11 Feb 2015

Local students competing in upcoming U.S. Department of Energy National Science Bowl regional competition

By Dirk Fillpot

A team of students from one or more of your local middle schools is participating in an upcoming competition to determine the team to represent Iowa in the middle school National Finals of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science's National Science Bowl (NSB) (http://science.energy.gov/wdts/nsb/).  2015 marks the 25th NSB, which the DOE Office of Science launched to interest today's youth in pursuing careers in science and math.

The winner of the regional competition will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the Office of Science's National Science Bowl in late April and the winner of the national competition will win prizes for the team members and their schools.

Upon request, we can provide contact information for teams. Below is information about your regional competition, the list of the schools that have teams competing in it and links to downloadable HD video and graphics that could be used for stories.  Also, below is a blog that explains more about the National Science Bowl.

If you need any additional information, please feel free to reach me by email or phone, 202-287-6990. Thank you!

 

One or more teams from the following schools are competing in the regional competition:

(Contact information for the teams available upon request)

ADM MIDDLE SCHOOL

ADEL

AMES MIDDLE SCHOOL

AMES

BETTENDORF MIDDLE SCHOOL

BETTENDORF

BOONE MIDDLE SCHOOL

BOONE

CHARITON MIDDLE SCHOOL

CHARITON

CLARION-GOLDFIELD MS

CLARION

ST ALBERT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

COUNCIL BLUFFS

CENTRAL ACADEMY

DES MOINES

CENTRAL LEE MIDDLE SCHOOL

DONNELLSON

UNION MIDDLE SCHOOL

DYSART

GLENWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL

GLENWOOD

LE MARS MIDDLE SCHOOL

LE MARS

MADRID JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

MADRID

B R MILLER MIDDLE SCHOOL

MARSHALLTOWN

MELCHER-DALLAS JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

MELCHER

NEW HAMPTON MIDDLE SCHOOL

NEW HAMPTON

OGDEN MIDDLE SCHOOL

OGDEN

PELLA CHRISTIAN GRADE SCHOOL

PELLA

SHENANDOAH MIDDLE SCHOOL

SHENANDOAH

SPENCER MIDDLE SCHOOL

SPENCER

LYNNVILLE-SULLY MIDDLE SCHOOL

SULLY

BENTON COMMUNITY MIDDLE SCHOOL

VAN HORNE

STILWELL JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

WEST DES MOINES

WILLIAMSBURG JR-SR HIGH SCHOOL

WILLIAMSBURG

 








 

Regional competition details:

DATE:  February 21, 2015

LOCATION:  Ames Laboratory on the Iowa State University campus in Ames
11 Feb 2015

Outstanding Debt Obligations Increase a Modest 1.7%

By Karen Austin

Lowest annual percentage increase since the turn of the century

DES MOINES, IA (02/09/2015)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald reports that outstanding debt obligations for state and local governments in Iowa totaled just over $15 billion as of June 30, 2014. Overall, this represents an increase of 1.7% over last year. All political subdivisions, instrumentalities and agencies of the state are required to disclose outstanding long-term obligations, including bonds, notes, capital leases and loans, annually to the state treasurer. "While debt nearly doubled in the last decade, this is the lowest annual percentage increase reported since the turn of the century," Fitzgerald explained. "We see the greatest increases in debt issued by education-related entities such as schools, the Board of Regents and community colleges."

Education-related debt comprises over 38% of the total debt (public schools 23%, Board of Regents 11% and community colleges 4%). Debt issued by schools increased 8.49%, Board of Regents 7.11% and community colleges 6.86% over last year. A majority of the $5.8 billion debt incurred by school districts and AEAs is for construction or renovation projects. "In some areas, we see new schools being built, while in other areas we see old infrastructure being improved," Fitzgerald stated. "The fact that communities come together to better their schools is a reflection of the importance of education in Iowa."

Cities report 35% of all outstanding debt, with five cities (Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Coralville, Sioux City and Davenport) holding over 30% of the $5.3 billion reported.

Iowa counties report $859 million in debt with Polk County reporting nearly 30% of the total. Other entities with outstanding debt issues include state authorities with $2.1 billion and state agencies with $924 million. Counties, state authorities and agencies all decreased their debt in the last year.

"While the overall debt increase in Iowa is moderate, we make this information available to all Iowans by county so they can see the total debt and changes over the years in their own communities," Fitzgerald stated. Visit the state treasurer's office at iowatreasurer.gov and click 'Outstanding Obligation Report' under the 'For Governments' tab to view the report and additional information by a specific reporting entity.

11 Feb 2015

USDA Announces Funding to Support Research, Education, and Extension at 1890 Land-Grant Universities

By USDA Office of Communications

Prairie View, Texas, Feb. 9, 2015 - USDA's Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Joe Leonard today announced the availability of more than $18 million to strengthen the research, teaching and extension capabilities at 19 historically black land-grant colleges and universities in an effort to recruit and train students for careers in agriculture. Leonard made the announcement today during a visit to Prairie View A&M University.

"This support for the 1890 land-grant universities is an example of the Obama Administration and Secretary Vilsack's commitment to the 1890 Institutions," Leonard said. "This funding will continue to positively impact students, professors, and institutions for future generations."

The funding is being made available through the USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) 1890 Institution Research, Extension, and Teaching Capacity Building Grants (CBG) Program. NIFA provides support to historically black colleges and universities that were designated at as land-grant universities in the Second Morrill Act in 1890. Grants to these 1890 universities support research, extension and teaching in the food and agricultural sciences by building the institutional capacities of these schools.

The 1890 CBG Program strengthens the linkages among the 1890 universities, other colleges and universities, USDA, and private industry. It focuses on strengthening research and extension programs at the 1890 institutions and advancing cultural diversity in the scientific and professional workforce by attracting and educating more students from underrepresented groups.

Full applications for the 1890 CBG program are due March 26, 2015. Please see the request for applications for specific program requirements.

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. For more information, visit www.nifa.usda.gov.

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10 Feb 2015

Godsmack With Special Guests Papa Roach & In This Moment

By Stephani Nagle

May 19, 2015 - On Sale Friday, February 13 at 10 am

Godsmack with special guest Papa Roach will rock the iWireless Center May, 19 2015. Tickets go on sale this Friday, February 13 at 10 am.

Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum hard rock titans Godsmack preserve their connection to the streets of Boston on their sixth full-length album for Republic Records,1000hp. Outlasting tides, trends, and a torrential industry climate since forming in 1995, the quartet-Sully Erna [vocals, guitar], Tony Rombola [guitar], Robbie Merrill [bass], and Shannon Larkin [drums]-paved the way for a generation of rock bands. Their last album, 2010's The Oracle, rounded out a streak of three consecutive #1 debuts on the Billboard Top 200, an accomplishment only shared by Van Halen, U2, Metallica, Dave Matthews Band, and Linkin Park.  Now, these four musicians leap forward without forgetting where they came from.

Fear can sometimes be the best fuel. It pushes us into the unknown, makes us aware, and reminds us we're alive. Embracing that mindset, Papa Roach transformed the word itself into a mantra for the title of their eighth full-length album, F.E.A.R. [Eleven Seven Music]. The Grammy Award-nominated, multi-platinum hard rock juggernaut builds its most infectious, invigorating, and incendiary body of work to date. They preserve the robust riffs and swaggering rhythms that marked their initial call-to-arms, while seamlessly infusing cinematic electronic flourishes, sweeping hooks, and magnetic melodies. As a result, the band-Jacoby Shaddix [vocals], Jerry Horton [guitars], Tobin Esperance [bass], and Tony Palermo [drums]-rise like never before...

Tickets prices are $39.50 and $44.00 and go on sale Friday, February 13 at 10 am. Tickets are available at the iWireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000 and on line at www.ticketmaster.com. For additional information visit www.godsmack.com and www.paparoach.com.

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10 Feb 2015

Berry Sweet Valentine Treats!

By Laura Pritchard
** Upcoming Adult Cooking Classes
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Oscar Party
Sunday, February 22, 2-4:30 p.m.
Wear your fanciest apron down the red carpet to create glamorous appetizers, desserts and drinks.

Brunch & Breakfast Pastries
Sunday, March 29 2-4:30 p.m.
Indulge your love of breakfast with your love of sweets! This class will cover various techniques in baking all of your favorite breakfast pastries.  Learn a few fundamentals that will leave you equipped to bake a barrage of breakfast goodies both sweet and savory.

Mason Jar Meals
Sunday, April 19, 2-4:30 p.m.
Prepare a main course, salad and dessert using Mason Jars for easy storage and transport. This meal preparation works for singles, couples and families and doesn't take all day!

Memorial Day Picnic Recipes
Sunday, May 17, 2-4:30 p.m.
Kick off summer with classic and unique Memorial Day recipes! Whether you're throwing a party in your backyard or taking a dish to pass at a picnic or potluck, we have some great ideas!


** Upcoming Kids Cooking Classes
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Movie Night
March 8, 2-4 p.m.
If you love popcorn, you'll love this class! Create our own popcorn seasonings and other entertaining treats that make any family movie night extra special.
10 Feb 2015

6 Emergency Complications of Type 2 Diabetes.

By Everyday Health
Uncontrolled diabetes can be life-threatening. Help prevent these serious diabetes complications by learning the warning signs.

People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of many serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, vision loss, and amputation. But by keeping your diabetes in check ? that means maintaining good blood sugar control ? and knowing how to recognize a problem and what to do about it should one occur, you can prevent many of these serious complications of diabetes.

Heart Attack

Heart disease and stroke are the top causes of death and disability in people with diabetes. Heart attack symptoms may appear suddenly or be subtle, with only mild pain and discomfort. If you experience any of the following heart attack warning signs, call 911 immediately:

  • Chest discomfort that feels like pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of your chest, lasting for a short time or going away and returning
  • Pain elsewhere, including the back, jaw, stomach, or neck; or pain in one or both arms
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nausea or lightheadedness

Stroke

If you suddenly experience any of the following stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately. As with a heart attack, immediate treatment can be the difference between life and death. Stroke warning signs may include :

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if it occurs on one side of the body
  • Feeling confused
  • Difficulty walking and talking and lacking coordination
  • Developing a severe headache for no apparent reason

Nerve Damage

People with diabetes are at increased risk of nerve damage, or diabetic neuropathy, due to uncontrolled high blood sugar. Nerve damage associated with type 2 diabetes can cause a loss of feeling in your feet, which makes you more vulnerable to injury and infection. You may get a blister or cut on your foot that you don't feel and, unless you check your feet regularly, an infection can develop. Untreated infections can result in gangrene (death of tissue) and ultimately amputation of the affected limb. A recent large study from Sweden of 2,480 patients with diabetic foot ulcers found that certain factors increased the likelihood of amputation, including being male and having had diabetes for longer than 23 years.

Diabetes can also make it more difficult for your body to fight infections, causing skin problems. Various skin conditions are linked to diabetes, and even the most minor cuts or sores can turn serious fast. Any bumps, cuts, or scrapes should be cleaned and treated with an antibiotic cream and monitored carefully.

If you notice any of the following symptoms, see your doctor:

  • Inflammation and tenderness anywhere on your body
  • Red, itchy rash surrounded by small blisters or scales
  • Cuts, sores, or blisters on your feet that are slow to heal and are not as painful as you would expect
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your hands or feet, including your fingers and toes
  • Sharp pain that gets worse at night
  • Muscle weakness that makes walking difficult
  • Bladder infections and problems with bladder control
  • Bloating, stomach pain, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Erectile dysfunction in men and vaginal dryness in women

Kidney Disease

Type 2 diabetes increases your risk of kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, a condition in which the blood vessels in your kidneys are damaged to the point that they cannot filter out waste properly. If left untreated, dialysis (a treatment to filter out waste products from the blood) and ultimately a kidney transplant may be needed.

Typically, you won't notice symptoms of kidney disease until it has advanced. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor:

  • Swelling in your ankles and legs
  • Leg cramps
  • A need to go to the bathroom more often at night
  • A reduction in your need for insulin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness and paleness
  • Itching

The best way to prevent type 2 diabetes-related kidney problems is to have your urine, blood, and blood pressure monitored regularly and to keep your blood sugar and blood pressure under control.

Eye Problems

People with type 2 diabetes are at risk of several eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy (which affects the blood vessels in the eye), glaucoma, and cataracts. If left untreated, these conditions can cause vision loss.

Call your doctor if you notice any of these warning signs:

  • Blurry vision that lasts for more than two days
  • Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
  • Floaters, black or gray spots, cobwebs, or strings that move when you move your eyes
  • A sensation of seeing "flashing lights"
  • Pain or pressure in one or both eyes

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia means you have too much sugar in your blood. High blood sugar doesn't always produce symptoms; therefore, it is important to check your blood sugar regularly, as indicated by your doctor. When symptoms of hyperglycemia occur, they may include :

  • Frequent urination
  • Extreme thirst
  • Feeling tired and weak
  • Blurry vision
  • Feeling hungry even after eating

If you frequently have high blood sugar, tell your doctor. He or she may need to make changes to your medication and suggest diet and lifestyle modifications to help you gain and maintain better blood sugar control.

The key to preventing many of the complications of diabetes is to keep your blood sugar at a healthy level. To do this, eat right, exercise, monitor your blood sugar as recommended by your doctor, and don't smoke.

Report any unusual signs or symptoms to your doctor. Together you can work to prevent these diabetes-related health complications.

For more diabetes news, follow @diabetesfacts on Twitter from the editors of @EverydayHealth.

10 Feb 2015

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: FEBRUARY 9, 2015

By Brian Lavelle

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, February 11, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline
Missouri Mavericks vs. Quad City Mallards

Friday, February 13, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline
Tulsa Oilers vs. Quad City Mallards

Saturday, February 14, 7:35 p.m.
BOK Center, Tulsa
Quad City Mallards vs. Tulsa Oilers

 

LAST WEEK
Tuesday, February 3
Quad City 3 Missouri 1

Friday, February 6
Wichita 2 Quad City 1

Saturday, February 7
Quad City 6 Wichita 2

Sunday, February 8
Missouri 3 Quad City 0

 

Quad City
22-17-6, 50 points
2nd place, Central Division
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Missouri
18-21-4, 40 points
6th place, Central Division
Coach: Richard Matvichuk

Tulsa
21-21-6, 46 points
4th place, Central Division
Coach: Bruce Ramsay

QUACK TRACKS
Second
The Mallards are in sole possession of second place in the ECHL's Central Division.  The Mallards snapped a second place deadlock with Wichita by defeating the Thunder 6-2 last Saturday- one night after a 2-1 loss to Wichita left them tied with the Thunder.  With yesterday's loss to Missouri the Mallards missed an opportunity to open up a four point lead in the battle for second.

Busy
The Mallards went 2-2-0 last week, splitting two games against both Wichita and Missouri.  The Mallards went 1-2-0 over the weekend while playing three games in three nights for the fourth time this season.

Undermanned
The Mallards have been undermanned for their last six games, starting with a January 30 win in Wichita, a contest they finished with just 13 skaters after injuries to Paxton Leroux and Logan Nelson and a game misconduct assessed to Darren McMillan.  The Mallards dressed just 15 skaters (instead of the standard 16) for each of the four games that followed before being reduced to 14 skaters yesterday after an injury to Antti Pusa Saturday night.

You Again
The Mallards and Mavericks Wednesday night will meet for the third time in nine days.  Last Saturday's game was the fourth in 11 days between the Mallards and Thunder.

Trifecta
Last Tuesday's win over Missouri was the Mallards' third victory in a row.  Last Friday's loss to Wichita kept the Mallards from winning four straight for the first time since the final four games of last season.

Blanked
The Mallards yesterday were shut out for the third time this season. 

Blitzed
The Mallards allowed three goals in the first five minutes, 21 seconds of yesterday's loss to the Mavericks.  Parker Milner replaced Evan Mosher after the third Maverick goal and made 18 saves while keeping Missouri off the scoreboard over the final 54 minutes, 39 seconds of the game.

Stingy

Yesterday's Maverick blitz ended a run that had seen the Mallards surrender two goals or fewer in five straight games.  Despite yesterday's fireworks, the Mallards remain tied for third in the ECHL in goals against per game (2.6).

Red Light District
Yesterday's shutout came the day after the Mallards established a team single game high for 2015 by scoring six times against Wichita.  The Mallards Saturday night also came within one goal of matching the team season high for goals.  The Mallards are tied for twelfth in the ECHL in goals per game (3.0).

Doing Time
The Mallards and Thunder last Saturday combined to set Mallard season highs for most penalty minutes in one game (136) and in one period (114 in the third).

Hot Ticket
A total of 11,237 fans- 5,812 Friday night and 5,425 Saturday evening- watch the Mallards' games against the Thunder last weekend, the best combined attendance for Mallard home games on consecutive nights this season.

Special Teams
The Mallards have survived 24 of their foes' last 26 power plays and now rank fourth in the ECHL in penalty killing (85.8 percent).  The Mallards have gone 8-for-30 on the power play over their last seven games to climb into a tie for fourteenth in the league in power play efficiency (17.5 percent).

No Ordinary Joe
Joe Perry last Friday made his American Hockey League debut and picked up his first AHL point- an assist- in the Iowa Wild's 5-3 win over the Hamilton Bulldogs after being called up by Iowa last Thursday.

Firsts
Anthony Collins, who was acquired last Tuesday in a trade with South Carolina, last Friday against Wichita made his Mallard debut and picked up his first point- an assist- for the club.  Collins scored his first Mallard goal one night later against the Thunder.

Super Mario
Mario Lamoureux has 13 points (three goals and ten assists) in his last 11 games.  Lamoureux is tied for seventh in the ECHL in assists (31).

Foxy
Justin Fox's five-game point scoring streak (3-2-5) ended yesterday.

Rookie Roll
Todd Fiddler, who matched a team season high and set a personal career high by collecting three points (one goal and two assists) last Saturday against Wichita, has notched five points (two goals and three assists) in his last five games.

Between the Pipes
Milner have given up just four goals while going 3-0-0 in his last four games (1.02, .962).  Milner is tied for second in the ECHL in save percentage (.926) and ranks third in goals against average (2.18).  Mosher is tied for tenth in save percentage (.914).

Milestones
McMillan reached 198 career points with an assist in last Saturday's win over Wichita...Kevin Baker has 297 career assists...Matt Duffy has 98 career assists.

Head to Head
The Mallards have gone 2-4-2 against the Mavs this year and 0-1-1 at home against Missouri.  All-time, the Mallards have posted a 18-23-3 overall record against the Mavericks and have gone 7-10-1 on home ice...The Mallards have won two of their three meetings with the Oilers this season.  The Mallards won the lone prior match-up between the two clubs at the iWireless Center 4-3 in a shootout on November 19.  The Mallards and Oilers have split a pair of games in Tulsa.  All-time the Mallards have gone 10-8-0 against the Oilers: 7-2-0 at home and 3-6-0 on the road.

Ins and Outs
Five Mallard forwards have been sidelined by upper body injuries: Evan Haney (out eight games), Johnny Rogic (seven games) Paxton Leroux (five games), Logan Nelson (five games) and Antti Pusa (one game)...Joe Perry signed a professional tryout agreement with the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild last Thursday...The Mallards last Tuesday acquired forward Anthony Collins from the South Carolina Stingrays in exchange for future considerations.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES
Wednesday, February 11, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Missouri Mavericks

4 Tickets for $20; T.G.I. Friday's Postgame Party
Fans can get four tickets for just $20 for each Wednesday home game.  After each Wednesday home tilt fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's on River Drive in Moline for a postgame party.

Friday, February 13, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Tulsa Oilers

$1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday presented by 97X and MetroLINK
Fans again this season can enjoy $1 hot dogs and beers from iWireless Center concession stands during all Friday home games.  97X will follow in the spirit of the evening by presenting hot dog-themed intermission entertainment.  The Mallards have once again partnered with Metro to provide transit service between Augustana College and downtown Moline during all Friday home games.  Students can catch the Route 10 on campus via 7th Avenue to and from the games, with the Route 10 dropping students off near campus or at the District after games.  Students can then hop on the Route 53 from the District back to Augustana until 3 a.m.  As part of Metro's unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare.  Fans can visit www.gogreenmetro.com or www.facebook.com/53and59 for more information.  

Rooster's Sports Bar & Grill
For Friday home games the Mallards have joined with Rooster's Sports Bar & Grill in Rock Island to offer fans the chance to get a lower level ticket to the Mallards' game along with an appetizer and drink at Rooster's and a Metro bus ride to the game from Rooster's and back for just $20.  For more information fans can contact Rooster's at 309-283-7005.

Sport Clips Coupons
Fans will receive haircut coupons from Sport Clips when departing the iWireless Center after Friday night's game.

ON THE AIR
Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  ECHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts and free audio webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.net.

TICKETS
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the iWireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of group benefits.  Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

10 Feb 2015

News from the Mallards' Nest

By Brian Lavelle

Mavs Blank Mallards 3-0

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (February 8, 2015) - The host Missouri Mavericks (18-21-4) blitzed the Quad City Mallards (22-17-6) for three early goals- the first two from Jared Brown- and Mike Clemente went on to make 27 saves as the Mavericks blanked the second place Mallards 3-0 Sunday.

Brown scored his first goal on a breakaway just a minute and 40 seconds into the first period and doubled the Missouri lead by finishing off a 2-on-1 rush at 4:25.  Just 56 seconds later the Mavericks' Andrew Courtney scored from the high slot.  Parker Milner replaced Mallard starting goaltender Evan Mosher after the third Missouri goal.

Clemente was at his busiest in the third period when made 11 saves to preserve the shutout.

Mallards Pull Away, Down Wichita 6-2

MOLINE, Ill. (February 7, 2015) - Nick Grasso scored twice and Todd Fiddler provided a goal and two assists as the host Quad City Mallards (22-16-6) defeated the Wichita Thunder (21-18-6) 6-2 Friday night. With the win the Mallards broke a tie with Wichita and took over sole possession of second place in the ECHL's Central Division.

The Mallards took control of the game by scoring three times in the second period.  Matt Duffy's power play one timer kicked off the Quad City onslaught at 7:05 of the second.  Anthony Collins doubled the Mallard lead from the doorstep at 13:38.  With just over a minute and a half left in the period, Grasoo widened the gap to 3-0 with a wrist shot from the right wing circle.

The Mallards outscored the Thunder 3-2 in a penalty filled third period.  Fiddler pounced on a rebound to score the fourth Mallard goal exactly four minutes into the third.  R.G. Flath's tip-in got Wichita on the scoreboard for the first time at 6:08 of the final frame.  The Mallards were up two men when Kevin Baker made it 5-1 from close range 13:31.  Duval scored the second Thunder goal by burying Mike Wilson's cross-ice pass from the right wing circle at the 17:08 mark, but Grasso's empty net goal would cap off the Mallard victory with just 55 seconds remaining.

Mallards' Perry Called Up by Iowa Wild

MOLINE, Ill. (February 6, 2015) - Quad City Mallards forward Joe Perry has been signed to a professional tryout agreement by the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Mallards announced today.

Perry, 25, is tied for eighth in the ECHL in goals (20).  The 6' 2", 215-pound Nanaimo, British Columbia native is tied for second among ECHL rookies in goal-scoring and is tied for fifth among rookies in points (36).  Perry, who has played in each of the Mallards' first 42 games, also boasts the team's second best plus/minus rating (+8).  Perry's is the tenth AHL call-up for a Mallard this season.

Perry first joined the Mallards last March and made his professional debut in the Central Hockey League President's Cup playoffs.  He skated in the first two games of the Mallards' opening round series against the Rapid City Rush before injury ended his season.

Just before arriving in the Quad Cites last spring, Perry led Division III powerhouse St. Norbert College to its third national title in his four years as a Green Knight.  He was named to the American Hockey Coaches Association Division III All-American first team after finishing last season tied for first in the nation with 24 goals and totaling 37 points in 32 games.  Perry earned 2014 NCAA tournament Most Valuable Player honors by scoring five goals and adding two assists in three tournament games.  He scored 50 times and recorded 106 points in 115 career collegiate games.

Thunder Edges Mallards 2-1

MOLINE, Ill. (February 6, 2015) - Ian Lowe and Jared Walker both scored and Tim Boron made 18 saves as the Wichita Thunder (21-17-6) defeated the host Quad City Mallards (21-16-6) 2-1 Friday night.  With the win, the Thunder moved into a tie with the Mallards for second place in the ECHL's Central Division.

Wichita was on the power play when Lowe scored the game's first goal from the doorstep at 6:05 of the second period.

Walker backhanded a rebound past Mallard goaltender Evan Mosher- who took the loss despite making 34 saves- to double the Thunder lead at 5:46 of the third period.

At 9:07 of the third, Justin Fox's wrist shot from the top of the right wing circle cut the gap to 2-1, but the Mallards were unable to produce a late equalizer.
10 Feb 2015

Casey Family Programs to Expand Partnership with Illinois

By Lance Trover

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Bruce Rauner today announced an expanded partnership between the State of Illinois and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) with Casey Family Programs.

"The State of Illinois is faced with the immediate, difficult task of addressing the issues and the short-comings of our child welfare system. To help us accomplish this, we need to bring in the best of the best," Gov. Rauner said. "Casey Family Programs is one of the most respected and well-known child welfare foundations in the country. I'm excited to announce it has agreed to expand its partnership with us and provide additional resources, expertise, and know-how to help us address the needs of the children and families we serve."

Casey Family Programs has been partnering with the State of Illinois since 2009 on multiple projects by providing resources and technical assistance to support new supervision and program models, as well as, provide support around Illinois' innovative federal demonstration waiver focused on research-based alternatives to long term foster care. The new, expanded partnership will initially cover three key areas, including reforms to residential care, new practice models to assist with child safety decision-making assessments, and support the creation and expansion of data capabilities.

"We are pleased to assist the State of Illinois in finding better ways to support vulnerable children and families," Dr. William C. Bell, president and CEO of Casey Family Programs said. "This collaboration allows us to support practices and policies that safely reduce the need for foster care, strengthen families, and increase the safety and success of children."

In the coming weeks, Casey Family Programs' team will be meeting with DCFS staff and leadership to complete a full assessment of the agency, and further clarify additional needs and strengths.

About Casey Family Programs: Casey Family Programs is the nation's largest operating foundation focused solely on safely reducing the need for foster care and building Communities of Hope for vulnerable children and families across America. Founded in 1966, we work to influence long-lasting improvements to the safety and well-being of children, families and the communities where they live. For more information visit: www.casey.org.

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10 Feb 2015

Join Us In Our Upcoming NOVA Singers Concert Events!

By Nova Singers

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