEO (1990-2000)

?     Prime Banc Corporation

o   Chairman of the Board (1993-2001)

o   Board Member (1993-Present)

?     Pinnacle Ford-Lincoln-Mercury, Inc., Chairman and Founding Partner (1992-1996)

?     Physicians Clinical Laboratories, Ltd., Chairman and President (1990-1993)

?     Agracel, Investment Banking Parneter, General Counsel, CFO (1987-1992)

?     Effingham Hi-Tech Partners, Managing Partner (1987-1991)

?     Mark Twain Banks, Assistant Vice President (1985-1987)

 

Education:

?     Northwestern University, MBA (1985)

?     DePaul University, J.D. (1984)

?     Southern Methodist University, B.S. in Business Administration (1980)


Personal Information:

?     Age: 55

?     Hometown: Effingham

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16 Feb 2015

"Elvis" returns to the CCPA February 21

By Megan Flanagan

"America's Got Talent" Finalist Joseph Hall's Elvis Rock 'N' Remember Returns to the CCPA February 21

Joseph Hall is absolutely thrilled to bring his unforgettable Elvis Rock 'N' Remember tribute show back to the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, February 21 at 7:30pm.  Tickets are available at Coralvillearts.org, by phone at 319.248.9370, and in person at the CCPA box office and Coralville Rec Center.

This fast-paced production explores the roots of Elvis Presley and caters to both the young and the young at heart.  With the look, the voice, the charm, and the vulnerability of a young Elvis, Joseph Hall's got the moves that take us back to a time when parents were flabbergasted by Presley's flauntingly provocative hip action.  Elvis Rock 'N' Remember achieves a complete and powerful flashback experience, recalling the time when fans first fell in love with the talented, handsome, carefree, energetic, high-spirited young man that was Elvis Presley.  The show is masterfully produced with a mixture of Elvis hits (from rock'n'roll to country to gospel), stage props, multiple costume changes, and a heartfelt tribute to our veterans.  He's even got the teddy bears and scarves to woo the ladies.  A must see for all ages!

Born in 1984, Joseph Hall has been paying tribute to the legacy of Elvis Presley since 2006.  He was one of the top 10 finalists on NBC's America's Got Talent in 2008.  Sharon Osbourne was impressed enough to tell him, "I've got shoes older than you, but I'd like to try you on!" and Piers Morgan said, "ELVIS IS BACK!"  Hall has performed all over the world from Las Vegas to Wales and has won accolades including the "Spirit of Elvis" award.  He has worked with Elvis Presley Enterprises, Legends in Concert, and has officially been recognized as one of the top tribute artists in the world today.  Hall currently resides in Branson, Missouri with his family.

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16 Feb 2015

Loebsack to Kickoff Made in the USA Tour in Muscatine and Bettendorf

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will be touring manufacturing plants across Eastern Iowa as part of his Made in the USA Tour. Loebsack will be in Muscatine and Bettendorf on TUESDAY, February 17th. As part of the tour, Loebsack will meet with management and employees at both large and small manufacturing plants to discuss his recent appointment to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He will also discuss the importance of keeping and creating good paying jobs here at home. Media is invited to attend.

***THE TOUR OF BANDAG HAS BEEN CANCELLED***

Tour Bandag

6501 49th Street South

Muscatine

1:00pm

 

Tour Sivyer Steel

225 33rd St.

Bettendorf

3:30pm

 

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16 Feb 2015

Smiddy Works to Prevent Veterans' Suicide

By Rick Martin
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Because of the continued high number of veterans who succumb to suicide, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is sponsoring legislation to investigate ways the state can provide former service member with the help they need.
"After veterans serve our country abroad, they may have trouble readjusting to civilian life when they return home, and too often these issues go unaddressed and can have tragic consequences for veterans and their families," Smiddy said. "We owe it to Illinois veterans to learn the causes behind the high rate of suicide for service men and women and the best way to address them."
On average, 22 veterans committed suicide in the United States every day in 2010, according to a 2012 report issued by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The suicide rate for veterans in Illinois was twice the rate for civilians between 2005 and 2011. This represents a problem in the way Illinois treats emotional and psychological issues for returning veterans. The Illinois Taskforce on Veterans' Suicide was established in 2014 and Smiddy is cosponsoring legislation, House Joint Resolution 4, that allows the group to continue their work and requires they submit their recommendations by December 21, 2016.
"This task force is charged with the important task of recommending best practices for the care of our veterans, and I'm looking forward to reviewing their recommendations and finding ways to provide high quality services to returning veterans," Smiddy said. "I'll continue to support every effort to ensure Illinois veterans receive the care they deserve when returning home."
House Joint Resolution 4 was introduced in January and will be sent to a House committee for consideration.
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16 Feb 2015

ROCK ISLAND COUNTY WASTE MANAGEMENT AGENCY (RICWMA) MEETING

By Sarah Grabowski
Tuesday, February 17, 2015, 1:00 p.m.

Rock Island County Waste Management Agency

Rock Island County Office Building, Room 320

1504 Third Avenue

Rock Island, Illinois

1. Approval of the Minutes of the January 20, 2015 Rock Island County Waste Management

Agency Meeting

2. Financial Reports

- Approval of Monthly Bills

- Status of Income and Expenses

3. Agency Program Reports

- White Goods & Tires Program

- Household Hazardous Waste Program

- E-Waste Program

- Scott County Landfill Tire Disposal Program

- Regional Drop-Off Recycling Program

4. Other Business

- Waste Commission of Scott County Single-Stream Recycling Facility overview, Kathy

Morris, Executive Director

5. Other Activities

- Staff Activities

6. Comments from the Public

7. Adjournment

NEXT MEETING: March 17, 2015
16 Feb 2015

Rivermont Senior Named National Merit Finalist

By Jill Weitzel

February 12, 2015 - Congratulations to Michal Porubcin, senior at Rivermont Collegiate, Bettendorf, Iowa.

Michal Porubcin, son of Dr. Michal and Chae Hee Porubcin of Coal Valley, IL is a National Merit Finalist in the 2014 Scholarship Competition.

The National Merit Scholarship Program named 15,000 finalists from over 1.5 million students who took the qualifying PSAT exam in October of 2013.

"The selection of some 18,000 Merit Scholarship winners from this group is now in progress" and will be announced in March.

Rivermont Collegiate is the only Private College Prep School in the Quad Cities for PreSchool through 12th grade.

Visit our website for more information: www.rivermontcollegiate.org

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16 Feb 2015

DATES ANNOUNCED FOR FREE FIRESIDE CHATS WITH GIRL SCOUTS

By Abigail Kreun

The Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois is pleased to announce dates for free Fireside Chats - programs designed to provide girls and their families with information about outdoor opportunities.

Fireside Chats will explore three different types of camp opportunities offered through the Girl Scouts.

"Camps are a supportive, safe environment where girls can try new things, expand their horizons and make new friends," said Stacy Conforti, Director of Outdoor Programs.

Through camp activities like horseback riding, swimming and archery, girls learn about teamwork, leadership, and self-confidence - skills they'll use for a lifetime.

All girls and their families are invited to attend a Fireside Chat to learn more.

"There are no NON-Girl Scouts, just girls who haven't become Girl Scouts yet," said Conforti.

The dates for Fireside Chats are as follows:

Feb. 21 from 10 - 11 a.m.: Rock Island, IL - Program Center

Feb. 26 from 6 - 7 a.m.: Waterloo, IA - Hartman Reserve Lodge

Feb. 28 from 10-11 a.m.: Danville, IA - Camp L-Kee-Ta

March 2 from 6 - 7 a.m.: Cedar Rapids, IA - Human Services Conference Area

March 7 from 10 - 11 a.m.: Epworth, IA - Camp Little Cloud

Camp opportunities can also be viewed online: www.GirlScoutsToday.org

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About Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois: Girl Scouts is the premier leadership development program for girls where girls can have fun, make new friends and learn new things in a safe all-girl setting. Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois serves approximately 18,000 girls in 38 counties. For more information, visit GirlScoutsToday.com or call your local Girl Scout Leadership Center at 800-798-0833.
16 Feb 2015

Teen programs get creative in late February

By Lisa Lockheart

Rock Island, IL: Teen programming takes a turn for the creative at the Rock Island Public Library in late February.

Rock Island's Teen Science Cafe, 6:00 pm on Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Main Library, will focus on helping teens make YouTube videos for the Quad City wide teen short film contest coming up in March. The library will supply flip video cameras for use that night, help with editing and provide details on how to enter. Videos are due March 3, and all entries will be shown at a free Premiere Party on March 12.  The Quad City-wide contest is open to ages 13 to 19, and is sponsored by the Putnam Museum.

On Thursday, Feb. 26, Rock Island Library holds its monthly Teen Gaming Night at 5:45 pm at the Main Library, 401 19th Stree. Teens ages 12 to 18 can play  Xbox 360 and Wii video games, or with board games. Snacks will be provided.

A free teen movie set against a college-wide singing contest wraps up the month at 2:00 pm on Saturday, Feb. 28. The 2012 movie carries a PG-13 rating, and is very loosely adapted from "Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory," by Mickey Rapkin. Ages 13 to 18 will be admitted to the free showing.

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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16 Feb 2015

Augustana students used Augie Choice to fund hands-on learning experiences

By Sam Schlouch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (02/16/2015)(readMedia)-- This past fall term, more than 40 Augustana College students utilized Augie Choice, a $2,000 grant available to Augustana students to fund a study abroad experience, internship or research project.

The following students from your area were among the students who used Augie Choice during this past fall term:

Courtney Camlin of Rock Island.

Hailey Coulter of Silvis.

Ryan Greene of Hampton.

Marisa Lara of Silvis.

Sierra Thiery of Rock Island.

Daniel Zahn of Moline.

Augie Choice was designed by an Augustana student to help make life-changing experiences possible for future students. More information about Augie Choice is available at http://www.augustana.edu/augiechoice.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 155 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

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