ATLANTA, GA. (03/04/2014)(readMedia)-- Darsani Reddy of Moline, Ill. was named to the Honor List of Oxford College, the two-year liberal arts division of Emory University located in Oxford, Ga., for the 2013 fall semester.

Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher to be named to the Honor List.

Emory University is known for its demanding academics, outstanding undergraduate experience, highly ranked professional schools and state-of-the-art research facilities. Emory encompasses nine academic divisions as well as the Carlos Museum, The Carter Center, the Yerkes National Primate Research Center and Emory Healthcare, Georgia's largest and most comprehensive health care system.

The City of Davenport and Hargreaves Associates will host an open workshop on Thursday March 13, 2014. Two different sessions will be offered - The first at Noon at the Hotel Blackhawk (200 E 3rd Street, Davenport, IA) in the Gold Room and the second at 5:30PM for "Happy Hour" at the Freight House (421 W River Drive, Davenport, IA) in the Community Room, with the Workshop program beginning at 6PM.

The Hargreaves-led team returns to Davenport for meetings and public input related to the downtown Davenport riverfront. The scope of RiverVision 2014 encompasses a larger area (Fifth, to the north, and from Iowa St to Warren St), reinforcing connections to Credit Island, north to Vanderveer Park, and above the Lock & Dam, providing the City of Davenport with an opportunity to further transform the central riverfront from parking to public space.

High public attendance is anticipated for this third Workshop in a series of four, and will involve a discussion of possibilities for transforming the riverfront, with public input instrumental to shaping anticipated changes.

The public is encouraged to attend!

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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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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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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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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.

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."

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.
"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
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.

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