17 Jun 2014

Iowa's 50K-Acre Pheasant Recovery Program Aims to Create Upland Habitat

By Anthony Hauck

Landowners encouraged to investigate first-come, first-serve CRP practice

Des Moines, Iowa - June 17, 2014 - There is a new upland conservation program to help boost Iowa's pheasant population. Beginning immediately, landowners can enroll in the Iowa Pheasant Recovery - State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE). Part of the federal Conservation Reserve Program, 50,000 acres have been allocated for enrollment on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pheasants Forever's eight Farm Bill Biologists in Iowa are helping landowners with enrollment and questions.

A continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) practice, the Iowa Pheasant Recovery SAFE is designed to help increase populations of ring-necked pheasants and other grassland wildlife species. Once the acres are fully enrolled and established, there is the potential for the newly-created upland habitat to produce more than 100,000 additional roosters annually for hunters. And all Iowa citizens will benefit from the water quality improvements and soil erosion reductions that are associated with grassland conservation. There are about 4,100 acres currently enrolled in the program, leaving more than 45,000 available to landowners.

"We've heard from landowners who want to return pheasants to their property, and this is the program that's specifically designed to do it," says Jared Wiklund, Pheasants Forever's Regional Representative in southern Iowa, "The Iowa Pheasant Recovery SAFE is open to landowners in most Iowa counties, and our team of Farm Bill Biologists is eager to work with farmers and ranchers to add upland habitat while helping improve their business operations." Enrollment includes a sign-up bonus payment of $100 per acre. Find a Farm Bill Biologist.

As a continuous CRP practice, the Iowa Pheasant Recovery SAFE sign-up will end once 50,000 acres are under contract. "There will not be a general CRP signup this year so this is an option that landowners with expiring general CRP should consider," says Todd Bogenschutz, Upland wildlife Biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

If there is not a Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist in your area, please visit your local USDA Service Center for more information about the Iowa Pheasant Recovery SAFE and other continuous CRP practices.

Partners in the Iowa Pheasant Recovery SAFE practice include Pheasants Forever, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, USDA - Iowa Farm Service Agency, USDA - Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Iowa Department of Agriculture - Division of Land Stewardship, Conservation Districts of Iowa and Iowa County Conservation Boards.

Pheasants Forever's 8 Farm Bill Biologists in Iowa are the result of a collaborative partnership that includes Pheasants Forever chapters, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, USDA - Iowa Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA - Farm Service Agency, Iowa Department of Agriculture - Division of Land Stewardship, Soil and Water Conservation Districts and more. The biologists provide Farm Bill program advice for eligibility, application deadlines and other important details for landowners interested in improving wildlife habitat on their property.

Pheasants Forever, including its quail conservation division, Quail Forever, is the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever have more than 140,000 members and 745 local chapters across the United States and Canada. Chapters are empowered to determine how 100 percent of their locally raised conservation funds are spent, the only national conservation organization that operates through this truly grassroots structure.

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Pheasants Forever is dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs.
17 Jun 2014

Governor Quinn Signs Legislation to Reform Illinois' Medicaid System

By Andrew Mason

Landmark New Law Modernizes Outdated Medicaid System, Restores Dental and Podiatric Care to Patients, Supports Affordable Care Act

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation to modernize and improve Illinois' Medicaid system. The new law will benefit Illinois' three million residents who currently receive Medicaid, as well as the state's 141 hospitals and 1,200 nursing homes by restoring adult dental and podiatric care, providing increased protections and more. The legislation is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure all people have access to quality healthcare and improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Illinois.

Under Governor Quinn's leadership, more than 566,000 people across Illinois now have healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This includes more than 349,000 people enrolled in Medicaid under the ACA expansion.

"This legislation is a critical step forward as we continue to reform our Medicaid system," Governor Quinn said. "The reforms will help us modernize and streamline our Medicaid system to ensure we are working efficiently and effectively on behalf of taxpayers. Millions of Illinois residents depend on Medicaid for their healthcare needs and this law will help ensure we provide the services and protections they deserve."

Sponsored by State Senator Donne Trotter (D-Chicago) and State Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago), Senate Bill 741 reforms Illinois' nearly 20-year-old Medicaid system over a four-year transition period. The new law restores previously authorized adult dental care and podiatry services, and establishes new protections for clients and healthcare providers. It also codifies policy guidance to provide stability for hospitals and nursing homes.

The legislation also aligns Illinois law with federal law, providing Medicaid coverage for children who have been without private insurance for three months. Previously, Illinois left children without health insurance for 12 months before Medicaid coverage was allowed.

Under this law, the Quinn Administration will submit a plan for approval by the federal government to provide approximately $400 million annually in new federal dollars for hospitals serving newly eligible Medicaid recipients. The $400 million will be distributed to hospitals throughout the state and will mirror the two current hospital assessment distributions.

Over the past three years, Governor Quinn and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) worked with healthcare providers and legislators to update Medicaid's outdated hospital payment system, which did not keep up with the changing healthcare landscape. The legislation makes important reforms by creating uniform requirements for Managed Care Organizations and Accountable Care Entities, providing stability for hospitals and nursing homes and giving a huge boost to the redesign of Medicaid.

"This law was crafted with the input of everyone it affects," HFS Director Julie Hamos said. "It's a modernization of an old system : it gives much greater protections for our clients, streamlines hospital and nursing-home reimbursement and clarifies the relationships among managed care entities."

The law includes an additional $10 million to support Illinois' safety net hospitals during the transition. The safety net hospitals are a critical piece of the Medicaid system and often serve as anchors for low-income communities.

"We thank the Governor for signing Senate Bill 741 and commend the Administration and legislators who worked tirelessly on this important legislation," Maryjane Wurth, President and CEO of the Illinois Hospital Association said. "This significant legislative package makes a critical investment in healthcare in Illinois that will create jobs and help grow our economy. This is a very good day for healthcare, for patients and for our economy."

The law's hospital rate reforms establish a new rate methodology effective July 1 of this year, and sets aside $290 million to help hospitals transition to the new rate system. It also extends the hospital assessment programs for another four years to July 1, 2018, continuing $2 billion in payments to hospitals to ensure their stability.

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17 Jun 2014

Local Illinois Quad Cities students named to Northern Illinois University Spring 2014 Dean's List

By Constance Ervins

DEKALB, IL (06/16/2014)(readMedia)-- Northern Illinois University (NIU) announced its Spring 2014 Dean's List, which includes the following local students:

Jacob Buckrop, of Rock Island, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Ean Bush, of East Moline, in the College of Engineering

Jessica Carlson, of Moline, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Robert Fite, of Coal Valley, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Dustin Flesch, of Port Byron, in the College of Engineering

Diego Gomez, of Moline, in the College of Business

Katie Granger, of Rock Island, in the College of Health & Human Sciences

Allison Hansen, of Moline, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Ryan Mack, of Moline, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Angela Versluis, of Silvis, in the College of Health & Human Sciences

Andrew Widmar, of East Moline, in the College of Engineering

The Dean's List is compiled by NIU's academic colleges according to student grade point averages. Students must meet a minimum semester grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology or a minimum of 3.75 in the Colleges of Business, Education, Health and Human Sciences or Liberal Arts and Sciences to receive this distinction.

Chartered in 1895, NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a diverse and international student body of about 20,000. Located near a vibrant research and development corridor, NIU's main DeKalb campus is 65 miles west of Chicago and 45 miles southeast of Rockford. NIU provides more than 60 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate- and doctoral- level programs in seven colleges (Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts). The university also operates education centers in Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Oregon and Rockford, where working professionals can access NIU programs at convenient times and locations. The 16 NIU Huskies athletic teams compete in the Mid-American Conference at the highest NCAA Division I level.

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17 Jun 2014

Moline Resident Deborah McClellan Graduates from Saint Joseph's College of Maine

By David Svenson

STANDISH, ME (06/16/2014)(readMedia)-- Deborah McClellan of Moline graduated from Saint Joseph's College of Maine with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science Administration.

Saint Joseph's College is Maine's only Catholic college, providing a supportive, personalized, and career-focused education for more than 100 years. From its 430-acre campus on the shore of Sebago Lake, the College offers undergraduate degrees to on-campus students, and certificates, undergraduate, and advanced degrees for working adults through Saint Joseph's College Online. For more, visit www.sjcme.edu.

17 Jun 2014

Braley: Protect Social Security & Medicare

By Jeff Giertz
Braley hosts Retirement Security Roundtables with Iowans in Cedar Rapids, Des Moines

Des Moines, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley hosted a pair of Retirement Security Roundtable events in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines today to meet with Iowans and discuss the future of Social Security and Medicare and how to safeguard the programs for current retirees and generations of workers to come.

Braley said, "Social Security and Medicare are a promise that if you work hard, the benefits you've earned will be there for you when you retire. We need to protect Social Security and Medicare and ensure their promise is honored for current and future generations of workers.

"That's why I've fought against schemes to privatize Social Security and end Medicare as we know it, because gambling Social Security on the stock market and giving Medicare vouchers to seniors puts current retirees at risk. We should strengthen these programs, not undermine them."

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 530,000 Iowans were enrolled in Medicare in 2012. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare calculates that Iowa has more than 584,000 Social Security beneficiaries, with the average senior receiving a monthly benefit of $1,131.

Braley has strongly opposed efforts to privatize Social Security and transform Medicare into a voucher program. Braley has also opposed efforts to reduce future Social Security benefits for retirees if cost-of-living increases were shifted to a so-called "chained CPI" calculation.

Janice Laue of Des Moines said, "Social Security and Medicare ensure a more secure retirement for thousands of Iowa seniors who've worked hard to earn their benefits. We need a Senator who will protect these benefits for current seniors and future generations of retirees. Bruce Braley has long fought to protect Social Security and Medicare for Iowa seniors, and he'll keep fighting to preserve these programs in the Senate."

State Sen. Joni Ernst has called for privatization of Social Security, a position that would undermine benefits for current retirees. Sen. Ernst has also supported plans that would transform Medicare as we know it and pave the way for Medicare vouchers, increasing costs for retirees.


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17 Jun 2014

Developing Middle School Leaders

By Mary McNeil
The "Leadership Squad" at Edison Jr High is spending a few days on a college campus to learn how to be effective leaders....

(Rock Island, IL)  There are 7 eighth grade students from Edison Junior High school going to the University of Illinois Extension Summer Illini Academy in Leadership later this month.   They will be living and easting in the dorm for four days.  They will be learning about different leadership styles and attending Leadership training with about 300 to 400 students from around the state.   The Leadership Squad at Edison Junior High School is funded through the 21st CCLC "Lights  ON" for Learning program which partners with the University of Illinois Extension and Mrs. Diane Baker.

Site Coordinator, Susan Witmer, says the learning that will take place there is unmeasurable.   "Without this great community partnership, our students would not have this opportunity to see what it is like to live on a college campus, participate in community service projects in the Champaign area and see some of what college life is like."

Students will be on the University of Illinois campus from June 22 through June 25.  The students attending include Man Lun, Paw Ka Ku, Dakota Tello-Goossens, Mykeisha Wells, Rashawn Overton, Patience Mutoni and Ethan Wiley.  All total there are 20 Quad Citian attending the academy.
17 Jun 2014

Augustana College announces 2014 graduates

By Sam Schlouch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (06/16/2014)(readMedia)-- Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., held its spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 25. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos delivered the commencement speech, and more than 600 students participated in the ceremony.

Among the graduates:

Temilade Adejumo, from Rock Island, graduated with a major(s) in Sociology.

Sheila Ahuja, from Rock Island, graduated with a major(s) in Teaching Lang. Arts-English.

Carlie Allison, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Theatre Arts.

Sarah Althaus, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Political Science.

Allison Brown, from Milan, graduated with a major(s) in Teaching Lang. Arts - English.

SamAnthropologya Bull, from Davenport, graduated with a major(s) in Comm. Sciences & Disorders.

Ryan Chaney, from Bettendorf, graduated with a major(s) in Psychology.

David Cook, from Silvis, graduated with a major(s) in History.

Tyler Cowherd, from Bettendorf, graduated with a major(s) in Business Admin.-Finance, Accounting.

Bowen Dang, from Xi'an China, graduated with a major(s) in Accounting, Business Admin.-Finance.

Ashley DeVolder, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Accounting, Business Admin.-Finance.

Gregory Donley, from Silvis, graduated with a major(s) in Theatre Arts, Classics- Greek Emphasis.

Hannah Estes, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Business Admin.-Management, Communication Studies.

Tonnie Farwell, from Rock Island, graduated with a major(s) in Accounting.

Alvin Fonseca, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Multimedia Journalism & Mass Comm..

Fenner Hengst, from Bettendorf, graduated with a major(s) in Graphic Design.

Taelar Hillyer, from Bettendorf, graduated with a major(s) in Teaching Lang. Arts - English.

Xuwei Huang, from Chengdu, graduated with a major(s) in Business Admin.-Finance, Economics.

Darshan Hullon, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Biology, Pre-Medicine.

Nicholas Kendell, from Davenport, graduated with a major(s) in Biology, Pre-Medicine.

Lauren Kirik, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Geology.

Megan Kirik, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Political Science, Communication Studies.

Kylie Koger, from Davenport, graduated with a major(s) in Classics, Philosophy.

Jason Koski, from Eldridge, graduated with a major(s) in Business Admin.-Management.

Khant Latt, from Yangon, Myanmar, graduated with a major(s) in Political Science, Business Admin.- Management Info. Systems.

Jamie Lawrence, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Teaching Lang. Arts - English.

Abigail Ledford, from Rock Island, graduated with a major(s) in Biology, Pre-Medicine.

Angela Ledford, from Rock Island, graduated with a major(s) in Pre-Medicine, Biology.

Madison Logan, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Comm. Sciences & Disorders, Psychology.

Eryn Maccabee, from East Moline, graduated with a major(s) in English, Scandinavian Studies.

Catherine Margenthaler, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Comm. Sciences & Disorders.

Breeanna McCaw, from Silvis, graduated with a major(s) in Psychology.

Mallory McLain, from Rock Island, graduated with a major(s) in Biology.

Jean Bosco Munyengabe, from Rock Island, graduated with a major(s) in BiologyPre-Medicine.

Breann Nelson, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in PsychologySociology, Social Welfare.

Muna Omar, from Bettendorf, graduated with a major(s) in Biology.

Elias Oseni, from Romeoville, graduated with a major(s) in Psychology.

Amanda Pease, from East Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Sociology.

Owen Pomije, from Rock Island, graduated with a major(s) in Computer Science.

Tyler Richards, from Port Byron, graduated with a major(s) in Business Admin.-Management.

Alexandria Riordan, from Davenport, graduated with a major(s) in Business Admin.-Management.

Anna Rusch, from Davenport, graduated with a major(s) in Business Admin.-Marketing.

Markaye Semmens, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Elementary Education.

Malcolm Simon, from Bettendorf, graduated with a major(s) in English.

Alexandra Skinner, from Bettendorf, graduated with a major(s) in Theatre Arts, Psychology.

Amanda Smet, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Sociology- Social Welfare, Philosophy.

Tyler Spellious, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in English, Creative Writing.

Cristina Stan, from Davenport, graduated with a major(s) in Biology, Pre-Medicine.

Sven Steller, from Augsburg Bavaria 86169, graduated with a major(s) in Engineering Physics, Environmental Studies.

John Stone, from Reynolds, graduated with a major(s) in Computer Science.

Jonathan Tapia, from Hampton, graduated with a major(s) in Business Admin.-Marketing.

Jaykob Tisdale, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Spanish.

SamAnthropologya Tonn, from Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Religion.

Steven Trent, from Eldridge, graduated with a major(s) in Geology.

Michelle Wells, from Davenport, graduated with a major(s) in Biology.

Dalinda Widdop, from Milan, graduated with a major(s) in Biology.

James Wiebler, from Davenport, graduated with a major(s) in Biology.

Kelsey Winter, from East Moline, graduated with a major(s) in Biology, Pre-Medicine.

Shelby Womack, from Bettendorf, graduated with a major(s) in Biology.

Those graduating were given advice by Congresswoman Bustos, who said, "Challenge yourself to get outside your comfort zone."

President of Augustana College, Steven Bahls, speaking on life after graduation, said, "It is about leading a meaningful and purposeful life, well-lived." He encouraged graduates to "continue to take the road less traveled, and trust it will make all the difference in the world."

Representing the class of 2014, Carlisle Evans Peck spoke about the importance of a liberal arts education in living a fulfilling life, "These four beautiful years of liberal arts college were not to prepare us for security and dependability in a single, stable career," he said. "They have been to prepare us for life in the forest. The purpose of this education is to create adventurous, creative, intelligent individuals who will shake that machine to its foundations."

During the ceremonies, honorary degrees were presented to two individuals: Congresswoman Cheri Bustos and Robert Ontiveros, founder and chairman of Group O.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 149 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

17 Jun 2014

Spring 2014 University of Dubuque Dean's List

By Kristi Lynch


Dubuque, Iowa (June 16, 2014) - The University of Dubuque congratulates the following students on being appointed to the Spring Semester 2014 Academic Dean's List. 

To be named to the dean's list, a student must earn a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale for that semester.
from Bettendorf, IA
Michael Granados
Rebekka Jacobs
Sydney Kelling
Travis Timm
from Davenport, IA
Allison Chapman
Dathan Hill
Freedom Malik
Kelsey McCreight
Ramon Riley
Anna Runge
Devyn Sacrison
from Moline, IL
Olivia Larson

The University of Dubuque, founded in 1852, is a private, coeducational, professional University with a focus in the liberal arts.

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17 Jun 2014

Bettendorf Community-Wide Food Drive Seeks to Raise the Quality of Nutritional Items Available to Food Pantry Visitors

By Rhonda Johnson

Thanksgiving in July to collect non-perishable food items to benefit three Bettendorf pantries

Bettendorf, IA (June 16th, 2014) - Thanksgiving in July, a community-wide food drive seeks to collect non-perishable food items for three Bettendorf area pantries - the Bettendorf Community Center, First Baptist Church and St. James Food Pantry. The drive will be held Monday, July 14 through Saturday, July 19.

"Food pantries spend up to $1,500 each month on purchasing perishable and non-perishable food items," said Jeff Herzberg, Founding Member. "Our goal is to collect enough non-perishable food items to allow the pantries to use those funds for milk, eggs and other high protein, good-for-you products on a regular basis to their visitors."

Items in demand include canned fruit, vegetables, meat (tuna, chicken, Spam), peanut butter, rice, pasta/pasta sauce, Macaroni & Cheese, juice boxes, boxed meals and soups.

"While the beneficiaries of this year's food drive are the citizens residing in the City of Bettendorf, we hope to expand our scope and help more pantries throughout the Quad-City area in the future," said Herzberg.

Ways the Bettendorf community can support Thanksgiving in July:

  • Businesses are encouraged to hold a non-perishable food drive.

  • Athletic clubs, dance troops and nonprofit or civic organizations can sponsor a food drive through ball games, dances, raffles or other community events

  • Individual donations can be made at Hy-Vee on Devils Glen or Fareway on Belmont, in Bettendorf.

  • Personal checks payable to "Thanksgiving in July" can be sent or delivered to, Thanksgiving in July - Bettendorf, Northwest Bank, 2550 Middle Rd. Bettendorf, IA 52722.

Food items will be collected on Saturday, July 19 from 10 am to 2 pm at Faye's Field parking lot - near the Family Museum, Bettendorf. Volunteers will load the food, weigh it and deliver items to the food pantries in the City of Bettendorf.

To learn more about Thanksgiving in July, contact Jeff Herzberg by calling 563 343 9737 or emailing jherzberg@pfgc.com.

About Thanksgiving in July

Locally in Scott County, 19.6% or approximately 8000 children under the age of 18 are faced with food insecurity -- a need that's even greater during the summer months when children are out of school. Local food pantries see a significant amount of their contributions during the November and December months. Our local pantries have demand all year long and the summer months are an especially high period of demand for their services. Thanksgiving in July is an opportunity for the citizens of Bettendorf to provide support to the food pantries in Bettendorf.

17 Jun 2014

Lt. Governor Sheila Simon: More bike lanes and sidewalks mean healthier, safer transit

By Ken Lowe

CARBONDALE – To stress the importance of more walking, biking and public transit opportunities, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will deliver opening remarks at a "Complete Streets" training event at the Carbondale Civic Center at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Simon will call for strategic investment in bike lanes and sidewalks across Southern Illinois.

The Complete Streets planning policy is a new approach to local infrastructure that highlights the importance of public transit and pedestrian access as a means of making local transportation safer, healthier and more sustainable. Representatives with the Active Transportation Alliance will provide the free training to local planning and zoning board members.

In Carbondale, the project promotes the use and improvement of bike lanes and sidewalks, said Angie Bailey, Director of Health Education for the Jackson County Health Department.

The project is developed by Smart Growth America. Nine public health agencies throughout downstate Illinois have signed on to the initiative, covering Bond, Boone, Champaign, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Fulton, Henderson, Jasper, Jefferson, Knox, Lawrence, Macon, Madison, Marion, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, Mercer, St. Clair, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne and Winnebago Counties.

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