30 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Announces U of I's Lincoln Hall Earns Nation's Highest Green Building Designation

By Rick Martin

LEED Platinum Rating is Only the Second for a Historic Building in Illinois

URBANA - Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the state-funded rehabilitation project at the University of Illinois' Lincoln Hall has allowed the building to achieve LEED Platinum status, the nation's highest "green building" designation. This designation is particularly difficult to achieve with projects on historic buildings like Lincoln Hall, and it is only the second historic building in the state of Illinois to be certified LEED Platinum. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to making all state buildings as energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly as possible.

"Lincoln Hall is the perfect example of what we can do when we work together and make smart, strategic investments," Governor Quinn said. "LEED Platinum is a fitting designation for this state-of-the-art green facility that will service students of the University of Illinois for many generations to come."

The $60.4 million renovation of Lincoln Hall, completed in 2012, was designed to achieve a coveted Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, certification. The LEED certification can be silver, gold or platinum, which is the highest level obtainable. The certification process begins at the early stages of a project when the project team decides what level of LEED certification they hope to achieve. The final certification comes after the building is completed and all documentation has been thoroughly reviewed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

The Illinois Jobs Now! funded project, designed by CANNON Design of Chicago, included the extensive renovation and reconfiguration of Lincoln Hall. The building's climate control, electrical, lighting, plumbing and fire alarm systems were upgraded, and the structure was reconfigured to make it more usable while preserving its historic character. The project also replaced the floor, ceiling, and wall finishes; abated asbestos-containing materials; and purchased moveable equipment. The construction was managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

"The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is now home to seven LEED buildings, and projects such as the Lincoln Hall renovation exemplify our green building leadership," Chancellor Phyllis Wise said. "We are delighted to work with the state of Illinois to become a nationwide model of sustainability."

The reuse and rehabilitation of an existing building like Lincoln Hall is "greener" than constructing a new replacement building. Some of the key "green" features of the project include :

·         Demolition materials and construction packaging were recycled.

·         Workers salvaged, refinished and reused existing wood trim and wood doors.

·         Removed slate roofing tiles were ground up for mulch and placed in landscape beds.

·         Finishing materials had recycled content.

·         Many construction materials were produced regionally to reduce transportation costs.

·         The building features dedicated outdoor air supply units with heat recovery for centralized and efficient fresh air intake and exhaust.

·         Low water volume plumbing fixtures were used.

·         Displacement air diffusers were installed in classrooms and the Lincoln Theater.

·         Efficient lighting with daylight harvesting and occupancy sensor controls were installed.

·         Variable frequency drives for pumps and motors were used to save on energy and wear and tear.

Other Illinois Jobs Now! funded construction projects are underway at the University of Illinois for which LEED certification will be sought. These include the $80 million Electrical and Computer Engineering Building and the $23.2 million Integrated Biotechnology Research Laboratory.

The only other historic building in Illinois to achieve LEED Platinum certification is the old Sears Powerhouse, now the Charles H. Shaw Technology and Learning Center in Chicago, after a historic rehabilitation project.

LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance in energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED provides building owners and operators a concise framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

Studies have shown that a two percent investment in "green" materials and techniques during design and construction results in a 20 percent reduction in a structure's energy use and operating costs during the lifetime of a building.

Lincoln Hall was built between 1909 and 1911. The Illinois General Assembly appropriated $250,000 for the construction of the building to serve as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln in 1909, the centennial of his birth. The west end of the building and the theater were added in 1929 and 1930. The original architect was W.C. Zimmerman and the building, designed in the Renaissance Revival style, has many notable features, including a bronze bust of the 16th President just inside the main doorway off the Quad, and terra cotta plaques along three exterior sides. The plaques facing the Quad depict scenes from Lincoln's life, while the plaques on the sides contain quotations from the President.

Lincoln Hall houses the general curriculum classrooms and lecture halls; Political Science, Sociology, Speech and Communication Departments; the Dean's Office of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Student Academic Affairs Office; and Admissions and Records.

The Lincoln Hall project is part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation.

###
30 Dec 2013

Mallards Tame Beast

By Brian Lavelle

BRAMPTON, Ontario (December 27, 2013) - Gabriel Levesque and Mike Monfredo both provided a goal and an assist and Thomas Heemskerk made 28 saves as the Quad City Mallards defeated the host Brampton Beast 5-4 Friday night.

The Mallards turned the game in their favor with three unanswered second period goals. Levesque finished off a give-and-go with Matt Boyd from point-blank range to deadlock the contest at three at 3:12 of the second period. Monfredo gave the Mallards'their first lead by knocking in Jim McKenzie's centering feed at 9:20 of the second. Mike Hellyer's tip-in stretched the Mallard lead to 5-3 and chased Brampton starting goaltender Grant Rollheiser from the game at 15:18.

Hellyer's goal would stand up as the game winner after Scott Howes scored his second of the evening from the slot to cut the Mallard lead to 5-4 at 18:22 of the third period. Heemskerk and his teammates had to hang on for the win after the Beast pulled relief goalie Kristofer Westblom in favor an extra attacker and poured on the pressure late in regulation.

The Mallards were in need of a second period rally after the Beast emerged from a wild first period with a 3-2 lead. Brampton's Matt Caruana buried Andrew Fournier's centering pass to open the scoring at 6:29 of the first. The Beast lead doubled when Howes tipped the puck home just 57 seconds later.

The Mallards responded to the early Brampton onslaught by battling back to tie the game. Levesque sent Jeff Lee down the slot alone and Lee snapped in the first Mallard goal at 8:26 of the first- exactly one minute after the second Brampton goal. At 11:55 Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel's blue line blast evened the score at two, but Josh McQuade's wrist shot from the top of the left wing circle would put the Beast back on top at the 15:53 mark.

The Mallards return to action tomorrow night in Brampton. The Mallards next play at home Friday January 3 at 7:05 p.m. against the Chill. January 3 is another $1 Dog/$1 Beer Night presented by 97X. $1 hot dogs and $1 beers are available at iWireless Center concession stands during each of the Mallards' 11 Friday night home games this season.

Tickets for the January 3 game and all Mallards regular season home games can be purchased at the iWireless Center ticket office, Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com or through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000. The ticket office is open weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on game days from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the second period.

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 and 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 i wireless 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.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards.

-### Quad City Mallards ### -

30 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action **Friday, December 27, 2013**

By William Palmisano

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: HB 2327

An Act Concerning: Courts

Increases both the maximum court automation fee and court document fee from $15 to $25.

Action: Signed

Effective: June 1, 2014

 

Bill No.: HB 2535

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Creates the Developmental Disabilities Regulatory Advisory Board.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 2778

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Allows rural ambulances to be upgraded to the highest level of EMT license of any person staffing that ambulance.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: HB 2962

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Allows domestic companies to organize and/or acquire subsidiaries doing any kind of business so long as, before an investment is made, certain standards are met.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Jan. 1, 2014, except Section 131.14b of the Illinois Insurance Code which will take effect July 1, 2014

 

Bill No.: SB 578

An Act Concerning: Education

Makes changes to the teacher licensure/certification requirements for renewal including professional development in an effort to align with national standards and allows speech/language pathologists to exchange their teaching endorsement to a non-teaching endorsement at no charge.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1470

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Protects consumers by updating state law to match new federal standards for meat and poultry inspection.

Action: Signed

Effective Date: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1600

An Act Concerning: Regulation

Cleans up language affecting registered sex offender fees and provides more time for implementation of various provisions.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1787

An Act Concerning: State Government

Allows the Comptroller to deny, revoke or suspend a funeral home license if the applicant or licensee engages in a lockout and the Comptroller believes the lockout is negatively impacting the consumer.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 2071

An Act Concerning: Local Government

Extends Tax Increment Financing districts for the following municipalities: Village of Germantown, Gibson City, Village of Washington Park, and the City of Harvey.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

###
30 Dec 2013

Chicago, Six Other Metros Add More Than 60,000 Jobs in November

By Greg Rivara

Temporary Layoffs Push Up Rate Outside Suburban Chicago

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates
Metropolitan Area   Nov. 2013*   Nov. 2012
Bloomington-Normal  7.0%  6.1%
Champaign-Urbana    7.9%  7.1%
Chicago-Joliet-Naperville 8.1%  8.3%
Danville      11.7% 9.4%
Davenport-Moline-Rock Isl.      6.5%  6.3%
Decatur       12.2% 10.1%
Kankakee-Bradley    10.7% 9.9%
Lake-Kenosha, IL-WI 8.0%  7.7%
Peoria  8.9%  7.5%
Rockford      11.0% 10.3%
Springfield   7.4%  6.9%
St. Louis (IL-Section)    8.4%  8.3%
* Data subject to revision.

CHICAGO - The November unemployment rate in the Chicago Joliet Naperville Metro Division fell .02 to reach 8.1 percent while temporary layoffs pushed rates higher elsewhere, according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Not seasonally adjusted data compares November 2013 to November 2012.

Illinois businesses added jobs in seven metros.
Largest increases:

Chicago-Joliet-Naperville (+1.5 percent, +55,300),

Lake-Kenosha (+1.2 percent, +4,700),

Champaign-Urbana (+0.9 percent, +1,000).

Largest decreases:

Decatur (-3.0 percent, -1,600),

Peoria (-1.7 percent, -3,100), and

Bloomington-Normal (-1.0 percent, -900).

Much of these decreases are connected to a temporary slowdown in global manufacturing demand. Industry sectors recording job growth in the most metros: Education and Health Services (11 of 12), Leisure and Hospitality (eight of 12), and Other Services (seven of 12).

Not seasonally adjusted data compares the current month to the same month of the previous year. The
November 2013 not seasonally adjusted Illinois rate was 8.3 percent and 12.2 percent at its peak in this
economic cycle in January 2010. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 6.6 percent in November and 10.6 percent in January 2010 at its peak. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and looking for work and is not tied to collecting unemployment insurance benefits. Historically, the state unemployment rate is higher than the national rate.

Total Non-farm Jobs (Not Seasonally Adjusted) - November 2013
Metropolitan Area   November 2013*   November 2012**  Over-the-Year Change
Bloomington-Normal MSA    91,300      92,200     -900
Champaign-Urbana MSA      109,400     108,400    1,000
Chicago-Joliet-Naperville Metro Div.  3,823,300    3,768,000     55,300
Danville MSA  29,900      29,800      100
Davenport-Moline-Rock Island MSA      185,000    184,900   100
Decatur MSA   51,100      52,700      -1,600
Kankakee-Bradley MSA      44,700      44,600      100
Lake County-Kenosha County Metro Div. 396,100    391,400 4,700
Peoria MSA    183,600     186,700     -3,100
Rockford MSA  150,700     151,200     -500
Springfield MSA     113,200     112,600     600
Illinois Section of St. Louis MSA     230,000    230,500     -500
*Preliminary    **Revised

Not Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates (percent) for Local Counties and Areas Nov 13      Nov 12

Davenport-Rock Island-Moline IL-IA MSA
Rock Island County  7.1 % 6.7 %
Henry County  7.0 % 6.2 %
Mercer County    6.8 % 6.1 %
Scott County, IA    5.6 % 5.9 %

Cities
Rock Island City 7.3 % 7.4 %
Moline City   7.2 % 6.4 %
Galesburg City      9.3 % 8.2 %

Counties
Bureau County 9.0 % 8.6 %
Fulton County 10.0 %      8.9 %
Henderson County    6.2 % 7.3 %
Knox County   8.6 % 7.8 %
Stark County  10.2 %      7.9 %
Warren County 7.1 % 6.6 %
Whiteside County    9.3 % 8.3 %

Historically, the Illinois unemployment rate is higher than the national rate. Only six times since January 2000 has the state rate been lower than the national rate. The data is seasonally adjusted and includes times of both economic expansion and contraction.

Davenport-Moline-Rock Island IL-IA MSA

The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly to 6.5 percent in November 2013 from 6.3 percent in November 2012.  Non-farm employment increased from its year-ago level by +100. Job growth occurred in Construction (+700), Professional-Business Services (+500), Educational-Health Services (+200), Transportation-Warehousing-Utilities (+200), Wholesale Trade (+200), Other Services (+100), Leisure-Hospitality (+100), and Information (+100).

Declines were posted in Government (-1,500) and Manufacturing (-500) compared to November 2012. Illinois has added +281,400 private sector jobs since January 2010 when job growth returned to Illinois following nearly two years of monthly declines. State data is seasonally adjusted. Since January 2010, leading growth sectors in Illinois are Professional and Business Services (+116,400); Educational and Health Services (+61,000) and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+58,700). Government has lost the most jobs since January 2010, down -28,600. The unemployment rate identifies those who are out of work and seeking employment. A person who exhausts benefits, or is ineligible, still will be reflected in the unemployment rate if they actively seek work. The IDES supports economic stability by administering unemployment benefits, collecting business contributions to fund those benefits, connecting employers with qualified job seekers, and providing economic information to assist career planning and economic development.

Note:

• Monthly 2012 unemployment rates and total non-farm jobs for Illinois metro areas were revised in February 2013, as required by the U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Comments and tables distributed for prior metro area news releases should be discarded as any records or historical analysis previously cited may no longer be valid.

###

This message is a service of the State of Illinois.  If you have any questions about this document, please contact the Illinois Office of Communication and Information (IOCI), Room 611, Stratton Office Building, Springfield, Illinois 62706, (217) 558-1548.
27 Dec 2013

Governor Quinn Makes Appointments to Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board

By Grant Klinzman

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced appointments to the state's Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board. Today's appointments fill each of the board's seven positions and will continue the state's implementation of the law.

"These appointees to the state's Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board are highly qualified and committed individuals," Governor Quinn said. "They represent communities across Illinois and they will carry out their duties diligently to protect public safety."

The concealed carry law includes a provision that creates the Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board. The board is tasked with considering any objection to an applicant's eligibility to obtain a license submitted by a law enforcement agency or the Department of State Police.

Each of the seven board members are appointed by the Governor and will serve until Jan. 12, 2015. After that point, terms on this board will last four years. Three board members must reside in the First Judicial District and one must reside in each of the other Judicial Districts. In addition, the board has specific requirements for membership including high-level judicial, legal, investigative and mental health experience.

Appointments made by the Governor include :

Concealed Carry Licensing Review Board

First Judicial District

Chair Robinzina Bryant of Flossmoor spent more than a decade (from 1997 to 2007) as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Chicago and St. Louis, where she investigated counterterrorism, white collar crime, bank fraud, wire and mail fraud and served as Division Recruiter and an instructor at the FBI's Citizens Academy. She is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, American Bar Association, and the Christian Legal Society. She currently runs a private law practice that handles probate, estate planning and guardianships for minors and people with disabilities. She holds a J.D. from Drake University Law School, an M.S. in Education from Illinois State University, and a B.A. in Social Work from Illinois State University.

James Lewis Cavanaugh of Winnetka is a Professor of Psychiatry at Rush University Medical Center, behavioral risk analyst with Cavanaugh Associates, and served in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1971 to 1973. He has consulted with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Secret Service, the Illinois State Police and the Chicago Police Department to analyze behavioral risk. He has previously served on the Guardianship and Advocacy Commission and the Commission to Revise the Mental Health Code. He holds an M.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School and a B.A. from Williams College.

Virginia Wright of Palatine served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 24 years, working in New York, New Haven and Chicago, where she conducted high-level investigations, specializing in white collar crime, bank fraud and financial institution fraud. She received the Award of Excellence from the President's Council on Integrity and Efficiency in 2007. She holds a B.A. from Temple University and also studied at Winona State University.

Second Judicial District

Sergio Acosta of Elmhurst is a partner with Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP and a former Chief of the General Crimes Section of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. He also served as Assistant State Attorney in Miami, Florida, where he was Chief of the Felony Division. He has also served on the City of Chicago's Ethics Reform Task Force and as Administrator of the Illinois Gaming Board. He holds a J.D. from George Washington University School of Law and a B.A. from DePaul University.

Third Judicial District

John Diwik of Naperville is a Criminal Investigator with the Amtrak Office of the Inspector General and former Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, where he investigated crimes including mortgage fraud, bank fraud, bankruptcy fraud and public corruption. He holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and a B.S. from Northeastern University.

Fourth Judicial District

Patrick John Chesley of Springfield is an attorney in private practice and served as Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Central District of Illinois for almost 30 years where he prosecuted white collar crimes and was antiterrorism coordinator for the Central District of Illinois for six years. He also served in the Illinois Attorney General's Office, specializing in environmental violations. He holds a J.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign.

Fifth Judicial District

G. Patrick Murphy of Energy is a former U.S. District Court Judge on the Southern District of Illinois, having been appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1997 and going on to serve as Chief Judge from 2000 to 2007. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969. He holds a J.D. from the Southern Illinois University School of Law at Carbondale and a B.S. from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

As a result of Governor Quinn's efforts to make the executive appointment process more accessible and transparent, residents who are interested in serving on boards and commissions can now apply online. For more information on all of the state's boards and commissions, or to apply to serve on a board, please visit Appointments.Illinois.gov.

###
27 Dec 2013

Loebsack Announces More Than $611,000 for Davenport Fire Department

By Joe Hand

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that the Davenport Fire Department will receive a total of $611,727 for recruitment purposes. The funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program.

"Ensuring our local fire departments have the proper staff to protect our homes, businesses and communities is very important," said Loebsack. "I congratulate the Davenport Fire Department on receiving this competitive grant. This funding will ensure they have the proper staffing to continue to safely serve the people of Davenport."

The SAFER program is designed to strengthen the nation's ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards and improve the nation's overall level of preparedness by supporting the hiring of firefighters and the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters.

###
27 Dec 2013

Local Domestic Violence Shelter Awarded National Verizon Foundation Grant

By Ann Ring

Rock Island, IL - Christian Care's Domestic Violence Shelter has received a $10,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation. "Christian Care is grateful to the Verizon Foundation for its support of our services for women who have been abused," said Grants and Funding Coordinator Ann Ring. "Our services not only address the immediate needs?safe shelter, food and clothing?of our clients and other community members, but also help them to heal from their trauma by processing the emotional, physical and economic effects of domestic violence. We would be unable to provide these life-altering services to those in need without the much-needed support of donors like the Verizon Foundation."

The Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon, uses its technology, financial resources and partnerships to address critical social issues, with a focus on education and domestic violence prevention. In 2011, the foundation awarded more than $66 million to nonprofit agencies in the U.S. and abroad. For more information on the foundation, visit verizonfoundation.org.

Christian Care is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization operating two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men. It serves homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and those with mental illnesses.

Christian Care's community meal site is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner on weekdays Monday through Friday, and for breakfast and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Breakfast is served at 6:30 a.m., lunch at 12:15 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m. If you know of someone in need, call Christian Care's crisis hotline any hour of the day at (309) 788-2273 or visit online at christiancareqc.org.

27 Dec 2013

U.S. Senate Candidate Mark Jacobs Submits Comment to the EPA in Support of the Renewable Fuel Standard

By Alissa Ohl

WEST DES MOINES - U.S. Senate candidate Mark Jacobs today submitted the following comment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the proposed changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS):

Subject: Protect the RFS, economic growth, consumer choice, and enhance national security: Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0479

Dear President Obama and EPA Administrator McCarthy:

I am deeply concerned that the proposal to reduce the amount of renewable fuel we use under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) will negatively impact jobs and economic growth in my home state of Iowa as well as other states.

In addition, the proposed changes will result in reduced consumer choices and higher prices at the pump across the country. Ethanol has demonstrated that it can compete head-to-head with petroleum products on an economic basis. Today, however, the oil industry exerts significant influence and control over the distribution of transportation fuels, and the RFS is essential to help level the playing field for alternative sources of energy.

We need reliable, affordable energy that is developed in an environmentally responsible way. Increased energy production in America can add thousands of new jobs and help keep energy prices low for all Americans. Low energy prices, in turn, help drive growth in other sectors of the economy. Renewable energy sources can continue to play an important role in this regard. The development of the renewable fuels industry has been one of the great success stories in America, and it has helped us reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

In Iowa alone, the renewable fuel industry supports 60,000 direct and indirect jobs. Most of these jobs are located in our rural communities. Reducing the amount of renewable fuels means replacing it with more oil. Studies have shown that this proposal would result in several billion dollars of additional cost for consumers. Moreover, the U.S. has a stated policy of enhancing our national security by reducing our dependence on the Middle East. Over the last seven years, our dependence on foreign oil has dropped from over 60% to just over 40%. The development of the renewable fuel industry has played a significant role in this improvement.

The RFS has been under attack recently. I would encourage our policymakers to look beyond the rhetoric and carefully consider the facts. Without the RFS, our nation's transportation fuels market will be left as a petroleum monopoly, with prices subject to the whims of geopolitical events. American families will be denied sensible fuel alternatives and our economy will be denied precious, good-paying jobs. We must protect the RFS. In the case of renewable fuel, what's good for Iowa is also good for American consumers.

Mr. President and Administrator McCarthy, I respectfully ask that you do what's right and stand up for everyday Americans and protect the current RFS.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Mark Jacobs

###

To learn more about Mark Jacobs, please visit: www.jacobsforiowa.com
27 Dec 2013

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 12/27/2013

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

ANNOUNCEMENTS - Friday 12/27/2013


Saturday, February 1, 2014.  Chamber Annual Awards Dinner

Davenport County Club 25500 Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley, IA

5:30-6:30 Cocktails (cash bar) and Silent Auction

6:30 Awards

7:00 Dinner

8:00 Live Auction

6-10 Music by Keep Off the Grass

Please RSVP by January 24 to First Central State Bank at 563-289-2265 or dmulvania@firstcentralsb.com $35 per person paid in advance. Make check payable to LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 35, LeClaire, IA 52753.  Casual Party Attire.  To donate for auction items, take items to First Central State Bank or email chamber for more information.

Time to Renew your LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Membership or Join for 2014! Go to www.leclairechamber.com to renew or join, or see the attached form to complete and return. Deadline to renew, February 1, 2014. Thank you for your membership!

CALENDAR


Now thru Jan. 12th - Enright's LeClaire Super Car Wash - Annual Holiday Token Sale - 8 tokens for $30. Each token has a value of $6.50. Stop in for tokens and to register for weekly winners drawings! Tokens Make Great Gifts! Stock up for winter!

 

December 31st - Riverview Roadhouse: New Year's Eve - ringing in the New Year with DJ Klucker. New Year's Day - open at 11am to watch all the football games. Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament starting at 2pm on New Year's Day, $5.00 per person. 701 N. Cody Road, LeClaire, IA 563-289-9969

 

December 31st - The Faithful Pilot Café - New Year's Eve - Seven courses includes champagne toast at the end of your meal. Seatings at 6pm & 8:30pm for $100 per person (no coupons or discounts) $50 for a wine pairing will include 5 glasses of wine per person. Phone: 563-289-4156 or email faithfulpilot@gmail.com. 117 N. Cody Road, LeClaire, IA.

 

December 31st - Stevenson's: New Year's Eve - Open for regular dinning from 5-9 and a party from 10-1. The party is $75 plus tax and gratuity. It includes appetizer stations, open bar, live music, a dance floor, a photo booth and a shot ice luge. Also providing people with a ride home if they need it. Call for reservations: 563-289-3600. 1399 Eagle Ridge Road, Le Claire, IA.

 

December 31st - The Crane & Pelican Café - New Year's Eve is offering two seatings for New Year's Eve - 6pm & 8pm. The menu is on their website www.craneandpelican.com. Three delicious courses for $45. They are filling up fast so call today for your reservation 563-289-8774. 127 2nd Street South, LeClaire, IA

 

Save the Date


January 14th - Chamber Networking Lunch - Happy Joe's - noon - everyone welcome!

January 25th - Freedom Rock Trivia - LeClaire Fire Station Come help raise funds for the Freedom Rock, coming to the LeClaire levee as the chosen site for all of Scott County! Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person. All proceeds will go to the Freedom Rock fund. You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun and to support this great cause! To reserve a table, email freedomrockscottcountyiowa@gmail.com or contact Barry Long - 563-949-6969.

February 1st - LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Dinner - Davenport Country Club - more details and invitations to come!

 

February 8th - TugFest Trivia - LeClaire Fire Station Doors open at 6:00 pm and trivia will start at 7pm. Cost is $10 per person.  You don't have to be good at trivia - come for the fun! To reserve a table, email iowatugfestfan@gmail.com

March 1st - Rock and Roll Bingo!  LeClaire Rec Center - Fund raiser for Freedom Rock. Songs will be played and you identify the songs on bingo cards. There will be 50/50 and other raffles.  Event will be hosted by Cody Tucker of B100!  More details to come!

 

FYI


Visit the NEW LeClaire Chamber of Commerce website www.leclairechamber.com and see our updated Facebook page!


New Lunch Menu at Blue Iguana - all lunch entree options are 9 dollars.

 

Faithful Pilot - Every Wednesday 1/2 priced wine night with Chef's Tapas menu to go along side. Don't forget to book all of your holiday parties with The Faithful Pilot or bring Chef Robert into your home and let us cater your holiday event! Now open for lunch, 12-2, Wed-Sat.

Buffalo Bill Museum Expansion "It's an exciting time in the museum's almost 57 year history," said Robert Schiffke, Executive Director of the Buffalo Bill Museum & River Pilots' Pier, "as we start another expansion of our facility."  The women who were members of the LeClaire Women's Club, who founded the museum in 1957, wouldn't recognize the building today, but they would see many of the items first exhibited in its original location at 114 North Cody Road, LeClaire. Included will be an Archival Workroom allowing careful access to the museum's extensive print and photograph collection, a "hands on" classroom for children visiting the museum, and exhibits that highlight LeClaire's role in the region's economic growth through its shipyards, button factories, and river pilots who opened the region to river commerce.  An architectural drawing of the expansion is available for public view at the museum during regular hours, and donations towards the expansion are being accepted. "We appreciate the support of the community in this project, and donations of artifacts and funds are always welcome.  We are truly a community institution, and volunteers have grown the museum into the LeClaire landmark that it is today" said Connie Curlott, President of the Board of Directors.  The museum is open 9am - 4pm, Mon.-Saturday; 12noon - 4pm, Sundays. Call 563-289-5580 for more information or to donate to the

Commercial space for rent - 204 Jones St. - Call 563-370-2386 for more information. Will show by appointment. Commercially zoned only.

Park Run Apartments/Newbury Living complex - 1, 2, & 3 Bedrooms Available - 1701 Iowa Drive, LeClaire, Iowa 52753. Washer & dryers in every unit along with all other appliances.  Each apartment has either a balcony or a patio.  Considerable storage in each 1 BR, 2 BR or 3 BR unit. Call (563) 289-5159 for a tour and more information today!

Do you have Residential or Commercial property available? If you own residential rental property or commercial property that is available for lease or sale in the greater LeClaire region, please contact the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce, leclairechamber@gmail.com, with a property description, complete contact information including phone numbers and rental or purchase pricing. As a service to the community, we would like to have the information available so we can share the most up-to-date information on our website!

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND


First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire Meals for Seniors at the church every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12 noon. Good food and a time to visit with others. Please call 563-289-3646 and make a reservation 2 days in advance.

27 Dec 2013

January 2014 Declared "National Radon Action Month"

By Cancer Awareness

Help Prevent Lung Cancer in 2014 by Spreading Awareness

January 2014 has been declared "National Radon Action Month" according to the Evironmental Protection Agency.  Health agencies throughout the United States have joined forces to promote awareness of the leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers.  The American Lung Association, Centers for Disease Control, and National Cancer Institute all agree that radon is a national health problem and encourage radon testing during the January awareness drive.

Radon is a naturally occuring, invisible and odorless radioactive gas.  One in 15 American homes contains high levels of radon.  Millions of Americans are unknowingly exposed to this dangerous gas.  In fact, a recent study by Harvard University ranks radon as America's leading in-home hazard.  By taking simple steps to test your home for radon and fix if necessary, this health hazard can be avoided.

Radon gas is not isolated to certain geographic areas or home types.  Radon problems have been detected in homes in every county in the U.S.  It has caused more American fatalities last year than carbon monoxide, fires and handguns combined!  If a home hasn't been tested for radon in the past two years, EPA and the Surgeon General urge you to take action.  Contact your state radon office for information on locating qualified text kits or qualified radon testers.

Learn more about national radon action month at www.RadonMonth.org

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar