27 Jan 2014

Q&A on Service Academies with U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

By Grassley Press

Q:        What are the federal service academies?

A: The United States has five federal service academies:  the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, N.Y.; the U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Md.; the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colo.; the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, N.Y.; and, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, New London, Conn.  These elite institutions of higher learning educate and train the nation's next generation of military leaders.  Graduates of the service academies earn college degrees and receive a commission as an officer in one of the five branches of the armed forces, which include the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.  Not long after the Revolutionary War, the United States Military Academy was founded on March 16, 1802, to develop leaders who reflect the values of "duty, honor, country" in service to their country as career officers in the army.  Each of the academies provides academic and technical training for graduates to serve, succeed and lead in their commissioned assignments and professional careers.

Q:        Who is eligible to attend a service academy?

A:        The highly competitive selection process is open to U.S. citizens ages 17 to 23.  Typically, interested high school students who are juniors in high school begin the nominations process during their spring semester.  Candidates must receive an authorized nomination from either the Vice President or a member of Congress or via a military service- connected nomination.  Representing Iowa in the U.S. Senate, I have the opportunity each year to make nominations for a select few service academy placements.  The Air Force, Military, and Naval service academies each select at least one qualified student from my nominations.  The Merchant Marine Academy makes selections in proportion to each state's representation in Congress.  The U.S. Coast Guard does not require a congressional nomination.  Those who receive an appointment would serve among a prestigious corps of young men and women from across the United States.  For generations the nation's service academies have earned a reputation of excellence, drawing upon a highly motivated talent pool that includes the best and brightest among America's youngest generation of leaders.  The nominating process vets candidates based upon the highest standards of excellence and personal achievement, including outstanding moral character, scholarship, leadership, physical aptitude and community service.  Upon graduation, alumni serve in the active or reserve components of the military, the Merchant Marine or the U.S. Coast Guard for a minimum of five years.  For example, a graduate of the U.S. Military Service Academy serves five years of active duty and three years in the reserves.  This service obligation reflects the nation's return on a fully funded, four-year, top-ranked college education.  

 

Q:        What criteria do you take into account during the nominations process?

A:        Applicants should rank at least in the top half of their high school class in a college preparatory curriculum.  Candidates should have ACT scores in the 25-36 range in math and science, and in the 22-36 range in English.  They should have extensive extracurricular activities, such as participation in school clubs, academic or athletic teams, community activities, volunteer service or work experience.  Applicants must be legal residents of Iowa or dependents of members of the military who are legal residents of Iowa.  Applicants must be unmarried with no children or legal obligation for a child, and at least 17 years of age but not past their 23rd birthday on July 1, 2015. 

Q:        How can interested Iowans apply for your nomination?

A:        Every year an impressive corps of student leaders and young scholar-athletes from across Iowa answers the call to serve their country by applying to a service academy.  It's difficult to choose from among the highly qualified and self-motivated candidates who apply.  The nominees are outstanding representatives for our home state.  Interested students should complete and submit the form located on my website at http://www.grassley.senate.gov/students/academy_nominations.cfm.  Note the following materials also are required:  four letters of recommendation from Iowans - one must be from the applicant's high school guidance counselor and one must be from a teacher; the applicant's ACT scores; and, the applicant's high school transcript. Applications for the 2015-2016 school year must be submitted to my Cedar Rapids office by October 1, 2014.  Nominations will be made by February 2015.  Appointments will be announced when they are offered by the academies. 

Friday, January 24, 2014

27 Jan 2014

Governor Quinn Names Arthur Bishop as Director of Department of Children and Family Services

By Brooke Anderson

Bishop Has Served as Director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice Since 2011; Previously Served at DCFS for More than a Decade

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today appointed Arthur Bishop as the director of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Bishop has led the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) as director since 2011 and previously served DCFS for more than a decade. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to ensure the safety of all people and children in every community across Illinois. 

"Arthur Bishop is a long-standing public servant who has dedicated his professional career to helping Illinois families," Governor Quinn said. "I am confident that he will carry out the mission of the department by making the safety and well-being of children across the state priority number one. I thank acting Director Denise Gonzales for her commitment to protecting children and stepping up to ensure a smooth transition."

Arthur Bishop brings more than 35 years of experience in the fields of child welfare, community mental health and substance abuse with extensive work in human services administration. Bishop first joined DCFS in 1995 as a caseworker after working at several social service agencies in Chicago. While at DCFS, Bishop later served as a field service administrator and eventually moved up to Deputy Director of Field Operations. Bishop served in this role for ten years before being named Director of the IDJJ in August of 2010. 

"I appreciate this new undertaking from Governor Quinn and for the continued opportunity to serve our state," Bishop said. "Every child deserves a safe environment and there is no greater responsibility than keeping our children out of harm's way. I am eager to work with department staff to ensure we carry out the mission of protecting and serving the youngest residents of our state."

As Deputy Director of Field Operations at DCFS, Bishop had primary oversight and development of two of the department's major initiatives including Family Advocacy Centers and Fatherhood Programs. Bishop, an ordained minister, also represented DCFS on the Governor's Taskforce on the Condition of African American Males. Under Bishop's tenure as Director of the IDJJ, the population of youth in state facilities dropped to under 900 as of January 1, 2014. Historically, the average population was 1,500.

At the IDJJ Bishop championed partnerships with city and state resources. Under his leadership, the department was recognized by the MacArthur Foundation, receiving the "Models for Change: Systems Reform in Juvenile Justice" Champions for Change Award. He also co-chairs the Illinois Juvenile Justice Leadership Council.

Mr. Bishop holds a master's degree in Human Services Administration from Spertus College in Chicago, and an undergraduate degree in Sociology from Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights.

IDJJ Chief of Staff Era Laudermilk will become Acting Director effective immediately.

Governor Quinn today also made a number of key appointments to the state's boards and commissions, including Beth Fiorini of Rock Falls to the State Board of Health; Brad Cole of Carbondale to the Human Rights Commission; and Michael Perry of Wilmette to the Workforce Investment Board. Today's announcement continues the Governor's commitment to making Illinois government more accountable, transparent and effective.   

As a result of Governor Quinn's efforts to make the executive appointment process more accessible and transparent, residents who are interested in serving on boards and commissions can now apply online. For more information on all of the state's boards and commissions, or to apply to serve on a board, please visitAppointments.Illinois.gov.

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27 Jan 2014

CASI WILL OPEN AT NOON TODAY (1-27)

By Sarah Arp
THE CENTER FOR ACTIVE SENIORS INC. (CASI) WILL OPEN AT NOON TODAY, MONDAY, JANUARY 27, DUE TO THE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
27 Jan 2014

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Children's Library Events

By Lisa Lockheart

(Rock Island, IL): Celebrate Valentine's Day as a family with two free family events coming at the Rock Island Public Library.

The library will offer a "Knight in Shining Armor" Valentine's Day Party, to complement the children's  Midwinter Knight's Read winter reading challenge. The 2:00 pm party on Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Rock Island 30/31 Branch Library, 3059 30th Street, is part of expanded Saturday programming offered to meet the needs of families with work or scheduling conflicts during the week. The event will repeat at 6:00 pm on Monday, Feb. 3 at the Rock Island Southwest Branch, 9010 Ridgewood Road.

Among other activities, children will make a knight's shield and valentine cards and play valentine bingo. "This is more than a storytime," said Children's Librarian Ranell Dennis. "It's a one-stop event with games, several stories and multiple crafts that beat cabin fever with some free family time at the library. And beyond fun, events like these foster a lifelong love of reading and learning." She noted that reading together helps children build vocabulary, verbal ability and comprehension skills that directly relate to improved reading, writing and learning.

"The library is a perfect place to begin learning literacy skills that will last a lifetime," she added.

Each Super Saturday starts with a early childhood storytime at 11:00 am, with the all ages party connected to a different holiday or theme following at 2:00 pm. Additional Super Saturday parties include a St. Patrick's Day party on Saturday, March 8 at the Southwest Branch; an April showers frog party on Saturday, April 19 at the 30/31 Branch, and a yellow-brick road Wizard of Oz party on Saturday, May 17 at the Main Library Children's Room, 401 19th Street. The Saturday storytime is at the same location as each month's party.

For more events at Rock Island Public Libraries, visit the library website at www.rockislandlibrary.org, follow the library on Facebook or Twitter, or call 309-732-7323.

Founded in 1872, the Rock Island Public Library serves the area through three locations, which include the Main, 30/31 and Southwest Branches, community outreach efforts, and online opportunities that provide resources to enhance personal achievement and stimulate the imagination.

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27 Jan 2014

Federal Court Sentences Man on Illegal Re-entry Charge

By Val Quast

DAVENPORT, IA- On January 24, 2014, Manuel Partida Garcia, age 32, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge John A. Jarvey to 36 months imprisonment, after pleading guilty to illegal re-entry into the United States, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt. Partida Garcia was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $100 towards the Crime Victims Fund. Partida Garcia was found in the United States after being convicted in Marshall County, Iowa for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, eluding and carrying weapons. Partida was also found to be an aggravated felon based on a prior assault conviction out of the state of Washington.

This case was investigated by the United States Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa.

27 Jan 2014

Local students make Lewis University's Dean's List

By Kathrynne Skonicki

ROMEOVILLE, IL (01/24/2014)(readMedia)-- Lewis University announces Dean's List honorees.These following students were among those honored on the Lewis University Dean's List for fall semester 2013.

East Moline resident Brandon Busch was studying Chemistry at Lewis University.

Erie resident Kimberly Teats was studying Biology at Lewis University.

East Moline resident Jake Dopler was studying Finance at Lewis University.

Rock Falls resident Jennifer Beck was studying Elementary Education at Lewis University.

To be eligible for this honor, students must have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours of credit with a grade point average of 3.5 out of a possible 4.0 and with no "D" or "F" grades.

Lewis University is a Catholic university in the Lasallian tradition offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,600 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares intellectually engaged, ethically grounded, globally connected, and socially responsible graduates. The seventh largest private not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis has been nationally recognized by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report. Visit http://www.lewisu.edu for further information.

27 Jan 2014

Valentine's Day Features at Thunder Bay

By Rick Martin

Thunder Bay's own executive Chef, Andy Wildermuth has created several special features to make your Valentine's Day dinner extra delicious. Features will run Feb 14 and 15th after 4pm and include the following:

BACON AND ASPARAGUS FLATBREAD - Our house flat bread rubbed with roasted garlic, topped with grilled asparagus, crispy bacon and feta cheese,$7.99

FILETS DEBURGO - Twin Medallions of beef seared to your liking and topped with a rich creamy garlic herb butter sauce. Served with Yukon gold mashed potatoes $26.99

SEAFOOD RISOTTO - Large shrimp, Sea scallops and fresh spinach ,mushrooms and sundried tomatoes in a cream sauce with tender Arborio rice. $22.99

A SLICE OF HEAVEN - A tri-layered delight with brownie bottom, cheesecake center and a homemade chocolate mousse top with shaved chocolate. $6.99

Make your reservations today by calling Thunder Bay at 563.386-2722

Thunder Bay is conveniently located at the west end of Veteran's Parkway (north of 53rd St) .

Thunder Bay, 6511 Brady St, Davenport, IA 52806

 

# # #

24 Jan 2014

Valentine's Day Dinner at the Figge Art Museum

By Rick Martin

Compliments of Chef Dave Micklewright

Thursday, February 14th, 5pm-9pm

 

Chef Dave Micklewright and Figge Art Museum will feature their 2nd Annual Valentine's Day dinner on February 14th from 5 - 9pm at the Figge Art Museum located at 225 West 2nd St. Davenport, IA. Guests can take in breathtaking views of the Mississippi while enjoying a four course dinner including a delicious choice of salad, entrée and dessert and includes a complimentary glass of champagne or house wine.

 

Dinner includes:

• Appetizer relish tray for each table

• Complimentary glass of champagne or house wine

• SALAD - Caesar Salad, House Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette or Plantation Salad

• ENTR>E Filet Oscar, Salmon with Dill Sauce, Chicken Provencal,

Pasta Tortellini Portobello, Orange Roughy in a Champagne

Lemon Cream Sauce, Drunken Steak or Chicken Cordon Bleu

Served with fresh sautéed vegetables and choice of potato or rice

• DESSERT

Key Lime Tart with Raspberry Sauce and Creme Chantilly or Cheesecake with choice of Raspberry, Blueberry or Apricot topping

 

Dinner guests will have access to the museums permanent exhibits. Ticket price is $90 per couple, tax and gratuity is not included. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Make your reservation today by calling 563-345-6647 For more information visit the museums website www.figgeartmuseum.org

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24 Jan 2014

SEVEN BANDITS ALUMNI AMONG TOP 100 MLB PROSPECTS

By Marco LaNave

In 2013, Quad Cities had four of the top 52 prospects, matching the most of any team in Minor League Baseball

DAVENPORT, Iowa (JAN. 24, 2014) - In the last three seasons at Modern Woodmen Park, the Quad Cities River Bandits have twice achieved the highest team honor as Midwest League Champions, and soon the brightest stars of the franchise's last three years may be shining on major league diamonds.

Seven River Bandits of the last three seasons are among the top 100 prospects in all of baseball, according to rankings by MLB.com announced Thursday night. Among the top 52 prospects are four players from the 2013 River Bandits squad, which matched the most of any team in Minor League Baseball last season. No other Midwest League team had more than one of the top 63 prospects play on its roster during the 2013 season.

Among other notes, 2013 All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa was the only one of the top 22 baseball prospects to spend the entire season on one minor league club's roster. Correa and 2013 All-Star pitcher Lance McCullers were the only top-100 prospects to spend the entire season as teammates on a Midwest League club's roster.

In their first year of a new affiliation with the Houston Astros, the River Bandits became the first Minor League Baseball club in history to have back-to-back No. 1 overall draft picks on the same team, as 2012 No. 1 overall pick Carlos Correa and 2013 No. 1 overall pick Mark Appel appeared together in the Quad Cities. Earlier this week, Correa and Appel were among five 2013 River Bandits to be ranked among the top seven prospects in the Houston Astros organization by Baseball America.

Below are the Quad Cities alumni among the top 100 prospects, according to MLB.com:

Oscar Taveras, No. 3 MLB prospect, No. 2 outfield prospect, No. 1 St. Louis Cardinals prospect

As a 19-year-old in 2011, Taveras won the Midwest League batting title by hitting for a .386 average in 78 games with the River Bandits. The native of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, was a key piece of the first Quad Cities team in 21 years to win a Midwest League Championship that fall. In 2012, Taveras won another championship and was the St. Louis Cardinals Minor League Player of the Year at Double-A Springfield. Injuries limited Taveras to 47 games - all but one at Triple-A Memphis - in 2013.

Carlos Correa, No. 8 MLB prospect, No. 3 shortstop prospect, No. 1 Houston Astros prospect

At 18 years old, the Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico, native led all Houston Astros full-season minor leaguers with a .320 batting average and was the youngest player on the Midwest League Postseason All-Star team in 2013. Correa was also the youngest player in the Midwest League All-Star Game and SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game in New York, where he was the first-ever River Bandits position player to appear while on the Quad Cities roster. He led the Midwest League with a .872 on-base-plus-slugging (OPS).

Mark Appel, No. 17 MLB prospect, No. 6 right-handed pitcher prospect, No. 2 Houston Astros prospect

The No. 1 overall pick of the 2013 draft made his Class-A debut with the River Bandits July 14 and made his final eight starts of his first professional season with Quad Cities. The Stanford University graduate earned his first three professional wins in a River Bandits uniform, including the playoff-clinching game Aug. 25. The Astros' top pitching prospect remained with the team for its playoff run to the sixth Midwest League Championship in franchise history.

Jonathan Singleton, No. 50 MLB prospect, No. 1 first base prospect, No. 4 Houston Astros prospect

Singleton started his 2013 season with the River Bandits May 28 and homered in each of his first three games. After his first six games with Quad Cities, he was promoted to Double-A Corpus Christi, where the Lakewood, Calif., native played 11 games before being promoted to Triple-A Oklahoma City for the entire second half of the season. Singleton is now on the Houston Astros 40-man roster entering spring training.

Lance McCullers, No. 52 MLB prospect, No. 5 Houston Astros prospect

The Astros' top pitching prospect entering the 2013 season and the team's first supplemental round pick of 2012 pitched his first full season with the River Bandits. At 19 years old, the Tampa, Fla., native was the starting pitcher for the Western Division in the Midwest League All-Star Game and earned his first six professional victories with Quad Cities. McCullers was third in the league with a 2.08 ERA in the first half, and he finished the year with 117 strikeouts, good for fifth in the Midwest League.

Kolten Wong, No. 58 MLB prospect, No. 1 second base prospect, No. 2 St. Louis Cardinals prospect

The Cardinals' first-round pick in 2011, Wong made his professional debut and played his first season with the River Bandits. In 47 games, he hit for a .335 average. The Hilo, Hawaii, native earned his first of two consecutive minor league championships with Quad Cities, which went 7-0 in the postseason in 2011. Wong advanced to Double-A Springfield in 2012 and Triple-A Memphis in 2013, before making his major league debut with St. Louis Aug. 16 and was part of the Cardinals' roster that reached the 2013 World Series.

Stephen Piscotty, No. 98 MLB prospect, No. 3 St. Louis Cardinals prospect

Selected in the first supplemental round of the 2012 draft by St. Louis, Piscotty played his first professional season with the River Bandits. In 55 games, the Stanford University product hit for a .295 average and assembled a 16-game hitting streak that was tied for fourth-longest in the Midwest League in 2012. He switched from third base to the outfield in 2013, when he hit .295 in 112 games for Class-A advanced Palm Beach and Double-A Springfield.

The River Bandits will open the 2014 Midwest League season at Modern Woodmen Park Thursday, April 3. A full schedule of home and road games for 2014 is available at www.riverbandits.com, and ticket plans for the 2014 season are now on sale.

UP NEXT: Call today to reserve a Valentine's Day dinner at Modern Woodmen Park for Friday, Feb. 14, orSaturday, Feb. 15. Couples can enjoy a gourmet four-course dinner in a private luxury suite or take in the spectacular views of the ballpark, Centennial Bridge, Mississippi River and downtown Davenport from a table in the glass-enclosed, climate-controlled Sky Deck. Reservations are due Thursday, Feb. 6, by calling 563-324-3000. To order ticket plans - with new lower prices - for next season, call the River Bandits box office at 563-324-3000 or visit www.riverbandits.com to download the season ticket order form. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $40. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

24 Jan 2014

Update: Reed, Grassley Statement on FINRA Expungement Rate

By Grassley Press

Investor protections, broker expungement rate, FINRA response

WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to protect investors and the integrity of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's (FINRA) BrokerCheck program, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sent a bipartisan letter last month asking FINRA to clarify and strengthen standards for expungement of investor complaints against brokers.  After receiving a written response from FINRA and a follow up meeting this week with staff from the offices of Senators Reed and Grassley and FINRA officials, the senators today issued the following joint statement:

"FINRA was responsive to our inquiry and it appears the organization is taking this problem seriously.  We will continue to follow up and work closely with  FINRA to ensure that it follows through on its commitment to improve the expungement system.  It is important for consumers to have the unvarnished information they need.  We hope FINRA will take a direct role in making sure this happens."

FINRA's written reply is available here.  

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