COAL VALLEY, IL - Corn Crib Nursery and Country Corner Farm Market and Pumpkin Patch, two locally-owned, family businesses will join forces when a summer farmer's market opens for the 2013 season today (May 21st) at the full service garden center.

Corn Crib, located just south of Quad City International Airport at 6924 Route 150 in Coal Valley, IL, will now feature a permanent summer farmer's market within the nursery. It will be stocked with fresh produce from Country Corner and other leading area farms. The market will be available rain or shine during normal business hours until September 13th.

The move brings Corn Crib back to its 1972 beginnings as a seasonal market. For Country Corner, it represents a convenient, farmer-run location for fresh summer produce closer to the Quad Cities. Country Corner will continue to feature all of its daily activities at 5333 Route 150 in Alpha, IL. Details on business hours and activities for each business are available at www.corncribnursery.com and www.country-corner.com.

"We were looking to add a farmer's market back to our business as part of our new shopping experience," said Duane White, owner/partner of Corn Crib Nursery. "When Bruce approached us, we were thrilled because it made total sense for our families to join up."

"This market will offer the area a unique shopping experience and our goal is to supply the Quad City Area with delicious, healthy, locally grown produce," said Bruce Curry, owner of Country Corner. "This is a central location for Country Corner, Huizenga Farms (Henderson. IL), Slagel Farms (Keithsburg, IL), Boggio's Little Mountain Orchard (Granville, IL) and others to have a food hub run by Country Corner right here by the Quad City Airport. By combining items from several farms and being open daily we should be a produce destination."

Corn Crib Nursery began in 1972 as a seasonal, open-air market and sod farm. In 1980, the business constructed its first permanent buildings and became a year-round, full service garden center including design services. While open year round, Corn Crib has seasonal hours. To check on current hours and more, call (309) 799-3745, visit www.corncribnursery.com or "like" us on Facebook - Search: Corn Crib Nursery.

Country Corner was the boyhood dream of Bruce Curry. Now, 40 years later, he farms over 80 acres near Alpha, IL. Open May-October every year, Country Corner features a fun park, zoo, hayrack rides, corn maze, craft market, pick-your-own pumpkin and berry patches and festivals every September and October.

In both 2011 and 2012, Country Corner was named Illinois Agritourism Business of the Year. The honor drew the attention of President Barack Obama who hosted a town hall meeting there in 2011. For info call (309) 629-2359 or visit www.country-corner.com and Facebook (Search: Country Corner Farm Market Pumpkin Patch).

-30-

(Peru, Neb.) Peru State recently awarded 459 students their degrees at the college's 2013 Commencement ceremony, which included Stephanie Schulte of Rock Island who received her Master Of Science In Education, Curriculum and Instruction

President Dan Hanson said, "As they embark on new careers, advance in current jobs or pursue advanced degrees, we hope our graduates remember fondly the role Peru State faculty, staff and administrators played in their success. We congratulate them on being part of the legion of Bobcat alumni who have made this institution great for 146 years and wish them all the best for a bright and successful future. It's been great to have each one as a student at Peru State."

In order to graduate summa cum laude (with highest distinction), a student must have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.90 to 4.0; for magna cum laude (with high distinction), 3.75 to 3.89; and for cum laude (with distinction), 3.50 to 3.74.

Scott County teachers successfully completing course will have tuition reimbursed

CEDAR FALLS, IA–Attention teachers! Monday, May 27 is the deadline to enroll in a one-hour, graduate-level, professional development course offered by University of Northern Iowa.

Teachers are encouraged to sign up for The Environment and The Way We Live: Our Choices Impact Everyone's Future, to be held June 17 and 18 at EB Lyons Nature Center in Dubuque, with a follow-up Nov. 9 at the Swiss Valley Nature Center, about five miles west of Dubuque.

Tuition is $50. In addition to one hour of graduate credit, teachers will receive $65 in resources to use in their classrooms.  Signup and other details are online at http://www.ceee.uni.edu/wastereduction/workshops.aspx.

Teachers in Scott County who successfully complete the course will have tuition reimbursed by Waste Commission of Scott County. Other Iowa solid waste agencies will reimburse tuition for teachers in the counties of Clayton, Dubuque, Delaware, Howard, Linn and Winneshiek, as well as the Postville School District.

The workshop will be held 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. June 17 and 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 18. The follow-up workshop will be held 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Nov. 9.

The courses are offered through Curriculum and Instruction and the Center for Energy and Environmental Education at UNI.

For more information, contact Susan Salterberg, instructor, at (319) 337-4816 or salterberg@uni.edu.

UNI is able to offer the graduate credit, free books and lesson plans with funding support from the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Alternatives Program.  Other supporters include solid waste agencies, landfills, and the East Central Iowa Council of Governments.

# # #
Quad Cities, USA:   The Salvation Army of the Quad Cities will be selling good food and tasty treats at two Quad Cities locations on Saturday, May 25th.

The benefits from these fund raisers will be used for local Salvation Army youth programs.

Davenport Location:   Family Thrift Store, 4303 N. Brady Street, Davenport:  10:30A - 5:00P.  Hot Dogs, Brats, Nachos & Cheese, Baked Goods.

Moline Location:     Heritage Temple Corps, 2200 - 5th Avenue, Moline:  10:00A - 3:00P.  Hot Dogs, Chips and a Pop for $3, Baked Goods

For hundreds of Quad-City children, The Salvation Army Corps Community Center is a second home.  And for the 55 children living at the Family Service Center, it is their home.  The Corps Community Centers and the Family Service Center provide children from low-income families the opportunity to play music, learn sports, make new friends, attend summer day camp, and even attend an overnight camp in the beautiful hills of Washburn, IL.  All activities feature life skill and character building, safety and structure.

To learn more about any of The Salvation Army's programs, and how you might get involved, please call Holly 563-271-7933.   

###

WASTE COMMISSION FACILITIES CLOSED MEMORIAL DAY

DAVENPORT–Waste Commission of Scott County facilities will be closed on Monday, May 27 in honor of Memorial Day. Normal hours of operation will resume on Tuesday, May 28. Facilities closed include :

  • Scott Area Recycling Center, 5640 Carey Ave., Davenport
  • Scott Area Landfill, 11555 110th Ave., Davenport
  • Household Hazardous Material Facilities, Davenport
  • Electronic Demanufacturing Facility, 1048 East 59th Street, Davenport

Waste Commission of Scott County is an inter-governmental agency whose mission is to provide environmentally sound and economically feasible solid waste management for Scott County. For more information about the Commission, please call (563) 381-1300 or visit www.wastecom.com.

# # #

RIPON, WIS. (05/21/2013)(readMedia)-- Murray Stoffa, a Senior English major, has been named to the Dean's List at Ripon College for the spring 2013 semester, which recognizes academic excellence.

Stoffa is the child of COL Donald A. Stoffa of Davenport, IA .

To qualify for the Dean's List at Ripon College, students must achieve a 3.40 grade point average or higher on a 4.00 scale and complete at least 12 credits of regular letter-graded work.

About Ripon College

Ripon College, founded in 1851, prepares students of diverse interests for lives of productive, socially responsible citizenship. Ripon's liberal arts curriculum and residential campus create an intimate learning community in which students experience a richly personalized education. Ripon has consistently been recognized as a "best value" and "Best 376 College" by The Princeton Review, a "Best Buy in College Education" by Barron's, a "Best Liberal-Arts College" by Washington Monthly, a "Top 25 Schools for Do-Gooders" by Newsweek, among the top-tier and best-value colleges by U.S. News and World Report, and among the top 200 private colleges in the nation overall and for value by Forbes Magazine. For more information about Ripon College, visit www.ripon.edu.

DECORAH, Iowa - The Luther College Board of Regents announced the appointment of David L. Tiede, Ph.D., as interim president of the college effective July 1. Luther President Richard L. Torgerson will end his term of service with the college on June 30.

Tiede David 2013.jpg

Tiede is emeritus president and emeritus professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. He served as the Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation at Augsburg College in Minneapolis from 2005 to 2010, and as interim president of Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, in 2010. He currently consults with a variety of higher education institutions as they deal with leadership transitions.

Tiede's appointment at Luther is for a period of 12 months, or until the permanent position is filled.

"The Board of Regents is delighted and honored that Dr. Tiede has agreed to lead Luther during this important time of transition," said Paul Torgerson, chairperson of the Board of Regents. "He is greatly admired as an administrator, teacher and scholar, and he is in high demand as a consultant in the area of educational leadership and governance. With Dr. Tiede serving as interim president, the board can complete the search for a permanent president with every confidence that the college is in very capable hands."

In accepting the post, Tiede said: "Luther College is educationally excellent, grounded in faith, and centered in student lives. President Torgerson's remarkable years have set the stage. This interim gives the whole college the opportunity to call the next president to lead from its strengths into the changing landscape of higher  education. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve an institution I have long admired."

Tiede, of White Bear Lake, Minn., served as Luther Seminary president from 1987 to 2005. He was professor of New Testament at the seminary from 1971 to 2006. His academic publications and leadership in scholarly guilds, including the Society of Biblical Literature, Catholic Biblical Association, and the International Society of New Testament Studies, have earned him great respect as a teacher and scholar.

An ordained pastor and past president of the Association of Theological Schools, Tiede is a consultant for Auburn Seminary's "Leadership That Works" research project. He is also a governance mentor for the nonprofit In Trust organization, whose mission is to help strengthen boards and governance in North American theological schools.

Tiede has served on numerous boards and commissions throughout his career and currently is on the regent boards of California Lutheran University and Augsburg College and has served as theologian-in-residence to the board of directors of Baltimore-based Lutheran Services in America.

A 1962 graduate of St. Olaf College, Tiede earned a theological degree in 1966 from Luther Seminary and a Ph.D. in 1971 from Harvard University. He is married to Martha (Muffy), and they are the parents of two grown children, Peter and Kathryn.

A national liberal arts college with an enrollment of 2,500, Luther offers an academic curriculum that leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree in 60 majors and preprofessional programs. For more information about Luther, visit the college's website: www.luther.edu.

-30-

May 21, 2013 - WASHINGTON - In response to questions from Sen. Chuck Grassley, a top IRS official today acknowledged that the way the agency reportedly treated a small Iowa pro-life group would be inappropriate and took responsibility for planting a question that led to an IRS apology for targeting certain groups applying for tax exemption.

"The IRS has a lot of power over people," Grassley said.  "When the agency abuses its power, it has to be held in check.  Otherwise, taxpayers who already fear the IRS will fear it that much more.  Distrust among taxpayers and IRS and vice versa undermine the integrity of our tax system."

Grassley questioned recently resigned IRS acting commissioner Steven Miller at a Finance Committee hearing today on the IRS' treatment of groups seeking tax exemption.  A recent report from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration found the IRS inappropriately screened groups using search terms geared toward a conservative political orientation.

Grassley asked Miller whether it was appropriate for the IRS in effect to offer a small Iowa pro-life group a quid pro quo:  the group could become a charity if it did not protest in front of Planned Parenthood.   Miller said it would not be appropriate for the IRS to offer such a quid pro quo.   The group, called Coalition for Life of Iowa, applied to the IRS for charitable status in mid-2009.  In addition to the quid pro quo suggestion, the group also received a letter from the IRS asking several invasive questions including the details of the group's prayer meetings.

Grassley also asked Miller who at the IRS was involved in planting a question at a legal conference regarding the IRS' treatment of conservative groups.  Miller responded that he would take responsibility for the arrangement.

On May 10, Lois Lerner, the head of the IRS tax-exempt organizations group, addressed an American Bar Association conference.  She received a question from the audience on the IRS' targeting of conservative groups and gave a detailed defense of the IRS' actions.  Initially, those involved claimed the question was spontaneous.  On May 14, Grassley sent a letter to the IRS raising questions about what led to the incident. Days later, the individual who asked the question admitted that the question was in fact planted at the IRS' request.  Grassley intends to pursue more details on what led to the planted apology.

Video of Grassley's exchange with Miller is available here.

-30-

Niabi Zoo Uproar

KEEPER CHATS

DAILY @ 11 & 2

Wonder what your favorite animal eats or how the zookeepers help the animals exercise? All of your questions can be answered during Keeper Chats. The schedule is posted at the ticket gate kiosks and Discovery Center. Keeper Chats are free!


GIRAFFE ENCOUNTERS

 

Hand-feed a member of Niabi Zoo's giraffe herd and take a picture or two with these amazing animals.

Tickets are $4 and are available at the ticket gate kiosks or near the giraffe exhibit. Giraffe Encounters are offered daily at 11:00 and 2:00.

 


GOLFERS WANTED MAY 31

 

Skip work on Friday and join us at the zoo's annual golf outing at Short Hills Country Club in East Moline. Great prizes, free on course beverages, BBQ dinner and a chance to play a private course are all yours for $150 per golfer. Open to teams of two or four.

Register for a chance to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa Account

DES MOINES, IA (05/21/2013)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald wants to remind Iowans it is their last chance to celebrate 529 Day by registering to win a $5,290 College Savings Iowa account for a child in their life. "I encourage everyone to register for the giveaway and explore the benefits of using a 529 plan, such as College Savings Iowa, to save for their loved ones' future higher education expenses," Fitzgerald said. "By starting early, saving a little at a time and making smart investment choices, families can make their savings work for them." For more information and to register for the giveaway, please visit www.my529iowaplan.com before May 29.

May 29, 529 Day, helps bring attention to the fact that saving for college is one of the most significant things families can do for the children in their lives. Those who begin putting away money early and save little by little can, over time, make their college savings add up to a significant amount. Because saving for future educational expenses is so important, Iowa families are encouraged to open a College Savings Iowa account for a special child in their life.

College Savings Iowa offers families a tax advantaged way to save money for their children's higher education. It only takes $25 to open an account, and anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - can invest in College Savings Iowa on behalf of a child. Participants who are Iowa taxpayers can deduct contributions up to $3,045 per beneficiary from their 2013 adjusted gross income, and there are no income or residency restrictions.* Investors can withdraw their investment federally tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and certain room and board costs at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad. To learn more about College Savings Iowa, please visit www.myiowa529plan.com or call1-888-672-9116.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income. The earnings portion of non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

###

Investment returns are not guaranteed and you could lose money by investing in the plan. Participants assume all investment risks as well as responsibility for any federal and state tax consequences. If you are not an Iowa taxpayer, consider before investing whether your or the designated beneficiary's home state offers any state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in such state's qualified tuition program.

For more information about the College Savings Iowa 529 Plan, call 888-672-9116 or visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com to obtain a Program Description. Investment objectives, risks, charges, expenses, and other important information are included in the Program Description; read and consider it carefully before investing.

Pages