27 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Signs Law to Ensure All Illinois Students Get an Early Start on Learning

By Dave Blanchette

New Law Lowers Compulsory School Age from Seven to Six Years Old

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a new law that lowers the compulsory school age for students in Illinois in order to ensure all children have the opportunity to build a solid foundation for academic achievement. The law will also help to combat truancy. Research shows that children who start school at an earlier age are less likely to drop out of school, be placed in special education or commit crimes, and more likely to attend college. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to prepare every child for success in college, career and beyond.

"Today is a good day for our students and for the future of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "The key to so many things in life is a quality education and this new law will ensure our students get an early start on their academic success."

Sponsored by State Senator Kimberly Lightford (D-Westchester) and State Representative LaShawn Ford (D-Chicago), Senate Bill 1307 lowers the compulsory school attendance age from seven to six years of age beginning with the 2014-2015 school year. Illinois joins 26 states that have set the compulsory attendance age at six years old. Eight states and the District of Columbia require students to begin school at age five. The law will also help to combat truancy.

Under the new law, any student turning six years old on or before Sept. 1 must be enrolled to attend school for that school year, starting in 2014. This legislation was introduced in part due to investigative reporting by the Chicago Tribune.

"Study after study has demonstrated that the earlier kids start school, the more likely they are to succeed," Senator Lightford said. "This law will help make sure all of our children are on the right path."

"This law will help children to develop the social and academic skills that will give them a better chance at success in the future," Representative Ford said. "It will also help to give children from disadvantaged backgrounds an equal opportunity to excel in the classroom. The early developmental stages are critical in a person's life, and Illinois cannot afford to put early education on the back burner."

The law will go into effect on July 1, 2014.

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27 Aug 2013

HOLMES, LAMBSON HELP BANDITS BREEZE THROUGH BEES

By Marco LaNave

Elkins finishes a home run shy of the cycle as Quad Cities reduces playoff magic number to 1

 

BURLINGTON, Iowa (AUG. 24, 2013) - Quad Cities River Bandits left-handers Brian Holmes and Mitchell Lambson combined to allow one run on six hits, while left fielder Danry Vasquez and second baseman Austin Elkins each had three hits in a 4-1 victory over the Burlington Bees Saturday night at Community Field.

 

Quad Cities (36-24 second half, 74-55 overall) won its third straight game and remained 4 ½ games behind first-place Cedar Rapids (41-20, 81-48) in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings. With a loss by the Peoria Chiefs Saturday and nine games remaining in the regular season, the River Bandits can clinch a second-half playoff spot with one victory or one Peoria Chiefs loss.

 

The River Bandits took the lead in the first inning against Bees right-hander Pat Lowery (4-9). Shortstop Carlos Correa drew a two-out walk, and Vasquez singled, before first baseman Bobby Borchering lined an RBI single down the right-field line.

 

Holmes (5-3) allowed the Bees' only run in the first inning, as shortstop Angel Rosa lifted a deep solo home run down the left-field line with two outs. Holmes went on to scatter a total of six hits and one walk with five strikeouts while pitching six innings for the third time in four starts. Burlington only advanced two runners as far as second base after the first inning.

 

Quad Cities quickly retook the lead in the second inning, as Elkins drove a triple to the warning track in right field to start a day that ended with him a home run shy of the cycle. Catcher Roberto Pena grounded a ball that was bobbled by third baseman Garrett Cannizaro, allowing the go-ahead run to score.

 

The visitors added on in the third inning, as Vasquez hit leadoff single, Borchering was hit by a pitch, and third baseman Rio Ruiz hit an RBI double to left-center field for a 3-1 lead. After Lowery struck out Elkins, Pena and right fielder Jordan Scott drew consecutive walks to bring in a run. It ended Lowery's night after 2 1/3 innings in which he allowed four earned runs on six hits, three walks and one hit batter with three strikeouts. Bees right-hander Daniel Hurtado got the last two outs of the third and pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings. The Bees used four relievers to shut out the River Bandits for 6 1/3 innings. Quad Cities left 14 runners on base.

 

Lambson started the seventh with a 4-1 lead and struck out six of the first seven batters he faced. After hitting designated hitter Exicardo Cayones with a pitch, he retired the last two batters on a lineout to right field and popup to first base for his first save of the season.

 

Saturday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Sunday, Aug. 25. 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 Sunday, Aug. 25. Quad Cities continues its series in Burlington at 2:00 p.m. Sunday. River Bandits right-hander Mark Appel (2-1) will start against Bees left-hander Tyler DeLoach (5-4).

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits' final homestand of the regular season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31, with a Dallas Clark Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Barrel House 211 and CBS4 when gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game. Fireworks will also follow the game. 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.

27 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Commemorates 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington

By Brooke Anderson

Honors the Courage of All Who Marched at Chicago's DuSable Museum of African American History

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the historic March on Washington which led to the passage of major civil rights reforms for the United States. At Chicago's DuSable Museum of African American History, Governor Quinn reminded celebrants that the battle for social justice often requires direct action, and that those who "voted with their feet" in 1963 showed unparalleled courage and patriotism.

"Without 250,000 Americans peacefully gathering 50 years ago today under Abraham Lincoln's watchful eye, Congress might not have passed the 1964 Civil Rights Act or the 1965 Voting Rights Act," Governor Quinn said. "Today, we honor all who marched and remember the everlasting words that Dr. Martin Luther King has left us."

The March on Washington is known as one of the largest demonstrations for human rights in the nation's history. The march called for meaningful civil and economic rights reform and took place in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 1963. It was there that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered the historically significant "I Have a Dream" speech.

Governor Quinn will later attend the 7th Annual Civil Rights Game at Cellular Field, where the Chicago White Sox will take on the Texas Rangers. The Civil Rights Game - and the accompanying Major League Baseball Beacon Awards Luncheon - helps honor those who fought for equality both on and off the playing field.

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27 Aug 2013

BOWLING GREEN ST. UNIV. SUMMER GRADS

By Colleen Yarger
BOWLING GREEN, O.-Bowling Green State University celebrated its 277th graduation on Saturday, August 10. The total number of diplomas awarded was 917, including 343 degrees granted through the Graduate College. Among the graduates is Kathryn Robinson of Bettendorf with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
27 Aug 2013

BANDITS COME BACK TO EDGE KERNELS, WIN SERIES

By Marco LaNave

Quad Cities moves within 4 ½ games of Cedar Rapids and reduces playoff magic number to 3


DAVENPORT, Iowa (AUG. 23, 2013) - The Quad Cities River Bandits rallied from a 2-1, sixth-inning deficit with two-out RBI singles in the sixth and seventh innings by left fielder Danry Vasquez and right fielder Jordan Scottm respectively, to overtake the Cedar Rapids Kernels for a second straight game with a 3-2 victory in front of 6,913 at Modern Woodmen Park Friday night.

 

The River Bandits (35-24 second half, 73-55 overall) moved within 4 ½ games of the first-place Kernels (40-20, 80-48) in the Midwest League Western Division second-half standings. With a loss by the Peoria Chiefs Friday and 10 games remaining in the regular season, Quad Cities' magic number (any combination of Quad Cities wins and Peoria losses) to clinch a second-half playoff berth is three.

 

Cedar Rapids out-hit Quad Cities, 8-5, for a third straight game and also scored first for a third straight night. In the second inning against River Bandits left-hander Joe Bircher, Kernels right fielder Adam Brett Walker hit a leadoff single. A wild pitch allowed Walker to move up two bases, and catcher Bo Altobelli drove home the run with a single to left field.

 

Quad Cities tied the game in the third inning against Kernels right-hander Hudson Boyd (4-5). Catcher Jobduan Morales drew a one-out walk, moved to second on a groundout and scored on a single by designated hitter Tony Kemp.

 

Cedar Rapids retook the lead in the sixth, as center fielder Jonathan Murphy hit a leadoff triple and scored on a one-out error by second baseman Austin Elkins. After Walker singled to put runners at first and third, Bircher got first baseman Mike Gonzales to hit into a fielder's choice at home. Bircher was removed after 5 2/3 innings with seven hits allowed, two earned runs and two strikeouts.

 

Right-hander Andrew Walter (1-0) struck out Altobelli to end the sixth inning and retired seven straight batters while his teammates took the lead. Walker led off the ninth with a single, but Walter got a forceout on a bunt attempt, strikeout and flyout to end the game. He completed 3 1/3 innings with one hit allowed and five strikeouts. Quad Cities pitchers did not walk a batter for second straight game.

 

In the sixth, center fielder Teoscar Hernandez hit a one-out single and moved to second on a groundout, before Vasquez singled to center field for the game-tying run. In the seventh, Elkins was hit by a pitch with one out, moved to second on a groundout, and scored on Scott's single to center. Boyd allowed four hits and three earned runs in season-high seven innings with two walks and four strikeouts.

 

Friday's victory also means The Captain's Table at 4801 River Drive in Moline will offer The Captain's Table Victory Discount Saturday, Aug. 24. 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 Saturday, Aug. 24.

 

Quad Cities begins a four-game series in Burlington at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. River Bandits left-hander Brian Holmes (4-3) will start against Bees right-hander Pat Lowery (4-8).

 

UP NEXT: The River Bandits' final homestand of the regular season kicks off Saturday, Aug. 31, with a Dallas Clark Bobblehead Giveaway presented by Barrel House 211 and CBS4 when gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. game. Fireworks will also follow the game. 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.

27 Aug 2013

Elizabeth McCorkle Makes Northern Arizona University's Spring 2013 Dean's List

By Derek Hansen

FLAGSTAFF, AZ (08/23/2013)(readMedia)-- Elizabeth McCorkle, a Northern Arizona University SecEd-Earth Sci (BSED) major and resident of Hillsdale, IL, was among more than 4,500 students who made the Dean's List for the spring 2013 semester.

Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona University has established a lasting legacy of educating students to help them make a difference in the world. With an expansive Extended Campuses program, the university has an undergraduate enrollment of approximately 20,000 students located at more than 30 sites across Arizona or online. The university is a leader in integrating sustainability into university policies and educational curriculum highlighted by the Platinum LEED-certified Applied Research and Development building, the third-greenest building in the world. More information is online at nau.edu

27 Aug 2013

"The Met: Live in HD" Coming to a Theater Near You

By Fathom Events
Enjoy the finest of NYC culture as Fathom Events brings The Metropolitan Opera's Emmy and Peabody Award-winning series, "The Met: Live in HD," back to more than 650 select cinemas across the U.S. beginning this fall.
Before the end of this year, audience members can catch four performances of The Metropolitan Opera's eighth season of live performance transmissions beginning with Tchaikovsky's "EUGENE ONEGIN" starring Anna Netrebko, Mariusz Kwiecien and Piotr Beczala, followed by William Kentridge's innovative production of "THE NOSE" (Oct. 26); Puccini's classic "TOSCA" (Nov. 9) and a new production of Verdi's "FALSTAFF" (Dec. 14). All performances will be at 12:55 p.m. Eastern / 9:55 a.m. Pacific with encore performances exhibited on select Wednesdays immediately following the respective live event at 6:30 p.m. local time (see the press release below for details).
Met opera stars serve as hosts for the HD series and conducting live interviews with cast, crew members and production teams. They introduce the popular behind-the-scenes exclusive features during intermission, giving the audience an unprecedented look at what goes into the staging of an opera.
Tickets for the "The Met: Live in HD" series are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
"The Met: Live in HD" will be presented in select movie theaters in your area at:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
Click here for a full list of movie theaters showing "The Met: Live in HD" series.
27 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Announces $1.5 Million to Build Ultra High Speed Broadband Network in Southern Illinois

By Brooke Anderson

State Investment in Innovation and Cutting Edge Jobs will Fuel Economic Growth

CARBONDALE - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $1.5 million to build an ultra high speed broadband network in Southern Illinois. The partnership between Frontier North, Inc., the City of Carbondale, Southern Illinois University and Connect SI will use the funding to build a gigabit network that will serve residents, businesses and institutions in Southern Illinois. Today's announcement is part of Governor Quinn's commitment to drive economic growth and create jobs across Illinois.

"Ultra high-speed internet access is a key to success for the future of Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "In order to remain competitive in today's digital society, Illinois must have broadband infrastructure second to none."

The $1.5 million investment - supported by the Governor's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program - provides funding for Frontier to build a high-speed fiber optic network to Carbondale's businesses, schools, hospitals and neighborhoods. The gigabit broadband, up to 100 times faster than speeds currently available, will help recruit new business to the region and enable Southern Illinois University's scholars, innovators and entrepreneurs to connect globally. Capabilities for telemedicine and telehealth through the University's School of Medicine will also impact citizens in underserved areas in Southern Illinois and allow for faster transmission of medical records and vital information.

"The best part of the Governor's grant is that it isn't about fiber optics and lasers; it is about a world class community network built to drive jobs and new opportunities for  Carbondale and the region," Frontier Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Flynn said. "Frontier Communications couldn't be more proud to be a part of this community effort as we work every day to provide advancing broadband services across all of Southern Illinois."

"Southern Illinois has a long history as a leader in broadband," Broadband Illinois Interim Executive Director Brad Housewright said. "Through the efforts of Connect SI, Frontier and stakeholders from business and industry, we're excited to build a public-private partnership around this initiative."

Governor Quinn was also joined today by top executives and employees from Clearwave Communications, a Harrisburg company that just completed another high-speed connectivity project in Southern Illinois. The project used $11.3 million in state funds, as well as federal and private dollars, to install 751 miles of fiber in 23 counties connecting 232 community anchor institutions.

Governor Quinn has invested more than $71 million in broadband infrastructure throughout the state as part of his Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program. This investment has leveraged more than $214 million in additional funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Through these projects, more than 3,000 miles of fiber optic cable has been installed, with more to come.

Today's Carbondale announcement represents the fourth major Gigabit Communities Challenge broadband infrastructure project announced since Governor Quinn took office in 2009. Supported by the Governor's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, the Illinois Gigabit Communities Challenge sought proposals from private and public organizations to encourage promising ultra high-speed broadband deployment projects throughout Illinois. Each project must connect at least 1,000 end users to Gigabit broadband speeds.

For more information, visit www.Gigabit.Illinois.Gov

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27 Aug 2013

Governor Quinn Takes Bill Action ***Friday, August 23, 2013***

By William Palmisano
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today took action on the following bills:

 

Bill No.: SB 1341

An Act Concerning: Conservation

Expands opportunities for certain distressed communities to receive an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant for public parks and open space.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

Bill No.: SB 1775

An Act Concerning: Transportation

Allows for electronic images showing proof of insurance on cell phones or other portable electronic devices to be used as an insurance card.

Action: Signed

Effective: Immediately

 

 

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27 Aug 2013

Loebsack Announces Nearly $450,000 for Clinton Fire Department

By Vonnie Hampel

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that the Clinton Fire Department will receive a $448,153 in funding from the Department of Homeland Security's Port Security Grant Program.   This funding is competitively awarded and will be used to help replace a Fire and Rescue boat.

"We count on our firefighters and first responders to protect our families and communities," said Loebsack.  "I am pleased that the Clinton Fire Department is receiving this funding, which will ensure they have the proper equipment to respond to all disasters and allow them to continue to keep our river safe and commerce flowing."

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