10 Sep 2013

Harkin Announces More than $3.2 Million for Improvements to Iowa Airports

By Sen. Tom Harkin

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that the Ankeny Regional and Davenport Municipal airports will receive a total of $3,203,322 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for runway improvements. Harkin is a senior member of the Appropriations subcommittee that funds these initiatives.

"Transportation is key to Iowa's economy and this funding will help keep our airports safe and in compliance with FAA standards," said Harkin.  "Investing in our regional airports means investing in local economic development and job creation. I congratulate the Ankeny and Davenport airports on this competitive funding and I look forward to the improvements it will generate."

Ankeny Regional Airport - $1,363,457 to relocate a road and allow the full use of Runway 4/22.
Davenport Municipal Airport - $1,839,865 to reconstruct a deteriorating runway.

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10 Sep 2013

CAMP COURAGEOUS HOSTS 25th ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL FESTIVAL

By Charlie Becker
MONTICELLO, IOWA - The 25th Annual Back-To-School Festival will be held at Camp Courageous Tuesday September 17 from 10:00 am to 2:00. Camp Courageous is a year- round recreational and respite care facility for individuals with disabilities. The Back-To-School Festival has become an annual celebration of the new school year for dozens of special education classes throughout the area.

Special education classes are invited to attend this free event and enjoy games, balloon artists, prizes, hayride, wobble buggies, swimming, miniature golf, a helicopter, face painting, bounce house, train, a dance and more.

Lunch is provided for free to the special education students, teachers, volunteers, staff & campers. Camp Courageous traditionally
expects about 1000 participants.

For more information contact Jeanne Muellerleile, E-mail: jeanne@campcourageous.org or Camp Courageous, Box 418, Monticello, Iowa 52310-0418. or (319) 465-5916 ext. 2300 or Fax: 319-465-5919.
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10 Sep 2013

MWL PLAYOFF SCHEDULE - CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

By Rick Martin

Beloit, WI (9/10/13) --- The Quad Cities River Bandits, Western Division Champions, will take on the South Bend Silver Hawks, Eastern Division Champions in the Championship Series.  Schedule as follows:

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11 & THURSDAY, SEPT. 12, 2013

Quad Cities @ South Bend

Four Winds Field, South Bend, Indiana

Thurs.    7:00 PM EDT

 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2013

Off Day  

 

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14, SUNDAY, SEPT. 15, & MONDAY, SEPT. 16, 2013 (if necessary)

South Bend @ Quad Cities

Modern Woodmen Park, Davenport, Iowa

Sat.       7:00 PM CDT                        

Sun.     5:00 PM CDT

Mon.    7:00 PM CDT
10 Sep 2013

Ian Sodawasser to perform in Culver-Stockton's annual musical

By Heidi Lanier

CANTON, MO (09/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Ian Sodawasser, junior musical theatre major from Davenport, Iowa has been cast in Culver-Stockton's production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Sodawasser will appear as Schroeder. Performances will be in the Mabee Little Theatre, located in the Robert W. Brown Performing Arts Center and are scheduled for Sept. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee Sept. 22 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students. "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown" is presented as part of Culver-Stockton College Family Weekend activities and is part of the college's Academic and Cultural Affairs program. The musical is suitable for audiences of all ages.For ticket information and reservations, call the C-SC Fine Arts Office at 573-288-6346.

Culver-Stockton College, located in Canton, Mo., is a four-year residential institution in affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). C-SC specializes in experiential education and is one of only two colleges in the nation to offer the 12/3 semester calendar, where the typical 15 week semester is divided into two terms, a 12-week term and a 3-week term.

10 Sep 2013

Soybean Rivals Team Up on Common Issues

By United Soybean Board
Farmers from U.S., South America unite to work toward better biotech approval system
ST. LOUIS (September 10, 2013) - Farmers who grow 90 percent of the world's soybeans and normally battle for global market share met recently to discuss how they can work together on issues that affect all farmers. Among other topics, they discussed what they could do to speed up getting new, biotechnology-enhanced soybean varieties approved in more markets around the world.
This type of gathering isn't new to these farmers, who are members of the International Soy Growers Alliance (ISGA), a group formed in 2005 to bring together Argentine, Brazilian, Paraguayan, Uruguayan and U.S. soybean farmers around issues that affect them all.
"It's important for us to come together and discuss issues we all have in common: trade relations, biotechnology, weather, to name a few," says Jim Stillman, soybean farmer and United Soybean Board (USB) chairman from Emmetsburg, Iowa. "When we are able to provide a united front on these issues that impact the global soybean industry, it makes a much stronger impression."
Farmer-leaders representing the soy checkoff, the American Soybean Association (ASA) and the U.S. Soybean Export Council (USSEC) participated in the most recent ISGA meeting, where members approved a resolution that, among other things, calls for science-based and more predictable approval systems for soybeans improved through biotechnology. Currently, these approvals in several countries tend to take long or not happen at all, holding up or blocking U.S. soybean sales or delay farmers' ability to plant new biotech varieties.
To show support for these issues, ISGA has also begun plans to bring together farmers from both continents to meet with common customers, decision makers and government officials next year. ISGA members will stress the importance of swift and science-based approval processes to prevent trade disruptions. In 2012, ISGA conducted a similar mission to the European Union, where U.S. and South American farmers met with officials from several countries to discuss the importance of biotechnology approvals and acceptance.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of ISGA is the opportunity to come together with farmers and representatives of other soy-growing-and-exporting countries to address the challenges we face as a global soy industry," adds Danny Murphy, soybean farmer and ASA president from Canton, Miss. "As representatives of the U.S. soy industry, together with USB and USSEC, we find that we have so many mutual goals with our ISGA partners, especially on issues like biotechnology approvals, in which barriers set up by one nation or coalition can have a significantly negative impact on all exporters."
The 69 farmer-directors of USB oversee the investments of the soy checkoff to maximize profit opportunities for all U.S. soybean farmers. These volunteers invest and leverage checkoff funds to increase the value of U.S. soy meal and oil, to ensure U.S. soybean farmers and their customers have the freedom and infrastructure to operate, and to meet the needs of U.S. soy's customers. As stipulated in the federal Soybean Promotion, Research and Consumer Information Act, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service has oversight responsibilities for USB and the soy checkoff.
For more information on the United Soybean Board, visit www.unitedsoybean.org
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/unitedsoy
View our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/UnitedSoybeanBoard
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10 Sep 2013

Governor Quinn Urges Residents to Take Advantage of State's Cooling Centers to Beat the Heat

By Rick Martin

More Than 100 State Cooling Centers Open Across Illinois

CHICAGO - With record-breaking temperatures expected this week, Governor Pat Quinn is urging residents to take advantage of the state's cooling centers. Governor Quinn today opened more than 100 cooling centers throughout Illinois to help those without air conditioning beat the heat.

"I urge everyone in Illinois to take the proper precautions to stay safe and cool today as temperatures approach record-breaking highs," Governor Quinn said. "The state's cooling centers offer a clean, safe place to stay during the hottest part of the day."

The cooling centers are located at Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) offices throughout the state. IDHS cooling centers are open to the public during regular business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition to the IDHS cooling centers, the Illinois Tollway Oases in the Chicago area are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Governor Quinn and the Illinois Department of Public Health are encouraging Illinois residents to watch for signs of heat-related illnesses. These symptoms include headaches, skin that is hot to the touch, increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, seizures and irregular heartbeats.

To stay cool and avoid illness, people should increase their fluid intake but avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol and sugar; decrease strenuous, outdoor physical activity; and remain in air-conditioning when possible.

The Illinois Department on Aging also encourages relatives and friends to make daily visits or calls to senior citizens living alone. When temperatures and humidity are extremely high, seniors and people with chronic health conditions should be monitored for dehydration and other effects of extreme heat. Additionally, seniors should eat lighter meals, take longer and more frequent rests, and drink plenty of fluids.

To find a cooling center near you, call the IDHS hotline at (800) 843-6154 or visit keepcool.illinois.gov.

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10 Sep 2013

Iowa State Education Association announces Design-A-Decal contest winners

By Jean Hessburg

Statewide contest celebrates 29 years of colorful artwork

DES MOINES, IA (09/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Iowa State Education Association (ISEA) members around the state have used ISEA's student-designed stickers to celebrate student achievement and good work for over 28 years. Now in its 29th year, the popular Design-a-Decal program helps give statewide recognition to young art students when their winning designs are printed on stickers and teachers use them to give positive feedback to their students. With encouraging messages like "You're a Super Star" and "U R number one!," the stickers get used on everything from homework assignments, to papers and projects.

Students competed in three, grade-level categories: elementary (K-5); junior high/middle school (6-8); and high school (9-12). The 24 winning designs are printed in full color on sheets of one-inch square stickers and each design is featured twice.

"The Design-a-Decal contest is one of our longest-standing programs because it's so much fun for the students. Our art teachers are enthusiastic about this project and students create and do such a terrific job, so it's a win-win for everyone. It's a wonderful way to encourage originality! The end result is a sheet of stickers our members can use on homework and other assignments to encourage more great work," said Tammy Wawro, president of the ISEA.

The students who created the designs used on the decal sheets receive two plaques from the ISEA-one they keep and one to be displayed at their school. (A listing with names of the schools, supervising art teacher, and students whose designs were selected for use on the decal sheets is attached. Also attached is a picture of the winning decals.)

The ISEA is a private, professional organization made up of almost 34,000 educators who are dedicated to promoting and preserving public education for all Iowa students. Great Education. It's an Iowa Basic.

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10 Sep 2013

9/11 Day of Service

By Rep. Dave Loebsack

Dear Friend,

Tomorrow we will come together to commemorate the anniversary of the September 11th attacks. We will always remember the families of all those we lost, the first responders who rushed to the scene, the volunteers who cleared rubble or lined up to donate blood, and our men and women in uniform who have made incredible sacrifices in defense of our nation.

I will also always remember the remarkable call to service I witnessed in Iowa communities and communities across the nation in the aftermath of the attacks. We came together with a shared sense of unity, engagement, and purpose. We had been attacked, but our country's enduring values and spirit were not shaken.

In honoring our first responders, our servicemembers, and those we lost in the attacks, we must remember the unity of our nation in the aftermath of the attacks which reminded us all that we had a part to play in moving our nation forward. In keeping with the designation of September 11th as a National Day of Service and Remembrance, I want to encourage all Iowans to join me in observing the twelfth anniversary of September 11th by participating in a service event. To find volunteer opportunities in your area, visit www.serve.gov and simply enter your zip code.

Giving back to your community is a way to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. I am proud to represent a district where neighbors pitch in to help one another, and I hope that tradition continues as we remember September 11th and beyond.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

10 Sep 2013

Mark your calendars for American Graduate Day 2013

By Davenport Parks & Recreation

"American Graduate Day 2013," Live National Multiplatform Event to Keep Students on the Path to Graduation,

Premieres September 28 on WQPT

Featuring local and national programming, community partners, and celebrities focused on solutions to the nation's high school dropout crisis

Local Broadcast to Showcase WQPT's Efforts to Address the Needs of At-Risk Kids

MOLINE, IL -- "American Graduate Day 2013" will premiere live at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 on WQPT, marking a long-term commitment to helping communities tackle the nation's dropout crisis and preparing students for success with a high school diploma. Through the power and reach of public media, communities across the county will be invited to take an active role and become an "American Graduate Champion" for local youth by volunteering their time, talent, or other resources.

"American Graduate Day 2013," a multi-platform event featuring local and national programming, community partners and celebrities focused on improving the high school graduation rates in America, will be broadcast and streamed live from the Tisch WNET Studios at Lincoln Center in New York City. "American Graduate Day" is part of the public media initiative, "American Graduate: Let's Make It Happen,"made possible by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). WQPT will spotlight local organizations and individuals and the work they are doing in the community to help students graduate from high school.

The key component of the event is the participation of the community-based organizations, including such groups as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, City Year, Horizons National and the United Way.

 

"'American Graduate Day 2013' offers WQPT the opportunity to build upon our work with the United Way and Achieve Quad Cities.  We want to keep the spotlight on the drop-out crisis and all of the ways we can help to turn it around," said Mary Pruess, General Manager.

American Graduate Day 2013 features a seven-hour "call to action" marathon focused around critical themes: expanded learning time and after-school programs, early education, mentoring, career readiness and college completion, STEM programs, family support and drop-out re-engagement and prevention. Hosted by on-air personalities from PBS, WNET and other media organizations, the broadcast and online event will be divided into 14 half-hour blocks featuring a mix of live breaks and pre-taped partner segments showing how community organizations provide support, advice, and intervention services to at-risk students, families, and schools. Within each of these half-hour blocks, WQPT will customize the national feed with a locally-produced live or pre-taped seven-minute segment.

On AmericanGraduate.org, the event will include live viewer-generated video content submitted in response to questions such as "How has your life changed, or been changed by the power of volunteering?"

Throughout the day, viewers and online users will be invited to become American Graduate Champions by connecting with WQPT and the featured local community organizations. Viewers will be encouraged to participate in the event by asking questions and sharing ideas before and during the broadcast on Twitter using the hashtag #AmGrad and on Facebook. Those interested in becoming an "American Graduate Champion" can also call the toll-free number on the day of broadcast or log on to AmericanGraduate.org to find out more about the national and regional organizations.

Visit the "American Graduate Day" at http://americangraduate.org/grad-day for more information.

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About WQPT

WQPT is celebrating 30 years as the local PBS station for eastern Iowa and western Illinois.  WQPT is the media service of Western Illinois University located in Moline, Illinois.

About AMERICAN GRADUATE

American Graduate: Let's Make it Happen is helping local communities identify and implement solutions to the high school dropout crisis. American Graduate demonstrates public media's commitment to education and its deep roots in every community it serves. Beyond providing programming that educates, informs and inspires, public radio and television stations ? locally owned and operated ? are an important resource in helping to address critical issues, such as the dropout rate. In addition to national programming, more than 75 public radio and television stations in 33 states have launched on-the-ground efforts working with community and at risk youth to keep students on-track to high school graduation. More than 1000 partnerships have been formed locally through American Graduate, and CPB is working with Alma and Colin Powell's America's Promise Alliance and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

About CPB

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967, is the steward of the federal government's investment in public broadcasting. It helps support the operations of more than 1,400 locally-owned and -operated public television and radio stations nationwide, and is the largest single source of funding for research, technology, and program development for public radio, television and related online services.

10 Sep 2013

WQPT Ambassadors win national award

By Lora Adams

WQPT AMBASSADORS RECEIVE THE GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY AWARD FOR 2013

 

MOLINE, IL - The WQPT-PBS Ambassadors have been selected to receive the Grassroots Advocacy Award for 2013 from the National Friends of Public Broadcasting (NFPB). A part of the mission of NFPB is to showcase outstanding public broadcasting volunteers, volunteer-led programs, and volunteer program managers from across the nation.

The WQPT-PBS Ambassadors, which is in its ninth year, is a student-oriented program focused on community outreach efforts, as well as fundraising support. The 2013 ambassadors are from Western Illinois University, Augustana College, Black Hawk College, Monmouth College, St. Ambrose University, University of Northern Iowa and St. Francis College of Nursing.


"We understand the importance of being active in our community, but sometimes that can be difficult with a small staff," said Bea Brasel, WQPT special projects coordinator. "We rely on our student ambassadors to represent WQPT in the community to help build reading, science and math skills through our programming. We are delighted that our WQPT-PBS Ambassadors have received this national honor."

The ambassadors will be honored at a ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Riverfront campus.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University located in Moline, Illinois.

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