Congressman calls on State Department to work to resolve delayed adoptions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Washington, D.C. - After learning of the situation faced by a Dubuque couple who are adopting two children from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) yesterday wrote Secretary of State John Kerry, urging the State Department to work with the Congolese government to resolve the situation.

"The Peats and other Iowa families have jumped through so many obstacles in order to provide a child with a loving home?and what's happening to them isn't fair," Braley said. "I'm hopeful the State Department can help finalize these adoptions and end this foot-dragging by the DRC that's causing families like the Peats so much pain."

 

Many families throughout the United States have completed the adoption process in the DRC courts. They were then granted their adoption visa by the United States. However, the DRC suddenly refused to issue exit letters, which is the final step allowing families to bring their children to the United States.

"I urge you to put pressure on the DRC government to have the moratorium on exit letters lifted," Braley wrote.

Last October, Braley introduced the Children in Families First Act which helps streamline the adoption process by removing unnecessary bureaucratic barriers to international adoptions.

In 2012, Braley introduced the Making Adoption Affordable Act to make the adoption tax credit permanent.

The letter to Secretary Kerry is available HERE.

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Per the request of the Scott County Fire Chief Association, a county-wide open burn ban will be effective at 6:00 PM this evening.

Below find a copy of the proclamation and an excerpt from the Iowa Code which identifies exception to this ban (recreational fires, etc.)

IOWA CODE SECTION 100.40

100.40 Marshal may prohibit open burning on request.

  1. The state fire marshal, during periods of extremely dry conditions or under other conditions when the state fire marshal finds open burning constitutes a danger to life or property, may prohibit open burning in an area of the state at the request of the chief of a local fire department, a city council or a board of supervisors and when an investigation supports the need for the prohibition. The state fire marshal shall implement the prohibition by issuing a proclamation to persons in the affected area. The chief of a local fire department, the city council or the board of supervisors that requested the prohibition may rescind the proclamation after notifying the state fire marshal of the intent to do so, when the chief, city council or board of supervisors finds that the conditions responsible for the issuance of the proclamation no longer exist.

  1. Violation of a prohibition issued under this section is a simple misdemeanor.

3. A proclamation issued by the state fire marshal pursuant to this section shall not prohibit a supervised, controlled burn for which a permit has been issued by the fire chief of the fire district where the burn will take place, the use of outdoor fireplaces, barbecue grills, properly supervised landfills, or the burning of trash in incinerators or trash burners made of metal, concrete, masonry, or heavy one-inch wire mesh, with no openings greater than one square inch.

 

 

 


April is Public Health Month! The Scott County Health Department is kicking off its celebration during National Public Health Week, April 7 through April 13. This year's campaign, "This Is Public Health", is designed to highlight all the work being done to prevent disease, protect against injury, and promote healthy behaviors.

"This Is Public Health" is not about reciting the definition of public heath, but about opening the community's eyes to the public health happening every day. Each week in April Scott County Health Department will feature a different public health service area. We encourage the community to visit us on our website and on Facebook to see public health in action. Look for the red, "This is Public Health" sticker and pictures of public health happening in Scott County all through April!

All proceeds of second annual event will benefit Bandit Scholars Program

DAVENPORT, Iowa (April 9, 2014) - The second annual Bandits Race to Home 5K presented by Palmer Chiropractic Clinics, a one-of-a-kind run, walk and Fun Run event, is set for Saturday at 8 a.m. The Quad Cities River Bandits announced details Tuesday for the unique race and community gathering that gives all proceeds to the non-profit Bandit Scholars Program, which funds two college scholarships each year for Quad Cities youth and is administered by the Community Foundation.

The unique route of the five-kilometer run and walk will begin at Modern Woodmen Park at 8 a.m., cross the Centennial Bridge into Rock Island, Ill., and the Rock Island Arsenal Bridge back into Davenport before ending at home plate inside Modern Woodmen Park. A Fun Run for children 12 years and younger, with River Bandits mascot Rascal, will also take place at approximately 9:15 a.m. Every 5K registration includes a T-shirt, and every participant in the 5K and Fun Run will receive two free tickets to the River Bandits game of their choice during the month of April. Registration is available at www.riverbandits.com/5K, through Thursday, April 10.

"With outstanding participation last spring, the people of the Quad Cities made the first Bandits Race to Home 5K the perfect start to the River Bandits season and a fantastic event to benefit our non-profit Bandit Scholars Program," said team owner Dave Heller. "For the same affordable price in the 2014 race, Quad Cities runners and walkers will again enjoy a unique race experience and a free River Bandits game while supporting the Bandit Scholars Program that pays the entire cost of tuition for two Quad Cities area students to go to college."

The 5K registration fee of $27 includes a T-shirt and a ticket to a 2014 River Bandits game. Fun Run registration for children ages 12 and younger is $17, or $22 with a T-shirt. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Bandit Scholars Program, which annually awards the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship and the Bandit Scholarship. Each scholarship pays the entire first-year college tuition for two Quad Cities-area students.

Packet pick-up will be available at Modern Woodmen Park from on Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, as well as before the race Saturday, April 12, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Individual prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers, as well as to the top three males and females in each age group, each of the 13 age groups - 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59 and 60-plus.

A post-race party with results announcements and awards will include free adjustments from Palmer Chiropractic Clinics. Participants will receive two complimentary post-race beverages, as well as complimentary snacks. Non-participants may make a donation to the Bandit Scholars Program to enjoy the post-race snacks and beverages.

Any questions about the race can be directed to Alexandria Sheffler at alex@riverbandits.com.

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.

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Estate Planner Shares Tips for Avoiding a 2008-style Disaster during the 'Distribution' Years

After the 2008 economic meltdown, when the stock market fell 37 percent, veteran financial advisor Curt Whipple says he met with clients from outside financial institutions who'd lost 50 to 60 percent of their portfolio in a single year.

"Almost no one foresaw what happened that year, and I doubt very much that many will foresee a collapse if it happens again," says Whipple, a Certified Wealth Strategist, Certified Estate Planner and CEO of C. Curtis Financial Group.

"Regardless, there are eight indicators that you can focus on that will help you identify whether or not you're taking too much risk in your portfolio and if your retirement plan is in danger."

Whipple, who recently published "Retiree Lifeline! How to Get Government Out of Your Pocket," (www.ccurtisfinancial.com), a retirement planning guide, reviews the six danger signs from 2008 to watch out for in 2014.

• You either looked at your accounts every day OR you wouldn't look at them at all. In 2008, people couldn't believe what was happening to their portfolios. They looked at their account every day - an exercise in masochism - as their advisors told them either, "just hang in there," or reminded them that the market is a long-term investment that cyclically rises and falls. That advice led them to stop looking at their accounts, which was as bad as looking at them every day, as their advisor told them to just hold on.

• You lost more than 15 to 20 percent of your investments' value in 2008. That indicates you had too many risky investments. It's important to know what level of risk you're comfortable with - generally speaking, the younger you are, the riskier you can be. However, risk is also a personal decision. Make sure you and your advisor are on the same page regarding risk tolerance. That will require your advisor taking the time to explain your investments and how they're diversified.

• Your broker or financial advisor fails to call you regularly. You should get a call every quarter from your advisor to review and discuss your account. The only time this should not be the case is if you specifically request to be contacted less frequently.

• Your portfolio is tied mostly to Wall Street or stocks, bonds and mutual funds. If each investment you have is one or all of the above, then your investments are not truly diversified. In addition to those investments, you should consider alternative investments like Real Estate Trusts (REITS), and your accounts should feature some kind of guarantee.

• You depend on your bond portfolio to protect you in hard times. We are living in a new financial era; bonds now have an inverse relationship to interest rates, which are so low now that they will invariably increase in the future. As interest rates rise, bonds will decline in value. That's why using bonds as your only alternative to a falling market is a dangerous idea.

• You excessively worry about money. Your fear may be based in reality if you have a number of risky investments; if you really don't understand what you are invested in; or if you don't have a clear plan to achieve your financial objectives.

About Curt Whipple, CWS, CEP

Curt Whipple is the author of "Retiree Lifeline! How to Get Government Out of Your Pocket," (www.ccurtisfinancial.com). A Certified Wealth Strategist (CWS) and Certified Estate Planner (CEP), he is Chief Managing Partner at the C. Curtis Financial Group, which he formed in 1986. Since then, Curtis Financial Group has counseled and advised individuals and corporations on their financial goals and decisions. Whipple is a nationally recognized speaker.

The U.P. Trappers Association is hosting the 55th Annual National Trappers Association Convention and Outdoor Show July 24 - 27 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, Michigan.

This impressive National Convention has only been in Michigan's Upper Peninsula once before - and that was 41 years ago!

Many family-friendly events are planned to enhance the convention experience.  The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Pocket Park will be open for kids to enjoy supervised activities such as fishing, target practice.  The MDNR will also have a Portable Laser Shooting Range set up with computerized games of skill.

The Award winning Growing U.P. Foresters Exhibit will be open for all to enjoy and learn about paper-making, the forest products industry, and the great outdoors.

Evoking the feel of a by-gone era, U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Village will be open to visitors for an interactive learning experience.  Local artisans will be on hand to demonstrate traditional handicrafts such as glass blowing, knitting, spinning, weaving, quilting, pottery and woodcarving.  Many of these goods are available to purchase.  The Village also features a blacksmith shop, granary, barber shop, general store, cook shack and ice cream parlor.

Other planned activities include two wild-fur fashion shows (with top professional models), a Saturday night dance, a fund-raising auction, trapping and calling demos, trap setting contests, women's skillet toss, and hundreds of vendors selling trapping supplies, gadgets, crafts and antiques. For the ATV enthusiast a huge Polaris ATV display and Michigan's only ATV practical skills track facility will be open for demo use as well as student training. Bus tours to some of the beautiful wonders of the Upper Peninsula such as Fayette State Park, Big Springs, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as well, as a "wine & dine" tour to a couple of the area's fine wineries, will be available to the general public (for a registration fee).

This huge national show is open to the general public and provides an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the world of trapping and all that the great outdoors has to offer.  Admission is only $10 for all four days with 12 and under admitted free!  Where else can you get so much for so little?  For further information or vendor inquiries contact Tamara Masterson/Convention Coordinator at 248-568-5804, masterson@nationaltrappers.com or for more details visit www.uptrappers.com or www.nationaltrappers.com

Quad Cities loses early 2-0 lead and cannot complete comeback in road trip opener

LANSING, Mich. (April 8, 2014) - Lansing Lugnuts second baseman Dickie Joe Thon blooped a one-out RBI single to shallow right field in the bottom of the ninth inning to give his team a 5-4, walk-off win in its home opener over the Quad Cities River Bandits at Cooley Law School Stadium Tuesday night.

The game entered the ninth inning tied, 4-4, after Quad Cities (2-3) scored twice in the eighth inning. In the top of the ninth, River Bandits right fielder James Ramsay hit a leadoff single to right field against Lugnuts right-hander Jimmy Cordero (1-0) and advanced to second base on a sacrifice by center fielder Brett Phillips. But Cordero retired shortstop Jack Mayfield on a popup and first baseman Conrad Gregor on a groundout to end the inning. Quad Cities left nine runners on base and went 3-for-14 with runners in scoring position.

River Bandits right-hander Andrew Walter (0-1) started the ninth inning with back-to-back walks to right fielder Derrick Loveless and catcher Santiago Nessy. Left fielder Ian Parmley then sacrificed both runners before Thon blooped an 0-1 pitch for a game-winning RBI. It was the first run against Walter in his first 15 career innings in the Midwest League.

Quad Cities reached the scoreboard in the first inning, when Ramsay hit a leadoff single, stole second and third bases, and scored on Mayfield's RBI double against right-hander Tom Robson. In the third inning, Mayfield drew a walk, advanced on two wild pitches, and scored on a balk by left-hander Alonzo Gonzalez.

River Bandits starter Chris Lee preserved the 2-0 lead by allowing only one hit in the first four innings. But he allowed two hits and a one-out walk to load the bases in the fifth. Left-hander Chris Cotton relieved Lee and escaped the jam by inducing a groundout and lineout.

In the sixth inning, Lansing (2-3) broke through against right-hander Andrew Thurman. Center fielder D.J. Davis hit a leadoff home run down the right-field line to cut the lead to 2-1. Third baseman Mitch Nay walked, and shortstop Dawel Lugo and first baseman Matt Dean each hit singles, with the latter tying the game, 2-2. Thurman fanned Loveless but threw a wild pitch that moved two runners into scoring position, and Nessy grounded a two-run single down the third-base line to make it 4-2. Right-hander Tyler Brunnemann came on in relief and retired all seven batters he faced.

In the eighth inning, the River Bandits rallied against right-hander Roberto Espinosa. Mayfield drew a walk and moved to second base on a passed ball. Third baseman Tyler White then singled to center field to score Mayfield, and second baseman Austin Elkins later singled to extend his five-game hitting streak and chase Espinosa. Cordero entered to face catcher Jobduan Morales, who grounded a sharp single into right field that scored pinch runner Chan-Jong Moon for the tying run.

The inter-division series continues at 6:05 p.m. Central on Wednesday, when River Bandits right-hander Jandel Gustave (1-0) is scheduled to face Lugnuts right-hander Alberto Tirado (0-0).

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 this spring, 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.

*****

$1 Dogs/$1 Beer Friday, Outdoor Pre-Game Party Saturday

 

Mallards Kick Off Three Games in Four Nights Tomorrow with $2 Tickets, Rally Towel Giveaway

 

MOLINE, Ill. (April 8, 2014) - The Return of $1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday presented by 97X and an outdoor pre-game party Saturday night highlight a week that will see the Quad City Mallards hit the ice for three playoff games in four nights at the iWireless Center.

The Mallards tomorrow night at 7:05 p.m. play their first home postseason game of 2014.  The Mallards will meet the Rapid City Rush in game three of the best-of-seven opening round of the Central Hockey League President's Cup playoffs having split the first two games of the series last weekend in Rapid City.  All tickets to tomorrow night's game other than glass seats are available for just $2.  In addition, the first 3,000 fans through the doors for tomorrow night's game will receive free Mallards playoff rally towels.

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.  While Friday's contest will face off at 7:05 p.m., iWireless Center doors will open at 6:00 p.m. and $1 beers will be available at arena concession stands from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  $1 hot dogs will be available throughout the game.

The Mallards have also partnered with Metro, which provides earlier service on the Route 59 between Augustana College and downtown Moline during Friday home games.  The Route 59 will make one trip from campus to downtown Moline prior to the game (arriving at 5th Avenue and 15th Street at 6:30 p.m.) and will resume service from downtown to campus every 30 minutes from 10:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.  Regular Metro fares are just $1 one-way or $2 round-trip.  As part of Metro's unlimited ride program, Augustana riders can use their Augustana ID as their fare.  Visit www.gogreenmetro.com or www.facebook.com/53and59 for more information.

The Mallards and Rush will meet again for game five Saturday evening, and once more the festivities at the iWireless Center will kick off well before the 7:05 p.m. faceoff.  Fans are invited to join the fun at the outdoor pregame party beginning at 5:00 p.m. Saturday.  Not only will the pregame party feature a beer garden, music and 97X broadcasting live outside the iWireless Center but fans will also have the chance to meet and get autographs from former Mallard greats Kerry Toporowski, Steve Gibson, Carl LeBlanc and Andy Fermoyle.  Tickets for Friday and Saturday night's games are available for $7, $10 and $25.

Mallards playoff tickets can be purchased 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.

 

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.

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SPRINGFIELD - April 8, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today issued the following statement recognizing Equal Pay Day and efforts to create pay equity in Illinois.

"Women are shattering glass ceilings, running billion dollar companies and holding some of the highest elected offices in the country, yet a truly unfair pay gap still exists. A recently released report by the American Association of University Women found women working full time in the United States typically were paid just 77 percent of what men were paid. It's time for a change.

"Over 50 years ago, President John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act of 1963 in an effort to end wage disparity based on gender. We have come a long way, but we still have a very long way to go. Our daughters and granddaughters should be paid the same as our sons and grandsons.

"Equal Pay Day was created as a public awareness event to illustrate the gap between men's and women's wages. April 8 represents the day when women's earnings finally catch up to men's from the previous year.

"With women making up 55 percent of the nation's minimum wage workers, increasing the minimum wage can help reduce the pay gap. I am supporting Senate Bill 68 to raise the minimum wage to $10.65 over the next three years to create opportunities, encourage pay equity and stimulate our state's economy."

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Wage Gap Still Exists Between Women and Men in the Workplace

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today joined local elected officials to recognize Equal Pay Day and raise awareness of the disparity that remains between workplace earnings among women and men. This date, proclaimed by the Governor and designated by the Illinois General Assembly, marks how far into the current year a woman must work, on average, to earn as much as a man earned the previous year. Today's observance is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive economic growth and ensure that all Illinois workers are treated fairly.

"If someone does the same work, they should earn the same pay," Governor Quinn said. "Yet here we are in 2014 - 51 years after President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act - and women on average still don't earn as much as their male counterparts in the workplace. We won't be satisfied until all workers are equally compensated for the same work, regardless of their gender. When women succeed, our economy grows."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois women still earn just 78 cents of every dollar earned by Illinois men based on the median weekly earnings of full-time workers. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) enforces the Illinois Equal Pay Act, which was enacted to help close the wage gap between men and women.  IDOL has successfully recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in back wages for women who were paid less than their male co-workers for doing the same work, which is prohibited under the Act.

"Our Department has helped Illinois workers recover wages they lost as a result of gender-based pay discrimination," IDOL Director Joseph Costigan said. "Through rigorous enforcement, we will continue to ensure fair pay in the workplace."

Since the law went into effect in 2004, the Department has received 709 complaints and of the investigations completed to date, has recovered more than $690,000 in back wages for workers who did not receive equal pay for equal work.

Illinois' Equal Pay Act prohibits employers with four or more employees from paying unequal wages to men and women doing the same or substantially similar work, requiring equal skill, effort, responsibility and under similar working conditions. The law protects both men and women and any individual who files an equal pay complaint is protected under the Act from harassment or retaliation. If an employer is found guilty of pay discrimination, they will be required to make up the wage difference to the employee and may be subject to pay legal costs and civil fines of up to $2,500 per violation.

Today's Equal Pay Day observance is the latest in Governor Quinn's drive to protect and empower women in Illinois. The Governor's actions to support women and equal rights include :

  • Fought for and signed a law amending the Equal Pay Act to give victims of underpayment more time to address their claims.
  • Launched the innovative Birth to Five Initiative in his 2014 State of the State address to expand access to prenatal care; early care and learning opportunities for every child; and strong parent support.
  • Leading the charge to increase the state's minimum wage to at least $10 per hour - six in ten minimum wage workers in Illinois are female.
  • In his 2014 State of the State address, proposed a minimum of two days of earned sick leave per year for 2.5 million Illinois workers, 78 percent of whom are women, who have no sick leave.
  • Launched the first ever Women Owned Business Symposium.

For more information on Illinois' Equal Pay Act or to file a complaint, call the Illinois Department of Labor's Equal Pay hotline at 1-866-EPA-IDOL. Complaint forms are also available to download on the Department's website: Labor.Illinois.gov.

 

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