11 Apr 2014

Braley Campaign Backed by Nearly 8,000 Iowa Donors from All 99 Counties

By Jeff Giertz
Braley for Iowa will report over $3.1 million cash on hand as of March 31

DES MOINES, IA - Braley for Iowa announced today that nearly 8,000 Iowans from all 99 Iowa counties have contributed to Rep. Bruce Braley's campaign for US Senate since he announced last year that he was running to succeed Sen. Tom Harkin. Nearly 1,700 Iowans gave to Braley for the first time since January 1 alone.

Braley for Iowa also announced that it had received more than $1.25 million in contributions between January 1 and March 31, and had more than $3.1 million cash on hand at the end of March. Braley for Iowa has raised more than $5.25 million since Braley announced his candidacy.  

Braley for Iowa spokesman Jeff Giertz said, "With this outpouring of support, Iowans are saying loud and clear they want a Senator who will fight for the middle class to create jobs, help small businesses succeed, work to create economic opportunities, and protect Social Security and Medicare. Growing up in rural Iowa and working his way through college doing jobs like road construction, Bruce Braley understands the concerns of working Iowans, and he has a record of accomplishments for Iowa's working families. We look forward to continuing to discuss Bruce's pro-middle class message and building on our grassroots momentum all across the state."

Braley for Iowa's April Quarterly fundraising report is due to the Federal Election Commission on April 15.

Bruce Braley grew up in Brooklyn, Iowa, and worked his way through Iowa State and law school at the University of Iowa doing jobs in road construction, at a grain elevator, and waiting tables. For nearly 25 years, Bruce worked as an attorney in Waterloo, where he represented Iowans: farmers struggling through the farm crisis, people who lost their jobs, and families denied insurance benefits they deserved. 

With no prior political experience, Bruce was elected to the US House in 2006, and has been re-elected three times. Among his accomplishments, Bruce has successfully worked to cut taxes for small businesses that hire unemployed workers and veterans; created a job training program for Iowans seeking work in renewable energy; and secured back-pay that was denied to 800 Iowa National Guard members. Bruce is running for the US Senate to fight for the middle class because that's where he comes from.

Bruce lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three grown children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
# # #
11 Apr 2014

BANDITS FANS CAN PUT NAMES ON JERSEYS FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

By Marco LaNave
Deadline April 23 to submit signatures; pink jersey auction proceeds will go to Genesis Center for Breast Health

DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 10, 2014) - Quad Cities River Bandits fans were the first in the country to be able to purchase photos on the back of player jerseys for professional sports jersey auction for charity, and this season they will have another unique opportunity to support a cause while honoring loved ones. Through April 23, fans can purchase space for a signature or name to appear on pink jerseys the team will wear for its first-ever pink jersey auction on Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times on Friday, June 13.

"The entire region has made River Bandits jersey auctions hugely successful events to benefit Quad Cities-area charities, and this summer's Breast Cancer Awareness Night and jersey auction is another fantastic opportunity for Quad Citians to make a big impact right here in our community," said team owner Dave Heller. "With the support of our great fans, the pink jerseys will be a memorable tribute to all the women and their families who have bravely battled breast cancer, as well as a strong sign of unwavering support for those who continue to battle breast cancer."

Fans can purchase space for the signature or name of a loved one who is battling or has battled breast cancer. The signatures and names will be placed on the River Bandits players' pink jerseys that will be worn Friday, June 13, for Breast Cancer Awareness Night presented by Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned off, with all the proceeds benefitting the Genesis Center for Breast Health. Each signature or name space is available for purchase at $25 each, with every single dollar raised going to the Genesis Center for Breast Health. More information is available by calling Alexandria Sheffler at (563) 333-2741. The deadline to purchase the signature spaces is April 23.

"We are grateful to the Quad Cities community that makes all of these local charity events possible, and we are thrilled to partner with Genesis Health Systems and the Quad-City Times for Breast Cancer Awareness Night," said General Manager Andrew Chesser. "The pink jersey auction will benefit a great cause and raise awareness for women and their families whom we are humbled to support with this night at Modern Woodmen Park."

This year will also mark the fourth annual Camo Jersey Auction presented by the Iowa Army National Guard on May 24, as well as the third annual photo jersey auction Friday, Aug. 8, on Autism Awareness Night presented by KWQC and the Quad Cities Autism Center. The River Bandits were the first U.S. professional sports team to auction photo jerseys for local cancer charities in 2012, and the 2013 Autism Awareness Photo Jersey Auction earned a Golden Bobblehead Award from Minor League Baseball for the Best Charity Promotion in the nation.

UP NEXT: The second annual River Bandits Race to Home 5K and Kids Fun Run presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics is Saturday at 8 a.m. Thursday is the last day to register using the link at www.riverbandits.com. All proceeds benefit the Bandit Scholars Program. To order any of the 2014 ticket plans - with new lower prices - call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

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

*****

11 Apr 2014

Announcing Broadway at the Adler Theatre 2014-15

By Adler Theatre

Announcing the 2014 - 2015 Season of Broadway at the Adler Theatre

presented by Lujack Lexus

Featuring JERSEY BOYS!

The 2014 - 2015 Season includes:  JERSEY BOYS, SISTER ACT, GUYS AND DOLLS, BLUE MAN GROUP, and PETER AND THE STARCATCHER.  The special add-on show for the season is MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS by Chip Davis.

Subscriptions to this exciting season are now on sale!  Click here to subscribe online .  Prices range from $180 to $315 depending on series package and seating choice.  For more information, call 563-326-8522. Tickets for individual shows will go on sale as each performance date approaches.  

New subscriber orders will be processed in the order they are received after all current subscribers' renewal requests have been processed.  All seats are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
11 Apr 2014

Gov. Terry E. Branstad orders flags at half-staff to honor World War II pilot 1st Lt. Louis Longman

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

After remaining missing for 70 years, Clinton native 1st Lt. Longman to return home Saturday to final resting place at Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry Branstad has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in Iowa from 5 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2014, until 8 a.m. Monday, April 14, 2014, in honor of U.S. Army Air Corps 1st Lt. Louis L. Longman, formerly of Clinton, Iowa. A photo of 1st Lt. Longman may be found here.

Longman, a 26-year old Clinton, Iowa native serving with the 433rd Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Corps, was last seen April 16, 1944 as his unit returned from a B-25 bomber escort mission over Hollandia, New Guinea. A Lockheed P-38 "Lightning" fighter pilot, Longman was on the return leg of the mission in a P-38J aircraft when his unit encountered severe weather in the Markham Valley. Longman's last reported location was in the vicinity of Bogadjim, New Guinea, as his formation broke up. The 5th Air Force lost 53 pilots and crewmen that day in what became known as "Black Sunday."

Longman was officially declared deceased on Feb. 27, 1946, but his remains were never recovered. In February 2005, the Joint Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Accounting Command - Central Identification Laboratory (JPAC) received information of a possible aircraft crash site in Madang province, Papua New Guinea. In August 2007, human remains, as well as parts of a U.S. P-38J aircraft were recovered by a JPAC Investigation Team. Additional remains and physical evidence were also recovered in 2009 and 2010 by JPAC personnel.

In 2011, JPAC's Research and Analysis Group concluded a historical association drawn from Missing Air Crew Report #4501 and the excavation site. The location of the excavated aircraft crash site and the wreckage reported by JPAC personnel, consistent with a Lockheed P-38J Lightning, support this historical association.

Louis Longman was born Jan. 23, 1918 in Murdock, Minn. to George F. and Ellen T. (Cleary) Longman. He graduated from St. Mary's High School in Clinton, Iowa in 1936, and participated in a wide variety of school activities, including basketball, football (All-State honorable mention), yearbook sports editor, dramatics, and class officer positions.

Longman enlisted in the U.S. Army on Feb. 19, 1942, and transferred into the U.S. Army Air Corps in June. Longman completed his primary flight training at Cal-Aero Academy in Ontario, Calif., then completed Basic (Merced Army Airfield, Merced, Calif.) and Advanced (Williams Army Airfield, Mesa, Ariz.) Flight Training, receiving his pilot wings on April 12, 1943. He left the U.S. for duty in the Pacific theater in July 1943 and was assigned to the 433rd Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Corps.

Among his military awards and honors is the Air Medal (with numeral "2"), American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (w/4 Bronze Service Stars), World War II Victory Medal and Pilot Wings.

He was preceded in death by his parents. His four brothers and four sisters are also deceased.

A memorial service and interment will be held at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery, 1 Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island, Ill. on April 12, 2014 at 1 p.m., with full military honors provided by the Iowa National Guard. Please use the Moline entrance. The public is welcome to attend the memorial service.

The Governor's directive applies to all U.S. and state flags under the control of the state. H.R. 692, signed in 2007, requires federal government agencies in the state to comply with the Governor's Executive Order that the U.S. flag be flown at half-staff in the event of the death of a member of the Armed Forces.

Flags will be at half-staff on the State Capitol Building and on flag displays in the Capitol Complex, and upon all public buildings, grounds, and facilities throughout the state. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, counties and other government subdivisions are encouraged to fly the flag at half-staff for the same length of time as a sign of respect.

###
11 Apr 2014

College Selection Tips

By Ginny Grimsley

Do You Need to Rethink Your First-Choice College?
Study Shows Less than 60 Percent Enroll in Top Option; Expert Provides 3 Criteria to Consider

Tens of thousands of high school students will be receiving their college acceptance letters in April. It's an anxious time - students, and their parents, want to believe their school holds the promise that attendance will be their "Golden Ticket" to eventual financial success.  So, if they are trying to get from "Point A" (here and now) to "Point B" (financial independence), how do they select the school that will deliver that return on their investment?

"Young people tend to quickly fall in love with a school, and parents tend to quickly wear their son's or daughter's acceptance as a badge of honor, or at least validation as a successful parent,'' says David Porter, social architect, consultant to colleges and universities throughout North America and author of "The Porter Principles," a guide to college success through social engineering, (www.porterkhouwconsulting.com).

"Students and parents should be skeptical and consider all of what a college has offer, and how it will deliver on the implicit promise of financial independence. Which school will nurture and grow the prerequisite face-to-face problem-solving skills required to secure gainful employment and financial independence upon graduation?"

According to the most recent study from the University of California, Los Angeles's Higher Education Research Institute, only 58 percent of the surveyed 204,000 college freshmen enrolled at their first-choice college, the lowest percentage to do so since the question was first asked in 1974.

The major factors behind the decline are cost and financial aid. A 2012 study by the research group Ipsos and the student loan giant, Sallie Mae, indicates that roughly 70 percent of families are ruling out colleges based on cost.

First choice or otherwise, Porter says students and their families should consider a variety of factors in estimating the most value to be had at a campus. Some are more relevant than others:

• A school's ranking: According to one of the world's leading public intellects who regularly weighs in on academic issues, Malcom Gladwell, the national ranking a school receives doesn't necessarily reflect the needs of individual students. Just like an expensive sports car is valued, in part, from an arbitrary, expensive price tag, so too are colleges. The various needs a young adult will have are by no means fully represented by the seven variables used by the U.S. News rankings, run by Robert Morse. The variables include undergraduate academic reputation, financial resources and alumni giving.

• On-Campus culture and community: In addition to academics and the rigors thereof, a college offers (or fails to offer) a unique on-campus college experience.  Will the environment foster success (post-graduate financial independence) or, will it essentially be a few more years of high school under the guise of "college"?  Look for safe, wholesome campus venues, like a student union or a next generation dining learning commons that invites student interaction, collaboration, problem-solving, and dining 24/7.  Social architecture - the conscious design of an environment to encourage social behaviors that lead toward a goal - is a ground-breaking approach that social architecture visionary Porter is successfully introducing to more campuses across North America every day.

• Parent-student understanding: Move out and stay out (because you can). Mom and dad, we want a nice home, a nice car, nice vacations, nice stuff, nice meals, etc. etc. etc.  It costs tens of thousands of dollars per year to attend most colleges. Whether or not a student assumes massive debt to follow her dreams, or a parent shares the burden should be moot if the student can identify, pursue and secure gainful employment upon graduation. Having debt is an enourmous burden at any stage of life if you are unemployed. Choosing a school is a great opportunity for parents to lead by example on how to make a purchase decision for any "big ticket" item.  Do your homework.  Buyer beware. Coach them using some of the same skills you would use to buy a house or purchase a car or invest in a new business.

About David Porter

David Porter, author and social architect, is CEO and president of Porter Khouw Consulting, Inc., a foodservice master planning and design firm based in Crofton, Maryland. David has more than 40 years of hands-on food service operations and consulting experience and is a professional member of the Foodservice Consultants Society International. He is the author of "The Porter Principles, Retain & Recruit Students & Alumni, Save Millions on Dining and Stop Letting Food Service Contractors Eat Your Lunch," (www.porterkhouwconsulting.com). Porter Khouw Consulting has worked with more than 350 clients to conduct market research and develop strategic plans, master plans and designs for the college and university market. Porter is a graduate of the prestigious hospitality program at Michigan State University and has been recognized repeatedly as a leader in his field.

11 Apr 2014

MALLARDS DROP RUSH 5-1, GRAB SERIES LEAD

By Brian Lavelle
MOLINE, Ill. (April 9, 2014) - Thomas Frazee scored twice and added an assist as the host Quad City Mallards ripped off five unanswered goals on the way to a 5-1 win over the Rapid City Rush Wednesday night and a two games to one lead in the best-of-seven opening round of the Central Hockey League President's Cup playoffs.

The Mallards rebounded to take a 2-1 lead with a pair of first period goals after Rapid City's Sean Erickson opened the scoring from the right wing boards at 7:37 of the first.  Frazee's blast from the right wing circle deadlocked the contest at 15:28.  The Mallards moved in front with just 18 seconds left in the period when Jeff Lee jammed in a point blank power play goal.

After a scoreless second period, the Mallards pulled away with three goals in the third.  Mike Stinziani widened the gap to 3-1 on a breakaway at 11:18.  Frazee's empty net goal put the contest beyond the Rush's reach with just one minute and 15 seconds left.  Jordan Mayer capped off the victory by scoring another breakaway goal with only 38 seconds remaining.

The Mallards host game four Friday night at 7:05 p.m and game five Saturday evening at 7:05 p.m.  Should a sixth game be required, the series will shift back to Rapid City next Tuesday.  If the series goes to a seventh game, the Rush would host the deciding contest next Wednesday.

This Friday evening brings not only game four between the Mallards and Rush but also the return of the Mallards' popular $1 Dog/$1 Dollar Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 beers will be available at iWireless Center concession stands from the time doors open at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  $1 hot dogs will be available throughout the game.

Tickets for Mallards home playoff games can be purchased in person at the iWireless Center box office, online at ticketmaster.com, at Ticketmaster outlets or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000.  The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their seventeenth season their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The iWireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.net.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

11 Apr 2014

LUGNUTS OVERTAKE RIVER BANDITS AGAIN, 6-4

By Marco LaNave

Tyler White drives in all four Quad Cities runs, but team leaves 12 runners on in second straight loss

LANSING, Mich. (April 9, 2014) - The Quad Cities River Bandits took a 2-0, first-inning lead, but the host Lansing Lugnuts answered with five runs over the first three innings and held on for a 6-4 victory and second straight win over the visitors at Cooley Law School Stadium Wednesday night.

Lugnuts right-hander Alberto Tirado retired the first two batters of the game before River Bandits shortstop Jack Mayfield singled to center field. Designated hitter Conrad Gregor drew a walk, and third baseman Tyler White grounded a double down the third-base line that scored Mayfield and Gregor for a 2-0 lead.

In the bottom of the first inning, River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave (1-1) allowed a leadoff single by second baseman Dickie Joe Thon and hit right fielder Carlos Ramirez with one out. Third baseman Mitch Nay drove a double to right-center field to score two runs and tie the game. After Gustave struck out two batters to end the first, he ran into more trouble with two outs in the second. Lugnuts left fielder Derrick Loveless reached on a bunt single and went to second on a wild pitch. Thon hit a single to right field that gave Lansing a 3-2 lead, and center fielder D.J. Davis doubled to center field to bring in Thon and make it 4-2. In the third inning, Nay hit a leadoff single and scored when catcher Jorge Saez hit an RBI double to right-center field for a 5-2 Lugnuts lead. Gustave departed after 2 2/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on seven hits with four strikeouts.

Lansing (3-3) removed Tirado after the first inning and put in left-hander Griffin Murphy (1-0), who struck out five of the first six batters he faced. Murphy allowed only a one-out single in the fourth inning while tossing three shutout innings.

After Murphy, Lugnuts left-hander Jairo Labourt started the fifth inning and allowed a walk to right fielder Brett Phillips and single by Mayfield. With two outs, White flied a double into right-center field to score two runs and cut the deficit to 5-4. White's pair of two-run doubles accounted for all the runs for Quad Cities (2-4). Labourt worked around two walks in the sixth and a walk and hit batter in the seventh to complete three innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits and four walks while striking out four batters.

The River Bandits used right-hander Zach Morton for 1 1/3 innings, in which he recorded all four outs on strikeouts, before turning to left-hander Kent Emanuel as the second half of the starting tandem. Emanuel started the fifth inning and allowed a one-out double by Lugnuts shortstop Dawel Lugo and RBI single by designated hitter Matt Dean for a 6-4 deficit. Emanuel then retired 10 of the final 11 batters he faced to complete four innings, in which he allowed one earned run on three hits with three strikeouts. Quad Cities pitchers struck out 11 batters without walking any.

The River Bandits left 12 runners on base, including runners at first and second base in the seventh against Labourt, and the bases loaded in the eighth against left-hander Scott Silverstein, who pitched the final two scoreless innings for his first save.
10 Apr 2014

Governor Quinn Unveils Six-Year, $8.6 Billion Transportation Construction Program

By Katie Hickey

New Multi-Year Plan Will Improve 1,845 Miles of Highway, Replace or Rehabilitate 384 Bridges and Make Major Investments in Public Transit

SPRINGFIELD - Days after receiving positive feedback from bond rating agencies regarding his fiscal year 2015 budget plan, Governor Pat Quinn today unveiled a six-year, $8.6 billion construction program that will improve roads and bridges throughout Illinois while making major investments in public transportation. The projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and build a 21st century infrastructure that will drive Illinois' economy forward.

"This comprehensive plan for our highways, public transit, rail and airport projects will make critical repairs and major improvements across Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "A booming economy requires a 21st century infrastructure. Our infrastructure plan will create thousands of construction jobs now while paving the way for more jobs and economic development in the future."

The fiscal years 2015-2020 highway improvement program will improve 1,845 miles of highway and replace or rehabilitate 384 bridges across Illinois. Among hundreds of projects across the state, the plan includes:

  • $308.6 million for construction of a new I-74/US 6 bridge in Moline
  • $107.9 million for bridge replacements on the Stevenson Expressway in Chicago
  • $110 million for the Alton-Godfrey Expressway
  • $204.4 million for US 150 improvements including a bridge replacement in Peoria
  • $76.4 million for bridge replacements along I-80 in Will County
  • $71 million for a new I-64 bridge over the Wabash River in White County
  • $29 million to reconstruct IL Rt. 2/North Main in Rockford
  • $52 million for work on I-74 near Champaign and Danville
  • $65.2 million for work on IL Rt. 47 in Kendall County
  • $27.8 million for resurfacing and bridge work on I-72/US 51 in Decatur
  • $27.7 million for improvements to I-72 between New Berlin and Chatham Road in Sangamon County
  • $73.9 million for I-70 resurfacing and bridge repair in the Effingham area
  • $36.2 million for I-57 road and bridge work around Kankakee
  • $65 million for improvements to Route 104 in Morgan and Pike Counties

The improvement program also includes $1.85 billion for public transportation and $800 million for airports with $161 million for fiscal year 2015. Highlights include :

  • $60 million to re-establish passenger rail service, which includes a new station in South Elgin for the Chicago-Rockford-Dubuque Corridor in Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties
  • $585.1 million to purchase up to 160 Electric Highliner Metra Commuter Cars
  • $222 million to provide new intercity passenger rail service between Chicago and Moline for the Chicago-Quad Cities-Iowa City Corridor in Cook and DuPage Counties
  • $132.6 million for the Englewood Flyover to reduce Amtrak, Metra and freight passenger rail congestion
  • Funding to continue land acquisition and pursue final approval of the South Suburban Airport with the Federal Aviation Administration
  • $2.45 million to purchase four 35-foot diesel buses, three super medium duty diesel buses, eight medium duty diesel buses and one minivan for replacement for the Southeastern Illinois RIDES Mass Transit District

"We have made tremendous progress the past few years toward improving the state's transportation infrastructure," Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider said. "However, with federal revenue sources dwindling and the end in sight for Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! program, I look forward to supporting the Governor's call for a bipartisan working group to find ways to continue this progress."

"Replacing the functionally obsolete I-74 bridge across the Mississippi River will not only increase safety but it will create jobs and economic growth across our region," Congresswoman Cheri Bustos said. "I am encouraged that Governor Quinn has included this important project in this construction plan and I will continue to work with local, state and federal leaders to ensure it remains prioritized and continues to move forward."

For fiscal year 2015, which begins July 1, 2014, the program has allocated $1.88 billion for road projects, $1.85 billion for public transportation, $2.7 million for rail and $161 million for airport improvements. For the six years of the plan, a total of $5.82 billion is targeted to state highway system improvements with $2.77 billion going toward local transportation needs.

The plan includes $6.99 billion in anticipated federal funds, $1.16 billion in state funds and the remaining $450 million from local and other sources. The $158 million remaining for road and bridge projects from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program is also included in this multi-year program.

Projects that are part of the fiscal years 2015-2020 program will begin after July 1 of this year. Of those projects, IDOT is offering contractors a reimbursement rate of $15 an hour for hiring graduates of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program, an IDOT-sponsored initiative to encourage women and minorities to pursue careers in the transportation construction industry.

The Governor is also asking the Illinois General Assembly to form a bipartisan working group to establish the next capital bill to ensure our roads, rail, transit and airports receive additional funding to ensure they are reliable and efficient for the future. Thanks to the Illinois Jobs Now capital bill more than $15.12 billion has been invested in the state's highways system alone from January 2009 through March 2013, improving more than 7,700 miles of roadways and more than 1,330 bridges.

Today's announcement follows news yesterday that Standard and Poor's has joined the other two bond rating agencies in noting Illinois' progress in addressing its budget challenges. The agencies recognized the hard work the state has done to cut costs, pay down old bills and pass a comprehensive pension reform plan. Standard & Poor's, Moody's and Fitch agreed that Governor Quinn's proposed fiscal year 2015 Budget could bring long-term fiscal stability to Illinois.

The multi-year transportation program builds upon the success of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which is supporting more than 400,000 jobs over six years. It is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation. Prior to its passage by the Illinois General Assembly in 2009, Illinois had gone nearly a decade without a major program to address its critical infrastructure needs.

Plan highlights can be found at dot.il.gov.

###

10 Apr 2014

Rock Island Library Lines April 10th edition

By Rock Island Public Library

We've had so many interesting events come up in April, that we thought it was worth an update! To get library news directly in your email, sign up for Library eNews at http://rockislandlibrary.org/contact/get-notified-e-mail-your-library

Community Shred Day

10:00 am to noon, Saturday, April 12, Rock Island Main Library. Bring personal papers to be safely shredded by Document Destruction and Recycling Services, a division of City Carton. This is a drive-up, drop-off event provided as part of the Rock Island Library's participation in Money Smart Week Quad Cities.

Shredding personal papers helps protect your financial identity! For confidentiality, papers are collected in locked bins by bonded DDRS representatives and shredded under video monitoring at the DDRS plant in Davenport. No shredding onsite. Staples and paper clips do not have to be removed.

For more details, contact Rock Island Library at 309-732-READ (7323).

Know Your iPad/Tablet

2:30 pm, April 14, Main Library. Free program with tips and tricks on using your iPad or other computer tablet. Bring your device! No registration required.

Download eBooks/audiobooks

2:00 pm, April 15, Main Library. Learn how to use the library's services to get free ebooks/audiobooks for your eReader, tablet, smartphone or MP3 player. No registration required. Bring your device and your library card to make this a hands-on event.
Celebrating Shakespeare with Prenzie Players

William Shakespeare turns 450 this April! Join us at 6:30 pm on April 15 at the Main Library for an entertaining look at how the Prenzie Players present shows such as King Lear in innovative ways.
Shakespeare's Life in His Works, with Don Wooten

6:00 pm, April 22, Main Library. William Shakespeare turns 450 years old this April, and to celebrate, we're bringing in local expert Don Wooten. A careful look at Shakespeare's plays reveals what we think about his early life in Stratford. Free.

Download This! How to on Downloading Library Content

6:30 pm, April 16, Main Library, Learn how to use free library services to download or stream free music, movies and magazines from library services Freegal Music, Freegal Movies/TV and Zinio for magazines. You can use these services if your library subscribes and you have a current library card.

10 Apr 2014

Local student artwork displayed in Senior Art Show

By Sam Schlouch

ROCK ISLAND, IL (04/09/2014)(readMedia)-- Twelve Augustana seniors majoring in art will display their work at the Augustana Teaching Museum of Art (3703 7th Ave., Rock Island, Ill.), as part of New Departures: Senior Art Show. The exhibition opens Tuesday, April 29, and runs through Sunday, May 25. The museum is open from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, and closed for final exams May 19-22.

The show exhibits work by studio art and graphic design majors who graduate this year. Displaying artwork in a variety of media, from painting and photography to quilting and video, the exhibition is the culmination of the students' Senior Inquiry process and overall academic experience. As the capstone project for every graduating Augustana student, Senior Inquiry encourages seniors to demonstrate the critical thinking and communication skills they've developed in their major and throughout their liberal arts education, and to reflect on the value of their work for their future profession and for the common good.

Each student has been guided by a faculty mentor and has worked countless hours to create and professionally display his or her original, completed work and progress during the past four years. The exhibiting artists will discuss their work in the Augustana Teaching Museum of Art's Centennial Hall gallery during a gallery talk at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7. The public also is invited to the graduation day reception for the exhibition from 12:45-2 p.m. on Sunday, May 25.

Projects by students from our area featured in the exhibition include :

Monica Hill of Carbon Cliff and Rajinder Kaur of Silvis

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. The college is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 149 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

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