28 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Proclaims "Frank Thomas Day" in Illinois

By Rick Martin

Honors "The Big Hurt" and the Class of 2014 Hall of Famers

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today proclaimed July 27, 2014 as "Frank Thomas Day" across Illinois in recognition of the "Big Hurt's" formal induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Thomas is one of six Hall of Fame inductees in the Class of 2014 that also includes Bobby Cox, Tom Glavine, Tony La Russa, Greg Maddux and Joe Torre.

"Every time Frank Thomas stepped into the box you knew something special might happen," Governor Quinn said. "He was one of the greatest hitters around and now the 'Big Hurt' will be entering Baseball's prestigious Hall of Fame as a member of the Chicago White Sox. In honor of Frank and his contributions to the sport of baseball, I proclaim today 'Frank Thomas Day' across Illinois."

Born in Columbus, Georgia in 1968, Thomas was the seventh overall pick by the White Sox in 1989. He made his Major League debut as an August call-up in 1990, hitting .330 over 60 games. For the next 15 years, he was a White Sox, earning the nickname "The Big Hurt" for the damage he inflicted on pitchers. Thomas' offensive contributions with the White Sox, including 448 home runs, 1,465 RBIs and .995 on base plus slugging percentage are all club records.

Thomas had a career batting average over .300, hit 521 homers and knocked in 1,704 RBIs over the course of 19 seasons in the Major Leagues. He was a five-time All-Star, two-time American League MVP and one-time American League batting champion. He is also the first Hall of Famer to have played a majority of his games as a designated hitter.

Being inducted along with Thomas is former White Sox manager Tony La Russa, who led the White Sox to a division championship and playoff appearance in 1983, the first such achievement by a Chicago baseball team since 1959. Throughout his career, his 2,728 victories ranks third in the history of our national pastime. He is also only the second manager to win the World Series in both the American and National leagues after having led the St. Louis Cardinals to two World Series championships.

Also inducted to the Hall of Fame on Sunday is longtime Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Greg Maddox. Maddox is one of only 10 pitchers ever to achieve both 300 wins and 3,000 strikeouts, and is the only pitcher to record over 300 wins, over 3,000 strikeouts and fewer than 1,000 walks.

Thomas, Maddox, La Russa, Glavine, Cox and Torre will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame today at a special ceremony in Cooperstown, New York.

###
28 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Reminds Drivers to Take Caution in Work Zones

By Katie Hickey

Directs State Agencies to Redouble Efforts to Protect Public and Workers

Encourages Public to Increase Vigilance Following I-55 Tragedy

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today directed the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois Tollway and Illinois State Police to explore additional highway safety measures in the wake of last week's tragedy that claimed five lives in an Interstate 55 work zone near Channahon. The Governor also urged the public to do their part to help crack down on reckless and inattentive driving in work zones throughout Illinois.

"I was deeply saddened and alarmed by the senseless tragedy on I-55 last week," Governor Quinn said. "Our state police and construction workers are performing dangerous jobs in work zones, and we must take every step necessary to protect them and all drivers. I am directing the state's agencies take any additional steps necessary to further improve the extensive safety measures that are in place so that inattentive or reckless drivers do not cause more harm."

At the Des Plaines River bridge project over I-55, the site of last week's accident, IDOT has installed rumble strips approaching the work zone. In conjunction with the Tollway and Illinois State Police, IDOT has developed public service announcements that utilize the overhead message boards on state highways to encourage motorists to stay vigilant and notify law enforcement if they spot dangerous drivers. Finally, even more Illinois State Police troopers have been added to the patrols around the I-55 work zone.

These new safety measures build upon strong protections already in place at the I-55 work zone, including extended work zone speed limits, speed indicator boards, extra Illinois State Police presence, signs alerting drivers of upcoming construction 20 miles from the project and a Smart Traffic Monitoring system to provide motorists real-time updates on travel times and backups.

State programs are also being expanded that allow state troopers to be hired by IDOT for special patrols in work zones. At the Des Plaines River bridge project, these additional patrols have resulted in more than 4,000 citations for speeding and nearly 300 for distracted driving.

Governor Quinn has directed the three state agencies to meet with federal agencies and industry partners about the recent accidents and to help prevent future crashes. The state continues to work with federal lawmakers to strengthen laws regarding continuous hours driven by truckers and to expand the use of electronic logs to track the number of hours they are on the road.

"We at IDOT remain committed to ensuring the protection of all workers and motorists in work zones - and we are redoubling our efforts in light of last week's horrific events on I-55," Acting Transportation Secretary Erica Borggren said. "While we have some of the nation's best safety measures for work zones, we must take this opportunity to see what more we can do. We also want to urge the public to help by paying attention to signs, staying off their handheld devices while driving and heeding to our ongoing message for work zone safety: See orange. Slow down. Save lives."

Speed and inattentiveness are major contributing factors to work-zone crashes. All motorists need to be especially careful when driving through work zones. Roadway conditions can change quickly and motorists need to be able to react appropriately. Traffic can be slowed down or stopped well outside of the actual work area. Narrowed and closed lanes, uneven pavement and heavy equipment operating next to lanes of traffic will require reductions in speed to ensure safe travel. Motorists are advised to remain alert for distracted and fatigued drivers and to notify authorities if they observe unsafe driving.

"We are committed to making construction work zones as safe as possible and urge drivers to slow down, stay alert and be prepared for changing conditions," Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. "With the largest capital program in the history of the Illinois Tollway in full swing, we have also committed the funds necessary to increase the number of Illinois State Police District 15 troopers assigned to the Tollway to provide additional assistance in construction work zones and throughout the system."

"The traffic laws are clear and ISP troopers will be in these designated areas working to identify motorists who disobey work zone speed limits and other applicable laws," Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau said. "We will continue to work hand in hand with our agency partners on a daily basis to continue to raise the awareness of road safety to reduce traffic crashes and prevent loss of life."

Under regulations that took effect in 2004, fines for speeding in work zones are $375 for first-time offenders and $1,000 for second-time offenders, regardless of the presence of workers. If workers are present, motorists can lose their driver's license for 90 days if they get a second violation. This year, speed-indicator boards are being deployed on all interstate projects with lane closures, after a significant reduction in work-zone speeds in areas where the boards were used under a pilot program last year.

Illinois averages more than 7,000 crashes in work zones every year. In 2013, there were 28 work zone-related fatalities, including one worker. In 2012, there were 19 fatal work zone crashes, involving fatalities to 13 drivers, three passengers and three pedestrians, two of which were construction workers. Last January, an Illinois Tollway maintenance worker died while attempting to help a semi-truck that was stalled on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88). An Illinois State Police Trooper was also critically injured. In 2013, another Trooper was killed in a tragic accident on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294).

###
28 Jul 2014

Bodybuilder & Neurosurgeon Debunks 5 Training Myths

By Ginny Grimsley
What You Don't Know - and What You Think You Know - Can Hurt You, He Says

While big chunks of America's population continue to be ravaged by obesity, causing other problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, there are many millions who choose to prevent those conditions by exercising regularly.

"The Centers for Disease Control recently estimated that only 20 percent of us get the recommended amount of daily exercise," says Dr. Brett Osborn, author of "Get Serious, A Neurosurgeon's Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness," www.drbrettosborn.com.

"Given our diet and lifestyles, it's no wonder that some of our first-world diseases have reached epidemic proportions.

"Let's be clear: This is your health. There is nothing more important. If you don't have good health, you will eventually die, preventing you from doing everything else, from spending time with your loved ones to enjoying your money."

If you're going to exercise - which Osborn applauds - he warns that you will do more harm than good if you've bought into some of the myths and "conventional wisdom" that is, in fact, simply wrong.

Osborn, an avid bodybuilder, shatters some of those misconceptions:

•  More exercise is always better. Everyone wants more muscle and less fat, Conventional wisdom says that hours and hours of exercise will achieve those results. That's completely wrong, Osborn says. Overkill is not only unnecessary, it can be counterproductive. You'll get the best results with a strength-training regimen, tailored to meet your needs, which can be accomplished in three to four hours per week.

•  More cardio is better than lifting. For all you chronic dieters and cardio enthusiasts out there trying to shed fat, the right strength-training program can boost your metabolism and help burn off more fat. By increasing lean muscle mass, you will increase your basal metabolic rate, BMR. Activated, contracting muscles are the body's furnace. Excessive cardio and dieting can eat muscle tissue away, compromising this furnace.

•  Women: "But I don't want to look like a man." Females who lift weights won't look like men; they do not have the hormonal support to pile on a significant amount of muscle mass. Female lifters will, however, assume a shapelier figure. In fact, 99.99 percent of men older than 30 do not have the natural hormonal support to do so either. All elite professional bodybuilders use androgenic agents, including steroids.

•  You need to buy "product X." We live in a very money-based culture - so much so that we often place the almighty dollar above health. Get out of this mindset, at least regarding exercise. What counts for building muscle includes determination, intensity, consistency and safety. If you think buying the most expensive formula, training uniform or machine is necessary for reaching your potential, you're wrong. Machines often compromise the intensity required for the body you desire.

•  CrossFit is a good exercise program. If you want to build muscle, then CrossFit has many problems. First, it encourages ballistic movements from novice lifters, and since the program's rise in popularity, there has been a marked increase in injury rates, which can set fitness goals back by many months. Second, as mentioned above, you don't need to pound the body five times a week; you may increase endurance and lose fat, but you'll also lose muscle. CrossFit encourages overtraining and has been linked to increased incidents of Rhabdomyolysis, or Rhabdo, which is the breakdown of muscle tissue that leads to the release of muscle fiber contents into the blood. Rhabdo can cause kidney damage. Third, the creators of CrossFit have encouraged the Paleo Diet, a low-insulin diet. Insulin is a necessary part of building muscle.

About Dr. Brett Osborn

Brett Osborn is a New York University-trained, board-certified neurological surgeon with a secondary certification in anti-aging and regenerative medicine, Diplomate; American Bard of Neurological Surgery, Diplomate; American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. He holds a CSCS honorarium from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Dr. Osborn specializes in scientifically based nutrition and exercise as a means to achieve optimal health and preventing disease. He is the author "Get Serious, A Neurosurgeon's Guide to Optimal Health and Fitness," www.drbrettosborn.com.

28 Jul 2014

Braley Marks 24th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

By Kirsten Hartman

Congressman submits remarks in the Congressional Record in conjunction with Johnson County Celebration

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today submitted remarks in the Congressional Record to celebrate the 24th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?thanking those involved in this year's Johnson County ADA Celebration?an event that brings together Iowans from all walks of life and recognizes that all people have unique skills, talents and abilities.

"More than two decades ago, my hero, Tom Harkin spearheaded this legislation that would change the attitudes of so many," Braley's remarks read. "Expanding access and opportunities for people with disabilities is something we must work to improve every day. There are obstacles that, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, have been all but eliminated and I look forward to seeing even more progress."

 

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990?prohibiting the discrimination of persons with disabilities?was championed through Congress by Senator Tom Harkin and signed into law on July 26, 1990.

Braley's full remarks can be read HERE.

###
28 Jul 2014

River Bandits Win A Pair of Games

By Marco LaNave

HOT-HITTING BANDITS ROUT HOT RODS AGAIN, 9-2; Edison Frias becomes team's first seven-game winner, while Brett Phillips hits his fifth home run in July

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (July 27, 2014) - Third baseman J.D. Davis had his first career four-hit game, center fielder Brett Phillips homered for a second straight day, and right-hander Edison Frias pitched a season-high seven innings in the Quad Cities River Bandits' second straight 9-2 win over the Bowling Green Hot Rods at Bowling Green Ballpark Sunday afternoon.

Davis drove in the game's first run in the second inning on a double down the right-field line that scored River Bandits designated hitter Brian Holberton following the latter's leadoff single. Hot Rods right-hander Jake Faria (6-6) walked right fielder Ronnie Mitchell, and second baseman Dayne Parker sacrificed two runners into scoring position. Catcher Brett Booth singled to right field to score Davis, and when Booth was caught in a rundown on his way to second base, Mitchell scored to put the River Bandits up 3-0.

Frias (7-5) became the first seven-game winner of the season for Quad Cities (19-16 second half, 54-50 overall). But his first two pitches of the game were hit for singles by Hot Rods shortstop Juniel Querecuto and second baseman Kean Wong. Frias escaped trouble by getting a flyout, popup and groundout to begin a stretch in which he retired 12 of 13 batters.

In the top of the third inning, first baseman Chase McDonald hit a two-out double down the left-field line and scored when second baseman Kean Wong mishandled a ground ball by Holberton that got into center field. Davis then hit an infield single to third baseman Ty Young, and Mitchell hit an RBI single to center field for a 5-0 lead. Faria finished the inning but was charged with five runs - three earned - on six hits and a walk with two strikeouts in a season-low three innings.

Bowling Green (14-21, 46-58) reached the scoreboard in the fifth inning. Center fielder Julian Ridings led off with a single to right field, first baseman Alexander Simon doubled to center field, and Querecuto hit a one-out, two-run single to center field. Frias then retired the next eight batters - five on strikeouts - to last seven innings for the first time since Aug. 15, 2012. His eight strikeouts were a season high.

Following Faria, the Hot Rods used right-hander William Gabay for three scoreless innings. Right-hander Luis Cabrera entered with the 5-2 deficit and pitched a scoreless seventh inning. In the eighth, Cabrera allowed consecutive singles by Davis, Mitchell and Parker, who picked up his sixth RBI on the road trip. With two outs, Phillips smashed his ninth home run of the season to right field, bringing in three runs and extending the lead to 9-2. Cabrera was charged with four earned runs on six hits and two walks with one strikeout in three innings.

River Bandits left-hander Albert Minnis began the eighth inning with a groundout and allowed two hits in the final two innings but recorded the last five outs on strikeouts to post a new career high. Frias and Minnis combined to strike out 13 batters without a walk.

Back-to-back 9-2 scores gave Quad Cities consecutive wins by the same score for the first time since winning 5-2 Aug. 2, 2013, at home against Peoria, and Aug. 3, 2013, in Cedar Rapids. The River Bandits last had consecutive scores against the same opponent in a pair of 4-3 home losses to Bowling Green July 11-12, 2013. Quad Cities last won consecutive games by the same score against the same opponent Aug. 19-20, 2006, at home and then on the road against Burlington. The 2006 team also won consecutive 5-4 games in Clinton June 26-27.

Quad Cities has won seven of eight games and seeks its first-ever sweep in Bowling Green at 12:05 p.m. Monday. River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser (4-4) is scheduled to face Hot Rods left-hander Bruedlin Suero (2-2).

BANDITS BLAST HOT RODS TO WIN 9-2 SERIES OPENER; Quad Cities has four-run fifth and sixth innings to pick up sixth win in last seven games

DAYTON, Ohio (July 26, 2014) - Designated hitter Ronnie Mitchell and center fielder Brett Phillips each hit two-run home runs in the Quad Cities River Bandits' go-ahead, four-run fifth inning, and left-hander Blaine Sims held the Bowling Green Hot Rods to two runs in a six-inning start for a 9-2 win at Bowling Green Ballpark Saturday night.

Phillips, Mitchell, and shortstop Thomas Lindauer each drove in two runs, and seven River Bandits contributed a hit and a run to a 13-hit showing and the team's highest scoring effort since July 11. Dayne Parker had a game-high three hits for the first time with Quad Cities.

Sims (2-2) had his longest Midwest League start and overcame seven walks - matching his career high and setting a season high by a pitcher for Quad Cities (18-16 second half, 53-50 overall). He allowed two runs - one earned - on five hits with three strikeouts. In the first inning, his two-out walk to Hot Rods catcher Oscar Hernandez led to a run after a passed ball, wild pitch and single by third baseman Ty Young. Sims picked Young off first base to end the inning and got a ground-ball double play to end a bases-loaded jam in the second.

The Hot Rods (14-20, 46-57) nearly added to the 1-0 lead in the fourth inning, as left fielder Darryl George hit a one-out double to center field, and center fielder Julian Ridings singled to center field. But Phillips threw to catcher Brian Holberton to get George at home plate for his 13th outfield assist of the season - a mark tied for best in the Midwest League.

Hot Rods right-hander D.J. Slaton (0-1) got ground-ball double plays in each of the first two innings to face one batter over the minimum through the first four innings. In the top of the fifth inning, third baseman J.D. Davis hit a leadoff double down the left-field line, and Mitchell drove the next Slaton pitch to the left of the scoreboard in right-center field for his team-high 13th home run and a 2-1 lead. With two outs, Lindauer reached on a fielding error by third baseman Ty Young, and Phillips followed with his eighth home run to almost the exact same spot as Mitchell's home run.

With a 4-1 lead, Sims walked three batters in the bottom of the fifth inning but only allowed one run on a sacrifice fly by catcher Oscar Hernandez. With Sims on the mound, Bowling Green left seven runners on base, including five in scoring position.

In the sixth inning, Slaton began with a 4-2 deficit and began by allowing first baseman Chase McDonald's double to left-center field, Holberton's single to right field and Davis' RBI single to center field. Slaton was lifted with no outs for right-hander Josh Kimborowicz, who got Mitchell to hit into a fielder's choice before second baseman Dayne Parker hit an RBI single, and Lindauer dropped a two-run single in front of George in left field for an 8-2 lead. Slaton was charged with seven runs - five earned - on eight hits and one walk with three strikeouts in five innings. Kimborowicz gave up four hits and one earned run with three strikeouts in three relief innings.

Following Sims, right-hander Andrew Walter pitched three scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk with three strikeouts to earn his team-high ninth save. Quad Cities added a ninth-inning run when Phillips doubled, reached third base on an error and scored on a groundout by left fielder Marc Wik.

Quad Cities has won six of seven games and continues its series in Bowling Green at 2:05 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits right-hander Edison Frias (6-5) is scheduled to face Hot Rods right-hander Jake Faria (6-5).

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.

28 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation and Takes Bill Action

By Andrew Mason

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Expand the Holocaust and Genocide Commission; Commission Works to Increase Public Awareness Through Educational Programs, Events and Outreach

SKOKIE - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to expand the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission, increasing its ability to reach even more people across Illinois with its important message. The commission works with Holocaust survivors to increase public awareness of the Holocaust and other genocides through educational programs, events and outreach efforts. The Governor signed the legislation at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie as part of his agenda to ensure Illinois embraces all people.

"It is important that we never forget the millions of lives lost not only in the Holocaust, but all terrible acts of genocide throughout history," Governor Quinn said. "The Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission works to ensure tolerance among our future generations. I urge all residents to strive to overcome hate and indifference through learning and acceptance."

Senate Bill 3129, sponsored by State Senator Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) and State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), increases the number of commission members from 18 to 22, and ensures that one of them is a student. Under Governor Quinn's leadership, the Holocaust and Genocide Commission was created in July 2010. Members consist of Holocaust and other genocide survivors, liberators and other volunteers to share their knowledge and experiences in order to increase public awareness. The commission also holds events to memorialize the Holocaust and other genocides. The new law takes effect immediately.

"This law allows the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission to continue educating Illinois residents about crimes against humanity," Senator Silverstein said. "We must never forget this tragedy. We must work together to prevent genocide from ever happening."

"Today, Governor Quinn signs into law a bill that will protect the future of the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission," Representative Feigenholtz said. "This legislation enables the Commission to keep promoting awareness and understanding of one of the darkest eras of human history."

Illinois was the first state in the nation to mandate public elementary schools and high schools include a study of Holocaust history in its curriculum.

In 2011, Governor Quinn visited Israel to further develop ties between Illinois and Israel, and signed legislation requiring anyone convicted of a hate crime to enroll in an educational program discouraging hate crimes. In April 2013, the Governor proclaimed April 24 as Jan Karski Day to honor a hero of the Polish Underground during World War II who was lauded for risking his life to expose the horrors of the Holocaust to the world. Karski was later a professor at Georgetown University where a young Pat Quinn was among his students at the Georgetown School of Foreign Service.

###

 

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, July 25, 2014**

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

 

Bill No.: HB 4505

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Creates a new license through the Illinois Department of Agriculture for individuals who store, filter, process or distribute used cooking grease for reuse or recycling.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: HB 4522

An Act Concerning: Education

Reduces number of contiguous school districts needed to jointly operate a science and mathematics school through a college or university.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 5692

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Creates an advisory committee to assist in the design and implementation of a program for the electronic verification of motor vehicle liability insurance.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 0336

An Act Concerning: Revenue

Creates the Community Stabilization Assessment Freeze Pilot Program.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 2791

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Clarifies the powers of a designated railroad police force.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

###

 

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Ensure Quality Distance Learning and Online Education Programs; Also Signs Legislation to Streamline School Financial Processes and Extend Task Force on Civic Education

CHAMPAIGN - Governor Pat Quinn today visited the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to sign a law to help boost the quality of distance and online learning programs across Illinois and other states. The Governor also signed laws to streamline higher education financial processes and to extend the Task Force on Civic Education. Today's actions are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure that everyone in Illinois has the opportunity for a high quality education.

"Attending college online is an important educational option more people around the world are pursuing," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois' higher education institutions have found a willing and world-wide audience for these types of course offerings. This new law makes sure the educational programming offered online out of Illinois maintains the same high quality standards in order to help ensure all students receive a high quality education, regardless of where they live."

Senate Bill 3441, sponsored by State Senator Pat McGuire (D-Crest Hill) and State Representative Robert Pritchard (R-Sycamore), authorizes the Illinois Board of Higher Education to make agreements with other states to guarantee distance learning programs maintain common standards and that completed course work is recognized by institutions in each state. The agreements will also establish a mechanism for handling complaints and refunds across states and institutions. The new law is effective January 1, 2015.

"Governor Quinn's action fulfills the legislature's goal to make high-quality, affordable online higher education available to Illinois residents," Senator McGuire said. "This new law shows what cooperation between Democrats and Republicans and among Midwestern states can accomplish?lower costs for governments, and expanded opportunities for our 21st century workforce."

"Distance learning allows students to take courses that may not be offered where they are attending college or at times that are more convenient for them," Representative Pritchard said. "This legislation offers consumer protections that the courses will be recognized by institutions of higher education, and assures refunds will be made if the student takes the appropriate steps to cancel the course."

The new law will allow Illinois to join other members of the Midwestern Higher Education Compact to make distance education courses more accessible to students across state lines while also making it easier for states to regulate and institutions to participate in interstate distance education. The Midwestern Compact will interact with other regional compacts across the country.  Any public college, university or independent institution can participate and seek accreditation, a designation that will indicate the institution has the "seal of approval" from the participating states for its distance learning programs.

Last year through the University of Illinois, 323,857 students from around the world enrolled in online offerings through the Massive Open Online Courses including nontraditional students, professionals looking to build specific competencies and many other lifelong learners.

By providing a broad range of affordable, flexible options, online learning has great potential to help many people across Illinois meet their education and careers goals. With nearly one in ten community college students taking a class online each year, online learning is becoming an increasingly popular option.

Governor Quinn today also signed two bills sponsored by State Representative Naomi Jakobsson (D-Urbana). Senate Bill 230, co-sponsored by State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), increases efficiency by saving schools time and money by removing an extra step in the public university vouchering process. Senate Bill 2728, co-sponsored by State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park), allows the Task Force on Civic Education to complete its mission by extending the life of the task force and setting a new date for its final report. Both laws are effective immediately.

Governor Quinn has made support for higher education in Illinois a top priority. At his direction, distance learning is just one of the many strategies Illinois has pursued as part of a comprehensive plan to make postsecondary attainment more accessible to all students. Illinois is engaged in a number of innovative approaches to bolstering college completion including early college credit opportunities.

In Fiscal Year 2012, almost 8,900 dual credit courses were offered through Illinois community colleges, providing opportunities for approximately 88,000 high school students during the past year. The dual credit system has seen tremendous growth with a nearly 125 percent increase in dual credit students served annually since 2004.

As a result of these and other initiatives, Illinois' college completion rate, which is above the national average, has grown to 43 percent under Governor Quinn's administration.

In addition to supporting expanded access to early college credit and career certificates, Governor Quinn has been a steadfast supporter of the Monetary Award Program (MAP) which enables more than 140,000 low income students to pursue higher education each year. He has proposed doubling the funds available for the plan over the next five years to provide 21,000 more students each year with an opportunity to attend college that would not otherwise be available.

###
28 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Welcomes New Class of Illinois State Police Troopers

By Katie Hickey

37 Police Academy Graduates Assigned Across the State

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau to commission 37 new State Troopers during a graduation ceremony at the State Police Academy in Springfield.  The new troopers will begin patrolling throughout the state starting Monday, July 28. Today's event is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to improve public safety across Illinois.

"The Illinois State Police have a long and distinguished history of service to the state," Governor Quinn said.  "Our newest graduates have been rigorously trained to uphold that tradition. I welcome this class of cadets into the State Police, and thank each of them for their dedication to making our state a safer place for all."

"These men and women dedicated themselves to successfully completing 25 weeks of rigorous training to become Illinois State Police officers," Director Grau said. "We welcome them to our ranks and salute their commitment to serving the citizens of Illinois."

Today's graduation of Cadet Class 124 marks the second cadet class this year. It is the third class to graduate under a new law that allows veterans who have been awarded an Afghan or Iraqi campaign medal by the U.S. military to apply without having earned a college degree. Fourteen of the new troopers are veterans, and of these, nine were hired under the new law.

The troopers completed a rigorous 25-week regimen of physical and classroom instruction which included training in Terrorism Awareness, Domestic Violence, Critical Incident Response, Firearms Training, First Responder Certification, Illinois Vehicle Code, Criminal Law, Motor Carrier Safety, Juvenile Law and more.

The new officers have been assigned to the following areas of the state and will immediately begin their patrol duties:

·         District 1 Sterling, 2 troopers

·         District 2 Elgin, 3 troopers

·         Chicago District, 4 troopers

·         District 5 Joliet, 1 trooper

·         District 6 Pontiac, 2 troopers

·         District 7 East Moline, 2 troopers

·         District 8 Metamora, 4 troopers

·         District 11 Collinsville, 6 troopers

·         District 14 Macomb, 1 trooper

·         District 16 Pecatonica, 4 troopers

·         District 17 LaSalle, 4 troopers

·         District 21 Kankakee, 4 troopers.

The Illinois State Police Academy is one of the most respected and recognized training facilities in the country.  Dozens of law enforcement agencies also use Academy curriculum to meet standards set forth by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Those interested in joining the ranks of the Illinois State Police are encouraged to visit the Illinois State Police Merit Board website at www.illinoistrooper.com for application information.

 

###
28 Jul 2014

CREEKSIDE VINEYARDS WINERY CELEBRATES GOLD WITH 2014 ILLINOIS WINE & MID-AMERICAN WINE COMPETITION AWARDS!

By Jennifer Mital

Creekside Vineyard Winery, while artisan in size, has proved its excellence in the 2014 Illinois Wine and MidAmerican Wine Competitions. In July both competitions release their results, and Creekside Vineyards earned high marks along wineries much older and larger than itself in the state and across the Midwest region. In the annual Illinois Wine Competition held at Lincoln land Community College in Springfield, Illinois, and in the Eighth Annual Mid-American Wine Competition held at the Des Moines Area Community College campus in Ankeny, Iowa, Creekside Vineyards Winery was awarded the following medals:

WINE NAME VARIETAL MIDAMERICAN IL WINE

Crooked Owl Corot Noir Gold Double Gold

Crooked Owl Corot Noir Silver: Food Pairing Grilled Sirloin Steak

First Kiss Marechal Foch Gold

Sundaze Seyval Blanc Gold Double Gold

Sundaze Seyval Blanc Gold: Food Pairing Baked Trout

Sweet Retreat Vignoles (*sweepstakes nominee*) Gold* Silver

"The quality of Midwestern wines continues to improve," said Bob Foster, Director of the Mid-American Wine Competition (MAWC). These are high quality wines that wine lovers should seek out and try." The MidAmerican competition was held July 11-13 and included wines from 15 Midwestern states. Professional wine judges from throughout the United States awarded 100 Gold medals, 171 Silver medals, and 132 Bronze medals. Full results can be found at www.midamericanwine.org. "This marks the eighth consecutive year of the MAWC and we have had the distinction of watching the local wine industry develop into a great representation of our region," said Chief Judge Doug Frost of Kansas City. "The wine industry throughout the Midwest has evolved into tourist destinations, where wine enthusiasts visit local wineries. This helps the local economy and area wine industry."

The Illinois Wine Competition was held June 16-18 and included 171 amateur entries and 257 commercial entries from across the state. Creekside Vineyards was one of six wineries in the state to receive multiple Double Gold medals. The competition is sponsored by the Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association. Full results can be found at www.illinoiswine.com. Bradley Beam, the Illinois state enologist and organizer of the contest, said, "The primary goal of this competition is to recognize the many outstanding wines produced in the state of Illinois. The number of medals awarded this year indicates that we, as an industry, are maintaining a very high degree of quality."

Creekside Vineyards, in 2013 producing its fourth vintage on an artisan scale, is relatively new to the Illinois wine scene and uses predominately Illinois grapes from its own vineyard and other local partners. Winemaker John Mital has practiced viticulture and enology for over 10 years, beginning in Missouri and then relocating with his wife and son to his roots in the Quad Cities. John's parents, Don and Bev, own and operate Creekside Vineyards Inn. Creekside Vineyards Winery is located on Highway 67 in Preemption, IL; its vineyards, bed and breakfast, and outdoor Wine Terrace are located at 7505 120th Avenue Coal Valley, IL. Creekside Vineyards also offers its wines at select Quad City IL retailers; to learn more, visit www.creeksidevineyards.com or call 309-787-WINE. "We hope these results help spread the word that the Midwest produces many fines," comments owner and Marketing Director Jennifer Mital. "We are honored to play a role in this industry and take pride in playing a part in its growth and future success. The best part of the day is knowing our wines and venues add enjoyment to people's lives. One doesn't have to travel far to find a fine bottle of wine or the beautiful vineyard from which the grapes are grown."

25 Jul 2014

WWE Live - Sunday, September 28

By Stephani Nagle

On Sale Saturday, August 2 at 10 am

featuring

WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION - JOHN CENA

DEAN AMBROSE

MR. MONEY IN THE BANK SETH ROLLINS

BRAY WYATT

AND MANY MORE!!!

*Talent is subject to change*

Tickets prices are $18.50, $28.50, $38.50, $53.50, and $98.50 and go on sale Saturday, August 2 at 10 am. Tickets are available at the iWireless Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 800-745-3000, and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

25 Jul 2014

Iowa leaders call for EPA action to restore a robust RFS

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

As rumors swirl on RFS, Branstad, Reynolds and Northey call for action to protect jobs, increase consumer choice

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today renewed their call for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restore a robust Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and abandon their proposed rule that would cost Iowans jobs, decrease consumer choice at the pump and increase our nation's dependency on foreign oil.

According to an Associated Press report, Sen. Al Fraken (D-Minn.) said after meeting with White House officials that he believes the EPA will only partially restore the RFS volume obligation levels for 2014.

"While we're encouraged to see the potential for movement from the Obama Administration, we believe they need to act right away to fully restore a robust Renewable Fuel Standard. Because of the uncertainty at the federal level, corn is now selling below the cost of production," said Branstad. "State and federal officials have worked in a bipartisan manner on this critically important issue. I'm hopeful the Environmental Protection Agency will act to protect Iowa jobs, rural development and Iowa agriculture."

"Now is not the time to retreat from a robust Renewable Fuel Standard that increases consumer choice, creates jobs, encourages economic growth and reduces our dependency on foreign oil," said Reynolds. "The people of Iowa and America have spoken clearly, protect the RFS and abandon the ill-advised Environmental Protection Agency proposal today."

"A strong RFS is vitally important to ensure Iowa customers have access to domestically produced, clean burning ethanol and biodiesel.  The law is working as intended and it is wrong for the EPA to act against congressional intent.  I hope the Obama administration will listen to the thousands of comments supporting access to renewable fuels and fully restore the RFS," Northey said.

Highlights of Iowa leaders' engagement on the RFS include :

  • State and Federal elected officials, including Gov. Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds, participated in a "Defend the RFS" event.
  • Gov. Branstad traveled to Washington, DC, joining a group of Iowa farmers and biofuels producers, to testify at the Federal government's only public hearing and met with EPA Administrator McCarthy.
  • Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Secretary Bill Northey and the entire Iowa congressional delegation sent a joint letter to Federal leaders advocating for the many benefits that flow from the RFS.
  • Gov. Terry Branstad and Gov. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.) pen an op-ed in support of a strong Renewable Fuel Standard.
  • Gov. Terry Branstad brought together a bipartisan group of six governors to sign on to a letter to President Barack Obama, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing their support for a strong RFS.
  • Leaders from across the Midwest joined Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds for their  "Hearing in Heartland," which was open to all interested citizens; 83 panelists from across the Midwest Region spoke from the heart about the importance of the RFS to their livelihoods and a healthy rural economy while only two individuals expressed opposition to a robust RFS.
  • Gov. Branstad, in his Condition of the State address, called on the Iowa Legislature to pass a resolution in support a robust RFS. The Legislature unanimously passed bicameral, bipartisan resolutions calling for the EPA to reverse course and support a strong RFS. View the resolutions: House Resolution 101 | Senate Resolution 101
  • State of Iowa leaders submitted formal comments to the EPA with current data and analysis that provides Federal leaders the opportunity and obligation to revise their initial volume obligations upward.
# # #

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar