03 Jun 2014

Art Gumbo Cancels Summer Funding Cycle/Announces New Plans for Fall

By Paula Neuhaus

Art Gumbo Dubuque will not be accepting applications for the annual summer funding cycle. The event scheduled for June has been cancelled. The independent crowd-funding initiative was launched in 2010 and has raised nearly $12,000 in seed money to fund 24 arts-related projects. Art Gumbo winners have included Tim Olson's "A City at Work," Bell Tower Theatre, Outside The Line's Art Gallery's "The Great Draw," and artist Gene Tully's sculpture installation in the Historic Millwork District.

Co-founder and director Paula Neuhaus plans to use the time off from the summer event to work on plans to re-launch the project in September as Smart Gumbo; a crowd-funding source for smart ideas that propose to impact our economy, increase a healthy environment, and enhance our cultural vibrancy. Smart Gumbo plans to accept applications from all projects that propose to make Dubuque a smart and thriving place to live, work, and play.

"Art Gumbo has offered the arts community an alternative funding source for three years and has funded some incredible projects," Neuhaus said, "In our fourth year we're excited to welcome proposals from a variety of disciplines. As the cultural landscape of Dubuque continues to evolve, Smart Gumbo will be there to provide funding to all facets of innovative projects that impact our community."

The inaugural Smart Gumbo is schedule for Thursday, September 18, 6-8 p.m. at Dubuque Area Arts Collective, 902 Main Street with soup and bread provided by Dubuque Food Co-Op.

For more details or to donate time or services to Art Gumbo/Smart Gumbo visit artgumbodubuque.blogspot.com or contact Paula Neuhaus at art.gumbo.dbq@gmail.com.

03 Jun 2014

Davenport site search options Zooming forward

By T. Brecht

The City of Davenport has partnered with ZoomProspector in the creation of a super-helpful, super-thorough new site selection and economic analysis tool to help attract new businesses and assist those already calling Davenport home.

Check out DavenportSiteSearch.com to take this immersive new tool for a test drive, and be sure to share it with anyone you know who might be looking for a new place to open a business, anyone who needs demographic information on Davenport or the entire Quad-Cities area, or local businesses who might want to create reports on employement and consumer spending data.

DavenportSiteSearch by ZoomProspector

Davenport's ZoomProspector site allows people to find available commercial properites along with discovering why that location makes sense. Some of its features include :

  • Simple search options that make it easy to find properties
  • Extensive demographic and employement data for every property
  • Business search to build industry clusters visually
  • Community comparison and demographic tools
  • Demographic mapping of more than 700 variables to visualize demographic, employment and consumer spending data
03 Jun 2014

PV Trap Team succeeds at state

By Chris Cournoyer

Pleasant Valley Trap Team Succeeds at State Competitions

 

The Iowa High School and Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) State Trap Championships took place on May 30th - June 1st, at the Iowa State Trapshooting Association (ISTA) Homegrounds in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

In its first year of competition, the Pleasant Valley Trap Team sent 15 Student athletes from Pleasant Valley Junior High and Pleasant Valley High School who participated along with over 1400 others from across the state of Iowa.

Results are as follows:

  • Iowa High School State Trap Championship, May 30th - PV Squad 1 consisting of Kyle Berst, John Jones, Tommy Cassatt, Roland Bettis-Vicary, Sam Bailey placed 81st (out of 232 teams) with a score of 419. Brenden Robinson shot 25 straight for the first time this season. Megan Wirtjes and Seth Moffitt also stepped up and shot personal best scores.

  • SCTP Trap Championships - High School, June 1st: Squad 1 consisting of Brenden Robinson, John Jones, Roland Bettis-Vicary, Tommy Cassatt, Sam Bailey took 3rd Place in the State for the Junior Varsity division with a score of 450. Brenden Robinson shot 25 straight AGAIN! Megan Wirtjes tied for 7th for the JV girls with a score of 84/100. Tommy Cassatt tied for 19th with a score of 94/100. (Imagine being in 19th place and only missing 6 out of 100 birds! Tough competition...) Seth Moffitt stepped up again and got an 81.

  • SCTP Trap Championships - Intermediate/ Junior High, June 1st: The Pleasant Valley Junior High Intermediate-Advanced shooters consisting of Braxton Childers, Brent Alman, Ethan Hornbuckle, Max O'Brien, Arthur Braden stepped up and took 2nd Place  (in the state) with a score of 437 for the squad. Brent Alman was in 8th place with a score of 94. Ethan Hornbuckle took 11th place with a score of 92. Cameron Johns and Nate Pilger also participated and had personal best scores.

    In the season-long league competition for the state of Iowa, Brent Alman took 1st place,  Arthur Braden took 2nd place, Braxton Childers took 4th place after a shoot-off and Max O'Brien took 7th place after a shoot-off.

Coaches are head coach Mr. Shannon Martin and Assistant Coaches Marcia Auliff, Chris Cournoyer, Darin Oberhart, Brian Alman, Tom Corchado, Jeff Christner, Damien Dassie, Bryan Murphy, and Rodney Childers.

The Pleasant Valley Trap Shooting team formed in the Fall of 2013 when student Megan Wirtjes applied to the school to start the club after noticing that PV students that wanted to participate had to go to Davenport or North Scott to be on a team. The purpose is to give the students at Pleasant Valley another extra-curricular activity and represent their school in a positive manner.

Trap shooting is a fast growing sport that not only gives kids a fun time and another sport to compete in, it teaches the kids a lot about ethics and the great responsibility that comes with handling a firearm. It is an Olympic Sport and a life-long sport that can be shared across generations.

Pleasant Valley School Board member and Assistant Coach, Chris Cournoyer sees it as "another hook" to get kids involved in school activities and feel like they are part of the PV community. Cournoyer said, "In addition to learning gun safety and shooting skills, trap shooting involves focus, patience, teamwork, perseverance and a working knowledge of physics and math to hit a moving target. Its harder than it looks and I'm so proud of these kids and the coaches that put in the countless hours to achieve this level of success in the first year of competition. Our team has a very bright future."

For more information about our team, visit www.pvtrapteam.org

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03 Jun 2014

Governor Quinn Celebrates Marriage Equality in Illinois

By Dave Blanchette
Attends Wedding Ceremony of James Darby and Patrick Bova

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today celebrated marriage equality in Illinois by attending the wedding of James Darby and Patrick Bova during a day of ceremonies at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago. The Governor announced yesterday that marriage equality is now in effect, allowing all couples in Illinois the ability to receive the rights and protections of marriage. The new law is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to make Illinois the most welcoming state in the nation.

"Three years ago to this very day I witnessed Jim and Patrick's special ceremony as they joined in civil union," Governor Quinn said. "Now I'm honored to be in attendance as they take the sacred vow of marriage. We worked hard to make this day possible but we never lost hope that love would prevail in the Land of Lincoln. Today we celebrate full marriage equality for all couples across Illinois."

James and Patrick have been together for 50 years. Their wedding is one of several ceremonies planned during a day of festivities at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago in celebration of the new law. The MCA opened its galleries and sculpture garden for the private wedding ceremonies and post-ceremony receptions.

Governor Quinn led the charge for marriage equality and signed the Illinois Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act on November 20, 2013, making Illinois the 16th state in the nation to embrace full marriage equality. The law is officially in effect as of June 1, allowing every couple in Illinois, regardless of gender, equal access to the status, benefits, protections, rights and responsibilities of marriage.

Governor Quinn first called for marriage equality in May 2012 and made it a top legislative priority, featuring it in his 2013 State of the State address. In November, the Governor signed the historic bill in front of thousands at the University of Illinois at Chicago's UIC Forum. James and Patrick were also in attendance at the historic signing.

In addition to equal access benefits and protections, current provisions in the Affordable Care Act require all insurance companies to offer the coverage to all couples, regardless of their gender. This means that all married couples and their children can now enroll in a plan together in Illinois and may qualify for financial help on the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Marriage and other qualifying life events may allow couples to get coverage in the Health Insurance Marketplace through a Special Enrollment Period, but they must enroll in a plan within 60 days of the marriage or other life event. A Special Enrollment Period also allows residents to make changes to their current plan, like adding a spouse and children, changing carriers, and possibly getting financial help. To learn more about coverage options or to find free in-person help visit GetCoveredIllinois.gov or call 866-311-1119 Monday - Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In 2011, the Governor signed into law historic civil union legislation. For the more than 6,000 couples across Illinois who have joined in a civil union, the law also allows the ability to convert a civil union to marriage and make the marriage date retroactive to the date of the civil union. When applying for a Special Enrollment Period, residents are asked to use the date their civil union was converted to a marriage.

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03 Jun 2014

Kimberly Steele Receives Degree from Saint Francis University

By Amanda Drumm

LORETTO, PA (06/02/2014)(readMedia)-- Kimberly Steele from Moline, IL, received a Master of Health Science degree at the 163rd Commencement exercises held at Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, on Sunday, May 10, 2014.

This year approximately 750 students earned degrees from Saint Francis University; this figure includes both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

As the oldest Franciscan institution of higher learning in the United States, Saint Francis University in Loretto, PA, offers higher education based on Catholic values and teachings, inspired by the examples set by the institution's patron, St. Francis of Assisi. The mission of the university is to promote a mind for excellence, a spirit for peace and justice, and a heart for service. For more information visit: http://www.francis.edu.

03 Jun 2014

Local Residents Graduate from St. Olaf College

By Marie Frederickson

NORTHFIELD, MN (06/02/2014)(readMedia)-- The following local residents graduated from St. Olaf College. St. Olaf President David R. Anderson '74, awarded 785 diplomas to the class of 2014.

Laura Beck of Bettendorf graduated with an Individual major. She is the daughter of Timothy and Martha Beck .

Joseph Dickens of Bettendorf graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Mathematics major. He was awarded distinction in Mathematic sand Statistics. He is the son of Dan Dickens and Jayne Rose.

In his remarks, Anderson told the graduating seniors, "The habits of mind and heart are the elements of your St. Olaf education that will accompany you the longest after you leave campus and they will provide life direction for you. They include the ability to think analytically, to be creative and imaginative, to listen thoughtfully and with compassion, and to commit yourself to a set of values that guide your behavior."

St. Olaf College

One of the nation's leading liberal arts colleges, St. Olaf offers a distinctive education grounded in academic rigor, residential learning, global engagement, and a vibrant Lutheran faith tradition. St. Olaf provides an uncommon educational experience that fully prepares students to make a meaningful difference in our changing world.

02 Jun 2014

MITCHELL NAMED MIDWEST LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

By Marco LaNave
Outfielder homered in four straight games to become second River Bandit to win honor this season

DAVENPORT, Iowa (June 2, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits outfielder Ronnie Mitchell has been named the Midwest League Player of the Week for his performance during the week of May 26-June 1, which included him being the first Quad Cities player since at least 1998 to homer in four straight games.

Mitchell, 22, is the second River Bandit to win Midwest League Player of the Week honors this season, joining shortstop Thomas Lindauer, who won the award for April 21-27 to become the first River Bandit named Player of the Week since Anthony Garcia won the honor for June 18-24, 2012.

In six completed games, Mitchell went a combined 9-for-22 with a double, four home runs, 12 RBIs, five runs scored, and two stolen bases. He began the week with five straight games with multiple RBIs, and matched a career high with four RBIs Friday against Beloit.

Mitchell began his home run streak with a two-run, go-ahead home run in the seventh inning Tuesday at Burlington. It put the River Bandits ahead 10-9, the score by which they won to begin a current five-game winning streak. On Wednesday, Mitchell added a solo home run in the seventh inning of a 9-5 win over Beloit. The Snappers held a 1-0 lead in the seventh inning Thursday, until Mitchell launched his third straight seventh-inning home run for a 2-1 lead and eventual win. On Friday, Mitchell hit his first career grand slam in the first inning to push the River Bandits' lead to 5-0 in what became a 7-3 win.

Mitchell, a native of Port Arthur, Texas, was selected by the Houston Astros out of Dallas Baptist University in the 38th round of the 2013 draft. In his first professional season, he hit .256 with two home runs and 30 RBIs in 59 games with short-season Class-A Tri-City.

This season, Mitchell joined the River Bandits from extended spring training May 1 and has played in 28 games as a left fielder and right fielder. His seven home runs lead the team this season, and his 22 RBIs were the most by a River Bandit in May. He initially set his career high with four RBIs May 22 against Cedar Rapids, before matching it Friday against Beloit. Since May 21, Mitchell has batted .361 (13-for-36) with six home runs, 18 RBIs and an .888 slugging percentage. Quad Cities has gone 8-3 in that 11-game stretch.

UP NEXT: The River Bandits return to Modern Woodmen Park at 6 p.m. Saturday with a Craig Biggio Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Prairie Farms and FOX18 for the first 1,500 fans. 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.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 110 feet over the playing field, opened May 24, followed by a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. Last season, the team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

*****

02 Jun 2014

Harkin, Senate Leader in Push for Clean, Renewable Fuels; Welcomes Climate Change Proposal

By Sen. Tom Harkin

'Climate change is real and this proposal is a major action to address it'

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today issued the following statement on the proposed rule released today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  The proposal aims to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants by 30 percent by 2030.  The draft rule will now will now go through an extensive public comment period and stakeholder feedback process before being finalized.

Harkin was an original cosponsor of the bipartisan Bingaman-Specter climate bill introduced in the Senate in 2007 and has been a long-time leader in the move toward clean, renewable fuels. He authored the first-ever energy title in the 2002 farm bill to promote the production and use of biofuels and biobased products,  and to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for farmers and rural small businesses.  The 2008 farm bill extended these energy programs, including the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) that has become hugely popular with farmers.   For background on Harkin's renewable energy work, click here.

"Today's announcement is a major step forward and I applaud the President and the EPA for this action.  Climate change is real, as we have seen by increased frequency of severe weather, in extended draughts and heat waves, in increases in heavy precipitation, and in flooding in Iowa and throughout the Midwest.  Today's proposed rule will deliver a significant reduction in carbon pollution from our largest single source, and thus it represents a major action to address climate change.

"The last time major Clean Air Act regulations on air pollution took effect on the power sector in the 1990's to limit emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and carbon monoxide; we were told that compliance would be an economic disaster.  Yet, the regulation had the opposite effect.  Environmental firms and small businesses generated $282 billion in new revenue and $40 billion in exports and supported 1.6 million new jobs.  There was no significant impact on electricity prices.  We are hopeful of the same, positive outcome from today's announcement.

"We also know that renewables are rapidly expanding as effective and economic power supplies.  In Iowa, we get more than 25 percent of our electrical power from carbon pollution-free wind.  Moreover, our power companies have already begun to shut down some of the older, less efficient coal-burning power plants.

"What the Obama Administration is proposing is bold action.  It will take time to implement.  But I have no doubt that it is in the best interest of our climate and our country's future."

 


02 Jun 2014

Samuel Cunningham is named to Morningside College Dean's List

By Rick Wollman

SIOUX CITY, IA (06/02/2014)(readMedia)-- Samuel Cunningham of Bettendorf, Iowa, was named to the Dean's List at Morningside College for the 2014 spring semester. .

Each semester the Dean's List recognizes students who achieve a 3.67 grade point average or better and complete at least 12 credits of coursework with no grade below a "C-." William C. Deeds, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college, recently released the Dean's List for the spring semester, and each student received a letter of recognition.

Morningside College is a private, four-year college in Sioux City, Iowa. Morningside has been designated one of the Midwest's "Best Regional Colleges" in the U.S. News & World Report's college rankings since 2005 and has been designated a "Best Midwestern College" by The Princeton Review since 2003. For more information, visit the college's website at www.morningside.edu.

02 Jun 2014

World Famous Trapper Johnny Thorpe to Be At National Trappers Convention

By Bob Steinmetz

The National Trappers Association is pleased to announce that Trapping Hall of Famer, Johnny Thorpe will be on hand to present a demonstration at the upcoming convention. This "living legend" has been at it for over 65 years. Johnny was inducted into the National Trappers Hall of Fame in 1996. He started writing trapping articles for major outdoor publications in 1956 and continues to do so to this day. Johnny lives in New York and has run long-lines in New Mexico, California and Arizona.

"Johnny Thorpe"; trapper, gold miner, wood carver, artifact collector and adventurer is one the last of the true mountain men. He will be sharing his tips, techniques and stories at the convention. This 80 year old, who started trapping professionally at age 15, will bring a wealth of knowledge to share. It also should be noted that he is a direct descendant of Jim Thorpe famous Olympic athlete. "All will enjoy his presence and demonstrations," stated Jim Fornetti, longtime member of U.P. Trappers. Johnny Thorpe will be one of many well-renown trappers and outdoor experts giving presentations hourly during the event. Veteran and novice trappers will enjoy learning tips, ideas and techniques from these pro's which will help to increase one's capture rate.

Over 6,000 people are expected to attend the largest outdoor event ever held in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Trappers from all over the U.S. and Canada will attend; many will make this annual convention a family vacation. There are many ladies and children's activities planned throughout the event. There will be ten buildings filled with inside vendors and most likely over 200 outside tailgate vendors selling all kinds of goods. Many bargains will be available and buyers will save as there are no shipping charges.

On Saturday night, the band Runaway Train will be on stage performing their great mix of bluegrass, classic rock, and both modern and classic country music. NAFA's Wild Fur Shipper's Council will present two Fur Fashion Shows, which are sure to be hits. They will show off the beauty of garments created from wild fur and emphasize fur as a "green," renewable resource, which it is.

The 2014 Convention hosted by NTA, CVB and UPTA is open to the general public and will be at the UP State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, MI for four big days, July 24-27, 2014. Hours are, Thursday through Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm EDT and Sunday 8:00 am to noon. Admission is $10.00 for all four days, kids under 12 are free.

For further information on this great event, contact Tamara Masterson (248)568-5804; masterson@nationaltrappers.com. You can also visit www.convention.uptrappers.com or www.nationaltrappers.com

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