07 Feb 2014

Iowa Supreme Court Opinions February 7, 2014

By Iowa Judicial Branch

Notice: The opinions posted on this site are slip opinions only. Under the Rules of Appellate Procedure a party has a limited number of days to request a rehearing after the filing of an opinion. Also, all slip opinions are subject to modification or correction by the court. Therefore, opinions on this site are not to be considered the final decisions of the court. The official published opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format). Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 12-1192

DENNIS H. HAGENOW and ROSALEE A. HAGENOW vs. BETTY L. SCHMIDT

07 Feb 2014

Northern Illinois University announces Fall 2013 graduates

By Constance Ervins

DEKALB, IL (02/06/2014)(readMedia)-- Northern Illinois University announced the awarding of graduate and undergraduate degrees at the conclusion of its Fall 2013 session.

Jacob Ngo of Moline is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Ngo graduated with a B.S. degree from the College of Business.

Joel Oney of Port Byron is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Oney graduated with a B.S. degree from the College of Business.

Jonathan Gonzalez of Moline is a recent graduate of Northern Illinois University (NIU). Gonzalez graduated with a B.S. degree from the College of Business.

NIU announced the awarding of graduate and undergraduate degrees at the conclusion of its fall semester, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 and Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013 respectively.

Chartered in 1895, NIU is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a diverse and international student body of about 21,000. Located near a vibrant research and development corridor, NIU's main DeKalb campus is 65 miles west of Chicago and 45 miles southeast of Rockford. NIU provides more than 60 undergraduate majors and 100 graduate- and doctoral- level programs in seven colleges (Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Health and Human Sciences, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts). The university also operates education centers in Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Oregon and Rockford, where working professionals can access NIU programs at convenient times and locations. The 16 NIU Huskies athletic teams compete in the Mid-American Conference at the highest NCAA Division I level.

07 Feb 2014

Governor Quinn Announces MATTER, a New Healthcare Technology Startup Hub

By Brooke Anderson/Grant Klinzman

Innovative BioHub is Part of Governor's State of the State Commitment to Create Jobs, Drive Illinois' Economy Forward

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by J.B. Pritzker and key civic and business leaders to announce MATTER - a new startup center for next-generation healthcare technology companies. A priority in the Governor's 2014 State of the State address, the not-for-profit BioHub will drive entrepreneurship in the rapidly expanding medical and biotechnology fields. Supported by a $4 million state investment, MATTER is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward.

"We are committed to taking our medical technology industry to the next level," Governor Quinn said. "MATTER will serve as a central location to empower entrepreneurs and spur economic growth, while advancing Illinois' role as a national leader in life sciences and health innovation."

As a not-for-profit organization, MATTER will be located in Chicago's Merchandise Mart. Its collaborative workspace will allow interaction among entrepreneurs, academics and investors in order to create and grow new companies in healthcare information technology, medical devices, medical diagnostics and biopharmaceuticals. 1871, the digital startup hub what will be MATTER's neighbor in the Merchandise Mart, has followed that same recipe for success, resulting in more than 200 start-ups and creating more than 1,000 jobs since its launch in 2012.

"1871 changed the game for digital startups and has become an international model for encouraging entrepreneurial growth," World Business Chicago President and CEO Jeff Malehorn, who represented Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel at the announcement, said. "Just as the State of Illinois, the City of Chicago and World Business Chicago together helped launch 1871, we're collaborating to do the same thing for the medical technology sector, which has enormous growth potential to continue to fuel our economy."

The state's funding package, administered through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), consists of a $2.5 million state investment and a loan of $1.5 million that will provide seed funding support for the project. Business leaders including Jeff Aronin and Tim Walbert, who are co-chairs of the MATTER governing board, are raising additional funds from corporate sources.

"Over the past year, hundreds of entrepreneurs, university and industry leaders have volunteered their time to help us build the plan for MATTER," said Paragon Pharmaceuticals Chairman and CEO Jeff Aronin, who is also chair of WBC's ChicagoNEXT Bioscience Committee, which has been a key partner with the state in creating MATTER. "On behalf of the entire community, we are grateful for the support of Governor Quinn and DCEO, and for the continuing commitment to this effort of Mayor Emanuel and World Business Chicago."

"MATTER will enable a community of life-science entrepreneurs to come together and realize their dream of starting a company," Horizon Pharma Inc. Chairman, President and CEO Tim Walbert, who is also a member of the Illinois Innovation Council, said. "MATTER will also be an economic boon to our city and state, leveraging the innovation from our world-leading teaching hospitals and Horizon is proud to support it."

Together the Quinn Administration and the Illinois Innovation Council, which was created by the Governor in 2011, have led significant progress in fostering the growth of the state's technology sector. The Governor previously invested $2.3 million to help launch 1871, now one of the nation's leading centers for early-stage digital technology companies. The state also invested $1.7 million to build the HTI, a new healthcare R&D facility located in the Illinois Medical District.

Illinois has the third-largest healthcare community in the U.S., and Chicago boasts the nation's largest concentration of doctors. The state is home to leading national healthcare organizations, global biopharmaceutical, medical device, health IT, distribution and health insurance companies, leading research institutions and teaching hospitals, and a dynamic startup community. The life science industry in Illinois has a $98 billion economic footprint. For entrepreneurs building med-tech businesses, the Chicago area has one of the world's highest concentrations of potential resources, but until now the community has not had a central focal point.

"When I moved to Chicago from Silicon Valley, I struggled to find and plug into the large and diverse med-tech community here," said Andrew Cittadine, founder and CEO of Diagnostic Photonics. "MATTER will allow me and other entrepreneurs easy access to the people and resources we need to build our companies."

For more information on MATTER, visit www.matterchicago.com.

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07 Feb 2014

Loebsack, Bipartisan Coalition of Lawmakers Call for Hearing on Propane Shortage Crisis

By Joe Hand

Washington, DC - Congressman Dave Loebsack and a bipartisan coalition of Midwestern lawmakers today sent a letter to Energy and Commerce Committee leadership to request a hearing that would examine the current propane shortage crisis, the long term outlook of Midwestern supply and potential solutions to the problem. Propane prices have risen dramatically in the last month, causing significant hardships for families who use propane to heat their homes. Representatives who signed the letter include Walz (MN-01), Braley (IA-01), King (IA-04), Bustos (IL-17), Enyart (IL-12), McCollum (MN-04), Nolan (MN-08), Peterson (MN-07), Fortenberry (NE-01), Cramer (ND-00), Noem (SD-00), Ribble (WI-08), and Kind (WI-03).

"The sudden increase in the price of propane, combined with an extremely cold winter is wreaking havoc on many Iowans' pocketbooks this winter," said Congressman Loebsack. "I am very concerned about the surge in prices and the reason for such a great disparity in propane prices across the country. This is another expense Iowans cannot afford. The Energy and Commerce Committee needs to immediately look into the reason for this shortage and figure out a way to address the sure in price."

"As Members representing the Midwest, we respectfully write today to request a hearing into the current propane shortage, the long term outlook of Midwestern supply and potential solutions to the problem," the Members write in the letter. "As you may know, households and businesses across the Midwest have seen significant spikes in the price of propane fuels during the severe winter cold. Any further reduction in supply threatens to leave our constituents without the fuel necessary to heat their homes and to keep livestock and poultry barns warm."

Full text of the letter can be seen here.

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07 Feb 2014

KELDERMAN MANUFACTURING WINS IOWA FARM BUREAU 'RENEW RURAL IOWA ENTREPRENEUR AWARD'

By Rick Martin

Solutions-Oriented Manufacturer Renowned for Many Inventions, Contributions to Rural Life

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa - February 6, 2014 - Those who know him best in Oskaloosa, say Gary Kelderman has a reputation of being able to tinker and fix almost anything, and make it better. Kelderman's start as an ambitious teenager, eager to work on cars and machinery, has grown over time into a successful Oskaloosa-based manufacturing business, with more than 25 patents and 45 employees. In recognition of its numerous contributions to the community, Kelderman Manufacturing has been named the latest Iowa Farm Bureau Federation's (IFBF) Renew Rural Iowa Award winner.

Founded in 1970 in Kelderman's one-stall hot rod shop, the problem-solving operation has grown to a 100,000 square foot manufacturing facility and is a leading supplier of innovative products for the agricultural industry. Perhaps Kelderman's best-known product is the Kelderman fold kit designed for the 7000 and 7200 Series John Deere planters. "If you're a farmer, you probably have one, and if you don't, your neighbor probably does," said Jeff Kelderman, who joined the family business and now runs it together with his father. "Our products are on almost every farm," says Kelderman, proudly.

The key to success for Kelderman Manufacturing has been the ability to innovate as needs arise. Whether designing a way for farmers to move their heavy equipment from field to field more efficiently, inventing a reel for combines to pick up spilled corn in the field, or creating a smoother ride for large trucks, Kelderman Manufacturing continues to bring innovation to the agriculture community. "If someone needed something made or built to make a job easier, Gary Kelderman could do it," said Pete Fynaardt, Mahaska County Farm Bureau president. "Kelderman Manufacturing is a real asset to the community."

Renew Rural Iowa (RRI) is an IFBF initiative supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentoring, and financial resources. The next Renew Rural Iowa Business Success Seminar takes place Tuesday March 11, 2014, at Iowa Farm Bureau's Auditorium in West Des Moines. For more information, go to www.renewruraliowa.com

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07 Feb 2014

CVB News & Events February 6th Edition

By QCCVB

Quilt Exhibit and Talk

For the second year in a row, the Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild (MVQG) is partnering with the Figge Art Museum for an exhibition of quilts that will be on display in the lobby. MVQG: Encore will begin Tuesday, February 4 and run through Sunday, February 9. Join us in the lobby at 7 pm on Thursday, Feb. 6th for a quilt talk. Roasalie Baker and Colleen Curry will present two stylistic perspectives on art-quilting. Curry will focus on new quilting techniques, while Baker will demonstrate the pictorial quilt process. www.figgeartmuseum.org

IL and IA Regional Auto Show

See the latest in automobiles at the RiverCentre in Davenport.
Admission - Adults (13 and over): $8; Senior Citizens (62 and over): $6; Children (7-12): $3; Children (6 and under): FREE. Family Day is Sunday, February 9! All children 12 & under admitted FREE on

Family Day when accompanied by a paying adult. www.riverctr.com

Friday, Feb. 7 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Saturday, Feb. 8 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Sunday, Feb. 9 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Home Show

From plumbing to drapes, remodeling ideas to new construction, landscaping to interior decorating...it is all on display at the Home Show on February 7-9 at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island. You will be dazzled by 60,000 square feet of exhibits to meet your every desire in home construction, design, decorating, and furnishings. There is the latest in home theater, windows, doors, insulation, siding, hot tubs, fence, decks and more! Even lenders to help you finance your project. www.qccaexpocenter.com

Puppets and Pies

A fundraising event for the German American Heritage Center in Davenport will be held on Friday, February 7th at 7 pm. Join us for a pie auction and the puppetry of Eulenspiegel Puppets from West Liberty as puppeteer Monica Leo performs Finding Home, a story of her family's immigration tale. Along with this performance is a pie auction as well as refreshments. This show is intended for mature audiences.Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. www.gahc.org

Mallards Game on Friday and Saturday

Friday, February 7 is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X. $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center in Moline during the 7 p.m. Mallards game against Allen. Tickets are going fast for the Sat. game at 7 p.m. against the Chill. www.myqcmallards.com

First Friday in LeClaire on Feb. 7

-Mississippi River Distilling Company is releasing the latest in their "Still Crazy" series... Six Shooter Smoke! Chef Steph will have Six Shooter Smoke Cheddar fondue along with chocolate and Iowa Coffee Company Coffee Liqueur fondue to taste.

-Wide River Winery is open until 8pm serving their award winning locally made wines. Live music from 5-8pm by Tony Hoeppner. Enjoy a chocolate treat from the Sweet Life paired with Pursuit of Happiness.

- Aunt Hattie's Fanciful Emporium - Come in for a red velvet cupcake!

- Razzleberries Gifts - Booze cake while it lasts!

- Faithful Pilot Café & Spirits - Live music by The Matriarchs starting at 7:30pm

- Sneaky Pete's prime rib special; Karaoke starting at 9pm

- Restaurants and several shops will be open late! www.visitleclaire.com

FREE Yoga Class at Bucktown

On Saturday, Feb. 8th, Bucktown Center for the Arts in Davenport will host Sol Yoga's first OM on the Move in the Quad Cities from 11:30 am-12:30 pm in Suite 103. OM on the MOVE is Sol Yoga's meet-up. Each month they feature an interesting local place; gather as many people as possible to practice yoga for FREE. Bring a mat and water. While Sol Yoga donates their time to all of you - they certainly do not expect anything in return ... however if you feel compelled to donate, all donations will go back to the local place or their charity of choice. www.bucktownarts.com

Live Music - The Neverly Brothers

The Neverly Brothers: A Rock 'n' Roll Evolution - From Elvis to the Beatles! Fasten your seat belts for a guided musical tour through rock 'n' roll history on Saturday, February 8th at the River Music Experience in Davenport. The Neverly Brothers play all your favorite hits from 1950s American Rockabilly, Rock n' Roll and Rhythm & Blues pioneers up through the 1964 British Invasion groups. Doors 7 pm; Show 8 pm; Tickets $10. www.rivermusicexperience.org

Super Absorbent

The Family Museum in Bettendorf has drop-in programming on Saturday, February 8th at 10:30 a.m. with a mad science lab with amazing science fun with baby diapers. From 1-3 p.m., discover the super absorbent gels and some trucks you can do with them. www.familymuseum.org

Broadway's The Addams Family

THE ADDAMS FAMILY features an original story and it's every father's nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents. Come meet the family. We'll leave the lights off for you on Tuesday, Feb. 11th at 7:30 pm at the Adler Theatre in Davenport. www.adlertheatre.com

Rave On

This special cabaret on Thursday, February 13th at 7 p.m. features members of the cast of "The Buddy Holly Story" and Circa '21 Bootleggers performing their favorite rock & roll hits from the 1950's and 1960's with a live band! No meal is included but the theatre will offer sandwich baskets, appetizers and desserts for purchase. www.circa21.com

SPECTRA Poetry Reading

Anyone in or around the greater Quad City area on Feb. 13 at 8 p.m. who has an original poem, song, story, soliloquy, bit, rant, performance art piece, etc. they are willing/burning to share with the one (s) they love & a loving audience at the enigmatic Rozz-Tox in Rock Island. Performers will be limited to one poem/song/story/etc. & no more than 5 minutes of stage time per performance. MWC Poet-in-Residence Augrey Jane Ryan will feature the poem "Things to be Done at the End of the World". There will also be local poets on hand to write priceless love poems etc on the spot for a mere $5. www.midwestwritingcenter.org

Outdoor Show

Visit booths and celebrate the great outdoors during the Outdoor Show on February 13-16 at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island. From boats and tackle to decoys and gear. It's the Outdoor Show you have been craving. Enjoy seminars and presentations from big-name fishing professionals along with a Kid's Kamp with a real trout pond, minnow races, and archery. You will also learn about a wide variety of resorts, and the latest in hunting and fishing gear. www.qccaexpocenter.com

Gallery Talk

Join photographer/videographer Josh Ford, an award-winning choreographer Kim Munn and WQAD Channel 8's chief meteorologist James Zahara in a lively, engaging discussion of Katja Loher: Videoplanet-Orchestra, a unique, multi-media exhibition. From discussion on video and dance to weather balloons, this is a not-to-be-missed gallery talk on Thursday, Feb. 13th at 7 p.m. at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport. www.figgeartmuseum.org

CARMEN presented by Ballet Quad Cities

Ballet Quad Cities presents Carmen at the Scottish Rite Cathedral, 1800 7th Avenue, Moline, Illinois, on Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. A story of passion, jealousy, obsession and death, Carmen is the timeless tale of a feisty gypsy involved in a fatal love triangle. For more information and tickets, call 309-786-3779 or visit www.balletquadcities.com.

Moonlight Walk

Take a guided moonlight walk during the full moon on Friday, February 14 at Black Hawk State Historic Site. Walk along the park's woodland trails beautifully lit with luminaries. After your walk, return to the Watchtower Lodge to warm up by the roaring fireplaces, and enjoy light refreshments and live music. Dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight. Begin at the Watchtower Lodge at 1510 46th Avenue in Rock Island, Illinois. 6:30-8:30 p.m. No cost to attend for this event for singles, couples, and families. For more information, call 309-788-9536 or visit www.blackhawkpark.org.

The Notebook

Love is in the air at the Putnam Museum in Davenport! Join us for a special Valentines Showing of the romantic classic, The Notebook, February 14 & 15 at 7:00 p.m. Carnival games such as ring-toss, with stuffed animals as prizes; a photo booth, trivia and, yes, cotton candy will be available ( bring your own tissues for the movie, though.) www.putnam.org

Valentine's Day Dance

Come to Jumer's Casino in Rock Island on February 14th to enjoy the Tailfins for a night of music and dancing in our event center. Ticket Price: $15.00 per person. Tickets only available for purchase at the door. 7:30pm doors open with light appetizers, desserts & cash bar; 8:00pm the Tailfins kick off the night and play till midnight! www.jumerscasinohotel.com

Live Music - The Candymakers

Sweet treat for Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, with music by The Candymakers at the River Music Experience in Davenport. Doors 7 p.m,.; Show 8 p.m.; Tickets $10. www.rivermusicexperience.org

Quad City Symphony

This Valentine's Day ode to love by the Quad City Symphony Orchestra begins with a suite of music inspired by the tragic romance of Pelleas and Melisande, a love triangle opera by Debussy. The tone will then brighten when violinist Roberto Diaz shares the stage with his wife, the celebrated violinist Elissa Lee Koljonen. The performances are Saturday, February 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Adler Theatre, 136 E. 3rd Street in Davenport, Iowa, and Sunday, February 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Centennial Hall, 3703 7th Ave. in Rock Island, Ill. For more information and tickets, call 563-322-0931 or visit www.qcsymphony.com.

Day of Dance

Be part of the biggest, free dance party for better health in the U.S. on Saturday, February 15 from 12-4 p.m. at the RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd St. in Davenport, Iowa. Bring your family and friends to dance, listen to music, participate in health screenings, and learn about simple and fun ways to stay healthy from UnityPoint Health - Trinity. For more information, visit www.unitypoint.org/spirit

07 Feb 2014

Senators Condemn IRS Decision on Employee Bonuses, Urge Reconsideration

By Grassley Press

Thursday, February 6, 2014

WASHINGTON -- Five members of the Senate Finance Committee today expressed strong disappointment at the IRS's decision to award $62.5 million of employee bonuses, despite government-wide budget cuts, and asked for reconsideration of the decision and an explanation of current and future bonus plans.

Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa); Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Ranking Member of the Finance Committee; Pat Roberts (R-Kan.); John Cornyn (R-Texas); and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) wrote to IRS Commissioner John Koskinen to express their concerns.

The senators called the bonuses "an insult to taxpayers," given the IRS's "deterioration in performance" due to budget constraints and government-wide guidance to restrict bonuses as much as possible during the mandatory budget cuts known as "sequestration."

"Sequestration has forced everyone to make difficult decisions when it comes to spending," the senators wrote to Koskinen. "The American people are looking to the government to make responsible fiscal choices and use their taxpayer dollars in the most effective way. The IRS's decision to spend $62.5 million on bonuses is a violation of the public's trust. We strongly urge you to reconsider your decision."

The Finance Committee has jurisdiction over the IRS. The text of the senators' letter is available here.

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07 Feb 2014

YOUNG FOOTLITERS HOLDING AUDITIONS FOR HANSEL AND GRETEL FEBRUARY 21 & 22

By Megan Flanagan

Children Grades 1-8 Encouraged to Audition

Kids in grades 1-8 are invited to audition for the May 9-11 production of Hansel and Gretel by Vera Morris, directed by Dave Helmuth. Auditions are Friday, February 21 from 3:30-6pm and Saturday, February 22 from 11am-2pm in the lower level of the Coralville Public Library.

This version of the classic fairy tale features a large cast portraying Hansel, Gretel, other children and adults, the witch, goblins, ogres, sprites, gingerbread cookies, forest animals and more!

Auditioners may drop in during the scheduled audition times. Those auditioning may prepare a short monologue or be prepared to do a cold reading from provided scripts. Please bring a list of all conflicts through May 11. Please note that tech week rehearsal and performances (May 4-11) will be mandatory for all participants. Auditions are competitive; Young Footliters will cast as many children as feasible but cannot guarantee all will be cast.

Performances are at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts Friday, May 9 at 7pm, Saturday, May 10 at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday, May 11 at 2pm. The participation fee will be $40 for each child cast.

More information on Young Footliters and an audition form can be found at www.coralvillearts.org.

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07 Feb 2014

Grassley: military justice reform should remove sexual assault cases from chain of command

By Grassley Press

Thursday, February 6, 2014

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today joined in calling for an independent military justice system and reiterated his support for the Military Justice Improvement Act, which is up for a Senate vote next week.

Grassley is an original cosponsor of this bipartisan measure introduced by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, which would move the decision whether to prosecute any crime punishable by one year or more in confinement to independent, trained, professional military prosecutors. Thirty-seven crimes that are uniquely military in nature, such as disobeying orders or going Absent Without Leave, would be excepted and remain within the chain of command.

In a statement issued today, Grassley said:

"Sexual assault is a law enforcement matter, not a military one. For decades, the Department of Defense has claimed a zero tolerance policy regarding sexual assault. Well, the status quo isn't working. We've run out of time to try more cautious reforms.

"The Military Justice Improvement Act is a reform with bipartisan support. It would give members of the Armed Forces more confidence in the military system of justice and contribute to improved morale and recruitment and retention of troops. When young people make the commitment to serve their country in uniform and put themselves in harm's way to defend and protect America's freedoms, they deserve to know their rights will be protected, including access to justice. This legislation does justice to the U.S. military code of honor, which is based on integrity and fidelity to the rule of law.

"Oftentimes incremental changes are the best approach but something as serious and life-altering as sexual assault requires bold action, not in a few years or a little bit at a time, but right now. I appreciate Senator Gillibrand's commitment and leadership on this issue and the strength of the testimony from victims of sexual assault in the military and those who have served in uniform in leadership positions."

Last September, the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services voted overwhelmingly in support of removing the decision whether to prosecute sexual assaults and other serious crimes from the chain of command. Ten committee members voted in support of the measure, six abstained to study further, none voted against. Civilian and retired military women and men who are appointed by the Secretary of Defense serve on this committee to provide advice and recommendations on matters and policies relating to the recruitment and retention, treatment, employment, integration, and well-being of highly qualified professional women in the Armed Forces. Historically, its recommendations have been instrumental in effecting changes to laws and policies pertaining to military women.

According to a report of the Sexual Abuse Prevention and Response Office of the Department of Defense, an estimated 26,000 cases of unwanted sexual contact and sexual assaults occurred in fiscal 2012, a 37 percent increase from fiscal 2011. In addition, the report said 25 percent of women and 27 percent of men who received unwanted sexual contact indicated the offender was someone in their military chain of command. Fifty percent of female victims stated they did not report the crime because they believed that nothing would be done. A separate report released by the Defense Department this year showed that more than one in five female service members reported experiencing unwanted sexual contact while serving in the military.

Forty-four Democratic senators and nine Republican senators have expressed public support for the Military Justice Improvement Act.

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07 Feb 2014

This Week in Downtown Davenport: 2/6 - 2/12

By QC Chamber

Think your family is the weirdest of them all? Think again when The Addams Family comes to life at the Adler Theatre on Tuesday! This new musical comedy tells the story of the ultimate princess of darkness as she falls in love with a smart, young man who, with his family, heads to the Addams' house for a nice dinner. Until then, support dancers of all genres when the StarQuest Dance Competition takes place at the Adler this weekend.

Car fanatics are in for a treat this weekend! Explore the cars of tomorrow, a collection of high-end luxury vehicles, and more this at the RiverCenter for the 2014 Iowa-Illinois Regional Auto Show. With face painting, balloon characters, a live petting zoo, and a chance to meet Spongebob Squarepants, there's plenty of fun for the whole family. Also, the HAVLife Martini Shakeoff is only a week away. Be sure to get your tickets for a night of live entertainment, appetizers, and delicious martinis before they sell out!

There's plenty of hustle and bustle at River Music Experience to keep you busy this weekend! After appearing on the CBS Sunday Morning Show and touring with John Mellencamp, Griffin House brings his musical talent to the Redstone Room tonight. For those rock 'n' roll lovers, you won't want to miss The Neverly Brothers: Buddy to the Beatles. Consider it a night to reminisce on all of your favorite hits. Don't forget The Curtis Hawkins Band brings their original music to the Redstone Room on Friday, too. Learn more about how RME is educating local kids in this great feature article with Bret Dale.

Quilts! Quilts! Quilts! With all of this snow we've seen, there's no better time to honor the warmth of a quilt. View a display of quilts from the Mississippi Valley Quilters Guild in the Figge Art Museum lobby tonight. Stick around for Thursdays at the Figge for presentations on art-quilting with an emphasis on quilting techniques and live demonstrations. Sign up for the Art and Life in Africa Trip while you're there. Check out the Kids Design Glass exhibit as well; it's inspiring!

Interested in learning new things this year? Learn the fundamental building blocks of guitar playing at RME during Group Guitar 101. If you're more interested in learning about the recording process, participate in the Recording & Audio Engineering Workshop aimed at easing newcomers to the field of recording. Or head to the Figge Art Museum to explore a variety of acrylic painting techniques during the Acrylic Painting for Beginners class. You even have a chance to brush up on your drawing skills during their Figure Drawing Class.

The first RiverVision Update Workshop was a success! Thanks to all those who came out to share ideas and conversation. In case you missed the first, mark your calendar for the RiverVision Public Workshop #2 taking place Thursday, February 13 at noon and 6 p.m. Attend one or both meetings to make sure your voice is heard. Your input on the future of our riverfront is important!

Have artwork or photos you've been meaning to hang on the wall? Stop by My Favorite Frame Shop at 320 East 3rd St., Monday through Friday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Saturday by appointment. They can take care of all of you framing needs with daily discounts on all full custom framing orders!

See you downtown!

This Week's Events: February 6 - 12

Thursday, February 6

Bucktown Center for the Arts

Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Price: FREE

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