21 Jul 2014

BANDITS PITCHERS DOMINATE, ESCAPE CAPTAINS

By Marco LaNave

Within an inning of pitching consecutive shutouts, Quad Cities holds off Lake County for 2-1 win

DAVENPORT, Iowa (July 20, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits right-hander Edison Frias and left-hander Blaine Sims combined to shut out the Lake County Captains until the ninth inning Sunday, and left fielder Ronnie Mitchell threw out the potential game-tying run at home plate for the final out of a 2-1 win in front of 5,758 at Modern Woodmen Park.

Frias (6-5) gave the River Bandits (14-15 second half, 49-49 overall) their second straight shutout start, as he went five scoreless innings for the third time this season. After a perfect first inning, he began the second inning by allowing consecutive singles to first baseman Nellie Rodriguez and second baseman Paul Hendrix before getting left fielder Dorssys Paulino to ground into a double play. A strikeout  ended the inning, which was only one in which Lake County (15-14, 42-57) put a runner at third base before the ninth inning.

In the third inning, Frias allowed a two-out single by shortstop Ivan Castillo - the last Captains hit until the ninth inning - and a walk to center fielder Clint Frazier. But right fielder Mike Papi flied out to left field in his team's last at-bat with a runner in scoring position until the ninth inning. After a fourth-inning leadoff walk by Rodriguez, Frias retired the last six batters he faced. He allowed three hits and two walks with three strikeouts in his longest start and first win since June 27 in Peoria.

Captains right-hander Jordan Milbrath (3-10) kept the game scoreless through three innings. He stranded the bases loaded in the first inning. In the fourth inning, first baseman Chase McDonald hit a leadoff single to center field, and catcher Brian Holberton singled down the first-base line to move McDonald to third base. After second baseman Marc Wik popped out, designated hitter Jake Rodriguez put down his first Midwest League sacrifice bunt down the first-base line to score McDonald.

In the fifth inning, Milbrath allowed consecutive two-out doubles by third baseman J.D. Davis and Mitchell for a 2-0 River Bandits lead. Milbrath allowed two earned runs on six hits and three walks with one strikeout in 5 1/3 innings. Left-hander Wander Beras followed with 1 2/3 scoreless innings, and right-hander Carlos Melo struck out all three batters in the eighth inning to keep his team's deficit at 2-0.

Following Frias, Sims set down seven batters in a row, before designated hitter Brian Ruiz hit a one-out single in the eighth inning to snap a string of 13 Captains retired in order. But Sims picked Ruiz off first base and got a popout to end the inning.

With a 2-0 lead in the ninth inning, Sims issued one-out walks to Papi and Rodriguez to put the tying runs on base. Hendrix then grounded a ball to shortstop Thomas Lindauer, who threw to Wik for a forceout at second base. Wik's errant throw past first base allowed Papi to score the first run against Quad Cities in 17 2/3 innings, and it put Hendrix at second base as the tying run with two outs. Paulino then grounded a single to left field, and with Hendrix running toward home plate, Mitchell threw a one-hopper to Holberton, who tagged Hendrix to end the game. Sims earned his first save since Aug. 29, 2012, by allowing one earned run on two hits and two walks with three strikeouts in four innings. Quad Cities has won consecutive games for the first time since a July 6 home doubleheader sweep of Wisconsin.

In Monday's 1 p.m. series finale, Quad Cities seeks the first-ever season series sweep in the fifth year of the all-time series with Lake County. River Bandits right-hander Adrian Houser (4-4) is scheduled to face Captains right-hander Caleb Hamrick (3-5).

UP NEXT: Gates open at 11:30 a.m. on a Markdown Monday presented by 97X, with $2 bleacher and berm tickets, hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, soda and beer. An all-you-can-ride amusements pass will be just $10, and the Businessman Special offers a package of a bleacher seat, bacon cheeseburger, chips and a soda for just $10. 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.
21 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Help Ease Pain for Adults and Children with Seizures

By Andrew Mason

New Law Adds Seizures to List of Debilitating Medical Conditions Under the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to add the treatment of adults and children with seizures to the state's Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protecting and improving the health of the people of Illinois.

"This new law will help alleviate the suffering of many adults and children across the state," Governor Quinn said.  "Epilepsy is a debilitating condition, and this much needed relief will help to reduce some of its symptoms for those who endure seizures. The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act is now designed to help our fellow citizens of all ages by allowing its strictly controlled use for specific medical conditions."

"This legislation was really an initiative by scores of families in Illinois with children that experience literally hundreds of seizures a day," Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago President and CEO Kurt Florian said. "Many of these families have uprooted for treatment in Colorado and have experienced dramatic reductions in seizures from oil based, low to zero THC medical cannabis. We are thankful to our sponsors and applaud Governor Quinn for signing this legislation which will help hundreds of children and families."

Senate Bill 2636, sponsored by State Senator Iris Martinez (D-Chicago) and State Representative Lou Lang (D-Skokie), amends the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act to allow children under 18, with a parent's consent, to be treated with non-smokable forms of medical marijuana for the same range of conditions now available to adults. The bill also adds seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy, to the list of debilitating medical conditions that can legally be treated with medical marijuana. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will create rules for the treatment of children using medical marijuana. The legislation is effective Jan. 1, 2015.

"I'm pleased that legislators on both sides of the aisle came together to pass legislation that means everything to these families," Senator Martinez said. "My colleagues and I have been deeply moved by the plight of these children and their parents, who courageously and tenaciously pursue any option that could bring relief and better health to their kids. There is no better reward for public service than having the opportunity to ease the suffering of a child."

"This gives parents an important, life-saving treatment option for their children who have epilepsy," State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge), the bill's chief co-sponsor, said. "It gives their kids, who are faced with the daily threats of seizures, the opportunity to improve their quality of life."

"I am pleased that Governor Quinn has agreed to sign this important legislation, which provides needed help to those of all ages who suffer with epilepsy and creates a pathway for children with other painful and debilitating medical conditions to secure a much better quality of life," Representative Lang said. "Without the strong support and encouragement from Governor Quinn, the program would never have gotten off the ground."

"I have a 14 year old constituent by the name of Hugh who lives with Epilepsy," House Republican leader and chief co-sponsor Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) said. "His parents, Bob and Kelly, want to provide their son with as much relief as possible. Unfortunately, traditional medications and methods have not worked.  It's our hope that this new law will provide much needed relief for Hugh and thousands of other children."

"My family is grateful to the Illinois Legislature and Governor for their sensible addition of those with seizure conditions to the Compassionate Care Act," Randy Gross, the parent of a child with epilepsy, said. "We admire their particular courage in explicitly including children with seizures, and in giving an option to children with other chronic conditions to petition for relief. On behalf of all parents of those with epilepsy, we would also like to thank the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago for their support and guidance of this effort as well. Finally, for those of us who left Illinois to pursue this treatment, we are overjoyed and anxious to come home soon."

The Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act, which Governor Quinn signed into law in 2013, will help ease pain for people across Illinois who suffer from debilitating medical conditions. Illinois became the 21st state to enact such legislation, which includes some of the nation's strongest restrictions on the cultivation, dispensing and use of medical marijuana. Scientific evidence has found that medical cannabis can provide relief from continual pain, nausea and discomfort more effectively than conventional medications for patients suffering from serious ailments, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and HIV.

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21 Jul 2014

Worldwide recognition of group at East Moline Correctional Center

By Donald Wadleigh

East Moline Correctional Center Hilltop Toastmasters Club ranked as one of the most accomplished Toastmasters International clubs in the world

SPRINGFIELD - July 18, 2014 - The East Moline Correctional Center (EMCC) Hilltop Toastmasters Club has been recognized by Toastmasters International as one of the highest ranking Toastmasters clubs in the world. Toastmasters International is an organization dedicated to developing public speaking skills for individuals in a variety of settings.

EMCC Hilltop Toastmasters Club #7889 recently was ranked No. 2 in the world as a club for the number of academic awards achieved. The Club earned seven Triple Crown achievements and 42 individual awards from 2013 to 2014. EMCC's club also was named a member of Toastmasters International's President's Distinguished Club.

"The staff, volunteers and inmates involved with this exceptional honor at East Moline Correctional Center are to be commended," said IDOC Director S. A. "Tony" Godinez. "This is a perfect example that programming is significant in providing invaluable life skills for inmates. Every programming situation in corrections is an opportunity for success. By helping offenders through programming, the outcome is immeasurable and far-reaching. When we make a difference in the lives of inmates, we make a positive impact on their family, friends and our communities."

"East Moline Correctional Center is honored to receive this distinguished recognition," said EMCC Warden Mark Williams. "The center's programming efforts are committed to helping offenders prepare for successful reentry into society as well as contributing to the department's overall goals and mission."

"I am pleased to see the success of the Hilltop Toastmasters Program at East Moline Correctional Center," said EMCC Assistant Warden of Programs Louis Hare. "The interest and growth of this program in the past 2-1/2 years have been inspiring to witness and this ranking has made us all proud. Its high level of success is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers and staff as well as the commitment and passion of our offenders."

Hare noted that to receive a Triple Crown, a Toastmaster must earn three or more individual awards in a year, including Competent Communicator, Advanced Communicator Bronze and Advanced Communicator Silver. Seven of EMCC's Toastmasters have achieved a Triple Crown award the year ending June 30. One of the club's goals for the upcoming Toastmasters year is to exceed this number. To become a member of the President's Distinguished Club, a club must achieve five awards that measure criteria in club growth (new members), club quality (number and type of awards) and administrative compliance (submitting officer lists and dues on time). EMCC's club achieved six awards.

The Toastmasters Program at EMCC boasts 20 full-time offender members and between 10 and 15 casual participants. Three regular volunteers conduct the program two to three hours per week and hold an average of two major local competitions per year. Competitions involve having two of the best speakers from the EMCC club compete against two accomplished speakers from District 19 (3,000 Toastmasters across Iowa). The Club selects a number from their membership, usually 7 or 8, to compete in the Hilltop Competition. A special session is set up where Toastmasters from the outside come in to help judge the competition. A first, second and third best is judged by both club members and those from outside.

Toastmasters International has more than 292,000 participants in more than 14,350 clubs in 122 countries. In correctional centers, the organization helps offenders develop strong communication skills, focusing on fostering an atmosphere of success. Offenders learn a range of communication skills from job interviews to constructive criticism to public speaking. Toastmasters International additionally helps reduce recidivism by giving offenders confidence and poise and instilling within them a sense of accomplishment.
21 Jul 2014

Sharing The Glass Art Experience To Better Our Community

By Mary McNeil
Hot Glass provides an opportunity for at-risk and under served youth in the Quad Cities (tuition free) to engage in a unique art experience while learning leadership and job skills that will encourage them to stay in and finish school. We also offer a variety of fee based classes to the public to sustain our mission of offering tuition free classes for youth.

Hot Glass uniquely uses art - specifically glass blowing - to provide youth with a life changing experience. Working with glass, students develop essential skills such as teamwork, communication, planning and decision-making, as well as job-related applications.  Most importantly, they learn that they have the responsibility and power to shape their futures. Some may find their passion in glassblowing and a future career. For others, Hot Glass offers a place to meet other teens with a similar interest and an opportunity to engage in a positive activity. Art provides a unique opportunity for teens to experience the success of creating something beautiful without the competition inherent in sports, academics, and other activities. A National Endowment for the Arts report found that at-risk students who have access to the arts in or out of school tend to have better academic results, better workforce opportunities, and more civic engagement.

We also offer an opportunity for interested students to join our Glass Team. These teens complete projects for commission, to sell to organizations (on special order for awards, for example), and possibly sell at the Farmers Market or the  Riverssance Festival. Glass Team members develop and exercise leadership and business skills while creating revenue to sustain Hot Glass' operations. Mentors - professional artists and business leaders - further these students' skills. We may ask some who truly excel on the Glass Team to teach future classes or mentor other youth.

Joel Ryser, Executive Director
104 Western Ave. Davenport, IA 52801
www.hotglassart.org hotglassdavenport@gmail.com 309.236.9223
21 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Help Ensure Fair Hiring Practices Across Illinois

By Andrew Mason

New Law Prevents Criminal Background Checks Until After an Applicant is Deemed Qualified for a Job

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to help ex-offenders secure employment in the private sector and become productive members of society. The new law prevents criminal background checks until after an applicant is deemed qualified for a job. Today's action follows an administrative order the Governor issued last year to ensure the same consideration for those seeking state employment. Today's bill signing is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure all Illinois' workers are treated fairly.

"Everyone deserves a second chance when it comes to getting a job," Governor Quinn said. "This law will help ensure that people across Illinois get a fair shot to reach their full potential through their skills and qualifications, rather than past history. It will also help reduce recidivism, fight poverty and prevent violence in our communities by putting more people back to work."

House Bill 5701, sponsored by State Representative Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) and State Senator Antonio Muñoz (D-Chicago), prohibits a private employer or employment agency from inquiring about or considering an applicant's criminal history until the applicant has been determined to be qualified for the job and selected for an interview. The new law does not apply to certain jobs where employers must exclude applicants with criminal histories. The legislation, which was recommended by the bipartisan Illinois Employment Restrictions Task Force, is effective January 1, 2015.

"By allowing applicants to undergo the interview process without being judged as unfit for employment because of their background, we will help individuals get back to work, pursue a higher education and become the responsible residents that our state thrives on," Representative Mayfield said. "I believe this legislation will improve the lives of many residents and give them the opportunities they were previously unable to strive for."

"Everyone should have the opportunity to be considered for employment," Senator Munoz said. "This legislation protects people with criminal records from discrimination, gives deserving people a second chance and allows them to be evaluated based on their suitability for a position."

Governor Quinn has supported and developed programs and signed legislation to give people of all ages a second chance in life. Governor Quinn recently signed legislation to automatically clear arrest records for less serious, non-violent juvenile cases. He also signed a law that broadens the list of sealable felonies and adds criteria for courts to use when deciding whether to grant an expungement.

Last year the Governor signed legislation to create a "second chance probation" option for non-violent offenders that allows a conviction to be cleared from a defendant's record upon successful completion of at least a two-year period of probation. He also signed bills to streamline the criminal record expungement and sealing process, and to give the courts discretion or jurisdiction to seal non-conviction records in felony arrests and charges.

In 2013, Governor Quinn issued an administrative order to "ban the box," prohibiting state agencies from asking job applicants about their criminal history before beginning to evaluate the individual's knowledge, skills and abilities. In 2010, he launched the Summit of Hope events to provide assistance to ex-offenders to help them reintegrate safely into society. Since 2010 nearly 80 events have been held across the state serving over 16,000 ex-offenders.

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21 Jul 2014

CAST to open Wonderful Town July 24th

By Clinton Area Showboat Theatre

Wonderful Town is the fourth production being offered at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre this summer. This Leonard Bernstein musical premiered on Broadway in 1953, winning five Tony Awards. The show follows two sisters who leave their small hometown in Ohio to chase their dreams in New York City. They find adventures (and misadventures) , frustration, career opportunities, and romance in the big city of their dreams.

Coming from all over the country, the visiting artists of this season's CAST company share their considerable talents with Showboat audiences. Ruth is played by Jenna Haimes (B.F.A. in Music Theatre from Illinois Wesleyan) and Eileen is played by Carly Ann Berg (B.F.A in Musical Theatre from Brenau University, Gainsville GA.) Heather Baisley, a senior musical theatre major at Rider University in NJ, will play Helen. Jenna, Carly and Heather were all seen in The Taffetas, Annie Get Your Gun, and Wizard of Oz.

Nathan McHenry, a senior studying musical theatre at Belmont University (Nashville,TN), will play the role of Robert Baker. He was Frank Butler in Annie Get Your Gun, and the Witch of the West in Wizard of Oz. Caleb Jernigan, who played Chief Sitting Bull and Tin Man and just completed his second cruise contract working for Norwegian Cruise Line as a singer, will portray The Wreck in Wonderful Town. The role of Appopolous will be played by Jalen Lee, a senior BFA musical theatre major at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. Jalen was seen as Buffalo Bill in Annie Get Your Gun, and Dorothy's Uncle in Wizard of Oz.

Two local actors will play roles in Wonderful Town. Kris Doss, a graduate of the University of Dubuque (Theatre) will be Chick Clark and Derrick Bertram, a senior Theatre Arts major at University of Northern Iowa, will be Frank.

Members of the ensemble include : Dorothy Farach (retired special education teacher), Jake Hopson (studying performing arts at Iowa State University), Robert Rice (junior at Southeast Missouri State, Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz), Lara Rose (Fulton), Daxx Jayroe Wieser, (a musical theatre student at Oklahoma City University, Tommy Keeler in Annie Get Your Gun). CAST interns performing in Wonderful Town include : Matt Espey (senior at Clinton High), Ireland Knapper (freshman at Northeast), Audrey Simpson (high school junior), Danica Smith (Clinton High), and Cassandra Van Zuiden (sophomore at Fulton High), and Aiden McMinimy (junior at Camanche High).

Wonderful Town is being directed by Producing Artistic Director Tommy Iafrate. The Creative Team includes: Musical Director Laurie Lewis, Choreographer Zachary D'antonio, Scenic Designer Adam Spencer, Lighting Designer Cassie Mings, Costume Designer Nicole Angell, Stage Manager/Sound Designer Nicole Frechette, and Assistant Stage Manager Seth Kieser.

Wonderful Town opens at the Showboat on Thursday, July 24 at 7:30pm followed by a reception in the lobby. Performances continue on July 25, 26, 31, August 1, 2 at 7:30pm and on July 27 and 30 at 3pm. Tickets cost $23, $20 for seniors and $16 for students and children. The CAST box office is open 11am to 4pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11am to 7pm on Thursdays through Saturdays and noon to 4pm on Sundays. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.clintonshowboat.org or by calling 563-242-6760.

On Tuesday, July 29th at 7:30pm will be the Follies. This fundraising event is a review showcasing the talents of this summer's company. Another special event takes place on the Showboat on August 12th at 7pm. Peter J. Grady of Marshalltown, Iowa will present "Unconditional Surrender". Ulysses S Grant comes to life in this informative, humorous and touching portrayal, written and performed by Grady. Refreshments will be served after the performance in the Showboat Lobby. Tickets for this special event are $10 for adults, $5 for students and are available at the box office, Clinton Printing, Wagner Pharmacies and Sweet Woodruff (Fulton). The last production of the 2014 CAST season will be Alice in Wonderland (August 8-17).

There are still openings available in the second theatre camp for children entering grades 1 to 8. Camp Wonderland is August 4-13th for just $75. Registration is available on line or at the box office.

Every Saturday at noon CAST's Intern Company offers Theatre for Children. This year's shows include : A Very Clinton Variety Show, The Beginning of Armadillos, and A Sour Study in Lemonade. Tickets are only $5 and are available at the door.

21 Jul 2014

BATTING FOR SCHOLARS HOME RUN DERBY RESCHEDULED FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

By Marco LaNave

DAVENPORT, Iowa. (July 18, 2014) - The first-ever Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby to benefit the Bandit Scholars Program has been rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 21. The event will give fans and people across the Quad Cities region the chance to swing for the fences at Modern Woodmen Park.

Presented by Modern Woodmen of America and Triumph Community Bank, the Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby will include a Minors Division, with participants from Tee Ball through age 17, and a Majors Division, including all ages at a competitive level. Registration will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 21. The Minors Division event will take place at 11 a.m., and the Majors Division event will be at 2 p.m. that day. Participants receive a free River Bandits T-shirt and a ticket to a 2015 River Bandits game. Non-participants are welcome to catch balls in the outfield of Modern Woodmen Park during the derby.

"The Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby offers a great opportunity for people in the Quad Cities to show off their skills and enjoy a unique and memorable experience on the field of Modern Woodmen Park," said River Bandits owner Dave Heller. "The best part is all of the money raised at this unique event will help pay the college tuition for Quad Cities area students - perhaps in the future including one of the young participants in this first-ever Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby!"

The Minors Division will have three competitions - Single A (players in Tee Ball through levels under age 10), Double A (ages 10 to 12), and Triple A (ages 13 to 17). The top three winners in each division will receive prizes. Registration is $20 per participant, and each hitter can choose to hit baseballs or softballs. The registration deadline is Monday, Sept. 15

Majors Division will include all ages at a competitive level, hitting softball pitches. The winner will receive $200 cash and a 2015 suite rental as prizes. Registration is $30 per participant and limited to the first 50 who register. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 15.

All fans are welcome to catch balls in the outfield during the derby. Non-participants for the home run derby are asked to make a $5 donation to the Bandit Scholars Program.

The Batting for Scholars Home Run Derby registration form is available at Modern Woodmen Park and at www.riverbandits.com. More information is available by contacting Brittany Carter at 563-333-2736 or emailing Brittany@riverbandits.com.

The Bandit Scholars Program was founded in 2009 by the Quad Cities River Bandits' team owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt; the program pays the entire first year of college tuition for Quad Cities area students through the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship and the Bandit Scholarship. The Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship is named in honor of the late Keith Lucier, who passed away in 2009. The Bandit Scholars Program and, in particular, the Lucier Scholarship, honors Keith's strong belief in higher education and celebrates his love for sports, learning, charitable endeavors and the greater Quad Cities community. Lucier graduated from Bettendorf High School and the University of Iowa. He was the River Bandits' Assistant General Manager in 2008.

The scholarships are administered by the non-profit Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, and recipients are selected by a committee made up of Lucier's family, friends, River Bandits' staff, CFGRB volunteers and area community leaders. Awarded annually to Quad Cities area high school seniors, each scholarship includes a summer internship with the River Bandits following the winner's first year of college. Tax-free donations to the scholarship fund can be made through the CFGRB web site.

The scholarships are funded by fan donations and fund-raising efforts by the River Bandits and the team's ownership. Fundraising events include the annual Frost Fest, Bandits Race to Home 5K and Bandit Scholars Home Run Derby, set for July 26-27 this season. Through the partnership with the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, donors can make online, tax-deductible donations to the Bandit Scholars Program by going to www.cfgrb.org. Fans can also visit the Bandit Scholars Program page on the team's website, www.riverbandits.com, and follow a link to the Bandit Scholars page on the Foundation's website. Beginning with the next scholarship application cycle in 2015, students from eight Quad Cities-area counties - Henry, Mercer, Rock Island and Whiteside Counties of Illinois, and Cedar, Louisa, Muscatine and Scott Counties of Iowa - will be eligible for the scholarships.
21 Jul 2014

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, July 18, 2014**

By William Palmisano

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

 

Bill No.: HB 3199

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Modifies provisions regarding polling places in public buildings.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

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21 Jul 2014

IOWANS SPEAK OUT IN SUPPORT OF NEW EPA CARBON LIMITS

By Susan Guy

DES MOINES, Iowa - This week Iowans attended citizen field hearings in Storm Lake and Des Moines to speak out in support of the newly announced Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to limit carbon pollution from power plants, a major driver of climate change.

The citizen field hearings were held on Monday, July 14th (Storm Lake) and Tuesday, July 15th (Des Moines) and are sponsored by Iowa Interfaith Power & Light. The EPA has allowed for a 120-day public comment period on the proposed new carbon standards. The field hearings will be transcribed and comments from the hearings will be sent directly to the EPA. 

"I have firsthand experience of seeing the impacts of climate change on our environment," said Rob Hack of Alta, Iowa who attended the hearing in Storm Lake. "We're doing the same thing over and over again and we believe that the President's EPA initiatives are going to hopefully make some changes." Hack continued, "There are significant experiences we have been enduring in Iowa. There is reality to climate change. I'm not going to debate how much carbon is in the atmosphere, you know I'm not an atmospheric researcher, but there does need to be something different. As Albert Einstein said, if we continue to do the same thing over and over again expecting something different, that is insane."

The following day in Des Moines, each citizen who spoke at the public hearing strongly supported the new EPA carbon pollution limits.

"My main message is to say I support the EPA carbon pollution standards for power plants," said Margaret Vernon, an Indianola resident who attended the hearing. "I believe what the EPA is doing is a good step in the right direction."

According to Bill Cox, "As a parent I am acutely aware of how air pollution can compromise health, especially those with lung disease who are the most vulnerable. We had a beloved daughter Kelly who had cystic fibrosis with an asthma complication.  She was a vibrant, active kid who participated in soccer and dance. She was one year from completing her bachelor's degree in nursing when she passed away in 1998. ... The fossil fuels industry frequently uses a scare tactic that higher environmental standards will lead to higher energy price. Our Kelly paid the ultimate price. ... I strongly support the EPA standards."

Susan Guy, the Executive Director of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light was encouraged by the strong support for the new climate proposal. "It was nice to see Iowans from all walks of life, farmers, small business owners and parents, attend the hearings to speak out in support of the new EPA carbon standards," said Guy. "We are extremely proud of the fact that Iowa's citizens, businesses and utility companies have invested heavily in conservation and in renewable energy, and are well-prepared to meet the new carbon limits proposed by the EPA."
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18 Jul 2014

Eight Illinois National Guard Soldiers earn Expert Infantryman Badge

By Illinois National Guard PAO

Three awarded additional Army Achievement Medal for perfect performance

CAMP ATTERBURY, IND (07/18/2014)(readMedia)-- After five continuous days of testing, eight Illinois National Guard Soldiers earned the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB) at Camp Atterbury, Indiana, July 17. Three of the Soldiers performed each of the 39 tasks to standard on the first attempt and was awarded an Army Achievement Medal.

"It really brings out the best of us as infantrymen," said Spc. Michael Schaefer of Mundelein, Illinois, an infantryman with Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Illinois. "It is a lot of helping each other out and getting each other squared away for each day's tasks. Everyone has really worked together to try and get each other as far as they can."

Seventy-seven Infantrymen from the Illinois National Guard put forth their greatest effort to wear the prestigious badge. The Soldiers hailed from the 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment; 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment; and 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment, all units within the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

The EIB test measured Soldiers' physical fitness and ability to perform to standards of excellence in a broad spectrum of critical infantry skills. The Army Physical Fitness Test and land navigation was held the first day, followed by lanes the next three days.

During EIB lanes, Soldiers were tested on the M9 Pistol, M4 Carbine Rifle, M240B Machine Gun, M249 Machine Gun, MK19 40mm Grenade Machine Gun, M136 (AT4) Rocket Launcher, .50-Caliber M2 Machine Gun, and M320 Grenade Launcher.

"There is a lot of memorization and getting the sequences right and doing the steps in the right order that takes a lot of mental ability along with physical," said Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Wells of Glen Carbon, Illinois, a platoon sergeant with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Litchfield, Illinois. "Staying focused and on task was the key to success."

In addition to skills testing on multiple weapons, Soldiers were evaluated on a range of tasks such as move under direct fire, identify and react to possible improvised explosive device, provide tactical combat casualty care, employ an M18A1 Claymore Mine and hand grenade, perform voice communications and use visual signaling techniques.

"These are tasks these guys do in their job all the time, so they should have good fundamental knowledge and then we work on refining it to standard," said Sgt. 1st Class Aric Schwab of Plainfield, Illinois, a EIB grader with Company D, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Woodstock, Illinois. "The task is on them. They just have to perform the task to time and standard and we are here to give them feedback on how they performed."

After performing the skills testing, Soldiers ended with a 12-mile foot march in less than three hours to secure their goal of wearing an EIB.

"It's such a coveted thing for an infantryman to get," said Schaefer. "There is such a huge history and it's by no means easy to achieve. You really have to be focused and determined and that's what boils down to an infantryman; working hard everyday and staying focused, working together to achieve a common goal. The EIB is what an 11 Bravo is."

This is the first time in many years Illinois National Guard Soldiers had the opportunity to earn an EIB. Infantrymen from both Active Duty and National Guard units participated in this year's 205th Infantry Brigade, Camp Atterbury, Indiana, Regional EIB competition.

"The goal is to continue sending Illinois Soldiers to EIB next year," said Command Sgt. Maj. Timothy Beck of Eagle, Wisconsin, the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team sergeant major. "It was a great opportunity for our Soldiers to experience camaraderie with Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division who is partnered with the 33rd IBCT for the Total Force Partnership."

No matter if the Soldier received a badge or not, there were valuable skills gained.

"When they come here and go through the training, they know about everything they need to know to take back and teach their unit," said Schwab. "They don't have to come back with their badge to be a better Soldier. They are better off either way."

Infantrymen who earned the EIB and Army Achievement Medal include :

• Staff Sgt. Anthony Henner of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a sniper section leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

• Spc. Michael Schaefer of Mundelein, Illinois, an infantryman with Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Aurora, Illinois

• Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey Wells of Glen Carbon, Illinois, a platoon sergeant with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Litchfield, Illinois

Infantrymen who earned the EIB include :

• 1st Lt. Michael Kuvales of Palos Hills, Illinois with Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 106th Cavalry Regiment in Dixon, Illinois

• 1st Lt. Lavern Meissner of Niles, Illinois, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Chicago

• Spc. Anthony Miller of Springfield, Illinois, with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in Litchfield, Illinois

• Sgt. Uriah Porter of Du Quoin, Illinois, with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment in West Frankfort, Illinois

• Pfc. Steven Smith of Washington, Illinois, with Company A, 1st Battalion, 178th Infantry Regiment in Bartonville, Illinois

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