The Wartburg College Wind Ensemble will stop at the Central Performing Arts Center in DeWitt Saturday, March 22, for a free-will concert as part of its annual spring tour of Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota. The concert will be held in the auditorium at Central Community High School, beginning at 7 p.m.

The ensemble is under the direction of Dr. Craig A. Hancock, director of bands at the college, located in Waverly. The group tours the Midwest each spring and makes an international tour every third year during May Term.

In their college years, both Josh Greubel and Brittany Manning, Central's high school and middle school band directors, toured with the Wind Ensemble as did Central and Wartburg graduates Duane Bierman, Stephanie Wiese, Rachel Vickers, Melanie Saunders and Colleen Tague, among others.

Rock Island - Christian Care is pleased to announce it has received a $1,000 grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) to help support its emergency feeding program. Funds will be used to help feed the hundreds of individuals who visit its Community Meal Site every year.

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operating two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men. The organization serves homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illness.

Christian Care's community meal site is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays Monday through Friday, and for breakfast and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. If you know of someone in need, call Christian Care's crisis hotline any hour of the day at (309) 788-2273 or visit online at christiancareqc.org.

Davenport, IA-The Quad City Symphony Orchestra and WVIK-Augustana Public Radio are presenting the Amadeus Trio, one of the foremost piano trios in the world, as the fourth installment of their Signature Series. The Amadeus Trio is recognized for their brilliant virtuosity and superb musicianship. The Los Angeles Times has proclaimed them "a world-class ensemble. Yes, world-class!" The Amadeus Trio, a Quad City Arts Visiting Artist, is comprised of Hiroko Sasaki, piano; Timothy Baker, violin; and David Teie, cello. The Amadeus Trio is performing works by Beethoven, Shostakovich, and Mendelssohn on Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Wallenberg Hall in the Denkmann Memorial Building at Augustana College. This performance is sponsored by the Wheelan-Pressly Family of Funeral Homes.

Celebrating twenty-two seasons of rave review performances to overwhelmingly enthusiastic audiences, the Amadeus Trio is generally acknowledged as occupying a position among the foremost piano trios in the world. All three artists also enjoy award-winning solo careers. The Amadeus Trio has appeared with regularity in principal cultural centers including New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, San Francisco, St. Louis, Miami, Philadelphia, and Salt Lake City. In addition to their formal concert season, the Trio is an established guest at summer chamber festivals throughout the United States and Europe. Numerous performances of the Amadeus Trio have been broadcast on National Public Radio's Performance Today and they have been hailed as "a powerhouse American chamber group!" by the Toronto Star.

The Amadeus Trio will be touring Quad City schools during the week as participants in the Quad City Arts Visiting Artist series. During their week-long residency, the Amadeus Trio will visit 15 schools and other outreach sites.

The Signature Series is presented by WVIK-Augustana Public Radio 90.3 FM in collaboration with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and Augustana College. Performed in Augustana College's Wallenberg Hall and rebroadcast on WVIK, this versatile and intimate six-concert series features select members of the QCSO and visiting artists from across the nation. Under the artistic direction of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's Concertmaster Naha Greenholtz, the Signature Series is a testament to the vitality of the classical music community in the Quad Cities. This performance by the Amadeus Trio will be rebroadcast on WVIK-Augustana Public Radio 90.3 FM on Sunday, March 23, at 7:00 p.m.

WVIK/QCSO Signature Series

featuring the Amadeus Trio
Quad City Arts Visiting Artist
Saturday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m.
Wallenberg Hall, Augustana College
This concert is sponsored by the Wheelan-Pressly Family of Funeral Homes

Wallenberg Hall is on the second floor of the Denkmann Memorial Building, 3520 7th Avenue, Rock Island. Elevator access is available. Parking is in Lot E adjacent to Centennial Hall lot or Lot H adjacent to Lutheran House, with handicapped parking immediately behind the Denkmann Memorial Building.

Tickets for the WVIK/QCSO Signature Series are $25, with a $10 student ticket available. Get your tickets today by calling 563.322.QCSO (7276) or visiting www.qcsymphony.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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Grandstand Tickets on Sale April 12

DES MOINES, IA (03/10/2014)(readMedia)-- The Goo Goo Dolls and Daughtry will perform at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Saturday, August 9. The show completes this year's Grandstand line-up. Tickets for all shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, through all Ticketmaster outlets. The 2014 line-up is presented by U.S. Cellular.

The Goo Goo Dolls perfected their unique blend of pop music and rock and roll to become one of the most successful adult alternative rock bands of the 1990s. Their string of number-one hits includes acoustic power ballad, "Iris," as well as "Name" and "Slide." Daughtry has sold nearly nine million albums worldwide and produced four chart-topping singles including "It's Not Over," "Home," "Feels like Tonight" and "No Surprise."

With 10 multi-platinum albums and 16 top-thirty hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal including rock anthems like "Hot Blooded," "Feels Like the First Time" and "I Want to Know What Love Is." Arena rock veterans Styx have firmly established their legacy as a hard-hitting and powerful force of classic rock with hits like "Come Sail Away," "The Best of Times" and "Show Me the Way." The two rock artists will perform on Extreme Sunday, August 17.

Alternative hard rock artists Chevelle and Halestorm will perform on August 15. In just 15 years in the music industry, Chevelle has released six studio albums and a dozen top-twenty singles including "Jars," "Letter from a Thief" and "I Get It." Grammy Award-winning hard rock artists Halestorm have built their loyal fan base through poignant top-twenty hits like "It's Not You," "Here's to Us" and "I Miss the Misery."

Seven-time Grammy Award-winning trio Lady Antebellum has produced five platinum country hits including "I Run to You," "Need You Now" and "Just a Kiss." Special guests Billy Currington and Kelsey K will open the August 16 show.

Shows featuring Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen and the Eli Young Band round out this year's country selections. Florida Georgia Line will perform with special guest Colt Ford on August 12. The Cadillac Three will open for Jake Owen's Days of Gold Tour featuring Jake Owen and Eli Young Band on August 14.

Contemporary Christian artists the Newsboys will bring their soulful tunes to the stage opening night, August 7. They will be joined by special guest Matthew West.

The Stars from A&E's Duck Dynasty will feature a conversation with Willie, Korie and Si Robertson. The three will offer a behind-the-scenes look at their successful reality show, family life and multi-million dollar business on August 10.

The Grandstand will be filled with hits from the 60s and 70s on August 8 with the Happy Together Tour 2014 starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, Gary U.S. Bonds, Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels and Gary Lewis & The Playboys.

Motor sports action kicks into high gear August 9 with the Iowa State Fair debut of Winged Sprint Car Races followed by the Deery Brothers Summer Series on August 11. The Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull roars into the Grandstand August 13, and the Demolition Derby and Figure Eight will tear up the track for a morning session on August 16.

Tickets for all concert and track events will go on sale Saturday, April 12, at 10 a.m. through all Ticketmaster outlets, online at Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800/745-3000. All concert events are reserved seating. All track events are general admission. Beginning July 7, the Fair's Ticket Office will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday for walk-up orders only (no mail, phone or fax orders). Convenience charges will apply to all tickets. Grandstand tickets do not include admission to the Fair. Gate admission must be purchased separately.

A complete listing of event dates, times and ticket prices follows:

2014 Iowa State Fair Grandstand Line-up

presented by U.S. Cellular

Thursday, August 7

Newsboys with special guest Matthew West, 8 p.m., $30

Friday, August 8

HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR 2014 starring THE TURTLES featuring FLO & EDDIE, CHUCK NEGRON formerly of Three Dog Night, Gary U.S. Bonds, MITCH RYDER & THE DETROIT WHEELS, GARY LEWIS & THE PLAYBOYS, 8 p.m., $25

Saturday, August 9

Winged Sprint Cars

9:30 a.m. Hot Laps, 10 a.m. Races, $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Goo Goo Dolls and Daughtry, 8 p.m. $39

Sunday, August 10

The Stars of A&E's Duck Dynasty A Conversation with the Robertsons: Willie, Korie and Si, 8 p.m., $32

Monday, August 11

Deery Brothers Summer Series for Late Models, IMCA Sport Mods, IMCA Stock Cars, IMCA Hobby Stocks and Karl Chevrolet Dirt Trucks

5:30 p.m. Hot Laps, 6 p.m. Races, $17 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Tuesday, August 12

Florida Georgia Line with special guest Colt Ford, 8 p.m., $40

Wednesday, August 13

Grand Outlaw National Tractor and Truck Pull, 2 p.m.

$20 Adults, $10 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Sponsored by Iowa Farmer Today

Thursday, August 14

Jake Owen's Days of Gold Tour starring Jake Owen & Eli Young Band with special guest The Cadillac Three 7 p.m., $40

Friday, August 15

Chevelle and Halestorm with special guest to be announced, 8 p.m., $35

Saturday, August 16

Demolition Derby: Modified Weld, Stock Weld and Compact Weld; Figure Eight: Front Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive, 11:30 a.m., $15 adults, $5 children ages 6-11, free for ages 5 and under

Lady Antebellum with special guests Billy Currington and Kelsey K, 8 p.m., $49

Sunday, August 17

Foreigner and Styx with special guest to be announced, 8 p.m., $39

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at www.iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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(DES MOINES) – The Iowa Tourism Office has kicked off its spring advertising campaign with television and digital ads designed to inspire travelers to visit Iowa.

Television ads are now airing in Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Kansas City, and Omaha. Digital ads are being served up on websites such as parents.com, TripAdvisor and Expedia as well as Google search.

"Travelers spend nearly $8 billion in our state annually and generate more than $300 million in revenue for the state," said Gov. Terry Branstad. "Iowans are humble, but it's important that we show off our state, promote what we have to offer and encourage our neighbors to visit."

"This campaign is targeted to metro areas within easy driving distance of Iowa," said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Less time traveling to Iowa means more time to actually enjoy it. Our ads showcase several locations across the state, but they really represent just the tip of the iceberg. There's no shortage of unique museums, shops, restaurants and hotels in Iowa where travelers can make lifelong memories."

The $1.5 million combined ad buy will run from March to June of this year.

Iowa Tourism Office also recently completed a major overhaul of web site, www.traveliowa.com, adding several news pages meant to inspire potential travelers with a range of interests, from history and culture to hunting to outdoor recreation to wine and beer. The ad campaign is intended to drive traffic to traveliowa.com were travelers can immerse themselves in learning more about destinations in the state.

Tourism in Iowa generates more than $7.6 billion in expenditures, employs 64,400 people statewide and generates $345 million in state taxes. The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. For more information about Iowa tourism, visit www.traveliowa.com, call 800.345.IOWA or stop at any Iowa Welcome Center.

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Public Education Program and Complimentary Luncheon to Assist Iowans
Prevent and Report Investment Fraud Comes to Ames on April 3
AMES, IA - Iowa Insurance Commissioner Nick Gerhart announced today that the Iowa Insurance Division (IID) is bringing the statewide "Iowa Fraud Fighters - Shield Your Savings"  public education program to the Hilton Garden Inn in Ames on April 3. The program will educate and empower Iowans to combat and report investment and insurance fraud.
"Con artists are targeting Americans age 60 and older, swindling more than 5 million Americans out of almost $3 billion each year," said Commissioner Gerhart. "Unfortunately, many smart Iowans have fallen victim to these very slick and sophisticated investment scammers, and some have lost their entire life savings."
Martha-Jo Ennis, a retired school teacher from Marion, Iowa, said she never understood how anyone could fall for an investment scheme until it happened to her?and she lost her retirement savings and the money she invested from the sale of her family farm.
According to Linn County District Court records, Ennis was one of numerous Iowa victims who lost millions of dollars in a Ponzi-type scheme orchestrated by Noah Aulwes, former owner of Covenant Advisors of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Aulwes plead guilty last year to theft in the first degree, securities fraud and money laundering, and received a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Victim impact statements read during the hearing stated Aulwes preyed on retirees, using charm and Christianity to get a foot in the door and gain victims' trust.
"Iowans need to take the time to double-check investment offers and verify with our agency whether the adviser and offer are legitimate," says Commissioner Gerhart. "Our goal is to educate Iowans on common scams and arm them with tools and tips to prevent fraud from happening to them. The Iowa Insurance Division and our partner government agencies are attacking this senior fraud problem at the forefront. We are coming to Ames to help central Iowans prevent fraud."
Commissioner Gerhart, Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller, Iowa Department on Aging Director Donna Harvey and Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) Director Kris Gross will present the Iowa Fraud Fighters program and panel discussion.
Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., lunch is served at noon and the program concludes at 1:30 p.m. Informational booths staffed by agency representatives, and Aging Resources of Central Iowa and AARP, forum assistance providers, close at 2 p.m. To RSVP for the presentation and complimentary luncheon, call toll-free at 866-559-7114, or fill out the online form at IowaFraudFighters.gov by March 27.
"This forum gives Iowans the opportunity to speak with several government agencies and learn about the state resources available to help prevent fraud from happening to them or a loved one," said Gerhart. "We also want Iowans to know we are here to help them take charge in the fight against fraud and the importance of reporting fraud to state and federal agencies when it occurs."
Iowans are encouraged to visit www.IowaFraudFighters.gov to learn about common investment and insurance scams and discover tips and tools to prevent fraud. The site includes answers to frequently asked questions and a checklist of information to gather from investment advisers to verify the legitimacy of the offer and the investment adviser. In addition to the community forums and website, the public education program includes a TV and newspaper public service advertising campaign.
The Iowa Insurance Division has general control, supervision and direction over all insurance and securities business transacted in the state, and enforces Iowa's laws and regulations. The IID investigates consumer complaints and prosecutes companies, agents and brokers engaging in unfair trade practices. Consumers with insurance or investment questions or complaints may contact the IID toll-free at 877-955-1212, or visit the division on the Web at www.iid.state.ia.us.
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MONTICELLO - Thanks to the generosity of the Monticello Pizza Ranch owners, Brad and Shirley Davis, Camp Courageous will be receiving half of the gross receipts from the Monticello Pizza Ranch on Saturday March 15th. For example, if a customer purchased $20 in pizza and pop, $10 goes to camp. The benefit applies to dine-in, carry-out, and delivery; but it does not apply to gift certificates.

This annual event has become a "win-win" situation for the customers of Pizza Ranch. The customer enjoys a wonderful meal and at the same time half of everything they spend at the Monticello Pizza Ranch will go to benefit over 6,500 special needs campers that are served at Camp Courageous each year. Pizza Ranch is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. They will be featuring their wonderful buffet from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Camp Courageous' board members, staff, and volunteers will be providing extra assistance during this special day.

Brad Davis, Monticello Pizza Ranch owner, commented, "We are happy to be able to do this for Camp Courageous. Since the Pizza Ranch has been in Monticello, we have had a wonderful relationship with the camp. We admire the dedication and work Camp Courageous does for those with special needs."

The Pizza Ranch is located at 505 East Oak St, Monticello. For more information contact Brad Davis, owner, or Will Turner, manager at Pizza Ranch at 319/465-6000 or Sharon at Camp Courageous at 319/465-5916 (Extension 2200).
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Camp Courageous
12007 190th ST PO Box 418
Monticello IA 52310-0418
www.campcourageous.org

For more information contact:
Monticello's Pizza Ranch 319/465-6000
Brad Davis, Owner/Will Turner, Manager or
Camp Courageous (319) 465-5916 ext. 2200
Sharon Roller sharon@campcourageous.org
Rimmer Jersey Draws $6,500 High Bid

MOLINE, Ill. (March 8, 2014) - The Quad City Mallards tonight teamed with the Genesis Health Services Foundation and KWQC TV6 to raise $29,700 for the Genesis Outpatient Rehabilitation through a game-worn jersey auction after the Mallards' game against the Arizona Sundogs at the iWireless Center.

The popular special edition orange third jerseys jerseys worn by the Mallards for the final time tonight in their 3-0 win over the Sundogs went up for bid in a live auction immediately following the contest, which was watched by a crowd of 5,513.  The jersey of goaltender Ty Rimmer went for the evening's high bid of $6,500.

Over the last 19 years, Mallards jersey auctions have raised well over $700,000 to benefit Genesis Health System charities.  Tonight's auction is the second of two the Mallards have held this season to raise a total of $48,300 for Genesis Health System charities.  After the Mallards' January 11 meeting with the Sundogs, bidding on game-worn affiliate jerseys raised $18,600 for the Genesis Flu-Free QC program.

MOLINE, Ill. (March 8, 2014) - Ty Rimmer made 32 saves and Gergo Nagy, Mike Stinziani and Jordan Mayer all scored as the host Quad City Mallards blanked the Arizona Sundogs 3-0 Saturday night in front of a crowd of 5,513.  With the win the Mallards (28-18-8, 64 points) moved into a fifth place tie with the idle Brampton Beast and completed a two-game weekend sweep of the eighth place Sundogs (26-26-6, 58 points).

Nagy gave the Mallards the lead just one minute and eight seconds into the game by burying Matt Boyd's centering pass.  Stinziani- who also had an assist- stretched the advantage to 2-0 at 4:35 of the first period with a shorthanded breakaway goal.

The gap widened to three when Mayer scored his first career goal in the second period of his second professional game.   Mayer finished off a 2-on-1 rush by sweeping home Jeff Lee's goalmouth feed at 9:14 of the second.

Rimmer was at his busiest in the second period, stopping 15 Arizona shots the middle frame and making a series of fine saves before Mayer scored to keep the Sundogs from cutting the Mallard lead to one.
Braley tells delegates he'll fight to strengthen middle class because of working background
DES MOINES, IA - Rep. Bruce Braley today addressed delegates at Democratic county conventions held in Polk, Dallas, and Story counties, telling attendees that he's running for Senate to strengthen and expand the middle class.

Braley said, "I'm running for Senate to fight for Iowa's middle class because that's where I come from. Growing up in Brooklyn, Iowa, my parents taught me that there's value and dignity in having a job. So I started delivering newspapers in the 2nd grade and I've been working ever since, doing road construction and waiting tables to put myself through college, and standing up for Iowans against powerful interests as an attorney.

"Iowa deserves a Senator who will work every day to help small businesses succeed, create Iowa jobs, raise the minimum wage, and protect Social Security and Medicare. These are the pillars of a strong middle class, and that's what I'll fight for in the US Senate."

Braley attended the Polk County Democratic Convention at Lincoln High School in Des Moines, the Dallas County Democratic Convention at Dallas Center Elementary School in Dallas Center, and the Story County Democratic Convention at Iowa State's Memorial Union in Ames.

Bruce Braley was born in Grinnell and grew up in nearby Brooklyn, Iowa. His father, a Marine who fought on Iwo Jima in World War II, and his mother, a teacher, taught him the value of hard work. Braley worked jobs like road construction and truck driving to help pay his way through college and law school. As an attorney in Waterloo, Braley represented Iowans who took on powerful interests and big corporations. Elected to the US House in 2006, Braley has worked to create Iowa jobs, protect farms, strengthen small businesses, and stand up for veterans. Bruce Braley is running for Senate to fight for the things that matter most to Iowans. He'll fight for middle class families, because that's where he comes from.

Braley lives in Waterloo with his wife, Carolyn. They have three grown children: Lisa, David, and Paul.
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