Washington, D.C. - Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today released the following statement after an announcement that the Obama administration will support a plan to keep 9,800 troops stationed in Afghanistan beyond the end of the year.

"Thousands of our brave severicemembers have sacrificed their lives in Afghanistan, and tens of thousands more have sustained serious injury. We should be bringing all of our troops home, not continuing to put nearly 10,000 of them in harm's way halfway around the world. It's long-past time the Afghan people were in control of their own future."

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MOUNT CARROLL, IL -- Timber Lake Playhouse and Great River Outreach are teaming up during the playhouse's production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat June 5-15 to host drive for coats, hats, gloves and galoshes to benefit kids and parents in region who have a little less. The partnership is the first in a summer long effort to celebrate volunteer and non-profit organizations in the region whose missions "live the story" of each theatre production at the playhouse.

Great River Outreach provides a wide range of services to individuals and families in need including emergency housing, clothing, warm meals, emergency food, counseling services and career opportunities. They have served over 46,000 free meals in Savanna and Mount Carroll. Through a partnership with Head Start, Great River Outreach will distribute all coats and accessories donated at TLP to kids and parents in need around the region. Remaining coats will be donated to Neat Repeats, a Savanna resale shop that funds outreach services, and provides free clothing and furniture to families in crisis.

TLP's 53rd Season opens with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (June 5-15). Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical for the whole family has become a massive international hit everywhere it plays. It tells the biblical story of Joseph's coat of many colors with song and dance that's fun for all ages. Executive Director James Beaudry directs and choreographs the production.

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat takes a simple story and tells it in a huge, spectacular way. Really great storytelling has the power to make us think, feel, and live better. Great River Outreach is an organization that lives a great story. We are proud to help support their mission, and at the same time, give our audiences an opportunity to make our corner of the world a little brighter," said Beaudry.

"The idea came to us last year, after our Do Something Spectacular campaign--which provided creative opportunities for our audiences--was such a success. We decided to raise the bar and turn those activities into a greater good. We have additional projects coming up throughout the summer with other organizations, including Happy Tails from Rock Falls and the Mount Carroll Rotary."

Great River Outreach is specifically seeking gently worn coats, hats, gloves and galoshes in sizes 2T through adult small. Anyone donating at a performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will receive free popcorn at the show. Timber Lake Playhouse popcorn is courtesy of Tee Lee Popcorn in Shannon, Illinois. Donations may also be made during regular box office hours.

For tickets to Joseph ..., call the box office at 815-244-2035 or visit them at 8215 Black Oak Rd. in Mount Carroll. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.

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7:30 P.M.
Scott County Administrative Center
1st Floor Board Room
600 W Fourth Street
Davenport, Iowa 52801
AGENDA
1. Call to order.
2. Minutes: Approval of the April 15, 2014 meeting minutes.
3. Sketch Plan/Final Plat Review: Minor Subdivision Plat - Randy Luett of 22859 200th Avenue in Part of the NW¼ NW¼ of Section 21, Lincoln Township. Request for a recommendation for approval of a two (2) lot minor subdivision plat, to subdivide an existing farmstead split parcel into two (2) new lots; no new development right created.
Public Meeting Procedure - Site Plan Approval
a. Chairman reads public notice of meeting.
b. Director reviews background of request.
c. Applicant /Representative provide any additional comments on request.
d. Public may make comments or ask questions.
e. Director makes staff recommendation.
f. Applicant may respond or comment.
g. Commission members may ask questions.
h. Chairman closes the public comment portion of the meeting (No more public comments).
i. Discussion period for the Commission members.
j. Commission members make motion to approve, deny, or modify request.
k. Final vote.
Please turn off or silence all cell phones and other electronic devices

Amana- The Sunshine Boys, a hilarious comedy by Neil Simon, opens June 5 and runs through June 29 on the Old Creamery's Main Stage, with shows on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 2:00 pm and on Fridays and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm.

Al Lewis and Willie Clark, once a famous comedy team, haven't spoken in more than a decade. When Willie's nephew, a New York talent agent, promises to bring them together one more time, it turns out to be easier said than done as Al and Willie give new meaning to the words "cranky old men."

The cast includes David Q. Combs of Robins, IA, and Richard Cox of Henderson, KY,  Joshua Jones of Greensboro, NC, Jillian Kuhl of Hazel Green, WI, Sean McCall of Marengo, IA, Nikki Savvitt of Arlington Heights, IL and Steve Weiss of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Tickets are $28 for adults and $18.50 for students. The Sunshine Boys is Rated PG. Sponsored by The Bob Carver Family and KMRY Radio.

Call the box office for tickets and information 319-622-6262 or visit us online at www.oldcreamery.com.

The Old Creamery Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. The Company is celebrating 43 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the Midwest.

Sponsored by US Bank

What: Ballet Under the Stars

Who: Ballet Quad Cities

Where: Lincoln Park Classic Theatre

11th Ave & 38th St Rock Island, IL

When: June 6th, 7th, & 8th at 8:00pm

Ticket Prices: No Admission Charged!

Three evenings of no admission charged ballet performances - a perfect time to introduce your family to our family of dancers at Ballet Quad Cities! Bring a picnic, chairs, and a blanket and spend an evening under the stars at Rock Island's lovely Lincoln Park.

The program will bring back favorite selections from this past season including a company favorite "Making Waves" and the Pas de Deux from Carmen. Also, as a special treat, the students from Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance will perform "Peter and the Wolf". It's sure to be a crowd pleaser!

There will also be light refreshments available to purchase. All the proceeds will support our award winning Bullying Prevention Program.

For more information, please call 309-786-3779 or visit www.balletquadcities.com

7 Fun Tenets of Business that You Can Apply to Life
Straight-Talking Texas Entrepreneur Offers Principles that Transcend Industry

Within the first five years of a small-business venture, about half do not survive, according to the government's Small Business Administration. And after 10 years, only  a third are still around.

"Successful entrepreneurship hits the bull's eye of the American dream, but most simply do not make it," says veteran Texas businessman David M. Smith, author of "The Texas Spirit," (www.TheTexasSpiritBook.com).

"You don't have to have extravagant wealth or a degree from Harvard to make it; a successful business requires essentially the same thing for a successful life - perspective."

Smith reviews some common denominators for success.

•  Aim at nothing and you always hit it. "If you're like me - perhaps with a touch of ADD and someone who wants to do too many things than you have time for - this is a helpful aphorism," Smith says. Not every idea that comes to mind should be pursued; be very selective with your time, and when you go after something, go full-throttle.

•  You cannot win on the defensive in business or any other endeavor. Don't think in terms of defense; instead, think of counterattack. To take a defensive position on anything means that you have conceded at least some of your position.

•  Work toward optimal employment for everyone in your company. "At least once a year, I have a one-on-one discussion with every person in our companies - a renegotiation to hopefully renew employment for a longer period," he says. "This adds an important personal touch and attention to detail." Of course, the same approach will offer an excellent return in your personal relationships, too.

•  Keep in mind Union Pacific's motto: "Safety is my responsibility." Safety should always rank high in your priorities; it's easy to take it for granted until a catastrophe happens. Texmark celebrates more than 25 years without a production-halting accident - a remarkable record in the industry.

•  Organize projects, planning and profit action with at least three people, but never more than five. You need a point person for the meeting and at least two compatible partners - more than five people gums up the process. Meet weekly; the point man should set priorities and is most responsible for action.

•  People chemistry is more important than process chemistry. Just as you must have a process for making chemicals built around operating conditions that are best for the desired chemical products, so too should you have the right chemistry of people working together. The right chemistry is trickier than you think.

•  Promote voluntary participation regarding medical benefits and thrift and savings plans. It's always best to put individuals in charge of their health and financial destiny - to let people consciously choose their plans. Monolithic systems arbitrarily imposed by institutions are the beginning of stagnated individual responsibility.

About David M. Smith

David M. Smith is the author of "The Texas Spirit," www.TheTexasSpiritBook.com (2014; Halcyon Press). He's the founder and owner of Chemical Exchange, Inc. and Texmark Chemicals of Galena Park, Texas. An El Paso native, he attended the University of Texas in Austin. Early in his career, he moved east to Houston and established himself in the petrochemical industry. His new book, "The Texas Spirit," features a series of essays about the ways in which the United States can benefit from Texas' example, including economic models and moral fiber.

As GOP candidates race to outdo each other's obstructionism, Braley discusses motivation, approach to working for Iowans

DES MOINES, IA - As the Republican primary for US Senate takes an increasingly rightward turn in its closing days, Braley for Iowa launched a positive TV ad today featuring Rep. Bruce Braley speaking about why he's motivated to fight for Iowans and how he approaches standing up for people. The spot is the third of Braley's Senate campaign.

Braley said, "Fighting for Iowans means knowing them - who Iowans are, what Iowans care about, and the challenges that Iowans are facing. I grew up in Brooklyn, Iowa, and worked my way through college doing jobs like road construction, waiting tables, and driving trucks. I worked as a lawyer in Waterloo representing Iowans, from farmers struggling through the farm crisis to families denied insurance benefits they deserved. And I've fought for working families in Congress to improve wages and create job growth. I'm running for Senate to strengthen and expand opportunities for working families, because that's where I come from."

The 30 second spot starts airing on broadcast and cable TV today across the state of Iowa with no set end-date.

The ad can be viewed at the following link: http://youtu.be/w_4dCsa_FpI
William Penn University announces academic honors

Oskaloosa, Iowa (May 26, 2014) - William Penn University is pleased to announce that Carmen Christina Wetzel of Bettendorf and Louise D Hill and Nannette L Sims, both of Davenport have been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2014 semester. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.5-3.89 on a 4.0 scale.

Also, the University is pleased to announce that Nathan Alexander Gray of Rock Island has been named to the President's List for the spring 2014 semester. To be included on the President's List, a student must complete at least 12 hours of credit with a minimum grade point average of 3.9 on a 4.0 scale.

William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa offers both post-secondary and adult education programs. Founded by Quakers in 1873, we strive to provide a vibrant learning community where all students grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually through academic, creative and athletic pursuits. For more information, visit the university's website at www.wmpenn.edu or call 1-800-779-7366.

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(DES MOINES) - After signing the Home Base Iowa Act yesterday at Camp Dodge, and the Iowa Apprenticeship and Job Training Act today at Facebook in Altoona, Iowa, Gov. Terry E. Branstad today formally sent the transmittal letters to the Iowa Secretary of State.

Bills signed Monday, May 26, 2014

Senate File 2352 an Act relating to the additional homestead credit for certain disabled veterans and including effective date and applicability provisions.

Senate File 303 an Act relating to veterans, military service members, and certain survivor beneficiaries and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

Bill signed today, Tuesday, May 27, 2014

House File 2460: an Act relating to and making appropriations to the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Economic Development Authority, the Department of Workforce Development, the Iowa Finance Authority, the Public Employment Relations Board, and the State Board of Regents and Regents Institutions, and providing for other properly related matters, and including effective date provisions.

Gov. Branstad exercised his item veto authority on House File 2460 in accordance with Amendment IV of the Amendments of 1968 to the Constitution of the State of Iowa. The item veto message can be found here. The full message is pasted below.

May 27, 2014

The Honorable Matt Schultz

Secretary of State of Iowa

State Capitol

Des Moines, Iowa 50319 

   

Dear Mr. Secretary:  

   

I hereby transmit House File 2460, an Act relating to and making appropriations to the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Economic Development Authority, the Department of Workforce Development, the Iowa Finance Authority, the Public Employment Relations Board, and the State Board of Regents and regents institutions, and providing for other properly related matters, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.  

   

House File 2460 is approved on this date with the following exceptions, which I hereby disapprove.   

 

I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 3, amending 2013 Iowa Acts, chapter 137, Section 21 inserting subsection 2.  This item makes changes to the administration of the 260F program.  The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has the infrastructure to administer this program and maintaining the 260F program at the IEDA is the most efficient use of funds.  It is important to keep the 260F program consistent and stable for the business community. 

I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 16, in its entirety.  This item makes changes to the administration of the 260F program.  The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has the infrastructure to administer this program and maintaining the 260F program at the IEDA is the most efficient use of funds.  It is important to keep the 260F program consistent and stable for the business community. 

I am unable to approve the designated portion of the item designated as Section 20, subsection 5.  This item places restrictions on the funding formula for the apprenticeship program.  Requiring all stakeholders who are recipients of funds from the apprenticeship program to comply with the same statutory funding formula is fair and transparent.

I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 21, in its entirety.  This item creates an apprenticeship training program advisory board.  Such board is unnecessary to administer the financial assistance for the apprenticeship programs because the assistance is provided by statutory formula rather than board approval.  Further, the purpose of the apprenticeship program is to create jobs and grow the private sector, not government.  This advisory board makes government bigger without serving any purpose. 

I am unable to approve the items designated as Sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, and 32, in their entirety.  These items make changes to the administration of the 260F program.  The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has the infrastructure to administer this program and maintaining the 260F program at the IEDA is the most efficient use of funds.  It is important to keep the 260F program consistent and stable for the business community. 

I am unable to approve the items designated as Sections 35, 36, 37 and 38, in their entirety.  These items make changes to the administration of the 260F program.  The Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) has the infrastructure to administer this program and maintaining the 260F program at the IEDA is the most efficient use of funds.  It is important to keep the 260F program consistent and stable for the business community. 

For the above reasons, I respectfully disapprove the designated items in accordance with Amendment IV of the Amendments of 1968 to the Constitution of the State of Iowa.  All other items in House File 2460 are hereby approved as of this date.

Sincerely,

TERRY E. BRANSTAD

Governor

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Suggest a cleanup site–and vote for your favorite T-shirt color!

QUAD-CITIES–The date has been set and planning is underway for Xstream Cleanup, the Quad-Cities' annual, volunteer-based cleanup of area waterways.

The cleanup will be held from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014. Online registration will open by July 1 at www.xstreamcleanup.org.

Again this year, organizers are looking for new cleanup sites and encourage members of the community to make suggestions. If a site is dirty, litter-ridden or host to illegal dumping, organizers want to hear about it. To make a suggestion, send an e-mail to info@xstreamcleanup.org or call (563) 468-4218.

"Xstream Cleanup gives people an opportunity to get their hands dirty and show their commitment to the community. Each year hundreds of volunteers pick up, drag out, and haul away unwanted trash and debris from our waterways. This event proves that as a community, we're willing to sweat together to protect and improve water quality where we live," says Curtis Lundy, event chair.  

Community members also are invited to visit the Xstream Cleanup Facebook page to vote for their favorite color for this year's volunteer T-shirts. Color options are Chestnut (light brown), Gravel (light gray), or Yellow Haze (light yellow). One vote per person will be counted. The deadline to vote is 5 p.m. Friday, May 30.  

Xstream Cleanup began in 2004 as a small-scale cleanup of Duck Creek. Over the years, the event has grown to engage over 1,000 volunteers cleaning up about 40 sites around the Quad-Cities each year. The cleanup is now in its eleventh year. 

 

For more information about Xstream Cleanup, visit www.xstreamcleanup.org. "Like" Xstream Cleanup on Facebook for updates as the event approaches.

 

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