14 May 2014

Special Program to be presented at Hilltop Campus Village Annual Meeting

By Scott Tunnicliff

May 20 event to feature overview on THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME

Two of the most exciting events ever to take place in Davenport will be discussed in detail at the Hilltop Campus Village Annual meeting, set for 5:30pm, on Tuesday May 20 at the Third Missionary Baptist Church, 222 West 14th Street.

In addition to the overview of projects undertaken during the 2013-2014 year by volunteer work groups, CSO architects and Missman and Associates will be presented a detailed power-point presentation on the much-anticipated $23 million expansion to Davenport Central High School, which will include the construction of a new swimming facility and a performing arts center.

Prior to that will be a special presentation on the Creative Arts Academy, by program coordinators Joel and Diane Franken of the Davenport Community School District, along with some remarks by Philip McKinley, who had directed the Broadway production of SPIDERMAN, and worked with such luminaries as Hugh Jackman. Mr. McKinley lives in Davenport and is an Augustana College graduate who is lending his talents to the development of the Creative Arts Academy.

"Our board feels that these two elements are genuine game-changers, not only for the Hilltop Campus Village, but for the school district, the city and the entire region", stated Scott Tunnicliff, Director of the HCV. "We've had an extraordinary year of accomplishment, but feel that people will want to attend this program, which celebrates the present but also very much the future, and shows the shape of things to come."

"We've seen a real spike in reinvestment in the Hilltop Campus Village", added Board President Robert E. Lee. "But what is being presented here is also about the sustained development of a creative class in our regional workforce. It will take place in the Hilltop, the downtown and other parts of the Quad Cities, and have a positive impact for generations."

A spaghetti dinner with dessert and beverage comes with the $5 admission fee, and the program also includes prizes for which drawing will be held. All are encouraged to attend. Please RSVP by calling 563 322 8293 or emailing hcvscott@gmail.com

14 May 2014

Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds announce Iowa's National Youth Science Camp Delegation

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds announced today that Ayenna Cagaanan and Amy Huynh have been selected as two of the most promising young scientific leaders in Iowa's 2014 high school graduating class.  At the invitation of Governor Earl Ray Tomblin of West Virginia, they will participate as delegates to the 2014 National Youth Science Camp held at Camp Pocahontas near Bartow in the eastern mountains of West Virginia's Potomac Highlands, and close to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank and within the unique wilderness areas of the Monongahela National Forest.

Amy Gia Han Huynh, of Ankeny, is a leader in academics and extracurricular activities. Academically Amy is on the honor roll, has received academic letters, participated in Science Bowl and Moody's Mega Math Challenge. She is co-president of the student council and participated in the Greater Des Moines Chapter of National Council of Youth Leadership, being recognized as a youth leader in central Iowa. Amy participated in Iowa State University's microbiology workshop, attended Iowa Lakeside Laboratory gaining experience in the field and the laboratory. In 2009 she represented Iowa and the United States as a People to People student ambassador in Greece, Italy and France. She is a member of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Society. She served as a member and captain of the cheerleading team at Ankeny High School. Amy says, "Science and innovation propel technological advances that help us live more comfortably...The untapped wealth of knowledge in the science field awaits discovery by eager scientists among the youth of today."

Ayenna Pimentel Cagaanan, of Fort Dodge, is an enthusiastic learner in her core academic classes, elective music courses, and extra-curricular activities. She is a school leader, member of the Dodger Senate and is the Senior Class President. She has served as Officer, Secretary, and President in Junior Civitan, a member of the debate team, and speech contestant. Ayenna competes on Junior Engineering Technical Society teams and is the 12th grade Science Quiz Bowl Team Captain. She is also a musician serving as Drum Major in 12th grade and a member of Marching Band since 10th grade. She has participated in Wind Ensemble (clarinet and piano), and Jass Band and a National Council on Youth Leadership finalist. Ayenna says, "I want to bring back my National Youth Science Camp experiences to Fort Dodge to encourage other teenagers to participate in STEM activities."

Established in 1963 as a part of West Virginia's Centennial Celebration, the National Youth Science Camp is an annual summer forum where two delegates representing each state exchange ideas with leading scientists and other professionals from academic and corporate worlds.  Lectures and hands-on research projects are presented by scientists from across the United States who work on some of the most provocative topics in science today - topics such as fractal geometry, the human genome project, global climate change, the history of the universe, the fate of our rain forests, and robotics.  Delegates to the NYSC are challenged to explore new areas in the biological and physical sciences, art, and music with resident staff members.  Delegates also present seminars covering their own areas of research and interest.

The National Youth Science Camp's diverse academic program is complemented by an outdoor recreation program, which leverages the Science Camp's location in the Monongahela National Forest. The Science Camp's outdoor program offers backpacking, caving, rock climbing, mountain biking and kayaking.

Ayenna and Amy will travel to Charleston, West Virginia, on June 27, 2014, and will return on Sunday, July 20, 2014, after participating in this innovative educational program.  The National Youth Science Foundation®, based in Charleston, West Virginia, covers all expenses, including travel. More information about National Youth Science Camp is available online at www.nysf.com and www.nysc.org.

 

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14 May 2014

Conference on Fossil Resources kicks off at SDSM&T

By Dani Doran

RAPID CITY, S.D. (May 13, 2014) - The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is hosting the 2014 Conference on Fossil Resources, attracting nearly 120 paleontological experts from around the world.

The conference begins today and runs through Thursday. The focus will be on partnerships between federal and non-federal agencies in managing fossils found on public lands. The university's Museum of Geology has been a repository for federal, tribal and state fossils for many years

"We are considered by several of the agencies to be a poster child for good professional relations between museums and agencies, especially now that our Paleontology Research Laboratory is open," said Sally Shelton, associate director at the museum and conference chair.

The conference will highlight the history of Fossil Cycad National Monument, between Hot Springs and Edgemont, the only National Park Service unit ever decommissioned because its main resource was removed or stolen. Conference attendees will travel to the site on Wednesday afternoon following a moderated morning session on the site's history and future.

Other conference highlights include sessions on monitoring/mitigation paleontology, when experts work to salvage fossils from construction, highway and industrial sites, as well as law enforcement issues when sites are damaged and fossils are stolen.

Attendees will come from throughout the United States, Canada, Uruguay and the United Kingdom. Representatives of the Cheyenne River Reservation's and Pine Ridge Reservation's Tribal Historic and Cultural Heritage Preservation offices will discuss paleontology resource management issues. "One of our priorities is training the next generation of tribal paleontologists in this region," Shelton said.

About a dozen School of Mines paleontology students are highly involved in the conference. The School of Mines teaches the only graduate/undergraduate course in paleontology resource management in the country, preparing students for industry jobs in monitoring paleontology, federal, state agency and tribal jobs, and paleontology law enforcement jobs.

"I am very proud of the students. They will get a terrific chance to talk to and network with the experts in these fields," Shelton said. The School of Mines has been asked to contribute to a textbook on mitigation paleontology. The book's lead authors will attend the conference.

A reception celebrating the life of longtime museum volunteer Bill Schurmann and an announcement of a new exhibit/program made possible by his estate gift will be at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Museum of Geology, third floor of the O'Harra Building. The conference is dedicated to the memory of Schurmann in honor of his many years of volunteer service to the museum and the School of Mines.

One of the notable guests will include Vernon Bump, son of early museum director James Dye Bump.

The conference is sponsored by the Museum of Geology at the School of Mines, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service.

The three-day conference kicks off with welcome remarks at 8 a.m. in the Surbeck Center ballroom. Today's events also include the keynote address, presentations and posters. Wednesday's events focus on the fossil Cycad National Monument and also include discussions on mitigation paleontology. Thursday's events include a law enforcement discussion.

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14 May 2014

Book signings for THE MANGLED SPOON

By Joan Mauch
Book signings for THE MANGLED SPOON are scheduled for The Book Rack from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 at the Moline store, 3937 41st Ave. Drive and at the same time on Saturday, June 7 at the Davenport store, 4764 Elmore Ave
14 May 2014

LeClaire Selected to Represent Small Towns in ISU Study

By Erin Meek

Many small towns in Iowa struggle to survive even though they offer quality of life features that are hard to find in big cities. Understanding these unique features is the goal of a new Iowa State University study. Researchers (Drs. Terry Besser, Stephen Sapp, Deborah Tootle, and Georgeanne Artz) have received a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture to study the quality of life in LeClaire and other small towns and assess how these characteristics affect community survival.

This is the third time LeClaire has been selected to participate in an ISU study of community life. The first time was in 1994 when researchers surveyed about 15,000 residents randomly selected from 99 communities?one in each county. Residents in the same towns were surveyed in 2004 and another group of residents will again be asked to participate in 2014. The three studies spanning 20 years can provide valuable insight into the changes in small town life over the last 20 years and the effectiveness of various development strategies. Dr. Besser notes that, "We have the wonderful opportunity in this study to learn how the events of the 1990s and the 2000s impacted small town life. This knowledge will be useful for small town leaders and residents in their efforts to help their towns survive and even thrive in the future."

Within the next two weeks, researchers will contact randomly selected households in LeClaire by mail and ask a designated adult in the household to participate in the study. Each person who receives a survey represents 20 to 35 other LeClaire residents. Therefore, it is vitally important that those selected complete and return the survey.

It will take several months, perhaps as long as a year, before the survey process is completed and the information is analyzed. At that time, a report of the results will be made publicly available through local extension offices, the local newspaper and/or library, and directly through Iowa State University's Department of Sociology website. Any questions may be directed to Dr. Besser at tbesser@iastate.edu or Dr. Sapp at ssapp@iastate.edu.

 

14 May 2014

Quad City Health Initiative Chosen for National Study on Highly Successful Partnerships

By QCHI

The Quad City Health Initiative (QCHI) is honored to announce that it has been selected to participate in a national study of highly successful partnerships that are improving the health of their communities.  QCHI was chosen as one of 10 partnerships to be studied from among 157 nominations nationwide.  The study entitled "Models of Collaboration Involving Hospitals, Public Health Departments and Others" is being conducted by researchers at the University of Kentucky College of Public Health.  The study is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Hospira, Inc. and Grant Thornton, LLP.

Health care expenditures in the USA have risen significantly in recent decades and presently consume nearly 18 percent of the GNP, a much larger share than other industrialized nations.  It is widely recognized that greater attention and more resources must be devoted to the promotion of healthy life styles, prevention of illnesses and injuries, and early detection and treatment of health problems.  Seventy-five percent of USA health care expenditures are related to treating chronic disease, while less than three percent is devoted to prevention and health promotion programs.  It is increasingly clear that a stronger focus on prevention and population health will require better communications and more effective collaboration among hospitals, public health departments, and other key parties within and outside the health field.  The need to accelerate positive change and the potential benefits of enhancing collaboration between hospitals and public health departments provided the impetus for this study.  The study seeks to identify, compare, and contrast exceptional models of collaboration involving community hospitals, public health departments, and other stakeholders who share commitment to improving community health and determine the key lessons learned from their experience.

At the end of April, researchers from the University of Kentucky spent two days in the Quad Cities interviewing members of the QCHI staff and Board.  "It was a true privilege to share our story and discuss all the factors that have contributed to the success of QCHI," says Karla Steele, QCHI Board Chair.  "Our community has demonstrated extraordinary creativity and commitment in working regionally across state and city borders to improve the health of our community.  Being chosen for this study highlights the impact that our Board members and volunteers have had on improving the health of the Quad Cities over the last fifteen years."    The University of Kentucky research team plans to summarize their findings in a paper to be released later this year.

The Quad City Health Initiative is a cross-sector community partnership working to create a healthy community.  A 25-member community Board oversees the organization which was established in 1999.  The Initiative seeks to be our community's recognized leader for creating collaborative action on health and abides by the core values of commitment, collaboration and creativity.  Major financial support of the Quad City Health Initiative is currently provided by the generous direct and in-kind investments of Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health Trinity. In the last year, additional financial support was provided by Deere & Company, KJWW, Davenport Eye Group, Mississippi Valley Health, Modern Woodmen of America, Quad City Bank and Trust, Royal Neighbors of America, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, ILLOWA Construction and Labor Management Council, United Way of the Quad Cities Area, Scott County Health Department, Rock Island County Health Department and Molyneaux Insurance.

For more information, please call 563-421-2815 or visit our website at www.qchealthinitiative.org.
14 May 2014

Record Biodiesel Production Adds to Soybean Farmers' ROI

By Rick Martin
Biodiesel industry used oil from almost half-billion bushels of U.S. soybeans last year

ST. LOUIS (May 13, 2014) - Last year's record-breaking biodiesel-production total means record-breaking industrial demand for U.S. soybean oil and bigger profits for U.S. soybean farmers.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the U.S. biodiesel industry produced 1.36 billion gallons of biodiesel in 2013, 37 percent more than in 2012. The EIA says that production required the use of at least 5.5 billion pounds of U.S. soybean oil.

That volume is the oil from more than 468 million bushels of U.S. soybeans.

Research has shown that the biodiesel industry's demand for U.S. soybean oil increased soybean value by 74 cents per bushel between 2006 and 2012.

Rob Hanks, United Soybean Board director and a soybean farmer from Le Roy, Minnesota, says he's thrilled to see biodiesel bring such a major return on investment back to the U.S. soybean farmers who helped start the industry and have continued to support it ever since.

"U.S. soybean farmers have been very supportive of biodiesel for more than 20 years," he says. "It's really gratifying to see those farmers reaping the benefits of that support."

According to research commissioned by soybean farmers in Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota through their state soy checkoff boards, biodiesel contributed to a $15 billion increase in soybean-oil revenues, or 74 cents per bushel, between 2006 and 2012.

Hanks also points out that using soybean oil for biodiesel supports the U.S. animal agriculture sector. As the biodiesel industry's demand for soybean oil rises, so does the supply of soybean meal. That larger supply reduces the prices poultry and livestock farmers pay for feed.

U.S. soybean oil remains the primary the feedstock for U.S. biodiesel production. The soy checkoff partners with the National Biodiesel Board to conduct research on biodiesel's benefits and promote its use.

The 70 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.

For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/UnitedSoybeanBoard
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard

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14 May 2014

Older Americans Month 2014 - Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow

By Ruth M Bolinger

Urbandale, IA - Experience Works, the nation's largest organization serving older workers through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) invites Iowans to participate in May's Older Americans Month, by recognizing Older Americans for their contributions and join in our nation's commitment to helping them stay healthy and active.

This year's theme is "Safe Today. Healthy Tomorrow.", and focuses on injury prevention and safety to encourage older adults to protect themselves and remain active and independent for as long as possible. Experience Works is committed to building bridges to opportunity for low-income older Americans to connect them with community resources that can enhance their quality of life - one that is safe, self-sufficient, and engaged.

Through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) older Americans like 86-year-old Aleine Taylor of Mount Ayr are placed in community service assignments to update job skills while making a difference in their community. In many assignments, participants have the opportunity to help others stay safe and healthy. As a kitchen assistant at Family Resource Center, Taylor has helped prepare meals for more than 60 children who attend the center each day. While she learned valuable skills, Family Resource Center benefited from an expanded workforce that helps meet the increasing need for its services. Taylor became such a valuable part of the staff that she was hired by the center.

"Older Americans Month is the perfect time to remind Iowans that Experience Works is an important community resource for older individuals and their communities," says Ruth Bolinger, Iowa state program manager for Experience Works. "We are currently seeking qualified applicants across the state to fill limited openings in the program."

Experience Works SCSEP is free to those who meet the eligibility criteria and provides paid community service training as a stepping stone to permanent jobs with local employers. Program applicants must be age 55 or older, unemployed, live in Iowa counties where Experience Works operates, and have incomes of $14,588 per year or less for a family of one, $19,663 for family of two. (Call for additional guidelines for more family members).

Bolinger also wants to connect with public and nonprofit organizations interested in becoming community partners. "With an increased number of community partners, we can better serve older individuals - and that translates into healthier and stronger communities."

SCSEP is funded through the U.S. Department of Labor and administered by Experience Works, Inc., a national nonprofit organization. For more information on becoming a community partner, or enrolling in the program, call Experience Works toll-free 877-314-7385 or visit www.experienceworks.org.

 

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13 May 2014

Branstad, Reynolds Renew Call for Robust Renewable Fuel Standard

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

Government officials in Iowa this week should encourage the EPA to maintain a strong RFS to strengthen America's economy, encourage environmental protection and increase consumer choice

(DES MOINES)  - Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today renewed their call for the Obama Administration to support a robust Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). As government official travel to Iowa to discuss the environment today and tomorrow, Branstad and Reynolds believe they should focus on empowering consumers with additional and lower-cost choices at the pump, diversifying our nation's energy portfolio, reducing transportation emissions, supporting the growth of the Midwest economy, and reducing our dependence on overseas oil through a strengthened RFS.

Elected officials, including Branstad, Reynolds, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Northey, and the entire Iowa congressional delegation have repeatedly encouraged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reverse course on their short-sighted proposed 2014 RFS volume obligation levels.

"President Obama recently indicated that he would take every executive action possible and leverage every existing authority to move the economy forward and advance his agenda. The President and Administrator McCarthy have existing authority to grow production and use of renewable fuels," said Branstad. "If the President is serious about advancing renewables, like biofuels, as a solution to reducing emissions, then I encourage him to pick-up the phone to direct senior leaders in his Administration to support a robust RFS. President Obama's Administration can nurture, through the stroke of a pen, future economic growth in Rural America and common sense energy policy."

"We are proud of Iowa's leadership in the production and use of renewable energy - both wind energy and biofuels. The RFS provides consumers choices at the fuel pump, and when given that choice, they often choose renewable fuels like ethanol and biodiesel," said Reynolds. "I renew the bipartisan call from leaders across Iowa, and entire Midwest region, for the Obama Administration to support a robust RFS."

Iowa is a leader in diversifying our nation's energy portfolio through the production of renewable fuels, like wind energy and biofuels. Iowa leads the nation in wind power generation and places third behind only Texas and California for wind energy capacity. In 2013, Iowa was ranked among the top 12 states in the nation by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Iowa also leads the nation in biofuels production. By supporting a robust RFS, the Obama Administration can diversify our nation's transportation fuels, add value to commodities grown in rural America, reduce emissions, and provide consumers low-cost choices at the pump.

Highlights of Iowa leaders' engagement on the RFS include :

  • State and Federal elected officials, including Gov. Branstad and Lt. Governor Reynolds, participated in a "Defend the RFS" event.
  • Gov. Branstad traveled to Washington, DC, joining a small group of Iowa farmers and biofuels producers, to testify at the Federal government's only public hearing and met with EPA Administrator McCarthy.
  • Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds, Secretary Bill Northey and the entire Iowa congressional delegation sent a joint letter to Federal leaders advocating for the many benefits that flow from the RFS.
  • Gov. Terry Branstad brought together a bipartisan group of six governors to sign on to a letter to President Barack Obama, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack expressing their support for a strong RFS.
  • Leaders from across the Midwest joined Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds for their  "Hearing in Heartland," which was open to all interested citizens; 83 panelists from across the Midwest Region spoke from the heart about the importance of the RFS to their livelihoods and a healthy rural economy while only two individuals expressed opposition to a robust RFS.
  • The Iowa Legislature unanimously passed bicameral, bipartisan resolutions calling for the EPA to reverse course and support a strong RFS. View the resolutions: House Resolution 101 | Senate Resolution 101
  • State of Iowa leaders submitted formal comments to the EPA with current data and analysis that provides Federal leaders the opportunity and obligation to revise their initial volume obligations upward.

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13 May 2014

Governor Quinn Meets With President of Ireland Michael Higgins

By Randy Stalsberg

Welcomes Irish Leader and First Lady to Discuss Strong Ties Between Ireland and Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today welcomed President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and First Lady Mrs. Sabrina Higgins to Illinois. The leaders met to discuss the strong historic and cultural ties between the nations, and about how to further relations between Illinois and Ireland.

"It is an honor to welcome President Michael Higgins and First Lady Mrs. Sabrina Higgins to Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "Illinois has been home to millions of Irish descendants including my great-grandfather, and our relations with Ireland have long been based on shared values. The Irish-American community and culture in Illinois is thriving and by working with President Higgins we can ensure a continued strong connection with the Emerald Isle."

Governor Quinn and President Higgins today focused on Illinois and Ireland's long and storied history as well their strong economic ties, agribusiness and cultural offerings. The leaders also discussed the need for federal immigration reform and Illinois' national leadership in supporting all immigrants.

Governor Quinn and President Higgins also discussed their Sister Rivers partnership as well as the Irish water system and canals, which are a major draw for tourists in Ireland. Illinois and Ireland signed a Sister Rivers agreement with the River Lee in 2008.

Both Illinois and Ireland have seen recent reinvigoration in their respective film industries. President Higgins served as Ireland's first Minister for Arts and has been widely recognized for laying the foundation for country's film and television industry to grow both efficiently and creatively. Under Governor Quinn, Illinois' film industry has set new records, generating over $350 million in economic activity.

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