05 Mar 2014

Harkin Office Now Accepting Applications for U.S. Military Academies

By Sen. Tom Harkin

DES MOINES - U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) announced today that his office is accepting applications for the United States' military academies for the class beginning summer of 2015.  Senator Harkin will nominate up to ten Iowans for every opening he has at each academy, with final selection for admission made by the individual academy.

"Each year I look forward to recommending many outstanding young Iowans to the service academies. It is a genuine honor," Harkin said.

Our nation's military academies offer Iowans educational opportunities for young people interested in military service. Students can specialize in a variety of fields at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, the Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs and the Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.

Harkin enjoyed a successful military career. He joined the Navy and served as a jet pilot after graduating from Iowa State University in 1962.

Senator Harkin uses a competitive method to screen applicants, including the evaluation of ACT or SAT scores, high school grade point average, leadership abilities, and physical aptitude.  Harkin has also appointed an academy selection committee that conducts personal interviews with academy finalists.

Interested individuals should complete Senator Harkin's Service Academy Nomination application which can be found on his website at www.harkin.senate.gov/students/academy.cfm. Any additional questions should be directed to his Academy Nomination Coordinator, Tom Larkin, at 319-365-4504.

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05 Mar 2014

VISIT NEW ILIVEHERE WEBSITE TO REQUEST CLEANUP SUPPLIES, REPORT RESULTS

By Brandy Walvaert

DAVENPORT, IA?Just in time for spring cleanup season, iLivehere® wants to help you and your friends make a difference where you live! Here's how it works, in five easy steps:

1. See a dirty spot. It could be in your neighborhood, near your church or workplace, or even at school.

2. Get together with your friends, colleagues, or neighbors to plan a cleanup.

3. Visit www.ilivehereqc.org?the new, mobile-friendly iLivehere Website?to request cleanup supplies. iLivehere provides free cleanup bags, tongs, gloves and safety vests to volunteers who want to make a difference by cleaning up. (Helpful referrals to other environmental organizations also are provided, when appropriate.)

4. Report the results of your cleanup online at www.ilivehereqc.org.

5. Smile, knowing that you made a difference!

iLivehere, a Keep America Beautiful affiliate in Scott County, Iowa, empowers you with information, activities and resources for becoming a better steward of our environment. Learn more at www.ilivehereqc.org or by calling (563) 386-9575.

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05 Mar 2014

Loebsack Calls for Swift Passage of Bill to Ease Propane Shortage

By Joe Hand

In response to a letter from Loebsack, House Energy and Commerce Committee to hold hearing on propane crisis

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack today called on Congress to quickly pass legislation to help ease the propane crunch that Iowa and much of the Midwest are currently facing. Loebsack has been leading the charge to figure out the cause of the recent spike in propane costs as well as fighting to find a solution to the problem. This dramatic rise in propane costs has caused significant hardships for families and farmers. A vote on H.R. 4076, the HHEAT Act of 2014, is expected later today (Tuesday) in the House. After its anticipated passage, it will then head to the Senate for consideration. Also, in response to a letter Loebsack and a bipartisan coalition of Midwestern lawmakers sent last month, the House Energy and Commerce Committee has scheduled a hearing this Thursday to look into the current propane shortage.

"The sudden increase in the price of propane, combined with an extremely cold winter continues to wreak havoc on many Iowans' pocketbooks. I am pleased this legislation is moving forward to provide some needed relief for folks who heat their homes with propane," said Loebsack. "This is another expense Iowans cannot afford. I will continue to push this legislation forward until it is signed into law by the President. These barriers must be removed to allow a necessary supply of propane to reach Iowans and help lower the price."

In response to the crisis, Loebsack also joined the Iowa delegation in calling on the Federal Trade Commission to review the spike in propane costs, as well as called on the President to take any necessary action to address the problem.

H.R. 4076, "Home Heating Emergency Assistance Through Transportation Act of 2014" will address the shortages and interruptions in the availability of propane by providing a blanket exemption from federal restrictions on deliveries of propane and other home heating fuels until May 31, 2014, in states where governors have declared emergencies. Doing so would eliminate the need for state governors to renew their emergency declarations.

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05 Mar 2014

Austin Pyrtle accepted to Culver-Stockton College

By Heidi Lanier

CANTON, MO (03/04/2014)(readMedia)-- Austin Pyrtle of Davenport North High School, in Davenport, Iowa, has been accepted to Culver-Stockton College for enrollment in the fall 2014 semester. Along with acceptance to the College, Pyrtle has been awarded the Hilltop Scholarship, a four-year award. Pyrtle's anticipated major is musical theatre.

By attending Culver-Stockton, Pyrtle will benefit from the C-SC Advantage, which includes research, professional experiences, leadership opportunities, service learning, simulations, creative expression and travel studies.

Culver-Stockton College, located in Canton, Mo., is a four-year residential institution in affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). C-SC specializes in experiential education and is one of only two colleges in the nation to offer the 12/3 semester calendar, where the typical 15 week semester is divided into two terms, a 12-week term and a 3-week term.

05 Mar 2014

Illinois Air National Guard gets new Chief of Staff

By Illinois National Guard

Col. Clayton W. Moushon of East Peoria to be promoted to brigadier general

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/04/2014)(readMedia)-- Col. Clayton W. Moushon of East Peoria, Ill., has been appointed as the Illinois Air National Guard's Chief of Staff by Brig. Gen. Daniel M. Krumrei, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard and will be promoted to brigadier general.

"This is a great opportunity for Colonel Moushon in his service through the Illinois Air National Guard, a great day for his family and friends and an important step into the future for the Illinois National Guard," said Krumrei. "He served as an adviser in combatant commands and strategic commands. He understands our transformational environment and will provide insight, leadership and guidance during a time of tremendous change."

Moushon served more than 25 years in the Air National Guard and was the Air National Guard Assistant to the Staff Judge Advocate, Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Ill. In this position, he was the principal adviser and liaison to the Headquarters Air Mobility Command Staff Judge Advocate on Air National Guard legal matters. In addition, he served as a senior representative on the Judge Advocate General's Air National Guard Council, providing leadership, strategic planning and management of the entire Air National Guard Judge Advocate program, encompassing more than 440 judge advocates and paralegals at Air National Guard legal offices throughout the United States.

Moushon is a civilian practitioner in East Peoria, Ill., where he is a transactional attorney specializing in corporate, commercial real estate and development transactions.

"This is an exciting opportunity to serve the organization in a position of greater responsibility and be a part of an amazing command team," said Moushon. "I am humbled by the support of my leadership and family and I look forward to the future challenges and achievements."

Moushon was born in Peoria, Ill., and received his Juris Doctorate from Pepperdine University School of Law in 1986. Moushon is a member of the Illinois Bar Association. He is married to Yvonne Joy Yoder. They live in East Peoria, Ill., and have four children, Nikolaus, Chelsey, Jacob and Mitchell.

"Clay will be a great Chief of Staff and member of our state command team," Said Brig. Gen. William Cobetto, Assistant Adjutant General- Illinois Air National Guard. "He has grown up in the Illinois Air National Guard and has served in many commands and his experience and relationships are invaluable to our organization."

05 Mar 2014

The Hauberg Indian Museum adding a new feature

By Dave Cox
The Hauberg Indian Museum at Black Hawk State Historic site is adding a new feature. An audio tour of the museum. Washington D.C. based actor Craig Sechler of Nova, PBS and National Geographic fame narrates your journey though the cycles of moon with the tribe. (Craig is married to hometown girl Julie Waterman and often uses 2dogs digital when in town.) Talented local actor Pat Flahrity, Montreal born actor and WLLR personality Craig Michaels, actor and professor of Theater at St Ambrose University for forty years Mike Kennedy, nationally know children's book author and voice talent Nancy Nehlsen, and wonderful juvenile talent Riley Kelly; contribute to this entertaining, informative, Ken Burns-like audio production.

The script took almost a year of research and writing by Dave Cox (2dogs) and Beth Carvey (Museum Director). Final production was handled by Moline Illinois' 2dogs digital audio. A closed premier for Board members was held at 2dogs March 4th and will be available at the museum soon.
05 Mar 2014

The University of Iowa Press is proud to present the newest Prairie Lights book, Family Feeling, a novella and five stories by Jean Ross Justice.

By Allison Means
"Family Feeling"
"Jean Ross Justice's stories explore those mysterious feelings that bind us and loose us and bind us again, to and from one another, all of them family feelings in the end, it seems, and all of them hallmarks of our impossible, ineffable humanity."--Paul Harding

"This vivid, understated portrayal of the end of life proves again that we are often most haunted by what is most common. These stories are beautiful, gestural language portrayals of much that cannot be said. I hope you will read them, and believe that if you do, you will want to read them again and again."--Jan Weissmiller, publisher of Prairie Lights Books

Regular Price: $18.00
Sale Price: $10.00
05 Mar 2014

How to Finally Do What You Love ... In Retirement

By Rick Martin
Don't Leave Your Fate in the Hands of Uncle Sam or the Wolves of Wall Street, Says Financial Advisor

Just about everyone has a dream about who they really want to be: a professional athlete, the next great American novelist, a celebrated fashion designer, a beloved philanthropist. Sadly, many of us do not realize that dream in our lifetimes.

But you have a real shot of making at least some of your dreams come true in retirement, says Andrew McNair, a money expert who realized his dream of helping others with their finances at a young age.

"I started my radio show at 22; I was always good with numbers and I was blessed with the opportunity to apply my passion while young, but not everyone is so lucky," says McNair, founder and CEO of SWAN Capital, (www.SWAN-Capital.com), and author of "Don't be Penny Wise & Dollar Foolish."

"With so many baby boomers retiring - 10,000 every day, according to Pew Research - we are at a point in history where an unprecedented number of individuals may really begin realizing their dreams."

It's not unheard of, for instance, to become a professional golfer in middle age or later, McNair points out, but it can't happen if you have to spend time in low-level jobs to make ends meet in retirement.

McNair offers tips on how to achieve financial independence in retirement.

• Design a lifetime income plan now! Simply attaining a minimum figure in savings probably won't work; such figures do not account for family emergencies, inflation, etc. Social Security does not cover what it used to, and its future is uncertain at best. You need to establish a laddered, inflation-adjusted income using safe and dependable accounts that will provide a check every month. This should be informed by a plan that maps out your lifetime income needs to ensure you do not outlive your money. For example, if you need $3,000 a month now, at a 4 percent inflation rate you will need $3,649.96 in five years. In 10 years you will need almost $4,500 per month.

• Is retirement still a few years away? Determine which 401(k) works best for you. Employer-based retirement plans are dominated by 401(k) plans, but a Roth 401(k), for example, may serve you better than a traditional 401(k) if you think you'll be in a higher tax bracket and/or have fewer tax deductions during retirement. But if you expect to be in a lower tax bracket during retirement, then deferring taxes by investing in a traditional 401(k) may be the answer for you.

• Worried about loss? Start with the "age 100" rule. When entering retirement, you are moving from the accumulation phase of life to the preservation phase. This requires that you begin allocating more money to safe, income-producing assets, such as property, and taking some of the risk off the table. Try using this simple calculation: Subtract your age from 100, and use the answer as the absolute maximum percentage of your assets that should be in risky investments. Your age, then, indicates the percentage that should be allocated in safe investments. This is only a guideline; if income is needed from your investments, you will need a more in-depth investment risk assessment.

"For most people, financial planning does not come naturally but neither does performing surgery on yourself! Do your research or seek trusted counsel," McNair says. "This is the first step to attaining your dream while in retirement."

About Andrew McNair

Andrew McNair is founder and CEO of SWAN Capital, specializing in Wealth Management and Retirement Income. After earning a degree in business administration/finance and with two books on his financial strategies already published, McNair launched SWAN later that year. At 22, he was hosting a radio show, What Your Money Would Say, which provides financial guidance to retirees. McNair is also the founder and CEO of the Veteran Benefit Project, which works with veterans and their families at no charge to ensure they receive all of the benefits to which they're entitled.

04 Mar 2014

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: MARCH 3, 2014

By Brian Lavelle

MALLARDS WEEKLY UPDATE: MARCH 3, 2014

 

THIS WEEK
Wednesday, March 5, 7:05 p.m.
iWireless Center, Moline

Missouri Mavericks vs. Quad City Mallards

 

Friday, March 7, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline

Arizona Sundogs vs. Quad City Mallards

 

Saturday, March 8, 7:05 p.m.

iWireless Center, Moline

Arizona Sundogs vs. Quad City Mallards

 

LAST WEEK
Wednesday, February 26
Quad City 5 Missouri 1

 

Friday, February 28

Brampton 2 Quad City 1

 

Saturday, March 1

Brampton 6 Quad City 5

Quad City
26-17-8, 60 points
7th place
Coach: Terry Ruskowski

Missouri

35-16-2, 72 points
1st place
Coach: Scott Hillman

 

Arizona
25-24-6, 56 points

8th place
Coach: Kevin Colley

 

QUACK TRACKS
Last Week
The Brampton Beast swept a pair of games from the Mallards last weekend at the iWireless Center after the Mallards knocked off league-leading Missouri 5-1 last Wednesday.

Tight

Last weekend's back-to-back defeats left the Mallards in seventh place, one point behind sixth place Tulsa and three points behind fifth place Brampton.  The Mallards, who have played fewer games (51) than any other CHL club, have four games in hand on Brampton and Tulsa.

.500 February
With last Friday's loss, the Mallards finished February with a record of 7-7-0 for the month.

 

Home Sweet Home
The Mallards have gone 1-2-0 over the first three games of a seven game homestand- their longest of the season.

 

Busy

Last Saturday's game was the sixteenth in a stretch that sees the Mallards play 31 games over the final 59 days of the regular season.

Rough Road

The Mallards are also in the midst of a stretch that sees them play 18 of their final 30 games against the top four teams in the CHL- Missouri, Rapid City, Denver and Allen.

Balance
While the Mallards rank fourth in goal scoring (3.3 per game) only one Mallard- Jeff Lee who is tied for sixteenth- ranks in the top 20 in the CHL in point scoring.

General Lee
Lee matched a Mallard and personal single game season high by recording four points (one goal and two assists) last Saturday.  He has piled up 19 points (six goals and 13 assists) in his last 13 games.  He leads the Mallards in both goals (19) and points (47).

Nickel

The Mallards gave up a single period season high five goals in the second period last Saturday against Brampton.

 

First
Chris Greene scored his first goal for the Mallards last Friday against Brampton.

First, Take 2
Last Wednesday's win over Missouri was the Mallards' first in five tries this season against the Mavericks.

Between the Pipes

Thomas Heemskerk relieved Ty Rimmer last Saturday and suffered the loss in relief.  The defeat was Heemskerk's fifth in a row.  The losing streak is Heemskerk's first this season.  Rimmer has won five of his last six decisions.

Leaders
Heemskerk ranks fourth in goals against average (2.68), is tied for fourth in shutouts (2) and ranks seventh in save percentage (.910)... Rimmer is also tied for fourth in shutouts (2), ranks eighth in goals against average (2.84) and ranks ninth in save percentage (.907)... Among rookies, Thomas Frazee is tied for third in goals (15), ranks fifth in points (33) and ranks sixth in assists (18)...Among defensemen, Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel and Matt Duffy are tied for sixth in goals (9) while Dieude-Fauvel ranks eighth in assists (22) and ninth in points (31)...Mike Monfredo and Nicholas Rioux are tied for tenth among defensemen in points (24)... The Mallards have gone 0-1-2 against Arizona this season.  Andrew Engelage and the Sundogs blanked the Mallards 1-0 on January 11 in the only prior meeting between the two teams at the iWireless Center. All-time the Mallards have gone 5-3-4 against the Sundogs and have posted a 3-2-1 record at the iWireless Center against Arizona.  The Mallards and Sundogs conclude their season series this weekend.

Special Teams
On the season the Mallards have converted 14.7 percent of their power plays and rank ninth in the CHL on the man advantage.  The Mallards have gone 12-for-13 on the penalty kill in their last three games.  On the season they rank fifth in penalty killing (83.6 percent) and are tied for fourth in shorthanded goals (7).

Head to Head

With last Wednesday's win, the Mallards improved to 1-3-1 against Missouri this year.  The two clubs have split a pair of games at the iWireless Center.  The Mallards are in the midst of a stretch that sees them play nine of their final 30 tilts against the Mavericks.  Since entering the CHL in 2010, the Mallards have gone 15-15-3 against the Mavericks and have posted a record of 6-7-2 at home.  Lee (2-5-7) is the top point scorer in this year's season series...The Mallards have gone 7-1-3 against Brampton this season and are 2-1-2 against the expansion Beast on home ice.  The two clubs conclude their season series this weekend.  Gergo Nagy is the leading scorer (5-9-14) in the season series.  The Mallards this season have played four games that have ended in overtime- all against the Beast.  Brampton has won three of those four contests, including the last meeting between the two clubs on January 26 when Andrew Fournier scored in sudden death to give the host Beast a 4-3 victory.

Ins and Outs
Forward Gergo Nagy signed a professional tryout agreement with the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League last Thursday, made his AHL debut yesterday in the Wolves' 4-0 win over the Iowa Wild and returned to the Mallards today...Forward Frazee (upper body) was activated from injured reserve last Friday and returned to the lineup that evening after missing six games...Forward Hellyer was placed on 14-day injured reserve retroactive to February 16 (upper body) and has missed the last seven games.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES
Wednesday, March 5, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Missouri
Wednesday's game is a Winning Wednesday presented by T.G.I. Friday's.  If the Mallards win Wednesday, each fan in attendance will receive a free ticket to the Mallards' next Wednesday home game courtesy of T.G.I. Friday's.  Fans also have the opportunity to purchase $2 hot dogs and beer at iWireless Center concession stands during each Wednesday home tilt.  After the game fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's in Moline for a postgame party.

Friday, March 7, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Brampton
$1 Dog/$1 Beer Friday Presented by 97X
This Friday is this season's final $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X.  $1 hot dogs and $1 beers will again be available at iWireless Center concession stands this Friday.

Nana Meriwether, Miss USA 2012
Nana Meriwether will drop the puck for a ceremonial faceoff just before the 7:05 p.m. start of the game and will meet fans, sign autographs and pose for pictures during that contest.

Saturday, March 8, 7:05 p.m.- Mallards vs. Brampton

Genesis Health Jersey Auction
The Mallards will wear their special edition orange jerseys when they take on the Sundogs March 8. Immediately after the game those jerseys will go up for bid in a live auction to benefit the Genesis Health Services Foundation.

 

Replica Youth Jersey Giveaway
The first 1,000 fans age 12 and under arriving for Saturday's game will receive a free Mallards replica youth jersey.

Postgame Party- Bier Stube
Fans can join the Mallards at the Bier Stube in Moline for a postgame party after Saturday evening's contest.

ON THE AIR
Fox Sports Radio 1230 is the radio home of Mallards Hockey Presented by Genesis Power Sports Performance.  Mallards games broadcast on AM 1230 also stream live online at www.wfxn.net.  A limited number of Mallards games- including this Saturday's tilt- will not air on Fox Sports Radio 1230 due to conflicts with University of Illinois basketball and football and Green Bay Packer football.  Audio webcasts of games that do not air on AM 1230 are available at myqcmallards.com.  CHL-TV pay-per-view video webcasts of all Mallards games are also available at myqcmallards.com.  For a full Mallards broadcast/webcast schedule, go to http://myqcmallards.com/schedule/broadcast_schedule/.

 

TICKETS
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets for all Mallards regular season contests are now available.  Fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com for more information about tickets.  Single game tickets are also available at the i wireless Center box office, at Ticketmaster outlets, through www.ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free.  The box 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.

Group Tickets
Groups of at least ten receive savings off the walk-up price and a host of group benefits.  Mallards group tickets are a great fit for youth organizations, friends, co-workers, family groups, religious groups, school functions and business events.  For more group ticket information, fans can contact the Mallards at (309) 277-1364 or info@myqcmallards.com.

-### Quad City Mallards ###--
04 Mar 2014

Dr. Seuss, Spring Flowers, St. Patrick & Tech Help @ Your Library

By Lisa Lockheart

Join us for St. Patrick's Themed Super Saturday Fun on Saturday, March 8 at our Southwest Branch!

11:00 am- Saturday Storytime- Stories & fun on the color Green for birth to five

2:00 pm St. Patrick's Party-Games, fun, crafts for all ages.

Get your green on! Free - at our Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road

 

Knit for Peace - 6:00 pm, Tues., March 11, Main Library, 401 19th Street.

Join this group of knitters for your knitting or crocheting projects. The group brings their own projects or works on donations for the local hospitals and shelters.


And get set for spring, which can't come fast enough ....

Spring Gardening & Landscaping Series

6:30 pm, March 18

Attracting Bees & Other Pollinators to your yard.

6:30 pm, March 26

Teas Me: Growing, Harvesting & Enjoying Your Own Teas

Where? Main Library Community Room, 401

Morning Storytimes for birth to 5

10:30 am-Tues., March, 4 and 11, 30/31 Branch

Wed., March 5 & 12, Southwest Branch

Fri., March 7 & 14, Main Library



Evening Family Storytimes

6:30 pm, Monday, March 10, 30/31 Branch

Monday, March 17, Southwest Branch.

Finish your day with a fun story!

 

Lego Block Times

Develop your child's creativity and building skills.

4:00 pm on:

Wed., March 12 - Main Library

Wed., March 19-30/31 Branch

Wed., March 26 - Southwest Branch

 

Plus, mark your calendars for these free events during Rock Island/Milan school break!

Tech Fun-Making Videos with Animoto

6:00 pm, March 18

Main Library

Learn how to make a quick video using your own pictures. Bring a flash drive or disk with pictures.
Free-Registration required-call 732-7360
Grades 2 and up

 

Tech Fun-Using TumbleBooks & BookFlix

4:00 pm, March 27

Main Library Children's Room

Drop in and learn about all the fun you can have reading free animated books online.  TumbleBooks & Scholastic Book Flix are free library services. Parents, this is a great way to interest your child in reading!
Grades K-6 and families

 

Teen Iron Chef Contest

6:30 pm, March 10,

Main Library

Test your culinary skills against other teens for fun & prizes. Ages 12 to 18. Free!

 

Have a computer question? Get answers at the Main Library "Computer Help Desk" on the third week of each month. Drop in from 1 to 3 pm, Monday-Friday at the Main Library Reference Desk for questions about using Microsoft Office programs, Email or the Internet. 

Next "Computer Help Desk" is March 17-21.

Library staff can show you how to find a website, but cannot help you fill out forms, provide legal, banking or tax advice, or assist with entering personal information.

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