Ruskowski Voted Best Coach, Mallards Hardest Working Team

 

Nagy Recognized as Most Underrated

 

Mallards Among Top Three in 13 Categories


MOLINE, Ill. (March 19, 2014) - Quad City Mallards coach and general manager Terry Ruskowski has been voted the Central Hockey League's best coach and the Mallards have recognized as the league's hardest working team while Mallards forward Gergo Nagy has been tapped as the CHL's most underrated player in the CHL's annual "Best of the Best" poll of players, coaches and operations staff, the Mallards announced today in conjunction with the CHL.

In all the Mallards finished in the top three in 13 different on- and off-ice categories.

Ruskowski has piloted the Mallards to a 28-20-10 record and 66 points over 58 games this season.  The Mallards, who are in sixth place in the CHL, are on course to claim a playoff berth for the second time in as many seasons under Ruskowski.  The veteran bench boss has gone 651-462-118 over the course of his 19-year professional head-coaching career.  Ruskowski has posted a record of 437-248-79 over 12 years in the CHL and in November moved into third place in league history in career coaching wins.

The Mallards have been voted the league's hardest working team for the second time in their four seasons in the CHL and have now finished either first or second in that category each of the last four years.  The Mallards came in second in the voting for hardest working team both last season and in 2011-12 after finishing first in 2010-11.

Nagy has scored 18 goals and picked up 30 assists for 48 points while posting a plus/minus rating of +14 in 56 games with the Mallards this season.  He is tied for second in the CHL in shorthanded goals (3).  Nagy earlier this month made his American Hockey League debut with the Chicago Wolves.

Nagy is not the only Mallard player recognized in the Best of the Best poll.  Vladimir Nikiforov, who has scored 11 times and totaled 36 points in 55 games this season, was voted the league's second fastest skater while Thomas Frazee finished third in the best rookie voting.  Among first year players, Frazee ranks fourth in goals (20), fifth in points (39) and eighth in assists (19).  He is also tied for second overall in shorthanded goals (3).  Frazee has registered a plus/minus of +6 in 52 games.

The Mallards have also been recognized for off-ice excellence.  The team's fans have obviously made an impression on opposing players, who- for the second straight season- voted them the third most annoying in the CHL while the iWireless Center was voted the third most difficult building in which to win.  As hostile as its environment has been for visiting teams, the iWireless Center has certainly proven welcoming to fans- the Mallards' home finished third in voting for best concessions.

A pair of longtime Mallard stalwarts are also among those honored.  For the second consecutive year, Mo Mallard finished second in the polling for best mascot while Guy Perry was voted the league's second best public address announcer.  There is league wide recognition as well for Mallard newcomers- still in their first season, the Mallards' Bud Light Ice Girls finished third in voting for best cheerleaders/dance team.

The Mallard received high marks for artistic impression.  The club's logo was voted third best in the league.  After being revamped at the start of this season, myqcmallards.net finished third in voting for best website.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are in the midst of their seventeenth season their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  The iWireless Center provides a unique environment for hockey and features one-of-a-kind seating areas such as the Nest for groups and functions and the exclusive Drake Club.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.net.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

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The Quad Cities River Bandits' opening day is Thursday, April 3, at the #1 Minor League Ballpark in the country, according to USA Today. Modern Woodmen Park in downtown Davenport, Iowa, is consistently ranked among the top minor league ballparks for its stunning view of the Mississippi River.

Niabi Zoo opens on Monday, April 7, 2014, for their season. Get a passport to Africa to see the graceful giraffes, the King of the Jungle lion, colobus monkeys and more, or take an Australian Walkabout with wallabies and lorikeets. Visit the Jungle Trek for hands-on activities about rainforests and the place for frog-lovers. Niabi Zoo, 13010 Niabi Zoo Rd. in Coal Valley, Ill., is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and longer hours in the summer.

The 850-person capacity Celebration Belle riverboat starts its cruises the first week of April. It is the largest non-gaming luxury excursion vessel on the upper Mississippi River. The boat offers lunch and dinner cruises, big band cruises, sightseeing, and specialty cruises. Contact 800-297-0034 or celebrationbelle.com for its schedule and more information.

The Twilight riverboat offers two-day overnight cruises from LeClaire, Iowa, to Dubuque, Iowa. Cruises include all meals, activities, and lodging.

Walnut Grove was a Scott County cross-roads settlement and stage coach stop in the 1860s. The Walnut Grove Pioneer Village now includes 18 historic buildings to tour, some relocated from rural Scott County. It is open daily April through October 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Village is located in Scott County Park, 18817 290th Street, Long Grove, Iowa.

According to folklore, springtime is the BEST season for pixie spotting! Children are invited to the Pixie Tea on Sunday, April 6th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the Quad City Botanical Center in Rock Island, Ill. In the lush enchanted garden, find tea and pixie treats. There will be magical crafts for the children and the gift of a pixie wand for remembering the day! (Reservations are required.)

Ballet Quad Cities premieres their interpretation of Igor Stravinsky's famous Rite of Spring, one of the most inspiring and challenging ballets ever written. International renowned director and choreographer Elie Lazar will also premier his new piece set to Appalachian Spring. Performances are Saturday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. with live music provided by Orchestra Iowa at the Adler Theatre, 136 E. 3rd Street in Davenport, Iowa.

Join in the inaugural Tour de Brew of the Quad Cities on Saturday, April 12. Registration starts at 12 noon at the Front Street Tap Room at the Freight House, 421 W. River Dr. in Davenport. This bicycle ride follows the bike trail to visit 5 different stops before returning to Front Street by 5 p.m. It's a poker ride format with a donation of your choosing to the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

Look for spring crafts at the German American Heritage Center in Davenport on Saturday, April 12, during their Eiermarkt (Egg Market) and Spring Craft Fair. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local and regional vendors sell their springtime wares including decorated eggs, carvings, baked goods, and more!

Celebrate with the Easter Egg Scramble 5K Run on Saturday, April 19. The 9:00 a.m. start/finish is in the Historic Village of East Davenport. Those who choose to run or walk the event will receive a swag bag. Brunch-style breakfast items will be available along with your typical refreshments. A live band rocks the 11th Street Precinct, and don't forget photos with the Easter Bunny. There is also an Easter Egg Hunt for children 8 years of age and younger.

The annual free Stroll Through Springtime is Saturday, April 26th from 7:00 a.m. until noon at the Black Hawk State Historic Site, 1510 46th Ave. in Rock Island, Ill. All events are free, and participants can come for any or all of the events. Birds will be the focus of groups going in the field from 7-9 a.m. Expert leaders will help to locate both resident and migratory birds. At 9 a.m., enjoy refreshments inside the Lodge, including wild violet jelly and a short program about invasive plants. At 10:00 a.m., participants will walk outside to observe and identify wildflowers.

American Legion Post #711, Blue Grass, Iowa, is hosting an All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, April 5, 2014. Serving will be from 6:30am until 10:00am at the Blue Grass Legion Hall, 106 S Juniata St.

The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, homemade syrup, potatoes, biscuits & gravy, cinnamon rolls, juice, milk and coffee.

The event is open to the public. Cost is $7 for adults, $3.50 for children ages 4 thru 12, and free for those under 4 years old.

By: Larry Katzen

It remains one of the greatest travesties in the history of American business: In 2001, the 85,000 employees of one of the world's largest accounting firms began losing their jobs in droves. Their employer had become tainted by its loose association with Enron  Corp., a financial house of cards that was imploding and taking with it billions of dollars in employee pensions and shareholder investments.

In 2002, accounting firm Arthur Andersen was convicted of charges related to Enron's fraudulent practices. The charges had nothing to do with the quality of their auditing - or any of Enron's illicit practices. The conviction was appealed, and in 2005, the U.S. Supreme Court struck it down in a unanimous vote. But the damage had already been done.

To date, despite millions of records being subpoenaed, there is no evidence Arthur Andersen ever did anything wrong. Still, perceptions are everything: Most people are not aware that the accounting firm, which led the industry in establishing strict, high standards, became a government scapegoat.

When I speak to groups across the country, I ask the following questions. Below are the typical responses I receive - and the actual facts.

1. What do you remember about Arthur Andersen?

Typical Response: They were the ones that helped facilitate the Enron fraud. They deserved what they got.

Fact: Arthur Andersen was the largest and most prestigious firm in the country. It was considered the gold standard of the accounting profession by the business community.

2. For what was Arthur Andersen indicted?

Typical Response: They messed up the audit of Enron and signed off on false financial statements.

Fact: They were indicted for shredding documents. These documents were drafts and other items that do not support the final product. All accounting firms establish policies for routinely shredding such documents.

3. How long was it between the Enron blowup and when Arthur Andersen went out of business?

Typical Response: One to three years.

Fact: The largest accounting firm in the world was gone in 90 days.

4. Was the indictment upheld?

Typical Response: Yes, that is why they went out of business.

Fact: No. The Supreme Court overruled the lower court in a 9-0 decision, and came to the conclusion within weeks, making it one of their quickest decisions ever.

5. How many people lost their jobs as a result of the false accusations?

Typical Response: Have no idea, but the partners got what they deserved.

Fact: Eighty-five thousand people lost their jobs and only a few thousand were partners. Most were staff people and clericals who made modest sums of money.

6. Who benefited from Arthur Andersen going out of business?

Typical Response: Everyone - we finally got rid of those crooks and made a statement to the rest of business to operate ethically.

Facts: It was not the Arthur Andersen people; they lost their jobs. It was not the clients; they had to go through the stress and expense of finding a new auditing firm. It was not the business world in general: It now has fewer firms from which to choose and rates increased. It was their competitors who benefited- they got Andersen's best people and clients and were able to increase their rates and profitability.

7. What accounting firms now have ex Arthur Andersen partners playing leadership roles in their firms?

Typical Response: None

Facts: The "big four," all the large middle-tier firms and many small firms have former Arthur Andersen partners in leadership positions. Finally, many members of the new Public Accounting oversight Board (PCAOB), which oversees these firms, now have former Arthur Andersen people involved in reviewing the quality of these firms.

About Larry Katzen

Larry Katzen, author of "And You Thought Accountants were Boring - My Life Inside Arthur Andersen," (www.LarryRKatzen.com), worked at Arthur Andersen from 1967 to 2002, quickly rising through the ranks to become a partner at age 30. His new memoir details the government's unjust persecution of a company known for maintaining the highest standards.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am

Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

1. Roll Call: Minard, Sunderbruch, Cusack, Earnhardt, Hancock

Presentation

2. Presentation of PRIDE recognition for years of service. (Item 2) .....9:00 a.m.

3. Recognizing Kathy Hall's retirement from the Treasurer's Office. (Item 3)

4. Recognition for those in the Leadership Summit Recertification Program. (Item 4)

5. Presentation of PRIDE Recognition for Employee of the Quarter.

Facilities & Economic Development

6. Award of bid for security system components to Stanley Convergent Security Solutions in the total amount of $22,805.00. (Item 6)

7. Award of bid for fine paper to Midland Paper in the amount of $15,119.75. (Item 7)

Human Resources

8. Discussion of replacement for Taxation Deputy position. (Item 8)

9. Collective bargaining agreement between Scott County and AFSCME. (Item 9)

10. Staff appointments. (Item 10)

Finance & Intergovernmental

11. Jail contract renewals for Jail Commissary and Jail Inmate Phone Services. (Item 11)

12. Purchase of Numera Software Maintenance and Support. (Item 12)

13. Contract with Kuchera for acquisition of 3" digital orthophotography. (Item 13)

14. GIS Software Maintenance Renewal with ESRI, Inc. (Item 14)

15. 2014 Slough Bill Exemptions. (Item 15)

16. April 2014 - National County Government Month "Ready and Resilient Counties: Prepare. Respond. Thrive." (Item 16)

17. Board Appointments. (Item 17)

Other Items of Interest

18. Recognizing the dedication of Thomas A. Garside M.D. to the mental health community, and his retirement from practice. (Item 18)

19. Recognition of Dan Schurr's years of service on the Benefited Fire District #1. (Item 19)

20. Consideration of appointments with upcoming term expirations for boards and

commissions.

o Benefited Fire District #6, Mary Friederichs 6/30/14

o Public Safety Authority, Wilma Drummond (Davenport's Appointment) 6/30/14

o Quad City Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Tim Huey 6/30/14

21. Adjourned.

Moved by _____ Seconded by _____

Ayes

Nays

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Regular Board Meeting - 5:00 pm

Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center
Representatives from the United Soybean Board (USB) and the American Soybean Association (ASA) will soon join their fellow soybean farmers from South America in China to represent the International Soy Growers Alliance (ISGA). The ISGA delegation will meet with industry and government officials to discuss the commitment of farmers from both hemispheres to being good partners in providing a safe and stable food supply.

Please join North Dakota soybean farmer and USB treasurer Jared Hagert and Iowa soybean farmer and ASA president Ray Gaesser via teleconference to discuss this important mission.
DAVENPORT - Over 500 students will fight pediatric illnesses by standing for 10 hours without sleep, sitting, or caffeine on Saturday, April 5, starting at 1 p.m. in the Rogalski Center Ballroom, 518 W. Locust St.

St. Ambrose University Dance Marathon is a yearlong celebration of life to provide emotional and financial support for the Children's Miracle Network and the University of Iowa Children's Hospital in Iowa City. Dance Marathon is an event jam-packed with dancing, games, activities, and stories from families who have benefited from Children's Miracle Network.

For the past two years, SAU Dance Marathon has raised over $53,000 to help families in their fight against pediatric illnesses. Last year alone, SAU Dance Marathon raised $47,743.67.

Dancers will enjoy many activities at the Big Event, such as laser tag, face painting, karaoke, a photo booth, hair donations, massages, games, talent show, merchandise, and food catered by Texas Roadhouse.

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Dubuque, Iowa- March 3, 2014– The Center for Dubuque History at Loras College debuts a 110 foot panoramic group portrait of hundreds of festival-goers at DubuqueFest 2013. The Exhibit is open March 15th through April 25th and a special reception will take place Sunday, April 6th.

The panorama was shot by Dubuque artist Tim Olson and photographer Tony Moline on May 18th and 19th, 2013 in Dubuque's Washington Park. The photographers used a massive 1930s era studio camera. It was modified by metal worker Jim Avery so that it could be wheeled through the park. At 10 foot intervals, the photographers stopped and exposed a single sheet of black and white 5"x7" film. Over the course of the festival they photographed over 600 people on 220 sheets of film. Moline helped keep
track of the subjects and gathered signatures which have been worked into the final print. He also used a digital camera to take in-between and background shots. After the festival, Olson processed the film then digitally stitched the single photographs together to create the seamless, 110 footlong photograph on exhibit. The final print has the look of black and white panoramic photographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

In 2012 Olson and the Center for Dubuque History partnered on A City at Work: 1912 and 2012, a photographic project that created a historic comparison of Dubuquers at work 100 years apart. During research for the project Olson was intrigued by the challenge of panorama photography and decided to try his hand at the festival.

A free reception for the exhibit on Sunday, April 6th, 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Center which will feature a short documentary by filmmaker Tim Connery about the making of the panorama. Refreshments will be served and the artist will be on hand to answer any questions. The Center for Dubuque History (CDH) is located in the lower level of the Academic Resource Center (the library) on the Loras College Campus. For CDH hours see: Loras.edu/library

This project was made possible by funding from the DubuqueFest Fine Arts Festival, Art Gumbo, and the Iowa Arts Council. For more about the DubuqueFest Panorama see: ACityAtWork.com.

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HURRY HURRY HURRY

Reserve your place on our 2015 Southern Germany River Cruise by April 1, 2014 and get a 10% discount per person with a $250 deposit.  This is the one and only deadline to save money on the cruise. After April 1st it will be more challenging for travelers to reserve space, and there will be no discount.   This cruise will sell out and it will be difficult to secure a cabin for those who decide too late.  The deposit is refundable through July 1, 2014.  Don't miss this great opportunity.   Visit our website for information and registration.
German American Heritage Center, 712 W Second Street, Davenport,  IA 52802
Study Shows Less than 60 Percent Enroll in Top Option; Expert Provides 3 Criteria to Consider

Tens of thousands of high school students will be receiving their college acceptance letters in April. It's an anxious time - students, and their parents, want to believe their school holds the promise that attendance will be their "Golden Ticket" to eventual financial success.  So, if they are trying to get from "Point A" (here and now) to "Point B" (financial independence), how do they select the school that will deliver that return on their investment?

"Young people tend to quickly fall in love with a school, and parents tend to quickly wear their son's or daughter's acceptance as a badge of honor, or at least validation as a successful parent,'' says David Porter, social architect, consultant to colleges and universities throughout North America and author of "The Porter Principles," a guide to college success through social engineering, (www.porterkhouwconsulting.com).

"Students and parents should be skeptical and consider all of what a college has offer, and how it will deliver on the implicit promise of financial independence. Which school will nurture and grow the prerequisite face-to-face problem-solving skills required to secure gainful employment and financial independence upon graduation?"

According to the most recent study from the University of California, Los Angeles's Higher Education Research Institute, only 58 percent of the surveyed 204,000 college freshmen enrolled at their first-choice college, the lowest percentage to do so since the question was first asked in 1974.

The major factors behind the decline are cost and financial aid. A 2012 study by the research group Ipsos and the student loan giant, Sallie Mae, indicates that roughly 70 percent of families are ruling out colleges based on cost.

First choice or otherwise, Porter says students and their families should consider a variety of factors in estimating the most value to be had at a campus. Some are more relevant than others:

• A school's ranking: According to one of the world's leading public intellects who regularly weighs in on academic issues, Malcom Gladwell, the national ranking a school receives doesn't necessarily reflect the needs of individual students. Just like an expensive sports car is valued, in part, from an arbitrary, expensive price tag, so too are colleges. The various needs a young adult will have are by no means fully represented by the seven variables used by the U.S. News rankings, run by Robert Morse. The variables include undergraduate academic reputation, financial resources and alumni giving.

• On-Campus culture and community: In addition to academics and the rigors thereof, a college offers (or fails to offer) a unique on-campus college experience.  Will the environment foster success (post-graduate financial independence) or, will it essentially be a few more years of high school under the guise of "college"?  Look for safe, wholesome campus venues, like a student union or a next generation dining learning commons that invites student interaction, collaboration, problem-solving, and dining 24/7.  Social architecture - the conscious design of an environment to encourage social behaviors that lead toward a goal - is a ground-breaking approach that social architecture visionary Porter is successfully introducing to more campuses across North America every day.

• Parent-student understanding: Move out and stay out (because you can). Mom and dad, we want a nice home, a nice car, nice vacations, nice stuff, nice meals, etc. etc. etc.  It costs tens of thousands of dollars per year to attend most colleges. Whether or not a student assumes massive debt to follow her dreams, or a parent shares the burden should be moot if the student can identify, pursue and secure gainful employment upon graduation. Having debt is an enourmous burden at any stage of life if you are unemployed. Choosing a school is a great opportunity for parents to lead by example on how to make a purchase decision for any "big ticket" item.  Do your homework.  Buyer beware. Coach them using some of the same skills you would use to buy a house or purchase a car or invest in a new business.

About David Porter

David Porter, author and social architect, is CEO and president of Porter Khouw Consulting, Inc., a foodservice master planning and design firm based in Crofton, Maryland. David has more than 40 years of hands-on food service operations and consulting experience and is a professional member of the Foodservice Consultants Society International. He is the author of "The Porter Principles, Retain & Recruit Students & Alumni, Save Millions on Dining and Stop Letting Food Service Contractors Eat Your Lunch," (www.porterkhouwconsulting.com). Porter Khouw Consulting has worked with more than 350 clients to conduct market research and develop strategic plans, master plans and designs for the college and university market. Porter is a graduate of the prestigious hospitality program at Michigan State University and has been recognized repeatedly as a leader in his field.

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