13 Dec 2014

Loebsack, McKinley Propose Bill to Help Emergency First Responders

By Vonnie Hampel

Bipartisan Bill Will Help Rural Fire Departments Recruit and Retain Volunteers

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressmen Dave Loebsack (D-IA) and David B. McKinley (R-WV) introduced bipartisan legislation to help volunteer firefighters and other first responders who keep our communities safe. The bill creates a tax deduction for volunteer first responders and will help Volunteer Fire Departments and other public safety organizations recruit and retain volunteers.

"I'd like to thank Representatives McKinley and Loebsack for introducing this important legislation," said Chief Philip C. Stittleburg, Chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council. "The services donated by volunteer emergency response personnel are valued at more than $140 billion annually and the average responder donates services worth more than $18,000 each year. At the same time, local agencies are increasingly struggling to recruit and retain volunteer firefighters and EMTs. This common sense bill would help bolster staffing in volunteer public safety agencies by allowing responders to claim a portion of the value of the services they donate each year as a charitable donation."

"Our volunteer firefighters stand ready to serve us the moment disaster strikes. They donate their time and energy to keep us safe, and we can do more to support their critical role in our communities," said Loebsack. "Over 90% of Iowa's firefighters are volunteers, and this tax credit would provide an important recruitment tool for Fire Departments to maintain the level of staffing that they need to do their jobs. I am pleased to work on a bipartisan basis with Rep. McKinley to advance this important legislation."   

   

"Small towns across West Virginia and the country rely on volunteers to respond to fires, accidents, and other emergencies," said McKinley. "Yet these same men and women are often forced to raise money to simply have adequate equipment and training. We can do more to help them."

"We've had a number of meetings with Volunteer Fire Departments across West Virginia, and the number one issue they have is recruiting volunteers and keeping them," said McKinley. "This solution will help fix that problem and demonstrates the respect earned by volunteer emergency personnel."

The bill provides a tax deduction for hours of service each year volunteered for fire-fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, civil air patrol, and emergency rescue services.

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13 Dec 2014

A Modern Salon at Brucemore

By Tara Richards

SPT Theatre featuring special guests Angela Billman and Aaron Murphy

SPT Theatre will return to Brucemore for the twelfth year of A Modern Salon?January 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, and 31 at 7:30 p.m. The event emulates the Parisian salons at the turn of the twentieth century and continues the tradition of entertaining that was common for the families who called Brucemore home. Special guests Angela Billman and Aaron Murphy will join SPT in entertaining audiences with hilarious stories, engaging conversation, and outstanding music inspired by the 2015 theme, travel. Admission is $40 per Brucemore member or $45 per person in advance.  Admission includes pre-show wine tasting from First Avenue Wine House and appetizers from the Wright Touch Bake Shoppe and Catering beginning at 7:00 p.m. Champagne and desserts will be served during intermission. Evening dress is encouraged and valet parking is available (tips welcome). Space is limited; purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org, by telephone at (319) 362-7375, or by visiting the Brucemore Store.

SPT Theatre (Small Professional Theatre) has entertained audiences with music, song, humor and wit since its establishment in 2006. SPT's mission is to support, provide for and expand the artistic opportunities available to performers and arts patrons in the Cultural Corridor. SPT strives to coordinate performances with existing organizations and create new opportunities for actors, musicians, writers and artists. For more information about SPT Theatre, call (319) 361-5297 or visit www.spttheatre.org.  

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

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13 Dec 2014

Loebsack Named to Powerful Energy and Commerce Committee

By Joe Hand

Committee includes jurisdiction over energy, trade, healthcare and technology issues

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he has been named to serve on the House Energy and Commerce Committee for the 114th Congress. The committee has jurisdiction over a wide range of issues, including energy policy; healthcare policy; trade policy; telecommunications and the internet; environment and air quality; and consumer affairs and protection.

"Having a seat on the Energy and Commerce Committee will allow me to make a greater impact on job creation, growing the economy, making sound investments in renewable energy such as wind, solar and biofuels and growing the Middle Class in Iowa and across the country," said Loebsack. "I look forward to this new opportunity that will benefit the state and will continue to work with anyone who is willing to come together and to find a way to move Iowa and our nation forward."  

The Energy and Commerce Committee is the oldest standing committee in the House and is an exclusive committee, meaning members of the committee may only serve on other House committees with a waiver from leadership.

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13 Dec 2014

SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TO PARTNER WITH IOWA ABD FOR TOBACCO, ALTERNATIVE NICOTINE AND VAPOR PRODUCT EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT

By Rick Martin

Davenport, Iowa (December 10, 2014) - The Scott County Sheriff's Office has taken a pledge to keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Scott County youth.

Known as I-PLEDGE, the program is a partnership with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (ABD) to educate local retailers and to enforce Iowa's tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product laws. Due to a change in Iowa law, alternative nicotine and vapor products are now considered age-restricted products and will be part of the I-PLEDGE program's compliance initiatives this year. Since the program's inception in 2000, the statewide tobacco compliance rate has grown to 93%. By participating in the program, the Sheriff's Office has committed to do its part to increase the compliance rate even more this year.

I-PLEDGE places emphasis on retailer training. Clerks who successfully complete an online training course and then pass an exam will become I-PLEDGE certified. This allows a retail establishment to use an affirm­ative defense against a civil penalty if the certified clerk makes an illegal sale. Although not required to retake the training if currently certified, ABD encourages clerks to repeat the training after October 3rd, in order to familiarize themselves with the newly age-restricted products.

"I-PLEDGE's retailer training is a great way for clerks to prepare themselves to refuse illegal tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor product sales," Sheriff Dennis Conard said. "The training also assists retailers to ensure they maintain a compliant and responsible establishment."

Deputies will also be conducting compliance checks on local establishments as part of the I-PLEDGE program. Underage customers, under the supervision of law enforcement officials, will enter establishments and attempt to buy tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products. Clerks who make the illegal sale will be cited on the spot.

Criminal penalties for selling tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products to a minor include a $100 fine for a first offense, a $250 fine for a second offense and a $500 fine for third and subsequent offenses. However, handing out citations is not the intent of the I-PLEDGE program.

"By partnering with the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division, we hope to educate clerks and maintain a com­pliant retail environment in our community," Sheriff Conard said. "Moreover, we pledge to help keep tobacco, alternative nicotine and vapor products out of the hands of Iowa's youth."

To take the I-PLEDGE training or search certification records go to www.iowaabd.com.

13 Dec 2014

U.S. Coast Guard's notice of proposed rulemaking on cruise ship terminal security published in Federal Register

By U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – The Federal Register Wednesday published the U.S. Coast Guard's notice of proposed rulemaking amending its regulations on cruise ship terminal security.

This proposed rule would standardize screening activities for all persons, baggage and personal effects at cruise ship terminals while also allowing an appropriate degree of flexibility that accommodates and is consistent with different terminal sizes and operations.

This flexible standardization ensures a consistent layer of security at terminals throughout the United States. This proposed rule builds upon existing facility requirements in 33 CFR part 105, which implements the Maritime Transportation Security Act, Pub. L. 107-295, 116 Stat. 2064 (November 25, 2002), codified at 46 U.S. Code chapter 701. The Coast Guard consulted with the Transportation Security Administration during the development of this proposed rule.

The Coast Guard also proposes to remove 33 CFR parts 120 and 128 because provisions in those parts requiring security officers and security plans or programs for cruise ships and cruise ship terminals would be redundant with the provisions in 33 CFR subchapter H. Section 120.220, concerning the reporting of unlawful acts, would also be removed because it is obsolete and existing law enforcement protocols require members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to report incidents involving serious violations of U.S. law to the nearest Federal Bureau of Investigation field office as soon as possible. The Coast Guard will consider issuing additional regulations on this subject in a separate rulemaking pursuant to the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010 (CVSSA), Pub. L. 111-207 (July 27, 2010).

This proposed rule does not address the screening of vessel stores, bunkers or cargo. Requirements for the delivery of vessel stores, bunkers and cargo exist and may be found in 33 CFR 104.275, 104.280, 105.265 and 105.270.

This NPRM may be viewed at http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-12-10/pdf/2014-28845.pdf.

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13 Dec 2014

Happy Holidays -- Trumpet Blossom Café

By Trumpet Blossom Cafe

TRUMPET BLOSSOM CAFÉ

http://www.trumpetblossom.com :: 310 E. Prentiss St. :: Iowa City, IA :: 319-248-0077

Happy Holidays from Trumpet Blossom--

We're excited to be hosting some fun gatherings this month. We'd love to see you here!
Thanks for sharing this dynamite Iowa winter with us,
Katy Meyer, chef/owner

--Pete Balestrieri Annual Xmas Party:
NEXT FRIDAY Dec 19th
--New local tofu from Ethan Brown
--Gifts for the Holidays
--Holiday Hours

Our good friend, Pete Balestrieri, is putting together his annual Christmas party! Please join us for a night of live music from a handful of local musicians as well as stories from Christmas past and plenty of holiday cheer.

Feel free to get in touch with Pete if you'd like to play a tune or two the night of the event:

https://www.facebook.com/events/612674228836401/

Our friend at Wake Up Iowa City (a local coffee roaster & maker of Cobra Verde), Jarrett Mitchell, has teamed up with Coralville's Backpocket Brewery to produce the awesome Wake Up Iowa Coffee Stout. Lucky us! Join us for a half-barrel in our cooler that we're saving just for you til the night of the party.

Jarrett, in true entrepreneurial style, has plenty of his patented fun planned for the evening. Join us to try a pint (or two, or three) of this unique and limited-edition beer and hang out for the shenanigans. Also, Jarrett requested we make chili cheese fries that night so be sure to enjoy an order of those!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1573248969555139/

As you probably already know, sourcing locally-made ingredients is a top priority at Trumpet Blossom so it really makes us happy when a new product is made available that's produced right here in Iowa City. And this one is especially exciting for us because one of the co-owners of the company is a former employee, Ethan Brown, who joined us way back at The Red Avocado shortly after his 17th birthday. We're looking forward to purchasing & working with this locally-made tofu very soon. Please read on to learn more about their venture.

http://littlevillagemag.com/ui-students-launch-local-food-company-focusing-on-fresh-tofu/

Trumpet Blossom Gift Certificates make the perfect gift for anyone on your holiday list who enjoys delicious made-from-scratch meals that also happen to be good for you & the environment. Gift certificates are available in any amount and we're happy to mail them anywhere you wish. You can purchase them in person here at the restaurant or head to our website:

http://trumpetblossom.com/?page_id=655

We have a small number of Trumpet Blossom tees for sale too?screen-printed here in Iowa City by White Rabbit!

In addition to our gift certificates and tee-shirts I'm also pleased to offer many of my Grandma's hand-made items for sale. She is the creator of our popular cloth napkins and also the skilled crafter of quilts, handbags, purses, dish cloths, "burp cloths" for babies, and cloth coasters. She lives just over the Mississippi in Illinois and has been sewing for 70 years. Please stop in and take a look at her creations which occupy a special place in my restaurant. And believe me when I say that you can't find a better made product at a better price! There are plenty of seasonal items for sale as well as unique gifts that fit any décor year-round.

Holiday Hours:

Open Wed. Dec. 24th 11am-2pm

Closed Thurs. Dec. 25th

Open Fri. Dec. 26th 5pm-10pm

Closed for a short winter break Thurs. Jan. 1st-Wed. Jan. 7th

Open normal hours otherwise
10 Dec 2014

Lt. Governor Sheila Simon statement on passing of Judy Baar Topinka

By Annie Thompson

CARBONDALE - Dec. 10, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement regarding the passing of Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of Judy Baar Topinka's passing. People throughout Illinois will remember her for her many years of dedication to public service just as much as they will remember her for her larger than life personality. She truly loved the people of this state.

"My thoughts and prayers go out to her family, friends and staff as we mourn the loss of a legend in Illinois government."

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10 Dec 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on the Passing of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka

By Dave Blanchette
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the passing of Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka:

"Today is a sad day in the state of Illinois. I am heartbroken to hear of the passing of my friend, Judy Baar Topinka.

?            "As the first female Treasurer of Illinois and a longtime public servant, Judy was a trailblazer in every sense of the word.

?            "Never without her signature sense of humor, Judy was a force of nature. She left her mark on the state she has called home her entire life. Her leadership improved Illinois and paved the way for countless women in politics.

"My deepest sympathies go out to Judy's son, Joe, daughter-in-law Christina, granddaughter Alexandra, her family, friends and devoted staff.

?            "Today the entire state mourns the loss of one of the greats. Judy Baar Topinka will be incredibly missed."

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10 Dec 2014

December Golf at Duck Creek

By Davenport Police Dept

Take advantage of the mild weather this Thursday Dec 11, thru Sunday Dec 14:

Duck Creek Golf Course : This Thursday thru Sunday!

18 holes riding = $19 , Walking  = $10

563-326-7824 *Call first - limited hours based on weather conditions.

*Rent the Red Hawk Lodge for your family of company gathering this holiday season! Call Davenport Parks & Recreation at 563-328-7275.

10 Dec 2014

Governor Quinn Launches "Warm Our Heroes" Collection Drive for Veterans and Their Families

By Rick Martin

Invites the Public to Drop Off Winter Clothing, Canned Food and Personal Items at State Facilities in Five Cities from Dec. 1-19

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today launched the Warm Our Heroes holiday collection drive for Illinois veterans and their families and invited people across the state to support this important cause. In five cities across Illinois, state facilities will accept public donations of winter clothing, non-perishable food and personal items until Dec. 19. The Warm Our Heroes drive is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to honor and support the men and women who have served our country and maintain Illinois' status as the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.

"We need to always take care of those who have borne the battle, especially during the holiday season," Governor Quinn said. "Warm Our Heroes supports our veterans and their families and I encourage everyone to take a minute to give back to those who have sacrificed so much."

Warm Our Heroes was launched by the Governor in 2012 as a state employee initiative to provide much-needed items to Illinois veterans in need. In its first year, state employees collected more than 3,500 donations which were distributed to veterans' organizations across the state. This year the Governor expanded the program to allow the public to participate.

Warm Our Heroes will collect warm winter clothing, dry and canned food and personal items such as toothpaste and soap to give to community veterans organizations and VA hospitals. The donation drop-off sites include :

·         The E.J. Giorgi Center - 200 S. Wyman, Rockford, 61101

·         Illinois State Capital - 401 S. 2nd Street or 207 State House, Springfield, 62706

·         James R. Thompson Center - 100 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 60601

·         Kenneth Hall State Regional Office Building - 10 Collinsville Ave., East St. Louis, 62201

·         Marion Regional Office Building - 2309 W. Main St., Marion, 62959

In addition, Illinois Department of Transportation district headquarters offices are accepting Warm Our Heroes donations.  These include :

·         201 W. Center Court, Schaumburg, 60196

·         819 Depot Avenue, Dixon, 61021

·         700 E. Norris Dr., Ottawa, 61305

·         401 Main St., Peoria, 61602

·         13473 Illinois Highway 133, Paris, 61944

·         2300 S. Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, 62703

·         400 W. Wabash, Effingham, 62401

·         1102 Eastport Plaza Dr., Collinsville, 62234

·         2801 W. Murphysboro Rd.,Carbondale, 62901

For more information visit Illinois.gov/WarmOurHeroes.

Throughout his career in public service, Governor Quinn has been committed to Illinois veterans, servicemembers and their families. In 2009, Governor Quinn became the first Governor in Illinois history to dedicate state capital dollars to supportive housing for veterans. In 2011, when soldiers began returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, Governor Quinn launched Welcome Home Heroes to help these brave men and women resettle and become homeowners, helping more than 1,600 veterans and active military men and women to date.

As Lieutenant Governor, Governor Quinn championed the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund Act, which established a voluntary fund to provide grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve called to active duty. These grants help with the costs of food, housing, utilities, medical services and other expenses they struggle to afford because of the disparity between military and civilian pay. The fund has distributed more than $15.1 million to 29,625 Illinois military families.

Other programs championed by Governor Quinn include the Illinois Warrior Assistance Program that helps veterans transition back to their daily lives and the Veterans Cash instant lottery program with all proceeds going to benefit Illinois veterans' organizations.

For more information about these and other programs for our veterans, visit OperationHomefront.org/ or call the IDVA at (217) 782-6641 or (312) 814-2460.

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