Rock Island, IL: The Rock Island Public Library Foundation will offer book-loving guests a tasty way to enjoy "A Night of Roaring Reads" with Food for Thought, a fundraising event from 5:00 pm. to 7:30 pm on Thursday, November 14 at the Rock Island Main Library, 401 19th Street, Rock Island.

A Night of Roaring Reads transforms the historic library into a jazz-age night spot for dining, socializing and bidding on books signed by best-selling authors. Admission includes food stations from guest chefs, complimentary beverages, and jazz music by Edgar Crockett & friends.

Guests also enjoy a private night at the library, with dining at six food stations, including selections from Martha Cleaveland of Blue Cat Brew Pub, Eudell Watts, III, of Eudell's Specialty Foods,Chef Craig Joos of Rock Island Hy-Vee and Chef Kyle, of Doc's Inn in Silvis. Complimentary beverages include wine tasting selections personally selected by Thad Miller, craft brew samples from Dan Cleaveland of the Blue Cat Brew Pub, soft drinks and coffee. A silent auction includes bidding on more than 30 signed books, as well as unique gift items and packages from local businesses.

The 9th annual fundraiser helps the Rock Island Public Library Foundation fulfill requests for special programs and projects that are outside the Rock Island Library's normal operating budget. Foundation dollars support special purchases of materials and equipment as well as programs and beautification projects.

The Main Library will be open to Food for Thought guests only that night, with admission payable at the door by cash, check or credit. Guests who RSVP in advance receive preferred admission prices of $30 for one or $55 for two. Without an RSVP, admission is $35 at the door per person. RSVPS are requested by Nov. 6.

To RSVP, please call Foundation secretary Amy Penry at 309-732-7302 or email penry.amy@rigov.org. Donations to the 501c3 Rock Island Library Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

To accommodate the event, the Main Library will close at noon to the public on Nov. 14. The Rock Island 30/31 and Southwest Branches will be open until normal hours.

More information also available on the Support Your Library page at the library website, www.rockislandlibrary.org

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Focus on providing first-rate medical response in rural Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - October 7, 2013. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will meet with stakeholders and discuss the impact of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel in rural communities as host of the 2013 Illinois EMS Summit on Tuesday in Springfield. More than 100 EMS providers and responders are registered for the summit sponsored by the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, which Simon chairs.

"This summit is a helpful way to share information and get many stakeholders on the same page," said Simon. "Understanding the impact ACA will have on EMS work, discussing best practices and bringing these smart minds together will go a long way toward providing lifesaving care to rural residents."

The 2013 Illinois EMS Summit is an opportunity for EMS providers and other interested parties to come together to examine the conditions of rural EMS in Illinois. In addition to a dialogue on the impact of ACA on EMS work, planned topics of discussion include : caring for stroke patients, partnering with transit organizations to reduce 9-1-1 utilization, pending legislation, the State of Illinois House EMS Funding Task Force Report, best practices and Medicaid/Medicare Reforms for EMS.

As chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council (GRAC), Simon is leading efforts to combat a shortage of emergency responders in many parts of the state, encourage additional EMS training, and improve various classifications and standards. GRAC also established an EMS subcommittee to enhance existing emergency response units, reduce ambulance response times in rural Illinois and make recommendations for improvements and enhanced access.

DATE: Tuesday, Oct. 8

TIME: 1 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.

PLACE: Room 1105/1106 of Lincoln Land Community College's Trutter Center at 5250 Shepherd Rd., Springfield

NOTE: Media availability before and following remarks.

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MOLINE, Ill., Oct. 7, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- QCR Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:QCRH) today announced the completion of its previously announced sale of the two Mason City branches of Community National Bank to Clear Lake Bank & Trust Company (Clear Lake Bank & Trust). In the transaction which closed on October 4, 2013, Clear Lake Bank & Trust acquired certain assets and liabilities of the two Mason City branches, including deposits of approximately $62 million and $26 million of loans.

"Clear Lake Bank & Trust has been a downstream correspondent banking partner of QCR Holdings for years, and was looking into expanding its presence into Mason City. We believe this is a great transaction as the mission statements of both organizations focus on recruiting the best people, delivering exceptional customer service, and supporting and building the local communities that they serve," stated Douglas M. Hultquist, President and Chief Executive Officer of QCR Holdings, Inc.

"We are thrilled to be adding a downtown Mason City location to better serve our new and existing Clear Lake Bank & Trust customers," said Mark C. Hewitt, President and Chief Executive Officer, Clear Lake Bank & Trust. "We have been working very hard for several months to ensure a smooth transition for our new customers."


About QCR Holdings, Inc.

QCR Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Moline, Illinois, is a relationship-driven, multi-bank holding company, which serves the Quad City, Cedar Rapids, Rockford, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and Austin, MN communities through its wholly owned subsidiary banks. Quad City Bank & Trust Company, based in Bettendorf, Iowa commenced operations in 1994, Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust Company, based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa commenced operations in 2001, Rockford Bank & Trust Company, based in Rockford, Illinois commenced operations in 2005, and Community National Bank, based in Waterloo, Iowa commenced operations in 1997, provide full-service commercial and consumer banking and trust and asset management services. Quad City Bank & Trust Company also engages in commercial leasing through its wholly owned subsidiary, m2 Lease Funds, LLC, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.


About Community National Bank

Community National Bank, headquartered in Waterloo, Iowa, serves the Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa and Austin, Minnesota markets. Community National Bank commenced operations in 1997 with one location in Waterloo and one in Cedar Falls. Community National Bank will now have four Iowa locations -- two in  Waterloo and two in Cedar Falls. Community Bank, Austin joined in 2004 serving the southern Minnesota region with two locations. In 2012, Community Bank, Austin merged with Community National Bank.  Community National Bancorporation and Community National Bank became a wholly owned subsidiary of QCR Holdings, Inc. on May 13, 2013.


About Clear Lake Bank & Trust

Clear Lake Bank & Trust is a locally owned, financial services institution with offices in Clear Lake, Garner and Mason City, Iowa. Founded in 1934 in Clear Lake, Iowa, Clear Lake Bank & Trust extended its reach into Hancock County with the addition of a Garner office in 1992. In 2007, Clear Lake Bank & Trust opened its third office, located on Mason City's west side.

Special Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements. This document contains, and future oral and written statements of the companies and their management may contain, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of the companies. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the companies'  management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "predict," "suggest," "appear," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "annualize," "may," "will," "would," "could," "should" or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and the companies undertake no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

A number of factors, many of which are beyond the ability of the companies to control or predict, could cause actual results to differ materially from those in its forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following: (i) the strength of the local and national economy; (ii) changes in state and federal laws, regulations and governmental policies concerning the companies' general business, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the regulations to be issued thereunder; (iii) changes in interest rates and prepayment rates of the companies' assets; (iv) increased competition in the financial services sector and the inability to attract new customers; (v) changes in technology and the ability to
develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems; (vi) the loss of key executives or employees; (vii) changes in consumer spending; (viii) unexpected outcomes of existing or new litigation involving the companies; (ix) the economic impact of any future terrorist threats and attacks, and the response of the United States to any such threats and attacks; and (x) changes in accounting policies and practices. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements.
Dr. Smith P.C. and Audibel Hi-Tech Hearing Care Breaking Ground

September 23, 2013/Moline, IL - Two local businesses, Audibel Hi-Tech Hearing Care and Dr. Kevin Smith P.C. are breaking ground on a new facility in the Valley View Drive Corridor of Moline, Illinois. Both businesses, currently neighbors at the Hamilton Heights Medical Building, are joining forces to build their own 4,000 square foot medical center. The official groundbreaking took place on the morning of September 23rd, and construction will begin within the next few weeks.

James Hanerhoff, Audioprosthologist and President of Audibel Hi-Tech Hearing, is looking forward to this expansion. "It will offer both Dr. Smith and I the space we need to better serve our patients.  Both of our practices have the same goal; providing the best possible care based upon individual needs. This new facility will expand upon our abilities to accomplish that goal."

The building will be located at on the corner of Valley View Drive and 36th Avenue/Harvest Drive. Construction will be completed by Daxon Construction and is expected to be completed March-April of 2014.

"I've worked next door to Audibel for years and am looking forward to our practices expanding into the new facility," says Dr. Kevin Smith. "This is a great opportunity for both of us and the land allows us to build a facility that will suit both of our needs perfectly."

Both practices provide care based upon the highest professional standards in their specialty. To learn more about Dr. Smith, please visit www.drsmithdpm.com or call 309-762-7919. For Audibel Hi-Tech Hearing Care, visit www.audibelhi-techhearing.com or call 309-764-3065.

 

About Dr. Smith -- A Quad-City native, Dr. Kevin Smith, D.P.M. graduated from Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago, Illinois in 1997. Following an internship at North Chicago Veterans Administration Medical Center, he received surgical training through Catholic Health Partners, which is affiliated with Northwestern School of Medicine in Chicago.  Dr. Smith's primary research has been published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery and Foot and Ankle International.

About James Hanerhoff, BC-HIS, ACA - A native of Central Illinois, Mr. Hanerhoff received his Hearing Instrument Specialists license from the Illinois Department of Public Health in Springfield in 2000.  While working as part of the Hearing Care Team at Tri-County Hearing in Peoria, IL he continued with advanced training while attending the American Academy of Audioprosthology through the International Hearing Society, Livonia, MI.  He received his Audioprosthologist designation in 2003 by the American Council on Education, followed by his national Board certification from N.B.C.H.S., Farmington Hills, MI in 2007.

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Cedar Rapids, IA- Camp Courageous and Planet X Fun Center are teaming up to play for campers with special needs on Thursday October 17, 2013 from 5pm to 8pm. Patrons will enjoy the pizza buffet, unlimited mini golf, rock climbing, indoor playground, spaceball, jumpshot, bumper cars, and one game of laser tag for only $10.00 per ticket! Planet X will donate $5 of each ticket back to Camp Courageous.

"Camp Courageous is a year round camp for individuals with disabilities. Camp Courageous started in the summer 1974 with 211 campers and now over 6,500 each year," says Dennis Bayne. "The camp is an awesome and fun place for campers. We can't thank Planet-X enough for their partnership."

"We're happy to be able to give back to Eastern Iowa through our twelve months of Giving FUNdraisers, and we're especially pleased to host Camp Courageous," states Cameron Full, manager at Planet X. "Any and all are welcome to play for this great event."

Planet X is located at 4444 1st Avenue NE. in the Lindale Mall Plaza, Cedar Rapids. Tickets for this event can be purchased by calling Planet X at 319-294-2237or by visiting planetxfuncenter.colm

Camp Courageous is located 6 miles Southeast of Monticello off Hwy 38 south. Tours are available daily of the camp. The camp has winter, spring, summer, and fall camping seasons. Camp Courageous also offers Respite Care weekends plus 24 hour emergency care if needed. Any further questions check out website at www.campcourgeous.org
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(DES MOINES) - The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship today reminded farmers impacted by recent severe weather to contact their crop insurance agent to file a claim before harvesting or destroying any impacted crops.

In addition to filing a claim, taking photos of damaged crops and buildings can help farmers document the damage. It is import that farmers do not harvest, destroy or physically alter the damaged acres until crop insurance has adjusted the claim.

When USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices reopen following the federal shutdown, farmers should follow the usual damage-reporting process and contact their local FSA office for any disaster loans or debris removal assistance that may be available.

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Mount Carroll, IL--Timber Lake Playhouse announces its annual one-night-only interactive viewing party of the classic 1975 film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The pre-Halloween event will take place Saturday, October 26th at 9:00 pm at the playhouse in Mount Carroll. Concessions, beer and wine and a costume contest will be a part of the festivities. Admission is $15 and may be purchased in advance at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org or by calling 815-244-2035.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical parody of B-movie, science fiction and horror films of the late 1940s through early 1970s. The film stars Tim Curry and features Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick along with cast members from the original London stage production. Still in limited release 36 years after its premiere, it has the longest-running theatrical release in film history. It gained notoriety as a midnight movie in 1977 when audiences began participating with the film in theatres.

Interactive prop bags are also available for only $10. Doors will open at 8:30. No outside food or beverages are allowed. The movie is RATED R. Children under 17 are not allowed to attend R-rated motion pictures accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Run time for the movie is approximately two hours. Hot dogs and rice may not be brought in to the theatre. Open flames of any kind are illegal in public theatres in Illinois.

The costume contest will have prizes for first, second and third place. Costume may be related to the film or original creations. Audiences have the opportunity to purchase a "Rocky Horror Prop Bag" for only $10 that includes props to use during the film, as well as an interactive guide. The interactive guide is a script that shows audience members what to say and when to use the props during the show. While a limited number of  Prop Bags will be available the day of the showing, pre-ordering tickets and bags is recommended. To order, or for more information, visit timberlakeplayhouse.org or call 815-244-2035.

Photo caption: Timber Lake Playhouse presents The Rocky Horror Picture show OCtober 26th at 9:00 pm.

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(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad today signed a proclamation establishing Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013, as the special election date in Iowa Senate District 13, which became vacant following Sen. Kent Sorenson's resignation.

The proclamation's wording is below.

SPECIAL ELECTION PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, The Office of State Senator from the 13th Senatorial District, consisting of the following areas:

A.    The twenty-fifth representative district shall consist of:

a.      The city of Bevington.

b.     Madison county.

c.      In Warren county:

i.     The cities of Milo and Norwalk.

ii.     Jackson, Otter, Squaw, Virginia, and White Oak townships, and that portion of Linn township not contained in the forty-second representative district.

B. The twenty-sixth representative district in Warren county shall consist of:

a.         The city of Indianola.

b.         Allen, Liberty, Lincoln, Palmyra, Richland, Union, and White Breast

townships, that portion of Belmont township lying outside the corporate limits of the city of Milo, that portion of Greenfield township lying outside the corporate limits of the city of Norwalk, and that portion of Jefferson township lying outside the corporate limits of the city of Norwalk, and that portion of Jefferson township lying outside the corporate limits of the city of Bevington.

 

has become vacant by the reason of the resignation of Senator Kent Sorenson.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terry E. Branstad, Governor of the State of Iowa, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the law do hereby proclaim and direct that a special election to fill said vacancy shall be held within said District on

TUESDAY, THE 19TH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2013, A.D.

 

WHEREFORE, all electors within said 13th Senate District will take due notice and the County Commissioners of Elections of said counties will take official notice as provided in Iowa Code section 39.6, 2013.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I HAVE HERE­UNTO SUBSCRIBED MY NAME AND CAUSED THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF IOWA TO BE AFFIXED.  DONE AT DES MOINES THIS 7TH DAY OF OCTOBER IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND THIRTEEN.

__________________________________

TERRY E. BRANSTAD

GOVERNOR OF IOWA

ATTEST:

_________________________________

MATT SCHULTZ

SECRETARY OF STATE

• The students in Danville have learned that Anne Frank had a pen pal in their small town in Iowa before she went into hiding.

• Today they are trying to collect 1.5 million postcards in remembrance of the 1.5 million Jewish children who perished.

• YouTube video link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFxiL3nvRh8
• Flyer attached.
• Please help get the word out so that postcards come from across the nation and around the world. This will help the Danville students meet their goal of 1.5 million.

Anne Frank's Iowa Connection - Few know it but the most famous face in the Holocaust had a pen pal in Danville, Iowa named Juanita Wagner. Anne sent a letter and a postcard from her vast collection to young
Juanita. This has inspired the students of Danville schools to launch a postcard campaign.

Their goal is to collect 1.5 million postcards in remembrance of the 1.5 million Jewish children who died in the Holocaust.

It's a great project for classrooms across America to experience. They also hope to get postcards from abroad. Please tell another teacher about this amazing project today and help the kids in Danville reach their goal!

Send postcards to:

Danville Schools - 419 S Main Street - Danville, Iowa - 52623

For more information contact Janet Hesler (319) 392-4221

Proclaims October as "Water's Worth It" Month in Illinois

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by thousands of water professionals from around the world to officially open the 86th annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC®) at McCormick Place in Chicago. Governor Quinn is committed to protecting the environment by modernizing Illinois' water infrastructure and in recognition of the conference, he proclaimed October as "Water's Worth It" Month in Illinois.

"Water is an essential and limited natural resource and Illinois is fortunate to have reliable access to clean water," Governor Quinn said. "I encourage all Illinois residents to observe 'Water's Worth It' month by recognizing the challenges involved in maintaining clean and safe water, and the need to maintain and modernize our water infrastructure. We are grateful to have dedicated water professionals and volunteers who work every day to ensure people have access to clean water."

Since its first meeting in Chicago in 1928, the conference has grown into the largest of its kind in North America. WEFTEC offers water quality professionals from around the world the best water quality education and training available today. Also recognized as the largest annual water quality exhibition in the world, the expansive show floor provides unparalleled access to the most cutting-edge technologies in the field; serves as a forum for domestic and international business opportunities; and promotes invaluable peer-to-peer networking between its 20,000 attendees. The 2013 conference runs from October 5-9.

Governor Quinn launched the $1 billion Illinois Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State Address to help local governments facing a critical need to overhaul aging drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and distribution and collection systems. The Clean Water Initiative is funded with annual federal grants, funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and additional principal and interest from loan repayments. No new state tax dollars are used.

"Governor Quinn's Clean Water Initiative is absolutely vital for growing our economy and protecting Illinois' environment for this and future generations," Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director Lisa Bonnett said.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, it is estimated the total water infrastructure needs in Illinois over the next 20 years total $32 billion, including $17 billion in wastewater projects (which is the 6th highest among the states) and $15 billion in drinking water projects (4th highest need in the nation).

To learn more about Governor Quinn's Illinois Clean Water Initiative, visit CleanWater.Illinois.gov. To learn more about WEFTEC, visit weftec.org.

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