25 Jul 2014

LIVESTRONG RAGBRAI Team Enters Final Day of Bike Across Iowa

By Andrew Tanker

For the eighth straight year, Team LIVESTRONG biked across the state of Iowa in "The Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa" (RAGBRAI) while raising money for the LIVESTRONG Foundation to improve the lives of people affected by cancer now. In this year's RAGBRAI, 70 riders took to the open road to pedal more than 450 miles over six days, adding $140,000 to the $1.5 million, eight-year fundraising total for the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

On July 20, advocates, cancer survivors, caregivers and LIVESTRONG staff members mounted their bikes for the first of seven days, starting in Rock Valley and will finish the ride in Guttenburg on the Mississippi River tomorrow.

The ride was originated by two columnists from "The Des Moines Register," riding with a few friends in 1973, and has quickly grown to a size where it is capped at 8,500 riders per year. Overall, more than 275,000 cyclists have trekked 17,000 miles across the state through 780 towns in 99 counties. Every year, towns all over the state anticipate the announcement of the route in January, since the impact on local economies in mid-summer can be dramatic.

The RAGBRAI spirit epitomizes the efforts of Team LIVESTRONG, and is one of 28 diverse events nationwide this year. Visit www.TeamLIVESTRONG.org for more information on upcoming events or information on how to donate.

25 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Improve Charter School Fairness and Accountability

By Andrew Mason

New Law Makes Lottery Process Transparent and Helps Prevent Conflicts of Interest

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to improve fairness and accountability in the student selection process, governance and funding of charter schools throughout Illinois. The reform legislation sets new standards of transparency for charter schools, which receive public funds but operate independently. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to give every child the opportunity for a high quality education and also make Illinois' government more accountable, transparent and effective.

"Every child deserves access to a good school," Governor Quinn said. "With this new law, the public will now have more information and more say in how charter schools operate and spend public funds."

House Bill 3232, sponsored by State Representative Emanuel Chris Welch (D-Hillside) and State Senator Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago), helps to improve transparency and accountability in Illinois' charter schools. Under the new law, when more students apply to a charter school than the school has available spots, a lottery will be held to select which students may enroll. The new law requires the lottery process to be videotaped and made publicly available. It also requires the local governing body, usually the school district, to be involved in the process to strengthen accountability. Charter schools must also now submit quarterly financial statements and their waiting lists of students hoping to enroll.

The bill also requires that a governing board, independent of the organization that manages the school, be established to oversee each charter school. This provision is intended to prevent any potential conflicts of interest in the operation of the charter school. The law also includes new protections of public funds, including the return of any unspent funds and remaining property to the local school district or the State Board of Education if a charter school closes. In addition, charter and traditional schools must now include a disclaimer when public funds are used for marketing purposes. The new law is effective for the 2015-2016 school year.

"I am glad we were able to bring the proponents and opponents of the bill to the table and strike an agreement in order to provide a better educational environment for parents, students and taxpayers," Representative Welch said. "This legislation is about accountability and ensuring that public resources are used in a responsible manner. This bill helps to guarantee that the state resources earmarked for the classroom are protected and spent in the classroom, so our investments are best serving education in Illinois."

"Inaccessible procedures, ethically questionable activities and policies that limit families' fair access to taxpayer-funded schools have no place in public education," Senator Collins said. "Innovation in education does not require secrecy. I am pleased to stand with those in the charter school movement who understand and embrace their responsibility to the public."

In 2011, Governor Quinn signed legislation that established an independent charter school commission that is dedicated to school reform and has the power to authorize, regulate and increase academic and financial accountability of charter schools throughout the state. Also in 2011, the Governor worked to pass a landmark education reform package that has made Illinois a model for the nation. In 2012, Governor Quinn signed a law that empowers parents by providing them with a detailed report card on their children's school and school district.

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25 Jul 2014

PITCHERS, PARKER PUSH BANDITS' WIN STREAK TO 5

By Marco LaNave

Chris Lee wins fourth straight decision, Dayton loses fourth straight game despite outhitting QC, 7-3

DAYTON, Ohio (July 24, 2014) - Dayne Parker hit his first professional home run in the fourth inning, and Marc Wik provided the only two other hits for the Quad Cities River Bandits, but left-hander Chris Lee and right-hander Andrew Thurman made them enough in the team's fifth straight victory - a 4-2 win over the Dayton Dragons in front of 8,368 at Fifth Third Field Thursday night.

In his first start since July 6, Lee (6-5) gave the River Bandits (17-15 second half, 52-49 overall) their sixth straight starting effort of at least five innings, and fourth start in the last five games without allowing an earned run. He retired the first four batters of the game and induced two ground-ball double plays to face just two batters over the minimum in five innigns. He allowed only two batters to reach scoring position - Dragons center fielder Nick Benedetto on a third-inning double, and left fielder Gabriel Rosa on a walk, stolen base and groundout in the fifth inning that put him at third base. Lee allowed three hits and one walk without a strikeout, but he has allowed just one run in 16 innings across his first three second-half starts. He also won his fourth straight positive decision since June 29.

Right-hander Dan Langfield (2-2) was the second straight Dragons starter to strike out all three batters in the first inning. He struck out the first four River Bandits he faced and did not allow a baserunner before issuing a leadoff walk in the third inning to designated hitter Brett Booth. With one out, Parker and center fielder James Ramsay drew consecutive walks to load the bases. Right fielder Brett Phillips struck out, but third baseman J.D. Davis drew a full-count, two-out walk to force in the game's first run. Left fielder Ronnie Mitchell struck out to end the inning, but the River Bandits had a 1-0 lead without the help of a hit.

In the fourth inning, first baseman Chase McDonald drew a leadoff walk, and Wik hit a two-out single to right field - his team's first hit - to put runners at first and third bases. Parker then swatted the next pitch over the left-field fence - a three-run home run that gave him a career-high three RBIs and his first home run in 15 professional games. Langfield was charged with all four earned runs on two hits and five walks with seven strikeouts in the first four innings.

Beginning with the fifth inning, three Dragons relievers - right-handers Radhames Quezada, Nick Howard and Pedro Diaz - combined to allow just three baserunners, including Wik's second single to left field. The Dayton bullpen combined for one walk and one strikeout.

Thurman began the sixth inning with a 4-0 lead. Dragons shortstop Carlton Daal hit a one-out double down the left-field line and scored on designated hitter Jonathan Reynoso's RBI single to center field for the first Dayton run in 12 innings against the River Bandits. In the seventh inning, third baseman Avain Rachal drew a leadoff walk, stole second base, went to third base on a flyout, and scored on Benedetto's RBI double to the left-field corner, cutting the visitors' lead to 4-2.

Facing the tying run at the plate, Thurman struck out second baseman Ronald Bueno to end the seventh inning and retired six in a row before Rosa's two-out single in the ninth. But first baseman Robert Ramirez grounded back to Thurman for the final out. Thurman allowed two earned runs on four hits with one walk and three strikeouts for his second career save and first in the Midwest League. Dayton (14-18, 50-50) lost its fourth straight game despite outhitting Quad Cities, 7-3.

Quad Cities seeks to match its season-high six-game winning streak and earn its first sweep in Dayton since July 24-26, 2010 at 6:07 p.m. Central on Friday. River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave (5-5) is scheduled to face Dragons right-hander Nick Travieso (8-5).

UP NEXT: The River Bandits are in the running for the 2014 Quad-City Times Readers' Choice Awards in the categories of "Best Entertainment Venue," "Best Family Entertainment," "Best Place for a Kid's Birthday Party," and "Best Place to Take Out of Town Guest". Game tickets are available at www.riverbandits.com. To order any of the River Bandits 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

25 Jul 2014

Bix Farmers Market Update

By Freight House Farmers Market

On Saturday morning 2nd,3rd and 4th Streets will be closed for the race. River Drive to the East and West will be open.  From the north come down Western or Gaines and park right in our Lots.

You know the Market is fresh and nutritious when local chefs shop the market.

You can find it all here at the Freight House Farmers Market. Be sure to bring your best 4-legged friend, for all of those great locally made pet treats!

25 Jul 2014

Moline Public Library Awarded Illinois Secretary of State Project Next Generation Grant

By Jan LaRoche

The Moline Public Library, 3210 - 41st Street, Moline, IL  has been awarded an $18,316 grant to connect tweens and teens with technology. The money is part of $289,310 in 2015 Project Next Generation (PNG) grants awarded by Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White.

Moline, among 21 libraries in the state to receive the grants, will use the money to host technology programs throughout the school year, including computer game design, moviemaking, Lego Robotics, and graphic novel design. The Library is seeking instructors for these programs from local teachers and professionals. The grant will also allow the Library to offer after-school programming to junior high and high school students during early-out Wednesdays.

Project Next Generation is the statewide mentoring program administered through Illinois public libraries. Project mentors work with young students at public libraries to develop technological skills and guide them in exploring life skills like effective communication, goal-setting and conflict resolution.

Grants are awarded to public libraries serving culturally diverse, low-income and underserved populations. This is the Moline Public Library's first year to be awarded a PNG grant.

For further information, please contact the library at 309-524-2470 or reference@molinelibrary.org.

Please visit the library's website for program dates and times www.molinelibrary.com.


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25 Jul 2014

Brooke Morales awarded APSU Provost's Out-of-State Scholarship

By Charles Booth

CLARKSVILLE, TN (07/24/2014)(readMedia)-- Austin Peay State University is pleased to announce that Brooke Morales of Davenport has been awarded the APSU Provost's Out-of-State Scholarship.

Academic scholarships to APSU are awarded for scholarly achievement, high class rank and qualifying scores on national assessment testing.

The application for admissions to APSU is the application for these awards. To receive priority consideration for these renewable scholarships, high school students should apply for admission at www.apsu.edu/apply by Nov. 15.
25 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Thursday, July 24, 2014**

By William Palmisano

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

 

Bill No.: HB 5342

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Requires the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to develop rules and guidelines for credit union and bank examinations.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

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25 Jul 2014

St. Paul the Apostle Church Supports Local Shelter

By Ann Ring

Rock Island, IL - St. Paul the Apostle Church in Davenport has provided Christian Care with a $500 grant. Funds will go toward purchasing books for its men's and women's programs, as part of the program's therapy curriculum.

Christian Care is transforming the lives of homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illness. Its two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to those in need. Its services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week with the goal of nourishing the bodies, minds, hearts and souls of the men, women and children who come seeking a new way of life. If you know someone in need, call the Christian Care crisis hotline any hour of the day or night at (309) 788-2273.

25 Jul 2014

We're putting boots on the ground this weekend. Are you ready to go door to door?

By Bobby Schilling
We're launching a Quad Cities walk this Friday at 2:00 P.M. at our East Moline office, located at 367 Avenue of the Cities in the Hignight Florist Building. Come learn how to go door to door and what you can do to help Bobby get elected!

Are you looking to walk in other parts of the district? We're going to win this race on the ground, but we can't do it without you.

Let's pound the pavement!
25 Jul 2014

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 07/25/2014

By LeClaire Chamber

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 07/25/2014

 

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

Isabel Bloom - Now Open in LeClaire! 103 S. Cody Road - Unique original sculptures for your homes, offices and gift-giving pleasure!  All Isabel Bloom sculptures are designed, cast in concrete and hand-finished in Davenport, Iowa, as they have been for over 60 years.  Choose from many whimsical designs: children and families, playful animals, inspiring angels, home and garden statues and many seasonal favorites. www.ibloom.com - 563-729-1889

Insight 360 Photo/Photo Tours For Business - Peggy Cartwright, 3315 175th St, Charlotte, IA phototours360@gmail.com www.phototoursforbusiness.com Insight 360 Photography, (Photo Tours For Business) expands and enhances your online presence using innovative technology and interior 360-degree interactive images! As a Google trusted photographer, we use "Street-view technology" to bring customers virtually inside local businesses. The tours are hosted and featured across all Google platforms. The tour and images go to work 24x7. A great part of an integrated marketing plan. Created for the digital era by the number one search engine. * Easy to share on your website, email, twitter, blogs and social media * Hosted and featured on Google, owned by you! * Free consultation

 

UPCOMING RIBBON CUTTINGS

 

August 1st - Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium 6:00 p.m. Celebrating 5th Anniversary in LeClaire!

August 29th - Isabel Bloom Ribbon Cutting 10:00 a.m. Come help Celebrate the Grand Opening!

CALENDAR

July 25th-26th - Expressions In Threads 3rd Annual Fabriganza The Leclaire Civic Center.  Pre-sale party on Thursday, July 24th from 6 to 9pm.  Munchies and beverages provided with proceeds going to SERVHAITI.  $20 Please call for reservations. 563-289-1447

July 25th - Wide River Winery - Live Music Jordan Danielson - 5-8 p.m.

July 26th - Community Garden Walk - Proceeds go to Princeton Community Center 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Ten Princeton home gardens will be open to the public. The walk will start and end at the Community Center, 428 South River Drive, Princeton. Participants are invited to check in, pick up a map and bottled water for the tour. Return to the Center to enjoy refreshments and mark you ballot for your favorite garden! For more information, contact Val Rasche - valrasche@aol.com - 563-343-1385.

July 26th - Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill - Beach Party and Luau! Starts at 3 p.m. Hula Hoop Contest, Water Balloon Toss, Build Your Own Bikini Contest and much more! Prizes! Adults only after 3 p.m. Live Music by Crazy Blue 8-midnight. Smoked Ribs and Jambalya!

July 27th - The Faithful Pilot Café Wine Tasting, 3-5pm. $15 for 15 wines. All wines are "Made in the USA".

July 28th - Vino Vaso at The Faithful Pilot Café. A glass to paint and a glass to drink. $40 per person includes, wine glass, small bites, a glass of wine, and all the painting you can do. Begins at 6pm; reservations can be made at Vino Vaso's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vinovaso

August 1st - First Friday in LeClaire! 5-8p.m.

Mississippi River Distilling Company Summer food and cocktail samples! www.mrdistilling.com

Wide River Winery - Live music, Pieces of Candy, 5-8pm. Enjoy the music and a bottle of award-winning wine! www.wideriverwinery.com

Faithful Pilot - Live Music with The Matriarchs beginning at 7:30 p.m

Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium - Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting - Celebrating 5th Year Anniversary! 6 p.m. Everyone Welcome!

Restaurants will be ready to serve you and many other shops will be open late!

 

August 6th - Bierstube Kooby's Karaoke 9p.m.-1a.m.

 

August 7th-9th - TugFest! More info to come! Needed - Volunteers for the Beverage Tent.  Contact Debbie Mulvania if interested in working Thursday or Friday evening or anytime Saturday in 2 hour shifts. 563-289-2265

August 8th - Wide River Winery - Live Music by Lojo Russo - 5-8 p.m.

August 8th - Faithful Pilot Last reservation at 7:30/ Restaurant closes at 8:00

August 9th - Faithful Pilot - CLOSED for private event

 

August 9th- Bierstube Live Music The Fry Daddies 8pm-12am

 

August 10th - LeClaire Community Night, Modern Woodman Ball Park. Game time 5:00pm, River Bandits/Beloit Snappers. Mayor Bob Scannell will throw first pitch! A night to celebrate businesses and folks of Leclaire. Awards or special on-field recognition can be done followed by short video on mega-tron highlighting special places and faces in LeClaire filmed the week before. Businesses or groups interested in participating may contact Amanda Henzen, Account Executive and Director of Merchandise 563.333.2729 amandah@riverbandits.com

August 12th - Business Seminar - LeClaire Community Library begins at 5:30 p.m. All Chamber Members and all others welcome - beneficial business information will be presented in regard to new and existing business practices.

August 12th - Faithful Pilot - Tequila Tasting - $10.00 per person 5 different Tequilas and Chef Mexican inspired menu

August 15th - Wide River Winery - Live Music by Flat Top - 5-8 p.m.

August 16th - The River Valley Optimist Club Trivia Night LeClaire Civic Center. Raising money to support "Bring Out the Best in Kids" in the community. Funds go to a basketball clinic, preparing Backpacks for Kids to local elementary schools, participation in Kids Against Hunger, and offering scholarships and grants. Doors open 6:30pm, Trivia 7p.m. $10 per person, $50 minimum per table (max of 8 per table). 50/50 raffle, Mullligans, door prizes. Call Josselyn Smith at 563-723-1877 or email josselyn.e.smith@gmail.com to reserve a table!

August 18th - Economic Development Meeting - 8 a.m. - LeClaire City Hall

August 21st - Faithful Pilot - Asian Fusion Dinner - $45.00 per person - 3 course with Asian inspired cocktails paired with it.

August 22nd - First Central State Bank - LeClaire - Free Community Shred Day 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Paper products only.

August 22nd - Wide River Winery - Live Music by Unidynes - 5-8 p.m.

August 23rd - Diamond Dash - LeClaire

 

August 23rd - The Faithful Pilot will be open for lunch beginning at noon for Diamond Dash

August 25th - Faithful Pilot - Vino Vaso - $40.00 - A glass to paint, a glass to drink, and a glass to take home!  Ticket includes Chefs cheese and crackers, and a FREE glass of wine.  Tickets available at VINO/VASO's FACEBOOK page

August 27th - Bierstube Kooby's Karaoke 9p.m.-1a.m.

August 29th- Isabel Bloom Ribbon Cutting - 10:00 a.m.

August 29th - Wide River Winery - Live Music The Whoosdads? - 5-8 p.m.

August 30th- Bierstube Live Music The Old 57's 9pm-1am

August 31st - Faithful Pilot Wine Tasting - $15.00 for 15 wines.  3:00-5:00, includes wine and chefs small bites

SAVE THE DATE

 

September 1st - Faithful Pilot Closed for Labor Day

Sept 14th - Faithful Pilot - PINOT PIG - A CHARITY HOG ROAST on the LeClaire Levee 12-4p.m. Why? Cuz it feels good to give back - NO KID HUNGRY Cost:$50.00 includes admittance, All U CAN Eat HOG ROAST with an organic hog coming from Rustik Rooster with farmer Karl Blake (From TV's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern) and sides, live music from The Matriarchs, and $10.00 of your ticket sales goes to charity!  Goal is to raise 2K *You do NOT need to be 21 to enter but will be wrist banded at the front gate.Tickets will be available at faithfulpilot.com and in the restaurant.

September 21st - 50th ANNUAL FALL HARVEST DINNER - Silver Creek Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, LeClaire Masonic Center, 113 S. Cody Rd., LeClaire. Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Corn & Green Beans, Salads, Rolls & Butter, Deserts & Beverage. Donation of $8.00 for adults and $4.00 for children under 10. Serving from 11 a.m. till 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome!

September 24th- Bierstube Live Music from The Parrot Head Club & The Fry Daddies 7pm-11pm

FYI

Faithful Pilot Wednesdays - Still 1/2 priced bottles wine night with Chef's special tapas menu *Coming Soon - Brunch & Lunch so look to our website and Facebook!

Buffalo Bill Museum is a Blue Star Museum The regional history museum in LeClaire is among local museums participating in the nation-wide "Blue Star Museum" project, "a collaboration among the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the Department of Defense, and more than 2,000 museums across America to offer free admission to the nation's active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve, from Memorial Day, May 26, 2014 through Labor Day, September 1, 2014." "We're pleased to join other LeClaire groups in expressing appreciation to those who serve our country through the military," said Robert Schiffke, the museum's director. He noted that this year's TugFest theme is "Defending Our Eagle, a salute to our U.S. Military; the primary beneficiary is the Wounded Warrior Project. "Near the museum will also be Scott County's 'Freedom Rock' which will be one of 99 large boulders featuring a painted patriotic mural." The museum is operated by volunteers, many of whom have also served in the armed forces, and understand the sacrifices made by families of those who serve. More information can be found at BlueStarMuseums.org

Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill, Princeton - Live Music Cody Road Unplugged. Wednesdays 6-9pm (no music Wednesday June 25 due to a scheduling conflict)

Kiddie Karrasel Academy has good news! We can accept up to 20 four year olds for the Statewide voluntary preK program for this fall at no additional charge to parents. Children must be four by Sept. 15. Please visit our website for more information. www.kiddiekarraselacademy.com or https://www.facebook.com/KiddieKarraselAcademy

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Men's group Saturday at 7:30 am at church; there are donuts, coffee, discussion and Bible Study, plus really great guys! What more could you ask?

First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Look for us at TugFest! We have a new menu!  And, check out our website:  fpcleclaire.org

The LeClaire Community Library has a LOT going on! Contact LeClaire Community Library, 323 Wisconsin Street, LeClaire, IA 52753, (563)289-6002 or visit http://www.leclaire.lib.ia.us for more information!

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn at info@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

 

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see us on Facebook!

 

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month.

 

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Property Available - Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

LeClaire Events Coming Up!

May-Oct - LeClaire Riverfront Farmer's Market - Every Saturday, 3-6 p.m. on the LeClaire Levee

August 2 - The 27th Annual Heartland British Auto Fest

August 7-9 - Tug Fest

October 5th - Bierstube - Dogtoberfest

October 12- Apple Fest

December 5-7 - Christmas in LeClaire

 

Chamber Networking Events - Everyone Welcome!

August 12th - McDonald's - breakfast 8:00am

September 9th - Steventon's - evening 5:30 -7pm

October 14th - Faithful Pilot - lunch- noon

November 11th - Bier Stube - lunch - noon

December 9th - Subway - lunch - noon

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