Oskaloosa, Iowa - In June of 2013, alerts were published regarding the increase in the tick population in Southern Iowa, and the associated increase of Lyme Disease.  Now, more dogs are starting to show symptoms of Lyme Disease. This year, the threat still lingers and prevention is imperative for your animals in 2014.

Lyme Disease is transmitted through tick bites, so any dog with tick exposure is at risk for contracting Lyme Disease.  The symptoms of Lyme Disease in dogs include fever, lameness, swollen joints, lethargy, decreased appetite and enlarged lymph nodes.  It can take up to 5 months after tick exposure to see visible signs of Lyme Disease.  Left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause chronic issues with arthritis and lameness.

"In 2013, our veterinary clinics in Albia, Knoxville, Oskaloosa, and Ottumwa saw a significant increase in the number of cases of Lyme Disease being diagnosed in the dogs we care for. It is easily preventable and affordable, so I encourage responsible pet owners to consider vaccinating their dogs this year" Lisa Gronewold D.V.M said in response to the outbreak.

The best way to prevent your dog from getting Lyme Disease, or any tick borne disease, is to use a tick preventative.  There are many options available that include both topical or oral formulations.

In an effort to protect high risk dogs from being infected with Lyme Disease, one should vaccinate their dogs.  High risk dogs include any outdoor dog, hunting dog, or dog that spends time going on walks, hikes, or other outdoor activities, especially activities that take place in tall uncut grass or wooded areas.  Contact your veterinarian about whether your dog is at high risk of tick exposure, to make the decision about whether your dog is a good candidate for Lyme vaccination.  Vaccinating for Lyme Disease includes two vaccinations about one month apart the first year and then once per year on following years.

One way to screen your dog for exposure to Lyme Disease is to run a blood test called a 4dx Heartworm Snap Test.  This test checks for Heartworm Disease, Lyme Disease and two other tick borne diseases called Ehrilichiosis and Anaplasmosis.

Did you know?

- Adult ticks can live up to 3 years without a blood meal

- Ticks live on 3 different animals during their life

- Most ticks spend most of their life in the environment and OFF the host animal

- Ticks don't jump and don't "fall from trees" as most people think, but transfer onto hosts when animals or humans walk through long grass, bushes and brush.

Predictions of Lyme disease cases are especially high again this year, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council's (CAPC) annual forecast. With the heightened risk of contracting Lyme disease, it is imperative that you protect your pets this summer.

It is important to frequently check your pet for ticks. If you find a tick on your animal, remove the tick as quickly as you can. After you administer a topical flea and tick treatment, don't bathe your dog immediately. Wait at least two or three days. If your animal is bitten, watch for symptoms of Lyme disease which include fever, lameness, swollen joints, enlarged lymph nodes, lethargy, depression and anorexia. While Lyme disease can not be transmitted from dogs to humans, a high prevalence of Lyme disease in dogs often may mean a higher incidence of Lyme disease in humans.

If you notice these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Our clinics offer walk-in and emergency services and can be reached at: Albia (641.932.3455), Knoxville (641.828.2101), Oskaloosa (641.673.5525) or Ottumwa (641.682.8701). 

"With last year's ticks still alive, and the increase in moisture this winter, the tick and mosquito population is sure to be larger than normal. Due to that, the risk of Lyme and other diseases, such as heartworm disease, are higher. There are many ways to prevent the spread of disease in your animals including topical and oral medications as well as sprays and other treatments for your home and yard. The staff at our four vet clinics would be happy to help you select the right preventative for your pet, budget and lifestyle" owner Matthew C. Garver, D.V.M. said.

About Animal Health Center: Animal Health Center is a full-service veterinary clinic for both small and large animals, which has been serving animals and their people since 2002. The Animal Health Center family of clinics has four clinics in south-central Iowa (Albia, Knoxville, Oskaloosa and Ottumwa). They offer wellness exams, emergency services, vaccinations, general and laser surgery, grooming, boarding, embryo transfer and more. To learn more about these clinics, visit their websites at www.AlbiaVet.com, www.OskyVet.com, www.AnimalClinicSouthside.com or www.Knoxville-Vet.com

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Without a Fair Tax, the state's looming fiscal collapse would mean an $8.3 million cut to Rock Island County schools and the continuation of unfair tax and budget policies that stifle middle class families

Rock Island, IL - By a vote of 5-1, the Government Affairs Committee of the Rock Island County Board passed a resolution this afternoon calling on lawmakers in Springfield to pass the Fair Tax Act (HJRCA 33 /SJRCA 40) as a necessary first step to avoid devastating and unprecedented cuts to local services and to provide tax relief to a majority of Rock Island County families.

"While some extreme partisans in Springfield are ready to drive our state right off the fiscal cliff, a large and broad coalition of citizens in Rock Island and throughout Illinois are fighting for long-term budget reform that includes a Fair Tax," said Brian Vyncke, a member of the committee who voted in favor of today's resolution.  "Beyond stable and sustainable revenues, a Fair Tax represents a tax CUT - not an increase, but a cut - for the overwhelming majority of Rock Island County residents."

The resolution endorses a Fair Tax, with lower rates for lower incomes and higher rates for higher income, which would provide immediate tax relief for the majority of Rock Island families. Right now, Illinois poor and middle income families pay a rate that is twice the rate of the very rich, when factoring in all state and local taxes paid.

Peter Starzynski of the A Better Illinois coalition unveiled the findings of a new report by the Fiscal Policy Center at Voices for Illinois Children that shows the state will cut $8.3 million from Rock Island County schools if lawmakers in Springfield take us over the fiscal cliff.  He also explained how Springfield's broken budget process is rife with late payments to vendors and local governments, continues to cut vital programs, and provides wasteful giveaways to corporations through unfair loopholes designed by the rich.

"Springfield needs to decide what's more important: coddling millionaires or supporting our local schools," said Vyncke.  "We need fundamental, long-term budget reform that includes a Fair Tax because our kids, our seniors, and our middle class cannot endure Springfield's broken budget and tax policies any longer."

Starzynski presented data showing Iowa, a Fair Tax state, has an unemployment rate that is half that of Illinois.   He also noted that Scott County, IA has sales taxes and property tax rates that are much lower on average that those in Rock Island County.

"We need a Fair Tax in Illinois, so people live here, work here, raise families here, and make great communities here in Rock Island County - instead of Iowa," said Vyncke.

Illinois lawmakers are currently prohibited? constitutionally barred?from enacting tax fairness. If Springfield passes the Fair Tax Act, voters will have an opportunity to modernize Illinois' Constitution in November to allow a Fair Tax with lower rates for lower incomes and higher rates for higher incomes.

"Why shouldn't Illinois be allowed to tax millionaires at a rate higher than minimum wage workers if that's what citizens decide is best?" said committee Member Don Jacobs.

Momentum for a Fair Tax has grown significantly since the A Better Illinois launched its campaign in the Quad Cities back in October.  The number of petitions signed has doubled to nearly 250,000 and the Fair Tax is now atop the legislative agenda in Springfield.

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A Better Illinois is a statewide coalition of civic and community organizations, small business, labor and faith leaders, educators, service providers, and tens of thousands of ordinary taxpayers seeking to modernize Illinois tax structure to create greater fairness and long-term economic growth.

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The Chordbuster Barbershop Chorus and its quartets will present their 58th annual Holiday- in-Harmony show in the new Performing Arts Center at Bettendorf High School, Saturday, March 29th at 7:00 PM. The musical show, entitled "Sensational '60s", will revisit many of the top hits from the 1960's made famous by such groups as "the Beatles", "the Beach Boys" and others. In addition, a Midwest acappella sensation, "After Hours" quartet, will also be featured on the show. "After Hours" have been three-time collegiate champions in the Illinois District as well as the Illinois District champions in 2010. Last July, they finished in 8th place in the annual Barbershop Harmony Society International competition. Also appearing in the show will be "the Bend of the River Chorus" of Rock Island, quartets from both choruses and an ensemble from Bettendorf High School.

The Performing Arts Center is located at 3333-18th Street in Bettendorf. Ticket prices are $15.00 for adults and $5.00 for students (K-12). Tickets can be obtained from members of either chorus or phone: (563) 340-8743 (day) or (309) 762-3117 (eve). Tickets will also be available at the door.

About barbershop-style a cappella music: Barbershop harmony is a uniquely American musical art form. It is known for its four-part harmony and the "expanded sound" created by its unique chord structure.

Bettendorf – With a week off from school, area parents and kids are looking for fun and exciting activities during spring break. From March 14 - March 22, the Family Museum is offering nine days of just that: programs ranging from live music, live animals, science, and performance art. Events and performances are included with paid admission or Family Museum membership.

The Kinetic King Is Back!

Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15

Daily Detonations at 4:00 pm

Whoo-Hoo! Your favorite science geek from America's Got Talent will be back building more of his super cool kinetic structures!  Come check out what he has up his sleeve this year! Fresh off an appearance on Russia's One Minute of Fame, The Kinetic King will have brand new chain reaction collapses each day at 4:00 PM! You Bethcha! Check out his videos at www.youtube.com/lunatim

Jim Gill's Contagious Tunes Tour

Saturday, March 16

2:00 pm

Jim Gill, an award-winning musician and author, offers more than a show to watch.  Each concert is an opportunity for family play! Twenty years ago Jim released The Sneezing Song and Other Contagious Tunes...on LP record! In order to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the release of this recording he decided to put together a concert set list featuring some favorites from that recording!  Come and join in the fun!

Comedy Sportz "Rated E for Everyone!"

Monday, March 17

10:00 AM

Get ready for some laughs!  The Comedy Sportz team from right here in the Quad Cities will take the stage at the Family Museum!  The "act-letes" hilarious improvisation skits will have kids giggling!  The audience involved show is appropriate for the entire family.

West Music's Instrument Petting Zoo

Monday, March 17

2:00- 4:00 PM

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and pet some...instruments! Our friends from West Music are bringing along a sampling of instruments kids can try for themselves.  It's a great way to pique a musical interest in young children. Prizes too!

Down By The Creek

Tuesday March 18

10:00 AM Furred Animals; 2:00 PM Feathered Animals

Debbie Wallace is a certified ABC Dog Trainer and Animal Behaviorist. As a passionate pet owner, she will share her love for rescuing animals through her presentation with creatures great and small.

Pete the Cat

Producer/Performer Michael Levine!

Wednesday March 19

11:00 AM

Families will sing, dance, shake, laugh, wiggle and learn together as Mr. Michael gets silly with his guitar! Mr. Michael is the music producer of the Pete the Cat stories and songs and the co-founder of The Learning Groove with author Eric Litwin. On stage he shares his music and storytelling inspiration with children as they sing interactive songs and Pete the Cat stories!  If you love Pete the Cat books, you will love Michael Levine!

Earth Balloon!

Thursday March 20

10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00, and 4:00

Step inside the planet Earth!  Get ready to take off your shoes and experience Earth in a whole new way... from the inside!  Earth Balloon is a 20' diameter model of the Earth. The Inflatable globe is made up of a high resolution satellite image with true to life colors. Programs will run approximately 20 minutes on the hour from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. *Please be aware no more than 30 people will be allowed in Earth Balloon at a time.

Bubble Wonders!

Friday March 21

10:00AM

Don't miss this fun, inspiring, sticky, educational show!  Bubble Wonders is full of amazing tricks, including the bubble caterpillar, bubble volcano, the dancing bubble, a bubble merry-go-round, and much more!   The amazing bubble-ologist Geoff Akins will even put a child inside a bubble!   Fun for the entire family!  Show lasts approximately one hour.

The Zinghoppers!

Saturday March 22

11:00 AM

You are invited to The Zinghoppers Preschool Party! The show is based off the Emmy Award winning PBS television series seen by over 2 million people daily in over 175 counties.  The show is hosted by the friendly rapper J-Star with Coconuts The Kangaroo on drums and Funky Possum rocking beats on the turntables! Get ready to party rock with three members of what KidzBop On Demand hails as the "hottest new kids band in town."