Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement after Speaker Boehner moved to send legislation to fund the government to a conference committee. Due to repeated demands by the Tea Party, House Republicans were not willing to put a clean continuing resolution to avoid this manufactured crisis for a vote.

"It is unconscionable that we have come to this point. Because of the reckless actions by the Tea Party, the latest move by Speaker Boehner serves one purpose: to try and shift blame away from Republicans and the brinksmanship they have caused. This is one more manufactured crisis that Iowans and our economy cannot afford. Washington must re-focus its energy on job creation and fixing the economy. I will work to bridge the differences and put an end to these irresponsible practices and get the basic work done that the American people expect of Congress."

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Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack released the following statement this evening after the House of Representatives voted on a third Continuing Resolution written to include the demands of the Tea Party. For the third time, Senate leaders have declared this bill dead on arrival and the President has said he would veto the legislation, giving it no chance of passing the Senate or being signed into law. If a commonsense, bipartisan agreement is not reached by midnight tonight, when the current agreement expires, the government will shutdown.

"With only hours left until the government is needlessly shutdown, there is a simple way forward to avoid this reckless brinksmanship. Congressional Republicans must move on from these political stunts that have continually prevented any progress in finding a commonsense agreement to keep the government open. While I believe that Members of Congress should not receive any special treatment, governing by crisis is not a way to deal with it. The irresponsible and reckless actions of House leaders means some workers at Rock Island Arsenal would be furloughed, small business owners would stop receiving federal loans to hire and expand their businesses, home loans for middle class families would be delayed, veterans could see benefits delayed, and lifesaving medical research could be pushed back. I hold out hope that once again, a last minute deal is reached to avert a shutdown. I stand ready to support commonsense legislation to ensure the government remains open."

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Rock Island, IL-Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in our community. It is a silent predator that affects one out of every four women and, typically, impacts several generations of family members. In recognition of national domestic violence awareness this month, Christian Care is hosting Walk the Walk this Saturday, October 5, located at Prospect Park in Moline. The walk is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with registration starting at 9:00 a.m. Take a stand against domestic violence: join Christian Care and Diamonds on the Avenue by participating in this year's Walk the Walk.

Before beginning the walk, participants will hear the compelling story of how a grandmother lost her granddaughter to domestic violence. Afterwards, they will enjoy a performance by Healing Waters Empowerment Project. Participants will receive a race bag, walk pedometer, and several other goodies. The event also features a silent auction and activities for children. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All proceeds will go directly back into the programs and services that Christian Care offers to so many in the Quad Cities community. Please do not forget that every dollar donated makes a difference, registration is only $10.00. 98% of the women who complete Christian Care's holistic programs go on to live independent lives, free of their abusers.

Christian Care's services are available in the Quad Cities to a growing number of homeless men and abused women and children 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Through their two facilities?a domestic violence shelter for abused women and children and a rescue mission for homeless men?they provide safe shelter, nutritious meals, clothing, counseling, referrals and guidance to anyone in need. They serve homeless individuals, victims of domestic violence, veterans, men and women coming out of prison, and the mentally ill. Their vision is to transform the lives of those they serve by providing their residents with an opportunity to start a new, more productive life. For more information contact Lindsey at 309-786-5734 or visit Christian Care's website at www.christiancareqc.org

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DES MOINES, IA (09/30/2013)(readMedia)-- The seventh annual Fairgrounds 5K will take place on Sunday, November 3, 2013 on the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Runners, joggers and walkers will have the opportunity to experience the Fairgrounds' park-like setting without the hustle and bustle of the Fair. Nothing compares to an Iowa State Fair corndog and this is your chance to enjoy one guilt free.

The 5K run's scenic race route will take you down the Grand Concourse, around the livestock barns and through the hills of the Campgrounds. Awards will be given to winners in different age groups and to the overall male and female runners. Official RFID timing will be used for the race.

Fair-lovers can also participate in the one mile walk. Take a nice stroll through the beautiful Fairgrounds. All participants in the walk will be entered into a drawing for prizes.

Just like the Iowa State Fair, the 5K event is for the entire family. Kids are able to participate in the Chase the Cow Kids' Run. All kids will receive a participation ribbon and a t-shirt. To make it even more fun, the kids will chase a cow mascot to the finish line!

"In August, the Fairgrounds are filled with great people, music, entertainment, rides and the best food we all look forward to every year. The 5K is the perfect opportunity for Iowans to see how one of a kind our Fairgrounds are while the Fair is not going on and also support its preservation and renovation," said Peter Cownie, Blue Ribbon Foundation's new Executive Director. "I encourage all runners, walkers, and avid Fair-goers to take part in this special event."

Volunteers will be needed on race day to help with route directions, water stations, at the finish line and other areas. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Drew at 515-262-3111 Ext. 675 or Drew@BlueRibbonFoundation.org.

Online registration for the Fairgrounds 5K is available at www.BlueRibbonFoundation.org. For more information about the Fairgrounds 5K or the Blue Ribbon Foundation, please visit our website or call 1-800-450-3732.

The Blue Ribbon Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization. Since its inception in 1993, the Foundation has generated more than $95 million for renovations and improvements to the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

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Simon to host Illinois River Coordinating Council meeting, encourage best water quality practices

Part of three day river conference in Peoria

PEORIA - Sept. 30, 2013. Continuing her efforts to encourage river awareness and protect water quality, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will host an Illinois River Coordinating Council (IRCC) meeting on Tuesday in conjunction with the 14th Biennial Governor's Conference on the Management of the Illinois River System. The IRCC will discuss whether to seek a Blue Trail or other designation to help promote conservation and recreation on the Illinois River.

"By working together we can help protect and preserve our Illinois rivers," said Simon. "This public dialogue is an excellent way to have your voice heard and learn more about our waterways."

Simon is encouraging members of the public to attend the quarterly meeting of the Illinois Rivers Coordinating Council and participate in an open forum for public questions and comments. Members of the Mississippi and Wabash-Ohio River Coordinating Councils will be in attendance as will several mayors from the Mississippi River and Towns Initiative.

Being held from Oct. 1 - Oct. 3, the three day conference will also include an Illinois River Watershed Conservation Tour, drought workshop, Spirit of Peoria River Boat Cruise and discussions on infrastructure needs, community issues, local economy and importance of protecting natural resources.

Recognizing Lt. Gov. Simon's efforts to promote river health and protect drinking water, Alton Main Street and the Sierra Club recently presented Simon with the prestigious Confluence Conservation Leadership Award. Simon chairs the Mississippi, Illinois, and Wabash and Ohio River Coordinating Councils, which are charged with reviewing state and federal programs that impact the watersheds and working with local communities to raise awareness of and address watershed issues.

TIME: 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

PLACE: Four Points by Sheraton, Peoria

NOTE: Simon is available for interviews before and after the council meeting.

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A Shutdown Would Slam Middle-Class Families and Small Businesses

A shutdown could delay financial support for Iowa's small businesses. In FY2012, the SBA's flagship 7(a) and 504 loans programs approved 53,847 applications and supported 571,383 jobs, for an average of just over 1,000 applications per week. A shut down would put a stop to this critical source of small business credit until the government resumes operation. According to the SBA, Iowa is home to 61,633 small businesses. [Small Business Administration FY14 Budget Justification; SBA]

A shutdown could delay military pay and hurt military families in Iowa. The Department of Defense estimates that during a shutdown nearly half of the civilian workforce would be sent home without pay, while the rest would continue to work for delayed pay, impacting the 1,603 civilian workers in Iowa. 12,480 servicemembers in Iowa would remain on duty, but would see their pay delayed if the shutdown extends for more than 10 days. Military members, veterans, retirees, and their families are on pace to redeem more than $100 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits this year and many service members, especially the most junior, live paycheck to paycheck. [Military.com, 9/20/13; Huffington Post, 6/19/13; DoD]

A shutdown could put 9,000 federal employees in Iowa out of work. Federal employees around the country would potentially be furloughed in the event of a government shutdown. These workers may see reductions in their pay from the time they were forced to stay home because the government was shuttered. [Census; Washington Post, 9/23/13]

Possible Additional Consequences of a Government Shutdown

Many federal agencies are still attempting to determine exactly how a shutdown would impact their programs and operations. The following are consequences of previous government shutdowns that may or may not come to pass in a future shutdown.

Social Security checks for new seniors. Although checks for current Social Security benefits would still go out during a shutdown, applications for new benefits would be delayed and services for seniors could be significantly curtailed. As a result of furloughs and service cuts during the last shutdown, 112,000 claims for Social Security and disability benefits were not be taken, 212,000 applications for Social Security Numbers were not taken, and 800,000 callers were denied service on the Social Security Administration's 800  number. In 2012, 600,699 people received Social Security benefits in Iowa. [SSA History; SAA, 2012]

Veterans benefits. New veterans' educational, compensation and pension benefits processing could be delayed. During the 1995-96 shutdowns, more than 400,000 veterans saw their disability benefits and pension claims delayed, while educational benefits were delayed for 170,000 veterans. Iowa has 233,815 veterans. [Army Times, 2/3/11; CNN, 1/4/96; VA]

School readiness. A government shutdown could force Head Start centers around the country to close. During FY12, an estimated 1,600 Head Start agencies served over 950,000 children, including 8,133 children in Iowa. [CAP, 4/11; HHS; CRS, 1/9/13]

DES MOINES - AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan issued the following statement regarding the looming government shutdown:

"A federal government shutdown will hurt Iowa families. A shutdown will lead to delays in military pay, unpaid furloughs of up to 9,000 federal employees in Iowa, and a delay in small business loans in Iowa. With many federal agencies still working though the details of a shutdown, a shutdown could also prevent new seniors from receiving Social Security checks, delay veterans benefits, and close Head Start centers that educate 8,133 children in Iowa.

"Federal funding plays a key role in many aspects of state and local government operations, especially the Iowa National Guard. While the exact impacts of a shutdown on state and local governments in Iowa are not yet completely clear, a shutdown will undoubtedly harm public employees and their families and harm all Iowa communities which rely on the public services those employees provide.

"A government shutdown will seriously harm our state and national economies. Congressman Latham and Congressman King need to take their jobs seriously and stop supporting their political party's plan that holds the operations of the federal government hostage to unreasonable demands that the American people opposed at the ballot box last November."

A fact sheet on how a federal government shutdown would hurt Iowa follows this press release.

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Le Claire, Iowa, September 30, 2013 - Mississippi River Distilling Company is welcoming the flavors of fall back with their release of Iowa Coffee Company Liqueur on October 4, 2013.  This is the third year for this popular fall seasonal spirit.

Iowa Coffee Company Liqueur is another great collaboration between two Iowa businesses.  MRDC takes hand roasted Peruvian blend coffee beans from Iowa Coffee Company, a Des Moines area small business, and infuses it into River Pilot Vodka.  Along the process, fresh cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans are added.  This has become a great fall tradition enjoyed around the state!

MRDC welcomes everyone to come out this Friday, October 4, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. for First Friday and a taste of this great spirit and much more!  While supplies last, everyone who purchases a bottle of MRDC spirits will receive a free coffee mug that says, "Move over coffee.  This is a job for alcohol."  The cocktails featured in the tasting room include Cider and Rye, which uses Cody Road Rye Whiskey, apple cider, a splash of fresh squeezed lemon juice, maple syrup and a dash of sage.  This recipe also works great with either River Pilot Vodka or River Baron Artisan Spirit.  The second cocktail, the Java Pumpkin, showcases Iowa Coffee Company liqueur.  It's a combination of Iowa Coffee Company Liqueur, River Pilot Vodka, pumpkin liqueur, milk and a dash of nutmeg.  Chef Steph will be handing out samples of coffee marinated steak and coffee latte cake, both made with Iowa Coffee Company Liqueur.

The rest of Le Claire will be busy too with wine samples and live music at Wide River Winery, live music at Faithful Pilot, booze cake at Razzleberries, red velvet cupcakes at Aunt Hattie's, along with other shops staying open late.

Mississippi River Distilling Company is open from 10 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM Sundays.  Free tours are offered to the public daily on the hour from 12 to 4 PM or by appointment.  The tour takes visitors through the entire distilling process.  Tours end in the Grand Tasting Room with free samples of products for those patrons over 21 years of age.

MOLINE, Ill. (September 30, 2013) - The American Hockey League's Iowa Wild and Milwaukee Admirals will play an exhibition game this Friday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at the iWireless Center in Moline, the Quad City Mallards announced today.  Admission to the game is free.

The Mallards last month entered into an affiliation agreement with both the Iowa Wild and the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild.  The Iowa Wild will open their first AHL regular season on October 12 against the Oklahoma City Barons.  The Admirals will begin their campaign on October 11 against the Abbotsford Heat.

The Mallards will open their season on Friday, October 19 at 7:05 p.m. against the Rapid City Rush at the iWireless Center.  Tickets for the season opener and all other regular season home games are now on sale at Ticketmaster outlets, through ticketmaster.com, through Ticketmaster charge-by-phone toll free at 1-800-745-3000 or at the iWireless Center ticket office.  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.

The 2013-14 season will be the Mallards' seventeenth- and their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  Season tickets as well as half season tickets and flex packs are still available.  The Mallards offer ticket packages to meet any budget and season ticket holders also receive a host of additional benefits, including a unique season ticket holder Mallards jersey.  More ticket package information is available by calling the Mallards at 309-277-1364 or emailing info@myqcmallards.com.

About the Quad City Mallards
A proud affiliate of the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and the American Hockey League's Iowa Wild, the Quad City Mallards are approaching their seventeenth season and their fourth in the Central Hockey League.  One of the winningest teams in all of minor league hockey, the Mallards competed in the United Hockey League from 1995 through 2007 and in the International Hockey League in 2009-10.  The Mallards' proud history has seen them capture the UHL's Colonial Cup Championship three times (1997, 1998, 2001) and secure that league's Tarry Cup four times (1998, 2000, 2001, 2002) for the best overall regular season record.  In 2001, the Mallards made professional hockey history, recording their sixth consecutive season with 50 or more wins, a feat that has yet to be matched.  For more information on the Quad City Mallards or for Mallards tickets go to www.myqcmallards.com.  Fans can also follow the Mallards via Twitter at twitter.com/myqcmallards and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/quadcitymallards

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QCESC STEM Trivia Night Benefiting the Quad City Engineering and Science Council (for local promotion of Science Technology Engineering and Math support)

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Doors open at 6:00 P.M.;

Trivia starts at 7:00 P.M.

· At the St. Ambrose University Rogalski Center, 518 West Locust Street, Davenport, Iowa

· 8 Person Teams, $10 per person (Table Minimum $50)

Everyone will be entered into a drawing for door prizes.

Mulligans 10 for $10?you may use more than 1 per round

Doublers 1 for $10?to double the score of any round you choose

· Each team may bring in their own snacks.

Cash bar, pizza and snacks will be available for purchase.

· All proceeds will go to the QCESC

· Trivia will consist of 10 rounds of 10 general knowledge questions. You DON'T have to be a genius to play and have fun!

· 1st Place team will receive double their money back

· 2nd Place team will receive their money back

· Pre-register at www.qcesc.org

Questions? Contact Chris at 563-505-6703 or chris@ccx.net

Don't have enough for a table? Come anyway and we will assign you to a table!

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