02 Jun 2014

Branstad, Reynolds announce Yankee Doodle Drive Against Hunger

By Office of the Governor of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, today, with representatives of the Des Moines Symphony, the Food Bank of Iowa, Bank of the West, Hy-Vee, and Casey's announced the official start of the sixth annual Yankee Doodle Drive Against Hunger.

"The Yankee Doodle Drive Against Hunger is a wonderful campaign that raises awareness and collects much-needed non-perishable food items for the Food Bank of Iowa," said Reynolds. "I am honored and proud to be a partner with community businesses to shed a light on the importance of eliminating hunger in central Iowa."

The public is encouraged to drop off non-perishable food items at area Bank of the West locations, area Hy-Vee locations or at the Des Moines Symphony's 20th Annual Yankee Doodle Pops. In addition, the Office of Governor Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will today accept donations from the public at their office in the State Capitol.

Yankee Doodle Pops will be held on the State Capitol grounds on July 3, 2014, at 8:30 p.m. All donations from the food drive will benefit the Food Bank of Iowa. The drive runs until July 7, 2014.

For more information on the Yankee Doodle Food Drive, visit www.foodbankiowa.org

# # #
02 Jun 2014

Broadway Historic District's Annual Wine Walk set for Aug. 2

By Rick Martin
ROCK ISLAND - Tickets for the Broadway Historic District's signature fundraiser, the Wine Walk, are available for sale.
The 4th Annual Wine Walk is set for Saturday, Aug. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. The event sold out in 2013, so those interested in attending are encouraged to act quickly. At the Wine Walk, attendees visit four premier homes in the Broadway Historic District and enjoy an assortment of wines and gourmet appetizers.
Tickets are $35 each. Only a limited number of tickets are available, and tickets must be purchased in advance in order to attend. To purchase tickets via credit card, visit www.BroadwayDistrict.org. To purchase tickets by check or cash, contact Wine Walk Co-Chair Anthony Heddlesten at (309) 786-2699 or  heddlesten@gmail.com.
Proceeds from the Wine Walk support the 501(c)(3) organization's efforts to revitalize homes through the Great Unveiling program, to repair sidewalks, to plant trees and other decorative landscaping, and  to landmark historic properties.
The Broadway Historic District is a collection of historic homes between 5th and 13th Avenues and 17th and 23rd Streets in Rock Island. Founded as a neighborhood association in 1988, Broadway gained  National Register of Historic Places status in 1998 and celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2013.
Broadway Historic District is committed to preserving Broadway's architectural integrity, strengthening its sense of community, celebrating the neighborhood's history, and embracing the future. For more information on Broadway, visit www.BroadwayDistrict.org or
02 Jun 2014

Financial Advice for New Fathers

By Jason Alderman

Each year when Father's Day rolls around, I'm reminded that I wouldn't trade the experience of raising my two kids for the world. But when I think back to how naïve my wife and I once were about the costs of raising children, I can't help wishing we'd been better prepared.

If you're a new dad, or about to become one, you'd better sit down. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a typical middle-income family can expect to spend over $241,000 to raise a newborn child until age 18 - and that doesn't even include prenatal care or college costs.

Right now, you're probably more worried about getting enough sleep than funding your retirement. But at some point, you'll need to plot out a financial roadmap to ensure your family's future financial security. As one dad to another, here are a few strategies I've learned that can help:

Start saving ASAP. It's hard to save for the future when your present expenses are so daunting, but it's important to start making regular contributions to several savings vehicles, even if only a few dollars at a time:

  • Establish an emergency fund with enough cash to cover at least six months of living expenses. Start small by having $25 or $50 a month deducted from your paycheck and automatically deposited into a separate savings account.
  • Even if retirement is decades away, the sooner you start saving and compounding your interest, the faster your savings will grow. If your employer offers 401(k) matching contributions, contribute at least enough to take full advantage of the match.
  • Once those two accounts are well established, open a 529 Qualified State Tuition Plan to start saving for your children's education.

If funding these accounts seems impossible, look for a few luxuries you could cut from your budget for six months - lattes, eating out, premium cable, etc. After six months, evaluate whether they were actual "needs" or simply "wants" you can live without.

Get insured. If your family depends on your income, you must be prepared for life's unexpected events, whether an accident, illness, unemployment or death. Get adequate coverage for:

  • Health insurance. Everyone needs medical insurance, no matter how young or healthy.
  • Homeowner/renter's insurance. Don't let theft, fire or another catastrophe leave your family without a home or possessions. To reduce premiums, consider choosing a higher deductible.
  • Life insurance. You'll probably want coverage worth at least five to 10 times your annual pay - more, if you want to cover college costs. And don't forget to insure your spouse's life so you'll be protected as well.
  • Disability insurance. Millions of Americans suffer disabilities serious enough to miss work for months or years, yet many forego disability insurance, potentially leaving them without an income after a serious accident or illness. Ask about your employer's sick leave and short-term disability benefits and if long-term disability is offered, consider buying it.
  • Car insurance. Almost every state requires insurance if you own or drive a car, and for good reason: It protects you financially should you cause an accident or be hit by an uninsured driver. Make sure you have sufficient liability coverage to protect your net worth and income - it only takes one serious accident to wipe out your savings.

And finally, spend responsibly. If you buy things you don't really need or can't afford, you'll just end up having to work longer hours to pay for them - time you could have spent watching your kids growing up.

02 Jun 2014

Nova Singers Out of the Ordinary: Broadway June 7-8th

By Nova Singers

Nova Singers & Friends
Kick off the 29th season with something
Out of the Ordinary-Broadway

Saturday, June 7- 4 p.m.
First Lutheran Church, 1600-20th St.
Rock Island

Sunday, June 8- 4 p.m.
Knights of Columbus, 1556 E. Fremont St .
Galesburg

Broadway choruses, solos and ensembles from Les Miserables, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, Frozen and many more.

This special event is a fundraiser that will support the Nova Singers' 29th & 30th Anniversary Seasons.

The audience will also have an opportunity to purchase (for $10) chances on various prizes offered by businesses such as Four Seasons, The Cellar Restaurant, Biaggis, Knox-Galesburg Symphony, Quad City Symphony, Nova Singers, Lagomarcino's Confectionary, Quad City Music Guild and Lavendar Crest Winery.


Nova Singers, a professional vocal ensemble under the direction of Dr. Laura Lane, hopes to share our musical soul with you.  Nova Singers is known for bringing a wide variety of choral music to its audiences, and for the beauty and charm the singers impart to their music. 

Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors. Students are admitted free of charge. For information about tickets, recordings, or other Nova Singers events, call 309-341-7038,  e-mail nova@knox.edu or like our Facebook page.
02 Jun 2014

Blue Grass Police Apprehend Escapee

By Stacey J. Green

On June 1, 2014 at approximately 4:06 PM Blue Grass Officers were called to a report of an off duty officer following behind a stolen vehicle inside the City of Blue Grass. Blue Grass Sergeant was able to catch up to the vehicle on Hwy 61 heading toward Muscatine. Blue Grass Police assisted in the pursuit until the suspect turned back around and began leading officers back to Scott County.

During the pursuit in Scott County, the suspect vehicle nearly hit three vehicles. The Blue Grass Police Sergeant ended the pursuit by conducting a pit maneuver. The suspect vehicle hit the highway off ramp exit sign which stopped the vehicle from going any further. The driver exited the vehicle and led the Sergeant on a short lived foot pursuit where the Sergeant ultimately apprehended the suspect.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Brennen Smith who was a DOC escapee. He was taken into custody for the warrant for being an escapee. There is no bond. There will be additional charges pending including theft in the first degree, aggravated interference with official acts and eluding.

The passenger of the suspect vehicle identified as Amanda Thompson was taken to hospital for medical checkup and is also facing charges. Nobody involved in the accident was injured.

The assisting agencies were: The Buffalo Police Department, The Walcott Police Department, Iowa State Patrol and the Scott County Sheriff's Office.

02 Jun 2014

Governor Quinn Names Acting Communications Director

By Katie Hickey

Deputy Communications Director Grant Klinzman Assumes Top Press Post

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Grant Klinzman will immediately assume the role of Acting Communications Director for the Governor's Office. Klinzman has been serving as Deputy Communications Director. The Governor's chief spokesman and Communications Director, Brooke Anderson, is leaving the Governor's Office to join the Quinn for Illinois campaign.

"Grant will do a great job overseeing state communications and ensuring information is effectively delivered to the public," Governor Quinn said. "For the last three years, Brooke has been an energizing force in my administration and I'm grateful for her excellent work and ethic of service."

Anderson's last day with the state is today, June 1, 2014. Klinzman's new role as communications chief begins immediately.

###
02 Jun 2014

Community Development Packet for June 4, 2014

By Jackie E. Holecek
You will need to view the Community Development Packet at the city's website at www.cityofdavenportiowa.com or at the following link: http://www.cityofdavenportiowa.com/egov/documents/1401632975_5179.pdf Due to its size it can not be sent by email.
02 Jun 2014

Committee of the Whole agenda

By Renee Luze-Johnson
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
City of Davenport, Iowa
Wednesday, June 4, 2014; 5:30 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
I. Moment of Silence
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Ald. Edmond
III. Roll Call
IV. Meeting Protocol and Decorum
V. City Administrator Update
VI. Public Hearings
A. Community Development Committee
1. Public Hearing for the ordinance for Case No. REZ14-04 of St. Ambrose University at 800 West Central Park Avenue (St. Vincent's Center) for a Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) from the "R-4" - Moderate Density Dwelling District to "PID" - Planned Institutional District. The purpose of the request is to rezone the legally described area in accordance with the University's adopted Campus Master Plan for an athletic complex which will include a football stadium, soccer field, softball diamond, and other sports fields and associated off-street parking, containing 31.504 acres, more or less. [7th]
VII. Presentations
A. Iowa DNR Brass Bluegill Meritorious Award to Greg Wolf, Parks and Recreation
B. Proclamation - Handbell Musicians of America
VIII. Recess to Standing Committees
A. Community Development Committee
B. Public Safety Committee
C. Public Works Committee
D. Finance Committee
IX. Reconvene Committee of the Whole
2
Committee of the Whole June 4, 2014
X. Other Ordinances, Resolutions and Motions
1. Motion to suspend the rules and adopted the following resolution:
Resolution awarding the contract and conditionally approving the contract and bond for the Credit Island Lodge Reconstruction Project to Swanson Construction of Bettendorf, IA in the amount of $1,493,450, CIP Project #10600 and CIP Project #10555. [Ward 1]
XI. Approval of Discussion and Consent Agenda for City Council Meeting as recommended by the Standing Committees
XII. Public with Business
XIII. Reports of City Officials
XIV. Adjourn
3
Bill Boom, Chairman
Jason Gordon, Vice Chairman
Gene Meeker
Mike Matson
Kerri Tompkins
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
CITY OF DAVENPORT, IOWA
AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014
I. PRESENTATIONS
II. COMMITTEE AGENDA
1. Third Consideration: Ordinance providing for the division of taxes levied on taxable property in 2014 to the I-74/53rd St, Urban Renewal Area, pursuant to Section 403.19
of the Code of Iowa.
2. Resolution setting a Public Hearing concerning the proposed conveyance of vacated public right of way known as 1/1/2 Street lying west of Myrtle between Second & River, Bastola Real Estate LLC, Petitioner. [3rd Ward]
3. First Consideration: Ordinance for Case No. REZ14-04 of St. Ambrose University at 800 West Central Park Avenue (St. Vincent's Center) for a Zoning Map Amendment (Rezoning) from the "R-4" - Moderate Density Dwelling District to "PID" - Planned Institutional District. The purpose of the request is to rezone the legally described area in accordance with the University's adopted Campus Master Plan for an athletic complex which will include a football stadium, soccer field, softball diamond, and other sports fields and associated off-street parking, containing 31.504 acres, more or less. [7th Ward]
III. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
4
Mike Matson, Chairman
Kerri Tompkins, Vice Chairman
Barney Barnhill
Ray Ambrose
Jason Gordon
CITY OF DAVENPORT
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014
I. PRESENTATIONS
II. COMMITTEE AGENDA
1. First Consideration: Ordinance amending Schedule XI of Chapter 10.96 entitled "Resident Parking Only" by adding Lombard Street from College Avenue to Mississippi Avenue. [Ward 5]
2. Resolution closing various streets, lanes or public grounds on the listed dates to hold outdoor events. [Wards 3, 5 and 6]
3. Motion approving beer and liquor license applications:
3A. New license, new owner, temporary permit, temporary outdoor area, location transfer, etc. (as noted):
NAME ADDRESS LICENSE WARD
Leisure Lanes 2802 W 73rd St C Liquor 2
Four Brothers LLC Temporary Outdoor Area Only
(Fundraiser) June 28, 2014
BBQ and Craft Brew LeClaire Park B Beer 3
Indoor-Outdoor Productions LLC Temporary Permit
Outdoor Area
June 21 and 22, 2014
RME Courtyard 121 W Second St C Liquor 3
River Music Experience Extended Outdoor Area Only
(10th Anniv. Event) June 12, 2014
5
Public Safety Committee June 4, 2014
3A. New license, new owner, temporary permit, temporary outdoor area, location transfer, etc. (as noted) continued:
NAME ADDRESS LICENSE WARD
Dragon Palace 2720 West Locust St B Beer 4
Duong's Enterprise LLC Downgrade from beer/wine
to beer only
The Gardens 1301 W 13th St C Liquor 4
Washington Gardens LLC New Owner
Outdoor Area
Red Lobster NO 0133 3420 East Kimberly Rd C Liquor 6
Red Lobster Restaurants LLC New Owner
Wiebler's Harley Davidson 5320 Corporate Park Dr B Beer 6
Kelly's QCA Inc Temporary Outdoor Area Only
June 25 thru September 21, 2014
Every Other Wednesday and
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Grape Life wine Store & Lounge 3402 Elmore Avenue C Liquor 6
Grape Life Wine Emporium Inc Outdoor Area Only
Fridays and Saturdays Only
June 13 thru September 30, 2014
Thunder Bay Grille 6511 Brady St C Liquor 8
Thunder Bay Grille LLC Temporary Outdoor Area Only
June 21, 2014
3B. Annual license renewals (with outdoor area renewals as noted):
NAME ADDRESS LICENSE WARD
Mother Hubbard's No. 6 3636 Hickory Grove Rd C Beer 2
Cassiar Corporation
Pilot Travel Center 8200 Northwest Blvd C Beer 2
Pilot Travel Centers LLC
Jeno's Little Hungary 4908 North Pine St C Liquor 2
Jeno's Little Hungary Inc Outdoor Area
6
Public Safety Committee June 4, 2014
3B. Annual license renewals (with outdoor area renewals as noted) continued:
NAME ADDRESS LICENSE WARD
Hy-Vee Wine and Spirits 3301 West Kimberly Rd E Liquor 2
Hy-Vee Inc C Beer/B Wine
Hickory Garden Restaurant 3311 Hickory Grove Rd Beer/Wine 2
Fazliu Inc Outdoor Area
Knights of Pythias 1116 West Third St C Liquor 3
Knights of Pythias
H M Mart 1632 Rockingham Rd C Beer 3
H M Mart Inc
Rudy's Tacos East 2214 East 11th St C Liquor 5
LaRosa S A Inc Outdoor Area
Kimberly Mart 1714 East Kimberly Rd E Liquor 6
Pak Foods Inc
QC Mart 2845 East 53rd St C Beer 6
Bethany Enterprises Inc
Sam's Club No. 8238 3887 Elmore Ave E Liquor 6
Sam's West Inc
Tuxedo's 5220 Grand Ave C Beer 7
Davenport Investments Inc
Rookie's Sports Bar 2818 Brady St C Liquor 7
Rookies Inc
Hi Ho Mongolian Grill 901 E Kimberly Rd Ste. 15 Beer/Wine 7
Hi Ho Mongolian Grill Inc
III. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
7
Ray Ambrose, Chairman
Rick Dunn, Vice Chairman
Bill Edmond
Jeff Justin
Gene Meeker
CITY OF DAVENPORT
PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE MEETING
AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014
I. COMMITTEE AGENDA
1. Second Consideration: Ordinance amending Chapter 13.34 entitled "Stormwater Management" by adding, deleting, and modifying language in multiple sections and adding Section IV titled "Stormwater Quality Management". [All Wards]
2. Resolution approving and executing an agreement between the City of Davenport and the Iowa Department of Transportation covering the provision of Federal-aid funding for Veterans Memorial Parkway from Interstate 74 to Utica Ridge Road, FY15 CIP Project #10556. [Ward 6]
3. Resolution approving the Supplemental Maintenance and Full Depth Patching Project Agreement with the Iowa DOT in the amount of $80,000, CIP Project #10401. [All Wards]
4. Motion approving the Change Order for changing the scope of work for the construction contract with Brandt Construction Company for the East River Drive Resurfacing Project - Iowa Street to East Corporate Limit CIP Project # 10408. [Ward 3]
5. Motion approving the change order for changing the scope of work for the construction contract with Hometown Plumbing and Heating for the W. 59th St. Sump Pump Drainage Relief Project, CIP Project #10545. [Ward 8]
COMMITTEE ACTION ONLY
II. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
8
Jeff Justin, Chairman
Bill Edmond, Vice-Chairman
Barney Barnhill
Bill Boom
Rick Dunn
CITY OF DAVENPORT
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 4, 2014
I. PRESENTATIONS
II. COMMITTEE AGENDA
1. Resolution approving the second amendment to the photo red light and photo speed
enforcement program agreement with Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. transferring title
for mobile automated enforcement equipment to the Police Department for the term
of the agreement. [All Wards]
2. Resolution approving the third amendment to the photo red light and photo speed
enforcement program agreement with Redflex Traffic Systems, Inc. extending the
Redflex agreement by one year. [All Wards]
3. Resolution establishing public notice and approval procedures for communications
towers in City parks. [All Wards]
4. Motion directing the City Administrator to complete various park-related projects with
funding allocated to CIP #10464 Park Development in the FY 2015 budget. [All
Wards]
5. Motion awarding a contract for the Davenport Airport hangar rehabilitation project to
Swanson Construction Company of Bettendorf in the amount of $65,747.51. [Ward 8]
6. Motion awarding a contract for tuckpointing/brick replacement maintenance at the
Annie Wittenmyer complex to E & H Restoration LLC of Davenport in an amount not-
to-exceed $75,000. [Ward 7]
III. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Finance Committee
9
June 4, 2014
Page Two
IV. PURCHASES OF $10,000 TO $50,000 (For Information Only)
Vendor Description Amount
1. James W. McClain Airport entry gate $42,303
2. Lindquist Ford Pickup with plow $33,749
3. Kimberly Chrysler Crew cab pickup $33,635
4. Interstate Power Systems Firetruck engine replacement $33,399
5. The Segal Co. Annual retainer agreement (Human
Resources consulting) $10,500
02 Jun 2014

Register for senior riverfront golf cart tours

By River Action
Come join the fun Thursday, September 4 and sign up for the 15th Annual Senior Citizens Riverfront Golf Cart Tours. Reservations are required and space is limited. The deadline for reservations is September 2!

The tours Thursday, Sept. 4 will use existing riverfront trails and offer participants an opportunity to see and hear all that the riverfront has to offer from the front seat of a golf cart. This is a great opportunity to gain some knowledge on the past, present and future of many of our riverfront amenities in the Quad Cities. Tours fill up fast and carts are limited, so don't delay.

There are five different tours from which to choose. All tours are $12.50 per person and last approximately two hours. Tour times for each of the tours are 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

CLICK HERE to register online.

02 Jun 2014

ASPCA Applauds Iowa Gov. Branstad for Enacting Law to Protect Greyhounds

By Maureen Linehan

New law will eliminate public subsidies for greyhound racing and reduce mandatory racing requirements

NEW YORK–The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today thanked Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad for enacting S.F. 2362 to protect greyhounds and restrict greyhound racing operations throughout the state. This new law will permanently end slot machine subsidies for greyhound racing in Iowa; end greyhound racing at Bluffs Run by the end of 2015; and reduce the live racing minimum requirement at Dubuque from 135 days to 60 days next year, and 95 days each year after that. Bluffs Run and Dubuque are the only two greyhound tracks that still operate in Iowa.

"For years we've witnessed the dangerous -- and often deadly -- effects that racing has on dogs. The severity of their injuries illustrates the inherent cruelty in this so-called sport," said Ann Church, vice president of state affairs for the ASPCA. "When combined with the steady financial decline of the racing industry nationwide, it's clear that this needs to end, so the ASPCA thanks Governor Branstad and state lawmakers for their support on this critical issue. We look forward to continuing to work with them to permanently end dog racing in Iowa."

In 2010, greyhound protection group GREY2K USA and the ASPCA released a report detailing the inhumane conditions and weak financial viability of greyhound racing in Iowa. The report documented more than 500 serious greyhound injuries at Iowa racetracks from 2006 through 2010, with nearly 100 of those injuries resulting in fatalities or requiring euthanasia. The report also noted that gambling on dog racing had declined by more than 95 percent at Iowa racetracks.

Breeders won two concessions under the new law, which will allow them to apply for licenses to conduct races at Dubuque and requires that Iowa casinos pay the greyhound industry $72 million. However, the breeders will be financially responsible for the operation of these tracks and will not receive any public subsidies.

With the recent enactment of a law to ban greyhound racing in Colorado, greyhound racing is now illegal in 39 states. It can only be found in seven states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Texas, and West Virginia. Dog racing is also still legal in Connecticut, Kansas, Oregon and Wisconsin, but no tracks currently operate in those states.

For more information on the ASPCA or to join the Advocacy Brigade, please visit www.aspca.org.

About the ASPCA®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is the first animal welfare organization in North America and serves as the nation's leading voice for animals. More than two million supporters strong, the ASPCA's mission is to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, the ASPCA is a national leader in the areas of anti-cruelty, community outreach and animal health services. For more information, please visit www.ASPCA.org, and be sure to follow the ASPCA on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

###

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

Two Ways to Subscribe

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

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

Subscribe!

* indicates required

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

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

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

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar