21 Oct 2013

"Treats in the Trunk" at Immanuel Lutheran, Davenport

By Kathy Yaudas

Immanuel Lutheran Church is having their 5th Annual "Treats in the Trunk" on Wednesday, October 30th from 5 - 7 p.m. in the Church Parking Lot. Children & Families are welcome to come; walk our parking lot by the Picnic Shelter; getting candy & treats from our members.

Haywagon rides will be offered and concessions sold by the Youth Group at minimal prices. (Chili, Hot dogs, Chili Dogs, Nachos, and canned pop).

21 Oct 2013

Davenport Man Sentenced for Bank Robbery

By Val Quast

DAVENPORT, IA - On October 18, 2013, Ceneca Romale Johnson, age 32, from Davenport, Iowa, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 262 months in prison, for bank robbery, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.

Judge Jarvey ordered Johnson to serve five years of supervised release following imprisonment, and pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund. No fine was imposed. In June of 2013, Johnson pled guilty to robbing the Southeast National Bank in Davenport, Iowa, while armed with an imitation pistol. Johnson was apprehended a short distance from the bank by officers of the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department that same day. The stolen money was recovered.

This case was investigated by the Davenport, Iowa, Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

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21 Oct 2013

5 Steps for Reconnecting in a World of Increasing Isolation

By Ginny Grimsley

Expert Shares Time-Tested Keys to Happiness

Emotional isolation is a growing problem, with more than one out of three adults aged 45 and older describing themselves as chronically lonely, up from one out of five a decade earlier.

The contributing factors are easy to identify: high unemployment; marriage rate at a historic low; increased reliance on technology over face-to-face communication.

"The main problem of tomorrow is that people are becoming inwardly focused and cut off from  their neighbors," says Christian E. Me?grelis, www.christian-megrelis.com, vice chair of the International Union of Economists, biblical scholar, and author of "Glossary of Hope," a contemporary distillation of New Testament teachings and their applications today.

"The global crisis is not only economical but individual. Especially in the industrialized nations, we are pulling farther away from our human connections to our own detriment."

Emotional isolation, which is on the rise according to a 2010 AARP study, has been found to cause or exacerbate a number of diseases, from Alzheimer's to cancer, and is as high a risk factor for mortality as smoking.

"There's quality of life to consider as well," Me?grelis says. "Lonely people are not happy people, hence the increased stress that causes physical illness. But we can change, individually and collectively, if we heed the wisdom that has endured for 2,000 years."

He offers five time-tested steps anyone can take to reconnect and restore happiness:

  • Work on loving everyone - from the stranger on the bus to your worst enemy. "This is difficult, I admit, but you don't need to do it perfectly to see the benefits," Me?grelis says. How does one take this from intellectual concept to practice? With humanitarian acts, Me?grelis says. Stop and help the person who has fallen down. Smile and say something kind to the harried store clerk. And give - not just what's easy to give, like the old clothes you no longer wear. Share your money, your time, your resources.
  • Don't judge! Another that's deceptively simple but gets easier with practice, Me?grelis says. "Passing judgment on others is actually a very selfish act; we do it in order to feel better about ourselves, but it really isn't effective in that regard," he says. When you catch yourself commenting negatively about someone else, whether loud or in your mind, stop yourself and consider your own flaws. Honesty demands you focus on and correct those before your neighbor's.
  • Forgive. Holding a grudge or seeking revenge for perceived wrongs is a primitive impulse response. Forgiveness is a cerebral sentiment that comes from the cortex of the brain - the source of reason. Reason is what allows us to resist dangerous primitive impulses in able to achieve more far-sighted objectives, such as social life, which is impossible without forgiveness.
  • Do good that makes a difference. Feeling we have no purpose in life or being unsure what our purpose is can lead to despair or indifference often resulting in sterile ambition, delusion or conceit, all of which serve to isolate us from others. We all have a purpose, whether or not it's easily discernible. "Whatever place is yours in society, bring your brick every day to the never-ending construction of a happier world and you will quickly recognize your purpose," Me?grelis says.
  • Have faith. You don't have to subscribe to a particular religion or follow dogmatic rules to have faith. "It's actually harder than that!" says Me?grelis. Faith is the belief that there is something greater than us, the creator of the world in which we live, guiding all with an order and a purpose. Faith may be - and often is - marked by periods of doubt, but it should be the compass to which you return. Faith brings with it a connection to all other living things.

Achieve, or at least work toward, these five steps and the result will be hope, Me?grelis says.

"Hope is happiness - a state of mind that transcends ordinary happiness," he says.

 

About Christian E. Megrelis

Christian E. Megrelis holds master's degrees in engineering, business and political studies. He is the founder of Exa International, a multinational engineering company, and vice chairman of the International Union of Economists. He is also the former vice chair of the United Bible Societies, a major world publisher of the Bible. He is the first publisher of the Bible in the French-speaking world.
21 Oct 2013

The Old Creamery Theatre announces 2014 season line-up

By Shelly Klimes

Season tickets are now on sale at The Old Creamery Theatre. See our lineup of all the fun to be had in 2014! Please take note that starting with the 2014 season, all matinees will be at 2 p.m. Call the box office at 319-622-6262 or visit our web site at www.oldcreamery.com for more information or to order individual or season tickets. It's never to early to reserve your seats or to buy your season tickets for 2014!

*Season ticket packages can not be used for special events.

Special Events
Frankly Scarlett, You're Dead
Feb. 14 - March 15, 2014
Friday and Saturday nights. Seating starts at 5:30 p.m.; show at 6 p.m.
Now at an exciting new Cedar Rapids location!
The Clarion Hotel and Convention Center
525 33rd Ave. SW Cedar Rapids
Tickets: $47 for dinner and the show. Includes tax and gratuity.
Call: 319-622-6262 or oldcreamery.com
The fun at The Old Creamery Theatre starts Feb. 14 when the comic murder mystery dinner theatre takes a southern turn toward the land of Dixie for Frankly Scarlett, You're Dead, by James Daab.
While the Civil War is looming at Sassafras, the ancestral home of the Simpson family, Colonel Simpson tries to marry off his daughters Scarlett and Melody. But, fiddle-dee-dee, there are no respectable southern gentlemen to be found with all this talk of war, war, war! To make matters worse, somebody is a Yankee spy. Come be part of the mystery and enjoy a delicious meal. You will be able to choose your entree when you order tickets online or by phone.

Branson on the Road
March 13, 14, and 15, 2014
All shows at 2 p.m. on the Main Stage.
Tickets: $30 for adults; $18 for students.
Call: 319-622-6262 or oldcreamery.com
The Old Creamery Theatre brings Branson to you this spring! This high energy, non-stop show features Debbie Horton, the only woman to have played lead guitar with Johnny Cash, Donnie Wright, an expert musician who has performed at Nashville's Grand Old Opry, and Brian Capps, master upright bass player and singer. Group rates are available.
Live, Professional Theatre
39 38th Ave.
Amana IA 52203
oldcreamery.com 319-622-6262

Let Us Entertain You!
2014 Main Stage
Tickets $28 for adults; $18.50 for students
Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash
April 24- May 25, 2014
Created by Richard Maltby, Jr. Conceived by William Meade. Orchestrations by Steven Bishop and Jeff Lisenby
Additional arrangements by David Abbinanti.
He started out as a "Country Boy" who against all odds became one of the greatest country music legends of all time. From "Daddy Sang Bass" to "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," and "A Boy Named Sue," you'll hear Johnny Cash's life through his lyrics in this non-stop musical biography of the "Man in Black."
Rated Theatre PG.

The Sunshine Boys
June 5 - 29, 2014
A comedy by Neil Simon
Al Lewis and Willy Clark, once a famous comedy team, haven't spoken in more than a decade. When Willy's nephew, a variety show producer, promises big bucks to bring them together one more time, it turns out to be easier said than done as Al and Willy give new meaning to the words "cranky old men." Rated Theatre PG.

Snoopy!!! The Musical
July 17 - Aug. 10, 2014
Based on the comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles M. Schulz
Book by Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates, Warren Lockhart, Arthur Whitelaw and Michael L. Grace
Music by Larry Grossman, lyrics by Hal Hackady. Originally produced by Arthur Whitelaw, Michael L. Grace and Susan Bloom. Originally directed by Arthur Whitelaw.
It's the world according to Snoopy! Come join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Linus and Sally as they celebrate the wisdom of Charles Schultz and the world's most famous Beagle in this delightful musical that's fun for the whole family. Rated Theatre G.

Cash on Delivery
Sept. 4 - 28, 2014
By Michael Cooney
When con man Eric decides to get out of the scam business, things come unglued as the tenants he made up in order to collect government money, take on a life of their own. Throw in a social worker, a couple's therapist, a grief counselor, a mortician, an unknowing fiancée and a worried wife and you have the perfect formula for hilarity in this fast-paced comedy full of BIG laughs! Rated Theatre PG.

The Church Basement Ladies In: A Mighty Fortress is Our Basement
Oct. 9 - Nov. 9, 2014
Inspired by the books of Janet Letnes Martin and Suzann Nelson, including the best seller "Growing Up Lutheran." Written by Greta Grosch. Music and lyrics by Drew Jansen.
Those lovable Church Basement Ladies are back in this all-new musical! Join the fun as they run a food booth at the county fair, teach one of their own how to drive and help their very nervous Pastor make it to the alter on time for his wedding! Whether you've seen them before or are brand new to the basement kitchen, you'll have fun watching the ladies dish it out! Rated Theatre G.

1940s Radio Christmas Carol
Nov. 20 - Dec. 14, 2014
A comedy by Walton Jones, David Wohl and Faye Greenberg.
It's Christmas Eve in 1943 and listeners to WOV Radio out of Newark, New Jersey settle in for a one-of-a-kind
telling of the classic Dicken's story A Christmas Carol. Come see what happens behind the scenes as the Feddington Players try to save the show from one disaster after another in this delightful holiday comedy filled with the music and the spirit of Christmas. Rated Theatre G.

2014 Studio Stage
Tickets: $28 for adults; $18.50 for students

Private Lives
March 27 - April 13, 2014
By Noel Coward
A turbulent marriage filled with bitter arguments has left Elyot and Amanda sure they've had quite enough of one another, until fate brings them together on their respective honeymoons no less. How could this happen five years after their divorce, when each has moved on to a more peaceful existence with a brand new spouse? Come watch the sparks fly in this classic comedy. Rated Theatre PG.

The Price
May 29 - June 15, 2014
By Arthur Miller
While haggling with an antique dealer over an attic full of their father's belongings, brothers Walter and Victor come to realize it's not the price to be paid for old furnishings that is the issue, but rather the price past decisions have cost them. A gripping drama, about family dynamics and the choices we leave behind. Rated Theatre PG.

Tuna Does Vegas
August 14 - 31
By Jaston Williams, Joe Sears and Ed Howard
Join the residents of little Tuna, Texas as they turn the Vegas strip upside down in this all-new comedy filled with unforgettably funny characters, all played by two actors. You may never know what they'll do next, but it's a sure bet you'll be laughing!

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Oct. 30 - Nov. 16, 2014
By Christopher Durang
Winner of the 2013 Tony for Best Play, the master of contemporary absurd comedy tells the tale of comically dysfunctional siblings who wait....and wait, for something exciting to happen. Enter their movie star sister and her much younger boy toy, ready for a costume party that could change their lives forever.
2014 Theatre for Young Audiences

Stuart Little
April 5-19, 2014
Adapted by Joseph Robinette from the book by E.B.White.
Stuart, the second son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick C. Little, navigates the world with warmth and humor in this classic story by E.B. White, author of "Charlotte's Web." Join Stuart as he drives, sails, and explores life with his friend Margalo the bird and his furry nemesis, Snowbell the cat. Rated Theatre G.
Tickets: $9 for reserved seating.

How I Became a Pirate
June 14 - 28, 2014
Book, music and lyrics by Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman.
Based on the book by Melinda Long with Illustrations by David Shannon.
A wrong turn at Bora Bora lands Capt'n Braid Beard and his crew on Jeremy Jacob's beach. Come along as Jeremy and the pirates search for the perfect place to bury a treasure chest, in this musical adventure on the high seas. Argh! Rated Theatre G.

Cinderella
Sept. 20 - Oct. 4, 2014
Book and lyrics by Jim Eiler. Music by Jim Eiler and Jeanne Bargy
All of the fantasy of the classic Cinderella story, with a few twists and turns. Sure to tickle your funny bone, this musical version will keep you laughing from the first wave of the Fairy Godmother's magic wand up until the last stroke of midnight. Rated Theatre G.

Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells Batman Smells
Nov. 29 - Dec. 14, 2014
Adapted by Allison Gregory from the book by Barbara Park
It's time for the holiday party and Secret Santa gift exchange in Junie B. Jones' first grade classroom. But Junie can't seem to find the spirit of giving anywhere. Find out what happens in this holiday treat for the entire family! Rated Theatre G.

The Old Creamery Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre founded in 1971 in Garrison, Iowa. In 2014, the company will be celebrating 43 years of bringing live, professional theatre to the people of Iowa and the
Midwest.

21 Oct 2013

Sweetheart Duet Teams with Hollywood Director On First Music Video

By Isa Villasenor

Acoustic Truth to Release Full Length Video Just in Time for Sweetest Day

Chicago, IL - This Sweetest Day is extra special for fan favorites, Sarah Lendy and Ryan Knott of  Acoustic Truth and they are sharing the love with everyone. The local performers launched their first professionally produced and directed video for their original song; Time just in time for the annual holiday Saturday, October 19, 2013 to coincide with the annual celebration of everything sweet and lovely. The video marks a milestone for the local pair and solidifies their place on the new music scene in Chicago. On the heels of booking their first performance at the House of Blues set for January 2014 and being invited unto America's Got Talent as well as impressive iTunes and Amazon performance listings for their song, Valentine, the video will engage new fans and serve as a treat for long time followers.

The product of a chance meeting at the airport in Los Angeles, the collaboration has resulted in a video that captivates in its storytelling, cinematography and sheer emotional draw. "When I met Sarah and Ryan during a gate delay in LA, I recognized Ryan's guitar and struck up a conversation about music and videos. They kindly and confidently offered to play for me (and the entire airport). It took moments for people to start buzzing about the impressive and alluring lyrics and voices echoing through the terminal. Passengers basically just stopped to hear and see the two perform. It was surreal," said Michael Estrella, Director and President of the production company Avelane Road, Inc. "It was then that I essentially offered (pro-bono) to help them with their first professional video."

The Time video tells the story of a couple deeply united and in love over the course of a beautiful life together and the stark recognition that time is fleeting. As the sands of time sift away, the couple takes an evening to rejoice in the celebration of young love that they've cultivated over the past 50 years. It's in this finely crafted celebration that we see the select personal aspects of life that define friendship, companionship and love. And in this case a bit of a twist. With local Illinois farm town community participants donating their resources, on camera time (the lead characters have been married over 50 years) and historic and iconic locations (100 year-old homes, Chicago's Aragon Ballroom) the video reflects a special small town effort in support of Acoustic Truth's rising mercury.

The video leaves a memorable and sweet impression on the viewer and compliments the powerful vocal delivery by Sarah Lendy and impressive guitar and vocals by Ryan Knott. The emotionally telling tone, heartfelt lyrics, inviting voices, and intimate details of the video convey an undeniable take on the magic of life-long sweethearts that's guaranteed to tug at the heart strings. As one joyful attendee mentioned at the recent private screening of the video, "there wasn't a dry eye in the place."

For anyone celebrating Sweetest Day, at any stage of the journey, viewing Time will be a special moment of reflection. The video can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veklOafOFCQ

Sarah, Ryan and Michael are available for interviews, in studio performances and call-ins.

"Whether you like alternative, country or simple love songs from any genre, Acoustic Truth delivers the heart and soul we don't hear often enough," said Barbara Varinaitis of Lippman Entertainment "To then realize that they are collaborating and romantically liaised as well as so involved in community service and charity is a sweet surprise.

Please contact Isamar at jessica@jpriego.com with inquiries.

21 Oct 2013

LeClaire Chamber of Commerce Announcements - 10/18/13

By LeClaire Chamber of Commerce

WELCOMING NEW MEMBER!

Go Fish Marina Bar and Grill Princeton, IA - Full bar and grill including pizza, chicken, wraps, burgers and tenderloins.  Leased docks and customer dock parking - 411 River Dr, Princeton, IA 52768. 563-289-3908. www.gofishmarinabarandgrill.com

Chamber 2013 Networking Events - Everyone welcome to attend!

November - Faithful Pilot - date and time tbd

December 10th - Hungry Hobo - lunch - noon

 

CALENDAR

 

October 19th - You are invited to attend the First Presbyterian Church Active Christians Halloween Party We will meet at 6:30p.m. for a Halloween Party and to play Euchre! All ages are welcome! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a friend, your own non-alcoholic drinks and a dish to share. Costumes are encouraged (non-violent, non-scary)

 

October 20th - Faithful Pilot Sunday Brunch seating at 10:00 & 12:30 $25.00 per person (NO QUAD CITY TIMES COUPONS VALID)

 

October 21st - Economic Development Meeting 8:00 a.m.Great River Financial Services, 204 Jones St., LeClaire.
October 23rd - Explore the Benefits of Working with Schwab Eric Johannes, Charles Schwab, 5345 Elmore Ave #300, Davenport, IA 52807.
Please R.S.V.P 563-275-3659

 

October 26th - LeClaire Witches Walk Costume Contest and Parade! Parade begins at 1:00p.m.

 

October 26th - 4th Annual Hallowine! 2-5 p.m. Tickets $10, available that day at the LeClaire Information Center, 122 N. Cody Rd. Event starts at the LeClaire Information Center,  First 200 attendees receive a free wine glass. Join us for LeClaire's Food & Wine Tour, and enjoy local cuisine and wine samples while touring the shops of LeClaire! Proceeds to benefit local charities. www.visitleclaire.com

 

October 26th- The Faithful Pilot is open for LUNCH! From 12-4. Small wine samples for Hall-O-Wine.

 

October 31st - All women are invited to attend the First Presbyterian Church Annual Women's Fall Retreat (one day) at Camp Wyoming. We will leave our church at 9a.m. and plan to be at the camp at 10a.m. We will have devotions, craft by Rev. Pat Halverson, lunch (each woman brings her own sack lunch), snacks, hayrack ride (weather permitting), time for a walk, conversation and fellowship. cost $10. RSVP by 10-28 - 563-289-4371 or 563-381-7777.

 

November 1st - First Friday, 5:30 - 8:00 Downtown LeClaire

Mississippi River Distilling Company Food and Spirit Tastings www.mrdistilling.com

Wide River Winery Wine Samples. Open until 8PM featuring "Merry Berry" and serving dips paired with our award winning locally made wines.

Aunt Hatties - Come in for a red velvet cupcake!

Razzleberries - Booze cake while it lasts!

Faithful Pilot - The Matriarchs, live music - 7:30-9:00pm

Restaurants and several shops will be open late!

 

November 6th - River Valley Optimist Club Basketball Fun! Harlem Ambassadors vs The Optimist Slammers! (an eclectic group of local leaders and celebrities) 7p.m. Pleasant Valley High School Gym. Tickets $8 in advance/$10 at the door. Kids 12 and under admitted free with paying adult. Tickets can be purchased at Arndt Chiropractic Center or at LeClaire Antiques and Appraisals, or call 563-723-1877 for more information. Harlem-style comedy basketball featuring high-flying slam dunks, games with the kids, and hilarious comedy! Complimentary autograph session with theHarlem Ambassadors after the game. All proceeds go to the River Valley Optimist Club Youth Programs.

 

Save the Date

 

December 6th - First Friday in LeClaire!

 

December 6th-8th - Christmas in LeClaire 2013!

Friday - 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Crafts and Silent Auction at Civic Center

Free Trolley Rides

Cookie Tin Sales

Bazaars and Craft Fair

Baked Goods

Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Breakfast with Santa - 8-10 a.m.

Buffalo Bill Museum Tours

Santa's Playhouse - 12-3 p.m.

Crafts and Silent Auction

Cookie Tin Sales

Bake Sale

Free Trolley Rides

Sunday - 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Free Trolley Rides

Buffalo Bill Museum Tours

Local Stores Open

Crafts and Silent Auction at Civic Center

For more information, contact Joyce 289-4205, Diane 370-3509, Vicki 289-3882

 

FYI

Grace Marine has received approval for their new showroom in LeClaire! It will be located just east of the former welcome center on Eagle Ridge Road.  The tentative plan is to break ground sometime in November with the building completion sometime in March/April.  Carl Hoyt Jr., General Manager, and his team look forward to having the full operation in one town!  New boats will be showcased in LeClaire! www.gracemarine.com Grace Marine, Inc. 563-359-1635. Captain's Quarters DryStak Marina 563-289-5050

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!

For those who would like to submit anonymous questions for the upcoming Candidate Forum on Tuesday, October 29th at 7:00 P.M. at the LeClaire Fire Station, the question box is now out at the LeClaire Community Library Circulation Desk. Anyone may submit as many questions as they would like until October 22nd, when they will be given directly to the moderators to use at the forum at their discretion. If you are a candidate and haven't RSPV'd for the Candidate Forum, please email Interim Library Director, Jillian Flahaven at: jflahaven@leclaireiowa.gov. Please plan to be at the Fire Station by 6:45 P.M. on October 29th. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the LeClaire Community Library.

"Something NEW" at the LeClaire Civic Club - BUNCO! Every third Tuesday from10:00 AM through 12:30PM!  Call Debbie for details - 563-289-4458.

 

The LeClaire Chamber Website and our Facebook page are currently being updated and revised. Watch for the new website to be up and running soon, visit us again soon on Facebook, and in the meantime, thank you for your patience! 

 

Buffalo Bill Museum is open until 5pm daily. Hours are 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and on Sundays 12noon to 5pm. A reminder: group discounts are available for tour groups, clubs/reunions, and school groups. Call the museum at 563-289-5580 for details!

 

SERVING THE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Primitive Cottage is collecting food for the Princeton Presbyterian Church's Food Pantry which is in great need of food donations. They have helped a lot of people, and now they need our help.  Donations can be dropped off at Primitive Cottage in LeClaire. Please check the expiration date on items because anything that has expired can't be given away.

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.

 

LeClaire 2013 Events Calendar:

First Fridays each month 5:00-8:00 P.M.

October 26th - HalloWine

October 26th - Witches Walk Costume Contest and Parade

December 6-8 - Christmas in LeClaire

Family Nights at the LeClaire Rec Center: Details at www.leclairereccenter.com

www.LeClaireChamber.com and visit the Chamber on FaceBook!

21 Oct 2013

Des Moines Wins Five Iowa Tourism Awards

By Kristine Reeves

DES MOINES, IA - Greater Des Moines has won the honor of five awards at the 2013 Iowa Tourism Conference, including Outstanding Collaboration, Outstanding New Event, Outstanding Website, Outstanding Tourism Business and Outstanding Social Media Execution.

"Winning five awards is a shining moment for Greater Des Moines tourism," said Greg Edwards, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau and Des Moines Area Sports Commission. "Our community embraces tourism as Des Moines grows as a destination for meeting and sports planners, group tours and leisure travelers."

The Outstanding Collaboration Award and the Outstanding New Event Award were both granted to the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau, the parent organization of the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, along with Iowa State University, Iowa Events Center and Polk County for successful partnership on the 2013 NCAA Division I Wrestling National Championships held at Wells Fargo Arena?an event that broke NCAA Fan Fest attendance records and brought $15 million to the local economy.

The Outstanding Website Award was given to catchdesmoines.com for increased user-friendliness resulting in 29% growth of unique website visitors from November 2012 through June 2013 over the previous year.

Additionally, the Iowa Events Center was awarded Outstanding Tourism Business for its role in helping Greater Des Moines and Iowa tourism reach for new goals, solicit and book new business and make an impact on the local economy. Blank Park Zoo was honored with Outstanding Social Media Execution for excellence in social media strategy.

The Iowa Tourism Conference was held in Waterloo this week. The award recipients have positively contributed to the experience of visitors and the quality of life of residents?and are the highest honor given for tourism in Iowa.

A full list of Iowa Tourism Award winners will be posted at traveliowa.com.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to promote Greater Des Moines as a fun, vibrant and affordable destination statewide, nationally and internationally. Our focus increases visitors to our community through meetings, conventions, sports events, leisure travel, and group tours, thereby contributing to the local economy.
21 Oct 2013

Iowa Supreme Court Opinions October 18, 2013

By Iowa Judicial Branch
Notice: The opinions posted on this site are slip opinions only. Under the Rules of Appellate Procedure a party has a limited number of days to request a rehearing after the filing of an opinion. Also, all slip opinions are subject to modification or correction by the court. Therefore, opinions on this site are not to be considered the final decisions of the court. The official published opinions of the Iowa Supreme Court are those published in the North Western Reporter published by West Group.

Opinions released before April 2006 and available in the archives are posted in Word format. Opinions released after April 2006 are posted to the website in PDF (Portable Document Format).   Note: To open a PDF you must have the free Acrobat Reader installed. PDF format preserves the original appearance of a document without requiring you to possess the software that created that document. For more information about PDF read: Using the Adobe Reader.

For your convenience, the Judicial Branch offers a free e-mail notification service for Supreme Court opinions, Court of Appeals opinions, press releases and orders. To subscribe, click here.

NOTE: Copies of these opinions may be obtained from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, Judicial Branch Building, 1111 East Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319, for a fee of fifty cents per page.

No. 13-0102

LIFE INVESTORS INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA vs. ESTATE OF JOHN M. CORRADO and FEDERAL CITY REGION, INC.

No. 13-0506

IOWA SUPREME COURT ATTORNEY DISCIPLINARY BOARD vs. JAMES A. CLARITY III
21 Oct 2013

CGB Diversified Crop Insurance Services Announces New Assistant National Accounts Manager, Dan Bernhardt

By Christie Mendenhall

Coon Rapids, IA: CGB-Diversified Crop Insurance Services is pleased to announce that due to growth a new Assistant National Accounts Manager, Dan Bernhardt, has joined the team. Bernhardt will be responsible for maintaining current relationships with agents as well as developing new business in the Western and Upper Midwest regions.

In just under 20 years, Bernhardt has acquired a tremendous amount of crop insurance experience ranging from claims adjusting to sales consulting and mapping processes and development. His passion for technology drives him to pursue new and improved processes to better service his agents and farming customers. Bernhardt's expertise in mapping will provide improved accuracy, quality, and service to our customers with their mapping needs.

"Working with agents to provide them with the information and tools DCIS offers to help them educate their customers and prosper in an ever-changing industry is my passion," stated Bernhardt. "Diversified Crop Insurance Services is a wonderful and growing company with cutting edge and innovative technology. They provide products to make the risk management decisions farmers need to improve their profitability."

"The experience and passion that Dan brings to his customers is a tremendous asset," said Ron Miiller, National Marketing Manager. "With the addition of people like Dan, we continue to provide world class service in all respects to our agents and customers. Showing our expert attention to details to help our customers improve their risk management program and make a profit, is the mission of our agents."

Bernhardt will be working with independent agents throughout his region to ensure that they are able to illustrate to their farmers how to utilize crop insurance to the fullest potential. Diversified Crop Insurance Services goes beyond the policy to ensure that our farmers receive the most accurate and up-to-date information in order to help provide them with solutions to meet their needs. He can be reached by calling 612-812-6211 or email Dan.Bernhardt@cgb.com.

CGB-Diversified Services is headquartered in Jacksonville, Illinois. The company is a part of the Federal Crop Insurance system and services policies in 30 states. They offer a wide range of services which includes crop insurance, risk management, and grain marketing expertise. Diversified Services is an equal opportunity provider.

21 Oct 2013

Governor Quinn Praises Critical Vote to Move Illiana Corridor Project Forward

By Brooke Anderson

Critical Project Receives Yes Vote from MPO Policy Committee; Will Create Thousands of Jobs and Drive Economic Development Throughout Region

CHICAGO - After years of pushing to make it a reality, Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Illiana Corridor Project - an innovative public-private partnership to build a much-needed, regional highway - is moving forward. Today's vote by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's MPO Policy Committee approved the project as a priority in the GO TO 2040 Plan. The Illiana, along with the South Suburban Airport, are key parts of Governor Quinn's agenda to drive economic growth throughout the South Suburbs and across Illinois.

Today's vote by the committee, which is comprised of members from throughout the Chicago region, means the Illiana project is eligible for federal funding and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) can proceed to obtain bids from the private sector.

"Today marks a major victory for economic development and jobs in the Southland, which will strengthen Illinois' economy and pave the way for future growth," Governor Quinn said. "I applaud the members of the MPO Policy Committee for making the Illiana a priority. This regional highway will not only serve the largest and fastest growing areas in Illinois, it will have a long-term economic impact of more than $4 billion in the region."

In addition to the South Suburban Airport, Governor Quinn has been pushing to make the Illiana Expressway a reality since taking office as part of his economic vision for the south suburbs of Chicago. The Illiana will be a 47-mile, access controlled highway that extends from I-55 in Illinois on the west to I-65 in Indiana on the east. When built, the Illiana Corridor Project will be an invaluable regional asset for the south suburbs, the state and the broader Midwest, promoting and supporting the business environment, workforce, local and global economy and quality of life. Potential economic benefits include the creation of more than 9,000 construction jobs and 28,000 long-term jobs.

The South Suburban Airport will serve as the third major Chicago-area airport in the south suburbs and has been one of the Governor's key priorities since 2009. Building the global transportation hub will create more than 11,000 construction jobs and as many as 14,000 long-term jobs after it becomes operational. Earlier this year, the governor secured and signed a new law to break the longstanding gridlock that will allow the airport to be built.

The Illinois and Indiana Departments of Transportation (IDOT and INDOT, respectively) have been engaged in planning the Illiana with the Federal Highway Administration since the spring of 2011. The preferred corridor for the limited access, four-lane toll road is being refined and discussed, with a public hearing on the proposed location later this year. Additional public input on the project will be sought during the state and federal agency and public-private partnership approval process. The Illiana planning process is expected to be complete in early 2014.

IDOT and INDOT will soon begin the process of selecting a private team to finance and build the Illiana Corridor project, the first public-private partnership of its kind in Illinois. This innovative financing method, which has already been used by Indiana on other projects, will bring new investment dollars into the state transportation system and allow IDOT and INDOT to make further infrastructure investments that will benefit the region. Studies by IDOT and INDOT have shown that the Illiana will provide local and regional congestion relief, create jobs, and serve as a much needed trucking corridor in the bi-state region.

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