By Jason Alderman

On Valentine's Day, people's emotions run all over the map - some are head-over-heels and want to shower their loved one with gifts, while others are despondent because currently they have no one special in their life.

Whatever your love status, one thing everyone needs to guard against at this time of year is scams.

Valentine's Day brings out the best - and worst - in human behavior. Our impulse is to be generous and search for the ideal gift. Internet thieves know this and coolly set traps for unsuspecting shoppers. And, not surprisingly, dating websites experience greater activity, along with a corresponding increase in relationship scammers.

Here are some of the more common Valentine's Day scams to avoid:

Electronic greeting cards are popular year-round, especially near holidays. Scammers count on you not paying attention when you receive an email with an innocuous subject line like, "Someone you know just sent you an e-card."

Unless you're certain someone sent you an e-card, never click on links or follow instructions to download software to open the message. Chances are you'll load a virus or malware onto your computer, dooming you to receive endless spam or even endangering your personal and financial information.

Valentine's Day is the busiest day of the year for florists. Since many people now order flowers online, these purchases are a common target for fraud. A few tips when choosing a florist:

• Make sure the physical location, contact information and fees for the florist who's actually fulfilling your order are fully disclosed.
• Pay by credit card so if there's a problem you can dispute it with your card issuer.
• If you receive an email saying there's a problem with your order, call the florist to make sure it's legitimate; don't click on any links - they could be malware.

Beware of emails and social media ads touting great deals on other Valentine's themed gifts like chocolates, jewelry or lingerie. Unless you've previously done business with a company that legitimately has your email address, be skeptical. Watch out for minor typos in the web address - www.macys.comm instead of www.macys.com, for example.

It's no coincidence that dating websites are busier during the winter holidays and leading up to Valentine's Day. Lonely people's defenses are lowered, making them vulnerable to online romance scams. Before they know it, victims are conned into sharing personal or financial information, or lending money - money they'll never see again.

I'm not saying don't pursue love online at legitimate dating sites. Just watch out for these warning signs:

• They want to move your conversations off the dating site immediately and use personal email or instant messaging - the better to avoid policing by the site's Webmaster.
• Their online profile sounds too good to be true. That's because they've probably shaped it to reflect your stated preferences. Or, conversely, their profile may be suspiciously sketchy on details or their photos don't seem genuine.
• They profess love very quickly, even before you've spoken or met.
• They claim to be a U.S. citizen working overseas - often in the military.
• They make plans to visit, but are suddenly prevented by a traumatic family or business event - one which your money can overcome.

Bottom line: Don't let your emotions get the better of your common sense when it comes to matters of the heart. For more tips on spotting and reporting online scams, visit the Federal Trade Commission's website (www.ftc.gov).

(January 31, 2014) - Concordia University Wisconsin officials released the Fall Dean's List for the first semester of 2013-2014 academic year. To be eligible for the honor, students must achieve a minimum 3.50 GPA.

Among the area students named to the list were:

Ian Wallace, Freshman Accounting major from Davenport

Founded in 1881, Concordia University Wisconsin, 12800 North Lake Shore Drive, Mequon, offers 49 undergraduate majors and is affiliated with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The school is located on 155 acres of Lake Michigan shoreline, only 15 minutes north of downtown Milwaukee.

Residents Should Use Extreme Caution and Travel Only if Necessary; Check on Neighbors

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today announced measures being taken by Illinois state agencies to prepare for the additional snowfall that is forecast for the next several days. He also urged residents to follow recommended winter safety procedures, including being careful when shoveling and checking on neighbors during the snowy weather. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to keeping all Illinois residents safe and warm this winter.

"Our public safety workers have been up to the task to keep people safe during this extreme winter weather," Governor Quinn said. "As we prepare for another round of snow, I urge all motorists to drive with extreme caution and pay careful attention to others on the road."

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Tollway have their crews working around the clock to keep roads clear and passable. Motorists are urged to drive defensively and safely, travel only if absolutely necessary, slow down and buckle up. In addition, a new state law prohibits motorists from talking on all but hands-free mobile phones while driving.

Other roadway safety tips to remember:

·         Don't crowd snowplows - an operator's field of vision is restricted.

·         Allow extra time for travel during the winter months.

·         Watch out for black ice on roads that appear clear but can be treacherous. Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady areas - all are prone to black ice, which is often invisible.

·         Pull over and dial *999 for emergency roadway assistance.

Check travel and road conditions routinely before any trip. You can get road condition information by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368), Illinois Tollway information by calling 1-800-TOLL-FYI or online at www.gettingaroundillinois.com and click on the "winter road conditions" icon.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) will continue to monitor the winter weather conditions throughout Illinois and stands ready to activate emergency state resources if necessary. IEMA also advises every household to have a disaster preparedness kit that will help residents stay safe for at least three days. The kits should include a battery-powered NOAA weather radio, a flashlight, extra batteries, non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, extra medications and special items needed for babies, disabled or elderly family members and pets.

If you must travel, IEMA and IDOT recommend you equip your vehicle with an emergency supply kit to keep you safe in case you are stranded along the road. A vehicle preparedness kit should include a cell phone and charger, flashlight, extra batteries, first-aid kit, snack foods and water, blankets, extra warm clothing, gloves and hats, sand or kitty litter, shovel, windshield scraper, booster cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid and a tool kit. Always keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to help prevent the vehicle's fuel line from freezing.

Before you depart, check weather and road conditions along your route and provide your planned route to a family member or friend. If conditions are dangerous, postpone travel until road conditions improve. IEMA and the National Weather Service have developed a Winter Weather Preparedness Guide that contains many more tips about winter weather safety. The guide is available at the Ready Illinois website at Ready.Illinois.Gov.

Residents are urged to take advantage of the state's warming centers. These include the Illinois Tollway Oases, which are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. On weekdays, Illinois Department of Human Services offices throughout the state are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. To find a warming center near you, call the IDHS hotline at (800) 843-6154 or visit KeepWarm.Illinois.gov.

The Illinois Department on Aging is encouraging relatives and friends to make daily visits or calls to senior citizens living alone. Older people are more susceptible to the cold, so seniors should set their thermostats above 65 degrees. Those particularly vulnerable are older people who take certain medications, drink alcohol, lack proper nutrition, or who have conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Tips to staying safe and warm in winter conditions:

·         Dress in layers, both indoors and outdoors.

·         Keep active. Make a list of exercises and activities to do indoors when you can't get out.

·         Eat well and drink 10 glasses of water daily; stock up on non-perishable food supplies, just in case.

·         Keep extra medications in the house. If this is not possible, make arrangements to have someone pick up and deliver your medications.

·         Do not shovel snow or walk in deep snow. Plan now for someone else to shovel the snow. The strain from the cold and hard labor could cause a heart attack; sweating can lead to a chill and even hypothermia.

Additionally, shoveling snow is hard work and you should not shovel snow unless you are in good physical condition. Cold weather itself, without any physical exertion, puts an extra strain on your heart. Know your limits when shoveling snow. Rest frequently and pace yourself. If you become breathless, stop, go indoors and warm up before continuing. If you experience chest or arm pain or numbness, stop immediately and go indoors.

###

MOLINE, Ill. (January 31, 2014) - Vladimir Nikiforov scored the winning goal with 4:52 left in the third period as the host Quad City Mallards came from behind to defeat the Tulsa Oilers 2-1 Friday night.  With the victory, the Mallards (19-9-8, 46 points) extended their regulation unbeaten streak to four games (3-0-1) while the Oilers (19-22-3, 41) suffered a third straight regulation defeat and saw their winless streak stretch to six games (0-5-1).

Nikiforov snapped a 1-1 tie with a wrist shot from the right wing circle after the Mallards' Jeff Lee had evened the score with a wrister from the left wing circle at 2:37 of the third.

The Mallards found themselves in need of a comeback after Adam Pleskach's breakaway power play goal gave the Oilers a 1-0 lead at 1:47 of the second period.

The Mallards return to action tomorrow night in Missouri against the Mavericks.  The Mallards next play at home next Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. against the Allen Americans.  That game is a Winning Wednesday presented by T.G.I. Friday's.  If the Mallards win next Wednesday, each fan in attendance will receive a free ticket to the Mallards' next Wednesday home game courtesy of T.G.I. Friday's.  After the game fans can join the Mallards at T.G.I. Friday's in Moline for a postgame party.

Tickets for next Wednesday night's 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.