17 Apr 2013

Cole Bell of Davenport Participated in LVC Athletics

By Emily Summey

ANNVILLE, PA (04/17/2013)(readMedia)-- Cole J. Bell of Davenport, Iowa, was a member of the ice hockey team at Lebanon Valley College. Bell, a graduate of North High School, is a senior business administration major.

The team finished the season 21-9, qualifying for the ECHA Championship Tournament for the second straight year. They were eliminated in the semifinals by Towson University.

Lebanon Valley College® in Annville, Pa., welcomes 1,630 full-time undergraduates studying more than 30 majors, as well as self-designed majors. Founded in 1866, LVC has graduate programs in physical therapy, business, music education, and science education. Annville is 15 minutes east of Hershey and 35 minutes east of Harrisburg; Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore are within two hours. On the web at www.lvc.edu.

17 Apr 2013

Loebsack and Bustos Urge House Appropriations Committee to Include Funding for Activation of Thomson Prison

By Vonnie Hampel
Thomson Prison would add 1,100 local jobs to region & alleviate national prison overcrowding

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) and Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) urged the House Appropriations Committee to provide funding for the activation of Thomson Prison in their appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2014. 

In a letter to the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), Congressman Frank Wolf of Virginia, and the Ranking Member, Congressman Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania, Loebsack and Bustos urged the inclusion of the Department of Justice's budget request to activate new prisons, including Thomson prison.

Loebsack has long pushed to activate funding for opening Thomson Prison.  He has worked to push Chairman Wolf to include this funding in previous appropriations bills.

A signed copy of the letter can be found here.

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17 Apr 2013

United Planet Volunteer Donates $8,000 to Tanzanian School

By Kristen Brandt
United Planet volunteer alumnus, Adam Dodge, donates his charity award to United Planet's elementary school project in Tanzania to build a computer lab

Boston, MA, April 17, 2013 - Adam Dodge, a former United Planet volunteer who taught English at an elementary school in Tanzania in 2008, recently donated $8,000 to the school to support the construction of a new computer lab.

United Planet, an international non-profit based in Boston, MA, works with local projects in over 40 countries to provide cross-cultural experiences for both travelers and host communities. After working in the computer technology industry for many years, Adam Dodge felt it was time for change, and for him, it was the perfect time to take the leap and volunteer abroad. Says Dodge, "It sounds like it's really hard to do, but when you take a step back and look into it, it's really a lot easier than you think."

Dodge wanted a challenging experience in a place where he could also give back, so he decided to participate in a United Planet Volunteer Abroad Quest to Tanzania. Dodge took eight months off to travel and volunteer, and his time volunteering in Tanzania, he says, was clearly the highlight of the trip. "I've gained more than I could have imagined," says Dodge, "You take away more from [the experience] than you feel like you are giving."

So, naturally, when Dodge received last year's annual Outstanding Contribution to the Firm Award from his employer along with $10,000 to donate to the charities of his choice,
17 Apr 2013

Governor Quinn Unveils Six-Year, $12.62 Billion Transportation Construction Program

By Erin Wilson

Plan Will Improve 2,142 Miles of Highway, Replace or Rehabilitate 517 Bridges and Make Major Investments in Public Transit

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider to unveil a six-year, $12.62 billion construction program that will improve roads and bridges throughout Illinois while making major investments in public transportation. The projects are part of Governor Quinn's agenda to create jobs and drive Illinois' economy forward, while updating the state's transportation system. The upcoming highway, public transit, rail and airport projects will address critical infrastructure needs while making major transportation improvements throughout the state.

"Illinois is the transportation hub of the nation, and this program will ensure we have the modern infrastructure needed to compete with the world," Governor Quinn said. "This major investment in roads, bridges and public transportation will drive economic growth in every part of Illinois, and create tens of thousands of jobs."

The fiscal years 2014-2019 highway improvement program will improve 2,142 miles of highway, and replace or rehabilitate 517 bridges across Illinois. The plan includes $475 million to reconstruct the Circle Interchange in Chicago; $56 million to repair and upgrade I-74 in eastern Illinois; $83 million to resurface and replace bridges on I-57 in Marion, Pulaski, Union, Johnson and Williamson Counties; $76.2 million for a new Mississippi River bridge in Moline (in cooperation with the State of Iowa); and $40.4 million to resurface and repair bridges along Interstate 55 in Logan County.

"These projects will make our entire transportation system safer, easier, more efficient, and ready to accommodate our current and future needs," Secretary Schneider said. "But they come with another benefit - the fact that we will employ thousands of Illinois men and women, and support numerous Illinois businesses, while construction is underway."

For fiscal year 2014, the program has allocated $2.24 billion for road projects, $128 million for public transportation, $224 million for rail and $68 million for airport improvements. The total allocations for the multi-year program are $9.53 billion for roads, $1.81 billion for public transportation, $1.121 billion for rail and $159 million for airports.

The plan includes $7.2 billion in anticipated federal funds, $1.9 billion in state funds and the remainder from local and other sources. Additional bond authorization will be required to continue funding these transportation projects. The $580 million remaining for road and bridge projects from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program is also included in this multi-year program.

Projects that are part of the fiscal years 2014-2019 program will begin after July 1 this year. Governor Quinn and Secretary Schneider last month announced $486 million in road and bridge projects that will begin this spring is one of the largest early-season construction programs in the state's history.

Many of the projects announced today are funded through legislation Governor Quinn championed in his State of the State address earlier this year. Of those projects, IDOT is offering contractors a reimbursement rate of $10 an hour for hiring graduates of the Highway Construction Careers Training Program, an IDOT-sponsored initiative to encourage women and minorities to pursue careers in the transportation construction industry.

The multi-year transportation program builds upon the success of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which is supporting more than 439,000 jobs over six years. It is the largest capital construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest capital construction programs in the nation. Prior to its passage by the Illinois General Assembly in 2009, Illinois had gone nearly a decade without a major program to address its critical infrastructure needs.

More information on the construction program may be found at http://www.dot.il.gov/opp/hip1419/hwyimprov.htm.

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17 Apr 2013

Gov. Branstad's remarks from today's media conference call

By Rick Martin

(DES MOINES) - The office of Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today released the governor's prepared statement from today's media conference call.

 

The remarks, as prepared for delivery, were as follows:

 

Good evening, or should I say, good morning in Iowa. Director Durham and I are calling you from Iowa's sister state in China, the Province of Hebei, and it is 10:15 P.M. here in China. We just finished our last full day of our trade mission and are headed back to Iowa tomorrow. Our trade mission has been extremely productive with visits to the four cities of Beijing, Tianjin, Baoding City and Shijiazhuang, all in four days.

 

The focus of this trade mission has been on promoting Iowa's global partnership with China, especially in the areas of expanded trade and direct investment in Iowa. Throughout the trip, we have had numerous business meetings with current purchasers of Iowa exports or potential business partners.

 

Earlier this week, I also lead a group of U.S. governors in a governors' forum with five Chinese governors through the National Governors Association. Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin and Governor Bob McDonnell were the participating governors from the United States.

 

On Monday, I also had the tremendous honor of being the first governor from the United States to meet China's new President, Xi Jinping. Our meeting lasted over 45 minutes. President Xi spoke highly of his history with the state and the people of Iowa. He even recalled the menu from the state dinner we held on February 15, 2012, and the delicious corn, soybean, pork and beef that we ate.

 

We also discussed the importance of continued partnerships between the people of Iowa and the people of China. As the new leader of China, a country of over 1.3 billion people, we know that this meeting and our partnership with China will be very beneficial as we look to the future, especially in the areas of trade and economic partnership.

 

Lastly, we also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Iowa-Hebei sister state relationship. I signed the original agreement in 1983 establishing the sister state relationship between the state of Iowa and Hebei province. It was an honor to recognize this anniversary 30 years later in Hebei.

It is no secret that this sister state relationship has been very beneficial to the people of Iowa and we look forward to more success in the future with this unique partnership. And now, I would be happy to answer your questions.

 

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17 Apr 2013

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Seeks Nominations for Forestry Research Advisory Council

By USDA Office of Communications

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2013 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the re-establishment of the Forestry Research Advisory Council and is seeking nominations for new members.

"This council will play a critical role as USDA continues to lead the way in forest conservation efforts," said Vilsack. "We base our forest conservation policies and decisions on the best available science, and this group will bring the expertise and experience to help us continue that practice."

The council's many responsibilities include providing advice to Secretary Vilsack on national and regional research planning projects and on coordination of forestry research within federal and state agencies, forestry schools and forest industries. In addition, the council will provide advice to the U.S. Forest Service's Research and Development program?the world's largest forestry-research organization.

The Forestry Research Advisory Council has 10 current and upcoming vacancies. Nominations are sought to immediately fill six vacancies on the council and additional vacancies that will occur when current appointments expire in December 2013. Vacancies are open in the following categories:

  • Forestry schools
  • State and Federal agencies
  • Forest industries
  • Voluntary organizations

Nominations must be received by April 29, 2013. The announcement appeared in the Federal Register and is available here, along with the required nomination form and more background information.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

17 Apr 2013

Brucemore in Bloom Tour

By Tara Richards

Tour the blossoming gardens and lush terrain during Brucemore in Bloom - Thursday, May 30 at 6:00 p.m. Trace the development of the gardens from the original plan conceived by prominent landscape architect O.C. Simonds to the integration of function, recreation, and entertainment in Irene Douglas's vision for the country estate. View current plants and landscape techniques that continue to help preserve the historically accurate, prairie-style design by Simonds. Admission is $15 per person and $12 per Brucemore member. Space is limited; purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org or by calling (319) 362-7375.

The Brucemore in Bloom Tour is part of Brucemore's Thursday Night Lineup. Every Thursday night Brucemore will feature a different specialty tour focusing on topics for all interests, including arts and culture, Midwestern industry, gardening, landscape design, architecture, preservation, behind-the-scenes at Brucemore, and growing up in the early twentieth century. For more information on the Thursday Night Lineup or the May schedule, visit www.brucemore.org or call (319) 362-7375.

17 Apr 2013

REP. SMIDDY HOSTING COMMUNITY ELECTRONICS RECYCLING, SHRED DAY

By Rep. Mike Smiddy
PORT BYRON, IL - To help protect local residents and business owners from identity theft, state Rep. Mike Smiddy (D-Hillsdale) is hosting a free community shred day and electronics recycling drive on Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds located at 4200 Archer Dr. in East Moline.

"Properly destroying documents that contain personal information is a smart way to protect against identity theft," said Smiddy. "Aside from the inconvenience, identity theft can threaten the financial security of an entire family. This community shred event makes it easy to get rid of these documents safely to help prevent any unwanted invasion of privacy."

Residents can bring old bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, receipts, credit card applications, old bills and other documents that contain sensitive personal information to be safely shredded and disposed. All documents should be free of paperclips, staples and other bindings.

Electronics recycling is available courtesy of the Rock Island County Waste Management Agency and Bi-State Regional Commission. Most electronic items are accepted, but residents should not bring household appliances, curling irons, terminals or batteries. All items should have any batteries removed before being recycled.

"I encourage area residents to take advantage of this free service," Smiddy said.

For more information, contact Smiddy's office at RepSmiddy@gmail.com, (309) 848-9098, or toll free at (855) 243-4988.

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17 Apr 2013

State Farm® Names Top Ten States With Most Hail Losses

By Missy Dundov
IBHS Indoor Hail Storm Simulates Real Damage
April 17, 2013–State Farm announces the top ten states with the most wind, hail losses. Wind and hail storms remain some of the most frequent and severe causes of property damage. This year the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety Research Center conducted the first-ever indoor hailstorm, in an effort to research building products and ways to education consumers.
Damage caused by wind and hail cost State Farm and its policyholders more than $3.9 billion in 2012. The states with the most wind/hail losses include :
  • Texas–47,000 claims
  • Illinois–41,000 claims
  • New York–34,000 claims
  • Ohio–31,000 claims
  • Missouri–25,000 claims
  • Tennessee–24,000 claims
  • Indiana–23,000 claims
  • New Jersey–23,000 claims
  • Kentucky–22,000 claims
  • Colorado–16,000 claims
While hail storms most frequently impact the Great Plains and Midwest, every state in the nation is susceptible. See how your state compares to others when it comes to wind/hail and most common insurance claims.
Heading Off Hail Damage:
  • If weather conditions are prime for hail storms, pull cars, boats, RVs, lawn and patio furniture into a covered area.
  • When building or remodeling, consider impact resistant roofing to reduce hail damage to your home. State Farm currently offers insurance premium discounts to homes with qualifying impact-resistant roofing products in 26 states and one Canadian province.
If You Experience Hail Damage:
  • Work with your insurance agent or claims adjustor to fully understand the claims process and how covered repairs will be handled. State Farm customers who have reported a loss can expect to be contacted by a claim representative who will review your policy and explain your coverage, outline the claim process, and answer questions.
  • Choose a reputable roofing contractor. Look for a licensed or bonded roofer and request references. Not all jurisdictions require licensing of roofing contractors. Ask to see certificates of insurance to be sure both liability and workers compensation insurance coverage is carried, and are in force during the time the roofing work is being done.
  • You may also contact your local Better Business Bureau or the National Roofing Contractors Association for assistance in locating a professional contractor in a specific geographic area.
  • If anyone visits your home without an appointment and professes to represent your insurer, ask for identification and contact your insurer to confirm before allowing access.
17 Apr 2013

RIVER BANDITS RALLY TO SPLIT TWIN BILL WITH CLINTON

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities keeps chance of winning series alive with 3-2 win in Game 2

DAVENPORT, Iowa (APRIL 16, 2013) - Having lost Game 1 of a doubleheader and been held to three hits through 11 innings against Clinton LumberKings pitching, the Quad Cities River Bandits awoke for a three-run rally in the fifth inning of Game 2 to take a 3-2, seven-inning win and split of Tuesday's action in front of 1,024 at Modern Woodmen Park.

LumberKings left-hander Scott DeCecco (0-1) allowed one hit and faced the minimum through 4 1/3 innings, but he issued a one-out walk to River Bandits designated hitter Rio Ruiz with one out in the fifth inning. Catcher Roberto Peña followed with a single, before right fielder Ariel Ovando grounded into a fielder's choice for the second out. With runners at first and third base and two outs, second baseman Austin Elkins - the newest River Bandit - lined an RBI single to right field to cut the lead to 2-1. One batter later, third baseman Ryan Dineen drove a go-ahead, two-run double to the gap in right-center field, making it 3-2.

River Bandits right-hander Michael Dimock (1-0) made the lead stand, as he tossed three perfect innings out of the bullpen and struck out four batters, including all three in the seventh and final inning. Dimock started the top of the fifth inning in relief of right-hander Daniel Minor, who allowed two runs on six hits, including a third-inning solo home run by left fielder Dario Pizzano. Minor walked two batters and struck out four.

DeCecco worked all six innings for the LumberKings (5-8), as he allowed five hits and three earned runs, walked two batters and struck out five. Clinton out-hit the River Bandits for a second consecutive game.

The River Bandits (8-3) had seven total hits in the two games but got a 2-for-3 performance in Game 2 from first baseman Jesse Wierzbicki.

The River Bandits play the series finale against the LumberKings on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Quad Cities will use a tandem of left-hander Colton Cain (0-0) and right-hander Mike Hauschild (0-0).

Tuesday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount on Wednesday, April 17. Anyone who mentions the River Bandits victory can receive a free appetizer or dessert with the purchase of two lunches or dinners with beverages on Wednesday, April 17.

 

UP NEXT: The first Pay Your Bill Wednesday presented by U.S. Bank and Mix 96 will be Wednesday at 7 p.m. Two fans will have their bills selected from a drawing and paid up to $100 by the River Bandits. The River Bandits will hold a drawing to win Chicago Blackhawks tickets. It is also West Liberty Community Night. Single-game tickets are on sale at the River Bandits box office at Modern Woodmen Park, by phone at 563-324-3000 and online at www.riverbandits.com. Season ticket and mini-plan packages start at just seven games and begin at less than $50. Call a River Bandits account representative today to choose your seats and get the details of our various mini-plan packages.

ABOUT THE BANDITS: The River Bandits will make one of the biggest improvements to Modern Woodmen Park since the ballpark was first built back in 1931! A new Ferris wheel, standing 112 feet over the playing field, is scheduled to open in early June, along with two new zip lines, a carousel, a Frog Hopper, new bounce houses and many other fun attractions. The team also boasts a new major league affiliate, the Houston Astros, and fans will see last year's No. 1 overall draft pick, Carlos Correa. The Astros will also make the very first selection in the major league draft this June and could have another top pick end up in the Quad Cities. With new rides, new attractions, new improvements, a new affiliate and future major league stars, this season will be one every fan will not want to miss!

*****

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