09 Oct 2013

Eye on the Prize: Feeding the World

By Sen. Charles Grassley

by U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley

For generations, Iowans have answered the call to feed the world.  That noble vocation continues today as farmers across the state haul in the fall harvest.  Their labor will help curb the pangs of hunger and malnutrition in poverty-stricken communities around the world.

Today's 21st century stewards of the soil - from resource-rich Iowa to resource-poor India - sow the seeds of global food security thanks in part to revolutionary advances in biotechnology pioneered by Iowan's own Dr Norman Borlaug.  The late Dr. Borlaug spent a lifetime toiling in the fields of Mexico and India to unlock high-yield crop varieties by researching plant genetics.  Known as the Father of the Green Revolution, Dr. Borlaug is credited with saving a billion people from starvation.  Blending his Midwestern work ethic with an unyielding humanitarian mission to feed the hungry, Dr. Borlaug spread food security to some of the most impoverished places on Earth by advancing agricultural innovation from field to fork.  His legacy is carried on today through the World Food Prize.

Established in 1986, the World Food Prize is a prestigious international award that recognizes outstanding, measurable achievement by individuals who have improved the quality, quantity and availability of food in the world.

Thanks to the visionary leadership of Dr. Borlaug and philanthropic commitment by the John Ruan family, the World Food Prize since 1990 has been headquartered in Des Moines.  Located in the heart of America's breadbasket, Iowa serves as a global agricultural anchor all along the food chain.  The World Food Prize puts Iowa on the map as a global leader to promote scientific innovation and its application to agriculture.  This annual award helps create awareness, understanding, and appreciation for the safety and sustainability of biotechnology.  It inspires policy leaders and the next generation to join the crusade:  nourish the hungry, replace food scarcity with food security and empower resource-poor farmers with high-yield seeds.  With an eye on wiping famine off the face of the Earth, the World Food Prize serves as a catalyst to promote dialogue and acceptance for sustainable stewardship of biotechnology and natural resources.  From food and agriculture science and technology, to manufacturing, marketing, nutrition, economics, poverty alleviation, political leadership and the social sciences, the World Food Prize focuses all eyes on feeding the hungry.

All eyes will be on Iowa this month during a three-day symposium that coincides with the centennial observance of Dr. Borlaug's birth in 1913.  From Oct. 13-16, more than 1,000 scientists, policy experts, political leaders, humanitarians and business leaders from more than 65 countries will gather in Des Moines to discuss:  The Next Borlaug Century:  Biotechnology, Sustainability and Climate Volatility.

Speakers include Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Ãƒâ€œlafur Ragnar Grímsson, current President of Iceland; and Cardinal Peter K.A. Turkson, President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, at the Holy See in the Vatican.

The 2013 World Food Prize Laureate Awards will honor three pioneers of agricultural biotechnology whose research conducted two continents apart has helped advance world food security, especially to those in developing countries.  Their discoveries have enabled farmers to feed more people by growing more crops with improved yields that use less water and bear resistance to disease, insects, heat and drought.

Their work should inspire policy makers in Washington to keep the pressure on the U.S. Trade Representative to give agriculture a proper seat at the negotiating table for world trade agreements, derail non-tariff trade barriers with the World Trade Organization, and expand market access for American farm exports, including GMO grain.  Biotechnology offers hope to farmers who are trying to feed their families and make a living off the land in some of the most impoverished areas on the world.

As Iowa's harvest gets underway, let's all keep our eye on the prize. Reaping the benefits of human nature's capacity to innovate and create can solve the volatile swings of Mother Nature and feed a swelling global population expected to reach 9 billion in 2050.  Let's ask ourselves, if we have solutions to nurture natural resources while harvesting more from the land to feed the hungry and raise standards of living around the world, wouldn't it be morally wrong to turn our backs on science, sustainability and food security?

Iowa will celebrate Dr. Norman E Borlaug World Food Prize Day on Oct. 16.  Next spring, a statue of Dr. Borlaug will join the National Statuary Collection in the U.S. Capitol.
09 Oct 2013

BHC East Campus cuts ribbon for new science lab addition

By Holly Smith

GALVA, Ill. - Black Hawk College celebrated the grand opening of the new $3 million science lab addition at the college's East Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, Oct. 7.

Science faculty members and students lit a flash paper ribbon in the design of a DNA chain before dignitaries cut the official ribbon. Science-themed refreshments included dirt cake, cookies shaped like beakers and chocolate-covered crickets.

"Immersing students in their education drove the design of this new space," said Chanda Dowell, vice president for East Campus.

"The science lab addition gives us three updated labs that allow instructors to facilitate new, immersive ways of learning for students in chemistry, microbiology and biology," she said.

The lab equipment includes research-level microscopes, a rotating incubator, large hands-on models of cells, a gas chromatograph and a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer.

The 8,450-square-foot, one-story addition is connected to Building B. It also includes faculty offices, a resource room, student commons space, preparatory and storage space, outdoor seating and a bioswale behind the building to catch rainwater from the roof.

"With enrollment that has grown steadily over the past several years, the vacated lab space also gives us much needed additional classroom space," Dowell said.

"We also anticipate our science enrollments to grow when we open our new Veterinary Technician program in Fall 2015," she said.

More than 1,000 students attend classes at the East Campus, located five miles south of Kewanee at 26230 Black Hawk Road, Galva.
09 Oct 2013

WQPT Trivia Night November 1

By Jared Johnson

MOLINE, IL - If you consider yourself a military trivia buff and you know the origin of the 21-gun salute, then put together a team for the WQPT Military-Themed Trivia Night, Friday, Nov. 1, at Fargo Lounge, Avenue of the Cities, Moline, IL.

Doors open at 6 p.m, with the event kicking off at 7 p.m.

Teams may include up to eight people per table. Admission is $80 per team. All money raised will support WQPT's educational programming and outreach in Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place teams. Participants are encouraged to wear red, white and blue. Prizes will also be awarded for the best dressed table. In addition, a 50/50 drawing, raffles and silent auction will be held. A cash bar will be available.

The event is providing students in the WIU-QC Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration 235 class hands-on experience planning an event.

To register for the event or for more information, contact WQPT at (309) 762-2400.

###

09 Oct 2013

Join the Love Affair with Yarn

By Ginny Grimsley
By: Betty Hectman

A lot of people are going to be celebrating I Love Yarn Day on October 11.  According to the Craft Yarn Council there are over 50 million people of all ages who knit, crochet or otherwise work with yarn.  And it's no wonder.  It's not just the destination of getting a scarf or sweater; the journey is full of benefits.  Knitting and crocheting are great anxiety busters, offer something productive to do while waiting and can be a social outlet when done with a group.  Want to Join in?

Getting Started

It's great if you have a friend or family member to teach you, but if not, there are other options.  Check out your local yarn store.  According to Lisa Garcia of the Close Knit Circle yarn shop in Tarzana California, for a nominal fee they will teach someone to knit or crochet.  In addition with a yarn purchase comes the invitation to hang out at the group table in the store and get help on a project.  Some of the craft stores like Michael's or Jo-Ann's offer group lessons.  Try your local community college.  Pierce College in Woodland Hills, California offers yarn craft classes as part of their extension program.

If you're more of a do it yourselfer, it is possible to learn on your own.  There are numerous  books on the market, but Betty Hechtman, author of two yarn related mysteries series  suggests doing what she did and trying a kids' kit.  "I found that the instructions were broken down into easy to follow steps with lots of illustrations. And if the instructions would work for a ten-year-old, I figured they would work for me.  I learned how to crochet granny squares with a kit meant for kids and it changed my life."

First Projects

Don't defeat yourself by choosing something too complicated for a first project.  Also, it is best to stick with easy to work with yarn like basic worsted weight.  A scarf is a great project to start with using either this free knitting pattern or this free crochet pattern. Both use only the most basic techniques.

The Beauty of Handmade

Every knit or crocheted item has its own story.  The experience of picking the yarn, making the project and what was going on in your life are all woven into the stitches.  Remember that what makes handmade items special is they look like real hands made them.  That means there might be a wiggly stitch here and there, but just look at it as part of the tale.

About Betty Hechtman

Betty Hechtman is the author of "Yarn to Go," the first book in the Berkley Prime Crime Yarn Retreat mystery series, as well as the author of the best-selling Berkley Prime Crime Crochet mystery series. The eighth book, "For Better or Worsted," comes out in November.  She has also written newspaper and magazine pieces, short stories and screenplays as well as a children's culinary mystery. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree and has been active in handicrafts since she was a small child. Hechtman divides her time between Los Angeles and Chicago.

08 Oct 2013

Grassley Releases Report Showing Continued Need for Tightening Farm Payment Loopholes

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa today released a Government Accountability Office report showing that additional changes are needed to the eligibility requirements for being "actively involved" in farming.  The GAO also wrote in the report that the legislative language in the Senate passed farm bill would be an appropriate fix to the agency's findings.  The report can be found on Grassley's website, grassley.senate.gov.

"The report shows that there is still far too much subterfuge of the actively engaged law.  For instance, taxpayers are footing the bill for farm payments to 11 active managers of one farm, who supposedly provide significant management experience, yet perform no labor," Grassley said.  "The loophole has been allowed to stand for too long.  It's time to close it once and for all and put the issue to rest so we can maintain a safety net for the farmers who really need it."

Grassley said that the conferees to the farm bill should take notice of the report and take a hands off approach to the provisions in both the House and Senate bills

"This is just one more reason that my payment limits provisions included in the Senate and House bills -- placing a hard cap on farm payments and closing loopholes that allow non-farmers to game the system -- should stay untouched," Grassley said.

The report reviewed the Farm Service Agency's compliance reviews of farming operation members' claimed contributions of active personal management and personal labor.  The GAO report also examines the Farm Service Agency's state offices' timeliness in completing and reporting compliance reviews and the results.

Specifically, GAO recommended, "Congress should consider modifying the definition of significant contributions of management activities, either as it did in recent deliberations on reauthorizing the farm bill or in other ways designed to make contributions more clear and objective."

The legislative language in the farm bill mirrors Grassley's Farm Program Integrity Act of 2013. The bill would define clearly the scope of people who are able to qualify as actively engaged by only providing management for the farming operation.  The allows only one off-farm manager, which will help the Department of Agriculture crack down on the general partnerships that have multiple non-farmers trying to qualify for farm payments by exploiting the management loophole.

Here are several highlights of the report.  The report can also be found here.

  • Farm Service Agency officials consistently said current 'actively engaged' regulations are too vague to enforce in a meaningful way.
  • Farms organized as general partnerships receive the most in payments and have the highest percentage of members receiving payments based on 'active personal management only.'  General partnerships with 11 or more individual members received 84 percent of their farm payments based on members contributing 'active personal management only.'
  • Operations that have members determined out of compliance at the local level for not being able to demonstrate adequate knowledge to contribute 'active personal management' have appealed the decisions to the state and federal levels and won because they have time to prepare the individual in question.  In one instance, an individual was still allowed to receive farm payments after failing two interviews with state and local USDA officials.  The individual finally persuaded a national official in the third attempt that they had adequate knowledge of the farming operation.
  • A farm in the Midwest which received roughly $400,000 in payments for 2012 was organized as a general partnership with six corporations and 11 individual members of the same family who ranged in age from 18-88.  Publicly available data indicated two of the individuals, including the 88 year-old, lived in South Florida and claimed 'active personal management only' for eligibility purposes.
-30-
08 Oct 2013

"Running for Freedom from Terrorism!"

By Dan Harr
Nova Fitness Equipment announces their sponsorship for the 2015 Boston Marathon to support;
"Running for Freedom from Terrorism!"
On Monday April 15, 2013; our country was the victim of a terrorist attack at the 38th Annual Boston Marathon. At approximately 2:50 PM, just over four hours into the race; the first of two bombs exploded near the finish line. An internationally competitive event was turned into a gruesome scene resembling a warzone in a matter of moments.
April 15, 2013 is a day that will never be forgotten in American History. It is a day that we, as a nation; all became stronger and more united in our stand against terrorism. That single act of terrorism directly challenged our Country's ideals of liberty and fueled a resolve that we will never be threatened by cowardly acts against our people and our democratic beliefs. Taking from that resolve, Nova Fitness Equipment has announced their 2015 Boston Marathon "Running for Freedom from Terrorism" sponsorship.
Nova Fitness Equipment will be sponsoring a qualified participant to take part in the 2015 Boston Marathon and receive an all-expense paid experience to participate in the pinnacle of marathon events worldwide. The "Running for Freedom from Terrorism" sponsorship is meant to remind all of us that we as a country will always stand together against terrorism.
For this promotion, the sponsorship will be awarded in the form of an all expense paid trip and registration fees will be paid to participate in the 2015 Boston Marathon. The sponsorship will be offered to individuals 18 year of age or older who are Nebraska or Iowa residents who have qualified for the Boston Marathon. This sponsorship will be awarded by a random drawing through entry either on-line or submitted by mail to Nova Fitness Equipment. The drawing will be held within a week after the deadline date for registration to enter the 2015 Boston Marathon.

To learn more about the chance to win the sponsorship for "Running for Freedom from Terrorism" contact Nova Fitness Equipment at 402.343.0552 or email marketing@novahealth.net.

Nova Fitness Equipment for over 25 years has specialized in fitness, rehabilitation, and sports performance equipment within Nebraska, Iowa, and the surrounding areas. From universities, government facilities, hospitals, hotels/resorts, and physical therapy clinics to home customers, we service them all. Our goal is to provide a world class customer service experience through our timely, efficient, thorough and unparalleled service to our customers.
Howard Kutler, President
###
08 Oct 2013

Santa, Snacks, and Stories at Brucemore

By Tara Richards

Children are invited to Brucemore for a festive and memorable evening of holiday tradition?Santa, Snacks, and Stories on Sunday, December 1 and Tuesday, December 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The Mansion's holiday décor and the estate's seasonal spirit add to the evening's activities. In the Visitor Center, children will be delighted by caroling and a snack making station. In the Mansion, children will participate in a craft, listen to holiday stories, and give Santa their wish-lists. In between activities, children and parents are invited to view the first and second floors of the Mansion and to ask any questions to the available stationary guides.

Admission is $7 per child and $5 per child of a Brucemore member. One adult is free per child admission; each additional adult is $5.  Space is limited; purchase tickets online at www.brucemore.org or by calling (319) 362-7375. Santa, Snacks, and Stories is sponsored by US Bank.

Experience Brucemore, an unparalleled blend of tradition and culture, located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. At the heart of the historic 26-acre estate stands a nineteenth-century mansion filled with the stories of three Cedar Rapids families.  Concerts, theater, programs, and tours enliven the site and celebrate the heritage of a community.  For more information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit www.brucemore.org.

 ###

08 Oct 2013

"UFC® 167: ST-PIERRE vs. HENDRICKS" Hits 350 Select Theaters Nationwide Nov. 16

By Rick Martin
UFC fans nationwide can witness the longest-reigning UFC welterweight champion, Georges St-Pierre, as he takes on Johny Hendricks when "UFC® 167: ST-PIERRE vs. HENDRICKS" broadcasts LIVE to the big screen from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. MT / 7:00 p.m. PT /6:00 p.m. in Alaska / 5:00 p.m. in Hawaii.
The weekend line-up?presented by NCM Fathom Events and The Ultimate Fighting Championship®?will also feature two additional explosive bouts between former UFC champion Rashad Evans and former two-division title challenger Chael Sonnen as well as the "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler and Canada's Rory MacDonald.
"UFC® 167: ST-PIERRE vs. HENDRICKS" will be presented in the following movie theaters in your area on November 16:
Cinemark Davenport 18 with IMAX 3601 E 53Rd St Davenport IA 52807
Tickets for "UFC® 167: ST-PIERRE vs. HENDRICKS" are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.
UFC® Celebrates 20th Anniversary With UFC 167
Live In U.S. Cinemas As Georges St-Pierre Defends Welterweight Title
NCM Fathom Events and UFC Bring the Highly Anticipated
Fight to Select Movie Theaters Nationwide on November 16
Centennial, Colo. - Oct. 7, 2013 - The Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) returns to movie theaters nationwide on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 10:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 p.m. CT / 8:00 p.m. MT / 7:00 p.m. PT /6:00 p.m. in Alaska / 5:00 p.m. in Hawaii, as NCM Fathom Events and UFC bring UFC® 167: ST-PIERRE vs. HENDRICKS to the big screen. Fight fans will get a front-row view of all the pulse-pounding action when longest-reigning champion in the UFC, welterweight king Georges St-Pierre (also known as "GSP"), returns to the Octagon® to face No. 1 contender Johny "Bigg Rigg" Hendricks. GSP will take on his most dangerous challenger to date in the sledge-hammer handed Hendricks. Broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, audiences will witness all the excitement as the undisputed champion in the UFC welterweight division is determined during the UFC's 20th Anniversary event.
Tickets for UFC® 167: ST-PIERRE vs. HENDRICKS are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. The event will be presented in more than 350 select movie theaters around the country through NCM's exclusive Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).
"UFC fans will want to experience GSP and Hendricks go head to head in UFC 167 on the big screen," said Dan Diamond, senior vice president of NCM Fathom Events. "Audiences will feel like they have a ringside seat with every move these fighters make. The only way to get closer to the action would be to get in the Octagon."
Montreal's finest, Georges St-Pierre (24-2), the UFC welterweight champion since April 2008, has posted an impressive 11-fight win streak during his reign atop the 170-pound division. The dynamic GSP holds black belts in both Kyokushin karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. The two-time champion's historic and unrivaled reign includes wins over UFC's toughest including Matt Hughes, B.J. Penn, Jon Fitch, Thiago Alves, Josh Koscheck and Jake Shields.
The hard-hitting Johny Hendricks (15-1), fighting out of Dallas, Texas, is the top-ranked challenger in the 170-pound division. He earned his shot at GSP by putting together a six-fight unbeaten streak in the UFC. A two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion with one punch knockout power, "Bigg Rigg" is set on derailing St-Pierre's march to the Hall of Fame. He is known for his extensive wrestling background and powerful punches, particularly from the left hand, which has earned him three Knockout of the Night bonuses and one Fight of the Night award.
The event features an exciting co-main light heavyweight bout between former UFC champion Rashad Evans and former two-division title challenger Chael Sonnen.
The old school will also meet the new breed at UFC 167, as the resurgent "Ruthless" Robbie Lawler meets Canada's Rory MacDonald.  After returning to the UFC in 2013 following a more than eight year absence, Lawler has looked better than ever in knocking out Josh Koscheck and Bobby Voelker. The 24-year-old MacDonald is currently sporting a five-fight winning streak that includes wins over BJ Penn and Jake Ellenberger, but he has yet to face someone with the power of Iowa's Lawler, making this a must-see welterweight battle.

For more information or current fight news, visit www.ufc.com.
About National CineMedia (NCM)
National CineMedia (NCM) operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom Events present cinema advertising and events across the nation's largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM's theater advertising network covers 183 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes approximately 19,600 screens (approximately 18,800 digital). During 2012, over 710 million patrons attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place.  The NCM Fathom Events live digital broadcast network ("DBN") is comprised of approximately 750 locations in 173 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 37 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications.  National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 47.0% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.com. (NCMI-E)
About Ultimate Fighting Championship®
Universally recognized for its action-packed, can't-miss events that have sold out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across the globe, the UFC® is the world's premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organization. Owned and operated by Zuffa, LLC, UFC produces more than 30 live events annually and is the largest pay-per-view event provider in the world. In addition to broadcast deal with FOX in the US, UFC programming is broadcast in over 145 countries, to 882 million TV households worldwide, in 28 different languages. For more information visit UFC.com.
- 30 -
08 Oct 2013

Food for Thought Offers A Night of Roaring Reads

By Lisa Lockheart

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

View photo in message

(end)

08 Oct 2013

Lt. Governor Simon to discuss Affordable Care Act impact at EMS Summit in Springfield

By Ted Nelson

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.

###

Pages

more

Subscribe & Listen to Reader Podcasts

On Stands Now

 

Tagged Content

    

Two Ways to Subscribe

1. Subscribe to free weekly e-mail content updates.

You'll get both the current official narrative challenge and What's Happenin' in the Quad Cities.
(Did you know we publish a new Real Astrology and RCR Crossword every week?) 

Subscribe!

* indicates required

2. Get 12 monthly issues mailed first class for $48

Get 12 issues mailed monthly for $48 per year.

Get the printed Reader edition mailed to you (or anyone you want) first-class for 12 months for $48.
$24 goes to postage and handling, $24 goes to keeping the doors open!

Click this link to Subscribe now.

 
 

Meetings Calendar

Kids Calendar

Eat & Drink Calendar