FEMA Aid Would Have Helped Nine Counties Recover Expenses Following Deadly November Storms

CHICAGO - Hours after FEMA denied the state's request for federal assistance to help local governments in nine counties recover expenses related to the deadly storms on Nov. 17, Governor Pat Quinn today announced the state will appeal the decision. While the federal government has approved millions of dollars to date of aid to help people and businesses recover, today's decision denies aid to local governments in impacted communities throughout Illinois.

"While we appreciate FEMA's partnership in helping individuals and businesses recover, I'm disappointed in this decision," Governor Quinn said. "My Administration will immediately work to develop a strong appeal that demonstrates how much this assistance is needed. The state of Illinois will continue doing everything necessary to help our hardest hit communities rebuild and recover from these historic tornadoes."

On Dec. 19, Governor Quinn requested federal aid for local governments in Champaign, Douglas, Grundy, Massac, Tazewell, Vermilion, Washington, Wayne and Woodford counties. That request included documentation of tornado-related expenses, such as emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or replacement of government-owned facilities incurred by the nine counties and the state.

"On behalf of the city and residents of Washington, I appreciate Governor Quinn's continued partnership and support as we recover," Washington Mayor Gary Manier said.

Those costs, which totaled more than $6.1 million, were compiled by a joint damage assessment conducted by FEMA and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) in early December. That total is short of the federal threshold for Illinois of $17.8 million, which is based on the state's population multiplied by $1.35. This calculation hurts the chances of aid for geographically large states with large urban centers like Illinois.

The request also noted other impacts from the tornadoes, including winter weather conditions that will delay debris clean up and rebuilding, affected communities still dealing with costs related to flood events in April 2013 and April 2011 and public property losses that may not be completely covered by insurance. The state will make the appeal within 30 days to FEMA.

Governor Quinn has been working to ensure that the state does everything necessary to help families and communities across Illinois as they rebuild and recover from the historic natural disasters that have struck Illinois this year. To date more than $10 million in federal aid has been approved to help people and businesses affected by the Nov. 17 tornadoes and severe storms. That total includes more than $2 million in federal grants to help survivors with disaster-related expenses such as temporary home rental, home repairs and replacement of damaged personal property items. In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved more than $8.7 million in low-interest, long-term loans for people and businesses affected by the storms.

Quad Cities,  01/09/2014 It's now easier than ever to keep your New Years Resolutions! Belly Dance is a great low impact workout for people of all ages, shapes, sizes, and fitness levels.  Not only will you have a great time, but you can burn up to 500 calories in an hour!  With lots of classes to choose from on both sides of the river, it is now more convenient than ever to find a class near you!

Why should you try Belly Dance:

It's Affordable:  Classes range anywhere from $5-$10, which is less than a tank of gas!

It's Convenient:  With lots of classes to choose from at different times and many different locations, it makes it easy for you to fit it into your busy schedule.

It's Fun:  Many students say, Belly Dance is the best thing they have ever done for themselves!  You will have a blast and get fit doing it!

It's Easy:  Belly Dance is based on natural movements of the body, so any one can do it!

Improve your posture, define and strengthen your waist, and learn to love and appreciate your body by teaching it to do something you never thought it could do!  Visit QuadCitiesBellyDance.com and take the first step to good health!

Quad Cities Belly Dance is a collaboration of Belly Dance artists in the area. We are all committed to bringing you the absolute best quality belly dance you will find in the Quad Cities.  On our website you will find class and workshop schedules as well as information on our local instructors.   So visit QuadCitiesBellyDance.com today and give yourself the gift of health!

After five decades, the Iowa 80 Truckstop at exit 284 along Interstate 80 in Walcott is still striving to maintain the self-proclaimed title of world's largest truck stop.

http://www.iowa80.com/

Private luxury suites, Suite Level, and Sky Deck seating available for two nights Valentine's Day weekend

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JAN. 9, 2014) - Quad Cities-area couples seeking a uniquely romantic setting and dining experience this Valentine's Day weekend can now make their reservations for a Valentine's Day Dinner in the private luxury suites, Suite Level or Sky Deck at the award-winning Modern Woodmen Park.

Couples can choose either of two nights this Valentine's Day weekend to enjoy a four-course gourmet meal at the venue voted the Best Minor League Ballpark in a nationwide vote by 10Best.com and USA TODAY. Couples may choose to rent a private luxury suite, a table on the stadium suite level or take in the spectacular view of the ballpark, Centennial Bridge, Mississippi River and downtown Davenport from a table in the glass-enclosed, climate-controlled Sky Deck.

"The Valentine's Day Dinner treats couples to an wonderful atmosphere, delicious meal and delightful evening at Modern Woodmen Park," said River Bandits co-owner Dave Heller. "The unique setting, first-rate service and fantastic dining experience at this unique venue provides Quad Cities couples a truly memorable way to celebrate Valentine's Day."

Dinner reservations are available for Valentine's Day, Friday, Feb. 14 (5-9 p.m.) or Saturday, Feb. 15 (5-9 p.m.). Couples can choose a table on the Suite Level for just $80 per couple, Sky Deck for just $90 per couple, or a private, candle-lit luxury suite for $100 per couple. A group of four may share a suite for $200, a group of six for $275, and a group of eight for $350. With each dinner, the couple will also receive a complimentary pair of tickets to any 2014 River Bandits home game.

Every meal includes a shared appetizer, in addition to a a soup or salad, and an entrée with two sides, followed by a shared dessert. Couples may also add to their evening with a bottle of champagne or wine.

Reservations can be made by calling Taylor Satterly or Alli Costello at 563-324-3000 or by emailing Taylor@RiverBandits.com or Alli@RiverBandits.com. Reservations must be made by 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 6.

"The Valentine's Day Dinner is one of the most popular special events at the ballpark, and it is a splendid opportunity to experience the most premium areas of a year-round venue," said General Manager Andrew Chesser. "We look forward to hosting each couple that celebrates this Valentine's Day at Modern Woodmen Park."

UP NEXT: Season-ticket holders can still guarantee their same seats for the upcoming season, but time is running short! Ticket-plan holders must renew their plans with a $50 deposit per seat by Jan. 31, in order to keep the same seats as last season. Contact your account representative or call 563-324-3000 today to renew your ticket plan. To order ticket plans - with new lower prices - for next season, call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: Having just been named Ballpark Digest's winner of Best Ballpark Improvement in America under $1 million, the River Bandits ownership is making one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is opening this spring, along with a carousel, a new ride called a "Drop and Twist," an expanded zip line, and many other new games and attractions. In 2013, the team unveiled a new 220-foot long dual zip line, a rock climbing wall, and a number of new bounce houses. The team's major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, just saw all six of its affiliates reach the playoffs - the first time in a decade any MLB team can claim such success. The River Bandits were one of three affiliates to reach the championship round and one of two to win their league championship.

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