19 May 2014

NO-HITTER, CYCLE HIGHLIGHT BANDITS WEEKEND GAMES

By Marco LaNave

COUGARS' SKULINA, DORRIS NO-HIT BANDITS, 3-0

Quad Cities held hitless for seventh time in 55-year franchise history, first since May 7, 1998

GENEVA, Ill. (May 17, 2014) - Kane County right-hander Tyler Skulina pitched 7 1/3 hitless innings, and left-hander Nathan Dorris got the final five outs of the seventh all-time no-hitter against the Quad Cities Midwest League franchise, coming in the Cougars' 3-0 victory Saturday over the River Bandits at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

Kane County (28-14) pitched the eighth no-hitter of its 24-season franchise history. Saturday's feat was the first no-hitter in the Midwest League this season and came one day short of exactly three years after the Cougars' last no-hitter May 18, 2011, when Sugar Ray Marimon went 7 2/3 innings, and Chas Byrne pitched 1 1/3 innings for a 2-0 no-hitter at Cedar Rapids. Quad Cities (19-22) was no-hit Saturday for the first time since May 7, 1998, when Burlington's Lance Davis and Dan Timm combined for a no-hitter.

Skulina (2-1) pitched a perfect first inning, and the Cougars got on the scoreboard within their first two batters against River Bandits right-hander Andrew Thurman (2-3). Right fielder Jake Hannemann drew a leadoff walk, went to second base on a wild pitch, and scored on shortstop Carlos Penalver's single to left-center field. But Thurman got a strikeout, groundout and strikeout to keep the deficit at 1-0.

Skulina started the second inning by hitting first baseman Conrad Gregor with a pitch. A passed ball moved Gregor to second base, but Skulina got a popup by third baseman Jack Mayfield and groundouts by left fielder Ronnie Mitchell and right fielder James Ramsay to end the inning, stranding Gregor at third base - the first of two baserunners left by Quad Cities Saturday.

In the fourth inning, Quad Cities second baseman Chan-Jong Moon drew a leadoff walk, and Gregor drew a one-out walk to put runners at first and second bases. But on the first pitch to Mayfield, catcher Will Remillard threw to first baseman Jacob Rogers to pick off Gregor for the second out. Mayfield struck out to end the inning, beginning a string of the final 16 River Bandits being retired in order.

The Cougars added two runs against Thurman in the fifth inning. Center fielder Trey Martin hit a leadoff double down the left-field line and scored when Thurman made an errant throw to third base on a comeback ground ball by left fielder Shawon Dunston Jr., who reached second base. A wild pitch put Dunston at third, and he scored on Hannemann's sacrifice fly. Thurman was removed after 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs - one earned - on three hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Right-hander Patrick Christensen relieved for 1 1/3 scoreless innings, and right-hander Frederick Tiburcio followed with two perfect innings and four strikeouts in his Midwest League debut.

After Skulina retired his 11th straight hitter on Mitchell's groundout to open the eighth, he was removed from his longest career start to a standing ovation. Dorris escaped the eighth with groundouts by Ramsay and catcher Jake Rodriguez, who caught a no-hitter Tuesday with advanced Class-A Lancaster, but was 0-for-3 on the opposite end Saturday. In the ninth, Dorris struck out shortstop Thomas Lindauer, got center fielder Brett Phillips to fly out to center field, and retired Moon on a groundout to second base to put the date in the record books.

Quad Cities' league-leading team batting average dropped from .279 to .273, but it will seek a four-game series split against Kane County in Sunday's 1 p.m. finale. River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave (2-2) is scheduled to face Cougars right-hander Daury Torrez (4-1).

HOLBERTON HITS FOR CYCLE IN BANDITS ROUT

Designated hitter goes 5-for-5 with five RBIs, achieves first cycle by Quad Cities player in nine years

GENEVA, Ill. (May 18, 2014) - Designated hitter Brian Holberton became the first Quad Cities player to hit for the cycle in nine years with his first career triple in the seventh inning Sunday afternoon, and his 5-for-5, five-RBI day carried the River Bandits to a 10-3 win and four-game series split with the first-place Kane County Cougars at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

Holberton's cycle was the first for the Quad Cities franchise since April 19, 2005, when Brandon Yarbrough doubled, homered, tripled and singled in five at-bats in a 14-10, 11-inning win - also at Kane County. Holberton's cycle is the first in the Midwest League this season.

One day after being no-hit for the eighth time in franchise history, Quad Cities (20-22) got 17 hits against Kane County (28-15). Eight different River Bandits had a hit, and the visitors had at least one hit in eight different innings. Holberton had the only three extra-base hits.

A hitless streak of 11 2/3 innings ended when River Bandits center fielder Brett Phillips led off the game with a single to right field. A wild pickoff throw from right-hander Daury Torrez (4-2) sent Phillips all the way to third base, and shortstop Jack Mayfield brought in Phillips with a groundout. Kane County tied the game, 1-1, on right fielder Yasiel Balaguert's RBI double off right-hander Jandel Gustave (3-2).

Holberton's first at-bat came in the second inning, when he hit a one-out popup behind shortstop that Cougars shortstop Carlos Penalver lost in the sun, allowing Holberton to race to second base for a double. But Torrez and Penalver picked off Holberton to end the inning.

The 1-1 tie remained until the fourth, when Mayfield and first baseman Conrad Gregor hit consecutive singles. Catcher Brett Booth put down a bunt single to the third-base side, and Cougars second baseman Daniel Lockhart committed two errors - a missed a catch at first base and a wild throw to third base - to allow two runs to score and Booth to reach third. Holberton then hit his third home run of the season to right field, making it 5-1. In the fifth inning, Mayfield hit a two-out single and stole second base before scoring on Gregor's RBI single that chased Torrez, who lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs - six earned - on nine hits. Right-hander Michael Wagner allowed a single by Booth, followed by Holberton's RBI single to right field, but Balaguert threw out Booth to end the inning with a 7-1 score.

Gustave retired the final 11 batters of his season-high five-inning start, allowing one earned run on three hits. Right-hander Michael Feliz followed with 3 1/3 innings of relief, allowing two earned runs on four hits - including first baseman Jacob Rogers' seventh-inning solo home run - with two strikeouts. Left-hander Albert Minnis got the final two outs on the mound.

After Mayfield and Gregor hit consecutive singles for the third time in the seventh, Holberton came up with one out. He lined a hit off Wagner into the left-center field gap and raced to third base with a head-first slide as the relay throw got away. Holberton scored his team's 10th and final run on third baseman Tyler White's sacrifice fly, and he added a ninth-inning single to left-center off right-hander Jose Arias.

Quad Cities opens a six-game homestand at 7 p.m. Monday when it faces Burlington (19-22) for the first time this season. River Bandits right-hander Edison Frias (1-2) is scheduled to face Bees right-hander Elliot Morris (2-1) in the series opener at Modern Woodmen Park.

UP NEXT: The official lighting of the Ferris Wheel will be a part of Markdown Monday when the River Bandits open their next homestand May 19 at Modern Woodmen Park. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., and bleacher tickets, as well as hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn, nachos, soda and beer are just $2 each for the 7 p.m. game. Tickets are available online at www.riverbandits.com. Don't miss the great light show that comes with the new Ferris Wheel! To order any of the 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.

 

19 May 2014

PET PALS NOW OFFERING HANDMADE, GOURMET DOG TREATS

By Barb Braun
DAVENPORT, IOWA - Pooch Pastries have arrived in the Quad Cities! Pooch Pastries are gourmet dog treats handmade in Iowa with natural ingredients like eggs, cheese, flour, beef, and chicken.
Pet Pals Owner Margee Marsengill says Pooch Pastries are an excellent choice for people who want to give their dogs nutritious snacks. "Our dog biscuits contain no preservatives or additives, so dogs are getting only ingredients that are good for them."
Pooch Pastries come in a variety of sizes and flavors including banana, cinnamon, peanut butter, bacon and eggs, barbeque, pumpkin, and mint. The dog biscuits are also available in gluten- and wheat-free, and reduced fat. They can be purchased by individual biscuit or by the pound.
Pooch Pastries are available at Pet Pals, 2134 W. River Drive, Davenport. Orders can also be placed at (563)324-4446 or www.qcpetpals.com.
Pet Pals is a grooming, boarding, and doggie daycare business that has been serving dogs and cats in the Quad Cities since 1993. Pet Pals offers a full-service center to keep pets healthy and happy while away from home.
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19 May 2014

BUCKTOWN ARTISTS HOST FUNDRAISER

By Angela Gallagher

Bucktown Wine Walk May 30th Supports National Alliance on Mental Illness

DAVENPORT, Iowa (May 16, 2014) - The artists of Bucktown Center for the Arts will host a Final Friday Wine Walk Friday May 30, 2014, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 225 East Second Street, Davenport. Guests may purchase a hand-painted wine glass for $20, which entitles them to a wine tasting featuring five featured wines and light snacks. Musicians Donnie Schold and Alicia Whitfield will perform. RSVPs are welcome at: www.facebook.com/bucktownarts/events.

Participating galleries will donate a percentage of their sales during the Wine Walk to sponsor NAMIWalk 2014, a signature fundraising event for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Mississippi Valley. This 34-year old affiliate of the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization provides free education and support programs locally to individuals and families living with mental illness. NAMI's efforts complement the work of mental health professionals by helping families and caregivers provide a strong support network to individuals living with mental illness.

"This is a great way for Bucktown to celebrate May as Mental Health Awareness Month and to kick off the NAMIWalk fundraising season," says Pat Bereskin, an art educator and owner of Atom studio + gallery at Bucktown. "We are partnering with this organization because, as artists, we've witnessed the positive benefits of art therapy for persons recovering from mental illness. In fact, I'm working with returning veterans who have PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health issues in an art class."

NAMIWalk 2014 is scheduled for September 13 at Centennial Park in Davenport. For further information on NAMIWalk, please visit www.namiwalks.org/greatermississippivalley.

About Bucktown Center for the Arts
Bucktown is a component of Midcoast Fine Arts, a Quad-City nonprofit organization focused on stimulating our community's cultural and economic vitality through the support of regional visual arts and artists. The Center is made up of a dozen unique shops and studios where you can purchase creative, unusual and useable works or art created by local artists. Contact the Center at www.bucktownarts.com or 563-424-1210.

About NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley
NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley is a 34-year old affiliate of the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. NAMI advocates for early identification, and access to treatment and recovery supports. NAMI provides free programs for individuals living with mental illness and their families that accelerate recovery and prevent further harm. Their programs complement the work of our local mental health professionals. NAMI serves families in Rock Island, Henry, and Mercer counties in Illinois, as well as Clinton, Scott and Muscatine counties in Iowa. Contact NAMI at www.namigmv.org or 563-322-8870.

 

 

19 May 2014

Loebsack Statement on the Resignation of VA Undersecretary for Health Care

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement today after it was announced that Robert Petzel, the Veterans Administration's (VA) undersecretary for health care, has resigned.

"I have been extremely concerned about the reports that have recently come to light of alleged preventable deaths and subsequent cover up at VA health clinics. As a parent of military children, I am incredibly upset that this could have ever happened to the men and women who honorably served our nation. We owe it to our nation's veterans to do all we can to determine exactly what happened and we need to do it immediately."

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19 May 2014

New art discussion program, "Framed," at Davenport Eastern Avenue Branch Library

By Rick Martin

Event Date: June 2, 2014

On the first Monday of each month at 1:00pm, join us at the Eastern Avenue Branch (6000 Eastern Avenue) for a brand new discussion group, Framed. This is a discussion group like no other: Instead of reading a book each month, everyone will look at pieces of fine art and read a short piece about the artist, movement, style, or history of the art. Discover new artists and see the best works from some of the world's most famous museums. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Each member will receive copies of the art and the article each month. Register by calling (563) 326-7832, or online at www.davenportlibrary.com.
19 May 2014

Illinois pays another $1.5 billion in old bills Total backlog of bills drops to $4.2 billion

By Abdon Pallasch, Asst. Budget Director

From a high of $9.9 billion in 2010, Illinois' backlog of bills has now fallen to $4.174 billion -- the lowest it has been in years.

Governor Pat Quinn inherited a system in which one year's bills were carried over to be paid in the following year. Gov. Quinn and the General Assembly worked together to end that practice and set aside money each month to pay down the backlog that rose to $9.9 billion during the recession.

The bond ratings agencies have praised the administration's efforts as the backlog has come down, with Fitch Ratings noting, "The state prudently used higher than forecast income tax collections in fiscal 2013 to pay down a portion of the accounts payable balance."

Moody's added, "The governor's budget for the first time demonstrates how the state might decrease its unpaid bill backlog over several years. It presents a "blueprint" showing the state trimming accounts payable to about $2.2 billion, as of the end of fiscal 2019. This amount, consistent with a 30-day payment cycle, would be only a third of the backlog at the end of fiscal 2013."

"Even as outside factors have forced us to make difficult but financially sound choices in all areas of the state budget, Governor Quinn has maintained the discipline of dedicating money to pay down the backlog of bills," said Acting Budget Director Jerome Stermer.

The backlog is cyclical, generally falling in the first part of the year as income tax receipts come in and rising in the second half of the year, but the overall trend has been down as the administration, working with the General Assembly, has dedicated resources to paying down the backlog, Stermer said.

Beginning in January, on the 15th of each month, the Governor's Office of Management and Budget has posted on its website a detailed account of the backlog of bills. Traditionally, April is the strongest month for state tax receipts and for paying down old bills. http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/budget/Documents/Bill%20Backlog%20Presentation%205.14.14.pdf This April's results surpassed last April's, with the final backlog number posted Thursday $1.1 billion less than the previous April.

The administration's latest forecast for the where the backlog would finish at the end of the fiscal year on June 30 was $4.9 billion. While the backlog typically rises in May, the administration foresees no problem hitting its target for the end of the fiscal year.
19 May 2014

Governor Quinn Announces Cloverleaf Cold Storage Company Opening New Facility in Monmouth

By Dave Blanchette

Company Will Create 155 Jobs and Invest $30 Million in Local Economy

MONMOUTH - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that Cloverleaf Cold Storage Company will open a $30 million refrigerated warehouse and distribution center that will create 155 local full-time jobs. The facility will serve the Smithfield Farmland Corporation, which has an adjacent site in Monmouth. Today's announcement follows recent news that Illinois' unemployment rate is at its lowest point since 2008 and is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to keep the progress going by creating jobs and driving Illinois' economy forward.

"This new facility will create more than 150 good jobs and help Cloverleaf and Smithfield Farmland grow together in western Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "The cooperative effort between state agencies and local officials to build this remarkable facility shows that even in our Prairie State, we'll move mountains when it comes to creating jobs."

The 235,000-square-foot refrigerated warehouse and distribution center is the first Illinois site for Cloverleaf, which has 15 locations around the country. Cloverleaf is a family-owned company that dates from 1934 and provides public and contract storage for the meat processing and packaging industries. The company is based in Sioux City, Iowa and has more than 900 employees.

"Cloverleaf's investment in this new facility highlights not only the strategic location that Illinois occupies in the food distribution network, it emphasizes our faith that we will be able to hire and retain a highly-skilled and technically proficient workforce," Cloverleaf spokesman Adam Feiges said.

"There has been great cooperation between private enterprise and state and local governments, including the necessary capital investments, infrastructure work and incentives, to help make this project a reality," Monmouth Mayor Rod Davies said.

Cloverleaf hopes to expand the new facility to 315,000 square feet within three to five years and increase employment by another 50 jobs.

Cloverleaf will receive an assistance package with an estimated value of $6 million, a major determining factor in the company's decision to locate in Monmouth. The city of Monmouth and government agencies in Warren County have authorized incentives totaling $3.4 million for the project, most of it in the form of 10-year abatement on property taxes.

Programs from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will provide the company an estimated $1.2 million in benefits, including an investment tax credit and a sales tax exemption for being in an enterprise zone. The DCEO package includes a $325,000 grant to the city for infrastructure work associated with the plant. The Illinois Department of Transportation has committed to approximately $1.5 million in road improvements, much of it for widening U.S. Route 67 and a new access road to accommodate truck traffic. DCEO's agreement with Cloverleaf requires the company to repay a portion of the grant if it fails to hit its target of 155 new jobs by the end of 2015.

Last week, Governor Quinn announced a new company is coming to Galesburg, just a short drive from Monmouth. The company is Pegasus MFG Inc., a provider of precision parts and assemblies that is relocating from California and bringing 17 jobs.

Today's event follows news that Illinois' unemployment rate for April dropped to 7.9 percent - its lowest level in more than five years and lower than when the Governor took office. Since the peak of the recession, Illinois has added nearly 250,000 jobs. More people working in Illinois last month pushed the rate down 0.5 points, the lowest rate since December 2008 and largest monthly decline in the history of this data series that began in 1976.

Since taking office and inheriting decades of mismanagement, the Governor has enacted worker's compensation reform and unemployment insurance reform to make Illinois a better place to do business, in addition to major fiscal reforms such as pension reform and Medicaid restructuring that are restoring fiscal stability to Illinois. Today Governor Quinn is pushing a new tax cut for businesses that provide job training. By lowering the cost to train workers, this will make it easier for businesses to create new jobs and ensure workers have the skills to drive a 21st century economy.

The Governor is also proposing to reduce the fee to establish a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) by more than 90 percent, from $500 to $39 - the lowest in the nation. Formation as an LLC encourages entrepreneurs to invest their time and money into viable business enterprises. Reducing the filing fee to $39 would make it easier for small businesses to start and grow in Illinois.

For more information on why Illinois is the right place for business, visit www.illinois.gov/dceo.

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19 May 2014

Kicking Off Summer Festival Fun

By QCCVB

The spirit of New Orleans comes up the Mississippi River this summer when The Downtown Rock Island Arts & Entertainment District presents Gumbo Ya Ya, a two-night Mardi Gras party in The District on June 6-7. Cajun, Zydeco, and Jazz bands will tantalize your ears, while Cajun spiced food will heat up your taste buds. Bead tosses, confetti, and a French Quarter marketplace are also part of the fun! Gates open at 5 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday.

Thousands of hot rods will be streaming into the Quad Cities on Thursday, June 12 for the HOT ROD Power Tour. Over 3,500 hot rods and performance vehicles will come from Crown Point, Ind., and arrive in the Quad Cities for Day 6 and proceed to the Isle Casino Hotel from 12-7 p.m. The public is welcome to see this rolling party. It is free for spectators. And throughout the evening, expect to see great cars all over the Quad Cities.

Join the thousands of other bicycle riders for Ride the River on Sunday, June 15. This is the 30th year for the annual Father's Day tradition of biking through the Quad Cities. View the Mississippi River from both Quad Cities shorelines on the Illinois and Iowa side from the seat of your bicycle during this festive event that the entire family can enjoy. Register in advance online at riveraction.org.

New in the Quad Cities

The new Children's Garden now open at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island, Illinois, creates a whimsical interpretation of nature. The caterpillar gateway opens into a world of "fours" - underfoot is the human sundial, with the four seasons, and the four directions, the four way tests, factors of four, games of four, and flowers of four! Finally, a child-size version of the Mississippi River with a meandering shallow stream for children to play in the water.

Modern Woodmen Park added a new Ferris Wheel standing 110-feet outside of the left field wall of the ballpark. It opens Memorial Day Weekend. The Ferris wheel will highlight an amusement lineup to include a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded 300-foot long zip line, an auto-belay rock climbing wall, and many other new games and attractions planned at the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits in Davenport, Iowa. In a nationwide vote, Modern Woodmen Park was voted the "Best Minor League Ballpark" in the 2013 USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Travel Awards.

Museums & Music

Beloved Irish crooner, and star of 13 PBS national TV specials, Daniel O'Donnell comes to the Adler Theatre in Davenport for one performance only at 7 pm on Wednesday, June 4. O'Donnell sings, dances and charms his way into viewer's hearts with a mix of country, pop hits and fan favorites.

The River Music Experience in downtown Davenport celebrates their 10th anniversary with a weekend of music on June 12-15 with great acts such as the MarchFourth Marching Band, The Candymakers, Diplomats of Solid Sound, Lissie, and more. On Friday, June 13 is their BeeRME Beer Tasting.

Enter the enchanting world of Dora the Explorer, her animal-rescuing cousin Diego and their friends Boots and Baby Jaguar at the Family Museum's upcoming exhibit, Nickelodeon's Dora and Diego - Let's Explore! Visitors can explore Isa's Flowery Garden, help Tico gather nuts, set sail with the Pirate Piggies' crew, and search for baby animals in the Rainforest Maze. Also journey to the Purple Planet via a rocket ship, and learn how to care for baby animals in the Animal Rescue Center. The 3,000 square feet exhibit is perfect for preschool children 2 to 5 years of age. The exhibit is scheduled to open May 24 and ends August 31.

Try a Segway Tour

Quad City Segway is Iowa's only guided Segway tours. It takes riders as they glide effortlessly along the scenic Mississippi riverfront bike path learning about area history and landmarks. Before setting out, riders go through a short training session. You can select a one-hour tour for $30 or a two-hour tour for $55. Quad City Segway operates out of the Union Station Visitor Center, 102 S. Harrison St., Davenport.

19 May 2014

Coming to U.S. Cinemas in June: David Tennant as Doctor Who in "Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel" (6/16) & Narrating "Wings 3D" (6/17)

By Rick Martin
BBC Worldwide North America and Fathom Events announce the celebration of Emmy® Award-winning actor David Tennant in a two-night special theatrical screening event -- all for the price of one ticket. See David Tennant on the big screen as the Tenth Doctor in the epic two-part Doctor Who story "Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel" on June 16 at 7:30 p.m. (local time) with never-before-seen bonus content. On June 17 at 7:30 p.m. (local time), experience the earth from a bird's eye view, in RealD™ 3D, in "Wings 3D" from Emmy® Award-nominated director John Downer and narrated by David Tennant.
"Rise of the Cybermen/The Age of Steel" and "Wings 3D" will be shown at the following cinemas in your area:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
Tickets are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
19 May 2014

Niabi Zoo Baby Monkey Named

By Marc Heinzman

Coal Valley, IL - May 16, 2014 - Niabi Zoo has announced the name for theirfemale baby black and white Colobus monkey which was born on December 12th, 2013.

After hosting a naming contest for the month of April, the name Keeya emerged as the winner. Keeya was originally suggested as a finalist choice by one of Niabi Zoo's zookeepers. Keeya is an African name which means "resembling a flower."

Three finalist names were chosen by zoo staff, and then voted on by zoo guests with their pocket change. The name which collected the greatest dollar amount was declared the winner.

The other two finalist name choices and their meanings were Mapenzi (one who is dearly loved) and Hazina (one who is treasured). Mapenzi finished in second place and Hazina came in third place.

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