MOLINE, IL - WQPT, Quad Cities PBS will host a sneak preview of "Coming Back with Wes Moore" from noon-1:30 p.m. May 29 at the Quad Cities Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf, Iowa. The program is a signature event in the WQPT "Embracing Our Military" initiative.

The event, which is open free to the public, will engage the community in a discussion on some of the most difficult questions related to returning from war. Light refreshments will be served and reservations are encouraged by contacting BE-Brasel@wiu.edu

"Coming Back with Wes Moore" is a three-part documentary tells personal stories of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans as they struggle to reintegrate into society.

In the series, which will air on WQPT at 7 p.m. in three parts on Wednesdays, May 21, 28 and June 4, Moore takes viewers with him into the personal lives of different soldiers as they attempt to reintegrate into society, establish new identities and?for many?find a new mission.

"We want to better humanize re-integration by taking the audience into the lives of these men and women as they return from war," said Moore, who is an Army combat veteran. "I want to make sure people understand these stories and who these people are who are coming back from combat."

Over the course of three episodes, "Coming Back"  follows Moore into the lives of Army Sgt. Andy Clark of Denver, CO; Army Sgt. Bobby Henline of San Antonio, TX; Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Letrice Titus of Syracuse, NY; Army National Guard Sgt. Brad Farnsley of Fort Knox, KY; Earl Johnson of Baltimore, MD; Air Force Staff Sgt. Stacy Pearsall of Charleston, SC; Army National Guard Lt. Col. and Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth of Schaumburg, IL; Army Sgt. Brian "Taylor" Urruela of Tampa, FL; and husband and wife Marine Sgt. Christopher Phelan and Air Force Capt. Star Lopez of Los Angeles, CA.

Local funding for WQPT's "Embracing Our Military" initiative comes from UnityPoint Health - Trinity and RIA Federal Credit Union, and from CBS4, Dispatch/Argus, WOC, WLLR, WVIK and Western Illinois University-QC

To learn more about the WQPT "Embracing Our Military" initiative visit wqpt.org/embracing.  WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University.

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed the following bill into law:

House File 2459: an Act relating to the individual income tax by creating a tax credit for reserve peace officers and by modifying the tax credit for volunteer fire fighter and volunteer emergency medical services personnel and including retroactive applicability provisions.

 

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Rock Island, IL: Readers of all ages eagerly awaiting the release of the film version of "The Fault in Our Stars," by John Green, can celebrate with other fans at the Rock Island Library this summer.

The library will host a "The Fault in Our Stars" celebration at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, June 4, in the Rock Island Public Library's Community Room, 401 19th Street. The event celebrates the upcoming movie release with crafts, trivia, showings of "vlogbrothers" videos by John and Hank Green, and refreshments. Due to the book's strong crossover readership, the event is for both teens and adults.

Published in January 2012, The Fault in Our Stars debuted at the number one spot on The New York Times  best seller list, and held that position for seven consecutive weeks. It also made USA Today's list of the top 10 books of 2012. The book tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Augustus, who meet in a cancer support group. The film leads are played by Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort.

June 2 marks the start of the library's Paws to Read Summer Reading program, which offers reading contests for children, teens and adults, education and entertainment events through Aug. 2. Other events during that week include :

Getting to Know Your iPad or Tablet: 6:30 pm, Tuesday, June 3, Main Library. The free demo for all ages covers basic features and tips and tricks for using an iPad or Android tablet. Participants are encouraged to bring their devices.

Library Independent Movie Night: 6:00 pm, Thurs., June 5, Main Library. The event includes a free movie showing, discussion and popcorn. The comedy, in Dutch, German and English, is the story of a family who suddenly reinvents themselves when Eva, their youngest and only girl, invites a German exchange student into their home. Independent movies are not rated.

Friends of the Rock Island Public Library Half-price Book Sale, 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, Thursday, June 5, 30/31 Branch, 3059 30th Street. Half-price sale on used books and other items to benefit Rock Island Library programs. Sale prices good at 30/31 Branch location only.

Paws to Read Summer Carnival and Pet Parade: Noon to 3:00 pm, Saturday, June 7, Main Library parking lot. Free games, bounce house, face-painting, magic, chalk art, free hot dogs and pop, hourly prize drawings, and special presentations, including the pet parade and a K-9 police dog demo by the Rock Island Police Department. The library requests that pet parade entrants pre-register. Forms are available at libraries and online. Event attendees can also sign up for summer reading and pick up a prize, while supplies last. In the event of rain, most events will move inside.

The majority of the library's children's summer education programs, including weekly reading practice with a therapy dog, children's storytimes, Lego block clubs, math club, art, and drama workshops, start in the second week of June. On Monday, June 16, the library hosts two free performances of Mad Science of Iowa Plus, and on Thursday, June 19, an appearance by Serengeti Steve, with his live "Reptile Experience" show.

For more information about Rock Island Summer Reading, visit any Rock Island Main, 30/31 or Southwest Branches, go to www.rockislandlibrary.org call 309-732-READ (7323.) A downloadable events calendar is available on the library website at the newsletters and calendars link.

Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.

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DAVENPORT, IOWA -The Davenport Jaycees, a young professionals service organization, and WQPT-Quad Cities PBS, a public media service of Western Illinois University are teaming up for the Quad City Classic - Brew Ha Ha in September.

As part of a collaborative agreement, operations of Brew Ha Ha will transfer to the Davenport Jaycees immediately. Brew Ha Ha has been hosted by WQPT since 2000 to raise funds for children's programming.

"We have been looking to expand our educational outreach activities and turning Brew Ha Ha over to the Jaycees allows us to focus on our mission of educational outreach for children and families," WQPT Chief Development Officer Jamie Lange said. "The Davenport Jaycees is a well-respected, established non-profit organization who shares our mission of education and supporting children and families. The partnership is ideal."

Brew Ha Ha proceeds will continue to benefit WQPT's children's program and will expand to include other charitable initiatives of the Jaycees.

"Brew Ha Ha is a wonderful community event," Davenport Jaycees President April Boyer said. Expanding its reach under our direction will give us an opportunity to continue supporting WQPT but also other great community organizations that fit within the Jaycees mission."

"As a young professional group that is focused on service and growing our leadership skills, this event and its mission fits us well," Davenport Jaycees President April Boyer said. "We are honored that WQPT asked to partner with us and it demonstrates the value of young leadership who want to support their communities."

The partnership between the two organizations will continue through other projects as well.

"As a result of this partnership, the Davenport Jaycees will help WQPT invest in a new children's project to be held in the spring 2015 so it's really exciting," said Boyer.

About Brew Ha Ha: Brew Ha Ha, an annual tradition in the Quad Cities will be held Saturday, September 20 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. in LeClaire Park. The tasting event features more than 200 beers and includes a Cabot cheese tasting. The event also includes live music, comedy and games.

Tickets will be available in July at davenportjaycees.com. Tickets are $30 in advance/$35 at the gate. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as limited tickets are available as this event has sold out in the past.

About the Jaycees: The Davenport Jaycees aim to build personal and professional relationships by work together on projects to strengthen and grow the Quad-Cities community. Currently celebrating their 80th year, the Davenport chapter is one of the oldest chapters in the state of Iowa and has grown to include young professionals from both sides of the Mississippi River. They pride themselves on blending social opportunities with service - like planning the annual Bridal Expo that raises funds for charitable initiatives.

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SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
City of Davenport, Iowa
Wednesday, May 21, 2014; 5:00 P.M.
City Hall Council Chambers
I. Moment of Silence
II. Pledge of Allegiance
Ald. Matson
III. Roll Call
IV. Discussion Agenda
1. RESOLUTION closing various streets, lanes or public grounds on the listed dates to hold outdoor events as specified below. [Ward 3]
Entity: Shenanigan's (Here We Go Again, Inc.)
Event: Annual Memorial Day Weekend
Date: Sunday, May 25
Time: 10 AM to Midnight
Closure Location: Sidewalk, parking lane and two travel lanes of Third Street in front of Shenanigan's
2. MOTION approving a temporary outdoor area as follows:
Shenanigan's 303 West Third Street C Liquor 3
Here We Go Again Inc. OUTDOOR AREA ONLY
(Memorial Day weekend) MAY 25, 2014 ONLY
V. Public Comment
PLEASE NOTE: At this time individuals may step to the podium and upon giving your NAME and ADDRESS you may address the City Council. There is a five (5) minute time limit. Please end your comments promptly.
VI. Adjourn

Event Date: May 31, 2014

Join the Davenport Public Library for a fun-filled, action-packed kickoff to the 2014 Summer Reading Program! Visit the Fairmount Street Branch (3000 N. Fairmount St) on Saturday, May 31 between noon and 4:00 p.m. for an afternoon of fun and adventure! The first stop will be signing up for the Summer Reading Program, with this year's "Fizz, Boom Read" theme. We'll have all kinds of science experiments for people of all ages to explore including Mentos Fountains and edible science snacks.

The Davenport Public Library's Summer Reading Program runs from May 31st to August 2nd and includes exciting electronic prizes including a Nabi Jr. Tablet, an iPod, and a Kindle Paperwhite. For more information on the Summer Reading Program visit www.davenportlibrary.com or call 563-326-7832.

Saturday, May 31, 2014

The Muddy Water's, 1708 State Street, Bettendorf, Iowa, is marking four-years in business with a fun-filled anniversary celebration on May 31, starting at 4:30 p.m.

The Muddy Waters "backyard" will be the home to an impressive live music line-up starting with the Winter Blues All-Stars at 4:30 p.m. The Winter Blues All-Stars is comprised of talented young musicians selected from the River Music Experience's Winter Blues program. The annual Winter Blues program features vocal and instrumental workshops, as well as a concentration on blues composition and improvisation. The 2014 Winter Blues All- stars include Jesse Barger (guitar), Noah Schneider (guitar), MacKenzie Noppe (drums, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, vocals), Matt Fuller (guitar), Michael Osborne (bass guitar, harmonica), Sarah Elisabeth Hanson (vocals).

The Curtis Hawkins Band will rob the stage at 6:00 p.m. Playing a variety of soul, funk, and blues, The Curtis Hawkins Band has shown that they are capable of doing what it takes to make it in the music scene. Based out of the Quad Cities and Galesburg, Illinois, members include Andrea Mendoza (bass), Ian Johnson (guitar, vocals), Jamie Hopkins (drums, vocals), and m3 (keyboards, vocals). You can find them playing original music from their "Keep Workin' The Blues" CD (available on iTunes) then turn around and bust out everything from rock-n-roll to funk-n-soul! If you like Steeley Dan, Santana, Prince, the Allman Brothers, and Stevie Wonder, swing into The Muddy Waters "back-yard" for a listen to The Curtis Hawkins Band - real music by real musicians.

A high-energy, 7-piece, power horn band is what's happening on the stage at 8:00 p.m. with Tangent!. Tangent! is from right here in the Quad Cities and they will be mixing all of the best sounds and songs of Motown, Blues, Soul, Rock, and Jazz. While reasonably true to the original songs, Tangent! also lends their own style and solos into the mix, just at the right time. The music that they play will lift you off of your lawn chair, and right onto the dance space. If you like horns, excellent guitar and keyboards, a female singer with pipes of gold, or a rhythm section that is rock solid, come listen to Tangent! You will be glad that you did.

At 10:00 p.m., John Nemeth and the Bo-Keys will capture the audience and headline the night's events. Since bursting onto the scene in 2007, John Németh has wowed critics and audiences alike with his riveting vocals and harmonica prowess. He has just received the "2014 Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year" Award from the International Blues Foundation. The Philadelphia Inquirer testified to his standing in the current music scene with the comment, "Classic soul and R&B styles have been revitalized by artists such as James Hunter, Eli 'Paperboy' Reed, and Sharon Jones. You can include John Németh on any list of the best of them." The dynamic soul sensation continues to reinvigorate vintage American rhythm and blues with his uncanny ability to skillfully blend retro and modern blues and soul into compelling music that is simultaneously old and new.

Throughout the day, The Muddy Waters will have drink specials, give-aways, and a food menu that will include Cajun and  Creole style choices  all prepared by Blazin' Cajun.

The Muddy Waters, only three blocks east of the I-74 bridge, close to the bike path, and on the route for the Loop buses and is open 365 days a year. The Muddy Waters features three pool tables and large-screen TVs, and a variety of martinis and import and domestic beers including locally brewed offerings from Bent River Brewing Company and Great River Brewing Company.

Check the website for The Muddy Waters at: www.themuddywaters.com; email: info@muddys.info.

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Senate File 2344 promotes e-15, biodiesel and next generation of biofuels, bio-butanol.

 

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today announced he will sign Senate File 2344 into law Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at 12:30 p.m. at POET Biorefining in Coon Rapids, Iowa.

The bill promotes the development of bio-butanol and bio-butanol blended gasoline, which are next generation biofuels; and modifies the rate of the E-15 promotion tax credit and extends provisions for the biodiesel production refund.

The following bill signing ceremony is open to credentialed members of the media:

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

 

12:30 p.m. Gov. Branstad signs Senate File 2344

POET Biorefining

1015 Grant Avenue

Coon Rapids, IA

Note: Parking is available outside the administration building.

Senate File 2344 an Act relating to renewable fuels, by providing for bio-butanol and bio-butanol blended gasoline, modifying the rate of the E-15 plus gasoline promotion tax credit and extending provisions for a biodiesel production refund, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions. 

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West Des Moines- The latest radio advertisement today released by Jacobs for Iowa features Iowa's Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey, touting Secretary Northey's recent endorsement of Mark Jacobs for U.S Senate.

The 60-second spot is being aired statewide. To listen to the ad, please click here.

Full script below:

Northey: I've never endorsed a statewide Republican candidate in a primary before, but like they say, there's a first time for everything. Hi, this is Bill Northey and I am pleased to endorse business leader Mark Jacobs in the US Senate Republican primary.

As the Secretary of Agriculture in Iowa, I consider it my job to promote agriculture and it's businesses. These jobs include family farms, small town elevators, big city factories and hundreds of smaller companies in between. In Iowa, the business of agriculture pays a lot of bills.

Mark Jacobs has the experience to help Iowa agriculture and the thousands of jobs related to farming. As a successful CEO, he protected jobs and made a payroll. That's good for Iowa agriculture.

Even more, I've gotten to know Mark and he has a work ethic that would make any Iowan proud.

He's a conservative and a man of principle. I hope you will consider a vote for Mark Jacobs on June 3rd. This is Bill Northey...thanks for listening.

Jacobs: I'm Mark Jacobs and I approve this message. Paid for by Jacobs for Iowa.

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About Mark Jacobs

A life-long Republican, Mark previously served as president and CEO of Reliant Energy, a Fortune 500 electric power company. During his time at Reliant Energy, he played an integral role in the turnaround of the company. Mark graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines in 1980. He holds a bachelor's degree from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from Northwestern University. Mark and his wife, Janet, have three children: Clark, Christy, and Sam. The family resides in West Des Moines.

PEORIA, Ill. (May 15, 2014) –The American Red Cross encourages all eligible donors to choose their day to help save lives by giving blood in honor of World Blood Donor Day.

Every year, on June 14, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The occasion raises awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products, and thanks voluntary blood donors for their lifesaving gifts of blood.

"World Blood Donor Day comes at a very important time each year," said Shelly Heiden, community CEO, Heart of America Blood Services Region. "Summer can be a challenging time for blood donations, with fewer donors available to donate blood due to busy summer schedules. World Blood Donor Day gives us an opportunity to highlight the need for blood during the summer months and year-round."

World Blood Donor Day occurs on day 21 of the Red Cross 100 Days of Summer. 100 Days of Hope. campaign. Heiden added that it's a perfect time for donors to help save lives and boost the blood supply for patients in need.

To learn more and make an appointment to donate blood, visit redcrossblood.org or call

1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

 

Clinton County

June 4 from 12-6 p.m. at Wild Rose Casino & Resort, 777 Wild Rose Drive in Clinton, Iowa

June 12 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Alverno, 849 13th Ave. N in Clinton, Iowa

 

Henry County

June 11 from 2-6 p.m. at First Christian Church, 105 Dwight St. in Kewanee, Ill.

June 12 from 2-6 p.m. at American Legion, 509 N. School St. in Atkinson, Ill.

 

Lee County

June 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sauk Valley Community College, 173 IL Route 2 in Dixon, Ill.

June 10 from 1-6 p.m. at St. Patricks Church, 612 Highland in Dixon, Ill.

 

Mercer County

June 2 from 3-6:30 p.m. at First Christian Church, 20th and Main St. in Keithsburg, Ill.

June 10 from 2-6 p.m. at New Windsor Presbyterian Church, 4th and Walnut in New Windsor, Ill.

 

Rock Island County

June 4 from 1:30-5:30 p.m. at American Red Cross, 1100 River Drive in Moline, Ill.

 

Whiteside County

June 4 from 2-6 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

June 5 from 9:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CGH Medical Center, 100 E. LeFevre Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 6 from 12-3:30 p.m. at Coventry Living Center Activity Building, 612 W. St. Mary's Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 9 from 7-11 a.m. at Sterling Anchor Coupling Inc, 2910 W. Le Fevre Road in Sterling, Ill.

June 9 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Prophetstown-Lyndon-Tampico CUSD #3, 79 Grove St. in Prophetstown, Ill.

June 10 from 1-6 p.m. at Robert Fulton Community Center, 912 4th St. in Fulton, Ill.

June 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at American Red Cross, 112 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, Ill.

 

How to donate blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. The Red Cross is supported in part through generous financial donations from the United Way. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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