28 Mar 2014

Braley: 'It's time the Pentagon hears from Iowa' on Proposed National Guard Cuts

By Rick Martin

Congressman will turn over comments from Iowans to Pentagon next week  

   

Washington, D.C. - After receiving hundreds of impassioned responses from people all over the state opposed to cuts to the Iowa National Guard, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) today is announcing that he will turn over those personal stories to Secretary Chuck Hagel at the Department of Defense next Thursday, April 3?leaving just one more week for Iowans to express their opposition to those cuts.  

   

"From reading the responses I've already received, it's clear Iowans appreciate and need the service and protection the Iowa National Guard provides," Braley said. "The Iowa National Guard bravely and selflessly serves Iowa's communities and our nation every single day, and I'm glad so many Iowans spoke out in support of the Guard. It's time the Pentagon hears from Iowa on this issue."

   

Braley has already received hundreds of responses from Iowans on the proposed cuts to the Iowa National Guard including personal stories of the positive impact the Guard has had on families and communities during times of natural disasters and conflicts abroad.

Additional stories can be shared on his website at: braley.house.gov

Earlier this month, Braley asked Iowans to share their experiences and thoughts regarding the Iowa National Guard in the wake of proposed cuts.

Braley has been a consistent advocate for Iowa's National Guard. In February, Braley sent a letter to US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel outlining his opposition to cuts to Iowa's National Guard forces as the Department of Defense looks to reduce spending. 

In December of 2012 he joined Rep. Tom Latham in efforts to block cuts to the Des Moines Air National Guard.

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28 Mar 2014

WQPT'S ANNUAL READY-TO-LEARN CONFERENCE COMING APRIL 26

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL -- WQPT, Quad Cities PBS, in partnership with Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, the Child Abuse Council, Child Care Resource & Referral, the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency, Quad Cities Association for the Education of Young Children and Rock Island County Regional Office of Education, is offering a conference on early childhood Saturday, April 26 at the WIU-QC Riverfront campus.

The annual conference, which will be held from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., features 18 different breakout sessions for parents, childcare providers and childhood professionals.  Topics include assessing and building oral language, the autism spectrum, drum circle rhythms, early math, home environments, physical and creative movement, preventing behavior problems, 3-D art, using non-fiction literature and many other topics related to early childhood development.

The registration fee is $25, which includes three workshops, a light breakfast and a free children's book. All conference participants will receive a training certificate. CEU/CPDU credits and/or a college credit course through Black Hawk College are available for an addition fee.

For more information or to download a registration form, visit wqpt.org/rtl or phone (309) 764-2400.

WQPT has served eastern Iowa and western Illinois for 30 years and is a media service of Western Illinois University.

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28 Mar 2014

Davenport Service Fair Open to the Public

By Rita Rawson, East Bluff Neighborhood Association

The Community Service Fair is a free opportunity for Davenport residents to get together to interact with each other and with various organizations that serve the community.  The purpose of the service fair is to raise awareness of programs and services which are available to the residents of Davenport.

The Community Service Fair will be at The Center at 1411 Brady Street on Saturday, April 26, 2014 from 10 AM to 2 PM.  Refreshments will be served and we will also have raffle prize giveaways for both table sponsors and the general public.  This event is hosted by the East Bluff Neighborhood Association and East Side Neighborhood Association and sponsored by The Center.

28 Mar 2014

Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin visit Oklahoma City bombing memorial donated by Iowans

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad yesterday joined Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin in visiting a grove of trees the people of Iowa donated to the victims of the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City. This is the first time that Branstad has returned to view the bombing memorial tree garden since he took part in a dedication ceremony in November 1995. 

"After the bombing in Oklahoma City in 1995, the governor's office worked with Iowa citizens to pay tribute to the victims of this horrific act in Oklahoma," said Branstad. "We remembered that two years prior to the bombing, Oklahomans graciously donated food and water to Iowans affected by the 1993 floods. I was honored to be able to pay my respects to the victims of the bombing and visit the grove that Iowans so generously donated during a difficult time for Oklahomans."

The idea for the grove came from former Iowa State Horticulturist Dan Cooper. Horticulture students from Iowa community colleges and Iowa State University planted the trees. The Iowa State Horticulture Society partnered with Iowa citizens and businesses to raise funds to cover the costs of the planting.

A November 17, 1995, article published by The Oklahoman described the grove of trees stating, "When the linden trees are mature, their tops will form a thick green canopy. The trees have a nondescript yellow bloom but it has a marvelous spicy fragrance."  

   

The article continued, "[T]he crab apple trees, which will be planted in a horseshoe shape in the center of the grove, have a dark pinkish-red blossom. They will be planted around a large piece of red marble, salvaged from the rubble of the Murrah Building, being placed in the center of the grove. On it will be a plaque dedicating the grove as a gift from the Iowa State Horticulture Society."

"Oklahomans will never forget the outpouring of support from across the country that helped us cope with the senseless and cold-blooded attack on the Murrah Building," Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said. "Acts of kindness provided hope during those dark days. We are grateful for the many Iowans who donated their time and resources to design and plant a bombing memorial garden at the Oklahoma state Capitol."

Branstad is visiting Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for a National Governor's Association conference on education and the workforce. Fallin, who was Oklahoma's lieutenant governor when the grove was planted, invited Branstad to visit the memorial.

Photos of the visit are available on Gov. Branstad's website. Photos are courtesy of Michael McNutt, Press Secretary in the Office of Governor Mary Fallin.

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28 Mar 2014

Public Safety Manager Jeff Patterson has released the following statement regarding yesterday's arrest.

By Rick Martin

On March 27th, at approximately 4:53am, officers with the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) were conducting routine screening at the Quad City International Airport checkpoint when they observed a firearm inside a carry-on bag. It was determined that the bag belonged to a subject later identified as John D. Van Epps, age 58, of Cumming, Ga..

Metropolitan Airport Authority Police Officers responded and took Van Epps into custody. A search of the carry-on bag revealed a loaded Walther PPK .380 handgun.

Van Epps was charged with Unlawful Use of Weapons and confined at the Rock Island County Jail. Bond was set at $5000.00, 10% applies.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

28 Mar 2014

Shriners Media Day

By Carl Van Keuren
A short reminder that the KAABA Shrine Fraternity will be observing the Media Day on Tuesday, April 1, time 11:00 to 1:00.
Media Day is when the football players and cheerleaders who have been chosen to play in the North/South football game to be held in Cedar Falls on July 26th in the UNI dome, are recognized for their achievements.
The Representative of your company will be recognized during the lunch as supporting and publicizing this event in their lives, and would be most welcome to have your representative have lunch on us and get to know these fine ladies and gentlemen.
28 Mar 2014

Call for Artists - Studio E Art Therapy Program

By Monta Ponsetto

QUAD CITIES - The Epilepsy Foundation of the Quad Cities is hosting "Studio E" The Epilepsy Art Therapy Program and is now taking applications through May 1, 2014. Studio E gives people living with epilepsy the chance to take part in multiple art therapy sessions with licensed therapist, Mollie Schmelzer, MS Ed, LMHC.  Space is limited and the art therapy is reserved for only those who have been diagnosed with epilepsy.    

Art therapy can help people sift through feelings that are sometimes too difficult to verbalize. The creative process of art can help resolve conflicts, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress and much more. 

Living with epilepsy can be challenging and art therapy may be beneficial in working through how the condition impacts an individual's life. Through this multi-week art therapy program, participants are given the opportunity to creatively express themselves and their emotions.

Studio E helps artists come together as a community through epilepsy and art

For more information on how you can apply to participate in Studio E or to learn more about the program, contact the Epilepsy Foundation at 309.373.0377 or email to efqc@efncil.org. 

Epilepsy affects 65 million people worldwide.  Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the U.S. after migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease. Its prevalence is greater than autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease combined.  1 in 26 will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime:  that translates to over 14,700 individuals in our Quad Cities region.

28 Mar 2014

Quad City Health Initiative Elects New Leaders

By E. Plumb
The Quad City Health Initiative (QCHI) is proud to announce that Ms. Karla Steele has been elected to serve as the new Chair of the QCHI Board. Ms. Steele is an Attorney and Shareholder of Califf & Harper P.C. where she is engaged in the general practice of law. Ms. Steele joined the QCHI Board in 2011, and has served on the Executive Committee and as Vice Chair. "I'm honored to be asked to lead this community board," Ms. Steele says. "Our community's vitality depends upon securing the health and well-being of its community members. Together, we can make great improvements in our community's health status and quality of life."

QCHI is also pleased to announce the following elections to the QCHI Board: Mr. Tony Fuhrmeister, Store Director, HyVee Silvis; Mr. Jason Gordon, Director of Engagement, Community Health Charities; and Mr. Brad Martell, CEO, Scott County Family YMCA. 

"The election of these three experienced community leaders will enhance our ability to create a "culture of wellness" that supports healthy eating and active living in the Quad Cities," says Ms. Nicole Carkner, QCHI Executive Director. 

The Quad City Health Initiative is a cross-sector community partnership working to create a healthy community. A 25-member community Board oversees the organization, which was established in 1999. The Initiative seeks to be our community's recognized leader for creating collaborative action on health and abides by the core values of commitment, collaboration and creativity. Major financial support for QCHI is currently provided by the generous direct and in-kind investments of Genesis Health System and UnityPoint Health Trinity. In 2013, additional financial support was provided by Deere & Company, KJWW, Davenport Eye Group, Mississippi Valley Health, Modern Woodmen of America, Quad City Bank and Trust, Royal Neighbors of America, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, ILLOWA Construction and Labor Management Council, United Way of the Quad Cities Area, Scott County Health Department, Rock Island County Health Department and Molyneaux Insurance.

For more information, please call 563-421-2815 or visit our website atwww.qchealthinitiative.org.
28 Mar 2014

A Better Illinois Unveils New Fair Tax Calculator Based on Actual Rates

By Neal Waltmire

At www.FairTaxCut.com, Illinoisans can see how much less (or more) they will pay under the Fair Tax rate structure introduced this week by chief sponsor Sen. Don Harmon

Chicago, IL - Today, A Better Illinois coalition unveiled the Illinois Fair Tax Calculator based on the Fair Tax rate structure proposed this week by chief sponsor Sen. Don Harmon.  Harmon's rates would cut taxes for 94% of Illinoisans, including everyone earning up to $200,000.

The Illinois Fair Tax Calculator, found at www.FairTaxCut.com, allows citizens to type in their income and the number of people in their household to determine the size of their tax cut, or tax increase, compared to the current flat rate.

This is an important distinction - as opponents of a Fair Tax have released numerous calculators using fabricated rate structures, inaccurate baselines, and other inputs that simply lie and tell citizens their taxes will go up, no matter what income they enter.

Unlike the current flat rate, the rate structure proposed this week is a Fair Tax, with lower rates for lower incomes and higher rates for higher incomes.  It includes the following marginal tax rates:

Illinois Fair Tax Proposed Rates By Bracket

1st Bracket

$0-$12,500

2.9%

2nd Bracket

$12,500-$180,000

4.9%

3rd Bracket

$180,000 & Above

6.9%

 

 

 

 

 

 

CNBC describes marginal tax rates as "what's happening at the 'margins' or ends of someone's income, not on the total income. Simply put, someone's income is divided into sections of amounts and those sections each have a different marginal tax rate."

So for example, a person making the median Illinois income of $55,137 does not pay 4.9% on their entire income.  They would pay 2.9% on the first $12,500 of taxable income (the first $2,100, known as a standard deduction, is not taxed).  Their remaining income after $14,600 is taxed at the 4.9%.

This Illinois Fair Tax Calculator allows citizens to determine their tax savings or additional tax burden - honestly and without cooked formulas designed to mislead - in a matter of seconds.

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28 Mar 2014

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 3/28/2014

By LeClaire Chamber

March 24th - 29th - Bier Stube Week-long Anniversary Celebration! Daily food, drink specials, raffles! Friday March 28th - Old 57's band, 9pm-1am.Saturday March 29th- Karaoke, 9pm-1am. We want to thank Leclaire for 5 amazing years! Please join us for this celebration! We will continue to have karaoke every Friday 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. Docks ready to go by mid-April! Lent features through April 21st!

Mar 28th - Masonic Center LeClaire - Dinner 6:30 - 7p.m.

 

March 31st - Faithful Pilot - Beer Glass Vino Vaso! All things beer, beer steins, beer boots, beer glassware!  A different take on Vino Vaso! Make reservations Vino Vaso's Facebook Page

 

Beginning April 1st - Interiors by the Sewing Room "Celebration of Light Savings Event" offering a Rebate promotion on select Hunter Douglas shades. Give your windows a fresh look and save some money along the way. Call 309-755-0045, or stop in for details!

 

April 1st - 12th - Expressions In Threads Celebrates Expansion and 10th Anniversary Grand Reopening! Special Sales all days. Saturday April 5th - Janome Sewing Machine educator will demonstrate the Janome 15000 embroidery machine.

 

April 2nd - Celebration Belle Begins 2014 Cruising Season April 2nd - October 31st.  Make reservations online at www.celebrationbelle.com or call 1-800-297-0034

 

April 4th - Frist Friday 5-8p.m.

Mississippi River Distilling Company - Honey Whiskey is back! Food and Spirit Tastings www.mrdistilling.com

 

Wide River Winery - Wine Samples. www.wideriverwinery.com

Faithful Pilot - Live Music - The Matriarchs - 7:30

Aunt Hattie's - Come in for a red velvet cupcake!

Razzleberries - Booze cake while it lasts!

Restaurants and several shops will be open late!

 

April 4th-5th - Girls Getaway Weekend 2014! Dinner and Fashion Show at Steventon's. The mid-west's funniest standup comic, Bobby Ray Bunch. Top Chef Winner, Robert Day cooking class. Carissa Evens hosts a Beauty Boot Camp by BC Mobile Spas. Prize Drawing every hour 11am to 4pm.  Wine tastings at the Wide River Winery and Grasshoppers. Free tour at the Mississippi Distilling Company. Wine & Murder Mystery Game. Goodie bag and more! $45 per person. Sign up: www.Leclairegirlsgetaway2014.com

 

April 5th - LeClaire Community Library - Adult Basket Weaving Program10:30am-1:30pm. Call the library at (563)289-4242, ext. 4 to reserve your spot!

 

April 5th-12th LeClaire Community Library - Money Smart Week - "Dash for the Stash" The DASH for the Stash will be Scavenger hunt played at nearly 100 libraries and other locations across the state. The statewide winner will be awarded $1,000 to open or add to a retirement investment account. Stop by or call the Library for more information!

April 8th - Chamber Networking Lunch - Riverview Roadhouse noon. Presentation by Junior Achievement of the Quad Cities. Everyone welcome!

 

April 9th - LeClaire Community Library - Annual Friends of the Library Spelling Bee. Stop by the library or call after March 27th for more details about this popular program.

 

April 15th - LeClaire Community Library Children's Local Author Jill Esbaum will be visiting the library as part of our celebration for National Library Week! Jill will read one of her own books at 6:30pm and will talk about the importance of reading and writing. She will stay after to answer any questions and sign books.

April 23rd: - LeClaire Community Library - Estate Planning with Community Foundation of the Great River Bend 6pm. This event is free and open to anyone in the community.

 

April 8th - Chamber Networking Lunch - Riverview Roadhouse noon. Guest speaker and presentation by Junior Achievement of the Quad Cities.

 

April 12th - Dahl Ford's 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt! 11am-2pm. Easter Bunny, Bounce House, Face Painting and more! Three different hunts for (1-2 yrs old, inside) (3-5 years old) and (6-12 years old). Rain or shine, no rain date. Admission is non perishable food item to be donated to the Riverbend Food Bank. Please bring no more than two (2) adults per child.

 

April 19th - Trivia Night in LeClaire - Benefits Buffalo Bill Museum. LeClaire Civic Club. Doors open 6:30pm; game starts 7pm. $10 per person.  Bring your own, or purchase refreshments.  Brisket dinner also available for purchase. Seewww.LeClaireCivicClub.org for details and to register!

April 20th - Easter Sunday - First Presbyterian Church, LeClaire Two worship times, 8 and 10a.m. Free Easter Breakfast at 9a.m.

 

April 20th - Bier Stube - Easter Sunday Breakfast - 8-11a.m. Great menu, bottomless Bloody Mary's and Mimosas available. Make reservations today!

 

April 20th - Faithful Pilot - Easter Brunch 2 seatings, 10:00 & 12:30 - 3 course brunch for $30.00.  No coupons, or gift certificates valid.

 

April 21st - Economic Development Meeting LeClaire City Hall - 8-9:30 a.m.

 

Save the Date

May 2nd - First Friday in LeClaire

 

May 14th - Spring Concert at the LeClaire Community Library with 'Spiked Lobelia'. 6pm. Spiked Lobelia says they are both a prairie flower and a band, "Old time country/Irish/Bluegrass/eclectic goodness through & through". Bring a snack and friends for this fun family-friendly event in the brick courtyard outside the library, weather permitting. (Rain location is inside the library).

 

FYI

From Riverbend Signworks We're pleased to announce our first GiveAway contest! http://riverbendsignworks.com/giveaway/ Win a chance to secure some free signage from Riverbend Signworks!

Ascentra Credit Union was recently honored with six Diamond Awards for marketing and business development achievements in the credit union industry. Awards were presented by the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) Marketing and Business Development Council at the annual conference, March 12-15, Orlando, Fla.

August 10th - LeClaire Community Night, Modern Woodman Ball Park.Game time 5:00pm, River Bandits/Beloit Snappers. Mayor Bob Scannell will throw first pitch! A night to celebrate businesses and folks of Leclaire. Awards or special on-field recognition can be done followed by short video on mega-tron highlighting special places and faces in LeClaire filmed the week before. Businesses or groups interested in participating may contact Amanda Henzen, Account Executive and Director of Merchandise 563.333.2729 amandah@riverbandits.com

LeClaire Information Center Volunteers Needed! Contact Cindy Bruhn atinfo@visitleclaire.com or 563-650-7963 to volunteer.

 

Visit the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.comand see us on Facebook!

 

If you would like to attend a Chamber Board Meeting in order to present a topic, please contact the Board in advance at LeClaireChamber@gmail.com in order to be included an upcoming agenda. Board Meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of each month.

 

PROPERTY LISTINGS

Commercial Property Available - 1295 and 1297 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire, Iowa. Please call: Mike Burke - Mel Foster Co. mburke@melforsterco.com, Mobile: 563-349-2705, Direct: 563-823-5272

Commercial Space for Sale or Lease/Purchase - 204 Jones St. - Call 563-370-2386 for more information. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only.

Home for Rent - Single family home on the River - two bed, two bath (could be three bed, two bath). Newly remodeled throughout, new appliances. 2 car attached garage. 1405 Canal Shore Dr. $1300 month - Dock access is negotiable. Call 563-529-1346.

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. 

(563) 289-5159 more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? Please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing.

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Sunday School each week for all ages at9 am and worship at 10 am Join us every Wednesday from March 12- April 9 for a free soup supper at 6:15 pm and worship at 7 pm. Palm Sunday, April 13, 10 am worship. Maundy Thursday Worship with Communion on April 17, 7p.m. Tuesday, May 20 Women's Mini-retreat, 9:30 am to 12 noon, cost $6.Call Pastor Melody, 563-381-7777.

LeClaire Events Coming Up!

April 4-5 - Girls Getaway Weekend

April 25 - Masonic Center LeClaire-Taco Bar 6:30-7:30 proceeds to BSA Venture Crew 212

May 2-3 - French Market Days

May 3-4 - LeClaire Community Library Book Sale

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo

June 6-7 - City Wide Garage Sales

August - Tug Fest

October 12- Apple Fest

October - Witch's Walk

December - Christmas in LeClaire

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