Davenport Parks & Recreation is announcing that FootGolf is now available at Red Hawk Golf & Learning Center.  Players of both Soccer and Golf will get a kick out of Iowa's first and only American FootGolf League's accredited course, while also spending time in fresh air on a well-manicured course.

On Saturday June 21st, Davenport Parks & Recreation entertained 137 participants to an inaugural FootGolf Event. The majority of participants indicated this was their first visit to a Davenport Golf Course. We hope this activity adds to the many recreational opportunities for the Davenport and surrounding community.

Traditional golf play is not affected, impeded or limited on a daily basis. The two activities are arranged to play simultaneously throughout the regular business day.  Monthly Social Events and weekly specials will be offered soon.  For tee time information, contact the Red Hawk Golf & Learning Center. Davenport Parks and Recreation hopes to see you on the course.

Red Hawk Golf & Learning Center

Davenport, Iowa 52806

6364 Northwest Blvd

563-386-0348

 

FootGolf Rates:

FootGolf (18 holes)   $10

Riding Cart Rental (optional)  $6

Rental Soccer Ball (optional)   $2

AFGE President says cuts to critical services hurt expanding senior population

WASHINGTON - The American Federation of Government Employees President J. David Cox applauded a bill by Rep. Bruce Braley (IA) that would delay cuts to two vital services at field offices, Social Security Number Printouts and Benefit Verification Forms.

The Social Security Number Printouts and Benefit Verification Forms are used for a variety of purposes, including car loans, mortgage applications, housing assistance and when applying for other government assistance programs.

"The Social Security Administration has never justified cuts to these two critical field office services," said Cox. "The 11 million Americans who visited field offices specifically for these forms deserve answers, since on August 1 and October 1 the services they rely on will simply disappear."

Rather than providing same-day, in-person service, visitors who need copies of Benefit Verification Forms will be directed to the MySSA website, a poorly designed customer service platform which requires users to go through a complicated registration process. Ultimately, nearly 1 in 3 enrollees who attempt to register on the MySSA website are rejected.

Those who need Benefit Verification Forms will also be directed to the delay-plagued 800 number, but will have to wait 7 - 10 days to receive a copy by mail - far too long for those who urgently need a hard copy of the forms for other assistance programs.

Those who want a Social Security Number Printout, an expedited way to obtain proof of your Social Security Number, will instead have to file for a completely new card, which will also take 7 - 10 days to arrive by mail.

Cox said that the SSA's plan to direct people to its website, part of its Vision 2025 strategy, places too big a burden on at-risk populations.

"It's important to protect the services that seniors and disabled Americans depend on," said Cox. "SSA's vision for the future leaves out those who need field office assistance and as more baby boomers approach retirement age, we need more service staff, not less."

Cox emphasized that seniors should be able to choose how they work with SSA, whether in-person, on the phone or via the website.

"A large number of seniors either don't have access to the internet or are more comfortable discussing their benefits in person," said Cox. "They deserve to get the expertise of field office staff and local access to the benefits and services they've earned."

Read the Legislation by Rep. Braley.

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IOWA CITY, IA (06/26/2014)(readMedia)-- Approximately 300 students were named to the University of Iowa President's List for the 2014 spring semester.

Students from your area earning President's List honors include :

Nicholas Gerwe of Bettendorf

Ava Lynn of Bettendorf

Monica Ahrens of New Liberty

Dorothy Armstrong of Winona

Jordan Azinger of Grimes

Luke Byerly of State Center

Brittany Callahan of Ypsilanti

Katherine Campbell of Williamsburg

Seraphina Carey of Maynard

Carissa Dewaele of Moline

Nicole Ito of Davenport

Gabriela Magalhaes of Davenport

Amanda Ploof of Eldridge

Andrew Russell of Davenport

Paige Allison of Fruitland

Sarah Ares of Naperville

Eugene Pavinato of Moline

The President's List was established in the fall of 1983 to recognize academic excellence. In order to be included on the list, a student must have a minimum 4.0 grade point average (4.0 is an A) in all academic subjects for the preceding two semesters, with a total of at least 12 semester hours of credit per semester during that period.

Madison, WI (June 26, 2014) - Following the trend throughout North America, propane autogas school bus popularity is rapidly growing in the state of Wisconsin.  Successful Wisconsin-based contractors Lamers Bus Lines and Badger Bus are increasing their alternative fuel bus fleets while decreasing the fleets' carbon footprint.

Lamers Bus Lines has been providing bus transportation since 1944 and serves over 25 school districts and 60,000 students across the state.  The company recently added 41 new Blue Bird Propane Vision school buses, expanding its impressive propane fleet to 59 units.  Transporting students from Milwaukee Public Schools, these buses feature Blue Bird's extended range 100-gallon fuel tank and will travel approximately 8,900 miles per year.

One reason for the new propane autogas school bus deployment is fuel savings.  In the past year, Lamers Bus Lines has saved over $14,000 in fuel costs by switching to Blue Bird Propane Vision buses, and the number of new propane buses is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. The company is currently installing an onsite 30,000-gallon fueling dispenser that will service the new Milwaukee propane autogas buses.

"Our propane buses have been completely trouble-free," said Allen Lamers, president of Lamers Bus Lines. "We've had no issues what-so-ever on them and the deployment has been smooth. We received comprehensive training from our local dealer, Wisconsin Bus Sales, along with Roush CleanTech and our local propane provider.  From all aspects, the buses are logical, simple and require minimal adaptation.  Propane autogas is a great option for school buses and we couldn't be more pleased with our fleet."

With over 1,300 school buses, Lamers Bus Lines is looking to add more Blue Bird propane autogas buses to its expansive fleet.  "We are very happy with our Propane Vision school buses.  We recently had a grueling winter.  Throughout the record-breaking temperatures, the buses performed outstandingly and we had no mechanical issues.  From our drivers, to our techs, to the community, everyone loves these buses," said Paul Mennen, regional area manager for Lamers Bus Lines.

Another established Wisconsin contractor, Badger Bus, has been successfully operating propane autogas school buses for the past two years.  The contractor is set to receive 16 new Blue Bird Propane Vision buses, expanding its total propane fleet to 20.  The new propane buses will be utilized to transport students in Madison Metropolitan School District.

With a 2,000 gallon propane autogas tank onsite, refueling is convenient and affordable.  Badger Bus is currently paying $1.19 per gallon for propane autogas, a significant savings over its diesel price of $3.48 per gallon.  The buses travel between 12,000 to 14,000 miles each year, allowing fuel savings to accumulate quickly with an average annual fuel savings of over $3,500 for each bus they operate.  Given the cleaner operation, environmental benefits and savings experienced, Badger Bus has future plans to add more propane autogas buses to its fleet.

"Badger Bus has been known for its reliable transportation since our founding in 1920.  Our experience with Blue Bird's propane autogas buses has been a very positive, economical experience.  Our drivers love the power and quiet operation, our technicians love the ease of service and simplistic engine, and the domestic, affordable fuel provides us with even greater benefits," said John Meier, co-owner of Badger Bus.  "Overall safety is of paramount importance with the students we transport and the safety and environmental benefits of these buses further strengthen our partnership with the community."

The Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision and Micro Bird, equipped with the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system and a Ford 6.8-liter engine, meet all Environmental Protection Agency certifications.   The buses feature 60 percent less carbon monoxide, 12 percent less carbon dioxide, 20 percent less nitrogen oxide and up to 25 percent less greenhouse gases than gasoline.

"Blue Bird is delighted that Lamers Bus Lines and Badger Bus are realizing terrific cost savings and environmental benefits from our industry-leading, propane-powered school buses," said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation.  "Together with Roush CleanTech and our local dealer, Wisconsin Bus Sales, Blue Bird will continue to provide comprehensive training and service support to contractors and school districts throughout Wisconsin."

To learn more about Blue Bird's line of propane autogas buses, please visit www.blue-bird.com or visit your local Blue Bird Dealer.

WASHINGTON, June 26, 2014 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman today announced the appointment of 19 additional members to six agricultural trade advisory committees.

"The agricultural trade advisory committees provide great insight into trade issues for the United States. Hearing from such a wide variety of agricultural experts helps us formulate our trade strategy and keep American exports growing to record numbers," Vilsack said. "Agricultural trade plays a vital role in the health of our economy, and the new members of the committees will bring welcome new perspectives."

Congress established the advisory committee system in 1974 to ensure U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) jointly manage the committees.

"A primary objective of President Obama's trade agenda is to unlock economic opportunity for American farmers and ranchers," said Froman. "As we fight to open markets across the world to more U.S. exports, direct insight from the American agricultural community is essential. I welcome these well-qualified individuals, and look forward to hearing their advice. I also look forward to continued engagement with the public with regard to U.S. agricultural trade policy and how it can continue to benefit American families."

Since 2009, nearly one-third of U.S. economic growth has been due to exports. In 2013, American exports were a record $2.28 trillion. Agricultural exports alone reached a record $140.9 billion and supported nearly one million jobs in the last fiscal year. The past five years represent the strongest period for U.S. exports in the history of the United States.

The committees provide advice and information to the Secretary of Agriculture and the U.S. Trade Representative on negotiating objectives and positions, and other matters related to the development and administration of U.S. agricultural trade policy.

The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee is comprised of senior representatives from across the agricultural community and provides advice on general trade policy matters. The Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees offer technical advice and information on specific product sectors.

The new appointments became effective June 15, 2014. Nominations for committee members are accepted at any time and appointments are made periodically, usually for a period of four years. More information is available at www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-policy/trade-advisory-committees. Questions may be directed to USDA Trade Advisory Committee staff at 202-720-6219 or via email to ATACs@fas.usda.gov.

DES MOINES, IA (06/26/2014)(readMedia)-- On Opening Day of the Iowa State Fair, August 7, Fairgoers can enjoy an early-bird special offer and have the chance to win cash prizes and concert packages, all before Noon. "Nothing Compares" to this year's Fair, set for August 7-17.

Fairgoers can enjoy $5 off adult and $2 off child admission on August 7 from 5 a.m. to Noon with a coupon from the August 3 Des Moines Sunday Register. One coupon per person is required at the gate.

Visitors (ages 21 and older) can collect a coupon while supplies last good for one free play in the All or Nothing™ lotto game courtesy of the Iowa Lottery, the Fair's Opening Day sponsor. Coupons will be available at gates 4, 8, 11 and 15. The Iowa Lottery is also offering Fairgoers the chance to win one of 10 cash prizes and two prize packages to see Grammy Award-winning country trio Lady Antebellum in the Grandstand on August 16. The contests will be open from 5 to 9 a.m. on Expo Hill. Van and Bonnie from WHO NewsRadio 1040 will also be broadcasting live from Expo Hill and will help the lottery announce the winners.

Opening Ceremonies will begin at 9 a.m. on Expo Hill to kick off the 11 days of the Fair. The Red Trouser Show will begin at Noon on Expo Hill and will entertain Fairgoers of all ages with feats of strength and acrobatics. Other Opening Day activities include free performances by The Willis Clan, Winger, Vocal Trash, Los Lonely Boys and Kristian Bush, plus The Newsboys with special guest Matthew West on the Grandstand. Fairgoers can also enjoy the Twins, Triplets and More Contest, the Big Ram, Big Boar and Super Bull contests, plus all the delectable foods and the non-stop fun that await first day attendees.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print-at-home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

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Dubuque, Iowa (June 26, 2014) - Clarke University in Dubuque awarded degrees and honors at its 171st Commencement Ceremony on May 10, 2014.

The following area students were honored at the ceremony:

Katelyn Shima, BA, Biology, cum laude
Tessa Whalen, BSN, Nursing

Both of these students are from Davenport.

For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.

Clarke University is a Catholic, liberal arts and sciences university dedicated to preparing students who positively impact their workplace, family and community. Academic offerings include more than 40 undergraduate liberal arts and pre-professional programs, a robust adult degree program and six graduate degree programs.  Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Clarke is located near the Mississippi River in the thriving city of Dubuque, Iowa. It is the only BVM university in the country.

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ROLLA, MO (06/25/2014)(readMedia)-- Shelby Kathleen Michaelis of Bettendorf, Iowa, a junior in architectural engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, Mo., has been named to the honor list for the 2014 Spring semester.

To be included on the honor list, students must have carried a minimum of 12 hours and had grade point averages of 3.2 or above out of a possible 4.0

For more information, visit www.mst.edu or contact the admissions office at 800-522-0938.

Founded in 1870 as the University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy, Missouri S&T is a technological research university of 7,500 students and part of the four-campus University of Missouri System.

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

 

Bill No.: HB 4418

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Requires a referendum before a local fire department can be disbanded.

Action: Signed

Effective: Jan. 1, 2015

 

Bill No.: SB 504

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Makes changes to certain Tax Increment Financing districts in Chicago and Naperville.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

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