12 Aug 2014

XSTREAM CLEANUP VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP 33,209 POUNDS OF MATERIAL

By Brandy Walvaert

QUAD-CITIES?Volunteers for the 11th annual Xstream Cleanup on Saturday, August 9 removed 33,209 pounds of debris from area waterways and illegal dump sites. Cleanups were held at 40 locations in Bettendorf, Buffalo, Davenport, LeClaire, McCausland and Lost Grove Lake, Iowa; and in Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis, Illinois.

A total of 1,060 volunteers worked 2,895 hours and collectively gathered 937 bags of trash, 237 tires, 14 appliances, 2 bicycles, 13 pieces of furniture, 29 televisions and 10 mattresses. This was the equivalent of 25,740 pounds of trash, 5,688 pounds of tires, 1,050 pounds of appliances, 46 pounds of bicycles, 435 pounds of televisions and 250 pounds of mattresses, for the grand total of 33,209 pounds.

Additional items collected included wire fencing, coolers, boat seats, a shopping cart, Jeep seats, bricks, a bowling ball, and a garage door.

In addition, volunteers at several sites worked to clear invasive species from natural areas. Volunteers cleared a total of about five acres of invasive species in three hours.

For event photos, find Xstream Cleanup on Facebook or click through from www.xstreamcleanup.org.

Xstream Cleanup 2014 was sponsored by the following. Presenting Sponsors: Group O and Riverboat Development Authority. Platinum Sponsors: Alcoa, Triumph Community Bank, Living Lands & Waters® and Waste Commission of Scott County. Gold Sponsors: Iowa American Water, Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection, Rock Island County Waste Management Agency and Community Foundation of the Great River Bend. Silver Sponsors: Alter Metal Recycling, DHL Global Forwarding, McCarthy-Bush Corporation, MidAmerican Energy, Radish magazine, Quad City Conservation Alliance, Sears Seating and Wallace's Garden Center. Bronze Sponsors: Downtown Davenport Partnership, Eagle View Group-Sierra Club, Lowe's, Mel Foster Co., Midas Auto System Experts, Inc., Pepsico, and Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Quad Cities. Logistics Sponsors: Cities of Bettendorf, Buffalo, Davenport, LeClaire, McCausland, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis; Bi-State Regional Commission, Keep Moline Beautiful, Keep Rock Island Beautiful, iLivehere, Partners of Scott County Watersheds, Republic Services and River Roots Live.

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12 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, August 8, 2014**

By William Palmisano

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

 

Bill No.: SB 347

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Allows for more accurate property tax calculations.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 644

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Amends the Illinois Insurance Code for certain automobile physical damage subrogation claims.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 1724

An Act Concerning: Civil Law

Provides protections for patient involuntarily admitted to a mental health facility.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2002

An Act Concerning: Government

Amends the definition of "excluded fiduciary" in the Trusts and Trustees Act.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2586

An Act Concerning: Health

Requires the Governor's Office of Health Innovation and Transformation to oversee a process for providing services to individuals with substance use issues or mental illness.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2695

An Act Concerning: Criminal Law

Expands the offense of official misconduct to include information sharing by a law enforcement agency employee intended to interfere in a criminal matter.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2782

An Act Concerning: Courts

Provides that the court may appoint an educational or early intervention program surrogate parent when in the best interests of the child.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

 

 

 

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12 Aug 2014

Illinois Association of School Nurses Provide Back-to-School Tips for All

By Carly Arens

Students across Illinois are gearing up to head back to the classroom. To help families prepare, the Illinois Association of School Nurses (IASN) shares five simple items to their back-to-school checklist, ensuring a smooth transition into the 2014-2015 school year.

1.     Get required physicals. Outside of any regularly scheduled checkup, remember that in Illinois, physicals are required for students entering kindergarten, 6th and 9th grade, as well as for students participating in sports activities.

2.     Make sure your immunizations are up-to-date. Vaccinations are available to protect youth against 16 serious and potentially life threatening diseases, and many are required before students can begin classes. The state's vaccination requirements have changed slightly this year - the full list is available at http://www.idph.state.il.us/about/pgci.htm. Beginning next year, additional boosters to protect against meningitis will be required - it's never too early to start conversations with your doctor to learn more about these immunizations and ensure that all requirements are met.

3.     Go see the dentist. Although regular dentist visits are recommended, in Illinois, dental visits are required for students entering kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grade.

4.     Schedule an eye exam, making sure needed prescription eyewear are obtained before the first day of school. A vision exam is required for kindergartners.

5.     For parents of children with chronic health problems - such as asthma, diabetes, allergies, seizures, etc. - make sure you update your school nurse on any changes to your child's health or medication.

IASN promotes wellness and educational success of school communities by supporting, developing and advocating for professional school nurse leaders. To learn more visit www.iasn.org.

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12 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Continues Commitment to Highway Construction Projects in Quad Cities Area

By Dave Blanchette

Visits Ongoing I-74/280 Project and Outlines New Quad Cities Area Construction Projects Included in $1.1 Billion Capital Construction Bill

COAL VALLEY - Governor Pat Quinn today visited the site of a major road project and announced upcoming Quad Cities-area projects that are part of the state's new $1.1 billion capital construction bill. Today's event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and build a 21st-century infrastructure that will drive Illinois' economy forward.

"With major construction projects across our state we are continuing to put people to work maintaining and improving our world-class transportation system," Governor Quinn said. "This highway project and the many other ongoing projects in the Quad Cities area are creating jobs, enhancing safety and improving efficiency in a major economic corridor of our state."

"We are grateful for Governor Quinn's commitment to improving our state's infrastructure and recognizing the many benefits that come with funding transportation projects," Acting Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Secretary Erica Borggren said. "This infrastructure project, when complete, will significantly enhance safety and improve travel for motorists on a stretch of roadway that is very important to this region."

Governor Quinn visited the site of a $17.7 million bridge replacement and resurfacing project just east of the Interstate 74/280 interchange. The project includes resurfacing 12 miles of the interstate and replacement of the bridges over Coal Creek. Half of both the east and westbound bridge work is complete, and the resurfacing work is nearly 60 percent done with completion expected in November. McCarthy Improvement Company is the contractor for the work, which started in June 2013. The project is part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which is supporting more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.

Other ongoing Quad City projects that are a part of Illinois Jobs Now! include the $16.2 million John Deere Road reconstruction and fly-over bridge, $6.2 million Route 92 widening and resurfacing, $3.8 million Route 6 bridge reconstruction and the $3.3 million U.S. 67 Centennial Bridge structure repairs.

Governor Quinn signed into law last month a new $1.1 billion capital construction program to supplement the work that has been done under Illinois Jobs Now! Quad City regional projects funded as part of this new construction bill include $31 million to resurface 30 miles of Interstate 80 in Henry County; $16.8 million to resurface Interstate 74/Illinois 110/Interstate 80 in Henry County; and $4 million to resurface 14.3 miles of Illinois 40 from Milledgeville to Sterling in Carroll and Whiteside Counties.

"The Quad Cities act as a large gateway to the western United States and see a lot of shipping traffic every year," State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) said. "This project will not only update and maintain our existing infrastructure for future travel, but also put many residents in the area to work."

"The Illinois Jobs Now! program created by Governor Quinn and funded through our efforts in the Illinois General Assembly has made critically needed improvements to our roads and highways in northwest Illinois," State Representative Patrick Verschoore (D-Milan) said. "Not only am I proud of the fact we are creating jobs through this effort, but we are making needed infrastructure improvements to help our businesses and industries in the region grow long term."

"For too long, the roads here in western Illinois have deteriorated," State Representative Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) said. "These improvements to roads in Henry, Carroll and Whiteside Counties are a vital component to creating jobs and developing our local economy."

The $1.1 billion for more than 210 road and bridge projects statewide will create an estimated 14,300 construction jobs.

In addition to funding $1 billion in projects in the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) FY2015-2020 Multi-Year Program, the new capital construction program includes $100 million for municipal and township governments to improve infrastructure at the local level. The funding, distributed and overseen by IDOT, will help communities throughout Illinois combat potholes and make other critical infrastructure repairs.

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12 Aug 2014

Pints For Preservation Tops List Of Niabi Zoo Upcoming Events

By Robert Jackson Jr.

4TH ANNUAL BEER AND WINE TASTING

FRIDAY NIGHT, SEPTEMBER 5

Gather your friends for Pints and spend the evening strolling through the zoo as you sample beer, wine and spirits from around the world.

New for 2014

Some of your favorite local restaurants are on board to offer FREE appetizers with your drink samples. Pairings are being finalized now and the food stations will be spread throughout the zoo with the drink stations.

Members get discounted tickets and six pack tickets are available at a reduced rate. Don't miss this popular 21 and older event, expected to draw 1,000 guests this year. Tickets are now on sale and the event has sold out in the past.

BIG CAT ENCOUNTER

Experience the zoo in a whole new way with a Niabi Big Cat Encounter! During your personal tour of the big cat exhibit, you'll discover how our keepers take care of these amazing animals. We'll then head behind the scenes into the big cat house to see a few of the cats up-close and watch a training session with the keepers and the cats. This one of a kind experience ends with a picture to always remember the closest you'll ever want to get to a big cat!

 

Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Times offered: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11:00 a.m. Reservations required

Maximum: 4 participants     Minimum: 2 participants

Cost: $45/person (includes zoo admission) $40 for members

 

Children ages 10 and up are permitted with a paying adult.

Youth over the age of 15 are permitted to tour solo, with the written permission of an adult or guardian.

 

Your tour guide will also act as your own personal photographer during th experience. Following your experience, a high-res photo of one of the big cats and a certificate will be mailed to you. No personal cameras or videos permitted. You must wear closed toed shoes! All participants must sign a liability waiver.

 

PLEASE NOTE:  Programs involving zoo animals are subject to change or cancellation based on animal needs. However, every effort will be made to offer alternate areas to explore or a rescheduled tour.

11 Aug 2014

TOPINKA HONORS ROCK ISLAND COUNTY FAIR

By Brad Hahn
SPRINGFIELD - Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka recently saluted President Jim Bohnsack and his team for promoting agriculture and strengthening the community through the Rock Island County Fair.

As part of the Illinois Office of the Comptroller's "County Fair Day" at the Illinois State Fair in Springfield, Topinka presented County Fair leaders throughout the state with proclamations celebrating anniversary milestones.

"For 145 years, the Rock Island County Fair has been a great source of pride and a summer highlight for residents," Topinka said. "It's something special that Jim and his team continue to contribute to this great tradition of bringing neighbors together to celebrate agriculture."

The Rock Island County Fair is one of the 104 Illinois County Fairs that make up The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs. The IAAF is an organization that promotes entrepreneurs and vendors supporting the fair industry.

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11 Aug 2014

There's Still Time To Make A Difference This Summer

By Gail McGovern
As summer winds down
Labor Day may be around the corner, but it's not too late to make a difference in your community this summer. Right now the need for blood is critical. Please consider scheduling and keeping an appointment to give blood this month.
You can also encourage your friends to donate as well. By combining efforts you can help those in need of lifesaving blood and blood products this summer.

Thank you for your support,

Gail McGovern, American Red Cross

Saving lives this summer sounds good!
As you #ChooseYourDay to make a difference this summer, rock out to this uplifting playlist on Spotify. Enjoy some favorite summer songs and get involved in 100 Days of Summer.

Check out this free playlist on Spotify >>
Red Cross News
Thanks to you, in July:
Nearly 47,000 meals and snacks were provided to people in 7 states.


1,150 people were able to take shelter during emergencies.


Nearly 750 workers and volunteers were deployed.
11 Aug 2014

The Long-Awaited "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2" Comes to Theaters Nationwide on September 18

By Rick Martin
Join Fathom Events for an enlightening look at how to stay healthy in an unhealthy world as the highly anticipated follow up to the award-winning documentary "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead" makes its theatrical debut. For one-night only, "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2" will come to more than 520 select cinemas nationwide on Thursday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. local time.
In 2010, Joe Cross took viewers on his journey from overweight and sick to healthy and fit via a 60-day juice fast and this time he examines how to make healthy habits last for the long-term, and how lifestyle choices impact overall health. Throughout this story, Joe meets with experts who present realistic solutions and viable strategies to make and maintain long-term sustainable improvements to eating behaviors and overall health. In addition to the documentary feature, audiences at the Fathom Events presentation will receive 20 minutes of theater-only content to help shape their thinking on eating habits and their health.

"Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead 2" will be presented at the following local cinemas in your area:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
Tickets are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations, click here.
11 Aug 2014

Loebsack Receives Top Award for Leadership on Renewable Fuels

By Vonnie Hampel

Fourth consecutive year Loebsack has been given "Fueling Growth" award

 

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he has been awarded the 2014 Fueling Growth award from Growth Energy. This award honors leaders who have fought to increase the use of ethanol biofuels and renewable fuels. Loebsack has been leading the fight in Congress to expand the use of biofuels and pushing back against the proposed 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations announced last year.  Loebsack has also been a champion of green energy initiatives that create good-paying jobs and promote fuel production in Iowa, including ethanol and biodiesel. Growth Energy represents the producers and supporters of ethanol and has previously honored Loebsack with this bipartisan award in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

"I am proud to lead the fight in Congress to increase access to biofuels and make sure the Renewable Fuel Standard remains strong," said Loebsack. "Investments in homegrown biofuels create new jobs in our state, put us on a path towards energy independence, enhance our national security, and bring increased economic development to Iowa's rural areas. I will continue to work to promote these clean, alternative energy sources and the good jobs they provide Iowans."

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11 Aug 2014

Governor Quinn Kicks-Off 2014 Illinois State Fair

By Grant Klinzman

Annual Family-Friendly Agricultural Showcase Features Entertainment and Activities for Everyone

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by families and officials from across the state to kick-off the 2014 Illinois State Fair. The annual 10-day agricultural celebration features a wide variety of family-friendly activities including food, racing, music and carnival rides. This year's fair theme is "Making Memories."

"The Illinois State Fair is a great place to make memories and have some good old-fashioned family fun," Governor Quinn said.  "Last year nearly one million people from around the world visited the fair to celebrate what Illinois' capital city has to offer, and I hope we can top that mark this year."

New features at this year's fair include American Idol tryouts on August 8 and 9, a Civil War encampment and demonstrations and "Looking for Lincoln" activities on the fairgrounds. Returning favorites include harness and auto racing, Conservation World, carnival rides, hundreds of food selections and the world-famous Butter Cow.

This year's Grandstand concert lineup includes Pitbull on August 9; Florida Georgia Line, August 10; Million Dollar Quartet, August 11; Boston, Sweet and April Wine on August 12; Hunter Hayes, August 13; Emblem 3, MKTO and Midnight Red on August 14; Steely Dan, August 15; Jake Owen, August 16; and Robin Thicke on August 17. The fair also offers a wide variety of free entertainment - from magic shows to musical acts - on 14 stages throughout the fairgrounds.

The state of Illinois has prepared the fairgrounds with more than $15 million in capital improvements over the last several years, including an extensive upgrade of the aging electrical distribution systems providing power to the various buildings and vendors at the fairgrounds. The most recent $4.1 million electrical upgrade project began in March and was completed late last month.

The Governor's Tent theme this year is "A Portrait of Illinois," featuring numerous ways the people of Illinois and the attractions we offer are depicted and remembered. Abraham Lincoln will be in the Governor's Tent from 11 a.m. to noon each day for photographs with visitors. Two computers will be logged in to a family history research website so fairgoers can trace their family genealogy. Backdrops will allow children and families to "Picture Yourself in the Past," and an assortment of related interactive games and puzzles will be offered. A different Illinois-filmed movie will play in the tent throughout each day of the fair. Illinois Main Street will be back, and they have invited local Illinois bands to play music outside the tent each day.

Last year the Illinois State Fair was attended by a total of 961,142 people, the fair's highest attendance since 2002, when an estimated 1.2 million people visited the fair.  Last year's State Fair saw an increase of 5 percent - or 42,707 visitors - from 2012. Fairgoers provide a significant boost to the local economy each year.

For a complete listing of daily activities at the 2014 Illinois State Fair, visit StateFair.Illinois.gov or call (217) 782-6661. The state fair runs from Aug. 7-17, 2014

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