Miss. River Visitor Center Open House

The free open house is all day from 9 am-5 pm on Friday, January 24th. See the new display additions, historical corps artifacts, and interesting interactive displays for people of all ages.  Simple refreshments will be available.  From 1-2:30 p.m.extra staff will be on hand to answer questions about the varying programs highlighted in the new displays. www.missriver.org
World's Toughest Rodeo

Looking for fun, family entertainment AND real horsepower? The 2014 Ram Rodeo Series will ride into town for the Three Hill World's Toughest Rodeo taking place from January 24-25. Saddle up with the cowboys and gals at 7:30pm in the iWireless Center in Moline. Spectators who visit the Ram Truck brand during the rodeo will be entered into the 2014 Ram Rodeo Sweepstakes for a chance to win $45,000 toward any eligible Chrysler Group vehicle. www.iwirelesscenter.com

Ballet Quad Cities' The Ugly Duckling

Ballet Quad Cities presents The Ugly Duckling & Other Dances

during an afternoon of dance, just for fun!  Bring the entire family to see this well known fairy tale with a great message come to life.  Whimsical choreography, costumes and characters will dance into your heart on Saturday, January 25th at 1:30 pm at Bettendorf High School Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $22 - adults; $12 - age 18 and under. For tickets, call the BHS Activity Office at 563-332-4516 Or order online at https://www.totalgatesolutions.com/SelectEventTickets.aspx?eventId=48425

Winery Chili Cook-Off

Join Wide River Winery for their first ever Chili Cook-Off at the Clinton location on Saturday, January 25th from 1-5 pm. The contest starts at 1 PM with live music from The Ripplers beginning at 2 PM. Prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd place. Come, eat, judge and enjoy an afternoon of music and fun. No entry fee! To register contact widerivermartha@gmail.com or call954.415.9329www.wideriverwinery.com

LAST Weekend - Princess Diana Exhibit

Due to popular demand, the "Diana, A Celebration" exhibit will remain on view through January 26, 2014.  The exhibit chronicles the life and humanitarian work of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. One of the 20th century's most remarkable women is showcased through nine galleries containing 150 objects-ranging from her royal wedding gown and 28 of her designer dresses to family heirlooms, personal mementos, paintings and rare home movies and photos. www.putnam.org

Warm Up Your Winter with a Little Mozart

Come in out of the cold to enjoy beautiful woodwind music performed by musicians from the Quad City Symphony Orchestra. The Signature Series concert features Mozart's Quintet in E flat Major for Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, and Piano, a tribute to his 257th birthday, on Sunday, January 26th at 3 p.m. at Centennial Hall in Rock Island. The audience is invited to a free post-concert reception from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Black Ram, 1407 30th St. in Rock Island. This is wonderful opportunity to meet the musicians, as well as Music Director Mark Russell Smith. The reception will include hors d'oeuvres, wine, beer, and soft drinks. www.qcsymphony.com

PechaKucha Night

PechaKucha Night is a fun, informal event featuring residents of the Quad Cities, who share their interests, hobbies, passions, and creations on Thursday, January 30th at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport. Each speaker is allowed 20 slides and 20 seconds to speak about each slide. Complimentary light appetizers begin at 5:30. Presentations begin at 6:30.www.figgeartmuseum.org

Mallards Game on Friday

Friday, January 31 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 the Tulsa Oilers. www.myqcmallards.com

Opening Reception Party

Check out MidCoast Fine Art's new exhibiting artists, Pat Halverson and David Genac, at Bucktown Center for the Arts in Davenport. The reception will take place in the MidCoast Gallery on the 2nd floor.  Meet the artists, check out their work, enjoy light fare, and beverages at the reception on January 31st from6-9pm.  It's all part of the first 2014 Final Friday celebration.www.bucktownarts.com

Battle of the Bridges

Putnam Museum in Davenport will host the 7th annual Battle of the Bridges competition on Friday and Saturday, January 31 & February 1, 2014. The Quad City Engineering and Science Council's Battle of the Bridges is a competition where youth, seniors and families seek to design and construct the most efficient model bridge. Teams of up to 4 people spend 2.5 hours designing and constructing their bridge before it is tested for strength. Each team pays a fee of $25 for entry, which includes all building material. Registration deadline is January 30, 2014. For more information, or to register your team, please visit: http://www.qcesc.org/Bridge_Building/Battle of Bridges.htm

Bald Eagle Watch Tours

The Mississippi River Visitor Center on Arsenal Island, between Davenport, Iowa, and Rock Island, Illinois, offers free eagle watches and Clock Tower tours every weekend on Saturdays and Sundays on January 25, 26 and February 1, 2, 8, 9 at 9:00-10:30 a.m. and 12:30-2:00 p.m. Reservations are required!  Please call 309-794-5338 to make your reservation. www.missriver.org

Over the Ledge

The Family Museum in Bettendorf has drop-in programming onSaturday, February 1st with an Over the Ledge session from10:30-12 noon and Super Saturday fun from 1-3 p.m.www.familymuseum.org

Live Music - Jim the Mule Farewell Show

Jim the Mule will be taking an indefinite hiatus toward the end of the winter. Come help them celebrate over a decade of bringing the Swamp, Stomp, and Space Freakout on Saturday, February 1st at 8 p.m. at the River Music Experience in Davenport.  This special night of music will feature a final, retrospective performance by Jim the Mule, guest appearances, and additional acts TBA, so don't miss it! www.rivermusicexperience.org

Mindfulness for Busy People

Visiting Buddhist Monk Gen Kelsang Jampa will present a FREE Public Talk titled Mindfulness for Busy People on Sunday, February 2nd from 2:00-3:30 pm at the Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Ave, Rock Island, IL. Living in a busy world does not mean you need to have a busy mind. By learning the simple practice of mindfulness, you can enjoy mental clarity and peace. Talk followed by reception with tea. www.qcgardens.org

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (01/23/2014)(readMedia)-- Oklahoma City University has named the following local students to its Dean's Honor Roll for the fall 2013 semester.

Students must complete a minimum of 12 credit hours during a semester to meet the Dean's Honor Roll requirements and maintain a GPA of 3.5.

Shannon Beshears of Milan

Benjamin Rivera of Muscatine

Oklahoma City University is a coeducational, urban private university located in Oklahoma City, in the Uptown district. The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a wide variety of degrees in the liberal arts, fine arts, sciences and business. The only Oklahoma institution listed in the top tier of the regional, master's-level university category by U.S. News and World Report, Oklahoma City University is also listed in Forbes' "Best Christian Colleges" & "100 Best College Buys." OCU offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and 23 graduate degrees (including a law degree, MBA and doctoral programs in nursing). For more information visit www.okcu.edu.

Fathom Events, BY Experience and National Theatre Live invite you to experience the powerfully moving production of "War Horse" as it comes to more than 350 select cinemas nationwide on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 pm (local time). Pre-recorded live from London's famed West End, this one-night event, based on Michael Morpurgo's novel and adapted for the stage by Nick Stafford, takes audiences on an extraordinary journey of courage, loyalty and friendship.  Filled with stirring music, "War Horse" is complete with astonishing life-size puppets by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to life on stage.
"War Horse" will be shown at the following cinemas in your area at 7:00 pm (local time):
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
Tickets are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
Click here for a full list of participating theaters (subject to change).

Still looking for that perfect Valentine's gift for your someone special? Look no further than the Adler Theatre!  Gift certificates make a great Valentine's Day gift for Date Night!   Get your gift certificates or tickets now to spend a wonderful evening full of music, theatre and history at the Adler!

Sunday, March 9, 8:00 pm
Pink Martini with The von Trapps
with China Forbes
find tickets
Pink Martini, the delightfully diverse "little orchestra," will take the stage for an adventurous mixture of electric music. Drawing inspirations across the continents - spanning genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop - Pink Martini is not easily defined.  Pink Martini will combine their talents with the unique harmonies of The von Trapps, the great-grandchildren of the famous Sound of Music family with vocalist China Forbes.
more information...
Sunday, March 16, 7:00 pm
Million Dollar Quartet
(Pre-Show Dinner Offered)
find tickets
Million Dollar Quartet is the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, inspired by the electrifying true story of the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time.  On December 4, 1956, these four young musicians were gathered together by Sam Phillips, the "Father of Rock 'n' Roll," at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.
more information...
Thursday, March 20, 7:00 pm
Jim Gaffigan: The White Bread Tour

find tickets
Jim Gaffigan's clever, quiet style has made him one of the top five most successful touring comedians in the country today. Gaffigan has proven himself a major talent beloved to a wide range of audiences, achieving accolades and awards for his stand-up comedy, acting, and writing.
more information...

Birmingham, AL, January 24, 2014?The Braintrust Consulting Group announced that they will host a Certified ScrumMaster class February 11-12, 2014at the Hampton Inn & Suites Ankeny in Des Moines, IA. This announcement was part of Braintrust's unveiling of their national class schedule for 2014.

The two-day Certified ScrumMaster class offers attendees an in-depth immersion into the world of Scrum. Scrum is a simple yet incredibly powerful set of principles and practices that help teams deliver products in short cycles, enabling fast feedback, continual improvement, and rapid adaptation to change. As the leading Agile development framework, Scrum has predominantly been used for software development, but it is also proving to be effective in efforts far beyond. This class is full of practical, real world techniques that can be implemented immediately at your workplace. Hands-on exercises demonstrate key concepts and let you experience the benefits of Scrum firsthand.

The class is ideal for IT Professionals (Architects, BAs, DBAs, Developers, Testers, etc.), IT Leadership (Managers/Directors/VPs/CIOs/CTOs), and Project Managers. Members of the Project Management Institute will earn 14 Professional Development Units (PDUs) toward maintaining their existing credentials by attending this class.

The Braintrust Consulting Group chose Iowa because of the state's reputation as one of the best places for business and careers, according to Forbes Magazine. Braintrust President, Brian Rabon said, "Our decision to host classes in Iowa was based on Des Moines' commitment to the growth of technology-based companies. Through the efforts of the Technology Association of Iowa, Des Moines boasts a strong and talented ecosystem of technology professionals. We are proud to participate in their technology industry by bringing our world-class training to Des Moines."

Tom Mellor, CST, will teach the class. Mellor is a seasoned professional who has been actively involved in business and IT for over 36 years, working in both large and small companies. A Certified Scrum Trainer since 2008, he is passionate about the adoption and use of agile-based product development approaches.

As a takeaway, participants will receive a printed class manual, Scrum reference card and thumbdrive loaded with articles, class exercises, whitepaper, and more.

To sign up and learn more details about the Certified ScrumMaster class, as well as other upcoming Braintrust classes, please visit: http://braintrustgroup.com/class/certified-scrummaster-csm-des-moines-ia-11-12-february-2014/.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin today were among a bipartisan group of 31 Senators who sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy. The letter is part of an ongoing effort to urge the agency to make changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) 2014 rule.  The Senators share concerns that the EPA's proposed rule will discourage investment and hurt job growth and rural communities across the country.  

   

"The EPA is proposing a major step that reverses the momentum on biofuels," said Grassley. "The progress made toward energy diversity and independence will slip away if the EPA succeeds.  The sentiment from almost one-third of the U.S. Senate is the proposal needs revision. We want the EPA to reconsider.  The President as a supporter of biofuels should weigh in as needed."    

   

"The intent of the RFS is to steadily increase contributions from biofuels in our transportation fuels markets to enhance our nation's energy security, protect the environment, and create jobs," said Harkin. "The proposed rule, requiring less biofuel in 2014 than in 2013, goes against this intent and is a significant step backward."  

   

The EPA's proposed rule would set the biodiesel target at 1.28 billion gallons, which is below current industry production levels of around 1.7 billion gallons.  It would also reduce the total biofuels target to 15.2 billion gallons.  This is 1.34 billion gallons below the 2013 target of 16.55 billion gallons, and almost 3 billion gallons below the 2014 statutory target of 18.15 billion gallons. 

The following Senators also signed on to the letter: Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Max Baucus (D-MT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Roy Blunt (R-MO), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Dan Coats (R-IN), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Al Franken (D-MN), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-ND), Mike Johanns (R-NE), Tim Johnson (D-SD), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Mark Udall (D-CO), Ed Markey (D-MA), Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), John Thune (R-SD), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

The full text of the letter is below:

January 22, 2014

The Honorable Gina McCarthy

EPA Administrator

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW

Washington, DC 20460

Dear Administrator McCarthy:

We are writing to share serious concerns regarding the EPA's proposal for the 2014 Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS.) Congress passed the RFS to increase the amount of renewable fuel utilized in our nation's fuel supply. The Administration's proposal is a significant step backward - undermining the goal of increasing biofuels production as a domestic alternative to foreign oil consumption. Further, the proposed waiver places at risk both the environmental benefits from ongoing development of advanced biofuels and rural America's economic future. We urge you to modify your proposal.

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) provides the EPA with significant authority to adjust to shifting conditions over the 15-year life of the policy. In any given year, EPA can adjust the advanced biofuel and total biofuel volumes based on anticipated production. While EPA has used the authority to adjust biofuels levels in the past based on anticipated production levels, your proposal, for the first time, adjusts the 2014 overall volumes based on criteria not clearly identified in the law below anticipated production levels of biofuels and even below previous years' RFS levels. 

Further, defining the "blend wall" as blends of E10 and then waiving RFS requirements beyond the blend wall creates significant barriers to future biofuels growth. Lack of infrastructure remains one of the key hurdles to further deployment of biofuels into the market. Limiting RFS to levels that can be met with existing infrastructure eliminates incentives to invest in the technologies and infrastructure necessary to meet our domestic policy goal of increasing biofuels production and use.

If the rule as proposed were adopted, it will:

  • Replace domestic biofuel production with fossil fuels, contributing to a greater dependence on foreign sources of oil and reduce our energy security.
  • Increase unemployment as renewable fuel producers cut back production.
  • Halt investments in cellulosic, biodiesel and other advanced renewable fuels. Rolling back the RFS will, potentially strand billions of dollars of private capital;
  • Undermine the deployment of renewable fuels infrastructure throughout the country;
  • Threaten the viability of the RFS, thereby solidifying an oil-based transportation sector and lowering consumer choice at the pump.

With these concerns in mind, we request that EPA revise the proposed 2014 RVOs in a manner that promotes investments in the next generation of biofuels and the infrastructure necessary to deploy those fuels into the market. Without a revised proposal, the EPA's rule will bring severe economic consequences, and prevent the growth of the renewable fuel sector.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

-30-

 

Prepared for delivery at 3 p.m. Central Time  

Statement of Senator Chuck Grassley  

Hearing in the Heartland: Supporting the Renewable Fuel Standard  

January 23, 2014  

   

I'd like to thank Governor Branstad and all the state officeholders for co-hosting this event with me.  I'm happy to be here to facilitate the process of representative government.   

   

The proposal released by the Environmental Protection Agency in November is harmful to biofuel producers, to Iowa's rural economy, our national security and our environment.   

   

Your voices in opposition to this proposal need to be heard.  

   

I'm glad to be here to join you in sending a strong and loud message to undo this irresponsible proposal.  

   

I've long been a staunch supporter of Iowa's ethanol and biodiesel industries.  I know the value that biofuels have brought to our state.   

   

Small rural communities all across the 99 counties have benefited from more than 50 ethanol and biodiesel facilities.   

   

Iowa leads the nation by producing more than 4 billion gallons of biofuels annually.  

   

This investment has improved the environment.  It's improved the economic well-being of Iowans.  It's improved our balance of trade and our national security.   

   

Iowa's farmers have led the world in producing the food, feed, fiber and fuel that consumers demand.  

   

In recent years, I've fought off efforts to undermine homegrown renewable energy by Big Oil and Big Food.  

Biofuel proponents have dispelled the myths and misinformation campaigns that have been launched to discredit ethanol and biodiesel.

And once again, you're being called to respond to another attack. 

This one is aimed at the Renewable Fuel Standard and comes from President Obama's Environmental Protection Agency.

In 2005 and again in 2007, the federal government made a commitment to homegrown, renewable energy when Congress passed the Renewable Fuel Standard. 

The Senate passed the greatly-expanded Renewable Fuel Standard in 2007 by a vote of 86-6.  It was signed into law by President Bush. 

In signing the bill, President Bush stated,

"We make a major step toward reducing our dependence on oil, confronting global climate change, expanding production of renewable fuels and giving future generations a nation that is stronger, cleaner and more secure."

President Bush was labeled by his political opponents as "an oil man from Texas." 

In 2007, this "oil man from Texas" championed the RFS as a way to reduce our oil dependence, clean our air and increase our economic and national security.

Iowans responded to the federal government's call for more renewable fuels.  Iowa produces nearly a third of the nation's ethanol. 

The 12 biodiesel plants in Iowa produce more than 300 million gallons annually.  Billions of dollars have been invested in these facilities. 

Farmers have invested in higher-yielding, drought tolerant seeds. 

Enormous investments have been made in bringing the next generation of cellulosic biofuels to commercial production. 

Iowans have responded to the call for more homegrown, renewable energy.  But, the proposed rule released by the EPA undermines that commitment. 

This misguided proposal will cost jobs in Iowa and across the country. 

If allowed to take effect, it'll increase our dependence on oil, and protect the stranglehold that Big Oil has on our country's fuel supply. 

The proposal by the EPA doesn't simply intend to pause the growth in renewable fuel; it actually proposes to roll it back. 

EPA seems to be making this decision based on the amount of biofuels that can be blended in our gasoline pool. 

The problem is, EPA has fallen for Big Oil's argument that we've hit a blend wall.

The blend wall is a creation of the oil industry.

Congress knew in 2007 that ethanol would have to be blended above 10 percent to meet the mandate. 

The RFS was created by Congress to pull biofuels into to the market. 

It was created with the intention to transform our fuels market toward E85 or E30 or E15.  Limiting the RFS to levels that can be met with existing infrastructures eliminates the incentive to invest and develop the next generation of biofuels. 

The EPA proposal undermines the efforts toward advanced biofuels taking place right now in Emmetsburg and Nevada.

This proposal is a reward for Big Oil's stubbornness.  The EPA has essentially decided to put oil producers in charge of the Renewable Fuel Standard. 

Just because the petroleum industry has stonewalled the infrastructure of higher blends doesn't mean we should capitulate on the policy.   

It's disappointing that a President who claimed to be a supporter of renewable energy has allowed his administration to take a step back in lessening our reliance on foreign sources of oil.   

I won't stand for it. 

I've lobbied Agriculture Secretary Vilsack and the EPA Administrator personally.  I've lobbied President Obama's staff. 

This week, I'll lead a letter with Senator Durbin, along with nearly 30 other Senators, to EPA Administrator McCarthy that expresses our opposition to this proposal.

I encourage all of you to do the same and let your voice be heard with EPA. 

I hope President Obama will to step in and get personally involved.  He needs to realize that this proposal is a big win for Big Oil.   

It's time for supporters of clean, homegrown, green energy and forward-thinking energy policy to rally and let the Obama administration know that its proposal is short-sighted and irresponsible.

-30-

 

 

Action comes following Branstad's Condition of the State Address where he announced plans to recruit veterans to Iowa  

   

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today applauded the Iowa State Board of Education for passing a measure providing a uniform policy giving veterans, their spouses and their dependents in-state tuition at Iowa community colleges, a measure Regents universities have already adopted. Additionally, the pair launched a working group to make policy recommendations with the goal of making Iowa more attractive for service members.  

   

"A key element of our bipartisan Home Base Iowa jobs plan is ensuring veterans, their spouses and their dependents are able to continue their education and training at an affordable rate at Iowa's community colleges," said Branstad. "I commend the State Board of Education for their swift action that sends the signal that Iowa stands ready to welcome veterans and match them with quality careers."  

   

In addition to the State Board of Education's action, Branstad and Reynolds today announced the launch of a working group tasked with finding ways to make Iowa more attractive to veterans leaving the armed services. The committee's members, who received a letter from the governor and lt. governor, are tasked with making recommendations on the following items byJuly 1, 2014:  

   

 1)       Develop a more consistent approach among Iowa's three state universities and 15 community colleges for awarding undergraduate credits to a student who also is a veteran for courses that are part of the student's military training or experience.  Such credit shall be awarded toward the student's major, minor, pre-requisite, or elective coursework requirements. Encourage Iowa's private colleges and universities to adopt the same approach.  

   

 2)       Develop strategies for the state universities, community colleges and participating private colleges and universities to recruit veterans and promote educational benefits provided to veterans at each institution. Study best practices for recruiting veterans to attract and retain a better educated workforce.  Examine effectiveness of campus veteran support services. Consider opportunities to coordinate this campaign across higher education institutions, the State of Iowa, and private employers.  

   

 3)       Develop a plan to provide consistent data tracking for an annual report to the Governor's Office and Legislature.  At minimum the report should include the following: the number of veterans enrolled at state universities and community colleges, including new veterans; the number awarded credit for military training, service or experience; and average military credit earned. Encourage private colleges and universities to participate.  

   

"Our veterans have served our nation and state with great dignity and honor. These brave men and women are highly-skilled and will be well sought after by Iowa employers," said Reynolds. "Governor Branstad and I applaud the State Board of Education's for their action today and look forward to reviewing the working group's recommendations as we strive to make Iowa more attractive for service members."  

   

The following individuals will make of the Home Base Iowa working group:  

   

Chair  

   

Jodi Tymeson, Brig. General Iowa Army National Guard (retired)  

Commandant of the Iowa Veterans Home  

   

Membership  

   

Jathan Chicoine  

Iowa State University Veterans Services Coordinator  

President, Iowa Advisory Council on Military Education  

Former U.S. Navy SEAL 

Senior Airman Michael Considine

Avionics Technician for the 185th Air National Guard

University of Iowa Veterans Association President

Andrew Gates

St. Ambrose University Coordinator of Veterans Recruitment and Services

Former Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps

Col. Tim Glynn

Iowa National Guard

Diana Gonzalez

Board of Regents, Chief Academic Officer

Julia Heuer

University of Northern Iowa Coordinator Military and Veteran Student Services

Former SGT, U.S. Army

Colonel Robert King (Ret.)

Director of the Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs

Chris LaFerla

Iowa Western Community College Dean of Admissions and Records

Kim Linduska

Des Moines Area Community College Executive Vice President, Academic Affairs

Hal Pittman, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (Retired)

President and CEO, Special Olympics Iowa

Mary Elizabeth Stivers

Grand View University Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Jeremy Varner

Iowa Department of Education, Division of Community Colleges

The following excerpt is from Gov. Branstad's 2014 Condition of the State Address:

"And let's make Iowa the destination for veterans to continue their education.  Already, the University of Iowa has been named the 6th best university for veterans by U.S. News and World Report.  But we can do even better.

"I will be asking the State Board of Education to join the Regents institutions by passing rules giving veterans, their spouses, and their dependents automatic in-state tuition at our community colleges.

"I will also be convening stakeholders from the Regents, community colleges, and private colleges to develop consistent policies to provide veterans academic credit for their military training and experience."

Read the full speech

###

January 27 - 31, 2014
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Committee of the Whole - 8:00 am
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center
1. Roll Call: Hancock, Minard, Sunderbruch, Cusack, Earnhardt
Facilities & Economic Development
2. Authorization for County Engineer to make necessary road closures. (Item 2)
3. Policy for Purchase of Right of Way 2014. (Item 3)
4. Discussion of the Final Plat of Lots 1 & 2 of Buena Vista Addition, a two lot residential
subdivision, located at 25200 and 25250 Valley Drive and legally described as a
replat of Lot 1 and Part of Lot 2 of Sheppard's Addition in part of NW¼ SW¼ of
Section 8, Pleasant Valley Township. (Item 4)
Human Resources
5. Staff appointments. (Item 5)
6. Discussion of strategy of upcoming labor negotiations with the County's organized
employees pursuant to Iowa Code Section 20.17(3). - CLOSED SESSION
Finance & Intergovernmental
7. Setting of a public hearing for February 13, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. for an amendment to
the County's current FY14 Budget. (Item 7)
8. Authorizing the filing and publication of the budget estimate for FY15 and setting a
public hearing for February 13, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. (Item 8)
9. Beer/liquor licenses for Kwik Shop #589 Eldridge, and Mt. Joy Amoco, Davenport and
cigarette/tobacco permit for Express Lane Gas & Food Mart of Pleasant Valley.
Other Items of Interest
10. Appointments to the Condemnation Appraisal Jury. (Item 10)
Page 1 of 2
11. Recognition of Kent Paustian's years of service on the Planning and Zoning
Commission. (Item 11)
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Regular Board Meeting - 5:00 pm
Board Room, 1st Floor, Administrative Center

Veteran Investment Advisor Shares 4 Tips for All Wealth Stages

Financial resolutions can be the most difficult to keep. They can include minute detail, number crunching, plenty of files and discipline that can affect a person's entire lifestyle, says veteran investment advisor Paul Taylor, a member of the National Ethics Bureau.

"Many folks simply are not predisposed to combing through the details of their financial situation; for them, the financial world is abstract and filled with arbitrary rules, constantly changing interest rates and other complexities, but being more involved in your own money is well worth the investment," says Taylor, an architect-turned-founder and owner of Capital Advisory Group & Tax Planners of Lake Norman and Capital Investment Advisors, Inc, (www.CapitalAdvGroup.com).

"While professional help is recommended for many aspects of a person's financial affairs, it's ultimately up to the individual to understand his or her own money."

There are many things the average person can do to take control of their financial life. Taylor offers the following suggestions:

• For your cash flow, keep in mind the four A's: Accounting, Analysis, Allocation and Adjustment. The four A's describe a systematic and disciplined approach to your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly spending habits. Accounting involves gathering all your relevant financial information - income, recurring bills, and other expenditures - creating a central list of each item, and pulling it together in a place where it's easily accessible.Analysis is reviewing the information to determine whether you have a shortfall or surplus, and finding places to reduce expenses. Saving $100 a month on dining out, for instance, would allow you to apply $100 to your mortgage loan principle, saving you a substantial amount in interest payments. Allocation involves determining your financial commitments and priorities, needs versus wants, and distributing your income accordingly.Adjustment involves periodic reviews of your financial information and shifting assets to meet changing needs.

• Utilize estate planning tools such as wills and trusts; make sure the details are accurate. Wills and trusts allow you to spell out how you would like your property to be distributed, and much more. A will gives you the opportunity to nominate your executor and guardians for your minor children. If you fail to make such designations through your will, the decisions will probably be left to the courts. Bear in mind that property distributed through your will is subject to probate, which can be a time-consuming and costly process. Trusts, which are more complex, let you customize the distribution of your estate with the added advantages of property management and probate avoidance.

• Start planning your retirement sooner rather than later. There are a variety of retirement planning options that can meet your needs. Your employer funds some; you fund some. Bear in mind that, in most cases, early withdrawals before age 59½ may be subject to a 10 percent federal income tax penalty. The latest date to begin required minimum distributions is usually April 1 of the year after you turn age 70½. Withdrawals from tax-deferred plans are taxed as ordinary income. The top planning options include defined benefit pension; money purchase pension; profit-sharing plan; savings plan; employee stock ownership plan; tax-sheltered annuities; individual retirement accounts; self-employed plans; simplified employee pensions; and savings incentive match plans for employees.

• Remember the first commandment in safe investment:diversification. Virtually every investment has some type of risk associated with it. Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Diversification is one of the main reasons why mutual funds may be so attractive for both experienced and novice investors. Many non-institutional investors have a limited investment budget and may find it challenging to construct a portfolio that is sufficiently diversified. For a modest initial investment, you can purchase shares in a diversified portfolio of securities. Depending on the objectives of the fund, it may contain a variety of stocks, bonds and cash vehicles, or a combination of them.

About Paul Taylor

Paul Taylor is the founder and owner of Capital Advisory Group & Tax Planners of Lake Norman and Capital Investment Advisors, Inc. Taylor, a fully licensed investment advisor, has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and is committed to providing personalized service to those he serves. Since 2007, he has been a member of the National Ethics Bureau, which acknowledges individuals who prove they are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in their practices.

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